Picture it: Jada Pinkett Smith holding tacky denim vests with rhinestones all over them trying to convince her besties that they should wear them in their mid-forties on a trip to New Orleans. The response? "You should be bedazzling some d*ck."

If I didn't laugh at anything else, that line alone would have been worth the price of admission for the new movie Girls Trip (reviewed on page 23).

You know the deal, now time to rewind.

Monday nights are supposed to be a night when you leave work, go home and go to bed. The weekend is over and Friday is the next day you're looking forward to.

That's why me and my girls decided we were going to be "adults" and go to a movie instead of hanging out and drinking all night. However, as any regular reader of this column could have guessed, we went out and went to the movies. #gofigure

I gathered my things after work and decided I was in for a "movie night," but little did I know it would turn into a "thing."

Oh, who am I kidding? Any night with my real life version of the "flossy posse" is always a thing. After all, these are the girls I do "wine night" with until all hours of the night at The Corner Pub on a regular basis.

When I showed up at Tin Roof in the Epicentre, I got a taste for what kind of night it was going to be when I noticed one of the specials was Deep Eddy's vodka for $5. Who can resist a $5 Red Bull vodka?

It wasn't until I'd brought the AMC voucher I'd gotten for a Christmas present two years prior that I realized I wouldn't be able to use it at Studio Movie Grill for a free movie. So I reluctantly purchased the $5 Groupon and proceeded to secure seats for everyone in the group.

At 7 p.m. sharp, we were in our seats, buckled in and ready for the comedic ride one of my friends (who'd already seen the movie) had promised.

No one would've suspected that three blondes, a brunette and a black girl would be seeing this movie together, but there we were piling into the same row to see this movie with an all-black cast. We knew we needed to save money so we decided to get two buckets of Coors Light.

Throughout the movie, as you're probably already imagining, there were so many awkward moments.

The casual usage of derogatory terms, the little nuances in language that I didn't know if my counterparts understood, and yet, everyone seemed to feel quite at home — #winningforasmalltownblackgirl. I shed my judgments and misconceptions and let the "black girl magic" happen.

Not even a beer later, my friend was chatting with me about the similarities between all of us and the characters in the movie. I looked at the rest of our row who were enthralled in the movie and that's when I realized ... We. Were. Sold.

Next thing you know, we're "loud whispering" with an attendant about whether or not we'd gotten two buckets or three (Anyone who's been to SMG knows the service is hit or miss which can be quite irritating).

As for the movie, it was phenomenal and has earned every comparison to white counterparts like Bridesmaids and male counterparts like The Hangover. But again I pose a question: Who can resist a movie where Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah reunite?(If you haven't seen Set it Off yet, go find a copy.)

The movie ended and I imagine we were riding the same wave that a group of guys would experience after seeing The Hangover for the first time — an extreme desire to get really drunk and tear down the city. We laughed about the idea of getting personalized necklaces made for our group and joked about the possibilities for a group name other than "flossy posse." You can only imagine how far down the rabbit hole that took us. We grabbed a couple more drinks while everyone else watched us wondering what kind of drug we were on, but the truth was, while we were a tad tipsy, we were just excited about having a night out in the Q.C. with just the girls.

What's better? We have a trip planned to NOLA for January and we're now more than ready after witnessing some of the most epic nightlife spots and experiences in the area. Zip-lining from bar to bar? Wig night? Oh yeah, that's happening when we visit the "Big Easy" in a few short months.

When you're itching for a night out with the girls, what do you do in the Queen City? Share it with me at backtalk@clclt.com!

Being a responsible adult on a Thursday night is always a challenge. Friday's right around the corner, the weekend is only an eight-hour jail sentence away and everyone in the office wants to go out. This past Thursday, however, I was dead set on not staying out late or being hungover and yet, I wanted to do something. Surprise, surprise.

A couple friends mentioned that a new three-story venue, Loft & Cellar, was officially opening later in the evening and suggested I check it out. I decided to check Instagram — so I know it's real – and sure enough, the account verified that the new spot was open for business. It seemed low key enough for a slight Thursday night turn up, so I convinced two of my co-workers to go with me.

It wasn't until I looked up the new spot on Google that I realized this was the place that had been in the works for months right next door to one of my favorite hot dogs spots in the Q.C. – Green's Lunch. I'd walked past it a few times during the construction process but never thought much about what would end up there.

After all the buzz, however, there was no way I was going to miss out on opening night.

We walked a few blocks from work and settled in front of the entryway to the new venue. And even though we weren't going to be able to enjoy a summer evening on a patio, we were excited to see what the new spot had to offer. We walked in and to the right, were leather couches perfect for kicking back and enjoying a cocktail. And to the left? A full bar and dining tables. The intimate vibes and modern-meets-industrial décor drew us in immediately.

