Fashion: Not only can it makes you look cool, but it can also make you feel cool, too.

Local apparel company Canvassed Apparel — known for gear catering to snowboarders, wakeboarders and skateboarders — is doing its part to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy up north.

Due to the recent devastation of Hurricane Sandy's path up the east coast, Canvassed Apparel, a Charlotte-based clothing company, has released a special edition "Right Coast" t-shirt. $5 from every sale of this shirt between now and the end of the year to be donated to the American Red Cross to benefit Hurricane Sandy relief.

Also known as STZ (pronounced "steeze"), Canvassed Apparel brands heavily on the east coast's surf/skate/snow/wake industry. "We saw an opportunity to use our most popular product to generate support for those who are experiencing the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy," said STZ - Canvassed Apparel co-owner, Todd Clark. "The Right Coast tee design has been part of our line for quite some time. As our most popular graphic, we saw fitting to pair it with a message and opportunity for our followers to unite for a great cause."

"A big part of our philosophy is our philanthropy of social responsibility," Canvassed Apparel co-owner Todd Clark told CL in a previous interview. "We want to be that company that gives back to the community because the community is what makes you."

The special edition colorway of the Right Coast t-shirt is available at www.CanvassedApparel.com for $20, $5 of which will be donated directly to support the American Red Cross relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy.

South End has seen the addition of a new boutique to its retail family, Blank Canvas, Inc.

Blank Canvas carries merchandise with eclectic, fashion-forward men and women in mind. Owners Nicole Blackmon and Harold Jordan are entrepreneurs with a lengthy background in design, working as an interior designer and architect, respectively. They were working together at an architecture firm when Jordan convinced Blackmon to turn the dream of opening her own boutique into a reality.

"That was about a year and a half ago," says Blackmon. "We had some unexpected challenges. We originally wanted this location, then it became unavailable. So we went elsewhere looking at five or six different places then we came on this radar so we jumped on it within two days of it being back on Craigslist." Jordan says opening the store has been "a real learning experience, every single day."

“Hope chests.” “Glory Boxes.” I don’t know much about them, but a quick Wikipedia search informs me that, to the unmarried young women of yesteryear, they were “used to collect items such as clothing and household linen ... in anticipation of married life.” But in my pop-culturally programmed mind, all they conjure up is that episode of Sex and the City (don’t act like you don’t know the one) where Charlotte’s friend appropriates the name of her imagined unborn child, leaving the ever romantic Charlotte to reckon with all the as of yet unrealized dreams hiding in her hope chest.

I didn’t ask entrepreneur Christy Ward if she’s ever had a hope chest, but if she did, I know at least one item I would’ve found in there: the word “Blend," written in the penmanship promises are made of. Ward opened Blend Boutique just two weeks ago, and the first-time store owner is thrilled. “It all happened really quickly, but I’ve had the name 'Blend' picked out since forever.”

Located in south Charlotte’s mixed-use Ballantyne Village shopping center, the women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories boutique carries fashion-forward brands such as Bec & Bridge, Chan Luu, Citizens of Humanity, KAIN Label, LNA, Mother Denim, MYNE, and Ramona LaRue.

As if it weren’t already hard enough to walk out of Target without spending money, the retail store recently announced the debut of a holiday collection, in collaboration with department store Neiman Marcus.

The partnership will feature 24 designers, among them Council of Fashion Designers of America sweethearts Brian Atwood, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, and Tory Burch. The collaboration marks the finale of the CFDA’s 50th Anniversary celebration.

Target is no stranger to designer collaborations. Their GO International collection, launched over five years ago, has featured prominent designers at affordable prices. Erin Fetherston, Thakoon, Zac Posen and Rodarte have all offered their designs to the collection.

• http://www.neimanmarcus.com/blog/womens/neiman-marcus-target

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.

• http://vestiqueblog.com/

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.

As the city starts to heat up with CIAA tournament game attendees, executives and partygoers alike, I"m sure you're wondering what the fashion lovers get themselves into. While there are a ton of social activities to choose from this week, there are only a few that are fashion-focused, and as the StyleMayvin, you know that's right up my alley!

So, here are three great events to wet your style whistle.

