Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle February 2014 by City Lifestyle

Mt. Pleasant FEBRUARY 2014

MtPleasantLifestyle.com

™

— Yves Saint-Laurent

Closet Cleanse Calling All Fashionistas One Love, a Lot of Fashion

COME TOUR THE HISTORIC OLD VILLAGE · Discover a glamorous ensemble perfect for your special day at Swoon · Shop for unique treasures and dazzling floral arrangements with Out Of Hand · Make your special event a dream come true with the creative expert planning of Ooh! Events · Enjoy warm hospitality and exceptional cuisine at Old Village Post House Restaurant & Inn · Refresh yourself with a milkshake at Pitt Street Pharmacy’s classic soda fountain · Give your children a creative outlet for their boundless creativity and endless energy at Camp Perri

Editor’s Letter

Definitely Not a Fashionista

february 2014 publisher

Jerry Williams | JWilliams@LifestylePubs.com

editor

Katrina Robinson | KRobinson@LifestylePubs.com

’m not what you would call fashion-oriented. My daily uniform consists primarily of blue jeans and tank tops or, on the rare occasion that we have cold weather, a sweater. Sometimes, I’ll throw on a dress or skirt if I’m feeling sassy and feminine. So you can imagine how clueless I was going into this issue.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew there would be lots of pretty women walking on runways, and lots of aesthetically pleasing designs that a part of me may even want to own. I didn’t expect to become enamored by early 20th-century dresses while reviewing the photos for “Charleston Couture” (on page 18). And I didn’t know I’d fall head over heels for a local designer’s Native-American-inspired line (of course, I’m referring to our interview with Rachel Gordon on page 12). But all of that did happen, and more. And as I read and re-read this issue’s articles, and as I look over the amazing photographs, I have an urge to add a little bit more diversity to my wardrobe. Whether you’re a fashionista or a casual attire guru, I know that you’ll love this issue as much as I do.

director of sales

Adam Williams | AWilliams@lifestylepubs.com

contributing writers Renae Brabham , Anne Hassold Harris, Kristina Held, Dana Rasmussen, Dave Schneider, Anne Shuler Toole

contributing photographers A Michelle Photography, Holly Jackson, Lowcountry Focus Photography, Chris Smith, Stephanie Smith, Brianna Stello–Stello Photography, Cory Tenold, The Center for Birds of Prey, The Charleston Museum

director of sales Adam Williams | AWilliams@LifestylePubs.com

Published monthly, subscriptions are: 1 year for $22 or 2 years for $39. Visit MtPleasantLifestyle.com

Enjoy,

national art director | Carrie Julian advertising director | Mike Baugher production director | Christina Sandberg

Katrina Robinson , Editor

by Community ™

| MtPleasantLifestyle.com | Local fashion designer Rachel Gordon shows off one of her stunning pieces. on the cover

Photography Brianna Stello, Stello Photography

4 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2014

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10500 Barkley, Suite 228 Overland Park, KS 66212 Proverbs 3:5-6 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Mt. Pleasant’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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February 2014

Departments 8

Good Times

Around Town

Your Neighbor

Home Matters

Healthy Lifestyle

Locally Owned

Lifestyle Calendar

Parting Thoughts

16 Lights, Camera, Fashion

Charleston Fashion Week takes over Marion Square.

18 Charleston Couture

The evolution of fashion in the Lowcountry.

20 No Reservations

Skip the fancy dinner in favor of new ideas this Valentine’s Day.

Meet our Mt Pleasant exPert

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Good Times

Awendaw Green Barn Jams

The Awendaw Green Barn Jams are an outdoor, year-round Wednesday night original music showcase. For more info about future Barn Jams, visit AwendawGreen.com. Photography Stephanie Smith

8 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2014

Salute and Support On December 6, beside the USS Yorktown, News 2 awarded a brand new 2014 Toyota Camry courtesy of Hendrick Toyota to Eileen Hadbavny, a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel who now volunteers at Red Cross. Photography Holly Jackson

And the winner is…

Eileen Hadbavny, driving off in her new car!

To have your event included here, email Katrina at KRobinson@lifestylepubs.com for details.

