Wink Fall Fashion Issue

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Thrifting101 pgs. 48-49

Meet Miss Fancy Threads pg.53

Power of the Purse pgs. 10-11

Party Over Hair: Interview with Celebrity Hair Stylist Keri Bailes pg.59

Columbia Style Week pages 12-21

Cover Photo by: Liabuarna

contents

JUNE 2012 ISSUE

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StyleWeek 2012

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Events

10 Fabulous Bags for a Fantastic Cause 12 Wink Was There!

37 Fashion in Concord Mills

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Local Fashion

8 Destination Alta~Cation 24 Maya Troy 48 Thrifting101 53 Meet Miss Fancy Threads 64 Revente

42 Meet M2 Boutique’s Carissa Strickland 56 Wedding Craze 59 Party Over Hair

Music

22 Little Miss Sunshine On the Mic 36 Sheem One

Model

54 Rona Gonzalez

Talk

60 True Blue

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Wink Magazine was proud to be an official media sponsor for Charlotte International Fashion Week for the second year in a row.

To learn more, visit www.charlottencfashionweek.com

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Dear Wink Readers, Welcome back! We are so happy to be releasing our newest issue!

Did you know that Wink Magazine launched in 2009 and is Columbia’s first digital women’s fashion magazine? Well we are! Now almost 4 years later, we have continued to grow and evolve every issue thanks to the support and feedback of readers like you!

In this issue, you will find fabulous articles on MayaQobas Fashion Boutique, Miss Fancy Threads, M2 Boutique, Revente, The Basics of Thrifting as well as amazing photography from Clifton Parker, Molly Van Kemp, Lindsey Mills, Eric Glenn, Jay Hooker, and others.

As we move into the Fall, we look forward to sponsoring and covering more fabulous events, more in depth interviews with the who’s who in fashion in the Southeast, and continuing to set the standard for digital/print fashion publications in Columbia.

Sincerely, Alicia Zeigler Alicia Zeigler Editor in Chief Editor@WinkColumbia.com

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designer spotlight

DESTINATION

Alta~Cation by: Michelle Yarborough

I spoke with both Jennifer Murphy and Amanda Stevens, the wonderful ladies behind Alta~Cation. These two women have such talent up their sleeves and both let me know how excited they are for the Columbia community to experience their works at the Columbia Style Week fashion show coming up. Charlotte may be Jennifer and Amanda’s home, but the clothing of Alta~Cation can be seen on different people anywhere. When I spoke with Amanda, she told me exactly how Alta~ Cation was started; it began with Jennifer Murphy Founder and led Amanda to be involved as Co- founder. Both women were in college and knew with hard work and dedication they would be on their way to success as fashion designers.

Wink: What was the hardest part about making your dream into reality? Jennifer stated, “I think the hardest thing will always be the things you give up in pursuit of your passion, you don’t have very much time to go out with friends, and getting your bachelors degree takes infinitely longer than originally anticipated, but you do it in spite of it all, because for me, fashion, it’s a forever commitment.” While some people in life are always waiting for their “dream job” to fall right in their hands others like Jennifer and Amanda have been motivated, working, practicing and studying since day one to make their dream of becoming designers reality. Now that their dreams are partially fulfilled we at Wink wanted to know what motivated them to start a fashion business. Jennifer said, “I don’t think there has ever been a time when I

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didn’t wish I could, and if I never tried I knew it would be my biggest regret.” Amanda said, “Well honestly, we both love fashion and it began as Jennifer’s dream, and became a dream of mine as well.” Working together over the years Alta~ Cation has grown from college students, Jennifer attending the Art Institute in Toronto, and Amanda the Aveda Institute in Charlotte.

When you think of students graduating college usually your job consist of long hours, most likely something you do not see yourself doing forever, and the possibility of having a business doesn’t pop in your head. For Jennifer and Amanda, the thought of one day being business owners sends a nervous chill up their spines.

When asked by Wink about how their experience as business owners in Charlotte has been, Jennifer relates that not yet do the two own an actual store so she doesn’t think of herself as a business owner, she says, “I just keep telling people we’re a start up, but not a full fledged business, that’s a very intimidating word.” Along with their dedication to the world of fashion and all the ups and the downs that come with it, the two know how to market their clothing without having an actual boutique. So they ventured out on the handy dandy Facebook, and became involved with Columbia, South Carolina’s first official 5 day 5 night fashion week. Let’s see what Alta~ Cation has in store for us this summer.

Photographer: Nathaniel Pierce Model: Caroline Laws Styling: Alta~Cation

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Fabulous Bags for a Fantastic Cause:

Women In Philanthropy’s Power of the Purse Event Staci Rutherford of www.thehandbagreport.com

May 17, 2012 marked the 10th anniversary of Women In Philanthropy’s signature fund-raiser, Power of the Purse, a silent and live auction that features bags donated from around the Midlands and beyond. “Power of the Purse is really just a fun way to give back to the community,” said Stacy Lindenberg, the Event Chair. Our regular attendees look forward to this event all year because they know they’re going to have a great time and possibly go home with a new purchase that has made a difference in someone’s life. Power of the Purse shows that giving back can be fun, exciting, and fashionable.”

