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publisher’s note And ... We’re back! I hope all is well and 2010 is getting off to a good start for everyone. We at Elevate took a month off due to printer issues, but we’re back in full force and are gearing up for warm weather with our Spring Fashion Issue. Trust me, we have a little bit of everything in this edition. We kick things off with a couple of photography spreads from some of the most up-and-coming designers from the Queen City, then add on beauty tips for the ladies and “Do’s and Don’ts” for the guys, to make this issue one that can be enjoyed by all. I hope you’ll agree. So as you bide your time waiting on the warm weather to be here for good, don’t forget you can always catch the newest issue, as well as back-issues, of Elevate Lifestyle online, at ElevateLifestyle.com. Next month brings our annual Elevate Lifestyle Awards Issue, and we will be celebrating its release at The Sunset Club on Thursday, April 1. The event is open to everyone, and one lucky person will walk away with a trip for two to Miami! To find out more, you can always check out all the event details online at ElevateLifestyle.com. There you can also join our mailing list, which will keep you on the cutting edge of all the great social events happening in the Queen City. So be sure to join us at The Sunset Club on the first of April to celebrate the best of Charlotte, and ring in the spring! See you there! Publisher, Steve Caldwell
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culture
dining
entertainment
fashion
fitness
nightlife
E l e v a t e L i f e s t y l e . c o m
e team
President & Editor in Chief: Steve Caldwell steve@ElevateLifestyle.com Assistant Editor: Edy Hinson Creative Director: Greg Smith Design & Production: Greenspon Advertising Photography Spreads:
“The Elevate Team, Monthly Columnist” Photography: Joseph Hawk Photography and Assistant Delayne Kenney, Wardrobe Stylist: Craig Ross, Hair & Make Up: Salon 15, Jules Almond and Sara Smith “LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!” Photography: Joseph Hawk Photography and Assistant DeLayna Kenny, Models: Wilhelmina Evolution: Alyse McDaniel, Elaine Gregory, and Leesa Delphia, Carolina Talent: Shayla Girardin, Wardrobe Stylist: Craig Ross, Hair Stylist: Studio 15, Jules Almond and Tia Jenkins, Make Up: Caroline K and Erin Ryan
“Pure Spring” Photography: Jim Merrill, JMT Photography, Models: Emily Armstrong, and Michael Capello, Wardrobe Styling: PURE Premier Boutique, Make Up: Angela Rabon and Casey Nelson “Luxury Looks for Spring” Photography: Jon Mullen, Models: Carolina Talent: Krysta Mouncer and Lissette Ocampo, Models: Erin M. Harris, Michael Capella, Wilhelmina Evolution: Chad Guthrie, One Up Models: Lindsay Drake, Hair Stylists: Folicle Salon, Edward Woody, Ken Russell, Jill Snyder, Kayce Holbrook, Angie Suttle, and Cristina Reyes, Make Up: Deirdre DaCosta Rossi
Advertising, Sponsorship, and Website Sales General Advertising Sales Information: Colleen Kelly and Steve Caldwell Contributing Writers: Culture Editor Laura Vossberg, Dining Editor Ryan Self, Entertainment Editor Denise Gregory, Fashion Editor Debra Kennedy, Fitness Editor Monique Douglas, Nightlife Editor Brittney Cason, Sarah Coombes, Shannon Warren, and Steve Caldwell Event, Article, and Website Photography: Eun Park, Lazyday.com, and Steve Caldwell Interns: Sophia Crittenden
CONTENTS 30 34 40 44 50
Culture: Cultural Outlook Dining: New Eats in Town Entertainment: Johnnie Millwater Fitness: Moving Forward in 2010 Nightlife: Nightlife Resolutions
N O W O P E N IN SOUTHEND 1 5 2 0 S. B l v d
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SPRING FASHION ISSUE 54
Pure Spring
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Luxury Looks for Spring
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Lights, Camera, Action!
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The Right Mix
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Lore Emelio Designer
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Skincare Technologies
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Fashion Tips For Guys
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Who Are You Wearing?
The Elevate Team, Monthly Columnists
Photography: Joseph Hawk Photography and Assistant Delayne Kenney, Wardrobe Stylist: Craig Ross, Hair & Make Up: Salon 15, Jules Almond and Sara Smith
Brittney Cason, Nightlife Editor
Monique Douglas, Fitness Editor
Laura Gainor, Culture Editor
Debra Kennedy, Fashion Editor
Denise Gregory, Entertainment Editor
Ryan Self. Dining Editor
culture
2010 cultural outlook This year is going to be an exciting one for Charlotte and its culture. It was just a few years ago when we were all wishing there were more attractions in Uptown, and now the city is booming with different things to do! In this column I will fill you in on just some of the different cultural events you’ll be able to take advantage of in 2010! Wells Fargo Cultural Campus We’ve all watched Uptown expand with the addition of the Epicentre, bringing more entertainment and now we’ll be experiencing more culture … finally! January 2 brought the opening of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in the Wells Fargo Cultural Campus. This cultural campus is bringing a whole new life to Charlotte with the Knight Theater, Mint Museum Uptown (opening fall 2010) and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. Finally Uptown Charlotte can boast multiple cultural venues, all in one place!
