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MARCH 2009 COMPLIMENTARY
Draped In Style Hung Up On Window Treatments
On Your Toes Shoes For Work And Play
Styling A Career
Vintage Advantage Shopping For Yesterday’s Looks Today
Two Designers Share A Dream
Onward March
Spring Into Fashion
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4521 Sharon Road, Charlotte NC 28211 • 704.532.9041 or 888.400.4447 (Located across from SouthPark Mall) Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-7:00, Saturday 10:00-5:00 www.DiamondsDirectSouthpark.com Diamonds Direct Birmingham | Mountain Brook, AL | 205-201-7400 • Diamonds Direct Crabtree | Raleigh, NC | 919-571-2881
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March 2009
Contents 12
63
58 D E PA R T M E N T S
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10 From The Publisher Her Story
68 At Home It’s Curtains For You, My Dear
12 Girl Time Tips, Trends, And Fancies
20 Queen City Jewels Happenings You Don’t Want To Miss
24 On The Move Women Making Strides; Business Success Stories
25 Work Notes Putting Your Inbox On A Diet
26 Money Talks Using A Small Business Online Community
76 Meet Our Advertisers Smiles According To Dasling Dentistry
78 Health Matters Alternative Healing That Makes Scents
80 Health Flash What You Need To Know To Stay Well
88 The Meeting Place Professional And Social Meetings
90 Tomorrow’s Charlotte Woman Charlotte’s Future Fabulous Females
54 Fashion Spring Brings A Garden Of Delight
OnTheCover
63 Beauty A Bang-Up Job On Your Hair
66 Meet Our Advertisers Outfit Your Workspace With Help From Larner’s Office Furniture
67 Meet Our Advertisers Granite Transformations Gives Your Kitchen A Lift 6
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PHOTO COURTESY OF NORDSTROM. SILK CHIFFON DRESS WITH TIERED RUFFLES BY SUZI CHIN MAGGY BOUTIQUE. AVAILABLE AT NORDSTROM AND NORDSTROM.COM.
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SWIMSUIT SEASON IS COMING Will You Be Ready? SMART LIPO ™ 2 FOR 1 SPECIAL TWO AREAS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! Now’s the time to trim down your abdomen, love handles, back, thighs, hips, knees, arms, neck and chin. Offer ends March 31, 2009
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704.544.1300
www.GenesisNewBody.com BALLANTYNE VILLAGE • 14835 JOHN J. DELANEY DRIVE SUITE 210 • CHARLOTTE • NC 28277
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Today’s
Charlotte Woman Business/Lifestyle
Volume XII, Number 10 March 2009 PUBLISHER
Belva Greenage
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EDITOR
Michelle Young Hubacher ART DIRECTOR
Anita O’Hara ASSISTANT EDITOR
Karsen Price SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Carrie Boyd ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR
Fern Howerin SALES EXECUTIVES
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Barbara Herd Gail Williams CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Leigh Barrett BUSINESS MANAGER
Nikki Wilson WEB DESIGNER
Cliff McNamara CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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Jennifer Bradford-Epstein Meaghan Clark Fiona Harmon Melinda Johnston Karsen Price Lee Rhodes Corey Stewart CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
PROFILES
OnLineExtras
28 Go With The Flow Tara Davis Fashions Elegant Dresses And Fulfills A Dream
www.todayscharlottewoman.com
32 Tailor-Made Arielle Parker Bergmann Designs A Career In Accessible Fashion
F E AT U R E S 36 Everything Old Is New Vintage Wares Add Timeless Style To Your Wardrobe
42 Our Sights Are Set On You What’s Hot In Eyewear This Spring
44 History In The Dress-Making North Carolina Clothier Doncaster Is Cloaked In Rich Traditions
50 Toe To Toe Shoes Good Enough To Eat For Both Work And Play 8
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C H A R L O T T E
COME SEE US ONLINE FOR BONUS CONTENT
W O M A N
Don’t Miss: Fashion Forecast For Spring! Belk Fashionista Arlene Goldstein Offers Hot Tips And Trends And The Eyes Have It Eyeliner Dos and Don’ts From Makeup Maven Bobbi Brown A Sniff Down Memory Lane The Scientific Reasoning Behind Memories And Scents Plus: Glasses Worthy Of Passes Look Your Best In Brand-New Specs
Armando Bellmas Augusto Photography James Brown 5200 Park Road, Suite 111 Charlotte, NC 28209 704/521-6872 www.todayscharlottewoman.com Today’s Charlotte Woman is published by Today’s Woman Inc., and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout the greater Charlotte area. Submissions of articles and photographs are welcome. Subscription rate is $20 per year for 11 issues plus the TCW Resource Guide. Copyright ©2009 Today’s Woman, Inc. All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited. Today’s Charlotte Woman and Today’s Woman Inc. do not necessarily endorse the views and perceptions of contributors or advertisers.
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FromThePublisher
Celebrating Her Story
“H
istory is no longer just a chronicle of kings and statesmen, of people who wielded power, but of ordinary women and men engaged in manifold tasks. Women's history is an assertion that women have a history.”— Aparna Basu, Professor of History at the University of Delhi, India From Rosie the Riveter to Rosa Parks to my own mother, Rosa Lee, the story of women’s role in history has been understated at best. In an attempt to begin to bring women’s contributions and accomplishments to the forefront, March has been proclaimed Women’s History Month. This celebration started in Europe in 1911, as International Women’s Day. The designation of a women’s history day, week, or month in America, however, didn’t take shape until the 1970s, as women began to realize that “her story” was not fully attended to in the social studies curriculums at the secondary and post-secondary levels. The recognition of this deficit, coupled with the increasing attention given to the history of ethnic groups such as African and Native Americans, made it clear that it was time to include her — our — story, as well. And what America embraced in 1978, as a week of reflection, is now a full month of celebration and remembrance. This month, Today’s Charlotte Woman ushers in spring with a little bit of history and a whole lot of fashion. While many beautiful women and a profusion of fresh spring styles — from fabulous and functional shoes, to the newest floral looks for the coming season — grace the pages of this issue, we also have a few history lessons for you.
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You may begin your journey on page 44, with a look back at one venerable North Carolina clothier — Doncaster. This family-owned company, based in Rutherfordton, started producing men’s shirts in 1931. Now approaching its 70th year in business, Doncaster manufactures and sells highquality women’s wear. A lovely slice of fashion history, to be sure. If you’re looking to add a bit of history to your closet, you may want to check out the article on page 36 on buying vintage clothing here in Charlotte! Who knew what was hot yesterday could be so cool today? Then, test your knowledge of notable women and their incredible contributions on page 13 of Girl Time, followed by a detour to our Web site, www.todayscharlottewoman.com, to find out just how tuned in you are to those who came before you. “Her story” covers the spectrum of achievement generated from the spirit of sentiments ranging from Rosie’s mantra, “We can do it,” to, “We just won’t take it anymore.” As women, we can take immense pride in the many roles we have played in guiding the fate of our nation and our world. And, while 31 days of remembrance is what we have right now, our hope is for a day when “her story” is an inseparable element of the American story. Wishing you a rich history,
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Wow!
What a Great Smile! Smile created by Dr. Ross W. Nash Photo by Deborah Triplett
Ross W. Nash, DDS General Dentist Providing Cosmetic Dentistry
69725 Caldwell Commons Circle • Cornelius, NC 28031 nashinstitute.com Appointments: 704-895-7660
Of the nearly 8000 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry members worldwide, there are only 264 accredited member dentists. Of that elite group, only 43 have earned the exclusive level of Fellow. In Charlotte, only 1 dentist has achieved Accredited status, and in all of North and South Carolina, only 1 has earned the level of Fellow: Accredited Fellow Ross W. Nash, DDS.
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GirlTime COMPILED BY MICHELLE YOUNG HUBACHER
A Lovely Salad Breakfast Of Champions?
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f you’re looking for the right balance of foods to get you off to a good start in the morning, you may want to consider bagging the bagel and reaching for a tasty salad instead. Breakfast, says Robin Ives, personal health coach and founder of Charlotte’s Pursuing Health, is a great time to get the nutrients you need in ways that you don’t necessarily think about while still in your slippers. “The idea of eating salad may seem strange, even laughable, at first,” Ives says. “After all, you may be thinking, I want something warm to eat in the morning. Well, there is an amazingly energizing breakfast that is warming as well! It’s bursting with vitamins,
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antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber — and it kick-starts your metabolism, so it’s blasting calories for the rest of the day.” Ives recommends starting with a darkgreen salad leaf like romaine lettuce or spinach. Add other interesting raw veggies, such as diced celery, cucumber, and radishes. Top that with a grating of carrot. Then add avocado
slices for delicious creaminess and ultimate nutrition. Give a shake of sea salt and a sprinkle of flax or olive oil. Now for the heat: Cook up an easy, wholegrain cereal, or reheat a whole-grain dish left over from last night’s dinner, and place a scoop of the hot grain on your creation. Instead of a regular dressing, top your breakfast salad with a generous dollop of luscious almond butter (or any other nut butter), and add a drizzle of sweetening agave nectar. Ooh, I can’t wait for morning!
ToLearnMore For information on salad for breakfast, visit www.pursuinghealth.com.
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Women’s History Month Celebrate By Meeting A Few Grand Dames March is Women’s History Month. How much do you know about the women who came before you — and impacted those who stand beside you now?
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1. Who was the first African-American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature? 2. Who was the first woman to run for President of the United States? 3. Who was the first woman Poet Laureate of the United States? 4. Who wrote the first version of the Equal Rights Amendment, in 1923? 5. Who was the first African-American woman elected to Congress? 6. What leading suffragist was arrested and convicted of attempting to vote in the 1872 election? 7. What woman was turned down by 29 medical schools before being accepted as a student, graduated at the head of her class, and became the first licensed woman doctor in the United States? 8. Who opened up social work as a profession for women, and also won the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize for her anti-war organizing work? 9. Who drove a stagecoach across the roughest part of the West without anyone knowing that she was a woman until she died? 10. When did officials of Little League Baseball announce that they would “defer to the changing social climate” and let girls play on their teams? 11. As co-founder and first vice president of the United Farm Workers of America, what Hispanic woman has been vital in speaking for civil and economic rights for farm workers throughout the country?
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12. When did Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 go into effect, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded school programs and activities? >
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Source: National Women’s History Project. Visit www.nwhp.org for information.
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For the answers, visit www.todayscharlottewoman.com!
M A R C H
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Salt Of The Earth And Ready For Your Armpit
I
f you’re looking to take your grooming routine back to basics, try substituting salt for your stick deodorant. Hold on; don’t reach for the box of Morton’s yet! This salt comes in the form of a nifty crystal “deodorant stone” made of 100-percent natural mineral salts, which are hypoallergenic, fragrancefree, paraben-free, nonsticky, and non-staining. Plus, they dry instantly and leave no white residue when applied as deodorant. The stone, by Crystal Body Deodorant, is environmentally friendly, and it contains no dyes, and no aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium, or other harsh chemicals. Crystal Body Deodorant has been rated No. 1 by the Environmental Working Group in a safety assessment test of ingredients used in all deodorants. As
a member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Crystal Body Deodorant has signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, pledging that any products made by the company will meet the standards and deadlines set by the European Union. The Crystal Body Deodorant stone is available at Rite Aid and Walgreens. To learn more, visit www.thecrystal.com.
The Whole Kit And Caboodle Or At Least A Pad And A Stain Stick If you’re smart,you keep a first-aid kit in your house, your car, and maybe even your desk at work. But what about an emergency kit of another kind? Those geniuses at Minimus.biz have created The Feminine Care Emergency Kit,equipped with what they know best — samples! Sample-sized packages of pain reliever,cleansing cloths,lavender towelettes, stain remover, and cold-water
wash for delicates — all the products that come in handy once a month — are stowed in a handy zippered vinyl pouch that’s easy to pop into a desk drawer, glove compartment, or gym bag. The kit is available online at www.minimus.biz for $9.30.All orders over $20 receive free domestic ground shipping. (If you love minis of all your favorite products, it’s fairly certain you’ll be eligible for free shipping.)
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Workbook It, Girl A Visionary At Heart
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f the last time you opened a workbook was in Mrs. Torrence’s fourth-grade class, now may be a good time to sharpen your pencil. California-based artist Shiloh McCloud has collaborated with a group of forward-thinking women to create Heart of the Visionary. The illustrated book, born of McCloud’s work in teaching women transformation through what she calls “intentional creativity,” is designed to empower women to each develop a business or project in alignment with her personal values and inspirations. The research for Heart of the Visionary is based on over a decade of McCloud’s professional interaction with thousands of women. She has previously published five journal-type workbooks that were originally conceived as tools for therapists. Many of those volumes are now being used
by cancer survivor groups, women’s recovery programs, AIDS support circles, and Native American congregations, as well as in women’s prisons, and as a part of the curriculum in school programs and girls’ educational initiatives. Ten percent of the profits from each book will be gifted to Girls Inc. (www.girlsinc.org) and Women’s Initiative (www.womensinitiative.org) — both very worthy causes, indeed. For information on Heart of the Visionary, and to check out Shiloh McCloud’s artwork, visit www.shilohsophia.com. >
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ven if it’s simply a pair of lovely pearl earrings or (lucky you!) diamond studs, most women prefer to complete an outfit — for work or for play — with ornamentation. And although there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to what baubles make the cut when putting together your jewelry wardrobe, there are a few things to keep in mind.
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• First and foremost, choose jewelry that makes you feel good. • Proportion is an essential factor in jewelry selection. Jewelry should be in harmony with your body type. But don’t be afraid to try some of the season’s larger “statement” necklaces. • Consider your lifestyle when selecting what jewelry to wear. At the office, chandelier diamond earrings may not be exactly appropriate, but they are the perfect way to add a sparkling touch to a fabulous weekend outfit. • When shopping for earrings, let the shape of your face be your guide. Round hoops work well with a narrow face, while an elongated oval looks best on a round face. • Take into account your skin tone and hair color
when choosing the metal that best suits you. Yellow gold generally works well with warmer tones, while white gold/platinum plays up cooler colors, and rose/pink gold is ideal for women over 40. • A right-hand ring is not only fashion-forward; it makes a personal statement specifically about you. (Your left hand is usually reserved for a “relationship” ring.) • Jewelry seamlessly transforms your outfit from day to night. Try replacing your studs with dangles for evening chic. • Choose one piece of jewelry to serve as the focal point of your fashion statement. TCW Source: Jane Rabinovitz, Certified Gemologist, Jane’s Gems Boutique, 704/608-3768, www.JanesGemsBoutique.com.
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Gotta Have It!
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Wrap It Up A hand-embroidered scarf from Flying Fig is just one of the unique and stylish garments that will have you fit to be tied at Mack and Mack Charlotte. Mack and Mack Charlotte • 6401 Morrison Blvd., Specialty Shops on the Park • 704.365.3002 • www.mackandmackcharlotte.com
Sparkle A-Plenty A fabulously bejeweled belt from Kippys is a special find at Fifi’s Fine Resale,a consignor of only top brand name labels and designer duds.Fifi’s Fine Resale • 8301-7 Magnolia Estates Drive, Cornelius • 704.892.7070
Clutch Play Scarlett Plus Size Boutique offers style, sophistication, and service. This beaded clutch from Carlo Fellini NYC is perfect for mother of the bride, mother of the groom, or for any special occasion! Scarlett Plus Size Boutique• 4732 Sharon Road,Sharon Corners Shopping Center • 704.552.7383
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C H A R L O T T E
W O M A N
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Show your heart that you love her.
It’s hard to believe, but heart disease has surpassed even breast cancer as the leading killer of women. But that is precisely why the experts at Presbyterian Cardiovascular Institute have dedicated themselves to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women. In addition to a full spectrum of medical and technological advancements, we also offer emotional support for patients and their families.