There were so many elements that made Power of the Purse unforgettable. Wink Magazine provided a red carpet for guests to pose with items won at the auction. The custom martini luge in the shape of a handbag was also a huge hit. “We receive a variety of unique, stylish handbags for Power of the Purse, and I always look forward to seeing what comes up for bid. It’s thrilling to see a purse

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come in from a popular designer such as Coach or Tory Burch but we love the unique and handmade bags we auction off as well. I think women particularly enjoy bidding on a bag they know they couldn’t find anywhere else,” said Stephanie Parrish, Program Coordinator for Women In Philanthropy.

Some of the designers and businesses that contributed to Power of the Purse were Nana by Sally, Van Jean, Revente, HandbagReport.com, Tiaa Rutherford Interiors, Onna Ehrlich, Felix Rey, Ellen Allen Annapolis, Jacqueline Strothers Dezign, Haute Latitude, D’Andrea Handbags, Amykathryn, and Mia Cotone. Funds raised during the event will support various causes that help women and children in the community. Last year, Women in Philanthropy grants supported teen suicide prevention, reading programs in local schools, and a program to teach healthy habits to girls of single parents, among other efforts.

Tote with pink bag donated by Just the Thing Black bag with gold handles donated by Cousin & Co Flower bag donated by KG Bags Feather purse donated by Uptown on Main

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WINK WAS THERE: COLUMBIA STYLE WEEK 2012 Columbia’s First Official Fashion Week was held from June 5th-June 9th, 2012. The events kicked off at Tapp’s Arts Center, moving to 701 Whaley and finally a street style finale behind SakiTumi in the Vista.

Celebrity guests included: Mike Kelton from US Weekly Magazine, Ayoka Lucas from Charleston Fashion Week, Katie Kern of Circa PR, Anthony Simons of Charlotte International Fashion Week, Sonia Hendrix of PUSH/Hatch Fashion, our very own Editor in Chief Alicia Zeigler and more! For more information on how you can participate next year, visit www.ColumbiaStyleWeek.com or follow them on Twitter @ColaStyleWeek

Photo Credits: Clifton Parker, Eric Glenn, Robbie Mills, Michael Dantzler and Charles Bristow.

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Little Miss Sunshine On the Mic by: Michelle Yarborough

Wink: What do you love most about your music and when did you first start singing? Katera: What I love most about my music is that a lot of it is from personal experience, so most of the stuff I’m singing is about friends and me but most of it’s about me. So I can show what exactly I’m feeling while I’m singing it. I started singing around 3 years old, at church and at school. Grew up in the church sang on the choir, sang in chorus at school and just took it from there I got it from my dad he sings.

Wink: What is your favorite song on your sampler and why? Katera: The sampler has three songs on it and it’s just a preview of my album that’s hopefully going to come out this winter, so my favorite song on there is “The Superhero”. I got to use all these different types of superhero’s in the actual song. I thought that was kind of different just to be able to use them and their kind of hidden but I guess if you know much about superhero’s then you would know who they were.

Wink: How would you best describe your music and what does it most represent about you?

Katera: Depends on what song, I have some happy songs, I have sad songs, and I have good songs so it really just depends on whatever I was feeling at the time. Sometimes I may not write it right then and there, I may like today go write about something that happened a long time ago it just depends.

Wink: What else can we expect from you in the future? I actually have a gig tomorrow at la café jazz so that should be pretty nice it’s a charity event so I’m excited about that. Next Wednesday I’ll be featuring at Mind Gravy it’s an open mic every Wednesday they feature an artist and that’s when I’ll officially be dropping the sampler so hopefully those will sell. Then I’m going to use that money to go in the studio and do the whole entire album, so that’s the plan. Sampler to get a little buzz going and help me raise some money and then I’ll do the full cd and I want that to drop around December or January-ish if everything goes according to plan.

Wink: Do you play any instruments? Katera: I do, I play the keyboard and I’m learning the guitar so we’ll see how that goes! I play the base a little bit. I had a gig a couple of weeks ago where I played the base for the first time and it went pretty good. Hopefully everyone can watch me grow on the guitar and the keyboard.

Wink: How does your love for fashion and music complement each other? Being an artist you just have to be fashionable, people want to look like you, dress like you, be like you so you just have to love fashion. I think they come hand in hand and I think it works out pretty good. You have to have the total package you got to have the look the talent and business too.

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Wink: How did you become involved in Columbia Style Week and what are you most excited to see?

Katera: Well my stylist, we’ve been friends since we were tiny and she’s really into fashion so she was like “well I really want to get involved with Columbia style week”, and I was like okay that’s cool we can do that. So I went to a meeting and she just kind of like threw me out there and said, “well she’s been on America’s got talent and she did this and that!”, so Alicia was like, “you’re over entertainment. So I pretty much got thrown into it but it’s going pretty well it’s definitely a learning experience, it’s my first time doing something like this. I’m usually the artist not the preparing everything for all the other artist, but I know everything’s going to go well.

MAGAZINE Photo credits: Push Graphics Photography

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designer spotlight

(MayaQoba Fashion Boutique) by: Michelle Yarborough

Wink: Tell me about MayaQoba’s fashion boutique, when did you discover your love for fashion?

