Green Jeans Consignment Sale & Contest

Monday night I received an email from Diana to see if I wanted to come out to the Green Jeans Consignment Sale on Tuesday night, style an outfit for a competition, and get the chance to shop the sale early. But of course!!

I have been curious about Green Jeans for a while now. A friend of mine introduced me to them about a year ago when we talked about cleaning out our closets and making some money on the things we no longer wear. Since I’ve never consigned or successfully sold anything on eBay, I was all ears. Months passed and the March SouthPark sale was announced. Unfortunately, I had too much going on to organize, tag, and drop off my racks of clothing at the sale. Also, I wanted to shop before I sold to make sure that is what I wanted to do next time.

The answer is now a definite yes!
(Is it August yet?!)

The space that GJC is using in the Lake Norman area is fantastic. Lots of windows and natural light, makes for a very pleasant shopping experience. The sale was PACKED with goodies, packed! So many amazing designer and name brand clothes for amazing prices.

For example, I fell in love with this Talbot’s silk dress (only $14!!):

And this gorgeous St. John skirt for $20 (sold by the one and only Dwell by Cheryl):

Unfortunately, neither one fit well and I’m in the same boat as Diana of The Chic Life. I want a more paired down wardrobe of things that I love, that are comfortable, and fit right. Just because it’s inexpensive doesn’t mean I have to buy it.

Thankfully, the GJC has fitting rooms, both private and communal, so that you can try things on to insure the perfect fit. And there’s no shortage of things to try on!

I walked away with a pair of designer jeans for $22, a leather Cato skirt that I used in my style challenge for $20, and an awesome snake belt for $14. Not bad! It was also charity night so proceeds from the sales were donated. Even better!

Now, the fun part! There were three local bloggers that participated in the Green Jeans Style Challenge, including me. I would love (love) LOVE if you would vote for my outfit, #3, on the Green Jeans’ Facebook page.

All you have to do is like Green Jeans Sale and then comment on the contest picture with #3.

I appreciate your vote and hope that you get the chance to come out this weekend to shop at the Green Jeans Sale in Lake Norman. You won’t be disappointed!

Cheers!

Front Row Charlotte

The invitation for Front Row Charlotte came late last year, to the attention of "in the Queen City." It made me giddy. February 28th couldn’t come fast enough! And then it did and I had nothing to wear.

This is when I asked you guys to help me decide what to wear to Front Row Charlotte. First, I want to thank all of you who voted and provided feedback. It was exciting to have that many people voice their opinions! It also got me excited about fashion for the first time in a very long time. You see, I used to obsess over fashion and then something happened and before I knew it I was wearing the same boring things week after week with little to no variation.

I have a closet full of nothing to wear.

Or do I?

Pulling the outfits together for the vote was fun and reminded me how much I like to play with clothes. I used to share my purchases and outfits on my LiveJournal ten years ago, when fashion blogs barely (if at all) existed. It’s a whole different world now.

I don’t foresee this blog turning into a full fledged fashion/style blog, however, I do see myself sharing not only the things I see and like but also outfits that I’m particularly proud of. It will also force me to realize that I do have a closet full clothes with lots to wear!

The real fun part came after you voiced your opinions and a winning outfit was selected… Accessorizing! I needed a theme and it came to me. Big flowers a la Carrie Bradshaw. There was not enough time to craft a large flower pin so I repurposed my wedding day fascinator.

Step two was the hair. After discovering that my hair is capable of holding curls with the right product mix, I curled my hair… for the first time ever… an hour before the event. Did I mention that I purchased my curling iron at lunch that day?!

5:45pm - selfie in the work bathroom.
OMG, what am I doing?!

After inhaling half a can of Chi’s Helmet Head, I rushed to Triple C Brewery where the event was held. I found parking on the corner of the street (literally) and prayed that I would not get towed. Spoiler alert: I did not get towed.

I rushed inside and was greeted by the Erica Hanks at the registration table to get my seating assignment. FYI – Erica is even more gorgeous in person than any picture I’ve seen of her.

A few hellos and hugs later, I found the ladies (Jen, Erin, and Michelle) and ordered a pint of the Triple C “FrontRow” Ale. Katie was running a little late and you can read all about her (almost) runway debut on her blog.

We mingled, took pictures, and then took our seats.

(photo via Fashionable Affair)

(photo by Thien La Photography)

There were two main things that made this fashion show stand out. First, it was for a good cause. Proceeds from the ticket sales were donated to Safe Alliance, an agency that provides shelter, advocacy, legal and counseling services to empower those struggling with domestic and sexual violence, child abuse and emotional trauma. Second, you could purchase all the runway looks in pop-up shops after the show, no need to wait till the “next season” to find the looks you loved!

Joey, Erica, and Effie welcoming us to the show

presentation of the check to Safe Alliance

I opted to Vine the looks since there were plenty of media, press, and bloggers taking pictures of the runway. If you’re not on Vine, you’re missing out! Download the app here and follow me (in the Queen City).

KK Bloom Boutique

Monkee's of Lake Norman

Olive Boutique

Lotus

the finale

with my friend Liz after the show

(photo via Sweet Tater Blog)

photobooth shenanigans

We were famished after the show, so after loading up on hors d'oeuvres provided by the Roots Farm food cart, we opted for a late dinner at The Liberty. Jen and I both ordered a burger that was the size of a baby. It was delicious. The burger, not the baby.