To schedule a $30 heart risk assessment or for more information on the heart services below, call 704-384-CARE or visit presbyterian.org/heart. Exercise or Nutrition Consult $75/person
Cooking School $20
In-Home Kitchen Consult $200-225
Recipe Makeover $20/recipe
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Q u e e n H A P P E N I N G S
C i t y YO U
D O N ’ T
J e w e l s WA N T
TO
M I S S
Blanketed In Nature Quilts Take Center Stage At Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
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f you think the word “quilting” refers only to traditional block creations like your Great-Aunt Hazel made, Dr. Cindy Klemmer, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s director of education, challenges you to think again. The Garden is hosting an eclectic and modern quilt exhibit as part of its annual Art at the Garden event, which runs through March 16. “Guests will be amazed at the skills and
Lunch On Charity League Works For Kids
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he Charity League Inc. is hosting its 19th annual spring luncheon, silent auction, and fashion show, with attire from Coplon’s, on March 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Carmel Country Club.All proceeds go to area children in need,chosen at the discretion of the League. For 87 years, the League’s mission has been to support children in the community. The organization has donated more than 750 school uniforms, 500 coats, and thousands of pairs of socks and underwear. It has also provided schools with more than 800 books, as well as games and snacks. “The Charity League is a unique charity with no overhead or salary expense,” says League president Brenda Rorie. “When we say ‘all proceeds,’ we mean it!” Tickets are $50, and include the gourmet lunch and fashion show, plus the chance to bid on auction items from some of The Queen City’s finest stores and eateries.
WantToGo? For information,contact Sharon Nivens at 704/5531990, or Barbara Hucksbee at 704/364-3314.
artistic representation of today’s quilters,” Klemmer says. The exhibit showcases the work of the Charlotte Quilters Guild, with motifs that incorporate a nature theme. A variety of pieces of different sizes and styles will be on display, including traditional hand-quilting, machine quilting, and surface design with decorative threads. Members of the Guild will be on hand at various times to demonstrate techniques and discuss their art. The Charlotte Quilters Guild was formed in 1977, with just eight quilters. Since then, the group has grown to 275 members.
WantToGo? The event is free with Garden admission; the Garden is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. For information, call 704/825-4490, or visit www.DSBG.org.
South Seas Providence Gallery Exhibit Showcases Southern Style
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his month, Providence Gallery presents Southern Memoirs, an exhibit of awardwinning artist Paula B. Holtzclaw’s newest collection of coastal seascapes and landscapes; and regional plein air (outdoor) painter Robert Brown’s collection of urban and rural Carolina and Virginia landscapes.
The exhibit runs March 6 through 31, at Providence Gallery, with an artist reception on March 6, from 6 to 9 p.m.
WantToGo? For information,visit www.ProvidenceGallery.net,or call 704/333-4535.
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Spring Into Southern Show A Home And Garden Delight
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he 49th annual Southern Spring Home & Garden Show takes place March 4 through 8 at The Park (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart), offering designers ideas for “sprucing up for spring on a shoestring.” Discover professionally crafted landscapes,inspiring designer rooms, and massive displays of bonsai, ikebana,and orchids.The show offers the wares and services of over 300 companies that specialize in home improvement,outdoor living,decorative arts and crafts, green building, and interior design.
WantToGo? For information,visit www.SouthernSpringHomeAndGardenShow.com, or call 800/849-0248.
Hooray For Hollywood NCDT Invites You To A Night At The Movies
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orth Carolina Dance Theatre brings a touch of Hollywood to the intimate Booth Playhouse with A Night at the Movies, March 5 through 7, and 12 through 14. For this unique production, NCDT artistic director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux asked choreographers Mark Diamond, Nicolo Fonte, and Dwight Rhoden to create dance works inspired by different movies. In response, the trio produced an impressive mélange of performance vehicles for mature audiences. “When I talk to choreographers, we often discuss how movies inspire our choreography,” says Bonnefoux. “Movies seem to influence choreographers almost as much as music does.” Diamond’s piece, Immortal Design, draws inspiration from 1934’s Death Takes A Holiday, which was remade in 1998 as Meet Joe Black. Fonte is presenting a world premiere based on
Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, The Birds, and Vertigo. Rhoden is also offering a world premiere with his work, CAT, modeled after the classic Tennessee Williams play and 1958 movie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. >
PHOTO BY JEFF CRAVOTTA
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WantToGo? For show times and prices, call 704/372-1000, or visit www.ncdance.org.
Services: Annual Exams Pap Smears Gynecological Surgery Breast Disease
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QueenCityJewels
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n March 21, get your disco on and support a good cause by attending the first annual Retrofest, a Charlotte 1970s disco party hosted by eWomen Network Foundation and Girls on the Run! Drag out your favorite hip-huggers and tie-dyed T-shirts, and get ready to revisit the sights and sounds of the past.The event, held at the Grady Cole Center, begins at 8 p.m.; all proceeds go to eWomen Network Foundation and Girls on the Run.VIP tickets are $75, and general admission is $40.
WantToGo? For tickets, visit www.BusinessSorority.com.
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oin the fight against global poverty and help empower women around the world by experiencing A Powerful Noise Live, a film that commemorates International Women’s Day on March 5. A Powerful Noise Live takes viewers into the lives of three women: a young widow in Vietnam; a mother in Bosnia; and a matriarch in Mali. More than 440 theaters nationwide, including Concord Mills 24 in Concord, and Stonecrest 22 at Piper Glen in Charlotte, will present the one-night-only showing of the documentary at 7:30 p.m. Following the film, a town hall discussion with experts and celebrity activists will be simulcast live from New York to participating theaters around the country. Panelists will be Dr. Helene Gayle, CARE president and CEO; Christy Turlington Burns, model, filmmaker, and contributing editor at Marie Claire magazine; and Nicholas Kristof, Pulitzer Prize-winning jour-
Enjoy the Carolina’s largest Home & Garden Show!
March 4-8, 2009
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Closed on Sundays
704.571.4214
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Lunch & Dinner Corporate Lunches Private Parties Luncheon Specials Seafood & Vegetarian Saturday Dinner Only
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nalist, acclaimed author, and The New York Times columnist. “The world isn’t living up to its potential right now, because most women and girls lack basic human rights and opportunities we often take for granted in the United States,” says Burns, who is also a CARE advocate for maternal health. “You can become a champion in your own community to help impact the lives of other women in our world.” CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. Last year, CARE programs improved the lives of more than 65 million people in 70 countries.
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Caliente Rhythms And Moves Carolinas Latin Dance Company Takes The Floor
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urious to explore the folklore of the fascinating and diverse culture of Latin America? On March 28, the Carolinas Latin Dance Company presents an encore performance of new dances from Central and South America, Spain, and the Caribbean, at 7:30 p.m., in McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square. The audience will be treated to the vibrant music and colorful costumes of the Company’s expanded repertoire, which includes choreography never before unveiled in Charlotte.
The program features performances of more than 20 dances representing 16 countries, including joropo from Venezuela, tango from Argentina, cumbia from Colombia, punta from Honduras, caporales from Bolivia, flamenco from Spain, and salsa from Cuba/Puerto Rico/USA, as well as dances from the Mexican states of Chiapas, Jalisco, and Yucatán.
are shorter this year.
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t may be time to cull your closet of the gently used (or never worn!) formals, bridesmaid gowns, or beaded party dresses! Girl Talk Foundation Inc. is conducting its Seventh Annual Prom Project, which runs March 16 through April 3. New and slightly used formal dresses are requested; gowns will be offered to teens in a makeshift boutique designed by students at The Art Institute on April 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The final collection day includes a live radio broadcast from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center,with WPEG/POWER 98 radio personality Janine Davis hosting the event.
For a list of drop-off locations, or for information on registering, call 704/973-2728, or visit www.girltalkfoundationinc.com.
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Job Changes/Promotions Jodi Hankes was named president of the Charlotte chapter of the American Society of Women Accountants.
Green Rice Gallery has hired Bethany Hadden as a creative consultant.
Ritz Marketing Inc. has promoted Monica S. Guffey to president.
Connie Bonebrake, vice president of Post Acute Care Services at Carolinas HealthCare System, was named executive in residence.
Annette Privette-Keller has joined the Town of Matthews as assistant to the manager/communications director.
Gina Allen has joined CEO Inc. as executive assistant to the president.
Margaret Siegel, M.D., F.A.A.P., has joined Dilworth Pediatrics and Presbyterian Novant Medical Group.
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Laura Beth Ellis and Laura Gainer have joined Queens University of Charlotte as development professionals; Ellis is the director of annual leadership giving, and Gainer is the assistant director of alumni and development for the McColl School of Business.
Velvette Jones, a former respiratory therapist, was promoted to chief operating officer of Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville.
Commercial signage manufacturer SouthWood Corporation has hired Andrea Stewart as sales representative.
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WFAE’s board of directors, University Radio Foundation Inc., has elected the following executive officers: Eileen Friars, chair; Jennie Buckner, vice chair; Tom Lane, secretary; Cathy Dolan, treasurer; and Roger Sarow, president. Four new directors were named to the governing board: Lawrence Cruciana, Cyrus Johnson, Nash Long, and John Orgain.
New Business/Changes Jaime Estrada has opened Reign Fine Apparel at Stonecrest, located at 7808-E Rea Road.
Nelsa Andersson Ciapponi, M.D., has opened Optimal Health Medicine Center, which provides holistic and integrative care, at 3111 Springbank Lane, Suite G.lations
Quantum Leap, LLC, an entrepreneur and CEO coaching firm, has relocated to the Blakeney Professional Center, at 8832 Blakeney Professional Drive, Suite 102.
S T O R I E S
Awards And Installations Melanie Mahadeo, R.N., of Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, was named 2008 Nurse of the Year by the Western North Carolina chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Photography By Annell was selected for the 2008 Best of Charlotte Award in the photographer category by the U.S. Local Business Association.
Leanne Skipper, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of North Carolina, and board chair, Dr. Susan Massengill, were presented awards at the 2008 National Kidney Foundation General Assembly Awards luncheon. The NKFNC also received the Superstar Award for raising $1 million last fiscal year.
Gladys Anthony was one of eight to be named 2008 CAREGiver of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic region by Home Instead Senior Care.
The Department of Counseling at UNC Charlotte has awarded the first Bob Barret Social Justice Award to Stephanie Ansaldo for her work in establishing The Echo Foundation.
SEND YOUR NEWS TO:
On The Move editor@todayscharlottewoman.com
Today’s Charlotte Woman 5200 PARK ROAD, SUITE 111, CHARLOTTE, NC 28209
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WorkNotes
The Inbox Diet Time To Work Out Your E-Mails BY MICHELLE YOUNG HUBACHER
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ongratulations! You’ve managed to get yourself to the gym most mornings, and you’re feeling great about heading into the second quarter of 2009 in relatively good form. But once you arrive at your office and sit down at your desk, the first thing you find yourself doing is confronting one of the fattest, most out-of-shape parts of your life: your inbox! Aquick glance at your monitor tells you there are 37 e-mails from yesterday that you just didn’t have the time to answer, sort, file, or otherwise address. There are nine emails you sent to yourself from your home computer, thinking those would be things you could handle during your lunch hour — arranging carpool; checking a message from the basketball coach; looking at the latest pictures of your sister’s kids. Today’s new crop of emails numbers 27 … and it’s only 9:15 a.m. It may be time to whip your inbox into at least as good a shape as you are. Marsha Egan’s book, Inbox Detox — And the Habit of E-mail Excellence, offers help for those of us who are looking to take control of our personal and professional productivity — and maybe even tame the inbox beast!
“We’ve developed a dependency to e-mail that saps productivity,” says Egan, who has also written an e-book called Help! I’ve Fallen into my Inbox and Can’t Climb Out!!! “Many people can’t keep up with their inbox and simply declare e-mail bankruptcy,” she adds. Egan offers tips to help us break our e-mail addiction, including the top three basics: Establish e-mail rules for yourself. Keep your work inbox separate from your personal one — don’t forward messages from one to the other. Check your accounts individually and handle them during work time and personal time, respectively. Turn off the automatic send and receive feature. Learning to check your inbox only at designated intervals will immensely increase productivity that would otherwise be lost to e-mail distraction. Reconsider the function of e-mail. E-mail shouldn’t trump the rest of your work — reading and responding to messages should be one just more task in your day. TCW
ToLearnMore Visit www.EganEmailSolutions.com.
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY ...
Network News B E
PA RT
O F
T H E
S M A L L
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If you are a small-business owner, now may be the time to start thinking big. Connecting with an unlimited number of professionals facing the same issues, problems, and questions you face might just swing open the door to success a little wider. Welcome to the world of the Small Business Online Community, one important tool available to anyone doing business in today’s competitive marketplace. So maybe you can whip up the tastiest cupcakes in town, but your knowledge of human resources is not quite up to scratch. Maybe you are great with a hammer but not so much with a spreadsheet. Or maybe, like entrepreneur Bonnie Marcus, you are a designer of award-winning (and celebrity-coveted!) greeting and announcement cards — but you don’t necessarily know the best way to market yourself at a trade show. For Marcus, participating in the Small Business Online Community, powered by Bank of America, has been key. “People like me, who start their own businesses, are experts in what they do, but we may need outside help addressing those business issues that we’re not all that well-versed in,” says Marcus, who started her now-million-dollar business from her kitchen table. “I had been participating in the New York stationery trade show for years, but decided maybe I needed to rethink how I was displaying
my business in my booth. I logged on to the Small Business Online Community, typed in ‘trade shows,’ and got some great information — including a tip that seems simple, but that made all the difference for me at the show.” The tip included standing outside of your booth and greeting people by name as they walked by. “Visitors to the shows are wearing nametags,” Marcus says, “so that just made so much sense!” Making sense of the nonstop decisions that face small-business owners every day is part of the attraction to an online community forum. Today’s entrepreneurs are accustomed to researching online, surfing the Web for answers. The Small Business Online Community takes that a step further by offering users an opportunity to share. There are forums offered on a variety of topics, from marketing your business to writing a business proposal. Users may post questions and solicit feedback, and look up archived arti-
cles on creating a mission statement, tips on firing an employee, issues surrounding debt collection, and using software like PowerPoint and QuickBooks. The Small Business Online Community allows small businesses to exchange ideas and information, and benefit from the experience of others. It’s easy to connect with other members by joining a conversation in the forums or posting comments in a review. Networking (for free!) is a major benefit of the Small Business Online Community. “I used to try to take advantage of networking lunches, seminars, and conferences,” Marcus says. “Those can run $100 a ticket! Logging on to the Small Business Online Community has put me in touch with so many other business owners and saved me money while I’m doing it.” Log on to www.bankofamerica.com to access the Small Business Online Community, or visit the Community online at www.smallbusinessonlinecommunity.com.
Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender © 2009 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
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For Tara Davis, designing a successful future in fashion means continually striving to merge her talent with sheer determination.
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Go With
The Flow Designer Tara Davis Works Her Dream BY KARSEN PRICE
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ust like the rest of us, Charlotte-based fashion designer Tara Davis experiences moments when her chosen profession leaves her a bit discouraged. That’s when she whips out a well-worn copy of
Essence magazine, and reads through an interview with Tracy Reese for the umpteenth time. Reese is a nationally recognized designer who first made it big with a line of clothing, and now
creates everything from bedclothes to footwear.While Davis is intrigued by the success her fellow designer has enjoyed,what captivates her most about the article is its heartfelt message encouraging designers to never give up.After all, Reese — widely acknowledged as the fashion industry’s most successful African-American woman,with $12 million in sales in 2003 — failed 10 times before she found her niche in the design world.
“Tracy Reese is my role model,” Davis says. “Because of the challenges and struggles she’s faced in the industry, I have faith that I can accomplish the same dreams.”
