most stylish 2011 - spring

Spring 2011 1CharlotteSTYLEMagazine

www.charlottestylemag.com

Spring 20112 CharlotteSTYLEMagazine




Entertainment14 Party Pages Style Week & The 25 Mosty Stylish Event16 Stylish Soirees How to Host the Perfect Dinner Party18 Food & Wine Cooking w/ Chef Troy

Charlotte STYLE Magazine

On The Cover 6 Special Feature Spring Clean Your Life28 Cover Story The 25 Most Stylish 2011 40 Giving in STYLE Non-Profits You Should Know51 Spring Fashion Days of Disco & Stylish Bride

Fashion42 Trends Spring Fashion Trends46 Designer’s Feature Miikelle De Fo & Kotani Rae49 Chic Boutiques Revoluton, The Pink Hanger, Fresh62 Living Legend One on One with Oscar de la Renta

Beauty10 Beauty Products Must haves12 Health & Fitness Beyond 6012 Beauty Boutique Salon M2

Lifestyle20 Love & Relationships We Forgot to Break Up23 Home & Decor Spring Ideas26 Stylish Careers The Cool Jeweler



Entertainment14 Party Pages Style Week & The 25 Mosty Stylish Event16 Stylish Soirees How to Host the Perfect Dinner Party18 Food & Wine Cooking w/ Chef Troy

Fashion42 Trends Spring Fashion Trends46 Designer’s Feature Miikelle De Fo & Kotani Rae49 Chic Boutiques Revoluton, The Pink Hanger, Fresh62 Living Legend One on One with Oscar de la Renta

BRIDGETTE E. WESTEditorial Director

SASHA DABNEYManaging Editor

Copy Editor IVEY MOOREDesign KARIS BATTLE, SOLOMON FRANKLIN,

ARIANA SUTTON, LAURA MADDOX

Special Events LATAVIA HOLLAND, DANIELLE WILLIAMS, LATORI KNOWLES, DANIELLE RUFFIN

Special Events Interns SARAH HOMER, SARAI LEWIS

Public Relations JSW MEDIA GROUP

Published by STYLE Media, LLC15015 John J. Delaney Drive

Suite 177Charlotte, NC 28277



My Life with STYLE Spring is here and I’m so excited! To say that I was patiently anticipating the cabin fever cure is an understatement.

Spring brings warmer weather, longer days, pretty dresses and cleaning. But this season, I’m challenging myself to clean more than just my residence. I also need to declutter my life and conduct a self check, to make sure I’m on track to accomplish my goals and live my Best Life, a life filled with purpose and significance.

Most of you know that I had a BEAUTIFUL set of twins last August. However, time is short and my To Do list is long, so I’ve found myself being best frienemies with burgers, fries, and nuggets. So its time for me to stop wishing and hoping and thinking about loosing this weight, I am going to take action and clean up my unhealthy eating habits.

Guess what else is happening this season? STYLE is getting a makeover. That’s right! Your favorite magazine will be tweaked just a bit to bring you more of the stuff you love. We’ll unveil the results of the makeover this fall.

Now, its your turn.

I’m inviting you to take this potentially life changing journey with me by starting a journey of your own. Is there an area of your life that needs to be cleaned up or improved upon? Maybe you want to finally launch that nonprofit, clothing line or photography businesses. Or perhaps you are ready to go for that promotion, travel across the country, or lead a flash mob(love those!). Maybe you want to learn to cook, mend a former relationship or end an unhealthy one.

So, if you’re ready to take the journey, email me [email protected]. Let me know who you are and what you plan to do to Spring Clean Your Life. You can send me an e-mail with the details or record a video.

This Fall, we will all celebrate the steps you have taken to being a better you and living a better life.

I wish you much success on this journey.

Ready....set.....Go For It!

With Style

Brie W.Publisher / Editorial DirectorCharlotte STYLE Magazine

Charlotte STYLE Magazine

Spring Clean Your Life

With Meredith Holt at Fashion for Life

My Twins EJ

& Evynne

One on One with the legendary Oscar de la Renta


www.charlottestylemag.comSpring 2011Contributors

Renessta has a lifelong love of fashion and style. Her love affair first began by watching the many fashionable ladies parade through the pews of her church every Sunday. A native New Yorker and current resident of Brooklyn, she has established a vast network of insider contacts within the garment district and multiple showrooms. Additionally, as a former FIT student, Renessta has also cultivated relationships with up-and-coming designers and established industry professionals.

Anna is a fashion, beauty and runway photographer based in NYC. For the past 7 years she has covered NYC fashion week. Her work has been published in Paper, Essence, Cosmopolitan and Glossy among many others.

Jennifer Tardy, MBA/PHR is a Healthy Relationship Activist, Post Dating Adjustment Coach, and author of a series of relationship books under the umbrella of her Forever Tardy, but Never Late Collection including Volume I: His Ingredient Label: A Woman’s Guide to Recognizing a Junk Food Man. She’s trained thousands in understanding the behaviors of others and how this can strengthen relationships personally and professionally.

Jennifer Tardy

Anna ThiessenRenessta Olds



Must HavesBeauty

Get glam this fall with our Editors’ Beauty Product Must HavesEditors’ Favorites

Bobbi Brown Long Lasting EyelinerThis Bobbi Brown eyeliner is like artistry at your finger tips. The gel liquid formula wears long and is water resistant. It stays on without smear-ing or creasing.

Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Butte BalmShea, coco butter, sweet almond oil and other natural moisturizers to treat rough flaky prob-lem areas.

MAC Select Sheer Loose PowderTranslucent, featherweight and ultra-fine, this powder provides a sheer micro-fine finish making the skin look almost naked.

Oscar de la Renta’s Esprit D’OscarA delightfully light and clean smelling fragrance to wear as a signature scent or for special occasions.

Smashbox Lip Enhancing GlossKiss in color! This lip enhancing gloss comes equipped with a smooth moisturizing formula.



Get glam this fall with our Editors’ Beauty Product Must Haves


www.charlottestylemag.comFit & FabulousBeauty

Salon M2Charlotte’s First Green Beauty Boutique

Charlotte is

now home to its first environment friendly salon. Salon M2

combines a green theme and style for the best experience for its clients. Located in Ballantyne’s Village at Robinson Farm shopping center, Salon M2 opened its doors this earlier this year. Owners and longtime friends Michele Matkovich and Sarah Mitchell decided two years ago to create their vision. The LEED certified space uses cutting-edge styling equipment and

When I turned 60 I decided I wanted to be a model. OK that was a YIKES moment

even for an old girl. Entering the agency with naiveté, I was surrounded by beautiful young gazelles accompanied by their mothers. Oh, I should add the mothers were younger than I am. What was I thinking? I wondered if this was the beginning of Alzheimer’s. Perspiration began seeping from all points. I con-soled myself by remembering that my husband, my sister, a friend of mine who had worked at Play Boy International for twenty years, all assured me I should do this. Yes, breathe, breathe, breathe , chin up and go for it.

The interview began with what I do for a living. Oh boy, I thought they are going to wonder

about this too. “Well,” I said, “I teach yoga, Pilates, strength training and ac-tive older adults at the YMCA and at the local community college.” There was quiet. Then they wanted to know what I enjoy doing. OK, I thought, I’ll just get it out there and see what hap-pens. “I belly dance, ride on the back of a very loud HondaVTX 1800 with my husband, visit wineries and baby sit my grand children.” Some behind papers whispering ensued. Wow, three seconds can be long when you would like to run out the door. Amazing; they

ask me to read a commercial into the camera. I agencies and finding myself hopeful that I can ‘actually become

MurielleDivins Beyonda real’ model/spokesperson. I want to represent those of us who have advanced chronologically and who do not give credence to the numbers. A battalion

of women who have marched through miles of tears, frustrations, hopes, dreams, disappointments and come out smiling. To paraphrase Sofia Loren, your appeal is 50% what you have and 50% what others think you have. Ladies keep ‘em guessing.

60Style Inspiration:

SashaDabney

materials to reflect its ecological salon. Green driven materials such as flooring, tank free water heaters and paint are used throughout the salon. Handheld dryers suspend from the ceiling and while conserving energy and 8 stand alone styling stations provide comfortable setting for clients while being served. Non-toxic and natural hair products are also used. Salon M2’s in house product, Eufora is certified organic and uses Aloe Vera gel as its product base. Eufora also uses botanical ingredients and essential oils. Award winning hair designers have a menu of

services to match client’s needs. Salon M2 services include and are not limited to precision cuts, extensions, keratin treatments and custom color.

To learn more please visit www.salon-m2.com

New clients receive 10% off !

Salon M2 is open 7 days a week.

Salon SpotlightBeauty


www.charlottestylemag.comEvents Party Pages

Style Week Charlotte

Mayor Foxx proclaimed April 8-16, 2011 the first Style Week Charlotte

in the Queen City. More than 5,000 people gathered at events through-out the city to celebrate the stylish culture that Charlotte has to offer.

For more photos visit the Style Week Charlotte website

www.StyleWeekCharlotte.com


www.charlottestylemag.com Party Pages Events

The 25 Most Stylish People in Charlotte

Event

STYLE held her Third Annual 25 Most Stylish People in Char-lotte event at Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte on Satur-day April 9, 2011. The event

included a Mercedes-Benz Car Show, introduced the 25 Most Stylish People in the business, fashion, beauty, social and philanthropic communities

and featured the Celebrity Go Red Fashion Show. The

event benefited the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign. Over 450 people attended the event.


www.charlottestylemag.comWhere Are They NowLifestyle Stylish SoireesEntertainment

The idea of hosting your own dinner party can be a little overwhelming. The guest list, invitations and décor are essential elements of your planning to-do list. To keep on top of your dinner party planning, take a look at this timeline based on the expert advice of Airest Newsome, owner of Dinner Party with Airest, to construct a successful event.

By Sasha Dabney

4-6 Weeks BeforeSTART PLANNING PROCESS 6 WEEKS IN ADVANCE

During this time, focus your attention on your guest list and invitation selection

GUEST LIST It’s important to consider opportunities and relationships to be built. The more

varied your guest list is, the more inclined guests will be to engage in meaningful conversation. Quantity over Quality is a theme to always keep in mind. Airest likes to keep a 40-50 person guest list to maintain an intimate and conversational feel.

For an at home dinner party, 5-10 people is a good number to keep in mind. Airest adds “This will not only deepen the level of relationships being built, but it will also give you the freedom to experiment with preparing different dishes without the stress of entertaining for a large party.

INVITATIONSThis is where creative and fun ideas will really work in your favor. The invitation allows guests to get an idea of your event before it takes place, and hopefully heightens their anticipation of attending. Airest suggests sending out invitations a month before your party.

