I know, I know. Your new year's resolution is to budget your money better. Me too!
But the new year is still three days away; until then, you can take advantage of these sales going on in the area.
The Pink Hanger: 20 percent off all embellished dresses and tops
Vivian Boutique: 35 percent off storewide.
Lavendar Boutique: Just added new items to the 50 percent off rack.
Fresh Boutique: 30 percent off all holiday and cocktail attire
Sloan and Step: 30 percent off select clothing, shoes and accessories
Jordanos: For every $50 you spend, you'll get a $10 credit
KLa: Take 30 percent off accessories when you buy a party dress. Also, select coats, jackets and accessories are marked down 30 percent.
Ladies, as we sit and ponder what venue is going to be graced with our presence on New Year's Eve, we must also take into consideration a very important matter: What are we going to wear?
Here are some fabulous dresses we found in the Queen City.
Boris & Natasha (1214 Thomas Ave.; 704-375-0079)
The waistband on this dress is very flattering; so if the holidays have you worried about a few extra pounds, this is a perfect "post-party food" solution. $289.
A little black dress with a plus: The ruffles draw attention to the smallest part of the body! If your goal is to spend less money in 2011, start the year off right with this ensemble at only $64.
Chez-Elle (532 Governor Morrison St.; 704-365-4680)
Gold-sequin jacket: A fun staple piece you can hold on to for years. $298. The feather dress will definitely make a statement; why not make "Take fashion risks" your NYE resolution this year? $326.
Another one-shoulder dress (they're really in this year!) ... but this one is more flowy a little more fabric and a lot more leeway. Also, check out the beautiful beadwork and trim; $188.
Vivan B (3100 N. Davidson St.; (980) 939-1612)
If your invitation doesn't include "cocktail attire" ... then chill out with this top, which still gives you the option to look glam!
Tara Davis is a local fashion designer with flair. Treat yourself and head out to this stylish event to check out her latest pieces (and so much more), happening Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Hart Witzen Gallery from 2 p.m.-7 p.m.
From the press release:
You will find an unparalleled shopping experience complete with exclusive vendors, workshops, two designer fashion shows from Ruby Assata and Genuine Gentlemen, Celebrity Stylist, VIP area, live DJ, fabulous freebies in the specialty gift bags, and the exclusive premier of the Holiday 2010 FLOW by Tara Davis Collection!The event will host up to 20 vendors showcasing and selling men and women apparel, handbags, jewelry, home de?cor products and more. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase some of the new FLOW by Tara Davis collection to complete their outfit for that upcoming Christmas party, Special Event, or to bring in the New Year.
Tickets are $20-$35 and can be purchased here. (For a special discount, enter in promo code: HDAY2010.)
Spend $35 for $75 worth of merchandise at Fresh Boutique? Sounds like a great deal to me. Bonus: You have the option to purchase this deal as a gift.
By Nicole Pietrantonio
Unless you plan on using the neck-tie or Christmas socks you bought your sweetie pie as a pair of second-hand handcuffs, its time to get creative. This holiday season, stuff your significant others stocking with imaginative gifts that are a hint of naughty and will leave you both feeling very nice.
Personal pin-up
Capture the here and now with a professional photography session feel free to make this couples gift as naughty or as nice as you please.
Naughty: Go to a professional photographer in the Q.C. and tell them that you want them to shoot sweet and sexy calendar photos of you for each month of the year. At the end of the shoot, pick out which poses you want to dedicate to each month of the new year. This personalized pin-up will give your sweetie something to look forward to for the next 12 months of the year.
Nice: There are so many wonderful photographers in Charlotte that would love to snap a pose of you and the one you love. After the shoot pick the best image, place it in a frame and give it to your honey at Christmas. Gifts such as these are ones you will treasure for a lifetime.
Role play
If Mrs. Clause were to play Santas secretary, she would be one sassy little elf. Give "Santa" some eye-candy this year with this sexy Light Up Holiday Elf lingerie ($41.95), found at Yumdrop.com. Lets see what/who gets turned on first your elf ensemble or "Santa."
Naughty pole
Bring the naughty pole to your bedroom. Make Santas cheeks get really red with your very own Electra Pole Stripper Pole ($99.99). An at-home professional stripper pole is definitely the gift that keeps on giving.
Rubys Gift now has a second location in Selwyn. Just like in NoDa, this one will carry European and vintage finds, artisan jewelry from about 14 different artists, paintings and pottery. The new store has beautiful scarves and wraps and wonderful Glow Green candles, too (just in time for holiday shopping). While you entertain your shopping interests, let your kids discover their artistic side in the kids' art and play area a perfect solution to the You Break It, You Buy It conundrum.
