The wait for the new chapter of TOMS is finally over.

Yesterday, June 7, stores around the world simultaneously unveiled the new TOMS product. At every location, the secret product was hidden inside a box that was 7 feet tall, 16 inches across and weighed 70 lbs.

The only unveil in North Carolina was held at Revolution, where crowds gathered wondering what could be in the box, no one had a clue.

As the unveiling time grew closer, the TOMS representatives pressed play on a video where TOMS founder, Blake Mycoskie, came onto the screen and started explaining how the "One for One" idea would still apply to the new chapter.

That's when he said those three words everyone was waiting for: "Open the box."

As the TOMS representatives unlocked the tall box everyone in the room moved in closer to get a better look. Drumroll, please ... The new product is eyewear.

Just as with the shoe movement, when someone buys a pair of shoes, a person in need gets a pair as well, Mycoskie wanted to start a sight movement.

When a person purchases a pair of TOMS eyewear, someone will get their sight back by one of three ways, including sight-saving surgery, medical treatment or corrective lenses. This not only applies to children but also adults. The goal is to help people all around the world. The locations that TOMS is starting with are Nepal, Cambodia and Tibet.

The sunglasses are special because on the sides are three hand-painted stripes that each tell a different story. The first stripe represents you, the stripe on the tip represents the person you are helping and the middle stripe signifies TOMS and the bringing together of people.

TOMS eyeware is now available online and in some stores.

The renown shoe company TOMS, who have taken it upon themselves to work to put a pair of shoes on every child in need, is announcing a new product today. Keeping with the company mission to help those less fortunate, this new product will also work to fulfill a worldwide need.

The men's/women's shop Revolution in the EpiCentre will be participating in a country-wide, simultaneous opening of a mystery box that will contain the new product today at 1:30 p.m.

The box measures 7 feet tall, 16 inches across and weighs 70lbs and is symbolic of TOMS' evolution from a shoe company to a "one for one" company.

On Sunday, the Charlotte Observer posted a story on their site about the recent string of break-ins at locally owned boutiques. When the story had been published, five stores had been burglarized: Sloan, IC London, Monkee's, Black & Blue, and Fresh.

In fact, Sunday morning, after the story had gone to press, Emily Haggart, the owner of Fresh, posted on their Facebook that the store had been hit again.

Sadly, this morning I woke up to discover another locally owned shop had been broken into. And not far from my own home.

Vivian B, a boutique that opened up NoDa last year, was the latest spot to be targeted by the "smash and grab" hoodlums. Glass glittered the sidewalk and the shop was eerily empty of merchandise. Two police officers were investigating the scene when I drove by.

The loss these local owners face amount to thousands of dollars, and it's just so disheartening. It's not like these criminals are stealing from Walmart or Target, where owners don't feel the pinch of such circumstances. The people who own these shops are just like you and me: average people just trying to make a living for themselves.

I have to tip my imaginary hat to the store owners, though, who, despite dealing with such ugliness, are maintaining positive attitudes through their respective ordeals. The world needs more of you folks.

Here's hoping that whoever's breaking into these locally owned shops gets caught soon.

If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Start your summer off with a fitness bang — or should I say stretch.

Lululemon athletica believes in people having long, fun and healthy lives.  That is why they have decided to open the first full retail store at our very own South Park Mall here in Charlotte.

Charlotte is full of different kinds of athletic and workout opportunities, so why not add more chances to get involved in yoga and look good while doing it.

Starting this Friday, May 20, men and women will be able to find yoga apparel and accessories that are not only stylish but made for your specific exercises.  The store will offer different kinds of clothing for all sizes and also different levels of support for either running or yoga.

You may be wondering what is so special about Luluemon's products.  They are strictly yoga-inspired apparel made from technical fabrics and designed to be functional as you move and twist around giving your body the ultimate workout.

The South Park store has partnered up with other yoga stores and fitness centers around the city to find out what is best for us. They will be offering classes and demos to all guests who are interested.

The fun doesn't stop there. Come in on Saturday and participate in a Vinyasa Flow Yoga class at 8:30 a.m. instructed by Lululemon ambassador Tanner Bazemore of Y2 Yoga.

Don't worry if that time doesn't work for you. Try again Sunday morning at the 11 a.m. rise and shine Vinyasa Flow class led by Amity Whalen of Yogaflex.  Both in-store classes are complimentary and open to the public.

The normal store will be open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(Photos taken from Lululemon athletica's Facebook)

In my never-ending quest to find boutiques with an interesting twist, I stumbled across a great new consignment shop.

Like most other shops of its kind, Buffalo Exchange buys and resells merchandise but boasts "cash, not consignment" as their way of business. Everything from shoes, to jackets, accessories, women and men's clothing and they also "trade."

Need a trendy top, a cute pair of jeans or a fabulous pair of Michael Kors sandals? Yes ... I said Michael Kors.

This boutique is a great place to go. You can find items from various designers from high ticket to low but all being sold at a wonderfully afordable price. In fact, my teenage son and I both found a new favorite while going through the racks.  I found a fantastic floral print dress by Oscar de la Renta. And he picked up Nike sneakers, barely worn with the replacement laces tucked inside (unused), circa 1999.  And to top it off, the cashier gave us the option of going plastic or token. I'm used to hearing "paper or plastic" at my local supermarket but "token"?  That was a new one. Essentially, if you don't take a plastic bag, you receive a token worth $0.05 to deposit into one of the charity boxes mounted on the wall as you leave the store. They then donate all of the money to the selected charities. Isn't that awesome? Needless to say, in an effort to support a "green" shopping experience, we opted for the tokens.

If you love affordable shopping with a cause and know that there are tons of hidden little gems to be found in boutiques just like this one, check out Buffalo Exchange located at 1521 Central Ave. in Plaza Midwood.

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.

In case you hadn't heard, The Boulevard is leaving their NoDa location. This will be the final weekend that they'll be open for business, so you should definitely head over and wish the ladies good luck. Their last day open will be April 26.

Word has it that they haven't found a new location yet.

On 4/20 (tomorrow), you may want to wait until 4:20 p.m. to "celebrate" this "holiday" the traditional way. Otherwise, you'll miss out on the release of Cheech and Chong's official Nike shoe.

Officially called the Nike SB Dunk High 420 Cheech & Chong, Black Sheep Skate Shop in SouthEnd will be the spot to grab you up a pair. According to Joseph Karlovich, owner and editor of sneakerobsession, a website that covers the sneaker subculture, "The left sneaker represents Chong with graphics on the foxing resembling his signature red bandana and the right sneaker honors Cheech, also obvious by the foxing representing his signature red skully."

Only 1,000 pairs will be produced worldwide, so to get in on this limited edition shoe, you may want to line up at the store tonight. Folks did for last year's 420 release of the “Skunk” Dunks.

For more information about this shoe, check out this article on MSNBC.

Shop K-La's selection of cute, affordable designer apparel on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, and get a free gift. Sounds like a win-win situation to me!

K-La is located at 6815-B Phillips Place Court.