September 2012 "FALL FASHION GUIDE" by Elevate Lifestyle

9.12

COVER GIRL

2012 WINNER Jessie Horton

September 18-22, 2012

CharlotteSeenFashionWeek.com

THE NIGHT IS ALWAYS YOUNG.

#MAKE IT PLATINUM

Redefining the Art of Tanning

20% OFF ANY PACKAGE Expires 11/30/12

Now Open in Uptown Charlotte Open Tuesday - Saturday Call 704-887-9742 from 12 noon - 8 pm for an appointment

The Ivey's Building | Uptown corner of 5th and Tryon Sts. 127 North Tryon Street S232 | Charlotte, NC 28202 or visit us on the web @ UptownArt.net | Facebook.com/UptownArtsStudio

the EVOLUTION of modern style

Now taking REservations Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest luxury apartment community is currently taking reservations. Junction 1504 is everything youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to call home, with upscale features like hand-scraped hardwood floors, gleaming granite counters, stainless steel appliances, private garages, and so much more. Call today and ask how you can save $250 off your first month of rent.* *Some restrictions may apply. Not valid with any other offers

Bring this ad in to receive $250 off your first month of rent

2504 Dunavant St. Charlotte, NC 28203 Ph: 877.579.8920 | Fx: 704-333-9794 visit us at www.junction1504.com

One StOP ShOP FOr WeDDInGS-hAIr, MAkeuP, AnD SPrAy tAnnInG PACkAGeS

All natural and organic Infinity sun-used by all the stars Sugar cane base formula Mobile Services

PCA skin care | FDA approved Waxing, lash and brow tinting Chemical peels and facials Glo Minerals makeup line

1920 Cleveland Ave., SB | Charlotte, NC 28203 | 704.295.7505 VanityGloCharlotte.com

Bored of the same workouts? hit a plateau in your results?

tired offitwasting bye pharr time in the gym and not know what to do? services that we offer... ONe-ON-ONe PerSONal traININg MOtIvated Bye Pharr - MOBIle traININg POlar BOdy age FItNeSS aSSeSSMeNt SMall grOuP ClaSSeSS interested in corporate wellness package for your company? CONtaCt uS at 704.375.0220 FOr MOre INFO.

201 W. Morehead St. S300 Charlotte, NC 28202 Info@FitByePharr.com FitByePharr.com

Now Open in Birkdale Village Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday 12 - 6 p.m 1111 Metropolitan Ave., Ste. 160 16836 Birkdale Commons Parkway Charlotte, NC 28204 Huntersville, NC 28078 704.370.2440 704.655.1243

lippboutique.com Follow us @LippBoutique and on Facebook for updates.

publisher’s note I hope everyone had an awesome Labor Day weekend; no matter where you were, I hope it was enjoyable. As you can tell from the cover, it’s our “Annual Fall Fashion Issue,” which means there’s lots of Fashion Events coming up in September, (more on that next). First I would like to congratulate Jessie Horton who was the Second Annual COVER GIRL SEARCH 2012 winner. You can read more about her and the competition on page 20. Speaking of some of the fashion events -- unfortunately there’s not enough room here to list them all, but -- here are two of my favorites. The first is the Third Annual Style Night Out put on by Effie at LOTUS, which will be Thursday, September 13 at Morrison Shopping Center. It is a local event that celebrates fashion, restores consumer confidence, boosts the industry’s economy and puts the fun back in shopping. The other is Charlotte Fashion Week (September 18-22), brought to you by Charlotte Seen. It begins on Tuesday, September 18 at Emerson Joseph for the kickoff party; then on the nineteenth, they are at The Residence at South Park for Fashion For The Modern Male; then the final three evenings are at Reel Works at the N.C. Music Factory for the numerous fashion shows. Elevate Lifestyle is hosting a charity function on Friday, September 28 at Emerson Joseph called the Speakeasy Cocktail Classic and on Saturday, October 20 we have partnered up with dbraun Promotions for the Sixth Annual PINK Party. It is being held at label, the newest addition to Charlotte’s nightlife. To see all that’s going on in Charlotte, you can always go ElevateLifestyle.com to be in the know. Also if you haven’t liked us on Facebook yet, please do at Facebook.com/ElevateLifestyle. Have a great month, Steve Caldwell

TEAM MEMBERS Publisher Steve Caldwell, Steve@ElevateLifestyle.com Editor: Edy Hinson Creative Director: Greg Smith Design and Production: Greenspon Advertising Graphic Designer: Alex Ramsey Elevate Lifestyle COVER GIRL 2012 Winner Cover Photography: Photography: Glenn Roberson Photography | GlennRoberson.com Clothing: Lipp Boutique Birkdale | LippBoutique.com Cover Girl Winner: Jessie Horton | Hair and Make Up: Erica Arcilesi Associate on Shoot: Rita Miles, Charlotte Fashion Week GQ in 1942 Photo Spread: Photography: Shantay Ink Photography | Make-Up Artistry: Shantay Ink Clothing: Morris Costumes & Shantay Ink | Hair: Jessica Parker and Davon Beale Models: Amanda Gullikson, Caibel, Justin Barringer, Justin Magness, Micah Kelley, and Ryan Duncan Celadon Fashion Photo Spread: Photography: Fenix Fotography | FenixFoto.com | Fashion Styling: Joey Hewell Clothing and Accessories: Lipp Boutique Birkdale | LippBoutique.com Models: Amanda, Cora, and Paris | Shoes: Heels.com | Hair: J Studio Salon Make Up: Flawless Make Up Art | Location: Courtesy of The McDevitt Agency Advertising, Sponsorship, Website Sales, and General Advertising Sales Information Brad Cheek | Carla Shober | Steve Caldwell Contributing Editors Culture Editor: Louise Albano-Hurley | Dining Editor: Nikki Wilson Entertainment Editor: Denise Gregory | Fashion Editor: Debra Kennedy Fitness Editor: Dr. Ryan Shum | Nightlife Editor: Sean Flynn Contributing Writers Alison Penland | Anna Starnes | Brandon Russel | Claire Cilip | Corinna Kahn | Chelsea Flower Dupp & Swat | Franchesca Wicker | Jay Johnson | Jeremy Bonham | KayAuna Jas Dodd Lauren Prussing | Lisa Lemaster | Monique Douglas | Sarah Hudson | Stanley Owings | TekaRose

Come Check Out Our Newly Renovated Dining Room and Expanded Lounge Area!

pink party BEST UPSCALE JAPANESE SUSHI BAR AND LOUNGE CHARLOTTEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Now Serving Sushi Till 2am Friday and Saturday

NOW BOOKING CORPORATE AND PRIVATE EVENTS Please call 704.334.0009 to make your reservation now! Mon. - Wed. 11:30am - 10:30pm | Thur. 11:30am - 12am Fri. 11:30am - 2am | Sat. 12pm - 2am | Sun. 4:30pm - 10pm

1100 E Metropolitan Ave S120

P i s c e s S u s h i . c o m

Contents August 2012 20 24 28 34

40 50 54 60

Cover Girl winner Red Tie Gala

Heist Brewery Anything The Home Desires gq since 1942 Charlotte Fashion Week

Uptown Arts Thrifted

64 64 68 78 84

78 88 92

Vanity Glo celadon Spread Johnny Fly Clothing Falls Biggest Fashion Trends Fall 2012 Makeup Trends

