When I make a killer purchase, my first order of business is obviously to tweet it so everyone knows. That's why the East Boulevard Sidewalk Sale is sure to be trending come June 2.
East Boulevard, home to some of Charlotte's best boutiques and businesses, will come together and celebrate this Saturday with a street wide sale and plenty of discounts worthy of retweeting.
If you're on the stylish content-sharing site Pinterest, chances are you've repinned a photo of one of Vestique's garments to your fashion board. The owners of the recently opened women's clothing and accessory boutique know the power of social media and have channeled that into a successful new storefront, coming a long way from what started out as a whim.
On May 31, the second location of Vestique, located in Dilworth, will celebrate its grand opening.
Owners Morgan Genty and Caroline King were friends in college, graduating together from NC State University in 2007. The pair originally launched their business as an online venture on the side, filling orders after work at their corporate jobs and in their spare time. The shop grew to have a following through Facebook, Twitter, their blog and even Pinterest.
Nationally renowned menswear designer Joseph Abboud made a stop at Belk SouthPark yesterday to launch his new menswear line, "Black Brown 1826." Of course CL was there to catch all the action.
Guests were able to meet and chat with Abboud about the collection while enjoying a cigar rolling demo, beer tastings by The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and the chance to win prizes, like the chance to drive a Hendricks convertible BMW for a weekend, a golf trip for two to Pinehurst and a $500 Black Brown 1826 wardrobe.
The exclusive collection of Joseph Abboud's Black Brown 1826, men's casualwear can be found in 61 Belk stores and on Belk.com.
One of the most exciting days in many women's lives is their wedding day, and having just celebrated my 18th wedding anniversary, I must say that I was feeling quite nostalgic attending Lineage Bridal's event Wednesday night. (For all of you trying to do the math to figure out how I could be married so long and be oh so young ... well, let's just say I've got really good genes!)
Lineage Bridal is a designer bridal boutique that recently opened its doors in Uptown Charlotte; however, the owners are definitely not new to the industry.
Moving the Web-based boutique created in 2009 to an actual brick and mortar location, co-owners Natasha Duff-Cole and Jodene Pooler were all smiles last night. The evening's ambiance was almost as beautiful as a blushing bride on her wedding day, and I attributed that to the alluring venue, Rooftop With A View, and the wonderful decorations provided by AFR Furniture.
If the view, food and cocktails weren't celebratory enough, the owners afforded attendees an opportunity to see some of the fabulous designs they have to offer during the runway show.
The show opened with a number of flowing, beautiful dresses that were Lineage designs, and I personally found it quite difficult to choose a favorite. Closing the show with the final 10 looks was an entire collection by Faith Thornburg. And for all the brides-to-be out there, you definitely need to know her name. Thornburg was awarded the Elle Magazine Fashion NEXT Award last year at New York Fashion Week. Her pieces were simply stunning and for the bride who wants to choose from a range of traditional to glamorous, she's got it. (See the slideshow below.)
In addition to its new location, Lineage also launched a Finder's Service, where brides are able to personally meet with the owners to discuss their "perfect gown," budget and timeframe. Following the initial meeting, the Lineage team will conduct a search to match the bride with the "dress of her dreams," and since the company will continue operating online, brides will have access to the best boutiques all around the country!
Be sure to check them out online at www.LineageBridal.com. The boutique is located at 621 McNinch St.
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.
Creative Loafing's T. Strong, aka The StyleMayvin, stops by Buffalo Exchange in Plaza Midwood, for another segment of All About Style.
Uh-oh. Not again. It can't possibly have happened yet again. You swore to yourself you'd be better at this by now, just like you thought you'd have completely conquered other adult arts, like soufflé baking or hangover avoiding. You're out of excuses, although the element of surprise is close enough to one - no matter that it comes at the same time every year, that it's been staring back at you on your calendar, that stores seem to start anticipating its approach earlier each time. You managed to do it again, you golden child. You managed to totally and completely forget about Mother's Day.