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art 420 S. Tryon Street • www.bechtler.org You will love what the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is bringing to Uptown. For those who love a touch of sophistication every once and a while -- and to expand the horizons of a sports-minded husband/ boyfriend -- have a date night at the Bechtler! The museum is named after the family of Swiss-native Andreas Bechtler, a Charlotte resident who assembled and inherited a collection of more than 1,400 artworks that were created by major figures of 20th-century modernism and donated to the public trust. What a guy to give it all to Charlotte for us all to enjoy! Some of the art you will be able to feast your eyes upon includes work Andy Warhol, Edgar Degas, Picasso, Barbara Hepworth and Max Ernst. Admission is a reasonable $8 for adults, with discounted parking at the Wells Fargo Cultural Campus garage or The Green parking garage. Make it a date to visit this work of art right in the heart of Charlotte! The Knight Theater 430 S. Tryon Street • www.blumenthalcenter.org The Knight Theater is a part of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and is a part of the Wells Fargo Cultural Campus. This complements Blumenthal’s line-up of shows, kicking off the season with their presentation of Cinderella, showing March 4 through 14.
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Mint Museum Uptown (opening Fall 2010) www.mintmuseum.org This museum, set to open in October 2010, will showcase inspiring architecture and new exhibitions otherwise unseen in the other Mint Museum locations. This will be a great place for everyone to experience art -- both inside the museum, and also with the architecture designed by Machado and Silvetti Associates of Boston, Clark Patterson Lee Design Professionals of Charlotte, and George Sexton Associates of Washington, D.C. Harvey B. Grantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture 551 South Tryon Street • www.aacc-charlotte.org Another cultural venue right in the heart of Uptown Charlotte is the Harvey B. Grantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. The center makes accessible cultural music, dance, theater, visual art, film, arts education programs and literature to youth and adults alike. Become a member, and you’ll be contributing to our Charlotte children’s education and outreach programs.
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A couple of exhibits that are currently on display: Juan Logan’s “Leisure Space” (Ends March 28, 2010) Experience Logan’s insightful interpretation of the role of beaches, lakesides and riverfronts in Jim Crow America. The John and Vivian Hewitt Collection (Ends January 2, 2011) View the signature portfolio of African-American art that was 50 years in the making. This exhibit, open until next year, features artists from Romare Bearden to Elizabeth Catlett. NoDa www.noda.org The life of arts and culture, NoDa! Continue to visit our favorite arts district for more gallery crawls, Cabo fish tacos, tattoos, and wine! The First and Third Friday Gallery Crawl continues each month in the heart of NoDa. Sharazad Improv – local comedy, global impact Performing at Wine-Up • 3306-C N. Davidson Street www.improvcharlotte.com Sharazad continues to bring improv comedy to Charlotte. You’ll be able to attend and contribute to a good cause once a month at Wine-Up in NoDa. Sharazad Improv is a group of local comedians who devote their time to entertaining guests and helping various charities each time they perform. They will be at Wine-Up on the first Friday of every month with improv acts that are not only entertaining, but interactive. Don’t miss out on this experience in 2010! So there you have it! Just a few ideas about what is going on in Charlotte in 2010 to expand your cultural minds. So get your friends together and visit one of these cultural venues before heading out for some bowling at Strike City or sushi at Enso. Culture Editor, Laura Gainor facebook.com/bluewheelphotography
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dining
new eats in town We’re well into the new year, which means resolutions ... which means broken resolutions ... which inevitably means, “Where will we be gleefully ditching our diets tonight?” That’s where I’ll be coming in as Elevate Lifestyle magazine’s new dining columnist. My goal will not be to tell you which restaurants are hits and which are misses -- after all, tastes are subjective and there are already enough self-important critics out there -- but to direct you to the coolest, most intriguing spots in the Queen City. I’m not going to tell you what’s cool, I’m going to tell you what has the very real potential to be cool. Restauranteurs will have every opportunity to wow me with a big idea, then the success of their execution is up to you. A bit about me: I’m new to Charlotte, having fled the nation’s capital late last summer. I’m much more of a beer and BBQ guy than a wine and tapas guy, although I’ve been known to happily
make do with whatever is put in front of me (“With gusto,” my wife adds). Unlike my co-workers, I am (more often than not) dreadfully unhip, but I can spot a cool concept when I see one. I’ll be interested to hear from our readers if the spots I highlight truly are the best new spots to hang out in Charlotte.
