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Tuesday, February 28, 2012
News Fashion-focused events posing for CIAA 2012
Posted By T. Strong on Tue, Feb 28, 2012 at 5:30 PM
As the city starts to heat up with CIAA tournament game attendees, executives and partygoers alike, I"m sure you're wondering what the fashion lovers get themselves into. While there are a ton of social activities to choose from this week, there are only a few that are fashion-focused, and as the StyleMayvin, you know that's right up my alley!
So, here are three great events to wet your style whistle.
On Wednesday, Feb. 29. head over to The Ritz Carlton in Uptown to check out the So Vintage Fashion Show produced by Fierce. A-Dot from Power 98 is hosting the event and it looks like this will be a great way to kick off your CIAA week. Tickets start at $20 and are available at www.ez-tixx.com or for a VIP table call 704-957-0340. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. and is open to fashionistas of all ages, even the mini divas in training.
Also starting on Wednesday, you can enjoy three nights of fashion with Mode Noir — CIAA Fashion Week. This is slated as a high-end fashion production that will showcase emerging and national designers as well as local Q.C. boutiques from Feb. 29 through March 2. The purpose is to raise funds for the Presbyterian Hospital Blume Center of Charlotte, which treats children with Sickle Cell Disease so not only will attendees have a very stylish time, it's all about fashion for a cause. The event starts nightly at 7 p.m. at 1800 Brewton Drive. Tickets can be purchased at modenoir.eventbrite.com.
For her first annual event, Crystal Butler brings "Glamaholics" to Charlotte. This is a networking event that was "designed to connect men and women of the fashion, art and beauty industry as well as introduce them to premium brands." I'm interested to see this particular event because it's slated to be twice the fun than expected. For the first two hours, attendees will get their network and mingle on while also enjoying the artwork, a makeup station and a selection of jewelry as well as the offerings of the other vendors. Then, the second half of the event will consist of a runway show and a special segment entitled "ShoePhoria." All the fun will culminate at the First Ward Recreation Center on Saturday, March 3 from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. $20 advance tickets can be purchased at www.glamaholics.com.
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.
Videos All About Style: T. Strong launches new video blog, visits Lotus
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Feb 28, 2012 at 5:07 PM
You've seen her on Fox Charlotte, as well as hosting random fashion events around town. Now you can see Creative Loafing contributor T. Strong in a new weekly video blog called All About Style for Klepto. Here's her first vlog, where she chats up Jackie Rodney at Lotus about CIAA fashion.
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.
Friday, February 24, 2012
News A look inside Lipp Boutique at the Metropolitan
Posted By Allison Campbell on Fri, Feb 24, 2012 at 12:53 PM
Who knew a glimpse of Paris was nestled in the Metropolitan shopping area? Well, customers will get a taste of French couture at the new Lipp Boutique. Owner Shital Vaghasiya finally opened her dream store, and she is eager to share her excitement.
Opening a boutique wasn't at the top of the Chicago native's to-do list, but after franchising for Jimmy John's for more than 10 years, it was time to try something new. After moving to the Queen City three years ago to be with her husband, Vaghasiya decided to try her hand at fashion. The entrepreneur believes that working in fashion is not that different from working in food. “I’m selling different products, but I’m selling what I love,” she says.
The owner wanted a boutique with a four-letter name and a retro design. "My designer friend recommended naming the store Lipp after a brasserie in Paris. So, I came up with Lipp: living in perfect pleasure," she says.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Events Fashion Review: Night in the Garden
Posted By Lauren Blake on Mon, Feb 20, 2012 at 5:00 PM
This past Saturday, Feb. 18, the Van Landingham transformed from historical home to haven for guests who came out to enjoy a Night in the Garden Room. The intimate estate harbored a Midsummer Night’s Dream-esque ambiance, but instead of magic, wonder and mischief, the benefit was filled with fashion, beauty and fundraising.
Guests mingled amongst beautiful architecture, enjoying heavenly hors d'oeuvres, a full bar, sounds of smooth jazz and silent auction offering art, dance classes wine tasting parties and more. The perfect crisp and cool weather beckoned some to the wrap around porches and rocking chairs to enjoy a conversation overlooking the gardens.
A benefit for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, the event fostered not only joy and laughter but also some very touching moments. Host Dr. Susan Flowers gave a brief speech about blood cancer, the deadliest disease among children in the U.S. before handing over the microphone to a young woman whose life was devastated by the disease. Allison Gresham Estabrook, Stella & Dot Independent Stylist who supplied the jewelry for the evening, tearfully spoke about her journey as a 30-year-old single mother with breast cancer whose best friend and soul mate Richard was diagnosed with cancer around the same time. They both fought the battle together, and today Allison still fights to share Richard’s story, as he is no longer here to do so.
Once tears were wiped, the benefit had some more lighthearted fun : Two rising designers shared their collections in the airy garden room of the estate.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Videos Promo video for Charleston Fashion Week 2012
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Fri, Feb 17, 2012 at 12:10 PM
It's Fashion Friday! Here you'll fine the promotional video from the organizers of the upcoming Charleston Fashion Week, happening March 20-24. If you weren't considering attending, the flashes of edgy couture in this video might make you rethink that.
2012 Charleston Fashion Week Promotional Video from PDA Video on Vimeo.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.charlestonmag.com/fashionweek/main.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Events Shopping dresses for Charlotte's 11th Annual Bartender's Ball
Posted By Allison Campbell on Thu, Feb 16, 2012 at 3:31 PM
When your editor tells you to go shopping for a blog post, you do as you're told. And I did — quite happily, might I add.
