“Because you are elite, come discover Oomph Boutique,” is their motto. As one of Charlotte’s hidden treasures, Oomph Boutique offers an extraordinary shopping experience for the discerning fashionista. Stunning décor. Complimentary wine. Outstanding customer-service. You will feel like royalty. NXL21 Charlotte chatted with boutique owner Arien Agurs:

NXL21 Charlotte: How long has Oomph Boutique been open?

Arien Agurs: The boutique has been open since October 2010.

NXL21 Charlotte: What does Oomph Boutique sell?

Arien Agurs: We sell women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories.

NXL21 Charlotte: Where did the vision of Oomph Boutique come from?

Arien Agurs: I’m a very big shopper and loyal shopper. I was tired of seeing people in the same garments. I felt that there was a need for something exclusive without the hefty price tag.

NXL21 Charlotte: How did you come up with the name Oomph Boutique?

Arien Agurs: It’s kind of an inside joke. People that know me personally know that I’ve always had a fabulous closet. Some of my girlfriends would come over and get dressed at my house. I would help them with their outfits and say, “It’s cute but it’s missing a little bit of oomph.” That’s how I came up with Oomph Boutique - that extra pizzazz or spice.

NXL21 Charlotte: Who is your target customer?

Arien Agurs: My target customer is women between the ages of twenty to late thirties. There are women in their forties that come in also. There is something here for everyone. I target women that want to look trendy with a conservative edge. Professionals. People that like to have a good time and look different.

NXL21 Charlotte: What makes Oomph Boutique different from other boutiques in Charlotte?

Arien Agurs: A few things. Customer service would be first on my list. Usually, once businesses become stagnant, it seems like that hunger to please customers deteriorates. I feel like all of my customers are my girlfriends. I want them to be able to talk to me. If it doesn’t look good, I’ll let you know. I may suggest it in another color or different style. I give all the women that come in exceptional customer service. Secondly, even though a boutique name is attached to Oomph, there aren’t boutique prices. It’s affordable with great, quality merchandise. Also, we have something new every single week.

NXL21 Charlotte: What trend do you forecast will be popular in spring?

Arien Agurs: Colors. Lots and lots of colors. I think we’re getting tired of earth tones. Purple, fuchsia, oranges, and reds will be in. Don’t be afraid to take risks this season. Flats will also be popular. We have some new flats that are absolutely adorable. They come in yellow, tan, and orange with Swarovski crystals. They are exclusive and you won’t see them on anyone else. I love heels, but don’t be afraid to take off that height sometimes; it’s okay to be in flats.

NXL21 Charlotte: Where do you see Oomph Boutique in the next five years?

Arien Agurs: With this particular boutique, I want to branch out to another location. I have another boutique in the works in Houston, Texas. But, there will definitely be another location in Charlotte. Also, I see us still standing strong with a dedication to our core values - a commitment to our customers and unparalleled customer service.

NXL 21 Charlotte: What personal struggles did you face when opening Oomph Boutique?

Arien Agurs: The biggest difficulty I had was looking for the support of other people. Not monetary support but just support period. People didn’t understand why I would take such a risk, but it’s okay for people not to get it. I truly believe what God has for me is for me. You may not understand it, but it’s for me. I knew it was something I had to do. Not everyone is going to be supportive. You have to believe in yourself.

NXL21 Charlotte: What advice do you have for other young entrepreneurs?

Arien Agurs: My advice is to know your business. Do your homework. Selling clothes is the easy part. Know your finances. Pay your taxes. When you branch out on your own as a small business, there is no Human Resources. You have to be everything. Be prepared. ▪

*Owner - Arien Agurs

*Flats with Swarovski Crystals

Be sure to follow Oomph Boutique on Twitter @oomphboutique.

Visit Oomph Boutique on Facebook at facebook.com/oomphboutiquecharlotte.

Address & Phone Number:

Oomph Boutique

8829 Arbor Creek Drive
Charlotte, North Carolina 28260
704.948.4153

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday - Thursday (11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Friday - Saturday (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

Special Features:

+ Unique Pieces
+ Reasonable Prices
+ Personal Shopping
+ Style Assessment
+ Complimentary Wine
+ Intimate Shopping Atmosphere
+ Exclusive Boutique Parties
+ Exceptional Customer Service

Available Job Position:

-Assistant
-Retail and Customer Service Experience Preferred
-Send resume or inquires to oomph@oomphboutique.com

Next Season, Next Level: CIAA Fashion Trends

- Monique Douglas

On March 20th of each year, we welcome the 1st day of spring. We do this by unlocking our clothing bins or trunks, and packing away our turtlenecks and toboggans. While we prepare for a warmer climate, the Queen City and surrounding areas are preparing for a different type of climate change -the social climate change- that occurs every early March: The annual CIAA basketball tournament.

This year’s college basketball tournament takes place at the Time Warner Cable Arena, February 28-March 5th and garners tourists from up and down the east coast. The ending weekend of the tournament brings tons of revenue to Charlotte’s nightlife, as every club and promoter will be hosting parties at any feasible venue. When a weekend like CIAA approaches, the city of Charlotte has to prepare for the sudden change in social climate…and dress accordingly, of course. Here are some items that are hot fashion trends this upcoming CIAA weekend, and some that just need to stop:

HOT!

·Trendy timepieces. Spring is blossoming and with it brings colorful watches from the inexpensive to the pricier designers, for both men and women

·Rompers. Paired with high heels they can be sexy, flirty, and comfortable. Need I say more?

·Lace. This fabric is being spotted more recent than any other trendy fabrics. Though not a personal favorite, the right article of clothing in a lacey fabric can be attractive and romantic

·Think in Prints. Leopard, safari, floral or exotic themes are all fashionable this season

STOP!

