Got Plans Tonight?

If those plans include sitting at home holding down the couch... I've got a better suggestion!

Tre Bella Inc. & North Carolina Museum of Art Hosts
“Altar Ego…An Event All About You” Fashion Show

See the new Museum of Art, some great summer fashions (featuring the latest styles in daywear, resortwear, eveningwear, and bridal fashion), and stunning wedding gowns - while raising money for one of my favorites, Dress for Success Triangle NC!

Tickets to the event are $25.00, $5.00 which goes to Dress for Success AND enters you into the raffle for the items below. For tickets and more info, please visit the Altar Ego website.

Raffle Items
· Manuel Motto $2,000 wedding gown
· “Dining the Triangle” – dinner at Herons, the Fairview & Il Palio
· Dinner in Durham and tickets to The Color Purple
· Mirandolina Amoré package at The O’Henry Hotel plus $50 gift certificate

Durham-based Tre Bella Bridal, known for exceptional quality bridal gowns, is hosting the fashion show from 6:30-10:00 p.m., May 6, 2010 (tonight). The event will take place at the newly remodeled North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh.

Pat Nathan, founder of the local Dress for Success Triangle N.C. affiliate, will emcee the event. The not-for-profit organization, which has suited over 700 clients since June 2008, promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life.

“With the growing demand for our services, we look forward to spreading the word about how we are helping women in the Triangle area,” said Nathan. “It will be a good opportunity to learn more about how you and your company can help women in the Triangle while seeing current fashion trends and having fun.”

The event will feature wedding event ideas, hors d’oeuvres, a signature drink, amazing raffles, and culminate in a fashion show at 8:00 p.m. Couture bridal gowns by Melissa Sweet, Priscilla of Boston, Angel Sanchez, Junko Yoshioka, Lela Rose, and Manuel Moto will be modeled. Triangle boutiques will feature ready-to-wear clothing including daywear, cocktail and resort clothing.

Attendees will receive swag bags that feature a signature Tre Bella necklace and other goodies from participating sponsors. There will be raffle tickets available, as well as a separate $5 raffle for a change to win a Manuel Mota Wedding Gown. Tickets will not be sold on site, but can be purchased online for $25 at http://www.trebellabridal.com/altarego.htm. They can also be purchased at Magpie (in Durham) and Hadley Emerson (in Chapel Hill). Sponsors include Carolina Wedding Connect by Fox 50; CE Rental; DJ Joe Bunn; Get It Lit; Table of Content; Wavelength Salon; and Platinum Beauty.

PS - Carol Hannah Whitfield of Project Runway fame will be attending the event to do a designer meet & greet and showcase her new bridal line that will be carried by Tre Bella!


Helpful Links:
NewRaleigh.com feature on this event - http://www.newraleigh.com/articles/archive/altar-egoan-event-all-about-you-fashion-show-on-thursday/

Dress for Success Triangle NC affiliate page - http://dressforsuccess.org/affiliate.aspx?sisid=133&pageid=1

Altar Ego event page - http://www.trebellabridal.com/altarego.htm

Tre Bella bridal - http://trebellabridal.com/

Tre Bella florist & gifts - http://www.trebellaflorist.com/

Because You Asked...

...actually, Lisa S. and Ashton asked.

(But I do get this all the time.)

Jeans: Brands, Where to Buy, and Where to Get a Deal

1 - James Jeans. I usually get mine on sale at the Uniquities basement/attic sales or at Accessorize with Pi Phi. I will now also be replenishing from their outlet site I found out about right before Black Friday (they finally used my email address for something!). The prices were REALLY good on Black Friday (I'm talking $60.00), but they're still better than full retail even without the Black Friday pricing.

PS - I assume their outlet site is up all year, but right now the homepage still advertises pricing effective through 12/31/2009.... so we'll have to see where this one goes.

I've blogged about them several times.



2 - Rock Revival. From Bevello. I've also blogged about these. They are fantastic - a little stretchier than James, but still a great fit from both.








3 - I also have a pair of Citizens that I really like. Just one pair, though. For now. ;-)















4 - I would one day love to own a pair of Raleigh Denim customs.

Cute Boutique Alert: Calm & Sense

The store's tagline is "reach relaxation"... which is SURE to be a breeze once you've picked up some goodies here.

