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Friday, September 18, 2009
Sales / Sale of the Day Sale of the day: I Love QC at The Boulevard
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Fri, Sep 18, 2009 at 9:00 AM
I LOVE QC merchandise at The Boulevard is on sale tonight during the NoDa gallery crawl.
"I LOVE QC" T-shirts regular 22.00 now 13.70
"Trendy" T-shirts regular 25.00 now 15.00
Bumper stickers 2.00, postcards 1.00 Key Chains 2.00
"I LOVE QC" Totes regular 20.00 now 14.70
"I LOVE QC" T Shirts 2 for 20.00 or 2 Trendy T-Shirts for 25.00
453 E. 36th St.
704-332-0142
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Shop Talk Meet Closet of Style's Catherine Horgan
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Sometimes in the morning when I get ready for work, I stand in my walk-in closet and just look at my clothes. It’s like I’m waiting for an outfit to put itself together magically. No lie, I have been late in getting to the office because of this (Oh, please don’t tell my editor!).
Recently we chatted with Horgan to find out more about what she does.
Creative Loafing: If a person contacts you and says they’d like to use your services, what do you do?
Catherine Horgan: First, I ask a lot of questions because I don’t know what the root of their challenge is. Are they unsure of what garments work for their body shape? Do they want something new and they just don’t know what to pick? Do they look at their wardrobe and can’t find anything to wear? A lot of times, all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes. I can go into someone’s wardrobe and put so many outfits together that it makes their jaw drop, as they say, 'how did you do that?' I try to uncover what it is that they truly need. Most of the time, it entails purging their closet — getting rid of things that do not serve them anymore — and outfit coordination. Personal shopping is a huge part of what I do, as well, but 9 times out of 10 when a client calls, they begin with getting rid of things that don’t work and having outfits put together for them from their existing wardrobe.
I saw on your site that you also do product reviews?
When the Web site started two years ago, it was really a means to disseminate information. I had no idea it was going to take off. When I started [my] style files, I knew I wanted to get product information out there, and I wanted it to span fashion, beauty and skincare. So I started reviewing products that I bought, bringing awareness to them and directing them to the company website. Then companies started to send me things to review ... from accessories, jewelry, makeup, skin care and all things in between. Consumers trust the reviews and purchase based on them. Companies love promoting their products through the reviews ... it's a win/win situation. If we love a product, we’re going to talk about them, we’re going to Facebook them, we’re going to Twitter them. The word will get out. As the economy is what it is, companies are really starting to take a look at where they’re spending their marketing dollars. The only downfall for a company participating in a product review is that if I don’t like the product, I’m very honest and I will say that I don’t like it.
What was your goal when you started up Closet of Style?
To help people express their style with confidence. The biggest thing I found was lack of confidence, or not knowing how to put things together. Or, when they tried something that they weren’t sure about they didn’t own it. So, it didn’t work. Everyone is different. It’s always based on individual style, personal style. I want everyone that I work with to be happy and confident with what we've accomplished. That’s so rewarding for me. That’s always the goal.
Do you have any fashion tips for the fall season?
Oh yes. Fall is my favorite season. There are so many great things out there. I do what I call my top-10 plus list (because I can't keep it to 10).
Must-haves for fall:
The over-the-knee boot. It’s limiting in how you wear it and who can wear it — that’s the only downfall to that.
Studded accessories, whether it’s handbags, jewelry or shoes. Studs are very big.
Electric colors. What I found at fashion week in February, transcending through all the different runway shows, were those electric colors — the hot pink, the bright yellow, the cobalt blue.
Cut-outs, whether in clothing or shoes, are going to be big.
Ginormous jewelry. I say ginormous jewelry because it keeps getting bigger. Spring was all about the big jewelry and it’s getting even bigger for fall.
Some more things that I think will transcend time ... the camel coat. Trench coats are always in … this fall, it’s more about the camel coat. It’s a classic piece, so it’s not one of those things that will go out of style.
Straight-leg pants are another one.
I try to look at trends that aren’t so over the top that you regret getting it later. I mean, a fur vest, very big right now. I would probably pull out my fur vest five years from now, 10 years from now. I look at those things that are big now but you can make everlasting pieces in your wardrobe.
Interested in learning more? Check out the Closet of Style web site at www.closetofstyle.com.
Style Event heads-up!
On Oct. 1, Closet of Style teams up with Jeffre Scott Apothecary to talk about all things style at The Style Event. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and prosecco while learning how to achieve and master impeccable skin, flawless make-up and fall fashion.
Thursday, Oct. 1
6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
Jeffre Scott Apothecary in Piper Glen
6432 Rea Road
Events Southern Women's Show starts today
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Will Southern belles unite in September for a yearly hoedown at the old Charlotte Merchandise Mart? Not quite. The Southern Women's Show is your opportunity to take in all things women love, even if you are a Yankee: cooking and lifestyle tips, shopping, fashion shows, and free stuff. Of course, you'll probably be most excited to learn that Kate Gosselin of the Jon & Kate Plus 8 fame (and drama) will be a celebrity guest. Also, the number of vendors set to be at this shindig is crazy. Sept 17-20. $5-$9. The Park (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart), 2500 E. Independence Blvd. www.southernshows.com/wch.
Also, from ScoopCharlotte.com:
Stop by the scoopcharlotte table next to the Fashion Stage at the Southern Women’s Show this Thursday at 1:30 or this Saturday at noon and pick up one of these super savings cards, good at ALL 8 of these stores. Plus coupon cards from Beautorium.com and Tizzerts, freebies and the chance to register to win a $50 shopping spree at the Charlotte store of your choice. It’s worth the drive!
