Boulevard Diner

Moving means two things. First, that you spend two weeks recycling about three different outfits because everything else is still packed. And second, that you forgo trying to cook anything because your pots, pans, and other utensils have also hidden themselves in the dark recesses of moving boxes.

A girl has got to get creative with food…and dining out quickly becomes second nature.

My better half and I stumbled upon Boulevard Diner as we were out and about trying to find furniture for my new apartment. I suppose it wasn’t so much of a stumble, as he knew exactly where it was…but we’ll say so for the sake of the story.

This Mt. Pleasant diner is truly a hidden gem. Anyone just driving by might be tempted to shirk the restaurant’s no frills facade–the building used to be a Dairy Queen, and that evidence is found in the sign which has been altered to look more like a fish…and less like the trademark Dairy Queen sign.

The interior has that familiar diner feel that is refreshing to the haute-cuisine Charleston scene. Settle into a booth and you’re greeted by a smiling waitress and two menus.

We picked the fried green tomatoes for an appetizer (although the chili sundae looked awfully tempting). The tomatoes were perfectly fried–crisp and just a hint of that tart bite a green tomato should have. Delicious.

Being a reformed vegetarian, I just had to order a  hamburger with pimento cheese for my lunch. I heard an NPR story about this delightful combination and its popularity in the South, so I just had to give it a try.

The hamburger was a healthy portion of ground beef, and when combined with the flavorful warmth of melted pimento cheese, became the be all and end all of my hamburger dreams. The sandwich was served with french fries, which although standard, still had that delectable fried crunch you only find in a diner.

My beau had the famous Cajun meatloaf everybody raves about…and again for good reason. Perhaps the best meatloaf I’ve tasted…aside from my mother’s of course.

Perhaps the best part about this meal is its tiny cost–less and $30 for two people to eat healthy portions. A refreshing check among Charleston’s high priced restaurant world.

Boulevard Diner is locally owned, too. So you can feel good about contributing to the local economy.

Holy City Style gives this diner, two perfectly manicured thumbs up!

Extras…

• You can read more reviews of Boulevard Diner in the Charleston City Paper.
• Boulevard Diner is located at 409 W. Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant

Podcast : Shauna Heathman of Mackenzie Image Consulting

Yay! Finally the first EVER Holy City Style podcast! More to come soon, but in the meantime be dazzled by Shauna Heathman owner of Mackenzie Image Consulting. She is by far, the most put together person I’ve met in a long time. Kudos!

Mackenzie Image Consulting

It’s So Easy Being Green

Yesterday at work, I rescued the March issue of Domino magazine from under an unassuming pile of coffee cups. I purchased a subscription to Domino last week…so I consider it Divine Intervention that one appeared yesterday.

Immediately enthralled by the Green List section–over twenty, full color, glossy pages filled with delightful ways to “go green”–I was inspired to create my own petite list of ways to stylishly love our planet.

Bessence Candles - 4/$40

Petroleum free, lead free, recycled, hand made, and clean burning. I think I’d have them in every room if my roommates would allow it. These candles aren’t just delightful in looks (no pun intended) but let you feel good about using them! You’ll never guess who’s got their star studded name on them either. Sandra Bullock (I knew I always liked her!). Check out her interview with Oprah about her candles here.

Envirosax Amazonia3 Shopper – $6.75

I really like this shopping bag…I guess I’m a sucker for bright colors and patterns. Plus each bag hold the equivalent of two plastic grocery bags and it won’t be in a landfill for the next thousand years.

Solay Simple – $8.95

Speaking as the girl who lives with to guys…the kitchen has a tendency to get really icky really fast. The ingrediants in this all natural all purpose cleaner are coconut, sugar, salt, and citric acid. I can only imagine how heavenly this cleaner smells.

Ecotools – $10.99

I don’t know which part I like better, the price or the fact that they’re made out of sustainable bamboo and are animal product free. I’ll just go with both! Order them online or pick a set of five up at your local Walgreens.

Harvey’s Seatbelt Bags

I remember when these were in the first time around! Glad to see them back. Made out of recycled seat belts (for real) these bags are about the most durable accessories out there.

Tom’s Shoes

If you haven’t heard about these yet…you’re going to love the idea. For every shoe you buy, one is given to a child in need. Styled after traditional Argentinian foot wear, these shoes are simple and from what I hear quite comfy. So far, they’ve given away over 50,000 shoes to children in need. Finally, a shoe you can feel good about buying!

Coca Cola T-shirt – $7.50

You know, I’m really not the biggest fan of WalMart. But you’ve got to give the company a hand for selling t-shirts made out of recycled Coca Cola bottles.

xxx

Caroline

A New Writer

A few weeks ago, after Charleston Fashion Week, Caroline invited me to be a guest writer on the blog.  She told me that I was “by far the most stylishly literate GUY” that she knew.  I must say that a compliment like that coming form Caroline (one of the most stylish and beautiful girls that I know), is overwhelming, and I could NEVER pass up such an opportunity!