This month, I’m looking at a few new spots that have caught my eye. The first is Dandelion Market, located at 118 West Fifth Street. The first thing patrons notice upon entering is the wall o’ beers -- 24 taps, many of which are the adventurous kind so rarely seen Uptown. Uptown has so many bars that have identical offerings to one another. Dandelion Market is exactly the shot in the arm this area needed. I’m already starting to hear stories of huge crowds gathering at this still underthe-radar spot. Uptown has a million spots to go dance and try out your strongest game; this is the place to grab a beer with existing and new friends. 35
In the same vein is Whiskey Warehouse, the new spot in Plaza Midwood. From the folks who brought you Brazwell’s, Whiskey Warehouse is a chill little spot (in a very chill little neighborhood) that focuses on an outstanding whiskey and bourbon selection, while also featuring a strong beer list and bustling atmosphere. Locals are already starting to rave about the hefty portions and attentive service, and if you’re like me, that’s half the battle in assuring repeat visits. Just up the street from Whiskey Warehouse is Twenty-Two, a new art gallery/bar located below Soul. Destined to become a hot happy-hour spot for those in the know, Twenty-Two doubles as a hip art gallery and an outstanding and varied wine and beer proprietor. No liquor, but you won’t need it when you see how much care has gone into the wine and draft beer 36
offerings. This is sure to become a hot first-date spot, as the art is subtle enough to stimulate conversation without being overwhelming. Twenty-Two also offers welcome relief for the often long weekend waits at their upstairs neighbor, Soul. Plus, the two locations often coordinate to alert parties waiting for a table. Heading back Uptown, Aria Tuscan Grill on Tryon Street is already drawing a buzz for hefty portions of authentic Italian cuisine. It may sound cliché to say this is the place to grab a five star meal without blowing your budget, but that description is entirely accurate. The owners aren’t new to bringing fine cuisine to Charlotte, so it’s no surprise that Aria works so well. What is surprising is the upstairs bar and lounge that lets couples transition from the cozy restaurant environment to more of a cocktail setting, without having to leave the building (or settle in with those waiting for a table at the regular bar). During this oddly snowy Charlotte winter, that perk is nothing to sneeze at. Just across town on Metropolitan Avenue is Vivace, another new slice of Italy in uptown Charlotte. As you may have imagined by the description of Aria, this reviewer loves a plate of good Italian food and Vivace does not disappoint. For those who enjoy a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, Vivace is already drawing raves as one of the best designed new restaurants in the city as well. As the year goes on, I’ll be keeping an eye out for other new spots in Charlotte that are creating the most buzz, but I’ll need your help. Drop me a line if you’ve been frequenting a new spot that demands more attention. Dining Editor, Ryan Self 37
IN FOCUS photos by: lazyday.com
9th Annual Bartender’s Ball 02/14/10 The Blake Hotel
entertainment
Johnnie Millwater’s Improvisational Interview Drew Carey with a splash of Regan Johnnie Millwater: Stand-up comic for 15 years. He’s performed in the 48 ‘original’ states and has not yet been to Alaska, but is trying to get up there. This is the only job he’s ever had, having started in the entertainment field at age 11 as a magician. Before college, he performed at trade shows and birthday parties, and thereafter at comedy zones and on tour. Elevate: Where did you grow up? Millwater: Grew up in Tampa, Florida. Started doing comedy in Orlando at University Central Florida where I met my wife, Debbie. E: When did you know comedy was what you were meant to do? M: My sister is also a stand-up comic. I was 14 … she snuck me into a comedy club for a contest she had entered. I wasn’t even allowed in the building. I just hid up in the balcony and watched her performance. She won, and then I watched all these people -- who I’ve never seen before -- they were treating her so nice. I thought it was so cool. And I think that’s when I decided that was it.
E: So you just thought it was a cool idea to do stand-up comedy? That’s how you knew? M: It was just … just my calling. The only thing that I’ve been really good at is thinking of funny things to say. And ... I like to organize. That’s pretty much the two parts to comedy: think of something funny and put them into right order. I used to watch The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson all the time. I would see a comic on there and I just loved the lifestyle -- to travel around the country and do what you want all day. And the great thing about comedy, as opposed to acting or anything else in theater, is that you have total artistic control. Nobody’s telling you what to do. Nobody’s saying, you can’t say this or that. E: Who inspired you on the Johnny Carson Show? M: Steve Martin was a huge influence on me ... Brian Regan, Richard Pryor, and Jeff Dunham and the Smother Brothers. E: Do you have any upcoming tours and events? Anything in Charlotte? M: I absolutely do ... I’m at the SK Café every Tuesday night. I’m sometimes at Preview on Thursdays, if I’m in town. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays I’m usually out of town. That’s where I make my money. I would like to do a lot more shows for Charlotte. I’m opening for Tom Arnold in two weeks in Raleigh. I also do touring with Ralphie May ... and [recently] I did Big Mama D’s Burlesque Show and Alive. E: What’s next? Any new objectives? M: I’m learning to do comedy writing. I’m training myself right here
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at Amelie’s, as a matter of fact. Me and a couple writers get together a few times a week to write episodes and produce them. It comes on on Tuesdays and it’s called Real Americans with Butch and Skeeter on Charlotte’s TV 21. First season is available on DVD now. This year, I’m really concentrating on writing. E: What’s the most interesting crowd you’ve had? M: I did a show a couple of months ago [with] six people in the audience. There were three different age groups. Two of them were 20, two were 50 and two were 80, so I couldn’t get all six of them to laugh at the same time. Also, I find that the richer they are, the more they enjoy my comedy. E: What’s your comedy about? What’s it like? M: It’s hilarious. It’s surreal and very intense. High energy, variety, and lots of word play. I also do animal balloon death where I shove a blow up animal down my throat. It’s on YouTube. E: What’s the best compliment you’ve received after a show? M: (Stops and concentrates for a moment.) These are hard questions. Let’s see ... Someone once said I was funnier than Brian Regan, which is not true. But that’s the highest compliment I’ve ever been paid. E: What famous people have you met? M: Drew Carey, Jeff Dunham, Jay Leno, Ralphie May … I haven’t met Tina Fey yet, but if I do I would want to kidnap her and keep her for myself. Ahhh … hell, I got to meet Anthony Hopkins. E: Two word segment ... Tina Fey M: hilarious, beautiful E: Bill Maher M: funny, douche E: Richard Pryor M: honest, real Entertainment Editor, Denise Gregory