Maya: MayaQoba’s fashion boutique is an online boutique that features authentic island couture, resort wear and jewelry from the island of the Caribbean and South East Asia. So right now it’s just an online store, my hope is to ultimately build on and set up a client base and then open a physical establishment in Columbia within the short to long term. So a lot of the items that are sold on the website I actually work with designers in these regions to come up with the concept to have this stuff made and I make a selection of what I think looks good and what will sell and then I import them to the U.S and then sell them on the web boutique.

Wink: I know you are really busy with Columbia Style Week, along with that what’s next with your fashion boutique? Maya: My main focus is to put on a good show for Columbia Style Week. I have the idea of repeating the fashion show I put on like a had when I launched The MayaQoba Fashion Boutique back in March so I’m thinking about putting on a big fashion show case event maybe twice to three times a year just to keep the fashion in front of people so that they can see the clothes, feel them and touch them. Simply because it’s an online boutique I would not have had much opportunity for people to walk into a store to see this stuff. I’m actually thinking of putting on one or two more fashion shows before the year is out with new designs and new stuff that would be available on the online boutique.

Wink: What inspires the feel of your collection?

Maya: Well it’s really just the freedom and see I find in my own experience that a lot of people limit themselves in what they wear and how they wear it so in the clothing that I sell we celebrate freedom, uniqueness and it’s clothes and jewelry that makes a woman stand out from a crowd. It’s definitely not anything that you would see a lot

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of people in, it’s different, it’s beautiful and it celebrates a woman figure so that would be something good to bring to the market for women who are not afraid to be different for women who are not afraid to stand out from a crowd.

So that’s what really inspired what I sell. It’s beautiful garment, beautiful jewelry that are one of a kind.

Wink: What are some of your accomplishments as a designer, and what are some of your fashion goals. Maya: Well I’m not really a designer, I dabble in design, even with the clothing I sell on the website these are not my designs per say. I work with designers with their design and what I may do is have them tweek it a little bit based on what I like. One of the goals that I have, is to find someone here in Columbia who I can work with to start making the stuff that I design myself, but as of right now the stuff that I sell on the website are made by locals in the Caribbean and South East Asia.

Wink: How did you become involved in Columbia Style Week and what are you most excited to see?

Maya: Well, I became involved when I first moved to Columbia a few months ago, I was very heavily involved in the fashion industry in Jamaica which is where I’m from so when I relocated to Columbia the first thing I wanted to do was get involved in the fashion scene here. It was really random how I got involved with Style Week I just Googled “fashion in Columbia” and quite a few things came up, one in which was Columbia Style Week. I reached out to the organizer and had a meeting with Alicia and told her I wanted to get involved and I want to get on board and that was basically how we started. What I am most excited to see is the design from the other designers, I am a big lover of fashion and I’m just looking forward to the creativity, and the differences in styles and genres that will rock the runway. So I’m excited to see what others have to bring and looking forward to a very successful show.

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Molly Van Kley Photography Model: Carla Renee Makeup Artist: Lindsey Goldstein Hair Stylist: Tina Olayimika Wardrobe Stylist: Modern Art Thank you for your time and consideration.

Molly Van Kley www.mvkphoto.com

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textile

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patte urface

print d

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product designs

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rie accesso www.subeestudio.com

DESIGNERS MAKEUP ARTIST MODELS SPONSORS For more information on how you can participate next year, visit www.ColumbiaStyleWeek.com

www.5thandglam.com 252 - 375 - GLAM Facebook and Twitter:

5TH AND GLAM BOUTIQUE

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CREDITS Photography: Liabuarna MUA: Cynthia de Leon Fashion Stylist: Kinsie Sidolle Model: Annimaija Raunio

CLOTHING CREDITS Dress Laura Caicoya Necklace Pepita Griyo

Special thanks to Blanc de Provence / Speed&Bacon

Shorts Guadalupe del RĂ­o MAGAZINE Bra and harness Nichole De Carle

Dress Rosa Palo Shoes Buffalo

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one

Sheem Sheem One is a featured artist on the Fantasy Entertainment music label. As a performing artist, he has chosen Hip Hop to promote his unique style of music. He offers Hip Hop at a professional level by which a multitude of listeners can enjoy.

This type of music seeks to present entertainment in its truest light; FUN, UPLIFTING, MOTIVATIONAL, AND REAL. Sheem One recently teamed up with The Living Legend D.J. Prince Ice to release his Second Mix tape called “Don`t 4get About One”. He is primarily a Hip Hop Artist but often crosses over into being a Dee Jay, Master of Ceremonies, and Positive Key note speaker. Sheem’s artistic persona allows him to transfer life into words and words into lyrics. With a live band or D.J., Sheem One’s artistic career includes opening for The Roots, Lil Wayne, Bobby Valentino, Big Daddy Kane and other artists.

Having Hit songs like “HEY HEY HEY”, “I Still love Her”, and ”Find You”. Sheem One has a meal of music for all to enjoy. One thing is for sure wherever Sheem One is, fun and Joy is his Shadow. Sheem One’s represents One God, One Love, and One Mission.

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#1

TO CONTACT SHEEM ONE: Facebook.com: Sheem One Da MC Twitter: @SheemOneTheMc Website: SheemOne.com Fantasy Entertainment Email: femgmt@gmail.com Telephone: 404-590-3618

FASHION WAS FRONT AND CENTER DURING CONCORD MILLS’ CELEBRATING WOMEN EVENT WHICH BENEFITED CAROLINA’S MEDICAL CENTER NORTHEAST FOUNDATION.

