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Monday, May 14, 2007
05/13/07 Reader's Choice: Style
Best-dressed local celebrity
Sara Blakely
The Lowdown: The naturally gorgeous Sara Blakely—wildly successful
undergarment entrepreneur, philanthropist and, let’s face it, total
babe—looks effort...
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Style and Shopping
STYLE
Best-dressed local celebrity
Sara Blakely
The Lowdown: The naturally gorgeous Sara Blakely—wildly successful undergarment entrepreneur, philanthropist and, let’s face it, total babe—looks effortlessly fabulous in everything she wears, and doesn’t seem to need her very own Spanx. And she’s getting married to a foxy younger man. But we’re not jealous or anything. Why on earth would you say that?
Best Atlanta fashion trend
Locally designed clothes
The Lowdown: Produce isn’t the only thing you should be buying locally. Stylish Atlantans know that the best way to keep your wardrobe fresh is to snap up handmade duds from Atlanta designers like Katriese Raines of Olive, Tracy Terrill of Snowflake66 and Susan Voelker of Drop Trow.
The BASICS: www.droptrow.com, www.olivestyle.com or www.snowflake66.com.
Best local clothing boutique
Alternative Apparel
The Lowdown: Who knew that the humble T-shirt—short or long-sleeve—is actually a blank canvas for your personal expression? And this Virginia-Highland store provides extremely soft and comfy canvases, whether you use them to broadcast your silk-screened political views or wear them in their natural state.
The BASICS: 776 North Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-249-8302, www.alternativeapparel.com.
BEST Atlanta fashion trend we wish would go out of style
Skinny jeans
The Lowdown: We’re going to be blunt here: If you have even a hint of a womanly figure, you look like a beached whale in skinny jeans. The only people who should attempt to wear these unforgiving ’80s throwbacks are anorexic supermodels and drug-addled rock stars, and we wish even they would give it a rest.
Best local designer
Ann Roth
The Lowdown: Ann Roth became a shoe designer when she woke up one day with a vision of a red toile espadrille, and she hasn’t looked back since. Fashionistas can pick up a pair of her kicky wedges at a growing number of local boutiques (like Beehive Co-op) or go online and design their own in an array of funky fabrics.
The BASICS: www.annrothshoes.com.
Best chain clothing store
Anthropologie
The Lowdown: The best thing about this purveyor of bohemian-chic clothes, accessories and home decor is the non-chain quality of its wares—you may have bought those carved-wood earrings at Perimeter Mall, but no one will blink an eye if you say they’re from a street market in India.
The BASICS: Lenox Square Mall, 3393 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30326, 404-237-4125; Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, 30346, 678-320-9892; www.anthropologie.com.
Best hair salon
Van Michael
The Lowdown: Anybody who’s anybody gets coiffed at Van Michael, a perennial fixture on city best-of lists. Expertise comes with a price, of course, but those in the know can save about half on cuts and color with up-and-coming stylists at Van Michael’s New Talents Salon.
The BASICS: Four locations, including 39 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, 30305, 404-237-4664, www.vanmichael.com.
Best bridal salon
Kelly’s Closet
The Lowdown: An oasis of calm in the often daunting world of bridal shopping, this charming Candler Park boutique features a small but stunning collection of gowns by Justina McCaffrey, Jenny Lee and Junko Yoshioka, to name a few, and the staff is exceedingly friendly, helpful and non-pushy.
The BASICS: 1649 McLendon Ave., Atlanta, 30307, 404-377-9923, www.kellyscloset.net.
Best mall
Lenox
The Lowdown: Anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Neiman Marcus, Lenox Square offers high-end retailers like Cartier and Burberry as well as specialty stores like Urban Outfitters and Kiehl’s—not to mention restaurants like Prime and the Clubhouse. And if you’re looking for a little weekend entertainment, plant yourself on one of the benches opposite the MAC cosmetics counter and watch the parade of pretty young things getting all gussied up for their dates.
The BASICS: 3393 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30326, 404-233-7575, www.simon.com.
Best vintage clothing store
Stefan’s
The Lowdown: If you need a sharp fedora to go with the zoot suit that’s been hiding in your closet, Stefan’s is the place to go. Dive into the humungous array of mint-quality antique apparel and you’ll be sure to find the missing link to give your wardrobe that snappy je ne sais quoi.
The BASICS: 1160 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, 30307, 404-688-4929, www.stefansvintage.com.
Best thrift store
Last Chance
The Lowdown: You’ll need to put in a good amount of elbow grease, but if you have the patience, you’re sure to find a gem at Last Chance, be it a 20-year-old T-shirt from a hillbilly family reunion, sweet polyester slacks or a lampshade in an atrocious ’70s print. Happy digging!
