Come celebrate with Consignment cousin Vintage.....

By Constributing Writer Keren Charles

Now ya'll know I love consignment & thrift shopping. There is no better feeling than scoring a great fashion find without having to break the bank.

But one husband & wife team, Bianca & Bailey have shared their love for retro clothing via their online directory Consignment cousin Vintage (CcV). This website  is your one-stop source for thrift, consignment & vintage stores in the Atlanta area.

On Saturday, July 10, 2010, 6pm they will celebrate the one year anniversary of CcV with a Networking Mixer at the Colors of Wine, 2355 Cumberland Pkwy, In Atlanta. Attendees will have a chance to mix & mingle with resale store owners, fashion lovers & local stylists. Plus enjoy a Free Wine Tasting & raffle drawing for a wine basket.

"I want those who love second had shopping to come & celebrate a website that rejoices in being a beacon of guiding light to Atlanta's hidden resale clothing & furniture stores." Bianca said. " These stores have some wonderful finds and they need to be celebrated over wine"..

Please RSVP by July 9th at iwant@ATLconsignmentandvintage.com

http://www.atlconsignmentandvintage.com/

SAVE THE DATE!!!! Kaira Akita's.. A CLOTHES ENCOUNTER....

Holiday Dress Code....

by Keren Charles

With the start of the holiday season comes the invitations for office parties, black tie galas and cocktail parties. And the dreaded quest to find that party-perfect festive dress. Our selections below are from fashionENVY dress studio, a personal styling company that provides designer dresses for rental or sale. All dresses priced under $150 for a 3-day rental, so they won’t put too much of a dent in you shopping budget.

Cocktail Party: For a holiday cocktail party try something short, colorful and flirty.





Office Party: The office party may call for something a little more conservative.



Black-Tie Gala: For a Black-Tie Gala a floor-length gown is most appropriate. It is the perfect opportunity to play dress up. I mean how often to get a chance to do that? These elegant floor length gowns will definitely have all eyes on you.







more info on pricing click here

My Clothes Encounter... Secondhand Chic

By: Contributing Writer
Keren Charles

This weekend I finally had a chance to attend Kaira Akita’s A Clothes Encounter. We know her talent on screen in Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married & The Family That Preys, but A Clothes Encounter is her best performance yet. She has developed a luxury consignment concept that truly re-defines buying new-to-you fashion.

The selection of fashionable items including shoes, accessories and clothing, was just the right mix: from trendy to classic. So there was something there to suit everyone’s style.

Professional wardrobe stylist, Erica Dias, is also available for VIP shoppers to get assistance and advice as they shop for items that will complement their style & budget.

Not to mention the complimentary food, drinks, and great networking….this is one event that a budget fashionista should not miss. It is truly an upscale, chic and guilt-free shopping experience at its best.

One satisfied shopper, Jane Washington said it was her second time attending A Clothes Encounter. “I brought 10 friends with me this time,” she said. “It is a fabulous event with great networking and quality clothing”

I was also excited to see my sorority sister Amy, one of the VIP Bag Sponsors, promoting her new clothing line Good&Brown- Expressivewear for the hued wonders of the world. Check out her online store at www.sogoodandbrown.com

Amy GoodBrown












The next A Clothes Encounter is scheduled for Sunday, Dec 13 at Like The River Salon, 240 Highland Ave. 4pm-7pm

One Little Black Dress for 365 days....

By Contributing writer Keren Charles

Would you wear the same dress everyday for one year? I know some of you wouldn’t even be caught dead wearing the same outfit twice! But one woman has taken on this style challenge to raise awareness for sustainable fashion while raising money for the Akanksha Foundation, an educational organization based in Mumbai dedicated to opening schools in the slums of India.

