JUNE june/july
Columbia/Augusta/Aiken Augusta, Aiken & Columbia
free!
skirt!is
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Summer is: A school’s-out state of mind. Skirts instead of pants. Ants at your picnic. Salt on your watermelon. Sunstreaked hair, naturally. Playing hooky from winter. Hot pink and hot salsa. Cut-offs and fresh-cut limes.
Neon-bright sunlight. Fifty shades of blue skies. Tubing a meandering mountain creek. The fewest clothes possible. Calling a nap a siesta. Finding the sunglasses you thought you lost. A personal playlist that’s Popsicles for your ears. Trashy books that baste your brain. Showering off a day at the beach.
Tents and ten-speeds. People-watching from sidewalk cafés. Your first boyfriend, your first broken heart, your first rebound. Lawn-mower mornings, swimming-pool afternoons, solar-powered memories. Cover copy by Nikki Hardin, art by Aimee Sicuro
“Some of the best memories are made in flip flops.” Kellie Elmore
about skirt!
Publisher Nikki Hardin publisher@skirt.com
J U N E / J u LY
National Art Director Caitilin McPhillips caitilin.mcphillips@skirt.com National Editor Margaret Pilarski margaret.pilarski@skirt.com Market Manager (Augusta/Aiken/Columbia) Kate Cooper Metts kate.metts@skirt.com Contributing Editor Columbia Jenny Maxwell jennymaxwell@mindspring.com Contributing Editor Augusta/Aiken Gracie Shepherd gracie.shepherd@skirt.com
skirt! is all about women... their work, play, families, creativity, style, health and wealth, bodies and souls. skirt! is an attitude...spirited, independent, outspoken, serious, playful and irreverent, sometimes controversial, always passionate.
Sales Executives Libby Salvador libby.salvador@skirt.com
Graphic Designer Cher Wheeler Meaghan Pafford
sheMAIL skirt! 127-A 7th Street Augusta, GA 30901 Sales: 706.823.3373 Sales Toll-Free: 800.622.6358 FAX: 706.823.6083 www.skirt.com
The
Summer Issue
Essays
Summer Lightning
Stacy Appel ................................................................................... 11
Photography Molly Harrell Chris Thelen
Finding My Native Self
Cynthia Briggs................................................................................ 13 Depression Poker
Bridget Smith................................................................................. 14
skirt.com skirt! is published monthly and distributed free throughout the greater Augusta/Aiken/ Columbia area. skirt! reserves the right to refuse to sell space for any advertisement the staff deems inappropriate for the publication. Unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by a selfaddressed, stamped envelope. Letters to the editor are welcome, but may be edited due to space limitations. Press releases must be received by the 1st of the month for the following month’s issue. All content of this magazine, including without limitation the design, advertisements, art, photos and editorial content, as well as the selection, coordination and arrangement thereof, is Copyright © 2010, Morris Publishing Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this magazine may be copied or reprinted without the express written permission of the publisher. SKIRT!® is a registered trademark of Morris Publishing Group, LLC.
Women make more than 80% of all purchasing decisions.
Features
Women spend almost 2 of every 3 healthcare dollars.
Women control 2/3 of the nation’s disposable income.
Letter from the Publisher.......................................................... 6
Letter from the Editor................................................................ 6
Feel Good....................................................................................... 18 Women influence 80% of all car sales.
He’s So Original........................................................................... 24
Meet.................................................................................................... 26
Skirt of the Month..................................................................... 29
Planet Nikki..................................................................................... 34 4 june / july
2012 www.skirt.com
Illustration by BerinMade Illustrated Paper Goods. berinmade.com
NLY E J U N Ej/UJ U
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2012  5
THE UNITED SKIRTS OF AMERICA
The United Skirts of America was founded on the blood, sweat and estrogen of our
The
won us the freedom
I used to buy fresh flowers at the grocery store every week until I started
to choose...to break
feeling guilty about what seemed a luxurious self-indulgence. I would be
combat boots or high Aimee Sicuro received a BFA from Columbus College of Art
Summer Issue
foremothers, who
The Rules, to wear
Aimee Sicuro
FROM THE PUBLISHER
heels, to run for office or run a marathon,
good, I told myself, and save rather than splurge on things I didn’t need. So for almost a year, I mostly turned a blind eye to the purple irises, the white hydrangeas, the big open-hearted sunflowers. But then the peonies
and Design. After experience
to form our own
arrived. Buckets of deep rose-colored ones first. Yes, they were expensive,
working as a line designer for
rock groups instead
but I had peony fever and I thought, “just this once.” And the next week,
of being groupies, to
bunches were waiting of the palest pink ones with a dash of alizarin red
American Greetings and a Flash animator for a once-budding dot-com in San Francisco,
shatter Glass Ceilings
she packed her portfolio and
and Glass Slippers, to
headed to New York. Inspired by circumstance and in search
shoot hoops instead
in their centers. And I caved again. They don’t last long, these goddesses of the garden, opening in one lush, languid burst of sensuality. But their scent reminds me of my grandmother’s house in summer—the quiet rooms,
of a new perspective, she took
of settling for hoop
a job as a project manager and
skirts. The ones who
the polished furniture, the lingering smell of woodsmoke from the past
came before us made
winter, starched white curtains breathing in and out on the sultry breeze
she spent three years learning
it possible for our
of a long gold-green afternoon. And peonies blooming in the yard. I would
the business of art and the art
daughters to dream
illustrator at a design firm in Soho. At Slover and Company
of business. Currently, Aimee lives and works as a freelance
bigger, to have the
illustrator in California where
chance to grow up to
she rediscovers life every day
be President and turn
on the vibrant streets of San Francisco. Whether she is
have paid twice what I did for the inrushing of that precious sense memory as I cupped their flower faces in my hands and inhaled.