CONCORD, NC (September 26, 2012) – Fashion was front and center during Concord Mills’ recent Celebrating Women event, which featured in-store style presentations and a fashion-forward fall runway show highlighting trends from leading outlet and value retailers. This fashionable community event also benefitted Carolina’s Medical Center NorthEast Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the health status of our community.

“As our signature event, Celebrating Women was a great platform allowing us to showcase all that Concord Mills has to offer,” said Holly Roberson, director of marketing and business development at Concord Mills. “This stylish effort is just one more example of how Concord Mills continues to engage and support the members of this community through a variety of inspiring events.”

Local celebrities Maureen O’Boyle from WBTV and TJ from The Ace & TJ Morning Show on Channel 96.1, joined Emmy Award-winning make-up artist, Jan Ping as special guest hosts of this annual event. Ping utilized her vast experience to conduct make overs on two lucky Concord Mills shoppers and answered a variety of beauty questions prior to the dazzling runway fashion show produced by Carolina Wedding & Events featuring models dressed in fashionable fall looks at a great value from Concord Mills retailers.

During the event, Ping also named local community leader, Phyllis Wingate, as Concord Mills’ 2012 Role Model. As the Division President of Carolina’s Medical Center NorthEast, Ms. Wingate oversees a 457-inpatient bed, Level III Trauma Center, as well as Carolina’s Medical Center – University, a 130-bed full-service community acute care hospital, while serving on the American Hospital Association President’s Forum for Health Systems Leaders and the Policy Development Committee for the North Carolina Hospital Association.

Attendees of Concord Mills’ Celebrating Women also enjoyed Style Stops, interactive fashion and style experiences at select retailers throughout the property and an after party at Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH with complimentary refreshments, live entertainment and special.

For more information about Concord Mills’ special events and promotions, and for a complete list of retailers, please call (704) 979-3000, visit www.concordmills.com or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConcordMills and Twitter at www.twitter.com/ConcordMillsNC.

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KLinh Evelyn Grace Photography Theme and Concept: Gold Masquerade by Amy Schaming & Tyson Keanum Model: Rachel Koprowski Hair Artist: Amy Schaming MUA: Tyson Keanum Format: Medium Format Digital (Mamiya) Background: Thunder Gray Lighting: Profoton. www.klinhevelyngracephotography.com

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ST. CLAIRE MODELS 803-270-2715 www.stclairemodels.blogspot.com

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Photographer: Ahmad Barber Models: Ana Leigh, Epiphany, Ra’chael, Quavis, Fletcher, Gustavo @ St. Claire Models Stylist/Creative Direction: Demanti O’Bryant MAGAZINE 41 Grooming/Makeup: White Diamond Image Consulting

designer spotlight

Meet M2 Boutique’s Carissa Strickland By: Trina Higgins

Looking for a chic, modern look that you won’t find anywhere else in Columbia? Then you’ll definitely be interested in getting to know this young business woman.

Carissa Strickland has created a fashion gold mine with her boutique entitled M2. I managed to steal a little bit of her free time and ask a few questions.

Wink: You were actually one of the first sponsors to sign on to style week. What motivated you to become a part of Columbia Style Week? Carissa Strickland: I guess it was a conglomerate of reasons. I came to know Alicia and knew she’d be successful. Secondly, I just have a love of fashion. To get to see something like this start off in its infancy and begin to grow, who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

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love love color blocking! I also like bold, ethnic- inspired prints. I love that fashion is getting back to being organic.

It’s about personal style now, it’s no longer all about the labels.

Wink: Mahogany Me was the original name for M2 Boutique. Is there a reason why you deiced to change it? CS: Mainly for marketing purposes. M2 is fun and catchy. Mahogany Me is a mouthful!

Wink: What is in the future for M2 Boutique?

CS: The future is hopefully that M2 will be a small chain of national boutiques in cities like Las Vegas, D.C, New York, Texas, Chicago and L.A. Being a national chain or brand is a goal, I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

Wink: So what inspired you to become a part of the fashion industry? CS: As a girl, I made clothes for my Barbie, that’s what sparked it. But I’ve always been involved in retail. Out of college I was the manager for a few big box stores. I have a degree in business and I’ve always loved fashion. I just wanted to try it for myself.

I sat down with M2 Boutique’s Carissa Strickland to discuss Columbia Style Week, M2, and fashion inspiration for her designs. She discussed her start in designing by making clothes for her Barbie as a girl and her love of color blocking.

She also reveals that she wishes to expand her business to big cities such as Las Vegas, New York and Los Angeles.

Wink: Is there a fashion trend going on now that you’re a fan of ? CS: Definitely color blocking. I love love

Editor’s Note: Since this interview, M2 has relaunched as an E-Retailer, expanding owner Carissa Strickland’s potential reach across the nation. Shop online at BoutiqueM2.com

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MAGAZINELLC Photo credits: KLinh Evelyn Grace Photography 45 Model: Jerome Lemon

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Interview with Kevin Price By: Trina Higgins

There are lots of different elements that must come together in order to produce a successful style week, beginning with lighting, scenery and of course those amazing designers. But there are those who stay backstage who are designers in their own right, the people responsible for making guys swoon and girls green with envy. I’m talking about make-up artists, who have the wonderful task of making ordinarily beautiful girls into runway- ready beautiful girls. For Columbia Style Week, the cream of the crop was chosen in the form of Kevin Daniel Price.

