There aren't very many women I know who don't love handbags, myself included, and normally just the thought of designer handbags tends to kick that love up a notch to where it becomes lust. Charlotte never ceases to amaze me with the opportunities to grab these types of coveted pieces at discounted prices.
Is there a Dior purse that you've always wanted? Maybe a Chloe clutch you could never make yourself pay full price for? Or what about that classic Louis Vuitton wallet you've been wanting for years? It's quite possible that you could find one or all of these styles and brands at the Inventory Liquidation sale at Monarch. Just the words "Liquidation Sale" make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and when there's quality, authentic, designer pieces ripe for the choosing, it's an opportunity no fashionista should miss. This sale event, aptly entitled "Junk in the Trunk" is a collaboration with Swap Handbags and it's Monarch's way of offering their current and new customers the opportunity to take advantage of phenomenal pricing while they do a little spring cleaning. With over 40 bags to grab, don't miss your last chance to shop Swap at Monarch on Saturday , March 26th from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Monarch is located at 1222 East Blvd. To find out more about Swap Handbags, a website that allows you to rent or purchase designer bags visit www.swaphandbags.com.
T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafings Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow therealtstrong on Twitter.
This morning, as I was walking my dog around the neighborhood, I was thinking about how packed my schedule is. I rarely have time to take puppy on a good walk anymore, much less cater to the needs of my pale skin. During the warmer months, I'm so jealous of my friends who have the time to go lay out by the pool, while my poor pasty white legs continue to stay hidden in pants.
I think the tanning gods were listening to me though, because I found this deal waiting for me in my e-mail.
Yes, maybe Concord Mills is a bit of a drive, but $17.50 for five sessions? That's a great deal.
Vanity Hair & Tan
8647 Concord Mills Blvd
Concord NC 28027
704-979-6339
"Whimsical neckties," a "cupcake boutique," and "alternative furniture"? All sounds good to me. Check out this press release to see what new stores are coming to Southpark this spring.
SouthPark Lures New, First-to-Market Stores, Offers Added Variety to Mall Shoppers
CHARLOTTE (March 22, 2011) SouthPark, North Carolinas premier shopping destination, is pleased to announce the addition of three new stores to its retail roster this spring. From sweet treats and stylish threads to creative furniture, SouthParks newest stores add even more variety to the propertys already diverse retail lineup.
Vineyard Vines, a company best known for its whimsical neckties and smiling pink whale logo, will open in the Nordstrom Wing in June 2011. The 3,817 square foot store marks the companys first retail location in North Carolina and their 14th free-standing store. Since its inception in 1998, Vineyard Vines has enjoyed a dedicated fan base among Charlottes preppy set. The new store will offer the companys full line of clothing for men, women and children, and of course, those infamous ties.
My Sweet Sadies will join The Village at SouthPark this fall and bring something sweet and delicious to the property. My Sweet Sadies the chic, unique cupcake boutique occupying a 1,260 square foot space, will offer shoppers a mid-day sweet treat or tasty dessert perfectly paired with a freshly brewed, caffeinated pick-me-up or glass of bubbly on the weekends. Offering free Wi-Fi and plentiful seating, the boutique and brainchild of owner Adilah Sherrelle is sure to become a SouthPark favorite. My Sweet Sadies is also available for private affairs perfect for bridal and baby showers as well as birthday parties.
LoveSac Alternative Furniture Co. will open its first store in North Carolina near the main SouthPark mall entrance in late-Spring 2011. The 1,028 square foot store will offer LoveSacs patented product Sactionals - washable, changeable completely modular furniture for families who understand life changes, so should your furniture. As a complete home furnishings retailer LoveSac Alternative Furniture Co. also offers lighting, floor coverings, bedding and oversized Sacs.
www.lovesac.com (lovesac.com is not a dirty website)
Spring has sprung! Love is in the air, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and the sun ... is shining straight into your eyes. No worries; we scoured some local shops to find the funkiest and freshest selection of sunglasses. Now, thats something sure to cure any case of spring fever!
Boris & Natasha
If youre an anything-but-the ordinary girl when it comes to shades, this is your spot. Boris & Natasha carries a wide selection of sunglasses, from hot pink cat eyes to the infamous Lady Gaga cataract frame. They also carry some more tame pairs, from iridescent color to floral to classic black and turquoise. With a pair of these, youre destined to have fun in the sun. All pairs $10.
Green With Envy
Green With Envy offers shelter from the sun for everyone. Here youll find big frames, round and square, for the ladies. And for the guys, a bunch of sporty styles, in basic colors and also some bright shades. A square gold frame is a perfect statement all that glitters is gold these days! $15.99.
Hang out with New York-based designer Carmen Marc Valvo this Tuesday at Coplon's (6809 Phillips Place Court), as he unveils his spring and summer collection.
March is the perfect month for fashion. Well, ANY month is the perfect month for fashion to me, but if you're getting geared up for 2011's style trends and need a little inspiration, check out Charleston Fashion Week. Beginning tomorrow, March 22 through 26, the city of Charleston will transform into a fashion mecca.
Charleston Fashion Week was founded in 2007 and has been steadily growing ever since. With emerging designers coming from as far away as New York, Florida and Tennessee to great local talent from right here in North and South Carolina. This will be a first-time experience for me but I'm happy to say that even after attending NYFW shows, I am already impressed by the level of preparedness CFW has exhibited. Fashion is such a serious topic for me and my stylista friends, so event coordination and organization is key. So, where are all of Charlotte's most fashionable women going to be at least one or two plus days this week? Say it with me CHARLESTON FASHION WEEK! It's a quick three-a-half-hour drive to Charleston, and there's so much to do there in addition to enjoying the fashion, there's no excuse not to make this a fabulous girls' weekend excursion. Luckily, tickets are still on sale and you can reserve yours here.