On Wednesday, Feb. 29. head over to The Ritz Carlton in Uptown to check out the So Vintage Fashion Show produced by Fierce. A-Dot from Power 98 is hosting the event and it looks like this will be a great way to kick off your CIAA week. Tickets start at $20 and are available at www.ez-tixx.com or for a VIP table call 704-957-0340. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. and is open to fashionistas of all ages, even the mini divas in training.

Also starting on Wednesday, you can enjoy three nights of fashion with Mode Noir — CIAA Fashion Week. This is slated as a high-end fashion production that will showcase emerging and national designers as well as local Q.C. boutiques from Feb. 29 through March 2. The purpose is to raise funds for the Presbyterian Hospital Blume Center of Charlotte, which treats children with Sickle Cell Disease so not only will attendees have a very stylish time, it's all about fashion for a cause. The event starts nightly at 7 p.m. at 1800 Brewton Drive. Tickets can be purchased at modenoir.eventbrite.com.

For her first annual event, Crystal Butler brings "Glamaholics" to Charlotte. This is a networking event that was "designed to connect men and women of the fashion, art and beauty industry as well as introduce them to premium brands." I'm interested to see this particular event because it's slated to be twice the fun than expected. For the first two hours, attendees will get their network and mingle on while also enjoying the artwork, a makeup station and a selection of jewelry as well as the offerings of the other vendors. Then, the second half of the event will consist of a runway show and a special segment entitled "ShoePhoria." All the fun will culminate at the First Ward Recreation Center on Saturday, March 3 from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. $20 advance tickets can be purchased at www.glamaholics.com.

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.

Who knew a glimpse of Paris was nestled in the Metropolitan shopping area? Well, customers will get a taste of French couture at the new Lipp Boutique. Owner Shital Vaghasiya finally opened her dream store, and she is eager to share her excitement.

Opening a boutique wasn't at the top of the Chicago native's to-do list, but after franchising for Jimmy John's for more than 10 years, it was time to try something new. After moving to the Queen City three years ago to be with her husband, Vaghasiya decided to try her hand at fashion. The entrepreneur believes that working in fashion is not that different from working in food. “I’m selling different products, but I’m selling what I love,” she says.

The owner wanted a boutique with a four-letter name and a retro design. "My designer friend recommended naming the store Lipp after a brasserie in Paris. So, I came up with Lipp: living in perfect pleasure," she says.

• Allison Campbell

• www.facebook.com/lillypulitzersouthpark

Lilly's coming to town, and she's intent on painting Charlotte pink and green.

Tomorrow morning at 10 a.m., the doors open to the Lilly Pulitzer store at South Park Mall. The first person in line will get the privilege of cutting the (pink, of course) ribbon.

According to Charlotte Smarty Pants, "Each dressing room has a hand-painted theme, centered around Charlotte. The Queen City toile is definitely one to admire as it features landmarks all over Charlotte but with a Lilly twist."

To get a sneak peek of the store, read the rest of the blog post by Charlotte Smarty Pants.

And heads up: The Lilly Pulitzer store's grand opening celebration is happening Feb. 25 and 26, complete with live paintings, mystery giveaways and more.

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting a violinist in the Charlotte Symphony who has a knack for vintage fashion. Judith Beverly Craycraft is the owner of a new store called Backstage. It takes over the old Hong Kong Vintage space down on Central Avenue.

“The whole theme of Backstage is a tribute to the performing arts through vintage clothing, costumes, antiques and collectibles,” Craycraft proudly says. Opening on Jan. 1, Craycraft says she moved the store Asheville because it was bought out by developers. "This [place] has been a vintage location before," Craycraft says, "so, it made sense for us to move in here."

Upon entering the store, I'm reminded of the scenes and costumes in Fred Astaire's movie Top Hat. It helps that soft jazz music whispers in the background. It's apparent one can live out his or her Broadway or burlesque fantasies by shopping here.

What initially caught my eye was the jewelry. A stunning red coral necklace glistening like candy drew me to the center of the store. Craycraft says most of the bohemian and rhinestone jewelry is imported, but she designs red coral, turquoise, and quartz crystal pieces.

The racks overflow with Sergeant Pepper-inspired tailcoats, military jackets, tuxedo shirts with frilly-fronts, and classic smoking jackets. Craycraft says the store is a great outlet for her sewing — she transforms men's jackets into “tricked-out formalwear.” For accessories, she also has military hats, leather tap shoes, and antique shaving cups (a teacup with a mustache rest).