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Around Town 2013 MT. PLEASANT JINGLE BELL RUN More than 500 participants raised $31,000 to find a cure for arthritis during the Arthritis Foundation’s 2013 Mt. Pleasant Jingle Bell Run, a nationwide signature event that raises funds and awareness to fight arthritis. The race included a 5K chip timed run on USAT certified course, a 5K walk, .75 mile Rudolph Run and 100 meter Dancer Dash. This year, the Arthritis Foundation honored and celebrated Blake Doossche as the Child Champion. When Blake was 20 months old, he began waking up at night with severe leg pain and demonstrated difficulty grasping crayons due to decreased range of motion in his fingers. He was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in July of 2012 and began treatment. Today, Blake is a joyful 4-year-old who loves playing baseball, soccer and enjoys going to the beach and playing with his little brother. For more info about the Arthritis Foundation, visit Arthritis.org. Photography The Center for Birds of Prey

BIRDS OF PREY CENTER’S PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST Feathers are not just identifiable–and often beautiful–markings on birds. Feathers are engineering marvels that aid in mobility, weather protection and even successful coupling. The Center for Birds of Prey celebrated “Fantastic Feathers” with a photo contest designed to show off photographers’ best avian shots with feathers. All entries are judged on the center’s Facebook page from January 7 through February 7 at 4:59 p.m. The image with the most “likes” by the contest close will be declared the winner. For more information, visit TheCenterForBirdsOfPrey.org or go to Facebook and search “Center for Birds of Prey.”

LOCAL NONPROFIT TO BUILD MORE HOSPITALS IN WORLD’S POOREST REGIONS Palmetto Medical Initiative (PMI) announced in December its $1.5 million Revolutionizing Global Health campaign to build five medical centers in Central America and East Africa by 2015. Nearly $1.2 million has already been pledged from lead donors Darla Moore, Seacoast Church and others. “On a mission trip with PMI in 2009, I saw firsthand the desperate health care needs of so many people,” says Darla Moore, financier and philanthropist. “PMI has proven its ability to provide the same quality health care we value in the U.S.” For more information, visit PalmettoMedical.org.

10 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2014

GO RED RUN HEART 5K RUN & WALK The 4th Annual Go Red Heart 5k Run and Walk is being held in memory of Robin Seay. This certified 5k event supports the mission of Go Red for Women to promote awareness of heart disease as the #1 cause of death among women. The organization’s goal is to promote a heart healthy lifestyle for the entire family while educating the Lowcountry about heart disease and stroke which are, respectively, the first and third leading causes of death in the U.S. For more information or to register, visit MUSCHealth.com/GoRedRun.

CHALLENGE WALK MS Challenge Walk MS is the perfect way to connect with others in our community who are passionate about ending MS. It’s a personal challenge of spirit and strength that brings people together who want to make a difference in the lives of people living with MS. Challenge Walk MS will be the most rewarding journey you’ll ever make. Join 300 of your soon-to-be closest friends on a three-day, 50-mile journey, coming together from all over the Southeast and beyond, helping to raise awareness and funds to end MS. This unforgettable weekend begins in Historic Charleston, traveling through some of the most scenic and beautiful areas, finishing in Isle of Palms. The event takes place February 28-March 2. For more information, visit ChallengeNCT.NationalMSSociety.org. Is your student a star? Is your church working on a cool fundraiser? Email the editor 150 words and a large photo for our Around Town pages! KRobinson@LifestylePubs.com

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Your Neighbor

One Love Designer Rachel Gordon creates more than just clothes Article Anne Hassold Harris Photography Brianna Stello, Stello Photography

“O

ne Love” isn’t just the name of Charleston designer Rachel Gordon’s business on Upper King Street; it’s her way of living. “One Love is my religion, my state of mind…it’s how I try to live my life,” says Gordon. Gordon burst onto the Charleston fashion scene after competing in the Charleston Fashion Week Emerging Design Competition in 2008. The road getting there was a somewhat unusual one. “It’s been a total rollercoaster,” Gordon laughs. “It all started when I was at the College of Charleston majoring in marketing and PR. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I’d been designing clothes on the side, and I had a very supportive friend who encouraged me to just go for it. I went from trunk shows in my college apartment to doing runway shows to owning a boutique on East Bay Street.” What started as a broke college student designing her own clothes soon became Rachel Gordon Design. Four years ago, Gordon decided to change the name to One Love Design because of her belief that the process was much bigger than herself. Gordon’s store at 478 King Street showcases local artists as well as her own work. All items are handmade, a cause that is import12 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2014

ant to Gordon. In January, Gordon expanded her store and began working with Charleston Garment Factory’s Heather Johnson to bring production in-house. Both Gordon and Johnson believe in the value of purchasing something handmade rather than mass produced, and hope to start a movement in that direction in the Charleston area. Gordon’s revamped space focuses primarily on

