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Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Holiday Gift Ideas Father's Day gift ideas for folks whose dads always want nothing
Posted By Cannon Miller on Tue, Jun 14, 2011 at 3:00 PM
My dad has told me over and over again that he is tired of the same ol' gifts. But as always, when asked what he wants, he replies, "Nothing." If any of you experience this, you know it gets exhausting. Well, enough is enough, we don't know his tips.
To help out all of you who are just as stumped as I am, here is a list of some choice gift picks from several Charlotte boutiques.
REVOLVE: Upscale Men's Consignment Store: Brand-new Bugatchi Polos are only $25-$69, with a broad selection of colors from bright to dark and choices between with or without a collars are available.
"These shirts just came in and are so nice,"said store owner Amy Pickard. "They're Egyptian cotton and light, perfect for summer."
1222 East Blvd.
704-817-7845
L.A. East: Stonerose shirts for $149 is a perfect Father's Day gift, according to one of the owners, Bob Thomas. These Miami-style shirts are lightweight to help keep your dad cool in the summer.
"I would definitely want one of these shirts for Father's Day," Thomas says. "The detailing is unbelievable. They are designed to be worn untucked for a casual look but could also be worn for a nicer occasion."
9852 Rea Road
704-341-5962
Buffalo Exchange: A wide variety of casual, dressy, short and long sleeve button-up shirts are only $9-$35.
"We have shirts for any occasion. They are good quality without the high price," says Olivia Vargo, one of the store's buyers.
1521 Central Ave.
704-372-2300
Monday, June 13, 2011
Features / Events Craftiness: Batch Apparel hosts launch party
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 2:29 PM
You know a concept has made it big when someone designs a T-shirt centered around it. And that's exactly what Batch Apparel, a local online shop, has done for craft beer.
"We realized there isn’t really a good way to identify yourself as a craft beer enthusiast or fan," said Tanner Fritz, co-owner of Batch Apparel. "You could buy a New Belgium hat or a Fat Tire hat or something like that, but really the whole idea of craft beer is it shouldn’t be exclusive to one brewery. It's this shared experience."
Recognizing the need to unify craft beer enthusiasts all over, Fritz and his partner Joe Hall decided to start up a business focusing on this model. They came up with Batch Apparel, which offers quality, classic T-shirts with a design for folks who are interested in quality craft beer.
Much like the whole craft beer process, in that beers are offered on a limited basis, the T-shirt designs are also available for a short time. "When the T-shirt design sells out, you won’t be able to get them anymore," Fritz says. "It will just be the end of the run of those shirts. Similar to how when a beer runs out, it's the end of the season for that beer and you can’t get it till later. We wanted to mimic that process, and that’s now the name Batch came up. Craft beer is done on a batch basis, and we wanted to do these T-shirts on a batch basis as well."
Here are the three T-shirt designs currently available.
For those not in the know on craft beer, Fritz explains its popularity: "Craft beer is a higher quality beer. It is supposed to be served at a certain temperature and certain way that the brewery comes up with. The whole idea is that craft beer is done in smaller amounts so it is not mass-produced."
A recent story on MSNBC highlighted an increase in alcohol sales, except for mass-produced, "legacy beers" like Budweiser and Miller. As quoted in the story:
"It appears that some of the mass-produced beers, Coors and Budweiser, are getting squeezed," said Zippin. "[Consumers] are either going to really low cost beers, like PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon), or they're going to the craft beers."
Fritz continues: "When you order a Coors Light, it comes in a bottle, we don’t know how many weeks old it is, there’s not an expiration date, and you don’t really know the story behind Coors Light. But with some place like Noda Brewing Company, we know that they are right down the road, we know what kinds of beer they brew because of who they are. Craft beer is a flare of something local."