Sales / Sale of the Day Sale of the day: Salutations
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Events Upcoming: Fall Runway Fashions by J.T. Posh at Crave Dessert Bar
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Wed, Sep 16, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Visit 704Events.com for more info!
Sales / Sale of the Day Sale of the day: Reign Fine Apparel
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Wed, Sep 16, 2009 at 9:43 AM
The Stonecrest boutique is offering some beautiful gowns in stock from both prom and pageant lines up to 50 percent off — designers including Sherri Hill, Jovani, Tony Bowls, Claire's, Jonathan Kayne, and many more .
7808 Rea Rd # E,
704-543-0370
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Features Charlotte Fashion Week has come and gone ...
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 3:28 PM
People don't often think of Charlotte as being a city where fashion thrives. Sure, Charlotte NC Fashion Week was no New York or Paris, but hey, the folks behind the 3-day event did their best, and I applaud them their efforts. Giving up-and-coming designers and boutiques, who probably couldn't make it to New York last weekend, the opportunity to showcase their designs is stellar in my book. And while I may not have been crazy about all of the looks — ultra skinny jeans on men? Uh, no — there were some fantastic outfits and trends that I'm sure will be seen off the catwalk soon (and in stores near you).
Check out our coverage:
Events Upcoming: In-store party at Scout & Molly's
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 2:03 PM
From Scout & Molly's:
This is our little way to support the global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion...just in time for Fall!
Come to Scout & Molly's Thursday, September 17, 2009 from 6pm-10pm...enjoy the DJ spinning tunes, eat some hor d'oeuvres, drink some wine (or beer if that's your flavor), and check out all the new Fall fashions!
We have lots of fun in store including an amazing gift basket giveaway from waxMAMA (a fantastic local blog), a make-up artist from Laura Mercier, AND to the first 50 purchasers...a pair of earrings from local jewelry designer Kathleen Murphy! Kathleen will also be on hand with her entire (and amazingly gorgeous) collection.
The waxMAMA gift bag includes goodies from the following:
-FREE "waxMAMA" Brazilian bikini wax
Scout & Molly
3920 Sharon Road, Suite B150
704-817-7009
Features Charlotte NC Fashion Week Day 3 Recap
Posted By Samantha Webster on Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 11:50 AM
This past weekend, the Mint Museum of Art held the 2nd Annual Charlotte North Carolina Fashion Week right outside its front door. Pulling up to the parking lot, seeing the white tents billowing in the wind, women and men running frantically carrying garment bags filled with fabulous clothes, I felt a surge of excitement rush over me. I was about to partake in the viewing of some of Charlotte's, and the world's, best fashions.
Perhaps I set the bar too high, but the excitement I felt first entering the lot was not the same feeling I had upon my exiting. While a few pieces really stood out in my mind as true greats, it was difficult to forget everything else that had left me desiring more. It seemed that there were plenty of unique and beautiful concepts that simply fell short in their execution and final product.
The night began with a couple of boutique shows, LA East and Reign Fine Apparel. The hip, savvy fashions of LA East were very fashion-forward and urban oriented, with the model’s attitudes coordinating well with the apparel. All in all, the runway show was well organized and carried a nice concept behind it, and kept me entertained as well as my eyes busy taking in the fun, youthful clothing.
This is where Reign seemed to leave me high and dry. When the host of the event Barbara McKay was talking about the boutique, I was on the edge of my seat, ready to see gorgeous gowns and cute cocktail dresses, but instead ended up feeling as if I were in attendance at a high school prom fashion show. The silhouettes of the dresses seemed stiff, obviously because of the choice of material, but also in the cut of the bodice. While the vibrant colors of some pieces were refreshing in the designs, the wrinkled, curtain-like feel of the fabric ruined any chance that the dresses may have had. The cheap-looking lace accents didn’t help either. Amidst slips turned into evening gowns and ice skater wedding dresses, the occasional gem, like the beige lace and chartreuse green gown with pockets, popped up. But even a formal dress with ample storage compartments couldn’t save face.
When we reached the meat of the show, the actual designers, things seemed to be looking up. The models were smoother, the concepts tighter, and I was getting a little less of a Project Runway feel. The first was Luis Machicao Couture, and it definitely got my attention. I’m not entirely sure of the theme that the designer was going for, but it was very 1950’s Asian Vampiress, with no shortage of red or Oriental influence. There were some interesting design decisions, such as the sheer top with strategically placed feathers, but let us keep in mind that interesting does not always equal amazing. A lot of the silhouettes felt stale, with the kimono-inspired shapes and mandarian collars, as well as the more modern style halter dresses that seemed awkwardly placed in the collection. And while the audience appreciated the lack of material exhibited in the men’s collection, the juxtaposition between the lavishly dressed ladies and the semi-nude men seemed more than a bit discongruent and as if they were from a completely different designer.
Features Charlotte NC Fashion Week Day 2 Recap
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Due to some scheduling conflicts, I had to miss the first day of Charlotte North Carolina Fashion Week, which went down at Mint Museum last Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Ahh, but Friday night, I was front-row with a photographer, ready to be dazzled with fashion. I'll let the photos do (most of) the talking.
Alena Fede Designs (www.alenafede.com)
Women's clothing. Feminine, slinky dresses. Pearl seams. Lots of lace. Romantic.
Transfiguration (http://transfigurationcharlotte.com)
Men's clothing. Stitching on the side of pants stand out. Sequins on a collar shirt? A little stylish ... a little bling-bling.
Lu'Jeanik Swimwear (www.lujeanik.com)
Themes of gothic and gangsta love. Bold prints. Hooded tops and full bottoms. And harem pants? Hmm...
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All About Style: Checking out the new Blush Boutique
A visit to the South End boutique yields great finds for women.