her bridal wear, and boasts a new look as well as variety of new designers and products. Gordon says that for her, the design process is very organic. “There are designers who have everything sketched out ahead of time, and that’s not me,” she says. “I see the textiles and the fabrics and then I start to think about the possibilities of what those things could be.” Gordon says her inspiration comes from almost everything—music, quotes, nature and people. The person who inspires her most is her mother, Rebecca Gordon, who passed away from breast cancer in December 2012. It was her mother’s influence that led Gordon to participate in the American Cancer Society’s “Cure by Design” event in 2013. “When they first contacted me about the event and I found out it was being held December 7, which was the day I spread my mother’s ashes one year ago, I knew that was my mother leading me down this path,” she says. Gordon was inspired by all of the cancer survivors who participated in her show, but there was one in particular who had the greatest impact. Eight-year-old Lydia Hand is a leukemia survivor and someone with whom Gordon felt an instant connection. Gordon was so inspired by the young girl’s courage, she designed Hand’s entire outfit in one day—complete with bow and arrow. The entire event was a huge success, with one instance bringing tears to Gordon’s eyes. “The icing on the cake is that Lydia’s dress raised over $4,000 of $50 donations from

the crowd. My heart felt like it could explode when I saw the entire crowd raise their bid cards to donate this much money in honor of Lydia and my mother,” Gordon recalls. Moments like that one are what make Gordon so excited about what she does for a living. “You never know what you are walking into each day,” she says. Lucky for the Charleston fashion scene, Gordon’s One Love is evident in each of her creations. You can learn more about Gordon and her work on her website, OneLoveDesign.com.

Home Matters

Separate Accessories from Clothing

Belts, shoes, purses, scarves, ties and other add-ons should have their own designated area to ensure they don’t get lost or damaged. Opt for clear plastic containers so you can easily see what each drawer holds. Hang purses on the inside of closet doors to preserve prime real estate on the rack. Use baskets to collect socks, tights and other closet tumbleweeds. Divide Clothing by Season

This is an obvious tip but one that is often overlooked. Distinguishing clothing by season not only helps save space but will also save you time getting ready in the morning by instantly limiting your options. Store out-of-season clothes in sealed containers or space bags to avoid unwanted pests. Divide Clothing by Color or Pattern

Separating clothing into color families is an easy way to quickly take stock of your wardrobe. It will also help you when you’re shopping: You’ll immediately see which colors or patterns you should hold off on buying and which you could obtain more of to diversify your closet. Decide on Storage

Many knits and sweaters, such as a loose-weave wool or cashmere, should be folded and kept in a drawer or on the shelf in order to avoid stretching out. T-shirts can be folded as well and stored in a dresser. Nice slacks, skirts, dresses and dress shirts should be hung and allowed to “breathe” to prevent wrinkles.

You Clean Up Nice A functioning closet makes you look sharp Article Kristina Held

Use the Right Hanger

Padded, satin hangers are ideal for delicate items such as silk since they help retain the blouse’s natural shape. Look for sturdy wood hangers for heavy jackets and blazers. Decide on the same hanger for everything else. Limiting the types of hangers decreases clutter and creates a more functional closet. Forget about using hangers from the dry cleaner—your clothes don’t deserve that abuse.

or many, the closet can be a dark cave of chaos: shoes everywhere, mismatched hangers, “nothing to wear.” Despite being filled with beautiful clothing, often it’s an ugly site. Below are a few tips that can help streamline your closet, making getting dressed in the morning less of a chore.

Hang a Mirror or Decoration

Take Everything Out (I Mean Everything)

Organizing your closet it a simple way to de-clutter your home and also your morning routine. You’ll most likely find new ways to wear old pieces and holes in your closet that can easily be filled. Spending a little time in this oft-used space will undoubtedly earn you a big payoff.

Set aside an afternoon to pull out every item from your closet. Separate items according to usage and plan to donate or toss anything you haven’t worn within the last year. Despite your best intentions, it’s highly unlikely you’ll wear that crushed velvet jacket any time soon.

14 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2014

If you have the space, add a mirror. You can immediately make a decision about your outfit and it will make your space look bigger, to boot. A Grecian bust adds charm and is a great way to store chunky necklaces or scarves.

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, FASHION Charleston Fashion Week takes over Marion Square.

Article Anne Hassold Harris | Photography Chris Smith and Corey Tenold

ew York, Los Angeles…Charleston? When it comes to fashion, Charleston is quickly climbing the ranks as one of the hottest cities in North America, thanks in no small part to the advent of Charleston Fashion Week. From its inception in 2007, Baker Motor Company Charleston Fashion Week® (CFW) continues to grow in size and celebrity each year. The 2013 event boasted more than 7,500 attendees, 184 million media impressions, and nightly sold-out shows. Over 700,000 people visited the CFW website and over three million people were reached via Facebook during the week of the event. It seems that the CFW goal to “produce, manage and organize a world-class event in Charleston, S.C.” has been met, bringing with it a huge economic boost to our area.