On Thursday, June 16, Batch Apparel will be hosting its launch party at, fittingly, Growlers Pourhouse in NoDa, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. In addition to checking out their T-shirt designs, NoDa Brewing Company will be in the house offering tastings, and Whisky Dollars, a local band that often plays at venues that sell craft beer, will be serenading you with their tunes.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Sales Sidewalk sale at Consign By Design
Posted By T. Strong on Fri, Jun 10, 2011 at 3:46 PM
There's nothing like a good sidewalk sale, and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is your chance to stroll down Providence Road for an amazing consignment store sale.
I love shopping consignment because the prices are always awesome in comparison to national retailers, and oftentimes, the merchandise is just as good — sometimes, better. I say better because there's normally only one of that particular item and if you go to a reputable shop like Consign by Design, you know that you're getting quality, gently used, items.
Sidewalk sales are so fun to go to because you get even deeper discounts than usual. In this case, the shop's owner, Beverly Sokol, is offering a whopping 50 percent to 75 percent off. You'll be able to find many fashionista favorites like Marc Jacobs (gasp), Tori Burch and Trina Turk. I'm getting excited just thinking about it, but then there's more: the "dot sale." This sale includes items from 25 percent to 75 percent off, featuring shoes, handbags, dresses and skirts. There's also a super sale rack chockfull of items ranging in price from $1.99 to $19.99 plus 20 percent off all designer jeans. And it's not last season merchandise. The majority of the items are spring and summer with tons of cute little dresses. Don't forget to shop the shoes. I spied Prada and Gucci, so don't miss out.
Consign By Design is located at 739 Providence Road
704 348-2506
T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Events Fashion inspired by water
Posted By Cannon Miller on Wed, Jun 8, 2011 at 1:22 PM
The fashion world's inspiration is evolving more and more every day, this is why it should be no surprise that vitaminwater has been selected to be the inspiration of students creating their own garment designs.
This Saturday, June 11, Style Sanctum is putting on a first-time fashion show called "Aquamuse: An Underwater Odyssey," sponsored by vitaminwater.
Students have created their very own garments inspired by the vitaminwater beverages and will be showcasing them in the fashion show. The students come from many different schools including Davidson Day School, Lake Norman Charter, Charlotte Country Day School and Providence Day School.
Style Sanctum was started to help teach children and teens that it is okay to express their own individual creativity. That is why they have partnered with vitaminwater to show that even a drink can bring inspiration.
The fashion show will be held at The VanLandingham Estate at 1:30 p.m.
News TOMS unveils the new chapter
Posted By Cannon Miller on Wed, Jun 8, 2011 at 11:37 AM
The wait for the new chapter of TOMS is finally over.
Yesterday, June 7, stores around the world simultaneously unveiled the new TOMS product. At every location, the secret product was hidden inside a box that was 7 feet tall, 16 inches across and weighed 70 lbs.
The only unveil in North Carolina was held at Revolution, where crowds gathered wondering what could be in the box, no one had a clue.
As the unveiling time grew closer, the TOMS representatives pressed play on a video where TOMS founder, Blake Mycoskie, came onto the screen and started explaining how the "One for One" idea would still apply to the new chapter.
That's when he said those three words everyone was waiting for: "Open the box."
As the TOMS representatives unlocked the tall box everyone in the room moved in closer to get a better look. Drumroll, please ... The new product is eyewear.
Just as with the shoe movement, when someone buys a pair of shoes, a person in need gets a pair as well, Mycoskie wanted to start a sight movement.
When a person purchases a pair of TOMS eyewear, someone will get their sight back by one of three ways, including sight-saving surgery, medical treatment or corrective lenses. This not only applies to children but also adults. The goal is to help people all around the world. The locations that TOMS is starting with are Nepal, Cambodia and Tibet.
The sunglasses are special because on the sides are three hand-painted stripes that each tell a different story. The first stripe represents you, the stripe on the tip represents the person you are helping and the middle stripe signifies TOMS and the bringing together of people.
TOMS eyeware is now available online and in some stores.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Sales Sale at Coplon's
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Jun 7, 2011 at 12:11 PM
As if you could miss that great, bold 40 percent off, in this mailing list flyer.
Coplon's is located at 6809 Phillips Place Court.