Not Your Typical Tanning Salon

Bright Vibrant Colors

fashion

COVER GIRL

2012

I would like to thanks everyone’s involvement in this year’s Elevate COVER GIRL 2012 Search. For the second year in a row SUITE was out gracious host. Our winner this year is Jessie Horton, most of her friends call her Jess. She was born and raised here in Charlotte, NC. She graduated from East Carolina University with a major in Apparel Merchandising and a minor in Business Administration. She is currently pursuing her true dream of becoming a HOSPICE nurse through Carolina’s College of Health Sciences. She also is a bartender at BlackFinn American Saloon in Uptown Charlotte. She spends most of her free time with her friends, family

and her little black lab pup Brody. It was a close race for first but she beat out fourteen other contestants to win this year’s title. Being the winner of this year’s COVER GIRL she won the honor to be on this month’s Fall Fashion Issue, also the opportunity to walk in this year’s Charlotte Fashion Week as well as a $1000 prize pack filled with items and gift cards from our sponsors. I would like to personally thank Jenna Pelraglia who was the Emcee of this year’s COVER GIRL SEARCH and our August’s Cover Girl. There would not have been a competition if it wasn’t for our judges, they were: Deborah Kennedy, Elevate’s Fashion Editor and Host of the Debra Kennedy Show; Rita Miles, Charlotte Seen and Miles Interior; Stanley Owings, iMpact Color Cosmetics and Fuze Salon; Ray unbar, Plain Jane Super Models; and Michael, Evolution Talent Agency.

ife Need in L s

B n ce

Eve r

ala

EVENT SPONSORS

Balance Fitness Studio Personal Training & Lifestyle Management 704-343-9544

culture

Red Tie Gala The Young Professionals Society of the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte announces the “Red Tie Gala,” presented by Reznick Group, at the Levine Museum of the New South in Uptown Charlotte. Red Tie Gala guests will make their debut in front of the paparazzi on our red carpet. Whether in a suit or tuxedo with a red tie, in a red dress, or simply in red shoes, guests are encouraged to show off their best red wardrobe. This event includes heavy hors d’oeurves with an open bar (followed by a cash bar), musical entertainment, dancing and access to explore exhibits throughout the museum. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the festivities will continue into the night at the After Party held nearby in Fitzgerald’s Irish Pub. All funds raised will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte in memory of Anne Marie Wicker, a member of the Young Professionals Society who passed away earlier this year. Funds will be used for annual operating expenses for the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, which opened in May 2011.

The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte is one of the more than 300 Houses operating worldwide today. The 35,000-square-foot House provides a “home away from home” for the families of seriously ill or injured children who travel to Charlotte for medical treatment at Hemby or Levine Children’s Hospitals. When families are able to stay close during a child’s medical care, children get better faster and stay healthy longer. We give families the most valuable gift of all: time to be together. The House features 28 comfortable guest rooms, each with a private bath, as well as large laundry room, kitchen, dining, living and play rooms. Guests have access to daily meals, family support programs and kid-friendly activities, as well as transportation to and from local hospitals. The House is managed by a small professional staff and a veritable army of volunteers, like the Young Professionals Society, who work in every aspect of daily House operation. Formed in 2011, the Young Professionals Society is a group of individuals, aged 22-39, who volunteer their time, share their talents, and contribute financially to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. Members perform valuable services within the House, host and attend fundraising events, and enjoy social and business networking opportunities. We invite you to learn more about the House at RMHofCharlotte.org and about our Young Professionals Society at RMHofCharlotte. org/volunteer/yps. To purchase your tickets, please visit bit.ly/RedTieGala. Lauren Prussing

NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES!

SUNDAY: SouthParkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 Service Industry Night MONDAYS: Half Price Bottles of Wine | TUESDAY: Half Price Martinis THURSDAYS: Half Price Appetizers | $3 Heineken Light $5 Red Bull Vodkas | $5 Cosmopolitians | $5 Select Wines REFRESH THURSDAYS - LADIES NIGHT (SouthPark Location) Rivergate Shopping Center, Steele Creek Stone Crest Shopping Center, Ballantyne SouthPark Mall-Official After Work Destination

7 Days a week Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Late Night Bar Service.

www.city-tavern.com

SENSATION THE OFF-BROADWAY

TTE! RETURNS TO CHARLO

The Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change!®

MEN LOVE IT TOO!

Book & lyrics by Jeanie Linders

OCTOBER 18-21 ONLY! 704-372-1000 www.carolinatix.org BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS • KNIGHT THEATER 430 S. Tryon Street • Charlotte, NC 28202

GREAT DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS 10+ Call: 888-686-8587 ext. 2 GFourProductions.com By special license from the Owner, Jeanie Linders’ company

dining

Heist Brewery There’s a heist happening here in Charlotte. And NoDa residents are rooting it on all along the way. It won’t be long before Heist Brewery, Charlotte’s next eagerly awaited local brewhouse, opens to the public. Heist will offer up not only an array of craft brews, including a seasonal pumpkin ale, but a decadent menu as well, formed under the artful hand of Chef Rob Masone.

Yet as popular as the name Heist has already become, the 7,000-square-foot brewery, located in Highland Mills in NoDa, couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have begun setting up taps and kneading out artisan breads without a man with a dream.

For years Kurt Hogan yearned to open his own pub, a dream also shared by both his dad and older brother. Set with a business degree and a love of fresh, hand crafted beer, Kurt brought his dream to life in 2011 when the New England native decide to make Charlotte his new home and set to work on Heist. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been remodeling for almost a year and originally set the opening date as May 2012. But like any good 29

project, Hogan and his team won’t open til all the screws are tightened and the kinks are worked out. Yet just visit their Facebook page and you’ll see that this is worth the wait. The brewery is keeping fans updated on progress, informing friends of where they can sample a newly brewed batch and teasing the waiting customers with photos of Rob’s creations, like the Alderwood smoked salmon that is simply being called “amazing”. The menu is being described as “American with a twist,” and will light up the in-house brick oven to create gourmet flatbreads, sandwiches and fresh-baked artisan breads. Yet Chef Rob has more up his sleeve than that. The Himalayan Shrimp Stix will be served skewered and wrapped in a lemon-wasabi cotton candy. The Chicken and Waffles are bite-sized pieces of crispy 30

chicken wrapped in fluffy waffles and drizzled with a horseradish syrup. And the Kurobuta Pork Belly Corn Dogs are crafted with milk and honey-braised pork belly, battered then fried, and offered up with a golden root beer barbeque sauce. “American with a twist” indeed – who needs plates when you can serve the food up “Heist Style” by offering it up in bamboo planks, test tubes and yes, even shoes. When Heist opens at Highland Mill this year, it will be the third local brewery to open in NoDa, joining NoDa Brewing Co. and Birdsong Brewing Co, which both opened last year. Kurt is accomplishing is dream with help from friends, family and other in22

vestors after the banks wouldn’t give him a dime to open a new brewery. He’s assembled a team of servers, bartenders, hostess and a kitchen crew. He hired Heist’s brew master Zach Hart and head chef Rob Masone. The pieces are coming together and the beer is being brewed fresh. Kurt is hoping to have the doors swing open soon, and they will, and the customers are already lining up, offering mass support and ready to come in for sips and brews. Keep your eyes open and your taste buds ready. NoDa’s newest hot spot will be open late every night and is ready to see you. 2901 North Davidson St. Charlotte 28205 | 704.375.8260 Facebook.com/HeistBrewery Twitter.com/Papiquesotruck Instagram: @HeistBrewery Pinterest: @HeistBrewery Nikki Wilson, Dining Editor 32

CHARLOTTE’S BEST CLUBS

AT THE BEST PRICE!