This year’s fashion week aims to be better than ever before. New talent, along with some local favorites, are gearing up to strut their stuff from March 18-22 under the big tent on Marion Square. One of the most highly anticipated events at CFW is the Emerging Designer Competition: East presented by Benefitfocus. The application process for this very competitive design competition started back in July 2013, with the top 20 semi-finalists announced in December. A select number of semi-finalists will show eight looks on the runway each evening, with one designer a night chosen as the winner to go on and compete in the final competition Saturday, March 22. The 2014 Fashion Panel judges include fashion designers Sarah Parrott and Nikki Poulos, International Fashion and Design Consultant Fern Mallis, and Editor-in-Chief at The Manual.com Cator Sparks, who is a College of Charleston graduate. The reward for all of this hard work is a huge payoff for the Emerging Designer Competition: East winner, who will receive, among other things, a $5,000 cash prize, up to $10,000 of website design and online marketing, and a spot in the 2015 Charleston Fashion Week. Previous winners have gone on to design with some of the biggest names in fashion today, appearing on Project Runway, being featured in Vogue and New York Fashion Week, and one even had a line picked up by Anthropologie. The designers aren’t the only ones with something to gain by participating in CFW. The festival’s Rock the Runway Model Competition™ is credited with launching the careers of many models over the years. Select models were chosen from an open-casting call in Fall 2013 to take part in CFW’s runway shows. Participating models will then be judged in three phases, with finalists selected to appear in the Rock the Runway Model Competition on Friday, March 21. The female and male winners of the competition will receive a grand prize, which includes a round-trip ticket to New York City. The main draw of CFW is, of course, the fashion. In addition to emerging designers, local stores and boutiques will be featured in their own runway shows each night of the event. This year’s lineup is as follows:

Tuesday, March 18

Bits of Lace Fine Lingerie with Bob Ellis Shoes and Croghan’s Jewel Box, JLINSNIDER, and trés Carmen Boutique Wednesday, March 19

Cavortess, Ike Behar, and a special student show with the Art Institute of Charleston Thursday, March 20

Belk Friday, March 21

Gwynn’s of Mt. Pleasant, Mamie Ruth by Emily Bargeron with Satchel by Elizabeth Seeger & MLiz by Mary Liz Pulk, Swoon and Out of Hand Saturday, March 22

Emerging Designer: East Competition The swanky Style Lounge presented by The Shops at Charleston Place, where drinks and shopping are plentiful, is also open before each show. A special treat for brides-to-be is held during the day on Saturday. Runway shows featuring the Gown Boutique of Charleston, Modern Trousseau of Charleston, White, 2014 Emerging Bridal Designer Kendra Barnes, Up-and-Coming Bridal Designer Whitney Deal, and Style Icon Mark Ingram will showcase the latest in bridalwear. The Style Lounge is tailored toward wedding planning and includes vendors such as Hamby’s Catering and Events and Cupcake, among others. Want to be a part of the affair recognized as a top fashion event by global media such as CNN and Southern Living? Tickets range from $35 to $295 and can be purchased online at CharlestonFashionWeek.com. Opportunities to be involved as a sponsor or volunteer can also be found on the CFW site. There’s no need to buy a plane ticket to find great fashion…just make sure you have a seat under the tent at Baker Motor Company Charleston Fashion Week®. February 2014 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle 17

Charleston The evolution of fashion in the Lowcountry Article Dana Rasmussen Photography The Charleston Museum

he word “fashion” many times calls to mind images of designer storefronts on busy streets in New York, Los Angeles, Milan and Paris. But don’t let those fancy cities at home and abroad fool you into thinking the South has never been known for fashion. After all, Charleston’s never been an area to shy away from haute couture style and trends. To really understand the fashion of Charleston, one has to reflect back all the way to the 18th and 19th centuries. Downtown Charleston was a wealthy and fashion-conscious city. Styles were influenced by trends coming out of England and France, and the wealthy women of the time did not let the Atlantic stand in the way of obtaining fine clothing. Wealthy women who were able to travel to these European cities bought their clothing overseas, while others had garments sent to them. Even if they couldn’t travel to the cities, many had certain styles and fabrics, like French silk, imported so local tailors could fashion the clothing into designs for them. When the Civil War broke out, high fashion became a thing of the past for most men and women. The imported dresses and fine fabrics could no longer be ordered. Even fashion magazines were difficult to come by. But women who were able still found a way to present themselves as fashionistas. During this time period, women used the hoop skirt—which was popular before, during and after the war—as a staple item in their wardrobes. The hoop skirt was popular because it created the fashionable silhouette women of the time were hoping to achieve. It was used for both day and evening dresses, as were corsets. Even when new dresses and material became scarce during 18 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2014

This saffron gold silk dress is a great example of a precursor to the bustle.