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fitness
moving forward in 2010! Hear ye, hear ye! Another season and a new year are upon us! It is the first year of a brand new decade, and with every new year brings an influx of gym memberships. The first few months of any new year tend to be the time one finds an influx of cars in the gym parking lot, and not a vacant treadmill in sight. Also with every new year come the inevitable New Year’s Resolutions, where we solemnly swear to resolve our past wrongdoings and better ourselves. We resolve to lose weight, be more nutritious with our diets, and the list goes on. Most of the time, these resolutions have an expiration date. For example: “I want to be in great physical shape by the time bikini season gets here!” Some of my New Year’s Resolutions have a “To-Do By” date, while others endure for the entire year. However, in my case, they are the same four things every year. Therefore, this year, I am going to rename them “My Yearly Resolutions,” which are as follows:
• Travel some place I have never been before, preferably during the warm season • Do something I have never done before • Be healthier than I was last year
• Remember that if I don’t have the cash, then it doesn’t go on credit! (my shopping mantra) For the most part, I have these bullet points mapped out for 2010, but let’s take a look at the third point: “Be healthier than I was last year.” Creating a diet that is both nutritious and tasty is actually a feasible task. But what about the fitness aspect? Suddenly, I have realized I’m up against a deadline. Spring is here, which means summer is peering around the corner. Bikinis, tank tops and
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shorts, oh my! After the obvious and inevitable New Year’s rush comes the summer workout season so what will be the “trending topics” (to borrow from Twitterspeak) in terms of fitness for the spring/summer 2010? For one, technology is going to play a huge role in fitness this season. The perfect example would be the Wii Fit, as fellow colleague and Entertainment Editor made mention of in our last issue. Even celebrities like Jenny McCarthy are jumping on the Wii bandwagon with self-enhancing fitness games like “Your Shape.” The Apple iPhone also has an insurmountable number of applications that are fitness oriented. Even Shape Magazine has recently created apps of their own to help you beat that belly flab fast! Yoga apps, weight-lifting apps, calorie trackers, push up tests: all of these can be found on the iPhone -- a true testament to technology’s role in fitness this year. 46
Besides the technology aspect, fitness attire is on the rise! Skechers came out with their “Shape Ups” shoes, which are ergonomically designed to promote better posture while having a built-in platform that works the leg muscles while you walk. Reebok has a similar version, the “EasyTone,” but instead of a platform, it has round pods on the outer soles. Flag football leagues are also quite popular in the testosterone department, and I do believe these leagues will continue to thrive in the upcoming seasons. Queen City Flag Football League tends to be one of the most popular leagues in the area (www.qcffl.net). Like many other leagues, a registration fee may be included, but it usually covers a T-shirt and/or sporting equipment. Basketball, kickball and baseball leagues can also be found -- simply do an online search for a league near you. Compared to 2009, I think we’re going to see more integration with technology and fitness. People (myself included) have become so glued to their technology devices, it’s becoming evident that companies are getting hip to the game by creating more ways to get people to need their devices in their daily lives. We are an ‘onthe-go’ society, so I also see more multipurpose clothing, like the Shape Ups and EasyTone shoes that have recently been released. I even own running jackets that incorporate inner slots specifically for the iPod and ear phones. We get to look fashionable and burn calories at the same time. It is genius! Above all, we are a society that has no intention of slowing down; so anything that will enhance our chances of getting as much done without altering our lifestyles will most definitely be a hit in the new decade! So let’s kick off this new year with a fantastic spring workout season! Til next time… Fitness Editor, Monique Douglas 47
Plan your social life around...
nightlife
nightlife resolutions Did you make a New Year’s resolution? I personally try to work on self improvement all 365 days of the year so I don’t have to cram. However, I did make a resolution this year to get a life … in regards to nightlife. And given the nightlife presence in Charlotte, I’m confident it will be an easily attainable goal. As the old saying goes, ‘When one door closes, another door opens.’ This rings true for Charlotte nightlife particularly. Cans may have closed their doors, but a lot of other doors have since opened up. Behind door number one … Uptown Butter Me Up -- Butter is a New York City-based club known to be surrounded by photo-hungry paparazzi waiting to get shots of A-listers leaving after their night out on the town. And with Denny Hamlin acting as the majority owner of Charlotte’s own Butter, the Queen City location is sure to boast a guest roster littered with A-listers. I was on the A-B honor roll all throughout high school and college ... does that count? Rock the Kazbar -- Kazbar is in the EpiCentre right next to Mez. An intimate,
cozy lounge, Kazbar is essentially the VIP section of the EpiCentre. It’s Nano glass wall and candle-lit approach promote a comfortable but sexy atmosphere, and the sounds of house music truly complete the scene. And in other areas of town... City Limits Saloon -- A country bar somewhere between Coyote Joe’s and Whisky River is opening up in the University area. Whiskey Warehouse -- Yes, that’s right. There is a warehouse of whiskey in the Plaza Midwood hood – as in the Whiskey Warehouse. They even have Jack Daniel’s on tap and a Jack and Coke slurpee machine. Meanwhile, SouthEnd is coming alive with The Liberty Gastropub. And there’s something fishy going on in SouthPark: the 51
opening of Cyro’s Sushi Bar. And good choice on the location, since Uptown recently had a tsunami of sushi spots between Enso, Room 112 and Fiji. If you’re looking for good sushi, go to Cyro’s. If you’re looking for nightlife, go to the others. New bars, new buildings, new mayor, new year. There is always something new in Charlotte … and in life. So does that mean that nothing ever gets old? In a world where the only consistent thing is inconsistencies, there is one thing we can always count on: a good night out on the town in the Queen City. As for the resolution, why not skip the “to-do” and “to-don’t” lists and just resolve to make 2010 another 365 days in paradise. Nightlife Editor, Brittney Cason 52
You can be K 104.7’s Green Office of the Week! We celebrate the businesses that are environmentally conscious! Tell us how your company is green and lunch is on us!
