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Thursday, February 10, 2011
Features New York Fashion Week Fall 2011: BCBG Max Azira
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 4:10 PM
New York Fashion Week kicked off today, showcasing the fall 2011 designs of the top creatives in the industry.
Here are some of my favorite looks from the runway show of BCBG Max Azira.
Notice the sparing use of sheers. Sheer material is very suggestive, and Max and Lubov Azira use it to accent the legs and add sexiness, not cheesiness. In addition, the intricate angles and layers give the outfits texture, which is a big deal for the fall.
To see more images from the BCBG Max Azira show, check out NYMag.com's The Cut.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Features / Events Frock Shop makes stop in NoDa this weekend
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 12:48 PM
The first time I heard about the Frock Shop, I tried Googling its physical address. Nothing.
"We are a traveling trunk show," says Caroline Cook, owner. "It’s all resale, kind of a consignment concept, but we don’t have a brick and mortar shop."
Hmm. Interesting.
Since its inception in April 2010, the Frock Shop has hosted seven trunk shows, offering clothing, accessories, shoes and more, in various spaces, from businesses like Reaching Design and Saavy & Co. to private homes as far away as Union County. In partnering with various local businesses, cross-promoting is key, giving exposure to Frock Shop, whatever space is hosting the trunk show and any other business that is involved. At the last event, 75 to 100 people showed up.
"It’s definitely festive," Cook says. "We certainly do take over a space. I have anywhere from six to eight racks of clothing, and it really runs the gamut. It’s name-brand, it’s vintage, it’s designer. About 90 percent of it is resale. Most of the clothing, accessories, shoes are priced from $5 to $50. They’re in excellent condition. It’s a great way to score a pair of Diesel jeans for $30."
What's allowed Cook to offer such low prices is simply that she doesn't have the overhead of a brick and mortar shop. In addition, as she chooses the pieces she will add to her inventory (a sampling pictured below), she keeps in mind her consumers.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Features Live review: 4th Annual Runway for the Ballet
Posted By Lauren Blake on Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 5:06 PM
THE DEAL: 4th Annual Runway For The Ballet: A glimpse of spring on the runway from Neiman Marcus.
THE GOOD: Ballet and fashion were at their finest this weekend Uptown. The crew at the North Carolina Dance Theatre certainly know a little something about effortless style, on and off stage. The event was a smooth mixture of fresh spring looks and ballet, brought to the runway by the company’s own dancers. From feminine florals to chic bohemian looks, the runway was graced by one head to toe masterpiece to another. A few spring trends for the ladies to watch out for include chunky gold accessories, leg-lengthening bone colored shoes, “spring” leather (whether it’s a mini dress or messenger bag) and bright shades of coral. As emcee, style maven T. Strong said, “Coral is the new black this season.” And gentleman, it looks like women aren’t the only ones who need to freshen up their wardrobe for spring. Popular looks for men this season: white boat shoes, casual white pants paired with neutral sport jackets, and pops of blue and other brights in long button down shirts. Time to start shopping, boys! Perhaps one of the best looks from the show was a floor length silk coral dress, with a scoop neck and back. Thank goodness for fashonistas, the groundhog predicted an early spring. It’s only a matter of time before we slip out of our sweaters and leggings into the bold fabrics and colors of spring 2011!
THE BAD: Disclaimer: Falling in love with designer collections at Neiman Marcus could result in serious injury to credit card accounts.
THE VERDICT: An inspiring and artistic event, for both lovers of fashion and dance. It is, without a doubt, a must-attend annual Charlotte event.
Some random photos, courtesy of NC Dance Theatre.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Features Valentine's Day gift ideas for the fellas
Posted By Lauren Blake on Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 3:57 PM
Worried about finding the perfect gift for your guy? Don't be stupid, Cupid. Five local shops have that special gift to land the arrow on his heart.
For the music lover: Lunchbox Records (1419-A Central Ave.; 704-331-0788)
Records, CDs and more. And, if you don't know what artist is his pick of the week, a gift certificate is always a safe bet.
"Music is the key to many good men's hearts. Music makes us feel good, remember fun times, or can tell someone how you really feel in a way you can't express that lasts forever. Lunchbox Records has tons of CDs and LPs to make your sweetie feel special and show how much you care and get them." — Owner, Scott Wishart
For the well-groomed guy: NoDa Nail Salon. (2424 N. Davidson St; 704-909-7518)
(photo courtesy of NoDa Nail Salon)
A Man-i-cure! A romantic gift for the man in your life who requires a little R&R.
"The perfect gift this Valentine's Day for the man in your life is a 'man-i-cure.' With day-to-day intense manual activity — whether its landscaping, lifting weights, sales or mechanics — a manicure will provide personal care and attention focusing on nail-shaping, callus elimination and to top it off a relaxation hand massage to help relieve tension build up." — Owner Wanda Belk
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Features A sampling of New Year's Eve dresses found in Charlotte shops
Posted By Lauren Blake on Tue, Dec 21, 2010 at 12:24 PM
Ladies, as we sit and ponder what venue is going to be graced with our presence on New Year's Eve, we must also take into consideration a very important matter: What are we going to wear?