.99

mOnTH

nO COnTRACT get a free 3-day guest pass on our website

jOIn OnLInE sportsandfitnessclubs.com

704.332.4500

7 LOCATIOnS

rethink fitness.

lifestyle

Anything the Home Desires I had little choice when it came to working with my hands and learning to build and express my creativity. My father was a Master Journeyman in Carpentry, which is basically like having a degree in woodworking. Growing up, I was always watching him build things, from just fixing stuff, to making knives and guns, and working with leather. Some of the things he made from leather by embossing lifelike portraits and pictures within the leather using over 100 different tools would seriously just blow your mind. I believe witnessing this is what always inspired me to be creative and want to express my artistic abilities as well. Growing up with my dad always building and working on something is what prepared me for what I do now, designing and building custom spaces in homes and restaurants, and building custom furniture and built-ins. It was a great background to prepare me for the future that lied ahead. In the spring of 2007, I was cast as the new lead carpenter host for the hit show, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trading Spaces,â&#x20AC;? on TLC. This was truly a humbling experience, as I had to wait eight months to hear a single word about this top secret

show I was casting for, and to find out that it was arguably the biggest home show that launched all the home shows craze we watch today. After filming the last two seasons of Trading Spaces over a three-year period ending in 2010, I then went on to a new show called, “Drill Team” on A&E. With Drill Team, we fixed up homes for families that had an unfortunate dilemma with flooding, fire damage, or lead poisoning right before a previously planned event being held at the home. So the Drill Team was called in just at the knick of time to help rebuild and renovate the space leaving the homeowner with more than they had ever expected before the event occurred. Drill Team lasted for one season and was not renewed. It was now time to keep going and move on to the next show adventure. For the meantime I had already established a business called Homecierge that tailored to “Anything the Home Desires.” I was doing a lot of design and work in homes and one day was asked by an owner of a restaurant if I would be willing to help out with some ideas on refreshing and giving the restaurant a new-but-old look. A new but old look you might ask, what does that mean? Well, it was Selwyn Pub, an established landmark of Charlotte that had been around for 20 years. The owner Doc, asked if I could come in and respect the history of the place but give it a facelift of sorts to make it a little more of the true Irish pub look but not taking away the history of the place at the same time. I gladly accepted the challenge and was extremely honored to be asked into someone’s personal business. The new look consisted of putting a copper tin ceiling all throughout the inside and then wrapping the ceiling with an up-lit crown to accent the tin. A new bar back was constructed and the bar top was refinished. New tabletops and lighting around, and the place slowly began to take on a character of its own creating this true Irish pub feel. All the TV’s were repositioned for optimum viewing and before you knew it, the place was truly new and improved, yet with ‘it’s been here forever’ feel! After the success of Selwyn Pub’s transformation word had gotten out, I was asked to help out with a couple other places, namely Andrew Blair’s and Angry Ale’s. Although only small changes were made, it resulted in a big impact. At Andrew Blair’s, we took down a divider wall that closed off the area where everyone could mingle. So the wall was cut down to become another bar, and birch trees were added

to create an enchanted forest feel. Also minor improvements for better flow and traffic pattern were made and the area was much more accessible and easy to maneuver in. At Angry Ale’s, it was simply improvements to the patio by adding three 70-inch TV’s and building four community tables with beer troughs in the center to keep your beers cold on ice while you are enjoying friends and the game on the patio. After all this happened I was approached by the Xenia Hospitality Group to do the complete design for a new concept they had, “Maverick” Rock Taco. It was explained to me they were looking for a Rock n Roll Americana feel incorporating the vintage, classics and all-American vibe that would serve Mexican cuisine. This was the first time I was able to show my full potential of creating the full concept and design on my own, with complete freedom from Ground Zero. I started with the hall, which is where the vision all began with the 28by-9 foot distressed Thirteen Colony American flag. The stripes are alternating offsets to give dimension made from cedar wood. The blue stars were built out and cut from the wood then backlit to see the white stars that light up. I then wanted to incorporate the all-American repurposed vintage feel in the bar and brought in 100+ year old brick reclaimed from New York build-

ings and put that along the bar walls. The back bar was built with 100-year-old reclaimed trusses from an old Ohio Army barracks, giving it so much character with all the original saw marks in the wood. Incorporating the exposed filament Edison bulbs and the old school colorful large bulb Christmas lights for the lighting gives it a real raw yet festive fun setting to just let loose and enjoy that Rock n Roll spirit you have on the inside. Moving into the dining room area I was lucky enough to find a local airbrush mural artist, Archie Braxton, to canvas the walls with all the Rock n Roll greats and very influential musicians that have helped create the music we have today. It is an amazing piece of art that you can stare at for days. So needless to say, I have kept myself busy and I look forward to exploring the potential of doing this more and more within the restaurant and bar industry. I enjoy creating the atmospheres that allow people to enjoy and appreciate the time they have when relaxing and having a good time at their local watering holes or favorite dining spots. So look for more new places to be transformed and resurrected soon. Brandon Russell

Sell with uS. Advertise for FRee here next month. text t183291 to 85377 for more info.

• 2 Bed/2 Bath • Premium Amenities • Views Of Entire City • High End Luxury Living In Center City • Move In Ready

Andrea Franceschelli

704.238.7977

andrea@mytownhome.com

Matthew Means

704.293.4449 Mmeans@mytownhome.com

fashion

Charlotte Fashion Week IT IS HERE….Charlotte Fashion Week by Charlotte Seen. Rita Miles and Seen Team is at again, last Spring Show Passport for Fashion brought in near 3000 people and last Charlotte Fashion Week was near 6000 people. This year’s show is September 18-22, 2012, top fashion designers and artists will join forces to shine in the spotlight on the runway.

Charlotte Fashion Week provides a platform for current, emerging, and recyclable designers to showcase their talents. The week long event will include stunning models with hair and makeup by local artists and salons, appearances by notable fashionistas, and offerings of luxury products and services. The venue is Reelworks Studios at 817 North Hamilton Street. Doors open at 7:00 pm. For out of town guest our hotel sponsor Hilton Center City will accommodate you and your guests. For your special rate during fashion week log on to www. charlottefashionweek.com, click hotel link. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designer line-up boasts a wide range of talent! Anno Domini Designs comprised of Emily Kramer, Luis Machicao, Amanda Gaskins, KSH Couture, Erin Grey Couture, Deborah Bell, Pixton Design, Kevin Vain, One Love by Rachel Gordon, Erin Bohanan, Cigi Guzman, and DW Designs Custom Clothier, Taylor Richards and Con51

ger, Brooks Brothers. In addition, two bridal boutiques will be showcased; J. Major’s Bridal, home to more than 15 top bridal designers and Lineage Bridal, offering women a trusted online venue to showcase their wedding gowns, as well as a lovely boutique. The 2012 Emerging Designers Egan Wallace/Zachary Sauer and Samatha Shanks, Caroline Harmon, Robert Craig, Carol Ann Copeland, and Maria Allen are climbing their way through the ranks. Recyclable fashion has become an integral part of Charlotte Fashion Week-imparting to the world that we can be a green earth, one design at a time! This year’s companies and designers participating with Recyclable designs will be over 50 designs. Cannot wait to see you at Charlotte’s and North Carolina’s Largest Fashion Show. For tickets, hotel arrangements, schedule and details visit www.charlottefashionweek.com KayAuna Jas Dodd

