As we have been teased with the warmer weather of spring, our temptation to shop is high, but what is a girl to do when gas prices are on the rise? Shop consignment, of course. There is no better way to get labels in your closet without your wallet feeling any pain.

Fifi's, located in the Lake Norman area, is your perfect fine resale shop stop. Most people have preconceived ideas of consignment shops — well, let Fifi's change your mind. Worried about not finding your size? Don't be! Fifi's carries a variety of sizes from PP up to 3x in clothes and shoe sizes from 5 to 13! If you are on the curve-a-licous side, then you are in luck: a curvy girl boutique has been launched specializing in trendy styles from sizes 14 to 24. They carry something for girls of every size.

The next false preconceived idea of consignment shops is that the labels carried are generic. Once again, Fifi's will blow that notion out of the water. They carry a range of pieces from mall department stores such as Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Talbots and Chicos and some faves such as Coach, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Talbots, Tori Burch and Nanette Lepore ... as well as many many more! And if you are looking for a particular piece or look, Fifi's sales associates have an excellent knowledge of the inventory. I know this by experience: I was looking to recreate a look and I was overwhelmed by all the pieces the sales associate brought to my dressing room. (Such as these BCBG shoes!)

Also, if you are doing a little spring cleaning, you can always bring your gently worn items by Fifi's Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. When you consign an item, you collect money as your pieces sell, then you can just turn around and spend that money to replenish your closet.

Why don't you come check out Fifi's this Thursday night, March 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., for their monthly Diva Night, which is a bargain hunters dream. Items are up to 75 percent off and there will also be a special diva guest, a photographer who will be offering complementary head shots. There will also be tasty treats and wine to make the perfect sip and shopping experience. Diva Night is the last Thursday of every month.

Located off Woodlawn Road, Ethan & Zoey Boutique is a “one-stop shop” for any fashionista. Currently sharing their location with Lavish Hair Spa, the storefront offers clients a full service spa that specializes in hair, nails and massages in addition to the fashions of Ethan & Zoey Boutique. Owned by Deidra Young and Jania Massey, the name Ethan & Zoey represents each of their personal styles in very unique ways.

“I represent Ethan,” says Young, wearing leggings with a dark top and black blazer. “My personality is more forward and bold, but the way I dress is more classy and sophisticated, while Jania (Zoey) has a more meek and mild personality, but dresses much more daring.”

Lavish Hair Spa takes over the right wall, with its salon sinks and spa products, while racks of clothing and accessories decorate the left wall, and mannequins sport the latest Ethan & Zoey fashions in the front window. “We shop for what people want and try to find items that are versatile and can be rocked in several different ways,” says Massey. According to Young, accessories are a big thing. “If your shoes are dope and you have on dope earrings, that kind of statements the whole outfit." The clothing offered at the boutique is dynamic and when paired with the right earrings, bracelet or necklace can give shoppers a look that’s all their own

When defining fashion in Charlotte, owners Young and Massey had a lot to say. “I think fashion in Charlotte is really uniformed,” says Massey. “When you go out, it seems like everyone has something on from American Apparel." They both insisted that although nothing is wrong with that look, it's just very generic. “Those women look fabulous and cute but their outfits do not represent their own personal flair,” says Massey. At Ethan & Zoey, they search for fashions that will pop out to any consumer regardless of where their individual style leans.

This spring Young and Massey are expecting to see tons of floral patterns, and although everyone loves flats, heels will be taken to a whole new level. There will be a burst of colors like greens, pinks, and purples, they both agreed.

As for the future of Ethan & Zoey, the owners are hoping to have their own storefront by the end of this year. In the meantime, these ladies work hard to create and maintain one-on-one relationships with their customers through their website blog, Facebook, and events. They devote themselves to establishing a lasting connection and image in the city of Charlotte and they encourage supporting other boutiques in the city as well. Upcoming events and trunk shows featuring Ethan & Zoey can be found on their website at www.EthanandZoey.com.

— Morgan Jones

As soon as I walked into the doors of The Bag Lady, I was greeted with the soft scent of incense, bright beautiful colors and a quiet spirit that you are not normally welcomed with when entering a shop. The owner of The Bag Lady aspires to create that exact feeling — it is part of their mission statement to "aggressively promote an atmosphere of hilarity, serendipity, random enchantment, and unmitigated bodaciousness, preferably simultaneously, for customers and employees alike."