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fashion
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION - RED CARPET FASHIONS
You received the invitation to the big event, cleared the date on your calendar and now all you have left to do is find the dress that will make you look ‘red carpet’ ready. At Reign Fine Apparel, the designs leave you doubtless as to who will be the star of the show. When Jami Estrada moved from Florida to Charlotte, she was frustrated with the lack of elegant evening and cocktail attire available. She opted to solve the problem on her own, opening Reign Fine Apparel in the Stonecrest Shopping Center. Her keen sense of fashion has been a blessing for Jami, bestowing upon her the ability to size a client up in a matter of minutes. She has a true knack for placing each woman in the perfect gown or cocktail dress for her shape and complexion. I personally love the variety of designers offered at Reign. Some of Jami’s picks include Jovani, Tony Bowls, Terani Couture, Sherri Hill, Faviana and Nicole Miller. Also available is a great assortment of shoes by Alisha Hill, swimwear by Jamye Shaw, and the most fabulous earrings in Charlotte. I was very impressed with the attention each client received from Jaime, and she treated everyone walking into Reign like royalty. She listens to every detail the client is looking for and knows immediately what will work. This is the added benefit that sets Reign apart: Jami wants everyone to feel special and she clearly delivers that message to her clients. If you want to look mesmerizing, or you just want to feel like a princess for the next big event, Reign Fine Apparel can make your dreams come true. Fashion Editor, Debra Ann Kennedy All Clothing from: Reign Fine Apparel Stonecrest at Piper Glen, 7808-E Rea Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
Alyse McDaniel, Wilhelmina Evolution Dress: Jovanni $255 Shoes: Alisha Hill $75 Studio 15 - Hair: Tia Jenkins Make Up: Caroline K
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fashion
potion finds the right mix Funky, laid-back vibe puts brides, make-up experts and novices at ease!
Upon entering Huntersville’s Potion, guests can’t help but to immediately feel as though they have entered their best girlfriend’s dream dressing room. And owner Samantha Smith and her staff make that dream come true, by happily guiding guests to finding their best selves. A former ballroom dancer who was always interested in cosmetics, Samantha made the leap to full-time make-up artist when an injury forced her to retire from dancing. Self-taught but naturally talented, Samantha says she really enjoys her latest role as a small business owner. “I had the opportunity to buy Potion in September of 2009, and it has been great having creative control – deciding what lines to carry and what direction the business should go in,” Samantha said. “It’s always a challenge to manage the day-to-day operations, especially in this economy, but my goal is to make women feel great about themselves first, and make a dollar second.”
Potion offers an array of services, including on- and off-site bridal and bridal party make-up, customized facials, waxing and brow shaping, makeup lessons, and -- the perennial favorite -- the “Make-up Bag Makeover.” Samantha giggled when asked about the Make-up Bag Makeover. She’s like the therapist for makeup hoarders. “I tell the client to come in with all their makeup -- whether they have to bring it all in a bag, a drawer, a box…whatever,” Samantha said. “And we go through it piece-by-piece and talk about what’s working, how long it’s been since a product was used, how old a product is, and if it’s really the right color or formula. Then we toss what needs to be tossed and help the client find new things to replace what had to go.” Samantha and the girls even wrap up the Make-up Bag Makeover with a thorough washing and drying of the clients’ brushes. Perhaps the coolest thing about Potion is the attention paid to detail and the staff’s responsiveness to client needs. In the store, guests are encouraged to try items and test products. Online, Samantha and the staff engage one-on-one with Twitter followers and Facebook fans, giving advice, making recommendations and answering questions. The staff is committed to service, and they’re not at all pushy. Samantha encourages clients to take samples and try things out for a couple of days. “You absolutely cannot buy cosmetics without trying them on,” she said.