Nikki
the Oval Office into
publisher@skirt.com
running in Golden Gate Park or
the Ovary Office. In
FROM THE EDITOR
sketching at her favorite corner
the United Skirts of
I believe one of the biggest flaws in American society is that grown ups don’t get a summer break.
America, every day is
Instead of everyone agreeing to call a truce to the stock market, deadlines and sales we are forced
café, she never fails to return home with oodles of good material for her art and a renewed determination to live a creative life. aimeesicuro.com
Independence Day! VISIT US ON SKIRT.COM
to keep wearing suits through the hot-as-hell months and banana popsicles are often reserved for weekends only. Wouldn’t the world be a greater place if on May 31 we all left the office for one month to immerse ourselves in the world of sprinklers, vegetable gardening and the damp breeze that often accompanies a summer sunrise? Of course, we can experience all of those things even with a full-time job. This summer I’m going to be okay with less sleep and more nighttime outdoor adventures, less air conditioning and more freckles, and hopefully collect a few more summer stories along the way to brighten the rest of year.
Gracie SPF
6 june / july
2012 www.skirt.com
gracie.shepherd@skirt.com
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2012 9
A GROOVY CHAIR EVEN 35 YEARS BEFORE DISCO. The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design presents the history, innovation and construction of American chair design from the 1800s to the present. Columbia Museum of Art 1515 Main Street in downtown Columbia, SC columbiamuseum.org | 803.799.2810
200 YEARS OF AMERICAN DESIGN
APRIL 28 -
AUGUST 26
Designed by Thomas E. Warren | Manufactured by the American Chair Company | Centripetal Spring Arm Chair, c. 1850 | Photo credit: Michael Koryta. The Art of Seating is organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville in collaboration with the Jacobsen Collection of American Art and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C.
PRESENTED BY:
EDUCATION SPONSOR: BMW of Columbia Authorized Center
FORD BOYD INTERIORS
www.bmwofcolumbia.com
The Ultimate Driving Machine®
Hannah Ronald Rogers
&
www.ShoesatSurrey.com
Ladies Shoes & Handbags
Summer SALE
Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 6 pm • Sat. 10 am - 4 pm • Surrey Center • 487 Highland Ave. • Augusta, GA • 706.504.3532
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presents
Mister Preston Bailey Mr. Bailey is one of the world’s preeminent floral and event designers. Client base includes Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Donna Karan, Bill Cosby, Jennifer Hudson, among others. VIP Reception / Tickets $125 Sunday, September 9, 2012 4pm-7pm Seawell’s Banquet Center 1125 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC After August 1st – tickets are $175
Luncheon / Tickets $125 Monday, September 10, 2012 11am-1pm Brookland Banquet & Conference Center 1066 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC After August 1st – tickets are $175
Combo Special / Tickets $200 For Tickets or Sponsorships please visit www.brooklandfoundation.org or call The Brookland Foundation | 803.744.7914
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FEEL GOOD JUNE
chOOsE a styLE:
skinny rElaxEd slim troUsEr custOmizE thE Fabric, wash, LEG shapE, pOckEts anD mOrE.
Feel Good About Your Fit Do you dread shopping for jeans as much as you hate trying on bathing suits? INDi has solved the problem by developing a method that combines technology with hand crafting to allow you to create a personal fit for the jeans you purchase from them. Choose a style (skinny, relaxed, slim or trouser) and customize the fabric, wash, leg shape, pockets and more. Once you’ve purchased with INDi, they save your unique pattern forever. You can always reorder the same exact pair or try new styles and trends. Even Helen Mirren has a testimonial on the site!
