Charlotte, N.C.

Ok, perhaps Charlotte is not known as a fashion capitol, and true, it was a little difficult to find some real style. (Tell me--am I the only woman in this entire country that does not own a pair of khaki capri pants? And when did that become our uniform?) BUT, Charlotte does have a few malls. And they have more than one department store. So we had a wickedly fabulous time shopping.
Here's my deepest desire for Yakima: can we please get an "Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse"? OMG, this is like Disneyland for shoe-lovers! There are rows & rows of shoes from designer to flip-flops and everything in between. My friends took me there, left me, and came back an hour later before I even knew they were gone. I wandered the aisles barefoot, dragging a big mesh bag full of shoe boxes and trying everything in sight. Grey suede d'Orsay pumps with ribbon lace-up toes, burgundy suede mary-janes, black shubooties with little buttons. All at sale prices. I don't think I came out of my shopping stupor until I saw my Visa bill. Whew.
And Steinmart. There's a whole 'nother story. Anyway suffice it to say I had to purchase an extra suitcase to get it all home and don't you dare tell me you've never done that.

Here are a couple Charlotte pics:


This is Janie at a party at the Charlotte Westin--fearlessly fashionable at 50! Leggings, a floaty tunic & bold gold chain. Very chic, very young.

Here are our fashion gurus, Sonja & Teal, who put on a little style seminar and then took us on a tour of the Charlotte Nordstrom...and helped us find jeans without the muffin-top, the crack, or the Mom-waist. I loved Sonja's expression, "These jeans are 'sister-friendly'"--meaning they actually have a butt. They were both really fun & helpful.