Price credits his middle school days for his start in makeup artistry. It was at that time, at the age of 13 that he first became involved in musical theatre. That spark of interest started a fire that has lasted for 14 years. A move to New York in 2008 really set off his career. There he worked for a cosmetics company and after meeting Nicholas Pavinsky of Project Runway, Price became his personal makeup artist. He also worked for Mercedes Benz Fashion week, stating “That was my highlight of working in New York. I also designed Heidi Klum and Seal’s makeup in 2010. They’re cool people”.

New York has been a highly inspirational place for Price, who says that while in New York, he likes to go to different art museums and get a lot of inspiration from real art. His rise to fame has not affected his humble and kind hearted attitude that the South is famous for. He reveals his priorities when he says, “I have to go back (to New York) in two weeks for Broadway Bears”. Broadway Bears is an annual auction where unique, theatrically dressed bears are up for auction to support Equity for Aids.

Needless to say, Columbia Style Week is excited to have a man with such great talent on their team. When asked what he has in store for us, Price said,“I would like to put a twist on a lot of these looks. I want to bring some of the Big Apple to Columbia”.

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Thrifting101 by: Kaitlin Wernet

Follow tips

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your way to being a thrifty trendsetter: When it comes to fashion, you know just where to go in Columbia to find the perfect look for the cheapest price. You frequent all of the boutiques, malls and shopping centers to complete your signature ensemble. With a reputation to be envied, you are always looking for statement pieces that speak to your reign over Southern style. Put one foot forward (in cute shoes, of course!) to trying something that fits perfectly with your bold personality-thrifting!

If the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,”

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still leaves you with a little bit of skepticism, do not fear!

The days of smelly thrift stores with nothing but grandma sweaters are in the past! And don’t be intimidated by the thought of recycled clothes- just think of it as swapping outfits with a fellow fashionista. If they could see how fabulous you will look in their throwaways, they would want them back in their own closet!

Come with time and patience Thrifting isn’t something that can be done in a limited time window. Sorting through all the undesirables will require some effort, but that one-of-a-kind accessory will be worth it-and hey, it’s fun! Take advantage of the summer weekends and make a day trip with your girlfriends to visit Columbia’s thrift stores.

Keep your needs in mind If you are looking for a specific designer piece, thrifting probably isn’t the best option. However, the best approach is to assess your needs before leaving so you don’t come home with items you will soon return. Look in your closet and make a list- do you need an accessory to go with a unique outfit? Maybe you need a funky jacket or statement belt. Choose things that allow room for creativity but do not deter from your purpose.

Be willing to take risks Want to try out the latest trends without spending your whole paycheck? Thriftstore shopping allows you to add variety to your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Try out styles you probably wouldn’t risk your money on otherwise-you may surprise yourself and find a new look!

Get Creative Let’s be honest, not all clothes from thrift stores will come exactly how you want them. But with a little creativity or instruction (Pinterest, anyone?) you can turn any piece into a personalized fashion statement. Try buying oversized men’s shirts and paring them with cute skirts or dresses.

Choose plain t-shirts and sew on pockets with cute fabric.

Bedazzle an old-fashioned pair of shoes. The possibilities are endless! Once you get started, you’ll have so much fun you’ll never want to pay full designer prices again!

Photo Credits: Jay Hooker www.jayhookerimages.com 843-442-1087

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Lindsey Mills Photography www.lindseymillsphotography.com

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Meet Miss Fancy Threads By: Trina Higgins

If you haven’t been to this fashionista’s site, you’re definitely missing out. MissFancyThreads.com is a great spot to check out articles, pictures and videos about Columbia’s style. The woman behind the blog, Gigi LaBord, visited us at the Wink office to talk about what else? Fashion!

Wink: And what’s that?

GL: Since a lot of guys read my blog, I started “Fridays for the Fellas,” where I interview and feature guys. I’d really like to do more! I would also like to feature more of my own look.

Wink: How did you get your start in fashion?

Gigi LaBord : Well, it started with my mom. It’s her hobby-she’s a seamstress. I would take remnants of her fabric and make clothes for her dolls. When I was fourteen, she gave me my very first issue of Vogue, and Gwenyth Paltrow was on the cover. She was gorgeous. From then on, I’ve been obsessed with fashion!

Wink: Do you have a certain celebrity who is your style inspiration? GL: No, there is no certain celebrity.

But it’s more designers who inspire me, like Rachel Roy. And Genevieve Jones! I love her style! I feel like she’s my doppelganger!

Wink: Why did you decide to start blogging about your fashion? GL: Well, I started getting into writing.

It was more of a PR/Marketing thing. I wanted people to see my style before I actually released a whole lot of clothing.

Wink: I really love your website! What do you feel is the next step for MissFancyThreads? GL: I really want to take the video blog to another level. I’d like to do more street style pictures and really expand “Fridays for the Fellas.”

Wink: You’re also working very closely with Columbia Style Week. How has your experience been with that? GL: It’s been amazing. It’s opened up a lot of opportunities, especially as a blogger. That’s what I’d say is the best part, getting to meet all kinds of interesting industry people in Columbia.