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“Looking at a product in the bottle in a drugstore doesn’t tell you what it will look like on your face.” And to pull off spring’s “bare look” face featuring light, dewy skin with neutral eyes, and shell or petal lips, you need to find the right shade with the right coverage and the right formula. And what better way to do that than to consult an expert? “The biggest mistake I see women making, day in and day out, is wearing the wrong shade of foundation and concealer,” Samantha said. “Do your homework, do your research, buy things that are paraben free, and let us help you find the right thing for your skin.” Samantha also recommended that make-up users rid themselves of heavy foundation, and try softer shades for the lips and cheeks. “A soft, petal pink lip color will give you the biggest bang for you updating buck this spring,” she said. Potion has lots of exciting things coming up – in addition to occasional parties and special events (with wine!) Samantha gave us a little scoop: she has a new line of lip color coming out in mid-March. Hand-mixed and deeply pigmented in a vitamin E base, this lip color is long-lasting and good for your lips. Potion will also debut a line of mineral-based eye shadows in 47 different shades later this spring. This year promises to be exciting for fashion and for Potion, so follow Samantha at www.twitter.com/potionbeauty and visit the Web site at www.potionbeauty.com to keep up with the latest from one of Charlotte’s (OK, Huntersville’s) most fashion-forward businesses! Potion Birkdale Village (Exit 25 off I-77, Huntersville) Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. 704-655-8755 By: Shannon Warren
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lore emelio I’m sitting down with Lore Emelio, a world-class clothing designer who now resides in Charlotte. As a student in the Fashion Design program at Parsons School of Design in New York, Emelio says she often treated herself to a break from homework by walking through Bergdorf Goodman’s seventh floor children’s department. Time and time again, Emelio said, she was mesmerized by Best & Co.’s Lilliputian Bazaar label. Something about children’s wear resonated with her, and Emelio took this as a professional sign, opting to study children’s wear at Parsons, and graduating in 2003 with a concentration in the field. Spending her college summers working in Paris, Emelio had the opportunity to soak up European fashion. She traveled to Spain and Italy during her first year abroad, then to Brussels, Greece and Turkey the following summer. Emelio’s travels allowed her to analyze the different techniques and craftsmanship of all the different cultures, and incorporate bits and pieces of each into her own work.
Emelio grew in her field when she was approached by Tim Gunn, the chair of the Parsons Department of Fashion, and the current co-host of Project Runway. Gunn asked Emelio if she would be interested in the position of Resource Center Coordinator, which would entail planning and implementing the opening of an interdepartmental facility at Parsons. Her success in this role led to an invitation to work with Grace Mirabella, former editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine. As Mirabella’s research assistant, Emelio further honed her skills in organization, communication, and historical fashion research in reserve and private archives. As her style and abilities continued to develop, a guest lecturer reviewed Emelio’s work and suggested she speak to Su, the owner and designer of the renowned New York boutique, Bu and the Duck. Emelio did just that and was immediately offered an internship as a design assistant while she finished school. Excelling in her work with Su, Emelio was asked to produce and sell her senior thesis collection. As her tenure at Parsons drew to a close, Emelio carefully considered where she wanted to work. Best & Co. still remained (and still is) her favorite and treasured choice for children’s wear. She began in earnest researching the brand and was referred to Ellen in the Greenwich office. Emelio’s interview was on the very day of her graduation from Parsons, a very fitting way to spend it, she said. In preparation for her meeting, Emelio scoured the photo archive at Midtown Research Library and became even more enchanted with the history of the brand. Her most trusted advisors were all in full support of this being a perfect fit for her. Before moving to Charlotte, she was a designer at Polo Ralph Lauren, which she says afforded her vast experience and broad responsibilities. The direct accountability for all aspects of the design process and development for the line monumentally enhanced her performance in all capacities.
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And, as the saying goes, the rest is history; Emelio is launching her own line right here in Charlotte, on Saturday, March 6. Elevate: How did you get started? Lore: When I was six years old I took the dust ruffle off my bed and draped my first dress. E: How long have you been in the fashion industry? L: My mother would say since I was two years old, but professionally speaking, since I graduated from Parsons in 2003. E: What type of fashion do you focus on? L: I create mix media custom pieces for specific clients. E: Who is the clientele you are going after? L: Women and men who recognize the quality of heritage and appreciate the integrity of ingenuity. E: What inspires your designs? L: Seeing broader possibilities and inner beauty within natural forms around me. E: Do you have any fashion shows coming up in the near future? L: YES! Garden Party on March 6. E: What are the newest, hottest fashion items for spring 2010? L: Fun bow ties for men, and fabulous hats for women. E: What is your fashion or design motto? L: We don’t sink, we scuba dive! Please join Elevate Lifestyle for The Garden Party on Saturday, March 6 at 8 p.m. for the official launch and fashion show. The attire will be cocktail chic. RSVP is required due to high attendance. RSVP by emailing RSVP@loreemelio.com. By Steve Caldwell
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skincare technologies There used to be a beauty rule that in order to benefit from highquality, high-tech skincare products women had to shop at a highpriced department or specialty store. With the current economic shift and consumers becoming increasingly more Internet savvy, that rule has changed with many shoppers discovering that they can find the same skincare product innovation for a greater value right at their local drugstore. Drugstore skincare brands are delivering innovation and value in two ways: tapping into natural resources and utilizing new advancements in skincare science. But for many, new advancements in skincare formulations can be confusing. What is stem cell technology and is it safe? How can peptides smooth lines? Use this skincare shopping guide while at the drugstore to clarify the labels and find the right product for your skin and your budget. Â Â Natural solutions: Plants rich in antioxidants and vitamins have
