As I was checking out the selection of Halloween costumes in a local store recently, I came across one that caused a puzzled wrinkle in my brow: a sexy valet (such as the one on this site). Seriously? Who wants to go out for Halloween dressed as a person who parks cars? Where's the fun and creativity in that?
Truth is, there is none. The key word in that costume description is "sexy." It seems the appeal in Halloween nowadays for women (and perhaps due to the expectations of men) is that it's our one night a year to hike up our skirts to where the sun shouldn't shine, pretend our fish-net stockings are doing a bit of good protecting us from the cold, and tantalize the male masses with a chaos of cleavage all with the confidence that we won't be judged.
A recent article on BostonHerald.com talks about this: "A quick glance at the latest Halloween garb reveals that almost every imaginable profession is being fetishized. Its like an erotic game of Mad Libs. You cant just show up to a costume party as a cop. You have to be a sexy cop. You cant be nurse. You have to be a naughty nurse. Want to be an insurance claims adjuster? Sorry, you gotta be an exotic insurance claims adjuster."
Whatever happened to the creativity that goes into picking out Halloween costumes?
Malina Boone wonders the same thing. Boone runs the 30-something-year-old shop Magic Maze, located in Dilworth, in which you can rent costumes, anything from Renaissance outfits to vintage '60s and '70s garb.
I asked Boone to pull some of her favorite and/or most popular pieces, and this is what she had to show. Note that the women's costumes shown are sexy but classy, and because these are all one-of-a-kind outfits, you're not likely to run into someone Uptown sporting the exact same look.
The 1920s flapper outfit. Adds a flair of sexiness without having all your girly goodies falling out.
A strapless saloon girl costume. Remember Mae West from Gunsmoke?
Take 10 percent off all merchandise, including tarot cards, pendulums, funky hats, rock tees, blessing & 7-day candles, through Oct. 31.
5119-A South Blvd.
704-369-0223
5622 E. Independence Blvd. #123
704-535-1710
Head out to Dharma Lounge Saturday night to check out the CAMDEN ROAD HAIR AND FASHION SHOW featuring:
Doors open at 9 p.m.
1440 S. Tryon St., Suite 105
704-236-9314
OK, you summer lovers, if you were in denial before, the last couple of days should have been cold enough to convince you that fall is finally here. And if you're wondering what styles are in for the season, here's a great event to help you out.
Simon Fashion Now (presented by Land Rover Charlotte) is a series of runway fashion shows, interactive events and retailer demonstrations designed with the budget-savvy fashionista in mind. Head out to Southpark Mall Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 to bask in the fall fashion goodness.
From a press release:
Simon Fashion Now at SouthPark will kick off on Friday, Oct. 23 with Trends & Friends Night, an evening of fashion, cocktails and bites, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in SouthParks Circle Court. The event will feature three runway shows at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Style Stops showcasing the latest fashion trends, all free of charge. Guests can also enjoy a silent auction to benefit Dress for Success Charlotte. Shoppers are encouraged to bring new or gently worn accessories for donation to the non-profit organization, which promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.Simon Fashion Now continues on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Center Court with runway shows every hour from 1:00 5:00 p.m. and even more Style Stops. During the fashion shows on Friday and Saturday, shoppers can expect to see an abundance of styles for men and women ranging from everyday wear to sophisticated evening looks. Unlike fashion week runway shows, each featured look will be available for immediate purchase at participating retailers. Beautiful models provided by Page Parkes Corporation will showcase fall looks from SouthParks hottest retailers including Belk, Dillard's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Aéropostale, Banana Republic, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Billy Reid, Brighton Collectibles, Caché, Coldwater Creek, Cole Haan, Francesca's Collections, Gap, J. Jill, Soma Intimates, Swarovski and Tommy Bahama. Interactive Style Stops will also be set up to showcase the latest trends with Aveda, Bath & Body Works, Belk, Coldwater Creek, Cole Haan, Dillards, Francesca's Collections, J. Jill, My Skin Within, Nordstrom, Soma Intimates and The Body Shop.
For more information, you can visit Simon Fashion Now's Facebook fan page here.
The Charlotte-based Web site Heels.com is practically throwing shoes at you tonight. Head out to Enso Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a Heels sales event. Take 50 percent to 75 percent off sale shoes and 20 percent off regular priced shoes from the site.
There will also be appetizer, beer and wine specials.
210 E. Trade St.
(info via Stiletto Girls Meetup)
Aren't the boots to the right just so stylish? And they look mega comfy too. Hmmmm ... I see a boot purchase in my future!
Head out to Step By Sloan today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to check out the Cordani trunk show. And luckily for you, designer and owner Michael Ciccia will be making an in-store appearance.
Step By Sloan
1419-M East Blvd.
704-376-1275
Take advantage of these savings tomorrow, Oct. 17, at Ballantyne Village. The soiree begins at 10 a.m.
14825 Ballantyne Village Way (formerly John J. Delaney Dr)