This is my first real blog post…EVER, so I will ask you to take it easy on me (that is what she said).  My name is Travis and I am a sophomore at the C of C (I also like to use parenthesis a lot so do NOT get annoyed!).  But the important thing is: I LOVE fashion.

I had the privilege last year of attending the first EVER Charleston Fashion Week Finale.  I remember EXACTLY where I was when I heard about CFW: I was sitting in the barber’s chair at Allure Salon, where my stylist, Melissa Greenway (she is awesome), was doing my hair.  She told me that Laura Bennett from my FAVORITE show, Project Runway (a close second is Sex and the City), was coming.  I immediately gasped and said when is it and how do I get tickets.  Two days and one walk to Marion Square later, I was GOING!  After arriving that Saturday at the tents, I found out that I could use my press pass to get into the finale gala for FREE (it was supposed to be a $70 ticket!).  It was literally, and without exaggeration, the BEST night that I had the entire year.  I met so many incredible people: including designers, models, celebrities, and ALL of the “right people.”  I made several contacts within Charleston Magazine as well. 

So, naturally, this year when the new year started, I made certain to have the heads up on CFW.  I contacted my “new friends” from last year, and before I knew it, I was on the list as a volunteer with Julie Montgomery at Charleston Magazine.  While at the first Volunteer Orientation, I mentioned to Julie that last year, I had met and fallen in LOVE with Shanna Petry and her husband, who own Petry models, the agency that handles all of the models for CFW.  I asked Jill if Shanna would need any help this year.  Jill told me that she did not know, but revealed that Shanna was her cousin, so she would ask her.  The next week, I got an email from Shanna (who had just had a baby a few months prior, yet she is still one of the most fabulous and not to mention NICEST people that I know), and before I knew it, I was signed up to help out backstage as the Assistant Director of the models.  The really cool part is that I started helping Shanna out the week BEFORE fashion week.  I came to all of the rehearsals to become acquainted with all of the models and I also picked up clothes from several different stores that were to show during CFW.  One of the store owners that I got to meet was Kristin Williams of K. Morgan, and she was SOOOO sweet and fabulous, but I digress…

I went to the tents for the first time on Monday, and I could NOT believe my eyes.  It was AMAZING.  Fern Mallis and Olympus could not have done a better job themselves.  It was three times larger and 100 times better than last year.  One year made a LOT of improvement.  I was sooo stoked! 

Every day during the week, I had class until four, and on Thursdays, I sometimes did get out until SEVEN.  During Fashion week, my daily routine was as follows: wake up at 7:00, take a shower and make myself FABULOUS, go to class from 8:00 until 4:00, come home, take a shower, and make myself FABULOUS from 4:15 until 5:15, be in Marion Square from 5:30 until 10:00, stop by the after party for a little while, get back home at 11:00, take a THIRD shower and make myself FABULOUS for the inanimate objects in my room, doing homework until 2:00, and then FINALLY going to bed to repeat the WHOLE thing the next day.  I can say with NO sarcasm, it was STILL the best week of my life.  I LOVED it.  I was sleep deprived, and jaded, but I LOVED it.  I took on an extra role on Friday night as the lineup guy, and I performed at my new post on Saturday as well for the Bridal Couture show (fabulous, by the way), so I did not even get to sleep in for the weekend, but it was SO much fun.  I cannot even tell you how much fun it was…but I will be back with more details.  I hope that I did not bore you to tears with my first post, because I do not want it to be my last.  Leaving you with so much left to say,

Travis Lee O’Dell

 

Sit Tight

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Hold your horses for just a little bit longer. Finals time is upon us, and considering the entire HCS staff is hoping to graduate this year or next…our minds are more on calculus and theories of rhetoric…and less on the enchanting world of style. For shame!

Hold on to your stilettos, we’ll be right back.

Kisses to all you fabulous people!

HCS Staff

Feather Your Nest : Betsey Johnson’s Apartment

So, this starts one of a series of pieces I’m writing on home decor. Having just moved, I find myself with lots of blank pallets to fill. I’ll keep you posted on my experiences, as well as other notes I find interesting.

Today, a look at designer Betsey Johnson’s New York Apartment. The pictures are from a August 2007 issue Elle Decor UK.

Caroline

King St Jungle…or Tribal Chic for the Charleston Streets on a Tiny Budget

Make the Charleston streets your urban jungle this summer with tribal inspired style. Take a gander at any number of runway styles for this season and you’ll find wild animal prints and safari inspired frocks. Best of all, these styles won’t have you going broke since they’re under $25.

Old Navy Safari Shirt Dress

Safari Dress : A favorite of many a designer this season, this style is perfect for a hot Charleston day. Pair with gladiator sandals and you’re set for a day in the Charleston jungle. (My Pick: Old Navy Safari Dress, $22.50…but hurry, they’re on sale!)