We decided to head straight for the bright orange staircase leading to the second floor, which overlooks Romare Bearden Park. That's where we found another bar stretching along the center of the room on the back wall. To the left and right, more lounge seating and dining tables. We settled on stools at the bar and waited for a bartender to place a thick, journal-style menu in front of us. It seemed that the drink menu held well over 100 different types of drinks, including wine, cocktails and beer. What more can you ask for?

My coworker and I thumbed through the pages for a bit before settling on "Barbie Doll" - Tito's vodka, honey syrup, ginger, lemon and club soda. Simple enough for a regular RBV drinker. At first, we joked about the drink being "weak," and wished we'd opted for something else. Little did we know, Barbie meant business and would pack a mean punch as soon as we walked out the door.

As we perused the selections on the food menu, the waitress explained that the executive chef and owner Nicolas Daniels had created the menu around the idea of telling a four-course story — the exposition, rising action, crescendo and resolution.

I can't promise I'll ever make it through all four, but I had to force myself to avoid drooling over the Wagyu beef and opted for planning the meal I'd be getting at the end of the month. My coworkers, however, decided to try the mussels. At first bite, they fell in love. However, following last year's bad experience with mussels (rhymes with pood foisoning), I can't say I was tempted to try them. Regardless, the way they coveted each shell like they were oysters stuffed with pearls finally sold me on the fact that everything on the menu had to be phenomenal.

We stayed for about an hour and one thing was clear: Daniels has developed a concept that brings something quite unique to the restaurant and bar scene in Uptown Charlotte. Your go-to happy hour spot after work. The perfect date-night destination. A haven for foodies and cocktail connoisseurs. This venue balances an upscale dining experience and a casual, laid-back atmosphere perfectly. Not to mention, the basement level is home to the wine and beer cellar as well as a 20-person dining room that will be perfect for hosting a private event.

Once we were finished with our cocktails, we picked up our checks and headed to EpiCentre. That's when we realized "Barbie Doll" had snuck up on us.

"I'm a little tipsy," I laughed as my girlfriend and I hopped out of the car. I watched her tiptoe into the parking deck and she responded with, "I'm glad you said that because I'm feeling a little bit tipsy, too."

If you don't have plans this weekend, make a date with Barbie and head over to Loft & Cellar. Your wallet may not thank you, but you won't regret it!

Have you ever fainted in a crowd of people? Without hardcore drugs and limited alcohol in your system? No? Well, I've got a story for you.

Picture it: Uptown, Charlotte, NC, July 4th weekend 2017. After grabbing a few drinks at The Blind Pig in NoDa on Friday night — it's popping there on a Friday, in case you didn't know — I was very excited to sleep in and hit up the pool with some friends on Saturday. You know: "Hair of the dog" or "sweat it out" are both popular phrases when someone's trying to figure out how to get rid of their hangover.

I forced down a couple beers, foam included, and was completely sold on the idea of sweating it out. I stretched out on a poolside lawn chair and prepared for the alcohol to leave my system magically. Somewhere between ordering a floating drinking game off of Amazon's Prime Now app at 2 p.m. and leaving to escape the thunderstorm that had swept in around 5 or 6 p.m., I lost track of how long we had been at the pool.

We ended up tucking away to a new friend's apartment for a postgame party.

Now, this was no festival situation where I'd had way too much to drink and "popped a Molly or Percocet" like Future, but you would've thought I was at Bonnaroo when I tell you what happened next.

In a fog of humidity and cigarette smoke I started to realize I was swaying. My friend asked, "Aerin, do you need to sit down?" I looked up and responded, "I'm swaying, I know, but I'm good."

But then as I started thinking about it, I realized just how damn hot it was outside. Just as I'd made up my mind that, yes, I needed to go sit down inside, another innocent bystander asked me a question. I thought about ignoring him so I could escape faster, but I answered.

Everything went black. When I came to, I was looking at the floor, and everyone around me was staring in silent shock. That's when I busted out laughing.

It must have been hilarious watching how my tumble caused all those people's buzz to be killed. Party foul!

Next thing you know, I've fallen again but this time I'm sitting on the cold floor of the apartment with frozen peas and blueberries on my shoulders.

As if it wasn't humbling enough that this time I fainted on a stranger's porch, now produce was being used to cure my fainting spell. #winning

It's safe to say that once I rounded the corner to The Corner Pub I wasn't too keen on the idea of pouring up. I opted for bacon cheese fries and ate as if my life depended on it. Later on, my friend asked if I'd like to venture with her to the University area. She'd left her car there the night before but knew I wouldn't mind hanging out with her and her squeeze at a spot you've probably heard of before: Boardwalk Billy's.