Delicious teas, bath salts/bombs/fizzers, shower steamers, beeswax candles, and more!
Here's her story:

People have been asking me how I came to open a store focusing on stress relief, relaxation, and a healthier life. As a refugee of over 25 years of corporate life, I was ready to start a new chapter—something about reaching an age milestone and being laid off all within 12 months does tend to empower oneself! Because of my experience working in large corporations, as well as raising two boys and being involved in my community, I also knew something about how stress impacts the body and the soul. So I decided to manage my own destiny and open a store that helps others cope with life’s stresses. In fact, the title I chose for my business cards is not Store Owner, but Chief Relaxation Officer.The extra cool part? The owner, Susan, makes a sincere effort to source all of her goods in fair trade manners and from as many women-owned businesses as possible. I like that retail karma :-)

Essential details below!

Calm and Sense
Glenwood Village Shopping Center
2603 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27608 (map)

{New Boutique on the Block}: GiGi's Boutique Coming to Cary

Remember my post a few weeks back about the great North Raleigh find, GiGi's Boutique?

I am SO excited to announce that they are opening up shop in Cary - MUCH closer to my neck of the woods... and just down the street from Swagger - in a few (give or take) weeks!

Here's the scoop from their eNews:We are excited to announce a second Gigi's Boutique will open, mid to late October 2009, at Crescent Commons in Cary. Crescent Commons is located at the corner of Tryon and Kildaire Farm Roads.

More information to follow as we get closer to the Grand Opening!

We are so thankful for your support and look forward to seeing you soon.I'll be sure to post about any Grand Opening events, etc. As always, be sure to keep it local!

{New (to Me) Boutique on the Block}: GiGi's Boutique

{New (to Me) Boutique on the Block}: GiGi's Boutique

This is a blog post I have been meaning to write for months!

Almost a year ago, I got a great email in my inbox from a local reader:
"Hi there,

I enjoy reading your blog - you're such a great resource for what's going on around Raleigh. Have you been to Gigi's Boutique? I saw an ad in the independent but I haven't heard anything about it so thought I would ask you. It's in Stonehenge Market on Creedmoor Road and they offer "the latest fashions with prices under $100". Thought it might be worth checking out.

Thanks and keep up the good work!

Christine"
The BF and I ended up out that direction one day a few months ago. I had just finished up with a laser appointment and it was about lunch time. We decided to venture more into North Raleigh and try something different. I'm really glad we did!

We pulled into Stonehenge Market - a shopping center we had not been to since going to the Crowley's of Stonehenge Cinco de Mayo bash back in '07 with the rest of the Buckhead sales team - and had lunch at Buffalo's (see my Buffalo's review here).

You can imagine my excitement when we were walking around the shopping center and I saw this cute little boutique called "GiGi's"... obviously, I had to stop in!

I was being good on my budget during that trip, but boy was it tough to have such restraint! Their selection was fantastic - carrying brands and pieces I have not seen or overdone locally - and the store really was very well merchandised and had great <$100.00 price points! Do be sure to check out their website (you can do some shopping online!), their email list, and now... their blog. I was really excited to see this addition as it came very shortly after my conversation with the boutique owner about how I'd heard about her store from a reader of my blog! (I always like to share good retailing secrets with independent owners who are a joy to shop with.)

I think the thing I liked most about the boutique was not their realistic approach to fashion that doesn't break the bank (although it is quite awesome), but the fact that the store was so well merchandised. Nothing was overly trendy (ie: not going to be worn next year) and everything was super appropriate for multiple uses - casual, work, going out, etc. It really does a wardrobe budget wonders to buy pieces that are good fits for anytime wear!

I can't wait until my next laser appointment (in about 6 weeks) so I'll have a good excuse to make the cross-town trip again.

Gigi's Boutique

Address: 7428 Creedmoor Road
Raleigh, NC 27613

Phone: 919-846-0014
Website: http://www.shopgigisboutique.com
Email: info@shopgigisboutique.com

Be sure to check them out sometime. I'd love to hear from you if you do. I'd also love any other local recommendations any of you'd like to send my way!


{Image: GiGi's Boutique website}

New Boutique on the Block: Bevello

I had the always enjoyable opportunity to stop in Beleza last week and visit with P. Dail and Sara (the most charming fair trade boutique owners you'll ever meet) and they told me about a new store opening up just down the sidewalk from them.

