If you haven't heard by now about Apple's new tablet, the iPad, you're living under a rock and need to join the rest of society.
You're excused this time though you're not missing too much.
Why? Because from where I'm sitting, the iPad which Apple calls a "magical and revolutionary device" isn't much different from my own trusty iPhone. And I don't even have the latest VERSION of the iPhone (that being the 3G2. The regular ol' 3G is fine by me, thanks). I can already access my e-mail, watch videos, read books, take notes, launch Safari, flip through photos, access iTunes and watch YouTube videos via my smartphone. OK, so maybe my iPhone is a little smaller than the 9.7 inch screen that the iPad boasts, but I'm going to be real with you: If I want to watch a movie, I'll watch it on TV. If I want to read a book, I'll just read one the old-fashioned way. But hey, that's just me.
Not to mention that my iPhone has two functions that the iPad doesn't: Making phone calls and taking pics.
But some have speculated on an iPad Revolution. Could it be? While of course I personally hope something will ultimately save the newspaper industry, I don't know if this is it or not. How many people do you know will shell out money for an iPad to access their fave news outlets when they already have a smartphone, a laptop, a desktop computer and multiple TVs in their household and can readily buy a newspaper at the gas station?
If you are interested in this new product (as I'm sure there are plenty of Apple nerds out there salivating in anticipation), here's what you'll be spending: You can get a Wi-Fi iPad for $499 to use on existing Wi-Fi networks, or, for wireless access anywhere, you'll spend $629 for the 3G iPad.
So ... what say you? Will you be purchasing the new Apple iPad? (By the way, you'll notice I didn't say ANYTHING about the name, unlike others.)
It seems Hitler wasn't too happy with the new iPad.
Found this on Outblush.com and I <3 it!
From etsy user bekathwia, this handmade gift will make any tech-saavy lover smile. (Note to self: The maker can't guarantee delivery by Valentine's Day, but hell, it's such a neat gift, you should order it anyway. Price? $150 plus shipping.)
This 1.5 inch tall Sterling silver pendant is handmade from 1mm thick sheet and tubing, depicting the internet-savvy sentiment <3, an ascii heart! Appropriate for showing your geeky ladyfriend how much you care. The < and 3 dangle freely, dancing near each other with the wearer's motions.
Available with a 19 inch long 3mm leather cord or Sterling silver chain.
(Description via etsy page.)
To see more on the clothing line Sympli, check out their site.
Sadly, another shop in SouthPark is closing. Head over to Billy Reid to check out their going out of business sale.
4400 Sharon Road
704-365-6311
Take 10 percent off storewide merchandise at Revolution, located at the EpiCentre. In addition, take 80 percent off select items as well as 50 percent off select women's winter denim.
210 E. Trade St.
704-971-1990
Tara Davis believes that your clothes represent you, they represent your self-esteem and your character. Maybe that's why she's been dealing with clothes practically all her life first as a little girl who designed her Barbie's clothes, then to retail management and now as a local fashion designer. Her line, FLOW By Tara, is named for the types of materials she likes to work with, that which accentuates women's curves and flows around the body. And body types are what catch Davis' eye not trends. "Its not about following the trends its about creating trends for yourself, based on what youre inspired by and then from there making sure these trends match your customers' body types."
We sat down with Davis recently in her studio, located in the Hart Witzen Gallery in NoDa. Here's what she had to say.
Creative Loafing: What exactly is it that you do?
Tara Davis: Im a custom designer and also a retailer as well. Custom designing is what I began the company in; basically I create two lines just like any other independent designer. Instead of clients coming in and buying [clothing] ready to wear off the rack, what I offer my clients is the ability to buy it in their size. Its made to measure in their size. Different customers come in different sizes and silhouettes, so the opportunity to put something together that will fit their identity moreso than going to a store where you have the original sizes that you have to get tailored gives me a little bit of an edge. And I also offer ready-to-wear [items] and thats to boutiques.
So who's wearing your designs?
