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/ .

People will talk about it.

People will remember it.

Some people will forever be changed…

We invite you to Urban Garden @ the Ritz during the CIAA tournament weekend!

The Ritz Carlton is the Queen City’s most inspired design which features a breath-taking, multi-level atrium nestled beside Bank of America’s innovative office tower. The atrium will play host to alumni and party-goers alike in one of the most distinguished venues overlooking the city skyline.

Glass walls create an inspiring backdrop for impromptu socializing, making the Urban Garden Charlotte’s ultimate party place to be front and center. The Urban Garden is a centerpiece for beautiful insanity personified as we celebrate the festivities during CIAA. Located three floors above street level, it offers easy access via a pedestrian pathway from the Bank of America Center Parking Garage, as well as across the sky bridges.

Entry is permitted in at 1 Bank of America Center at the corner of 5th and College Streets in Center City Charlotte.

This is a semi-formal affair. Your finest attire is requested.

• Complimentary Hors D’œuvres Served Butler Style • Multi-level atrium • Multiple Bar Stations • VIP Privileged Tables with Reserved Bottles

Advanced Tickets Exclusively at:

.UrbanGarden2011.Eventbrite.com

Doors open at 10:00 p.m. Dance until 2:00 a.m.

This is a private event. The event will be selective in nature. Admission will be reserved for those with advance tickets and who demonstrate progressive style and execution. We ask that you prepare and dress accordingly.

A Culinary Celebration || Charlotte Restaurant Week

*Above: Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

-By: Chanel Murphy

Wouldn’t it be great to experience the variety of upscale cuisine in the Queen City?

Well, today marks the beginning of a culinary celebration- Charlotte Restaurant Week!

From January 21 to January 30, over fifty of Charlotte’s finest restaurants are offering three-course meals for only $30 per person. This price includes a plethora of food. You’ll receive an appetizer, main dish, and dessert of your choice. A few of the participating restaurants are Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, the Melting Pot, Aquavina, Aria Tuscan Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Mez, Enso Asian Bistro, and many more!

I’m especially excited about dining at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse because I’ve never been there before. It’s always nice to try something new! The three-course meal includes cheese bread with turkey spread as appetizer, a choice of a traditional Brazilian “rodizio-style” meat, and access the salad bar- which has 35 American and Brazilian food choices.

For more information about Charlotte Restaurant Week, visit their official website at www.CharlotteRestaurantWeek.com. Coupons are not needed, but a reservation is highly recommended.

See you there!

*Chima Brazilian Steakhouse: www.chima.cc

T.I.M.E. to Give!

This holiday season, T.I.M.E. -Taking Initiative Moving Efficiently- LLC, hosted their first annual clothes and canned food drive.

T.I.M.E. partnered with Nxlevel (NXL21) Charlotte Entertainment, Velocity Sports Performance- Charlotte, Ethan & Zoey, Vision by Nicole, Studio Rush- Charlotte, K Kouture, Harris Teeter, and the UPS Store to clothe and feed over fifty families in Charlotte, NC. “Not only did our mission include raising donations, but we unified various leaders, businesses, and organizational bodies to be a valuable asset in their community– by actively participating,” said Curtis Walls, Co-Founder of T.I.M.E.

Paper bags were donated from several Harris Teeters stores. The bags were delivered by volunteers and partner employees. “We were overwhelmed by the response. The volunteers had a great time. The neighborhoods loaded our vehicles with donations. It was amazing to witness our communities giving back. Some households even purchased brand-new clothes,” said Curtis Walls.

T.I.M.E. was founded by Curtis Walls, Lawrence T. Alli, and Samuel Evans. It is a service-based organization that seeks to unify various leaders, organizational bodies, and communities to be a valuable asset to their community. T.I.M.E. is more than a name and phrase; it is an overall philosophical concept. It represents a mindset, idea, and most importantly, a lifestyle.

All businesses, organizations, and individuals are welcome to join “T.I.M.E. to Give” initiatives in the future. Contact ACJ.TIME@gmail.com for more information.

The 2011 countdown has begun!!! “Experience the Lifestyle” again with NXL21 Charlotte. We have provided an exclusive atmosphere for the well-educated, fashion-forward, media-savvy young professional - QUALITY. On Friday, December 31, 2010, join us at the sexy Lava Bistro & Bar located on the University Lake. #WIN

Purchase your “Early Bird” ticket for $10 immediately- only 50 available online! For those who wish to upgrade your New Year’s Eve experience, be sure to get your “Early Bird” V.I.P. ticket online- limited availability. This special package will include complimentary hors d’oeuvres and champagne toast.

“Early Bird” V.I.P. Tables start at $250. This special package includes complimentary champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, and bottle service for all of your guests!

***Again, these prices are for a limited time only - DON’T WAIT***

Last year, Forever Young 2009 was a sold-out event! With a new and intimate venue facing the waterfront, we know this year will be indistinguishable.

“Experience the Lifestyle…Quality”

Forever Young 2010: New Years Eve Event

Lava Bistro & Bar

8708 JW Clay Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28262

Friday, December 31, 2010

Doors open @ 10pm

Attire: Stylish & Sophisticated

http://www.foreveryoungnye.eventbrite.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.

Join NXL21 Charlotte! We are a close-knit team of young professionals seeking to expand our family. We are looking for photographers, models, writers, or anyone who enjoys networking, is dependable, energetic, culturally-diverse, well-rounded, and works well with others.

*Requirements:

-21+

-Full-time Job or In College

*Photographers, models and writers: please be prepared to provide sample work upon request.

Email us your contact information, a brief bio and/or resume at QC@nxlevelent.com.