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Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Events 'Designing For Hope' charity event
Posted By Cannon Miller on Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 1:12 PM
There's no better excuse to buy yourself some jewelry than by saying, "I'm supporting a good cause."
Ruby's Gift (2910 Selwyn Ave.) is featuring local artist and designer Sharla this Saturday, July 16.
The event will showcase her collection, "Designing For Hope." The jewelry has earthy characteristics like leaves and trees, as well as beads that will draw you in with their bright greens, aquas, oranges and reds. You won't feel guilty treating yourself if it's for a purpose — a portion of the total sales will go to her charity.
The profits will help fund her trip to Africa coming up this month. She and her two sons plan to travel to Swaziland in Africa where many people suffer from HIV and AIDS. They plan to help garden, plant orchids, build homes and medical centers.
The event is followed by the Benefit Party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., which includes wine, snacks and a silent auction. Take this opportunity to meet Sharla and learn more about her cause.
An RSVP to the event is encouraged but not required. To send your RSVP, click here to their Facebook page.
For more information about Sharla and her cause visit http://d4hope.com.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Features Estelle talks style during Charlotte visit
Posted By T. Strong on Tue, Jul 12, 2011 at 8:56 AM
When I heard that Estelle would be in town, not to perform but on promotional tour for her new album, All of Me releasing later this year and the current single "Break My Heart," I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to talk fashion with the Grammy Award winning artist. I've admired her sense of style for quite some time, and to be honest, those girls coming out of the UK really know how to put a look together.
On the day of the interview, Estelle was wearing a beautiful, silk, multicolored scarf on her head, and who but me would ask her to show me how it's tied? She graciously obliged and talked freely and very excitedly, if I might add, about fashion.
When asked if her current residence, Brooklyn N.Y., influences her style, Estelle says that she really holds on to her "London roots" but "loves the wonderful little shops in Brooklyn." She admits, as most women know, it's hard not to shop every day. She emphasizes this by saying, "I love my clothes, I love my fashion, I love shoes." And that was the perfect segue into our lengthy shoe conversation. I love meeting and talking to other women who truly understand the importance of a tight shoe game.
Estelle says that her favorite shoe designer was, and without a second thought or any hesitation, Charlotte Olympia, someone I'd never heard of before. Of course they are based in London. "I wear her shoes to the end of the Earth!," Estelle exclaimed. "They are comfortable and have so much style." I think at this point we both said in unison, "How does that work?" Comfort and style? "They look so good and go with everything," she continued.
Admittedly with "close to 500 pairs" of shoes, Estelle hinted that there would be something new added to her website soon, allowing for the purchase of her shoes. The artist said she gives a lot of them away because she has so many and a lot of them come to her free of charge. I found out that we are both a size 9, and after checking out her "look of the day" blogs on her site as well as the shoes she was wearing that day, Estelle and I are now Shoe BFF's (in my head).
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.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Events Experience the shoe cam at Sole to Soul
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 4:20 PM
When I got notice of this event, I already started thinking about what shoes I'm going to wear. Should I wear my shiny red pumps or my shiny black wedges? Hmmm ...
You'll want to put some thought into your shoe choice as well if you attend Sole to Soul, presented by StyleMayvin, Flawless Makeup Art and TFC, happening this Thursday at 6 p.m. Upon arrival at the sophisticated Harvey B. Gantt Center, guests will experience the 360 Shoe Cam. Ladies, make sure those ankles are lotioned up. It would be too embarrassing if viewers were too distracted by crustiness to notice your fab footwear.
This networking event will also feature a shoe fashion show by Elle VJ Boutique and live musical performances by Venah S, Cleo Jones and Shameka L. Dwight, plus so much more. The cover is $5, which goes to a worthy cause — education and outreach programming through the Hewitt Education Fun.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Sales Saturday sales ...
Posted By T. Strong on Fri, Jul 8, 2011 at 5:41 PM
Birthdays and anniversaries are so sweet ... a time to celebrate, a time to look back over the past year and the years ahead — but most importantly it's a time to shop! Especially if you're celebrating the 2nd anniversary of the local boutique Revolve. This store is a fashionist-o's dream come true ... because it's a men's upscale consignment boutique with tons of classic and trendy styles. It's not always easy to find a quality consignment shop, and I hear it's even more difficult for men. I can honestly say that after one visit, I was tempted to go overboard making purchases for my husband and son.
Now, in this economy it's sometimes hard for patrons to spend the day shopping, but tomorrow (July 9), Revolve is going to make it easy for you. From 11 a.m.-4 p.m. only, customers will be able to enjoy a store wide sale. I'm talking 75 percent off all blue tag items, 50 percent off all red and yellow tag items and 20 percent off all green tag items. This will be the largest sale the store's had all year, so guys ... I don't always have a slew of events for you but this is definitely one designer sale you shouldn't miss. Need a little extra incentive? How about cold beer and snacks? I think that pretty much says it all.
Black and Blue is open on Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. and has fashions for both women and men. Don't miss your chance to save 20 percent off the entire store.
Events Sylvia Benson trunk show — Saturday, July 9
Posted By T. Strong on Fri, Jul 8, 2011 at 5:04 PM
People ask me all the time, "So what is a Trunk Show exactly?" I was surprised to find that there are lots of folks who really don't know. Unlike a traditional fashion show where attendees are invited to preview the designs on the runway, at a trunk show you can actually make purchases. In fact, that's the whole point. In most cases you still are able to preview the merchandise before it's made available to the public, so it's pretty exclusive.