The BASICS: Six locations, including 1709 Church St., 30033, Decatur, 404-296-1711, www.lastchancethriftstore.com.
Best neighborhood to shop in
Downtown Decatur
The Lowdown: Ponce de Leon Avenue is host to a myriad of funky boutiques like Kaleidoscope, which features 4 Bags in addition to girly essentials (like Low Beams’ “nipple concealors”). Then there are the shoe stores, art galleries and shops specializing in pottery and culinary equipment. And when you need to cool your heels and grab a bite to eat, you’ll find plenty of eateries to seek sustenance. No wonder Batdorf & Bronson has chosen to open is first coffee bar/store in Atlanta on this stretch of retail nirvana.
The BASICS: www.decaturga.com.
Best place to spend $150 on a pair of jeans
Blue Genes
The Lowdown: The blue jeans capital of the Southeast? Sure. This 7,000-square-foot den of denim is all about the labels: Seven for All Mankind, Diesel, True Religion, Joe’s Jeans, Citizens of Humanity—the list goes on. The Arrendale-Sims sisters and co-owners specialize in stocking the perfect pair of booty-fitting denim as well as other fashionable frocks. Warning: This sort of expertise and inventory comes at a price.
The BASICS: 3400 Around Lenox Drive, Suite 214, Atlanta, 30326, 404-231-3400, www.shopbluegenes.com.
Best overall clothing store
Nordstrom
The Lowdown: Upscale, but not too pricey. Trendy, but not over the top. From top to bottom, Nordstrom has it all. The chic store is also known for its abundant shoe selection and unparalleled customer service. Pair that with the live piano music, and you’ll approximate an experience usually reserved for royalty.
The BASICS: 3500 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30326, 404-442-3000; 4390 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, 30346, 770-394-1141; www.nordstrom.com.
Best shoe store
Shoemaker’s Warehouse
The Lowdown: Sandals, boots, pumps, belts, bags—this Midtown purveyor of kicks still offers some of the most eclectic offerings in the city at 30 to 60 percent less than retail prices. The space is old-school, with neat rows of boxes arranged by type or brand and a few metal folding chairs for the weary. The fun part is jamming out to the store’s selection of music (early Michael Jackson, anyone?) while trying on a pair of red patent-leather roach killers.
The BASICS: 500-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-881-9301, www.shoemakerswarehouse.com.
Best jewelry store
Worthmore Jewelry
The Lowdown: Say goodbye to pretentious jewelry stores that make you feel like a trespasser the second you walk through the door—Worthmore’s owner, Harris Botnick, has created a simple loft-meets-warehouse look and a laid-back vibe to go along with a stellar jewelry selection at competitive prices. The custom creations are awe-inspiring.
The BASICS: 500 Amsterdam Ave., L-3, Atlanta, 30306, 404-892-8294, www.worthmorejewelers.com.
Best lingerie
Intimacy
The Lowdown: Forget Victoria—the women at Intimacy know their bloomers. Should your cup runneth over or under, they’ll expertly fit you for a bra and help you choose the perfect ensemble to impress that special someone. Just be sure to make an appointment—these specialists get very busy, especially around the holidays.
The BASICS: Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30326, 404-261-9333, www.myintimacy.com.
Best outlet shopping
North Georgia Outlets
The Lowdown: Less than an hour’s drive from Atlanta, 140 outlet stores offer great deals on clothing, kitchen utensils, sporting equipment, shoes and more. Favorites include Ralph Lauren, Williams-Sonoma, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein and Cole Haan. And while you’re out and about in Dawsonville, you can go Down Under at the nearby Kangaroo Conservation Center. Discounted wares and the chance to see joeys? Priceless.
The BASICS: 800 Highway 400 South, Dawsonville, 30534, 706-216-3609, www.premiumoutlets.com.
Best furniture store
Cantoni
The Lowdown: Pop Art meets modern furnishings at Cantoni. Check out the DaDa chair, an inviting sculptural piece in the shape of a hand, as if to lovingly cup the sitter’s derriere. In addition to its more whimsical offerings, the store also features extravagantly tufted rugs and accessories like the dramatic Foxtail Lily vase.
The BASICS: 1011 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, 30306, 404-881-8111, www.cantoni.com.
Best antique store
Kudzu Antiques
The Lowdown: An Atlanta antiquity institution got a brand-new home this past year in the form of a 25,000-square-foot barn in Decatur. More than 25 antique vendors bring the rare,
the ridiculous and everything in between.
The BASICS: 2928 East Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 30030, 404-373-6498.