Bevello has received quite a lot of local attention in the blogosphere (etc., etc.) this weekend for it's fresh approach to boutique fashion and shopping in general. I can't wait to stop in sometime soon (this week maybe?) and visit the new store!

New Raleigh - Bevello Focuses on Service with New Cameron Village Boutique"Bevello, which occupies the former Francis King Stationery space, sells contemporary women’s clothing and accessories at a lower price point (most items fall in the $40-$150 range)."
Bevello - Official Website (I love that the pictures were taken here in town!)

Bevello - Official Blog


{Image: NewRaleigh.com}

Designers Downtown Market

Courtesy of Chix, here's a cool event going on for local shoppers this weekend:

Inspired by open-air flea markets in New York and Paris, the Designers' Downtown Market is your destination for a unique Mother's Day Gift or something for just for yourself.

Come 9am on Saturday, March 9, the parking lots of Ornamentea and Get Dressed will once again be transformed into a shopper's delight. With more than 50 vendors from Raleigh and beyond, the Designers' Downtown Market has become a sought–after venue for jewelry, bath & body products, wearable art, baby gifts, clothing, hand-blown glass, beads, felted items, pottery and dare we say, more!

With crepes from Coffee & Crepes, and gourmet hot dogs and veggie dogs from Queenies Weenies, it's a great way to spend your Saturday.

Designers Downtown Market
Date(s): Saturday, May 9, 2009 (raindate Sunday, May 10)
Time: 9am until 3 pm
Location: Parking lots of Ornamentea and Get Dressed, 509 & 600 N. West Street, Raleigh
Contact: 919-828-7529 for more information
Website: www.DesignersDowntownMarket.com for a list of vendors

Word on the Street...

The Glenwood South (Avenue) street that is... is that there is a party goin' on this Thursday!

I have wanted to check this consignment shop out for quite some time now, so this seems like the perfect thing to drag the girls to since we have the week off from Skee-Ball.



Revolver's Reuse, Revolve, Revamp Party
Thursday, May 7th
7:00pm until 10:00pm

Revolver Consignment Boutique
124 Glenwood Ave.
Downtown Raleigh, Glenwood South
blog/web: www.RevolverConsignmentBoutique.blogspot.com


{Image: Revolver Blog}

Raleigh Jeans

While I was browsing the same website that I found my recent boot addiction on I also happened to stumble upon these sweet jeans.The fleur de lis is one of my favorite embellishments/designs/patterns... and on jeans! (Although, sadly - I'm a little girl and those jeans looks like a pretty relaxed fit... so they're most likely a no go for me. I'm very particular about the fit of my jeans.)

Speaking of denim, this is a really cool feature from NewRaleigh.com on a local denim company! I really need to check their stuff out soon. How cool would that be to a have my "go to jeans" come from right in my own back yard?

UNDRESSED: Raleigh Denim"One thing led to another, and Verses Jeans was born. (The name changed to Raleigh Denim last summer). The two married in October 2008, and today they’re making jeans—and history—full-time in a studio on Bloodworth Street.

New Raleigh met them there Friday evening before they headed out to the Rosebuds show. Sarah was wearing boots over Raleigh Denim jeans and an old black L.A. Raiders t-shirt, with her hair down long and straight. Victor, wearing cuffed Raleigh Denim jeans with an old White Horse Tavern t-shirt, remarked that he was missing his usual hat since he’d showered that morning."Check out the full story and let me know if you have any Raleigh Denim of your own!

Calling All Raleigh and Wilmington Readers

This came to me via our executive director of our local Dress for Success affiliate - verrrrry cool things going on here.



About Style Swap
"Style-conscious women find a way to recession-proof their closets."

After reading an article about the growing trend of “swishing” parties in England, Jess James had a thought – why not take “swapping” to the next level? She imagined a “Style Swap” event where women of all ages, sizes and with a range of styles could come together to share their closets while they “economize and socialize.”

Starting in July 2007, Jess James and her partner Shannon Dunne of James + Dunne Styling hosted the first bi-monthly “Style Swap” where women arrived with a few clothing items and accessories and left with items from other fashionistas’ closets. Each guest is given personalized tags to mark the items of their choice leaving their sartorial karmic fate to be determined by drawings and for the most coveted items of the night – a good old- fashioned game of musical chairs!