Yesterday, I spent a few hours hitting up some locally owned boutiques in search of the perfect semi-formal dress for Bartender's Ball, happening this Sunday at the Blake Hotel. Since I couldn’t just pick one, I picked my three favorites.
First stop was Metropolitan’s newly opened Lipp Boutique. As soon as I mentioned Bartender’s Ball, store manager Leah Britt led me to the perfect little black dress with a sexy twist.
The BCBGeneration one-shoulder piece is made from a stretchy seersucker fabric. I nicknamed it the mullet dress because it reveals a sexy shoulder on the left, and an elegant sleeve on the right. Priced at $88, Britt and I both agree that the dress gives you more bang for your buck. “It’s an affordable choice for Bartender’s Ball, and you can re-wear it with tights and boots later,” she says.
News Lilly Pulitzer opens at South Park
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Thu, Feb 16, 2012 at 12:46 PM
- www.facebook.com/lillypulitzersouthpark
Lilly's coming to town, and she's intent on painting Charlotte pink and green.
Tomorrow morning at 10 a.m., the doors open to the Lilly Pulitzer store at South Park Mall. The first person in line will get the privilege of cutting the (pink, of course) ribbon.
According to Charlotte Smarty Pants, "Each dressing room has a hand-painted theme, centered around Charlotte. The Queen City toile is definitely one to admire as it features landmarks all over Charlotte but with a Lilly twist."
To get a sneak peek of the store, read the rest of the blog post by Charlotte Smarty Pants.
And heads up: The Lilly Pulitzer store's grand opening celebration is happening Feb. 25 and 26, complete with live paintings, mystery giveaways and more.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Events Photos: Runway for the Ballet
Posted By T. Strong on Wed, Feb 15, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Fashion shows are one of those things that when combined with any other element be it art, music or dance, it can be amazing when done right. As last year's emcee of Runway for the Ballet, I know just how much work goes into the production and this year was no different.
- www.inhisimagebyjulie.com
Backstage was all a buzz with excitement as the models prepared for the show. The clothing, shoes and handbags were sponsored by Neiman Marcus at SouthPark Mall and the looks we saw come down the runway were very classic-chic but definitely right on trend.
Everything from beautiful spring florals and sexy red evening gowns to dapper menswear was modeled by some of the most talented dancers at the NC Dance Theatre. Yes ... you heard me right! On this special occasion, a few of the dancers graced the stage as models and were of course, as graceful as a dove. The dance performances in between each runway segment were each as awe-inspiring as the last.
Aside from the beautiful choreography, the snippets of original pieces we saw were also a testament to dancers' physical agility. It was truly an amazing sight to see and "totally awesome," as my daughter the mini mayvin and my date for the evening, said so eloquently.
If you missed it this year, definitely be sure to add it to next year's calendar under "must-attend" events. It's a great way to celebrate dance and fashion but most of all to have a fantastic time supporting the arts.
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, February 13, 2012
Sales Coats on sale at Hong Kong Vintage
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Mon, Feb 13, 2012 at 10:33 AM
I know, I know — when did Old Man Winter think it was appropriate to show up this late in the season? Sheesh. Spring clothes are starting to show up in the shops, and the low this morning was 19 degrees. What the heck?
At least Hong Kong Vintage's winter coat sale is on time. Starting today, take 25 percent off.
- http://stylesamplemag.com
- I don't know of either of these vintage pieces are at HK, but hey, a girl can dream!
1514 Central Ave.
704-334-0538
Friday, February 3, 2012
Sales Super Bowl shopping?
Posted By T. Strong on Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 10:36 AM
- dreamstime.com
There are some women who can roll with the best of them on Super Bowl Sunday and be the supportive, attentive, football loving wife or girlfriend. But if you're not that type and you don't want to pretend to be her this year, it's OK! No really, it is. Why not do something you would much rather enjoy, like ... oh, I don't know ... shop? If you want to spend your day amongst fabulous clothing, shoes and jewelry and enjoy the Q.C.'s biggest Super Bowl Sales, here's where you need to be.
Monarch will be open from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. and is having a massive sale on all of their cold weather merchandise. This women's upscale consignment store is offering 75 percent off of all Fall and Winter items.
Just a few feet away, Cottage Chic puts a new spin on playing your cards right. The discounts here are all based on luck because you'll have to choose a card from the "Super bowl" for a chance to get up to 40 percent off of your purchase of any "in stock" items. I love this idea because it adds an element of surprise and hey, at the very least you could end up with a 10 percent off card. A savings is a savings, is what I like to say. Cottage Chic will be open from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Across the street at Petal, also from 1 p.m.-5 p.m., the party heats up because the first 20 customers will receive a free Petal gift bag. While you peruse their selection, you can grab a quick bite and a drink knowing it will all pay off in the end. You'll get 20 percent off your entire purchase and 30 percent off all sale merchandise.
If you're looking for a big sale with a discount on absolutely EVERYTHING, Sloan is the place to be. From 1 p.m.-5 p.m., all merchandise is 25 percent off! Yes, this includes sale items as well as jewelry. As a matter of fact, you will get an additional 25 percent off of the already reduced prices of the fall/winter collection.
And not too far away, in Phillips Place ... Via Veneto is offering light fare, wine and cheese, for the determined shopper. Stop by this boutique for 20 percent off regular priced items and 50 percent off sale. Open from 12 p.m.-4 p.m., this location is yet another stop in your four hour window of what I like to call "extreme shopping."
Keep in mind that all of these shopping events are for one day only and just for a few hours, so use your time wisely and like any other challenge, bring your A game and play to win!
To read up on more Super Bowl Sunday sales, check out this post on ScoopCharlotte.
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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An interview with Stylist Jennifer Misenheimer 5
Check out this Q&A with a stylist who does everything from your hair to making your own outfits.
