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#13ShadesofBlack: Meet Mckinna of House of Ceremony

July 27, 2016/0 Comments/in social media/by corri smith

Mckinna Hahn, House of Ceremony

I’m McKinna, I own and curate the shop, House of Ceremony in Charlotte, NC. HoC is vintage bridal that translates to the modern bride. It’s an eclectic shop with wedding dresses and bridal accessories, and soon to come vintage bridesmaids, lingerie and loungewear, all dating from the 1920’s to the 1980’s.

Vintage is what I sell, it’s also what I wear. I’m big on vintage denim and tee shirts. That’s usually my jam from day to day. At least in the summer. I’m fairly casual and I like to keep a low key comfort. Whether with my Adidas Gazelles or my booties. Black is my shade of choice. It’s when I feel like I’m in my element. (You’ll rarely see me in color or pattern.) Paired with my silver and turquoise jewels I collect from flea markets. Simple and casual, that’s my day to day. I wear what I like and I keep to my own style. And just how I buy for the shop, with a unique eye for beautifully classic pieces that still work for today’s cool chick. Trends will come and go but black is forever.

“I wear black on the outside ’cause black is how I feel on the inside” – Morrissey. Not sure if that fits the mantra of a bridal company, but we’re not your average bridal house.

You can find us on social media:

Instagram

Facebook

– Mckinna

Photos by Katherine-Kirchner.

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#13ShadesofBlack: Meet Lauren of Cut From The Same Cloth

July 20, 2016/0 Comments/in social media/by corri smith

Lauren Remesi, Cut From The Same Cloth

I’m Lauren, the incognito face (and hands) behind Cut From The Same Cloth. CFSC is a women’s clothing brand based here in NC (Concord). In a world crazed by fast fashion, we are what we like to call slow fashion. Everything is thought out, sketched, drafted, cut and sewn in our studio.

As a small child, I spent most of my time carefully curating Barbie outfits. Not much has changed, just now with people. Like most involved in fashion, I view clothing and the way we dress more as an art form than anything else. It very much expresses who we are or a mood we are in, and sometimes an image we want to portray.

“Why be boring and blend in when you can stand out and be different?” This is a motto I bear in mind when creating. I have never been a person to conform or be the norm. I have always gravitated and sought out the exact opposite. If everyone wore pink, I wore black (wink). I embody this way of life in my clothing because that’s who the typical CFSC girl is, essentially.

Cut From The Same Cloth was born in 2011 creating custom pieces for private clients. We got the customer involved with the design process, from sketch to final fit. Over the past few years we have evolved into creating small seasonal collections, while also collaborating with boutiques.

You can find CFSC at www.cutfromsamecloth.com. And the party doesn’t stop there. Come hang out with us for behind the scenes and inspiration on Instagram @cutfromsamecloth. If you are a brand or boutique looking to collaborate, email me: lauren@cutfromsamecloth.com.

– Lauren

Photos by Katherine-Kirchner.

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#13ShadesofBlack: Meet Filipe of Ole Mason Jar

July 13, 2016/0 Comments/in social media/by corri smith

Filipe Ho, Ole Mason Jar

Who are you?

Filipe Ho

What company do you own/work with?

Co-Founder and COO of OLE MASON JAR, a Charlotte-based menswear brand dedicated to giving back and making high quality clothing and accessories right here in the USA.

How did you get engaged in fashion?

Honestly, I think it is something that has always been inside of me, an interest I have had my entire life. I was originally born in Hong Kong, and have been lucky enough to travel all over the world, so I think that is ultimately a major component of my strong interest. I also have had several family members in the industry that has inspired me, and they continue to mentor and provide guidance today.

If you had to brand your personal style, what would you call it?

Traditional modern (transitional) lol?. I frequently will pair something more trendy or modern, with a classic staple that is always in style. I am also big on versatile pieces, pairing things together and layering. I tend to wear something in a different way each time, and enjoy creating unique and different looks with only a handful of simplistic pieces.

Where can people find you/your business on social media?

Our showroom is located in historic Brevard court (148 Brevard Court), across from Romare Bearden Park and above Vahalla Wine Bar. Also, definitely check out our website www.olemasonjar.com and all of our social media (@olemasonjar on all platforms…instagram, facebook, twitter, pinterest, tumblr etc…

Where can people meet you #IRL (market, event, store, etc.), Etc.