If youre feeling festive, join Rubys for its house warming Holiday Happy Hour which will be held on Dec. 16 and 23 from 4-7 p.m.
2910 Selwyn Ave; www.rubysgift.com
All the ladies out there are going to be looking for some sparkle this gift-giving season and Im not talking about the lights on the Christmas tree. Its the season for bling, but that doesnt always mean you have to crack open those piggy banks to give a little. Whether you are looking for something traditional or want to go down a more unique road, there are plenty of local options for you to explore. And, really, who doesnt want to support smaller, local businesses while pleasing the women on their Christmas list? Its a win-win situation.
If you are looking for the more traditional route and money isnt so much an object, there are a number of Charlotte-based jewelry stores that offer high quality, fine jewelry, and even at reasonable prices. Brownlee Jewelers (www.brownleejewelers.com) have been serving the Charlotte area since 1936 and they have locations dotted all around the city, making them accessible for pretty much anyone.
They carry an extensive variety of diamond and luxury jewelry, as well as designer and vintage pieces as well. They literally have something to please everyone. Even if you manage to not find something that completely tickles your fancy, they offer the ability to create a custom ring so you can make sure that youre getting exactly what you envision. They even have handy gift guides and diamond education available via their website, just in case you are feeling a bit overwhelmed and undereducated. While youre checking them out, make sure to check out the contest they are running right now for a diamond solitaire ring that retails at $5,000, so at least you could try your luck! Other Charlotte-based stores that offer high end jewelry are The Karat Patch (www.karatpatch.com) and Davids LTD (www.davidsltd.com).
Want to maybe spice it up a bit and go for something with a little edge, but still has that traditional feel to it? Donald Haack (www.donaldhaack.com) offers up phenomenal fine jewelry that serves up a little kick in its unique designs and materials. Not a diamond girl? Go for the rutillated quartz ring or silver and gold cuff. Whether her look is old Hollywood starlet or luxurious warrior woman, Donald Haack has something to fit her style. From chunky and bold to simple and sleek, they have plenty to offer.
Staying in the same vein, but going a little more artisan, you can turn to local goldsmith Katie Stein and her company Vaka Designs (www.vakadesign.bigcartel.com) which offers up beautiful hand-forged jewelry at very affordable prices. The warmth that radiates from these handmade pieces will definitely be felt by anyone receiving them.
Do you hate those intrusive X-ray scanners at the airport? It's a matter of principle, you grumble to yourself, as you walk through those machines, violating your privacy and analyzing your goodies in the name of airport safety.
Well, before your next trip, you may want to invest in some underclothes from 4th Amendment Wear. The T-shirts and underwear they have available sport the text to the 4th Amendment which is legible in the x-ray machine.
So how does it work? From the folks behind 4th Amendment Wear:
We found metallic type that could, in theory, show up on TSA scanners that would display the 4th amendment. The clothes are designed as a silent protest against the new reality of being searched to the point where were basically naked. We don't intend for this to be anything more than a thought-provoking way to fuel the debate about safety vs. civil liberties. If we sell a few items, great. But the main intention is to open more dialogue. It's more of a conceptual piece than anything else.
In case you've forgotten all that you learned in that U.S. government class so long ago, the 4th Amendment reads:
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
They also have underclothes available with the phrase: "Read the 4th Amendement perverts."
Visit their website at http://cargocollective.com/4thamendment.
The secret's out on this year's great gifts for under $30! Take a look (peeking allowed) at some fun gifts you can find at four local shops ... on a Secret Santa budget.
Store: Ruby's Gift NoDa
Handmade brie pottery bowl $25: Perfect for the gal-pal who loves to entertain!
"Belle Terre" soaps $6-20: Available in singles or festive gift sets. This all-natural soap is made locally in Lincolnton, N.C.
Organic cotton headbands $18-20: An eco-friendly accessory!
Store: Green With Envy
Danielle & Company organic candles $21.95: These "super green" smelling machines seem good enough to eat. Made from organic beeswax, pure soy and cotton wicks. Even the packaging is ec0-friendly: Once the candle has run out, use it as a drinking glass! They come in a variety of scents but Chestnut Roast is literally Christmas in a candle.
Coffee mugs $21.95: A masculine solution for the guy on the go!
Inspirational artwork $15.95: Affordable art made by local artist Donna Downey. A little piece of inspiration for the creative soul in your circle!
In case you hadn't heard, Revolve Upscale Men's Consignment has moved to Dilworth. To celebrate, they're hosting a grand opening party on Dec. 13. If you haven't checked out the new space, Monday evening is the time to go, from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. (light snacks and drinks will be available).
In addition, the new "inspired collaborative boutique" Monarch, which will be sharing the space with Revolve, will be open for a sneak preview.