After each Style Swap, any left-over items are donated to Vintage Values, Bargain Box or Dress for Success. Not only are Style Swaps a fabulous night of frugal fashion - they are also eco-chic and a great excuse to clean out your closet!
Here are the details for the upcoming Style Swap in Raleigh:
Date: Thursday, April 30th
Time: 7-9pm
Location: White Collar Crime - Downtown Raleigh

"Hey Recessionistas! - Looking for some guilt-free shopping with instant gratification? If you want to look good without feeling the pinch on your pocketbook, come to Raleigh's ultra stylish, eco-friendly STYLE SWAP."

Enjoy:
* Yummy bites from your favorite local restaurants, $4 cocktails + wine specials
* Sponsored “swap” items + fabulous prizes from your favorite stores
* Beauty Station

Bring:
Fashionable (designer + vintage) items that have been hibernating in your closet!
1 gently worn item (on hanger) + 1 accessory

Donations:
Please bring gently worn suits, accessories (including purses and briefcases) and/or shoes to benefit Dress for Success. Think, what you would wear on an interview or to give a big presentation at work!

Questions:
To email Style Girl Jess James for more info Click Here.

Quick Raleigh Retail Update: Abbeygail's Closet

Abbeygail's Closet is a Raleigh consignment shop

"owned and operated by the Women's Center of Wake County, Inc., a nonprofit agency dedicated to assisting low-income and homeless children and their moms. Net proceeds from sales go directly to support the programs and services of the Women's Center."Back to the update - apparently they've just renovated and are now focusing on high-end and high-quality consignment only. I'm sure there are some good deals to be had on some fab finds... for a good cause.

I just received a quick email blast today that advertises:"Today and Tomorrow Only!
From 3pm-6pm today and from 10am-4pm tomorrow
buy any item of clothing and get a second item of clothing
(equal or lesser value) for half price!"It's crappy and rainy outside, but a good consignment find is worth the adventure out!

So Many Shareworthy Posts Today...

Man, today was a good day for my Google Reader... and it's only 1:15pm (est).

From around the blogosphere:Purple Armchair Closes, Get Dressed Opens - more consignment choices in Downtown Raleigh!




I Heart Steve - modern, chic, and cheap cocktail glasses at Crate & Barrel for $1.95 each!






$10 off $10 at DSW - thanks Sue!






In a Clutch! - Really, really great clutches that look fantastic with this bride's wonderful bridesmaid dresses choice.






Big Wardrobe - "free, ethical, stylish way to recycle your wardrobe"



Enjoy!

(Images: Linked to sources.)

February Sale at Beleza

Thanks to co-owner Sara for the email about Beleza's February specials!

Local readers, be sure to take advantage of these deals at Cameron Village a.s.a.p.Colors of the Month...RED and PINK - receive 25% off any jewelry with any red or pink in it.
(That's right! We've gone from the usual 20% to 25% off to celebrate Valentine's!)

Many items up to 50% off in our newly remodeled side room.
More items added to this special room every week!

Awesome new purses from the Philippines - beautiful colors as well as great styles with excellent designs.

Incredible new pearl and mother of pearl jewelry with great designs including the very popular large mother of pearl beads and nuggets - beautiful colors as well as traditional white and pink.

Exciting new shipment of stainless steel hinged cuffs from Brazil with over 20 new designs

New shipment of bark art paintings from Uganda

Greatly expanded collection of remarkable murano glass jewelryPS - They are now offering a few great services... one of which (jewelry repair) I will be looking into right away for the pieces I have that aren't getting put into rotation because they need a little fix!Need jewelry repaired? Bring it to us and we'll be glad to do this if possible.

Need that special jewelry for a wedding or any event? Our designers are ready to help by making what you'd like to wear. Bring your outfit to match with our outstanding selection of materials for you to choose from.Perfect timing!

It's Here!

As mentioned last week, Uniquities Raleigh sale is here... yay!!!Click the image below to launch it in your browser to read all the details (Saturday: 10am-7pm) and about the savings!


(Here's wishing for just a second that I'm wasn't going to Vegas with some of my favorite people in the world in two weeks... but I am, so I can't go blowing my money away just yet. Ok, that's gone. I'm still really excited about Vegas!)