Ive had city councilmen's wives, I have VPs of companies, I have a lot of clients that are in the entertainment industry I mean, I have everybody. Even policewomen are some of my clients. My clients are a variety of women from ages 35-55 because I can offer that made-to-measure garment and when I do my collections I think about all the different types of body types, so there's something for everyone. As long as youre cosmopolitan, youre chic, youre modern, then youll like my designs. I try to do day and nighttime dresses, where you can wear them to work and then maybe take the sweater off, add a small purse or some sandals and dress it into the night.
Whats your ultimate dream?
Its to have a fashion house here in Charlotte. There are no fashion houses in Charlotte, you know like in Soho, in New York, where you can walk into Kenneth Coles fashion house and you know, speak with an account executive. They have their pattern makers and their seamstresses in the back, things of that nature. I would like to have something like that. Of course, I'd also like to grow the ready-to-wear side of my business and get it in quite a few exclusive boutiques. And to just continue my custom-based wear. I like dealing one on one with clients; I dont want that to die. A lot of times designers start out in customs and once they grow into the ready-to-wear side, they kind of forget that intimate relationship with customers and they stop customs, so I definitely want to continue that format and grow that and create a balance between both of them.
So I know you're working on your spring collection right now. What can we expect?
The last collection, the fall collection, was about a tailored, fit look; the concept was called "Protection," and Im going to still spin off that theme. This one will be a little more 1920s inspired, so a lot of flairs, a lot of chiffons, a lot of flowy materials, things of that nature. A little bit more girly-type of concepts.
The trunk show will be showcased at Aloft in Ballantyne on March 13, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., by the way.
Green With Envy's clearance sale continues through the end of the month (that's only five days, people!). Furniture has been drastically reduced, along with so many other select items on sale.
1111 Central Ave. Ste. 200
704-344-8774
Just got this press release in my inbox. Got me thinking about the random shoes that are falling out of my closet right now that I don't even wear anymore. I'm sure you've got some pairs of shoes that you don't wear anymore but keep around "just in case" too. Get on it and help out those in need, will ya? It's good karma.
Charlotte, NC. (January 22, 2010) Soles4Souls (www.giveshoes.org) and Lebos Inc have joined forces to bring shoes to victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.Lebos will help collect footwear to support Soles4Souls commitment to donate 1 million pairs of shoes to affected areas. Effective immediately through February 7, customers at Lebos Inc will have the opportunity to drop off a gently worn pair of shoes. All donations will directly support relief efforts. Please drop off your donations to any of our 7 store locations.
Soles4Souls has partnered with Operation Compassion, a charity that mobilizes support for victims of natural disasters around the world, to transport and distribute the aid. Thirty containers of supplies, including work boots, rain boots, childrens athletic shoes and clothing items, are already en route to Haiti.
As we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, we cannot forget how important basic necessities such as shoes will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts, said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. We deeply appreciate the support of Lebos Family Shoe Stores and their customers in helping us provide shoes to survivors and volunteers as they work in horrific conditions.
The death toll from Tuesdays quake continues to rise, and survivors and rescuers are facing dire health conditions including stifling heat, lack of clean water, broken glass and raw sewage.
There are lots of shoes in your closets that are not going to be worn, that no longer is one in style or they no longer fit, so those are prime candidates for someone in need, said Mr. Jerome Levin; CEO of Lebos Inc. We have been a drop off location for Soles4Souls for over a year. It is time to make an even bigger impact. We are reaching out to churches, student organizations, local and national businesses to help make a difference. They are in desperate need of work boots, childrens shoes and sneakers.
For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org.
Lebos Since 1923 Family Shoes Western Wear Dance Wear
7300 East Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28227 (704-535-5000)
8324 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Mcmullen Creek Market (704-295-1221)
1020 Clover Leaf Plaza, Kannapolis, NC 28083 (704-786-4818)
Akers Cnter, 1405 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054 (704-866-7777)
2349-73 The Market at Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732 (803-325-7700)
551 Haywood Rd, Greenville, SC 29732 (864-234-9921)
1209-A W Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28112 (704-296-0306)