Former Charlotte STYLE Magazine Fashion & Beauty Editor turned party planner, Airest

Newsome is the founder and owner of Dinner Party with Airest, an event planning company

that produces social luxury invitation only dinner parties. Visit www.dinnerpartywithairest.com

“The role of a hostess is to be involved.Being attentive to your guests and introducing friends that may not have

otherwise known each other is another plus to having a successful

dinner party.”

How to Host A Stylish Dinner Party

3-4 Weeks BeforeNOW YOU CAN START GATHERING IDEAS FOR YOUR

DÉCOR

Do not over do the décor. Believe it or not simplicity will make a lasting impression. Ideas for decor? Use floral centerpieces and candles to fit your party theme. She also adds to be mindful of guests with allergies. Using unscented candles and flowers is always best.

Color selection can be kept to a minimum. Only select 2 or 3 colors and bring them into different areas of your décor. (i.e. tables, plates, napkins)

Place settingo Whether your dinner party guest list amounts to 40-50 or 5-10, place settings add a personal touch for your guests and make them feel special. o Airest adds that place setting can also eliminates any confusion about where to sit or guests names.



How to Host A Stylish Dinner Party

Day of Party ChecklistIn the morning, add the flowers to the table settings and add finishing touches.

Make your main dish and get dressed.

Be sure to wear something comfortable.

Start music, light candles, and enjoy your guests.

Day Before PartyIt’s a good idea to prep any menu items that can be made the night before and to set the table settings.

2-3 Days BeforeFOCUS ON THE ENTERTAINMENT AND MUSICMusic is the universal language and the center of any fabulous dinner party. Live music is always nice, but a pre-made playlist is just as good. Make careful music selections that keep with the theme of your party.

Make sure your music is played loud enough to be clearly audible but not so much so that guests have to talk over it.

1-2 Weeks BeforeTIME TO SELECT YOUR MENU

Your menu selections should include an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Keeping meals simple allows you to be more comfortable with preparing your dishes. She also suggests meals have little prep time and can be served right from the oven, like fish.

Grocery shopping early will give you ample amount of time to go back to the store in case you forget anything.


www.charlottestylemag.comFood & WineEntertainmentChipotle Molasses Glazed Salmon Spinach

Salad with Orange Ginger Dressing

Salad:

10 Ounces Baby Spinach1 Cup Shredded Carrots1/4 Cup Red Onion-thin1/2 Cup Smokehouse Almonds4 Ounces Goat Cheese-crumbled

Salmon/Glaze:Whisk together the molasses, orange juice and chipotle puree until well combined.

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Drizzle salmon with oil, season with salt and pepper, place on the grill flesh side down. Let salmon grill without moving for 2 to 3 minutes then carefully slide a flat metal spatula under the salmon and turn 45 degrees, grill another 2 to 3 minutes then flip (*see tip).

After flipping the salmon brush with molasses chipotle glazed, continue grilling and brushing with the glaze, cook salmon until just cooked through about 3 to 5 minutes more. Brush with glaze just before removing from the grill, set salmon on a plate to rest.

While the salmon is cooling prepare the dressing by placing the mustard, orange juice, vinegar and ginger in a blender, blend to combine. While the blender is running start adding the oil slowly until all has been incorporated. Pour dressing into a bowl, season with salt and pepper and whisk in the sesame seeds, set aside until ready to dress salad.

Assemble:On a large serving platter or 4 individual plates place the baby spinach and top with the carrots, onions and almonds. Brush salmon with glaze and place on salad. Top with goat cheese, drizzle dressing all over the salad, serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side.

Chef Troy can be seen every Tuesday from 7 to 9 am on Fox Charlotte’s Fox News Rising morning show preparing

his recipes on “Tuesday with Troy” cooking segment that is sponsored by The Fresh Market. His first cookbook Seasonal Comfort is available through his publisher Lulu.com. Follow Chef

Troy on Facebook and Twitter. Contact him at: [email protected]

Salmon/Glaze:

4-4/6 Ounce Salmon Filets-skin ofTo Drizzle Canola OilTo Taste Kosher SaltTo Taste Black Pepper3 Tablespoons Molasses-full flavor½ Each Orange-zest and juice of1 Teaspoon Chipotle Peppers (in adobo sauce) -peppers only, deseed, dice

Orange Ginger Dressing:

1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard½ Each Orange-zest and juice of1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar1 Tablespoon Ginger-finely grated¼ Cup Canola Oil2 Teaspoons Sesame SeedsTo Taste Kosher Salt/Black Pepper

Serves 4 as an Entrée


www.charlottestylemag.comLove & RelationshipsLifestyle

1You and your partner have grown highly dependent of one another.

You may think that your partner could not survive without you and this may be your reasoning for staying around, but are you sure that you, too, don’t have a sense of dependency on this relationship? Has your partner been the provider, protector, or even the center of your world for a significant period of time?

Solution: If this is the case, letting go of this relationship can actually be hard to manage. Inch by inch and day by day, begin working towards your own independence while in the relationship. Learn new routines that help you begin to feel more comfortable depending on yourself rather than your partner. Learning to cook for yourself, do your own laundry, or pay your own bills can go far in the pursuit of creating a stronger sense of confidence in your own independence.