fashion

Uptown Arts Elevate Lifestyle had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Drossos, owner of Uptown Arts, the first tattoo studio in Uptown Charlotte. Uptown Arts is an upscale studio that provides its clients with individual attention, which results in professional-looking tattoos and a deeply personal experience. In the interview, Drossos spoke about his transformation from a college art major without a life plan to a talented tattoo artist. Through hard work and years of experience in the industry, Drossos is now a successful business owner and recently won many awards for his tattoo art. Always one to promote art and tattooing, Drossos discussed the upcoming opening of his unique art gallery and offers advice for aspiring tattoo artists. Elevate Lifestyle: How did you make the transition from studying art to practicing tattooing? Uptown Arts: Like most kids in college, or at least most kids I knew, I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t applying myself in college; just going through motions (i.e. waking up late, keg parties, etc.). I had NO idea what I wanted to do with an art degree and have always been one to think art isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t something taught -- either you have it or

you don’t. You can learn techniques and skills such as oil paints but not basic ability. Anyways, I found this little shop owned and operated by Alain Rodgers and started spending a lot of time there. His wife sold clothes from the front and eventually I took over that job, getting my foot in the door. I loved the permanence of tattooing; an art form to stand the test of time. It seemed like a logical step in the progression of my art. EL: Did you originally plan to be a conventional artist or did you always know that you would be a tattoo artist? UA: I’d love to answer this by saying, “I’ve always wanted to be a tattoo artist,” as it seems to be the cliché answer given by a lot of artists, but it’s simply NOT true. Twenty years ago, “tattoo artist” wasn’t a legitimate career choice and I was just a slacker who really had no vision of the future. I went to college because that’s what you were supposed to do and a degree in art studio opened the door to teaching; not what I wanted to do or could see myself doing. It wasn’t until I walked into Euphoria Tattoos 17 years ago that I knew what I wanted to do. EL: How did you get your start in the tattoo business? UA: I was getting a lot of work done by a local artist, Alain Rodgers, in Tallahassee where I was attending FSU for a degree in art studio. I loved the

whole experience and after some pleading and begging for a year, was finally able to convince him to give me an apprenticeship. I’m very appreciative of what he did for me. EL: When did you move to Charlotte? How did you choose this city? UA: I moved to Charlotte in October of 2011. I was sick of California and wanted to come back to my roots; the east. I closed my eyes and pointed at a map and hit Raleigh. When my wife and I came here to view the area in August 2011, we flew to Charlotte as it has a better airport and fell in love. Since then, there’s never been a doubt that this is where we need to be. EL: How did you decide to open your own business? UA: I have been in the industry for 16 years and felt I put my time and dues into the industry. I had the intention to open my own shop when I moved here last year but the timing just wasn’t right; I suppose it never really is. I decided it was now or never as I had my own vision of what a shop should be and I was tired of making other people money on my talents, so I opened Uptown Arts. EL: How did you decide to open an upscale tattoo studio instead of a more conventional parlor?

Were you concerned about being the first location in Uptown? UA: I feel most artists that have been in the industry long enough lose sight of how life-changing the experience can be for someone. Yes our job is to do an amazing piece of art that visually is stunning, but it’s more than that. I want the whole experience to be memorable from start to finish, an event to remember, and I don’t think people can get that from the hustle and bustle of the stereotypical street shop where the artist’s attention is divided between client and people walking in. Instead of being concerned with “getting them in and getting them out,” I wanted to create an atmosphere where there are no rushed feelings, and I can get to know my clients on a personal level. It makes the art more personalized for the individual and a better outcome. EL: Do you have any other tattoo artists working at your studio? UA: Yes, starting in September, Scott Cole will be working at Uptown Arts. He’s a very talented custom artist who has more of a “new school” and “neo-traditional” feel to his work. EL: What type of client usually makes an appointment at Uptown Arts? UA: We get a range of clientele, from the heavily tattooed to people looking to get their first piece done in a discreet area. All of them seem to have the common denominator of knowing that there aren’t the limits imposed on tattooing that there had been in years past; the only limit is your imagination. EL: Although you perform many styles of tattooing, do you have a favorite type of tattoo style? Is there any design you will not tattoo? UA: I can do pretty much any style but I seem to be getting to do a lot of photo realistic and portraiture work lately. It was a style very popular in California and it seems to have carried over in the move. As far as things I won’t tattoo; there aren’t any. My job is not to agree/disagree with someone’s views or ideas. I’m not the moral police and the day we as tattoo artists start placing judgment and restrictions is when tattooing will stop being a form of “self-expression.” EL: Do clients usually have a design already in their minds or do you have the opportunity to get creative with the design? UA: Generally the client has something in mind, but it’s in their head.

That’s where the trick of putting their thoughts onto paper comes in. Some ideas are great, but don’t translate directly onto skin. My job is taking their basic ideas and expanding on them and making them into a good tattoo. With that said, the more input the client has into the design the more pleased they will be for a longer time period.

Michael Drossos

EL: What type of machines do you use? UA: I strictly use machines made by Godoys. They are a top-notch and versatile machine. I can do everything from portraits to packing solid color for tribal. They’ve made the machine very light-weight which is really important for any artist who’s been at it a long time as carpal tunnel is a definite concern. EL: Can you describe Inkfest? What was your role there/what did you win? UA: Inkfest is a really great event put on by Jessica Renfro and Jose Alamo Martinez, which is unique in the fact that they give things to the tattoo enthusiast to do in “down time” of not getting tattooed. It’s a tour, so in addition to new faces, it has a cast of recurring faces making it possible to have larger scaled pieces started at one time of year and finished at another. I had a booth for Uptown Arts and was fortunate to win first and second place in portraits, first and third place in large black and grey, and first in small black and grey. I’m very proud of this, as there were so many talented artists at this year’s stop in Charlotte. C: 704.957-8168 | O: 704.887-9742 127 North Tryon St., S232 Charlotte, NC 28202 UptownArts.net | Facebook.com/theDROOO Anna Starnes For the complete unabridged version go to ElevateLifestyle.com

fashion

Thrifted

One of the biggest perils of living in a small town is the tendency for its residents to look exactly the same. I grew up in such a town, where everyone shopped at the same stores and my public high school operated under an unspoken sartorial code. I still harbor bitter feelings toward North Face jackets and American Eagle. My saving grace was the town’s Salvation Army. I sought refuge in cast-off shift dresses and oversized men’s tuxedo shirts; ironically this won me the title of ‘best dressed’ my senior year. Pieces I’ve found at thrift and consignment stores give my wardrobe a voice of its own. Pictured is a gingham Betsey Johnson dress with a pair of Nine West heels, two particularly irreplaceable finds. In a world where the economic future is never certain, thrift shopping has become increasingly popular for practical reasons. If a new outfit costs as much as lunch at a mid-price restaurant, even the most voracious shoppers can satisfy their appetite without overspending. Of course, as with any shopping expedition, newcomers should gently ease themselves into the practices involved. Starting off with a six-hour marathon is not recommended. Consider this article your starter guide, without which you might find yourself