Lines Of Style Davis is the owner of Flow™ by Tara Davis, her design brainchild, and the byproduct of a lifetime’s worth of work and determination. In her studio, with its tastefully chic gold and purple walls, you can finger gingerly through Davis’ elegant but wearable designs, order a dress created just for you, or set up a consultation for a wardrobe makeover from Davis herself. The studio, located in the Hart Witzen Gallery in Charlotte’s NoDa district, is replete with cloth swatches, sketches, a dressing room, and dress forms that proudly display beautiful dresses from Davis’ signature line. Davis designs cosmopolitan chic clothing for boutiques that cater to women with dis-
cerning tastes. She is wise enough to know that dresses are her forté, so she focuses all of her design talents in this area. Her styles specifically target 25- to 45-year-old professionals, which include “both working women and mothers who care about being stylish.” Her fashions, priced from $150 to $550, have been carried locally by stores such as Perris Boutique, on Selwyn Avenue. To provide looks for a variety of women, Davis offers three lines: Flow Chic, which includes unique and very wearable jean dresses complete with elegant ruffles and smooth lines; her Signature Collection of matte jersey cocktail and evening wear; and Flow-istic, featuring striking, one-of-a-kind creations resulting from a partnership with local artist Alease McClenningham. The duo devised a way to incorporate McClenningham’s artwork into a glossy jersey fabric, melding the unique wares of two Charlottean artisans into one fashionable product. >
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Profile
F L O W B Y TA R A D AV I S O F F E R S A N A R R AY O F U N I Q U E L O O K S F O R S P R I N G I N D AV I S ’ S I G N AT U R E P I E C E — T H E D R E S S.
In addition to selling her clothes individually and through boutiques, Davis holds seasonal trunk shows, with her next show coming up in April. She generally creates small amounts of clothing at a time, and so is not forced to carry large inventories. She works with CMT (cut, make, trim) companies that produce small quantities as needed.
A Cut Above As a child, Davis got her start designing clothes for her Barbie dolls, in addition to re-fashioning her own wardrobe — to her mother’s chagrin. Davis laughs when she recalls the havoc her unique fashion sense wreaked at home. “I would cut up brand-new clothes and recreate them into new, fashionable outfits!” she says. A graduate of Garinger High School in Charlotte, Davis studied fashion design at The Art Institute in Atlanta for two years before returning, with her husband and child, to Charlotte, where she earned a business degree from Pfeiffer University. She has worked in a myriad of retail settings, including Express Clothing Store, where she served as the visual manager. “I’ve been in fashion and retail all my life,” she says. “It was my childhood dream to have a cloth30
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ing line. I took a leap of faith in 2003, part time, and then I took a dive of faith in 2008, full time!” In 2003, a model friend challenged Davis to design her garments for a fashion show. At the time, Davis’ sewing machine was collecting dust in the attic. After much persuading, Davis gave in, eventually coming up with several outfits that, though not representative of her personal style, worked perfectly for the model. The experiment encouraged Davis to revisit her dream, and she started producing clothes that year. By 2006, she was designing collections. She quit her day job in May 2008, and is currently finishing up her Master of Fine Arts fashion design degree at Academy Art University in San Francisco. “Designing and creating is a gift from God,” she says. “School has shown me what to do with my talent.” It’s no secret that New York is the place to be for fashion mavens and designers alike, and fashion design is a difficult world to gain a foothold in, no matter where you reside. “I think any industry is difficult to break into when you don’t know the right people and don’t market effectively,” Davis says. “I can have the most beautiful designs, but if the right eyes don’t see it, it’s a loss.”
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Davis realizes there are not endless opportunities for fashion design in Charlotte, which she considers to be both a negative and a positive. “Unfortunately, and fortunately, there are not many avenues for developing fashion design in Charlotte,” she says. “What I mean by this is, Charlotte does not yet truly appreciate a designer’s work. But at the same time, the city is changing. I believe that, eventually, Charlotte will have more designers like myself popping up, to prove we are just as fierce and talented as the veterans.” For now, Davis continues to churn out new designs as she gears up for the new spring selling season. But her dreams are firmly rooted in her mind’s eye. “My ultimate goal is to be in more boutiques nationwide, and to continue to grow my client base,” she says. “I love working with individuals for that special event!”TCW
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Sew Inspired HOW TARA DAVIS CONCOCTS HER CREATIONS
Tara Davis, creator of Flow, turns to a variety of sources for inspiration — from a simple chair or architectural details to different fashion eras. Her favorite colors to work with in fashion are yellow, gray, gold, and purple. Her favorite fabric is matte jersey knit, which is both luxurious and comfortable, and is a hallmark of many of her designs. Holding a delicate cascade of ruffles on a turquoise cocktail dress, she explains that the beauty of the elegant roll of folds is “all in the fabric.” Davis says drawing was her first love, and she admits to spending much of her childhood with her nose in a sketchbook and a pencil in her hand. She says a design can go through many stages before the perfect end result is achieved. “It changes quite a bit!” she says. “What looks good on paper sometimes doesn’t work on the body.” And finding that match between a great initial concept and a perfect finished and fashionable look is what Davis works toward as she creates. Visit www.flowbytaradavis.com to view more of Tara Davis’ designs.
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Clothing designer Arielle Parker Bergmann continues to stitch together her dream of one day making it big in the world of fashion.
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Tailoring A Dream
Arielle Parker Bergmann Designs A Career In Fashion BY KARSEN PRICE
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n life, a common rite of passage includes the classic question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Many of our childhood answers border on the fantastic or, at best, the vaguely possible — ballerina princess, cowgirl, superhero. In the sometimes-too-grown-up land of reality, aspiring to become a fashion designer puts even the most dedicated dream-catcher on a slow and steady path
that requires not only artistry, but sheer determination … and a few lucky breaks.
None of that has ever mattered to Arielle Parker Bergmann, born and raised in Charlotte, and the creator of Elleira Couture, an independent, contemporary clothing line now based in Huntsville, Ala. From the time she was in elementary school, Bergmann’s vision of her destiny did not waver. “I was around 7 or 8 years old when I got it in my head that I wanted to be a fashion designer when I grew up,” she says. “And I never changed my mind.” The Elleira Couture line, currently available at five stores in Georgia and Alabama, presents a modern look with vintage flair, and is a unique blend of classic, yet trendy, pieces. Before Bergmann relocated to Alabama due to her husband’s job transfer, local boutiques such as Charlotte’s Boris & Natasha, and Mattie Mae’s in Gastonia, carried her line. Several of Bergmann’s designs feature elegant ruffles; others show intriguing necklines; and still others display a mix of interesting fabrics and colors, which the designer says is her signature. Elleira Couture’s spring line offers striking combinations of creamy white, turquoise, and brown fabrics, in styles that are
contemporary and overtly feminine. However, most important, the clothing is versatile. “I definitely wear my pieces to work and out on the town,” Bergmann says. Bergmann, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Savannah College of Art and Design, cites Coco Chanel as her fashion role model. “Who else?” she interjects, with a laugh. Before college, she says, she signed up for — and flourished in — every fashion course she could fit into her schedule at South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte.
Between The Seams It was amid the hum of machines and the ring of class bells that Bergmann learned to master the art of sewing, an invaluable part of the creative process for an up-and-coming young designer. “I know that there are many designers out there who don’t know how to do a majority of the work involved in creating their lines of clothing,” Bergmann says. “But my training prepared me. I learned how to create a garment from start to finish, from scratch.” >
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Profile
E L L E I R A C O U T U R E ’ S S P R I N G L I N E F E AT U R E S F E M I N I N E L O O K S T H AT A R E T H E H A L L M A R K O F C R E ATO R A R I E L L E PA R K E R B E R G M A N N ’ S S T Y L E .
Bergmann picked up many tricks of the trade from her mentor, Ren Jetton, lead apparel teacher for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Jetton, who is enjoying her 15th year at South Meck, and her 29th year with CMS, has kept in touch with her talented student over the years. In fact, Bergmann visited with Jetton’s design students in the fall of 2008, as part of her role as a featured designer during Charlotte Fashion Week. Jetton describes Bergmann’s clothing line as modern and young, but not overly edgy. “Her creations are feminine without being too frilly,” she says. “I think this combination has the potential to appeal to a wide spectrum of the population, and could very easily lead to 34
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national recognition. “Arielle is one of the most creative students I have ever taught,” Jetton continues. “She was so at home in my apparel classes, constantly working, thinking, and creating. She came to my room during lunch, after school — whenever she had time. She had so many ideas that her fingers couldn’t keep up with them!” “It was never just a hobby for me,” Bergmann says. “I always planned to make a career out of it. Every job I have had since college has been in my field.”
Snipping Through The Cloth Ceiling In the field of fashion design, competition
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is stiff, and talent alone doesn’t always ensure success. According to Bergmann, it is particularly challenging to get buyers to take a chance on new designers. “Lots of buyers want to stick with the designers that they know will sell, and it is always hard to get them to take a chance,” she says. Bergmann, herself, has managed to remain well grounded; she realizes there will always be designers who have better connections and access to more money. She admits, however, that she finds it frustrating to watch celebrities start their own clothing lines. “Most of the time they don’t know much about the whole process,” she says. “But because they are celebrities, they are instantly successful.” Jetton agrees that fashion design is a difficult world to break into, but she believes it takes just one solid success story to catapult a young designer onto
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the national scene. “Like most designers,” she says, “Arielle just needs a lucky break. For example, consider the designer [26-year-old Jason Wu] that Michelle Obama chose to create her inaugural ball gown. He is young, and was pretty much unknown … and then this happened to him. Unknown no more!” In addition to being a designer, Bergmann, like her mentor, is now a high school fashion instructor. She loves teaching her craft, but her dreams include one day having enough capital — and customers — to allow her to focus on Elleira Couture full time. “I don’t want to be a huge brand,” she says. “I just want to stay at a size where I can still make money, but keep the interface between my clients, and maybe one day open up my own store and support other independent designers.” For now, the work — and the dream — of being a designer continues. TCW
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H OW A R I E L L E PA R K E R B E R G M A N N CONCOCTS HER CREATIONS Fashion designer Arielle Parker Bergmann has been known to design an entire collection based on the architecture and look of one fabulous building. “I collect images and color swatches and fabric samples to create a mood for the collection,” she explains. “I make close to 50 sketches, and then narrow them down to around 10 or so pieces.” Once Bergmann has the designs she wants, she makes paper patterns. “Depending on how busy I am, I sometimes have my production facility do the patterns for me, and then they create my samples,” she says. This is the point at which changes to the designs can be made to address any problems with the samples produced. “I am pretty good about visualizing the garment before it is made,” Bergmann continues.“I think the hardest part for me is making clothing ‘for fit.’ I am always trying to master the great fit, to accommodate a variety of shapes.” To purchase Bergmann’s designs, visit www.elleiracouture.com.
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BY MEAGHAN CLARK • PHOTOS BY ARMANDO BELLMAS
Vintage Variety W H A T ’ S
O L D
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A G A I N
intage. The word generally conjures an image of fine wines
with a certain pedigree and an expensive price tag. But when
used in conjunction with fashion, referring to clothes from pre-
vious generations, is the word “vintage” just a more elegant-
sounding euphemism for old clothes? The answer is, No! Used to be, only college students and high school kids with limited budgets and limitless imaginations knew how to shop and show off vintage. But, wearing vintage today can be a smart, economical, and stylish way to add one or two unique designer items to your existing fashion lineup. “I think wearing vintage is something anyone can do well,” says Elizabeth Steinfels, owner of Hong Kong Vintage on Central Avenue, which has a huge selection of vintage jeans, dresses, suits, gowns, and separates, as well as shoes and accessories. “It’s not about some unattainable style; it’s about finding great pieces to add to your wardrobe.” And the “finding” is all part of the fun when it comes to shopping for vintage wear. In a city that has a plethora of consignment shops and a few vintage-only boutiques, the quest to introduce a few fantastic garments into your closet is easier than you might think. > M A R C H
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Love, All
That Girl
Well Suited
Tennis dress,The Rat’s Nest, $25
British Lady dress, The Rat’s Nest, $20 Purse, Hong Kong Vintage, $18 Red Cross shoes, Hong Kong Vintage, $14
Ivey’s suit, Hong Kong Vintage, $30 I. Miller shoes, Hong Kong Vintage, $14 Wood bangles, $12, $14
“Vintage is not a name brand, it’s an attitude,” says Sheila Wilson, of The Rat’s Nest. One trip to this NoDa clothing consignment shop (which always leads to another and another!) confirms that the attitude for Sheila and her brother Brian, who owns the store, is one of relaxed “cool.” The Rat’s Nest is wellknown for its collection of vintage cowboy boots, some of them custom made in the 1950s, and vintage T-shirts that range from rock con-
cert shirts to political message T’s. Arecent visit to The Rat’s Nest found Sheila quietly listening to an old Ron Woods LP (yes, that’s vinyl!), and unearthed a rare “Jesse Jackson for President — 1980-1984” T-shirt for $125. The shirt holds a bit of history for Brian, who, when he was just a boy, happened to meet Jackson. “Brian was speaking with Jesse when a reporter butted in front of him,” Sheila says. “Jesse explained to the reporter that he was
busy speaking with the young man and to wait his turn. Brian never forgot that!” The laid-back temperament that is in itself a throwback to an earlier time, and in complete opposition to today’s hyperactive, textingobsessed youth, is something many of the owners (and shoppers) of vintage stores share. In chatting with Steinfels and the Wilsons, you find out that they have treasures stowed away in their own collections, and many of these
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Toe The Line
Pretty In Pink
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Jordache jeans, Hong Kong Vintage, $16 T-shirt, The Rat’s Nest, $17 Custom-made cowboy boots, The Rat’s Nest, $300 Belt, Hong Kong Vintage, $24 Bangles, Hong Kong Vintage, $6, $4, $10
Dress, The Rat’s Nest, $22 Cobbie shoes, Hong Kong Vintage, $16 Clear beads, Hong Kong Vintage, $12 White bangles, Hong Kong Vintage, $4, $6
Gown, Hong Kong Vintage, $40 Jewels, Classic Attic Clutch, Hong Kong Vintage, $12 Ted Savas shoes, Hong Kong Vintage, $16
items find their way into the owners’ shops. “I definitely have things in my closet that are great pieces,” says Steinfels, who is also a wardrobe stylist. “But if I haven’t worn something in a while, I bring it in and add it to the store’s collection. I think it’s so important for these clothes to be worn and appreciated.” Steinfels’ love for clothes keeps her constantly on the lookout for great buys and timeless pieces. Even though the cost of inven-
tory and overhead tends to be low, the profits for vintage storeowners cannot compete with larger, well-known brand name stores. A respect and passion for all things vintage, therefore, is an absolute must to stay in business.
that their condition is surprisingly good. And that quality is another reason women (and men!) will shop for vintage apparel. “Clothes from previous eras were made with more attention to detail, often hand-stitched,” says Sheila Wilson. Sometimes, as in the case of one shift dress on a rack at The Rat’s Nest, you will see labels noting alterations. This particular pink-striped dress, with a Saks Fifth Avenue tag, also sports a label on the inside seam, >
The Journey Into Yesterday’s Closet Appreciating the vintage style and its classic appeal is important. Clothes made in the ’40s and ’50s are often constructed so well
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Saying “I Do” In Style M Y
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A fun approach to wearing vintage is to to make our day fun for friends and family. identify an era that fits not just your person- We also realized our budget didn’t allow for ality, but also your body. As a woman with a brand-new gown or suit. So we decided to buy vintage. Our some curves, my search through sevbody type is particueral great shops prolarly well-suited to duced a handsome styles of the 1950s. I 1940s suit, which love the shirtdresses still fits my husband. with matching belts, My dress was priced the beaded sweater under $200, and sets, and the lowwas deemed “the heeled pumps that most beautiful gown were popular back ever,” by my stepthen. It doesn’t daughter. We had so hurt that my husmuch fun shopping band is in love with for our clothes, we Doris Day and Patti decided everyone Page, who made should come to our their marks in the wedding in vintage, 1950s and 1960s. and we made it the Their fresh-faced, curvy required dress code. looks are not hard TCW writer Meaghan Clark and husband Kevin went vintage on their wedding day. Our guests had a for me to replicate. Early on during our wedding planning, my blast “dressing up” for the wedding, and they soon-to-be husband and I decided we wanted still talk about it to this day.
hand-noting that alterations were made in 1968, and again in 1969! “It’s all about being timeless,” says Ede Graves, owner of Classic Attic, a consignment store that deals primarily in furniture and antiques, but has an amazing collection of vintage fur wraps, stoles, and coats, plus a very nice assortment of vintage jewelry. Graves says that although what she offers in terms of apparel is limited, her clients know what she has on the rack is affordable, still stylish, and of high quality. The lifelong auction attendee is a firm believer that everything old is new again, and she watches the theory prove 40
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itself day in and day out. While consignment stores are quite popular in the greater Charlotte area, the concept of true vintage wear continues to evolve. “There are a lot of great vintage shoppers in Charlotte, so I don’t think it’s really a new trend here,” says Steinfels. However, she and Hong Kong Vintage staffer Anna Hollifield see new faces in the store all the time. Some are middle-aged women who now shop with their daughters. “I guess more people are catching on,” she says. In addition to shopping economically for great clothing, consumers are buying vin-
tage as a stylish form of recycling. Whether you’re going green, saving green, or just injecting a little one-of-a-kind style into your wardrobe, shopping vintage is a good place to start.