times of war, the ribbing of the hoop skirt and corsets remained, ness among the population to adapt a less-is-more attitude toward so women were still able to dress as fashionably as possible. When clothing. However, that does not mean that women began dressdresses wore out, they simply had them fixed by local seamstress- ing in a distasteful manner; it just shows that as time progressed es and tailors. The only time new dresses came into the area was and attitudes changed, fashion went along with it. when blockade runners were able to smuggle in new items, but Today, the fashion in Charleston is as varied as ever. Of course this was a rare occurrence. there are still fine dining establishments and venues where formal Eventually, the war ended, and with that, Charles Worth, the dress is required, but the city’s ancestors likely never imagined Parisian known as the “Father of Haute Couture,” brought fash- strolling through Battery Park and seeing girls wearing sundression back to the South. Worth’s influence changed the tradition- es and flip flops. al full hoop skirt into a bustle, which brought the fullness of the While the fashion has certainly changed over time, it is possible skirt to just the back. It wasn’t until around the turn of the 20th to view garments from the past at the Charleston Museum and its century that the bustle went out of style to make room for Charles 2,000-square-foot permanent textile gallery, which features roDana Gibson’s look known as “The Gibson Girl.” tating exhibits. The museum also offers a “Textile Tuesday” blog This dress featured a long skirt that was gored and smooth. The on Tumblr featuring many images of clothing owned by the mubodice bloused in the front into a mono-bosom. Like the styles seum (CharlestonMuseum.Tumblr.com). Descriptions of the before The Gibson Girl, which clothing are provided, and information about This 1920s-era dress displays the “less is were all based upon creating a the original owners is also given when possible. more” attitude that began to arise with shapely image through the use “I think for me, the era of most excitement regards to fashion around this time. of undergarments and fine fabis the 1920s,” Hiester says. “It was truly a warics, after the turn of the centershed moment for clothing that fit the body tury, silhouette-based outfits rather than being shaped by structural underbegan to fall out of fashion. garments. From that time, there seems to be no The 20th century saw fashturning back to a single, confining silhouette ion change into something that for women. Add to that the new fabrics and reflected the individual perproduction processes available and clothing resonalities of women. The 1920s ally changed forever.” marked the biggest change To view some of Charleston’s historical to fashion in Charleston and clothing and high-fashion designs worn by the rest of the Western world. men, women and children, including uniforms During this time, women startworn during times of war, visit the museum at ed to reveal their legs by raising 360 Meeting Street. hemlines. They also ditched restricting corsets, allowed more cleavage to be shown than ever before, and wore fabrics that were less concealing than what had been worn in the past. In addition, women were getting shorter haircuts and allowing themselves to be tanned by the sun. Tanning had generally been frowned upon by the upper class, as it denoted working outdoors. Younger women were more likely to experiment with the new fashion trends, while older women stuck to classic looks. However, once personal freedom became expressed in clothing in the 1920s, it opened fashion floodgates which haven’t closed since. The Charleston Museum’s textile collection curator Jan Hiester says it was the 1920s that really provided the lasting change to fashion in the Charleston area. This change meant that silhouettes were no longer the most important part of the look; instead, individual style and expression became more valued. As each decade passed, high fashion included more and more figure-flattering cuts, modest to daring necklines, and a willing-

Skip the fancy dinner in favor of new ideas this Valentine’s Day. Article Kristina Held

ecently, I was speaking to a friend about how she and her husband celebrate Valentine’s Day. As a newly married person myself, I was curious to know how the notoriously über-romantic holiday evolved over the course of a marriage. I was pleased to discover that she and her husband forgo the typical overpriced dinner and extravagant bouquet in favor of an idea far more meaningful and engaging. Around mid-February, they each choose an activity in which

20 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2014

they can both participate. Last year, my friend asked her husband to cook dinner once a week from start to finish. He chose the recipe, shopped for the ingredients, and cooked everything right down to the demi-glace sauce if that’s what he wanted. In turn, she agreed to take golf lessons at his request. Every other week for several months, they went out and practiced her form, played a few rounds, and developed a hobby they could do together on weekends.

Both parties got something they wanted: a treat that would last far longer than a three-hour dinner. Over the years, this tradition has helped them meet each other’s needs in a unique and appreciated way. My husband and I will celebrate our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple this year, and I look forward to implementing her idea. Additionally, below I’ve outlined a few more nontraditional ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, both as part of a couple and as a single person, with nary a prix fixe menu in sight. Learn to Do Something New

Want to set the mood with the warm glow of candlelight? Why not make the candles yourself! Or perhaps you’ll finally don the wetsuits that are stuffed in the closet and learn to paddleboard. Learning something new together creates an instant bond between you and your partner and solidifies feelings of trust and security. It’s wise to select something neither of you has tried so you are on an even playing field. However, it might be equally as fun if one person is allowed to teach the other something, and vice versa. Learn to strum a few new chords on the guitar; master a poached egg; give calligraphy a shot! Wine and Design in Mt. Pleasant is an ideal spot for those choosing to celebrate differently this year. Go with your significant other, a group of couple friends, or a group of single friends. Learn to paint a unique setting with your closest pals; the glass of wine should help eliminate any self-conscious jitters. Volunteer