Forever 21 Watercolor Bangle

Wooden Bangles : Go natural with big, bold bracelets painted or stained in every color. Pair them with almost everything for an instant shot of tribal chic. (My Pick: Forever21 wooden bangles, $4.50)

Wet Seal Zebra Satin Top

Animal Print Tops: Zebra, leopard, or any other creature…animal print is all over with the tribal trend. However, a smart fashionista remembers a little leopard goes a long way…so keep the print to one bold item. Pair a top with fitted jeans and bright heals, you’ll be the best dressed beast in the jungle. (My Pick: Wet Seal Zebra Satin Top, $18.50)

American Eagle Liddy Canvas Wedge

Cork Wedges : Perfect during the summer to keep your heals from sinking into the ground as you traverse the savanna…or Marion Square. The natural cork tone on a wedge gives a more natural, casual feel and can be paired with everything from shorts to dresses. (My Pick: American Eagle Liddy Canvas Wedge at Payless, $22.99)

Makeup : Finish your jungle inspired look with warm and natural toned makeup. Try a smoky brown smudged on your lids with dark brown eyeliner below your bottom lashes only Go for a natural toned mouth and use just a swish of clear gloss to keep you looking natural (My Picks: Covergirl Eye Enhancers 4-Kit Shadows in Coffee Shop, $3.99, and Covergirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner in Black Brown, $3.99, Boots No7 High Shine Lip Gloss in Flirt, $7.99)

Extras For the Pros…Links and Putting it Together

• iVillage Weekly Top 10: Tribal Chic
• New York Fashion Week Trend Alert: Going Tribal
• Out of Africa: The Incredible Tribal Fashion Show Inspired by Mother Nature

The re-emergence of the Wayfarer

Photo credit: Men’s Vogue

The Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses are slowly but surely re-emerging in the Charleston hipster scene. Though they may appear to be a new trend to the fashion-ignorant, the Wayfarers are nothing if not classic.

The Wayfarers debuted in 1952 and were steadily popular throughout the 50’s and 60’s, holding their ground through the transition from the teeny-bopper days to the beatnik era and on through the days in which LSD-consuming hippies were in the height of their free love antics. The ever classy Audrey Hepburn sported black Wayfarers in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in 1961. Sexpot Marilyn Monroe also sported the look.

Audrey Hepburn sporting the look in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

Photo credit: Paramount Pictures

However, the sunglasses faded into obscurity in the 1970’s, only to briefly become popular again after being sported by the now-crazy Tom Cruise in 1983’s “Risky Business.”

Much to my delight, bohemian(ish) scensters such as Sienna Miller have re-popularized the Wayfarers. After Miller began sporting the look, others shortly followed, creating a ripple effect throughout the London and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, hipster scenes, progressing onward throughout the young Hollywood crew.

Actress Sienna Miller donned her red Wayfarers on several different occasions

Photo credit: PopCrunch

Mary-Kate Olsen in her Ray-Bans.

Photo credit: FashionFiles

Young Hollywood’s adoption of the style has catapulted the Wayfarers back onto the mainstream fashionista scene. Wayfarers are now a staple amongst the young and fashion forward.

However, the Wayfarers are not for those of us whose wallets have a tendency to run dry, running at a rate of $109.00 plus tax, sold in sunglass boutiques and department stores such as Macy’s.

Fear not, Holy City-ites. There are alternative ways to rock the Wayfarer look at a cheaper price. Take my way, for example. On a recent trip to Manhattan, I was able to buy a pair of what I refer to as “Fray Bans,” a five-dollar pair of Wayfarer replicas in red that I picked up from a sidewalk vendor in SoHo. Replicas are also available at King Street stores, such as Urban Outfitters, whose Wayfarer-inspired glasses run $14.00 a pop.

Things To Do This Week

Photo : Charleston Museum

It’s the last week to see Clothes To Dye For at the Charleston Museum. The exhibit ends April 18th and it’s highly recommended for any fashion maven. The Charleston Museum is open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are $10.

photo Jessica Caroline Cox

Family Circle Cup time means the annual Lacoste Fashion show today at 6:00 on King Street. Yippee!

CofCRADIO’s last indie dance party is this Thursday at the Music Farm. Environmentally themed debauchery with Alliance for Planet Earth recycling all bottles and cans. Make your outfit out of recycled materials (I’ll be wearing foliage I’m sure). CofCRADIO’s own DJ Mike Cassidy will be spinning for the night. Doors at 10 p.m. $5/under 21, $3/21+

Kulture Klash’s second installment of art, music, and ridiculous awesomeness is this Saturday. 10 Store House Row. 7 p.m. $10

What are you doing this week?

Pack Your Bags!

Lovely Readers,

You’ll have to pardon any spontanious or non-existent posting during the next few days. I’m packing my bags and boxes and moving down the street to my brand-new apartment.

Be on the look out very soon for an interview from Charleston Magazine’s style editor Ayoka Lucas. I am quite excited to interview her, and I’ll be posting the interview within the next few days (perhaps I’ll try out my podcasting skills and post the first ever HCS Podcast!).

I’m also thinking I might do a post on decorating a small space (my new room is itty-bitty)–look for that within the next few weeks.

Oh! And the lovely people at the Charleston Museum reminded me that the Clothes to Dye for exhibit ends April 18th. So go out this weekend and check it out.

Wish me luck, and keep your fingers crossed that I don’t break anything in the move!

xxx

Caroline Millard