***Grand Opening Celebration for Apricot Lane Starts March 21!!!***

Calling all my Fashionistas!  Starting tomorrow, Apricot Lane Boutique in Huntersville, NC will kickoff its Grand Opening by offering very special deals to shoppers!  Until Sunday, every shopper can take advantage of 20% off store-wide, a free 3Strands bracelet and the chance to win a $500 shopping spree.  Shoppers can also receive a goody bag that includes local coupons.

As mentioned in my last post, the boutique will hold the "Say Hello to Spring" fashion show Saturday, March 23.  Starting at 2 p.m., shoppers can enjoy the complimentary nail polish changes from a local spa and photo-fun in the photo booth (be Instagram ready)!  Also, true Fashionistas can participate in the fashion show, which starts at 6 p.m.  Following the fashion show, join other shoppers for complimentary ApricoTinis at the store.

For those unfamiliar with the location, Birkdale Village in located at Birkdale Commons Parkway in Huntersville, NC.  The boutique is situated between Dressler's Restaurant and Sunglass Hut on the corner of Lindholm Drive and Birkdale Commons Parkway.  Don't forget, the fashion show will be in the fountain area.

Like I said before, Apricot Lane Boutique has a variety of affordable, stylish clothing and accessories.  With celebrity inspired, fashion forward pieces for the everyday woman, you cannot go wrong shopping here.  As a lover of statement pieces, this store is my go-to.  So, on Friday, please believe I will be there to take advantage of the kickoff.  I hope you all come out at some point this weekend and enjoy all Apricot Lane Boutique has to offer.

--DJ

***Apricot Lane in Charlotte***...Why Am I Just Now Finding This???

Last Wednesday, I visited the revamped Apricot Lane located in Huntersville's Birkdale Village.  Under new ownership, the boutique reopened on March 1.  Living in the southern area of Charlotte, it was a lengthy drive in comparison to my normal shopping venues; however, it was beyond worth it.  

First off, the Birkdale Village is absolutely beautiful!  It's what I would consider "cute-sy"... with the white buildings, stores and restaurants all set up like a small, yet spacious town...it has a very comfortable vibe.  Although I don't live close, I'd definitely frequent that area.

I had just left Kirkland's and felt the urge to explore the Village more.  I just knew that I would find a gem there!  Prior to my visit to the Village, I had never heard of Apricot Lane, but the display window with the stylishly dressed mannequins was hard to ignore.  The boutique has an array of reasonably priced, eclectic accessories and trendy women's clothing.  While comfortable and welcoming, I felt like an exclusive shopper!  The store carries very unique, yet fashion-forward merchandise, all of which is strategically organized to lure the shopper into every corner of the store.  Striving to not look like masses, I can go into this store and leave with quality statement pieces.  I purchased a great pair of peacock earrings and a peacock wallet (I love peacock by the way, in case you couldn't tell).


The boutique has great things going on now that I suggest you check out.  Shoppers can enter to win a $500 shopping spree (yes...yes...yes)!  Also, anyone who visits the store can receive a free 3Strands  bracelet in support of AIM's (Agape International Mission) work with survivors of human trafficking.  The 3Strands bracelet, valued at $18, includes a seed from the Sandlewood tree, native to Cambodia, which represents the life of a Cambodian child rescued from sex trafficking.  50% of the profits from the jewelry goes to rescue and restoration of victims.  I have experience working with survivors of sexual assault, so THIS moved me.  The Apricot Lane Triangle NC store owners purchased the 3Strands bracelets to support the cause, and for each bracelet given, the store owners will donate an extra $5 to AIM.  So, if not for any other reason, visit the store and get a bracelet in support of the cause--but I can guarantee that you won't leave without finding something you love!

On March 23, in efforts to kick off the new beginning, it will hold the "Say Hello to Spring" fashion show at 6 p.m. at the runway setup in the fountain area.  Unfortunately, the fashion show falls on a workday for me, so I won't be there, but I'm sure I'll hear great things about it.

The franchisee, Alpha Astra, LLC, has plans to open two additional Charlotte locations, so I'm personally looking forward to that.  Currently, Alpha Astra has this opened this location for the Charlotte area as well as one in Raleigh and Cary, NC. Check out Apricot Lane Triangle NC to learn more about the stores, and show some love and support to Apricot Lane Charlotte on Facebook!







Here are my purchases...and my 3Strands bracelet (I wear it everywhere).

***Apricot Lane gets an A+ from me.

--DJ

My "Sip & Shop" Adventure!

On February 21, 2013, I went to the "Sip & Shop" Trunk Show at the Kanvas Lounge on East 6th Street in Charlotte.  It's my first fashion event here, and I am so glad I went.  The venue was perfect, from the lighting to the music.  I didn't partake in any beverages there, but I don't doubt they were great!...everyone but me had a drink in their hand, so I'm confident in that conclusion.  As usual, I arrived late, but I had plenty of time to mingle with the entrepreneurs who showcased their pieces (and goodies)!  The names of their companies are linked to their webpages, so please take a look.