If Valentine’s Day is about showing love, then why not spread it as far as possible? There are countless ways to show love and gratitude to others over Valentine’s Day weekend. For instance, help with daily upkeep at Lowcountry Kitten Rescue or Doc Williams SPCA. Local shelters, which help keep our animals out of harm’s way, are always in need of volunteers. With a little prep work, you could also spend time at the Lowcountry Food Bank. Volunteers are required to attend an orientation, which is held twice a month. After you’re properly trained, help organize provisions that serve food pantries, soup kitchens and other hunger-relief programs in the area. Organizations such as Charleston Parks Conservancy, American Red Cross of South Carolina, and Habitat for Humanity are always taking volunteers. Spend some time in advance organizing the ways you can share your love this Valentine’s Day. Explore a New Part of the City

Looking to see more of downtown? Off-season is the perfect time, as tourists aren’t clogging up the historic streets and alleys. Take a foot tour, stopping for a glass of wine or to snap some pictures along the way. Run around James Island County Park or visit the dramatic Angel Oak like you’ve been promising for a year. Take a mini road trip to Hemingway for Rodney Scott’s irresistible barbeque (TheScottsBBQ.com). Though you may have avoided them for years, now is the time to look up those “10 Best” lists for ideas and inspiration for your holiday escapade. Valentine’s Day and the following weekend are ripe for making good on the list of sites you’ve been meaning to visit. As a couple, this allows you to make fun memories and perhaps pick up souvenirs or mementos that represent meaningful times together. But it’s also a lovely idea for those who are single. Whether you’re attempting to distract yourself from singlehood or just taking the chance to enjoy some solo time, exploring new areas alone requires stamina and self-confidence, traits that many look for in a potential partner. Do come prepared with maps or a GPS if your adventure is taking you far and wide since nothing creates a buzz kill like getting lost. A scavenger hunt is another experience sure to bring you closer to your significant other. Time and labor intensive it may be, but the pay-off is surely handsome. Cook Together at Home

This idea feels obvious, and is often something that is suggested, but it usually gets tossed aside for something decidedly less strenuous like making reservations. This year, head to Ted’s Butcherblock downtown for top-quality meat or other indulgent delicacies like homemade ravioli and fine wine, and whip up something festive at home. Or visit Crosby’s in Folly for local fare. Either come armed with a no-fail recipe or venture into unknown territory with something new. Even if your dinner turns into a burnt disaster, you’ll at least have the memory of making something together. Similarly, this is a great option for the single gal or guy to do with friends. Skip the cheesy bar parties and unnecessary drama and hang out at home with your best friends. Thankfully, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about overly sentimental cards, dozens of roses or even a significant other. Take some time to celebrate those you love and appreciate with small tokens of affection, such as a quick note or a call to tell them as much. If going big is more your style, there is a whole of host of activities right here in Mt. Pleasant to help you spread the love this Valentine’s Day.

Tap into your sense of adventure, grab a map and go exploring. February 2014 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle 21

Healthy Lifestyle

Life on Two Wheels There’s a cycling option for everyone Article Anne Shuler Toole | Photography Lowcountry Focus Photography

he Lowcountry is a great place to explore on two wheels, and with so many options available for different experience levels and varying interests, there are few excuses left. It’s time to hop on a bike and get some exercise! “It’s about the enjoyment,” says Kevin Diesel of The Bicycle Shoppe (TheBicycleShoppeCharleston.com). “There are so many different kinds of cycling options out there, and each one offers you an opportunity to get exercise and really enjoy it.” He breaks the main categories of cyclists into five general categories. Each one varies, but they all offer a chance to get your body moving and burning calories.

2. The Mountain Biker

1. The Commuter

3. The Roadie

“This person predominately relies on a bike as a means of everyday transportation, even if it’s rainy or cold,” Diesel says. “When you take away the bubble of being closed up in your car, you have a chance to look at people face to face and wave at them as you pass. It brings your commute to a much more personal level, and can be therapeutic.” Cargo bikes allow the commuter cyclist to carry groceries and personal items.

“They’re out early in the morning to avoid much traffic,” Diesel says. This style involves more distance and speed. These cyclists ride together in a group called a “peloton,” which allows them opportunity to draft behind each other, and makes a larger presence on the road so they are more likely to be seen and passed safely by cars. This style of cycling requires endurance and can be an intense workout.