wandering the sad, rejected wedding gowns of the eighties section for all eternity. There are different types of clothing resale stores, with varying price points and product selection. The first are traditional thrift stores, such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Savers. Clothing is donated, usually in bins found around the area or at the store itself. Prices are generally incredibly cheap: my prom dress was a Savers find at $8. The catch is that you’ll have to hunt through racks upon racks, and in many cases will find yourself leaving empty-handed. My backless, violet prom dress with a Marilyn Monroe feel was hanging next to at least ten skirt suits with some serious shoulder pads. The key difference between this and consignment shopping is that consigners make a profit when their clothing is sold. The split of how much the store makes and how much the consigner makes varies. Generally the store will offer examples of brands they take, with the additional stipulation that all articles must be clean. The selection process is then up to their discretion. Many consigners choose to keep their profit as store credit, fueling their shopping habit through the resale of unwanted items. It’s a fairly brilliant set-up. I recommend checking out consignment stores in your area of Charlotte, most of which tend to be independently owned businesses. Forming a relationship with salespeople is key, particularly when consigning. Their advice to a customer could sell your pieces more quickly, in turn leaving you able to buy. Other resale stores operate on a cash for clothing basis, such as the Clothes Mentor. The Clothes Mentor is a new addition to the Charlotte retail scene, located on South Kings Drive in the same plaza as the Melting Pot. Since their grand opening August 2, they seem to be off to a good start. I stopped in at five o’clock on a Sunday and they were surprisingly busy. Unlike a true consignment store, the Clothes Mentor offers cash for clothes when they are brought in. Nine West, 7 for All Mankind, and Michael Kors are among their approved brands – a list of their favorites is available at the counter and on their Web site (www.clothesmentor.com) for those looking to sell. The selection is perfect for the 18-29 market, with the right balance of work and weekend wear. Pictured along with a maxi dress from one of my favorite consignment stores is a necklace I picked up on my visit. It’s the perfect place to start for shoppers new to the clothing resale business. Chelsea Flower The Girl With the Shoes

Football Headquarters $2 Miller lites, $2 Coors ligHts, $2 Jello sHots

speCials good all Year long!

911 east Morehead st. Charlotte, nC 28204 704.377.3808 | neighborhoodgrille.com

fashion

Vanity Glo Spray Tanning Boutique and Spa Tatum Wicker, Zoe Politis and Hannah Troutman are the women behind Vanity Glo, a Charlotte-based spa that opened earlier this year in Southend. All from the Charlotte area, these women offer professional beauty care and advice in a serene and upscale environment by appointment. If your skin has taken a beating this summer, try one of their many facials or body peels tailored to your needs, or retain that elusive summer glow for fall with their spray tanning services. Vanity Glo also provides spa services such as waxing and massage. Elevate Lifestyle: When did Vanity Glo open? Vanity Glo: We opened in January 2012. EL: Why do you work at Vanity Glo? What do you enjoy about your job? VG: I truly enjoy what I do as well as creating a successful career for myself! I love that I can make the fairest people so tan! They just glo all day!

EL: How does this spa differentiate itself from others in the Charlotte area? VG: VG is different because Zoe, Tatum and Hannah are all from Charlotte and know the clients’ needs from experience and expertise. VG is located in a prime location at Southend close to the Lynx for Uptown clients as well as clients all over Charlotte! EL: Do you offer any in-home spray tanning opportunities? VG: Yes, we do offer in-home parties for spray tanning, and chemical peel parties! They are great for individuals and bridal parties. Although we offer in-home, we recommend stopping by our location to get a chance to enjoy the spa side, and walk out revitalized and glowing! EL: How would you help a client trying to decide whether to spray tan or use a bed? VG: Spray vs. Bed... Cancer, cancer, cancer... Really it’s a personal preference, but in all reality, it’s moisturize with a healthy glo vs. baking in a human microwave and drying out your skin like bacon... Heehee EL: How can you stay healthy and safe while tanning? How often can you tan? VG: For most of our clients, the common goal is to stay a consistent tan. We recommend our spray tan lasting seven to 10 days. For those who do tan outside, we strongly recommend wearing a minimum of SPF 15 and we always recommend wearing a moisturizer with a SPF already in it. Ultimately, try to wear sunblock and minimize any prolonged duration in the sun. We can give you the GLO without the risk

and increase your skin’s lifetime with one of our lavish facials followed up with a golden spray to leave you refreshed and tan! EL: When can you get a facial/is there a time when you should avoid one? VG: Every two weeks. Don’t go if you are instructed by your dermatologist or going through radiation or chemotherapy. EL:Can you describe your gommage facial technique? VG: It is done by using a gritty exfoliation mask manipulated by a hand technique giving you the same results as microdermabrasion. EL: How long will redness caused by a facial last? Why does this happen and how can you treat your skin? VG: The redness from a facial would only last a few hours. It is caused by extractions, or if you have sensitive skin. I have a serum called AntiRedness that will decrease your epidermal water loss by 14 percent. This is what I use for clients with more sensitive skin. EL: What are the benefits of a facial? VG: Each facial has a different purpose, but all facials help to balance your pH level, help with circulation, and decrease inflammation. EL: Can you describe your typical client? VG: Here at VG our typical client comes in every age and ethnicity, men and women. EL: What do you hope your clients take away from their experience at Vanity Glo? VG: VG provides a service that retains clients and creates a friendship similar to a hair stylist. We get to know our clients’ needs on an individual basis and grow from referrals! We know how to give our clients the GLO that lasts and keeps them looking their healthiest and best! 1920 Cleveland Ave., SB Charlotte, NC 28203 704.295.7505 | VanityGloCharlotte.com Facebook.com/vanityglo.spraytanning Anna Starnes

fashion

Johnny Fly Clothing Co. Johnny Fly Clothing Company is a lifestyle integrated into a wearable piece of art. He blends images and icons involved in people’s everyday lives into modern and unique clothing. He has created designs that people connect to, like the boom box and the headphone. These designs have both been huge retro icons that people can directly connect with. His styles have a vintage flair with his own modern “fly” twist. Elevate Lifestyle: What attracted you to fashion and how did you choose to start a clothing line over other entrepreneurial ventures? Johnny Freeman: Well I am a picky shopper really. I always seem to want what no one makes, or find very few pieces that make me say ‘Wow.’ I felt like I could bring a different look and feel into an industry that is over-run with repeats. I wanted to create something different, and market it in a way that would stand out and be unique. EL: Do you currently have any other business ventures? JF: Yes, I work full time for my family business “Freeman’s Car Stereo.” I manage advertising, promotions, branding, social media, web presence, graphic editing, and shoot and edit our Web Series “Reality of Sound,” to name a few. It is a fast-paced and edgy industry that keeps me on my toes.

EL: In your opinion, what skills or characteristics does an entrepreneur need in order to be successful? JF: First off, you must have a vision. You need to know where you want to go, and exactly what your goals are. You must have the willingness to sacrifice everything from a personal standpoint and devote yourself entirely to your cause. An intense personal drive is needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. A good friend recently sent me this quote that I feel explains it best: “Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.” -Unknown EL: How did you learn how to run a company? Formal business training? Experience? JF: I come from an entrepreneur family. Over 33 years ago, my father started his business from scratch. Worked out of a small tin shack off of Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte. I have grown up and watched him and my mom grow their company to the seven-store, 40+ employee, company that it is today. I was inspired and very business-minded from a young age. I began working in the shipping and receiving department when I was 13, and progressed through the ranks as an installer, promotional worker, salesman [and] store manager. Getting to work in every aspect of the business gave me a sense of how things worked, and an appreciation of infrastructure from the inside out. I learned how to run a company directly from the source, a skill fueled by experience.