Every Sunday @ Elevation uptown! 7 days a week at either Not Just Coffee, or Rush Espresso for my daily/multi daily coffee fix. Also, I am a huge fan of 7^th street market, Sabor in Elizabeth or Noda and Reids over in Southpark (especially for Brunch!).

– Filipe

Photos by Katherine-Kirchner.

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#13ShadesofBlack: Meet Caleb of Enemy To Fashion

July 6, 2016/0 Comments/in social media/by corri smith

Caleb Clark, Enemy To Fashion

I began in fashion when my cruel Illuminati overlords demanded it of me. My style is a 1970’s mercenary martian who has become tragically stranded on Earth.

Feel free to catch us red handed on Instagram or Snapchat @enemytofashion. You’ll never see me in real life, but trust me, I’ll see you.

— Future Caleb

Photos by Katherine-Kirchner.

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#13ShadesofBlack: Meet Kenzie of Hair Klaut

June 29, 2016/0 Comments/in social media/by corri smith

Kenzie Hamilton, Hair Klaudt

Hiya! Kenzie Hamilton here, reporting for duty. I’m a 21 year old, fun-loving, dog owning, happy little hairstylist. I work at Hair Klaudt in Plaza Midwood and I’d be more than happy to hook you up with something beautiful to wear on your head. Half the reason I got into doing hair is seeing someone’s face after they’re finished at the salon and making them feel beautiful.

Fashion has always been a pretty big influence in my life. Clothes, hair, make up, all of it. This obsession started pretty early on, maybe about 3rd grade. I wasn’t what you would call an over achiever in school, in fact I spent most of my time braiding my friends hair at recess. One day, I asked my mom if I got all A’s if I could color my hair pink. Let me tell you what, I worked harder in that semester of 3rd grade than I did for the rest of my entire schooling career, got all A’s and I got two pink steaks. Ever since that moment, I’ve been hooked.

I like to see an entire outfit come together. From hair to accessories, head to toe. My closet is categorized by color, so I never clash with whatever hair color I decide to go with next. There is something so satisfying to me about a good color pallet, so I try to bring that into my everyday style of dress.

Modeling has also been a big reason I’ve gotten so into fashion. I am by no means a professional, but I have a lot of friends who take pictures for a living and we will collaborate on a shoot together. My friends growing up in photography classes would ask me to be their subject for whatever project they had and we would do crazy hair and make up and outfits and take pictures in the backyard.

I believe that style can be whatever you want it too. Dress up, dress down, be yourself. This life is yours to make it what you want and no one can tell you that you’re right or wrong. Enjoy everyday.

Stalk me on the gram

@kenziethehappyfairy

#hairbykenziehamilton

— Kenzie

Photos by Katherine-Kirchner.

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#13ShadesofBlack: Meet Adri of Tabor

June 22, 2016/0 Comments/in social media/by corri smith

Adri Zgirdea, Tabor

I started off my career in finance at Lehman Brothers. I quickly found out that money management was not for me. I took some time off. I travelled. I then got into fashion. I’ve been working in the men’s fashion world in some capacity for about seven years. Before moving to Charlotte (a year ago) to help open Tabor I was styling men in Chicago.

Tabor is a men’s store in Myers Park, highly curated selection. Opened in Charlotte to bring interesting designers to the south. Designer highlight is: Dries Van Noten and Thom Browne.

I personally love styling athletes. I work with 10 guys in the NBA, 3 in the NFL and 6 in the MLB. I’ve now styled guys in the NBA for about 4 years. I love working in that realm as it provides a creative outlet for me. Athletes love to be different, they love to step out of their comfort zones and challenge fashion.

You can find me online:

and on Instagram:

— Adri

Photos by Katherine-Kirchner.

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#13ShadesofBlack: Meet Davita of Dupp&Swat

June 15, 2016/0 Comments/in social media/by corri smith

Davita Galloway, DUPP&SWAT and SincerelySwat

Swat or Vita is what they call me but my name, in full, is Davita Anne Galloway and I’ve been known to do a little bit of this and a whole lot of that in Charlotte. Pleasure to meet you! If you’re wondering, yes, I am a unicorn and I live out the fantasies in my head! For me, that has lead to the creation of a variety of platforms for various artists and such including DUPP&SWAT, a creative studio in NoDa, where we house local retail, a one-chair salon, art walls and utilize the venue for various events including but not limited to workshops, photo shoots, video shoots, exercise classes, networking events, etc. A gem located in the heart of NoDa, this creative space has served/serves as a social hub for the arts community but has also been the launching pad for SPREAD, our quarterly publication, CROWNKEEPERS, our arts-based nonprofit and NITA&VITA, a YouTube talkshow, as well as a host of other agendas. I truly believe in expression and this space, in which we nurture, nurtures us, in return. Frankly, it’s family here–literally and figuratively–as I have the pleasure of creating with my awesome and highly-capable brother, Dion.