22 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2014

“The mountain biker loves to ride, but is someone who wants to get away from traffic,” Diesel says. “They put their bikes on the car rack and drive for a day or a vacation to get out on the trails, and their money—spent on things like gas, food and lodging—offers a new revenue stream for small towns.” Charleston has several trails for different levels and styles. Marrington Plantation offers about 20 miles of single track and has exposed roots, rocks, gullies and sand for the more technical rider. Wannamaker Park offers a cross-country riding trail, which is still great exercise for those who are not as technically skilled.

4. The Triathlete

“The triathletes are out even earlier than the Roadies,” Diesel says. “In a triathlon, it is illegal to draft, so they are out on the road practicing very early to avoid traffic and also to avoid the roadies.” Because tri bikes are built differently than road bikes, it is actually dangerous to ride in a peloton. 5. The Weekend Warrior

“This is your casual bike rider. They are families, people out for a ride in their neighborhood, or whenever they want to get out,” says Diesel. “Some of my first memories are going for rides on the back of my dad’s Raleigh, and we would ride with my brother.” These cyclists are out for leisurely exercise and fresh air, and this is a good option for those who are wary of riding on busy roads. “The dominant group of cyclists in the Charleston area is leisure commuters,” Diesel explains. But all of these options offer an opportunity to get exercise. Diesel emphasizes that as biking becomes more popular in Charleston, education and the willingness to coexist on the roads is the key to a safe and easier ride for both cyclists and motorists, no matter what style of cyclist you may be. The Bicycle Shoppe has everything you need to get serious about cycling.

February 2014 | Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle 23

Locally Owned

Tresses On the cutting edge of hairstyling Article Anne Shuler Toole | Photography A Michelle Photography

harleston native Mallory Shymanski was only 22 years old when she walked into the construction trailer on the plot that now holds The Market at Oakland Shopping Center and asked to start a hair salon. When she opened Tresses’s doors during the recession in 2008, Walmart was the only other business in the shopping center. “The roads were still being paved; there were no lines for parking,” she says. This month marks six years that Tresses has been on the cutting edge of the latest techniques in cutting and coloring. “We specialize in color and gravitational cutting,” Shymanski explains. Tresses’s stylists use Logics Color, a “pure tone” color line custom-blended on site, rather than one of the many pre-mixed color lines that most other salons use. Their other specialty, gravitational cutting, is a technique Shymanski learned 24 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2014

through advanced training with world-renowned artist Geno Levi. By using convex and concave cuts, gravitational cutting allows layering that fits the unique shape of each individual’s head and lets the hair fall gracefully and naturally, rather than resulting in a thin or “chopped” look. Shymanski, whose previous experiences took her to the national level as a hair color educator, leads her six employees a bit differently than most area salons. “We work as a team, focus on education and are always moving forward. We aren’t just doing what’s required,” she says. Rather than renting chairs individually, the stylists at Tresses work together as a team. Shymanski and her team practice continuing education not only by traveling to national classes to learn the latest techniques, but also by teaching their coworkers what they learn in these classes. “From day one, a stylist starts by learning how we shampoo here at Tresses. We shampoo their hair; they shampoo our hair as well. This way when a client comes in, they

can expect the same level of service and quality from any of us.” Following the shampooing, the same learning process is practiced for cutting, coloring and blow-drying. Shymanski says another thing that sets Tresses apart is the consultation. “Usually when you go to a salon, you will be asked, ‘What do you want to do today?’ That’s not what we do here,” she explains. “We do more of a consultation. We will ask you what you want your hair to be like, what is realistic for your lifestyle, and what challenges you have with your current hair.” In this way, the stylists at Tresses are able to work with their clients to design a hairstyle that fits them and that can be maintained at a level with which the client is comfortable. Tresses also offers styling for special occasions: brides, wedding parties and more. These services are offered both at the salon and sometimes on-site. Shymanski will be showcasing some of her special occasion styles for the fourth year in a row at Charleston Fashion Week in March. She and an elite team of 11 other acclaimed stylists will work with 175 models over the course of that week, many times doing rapid hairstyle changes during shows. “It actually takes a lot of planning,” Shymanski says. “Depending on the model’s outfit and what they will be changing into, and the one after that, it greatly affects what I can do with their hairstyle in a short amount of time. That all has to be manageable for a quick turnaround to get them looking perfect and back on the runway.” Tresses lives up to its motto, “A studio for serious hair.” Some of Tresses’s clients routinely travel hours each way to take advantage of the quality of service and skill the salon provides. Tresses’s unique methods in cutting and coloring gleaned from world-renowned artists, team-oriented atmosphere that emphasizes continuing education, and keen interest in helping clients find a hairstyle that fits not only their shape, but their lifestyle, all make Mt. Pleasant very lucky to have such a forward-moving salon right here in our own backyard. Information on pricing and services can be found at TressesSalonStudio.com or by calling 843.856.2550.