I walked in still wearing the bathing suit I'd fainted in and an oversized grandpa's shirt-dress. #keepitclassy. While Boardwalk Billy's may best be compared to a cheesy, Myrtle Beach bar, I was still underdressed. And yet, we shut the bar down. You can't take me and my friends anywhere.

The next day, my friends invited me to the pool once more. I couldn't decide if they really wanted to see me of if they wanted to witness another fainting spell, and this time be ready to capture it on video.

I kid, I kid, however, that would've been epic. Just like the kid that learns not to put his or her hand on a hot stove, I learned my lesson about hydrating.

Yes, I went back to the pool, but not without double fisting a huge water and Gatorade. Not to mention, I retreated to the shade every single time I stepped out of the pool.

After surviving a couple hours of summer sun, I thought I could handle rallying at The Corner Pub yet again. I didn't realize I'd surpassed my threshold and lost track of time chatting it up with all the regulars until I looked up and saw the staff shutting the place down for the night. This is when I should've realized that it was time for me to go home.

Instead, someone convinced me I should pay a visit to Crave Dessert Bar. My first time visiting and I was wearing a faux leather bathing suit and a sheer cover-up with Rainbow flip-flops. Dress code violation, anyone?

Well, that's a story for another time.

backtalk@clclt.com

On Tuesday, one of my best friends, whom I've known for over a decade, asked me to support her at an event. Naturally, I said yes. Since the event didn't start until 9 p.m., I decided I should find something to do to pass the time after work.

I know what you're thinking, "Aerin, you know you didn't need an excuse to enjoy happy hour!" Or perhaps you're thinking, "Oh no, Aerin, you're never going to make it to that event, are you?" Sighs.

Instead of hitting up my usual spot, The Corner Pub, the girls and I opted for something different — Seoul Food Meat Company.

Located in South End, Seoul Food is a southern BBQ restaurant with a Korean twist. Last year, I visited with a couple friends there and we munched happily on ramen mac and cheese, wings and pulled pork.

I parked along the street and walked up to some different scenery that I remember. A must for the summer, Seoul has outdoor seating, a large back patio, games, a dog area and bar. The perfect setup for a grand ol' time.

I sat down at the bar and perused the drink menu. I wasn't much in the mood for craft beer but I settled for one with a watermelon twist. *Cues Beyonce's "Drunk in Love," "I been drankin' watermelon."

We chatted for a couple hours and drank a couple beers as the night slipped away. It was almost time for me to meet my friend, but before I left I watched the dogs bouncing around in the dog park and got deja vu for last week's column. Yeah, it won't be too long before I'm back on that patio.

As I hopped in my car and entered Fire House Bar & Lounge in my GPS, I realized it was literally right around the corner. I didn't want to deal with finding a parking spot, so I put my car back in park and walked toward West Carson Boulevard.

I'd passed the venue a few times but never had taken the time to stop in. My bestie finally arrived and we walked in together.

There were a few people lounging in leather couches, smoking hookah while other folks performed spoken word and music. In the back, after passing the bar and bathroom, another room with leather couches and an opening to the outside and gravel parking lot popped up.

We went to the bar where there were stools and swings hanging from the ceiling. I instantly knew then I'd be swinging in one of those before the night was over. I grabbed my first RBV and we walked back outside to sit and chat.

Once the event was over and everyone cleared out, we convinced the DJ to play some "twerk music." Now if you want to see a show, catch me and my bestie cutting up on the dance floor! Next thing you know, we were literally sweating from dancing so much. Just when I was thinking of hitting the road, someone pointed out one of the owners.

A previous owner of Red@28th, Rodney Redmond is no amateur when it comes to the hookah game. We chatted outside on the patio for a little bit about the spot.

Rodney let me tease him about the $9 RBV I'd purchased, and he explained how he and his partner wanted to create a more upscale experience. And that it was. The vibe was intimate until me and the bestie started twerking all over the place. Note to self: don't act your age.

I knew I'd have to suck it up to pay for another RBV in the near future, but then I looked at the food truck menu. Um, fried lobster tail for $15?! Sign. Me. Up. Other menu items included a shrimp basket, wings, fries and catfish. Tell me where you can get food like that late night while getting your dance on?

My friend laughed when I pointed out the lobster tail on the menu, she knows I have a weak spot for food, but lobster takes the cake.

Even though I was super tired and working on a hangover, I'm pretty sure we ended up shutting the place down. Sorry if I talked your head off Rodney, you took it like a champ!

After getting back to my house you'd think we would've gone straight to sleep. Nope. The fried lobster tail had gotten me worked up. The next thing you know I was heating up pulled pork and making sandwiches.

And that's how you end a Tuesday turn up!