Very Vintage Venues For people who love the thrill of discovering a really great vintage item, whether attire or memorabilia, there are quite a few fitting places to start in and around The Queen City. Hong Kong Vintage 2005 Central Ave. Vintage clothing aficionados always want to know where people like Elizabeth Steinfels find their stuff, as if it were some great mystery or secret that only a select few are privy to. “I travel all over the country buying for the store, at estate auctions and sales, flea markets, junk shops, etc,” Steinfels explains. She knows her audience well, and buys what she thinks will sell. Items are hung by category first (all dresses, bottoms, shirts, and jackets), and by color blocks second. Stunning cocktail dresses from the late ’50s and early ’60s are abundant. The Rat’s Nest 442 E. 36th St. Siblings Brian and Sheila Wilson don’t just sell vintage, they embody it. From the clothes they wear and the items they sell, to the music they listen to and perform, vintage is a way of life for these two. Very few vintage stores have the extensive inventory of cowboy boots the Wilsons carry, which makes the store a “must see” for local and traveling musicians. The Neighborhood Theater down the street provides a steady flow of musical hipsters in search of that one-of-a-kind piece or pair. And The Rat’s Nest doesn’t disappoint. “Brian travels all over the country in search of unique clothes, and buys what interests him or means something,” Sheila says. Lest you feel that only casual attire can be found at The Rat’s Nest, do not fret. The store has a wide variety of vintage dresses, beaded sweaters, and stylish heels, too. And there are plenty of little black dresses, a fashion staple, to be had as well.
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Classic Attic 4301 C Park Road, Suite C If you are looking for quality vintage fur, head to Classic Attic. Tucked away behind the Park Road Shopping Center, this gem is a regular haunt for those who know the value of excellent craftsmanship. The store has a solid collection of vintage jewels and gorgeous fur hats, coats, and stoles. Look beyond the fur rack and you’ll find several shelves of beautiful vintage jewelry, including rhinestone and gold brooches, hatpins, hair combs, and earrings. Sweet Repeats 300 East Blvd., Suite 2 “It has to be very special,” says Sweet Repeats co-owner Jenny Burnett, referring to the vintage clothing carried at her shop. Along with partner Amy King, Burnett seeks out only the top names in fashion, such as Burberry, Prada, St. John, Chanel, Ungaro, Donna Karan, and more. This store lists itself strictly as a consignment shop, but it does carry some vintage accessories and the occasional spectacular gown. A recent trip to Sweet Repeats led to the discovery of an exquisite, vintage Gucci alligator bag and shoes, most likely from the 1930s.
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Warehouse takes patience, because it’s an absolute hit or miss. At consignment shops you know going in that you are most likely going to find fairly recent, trendy items. Vintage stores sell unique, older pieces. But at the Junior League, you get both of these … and everything in between. If you have the temperament to wade through the store’s racks, you won’t be disappointed. Highend names like Burberry, Gucci, and Prada can be found at unbelievably inexpensive prices.
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A Case For Consignment If buying older pieces doesn’t appeal to you, or you are hesitant to wear vintage styles, you can mix one or two older pieces with newer items. In this case, consignment is the way to go. With several upscale stores located across the general Charlotte area, finding a new or nearly new dress or handbag is easy to do.
Fifi’s 8301 Magnolia Estates Drive, Suite 7, Cornelius For owner Julia Austin, consignment is the perfect way to build a topnotch wardrobe, without breaking the bank. Austin would never advertise her shop as offering vintage, but says she does see the odd fur coat or beaded ’20s gown A Hidden Treasure make its way into her store. Qual200 Stewart St., Suite A, Monroe ity is quality for Austin, who knows Proprietor and Charlotte Sym- beautiful clothing when she sees it. phony member J.B. Craycraft is a world traveler who picks up her Very Terry favorite things while traveling and 310 East Blvd., Suite 4 performing music or simply sightTerry Kerr carries top quality, seeing. At A Hidden Treasure, her affordable, newer items at her booth is one among many that spe- shop. In the business for many cialize in antiques, collectibles, and, years, Kerr knows her clients and in her case, vintage clothing. their needs. Regulars pop in on their lunch breaks, looking for a litThe Junior League Warehouse tle something for an upcoming 1414 E. Fourth St. event, and they often bring their Shopping at the Junior League friends and colleagues along. TCW
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BY FIONA HARMON
Frame-Up D R E S S I N G
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In the neighborhood of style,the intersection of fashion and function rests squarely on the bridge of your nose. For the more than 147 million Americans over the age of 18 who wear eyeglasses — an increase of 2.5 million over the last two years — investing in a new pair of eyeglasses is a stylish way to revamp your appearance without breaking the bank. And eyewear, like all fashion accessories, follows the season’s trends. If it’s time to update your vision prescription, or if you’re simply looking for a new “look,” take a gander at the frames available now.
Romance In Your Eyes Many of this season’s garments feature the dressmaker details we saw pop up in fall and winter fashions: pintucking, tailored ruffles, crisp fabrics. Blazers, dresses, blouses, and skirts are parading down spring ’09’s runways in colors leaning toward nude and pretty pastels, such as rose dust and lavender. Fabrics lighten up with Grecian draping and asymmetric cuts in silk or airy chiffon, with embellishments such as side gathers, frilly ruffles, dainty bows, rosette appliqués, and luxurious laces for a feminine flourish. Sequins and feathers create yet another layer of drama. For the eyes, glasses with pink, blue, or green accents, all in classic shapes, keep this look clean and updated. Surprising touches, such as small jewels, swirling designs, or a pop of color on the frame, add a distinctive accent. In sunglasses, this season’s romantic appeal calls for round or oversized shades, and frames in neutral, tortoise, white, or Lucite, with colored lenses.
Going Global Fashion is once again embracing exotic styles, as designers draw from all walks of life to create collections influenced by a mix of cultures — from the tropical and exotic, to the prairie and Wild West. Eyewear with international flair is strikingly bold, mixing it up with leather, embellishments, animal prints, and intriguing patterns. Frames get updated with tribal pigments and radiant shades of red, plus gradient or color-tinted lenses,
sharp angles, cutout brow bars, and detailed temples.
On The Edge If you’re looking to embrace your inner wild child and grab onto any of the season’s modern trends, such as architectural jackets, skinny pants, and a mad mix of textures and patterns, an edgier eyewear choice is a good one. Spring’s minimalist, formfitting silhouettes pair well with this season’s voguish glasses, which feature squares, contrasting hues, oversized frames, and dramatic shapes. The look is retro with future influences. Frame designs that blend with a modern take on fashion look back to draw inspiration from vintage styles; and shoot forward in a mod twist with graphic black and white, electric colors, or intricate metal detailing. TCW
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History In The
Dress-Making DONCASTER’S ROOTS GROW FROM RUTHERFORDTON BY COREY STEWART
A
t Doncaster, where seamstresses and
Europe. One of their stops was the English town
designers have been creating beau-
of Doncaster, home to the longest-running clas-
tiful women’s clothing since 1931,
sical horse race in the world, and the site of a
there is a resolute dedication to
medieval fabric and fiber market.
the details born of a history of quality work-
The Great Depression hit rural North Car-
manship and attention to detail: perfectly
olina and the mills hard, but in 1931, Bobo and
stitched seams, luxurious inner linings, and intri-
Millie Tanner launched the Doncaster Collar and
cately crafted buttons. The
Shirt Company. Their goal was to
clothes are meant to be the build-
provide gentlemen customers
ing blocks of a wardrobe, and
with shirts and collars that would
the company’s insistence on
offer long-lasting value for those
construction that will withstand
customers’ hard-earned dollars.
the test of time and the fickleness
Every seam, buttonhole, and
of fashion have won it loyal
collar was scrutinized for quality,
customers nationwide. Not bad
at Millie’s insistence.
for a family-owned business
About the same time, 65
based in Rutherfordton, N.C.,
miles to the east, the women of
population 4,200.
the Junior League of Charlotte
The story of Doncaster
had undertaken an interesting
begins prior to the Civil War,
partnership with the Highland
when Simpson “Bobo” Tanner worked as a dry
Blanket Company, selling the company’s blan-
goods clerk. After the tumult of the war years
kets and keeping a portion of the proceeds to
had eased, Tanner married, and in 1887, founded
fund the Junior League’s charitable works.
Henrietta Mills, named for his wife, in Ruther-
Blankets, however, were seasonal, and the
ford County. As the Tanner family grew, so did
women were looking for something to sell that
the company. Tanner’s son, Bobo Jr., grew up in
had year-round appeal. The Tanners soon
and around his father’s business, and after grad-
received a phone call that changed the direction
uating from college and marrying, he and his
of their lives: Would they consider making
wife, Millie, embarked on a honeymoon in
dresses, to be sold by the Junior League? >
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The round-neck dress in a candy stripe cotton blend is a modern take on the shirtwaist dress that was a staple of Doncaster’s early fashions for women.
Evolution Of A Classic
Doncaster’s Forecast SPRING TRENDS ACCORDING TO THE CLOTHIER The New Neutrals A neutral need not be boring! It should be seen as a sophisticated basic that allows you to take ensembles in different directions. Color Soft sorbets, not quite as soft as true pastels, inject freshness and light into the season.They are slightly more saturated tones and offer a more obvious contrast against neutral palettes. The Dress The day dress goes dainty and delightful with silhouettes that flatter the figure and satisfy a stylish sensibility. Blouses Blouses offer an understandable sense of feminine versatility, easily taken from day to evening with the right accessories and not much else. The blouse is a fashion workhorse.
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The shirtwaist dress, an elongated version of a man’s shirt, was a fashion item with European roots; a stylish update of a look that had been popular in Victorian times. By the mid-1930s, the dress was making its way to America. It was a perfect fit for the country — fashion that was utilitarian but feminine, and made for the convenience of busy homemakers. It was also a relatively simple transition for a company that specialized in quality men’s shirts. And so, in 1935, the Tanners began producing the shirtwaist dress, to be sold by members of the Junior League of Charlotte. “The shirtwaist dress was stylish, yet appropriate for everyday life,” explains Ellyn Cooley, vice president of marketing at what is now Tan-
ner Companies, which continues to manufacture the Doncaster line. “The attention to quality given to these early products established the value system that we use today in the design and fabrication of every Doncaster garment.” By the 1950s, Bobo and Millie had a growing family of four children, and a growing business in women’s apparel. Men’s shirts were phased out, and women’s wear became the brand’s focus. Unlike clothing from most companies, Doncaster was not sold in department stores, but by wardrobe consultants who acted as personal sales representatives in their local areas. The clothing samples, carefully packed in the trunk of a car for transfer at a midway point, would travel from one consultant to the next, and each would conduct her own
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showings to clients, generally in her home. This sales method worked well. Women enjoyed the close relationship with their personal Doncaster consultant, who knew her customers’ styles and needs firsthand. The consultants were assisted by a knowledgeable team back at the main office in Rutherfordton; a team made up of professionals on hand to answer questions and solve any problems that might arise. While Doncaster was not the only clothing company to sell apparel in this way, it was one of the first, and has been a model of the direct sales structure since 1935.
A Family Affair Bobo and Millie’s children — Bobo III, Jimmy, Mike, and Kate — all worked in the family business after attaining college degrees, and the playful and collegial atmosphere they established there was a strong attraction for women looking to find careers that could coexist with young children and bustling households. From the newest seamstress to the most successful wardrobe consultant, the Tanners treated everyone like family and, along the way, built a business that was rewarded with incredible loyalty from its employees, as well as its customers. Few independent apparel companies made it through the big-box retail proliferation of the 1980s without being swallowed up by large, multinational corporations, but Doncaster has remained family owned, and as quality-driven and relationship-conscious as it was when Bobo and Millie began selling shirt collars during the Depression. Today, Doncaster clothing is still sold via direct sales, and is still made with the same insistence on quality and customer satisfaction that began with the Doncaster Collar and Shirt Company. “The personal service, the fit options in sizes 0-24, and the designer-level fashion offered by a Doncaster consultant rises above anything currently found in today’s national retail chains,” Cooley says. Consultants develop their own client bases, and work intimately with the women they represent to build long-lasting, impeccably stylish wardrobes.
The Personal Touch Karen Rockecharlie is a district manager for Doncaster, with responsibility for Western North Carolina, which includes The Queen >
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City. Not only does Rockecharlie recruit and train the sales consultants; she sells the line herself. In Charlotte, Rockecharlie says, the sales consultants “are generally connected to a particular area of town.” Charlottean Marguerite Rupar shows the line four times a year to her clients in a Providence Road studio that is as comfortable and relaxed as a living room. A 15-year veteran of the company, Rupar began as a Doncaster customer — a stay-at-home mom who was invited to a trunk show and began by purchasing single pieces. “I noticed,” she says, “that when
I wore Doncaster, I felt pulled together, and I stood a little taller!” Her appreciation for the quality of the clothing led her to seek a position as consultant.
styles that so many other women have in their closets. Because Doncaster makes classic clothing that integrates, but does not slavishly follow, fashion trends, the pieces are wearable from year to year. Rupar keeps careful records, maintaining a file that includes swatches from every purchase each client makes. “That way,” she says, “I can pull a piece from the new season, and see exactly how it will go with something the client purchased previously.” The goal, she says, is to help build a wardrobe, rather than a haphazard collection of clothing.
“ ”
The attention to quality given to these early products established the value system that we use today in the design and fabrication of every Doncaster garment.
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— Ellyn Cooley
Rupar’s typical client is a professional woman; an executive who dislikes the impersonal experience of department store shopping and the humdrum of wearing the same
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Doncaster women’s wear continues to be manufactured to couture standards, using the same fabrics and manufacturers as highend labels like Chanel and Prada. It sells, however, at prices characteristic of what is referred to as “bridge” clothing, which falls between designer apparel and mass-produced garments. “For the price of a bridge piece, like Ellen Tracy, Doncaster gives you designer quality,” Rupar says. Tailors and alterations professionals love working on Doncaster clothing, she adds, because it is so well made that it is easy to modify — unlike items of lesser quality, where stitching and seam-work are not designed to withstand adjustments.
Here To Serve Customer service is a hallmark of Doncaster, and consultants consistently seek ways to make their clients’ lives easier. Every piece of clothing bears a label with a toll-free number, where customer service representatives make it their mission to please clients. That sort of support from the home office is what makes a difference to the women who sell the line across the country, as well. “This business is all about personal relationships,” Rupar says, “and that extends from client to consultant to corporate office.” In addition to the customer service number, each tag indicates that a portion of the proceeds goes to benefit organizations that aid women and families. In Rutherfordton, Tanner Companies is known for its community service, supporting numerous local efforts, schools, and charities, along with international relief efforts. “Over the past five years,” Cooley says, “the Tanner Foundation has contributed in excess of $1.2 million to local, national, and international causes. Last year, as part of expanding philanthropic endeavors, Tanner Companies became a national sponsor for the National Osteoporosis Foundation.” From its small-town roots to its national presence, Doncaster has maintained the core qualities that were instilled by Bobo and Millie Tanner in the 1930s. “This company has a family feel,” Rockecharlie says. “We love the clothing we sell, but we really pride ourselves on the quality of our product and the quality of our personal relationships. And that is the Doncaster difference.” TCW M A R C H
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Yellow Patent Slingback Stuart Weitzman Nordstrom, $365
Purple Patent Leather Shoe X-Appeal Rack Room Shoes, $34.99
Pink Jeweled Sandal René Caovilla Neiman Marcus, $1,150 50
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Fuchsia And Black Satin Slide Yves Saint Laurent Bob Ellis, $595
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Pink Buckled Slide Stuart Weitzman Neiman Marcus, $355
Green Satin Shoe Boutique Nordstrom Nordstrom, $69.95
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ven the most utilitarian among us cannot deny the outright thrill of slipping into a beautiful pair of shoes for a special occasion or night on the town. These are as sweet as candy. M A R C H
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uying a great pair of shoes for work is the perfect way to update your look.Any one of these will make you want to prop your feet on your desk during the day!