So, about my personal relationship with fashion? Glad you asked! It’s been a lifelong, hot and steamy affair! I’ve always stood out because of my attire–whether you view that as good or bad–such is and has been my life. Because of the many stares and finger-pointing episodes that occurred when I was younger, I am more than capable to handle whatever happens today–whether that is a highlight or someone claiming I’m participating in a fashion faux pas (which by the way, I do not believe in). Again, it’s all about expression! I’m a firm believer in wearing what you want! Period. Point blank. The end. Moving on… needless to say, I love fashion and my affinity for it has allowed wonderful opportunities. That, my friends, include styling a variety of celebrities, costuming a number of plays and being the Lead Stylist for a plethora of fashion shows–including Africa Fashion Week New York. It’s interesting because my personal style is just as varied as the opportunities I’ve been blessed with. In other words, do not try to box me in or label my look as it’s really all over the place, contingent upon how I feel.

That’s the short of it but you can find more about me and my universe here:
Personal IG: @sincerelyswat
Business IG: @duppandswat, @thespreadmag, @crownkeepers, @nitaandvita
Web: Sincerely Swat, DUPP&SWAT, SPREAD, Crown Keepers
Address: DUPP&SWAT | 2424 N Davidson St, Ste 112B | Charlotte, NC 28205 | 980.224.2128

With that said, I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in this series, the BLACK SERIES. You see, I’m quite a colorful girl donning prints, patterns and I hardly, ever match so this was a chance to step outside of my typical wardrobe and still be authentic. This black, my black is comfortable. My black is confident. My black is powerful and, of course, filled with all kinds of ‘bad-assery!

– Davita

Photos by Katherine-Kirchner.

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#13ShadesofBlack: Meet Jordan of Elsa Fine

June 8, 2016/0 Comments/in social media/by corri smith

Jordan Dollard, Elsa Fine

Before I introduce myself, can we talk about this series?! How fun is it to get short introductions to awesome people throughout Charlotte? If you’ve been reading, I highly suggest getting to know these awesome people, because honestly, you know you want to.

But hey man! I’m Jordan Dollard, owner of Elsa Fine and co-owner of Trophies Are For Winners. If you haven’t heard of either of these businesses, let’s get to talking soon. Elsa Fine is a three pronged company with a home base in Optimist Park (near NoDa). We’re a shop focusing on women’s clothing, accessories, and jewelry, a multitude of retail services (personal shopping and wardrobe styling), and a small string of events throughout Charlotte including pop-up shops, meet-ups, parties, and workshops. Essentially, we like to have fun and these are the ways we do it.

I’m lucky to be opening a studio and shop later this month in Optimist Park, which I never thought I’d do, but I wouldn’t turn back for a minute. I studied design and merchandising in college and did multiple internships in New York and Charlotte. I’ve known since I was young that I would do something in fashion, but I just didn’t know what. I got thrown into Elsa Fine after being laid off (a story for another time) and now I work the craziest, most exhausting and completely exhilarating job I could ever ask for.

For a business that thrives on creating and maintaining relationships, I’m truly a homebody and really don’t like to go out all that much. I much prefer staying at home and cooking dinner for my little family, but when I do get out of the house it’s to some of my favorite spots like Landmark Diner, Industry Co-working (where a lot of business friends work), Julia’s Café (all proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity), or The Gallery South End. Everywhere I go, I like to be treated like a regular, so I frequent the same places and make friends everywhere I can. I attend a lot of events around Charlotte and love attending fashion shows and the like.

A small, but important part of my time goes to Trophies Are For Winners. Trophies is a t-shirt brand that celebrates women’s empowerment through witty and gritty conversation-starting tees. I jumped into this project with Corri and three other women and I truly think this group opened my eyes to problems I never quite understood, all while looking good whilst learning about social issues.