healing and protective elements that women have trusted for centuries. Here are some of the newest plant-based technologies to consider: Plant stem cells: Scientists have found that apple stem cell extract helps to protect human skin cells from natural depletion and external stressors such as UV radiation. It also allows new and healthy skin cells to regenerate, meaning that an apple a day may indeed keep the dermatologist away. New Lumene Excellent Future Deep Repairing Serum and Deep Repairing Cream include this innovative technology, available for the first time at the drugstore.  While similar products are sold at department stores for hundreds of dollars a jar, the Lumene Excellent Future products are available at a fraction of the price and can be found at CVS/pharmacy. White peat extract: This powerhouse ingredient contains twice-concentrated phyto power from the last Ice Age. The efficacy of peat is in its incredible ability to activate skin’s natural regeneration process and make skin more supple. Arctic cloudberry: Grown wild and hand-picked in the peat lands and forests of the Arctic, one small cloudberry contains 89
twice the vitamin C of an orange 10 times its size.  Cloudberry seeds yield an oil that contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants and carotenoids that protect skin from radical damage and enhance regeneration. Sea buckthorn oil: The oil derived from the Sea Buckthorn plant contains high levels of vitamin C as well as carotenoids, vitamin E and amino acids that help metabolize skin cells, promoting hydration and smoothness. Antioxidants and botanicals: Ingredients that prevent free radicals from damaging healthy skin include antioxidants coenzyme Q10, vitamins E and C and botanicals such as soy, green tea, acai and pomegranate. Scientific advancements: Skincare technology buzzwords can confound shoppers. Formulas featuring these ingredients are a sure bet to fight the signs of aging: Ceramides: These lipids, along with cholesterol and fatty acids, form a barrier on the topmost layer of skin that keeps in moisture and blocks harmful chemicals. But they are depleted as skin ages. Hyaluronic acid: This acid occurs naturally in the body and works to fill the soft tissue and deliver intense hydration, plumping and firming aging skin. Polypeptides: Polypeptides, often referred to simply as “peptides,� can stimulate the communication between cells to promote stronger, healthier and more youthful-looking skin. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid):Another ingredient found in the human body, GABA helps to temporarily relax the muscles responsible for wrinkling skin. 90
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guys, are you fashion challenged? Always wear clean underwear. Remember, there are no second chances when it comes to making a first impression. If you’ve already made it far enough to expose your underwear, then you’ve probably read the five items on this list. If not, then you’re on your own. (Ladies, feel free to pass this article to the needy man in your life as an act of charity.) Let’s begin with five essential fashion tips for men, shall we? Hygiene. It all starts with a bar of soap and water. Daily bathing is an essential foundation before any man even starts to think about putting on a stitch of clothing. Anti-bacterial formulations such as Lever 2000 are preferable, as they help to kill odor causing 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid at the source. Some people swear by shaving or at least trimming underarm hair which tends to harbor the very bacteria that causes odor while keeping deodorant from adhering to the skin. But that’s for the advanced placement class. Stick to simple washing for now, and if you must wear cologne make sure that it can’t be smelled from 5ft. away. No one wants to
be announced by his fragrance, nor let it linger long after he makes an exit. Less is always more. Smile. The eyes may be a window to the soul, but the teeth are the front door to another date or landing that job. It goes without saying that you should make sure that your teeth are brushed and flossed daily. Why is it that some guys take better care of their cars than they do their dental hygiene? Fairly
or unfairly, people tend to judge a person by his smile, so a little tooth whitening can go a long way in the perception department. Over-the-counter whiteners like Crest White Strips or Rembrandt are inexpensive and offer quick solutions to a less than stellar smile, and usually work in 7-14 days. A bright white smile will always get you noticed. Skincare. Not everyone is blessed with a blemish-free complexion. Nix that... no one is. In fact, your average person without the help of a makeup artist, cinematographer, or Pho93
toshop will undoubtedly confess to problem skin. From dry skin to oily patches and acne, it is important for men to wash their face daily with something other than the bar soap that they use on their body. Why would you use the same soap to cleanse your forehead that you would use on your knees and elbows? Companies like Neutrogena and Basis offer a complete line of soaps formulated for every skin type. In addition, use an alcohol-free toner to strip the dirt oils that soap leave behind. Top this off with a moisturizing lotion every morning, and to prevent or treat chapped lips use a lip balm like Carmex or Burt’s Bees. Before leaving the house, pay an extra ten minutes of attention to that thing above your neck and within a week, your face (and girlfriend or wife) will thank you. Haircut. Unless you are follicularly-challenged, your hair grows about ½” a month. Ignoring the fact will not make it magically style itself or look more kempt. Add this to the monthly budget and get thee to a barber shop at least once every 4-6 weeks. Nobody wants to be seen with Cousin It. Your hair will look tamed, and you’ll be stimulating the economy and your love life at the same time. Wardrobe.That Carolina Panther sweatshirt you wear around the house and while running errands might be comfortable, but it’s certainly not fashion. It does the job of covering you up 94
alright, but that’s about it. The unofficial NFL uniform of men across the country has single-handedly lead to the decline of Western Civilization as we know it. And regarding flip-flops, if you can’t hear the sound of crashing surf or aren’t within 500 ft. of a lifeguard’s whistle, you shouldn’t be wearing them. (A friend of mine swears that we are raising a generation of fallen arches.) First and foremost, take a look in your closet and pick out ten items that you haven’t worn in over a year. These need to be donated to Goodwill ASAP. If you are still waiting to squeeze back into a 30 waist, or hope that paisley will come back someday, you’d probably get luckier looking through the pockets to see if you left some spare change in them from 1986. Your wardrobe does not have to be expensive, but it should be current. If you find a pair of acid wash denim, or “dadjeans,” they need to go in the trash immediately. Please do not pass these along to some unwitting stranger at the thrift store. Dark denim, and slim cut is the way to go nowadays. Fortunately, all of those t-shirts in your collection can still be put to use. Just pair them with a nice pair of dark jeans and throw a blazer on for added polish. You can always get away with something a little frayed or tattered if you pair it with something else that brings the look together so that it doesn’t appear to be an accident. 95
Footwear on the other hand (or is that the other foot?) requires a bit more thought and effort. What we put on our feet is the punctuation at the end of the sentence. Whether you want that to be a period, question mark, or exclamation point is entirely up to you. But shoes tell a lot about the wearer. Skip the flipflops (see above) and the dirty sneakers. Go instead for casual slip-ons like a Chelsea Boot or even a pair of Converse that are stylish and comfortable, and make a statement at the same time. The right smile, haircut, bright complexion and a winning outfit with the right shoes will not only get your foot in the door, but might get both of them in. Just be sure those underwear are clean.
