• The 25 Most Stylish People of 2012
• Man of STYLE : Interview with Cam Newton
• My Stylish Place : Featuring the Home of NASCAR Driver Justin Allgaier with wife Ashley
• Spring Beauty Trends
• Spring and Summer Fashion Trends and Editorials
• Love & Relationship Advice
• Music Features
• and More!

After reading this issue, we’d love to hear from you. TellUs@CharlotteStyleMag.com and let us know your thoughts. Your comments just may be featured in the Fall / Winter 2012 Issue of STYLE.

Enjoy the issue!

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The Girl loves wigs, weaves, ponies, and all things long and flowing. I’m not quite sure if it’s a phase or if I should be worried about her becoming a 20 year old young lady who stands at the door of her local beauty supply store waiting for the latest edition of human hair to be displayed (much like video game nerds). Either way, I try not to hold her too far back from exploring her likes and dislikes (with anything…not just fake hair).

Yesterday, I popped into the beauty supply store to snag another box of hair dye (I’ll explain that one later) and the Girl took a quick liking to the many mannequin heads displaying an array of fake hair. She eventually found her way to the drawstring ponies and begged and pleaded her case until I caved in (a rare occurrence) and bought one.

Before we made it home, she had taken it out of the box and pet it like it was one of the dogs. “I’ll wash your hair tonight and you can wear it to school tomorrow,” I said.

“What?!” she said dropping her pony in her lap. “I’m wearing this to….school?” I had to look at the Boy for help, but he just put his head in his hands and shrugged his shoulders. He obviously didn’t care–he just wanted to watch the soccer game. I was confused. Discombobulated. Astonished. Hadn’t I just bought an $8 pony for her to wear to school? Or was she planning on going to the club in that thing?

“Uh, well…I thought I bought it for you to wear to school,” I said. She stuck her thumb in her mouth and stared out of the window.

This morning the Girl came into the bathroom and stood in front of me waiting for our morning hair combing ritual to begin, but something was missing. “Where is your ponytail?”

“Well,” she started, “I’m scared.” Huh, my face said. “What will people say?” Hell, at that moment even I wasn’t sure what to say, but then I remembered something.

I pulled, combed, and tugged at her tresses as I told her the story of the mean girls on a hot Brooklyn sidewalk I encountered one summer. I use to play in my aunt’s wigs and one day (hot as it was) I decided to wear it on our trip to the corner store. Passersby gave me weird looks but it didn’t phase me much. When the girls who stood outside of a little store pointed and laughed hysterically at my curly jeri curl like wig my spirit broke in a thousand little pieces. I cried so hard, right there on the sidewalk.  I didn’t understand why they were laughing at me (now I get it. An 8 year old in a jeri curl wig is pretty damn funny).

The next day, my aunt and my mom bought me a jumbo weave pack (the kind used for braids). My mother fixed my hair so it looked authentically mine and we just happened to be taking another stroll past the same little store where those mean girls planted themselves every day. This time, passersby didn’t give me strange looks. Instead they were in awe. Oh and those mean little witches, their mouths dropped open in disbelief.

By the time I was finished relaying the story to the Girl, her pony was snug and her bangs curled. She took a moment to stare at herself in the mirror and then I saw something that reminded me of those mean girls on that hot Brooklyn sidewalk. A real, genuine, ‘i-see-me’ smile. That’s the same smile crept across my face when I saw the pony lay over my shoulder in a store window. Like mother like daughter.

The show, which took place in Dillard’s beauty department, featured daytime, evening, and prom looks for Spring 2012.   The fashion show was organized to gain awareness for The Edge Beauty’s presence at Dillard’s and the product lines and services it has to offer to shoppers.

The Edge Beauty shop opened in the summer of 2011 and features twenty haute couture national brands such as professional make-up line, Paula Dorf.  The beauty shop hopes to attract shoppers who are looking for the latest trends in beauty and are open minded to exploring new product lines.  The Edge Beauty Shop is located in the Dillard’s beauty department at Carolina Place Mall.

All Photos by Jaclyn Nash

Look out Carolina Panthers. There is a new football team in town!

Blondes vs. Brunettes is a volunteer-driven event that raises awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Two teams of women – divided to reflect the age-old rivalry between blondes and brunettes – compete in a flag football game to help end Alzheimer’s. The participants also recruit coaches, announcers and other volunteers to build an atmosphere of fierce, friendly competition.