2 You have been experiencing anxiety over the unknown.

Starting over, living without your partner, moving on, and being alone can create a sense of nervousness and discomfort, right? You are not alone. Many people say that being in unhealthy relationships is easier because they already know what to expect. They know how a person will respond; they know what tomorrow will hold. There is no guess work.

Solution: Make plans. Make a list of all the things that you plan to do once you leave the relationship, and then create action items associated with your goals. For example, do you plan to move? Well, start looking at new locations now. If your anxiety is more severe and you feel certain that your life is in danger, be sure to work with a crisis center or shelter that will assist in creating a safe exit strategy and an overall brighter plan for your future.

3 You continuously wonder what others will think.

You’ve left each other before (probably on numerous occasions) just to turn around and start dating your ex, again. What this becomes a repeat situation? What would your family think? What would your friends think? Are those the types of thoughts that circle your mind each time you consider leaving your relationship?

Solution: People will have their own opinions and draw their own conclusions, but at the end of the day, it is your life and your own decision to make. Your decision should not be based on the opinions of others. It should be based, entirely, on the facts. The decisions you make should directly correlate with the life you wish to create for yourself.

4 You live a very comfortable lifestyle.

Yes, you and your partner have some arguments, some fights, but all in all, you believe that things are pretty comfortable. Why allow a few arguments to ruin the home you’ve created together, place your children in a single-parent home, or cut your financial stability in half? I’m sure these thoughts have crossed your mind.

Solution: True enough, couples do have disagreements, but what are your disagreements doing to you physically, mentally and emotionally? It is important to step outside of yourself and evaluate the severity of the arguments you do face. No matter how seldom you argue or fight, when they do occur, how are they resolved? By looking through an outside perspective, determine if this is really a healthy relationship. Professional guidance may also be valuable if you have problems viewing your relationship objectively.

5 Inability to see that relationship is unhealthy.

So many couples fall in this category. Often times, it is not, entirely, your fault. Perhaps you’ve grown up in an unhealthy environment and you are with the belief that your unhealthy relationship is a natural way of life. Are you thinking that this is how things should be, or that this is what normal couples go through? Maybe you even believe that by sticking around things will get better?

Solution: Outside of visiting a relationship counselor, if you are uncertain as to whether or not you are in an unhealthy relationship, find a couple that you know for certain demonstrates characteristics of a healthy relationship, and observe them. How do they handle life’s sticky situations? If you become even more comfortable, observe two or three different relationships. Take all of your research and compare those core characteristics of healthy relationships to your own.

Is breaking up really such a hard thing to do? One would think so, because according to a study performed on 3,000 couples, presented by the UK’s Daily Mail, 6 out of 10 people are unhappy in

their relationship. If they are so unhappy, why would they make a decision to stay together? As a Healthy Relationship Activist, I have been confronted many reasons couples decide to stay together. Below are the five of the most common.

WE FORGOT TO BREAK UP:

5 Reasons Couples Remain in Unhealthy Relationships

Whether your decision is to break up or to stay with

your mate, only you can make the best decision for you.


www.charlottestylemag.com www.charlottestylemag.comHome & DecorLifestyle

SpringDecorating Ideas

With the official start of spring, it’s time to do some spring cleaning and spruce up the home!


www.charlottestylemag.comHome & DecorLifestyle

Is your home?spruced up for Spring

1To make your space feel larger and your walls appear taller, paint the

walls and the trim the same color.

2 Start your design process with a “magic fabric”! Working with

textiles is a great way to find inspiration for a room or for an entire home. Usually a “magic fabric” will contain several colors and a design pattern. These colors and patterns can inspire both the mood and the color scheme.

3 Carefully consider how each room flows with the next. Incorporate

artwork, pillows, throws and accessories to connect the spaces.

4 Decorate ceilings! Ceilings comprise at least one-third of a room, so don’t

ignore them. Consider wallpaper, paint or even fabric to treat the space.

5 Using paint, stripe a room to add texture, interest and height!

With the official start of spring already here, it’s time to do some spring cleaning and

spruce up the home. Kimberly Grigg, the Grand Strand-based designer and owner of Knotting Hill Interiors—a retail gift and home furnishings store—has compiled a list of 10 fun and proven ways to maximize the beauty and function of home interiors.

For more information about Kimberly Grigg and to read her “It’s So Fabulous Blog,” visit www.knottinghillinteriors.com.

KimberlyGrigg

TOP10Spring

SprucingIdeas!

6 Nothing completes a room like window treatments. Invest in good quality

treatments to add a finishing touch. Create a semi-custom look by utilizing ready-made panels and adding trim or braid.

7 Use bold colors and patterns in small spaces. Break the rule about not using

dark or vibrant colors in small spaces. Powder rooms are the perfect locations to showcase over-the-top wallpapers. In addition, powder rooms are a fabulous spot to splurge on a small amount of a costly

wallpaper that would break the bank in a larger space.

Myrtle Beach area design expert’s top 10 ways to spruce up homes for Spring

“Nothing completes a room like window treatments. Invest in good quality treatments to

add a finishing touch. Create a semi-custom look by utilizing ready-made panels and adding

trim or braid.”


www.charlottestylemag.com Home & Decor Lifestyle

8Mix up colors and finishes of wood furniture pieces throughout your

home. It provides a more custom appeal where sets of furniture end up looking more like the showroom that you purchased them in.

