Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summertime, but if you ask me, it's already hot enough out there to be stripping down to the bare minimum.

Regardless of what the calendar says, it's swimsuit season, and it's time to find you a new one, if you haven't already. In this week's cover story, Summer Guide 2011: The Swimsuit Edition, we feature some of Charlotte's rising stars, including local musicians, a burlesque dancer and even a viral video sensation, sporting some vintage suits from some of the city's best vintage shops.

In the above photo, Kaya is wearing a black faux bikini, found at Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage at Sleepy Poet Antique Mall, while TC is wearing a pair of Birdwell Beach Britches, found at The Rat's Nest. FYI: The black faux bikini was only $8.

Other spots you might want to check out to find great retro swimwear include Hong Kong Vintage and Buffalo Exchange, both in Plaza Midwood.

Jumping the Broom premieres today in theaters nationwide, and I had the honor of hosting a StyleMayvin fashionable meeting of the minds with about 18 attendees in conjunction with a private screening of the movie on Wednesday evening.

I love an exclusive premiere, don't you? All of the women and men in attendance were some of Charlotte's most fashionable folks. From writers, bloggers, designers, makeup artisits, event planners and more, this group had tons to talk about style-wise as it relates to the movie. And ... to top it all off, we were able to enjoy the screening courtesy of JONES Magazine, a national fashion publication that always keeps its readers on trend. Some of my favorite looks were worn by the stars of the movie Angela Bassett, Paula Patton and Megan Goode. These ladies look super hot on the silver screen and the bride's wedding dress was breathtaking. Ladies, it's wedding season and I'm sure you'll get a lot of inspiration from this film. So, make plans to dress up, gather your stilettos and see this fabulous movie with some of your closest friends.

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.

Due to the fact that I had to stalk Usher Saturday night, I was not able to attend Fashion Soul. Ultra sad face, I know! Luckily, my photographer went and I've been drooling over the photos. Now you can, too. Here are some of my favorite shots (and check out the rest of the photos on our QC After Dark nightlife photo site) and congratulations to all who showcased.

Saturday's Passport For Fashion event was the finale for Charlotte Style Week, and people came out in droves (and droves and droves) to support a good cause. Here are a couple of shots of some of the models — you could smell the fashion in the air! Click here to see more photos from the event and check out what everyone wore. Attendees put on their A game for sure.

Style Week Charlotte has been celebrating the best of local fashion all week. Last night, Charlotteans gathered at the Belk Theater to celebrate not only fashion, but life. Fashion for Life, an official Style Week Charlotte event sponsored by Sasha’s Spa in Motion, has plans to give all proceeds from the night to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. As part of any good gala, a fashion show gave guests a chance to check out clothes from local boutiques.

The first models to grace the runway were young patients from Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital. These adorable toddlers confidently twirled and turned down the runway wearing outrageous children’s fashions including tulle skirts, ruffled two-piece outfits and couture prints. Clothes were provided from Peek-A-Boo Couture, a fine children’s boutique located at the Metropolitan.

“Grown-up” models took the show from cute to colorful as they modeled bold spring looks from other local boutiques including The Pink Hanger, Elle VJ Boutique and Keaton’s Cupboard.

Flirty printed dresses dominated the runway along with multi-colored, strappy shoes. One shoe that was particularly unique was a turquoise peep toe. With the exception of a pair of white skinny jeans, the looks were all about showing off the legs. Hues of pink and green were prominent. One color shocker of the night: a bright yellow silk dress. Original? Yes. But, only to be worn if it works with your skin tone. A super cute spring trend that appeared last night: the extra large brimmed hat. It’s a perfect accessory for a day at the beach or even just a day out on the town. Make sure to score one before the sunshine gets too strong.

As for the guys, the Keaton’s Cupboard models were outfitted in some seriously suave looks. Business casual turned sexy as the guys modeled blazers, suit pants, and neutral colors with a touch of fun through golf-inspired fashion hats. Classic men’s fashion never goes out of style.

Another thing that never goes out of style? Giving back. The sponsors, local boutiques, volunteers and guests who participated in this event all raised money to help the patients who need it most. Yet another fashion success for Style Week Charlotte.

Check out the rest of the photos from the Charlotte Style Magazine’s 3rd Annual 25 Most Stylish event, which was held on April 9. You'll sweat from all the fashion hotness.

We have all been to kitchen parties and currently the trend of purse parties — but what is more fun than purses and kitchen stuff? A party with clothes, jewelry and purses, of course. I love a good kitchen gadget, but I really love shopping for my wardrobe. What girl doesn't? Look no further than Boutique on Feet.

Decade-long friends Erica Gold and Shelley Fontana started the traveling and online shop Boutique on Feet back in September 2007 as a purse party after they had children and quit their day jobs. Their purse parties were so popular that requests came in to begin carrying more merchandise, such as clothes and accessories.

Boutique on Feet offers the perfect opportunity for a great girls night in, allowing you to shop and try on outfits in the comfort of your own home or office with your girlfriends — and without the sales pitch that you would typically get from other home parties. The girly and trendy pieces are versatile, and guess what? They are all under $50.

How cute are these new spring pieces?

Now, I bet you are wondering: how can I host my own party? It's easy. Grab about 12 or more girlfriends and some appetizers and drinks and the Erica and Shelley will set up their merchandise. It's as simple as that; there is no cost to host a party and the host will get free/discounted merchandise for just hosting. How great is that little perk?

I know that some of you ladies are thinking you just don't have the time to host a party, but there is a solution. Host an online party. An Evite and/or Facebook event page will be set up with details for your party. Your "guests" have one week to shop the store online with free shipping and a free gift w/ purchase.

To sign up to host a party with these fab ladies, visit Boutique on Feet.

Today's forecast: 60+ degrees. Just the thought of that makes me squeal with glee and puts me in the mood to run out and grab a few new looks for spring. With so many prints and sheer fabrications, as is the current trend, Petal boutique is where you want to be. This fabulous boutique carries a number of great designers like Shoshanna, which has been a staple in this store since its opening in April 2008. Their newest designer collections from 81 Poppies and Bianca Coletti are some of the cutest dresses I've seen in awhile. Price points can range up to $300 but don't fret; this boutique has something for everyone. The front of the store houses all of the higher end designer wears, but if you mosey on to the back there's an entire section of pieces that are $100 and under. It's what the owner likes to call the "casual, grab and go" section of the store. Gotta love that!

Check out Petal in Dilworth located at 1315 East Blvd #180 and tell 'em T.Strong sent ya! Or shop online at www.shoppetal.com and be on the lookout for more news from Petal as their three- year anniversary is just around the corner and I'm sure they've got a little something up their very fashionable sleeve.

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.

Spring is in the air! Well ... maybe not today exactly, considering it's been raining all day — but what better day than this to shop?! I stopped by Vivian B Boutique in NoDa earlier today to chat with Kimberly the owner, and I caught her unpacking fabulous new spring pieces! I get so giddy when the seasons change because it presents the awesome opportunity to revamp your closet, throw some things out and purchase lots new items, and Vivian B is the perfect little spot to find something to brighten up this gloomy day.

Two new designers the boutique will be carrying this spring is Aryn K and Line & Dot. I simply fell in love with the crochet top by Line & Dot. Crochet, if you didn't know, will be a HUGE trend this spring and summer and this little shirt is a great way to introduce it into your wardrobe.