I interviewed Gigi LaBord and discussed her blog, MissFancyThreads as well as her fashion inspirations such as Genevieve Jones. We also discuss Columbia Style Week and the future goals for expanding the content of her website with more pictures of her own style.

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celebrity feature

”A Little Q&A with Tim Goldman and Rona Gonzales who graced the cover of Maxim International this year”

When did you decide you wanted to be a model?

It wasn’t until I was approached by a talent scout at the age of 16 to be the face and body of Levi’s Jeans did I think I about it.

What are your passions in life? To be able to stand strong no matter what is happening around me. Most of all, I’m passionate about my love ones.

Retro or modern? My sense of fashion has modern but timeless.

What does style mean to you? Style to me is not so much about designer brands. It’s about how you wear your clothes and how to present yourself. It’s all about confidence.

What advice would you give the younger generation getting into modeling? Figure out what you want, who you are and own it. Be very careful and smart about every small decision you make and get your parents or people you trust involve beforehand.

Do you have plans after modeling? I have a few plans – One of those I already started working on… I will definitely let you know when it’s 100% done.

If you could pick one accessory what would it be?

A pair of nice hoops (earrings).

What is your Lazy Sunday outfit? It would be yoga pants, tank top and flip flops.

Is there anything that makes you self-conscious?

My feet! Haha! I’m a size 9 and I wish they’re a little smaller.

Do you ever wear sweatpants to the grocery store?

Absolutely! My typical grocery store outfit would be: baggy old school sweatpants, tank top and a baseball hat

When you were a child what did you want to be?

I wanted to be a singer even though I couldn’t sing… (well, at least I thought I could Karaoke style) .

Who makes your favorite pair of jeans? Frankie B.

Jeans or Capris? I love wearing Jeans for sure.

How many pairs of shoes do you have? Do you have a favorite pair? I own a lot of shoes and only a few of those are my favorites.

Short dress or full-length gown? It really depends on the occasion. I love wearing both short and long dresses.

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80s or 90s?

I’d say late 80’s an early 90’s

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Who is favorite designer? Being in this business makes you appreciate a lot of designers and the different sense of style. I usually go for whatever looks good and flatters me the most.

What do you think of a Southern Accent? I think it’s beautiful. I love it!

Have you heard about Southern Hospitality? What do you think about it? I hear it all the time and I can’t wait to experience it first hand when I visit in the near future.

I hear you love the beach? What is your favorite one? Have you heard about the beaches of Charleston & Myrtle Beach? I do… I enjoy laying out at the beach while listening to my favorite playlist. I’ve heard about Charleston & Myrtle Beach and I actually Google’d it out of curiosity. It looks really nice.

When are you going to come visit us? Soon. Give me the dates and I’ll make plans to head that way.

Do you have any family or friends that live in the South? I have a few friends that live out there and they love it.

Photography by John Warren

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Wedding Craze I

Wedding 101: Columbia’s Wedding Headquarters

by Lindsay Blanton

f you’ve taken a stroll down Main Street lately you have most likely noticed a new space filled and Wedding 101 on the front door. Soon after its creation in November of 2011, Wedding 101 became THE place in Columbia for brides to look for ideas when planning their weddings. While Wedding 101 is not a wedding planner, it is your first place to stop after engagement to see what the Columbia area has to offer for wedding services.

Connie Hancock is the owner of Wedding 101.

Connie has degree in Business Administration and Finance from the University of South Carolina.

Connie is a native of Columbia and was looking to find her niche in the wedding industry. She stumbled upon Wedding 101 when she was in Nashville, Tennessee. She was intrigued by how the company had a concentration on everything involving weddings, whether it be a photographer, cater, florist, dress shop, etc. She decided to bring Wedding 101 to Columbia and that enabled her to manage her own business and mix passion with profession.

Wedding 101 is an educational course in weddings hoping to teach and inspire brides. It is a wedding resource library that allows couples to connect

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with local vendors all in one stress-free place. The best part? It’s absolutely FREE! Wedding 101 held a pre-event, called “Unveiled”, for Columbia Style Week several weeks ago in their space on Main Street. The event was a teaser to build anticipation leading up to the Bridal Showcase during Style Week on June 9th.

They had games, fashions by various vendors and cocktails to fuel the excitement for Style Week and the summer wedding season.

The Bridal Showcase will be held at the Convention Center. The showcase will feature bridal gowns, bridesmaid’s dresses, Mother of the Bride dresses, tuxes, and custom clothiers. Wedding 101 wants to show what Columbia has to offer in the wedding industry.

Connie described Wedding 101 as “educational, inspirational, and beautiful.” Wedding 101 started with 12 vendors and now has 43. The company caters to brides on any budget and any style.

Make Wedding 101 your first stop on the road to a fabulous wedding!

Article Summary: Interview with Connie Hancock, owner of Wedding 101. Discusses the wedding industry in Columbia and how Wedding 101 is making a name for itself.

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Party Over Hair By: Trina Higgins

Businesses in Columbia come and go, but Ashley’s Alley Salon and Spa has been around for over 25 years. The popular business is now making the move up Lady Street from 915 to 1310. Keri Bailes has been the boss for the past six years and now she’s going back to her roots as the director of hair styling for Columbia Style Week. She was willing to sit down with us and talk a little but about her vast experience as a professional hair stylist.