9Every large space can benefit from a wonderful antique piece. An antique

has a way of grounding a room and it incorporates an sense of history right away.

0 Every room needs accessories. These pieces are the life of the party, or in this

case, the life of the home. They should reflect your personality and it is helpful if they serve a purpose.

1

Grigg, who has been featured on HGTV.com, is known for her innovative approach to

design. Her “green house” decorating ideas have garnered national attention. She also specializes in unique children’s rooms. Also, check out Knotting Hill Interiors on

Facebook.


www.charlottestylemag.comLifestyle

How is your store different from other jewelers?

Our store is unique because we have one of a kind items - but everyday, one-of-a-kind items. You’ll find everything from fun fashion jewelry to fine diamonds.

What did you learn from your parents?

My mother taught me that the people working with you are very important. My dad taught me the determination to do well in the business.

What is the shopping experience like in your store?

It is not stuffy, very vibrant and colorful. We are a very energetic company. The first term people use to describe our store is “cool”.

What do you love most about your businesses?

Our customer service. We find the best possible people, they love the businesses and are very people oriented.

Does your jewelry boutique believe in “Giving in STYLE”?

Absolutely! We’ve been involved in helping the Children’s Attention Home, The American Heart Association.

Visit Allison on Twitter @CoolJeweler and on her website AllisionLovesFineJewelry.com

When her parents retired in 1997, Allison Love began her stylish career

and reopened Love’s Jewelry as Allison Love’s Fine Jewelry. Allison Love has the passion drive (and last name) to be successful in the industry.

“Speciality fun fashion to unique & different fine jewelry, diamonds and engagementrings”

With

Carolina’s Cool Jewelerby Bridgette West

Stylish Careers



Photography: Erin HubbsMakeup: Adrian HoweHair: Larry WebbJami’s Hair: Shawn Michelle Greene



s the Managing Partner of Dry Creek Holdings LLC and Bespoke Media, his company invests in and helps to

grow lifestyle brands primarily in the print and online media industries. In Charlotte, Ron is most recognized for the suc-cessful 2009 launch of UPTOWN Media Group’s regional property UPTOWN Charlotte, which celebrates the success and luxury lifestyle of affluent African Americans. He and his wife Nicole have a seven-year old son, Spencer.

Why We Love Ron’s Style: Ron is not only stylish inattire, but his magazine is chic and informative.

A

Go Red Heart healthy fruit pictured: Apricot



ami Svay is a celebrity makeup artist and creator of Tastee Cosmetics, a national line of organic lip products.

She decided to forgo college dreams of being a fashion designer once she realized that makeup artistry combined her love of color and fine art. Jami’s impressive client roster belies her versatility as she’s worked with Brooklyn Decker and Michael Jordan, and has done work for Oscar de la Renta, Neiman Marcus, Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis, Kohl’s, Hanes, Essence and Jezebel magazines, among others.

Why We Love Jami’s Style: Though her career is dedicated to making others beautiful on the outside,Jami is also a beautiful person on the inside.

J

Go Red Heart healthy fruit pictured: Pineapple



rittney Cason is the ultimate socialite with a genuinelove for charitable causes. Brittney is a columnist,

TV host, spokesperson, guerilla philanthropist, “facilitatorof fun,” freelance writer and Frequent Flyer. Brittney’sdescription of herself pretty much sums it up: “I’m thegirl next door, to the girl next door.” Brittney also co-hosted last year’s 25 Most Stylish event.

Why We Love Brittney’s Style: Brittney has beeninstrumental in building Charlotte’s entertainmentempire, keeping us abreast of the booming nightlife in thecity. Plus, her no-nonsense attitude should be everygirl’s best accessory!

B

Go Red Heart healthy fruit pictured: Watermelon



andy Bowers is the perfect example of how to combine fashion and philanthropy. Frustrated by impersonal

department store shopping and driven by a love of shoes, Sandy Bowers decided to open Monkee’s of Lake Norman in Davidson, a town she has called home since 2002. Sandy is active in a variety of charitable organizations, especially the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Her work with her father on the Light the Night campaign in Greensboro holds special meaning, as Sandy was 12 years old when she lost her mother to leukemia.

Why We Love Sandy’s Style: Not only does Sandy own one of the most popular boutiques in the area, she’s the epitome of Giving in STYLE, raising tens of thousands of dollars pairing fashion with philanthropy.

S

Go Red Heart healthy fruit pictured: Orange



icole Sinclair is the Chief Creative Officer for The Style Sanctum, a fashion art studio. While studying fashion

design at Parsons School of Design (yes, the same place where Project Runway was filmed), she was involved in personal appearances with Kate Spade, Lulu Guinness, and Rafe. She has also dressed hundreds of women for retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. She was the style columnist for Charlotte the City Magazine, and was featured on a Wardrobe Wednesdays segment for Fox News Rising.

Why We Love Nicole’s Style: Though she’s fashionably fabulous, Nicole also has a personal style that is unlike any other - and she brings out the style in our future fashionistas via The Style Sanctum.

N

Go Red Heart healthy fruit pictured: Apple



Dianne Galagher

Colleen Odegaard

Rita Miles

Colleen Odegaard is the co-host of Charlotte Today.The lifestyle/entertainment program features segments on health, fitness, beauty, finance and cooking...among other things.