Merch to Purch New spring/summer finds at KK Bloom
Posted By T. Strong on Tue, Jun 7, 2011 at 11:37 AM
As the Queen City's 90 degree days continue, I find it increasingly more difficult to find comfortable, lightweight clothing to wear every day. So, you know what that means right? Shopping trip! And wouldn't you know it, KK Bloom has lots of new spring/summer pieces that just arrived at the store. Some of the trendy fashion brands they carry are Splendid, Susana Monaco, Isabel Lu and Esley. They have a fabulous assortment of tops, skirts, rompers and one of my favorites, maxi dresses. You can find looks to go out with the girls in, for a hot date or just something cool and casual for a day of more shopping. This Spring, KK Bloom has added a new designer, Charlie Jean, and I must say I simply fell in love with this Charlie Jean romper. It's perfect for a hot summer day.
If you're looking for a good deal on off-season merchandise, be sure to check out KK Bloom's 50 percent off rack. There you can find lots of great designer pieces, like lightweight cardigans which I'm sure will still be on trend this year. I love finding cool items on sale and stock piling them. That way when the season rolls around, I almost have a whole new wardrobe. Visit KK Bloom today. Trust me, you'll be sure to find something you love.
T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.
News Revolution participates in TOMS mystery box opening today
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Jun 7, 2011 at 11:24 AM
The renown shoe company TOMS, who have taken it upon themselves to work to put a pair of shoes on every child in need, is announcing a new product today. Keeping with the company mission to help those less fortunate, this new product will also work to fulfill a worldwide need.
The men's/women's shop Revolution in the EpiCentre will be participating in a country-wide, simultaneous opening of a mystery box that will contain the new product today at 1:30 p.m.
The box measures 7 feet tall, 16 inches across and weighs 70lbs and is symbolic of TOMS' evolution from a shoe company to a "one for one" company.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Events Shecky's Girls Night Out in Charlotte
Posted By T. Strong on Fri, Jun 3, 2011 at 2:25 PM
I frequently attended Shecky's events in New York before I moved here, and my girls and I always had a fabulous time. So, needless to say, I am jumping up and down to see that Shecky's is bringing the excitement to Charlotte. This event is well worth the $15 entry fee ... heck, it was worth the many $30 entry fees I paid over the years in New York. I'm sure you'll find tons of trendy new items to add to your wardrobe but if nothing else, the gift bag alone will wow you. So, grab your girls and head on over to The Big Chill on Wednesday, June 8, and get ready to have some fun. The cocktails, clothing and accessories available for purchase will have you all fashionably giddy. For more information on the event and to purchase your tickets, visit the Shecky's website.
After all the pampering, makeovers and beauty treatments, you and your friends will look and feel great. And remember, $5 from every ticket purchased goes to the American Red Cross so you can be fashionable and charitable at all the same time. Hope to see you there!
T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.
Events Honoring those who paint our faces: QC Beauty Profession Awards
Posted By T. Strong on Fri, Jun 3, 2011 at 11:31 AM
With so many talented beauty professionals in Charlotte, I think it's high time they are recognized. That's why I love the idea of this first annual QC Beauty Profession Awards. Working in the beauty industry can be demanding, stressful and sometimes chaotic, but when you love what you do, not much else matters. I have such respect for hair stylists and makeup artists because they work long hours to make us all look fabulous and don't always receive the accolades of the "finished product." So, hurray, Q.C. beauty industry: Sunday, June 5 is your day.
This event, presented by QC Information Broker Magazine, will be held at the Setting Trendz Event Hall located at 1801 N. Tryon St., Suite 609. While visiting the event page, I noticed a number of sponsors that are involved. Of course, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly caught my eye first, so I'm thinking that's a "step" in the right direction to having a good time. You still have plenty of time to purchase tickets. If you want to show your support to the Queen City's finest in the beauty industry as well as the local charity, Give 'N Go, benefiting from the event, get your ticket today. Doors open at 4 p.m. For more information, log on to www.qcinfobrokerhairawards.com or call 704-492-0069.
T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.
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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.
