One of the most exciting nights of a mini stylista's life is the prom. This is where it all begins.
I remember a time when finding the perfect dress was all I could think about for months before the occasion. It really is all about the dress. Sorry guys, but on this night, the girls rule.
If you or another budding fashionista you know are still in search of just the right look, come out to Belk in SouthPark Mall (the second floor) at 2 p.m. this Saturday, March 31 and get some new ideas during their Prom Gown Fashion Show.
Two new designer collections will join the Belk's selection of prom dresses this year, and I for one am looking forward to seeing how fashion icon Jessica Simpson's collection will be. Her shoes, handbags and accessories somehow always find their way to the top of my "must haves" list, and I've heard her prom wear was designed to help girls achieve their own red carpet style. The looks are inspired by Simpson's own designer gowns and are designed to flatter a variety of body types.
The second addition is Aidan Mattox designs. Lots of celebs wear looks by this designer, so naturally, the dresses are inspired by the elegance of Hollywood. The looks are sexy, but not too grown up since looking classy is of the utmost importance this year. As is dress length.
By all accounts, in looking over the 15 different designers Belk is offering prom dresses by, it seems that long hemlines will be the style of the night. So, I decided to check in with the Belk PR team to get a few more style tips to share with all you excited shoppers. According to Michele Dickey from Panorama Public Relations:
* Everyone will be wearing satin, taffetas and chiffons. Chiffon takes on prints and high-low hemlines.
* The color palette ranges from neutrals to bold bright colors.
* A favorite silhouette is the big, Cinderella-worthy ball gown and the single shoulder strap.
* Â Don't forget bows and beaded embellishment - sequined fabrics scream bling.
Now, that's a perfect guideline for helping young ladies look their absolute best if I've ever heard one. Hope to see you all 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.
The Great Recession may have us all hurting to one degree or another, but Traverse Consignment is here to see to it that you're not deprive of either giving or receiving.
The brainchild of sisters Holland Pulley and Scottie Miller, Traverse Consignment is an online consignment boutique that also hosts parties in homes, restaurants, and businesses, while giving a portion of all of our proceeds to local charities. Their next party, Saturday, March 31 at 11 a.m. at Amelie's, will benefit United Family Services and their effort to build a new domestic violence shelter. Check out their Facebook page for more details.
Ready to clean out that closet? Make an appointment by calling 704-900-9482. Those looking to build their closets back up will be pleased to know that from now through the end of April, you can use promo code: 0320-mtg for your next purchase on the website and receive 20% percent off.
West Elm has only one location in North Carolina — lucky, Charlotte! — and from the looks of the upcoming event west elm + Etsy: We Love Handmade Art event, they’re mighty proud to be here.
On March 31, Etsy sellers will take over the modern furniture and home accents store for a day of handmade goodness. Curated by photographer, blogger and fashion designer Whitney Deal of Darling Dexter, 10 North Carolina Etsy artists will have their handcrafted jewelry, stationary, prints and more on sale. Participating Charlotte area sellers include Olive Yew! Jewelry, Wit & Whistle and This Paper Ship.
March 31, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
West Elm at Metropolitan
1100 Metropolitan Ave.
704-333-0642.
On Saturday, Project Runway Season 8/Project Runway All Stars contestant April Johnston was at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store on South Boulevard to promote her new spring line of apparel fabrics. Check out the video with CL writer T. Strong, in another episode of All About Style.
Welcome to the first edition of Fashion Whoreascope, a lighthearted horoscope that incorporates local fashion. My aim is to blend fashion and the cosmos by highlighting local boutiques using the stars as my guide.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Name: Jenni Nicole
Birthday: March 27th
Age: 26
Occupation: Works in accounting/finance; but side gig is an online women's accessory boutique which you can check out here.
Do you read your horoscope? "Sometimes, and a lot of times when I do I'm like, 'Yes! That's me!"
Aries follow in very close footsteps (or hooves) of their animal sign. As one of the first zodiac signs, the ram is first and foremost, a trend setter. Strengths include independence, enthusiasm, and courage. Not keen on taking orders, Aries enjoy making their own decisions and sticking with them (even when it comes to their fashion sense). The ram is uniquely energetic, passionate and bold and its traits translate into daring statement outfits. Born under the element of fire, Aries are fiercely attracted to red, a color that symbolizes will, power, and assertiveness. Because Mars is its ruling planet, Aries is one sign that is most strongly charged by masculine energy. So, you can always expect an Aries to be clad in a complex mixture of masculine and feminine pieces. Because their ruling part is the head, Aries are drawn to any accessories that accent this strong area of their body. Its not surprising to find Aries sporting hats, headbands, or bold jewelry that highlights the head and face.
All pieces found at summerbird (previously Monarch), 1222 East Blvd.