Yellow Patent Leather Prada Neiman Marcus, $580
Stacked Heel Gucci Bob Ellis, $540
Navy Spectator Franco Sarto Marshall’s, $39.99
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Christian Louboutin Neiman Marcus, $795
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Tiptoe into spring wearing platform sandals and carrying a buffalo and snakeskin “Muse” bag. Yves Saint Laurent, Neiman Marcus
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Petal Pushers
SPRING LOOKS ARE SHOWING OFF THEIR FLOWER POWER BY FIONA HARMON
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s if to shake off the chill of early spring, designers are spreading their new fashions with enough blooms to take us into warmer days without missing a beat.
Don’t be a shrinking violet when it comes to grabbing hold of the floral looks popping up in department stores and boutiques this spring. From geometric poppies and oversized cabbage roses to petal-like ruffles, flowers are everywhere. Pick one or two, and instantly brighten your wardrobe. >
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A cotton dress blooms with purple and navy flowers. Piazza Sempione, Neiman Marcus
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A gorgeous petal-like ruffle unfolds from shoulder to hem. Angel Sanchez, Neiman Marcus
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A shift dress awash in oversized flowers. Blumarine, Nordstrom
Silk charmeuse is adorned with an abundance of blossoms and butterflies. Doncaster, www.doncaster.com Beautifully coated in bold, geometric buds. Moschino Cheap and Chic, Neiman Marcus
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Beauty
The
Big Bang Theory
Stock Up On Your Bobby Pins, Oh Fearless One BY MICHELLE YOUNG HUBACHER
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angs … they’re back.Typically, when I hear that a fashion or beauty trend is “back,”I tend to wonder where it’s been hiding since it supposedly crept away.But,in the case of bangs,
anyone who has been through what can only be called “The Grow-Out”knows exactly where bangs went.We know, because we were there; bobby-pinning at first, and then barrette-ing,and then tucking and spraying and gelling and,sometimes,even praying.For mercy.Or a miracle.We know where bangs went because we couldn’t escape the pain of their leaving. Movie stars, supermodels, and the fashion maven in your office who never wears the same thing twice usually cause a stir when they step out in any new look; but bangs, which have been skimming the eyebrows of the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Katie Holmes, Halle Berry, and Hilary Swank, are particularly hot right now. “Bangs send a message of major confidence,”says Max Varji,owner of Varji & Varji Salon and Spa in Charlotte’s Dilworth and SouthPark neighborhoods.“The message says she’s not afraid to take risks!” >
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Beauty “We’re definitely seeing an increase in those women wanting fringe around the face,” says Karl Klaudt, owner of Hair Klaudt Salon and Gallery on Central Avenue. Ann Marie Beaune’-Becker, owner of Paul Beaune’ NY Salon, agrees that bangs are strong in hair this year, and her stylists are seeing an upswing in women getting bangs cut for the first time, as well as in women who have had bangs for a while and are maintaining them. And maintaining them is key. “Yes, bangs are a heck of a commitment,” laughs Klaudt. “Great bangs require regular visits to the salon to keep them looking polished. I cut bangs long when the hair is wet and then shape them dry,” he continues, adding that bangs look most current if they fall just below the eyebrows. Heading to your stylist for what Beaune’-Becker calls a “dusting,” or a very slight bang trim, is important, and most stylists recommend you do this about every three weeks. “Not every hair type is great for bangs,” Klaudt explains. “So the stylist and the client need to work together to determine what type of bang is best.” According to Karla Kuhlmann, owner of KM & Company Salon on South Tryon Street, heavier, longer bangs — certainly not the abrupt, semi-straight swath your mom cut into your hair as you sat squirming at the kitchen counter — are what most of her patrons want these days. “We’re not doing much of the wispy bang anymore,” she says. “Women are asking for a flirty bang that skims below the brow, and it’s really pretty. It’s a great alternative to Botox!” she jokes. If you’re not sure which kind of bangs will be best for your face, one way to test the bang waters is with hair extensions. Klaudt says a regular client introduced him to the idea through the Web site www.glamourextensions.net — a fun way to have bangs on a whenever-you-feellike-it basis! The true conundrum of bangs is that the dedication it takes to do the look is surpassed only by the dedication it takes to undo it. Because the thing about bangs is this: The very day they grow a modicum longer than you feel comfortable with, you are met with the dilemma of keeping them or growing them out. But whether you decide to cut, keep, or grow out your bangs, embrace the look you choose, and enjoy the challenge of achieving it! TCW 64
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Fringe Benefits Of Accessorizing Pinning your bangs off your forehead is the really painful part of growing them out. Leaving a few loose wisps will help soften the look — and may be unavoidable for a while,anyway.The good news is there are lots of pretty hair clips,barrettes, hair bands, and even fancy bobby pins available. So, stock up and stay the course.
A Cut Above … Your Brow Oddly enough, growing out your bangs requires that you go to your stylist for regular trimming and,more important,reshaping every three weeks.“Loosening the bangs up as they grow will help, and that can only be achieved by trimming on a regular basis,”Kuhlmann says.“We will often trim bangs for free for our regular clients.”
Ready, Set, Grow! “When it comes time to grow out your bangs, there is a way to do it gracefully,”Klaudt says.The process can be made easier, he adds, by incorporating the hair around the bangs,and trimming it along with them as they grow.“If you just grow your bangs out and don’t touch the surrounding hair,it’s as if you have two different haircuts happening, and they tend to almost repel one another,” he explains, noting that texturizing will also help with the blending technique.
Brush Up On Style
The Color Of Progress Make sure you continue to keep your color fresh during The Grow-Out.“There has to be maintenance,”Kuhlmann advises.Sometimes women make the mistake of not doing anything to their hair at all during a transition phase.And while allover color is a great interim pep for hair during The Grow-Out,you should be careful with highlights, which,if too thinly placed on bangs,can look like stripes.Kuhlmann says she often applies highlights in the middle layer of bangs so that the color will “peek” through.
This might sound basic, but it’s best to keep your hair looking neat! When your bangs reach your eyebrows, it’s all about control. Use products (such as gel and a light hairspray) with a gentle hand. Once your bangs have reached the bridge of your nose, apply a styling lotion; then curl the fringe up and back with a round brush. Moving the part in your hair is another way to help keep The GrowOut in hand. Try shifting a center part to the side; or changing a side part to the opposite side or the center. Beaune’-Becker advises growing bangs out from a more severe “European-style” look by simply brushing and styling them into a gentle side-swept bang.
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arner’s Office Furniture Outlet boasts an exceptional inventory of high-end, used office furniture and accessories, as well as a broad line of mid-market new furniture, with prices that can’t be beat. But you would never know that most of the company’s furniture inventory falls into the “used” category. Before being placed on the sales floor, each piece is cleaned and re-conditioned. Desks come complete with keys, while all file cabinets Daryl and include file rails and keys. Dan Larne r office we ll and wit strive to furnish yo “Over the years, we’ve hin your b ur udget. saved our customers a lot of money on office furniture,” coLarner’s also offers space owner Daryl Larner says. “We can show you how to mix new planning to evaluate your needs, and used pieces to get the look and will assist you in choosing the you want, in the price range perfect furniture and accessories to outfit your office in style, all while you need.” Daryl and his brother, Dan staying within your budget. And Larner, started the business four if you want to change out your years ago hoping to build a strong, current furnishings, Larner’s is lasting company, but also with an always looking to buy good used eye toward the environment. office furniture. At Larner’s Office Furniture “Recycling cardboard makes a difference,” Dan notes, “but recy- Outlet, with its 10,000-square-foot cling office furniture makes an “used furniture” showroom, a 4,000-square-foot “new furniture” even bigger difference.” In addition to new and used showroom, and ample warehouse office furniture, Larner’s carries a space, customers are sure to find variety of used office accessories, whatever they need to completely including pictures, chair mats, furnish any workspace, from a and more, to help make your one-person home office to an entire office building. TCW workspace uniquely yours.
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MeetOurAdvertisers
Counter Intuitive Granite Transformations Makes It Easy
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magine enjoying the beauty and luxury of granite countertops, without the worry of stains, scratches, sealing, or radon gas. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you choose Granite Transformations of Charlotte, which specializes in high-quality, engineered granite countertops backed by a lifetime warranty. Unlike natural granite, these countertops are nonporous, meaning bacteria doesn’t stand a chance in your kitchen or bath — and you never need to seal or treat the surface. In fact, these same countertops are approved by the National Sanitation Foundation for use in restaurants, dentists’ offices, and hospitals. Granite Transformations co-owner and sales manager Katie Notarione says customers not only love the product, but also its installation, which is something you would usually expect to take a few days when remodeling a kitchen or bath. Notarione promises a turnkey installation, including plumbing and new fixtures, if necessary. “We make the installation as conven-
Remodeling 101 What To Ask When Choosing Countertops Arm yourself with the appropriate questions when shopping for new countertops: • • • • • • • • •
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ient as possible,” she explains. “We don’t tear out the existing countertop, which only adds to the landfill. We engineer our product to go on top of what’s there, and most of the time we can install it in only one day. Customers want to feel comfortable with every aspect of the transformation, so we make sure they understand what we are providing.” About five to six weeks after careful measurements of your kitchen or bath have been taken, your new custom-made countertops will be ready to install. Plus, Granite Transformations always uses its own employees — it never subs out the work. That way, the company can assure quality, courteous, timely service. In addition to its specialty granite, the company offers recycled glass, as well as unique mosaic tiles that come in sheets and can be used for countertops Katie Nota rione, co-o or backsplashes. These prodw assures q uality and ner and sales mana ger, says G ucts offer the same durability timely serv ranite Tran ice. sformatio ns and warranty as the granite. And if you want to change the look of your cabinets, Granite Transformations also features cabinet re-fac- the couning, which provides new, low-maintenance tertops and cabinets that they doors, drawers, and hardware to update desire — and deserve. “The most important thing to us is that each customer is satisfied,” your kitchen or bath. Notarione encourages customers to shop she says, noting that customer satisfaction at around when looking for new countertops. Granite Transformations is over 99 percent. She is confident that the more people com- “That’s why we offer the best guarantee and pare, the more they will recognize and the highest-quality product and service availappreciate the quality and value offered by able. You will love what we do!” TCW Granite Transformations of Charlotte. In ToLearnMore less than two years, it has installed over 1,000 Granite Transformations of Charlotte is located at 6735 countertops in the Charlotte area, and is a Reames Road. Hours are Mon. through Fri., 8:30 a.m. member of Angie’s List, the National Assoto 4:30 p.m., and Sat., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.To schedule ciation of the Remodeling Industry, and the a free, in-home consultation, call 704/598-1558, or Better Business Bureau. visit www.granitetransformations.com/charlottenc/. One of the company’s main goals, according to Notarione, is to ensure all customers get M A R C H
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PHOTO BY AUGUST O PHOTOG RAPHY
BY MELINDA JOHNSTON
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AtHome Window treatments that are simply beautiful can provide a dramatic and elegant backdrop to a room.
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The Royal
Treatment Dressing Up Your Windows BY LEE RHODES
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ant to breathe new life into a room? If so, follow the latest fads in fashion and replicate them in your furnishings — especially at
your windows. Or, stick with tried-and-true approaches that are both
functional and aesthetically pleasing. Either way, window treatments
have a considerable effect on a room’s atmosphere and overall look. Luckily, the choices in draperies today are extensive, and the cost is not necessarily as high as you might think. “With fashion items, things are always cyclical,” says George Cronson, general manager of Charlotte-based Midas Fabrics. “It’s funny how the American consumer is caught up with that. If something is in style, you can’t put your finger on why it looks better than the old one, but it does!”
Curtain Couture So just what is au courant with window treatments these days? “Think cou-
ture,” says Vanessa Boling, of Fabric Creations Limited. She advocates embellishments such as tucks, banding, buttons, and all manner of hand finishing and dressmaker details reminiscent of the ornamentation on couture attire. “Think of things you’d find on a very beautiful couture ball gown or a man’s tailored shirt — something from Old-World Hollywood,” she suggests. “It’s gorgeous, if it’s done correctly.” Other ideas? Pinch pleats, goblet > M A R C H
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Smith + Noble’s new partner, designer Christopher Lowell, advises hanging panels as high as possible and suggests just a slight break at the floor, as opposed to a “puddle” of fabric.
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pleats with tiny buttons on the front of each, and two-finger pleats (the norm is three) can add pizzazz. Solid fabrics also remain a solid choice. They can be embellished through the use of banding, a tone-on-tone approach, or the integration of different textures. “Solids,” says Cronson, “especially in neutral, tan, or creamy colors, will never go out of style.” Kristen Auten, manager of Boone Fabrics, agrees. “A lot of people are doing solid linens and silks to keep things simple,” she says. “Then, they’re adding accents from there.” At the same time that a couture look is trending into draperies, there is also a movement toward the basics. Smith + Noble, a popular catalog and Internet source for window treatments, has seen an increase in the demand for draperies in natural fibers in solid basics and textures. “Linens are outselling silks, and our new hemp and bamboo fabrics are doing well,” says Smith + Noble senior merchandising manager Kara Roberts. Although the popularity of prints has waned over the past several years, damask remains a favorite. And in testament to the fact that fashions truly are cyclical, paisleys are coming around yet again, as are prints with the four-lobed quatrefoil shape. As for color schemes, Auten is seeing a move toward grays and silvers, purples, and even oranges. Jewel tones are also making a comeback. Sharon Loparo, a Midas Fabrics client, recently chose a vivid purple as the primary color for her new silk drapes. The panels, with swag overlays, incorporate bold stripes of green, beige, and rose, while purple “poodle” fringe and bamboo poles with pineapple finials complete the bold look.
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Midas Fabrics’ use of thick wood poles and wooden rings adds visual interest at the top of fulllength panels.
Cronson notes that Midas Fabrics has seen a resurgence in the demand for panels, as well. “We’re doing panels with overlay valances with trim, or with 36 inches of the panel in a different fabric,” he says. “In the case of high ceilings, we add chunky wood poles with chunky finials, and it looks fantastic.” Recently, Midas Fabrics consulted with long-time customer Deborah Bove on how to cozy up her two-story great room. The room’s high, arched windows and persistent winter chill presented some challenges, but Midas rose to them by creating operating pleated draperies in a gold and cranberry sateen. The panels, which cascade from eye-catching rings spaced along an antique bronze rod, are lined with a thermal material to add warmth, and they can be closed as needed. When it comes to hardware, there are many options, including finished and carved woods, crackled finishes, rings with etchings, and unique finial choices. Custom poles draw the eye and look as good as any fine piece of furniture. Hard window treatments, such as blinds or shutters, offer a smart option for energy-conscious homeowners. According to Cronson, some blinds can triple the efficiency of a home’s windows and are visually appealing, to boot. He also recommends the line of Duette honeycomb shades by Hunter Douglas, with a wide range of choices, from soft treatments to Roman shades, which are currently gaining favor and do a credible job of blocking sunlight. Other sunshine solutions include sheers and natural woven shades with tiny embellishments at the top. For her clients, Boling often incorporates a black sateen cotton liner that cuts the light but maintains a consistent color and classic look.
One-On-One Windows
Dressmaker details in curtains, like folds and ornamentation, bring a bit of the fashion vibe to windows.
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Boling, whose mother opened Fabric Creations Limited in 1982, made her first pair of draperies when she was 8 years old. Today, the company offers everything from design consultation to fabrication to installation, and, in addition to draperies, sells hard treatments such as blinds, shades, and shutters, along with pillows and other accents. Boling says her inhome consultations always involve getting to know her clients. “You have to qualify them, as far as budget, so you don’t overspend,” she >
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Drapery panels that are more casual — and far from fussy — are bestsellers with Smith + Noble.