Natalie co-anchors Eyewitness News at 5:30 p.m. weeknights and anchors Action News at10 p.m. on WAXN-TV 64. When she’s not at the news desk, Natalie likes to travel, preferably to tropical locations! She enjoys the theatre and sporting events; she’s an avid baseball fan, and has become a NASCAR fan since moving to the Carolinas.

During her time at CN2, Dianne has been a reporter, anchor and even handles the occasional sportscast. Dianne enjoysplaying, watching and talking about every sport with justabout anyone (although she is partial to Vols and Heels fans). She loves calling the Carolinas home and always enjoysmeeting new people.

In 2010, Rita created Charlotte Seen. In her role, Rita strives to create events, galas, charity events and grand openings that are unique and memorable.

Natalie Pasquarella



Kathryn Goetzke

Cindy Urbanik

Christina Thigpen

Belva W. Greenage

Christina Thigpen, APR, is the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Bissell Company. In addition to serving as a director at large for PRSA Charlotte, she is the chair of the Leadership DevelopmentInstitute for the Junior Leagueof Charlotte.

Kathryn Goetzke, is the owner and chief Strategist at Innovative Analysis. She is the entrepreneur and innovator behindMood-lites™, a new categoryof lighting in the $5 billiondollar U.S. lighting marketplace(it is about time Edison gota makeover!).

Cindy Urbanik is a classically trained interior designer with an urban design approach andaesthetic. As the owner of an award winning andinternationally published interior design firm named UrbanikInteriors, Cindy was recently awarded the highly prestigious international “Design Is” award for her pro-bono design workon the worldwide charity,Dress For Success.

Belva W. Greenage is President and Chief Executive Officer of Today’s Woman Inc., apublications firm that hashighlighted the achievementsand triumphs of area womenandconnected them with valuable information and resources for nearly 15 years. In 2010, in the midst of her own journey witha second round of cancer,Ms. Greenage founded TheBelva Wallace GreenageCancer Foundation.



Tamara A. Marbury

Chef Jay Jones

Nicole Darin

Anique Oliver Brewer

Nicole joined WBTV asWeekend Sports Anchor in the summer of 2010. In addition to anchoring sports on theweekends, she also acts as sports reporter during the week,is the host of “Sports Saturday Night” and Co-hosts “Football Friday Night” and “The Point After”. If you catch her on WBTV, you’re sure to find her stylishly outfitted in the season’s latest trends.

Tamara A. Marbury is a lawyer by day and blogger by night. Merging her love of football and fashion, Tamara is blazing her own path in social media with www.BlitzandGlam.com Her goal with Blitz and Glam is to bring the topics that are ofinterested to the women to theforefront while displaying astyle and personality that women will love.

Chef Jay has been in the culinary and hospitality business for over 15 years. He is a graduate of the prestigious French CulinaryInstitute in New York City. Asthe Executive Chef of Chateau Noir a full service catering and event planning company; he is able to provide high quality catering services to the public and private sectors of Charlotte and the surrounding areas.

Armed with one-of-a-kindreal world, real Hollywoodexperience, Anique decidedto develop Vanity7Studio, aunique “Glam Squad” servicespecializing in makeup artistry, wardrobe styling and evendance based fitness classes.While living and working inLA for a few years, she had theopportunity to perform with Usher, The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Rowland and many more.



Jeff Hood

Janine Davis

Patrick C. Graham, Ph.D.Dr. Patrick C. Graham isPresident/CEO of the Urban League of Central Carolinas, Inc. (ULCC) since Septemberof 2007. During his tenure theorganization increased itsNational Urban Leagueranking from a “Fair Affiliate” to a “Strong Affiliate.” In 2006, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity named him Citizen of the Year for North and South Carolina. Dr. Graham has published several academic and popular media articles on subjects ranging from migration to diversity.

Currently serving as theexecutive director for the PoliceActivities League (PAL) ofCharlotte-Mecklenburg,Jeff Hood has been involvedwith several youth relatedcauses for more than 20 years. Prior to joining the PoliceActivities League in March2009, Jeff was the ExecutiveDirector and co-founder ofAthletes United for Youth(formally Dell Curry Charityfor Youth) since its inceptionin 1998.

Janine Davis is a motivational speaker for teen girls andFounder and ExecutiveDirector of Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. Since starting Girl Talk, the program has served nearly 4200 girls. In addition, Janine’s startof Girl Talk’s Annual PromProject has collected over 3500 prom gowns for girls in need. Janine is also the creator and founder of For Teens Only Expo, launched in Charlotte in 2009, in which over 2000 teens gathered for self-empowerment.



Mike Watson

Amelia Keith

Anthony Simons

Tara Davis Nicole Hale

Mike Watson is an educatorof fashion marketing and design at The Art Institute of Charlotte where he has collaborated with community powerhouses likethe McColl Center for VisualArt, Neiman Marcus’ Fashions Night Out and the SouthernWomen’s show.

An avid beauty product researcher and writer, sharing her reviews and experiences on her personal blog PrettyintheQueenCity.Com, Amelia is also a weeklycontributor to the beauty websites BeautyStat.Com andtypeF.com (the new beauty/ fashion website for Tyra Banks).

The visionary behind Charlotte NC Fashion Week, Anthony hasa true passion for connectingcreative people. In 2008 heproduced the city’s first multi-day, multi-cultural fashion event designed to showcase emerging designers, models and retailers from around the city, the region, and the country.