Red halter dress- Milly
Black button down dress- Vena Cava
Shoes- Madison Harding
Neck tie- Christian Dior
Bangles- Alexia Bittar
Fedora- Dobbs (from neighboring men's boutique, Revolve)
Having experienced New York Fashion Week a number of times, both in back of house production as well as a seated guest, I must say that I rather enjoyed attending Charleston Fashion Week (CHSFW) this past weekend.
The city of Charleston is alluring within itself, what with the beautiful homes, historical sights, gardens and spectacular food. Plus, the view of the Charleston Harbor on a clear day is simply stunning. Take all of that and add to it the excitement of fashion, and it's no doubt a winning combination.
What better introduction to my CHSFW experience than to hob-knob with all the other stylish VIPs? The Chris Benz event and truck show at Hampden on King Street proved to be an opportunity to do more people-watching than I have since the last time I was in NYC. My "fashionista in crime" Joy Randall and I spotted Mychael Knight (Project Runway Season 3) and I had the opportunity to chat it up with a true fashion icon, Fern Mallis. So, I'm thinking, if the widely credited creator of NYFW is here, CHSFW must be on point.
Post & Gray continues to celebrate its 3rd year anniversary with a March Madness sale.
Plus, take:
20 percent off custom draperies and hardware
20 percent off custom upholstery
20 percent off Clay Andrews LLC
20 percent off Happy Chair
Side note: Happy Chair, a Charlotte-based company, fancies cool furniture like the below pictured from its recent Fab.com sale. According to Happy Chair's Facebook, Whoopi Goldberg purchased this piece. Hey, if Whoopi digs it, you'll definitely dig it, too!
March Madness sale ends March 31. Post & Gray is located at 2139 S. Tryon St.
Last night I was able to go out and celebrate fashion and entertainment with a male focus. Often times, fashion events are tailored more to women, but yesterday the "Man Up" event QC Exclusives and Neiman Marcus threw was one heck of a shindig.
Guests were able to enjoy having their cigars hand-rolled by Outland Cigars, one of the Queen City's local businesses. And speaking of which, I love how this event included local businesses like Outlaw and NoDa Brewing, who provided the specialty beer. It shows that as consumers, we all want quality, and it doesn't matter if it's a local Mom and Pop providing the service or a mega retailer.
The event included informal modeling with the clothing provided by Neiman Marcus, of course, and I even caught one of the models having his bow tie professionally tied before taking his place on the platform usually designated for mannequins. In this case, the live mannequins looked fabulous in some of Neiman's best spring looks.
While the food and the drinks were quite enjoyable, I must say that my favorite aspect of the event was getting into the luxury cars parked outside. As you can see, the Porshe' suited me quite well.
I spoke with one guy who said, there was "no better way for him to spend his evening than enjoying a brew with friends, smoking a good cigar, enjoying really good food, talking cars with the boys and still being able to put a smile on my wife's face by bringing home a little something special." So now I'm thinking, how on earth did I miss the boat on this?!? I totally should have taken Mr. Strong along with me to this event. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.
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.
The newest 72 Shoe Boutique location in Blacklion Dilworth will hold its grand opening during Blacklion's "What A Girl Wants" party this Saturday, March 24. The original 72 Shoe Boutique has been servicing customers in south Charlotte's Blakeney shopping center for years, and the new location promises the same quality merchandise as before.
“We're committed to offering the absolute best in women's shoes, handbags and accessories while providing exceptional customer service,” says the store’s website. “Whether you need a perfect pair for a night on the town or a very special event, we've got you covered.”
Brightly colored wedges, flats and pumps are in for the spring, and 72 has the newest arrivals from some of the hottest brands — Bacio 61, Jack Rogers, Sam Edelman and Via Spiga, to name a few.
In addition to the shoe boutique's grand opening celebration, the What A Girl Wants event will feature giveaways, a jewelry trunk show, 20 percent off Miss Me Jeans, food samplings and more.
Stop by Blacklion Dilworth at 1408-C East Blvd. this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
With sunny spring temperatures taking over Charlotte’s climate, it’s time for spring cleaning to make its way to the outdoors.
We’ve all had those neighbors with the creepy lawn gnomes, weedy flowerbeds, and patio furniture that looks like it has endured a thousand storms. To save yourself the embarrassment of having the tackiest yard in the neighborhood, seek advice from a professional designer at, I don’t know, say a garden party.
Plaza Midwood home décor store Slate Interiors is kicking off the season with a three-day garden party. March 22-24 is devoted to outdoor furniture, planters, statuary, terrariums, and more.
Slate Interiors offers new and antique pieces that accentuate a yard without clutter. The terrariums are my favorite outdoor accessory. They are essentially mini landscapes with plants, and even small lizards and turtles. You could create a terrarium using your favorite plants to add colors and a variety of textures to any outdoor living space.
Backyards are like mini jungles, where you can dream up the ideal environment, and make it come to life. Get started this Thursday through Saturday at Slate Interiors, 1401 Central Ave., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.