Painted Hill’s Natural “Crunch” Burger
pimento cheese, smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, stacked with house chips

Staying up past my bed time on a school night was well worth a fabulous night with fabulous people for a fantastic cause. I also want to thank Erica, not just for the invite but for helping reigniting my passion for fashion and making me step up my game. :)

{Queen City Cause} The Young Affiliates of the Mint Museum

When CLT Buzz reached out to me to help spread the word on the CLT Buzz Blended coffee, I said yes for several reasons. First, it’s genius to use coffee. I’m a zombie without my morning cup and I know there are coffee addicts all over this town just like me. Second, the cause itself. I grew up in St. Petersburg and had access to the arts in many different forms (museums, ballet, symphonies, etc.) and to think that there are kids out there that have never experience the joy of art education breaks my heart.

(image via CLTBUZZ)

So please, go get yourself a bag (or 10) of the CLT Buzz Blend and help the Charlotte Meck students experience the local arts.

Check out CLTBUZZ for more information and information on where to purchase (both online and locally in Charlotte).

#TurnedUpVolume, a Social Experiment

Ever wanted to be part of a flashmob or a social experiment? If you answered yes, then tomorrow is your lucky day!

The people behind #CLTNoPants have done it again and created a Nightlife Social Experiment. This event is called #TurnedUpVolume and will take place tomorrow, March 9th, at the Volume Lounge, benefiting Doing My Part.

For tickets and further information, check out their Eventbrite page. The ticket includes a shirt, drink, a voucher for an appetizer and a dessert with more surprises announced at the event.

Watch Improv Everywhere’s similar social experiment:

Have you ever been part of a flashmob?

Pho Eating Contest at the Tet Festival

It’s safe to say that February was the busiest month of the year thus far. From the UNCC homecoming basketball game and alumni event (February 2nd) to a fashion show (February 28th) and everything in between.

It has become painfully obvious, for someone who is obsessed with Charlotte, that I have barely scratched the surface on discovering this amazing city. Amazing things are happening right here in our backyard. For example, did you know that there’s a secret dinning society? Or that there’s a restaurant crawl called Dishcrawl that goes on eating adventures one neighborhood at a time? Or that CPCC has a restaurant and, once in a blue moon, hosts a 3-course lunch for $12?!

Have you noticed how all the happenings that I’m drawn to are food related?

It’s safe to say that I’m a bit of a foodie and have surrounded myself with like minded (stomached?!) folks. One of those folks is Keia, who is always hungry (like me) and whose adventures I follow via Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.

The first time we met was at the Tet (New Year’s) Festival at the St. Joseph's Vietnamese Catholic Church after a failed attempt at meeting up for the CPCC lunch (seats for this event fill up quickly!). I had no clue what to expect. Little did I know how big the event was going to be! There was loud music, dancing, and of course, food! A long row of tables, running along one side of the tent, filled with Vietnamese delicacies I have never seen before. I’m obsessed with Vietnamese food but must confess that I never get out of my comfort zone. This was my chance!

I have another confession to make. I judge people based on their willingness to share their food. I knew Keia and I were going to be great friends when she suggested that we each get something to share, doubling our opportunity to try different things, and having no concern over the other person’s “kooties.”

Bahn Tom // Chao

Che Nhan Hnuc

Keia got shrimp fritters (Bahn Tom) and Che Nhan Nhuc, a jelly like dessert. I purchased Chao, a Vietnamese rice porridge with liver and blood sausage. It was all simply delicious and unlike anything that I’ve ever had. We talked about food, writing, and the projects that we’re working on.

There must have been something in the blood sausage because I don’t remember what happened next but somehow I was sitting down with an event organizer, writing a check for $30, signing a waiver, and entering the Pho Eating Contest.

There was no time to get nervous! The nine pound bowls of steaming Pho were brought out on trays, condiments and eating utensils were laid out, a bottle of water and a to-go container. The contestants were announced and we each took our place on the makeshift stage. Hundreds of people with their cameras surrounded us. Eight minutes on the clock. And…go!

“What did I get myself into?!” // “Eh, it’s just a bowl of Pho, I got this!” // pinky out, eating Pho like a lady

Eight minutes is longer than one might think, especially when it’s your fourth time eating Pho that week. Regardless, it was delicious. The adrenalin of being in front of that many people was slightly nauseating. Realizing that the owner of my favorite Vietnamese restaurant was in the audience was terrifying, I wanted to make him proud.

view from the stage // post-Pho
post-Pho photo credit: Keia Mastrianni

Photo credit: Danielle Brodie

In the end, I ate a little under two pounds of Pho. Not bad for someone who just ate two fried eggs and bacon for breakfast at noon and not long after that enjoyed a delicious Vietnamese lunch. I “won” for having the most Pho left in my bowl but lost the actual contest. It’s really how you look at it. The guy that won the contest is a professional competitive eater so none of us stood a chance anyways. He terrified the audience by digging his hands into the bowl of Pho and stuffing his face with noodles and using the to-go container (instead of chopsticks and spoon) to scoop the liquid and pour it down his throat. It was equally as terrifying to shake his hand to congratulate him after his win.

winner winner, Pho dinner

It was an absolute pleasure meeting Keia and going on our first (and hopefully one of many more) foodventure. Check out her lovely blog and read her experience of Tet. P.S. All dish name research credit goes to her.

Have you ever participated in an eating contest? What’s your favorite Vietnamese dish?