My style is anything I want it to be that day and as I sit here (writing this post from the comfort of my bed), I’m looking into my closet and seeing that I anchor most of my wardrobe in neutrals. If I’m feeling a little bohemian that day, you’ll see me in flares and paisley prints, and some days it’s as simple as an oversized white button down and ripped up jeans (literally ALL of my jeans are ripped). I could care less how I look as long as I’m comfortable and confident.

If you want to check out Elsa Fine or Trophies Are For Winners or get a preview of the shop, let me know! We’re not open to the public yet, but we can get a little behind the scenes tour in and shop together!

I can tell you’re digging Elsa Fine, so let’s connect!

Photos by Katherine-Kirchner.

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#13ShadesofBlack: Meet Catie of Catie Starr Makeup

June 1, 2016/0 Comments/in social media/by corri smith

Catie Starr, Catie Starr Makeup

Hello there! I’m Catie Starr. I’m a pro makeup artist/men’s grooming specialist and I work on production sets, teach makeup classes, do personal makeup shopping, get people ready for special events and do men’s grooming. My life is filled with making people look and feel good.

Becoming a makeup artist is something I constantly dreamed about as a child- I’d sit at my brass vanity and pretend I was making instructional videos, (weird because this was long before YouTube). It wasn’t until making the move to San Francisco from rural Pennsylvania that my dream, somewhat accidentally, become a reality. While working for cult brand, Shu Uemura (still some of my favorite make up), I was asked to work on an Academy of Art project movie project. As soon as I walked on set and began working, I was a goner. I knew I would never want to do anything else- a few years later I earned my cosmetology license and started my company.

In the many years since, I’ve worked with thousands of people and countless production sets. I’ve developed my own aesthetic (fresh skin, black liner, just the right brow), though it is constantly changing and evolving. Being a part of a production team is still where I feel most at home and happy.

I also offer group and individual makeup classes and product personal shopping. The beauty industry is often intimidating- YouTube can be misleading, trips to a big makeup store overwhelming and costly (and you’re sold products you don’t need). I enjoy sharing my knowledge face to face, because everyone has different needs and the paint by numbers approach doesn’t often work. I educate people on where to splurge and save (many drugstore buys are fantastic), together we select the proper products for their wants and needs, then I teach the tricks and techniques that can be hard to master.

You can find me on Instagram @catiestarr and @catiestarrmakeup or contact me through my website. IRL you can find me at Rain Salon on South Boulevard a few days a week doing men’s grooming or anywhere with good bourbon or live music.

– Catie

Photos by Katherine-Kirchner.

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#13ShadesofBlack: Meet Misha of Good Grief Vintage

May 25, 2016/0 Comments/in social media/by corri smith

Misha Lazzara, Good Grief Vintage

Hi there! Misha Lazzara here, owner of Good Grief Vintage, a Charlotte-based online vintage clothing, local jewelry and accessory, and bohemian curiosity shop. I’ve always felt that how people dress can be a way to express who they are on the inside. On the inside I am loud, colorful and made of polyester. The last one is a bit of a stretch, but damn, polyester sure does age well.

I love selling vintage, partly because the one-of- a-kind, unique style that coincides with wearing vintage clothing is something that resonates with me. The other side of the business, reusing and recycling fashions, is important from a global perspective. I spend a lot of time at thrift stores, garage sales and consignments shops, and am always surprised about the number of clothing items I come across that have never been worn and still have the original tags. The amount of over-production and over-consumption I witness on a regular basis fuels my passion for a more sustainable business model.

Whether bohemian prints and unique finds interest you, or the idea of a more earth-friendly wardrobe, Good Grief Vintage is an attempt to marry the two seamlessly, while actively engaging in the community and supporting local designers. I work regularly with Eagle x Arrow, a local bag and purse designer, who handcrafts gorgeous leather bags with responsibly-sourced upholstery leather scraps, as well as Mila Amor, a global goods boutique that connects with fair trade organizations and small-scale artisan communities abroad to bring gorgeous worldly finds to the Charlotte area. The three of us work together under the name Nomad Common and pop-up regularly around Charlotte. We look forward to setting up at VTG CLT on June 18th in Uptown this summer! My website goodgriefvintage.bigcartel.com, also features JamesSioux, a NoDa-based artist who hand-cuts and solders antique stained glass to make inspired and impressive jewelry pieces.

You can find GGV on Instagram and Facebook under the name @GoodGriefVintage, on Twitter under @GetGoodGrief, as well as our website listed above! Follow us for more information on local pop-ups and community events!

– Misha

Photos by Katherine-Kirchner.

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