For 365 days, Sheena Matheiken's only style option is a versatile black dress. She actually has 7 identical versions of the dress, one for each day of the week. The dress is reversible so it can be worn front or back, and also as an open tunic. She uses key pieces for layering and an array of donated accessories to make the dress look like a new outfit everyday. These are a few of my favorites:

To keep posted on Sheena’s progress, be sure to visit http://www.theuniformproject.com

As you know, I am all about frugal fashion but this is taking it to another level. Could you wear the same thing for even a few days in a row? Would this challenge inspire you to do something similar? I know our former catholic school girls can share some great styling tips? But honestly, I am a bit tempted to try it…maybe for a week. Anyone willing to join me?

CONFESSIONS OF A THRIFT SHOPPER..

By Contributing Writer: Keren Charles

"Ok, I admit it…I love shopping at thrift stores, it's my best kept shopping secret! You would be amazed at the fantastic items that I have scored over the years.

Because of the economy, there is no longer a social stigma attached to shopping for secondhand fashion. Many see it as a great alternative to shopping for a new-to-you wardrobe.

But if you are new to this fashionable trend, I offer the following tips to help you have a wonderful shopping experience:

Make a list & check it twice: When you enter a thrift store it can be overwhelming. All of those racks of clothes. You have to approach it as a treasure hunt. So take an inventory of your closet to see what you really need and shop for those items first.

Wear leggings, tank top & flip flops: Some thrift stores have a final sale policy and many do not have dressing rooms. So make sure you wear something that is easy enough for you to try on clothes

Best Location: Thrift stores located in affluent neighborhoods tend to have a better selection of items.

Become a preferred customer. I make it a point to go thrifting at least once a week. Some of the employees at my favorite stores know me. I know when the new merchandise comes in, upcoming sales and much more.

Want to give it a try? Check out these Thrifty Shopping Events in Atlanta this weekend.

Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 8:00am- 12:00pm

Monthly Thrift Store Shopping Trip: The group will visit various stores in Marietta

Hosted by: The Original Thrift Store Shoppers Group

Website: http://www.meetup.com/theoriginalthriftstoreshoppersgroup/

Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 4:00pm-7:00pm

Fill-A-Bag Shopping Party: Pay $25 for a shopping bag full of new-to-you fashion

The Spirit of Success Clothing Connection

Hosted by: ATL FashionSWAP Group

Website: http://www.meetup.com/atlswapnistas/

ACE Reviews.....

A Clothes Encounter turned out to be fabulous as always........And despite the unwanted weather, 'it girls" still came through with their stompers to take advantage of ACE's killer deals... Kaira, fabulous as always welcomed me with open arms, while embracing shoppers as if they were her girlfriends.....Major luv to all the vendors that participated.. muah!!! CHICA'S on the Grind!!!! & Check out pics below..

Be Mom Couture



Shoppers, ohhh & kesha Denise of Funky Flair Boutique...



The Fabulous Kaira Akita..





Sherane of Sherane's Vintage Closet..





Evonya Easley, Fashion Stylist.. look out for this girl..
www.loveefashion.com



Kesha Denise keeping her rack in line...



Kaira & Simone S.

Good Times...

For more details on A Clothes Encounter click here

KAIRA'S .........A CLOTHES ENCOUNTER

Kaira Akita is back at it again... A Clothes Encounter, A Luxury Consignment Event will blow your mind.. If you didn't attend the first event back in December, then take it from me.. you need to be there to get your shop on.. This month Kaira will feature participating vendors..SHERANE'S Vintage Closet, Funky Flair Boutique, Moms Couture, & The Soshoelite.. I look forward to this chic, consignment, cocktail, community give back soirée... Dont miss out on the affordable prices of the best labels we love...

A CLOTHES ENCOUNTER
April 23rd 6-10pm Defoors Centre 1710 Defoor Ave NW

Shop for new & gently loved Designer, name brand/women's apparel.. up to 80% off the retail price.. And enjoy complimentary cocktails all at once...

SIZES PETITE TO PLUS... MOST ITEMS $25 or Less Select proceeds benefits youth arts & education at Bliss & Feet Center for the Arts..