Anyway, if you love jewelry, you're gonna love this. Here's your chance to attend the Sylvia Benson trunk show. If you've been to Fresh Boutique lately, you know that they recently started carrying Sylvia Benson designs. Her pieces are intricate and beautiful, and she's a North Carolina native. I have simply fallen in love with these "Amour" earrings, and I sincerely hope they are available when I arrive. The designer creates everything from earrings to necklaces, bracelets, charms, rings and even hair accessories.
Tomorrow, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fresh Boutique will host the Sylvia Benson trunk show, and believe me, this is an all-day event that you don't want to miss. Purchasing a piece that you simply can't live without from the collection will also give you the added bonus of making clothing purchases from Fresh Boutique at 25 percent off. AND ... it just keeps getting better. Come by during lunch time (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and grab a couple of blackened fish tacos and more from the Roaming Fork Gourmet food truck. Then, the day wouldn't be complete without a little something sweet. Fresh Boutique is also hosting the Southern Cake Queen and if you haven't experienced the sweet confections that emerge from that little pink food truck ... make plans to be there tomorrow. Fashion, food and sweets ... what could be better?
Summer item Summer Dress Series: Belle Ville
Posted By Cannon Miller on Fri, Jul 8, 2011 at 2:26 PM
The last stop in my summer dress series is at Belle Ville; we stopped at the one in Ballantyne, but there are two other locations. Flirty dresses in every style filled the racks waiting for me to flip through them.
The khaki colored dress is $44. It has a woven detailed collar and tie for around the waste.
The $54 coral dress is lightweight and comes with optional straps for either tube top or spaghetti strap style. Just throw on a blazer and off to work you go.
This deep red dress is $52. It is lightweight for day but makes a loud statement for a night party or day at work with its shiny fabric and scooped neckline.
Belle Ville
5341 Ballantyne Commons Parkway
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Summer item Summer Dress Series: Fresh Boutique
Posted By Cannon Miller on Thu, Jul 7, 2011 at 2:23 PM
My next visit was to Fresh Boutique off of Providence Road. I couldn’t have expected anything more from the choices of dresses from cute casual to sexy dressy.
This cotton dress is $160 and has coral trim along a white, coral and navy pattern. In the first picture is it by itself for a casual look; the second is paired with a sparkly navy jacket to add a wow factor; and the third picture is with a white blazer for work.
The black dress is $349, and has simple black sequin details across the front in zigzags. The dress would work as a dress or with a belt to cinch up the waste creating a tunic. It could be worn by itself, with hose or pants.
The navy, pink and cream color blocked dress is $169. It comes right above the knee and has an attached sash for around the waste. It would look perfect with a cream or pink blazer adding a little more color and also making it work appropriate.
Fresh Boutique
813 Providence Road
Events So ... you wanna be a stylist? (The International Fashion Style Academy can help.)
Posted By T. Strong on Thu, Jul 7, 2011 at 11:09 AM
I always say that the only way to progress in your career and/or life goals is to always be a student of your "game." Although some things can't be taught, staying up on your industry's trends will always prove successful; and no matter how much you think you already know, there's always more to learn.
So, now that you've heard my own personal "lessons" for the day, allow me to share with you a brand-new, three-day, certificate program targeted toward the aspiring wardrobe stylists of Charlotte. Created by Sonya Barnes, CEO of Harris & Barnes Image Consulting, the International Fashion Style Academy will open its doors on July 14 and run through July 16. Classes will be held at the Marriott South Park, and during this training session, a PR representative for Barnes says, students will learn how to "create signature looks for clients, understand the fashion industry, psychology of working with clients, peer relationship building and how to build your own glam squad."
Sound interesting? Find out more details about IFSA and pricing at www.internationalfashionstyleacademy.com.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Summer item Summer Dress Series: Revolution
Posted By Cannon Miller on Wed, Jul 6, 2011 at 2:21 PM
Next on the summer dress search is Revolution, located in the EpiCentre. Even though I thought all of the clothes would have an edgier look, I found dresses that were on the cute and sweet side. There was still room for a walk on the wild side, though.
For $99, this cotton dress has bright colors splashed onto a black and white striped pattern. When you want to wear this wild number to work, just add a light weight jacket or blazer to cover your shoulders.
This shiny taupe dress is $165 with an attached belt to cinch in your waist. If you add a little bit of shine or brighten it up with color, it's a dress that can be worn anywhere.
The navy and white dress has a V-neck and is $148. The attached aqua belt adds a splash of color.
Revolution
2nd floor of the EpiCentre
210 E Trade St
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Summer item Summer Dress Series: K'la
Posted By Cannon Miller on Tue, Jul 5, 2011 at 2:18 PM
Continuing on in the summer dress search, my next stop was at K’la Boutique. From dark to light colored dresses, I found myself in a sea of choices.
This double-patterned dress is $48 and its slouching neck line is very flattering. With or without a jacket, it is appropriate for work or grab a cute handbag and wear it out on a night on the town.
The dress is a royal blue cotton with cut out sleeves and a cinched waist for $49. The jewelry makes it a little more dressy or without for a simple yet cute dress for work.
The $35 dress has a silk-like fabric with a pink, cream and blue pattern. The dress comes right above the knee and has capped shoulders making it a cute summer dress for any occasion.
K'la
6815 Phillips Place Court, B
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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.