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explains. “And you look at their lifestyle. Do they have children? Animals? Do they entertain? Are they homebodies?” Boone Fabrics and Midas Fabrics can both special-order hardware, and both carry numerous lines. In addition, each company offers end-to-end servicing, from in-home consultation to installation. At Boone Fabrics, Auten says, “Every employee here is a certified interior designer.” And at Midas, Cronson says, “Our entire team has decorating experience working with window treatments, specifically.” Fabric chains are also making it easier for clients to update their homes on a budget. For example, Boone Fabrics offers remnants, many starting as low as $5 per yard. And Midas Fabrics features several treatments at the rate of
$129 for a 3.5-foot valance on a board. With less fabric, window treatments are less expensive but still simple, tailored, and eye-catching. Clients can embellish as desired, with various trims, tassels, and side panels. Such embellishments remain key for an industry that is known for trends. Cronson emphasizes, “If you don’t want to get caught in the wrong end of a trend, don’t pick the trendy thing to start with. “Most window treatment items are pretty timeless,” he continues. “For instance, swags that once hung in 17th-century homes have been in and out of vogue for 300 to 400 years now.” So, in terms of keeping “current” with the latest in home fashions, window treatments just might provide the view to style you are looking for. TCW
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NEW EXHIBIT NOW OPEN! Levine Museum of the New South invites you to take a look at the evolving blend of cultures and people that are changing the face of Charlotte and the region. After all, you’re one of them.
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A WOMAN’S PLACE 2009
Unfinished Business TOP ISSUES FACING WOMEN TODAY
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The President of Bennett College for Women, Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an accomplished economist, author and commentator. Her work appears in newspapers and magazines across the country, and she is a frequent guest on the national television scene. Dr. Malveaux will discuss the social, political and economic change that must take place in order to claim women's equality as a reality. A dynamic speaker and thought leader, her talk is sure to inspire and motivate as we mark the 10th anniversary of A Woman’s Place.
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beautiful smile can be one of your best assets … and the best is what you’re guaranteed with Dr. Gwyn Davis, Dr. Kimberly Anderson, and Dr. Tiky Swain, of Dasling Dentistry. The all-female, multispecialty dental practice is dedicated to providing top dental care to patients of all ages, whether the need is for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, or orthodontics. “We stay current with Dr. Gwyn D new clinical procedures avi Swain (no s, Dr. Kimberly Ande t pictured rson, and D through continuing edu) produce healthy sm r. Tiky iles. cation, and we try to employ as much new technology but also that they leave as possible,” says Dr. Anderson. But that doesn’t mean Drs. the office fully aware of what they Davis, Anderson, and Swain buy can do at home to help keep into every new treatment that their smiles as bright and healthy as possible. comes along. Comfort is also important, as “Patients will come in and tell us about a dental procedure a evidenced by the friendly staff friend just had, or something new and warm, cozy atmosphere and they saw on TV,” Dr. Anderson special touches, such as arosays. “It may be a good treatment, matherapy eye pillows to help but it may not be the best treat- patients relax during treatments. And even if money is tight, ment for a particular patient. It’s our job to discern what will work you don’t have to neglect your and what won’t, and then to do teeth. Dasling Dentistry honors what is best for each individual.” most dental insurance plans, and The doctors at Dasling Den- offers financing programs to tistry put an emphasis on patient make sure patients receive the education, not only to ensure treatments they need. Because that patients better understand everyone deserves a Dasling the recommended procedures, smile! TCW
ToLearnMore Dasling Dentistry is located at 8420 University Executive Park, Suite 805, near the intersection of North Tryon Street and Harris Boulevard. Hours are Mon. through Thu., 8 a.m.to 5 p.m.For information,call 704/594-9250,or visit www.daslingdentistry.com.
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Polyclinic M E D I C A L
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The Nose Knows Healing Aromatherapy Can Be Physically And Psychologically Beneficial BY KARSEN PRICE
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here was a time in the Western world when taking care of your health was downright simple. People who got sick went to family doctors who prescribed traditional medicines to remedy the problem. End of story. However, simple doesn’t always mean better.These days, it is becoming increasingly common for patients — and doctors — to
consider the healing properties of a wide range of therapeutic practices, from acupuncture to massage to homeopathic remedies.
Of these various approaches to healing, aromatherapy is not only one of the most promising, but one of the most pleasant. And while you might think that aromatherapy is akin to walking through the department store’s perfume section and inhaling deeply, thumb and middle finger forming Zen-like Os, in reality, there is more to it than 78
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just the nose on your face. “Aromatherapy with pure essential oils can offer health benefits and has been used for thousands of years for relaxation, health maintenance, and healing,” says Dr. Nelsa Ciapponi, owner of Optimal Health Medicine Center in Charlotte, which provides holistic and integrative care. “It is considered part of mainstream medicine in
Europe, and is frequently used in conjunction with massage therapy here in the United States.”
A Scent-illating Discovery While the use of natural oils has been in practice for thousands of years, the word “aromatherapy” originated in the 1920s in France, with chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé. As the story goes, Gattefossé was researching the healing properties of botanical oils when a fire started in his perfume lab, setting his arm ablaze. In a panic, he submerged his arm in a nearby container of liquid, which happened to be a vat of lavender oil. Surprisingly, he experienced immediate pain relief. This accidental self-discovery embarked Gattefossé on a journey of experimentation that was later continued by Jean Valnet, who used essentials oils to heal gangrene in World War II soldiers. Today in France, aromatherapy is incorporated into mainstream medicine. And nearly 100 years after Gattefossé’s discovery, aromatherapy is becoming more common in America, where it is employed by massage therapists and aestheticians to help alleviate emotional stressors such as depression and anxiety. It is also used by holistic physicians to help relieve a variety of physical problems,
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including migraines, sore muscles, and skin irritations. “Certain oils are known to have antiseptic, antiviral, and antiinflammatory properties,” Dr. Ciapponi says. “When particular essential oils are inhaled, physiologic changes occur and affect parts of our brain that control emotions and memories.”
The Sweet Smell Of Successful Therapy Essential oils are naturally occurring chemicals, which tend to evaporate quickly, making the oil molecules easy to inhale. The inhalation of these natural elements provides triggers to the brain that can be conducive to better health. Susan Brown, a licensed aesthetician at Image 51 salon, routinely incorporates aromatherapy into her facials. She has witnessed firsthand the favorable effects essential oils have on the body, especially when combined with massage. “You can utilize different scents to induce calmness, to relax muscles, or to soothe irritated skin,” she says. Dr. Ciapponi agrees, with one caveat: Oils that produce positive
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health effects are 100-percent pure botanical extracts, and “not chemical reproductions.” Brown experiments with many different products, but she has found that lavender oil, in particular, provides tried-and-true results for most clients. She uses it during massages, and with oxygen treatments for facials. Not all essential oils can safely be applied directly to the skin. Certain types are specifically created to be mixed in solutions; others should be used with diffusers, which allow the extract to slowly evaporate, sending the released scent molecules throughout the room. Although aromatherapy has still to gain credibility in much of the medical world, these days, it is found in arenas outside the spa environment. “There are doctors who see the value of aromatherapy in massage, and even some facial treatments,” Brown says. “There really are health benefits related to aromatherapy. It’s not just fluff!” TCW
REW Works Counselling
Check out our Web site at www.todayscharlottewoman.com for a look at how various scents are tied to memories!
Oil Change
ABNER CENTER
FOR PLASTIC SURGERY
Essential Oils To Boost Your Mood MONIQUE L. ABNER, MD
Aromatherapy can help to restore your emotional equilibrium.These essential oil therapies are suggested to address specific negative states of mind: Anxiety: Try cedarwood, frankincense, geranium, mandarin, or sandalwood. Fatigue: Try basil, black pepper, cypress, ginger, peppermint, or sandalwood. Fear: Try cedarwood, lemon, orange, or vetiver. Grief: Try cypress, neroli, rose, sandalwood, or vetiver. Irritability: Try lavender, or mandarin. As always, check with a doctor before experimenting with aromatherapy, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
Source: www.aroma.com.
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HealthFlash WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO STAY FIT AND WELL
COMPILED BY JENNIFER BRADFORD-EPSTEIN
Smart 9-To-5 Moves A Boost For Brain, Body, And Spirit
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o you run to the local java joint every time you need a pickme-up during the long workday? The next time your body is functioning in slo-mo and the neurons aren’t firing like they should, skip the double-shot espresso and get yourself moving instead — and not toward the coffee shop counter! Not only will you burn calories; you’ll think more quickly and experience less frustration when you return to your work. Taking a brisk, mid-morning walk around the parking lot; sprinting up and down several flights of stairs; doing leg lifts at your desk — all can raise your energy level and help clear your head. If you need a few more reasons to loosen up
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during the day, check out this head-to-toe list of exercise cheers: Eureka! Exercise improves cognitive function by ramping up blood flow, so oxygen and nutrients can better find their way to all parts of your body, including your brain. Ahhhh! Exercise stimulates the release of mood-boosting endorphins and eases anxiety and depression. It can help improve your sleep, too, so you’re less drowsy and irritable during your busy day. Whew! Exercises like swimming, hiking, running, and power walking increase stamina, strengthen your heart and lungs, and make arteries more elastic. Regular exercise helps keep blood pressure in check, too. Go,Go,Go!Exercise helps get things moving and promotes normal bowel function. Yeah! Exercise builds muscle, promotes flexibility, makes bones stronger, and helps relieve muscle tension.
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IS A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP ONLY A DREAM FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD?
Weight Lifting It Does A Body Good
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any women who work out typically spend most of their gym time on cardiovascular exercises. However, weight training, too, is an important part of every workout. Not only does it make you physically stronger; it decreases your body fat and helps to ward off osteoporosis, arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Lifting weights also gives you a metabolic spike for at least an hour after a session, because your body is trying hard to help your muscles recover — effectively extending your workout. What’s more, for every 3 pounds of muscle you build, you’ll burn 120 calories per day without lifting any additional weight! While free weights and weight machines both help build muscle and strength, free weights help you work on balance by engaging your core muscles as your body works to steady the weights when you lift them. If you are unsure how to perform a move, consult with a trainer. Improper form can cause damage to your muscles, back, or joints. Weight machines, on the other hand, can reduce the risk of injury from poor form. Although they don’t engage your stability muscles in the same way as free weights, machines can minimize your chances of overstretching a muscle or joint, because they are built to guide your motions. Enlist the assistance of the staff at your gym to get you started. Before you begin an exercise regimen, talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you have. He or she may advise you not to use weights, or give you a modified regimen, for the sake of your health. This is especially important if you have heart problems or high blood pressure. Happy lifting! >
UNTREATED SLEEP DISORDERS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY, DIABETES AND DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS. Presbyterian Family Sleep Center is dedicated to providing a warm and relaxing environment for patients, especially women and children, where sleep problems are evaluated and treated by an experienced and caring staff. Our physician, Carolyn Hart, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, pediatric and adult neurology. With 16 years experience in this specialty, her level of care and expertise offer comfort to her patients. Her commitment to sleep medicine is what drives her philosophy that improving her patients’ overall sleep health will improve their quality of life. • Insomnia • Sleep apnea • Narcolepsy • Restless leg syndrome • Night terrors • Sleep-related seizures DEDICATED TO HELPING YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN SLEEP. 704-316-3820
Carolyn Hart, MD
Presbyterian Family Sleep Center Charlotte • 149 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28204 Huntersville • 10030 Gilead Road Suite 240, Huntersville, NC 28078
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HealthFlash
Get In The Know Colorectal Cancer Screening Is Necessary
C
elebrate National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by educating yourself about this disease. Colorectal cancer is a slow-growing malignancy that affects the cells in the colon and rectum and can spread to other parts of the body. And even though its exact causes are unknown, colon cancer can be stopped before it starts, if precancerous polyps are found early and removed. There is a common misconception among women that colorectal cancer is a man’s disease. It is not. Women get CRC in almost the same numbers as men, at the same ages as men, and they require the same screening as men. Yet, although the American Cancer Society recommends that everyone begin screening at age 50, and every 10 years thereafter, women are not being screened at the same rates as men.
“While most women are aware of the importance of breast and cervical cancer screening, only about 50 percent of women undergo the recommended screening for colorectal cancer,” says Dr. Mark B. Pochapin, director of The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Though several screening methods for colon cancer exist, doctors consider colonoscopy to be the most sensitive and accurate test. The great advantage of a colonoscopy is that if the doctor finds any polyps — small growths that usually look like little mushrooms — they can be removed immediately, during the screening procedure. If left alone, the polyps can grow and turn into cancer.
If You’re Turning 50 This Year, Schedule A Colonoscopy Colon cancer is the #2 cause of cancer death. EARLY SCREENING SAVES LIVES!
N OW A C C E P T I N G N E W PAT I E N T S
Bird is the word... FOR PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY & ORTHODONTICS Suzanne E. Bird DDS,MS,PA Board Certified Pediatric Dentist & Orthodontist UNC Dental Graduate
Charlotte Gastroenterology is approved for office endoscopy by Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, MedCost, Multi Plan, United Healthcare & Wellpath. • Endoscopy in a private setting • In most cases, only an office copay applies
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Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics LOCATED IN NEW CEDAR WALK DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH CHARLOTTE
Physician Leaders In The Charlotte Region For More Than 30 Years Charlotte • SouthPark • Ballantyne • Matthews • Huntersville • Mooresville
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16607 RIVERSTONE WAY, SUITE 300, CHARLOTTE, NC 28277
Patient Appointment Line (704) 377-0246 • www.charlottegastro.com
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Women And
Their Colons The Cancer Connection Age: Age is the most important risk factor for developing colon cancer. As women grow older, their risk doubles every five years. Other risk factors include menopause, family history of colon cancer or polyps, a sedentary lifestyle, and a high-fat/low-fiber diet. Cancer history:Women with breast or uterine cancers also have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Weight: In addition to regular screenings, adults can reduce their risks by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight. Hormone replacement therapy: Discuss HRT with your doctor. Some studies have shown that HRT in postmenopausal women may decrease the risk of developing colon cancer by 20 to 45 percent.
Concerned About Your Hormonal Health? Stanley Apothecary Compounding Pharmacy Specializing in: • Female and Male Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement • Saliva Hormone Testing • Premium Anti-aging Skin Care Creams and Nutritional Supplements • Customized Medications To Meet Your Unique Needs
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Calcium: Taking supplemental calcium reduces the risk of colon cancer by 30 to 50 percent, and decreases the development of recurrent polyps. Source: www.preventcancer.org/colorectal.
3330 Monroe Road, Ste. A, Charlotte, NC (704) 370-6612 • Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5
Heart Of The Home You, Family,And The Generation Of Stress
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oes living in a multigenerational household raise a woman’s risk of heart disease? Anew Japanese study says, yes, it can. Women living in homes with children and grandparents were three times more likely to be diagnosed with serious heart disease than were those living only with a spouse. The culprit appears to be the added stress created from extra household duties. Although women are more educated and
financially independent than ever before, they are still, culturally, the caretakers of their families. According to Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital program called Women and Heart Disease, “There is an enormous amount of stress and pressure required to do all these things, and today’s economic situation appears to be adding to the stress, as families squeeze together to reduce costs.� >
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HealthFlash bio-identical
hormone replacement
therapy
Counting Sheep In March Celebrate With A Nap
N Ronald L. Brown, MD Fellow, American College Ob/Gyn Member, N. American Menopause Society
Replace the female hormones that your endocrine system used to produce when you were younger for: . relief from hot flashes and night sweats . reduced risk of osteoporosis . increased energy and vitality . enhanced libido . relief of depression . cognitive clarity Men also go through a “change of life” known as andropause, which may be due to low testosterone levels. AUTHOR of THE YOUTH EFFECT
Barraged with the conflicting messages about the safety of hormone replacement therapy? In The Youth Effect, Dr. Brown cuts through the confusion and offers a clear, concise view of the heart of the matter.
Available at Park Road Books, Borders ® and Amazon.com.