Leading up to game day, the two teams participate in a series of events to socialize and increase awareness for Alzheimer’s disease – including a draft party and player auction.  The auction takes place on Wednesday, April 25 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Crave Dessert Bar.

In the fall of 2005, the first Blondes vs. Brunettes event was held in Washington D.C. Organized by a group of young women with a personal connection to the cause, the event quickly became a success and has since expanded to include additional events. In its short history, Blondes vs. Brunettes has raised more than $800,000.

Visit the event website to make a donation or to purchase tickets to the event

Meet The Blondes, Brunettes and Coaches

Photography, Erin L. Hubbs

Visit the Blondes vs Brunettes Facebook Page

]]> http://charlottestylemag.com/2012/04/24/blondes-vs-brunettes-let-the-games-begin/feed/ 0 http://charlottestylemag.com/2012/04/23/my-stylish-place-with-erica-bryant/ http://charlottestylemag.com/2012/04/23/my-stylish-place-with-erica-bryant/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2012 01:21:38 +0000 ArieneB http://charlottestylemag.com/?p=21785

Photo By: Glen Graham/GBurkeImages

As little girls, most of us remember having pink princess and ballerina themed bedrooms.  However none of us ever thought of keeping that furniture let alone passing it down to our children.  Well, except for Erica Bryant.  Our very own local new WSOC TV news anchor, and mother of two had the foresight to keep her childhood furniture.  This furniture became the inspiration for her 11 year-old daughter Ashleigh’s favorite new place.  Meet Ashleigh’s mom, Erica Bryant in her daughter’s stylish pad.

ARIENE: What room are we in and why?
ERICA:  We are in my daughter Ashleigh’s bedroom.  It was time to update her room into something that will grow with her at this age.

Photo By: Glen Graham/GBurkeImages, Designed By: Rashon Carraway

ARIENE:  How would you describe your daughters style?
ERICA:  Its the perfect blend between princess and tomboy – colorful and fun.  Ashleigh was very involved and picked the fuchsia color and bed linens.

ARIENE:  What piece inspired the room?
ERICA:  Well, the bed and desk were mine as a child (with a smile).  I carried them with me from place to place, storing them in the garage.  I was going to throw them away, when one night I came across the Nate Berkus show and saw a young man refurbishing old furniture and decided to keep it.  Several months later I ran into the gentleman from the Nate Berkus Show (Most Stylish 2012 Honoree, Rashon Carraway) at a Goodwill event.  I told him about the bedroom and the rest is history!

Habitat Restore night stands refurbished by Fulton Williams, Designed By: Rashon Carraway

ARIENE:  What was the biggest challenge in decorating the space?
ERICA:  Scheduling!  Working with my schedule, the artisan Fulton Williams (painted & sanded night stands) and Rashon was challenging but worth it.

ARIENE:  Where there any DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) projects our readers can takeaway?
ERICA:  The pin board above the desk was purchased second hand.  The frame was painted and new fabric was added to the back (see above).

ARIENE:  What did you splurge on?
ERICA:  The bedding.  My daughter selected the bedding from Pottery Barn.  Rashon had the mitered pillows custom made.  They finish the bed nicely.

ARIENE:  What was the least expensive item in the room?
ERICA:  The pin board above the desk.  The solid wood night stand were a steal at $150 for the pair.

ARIENE:  What is your daughter’s favorite piece in the room?
ERICA:  The bed is her favorite.  She loves that it was mine at her age.  And since she went from a twin bed to a full she has more room for pillows, jumping and curling up with a book.

ARIENE:  How would you describe the mood of the room?
ERICA:  Happy, cheerful and calming.  The room has great bedside lighting (second hand) that is perfect for reading.  She requested a chandelier for some bling!

Ashleigh Approves!

ARIENE:  How could reader’s recreate a similar style?
ERICA:  Begin with a family heirloom piece or a piece of furniture that has sentimental value and build around that.  I also love to surround a room with family photos.  When I walk into Ashleigh’s room I see pictures of her from a baby, to a toddler, to fond vacation memories or time spent with friends.  It instantly creates a warm and cozy space.