indicustom.com
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PROUDLY MADE IN USA
GIFT REGISTRY Calaisio • Pickard • Skyros Designs • Julia Knight Le Cadeaux • Anna Weatherley • Match Pewter Michael Aram • Spode • Simon Pearce
141 Laurens Street, SW | Aiken, SC 803.648.7592
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Nutrition Therapy • menopause issues • blood sugar management • cholesterol lowering • weight reduction • IBS
5160 Woodside Executive Ct. • Aiken, SC 803-642-9360 • cattfood@bellsouth.net www.skirt.com june / july
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26 june / july
2012 www.skirt.com
Say I Do with Bev Bridal Boutique, LLC
When saying “I Do” is done with Elegance and Simplicity
� Bridal
Attire � Special Events � Jewelry � Shoes � Bridal Consultations available Hours Closed Sun & Mon T 10-5
W-F 10-6 Sat – 10-4
1724 Wrightsboro Rd, Augusta, GA | 706.736-2202
Your place for Locally grown produce
Eat Healthy! 150 Davis Road • Augusta, GA 30907 • 706-550-0227 (Look for the green and white tent!) Mon-Sat 8 to 8 • Sun 10-6
www.persnicketyinteriors.net
NOW OPEN Enjoy a night out while “Getting Your Art Buzz On” with us at Wine and Design Bring your own bottle of wine (or beverage of choice) and enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with friends, fun and fabulous art!
thru July 31, 2012
At Wine and Design, all you have to do is sign up, show up, sip up! Your canvas, paints, paintbrushes, will be waiting as a local artist helps you create that night’s featured painting. You go home with new friends made, great memories, and a newly-created masterpiece that shows off your “inner artist”.
We Offer Full Interior Design Service
And for CHILDREN…we have an entire division called ART BUZZ KIDS that is all about… KIDS!! Birthday Parties, Summer Camps and Kid Classes
Sign Up! Show Up! Sip Up & Paint! 2021 Walton Way Augusta, GA 706.736.6400 Monday - Friday, 9-5
Go to our website at www.wineanddesignus.com/Columbia to see our calendar of classes. Richland Mall (2nd floor) | 3400 Forest Drive Columbia, SC 803.661.9015 (studio) | www.wideanddesignus.com/Columbia
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Have A Safe & Happy 4th! We Support All Military Families Both Active And Retired
• Surgical placement of implants • Comprehensive gum disease treatments • Bone grafts, soft tissue grafts and deep cleanings • Extractions (including wisdom teeth) • Regular checkups, x-rays, and cleanings
Implant dentistry is just one of our specialties!
Now offering Bleaching
Most insurance accepted and our staff will gladly file your insurance. • CareCredit Available Check your policy... Insurance may cover new dental procedures like implants.
Ladies L adiee Apparel Located in Historic Summerville 1502 Monte Sano Ave. Augusta, GA 706.738.4888 Mon–Fri 10–5:30 Sat 11-4 For the month of July we will be closed on Saturdays
Like us on Lik
28 june / july
2012 www.skirt.com
Illustration by Monkey Mind Design, Unique Paper Expressions. monkeymindesign.etsy.com
Skirt of the Month Van Jean 2734 Devine St. Columbia 803.252.4339 shopvanjean.com
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2012  29
If partIcular
care
and attentIon Is not paId to the ladIes, we are determIned to foment a rebellIon, and wIll not hold ourselves bound by any laws In whIch we have no
voIce
or representatIon. Abigail Adams (1744-1818)
30  june / july
2012  www.skirt.com
www.wedding101.net 1537 Main Street, Suite B Columbia, SC 29201 M: 803.463.2386 ∙ O: 803.254.4101 ∙ F: 803.254.4103 T-F 10-4 ∙ Sat 10-2 ∙ Sun & Mon Closed Evenings by Appointment
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We ask justice, We
ask
equality, We ask that all the civil and political rights that belong to citizens of the united states, be guaranteed to us and our daughters forever.� Susan B. Anthony, 1876
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planetnikki [ a visual journal ]
I bought a print of a dancing Ganesha last month that I intend to frame and to hang opposite my bed.
I want to wake up every morning facing the clever elephant god and believing that the obstacles
I encounter that day can be faced and removed. Especially the ones I put in front of myself...
the self-doubt, defeatism and dare-nots. Instead, I want to open my eyes and think,
“let’s dance.” I’m very attached to my silver skull bracelet by Douglas Magnus. I’m not into dainty jewelry, so its chunkiness and heavy weight make me want to wear it with everything.
I own all the music put out by Girls, but I return to the gorgeous “Love Like a River” off their latest CD, Father, Son, Holy Ghost, over and over.
My bag by Dana Waldon and Kat Schilke of Santa Fe Scout Collection has a hippie vibe and is handmade from an old Navajo rug trimmed with silver, deer hide, turquoise, horn, leather horse tack and fringe. I love how it gently jingles when I walk. (Check out their Facebook page.)
My photographer friend in London swears I could learn to use this Olympus E-P2 Pen camera, even though I’m notoriously averse to reading manuals and just hit buttons until something happens.The black and white function produces photos that look like slightly grainy film...so cool.
Nikki Hardin is the founder and publisher of skirt! magazine. She blogs at fridaville.com. 34 june / july
2012 www.skirt.com
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