Best camera shop
Showcase
The Lowdown: Shutterbugs satisfy their multimedia needs at Showcase, serving the Atlanta photographic community for 26 years. Lenses, film, flash equipment, tripods, video and a photo lab—it’s all here. The retail store is affiliated with the Showcase School of Photography, offering adult education photography classes for novices and professionals alike.
The BASICS: 2323 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, 30324, 404-325-7676, www.theshowcaseschool.com.
Best tobacco shop
Highland Cigar
The Lowdown: This hip and cozy cigar bar boasts walk-in humidors, leather seating and an old-school study-style atmosphere. There’s also a list of cognacs, scotches, martinis and mojitos to peruse while you add smoke rings to the air.
The BASICS: 245 North Highland Ave., Suite 140, Atlanta, 30307, 770-375-6910, www.highlandcigar.com.
Best garden shop
Urban Gardener
The Lowdown: Grab some organic gardening goodies at this Grant Park hideaway, located a stone’s throw from the breakfast eatery Stone Soup Kitchen. The knowledgeable staff possesses a bounty of patience and can walk you through the pros and cons of any plant, flower, herb or vine. And with a rusted-out car serving as a flower container, the store also has some of the most creative plantings in the city.
The BASICS: 347 Boulevard, Atlanta, 30312, 404-529-9980, www.theurbangardener.com.
Best hardware store
Highland Hardware
The Lowdown: A spot of Zen on an otherwise bustling street, Highland Hardware is a respite for burgeoning and expert woodworkers alike. Hardware staples are available, but it’s the staff’s know-how that transforms a trip to pick up a bandsaw into what feels like a homey chat with community craftspeople. The store also offers a variety of woodworking classes.
The BASICS: 1045 North Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306, 404-872-4466, www.highlandhardware.com.
Best art supply store
Sam Flax Art and Design Shoppe
The Lowdown: Need an obscure tool for that last-minute art project? They’ve got it, along with
a helpful floor staff on hand to impart endless artistic wisdom. With a broad selection of paints and pens, a framing department and a few surprises like wedding invitations, Sam Flax has one of the most comprehensive all-things-arts-and-crafts inventories in the city.
The BASICS: 1460 Northside Drive, Atlanta, 30318, 404-352-7200, www.samflax.com.
Best toy store
The Toy Store
The Lowdown: Face it, you’re so addicted to your Wii that your thumbs show more muscular
definition than your abs do. So it’s a good thing that the Toy Store at Ansley caters to both adults and kids. And with Piedmont Park just a skateboard ride away, you can stop by the shop and pick up a kite or Frisbee for your next picnic-in-the-park outing.
The BASICS: 1544 Piedmont Road, Suite 222, Atlanta, 404-875-1137, www.thetoystoreusa.com.
Best florist
Hall’s Flower Shop and Garden Center
The Lowdown: Prices are cheap and blossoms are gorgeous at this flower emporium. Can’t find it in the store? Place a special order.
The BASICS: 5706 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, 30083, 404-292-8446, www.hallsflowershop.com.
Best comic book store
Criminal Records
The Lowdown: Far more than just a sideline to the store’s extensive music selection, Criminal takes comics and indie magazines seriously. True aficionados gather here on publication release dates to pick up graphic novels and discuss their finer points with like-minded fans, and the knowledgeable staff (with equally killer musical chops) keeps the store well-stocked with the latest underground faves.
The BASICS: 466 Moreland Ave., Atlanta, 30307, 404-215-9511, www.criminal.com.
Best CD store
Decatur CD
The Lowdown: Inside the bright-blue exterior of this used/new emporium is a wide selection of discs that makes for hours of browsing pleasure. The used stuff is thrown into bins in no order, but the inventory is wildly eclectic, and the back wall boasts arguably the finest selection of music-related DVDs in the city. The store also has an ultra-laid-back vibe, with a few chairs scattered around for those who’d like to sit a spell.
The BASICS: 356 West Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 30030, 404-371-9090, www.decaturcd.blogspot.com.
Best musical instrument store
Guitar Center
The Lowdown: Despite its six-string-
centric name, the Guitar Center has widened its focus over the past four decades to become the world’s largest retailer of musical instruments, making it the Wal-Mart of gear stores. With that dubious honor comes a large selection of stock at guaranteed low prices. Instrument clinics, staff experts and the freedom to jam away on anything in sight seal the deal.
The BASICS: Multiple locations, www.guitarcenter.com.
Best bookstore
A Cappella
The Lowdown: The cramped aisles of this Little Five Points indie fixture house a variety of alternative, progressive, counterculture and collector titles. Music tomes are its specialty, though, and even big-box retailers can’t compete with its dominance in this genre. Need a book on Bob Dylan? There’s a whole shelf devoted to him.
The BASICS: 484-C Moreland Ave., