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Tuesday, April 5, 2011
News / Events Check out the NEW Lotus
Posted By T. Strong on Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 1:41 PM
Lotus boutique has been a longtime staple in Charlotte's emerging fashion industry, and now they've relocated to the up and coming Metropolitan area. The owner, Effie Loukas, is one of the coolest, most fashionable women I know, and her eye for style trends is impeccable. I mean, literally ... we love all of the same stuff and if you haven't visited the store yet, here's your opportunity. I promise there will be more things you LOVE than not. This Friday, April 8 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Lotus will be hosting its grand opening followed by an after-party at Vivace. There's nothing better than a night of Fashion and Food so make sure you send in your RSVP today to info@lotuslook.com. Plan to arrive early because there's also a special giveaway for the first 10 customers. See you on the red carpet.
Lotus is located at 1111 Metropolitan Ave.
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.
News / Events REMINDER: Charlotte Style Mag's 3rd Annual 25 Most Stylish event
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 9:27 AM
For a night of fashion, charity, good company and stylish looks on and off the runway, you'll want to keep April 9 open on your calendar.
The details have been finalized for Charlotte STYLE Magazine's 3rd Annual 25 Most Stylish People in Charlotte event, happening at Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte, 950 N. Polk St. on Saturday, April 9.
The event honors 25 folks in Charlotte who have proven they've got style. In addition, attendees will enjoy a “Go Red Celebrity Fashion Show,” where professional athletes, celebrities and media personalities will wear signature red looks and walk the runway in support of the American Heart Association.
Confirmed boutiques and designers include Kotani Rae, 5-Minutes Apart, MiikelleDeFo, Fresh Boutique and The Pink Hanger. New to this event is a luxurious car show presented by Mercedes of South Charlotte, highlighting their most stylish vehicles.
To purchase tickets, which range from $25-$50, click this link.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
News / Hot Spots Bang & Olufsen opens in SouthEnd
Posted By T. Strong on Thu, Mar 31, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Are you into technology? I mean REALLY into technology? Well, the new Bang & Olufsen Showroom is where you need to be.
I went down to take a look at all of the exciting new items they have on display, and I'm normally not a techie but these guys really know how to show off their product. One of my favorites was an amazingly stylish TV hanging on the wall like a piece of artwork. It had what I'm sure was the clearest picture I've ever seen, worth $10K, retailing at $7K. What made it so stylish, you ask? It has interchanging, colored speaker covers just in case my TV has a "fashion mood" that needs to be changed on any given day. Even the remote control was cutting edge ... now do you see why I fell in love?
Located in the Historic South End retail district of Charlotte, the 2,056 square foot building was the perfect place to showcase the New iPad docking station - BeoSound 8 and unveil, for the first time to the Charlotte media, the NEW Audi A8 with Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. I was blown away by the precision in sound of each of the products shown, but I guess for a company who's been in business since 1925, that's to be expected.
I'm sure there are a number of DJs who still have classic Bang & Olufsen turntables, which sadly, they don't make anymore, but the company has definitely made its mark in history. Bang & Olufsen is one of the few tech companies who have a permanent exhibit in The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York — and now we have our very own B&F showroom here in the Queen City. That's what I call quality to last a lifetime.
Check out Bang & Olufsen at 1700 Camden Road. 704-372-7375.
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.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
News / Hot Spots Race to the rack ... Nordstrom Rack, that is
Posted By T. Strong on Wed, Mar 30, 2011 at 2:57 PM
The official opening for the Q.C.'s newest guilty pleasure, Nordstrom Rack will be happening bright and early tomorrow morning.
The line usually begins to form at around 6 a.m. or 7 a.m., so get your rain gear ready for your chance to win a $2,000 shopping spree. The "Race Through The Rack" sweepstakes winner will be announced at 8:45 a.m. and no pre-purchase is necessary to enter. Luckily, I had the exclusive opportunity to go in today and scope out some of the fabulously fashionable, yet affordable merchandise they have to offer. (I love my job!)
If you like shopping the Nordstrom retailers in the mall, you will absolutely adore the Nordstrom Rack. It's the same great designer merchandise from the top names like Vivienne Tam, Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana but at outlet prices. Starting at 50 percent to 60 percent off and constantly changing to give customers the "rack" up on tons of coveted designer pieces. With over 25,000 pairs of shoes on a regular basis (swoon), I simply fell in love with the entire far left wall of the store. It is covered with shoes, shoes and more shoes ranging in sizes 4-13 for women and 7-16 for men. There are collections for men, women and children and ladies, they even have Spanx ... on SALE.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
News Now casting: Project Runway Season 9
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Mar 29, 2011 at 9:59 AM
Local Charlotte fashion designers! Project Runway is now taking applications for casting season 9, and I'm urging you to put in your bid.
We've got a lot of talent here in the Carolinas, so designers, step up and represent us! The deadline to apply is April 15.
Here's the info from the casting site:
Have what it takes to show your stuff at New York fashion week? This is your chance!
The minimum age to apply for the show is 21.
For more details, information and to apply, please fill out the application (Download) and follow the directions on it.
The deadline for us to receive applications is April 15th.
That said, our invite only casting calls begin in late April. Getting your submission in as soon as possible guarantees that you can be invited to the call that is geographically closest to you. Please don't wait until the last minute - fill out the application and get us all of your info immediately!
All applications should be sent to:
Project Runway Casting
Bunim-Murray Productions
6007 Sepulveda Blvd. Van Nuys, CA 91411
See our FAQS for information on how to make an audition tape. We prefer submissions of Mini-DV, DVD or media files, as listed on the application.
Questions? Send your e-mails to prcasting@bunim-murray.com.
News Buffalo Exchange opening in Plaza Midwood in mid-April
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Tue, Mar 29, 2011 at 9:33 AM
Shoppers and lovers of new and recycled fashion, get excited. Buffalo Exchange is opening its first shop in North Carolina, right here in Charlotte. Here's a snippet from the press release:
BUFFALO EXCHANGE TO OPEN FIRST NORTH CAROLINA SHOP
Unique resale clothing store plans to open its first Charlotte location on April 16
CHARLOTTE, NC — Buffalo Exchange brings the original concept of buy-sell-trade clothing to Charlotte with the opening of its first North Carolina store, located in the Plaza-Midwood neighborhood at 1521 Central Avenue (west of The Plaza), Charlotte, NC 28205, phone 704-372-2300, in mid-April 2011. Free public parking is available directly across the street. Store hours will be Monday-Saturday 11–7 and Sunday 12–6.
The Charlotte Buffalo Exchange will be near other independent businesses and local salons, tattoo and vintage shops. The sales floor is 2,650 square feet, in a charming old brick building. There are roomy, well-lit dressing rooms -- six women’s and three men’s -- plus two buy counters, where customers can sell their clothes for cash or trade. The store will open with an eclectic inventory from Buffalo Exchange stores from New York to California.
For a better idea of what to expect from this new retail concept coming to Plaza Midwood (in the old Pura Vida spot), check out this video.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
News / Merch to Purch Buy this locally designed T-shirt, help out Japan tsunami victims
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Thu, Mar 24, 2011 at 2:17 PM
Tomorrow it will be two weeks since the earthquake/tsunami hit Japan. On Monday, the death toll was estimated to be more than 18,000 people. Can you imagine? More than eighteen-THOUSAND people have lost their lives in this natural disaster. It's almost unreal, isn't it?
News reports have also indicated that rebuilding in Japan is estimated to cost over $235 billion. Opportunities are popping up all over the place to donate money to help out, and here's another one — a worthy one if you're interested in supporting a local designer as well.
Rolandas Hauser is the owner and operator of Word Apparel, based here out of Charlotte. Perusing his online shop, you'll find an interesting array of colorful T-shirts, many boasting the simple phrase "Word," watches and more. Recently, he's designed a T-shirt for sale in an effort to provide aid to Japan — 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Red Cross.