The Bag Lady has been in Charlotte for 16 years and at the present location at 1710 Kenilworth Ave. for four years. The current owner, Karen, became part of the shop 10 years ago when she first started working there; she acquired the shop about a year ago. The shop's full name, The Bag Lady: Provisions for the Wild Woman, was given by the original owner, Hope Swann, which came from the book, Meeting the Madwoman by Linda Leonard. The idea was to take a traditional female archetype that had a negative connotation and turn it into something positive. The Bag Lady represents each of us on our journey in life. What things would we want with us on our journey? Our beloved books that we turn to again and again, journals to record our thoughts, soothing scents and lotions to comfort us, beautiful things to surround us, a talisman or an amulet or a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear as a power piece, and things to make us laugh along the way.

As you make your through the shop, you will notice a variety of merchandise from books, jewelry, greeting cards and meditation tools that will fit any budget. The selection of humorous magnets and bumper stickers as well as their incense, candles, sage and crystals are among their best sellers. The selection of jewelry, much by local artists, is a must-see.

The Bag Lady is a must-visit shop and staple of the Charlotte area. I highly recommended stopping in.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of patronizing one of Charlotte's newest hair care salons, Revolution Ego. The Revolution Ego team (Tinesha, Kelly and Jessica) are three of the most friendly, fabulous stylists I've ever had the pleasure of spending a couple of hours with. My personal stylist, Tinesha, explained that their new salon, which has only been open for about a month, is an "Apple-inspired salon," which basically means that customers are invited to use the in-house iPads while being serviced. Even the music piped through the speaker system comes from the salon iPod. And the salon phone? You guessed it. The iPhone. They also offer free wi-fi should you choose to bring in your own laptop and my favorite, a complimentary glass of wine. Clients are not only able to relax and enjoy themselves, they can also surf the Internet, watch a movie while under the dryer or simply update their Twitter and Facebook statues, as I did for almost the entire duration my visit. What can I say, I'm a social media junkie.

Revolution Ego specializes in all types of haircare for every ethnicity. They do everything from custom color and curly sets to lock services and Anita Grant European Specialty Treatments, AND they do it all in an acceptable amount of time. Seriously ladies, how many times have you spent half of your day in the salon because your stylist was either running late, booked too many clients at one time or was just plain slow? Well, that is never a factor at Revolution Ego. These ladies run their business like, well, a business and really respect and value the personal time of each and every one of their customers. I'm sure by now you're all just itching to have your own Revolution Ego experience so, for your convenience, you can book an online appointment HERE or call them directly at 704-951-7386. As an added bonus, if you have a crazy busy work week Monday-Friday and you would rather spend time at home on Saturdays, this salon is even open on Sundays. (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)

Revolution Ego is located inside the trailblazing Sola Salon in Dilworth at 2000 South Blvd., Suite 120.

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.

Interested in expanding your wardrobe but not shrinking your wallet? Janix Shoes at Stonecrest carries a varied selection of trendy women’s footwear, handbags, tops, dresses, and jewelry at affordable prices. We may be in a recession, but Janix Shoes is adapting in style.

Store owner Jonathan Pettis opened Janix Shoes in September of 2007 in hopes of bringing “high style without the high in prices” to Charlotte. In the heart of the “busiest shopping center on this side of town,” Janix Shoes is an open, welcoming boutique lined with sandals, heels, wedges, and flats that surround vibrant clothing and accessories. The merchandise is bold and colorful with a modern, west coast flair.

“Why spend $400 for a bag when you can come spend $59?” says Pettis, whose inventory includes popular shoe brands such as Jessica Simpson, Carlos Santana, BCBG, and Sergio Zelcer, as well as Jessica Simpson handbags. “I have to find the funky style … to be different from other stores,” Pettis says of the store’s versatile and unusual selection, featuring prints, patterns, metallics, and solids all under one roof.

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Pettis worked in accounting at Macy’s in Manhattan and became familiar with the culture of women’s shoes and bags. “If you can survive in New York, you can survive here,” says Pettis, who has lived in Charlotte since 2005. His goals in opening the store were to be a part of the community and “give back something.” With that goal in mind, every two months Janix Shoes offers customers the opportunity to donate a pair of used shoes in exchange for 30 percent off any new pair of shoes in the store. “We want a big bang for our money,” says Pettis. The next shoe donation special will occur in mid September.

What has kept Janix Shoes going throughout the recession? “Positive thinking,” says Pettis, who says his customers “still want to go out and have fun.” With shoes ranging from $39-$89, handbags ranging from $49-$69, and clothing (including plus sizes) ranging from $19-$32, looking fashionable during tough economic times is still a possibility. “You can go a long way and still pay your bills

Looking to feed your shoe addiction?  Check out STEP by Sloan in Dilworth. Featuring contemporary and luxury heels, flats, and more, STEP by Sloan will satisfy any shoe lover’s cravings.