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Lifestyle Calendar

February

FEBRUARY 1

FEBRUARY 14-16

BLUE OYSTER BASH

SOUTHEASTERN WILDLIFE EXPO

FOUNDERS HALL AT CHARLES TOWNE LANDING

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The “Premier Blue Oyster Bash” features The Blue Dogs and takes place from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. The event benefits FRIENDS of MUSC Children’s Hospital. For more info, head over to FriendsOfMUSCChildrensHospital.org.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is the largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation, attracting over 500 artists and exhibitors from around the globe who present their offerings to over 40,000 attendees. For the full list of events and to buy tickets, visit SEWE.com.

FEBRUARY 1 6TH ANNUAL CHASE AFTER A CURE GOLDEN GALA

FEBRUARY 15

MEMMINGER AUDITORIUM

CUPID’S UNDIE RUN

Chase After a Cure is hosting the Golden Gala at 7 p.m. on February 1. This sixth annual fundraising gala features food from top local restaurants, an open bar and a live and silent auction. Performing at this year’s event is American Idol finalist Elise Testone. For more information, visit ChaseAfterACureGala.com.

LOGGERHEAD’S BEACH GRILL

FEBRUARY 8 THE CHOCOLATE AFFAIR THE DANIEL ISLAND CLUB

This gala event offers gourmet catering and chocolate desserts from Charleston’s finest restaurants and specialty shops. An open bar is available and the Reception Menu includes a variety of hors d’oeuvres. The evening also features more than 200 auction items for every budget. The Chocolate Affair fundraiser supports Communities in Schools of the Charleston Area Inc., a nonprofit organization that surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Event tickets are $125 per person. Corporate tables are also available. Please call 843.740.6793 for reservations.

This Valentine’s Day weekend, come put the hilarity in charity with hundreds of half-naked runners taking to the streets in celebration of their fundraising for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Be a part of something great. Last year, Cupid’s raised over $1.3 million to end NF. Start a team, join a team, or just run solo and make some new friends! The party starts at noon, run time is 2 p.m., then back for more fun until 4 p.m. Arrive early and stay late...and feel free to remain pants-less the entire time! For more info, visit CupidsUndieRun.com.

FEBRUARY 8-9 CHARLESTON MARDI GRAS VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE AREA

Charleston Mardi Gras is a weeklong affair of art exhibits, a Cajun food festival, live music, royal announcements and a masquerade ball in the Charleston area. Charleston Mardi Gras is organized by the only official krewe on the East Coast—Krewe of Charleston—a group dedicated to bringing the culture and excitement of Mardi Gras to the Holy City to benefit local businesses, residents and tourists, and a chosen charity. This year, a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center. For more info, visit CharlestonMardiGras.com. 28 Mt. Pleasant Lifestyle | February 2014

FEBRUARY 22 BREWVIVAL THE CHARLESTON BEER EXCHANGE

Brewvival is a joint venture and vision brought to you by COAST Brewing Company and The Charleston Beer Exchange. Each beer is hand-selected and presented in a fun outdoor environment, quite often by the folks that make it. Live music, friendly neighborhood food vendors and the occasional speaker round out the afternoon, but beer takes the center stage. Expect a wide variety of styles and serving methods, ranging from semi-common to impossibly rare, all of which are available to ticketholders while the day’s supplies last. This is a celebration of craft beer’s finest and the community

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Lifestyle Calendar that surrounds it. Brewvival welcomes beer geeks, casual craft drinkers and novices alike. It’s a festival full of exclusive beers that excludes no one. It’s a festival full of VIPs, because there are no VIPs. For more info, visit Brewvival.com.

FEBRUARY 22 10TH ANNUAL “PARTY WITH A PURPOSE” MARDI CRAWL SHEM CREEK

The Lowcountry Parrot Head Club will host the 10th Annual Mardi Crawl on

Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant. Start out by registering/checking in at Red’s Ice House, and “crawl” your way to partner venues (RB’s, Vickery’s, Water’s Edge, Shem Creek Bar & Grill and The Shelter) for food and drink specials, games, music and all sorts of fun at Charleston’s premier “Mardi Gras” event. Registration includes a commemorative long-sleeve t-shirt designed just for this event, and entry into a grand prize drawing! Proceeds benefit the South Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and other local charities. Registration is available in advance at LCParrotheads.org.

tory buff, teacher or student, an antique dealer, home decorator or art collector, or just a lover of textiles, this show has something for everyone. Email quiltshow@cobblestonequilters.com or visit CobblestoneQuilters.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1 A QUILTER’S VIEW OF CHARLESTON OMAR SHRINE TEMPLE

Cobblestone Quilters Guild is holding its 15th biennial quilt show, complete with 200-plus judged quilts, vendors, a boutique, a silent auction supporting My Sister’s House, quilt appraisals and convenient free parking. Whether you are a quilter, quilt lover or collector, a his-

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