"For my design I focused on the heritage and culture of Japan," says Hauser. "In these difficult times, I wanted to remind people of the beauty and pride that the Japanese culture brings to the world. They will persevere, and it is important to focus on the future, and the beauty that will return."
Hauser personally prints each shirt on American Apparel, and they are available in both mens and ladies sizes for $20. Different colored shirts are available by special request. You can specify what color you want during checkout in the 'Instructions to Merchant' section.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
News New stores coming to Southpark
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Wed, Mar 23, 2011 at 9:22 AM
"Whimsical neckties," a "cupcake boutique," and "alternative furniture"? All sounds good to me. Check out this press release to see what new stores are coming to Southpark this spring.
SouthPark Lures New, First-to-Market Stores, Offers Added Variety to Mall Shoppers
CHARLOTTE (March 22, 2011) – SouthPark, North Carolina’s premier shopping destination, is pleased to announce the addition of three new stores to its retail roster this spring. From sweet treats and stylish threads to creative furniture, SouthPark’s newest stores add even more variety to the property’s already diverse retail lineup.
Vineyard Vines, a company best known for its whimsical neckties and smiling pink whale logo, will open in the Nordstrom Wing in June 2011. The 3,817 square foot store marks the company’s first retail location in North Carolina and their 14th free-standing store. Since its inception in 1998, Vineyard Vines has enjoyed a dedicated fan base among Charlotte’s preppy set. The new store will offer the company’s full line of clothing for men, women and children, and of course, those infamous ties.
My Sweet Sadie’s will join The Village at SouthPark this fall and bring something sweet and delicious to the property. My Sweet Sadie’s – the chic, unique cupcake boutique – occupying a 1,260 square foot space, will offer shoppers a mid-day sweet treat or tasty dessert perfectly paired with a freshly brewed, caffeinated pick-me-up or glass of bubbly on the weekends. Offering free Wi-Fi and plentiful seating, the boutique – and brainchild of owner Adilah Sherrelle – is sure to become a SouthPark favorite. My Sweet Sadie’s is also available for private affairs – perfect for bridal and baby showers as well as birthday parties.
LoveSac Alternative Furniture Co. will open its first store in North Carolina near the main SouthPark mall entrance in late-Spring 2011. The 1,028 square foot store will offer LoveSac’s patented product Sactionals - washable, changeable completely modular furniture for families who understand “life changes, so should your furniture.” As a complete home furnishings retailer LoveSac Alternative Furniture Co. also offers lighting, floor coverings, bedding and oversized Sacs.
www.lovesac.com (lovesac.com is not a dirty website)
Monday, March 21, 2011
News Meet designer Carmen Marc Valvo
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Mon, Mar 21, 2011 at 2:51 PM
Hang out with New York-based designer Carmen Marc Valvo this Tuesday at Coplon's (6809 Phillips Place Court), as he unveils his spring and summer collection.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
News / Events Win tickets to The Art Institute's Creative Showcase
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 10:53 AM
The Art Institute of Charlotte is known for churning out all sorts of creatives. One person that comes to mind, for me personally, is my good friend Ashley Goodwin. Not only is she swinging colors left and right as an interior designer with Lucy and Company, but she's also a fabulous photographer, doing everything from boudoir and wedding shoots to Creative Loafing's food photos. Talk about a creative overachiever, no?
On Tuesday, March 22, at 7 p.m., The Art Institute will present their Creative Showcase at Knight Theater. This event gives us regular Charlotteans the opportunity to check out some of the works of the Institute's students, showcasing innovations in design, media arts, fashion (we love fashion shows, don't we?) and culinary arts. It's sure to leave you feeling inspired. Hey, maybe this is the kick you need to finally go paint that Rembrandt-esque portrait you've always wanted to do.
And now,the most important part of this blog post: We're giving away tickets! E-mail me at kimberly.lawson@creativeloafing.com to enter for a chance to win! (You must be able to come by our offices at the N.C. Music Factory by 4 p.m. Tuesday to pick up your tickets.)
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All About Style: Checking out the new Blush Boutique
A visit to the South End boutique yields great finds for women.