Wink: How did you get involved with Columbia’s first 5 day/5 night fashion show?

Keri Bailes: A friend of mine, Jennifer Boatwright told Alicia about me and she asked me to be director of hair. I honestly had to think about it. I have a lot on my plate. But I worked 3 years at New York Style Week. I got to work with Guido Palau who is like the god of hair styling. So I felt like this was my chance to be the Guido.

Wink: You’re also the owner of the very successful salon and day spa Ashley’s Alley. What has been your experience as a business owner in Columbia?

KB: I was never business-y in high school. Victor De Leon has been my right hand man. He’s taught me a lot about organization. It’s been a good experience, and my clients are like family. Working in New York, it was fun to be backstage. But working behind the chair is fun, too because it’s where everything begins. Working in Columbia keeps me grounded. I love it!

Wink: Is there a certain trend in hairstyles that you find is popular in Columbia?

KB: In Columbia, a lot of girls just want to flatten their hair. I really want Columbia to open up to the trend of textured hair that’s popular on the runway. However, ombre hair- hair with deeper roots and lighter ends- is a trend Columbia is catching on to. I used to do that style in New York.

Editor’s Note: Since this interview, Ms. Bailes and Mr. DeLeon styled hair for the2012 VMA’s. Congrats from Wink!

A: Keri Bailes’ right hand man, Victor De Leon working his magic.

B: Director of Hair Styling, Keri Bailes C: Keri Bailes, certified Redken

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TrueBlue Recently my younger brother moved in with me and my husband. Typically he and my husband get along famously but now that he lives with us, my husband seems to be annoyed with everything my brother does.

He hasn’t said anything to me, but he snaps at my brother a lot and always seems to have an attitude. What can I do? These are 2 of the men I love most in this world and it seems like their relationship is going bad!

-Caught in the middle

Advice Column

Dear dieting in app market Are you friggin serious? Theoretically you have a good plan but clearly you have no self control. It’s not like you’re missing by a little. If you’re having two thousand calories extra a day more than likely you are on a path to gain weight! Very simply you have to do better and take your health more seriously. There is no easy way to diet and exercise, no quick tricks. The app you downloaded will only be a useful tool for you if you actually follow it closely. It may be inevitable to Dear caught in the middle be off by a few calories occasionally but by going over You are indeed in a tough spot and while typically I by such a high margin, it shows that you’re not taking would suggest that you stay neutral with arguing family your program seriously. I suggest you try to find support members, one of these family members happens to be in a friend, family member or online group. Having your spouse. The key thing to remember here is that someone who is in a similar situation or a workout your brother moved in with you. The house in question partner may help to motivate you. Also seek the help is your house and more important y the house you and of a dietician or nutritionist, they can help you create your husband have together. As a guest in your house meals that are both healthy and filling and stay within your brother needs to respect any rules your husband your daily caloric intake (there are some online websites may have including little annoyances and pet peeves that can help with that as well). Ultimately you will get and unless your hubby is just dead wrong your alliance out of any program you choose only what you put into needs to be with him. A man needs to feel comfortable it. Hard work pays off. in his own home and not inconvienced. Try to act like a mediator and facilitate harmony in your home neutrally My husband is addicted to pornography. He watches it while privately giving support to your husband, let your every chance he gets. I have caught him several times brother know that while you love him you are not willing over the last few years, and even found a porno a girl at to allow strife in your marriage for him, and at the end his job made for him on our family computer. We haven’t of the day two adult men should be able to work out had sex in 5 years because he can’t keep an erection. differences over what channel to watch and who drank The dr. Said it’s not physical, it’s psychological, but he won’t go to any sort of counseling. He keeps telling the last yoo hoo! me to give him another chance and he is going to do I have been trying to lose weight for the last few weeks. I better but he never does. Outside of this, our marriage downloaded this cool Droid app that keeps track of my is virtually perfect, but this is a huge problem for us. I meals, portion sizes and exercise. The problem is that I am now having fantasies about other men (and even have gone over my recommended daily caloric budget women) as a result of being sex starved! Should I just by almost 2,000 calories almost every day! I try to stay turn the other way and let him watch it? Should I watch within the budget but it just seems like such a small it with him? Should we get a divorce? Help! amount of calories! What can I do to try to have a little -2nd to porn more self-control or to take my mind off the food?

Dear 2nd to porn -Dieting in app market I’m not sure I can really answer your questions but I

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will try to share some insight that I hope will be helpful.

First off addiction is a very strong word. You start of by saying your husband watches porn every chance he gets followed by you have caught him several times in the last few years. Several times over a few years would not indicate an addiction to porn by any means; however the interruption in your sex life does indicate that certainly something very serious is wrong.