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who are you wearing? Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton are just a few celebrities with their own fragrances. At first, this seemed to be a trend among female celebrities, but the men have jumped on the bandwagon as well. David Beckham, Usher, and Derrick Jeter have their own colognes, too. There used to be a point when the only celebrities that made fragrances were designers. You know, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang and such? The fact that celebrities like Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears has had multiple fragrances shows that these fragrances are actually selling. That explains why other celebrities continue to jump on board. But are celebrity fragrances as valuable as the designer fragrances? I always wonder how “involved” these celebrities are in the “fragrance-making process”. I’m one of those people that acknowledge the talent of these people, but I still like to believe that their
talent has limits. Maybe they can sing or act, but can they make a fragrance? Fragrances are so complex and difficult to make. I know this because I make fragrances for my cosmetic line, Vanity. But as dumb as Paris Hilton seems, her fragrances smell ...well....brilliant. Isn’t there something shameful about walking around smelling nice, then someone asks, “What are you wearing?” And you say, “Paris Hilton.” Or better yet, “Britney Spears.” I would think that there would be more pride in wearing an actual designer name, than celebrity name. But that’s just me... The fact that celebrities are now having their own clothing lines probably puts them in the “designer name category”, anyways. A man that wears Sean John cologne isn’t just wearing a rapper’s fragrance—he’s also wearing a designer fragrance. Same for a woman that wears Jennifer Lopez. One thing that I’ve realized is that I get more excited to smell a celebrity fragrance than a designer fragrance. There’s something fun and new about it. When I smell fragrances by designers, the scent seems to be so predictable. It seems to smell like other designer perfumes. But on the other hand, celebrity fragrances seem fresh and new. Some of them smell like a replica of a designer fragrance, but the majority of them have more personality than the ones by designers. Maybe it’s because celebrities do it more to be trendy then for art or creativity, like designers. 99
Come on. We’ve all seen some really creative, really ugly clothes designs by designers. Maybe they are sometimes too creative. They do it with their clothes, and maybe they do it with their fragrances. I read an article in Entrepreneur magazine about innovation, and one guy says that innovation is best when you’re not doing it on purpose. And maybe that’s the key to the “celebrity fragrance success”. They create a fragrance, and it becomes a best seller because they aren’t trying to be innovative or creative. Unlike designers, they’re not really trying to make something hot and new for the season. They’re just having fun and experimenting. They are being innovative without trying to. If I made a list of all my favorite fragrances, at least half of them would be by celebrities. I’m excited about smelling a new fragrance by Beyonce called Heat. Since Beyonce is so hot as it is, when someone asks me what I’m wearing, I’ll be proud to say, “Heat by Beyonce”. 100
IN FOCUS photos by: lazyday.com
Grand Opening Weekend 01/16/10 Kazba
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Enjoying Some Cocktails 01/16/10 Mez
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Bobcats Bash with Lazyday.com 01/16/10 Buckhead Saloon
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Getting Rocked with The Checkers 01/22/10 Time Warner Cable Arena
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Drinking at The Pub Corner Pub
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Hanging Out With Jesse Metcalfe 01/15/10 Suite
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An Evening at Crave Crave
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12 Year Anniversary Party 01/23/10 Sunset Club
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Flavors of Football 01/27/10 Wild Wing Cafe
For the third year, Elevate Lifestyle has given our readers a voice and a way to honor the top businesses, places and people in Charlotte. The Elevate Lifestyle Awards was started in 2007 and has turned into an instant hit. The readers get to vote for their favorites in over 250 hundred categories, including Culture, Dining, Fashion, Fitness, Entertainment, and Nightlife. Then we are throwing a huge bash to celebrate all the winners and a chance for the voters to win some great prizes? Psychographics of Elevate Lifestyle Readers goes out for drink 3x a week 67.1% drives a foreign car 59.8% dines out 3x a week 90.2% orders drinks by brand name 68.3% wears designer labels 76.8% has a valid passport 83.7% orders beers by brand name 81.7% attends sporting events 93.9% exercise’s weekly 76.8% visit’s a hair salon each month 85.3% buys healthcare & beauty products 92.3%
Coming in April elevate lifestyle awards the best of issue
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