EL: How did you come up with the concept of the “Fly Life” and what does it mean to you? JF: The Fly Life can mean many things. To me, a lifestyle is all in the person. To me, the Fly Life is living life to the fullest, and doing things that step you outside of the box. It is the things that allow you to be different, and become your own person. To one person a Fly life moment may include a gnarly skate board trick, where the next person’s would be rocking out with a band on stage. The Fly Life is what makes you different, and most of all gives you a sense of freedom, or as we call it, “Flyness!” EL: Could you describe the style of clothing and accessories in the Johnny Fly Line? JF: I strive to design a style that is unique, comfortable, and completely out of the box. As far as design goes, the best way to describe my style would be that of vintage flair with a modern “Fly” twist. I design the items that speak to me personally and that I feel connect with people in their every day lives. As far as our fit, feel, and comfort goes, I spend a great deal of time and go to great lengths to make sure that when you touch it, you have to have it. All of our items are incredibly soft, fitted in a way that is comfortable and trendy, and will not fall apart after five washes. We spare no expense when it comes to quality. Our clothes are addicting, once you put one on, you will want to wear it every day. EL: What are your best selling items? JF: It is constantly changing, as we are rolling out new items all the time. It seems to be very regional as far as popularity between items go. The dash-

board and octane collections do very well in the east, whereas items from the remix collection dominate more of the west. To my surprise, we do very well with the Johnny Fly signature shirt across the board. People say they love the name, and I have had an overwhelming request for more signature items. EL: Are there any celebrities or athletes that wear your clothes? JF: We are getting our items spotted on celebrities more and more as we grow. We have invaded parts of the DJ-House Music community and hope to keep spreading that over the next couple months. Steve Harwell of the Multi-Platinum band SmashMouth has been spotted on a number of shows rocking his fly gear. He tells me that they fit and feel so good it’s hard to wear anything else. The new music video for their single “Magic” is rumored to have an experience of Johnny Fly items in it. We will just have to wait and see when it comes out. EL: What achievements have you made in your personal life and/or business career? JF: I feel like on the business end, I have a lot to prove. I want to make a lasting impression and change on the industries I focus on. I haven’t even scratched the surface. This summer I was very honored to receive Elevate Lifestyle’s Top 30 under 30 Future Business Leaders of Charlotte. EL: Do you design the clothes or focus on the business aspect of the company? JF: Both. At this point, I am busy making both ends happen. Everything from putting the budget and long term business plan together, designing a new piece of clothing, managing all of our web marketing, to putting together the catalog from scratch. I am a Starbucks Gold cardholder for a reason. Haha. EL: How does the brand appeal to so many different people? JF: It’s something that speaks to everyone. We keep it clean and fresh. I try to create things that speak to a wide audience on a personal level. Something that someone can have an attachment to and really connect with. EL: Are you going to expand or create new products in the future? JF: Every day! I am inspired with new items all the time. My arsenal of things to come is vast, and I am adding to it on a daily basis.

In the near future, we will be releasing two new collections with one entire line devoted to our women’s collection. The reason I have taken more time to get the women’s stuff together, is that I felt like it needed its own touch, and not just a guy’s artwork thrown on a girl’s shirt. Something elegant and clean with a Johnny Fly touch. Also in coming months, we will be releasing our highly anticipated “Clean Collection.” This consists of high-end items, cuts, and colors. These items will have no artwork, and will tote the iconic Johnny Fly sewn label down on the bottom corner. EL: How did you grow the brand into a lifestyle? JF: We realized shortly after launching this brand, that we were way more than our clothes. We were representing a state of mind, a lifestyle; people who love to show their unique personalities and live life to the full potential. We are so lucky for all of our fans and followers of the Fly Life. We started out posting on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, and now have an amazing group of people supporting us, that truly “Live The Fly Life.”

EL: What attracted you to the retro vibes that infiltrate your designs? JF: It’s part of who I am. I love the feel of something with wear and tear. Even growing up, I would get a new binder for the first day of school, and would beg my mom to let me run the car over it a few times. I would even get caught with power sanders, trying to distress the leather bottom of my book bag. I really connect with retro items. It’s where we all came from. Think of how iconic things like boom boxes, cassette tapes, or payphones are to the world. These are things that, in the coming years, will be completely extinct. These are all items that people can connect with, and possibly hold on to a piece of one’s own history. EL: How do you stay up-to-date on fashion trends? JF: Different things. I read different fashion magazines to see what the rest of the world is doing. I have learned a lot of future fashion forecasting from attending shows such as Magic. EL: What can everyone be looking for from Johnny Fly over the next few months? JF: One of our marketing items has gained allot of attention, and is morphing into its own marketing campaign. Manni Fly (Brother to Johnny Fly) the Mannequin has been spreading his fly around the country. He will be largely debuted at Surf Expo in Orlando, Fla. in September. He is a six-foot-five tattooed embodiment of flyness. With a TV for a face and Speakers mounted in his chest, he is a quick eye turner and the life of the party. Follow his mannequin life and comedic posts on twitter @ManniFly starting in September. 888.987.JFLY 19010 Statesville Rd. Cornelius, NC 28031 JohnnyFlyClothing.com Facebook.com/JohnnyFlyClothing @JohnnyFlyCo Pinterest.com/johnnyFly Anna Starnes For the complete unabridged version go to ElevateLifestyle.com

fashion

FALL’S BIGGEST FASHION TRENDS

I love attending the Fashion shows and Trend Events each season. Arlene Goldstein, Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction for Belk, Inc. is always on point with her forecast and was fabulously entertaining at the recent event, and delivered a “Southern” twist to Fall Fashions for 2012. This fall is all about opulence, baroque and bold. Designer shows at New York Fashion Week were showing heavily beaded jackets, patterned and sharply cut suits and lots of color blocking. In absorbing all of the fashion trends I am going to recommend the key pieces that will update your wardrobe and give you a “flash” of style without busting your budget. Basically you can add lots of accessories – including boots and booties, statement necklaces and a great handbag – to update your existing wardrobe.

Ladies Fashion Hit List: • Shift Dress • Pencil Skirt • Bold Statement Necklace • Cross-Body Handbag • Boots & Booties

Men’s Fashion Hit List: • Sweater Vest • Vest paired with a great tie

You can now travel the globe in style or just celebrate your chic and fashionable fall look with these easy and affordable pieces that will add a “pop of fashion” to your closet. Thanks for allowing me to bring you the best in Beauty and Fashion. E-mail me with any beauty or fashion questions at debra@DebraKennedyShow.com. Debra Ann Kennedy, Fashion Editor

A PersonAl

trAining

& lifestyle open

mAnAgement studio

dedicAted to obtAining And mAintAining

the results you Are looking for. $100 off Any PAckAge

ife Need in L s

B n ce

Eve r

ala

Just Mention Elevate When Calling

Balance Fitness Studio Personal Training & Lifestyle Management 704-343-9544 BalanceFitnessStudio.net

704.968.6407

We Cater!