You say a doctor has already cleared physicality as a possible cause to his E.D. and that it’s psychological. It’s great that you know that however without any further assessment it’s virtually impossible to know how to help him, especially since he doesn’t want help. I will offer this, I recently read an article about men who frequently watch porn potentially suffering from something called “arousal addiction”. This essentially means that they become excited and aroused at the newness that porn offers to the point that when faced with the sameness of every day sex offered by their mates it fails to arouse them. If this is the case for your guy, the way to deal with it is to talk to him about easing off the porn while simultaneously offering to amp up your sexual appeal by trying new things ie; role playing, new positions and dressing in lingerie different from your normal look. It could take some time and effort to undo the negative effects of constant porn viewing. Of course this insight will only be useful if over stimulation is the cause of his E.D. ignoring the issue would be even more unhelpful than watching with him. I can’t tell you whether divorce is an option for you, but I can tell you that if you really haven’t had sex in five years than your marriage is far from perfect and porn is likely only a small part of the problem. Professional help is advised and if he refuses counseling go alone.

Dear affair gone wrong I’m going to keep this really short and sadly it won’t be even a little bit sweet. First you have to end the affair and then you have to tell your husband. You have to be a woman and deal with the after shocks of this earthquake you inflicted on your marriage. That is all.

I am currently 7 months pregnant and I want to know your thoughts on men in the delivery room. My son’s father has been very hands on and involved throughout the entire pregnancy and is excited about watching the birth. I on the other hand am not at all enthused about him watching a baby come out of my vagina. Who could think you were sexy after watching that? If I were a man I would be scared to go near a vajayjay after seeing that. I’m scared he won’t enjoy sex the same way if he watches the birth, but I don’t want to deprive him of being a part of this life we created together coming into the world. What should I do? Do I have the right to tell him to wait in the waiting room, or does he have a right to be in the room and do you think he will view me differently after?

-Sexy mama

Dear sexy mama I recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and I’ll tell you the truth, I can’t even imagine having to go through labor and delivery without the support of my man. Of course your guy is excited about being there for the birth of his child, it’s a very important event and it’s literally your baby’s birth day! I assure you sex will be the furthest thing from his mind during your labor. I understand it is important to you to feel attractive and even look attractive throughout pregnancy and after, trust me I was a “sexy mama” myself, but during actual l I have been having an affair for the last 2 years. The & d your focus should be on bringing your beautiful son affair is getting stale as now I feel like I have to answer into the world and having a healthy and safe delivery. to him and my husband of 9 years! The affair has lost Childbirth is about love and the life you created in love! it’s spark and I am no longer interested, but there is a And there is nothing sexier than that! If you’re seriously small problem. My “lover” has threatened that if I end worried about how your nether parts will look have your our affair, he is going to tell my husband! He is also guy hold your hand and stand at the top of the bed near married however apparently more unhappily than me your head. Tell him you need him there for support and as he is willing to risk his wife finding out to spite me! would rather him not stare at your vajayjay, however if Should I just tell my husband and risk him leaving me, he really wants to watch his child come into this world, or should I keep the affair going? I don’t think I can do think about it some more and consider his point of this much longer. I would love to hear your thoughts on view. It sounds like you have a good guy and it would be the matter. a shame to deprive him from his sharing this experience -Affair gone wrong with you.

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Bobby Dalto Photography

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Name: Spiryt the Tattoo Poet

www.facebook.com/tattoopoet

Occupation: Certified Tattoo Artist

www.twitter.com/spiryt

Contact info: 803-993-8699

www.youtube.com/spiryt03

Custom Tattoos

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Columbia’s Upscale Consignment Store Revente, located in the heart of 5 points, is owned by Debbie McDaniel. An upscale consignment shop where you can find anything from Jimmy Choo shoes to Chanel handbags, the store scream if it’s fabulous, it can be found at Revente. Debbie started her career by working in regular retail as a young woman. She would go to market and find new lines to carry and that’s when she saw the writing on the wall. Debbie knew immediately she wanted to have an individually owned shop. She knew that she wanted her store to be in 5 points and after all these years, that is the place that she loves to call home.

When she started her business, Debbie wasted no time and hit the ground running. She went through the phone book, sent out post cards, picked up clothing and stored everything in her house. Revente opened its doors on May 1, 1992. When the store was first opened Debbie worked completely by herself and did everything all on her own.

Debbie says that her favorite part about what she does is the interaction that she gets to have with people, customers and consigners. She loves to meet and greet with new people and absolutely adores having her store in 5 points. She says she can’t imagine being anywhere else. She sees 5 points as a community, where everyone knows each other and the atmosphere is always friendly.

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by Lindsay Blanton

Debbie says she got in to fashion during her high school years when she worked in a boutique. She describes her style as “boho and a lover of jewelry.” Debbie can usually be found in a pair of jeans and a rocker tee, that’s her comfortable place.

In addition to Revente, Debbie owns two other stores downtown. The first, Sid Nancy, is located right next door to Revente and is described as hipster and unique style. Her other store Last Call is Debbie’s way of giving back by clothing homeless vets, children and others in need. At Last Call, 100% of the profits are given to a women’s shelter.

Revente is a participant in Columbia Style Week’s Shop Hop. They will be offering 20% off their merchandise on June 6th from 4-6 p.m. Revente is Columbia’s goto place for upscale consignment fashions at a great price. When asked to describe Revente in three words Debbie said “customer loyalty, incredible staff and great merchandise.”

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Models: Amanda Foster and Rachel Koprowski

CONTACT DANIEL@FISHERFILMS.NET FOR YOUR WEDDING INFORMATIOn

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contact us phone: 803-875-0323 email: winkcolumbia@gmail.com twitter: winkcolumbia www.winkcolumbia.com

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