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For an appointment, call
704.333.4817
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ational Sleep Awareness Week kicks off the first of this month, but getting eight hours of sleep a night is something that will make a difference in your health any time! Anew study shows that, in addition to increasing your memory, reducing your risk of depression, and helping your body make repairs, getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night ensures the lowest risk of diabetes. Get five hours or less and you almost double your chances. “Losing just an hour of sleep a night decreases insulin sensitivity, which in turn increases the risk of diabetes,” says James Gangwisch, Ph.D., of Columbia University
Medical Center. If you temporarily can’t get enough shut-eye, he advises that you resist your body’s sleep-deprived cravings for sweet and fatty snacks, and make sure that you exercise, to help your system keep processing sugar normally. For tips on how you can improve your sleep habits, visit www.sleepfoundation.org.
Interrupting The Interruptions Treatment For Sleep Apnea
T
here are lots of reasons we don’t get the amount or quality of sleep we need, and obstructive sleep apnea is one.In OSA,physical blockages or obstructions in the airway occur, because all muscles, including those in the airway, relax during sleep.The cessation of breathing for at least 10 seconds is called an apnea, and that break in breath understandably makes for very poor sleep. OSA should not be taken lightly; untreated, it can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and other serious illnesses. A number of options are available for treating obstructive sleep apnea.Which option is right for you depends upon the severity of your sleep apnea (determined from a sleep study), the physical structure of your upper airway, and other aspects of your medical history.Working with a sleep specialist, a doctor, and a dentist will help you decide on treatment. Positional therapy: Apneas tend to be worse in people who sleep on their backs, as gravity makes it more likely for the tongue to fall back and/or for surrounding muscles and other tissue to collapse and block the airway.To avoid the supine position, some people use homemade remedies, such as putting tennis
balls in a tube sock pinned to the back of a nightshirt. Weight loss: For some overweight people, especially those with mild apnea cases, losing a few pounds can be an effective treatment. Oral appliances: Oral/dental appliances are intended to treat apnea by keeping the airway open by pushing the lower jaw forward or preventing the tongue from falling back over the airway. While oral appliances are typically more effective for people with mild sleep apnea, some individuals with moderate and even severe sleep apnea have found that appliances are satisfactory solutions. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: CPAP involves the use of a mask and “sleep machine” that works by gently blowing pressurized room air through the patient’s airway.The pressure is set, according to the patient’s needs, at a level that allows the air to act as a sort of “splint” to hold the airway open during sleep, eliminating the apneas. Surgery: The objective of surgery is to permanently create a more open airway so obstructions are less likely to occur. Discuss surgical options in detail with your healthcare providers. TCW Source: www.sleepapnea.org.
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If you or your spouse has Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and you hate the noise, mask, and hoses...
“End the Frustration of Your Uncomfortable CPAP Machine and Get a Better Night’s Sleep” Small, FDA-approved oral device a possible great solution for many patients Charlotte, NC – Medical experts estimate that between 45-65% of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients who attempt CPAP machine treatment can’t tolerate it...and they QUIT using this potentially life-saving machine within the first year. That’s a truly dangerous statistic. Increasingly common today among both American men and women, sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, thus lowering oxygen intake to the brain and body. Then you gasp for air, waking you from restful sleep. Left untreated, OSA not only leaves you exhausted during the day, it can also contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, reflux disease, and even falling asleep while driving! It also costs you big time in lost productivity. Fortunately for many OSA patients, there’s a comfortable, convenient, and effective solution: oral appliance therapy. Fitted by a properly trained dentist, oral appliances are designed to hold the lower jaw forward. The obstructed airway is opened without hoses, masks, noise or air pressure. Since 2006, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has recommended oral appliances as a “first option” treatment alternative for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Advantages of oral appliances over CPAP machines: Patients report more comfort Small and lightweight device Custom fitted and adjustable Easier to insert and remove No hoses, mask, or noise No objectionable air pressure No electrical power needed Easy travel capability Superior patient compliance Superior patient preference
Dr. Chris Bowman is a Charlotte general “CPAP got you down?” dentist who has been trained to provide oral appliance therapy for OSA patients since 2001. He is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and he works with area sleep medicine physicians to help patients achieve quiet, restful sleep. New patients are warmly invited.
For more information, or to schedule a free consultation... Call 704-337-8070. Or go to www.SmileSatisfaction.com
“Can You Say You LOVE Going To The Dentist? I Can!” “Dr. Bowman and his team are professional, caring, gentle, up on the latest technology and most of all, dedicated to their patients. I am never anxious or nervous about my appointments because I know I am in good hands. I’ve always been thrilled with the work that has been done for me. I highly recommend Dr. Bowman to anyone who is looking for an outstanding dentist!” -Mary Beth McAvoy; Charlotte, NC
7 Reasons You Should EXPECT Comfortable Dentistry: 1.The Latest Technology: See your own teeth like I see them! With our digital photography and digital x-rays, you’ll know exactly “what’s going on”. 2.Laser Cavity Detector: This FDA-approved technology instantly and painlessly finds new cavities with 99+% accuracy. X-rays rarely see these cavities, and even “traditional” exams (using the dental “pick”) miss them 76% of the time. Early diagnosis is the key to fast, easy, and affordable repair… before things get worse or painful. 3.Numb Like You’ve Never Been! Is regular numbing not enough for you? If so, then the new FDA approved anesthetic we use may very well be the extra boost of numbing you need. We’ll never proceed with any work unless we know you are completely numb…and comfortable. 4.Sedation Dentistry: Does intense fear of dentistry keep you from smiling and having healthy teeth? Using a safe, simple pill, you can deeply relax while you get your needed dentistry completed comfortably, and in fewer visits than you may think! 5.Exquisite Lifelike Esthetic Dentistry: New techniques whiten, strengthen, and reshape your teeth like never before. You can now replace failing, ugly mercury/silver fillings with the finest porcelain restorations. Design your dream smile with Ultimate Power Whitening (first in Charlotte!), Invisalign or Veneers. Ask to see our Before and After photos. The possibilities are endless! 6.SPA-Like Pampering: With back-massaging dental chairs, personal satellite video glasses, heated neck pillows with a hint of lavender, warm moist face towels…and more…to soothe your body and soul, you’ll forget you’re in a dental office! 7.Comfortable Financially Too: A wide range of payment options and plans available (up to 84 months with approved credit) make even the finest dentistry affordable. Ask us how you can even SAVE BIG on your investment in excellent dentistry!
“I work with dentists from all over the USA and Canada. For “drop dead” gorgeous cosmetic results, Dr. Chris Bowman has the technical skills, passion, and commitment to excellence that make him the #1 dentist I would choose in the Greater Charlotte area!” - Elizabeth Davidson; Editor, The Independent Dentist newsletter “Dr. Bowman & his staff are the BEST! Their sensitivity to your needs and comfort level are unduplicated in any other dental office I’ve ever encountered. Thanks for the great service!” - Krista Grzandziel Charlotte, NC
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Get Carded Run Your Business Card Here And Reach Over 100,000 Women Who Want To Do Business With You. Call 704/521-6872.
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“The Instant Makeover” NOW OFFERING CHEMICAL PEELS & THERADERM SKINCARE The Eyelift Without Surgery Brows Will Appear Thicker & Fuller Eyelash Extensions Brow & Lash Tinting Waxing Threading Over 16 Years Experience
5107-B Piper Station Dr. • Charlotte, NC 28277 704.544.brow www.beautifulbrows.com
European Skincare • Waxing IPL Hair Removal • Photo-rejuvenation Acne Photo-clearance Tanning Application By appointment • SouthPark Area
Designing Brides 33 N. Main Street I-85, Exit 26 Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-0444 • www.designingbrides.net
S A L LY R A K E R
The Rejuvenation Center 6725-A Fairview Rd • Charlotte, NC 28210
704 -367-1661
Lilash — Your Lashes Only Longer!
BUSINESS SERVICES Véronica W., MIS Director info@serenity-elite.com www.serenity-elite.com
Amazingly long lashes in just a few weeks.
Mention this ad for $10 off Do It Yourself Lash Clinics Save money by learning to apply your own individual lashes Saturday Afternoons Groups Welcome • Call For Details
We are here to help you! WEBINARS • EMPOWERMENT • COMPUTERS • FINANCES
The Perfect Assistant consultant & personal assistant to the Stars …that includes You! Providing Personal Assistant & Concierge Services
Manette Andrise Morrow Manette@Live.com (704) 685-0377
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WORLD @ WORK EXECUTIVE SUITES
VIRTUAL OFFICES & OFFICE SUITES All Services Month-to-Month (Virtual – An office presence with little cost!)
Receptionist - Conference Rooms 704.319.5550 7810 Ballantyne Commons Parkway Website: wawnet.com
ENTERTAINMENT
ABOUT TOWN TOURS, LLC Have Actors, Will Travel. We come to you!
ROOM MAKEOVERS SALE HOMES SHOWCASED
Della Freedman, Owner Contact Us For Booking Information
We use what you have. No new investment.
Interactive Murder Mysteries • Private Parties 704/650-2799 • Corporate Team Building info@abouttowntours.com www.abouttowntours.com • Other Special Events
THE WELCOME COMMITTEE
www.re-arrangements.com In business over 20 years Phone 704-366-1112
Email rearrangements1@aol.com
FASHION
Tanya E. Knowles, Beijo Independent Sales Rep.
“Have your purse party TODAY and earn free Beijo!”
If you are a business or professional wanting to target new households, contact The Welcome Committee. We get there first and in person to deliver your advertising message. You’ll receive a prospect list, so tracking results is a snap. For sponsorship information, please call 704-660-1155.
girls-like-bags@hotmail.com
www.beijobags.com • 704.527.3373
TUUNIQUE FASHION & DESIGN Michele Roberts Fashion Consultant & Personal Shopper Call for Valentine Specials!
www.TheWelcomeCommittee.net
CARE SERVICES
704 .426.9790
RESTAURANT
www.tuuniquefashionanddesigns.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Personal Care For Those You Love Infants to Elderly • Pets and plants too. When You Need It 24 hours a day • 7 days a week Where You Need It Home • Traveling • Hospital The Way You Want It “Caring for others with compassion, understanding, honesty, and dependability is the purpose of Charlotte Care Services.”
Gift Certificates Available (704) 335-0501 www.charlottecare-grandmothers.com
COUNSELING
Jill C. Eilenberger LCSW, LMFT Psychotherapist and Author
Unleashing Your Money’s Hidden Potential
Caring is our ONLY Business
Serving the Charlotte community for over 25 years
Maharani brings to you the authentic essence of Indian cuisine, blending the finest aromatic spices to create dishes that are traditional in flavor, all to be enjoyed in an atmosphere that is warm, inviting and elegantly adorned.
Debbie Peterson PERSONAL CASH FLOW SPECIALIST
Mon-Fri 11:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Special Offer — Six Hours Of Consulting At No Fee
www.moneycounts.biz 704-2776995
Deb@moneycounts.biz
Lunch Buffet & Lunch Specials
FOOD
18 Years
Sat & Sun Noon - 3:00 pm Dinner Mon-Sun 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
901 S. Kings Dr., Suite 115, Charlotte NC 28204 • 704.370.2455
WELLNESS
At The Arboretum 8206 Providence Rd. #1800 Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 542-1444 www.natmkt.com
Vitamins/Supplements Sports Fitness • Natural Foods
MONTHLY VITAMIN SALES
HOME DESIGN & IMPROVEMENT Curatio Spa & Rehabilitation LET US EASE YOUR PAIN
Dara Barber
Treatment For Emotional Eaters
Cabinet Design Specialist Remodel & New Construction
704 522 9200 Ext. 27
704-522-0291 www.jilleilenberger.com
8325-D Arrowridge Blvd. Charlotte, North Carolina 28273
1515 Mockingbird Lane Charlotte, NC 28209
We Make the Decision Easy™
William Bronson LMBT #5764 Massage Therapist/Owner
7810 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy Suite 313 Charlotte, NC 28277 704-542-3399 • 704-602-3044 www.curatiorehabilitation.com
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T h e A
C A L E N D A R
Mondays
O F
M e e t i n g P R O F E S S I O N A L
A N D
P l a c e S O C I A L
Gamma Phi Beta, Charlotte area alumnae, locations vary, 6 p.m. Contact Jill Schumann at jillyrd@aol.com.
Every Monday Lake Norman Toastmasters, Suite 206 above Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, 19900 W. Catawba, Cornelius, ext. 28, 6:30-8 p.m. Call Loria Cass, 704/560-8881; www.lakenormantoastmasters.com. Six-O Toastmasters, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 3200 Park Rd., 7 p.m.; 704/451-8502; www.monday6o.org. Women’s Cancer Group, Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Caring House, 242 Colonial Ave., 6:30-8 p.m.; 704/384-5223.
First & Third Monday Of Each Month Independence Toastmasters Club,Dowd YMCA, 7th floor, 400 E. Morehead St., 7:07 a.m., charlottetoast.freetoasthost.org.
Second Monday Of Each Month Executive Women International, 5:30 p.m. reception; 6 p.m. dinner, members only. Call Sara Evans, 704/731-4397. International Association Of Administrative Professionals, Charlotte Chapter, Hilton Executive Park off Tyvola & I-77, 6 p.m. Call Leigh Ann Nafus, 704/243-4786.
Holistic Health Network, Presbyterian Hospital, Hawthorne Lane (Bobcat Room), 6:45 p.m. Meets Sept.June. Open to all. Call Belle Radenbaugh, 704/542-7040; www.ncholisticnetwork.com. Lake Norman Women’s Connection, Atlanta Bread Company, Huntersville, breakfast and praying meeting, 10 a.m. Call Janet, 704/281-8496, or Lindy, 704/892-9060. National Association Of Women Business OwnersCharlotte, locations vary, lunch or dinner, and meeting. $30-$60. 704/367-3454; www.nawbocharlotte.org. Women In Electronics, Holiday Inn University Executive Park, 6 p.m. dinner; 7 p.m. meeting, $15; www.womeninelectronics.org.
Fourth Tuesday Of Each Month
Second Tuesday Of Each Month
Carolina Breast Friends, Myers Park United Methodist Church, Room 109, 7 p.m.; www.carolinabreastfriends.org.
Third Monday Of Each Month
Charlotte Woman’s Club, 1001 E. Morehead St., $10, 704/333-1980.
Latin American Women’s Association, Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd. 6:30 p.m., 704/552-1003. Ovarian Cancer Support Group, Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Caring House, 242 Colonial Ave., 10-11:30 a.m., 704/384-5223.
Clemson Women’s Alumni Council, Charlotte Metro Area Chapter, locations vary, drinks 6:30 p.m., dinner/activity 7 p.m. Call Anne Roberts, 704/236-0255; AnneVRoberts@alumni.clemson.edu; www.clemsonclub.net. Crohn’s And Colitis Foundation Of America, St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Rd., 7:30 p.m. Call Andy, 704/907-9374 or 704/717-3300.
Tu e s d ay s
International Association Of Administrative Professionals, Metrolina Chapter, CPCC West Campus, 3210 CPCC W. Campus Dr. Call Davandra Reed, 704/605-5817.
BizNetwork.org, SouthPark, locations vary, 7:30 a.m. Call Kathryn Mosely, 704/676-5850, ext. 101.
Watercolor Artists Of Charlotte, Sardis Swim Club, 7400 Thermal Road, 10 a..m-1 p.m. $5. Call Sandy, 704/578-7077.
Every Tuesday
BNI Great Expectations, PJ’s Place, 600 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd., 7-8:30 a.m. Call Jay Gurian, 704/845-0580; jgurian@1800gotjunk.com.
Second & Fourth Tuesdays Of Each Month
Charlotte Concert Band, Dana Auditorium, Queens University, 7:30 p.m., 704/553-8062; www.charlotteconcertband.org.
Third Tuesday Of Each Month
Queen City Toastmasters Club, Cisco building, 1900 South Blvd., 6 p.m. dinner; 6:30 p.m. meeting, 704/366-3519.
Dirt Divas Mountain Biking Club, Fuel Pizza, 4267 Park Rd., 7:30 p.m.; www.dirtdivas.net.