COMMON HOUSE CATERING A division of:

704-999-2943

commonhousecatering@gmail.com | Visit: commonhousecatering.com

Check Out Our Other Restaurants

Pizza

Burgers

7th Street Highland Creek Mint Hill Carmel Road Next to Loco Lime

20% gratuity will be added to all parties of 8 or more

Visit our web site at

WWW.LOCOLIMECHARLOTTE.COM THE LOCO LIME MEXICAN INSPIRED GRILL â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.LOCOLIMECHARLOTTE.COM

fashion

Fall 2012 Makeup Trends As hot as it has been this summer, the makeup trends for this fall season are even hotter! If there has ever been a season to step out of the box and take a risk, this season is it! From bold, saturated matte lips to smoldering eyes, this season is definitely not for the faint of heart. My advice is to not take it so seriously, and to have fun. Embrace your inner cover girl and let Fall 2012 be your season to WORK IT! Check out the following trends that are sure to help you turn up the volume! Trend 1: A Flawless Complexion There is no trend more important than having a flawless complexion. Whether you are using a tinted moisturizer or a full coverage foundation, there are some tips to ensure that your complexion not only looks flawless, but also looks natural. Remember that a foundation is meant to even the skin not cover it. Most important is the fact that it should perfectly match your skin. Be sure to stay away from powder foundations. They are quick and easy, but tend

to make the skin look matte, dry and aged. Make sure it is a foundation that is good for your skin. It should include ingredients like Vitamins A, C and E. For the best match and the best results, I recommend not selecting the shade yourself. Consult with a makeup artist or beauty expert. Having the right shade and texture is a must. Trend 2: Sultry eyes Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think smoky eyes. Think sultry, smoldering eyes! The deep matte smoky eye has evolved into metallic shades that literally melt into each other. The beauty of this evolution in eyes is that it really brings emphasis to the eyes, not the eye makeup. Many times the old school smoky eye can overwhelm the eye. Sultry eyes are the rage with the likes of celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Victoria Beckham. The perfect complement to your smoldering eyes is thick voluminous lashes. For the true risk-takers out there, add a few individual lashes to the end of the lash line. This will give you a little more fullness and create a nice lift and openness to the eyes. Trend 3: Matte Saturated Lip Color The matte red lipstick trend perseveres this Fall, but the real trend in lips is deep matte mulberry shades! This look for lips is very chic and couture! If you are curious about giving this a try, but arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure about going for the sultry eyes as well then partner it with a very clean, neutral eye. Believe me; this trend is so fierce it can definitely stand alone. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like matte lipstick, then opt for a mulberry shade of gloss. Remember that it is important to adapt these trends to your everyday life.

Also let me remind you that it is just lipstick. It’s not that serious. Have fun, experiment. Trend 4: Barely-There Cheeks With a concentrated focus on eyes and lips, it is important to keep your cheek color super soft and barely there. Opt for a very sheer natural pink or peachy tone. You literally want just a wash of color. It should be as light as a whisper. I recommend using a fan brush for the application. If you are not familiar with a fan brush, it literally looks like a small fan and it is essential to achieving this look. As I always say, cheek color can be the best part of a woman’s makeup or it can be the worst. Follow these simple instructions and you will achieve perfect barely-there cheeks. Life Trend: The tagline for my brand truly sums up my life trend this month; “love yourself. love others. make an iMpact.” Whether you know it or not, you must have a healthy love of you in order to truly love others. I insist that you claim this season as your season to go deeper in your love walk. Love truly is the answer to all of life’s issues. Make LOVE your mantra! When you give love to yourself, you are in a position to love others in a very selfless way. You also begin to realize your true life’s purpose and start to use your life to make an iMpact on others. Learning to shift your focus on the welfare of others is in direct correlation to a greater measure of happiness! Spread some love this Fall season and you are guaranteed to attract more love. Products recommended: -Total iMpact multi-tasking foundation -Trinity iMpact eyeshadow trio in shade “i’M delicate” -Full iMpact crème lipstick in shade “i’M confident” -iPop iMpact cheek color in shade “i’M gentle” Stanley Owings, Fashion Contributor iMpactcolorcosmetics.com Facebook.com/stanley.owings @stanleyowings

fashion

Not Your Typical Tanning Salon City Tan is not your typical tanning salon. This uptown salon provides its clients with a high-end experience by offering only the best tanning equipment and products. City Tan’s professional staff can guide you through the tanning process whether you choose a spray tan, bed tan, or book their in-home tanning service. All of the salon’s services are available at an affordable price with group discounts as well. Read below to learn more about City Tan and how to stay safe while getting that gorgeous glow. Elevate Lifestyle: How do you differentiate yourself from other tanning salons? City Tan: We are located in the heart of Uptown -- the only tanning bed facility around Center City. We have state-of-the-art tanning beds and keep our facility very neat and clean. Our staff is trained and able to assist you with all your tanning needs. Our hours are very flexible to fit most people’s schedules and we are open on weekends!

EL: What type of tanning do you offer? Spray? Beds? CT: We offer both. We have different levels of beds including 15-minute, 12-minute and a nine-minute stand up. We also offer airbrush tanning by appointment only. We also will be offering the new Norvell sunless spray booth, coming soon! EL: Why would someone tan at your salon? Benefits? CT: We have state-of-theart Ergoline equipment. Our rooms are private and spacious. We have iPod hookups in all beds so you can listen to your choice of music. Our staff is very friendly and knowledgeable to everyone’s needs. EL: Do you tan? Why? CT: Of course -- there are many benefits to tanning. One in particular is Vitamin D, which is the only vitamin that you can get from absorbing UV light. In fact, most people are Vitamin D deficient and don’t even know it. For more information on Vitamin D and its benefits, you can visit www.sunshinevitamin.com EL: Are there ways to reduce the health risks of tanning and prevent burning? CT: Yes. Our staff is Smart Tan-certified and very knowledgeable about correct tanning exposure times for each individual’s skin type. Moderation is always recommended. We also recommend tanning with lotion to help prevent burning. We require eyewear to be worn at all times. EL: Is it safer to tan in a bed or outside? CT: There are studies that are for both and against both. Of course, sunless tanning has no UV light and gives your skin no UV exposure. However, it also gives you no Vitamin D nor does it help you build your base tan to prevent burning in the sun.

EL: How often is it safe to go tanning? CT: There are many factors that are used to decide how often a person should tan. Type of bed, tannerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin type, previous UV exposure and lotion used may all be deciding factors. EL: What should you wear to tan? CT: That is a matter of preference. Whatever you feel comfortable in, if anything. Some people prefer no tan lines while others do. EL: What steps, if any, should you take to prolong your tan? CT: We always recommend using a good moisturizer. UV light can dry your skin out. Many moisturizers that are out there are quick fixes and are horrible for your skin. When choosing a good moisturizer, make sure it is not full of mineral oil and other oils that are used as just fillers. We have a wide variety of different types of moisturizers that can prolong your tan and keep your skin soft and healthy. EL: Does your skin type affect the way you tan? CT: Yes. Skin type is the key to how a person tans. Someone with a lighter skin type is going to take longer to see results than a person with a darker or olive color skin type. EL: What advice would you give to a person deciding between a spray-on tan and a tanning bed? CT: A sunless spray tan is a great way of getting color quickly before an event, wedding, graduation, party, etc.Â Tanning in a bed is great if the person wants to build a tan and keep color weekly, monthly or all year round. Tanning in a bed also builds your UV exposure levels if you are going on vacation and going to be out in the sun. You should still always wear a sunscreen anytime in the sun.