Here are some fabulous dresses we found in the Queen City.
Boris & Natasha (1214 Thomas Ave.; 704-375-0079)
The waistband on this dress is very flattering; so if the holidays have you worried about a few extra pounds, this is a perfect "post-party food" solution. $289.
A little black dress with a plus: The ruffles draw attention to the smallest part of the body! If your goal is to spend less money in 2011, start the year off right with this ensemble at only $64.
Chez-Elle (532 Governor Morrison St.; 704-365-4680)
Gold-sequin jacket: A fun staple piece you can hold on to for years. $298. The feather dress will definitely make a statement; why not make "Take fashion risks" your NYE resolution this year? $326.
Another one-shoulder dress (they're really in this year!) ... but this one is more flowy — a little more fabric and a lot more leeway. Also, check out the beautiful beadwork and trim; $188.
Vivan B (3100 N. Davidson St.; (980) 939-1612)
If your invitation doesn't include "cocktail attire" ... then chill out with this top, which still gives you the option to look glam!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Features Photos: The fashion show at Red Pump/Red Tie Affair
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 11:15 AM
The World AIDS Day event Red Pump/Red Tie Affair was held Wednesday night at the Palmer Building. This year’s gala was a fashion-themed cocktail party serving heavy hors d’oeuvres, complete with live music and entertainment.
Our intern/photographer Debra Renee Seth took some shots of the fashion show below.
To see more photos, click here.
Photos by Debra Renee Seth
Friday, November 19, 2010
Features / Holiday Gift Ideas 2010 Southern Christmas show finds
Posted By Anita Overcash on Fri, Nov 19, 2010 at 5:27 PM
This past weekend, I moseyed on over to the Southern Christmas Show at The Park Expo and Conference Center (formerly Charlotte Merchandise Mart). My goal: To find holiday gifts (in particular, jewelry) for a couple of friends. In that case, I had no need to go armed with a suitcase or bag on wheels, like many of the more hardcore shopping folks.
It didn't take me long, until something caught my eye. I scooped up a few of these embroidery/petit point styled necklaces (see pic below) by Netherlands-native Joke Vandergroef. She's been doing embroidery all of her life and started putting the craft into jewelry form 35 years ago. In addition to the necklaces, she also had ear rings and bracelets for sale, as well as other items, like doilies.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Features Charlotte-centric Halloween costume ideas
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Wed, Oct 27, 2010 at 2:34 PM
"THE PENGUIN IS DEAD!"
Folks familiar (and passionate) about the Penguin Drive-In changing ownership will want to sport this diddy in continued protest of the situation.
Two easy ways to do this costume.
The expensive way: Buy or rent a penguin suit. I'm sure you can find something at Party City or Morris Costumes. To portray the "is dead" effect, tape "X"s over an old pair of sunglasses. You may also want to carry around a cut-out of a jukebox.
The cheap way: The classic "penguin" suit is a tuxedo. If you don't have a tuxedo shirt, Michael's sells them with the bowtie for about $15. Black pants and a black jacket. Don't forget the sunglasses with "X"s, or you could even carry around a tombstone that says RIP Penguin, for added effect.
If you really want to bolster people's enthusiasm for the Plaza Midwood diner, carry around a basket of fried pickles.
THE DISCO CHICKEN
Fans of the shiny statue in front of the Bechtler Museum (The Firebird) have dubbed that landmark the Disco Chicken. The Disco Chicken even has a Facebook page and Twitter account.
How to do this: Aluminum foil and lots of it.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Features Halloween costume idea: Michelle Obama
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Fri, Oct 22, 2010 at 4:59 PM
If I hadn't already psyched myself up about being Marilyn Monroe for Halloween, I would so do this.
I mean, after all, Michelle Obama is ranked the world's most powerful woman. Talk about making a statement.
Some specific details of how to pull together this costume can be found at Outblush.com (see photo below), but I'm sure you could totally find similar items at Goodwill, too.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Features Jordan Heels: Don't do it.
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Thu, Oct 21, 2010 at 3:42 PM
Heels.com asks on its Facebook page:
Do you see that? 21 people LIKED that comment. What the heck?
My response? Don't. Do. It.
Jordans + Heels = NO GOOD
Heels make a woman exude femininity, sophistication, and sexiness. Put a Jordan logo on that and turn the heel into a funked up version of a sneaker, and you've taken all that away.
Here are some more pictures of the Jordan Heels. What do you think?
In the Facebook photo album, the caption reads: "Hi ! Guys, These make an amazing XMAS gift for your women, only available at http://www.jordandeals.info/
Uh, no. If my boyfriend bought these for me, well ... let's just say we'd have to have a serious talk.