What’s on “Erica’s Favorite Things” List for Spring / Summer

Fragrance:  Lemon/citrus or clean linen scent for the home.  As for what I am wearing now, Dolce and Gabbana The One is my staple.  I also wear Lola by Marc Jacobs.  Ashleigh, is wearing a really nice fragrance called  Princess by Vera Wang.

Color Combo:  Fuchsia like Ashleigh!

Blog/Website:  www.CNN.com, www.ABC.com and www.CharlotteSTYLEMag.com

Beauty Staple:  MAC Blot Powder

Fashion Staple:  A black skirt and the highest heel I can find!

CREDITS:

• Glen Graham/GBurkeImages
• Rashon Carraway : www.rashoncarraway.com

Honoree Michelle Davis (center, in white) with guests

STYLE kicked off Style Week 2012 with its 4th annual 25 Most Stylish event at Butter on Saturday, April 14th. Charlotte’s lovers of all things stylish walked the red carpet in the plush and modern venue and enjoyed presentations in the fashion lounge by live models wearing pieces from Spring/Summer 2012 Saks Fifth Avenue/Off 5th collections.

Honoree Shannon D. Rauch and Husband

Editor-in-Chief, Bridgette West presented Charlotte’s 25 Most Stylish in fashion and beauty, philanthropy, business, and entertainment and social networking. Following their introductions Charlotte Style Magazine’s 25 Most Stylish cover was unveiled.

Among the honorees was interior designer, Rashon Carraway, also known as Mr. Goodwill Hunting from the Nate Berkus Show. “To be recognized among so many amazing people in Charlotte is truly a blessing,” he said. He considers it a true honor to receive this opportunity and is equally thrilled that the Charlotte STYLE gives back to the community. “I think holding events to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte is an amazing cause to support so I am thoroughly excited to be a part of that effort,” he said.

Most Stylish Honoree Rashon Carraway (center) with guests

Shelby Christie, one of the night’s honorees and “Bronze bombShel” blogger, said she was thrilled to be considered one of Charlotte’s most stylish. She is a lover of over-the-top fashion and is inspired by Diana Ross. “I’m an old soul and I consider myself a bit of a disco queen,” she said. In addition to writing her blog (bronzebombshel.tumblr.com) Christie is a full time student studying history at North Carolina A&T University.

Shelby Ivey Christie (left) and her mother

STYLE named the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte the week’s beneficiary and Mona Johnson-Gibson, Executive Director, came out to celebrate as well. “This is such a good cause and we really appreciate the support,” she said. The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte houses families of seriously ill children and are continuing their goal of providing a home away from home for those children and their families.

Love the photos? There’s more on our Facebook Page. See yourself? Tag Yourself!

For more information about STYLE Week Charlotte visit www.StyleWeekCharlotte.com

Upon entering the center, you became surrounded with artwork that spanned all three floors of the center’s space. Between perusing artwork, the over 300 guests mingled, ate small bites by Porcupine Provisions and enjoyed an open bar.

In keeping with the sensory explosion theme, each artist’s studio created an experience that not only engaged your sight but your other senses too. For example, hip hop music played softly in the Candice Ivy studio, an asian food mini buffet was in the center of the room in Tomoo Kitamura’s studio and freshly popped popcorn and jello shots could be found in the Terry Shipley’s studio.

Why do we shy away from showcasing that region?  I can speculate that for many women, it is where our extra serving of dinner rolls or our over-indulgence in chocolate takes up real estate on our bodies.  For that reason, material is welcomed to mask that location.  But baring your midriff doesn’t have to be as “bare” or “risqué” as one would typically imagine.  The Spring 2012 runways displayed a lot of belly baring outfits.  Some designs showcased more skin than others, which allows for versatility to suit the trend barer.

Now at this point, you probably still think I am crazy and out of my mind for suggesting that this is an approachable, realistic trend. But, you’ll see that you can jump on board with this trend while controlling your skin revealing levels to suit your comfort zone.  I will preface the following trend suggestions with the disclaimer that unless you work in a very relaxed, trend-setting environment, it is best to keep this trend away from the workplace.  Sometimes, you just need to draw the line…in this case, the hemline that is.

Here are some ways you can either display the fruit of you ab-work labor or, show just enough skin to demonstrate your support of this trend.

More conservative option (relatively speaking that is- we are talking about bare midriffs after all):

www.googleimages.com

For those of you who like to throw caution to the wind:

www.googleimages.com

Somewhere in the middle- no pun intended:

www.whowhatwear.com

So don’t wait for the chance to wear a bikini.  Re-evaluate your hemline and show a little (or a lot) of skin this spring.