Tara has been designingsince she was a child, sewing dresses for her Barbies and is now creating dresses for mature and sophisticated women everywhere. The FLOW by Tara Davis collection continues to stay on top of current fashion trends, fabrics, and silhouettes, providing dresses that continue to flow, move and bounce. Davis stays very active in the community, visiting schools and educating youth about the fashion industry.

During college, Nicole joined the fashion industry as a model represented by EvolutionTalent Agency. Nicole now offers personal shopping services and industry expertise and provides styling services for photo-shoots and fashion shows. Nicole has worked with many industry professionals such as Charlotte Style Magazine, Fox News, Neiman Marcus, Belle Ville, Sloan & Step by Sloan, Ivey & Leo’s and Bella Ropa.



Giving in STYLELifestye

Non Profits

Purple Passion 4 Alzheimer’s

Amped 4 - A Cure A Rose of Thanks

KnowYou Should

The mission of Purple Passion 4 Alzheimer’s is to raise funds for and awareness of Alzheimer’s,

fighting the disease and supporting the caregivers

of those afflicted. PP4Alz is able to achieve this goal

through various programs and fundraisers. The organization has three programs PP4Alz

Teens, PURPLE Candle, and Purple Pennies.

An Alzheimer’s Advocate, Cynthia Griner, Mrs. Queen City United States 2011, is the CEO and Founder of

PP4Alz. She is the National Spokesperson for the Fisher

Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation in NY.

www.PP4alz.org www.Amped4ACure.org www.ARoseofThanks.org

Amped 4-A-Cure uses the universal language of music as the vehicle to deliver the message to the masses of the importance of getting behind the efforts of cancer research. By supporting all genres of music, A4AC is able to reach and spread the word to everyone from all walks of life.A4AC was created in 2007 by it’s founders Heath Harrison, Charlie Harrington, Ashely Rodgers, and Xavier Grier. Xavier, having recently lost his father to lung cancer, was passionate about the cause and with the help of his closest friends, developed the Amped

Movement.

After being robbed at gunpoint, founder Matthew Hunt realized the value of his life and wanted to do something of significance to make a difference in the lives of others. In 2006, Matthew founded A Rose of Thanks, an organization created to encourage and inspire those who protect others. Through A Rose of Thanks, Matthews and a host of volunteer sends cards to the troops featuring a rose on

front, a symbol of gratitude.The organization has caught the eye of national celebrities who volunteer to color a card for the troops and support the

organization.


www.charlottestylemag.comFashion Trends

Color Blocking

Print It

Diane von FurstenbergDerek Lam Rodarte Oscar de la Renta

Gucci Prabal Gurung Louis Vuitton Prabal Gurung


www.charlottestylemag.com Trends Fashion

White Out

Eclectic Girl

Alexander Wang Joseph Altuzarra Reed Krakoff

Michael Kors Jason Wu Rodarte



Photographer - Omar AbdullahStylist - Iris "Missy" GamboaMakeup Artist -Alex spencerModel - Mila pichardoDress- KOTANI RAE www.KotaniRae.com



Miikelle Fowler

“I think every woman will

find something that fits

into her wardrobe.”

- Miikelle

Fashion Designer’s STYLE

Ravenna Martinez

“We are all unique and our

choice of clothing is our way of

expressing our uniqueness.”

-Ravanna

Travel & inspirationMartinez is a resident of Charlotte by way of New York. She released her clothing line Kotani Rae in 2011. Rae has created a S/S 2011 collection that is full of vibrant color and audacious prints. The designer chose to use Ankara African print as a bold addition to her collection. Have a little faith

She began creating this line with no budget and no plan, but with the love and support of family and friends, Rae stepped out on faith. Her collection, Kotani Rae, will be available for purchase by summer 2011.

Looking pretty city to cityFowler is a native of Detroit, Michigan. She moved to Charlotte in 2005 and began designing clothing in 2007. Initially, her designs were created solely for herself, but eventually others took notice of her unique creations.

Style in bloomMiikelle’s spring 2011 collection is infused with flowers and colors that portray the feeling of spring. The collection encompasses easy-breezy pieces with sophisticated details and classy looks for the everyday woman.

Designer’s STYLE


www.charlottestylemag.com Boutiques

Chic BOUTIQUES

Fresh is a women’s contemporary clothing boutique located in the heart of Myers Park.

This neighborhood boutique offers chic cocktail dresses from Alice & Trixie, Tibi, and Milly, as well as, everyday dresses from Eva Franco, Susana Monaco and Ella Moss. For the career woman, you can find tailored Alice and Olivia pants paired with stylish business appropriate blouses and jackets.

Looking for something more casual? Fresh also carries a wide variety of Michael Stars and Velvet tees along with a denim bar from AG, Joe’s Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, and Hudson.

And new to Fresh Boutique, a shoe department. Fresh is now currently stocked with the Cynthia Vincent Resort Collection 2011.

www.shopfreshboutique.com.

The Pink Hanger is a fashion-forward boutique committed to offering top-notch, personalized customer service, convenient shopping hours, and a generous selection of styles ranging from weekend casual to formal cocktail.

Inside this adorable, classy boutique you’ll find pink walls as the canvas for a well-edited collection of dresses, denim, tops, accessories, and jewelry along with knowledgeable, attentive shop-girls who can help you find the perfect

look for any event.

The Pink Hanger is located in the Providence Plaza Shopping Center on the corner of Sharon-Amity & Providence Road, adjacent to the Rosewood Condominiums and in the heart of Charlotte’s Cotswold

neighborhood.

www.pinkhangeronline.