First Tuesday Of Each Month Artists’ Forum, Mint Museum of Art, 7:30-9 p.m. Charlotte Association Of Insurance Women, Myers Park Country Club, 2415 Roswell Ave., 5:30 p.m. dinner/speaker, $25. Call Dot Williams, 704/333-6694. Daughters Of The British Empire, 7:30 p.m. Call Debbie Reicht, 704/540-8606.
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National Association Of Women Business Owners South, The PRStore Ballantyne, 13855 Conlan Circle, 89:30 a.m., $10 members, $15 visitors. Call 704/525-5539; e-mail info@bhs-cpa.com.
Women’s Initiative Network, Charlotte Chapter. Call Pat Baldridge, 704/541-0277; www.womensinet.com.
Mint Hill Women’s Club. Call Dixie Helms, 704/545-3806; vicepresident@minthillwc.com; www.minthillwc.com.
Last Monday Of Each Month
National Association Of Women Business Owners North, Acropolis Café, 20659 Catawba Ave., 8-9:30 a.m., $6 members, $10 visitors. Call 704/987-3828, or e-mail sales@advancedbatteries.net.
Second Tuesday Every Other Month
American Association Of Medical Assistants, Charlotte Chapter, Pritchett Hall, Kings College, 6 p.m. Visitors welcome. RSVP to pjh2ncaama@aol.com; www.aama-ntl.org
International House Book Club, International House, 7 p.m., 704/333-8099.
Mecklenburg Evening Republican Women’s Club, Captain Steve’s Seafood, 8517 Monroe Rd., dinner, 6 p.m.; program, 7 p.m.; free. E-mail Iris, cltfolks@bellsouth.net; www.meckgop.com.
National Association Of Women In Construction, Hilton Executive Park, 5624 Westpark Dr., 5:30 p.m. network; 6 p.m. dinner/meeting; $22. Call Dee Keziah, 704/537-6044.
Junior Woman’s Club Of Charlotte, 1001 E. Morehead St., 7 p.m., 704/567-6773.
Charlotte Mothers Of Multiples, Morningstar Lutheran Church, Matthews, 7:30 p.m., 704/341-9979; www.cmoms.net.
M E E T I N G S
VFW Ladies Auxiliary 2031, 7:30 p.m. Call Naomi Sigmon, 704/384-9662. Delhom Service League, Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd., 10 a.m.; b.holland@mindspring.com.
Institute Of Management Accountants, Holiday Inn Woodlawn, CPE/dinner meetings, 1-5 p.m.; dinner, 6 p.m., 704/717-9165; www.ima-charlotte.org. Lake Norman Women’s Connection, NorthStone Country Club, 10 -11:30 a.m., $13. Call Lisa, 704/953-6693. Legal Support Staff Of Charlotte, Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo, LLP, 741 Kenilworth Ave. Call Sharon Brower, 704/399-6168, after 5:30 p.m.
American Business Women’s Association, Hornet’s Nest Chapter, Olive Garden, 4336 Independence Blvd. 6 p.m. dinner (order from menu). Call Johnnie Simpson, 704/545-4198. eWomenNetwork, Lake Norman, Peninsula Yacht Club, 18501 Harbor Light Blvd., networking 4 p.m.; dinner/program 4:30-6:30 p.m.; members, $35; guests, $45. Call Debbie Snider, 980/722-0997. Friends Of Beverly, Pewter Rose, South Blvd., 6 p.m. RSVP by e-mail to Beverly@friendsofbeverly.com. Pilot Club Of Charlotte, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m. dinner/meeting. Call Jean Funderburk, 704/846-3526.
We d n e s d ay s Every Wednesday Business Networking International, Network Connections Chapter, 7:30 a.m. Trio Restaurant/Hwy. 51. Call Denice Harris, 704/293-0303; denicelharris@yahoo.com. Business Network International, SouthPark Producers Chapter, Zebra Restaurant, 4521 Sharon Rd. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Call Chris Bennett, 704/502-7947. Bosom Buddies, Breast cancer support group. Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Caring House, 242 Colonial Ave., 10-11:30 a.m., 704/384-5223. Toastmasters, Sunrise Speakers Chapter, Conference Rooms C & D, Presbyterian Hospital Matthews, 7 a.m. Call Wayne Caulder, 704/846-7846.
First Wednesday Of Each Month Doorways, International House, 10 a.m., 704/333-8099. North Mecklenburg Woman’s Club, NorthStone Country Club, 10:30 a.m. Call Dawn Bradford, 704/875-1402. Young Republicans Club, South End Brewery, 7 p.m., contact scottallocco@hotmail.com; www.meckyr.com.
First & Third Wednesdays Of Each Month Mothers & More, Lake Norman chapter. Call 800/6992466, 704/668-4377; www.lknmothersandmore.com.
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Second Wednesday Of Each Month American Business Women’s Association, Charlotte Charter Chapter, Crown Plaza Hotel-Charlotte, 201 S. McDowell St., dinner, $23. Call Clarice, 609/351-0373; www.abwacharlottecharter.org. Charlotte Women’s Connection 1, Raintree Country Club, 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., lunch/entertainment, $14. Call Janice, 704/847-2669; charwomenconn1@aol.com. Daughters Of The American Revolution, Piedmont Patriots chapter. Call Mary Joy, 704/334-6035. Democratic Women Of Mecklenburg County, locations vary, 6:30 p.m. Call Joan Belk, 704/578-4227; e-mail jbelksbea@aol.com. eWomenNetwork, Byron’s South End, networking, 11 a.m.; lunch/program 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m.; members, $35; guests, $45. Call Mel Miller, 704/650-5439.
New Friends Of Carolina, Women’s Group, New Members Welcome Coffee, 10:30 a.m. Call 1-866/213-9183.
Women In Architecture, call Nora Black, 704/536-4988.
United Daughters Of The Confederacy, Chapter 1840, General James H. Lane ; call Gail Sifford, 704/366-4737.
Credit Professionals International, Ole Smokehouse Restaurant, 1513 Montford Drive, 6:30 p.m., $15. Call Diane Radcliff, 704/841-9573.
United Daughters Of The Confederacy, Chapter 220, Stonewall Jackson; call Suellen Del`ahunty, 704/708-9866.
First & Third Thursday Of Each Month
Fourth Thursday Of Each Month
International Coach Federation, Charlotte chapter. Dowd YWCA, 400 E. Morehead St., 7th floor; 6:15-8 p.m. Call Janet Caffray, 704/372-0154; www.icfcharlotte.org.
Charlotte Networking Professionals, Ramada Inn Conference Center, 212 Woodlawn Rd., Pineville, 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. $15. Call Drew Waterbury, 704/523-6914; www.charlottenetworkingprofessionals.com
New Friends Of Carolina Women’s Group, monthly luncheon, 11:30 a.m., 1-866/213-9183.
SHARE: Supporting HSV/HPV awareness, resources , Sensovi Institute, 2125 Southend Dr., 6:30-8 p.m. Call 704/377-2022.
Every Friday
Second Thursday Of Each Month
Fridays Debtors Anonymous, St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 6800 Sardis Rd., 7:30-8:30 p.m. Call Harold, 704/362-0587.
Second & Fourth Wednesdays Of Each Month
Charlotte Newcomers Club, 10:30 a.m., 704/543-8330.
Legal Clinics, Mecklenburg Women’s Commission, free seminars; 704/336-3210, 704/336-3414.
Daughters Of The American Revolution, Mecklenburg Chapter, 10 a.m. Call Miriam Smith, 704/391-0504.
Third Wednesday Of Each Month Association Of Fundraising Professionals, locations vary, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 704/331-8518; www.afp-charlotte.org.
Daughters Of The American Revolution, Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Chapter, 10 a.m. Call Patricia Autry, 704/366-3487.
Every Saturday
Friends Of Beverly, Borders Bookstore, Morrocroft Shopping Center, 6 p.m. RSVP by e-mail Beverly@friendsofbeverly.com.
Professional Association Of Healthcare Office Managers, lunch $10, guests free. Call Sandy Glaspell, 704/795-7010.
Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Rd., walk-ins welcome, 8-10:30 a.m., $10. Call 704/376-2787; www.CharlotteArtLeague.org.
Metropolitan Business & Professional Women, The Capital Grille, IJL Financial Center, 201 N. Tryon St.; 11:30 a.m.; members, $21; guests, $28; 866/851-9446; www.mbpw.org.
University City Women’s Group, Oasis Shrine Temple, 10 a.m. Call Jean Kern, 704/594-6884.
Second Saturday Of Each Month
Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month
What Every Woman Should Know, financial discussion group. Smith Barney, 6101 Carnegie Blvd., 2nd floor. Noon. E-mail Nicole.E.Hudson@smithbarney.com.
Assistance League Of Charlotte, Assistance League of Charlotte Center, 3600 S. Tryon St., 9:30 a.m. Call 704/525-5228; alcharlotte@bellsouth.net; www.charlotte.assistanceleague.org
Second & Fourth Thursdays Of Each Month
Charlotte/Mecklenburg Republican Women’s Club, Maggiano’s SouthPark, 11:30 a.m., members, $25; www.cmrwc.com for reservations, or call Dana Both, 704/621-9191.
Third Thursday Of Each Month
Guild Of Charlotte Artists, Sept.-May, Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd., 7 p.m., 704/337-2000; www.guildofcharlotteartists.org. Public Relations Society Of America Charlotte Chapter, Design Center for the Carolinas, Suite 110, Byron Hall, 101 W. Worthington Ave. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; members, $22; guests, $29; students, $15; www.prsacharlotte.org.
Thursdays Every Thursday Business Network International, Matthews Chapter, 7:30 a.m. Call Kim Hellman, 704/651-6008. CPA Club Of Charlotte, 8 a.m., 704/649-9526; www.cpa-cc.com. Parenting Group For Families Affected By Domestic Violence, Hal Marshall Bldg., 700 N. Tryon St., 6-7:30 p.m., 704/336-3210.
First Thursday Of Each Month Coming Out, Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 1401 Central Ave., 7-8:30 p.m., call Dori Luke, 704/576-3635. eWomenNetwork.com, University-Cabarrus region, Speedway Club, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., speaker/lunch/program; members, $35; guests, $45; call Lori Dvorak, 704/947-8476. National Association Of African Americans In Human Resources, Charlotte Chamber, 6:30 p.m., no meeting Jan. or July, 704/307-2598; naaahr-charlotte.org.
H.U.G.S., Healing and Understanding for Grief from Suicide, St. Stephens United Methodist Church, 704/541-9011. American Business Women’s Association, University Chapter, 11:30. RSVP Jane Norman, 704/552-8492; www.abwauniversitychapter.org. American Payroll Association, Charlotte Chapter, 12:302 p.m.; call Denise Bryant, 800/221-7573, ext. 6142; www.apacharlottenc.org. Cabarrus Newcomers & Friends Club, Rocky River Golf Club, Concord, 10 a.m., optional lunch, 704/788-8082. Carolinas’ Professional Saleswomen And Entrepreneurs, Marriott Executive Park, 5700 W. Park Drive, 11 a.m. networking, 11:30 a.m. meeting; members, $20 ; guests, $25; walk-ins, $30. Call Elsie Smoluk, 704/2826297; www.cpsecharlotte.org. Charlotte Area Christian Women’s After-5 Club, Cedarwood Country Club, 4100 Pineville-Matthews Rd., 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call Jean, 704/365-4611.
Charlotte Mommies, Dilworth Playhouse, 1427 South Blvd., Suite 103, 1st and 3rd Fridays, 10:30 a.m., 2nd and 4th Fridays, 3:30 p.m.; www.charlottemommies.com.
Saturdays
Gamma Phi Delta Sorority Inc., Charlotte Alumni Chapter, 10 a.m., locations vary, contact Sheika Wimbley at sheika7@yahoo.com.
Second & Fourth Saturdays Of Each Month Saturday Morning Toastmasters, SouthPark Suites Hotel, 6300 Morrison Blvd., 8 a.m. Call Morris Lawing, 704/366-0846.
Third Saturday Of Each Month American Association Of University Women, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Rd., 10 a.m., 704/596-3482. No summer meetings.
Fourth Saturday Of Each Month Dining For Women, Charlotte Chapter. World Alliance for Families and Children, 4835 S. Tryon St. Contact Saba K. Washington, jesapro@hotmail.com. The Girl Friends Inc., locations vary, noon, members only. Call Victoria Carter, 704/258-3420. The National Association Of Negro Business And Professional Women’s Clubs Inc., Charlotte Club., Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 517 Baldwin Ave., 3 p.m., members only. Call Dr. Carlether Burwell, 704/455-7205, or visit www.nanbpwc.org.
Sundays First Sunday Of Each Month
Charlotte Artists Society, Queens Gallery, 1212 The Plaza, 7 p.m., guests welcome. Call Chuck Calhoun, 704/847-2111; www.charlotteartistssociety.org.
A LOTT Of Sista Love, all women welcome. Locations vary, visit www.alottofsistalove.org or e-mail communication@alottofsistalove.
Charlotte Business And Professional Women, Hotel Charlotte, Sharon Amity Rd., 6 p.m. dinner/program, 704/517-2357 or 704/545-3717.
Third Sunday Of Each Month
Charlotte Newcomers Club, locations vary, lunch, speaker, 11 a.m., 704/543-8330. Sisters Network, for black women with breast cancer, Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Caring House, 242 Colonial Ave., 6:30 p.m., 704/384-5223.
Black Political Caucus, Memorial Presbyterian Church, 2600 Beatties Ford Rd., 7 p.m.; www.bpccharlotte.com.
BeInTouch To be considered for inclusion in The Meeting Place, or to update a listing, send details to editor@todayscharlottewoman.com.
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T o m o r r o w ’ s G I R L S
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Charlotte Lindemanis Writer, Artist
C h a r l o t t e W O M E N
L E A D I N G
T H E
W o m a n
WAY
Art And Soul BY KARSEN PRICE • PHOTO BY JAMES BROWN
W
hen Charlotte Lindemanis was 5, and a student at the Monart Drawing School, her mother received a phone call from the school’s director. A collector who had viewed an exhibition at Monart wanted to buy Charlotte’s array of work. “As a 5-year-old,”Charlotte remembers, “I wouldn’t even consider parting with my creations. Looking back, I am shocked that anyone would want those marker, crayon, and colored-pencil drawings! Since then,art continues to be one of my greatest passions.” Now a senior at Gaston Day School in Gastonia, Charlotte is as adept at writing as she is at visual arts. Both disciplines help her display the sensitive places in her soul, and assist her in the age-old pursuit of truth and inner peace. “I have always been drawn to art as a means of communicating without words,” the intense 18-year-old says.“Art is a universal language.You don’t need to speak Mandarin Chinese, French, or Spanish to understand the pain and suffering or exuberant joy that an artist creates on a canvas.” However, Charlotte is also a master of language,and her essays reflect a distinct voice. Her very personal work, The Distance from Crêpes to Peanut Butter won the Scholastic Gold Key,the Scholas-
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tic American Voices Award, and the ArtsTeach Scholastic Award. Charlotte currently studies art with two of the area’s most esteemed artisans, Curt Butler and Holt Harris.Her work has appeared in The Mint Museum of Art, Spirit Square’s Center for the Arts,and the Schiele Museum in Gastonia.Her self-portrait appeared on the cover of Gaston Day School’s 2007 award-winning literary magazine, Blutopia. She earned the 2008 Congressional Gold Award — presented to just four North Carolinians — plus the Pinnix Prize, and the Wellesley Book Award. Charlotte says her greatest accomplishment was being able to dispense with notions of what constitutes “real” art, admitting that she was, at first, appalled by Jackson Pollack’s “era of drip paintings.” One difficult lesson included slinging paint on one of her portraits. She soon discovered that, instead of ruining the work, she was taking it to a deeper level. “Perfection no longer concerned me,” she says. “I wanted to flood the canvas with movement.” As her college future draws near, Charlotte considers whether she will concentrate solely on one artistic discipline. “I hope I never have to choose,” she says. “To me, my art and my writing are inexorably linked.” TCW To read Charlotte’s award-winning essay or to view one of her paintings, visit our Web site at www.todayscharlottewoman.com.
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