Dan Mauney, co-owner of STEP by Sloan, strives to offer quality service and a varied selection of footwear, encouraging each customer to “be who you are and don’t force yourself into a box.”  While offering a variety of price points, the store environment is open and welcoming, correlating with Mauney’s belief that customers “shouldn’t feel like they have to dress up” to come in the store.  The white cushioned benches and large store windows give the store a chic, well-lit ambience amidst upbeat techno music.

“Don’t let age limit you.  Don’t let age and friends dictate what you’re wearing,” says Mauney, who believes the selection at STEP by Sloan truly caters to the lifestyle of the Charlotte customer.  STEP by Sloan footwear is trendy and diversified, just like its neighborhood surroundings.  “We love Dilworth,” says Mauney of the store location.  “Dilworth is a great place for us to call home.”  Located upstairs from its sister store, Sloan, Mauney believes that the stores together are a “one stop shop” for the perfect fashionable outfit.

Mauney has spent years immersing himself in the shoe business.  A native of Cherryville, Mauney attended Gardner-Webb with hopes of becoming a minister, only to find that his true calling was fashion. He went on to become a shoe buyer for Belk in Charlotte and Greenville for five years, then opened and managed Via Veneto at Phillips Place. Seven years ago, he embarked on a new endeavor: STEP by Sloan.

The store mascot, Spike the dachshund, enjoys greeting STEP by Sloan customers while they shop for brands such as Dolce Vita, Cordani, Cole Haan, Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg, Giuseppe Zanotti, BCBG, and Modern Vintage. “We try to offer the best and have fun,” says Mauney.  STEP by Sloan also sends out comedic fashion and pop culture emails to its customers in order to creatively market their products and keep customers intrigued.  Mauney is proud of his store’s individual, lighthearted outlook. “We do our own thing and have fun.”

1419 East Blvd. Suite M

704-376-1275

www.stepbysloan.com

Facebook: STEP by Sloan

Twitter: @DANTHESHOEMAN

Finding the perfect running shoe is as simple as turning on a computer.  The employees at Charlotte Running Company use technology and knowledge to ensure an ideal running, walking, and shopping experience for each customer.

Scott Dvorak, store owner and running enthusiast, opened Charlotte Running Company in 2000 with hopes to give runners and walkers the opportunity to “go where there is a knowledge base.”  Dvorak’s store uses video gait analysis, a motion software, to observe the movement of each customer’s feet while on a treadmill.  If customers need orthotics, Aetrex foot scanning is used in order to accurately measure feet.  His approach is detailed and effective, emphasizing the “amount of time spent with customers” in order to satisfy their running and walking needs.

Dvorak ran track and field and cross country while at NC State University, continued on to a post-collegiate career in running for Reebok, then tried out for the 1996 Olympics.  Now, he is using his experience and knowledge to benefit other athletes through his business.  “My employees love running,” says Dvorak, whose store also carries running clothing and accessories.

Looking for chic shoes at an affordable price? Seventy-Two Shoe Boutique in Blakeney is having a sale from July 2-6, including deals of up to 50 percent off regular prices on designer footwear, 25 percent off handbags, and an additional 20 percent off already reduced items. Spend $150 or more and earn $50 off your next purchase starting July 20.

Seventy-Two Shoe Boutique has been open since March of this year. The store carries Cocobelle, DKNY, Nicole, Butter, BCBG Max Azria, Ann Roth, Via Spiga, Taryn Rose, Juicy Couture, Beverly Feldman, and many other trendy designers.

Store owner Jennifer J. Keen describes Seventy-Two Shoe Boutique as a “new gem,” featuring a varied selection of shoes, handbags, and accessories. Many of the store’s shoes are Italian-made and Brazilian-made, and each pair has a unique personality. From flirty Beverly Feldman sandals to versatile BCBG Max Azria pumps, Seventy-Two Shoe Boutique has a shoe for every occasion. “Your handbag and shoes can make your outfit look like one million dollars,” says Keen.

“I have always had a passion for shoes,” says Keen, a Winston-Salem native who graduated with a degree in computer science from North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro. She dreamed of opening up her own shoe store while living in New York City. “It was something I believed in,” she says. Inspired by her “fashion heaven” surroundings, Keen opted to “bring that flavor and flair here to Charlotte” by following her passion and opening Seventy-Two Shoe Boutique.

One of her main concerns is making sure that the store’s assortment doesn’t overlap with department store or discount store styles. According to Keen, her store offers a “new spin” on footwear by embracing color and variety with an edge. Her advice to shoppers is simple: “Wear that yellow shoe and look fabulous!”

Seventy-Two Shoe Boutique

9856-G Rea Road

704-542-0472

www.72shoeboutique.com

Monday-Saturday – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday – by appointment only