And for all of the soon-to-be brides of Charlotte who want to surpass the on-the-rack look and go for something truly unique for her special day, CFW is presenting its Bridal Show on Saturday, March 26. What a perfect gift to a bride-to-be from her wonderful maid of honor (hint hint).
It's time to hit the road ladies and gents, all in the name of Fashion. See you under the tents.
T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafings Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow therealtstrong on Twitter.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of patronizing one of Charlotte's newest hair care salons, Revolution Ego. The Revolution Ego team (Tinesha, Kelly and Jessica) are three of the most friendly, fabulous stylists I've ever had the pleasure of spending a couple of hours with. My personal stylist, Tinesha, explained that their new salon, which has only been open for about a month, is an "Apple-inspired salon," which basically means that customers are invited to use the in-house iPads while being serviced. Even the music piped through the speaker system comes from the salon iPod. And the salon phone? You guessed it. The iPhone. They also offer free wi-fi should you choose to bring in your own laptop and my favorite, a complimentary glass of wine. Clients are not only able to relax and enjoy themselves, they can also surf the Internet, watch a movie while under the dryer or simply update their Twitter and Facebook statues, as I did for almost the entire duration my visit. What can I say, I'm a social media junkie.
Revolution Ego specializes in all types of haircare for every ethnicity. They do everything from custom color and curly sets to lock services and Anita Grant European Specialty Treatments, AND they do it all in an acceptable amount of time. Seriously ladies, how many times have you spent half of your day in the salon because your stylist was either running late, booked too many clients at one time or was just plain slow? Well, that is never a factor at Revolution Ego. These ladies run their business like, well, a business and really respect and value the personal time of each and every one of their customers. I'm sure by now you're all just itching to have your own Revolution Ego experience so, for your convenience, you can book an online appointment HERE or call them directly at 704-951-7386. As an added bonus, if you have a crazy busy work week Monday-Friday and you would rather spend time at home on Saturdays, this salon is even open on Sundays. (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Revolution Ego is located inside the trailblazing Sola Salon in Dilworth at 2000 South Blvd., Suite 120.
T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafings Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow therealtstrong on Twitter.
Love vintage? Love Etsy? Love them both ... locally! With Etsy's local finder, it is easy. Take shopREiNViNTAGE, for example, an amazing Etsy shop with great vintage finds and by amazing, I mean ah-maz-ing. The best thing about vintage pieces is that you can find trendy pieces that are usually classics, and the best part is the likelihood of you seeing someone on the street with your outfit is slim. What girl wants to stare at another who stole her look?
A staple in every closet, the classic trench is a must-have. The trench can take you through the seasons and is perfect for those in-between seasons like now (is tomorrow going to be warm? Cold? Who knows?). Khaki is the best neutral color to wear with practically anything. Snag this vintage staple for $64.
I am a lover of blazers, especially bright-colored ones. The best thing about a blazer is that it is a quick outfit that looks put together. For this seersucker jacket I would pair it with a white shirt and a pair of wide leg jeans and nude pumps and a chunky necklace. Perfection for a spring day.
The Art Institute of Charlotte is known for churning out all sorts of creatives. One person that comes to mind, for me personally, is my good friend Ashley Goodwin. Not only is she swinging colors left and right as an interior designer with Lucy and Company, but she's also a fabulous photographer, doing everything from boudoir and wedding shoots to Creative Loafing's food photos. Talk about a creative overachiever, no?
On Tuesday, March 22, at 7 p.m., The Art Institute will present their Creative Showcase at Knight Theater. This event gives us regular Charlotteans the opportunity to check out some of the works of the Institute's students, showcasing innovations in design, media arts, fashion (we love fashion shows, don't we?) and culinary arts. It's sure to leave you feeling inspired. Hey, maybe this is the kick you need to finally go paint that Rembrandt-esque portrait you've always wanted to do.
And now,the most important part of this blog post: We're giving away tickets! E-mail me at kimberly.lawson@creativeloafing.com to enter for a chance to win! (You must be able to come by our offices at the N.C. Music Factory by 4 p.m. Tuesday to pick up your tickets.)
My friends and I never need an excuse to pamper ourselves; however, like most women, in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, we often simply forget. Well, here's your opportunity to "Spring Into a New You" with Urban Skin Solutions during this upcoming makeover event.
Tomorrow, Thursday, March 17, you can celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the girls by joining me to have a Godiva Chocolate Martini or a Pink Grapefruit Martini although neither is actually "green," they're both still quite delicious. Attendees of this event will also receive complimentary cupcakes, 20 percent off all non-sale items and free gift bags for the first 25 guests.
That means, don't be fashionably late ... the event starts at promptly 5:30 p.m. An additional treat to the evening: my favorite MUA, Joy Randall of Flawless Makeup Art, will be one of the featured artists AND if that's not enough, maybe you'll have the luck of the Irish and win a free Urban Skin RX Product or facials. What more could you ask for?
Urban Skin Solutions specializes in skin care for all skin tones yes, that means you, too. They do everything from facials, chemical peels and microdermabrasion to waxing and laser hair removal. And men, there's something for you, too. Urban Skin Solutions' services also include razor bump treatments. Whether you're a man or a woman, there's nothing better than flawless skin, and I for one will have my face in the place.
Urban Skin Solutions is located in the University area at 2424 West Mallard Creek Church Road. 704-971-9191
T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafings Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow therealtstrong on Twitter.