All Things Fabulous

Chanel, Founder/Executive Director, invited me to the "Sip & Shop"trunk show. Thank you, honey! Chanel established All Things Fabulous in 2012. Chanel sells jewelry from a variety of unique jewelry designers. Her selections feature jewelry that she, herself, absolutely loves. She is inspired by her own style, and she will only sell what appeals to her. Eccentric, quality pieces at an affordable price...I think "discerning fashionistas" can appreciate that!
 

 

 Ethan&Zoey

 

Deidra, Image Consultant, although adorned in tattoos, has a distinct classy and sophisticated style! She, along with Jania, who has a bold, edgy style, established Ethan&Zoey in 2009. This company takes the shopping experience to a WHOLE new level. The company approaches beauty and style from the inside-out by providing services such as image consulting, wardrobe styling, personal shopping, and everything in between. Ethan&Zoey is an eclectic company where "sophistication meets the edge"--and in my opinion, they have beautifully fused the two. Both Jania and Deidra bring different perspectives to the company resulting in magic!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motives--G.L.A.M. Status

I met both Dre and Andreia, representatives of Motives Cosmetics. Motives by Loren Ridinger was established in 2002, providing all users the opportunity to achieve trendy, fashion-forward looks at affordable prices. Motives for La La is an extension of this award-winning brand, catering to the DEEPER skin tones. After consulting with Andreia numerous times since the trunk show, I can attest to the quality of these products. These products are mineral-based and long-lasting! As a newbie to make-up, this line will be my go-to.

 

 

 

The Cake Bar
 

"The Cake Bar"...such a fitting name. Shani, Cake-A-Nista/Founder, customizes cakes, candies, and cupcakes to fit your style. At the trunk show, she featured her perfectly crafted Chanel, Tory Burch, and Louis Vuitton designer-inspired cupcakes. Oh, and for the grown and sexy...Shani specializes in Alcohol-Infused (and virgin for the not so grown) goodies!!! Shani intended for the company to be a joint-company with her boyfriend; however, "that didn't work out." So, Miss Shani kept it moving and established this baby on her own 1 year ago! *2 snaps behbeh!

Vintage Copy Cat

Tanisha, Founder/CEO, established Vintage Copy Cat in 2010.  Tanisha recognized her talent for embellishing clothing and accessories and ran with it!  The birth of her company was the ultimate answer for those in search of custom apparel.  Tanisha's favorite items to embellish: Bustiers!  I copped myself an awesome sweatshirt.  Pics coming soon!

--DJ

 

 

 

 

My Re-Introduction to my Passion

For those who know me, I've had this undying passion for fashion.  Sounds so cliche, but what can I say, It's in my blood.  I can't help myself.  It's not that I just have an eye for style and great looks, but I love everything about fashion.  From the construction of clothing, to the ideas and the inspiration of styles, to the business...it's a science!!! Some things come natural, other things are learned, but all of it, I love.

I've felt as though I've been out of touch.  Not so much as with fashion, but with actually pursuing it in some type of way.  In college, I did a lot.  A few friends and I started a POSE (People of Style and Education), which later became officially recognized by the university.  I modeled in every fashion show I could, and I also organized a fashion show for my sorority.  One would think I would've progressed in that area following graduation, but for whatever reason, I didn't.  "Real life hit" and didn't have a place for my pursuit of fashion. I started to think that pursuing fashion was some type of unattainable dream...one of those things that you could only want, but I'm past all of that.  I don't want it to just be something I observe or *wish* about, I want to live it (whooo, this is so cliche, but it's honest!).

So, this year, I want to take fashion and style more seriously.  I have some serious plans to put into action so that this will all become more than a notion.

--DJ

This. Is. My. Year...I've claimed it; I'm living it.

I'll be twenty-five this year.  As with each year, I have promised to live it to its fullest and most fruitful; however, there's something more in my drive this time.  I wake up with more of a purpose....Now don't get me wrong, I can be lazy--and proud of it--but my spirit is always moving!  It's like, I truly feel every moment of the day.  And each time I do, I thank God for it.  As quickly as the year is passing (I know it's only February, but shoot, February came quickly), I can genuinely say, I've felt each day.  I can probably recall something from each daily experience, and that's what I consider living.

This is my year to "Do Me." Embrace my interests, try new things, and do what I want without needing anyone's approval or acceptance. It's so easy to fall into the box "everyone" expects you to live in, but it's a challenge being who you are. It should be the other way around. For some, it is, but for most, it's a struggle.  Disclaimer, I'm very happy being who I am. No one else can do it better than me! But it's hard sometimes, especially when not everyone is your side or feeling what you're feeling. So, with this year, I'm working on making all of that easier! Living care-free and caring less...I'm excited! I don't know how much sense that made...but I don't care. I get me ;-)

So, get ready, get ready. I plan to document this glorious year of mine. The year of the TWENTY-FIVE.

--DJ