PS: Lisa S. also offered up a great deal that's also worth sharing - "Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Shirts are $36 off normal price. So, $53 instead of $89".

It's Coming!

Just got an email today that the 13th Annual Attic Sale will be taking place at Uniquities in Chapel Hill on Saturday, January 17th starting at 10am. Deals can be snagged for up to 75% off.

In the past, I've gone to Chapel Hill and braved the masses but what makes me really excited is that the Raleigh sale usually takes place the following weekend - yay! That's where I'll be this year, like I have the past few years (see previous posts here).

Stay tuned...

{Double Post} The Shop with a Conscience

I can't believe this is another thing I've never remember to blog about, because it's one of my Cameron Village favorites - Beleza: A Fair Trade Boutique.Described on their website as a place where:...you will find unique and extraordinary textiles and hats, jewelry and art that catch your eye and touch your heart.

Beyond offering beautiful things, Beleza exists to provide hard working people from countries around the world – and here in the US – essential support to provide daily necessities for their families.

While the store is fair trade, the major emphasis of Beleza is to treat people as they should be treated, and assist in global economic development.Beleza is owned and operated by two of the most wonderful people I know: P. Dail and his wife Sara.

I received the following email today from Sara about a new addition coming to their store that I am really excited about:Recently we met Audias from Honduras. Born without arms, he paints with his feet. We will have his work in the store very soon and encourage you to come see this work. Audias has no other means of support. We plan to host a special event for you to meet him.I'll be sure to update when I hear more details!

In the mean time, go check out Beleza and become an addict of their amazing selection of goods with a heart, too.

Sale: Stuff Consignment

New Raleigh reports that:Stuff Consignment Boutique will be "having a big sale (up to 70% off of certain items) until Sunday and will be having their Third Anniversary Party on Friday, December 19th, from 7:30-10:30pm"!Could be a great opportunity to snag some nice furniture, mirrors, clothes, etc. - many of which might seem outdated but with a little DIY could make some awesome additions to any home or wardrobe.

YAY! Now that's another Downtown place I'd do some Black Friday shopping at, too.

More Tough Love Love

Think folks at The Technician are reading my blog?

Maybe, maybe not. It shouldn't be hard for NCSU fashionistas to find out about Tough Love... I mean it is just across the street from campus!

From Monday's Technician:Local fashions a few steps away from campus
Tough Love sells jewelry, clothes from local designers

"But Tough Love isn’t an average clothing boutique. Ashley Reynolds, the owner of Tough Love, set up shop about a year ago in a quirky little building off Hillsborough Street, with bright walls and decorations accenting clothes that are, by her own admittance, "different."

Tough Love carries independent labels and local clothing and accessories. Reynolds said the store doesn’t carry mainstream brands.

“As far as trends, I’m not the anti -- but I try not to do what everyone else is doing,” Reynolds said."Click through to read the whole scoop!

Local Shopping Round-Up - Black Friday Edition!

I for one, do not do Black Friday. Not in the retail sense, at least. I have been known to arrive at the bar extra early on Black Friday though!

Nonetheless, far be it for me to deprive anyone of the good deals to be had!From Sue Stock's Taking Stock blog:
"If you've ever wondered whether the deals at the Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield are worth the drive, here's a handy way to try and find out." (Includes info about the Midnight Madness Black Friday event!)

Ok, I may have to venture out to this Tough Love event to snag this dress on sale... and contribute to a great cause:
"This Black Friday Tough Love will be giving everyone 10% off and an extra 5% off if you bring in an item to donate to Interact. Interact is a women"s shelter who would especially like clothing and canned goods. Tough Love will be open from 7am-7pm, serving Mimosas (alcoholic beverage) till noon. So come by and shop, drink, donate!!!"
More coming as we approach the trailing half of the month!

(Local) WANT: Tough Love's Merino Wool Dress

Really in love with this tunic/dress featured on Tough Love's blog from tough love boutique:Boutique-owner Ashley emailed me (in response to my blog post comment of "Oooh nice! How much is the tunic/dress? And does it become green at the bottom?") and gave me the scoop on it:The dress is actually all grey (it's Merino wool). The price is $110. A little pricy but really cute and lots of things could be worn with it.I'm just imagining what I could do with that dress, some cute tights, and a sweet pair of riding boots. Now, where shall I find $110 to move into the dress budget??