Have you noticed the emergence of bright colors popping up in all the stores lately? That's right — I'm excited, too.

This spring, it's all about color: from pastels and sherbets to bright yellow and the color of the season, Tangerine. We went out to SouthPark Mall to get the expert opinion of Arlene Goldstein, VP of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction at Belk and to get caught up on what we can look forward to seeing from them this season.

Beautiful, vivid colors tops the list, and it is clearly a style statement. In so many ways, the color palettes made me feel quite girly and "lovely," which is exactly the feeling Belk wants its shoppers to have as they search for pieces to add to their spring wardrobe. All of the hip and trendy girls this season will surely have a pair of colored jeans or pants.

This is a huge "must-have" and looks fabulous paired with contracting colors in tops and shoes. We saw silhouettes with feminine details like shirts with ruffles, skirts bearing perfect pleats, even floral prints and stripes. And when it comes to the trend of hemlines this Spring, Goldstein says we "can expect to see it all. Shorter hemlines as well as middi- and maxi - lengths."

Having choices and options are always great for those of you who may not be completely comfortable wearing a mini dress or skirt, and for the ladies who can't easily rock a long frock, the midi-length is right up your alley. Looks like Belk will be one of the first stops on my list of places to shop this season. How about you?

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.

If you haven't fanned Monarch on Facebook, I highly recommend that you go ahead and do so now.

Each day, the "inspired collaborative boutique" offers a sale on a different item. Today, they're doing 20 percent off anything with one-shoulder. Yesterday, the deal was 20 percent off anything green.

They really stay true to that famous quote from Forrest Gump: "Life is like a box of chocolates — you never know what you're gonna get."

If you missed your opportunity to receive a Million Dollar Makeover with Macy's and Clinton Kelley last year, no need to worry. The contest is back again for 2012.

The contest kicked off yesterday, and just as in 2011, the winner will receive the makeover of a lifetime. Clinton Kelley, Macy's style expert and co-host of TLC's What Not To Wear and ABC's The Chew was quoted in a press release, saying, “I’m thrilled to be back hosting Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover. Last year was a whirlwind of excitement and has given me a renewed sense of accomplishment and enthusiasm. Not only will this year’s winner receive one million dollars, but we’re helping bring his or her dream to life!”

I was personally so thrilled to hear about this contest that I considered entering, and after dreaming of all the possibilities last night, today I have decided to move full steam ahead and go for it. So, if you've been bitten by the makeover bug and want to try your hand at the contest too, entries will be taken through Jan. 31. Simply log on to www.facebook.com/macys, like Macy’s Facebook page, and then submit a short entry video about your goals and aspirations in the areas of food, fashion and home.

Last year, there were more than 19,000 entries, so I'm sure competition will be even tougher this year. But hey, one thing I can say is that I'm sure my odds of winning are better than hitting the lotto. Right?

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.

The date has been set (Feb. 11) for the 5th Annual Runway for the Ballet, and tickets (purchase here!) are now available for purchase.

From the press release:

Opening Night Insiders is excited to host the 5th annual Runway for the Ballet, one of Charlotte’s premier fashion events. Presented in two shows, the 4PM matinee provides fun and fashion for all ages, complete with a pre-show reception including complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Then, at 8PM, find your most stylish outfit and celebrate a night out at our evening performance and post-show reception. Don’t miss this night of high-fashion, fun and dance!

This event will definitely sell out, so make sure you go ahead and reserve your tickets now.

For more information, check out the live review we wrote earlier this year. You can also visit the NC Dance Theatre's website. The event will take place at Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance (701 N. Tryon St.).

Do you still believe in Santa Claus? I know I do. How else would I be expecting to wake up to lots and lots of wonderfully gift wrapped boxes of clothing, shoes and jewelry under my Christmas tree in this economy?

Seriously, the season isn't all about receiving — it's more about giving, and wouldn't you like to give in a major way that brings out the kid in you? Well, Macy's is calling on believers of all ages to help grant the wishes of local children as a part of the "Believe" campaign in support of area Make-A-Wish chapters.

From now until Christmas Eve, Macy's is encouraging children, teens and yes, even adults to write letters to Santa. The letters can be dropped off in the Santa Mail letterbox at NorthLake and SouthPark mall and for each letter received, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish foundation up to $1 million. The money raised in Charlotte will support the Central and Western North Carolina chapter of Make-A-Wish and if you would really like to be one of Santa's Helpers, why not start a letter writing campaign in the office or with your child's classroom? Here's a few ideas for inspiration. I've already made my list, so get your pen and paper out and let the wishes flow!

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.

Chronic shoppers, there's a cure on the way: It's shopping's most wonderful time of the year! SouthPark Mall has announced extended holiday hours, allowing both enthusiasts and procrastinators plenty of time to accomplish their holiday shopping.

Schedule:

Thanksgiving Day: Mall Closed

Friday, Nov. 25: 7 a.m.—10 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 26: 8 a.m.—10 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 27: 11 a.m.—7 p.m.

If you're feeling a little shallow about indulging in the shameless “buy, buy, buy” philosophy that seems to go hand-in-hand with holiday gift-giving, take comfort that SouthPark has not forgotten about the spirit of the season of giving. Along with other Simon Malls around the country, from Nov. 1-Dec. 31, SouthPark is partnering with the American Red Cross for their fifth annual Holiday Mail for Heroes program. HMH's goal is to distribute holiday cards to members of the military, veterans and their families.

Cards will be available at the mall's Simon Guest Services through Dec. 31, but on Black Friday, shoppers looking to share their sentiments with troops may write cards at both Simon Guest Services and the American Red Cross table in Circle Court.

Holiday Mail for Heroes hand-delivers the cards to military hospitals throughout the U.S. and also mails them overseas for delivery.

SouthPark (4400 Sharon Road/704-364-4411/Facebook/Twitter)

The Boulevard, born and raised, then closed in NoDa, has reopened again. Their new location is in South End (1440 S. Tryon St., to be precise), and you will love it.

The Boulevard is one of those cool gift shops that offer something for everyone. Much of their merchandise is courtesy of local partners, like Uptown Uniques, Lotus Rouge, Natural Luxe and more.

Parking is available on Summit Street.

Are you a conscious shopper who loves designer digs? Then Monarch is the place for you. Located at 1222 East Blvd. in Dilworth, this upscale consignment boutique could get the ladies in a lot of trouble ... especially now that fall pieces have come in.

Just think about this: Gucci logo ballet flats for only $140. A beautiful vintage wrap dress by Diane Von Furstenburg for $100 (pictured below). I promise you, no women's wardrobe is complete without at least one DVF wrap dress. Other new arrivals include Alice + Olivia, Milly and Tory Burch.

Bonus: You don't have to rummage through racks upon racks to find the good stuff or spend hours on end in the store, unless you just love chatting it up with the owners of Monarch as much as most of their clients do. It's a win-win!

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.

Twenty-five limited pairs of boots via Enemy To Fashion will be available for pre-order on Friday, Oct. 21. The boots, coming out Nov. 1, will be available at Niche.

After having seen some of Caleb Clark's stuff (he's the designer behind the brand), bets are on that these will sell out quickly. They're described as being "constructed of authentic Vietnam era jungle boot uppers reconstructed by Enemy To Fashion with Vibram Sport Soles, Black and White Leather Laces as well as some custom patches."

Need even more to tantalize you? Check out this video:

Enemy To Fashion | The Niche Market - Jungle Boots from enemy2fashion on Vimeo.