EL: How can you prevent yourself from appearing orange or over tanned? CT: Limit your use of tanning lotions that contain high levels of DHA bronzers while tanning in a bed. When getting an airbrush tan or any kind of sunless spray tan, make sure the salon of your choice uses a high grade solution. Here at City Tan we use Norvell solution, the best in the industry! EL: Do you offer in-home spray tans? CT:Yes, we offer mobile spray tanning by appointment only. EL: Are group tanning discounts, such as for wedding parties, available? CT: Yes, of course. We will make price points for anyone’s needs whether it is an event, a promotion or any other type of group needs. EL: Will tanning cause wrinkles or premature aging? CT: Let’s face it; anything can cause wrinkles and premature aging. There are a lot of factors that play into someone’s skin besides tanning. Staying healthy, eating right and exercising are also factors that contribute to the aging of the skin. When tanning, we recommend moderation and using a good tanning lotion and moisturizer. EL: What products do you use? Do you sell them in the store? CT: We are a Devoted Creations exclusive salon. All of our lotions contain ingredients for great skin care while helping acquire your maximum tanning results. We also have lotions specifically designed for the face and legs while tanning. For more information on the lotions that we carry, visit www.devotedcreations.com 704.887.9727 127 N. Tryon St. U258 Charlotte, NC 28202 CityTanNC.com | @CityTanNC Facebook.com/#!/citytanNC Anna Starnes

open

fashion

There is a place in the shadow of the mistswept Andean Mountains where bright, vibrant colors are born onto woven fabrics. The passion for each individual garment is apparent in every stitch and every cut. Such passion is what drew Walter Perkins Jr., owner of H. Rosaletti Imports, to Ecuador. “The colors reminded me of the Carnaval parades I saw as a child,” he said. His comparison is not far off, as Ecuadorians have been celebrating Carnaval for centuries. Prior to Spanish occupation, the Native Huarangas Indians used to celebrate the second moon of the year by throwing perfumes, flowers, and water on each other. These celebrations as well as the “Mellow Vida” vibe of Ecuador are the inspirations behind the designs of our line of scarves.

Photography by Thomas Hegman

Bright Vibrant Colors

H. Rosaletti was born in North Carolina, but conceived from Latin American roots. Our scarves are made on vintage draper looms in a rural pueblo of Ecuador, famous for their fabrics. Draper looms produce fabric of uncommon quality and honest uniqueness with subtle variations from piece to piece. Only a handful of weavers worldwide still use these exceptional looms today. Whether you are in a winter wonderland, on a breathtaking beach, or viewing fascinating fall foliage, our scarves will help you stand out from the crowd. They can be folded, twisted, or wrapped to match any and every outfit. Their selvedge edges do not need to be hemmed, are tissue weight, and are soft to the touch. While they are oversized, their lightweight features provided by the selvedge edges, conjure a breezy and flirtatious elegance. Don’t be surprised if the wind chooses to make playful waves at our scarves. It’s just in their nature. While we love our scarves, we love the people of Ecuador even more. Their hospitality and unmatched benevolence is something we hold in the highest regard. As a result, you can rest assured that every scarf purchased supports local Ecuadorian economies. Here at H. Rosaletti we live by the Ecuadorian Proverb, “When one helps another, both gain in strength.” We personally invite you to visit www.hrosaletti.com and look for our exceptional scarves. Look for new exciting products on the way!

open

Saturday, October 20th, 2012 Meet up at 11am for Beer and Drink Specials at All American Pub. Bus leaves at noon and returns by 5pm. $17 FOR ONE | $28 FOR TWO: Includes $20 ticket, transportation, beer and cocktails on the bus. There is limited space on the bus, so reserve your seat now at TicketsSoEasy.com/RenFest

ElevateLifestyle.com

open

COVER GIRL 2012 SEARCH

ife Need in L s

B n ce

Eve r

ala

Balance Fitness Studio Personal Training & Lifestyle Management 704-343-9544

THE Carolina Panthers' Bar Before, during, and after the game! 9/16 - Panthers vs. Saints 1pm 9/20 - Panthers vs. Giants 8pm Reserved Tables Available DOORS OPEN UP TWO HOURS BEFORE GAME TIME! For More Information visit us at: cansrecycled@gmail.com RoaringRiot.com Facebook.com/Cans.Recycled Twitter @RoaringRiot

500 West 5th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

2nd Annual

Candy Land Party

PANTHERS KICK OFF PARTY

Friday, September 14th 2012 7:00 - 10:00 PM

$5 COVER INCLUDES Appetizers | 3 Raffle Tickets | Drink & Beer Specials

1936 East 7th Street, Charlotte 28204 ElevateLifestyle

ElevateLifestyle.com

ElevateClt

IN FOCUS

photos by: lazyday.com

THE OFFICIAL SPOT FOR BUCKEYE FANS. RIGHT HERE, EVERY WEEK. 210 East Trade : EpiCentre : Charlotte, NC 28202 704.716.9300 : www.StrikeCityCharlotte.com

@StrikeCityCLT

IN FOCUS

photos by: lazyday.com

tequila every thursday

THERAPY

$5 Vida Margaritas : $20 Vida Margaritas and Sangria Pitchers 210 EAST TRADE STREET / SUITE 104A / CHARLOTTE, NC 28202 / WWW.VIDACANTINA.COM

IN FOCUS

photos by: lazyday.com

open

IN FOCUS

photos by: lazyday.com

MON - $3 GuiNNess, $4 Car BOMBs Tue - $2 Beer, $3 Wells WeD - $4 u-Call-iTs THu - COlleGe NiGHT Fri - $1 DraFTs saT - $5 JaGer BOMBs suN - s.i.N. NiGHT Book your BirThday, BaChelor/BaCheloreTTe aNd holiday parTieS. aSk for MaNdy.

200 North Tryon Street, S100 Charlotte, NC 28202 Corner of 5th and North Tryon Streets 704-334-3324 | TownTavernCharlotte.com

WEB AWARDS 2012 photos by: Charlotte Seen

IN FOCUS

photos by: lazyday.com

Coming in october 2012

Fall DINING, ENTERTaINMENT, aND NIGHTlIFE GUIDE

DEMOGRAPHICS OF ELEVATE LIFESTYLE READERS: Female 55.4% | male 44.6% Age: 21-27: 25.5% | 28-34: 45.2% | 35-44: 29.3% Annual income: Less then $35K: 2.2% Between $35K-$54,999: 31.7% | Above $55K+: 56.1% PSYCHOGRAPHICS OF ELEVATE LIFESTYLE READERS: Dine out 3x a week: 90.2% goes out for drinks 3x a week: 67.1% order drinks by brand name: 68.3% order beers by brand name: 81.7% SPECIAL EDITORIAL RATES: 3X Monthly Consecutive Buy Includes: • Online Editorial and Website Banner Advertisement (300 x 250) • Facebook Posting of Your Advertisement Weekly 7,900 Friends and Fans (Facebook.com/ElevateLifestyle had 254,000 Impressions in July)

• Inclusion Into Our Weekly E-Blast to 5,700+ Email Subscribers • $2500+ VALUE | PACKAGE COST $1200 | MONTHLY FEE $400 Offer For New Clients Only | If Paid In Full $1000 Featured Editorial Content: Contact us at info@ElevateLifestyle.com

FOR STRATEGIC ADVERTISNG IN THIS ISSUE, PLEASE CALL 980.475.8600 OR EMAIL US AT ADV@ELEVATELIFESTYLE.COM

kiss951.com