The Hollywood Beauty Event sponsored by LAGLOW is an event dedicated to Makeup Artist and Beauty-nistas. It is a two day event where you get hands on training, tips and advice from the most sought after Celebrity Makeup artist around. Not only did I get a sneak peak a celeb Makeup artist tool bag, but I also got a up close look at how the magic is done.

First thing I noticed after entering The Sheraton Hotel  was that the event was full of Artist along with their models. Which was expected but never have I seen so many Makeup Artist all dressed in black under one roof.  I walked through the lobby and briefly peaked into each seminar that was taking place and snapped photos. I personally wear black to just about every beauty/fashion event I attend and this wasn’t an exception so I blended right in.  What was even nicer was that once you enter a class, the Makeup Artist will greet you with a warm welcome. I had the honor of getting some Hair Bling and visited jewelry stands that were endorsed by celebrities themselves. I also got to chit chat with few of the Artist as they exited their class.

After the main event there was of course the after party which was held at the Sheraton Hotel roof top. Surrounded by the whole city, it was a sight to die for! Beautiful lights covered the dance floor and I got to munch on some of the best chocolate cakes, brownies I’ve had in a long time.  It was a perfect end to the perfect event.  I got to meet some of the top celeb Make artist, absorbed great tips and walked away with a nice goodie bag.  What else could a beauty junkie ask for? 

At some point, I need to stop being such a lazy ass and actually buy clothing that fits. Running around at a size 18 wearing size 22 dresses and jeans isn’t exactly going to cut it. Here’s the problem: I suck at dressing myself (and the kids according to the Husband).

I have tried everything I can think of including, but not limited to buying EVERY fashion magazine at the bookstore, scouring the internet for hours on end, reading blog after blog after blog, and settling on a signature color–black (come on…what can’t you get away with in black). My friends have made suggestions, I have searched for stylists (all of which I am not willing to pay), and I have desperately laid across the Girl’s bed and whined about having nothing to wear.

Ironically enough her response emphasized the very reason I was whining. “Mommy, you aren’t that much fatty anymore. Well…except for your belly, but the rest of you is smaller so you can’t keep wearing your old fatty clothes. I’m just sayin.”  Wisdom from the mouth of babes. Unfortunately her wisdom on my ‘fattiness’ didn’t help much.

I have tried to think about things–er um–styles I would prefer to wear. Skinny jeans, Uggs, and baby tees are not exactly in my age bracket and honestly, unless you’re 12 you should probably leave that alone. I love the Mad Men, Marilyn Monroe, June Cleaver style of things. Black is nice, yes, but the inner me loves color (shocking since black is the self appointed signature color). Hauntingly deep reds, femininely pretty pinks, amazingly electric blues, and every shade of yellow (oops, forgot grass green). I like big bold prints and easy fabrics. I am not a fan of pants (my fatty belly and all), but paired with a slouchy tee and a tank underneath I could rock tight jeans and Converse all day. Aside from the fact that I have an odd pinky toenail, I love flip flops and peep toe wedges. I am a lifetime fan of the grace and ease that is Ralph Lauren, and if there was ever a brim that I didn’t fall in love with–the fedora would be the one.

You see, the issue is not me not knowing what I like because I know that very well. The issue–well, issues with an ‘s’–come into play when it comes time to buy anything. I get all weird and nervous and end up huffing out of the store claiming they didn’t have anything–thus the never ending trips to Old Navy. There is comfort there among the millions of tees and cheaply made dresses that are meant to hang on every body differently. However, as I quickly approach the age of 33 and a smaller size, I realize that Old Navy can’t actually be the immediate go-to place.

So I am in a bit of a pickle. The inner self wants to feel pretty and girly with a slight twist of Marilyn Monroe, yet the outer me is more at ease with over sized tees, athletic wear, and jeans–oh, can’t forget the dresses that are 2 sizes too big. I am scared of accessories too, which I forgot to mention. I always feel like they look amazing on the Mancunians and actors on the Young and the Restless, but not me. (It’s weird, yes, but isn’t this entire situation a little strange?)  I am all out of ideas at this point and if this keeps up I’ll start wearing running gear to work everyday. I need help and Lord knows I need it bad.