Like mom would say, you got yourself into this, now you've got to get yourself out. As a fellow failure at holiday planning, I understand the guilt that comes with being extra disappointing the one day you're supposed to be extra wonderful to the woman who swaddled and coddled your ungrateful behind. Before that sense of anxiety has you making a mad dash to the nearest and blandest big box department store and grabbing an assortment of gifts that scream "generic," remember what momma taught you about letting cooler heads prevail. Slow down. Breathe in, breathe out. Realize all is not lost; there's still time to squeeze in a unique and thoughtful shopping experience, and take advantage of this guide as a starting off point.
Cotswald Marketplace (200 N. Sharon Amity Road)
More than 40 vendors contribute to make Cotswald Marketplace an ideal shopping spot, with fun gift possibilities at every turn.
If you haven't heard - for shame! - Sunday is Mother's Day, and if you still have yet to find the perfect gift, I've got a few fabulous suggestions on where you can go to help get you started.
Today and tomorrow, you can stop into Fresh Boutique and get 20 percent off all accessories. This includes wardrobe staples like Coobie bras, Snug camisoles and other must-have items like the Ella B. soy candles, belts, bags and jewelry.
Petal boutique is offering 20 percent off all jewelry in the store, excluding Moon & Lola. Everyone who makes a purchase this weekend will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card. While you're shopping for mom, you might get lucky and win a little something for yourself as well. Come in and enjoy cookies from Suarez Bakery, too.
72 Shoe Boutique in Blakeney is a great place to score a new pair of shoes for mom because for this weekend only, you can get 30 percent off selected spring styles. A lady can never have too many pairs of shoes, and you'll be sure to find something your mom would love at this classy boutique. You might even score a free gift with purchase ... get there while supplies last.
Most moms love receiving jewelry, too, so don't forget about the accessory sale at Our Place Boutique. They are offering 40 percent off their accessories through Saturday. Choose from beautiful necklaces and bracelets that are sure to make that special lady in your life smile. Not to mention, browse through all of the other stylish clothing items they have to find a complete look for mom.
And, if you're looking for classic jewelry pieces, check out Saks Off Fifth in Concord Mills. With an additional 40 percent off fine jewelry through May 15, you can't possibly go wrong. Exquisite necklaces, bracelets and watches that will be favorites for a lifetime and might just get you that coveted title as "Mom's Favorite." Now I'm not saying your mom chooses favorites, but hey, it's worth a try right?
This year, a card just won't do. Get out there and shop people. Time is running out!
FashionSOUL is one of those events that includes not only fashion but also a level of entertainment rarely seen in the Queen City. If you were in attendance for this 3rd annual event on Saturday, May 5, benefiting the Humane Society, you know exactly what I mean. If not, make plans to be there next year for sure.
Attendees were treated to a look inside the mind of Joey Hewell, who is the creator of FashionSOUL and, oh, what a whimsical mind he has. Guests experienced live art, which for me was very interesting to watch because I can honestly say, I've never seen artists paint in a suit jacket and tie. All in the name of fashion!
Other entertainment included a hula hoop dancer, live band, an aerial artist, and drag queen extraordinaire Angela Lopez. But the fashion. Oh, the fashion.
House of Abbeydale sent some of the sexiest men in Charlotte down the runway looking ever so dapper. His collection was all about blue in various shades and the men's suiting was tailored to perfection. Ladies, am I right when I say there's nothing like a well dressed man?
V.Vill really went all out and gave us everything from swimwear to vintage looks that could never be mistaken for "everyday wear." No, the lady wearing these looks has a flair of bold edge. I loved the collection because it was the perfect mix of ladylike pieces punched up with dramatic accessories.
The Queen's Cup Steeplechase is the premiere horse race event to attend if you live in and around The Queen City. Mineral Springs is just a short drive away, and I promise you, the experience is well worth it. There's tailgating, Jack Russell terrier races, pony rides for the kids, lots of fashion to take in and of course, six exciting horse races that you can actually bet on if you're feeling a little lucky.
Each year, the tailgate/table decor competition heats up, but what excites US is the best hat contest. This year this stylish lady took home the grand prize. Awesome right? I think she was channeling Lady Gaga.