Revolution begins with an attempt to create a lifestyle understanding that all sub cultures are created equal. The boutique offers designer couture fashion, premium denim, alternative designer suiting, retro-mod collection, artist inspired luxury t-shirts, trashy rock and roll

creations and luxurious basics.

For women, Revolution offers designer dresses, suits and tops, along with accessories and jewelry that you will find in all the major

fashion savvy publications.

For men, the boutique offers premium denim, fashion forward

footwear, watches, jewelry and

Revolution also provides avante garde greeting cards, home furnishings, movie posters, music posters, stickers, patches, jewelry, piercing in our custom built piercing spa, and vintage heat transfers to

make your own tee.

www.RevolutionShop.net

Fresh Boutique The Pink Hanger Revolution

Photography by: Designs by JK

Fashion


www.charlottestylemag.comwww.charlottestylemag.comThe Stylish BrideFashion Dress - Tadashi

Necklace - Trina Turk

The

StylishBride

Whether you’re marrying Prince Charming at the beach, in a garden, or in a chapel, these gowns are sure to give you a jaw dropping grand entrance.

Photography: Eniko SzucsStylist: Renessta Olds



Dress - QuicksilverBelt- VintageFlower Clip - Colette Malouf

Spring 201152



Dress - SretisBeaded Headcomb - Colette MaloufWhite Patent Leather Shoes - BCBG Girls

Spring 2011 53



Dress - SretisBeaded Hair Comb - Colette MaloufWhite Flower Necklace - Colette Malouf

Spring 201154



Dress - TarvydasBeaded Headband - Colette MaloufWhite Patent Leather Shoes - BCBG Girls

Spring 2011 55



Max i Gown - E lene Cass i sNeck lace - Tr i na Tu r kB race le t s - S ty l i s t s Own



DISCODAYSSpr ing fash ion goes ret ro ch ic. S tep back in t ime w i th modern ized 70 ’ s g lam.

Photography by Anna The i ssenSty l i ng by Reness ta OldsMake-up by Spark le H i l lHai r S ty l i ng by Anna NuetRetouch ing by Red Ivy Pic tu resKaiLee Parker (Ass i s tan t )Amanda (Mode l , Muse NYC)


www.charlottestylemag.comGown - Doug las Hannant


www.charlottestylemag.comJ umper - Aman Athwa lBe l t - Moss imoNeck lace - S ty l i s t OwnShoes - Ra lph Lau ren A rch ive

Spring 2011 59



Jacket - J i l l S tua re tVes t - B rochu Wal ke rPant s - La fayet te 148Shoes - J i l l S tua r tR ing - S ty l i s t Own

Spring 201160



Jacket - J i l l S tua re tVes t - B rochu Wal ke rPant s - La fayet te 148Shoes - J i l l S tua r tR ing - S ty l i s t Own

S i l k D ress - Tadash i Sho j iEa r r i ngs - S ty l i s t OwnNeck lace - Sabr ina Dehof fShoes - J i l l S tua r t

Spring 2011 61


www.charlottestylemag.comFashion Living Legends

Interviewwith a

Legendby:BridgetteWest

It’s not every day that you’re able to talk to a legend.

Oscar de la Renta, legendary designer, visited Charlotte and showcased some of his designs at the Mint Museum Room to Bloom Celebration. After a fantastic night of fashion and beauty, he took the time out of his morning to meet with me the next day to discuss his new fragrance, Esprit d’Oscar, debuting at Belk.

I was prepared to talk about his years as a designer, but what caught my attention is the reputation that preceded him. Word was spreading fastthat Oscar de la Renta greeted each of the talented Charlotte - based artists who worked on his show at the Mint. I was also told that the morning of our interview, he wanted to meet and thank the sales associates at Belk who are on the front lines selling his perfume.

The Esprit d’Oscar scent filled the meeting room and instantly, I became a fan of the fragrance. A gentleman, he stood from his chair to greet me.

Complimenting him on the job well done creating his new fragrance he told me he hoped I’d make it my signature fragrance, wearing only his.

“We have a misconception about fragrances. We don’t change our face, why change our fragrance?”

I never thought about perfume this way, but it makes sense. How does he know this? How does he stay so in touch with his customer?

“By keeping my eyes open, by understand her lifestyle and her aspirations.”

In an industry dominated by dictation a man who has been designing clothes

for his self titled empire since 1965 still has the desire to be open-minded and listen to his customer creating what they want and need rather than what he wishes for them to have. Many could argue he is well within his right to be one of the great dictators of fashion today. He’s won more awards than you can count and has accomplished a level of success that most of us still dream. Yet, even his biggest accomplishment is customer focused.

“Making the woman dream,” he says is his biggest accomplishment to date.

His clothes have been worn by Mrs. Regan, Mrs. Clinton, Mrs. Bush, as well as our favorite celebrities. But his choice of the woman who influences fashion today may surprise you.

“Back in the 50‘s and 60‘s the movie stars influenced fashion. Today, it’s the consumer who influences fashion. Today a woman knows her power. She knows what’s most important, to project herself, love life and who you are.”

Without hesitation he tells that he loves life and loves living. He also enjoys designing and will only stop doing it when he looses the passion.

Read the entire interview online at www.CharlotteStyleMag.com

most stylish 2011 - spring

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