·Retire the rubber-looking leggings. Sorry ladies. I know that as a lady myself, I should be shot and strangled for writing this but the leather look is out this season. Stick to the “jeggings” or regular leggings if need be, to accommodate the change of temperature

·Saving pennies on cheap perfume/cologne. Please do all of the ticket-buying patrons a favor by spending more for an actual eau de parfum. Cheaper scents tend to have an unpleasant smell

·Strutting in “Stripper heels”. You know what I’m talking about. Let’s opt for a more fashionable, classy platform heel instead. They can be found with a visible or hidden platform and in any fabric. I own a pair in suede actually and I find it elongates the legs for a flattering look!

·Throwing on Uggs. Yes, I know that there are day-parties galore however do not attend any of them sporting a pair of these popular Australian boots. Yes we love them, yes they are comfortable but they need to hibernate in the spring

So as you prepare to attend The Ritz-Carlton for the NXL21 on March 5th, be sure to take a quick look at what’s hot enough to wear for this big, eventful weekend!

For more information on NXL21 Charlotte events during CIAA, visit http://charlotte.nxlevelent.com/ .

Man of Style || The Jeffrey Lee Interview

-By: Chanel Murphy

NXL21 Charlotte engaged in a session of Q&A with the CEO of HTDOGWTR- Jeffrey Lee. This clothing line is fresh and innovative, designed specifically for the “individual.” “My inspiration is to push people to be individuals. You set your tone. Make your own statement. I only make a certain amount of pieces,” said Jeffrey Lee.

NXL21 Charlotte: When did you start your clothing line HTDOGWTR?

Jeffrey Lee: I started my clothing line in 2006.

NXL21 Charlotte: The name of your clothing line is interesting. What’s the story behind the name "HTDOGWTR?"

Jeffrey Lee: When I was younger I grew up around my grandpa and grandma. They used to take us to the park and my grandpa would cook on the grill. He used to give us a hotdog and tell us to go to the water fountain. That’s where the name came from. I was trying to come up with a name for my line and that’s what stuck. People said it was something I couldn't do. There was a challenge within the name itself.

NXL21 Charlotte: What kind of products do you make?

Jeffrey Lee: I started out making women's handbags. But now HTDOGWTR carries hats, shirts, dresses, jeans, eyewear, etc. for men and women- a full line.

NXL21 Charlotte: When did you become interested in creating clothing?

Jeffrey Lee: I’m an only child and grew up with a single parent. My mom used to make my Halloween costumes. I learned how to sew at the age of five.

NXL21 Charlotte: You don’t create clothing based on the seasons -spring/summer and fall/winter- like most fashion designers. How often do you produce new clothing?

Jeffrey Lee: I design in collections and it depends on how I’m feeling at the time. I don’t believe in the ordinary trends of fashion. My clothing is not for the average person. Don’t let the clothes make you. Make the clothes. Fashion is about expression.

NXL21 Charlotte: What fashion trend do you foresee becoming popular soon?

Jeffrey Lee: Raccoon tails and fox tails. People are wearing them on bags, hips, and belt loops. I saw it during New York Fashion Week.

NXL21 Charlotte: What are some setbacks that you have encountered?

Jeffrey Lee: One setback is that I'm doing it by myself. I'm the jack of all trades. Marketing. PR. I have one person who does all the characters and his name is 2E.

NXL21 Charlotte: Have you had any recent initiatives?

Jeffrey Lee: I sponsored the clothing for the whole second season of Fantasia Barrino's show on VH1- Fantasia For Real. Also, we're coming out with Fantasia's tour shirt.

NXL21 Charlotte: Where can customers purchase your clothing?

Jeffrey Lee: They can purchase products online at www.htdogwtr.com or at boutique Boris and Natasha in Charlotte.

NXL21 Charlotte: What is your favorite experience with NXL21 Charlotte?

Jeffrey Lee: The networking event downtown at Aquavina. It was last year.

NXL21 Charlotte: Lastly, do you have any advice for other entrepreneurs?

Jeffrey Lee: Stay focused. Don't give up. Keep pushing. Some things may not go your way but keep pushing.

Be sure to follow Jeffrey Lee on twitter @htdogwtr.

Inspiration from the Runway for Summer 2010

Summer is here and it is time to enhance your wardrobe. Stores everywhere have taken inspiration from the runway which makes it easy to find fashionable pieces in every price range.

The runway has been flooded with bold colors, prints and patterns. Betsey Johnson’s spring/summer 2010 line was filled with neon colored leopard print which is reminiscent of Rihanna’s Rude Boy video. Oranges, hot pinks, lime greens, and yellows are staple colors for this upcoming season. *Photograph: Solange Knowles in Betsey Johnson. Source: Essence

Jumpsuits and rompers are a recurring trend for summer 2010. They are comfortable and easy to dress down for day or dress up for night. This year, jumpsuits are loose-fitting and flattering for all body types. Jumpsuits look great in solid colors such as black or white but are amazing in a wild print.

Surprisingly, red is also a great color for this season. Many designers introduced a splash of red in their lines for spring/summer 2010. All-red blazers, skirts, dresses or handbags are an excellent addition to fashionista’s wardrobe. Zac Posen has designed a beautiful lightweight red leather jacket for Target. You can throw it on with a dress on a cool summer’s night.

Bib necklaces have definitely made their presence on the runway for spring/summer 2010. These bold pieces can be worn with a plain shirt and jeans or a simple dress. Wear small studs or no earrings at all with your bib necklace. Affordable bib necklaces can be found at local stores such as Forever 21, Bebe, or Anthropologie.

- Chanel Murphy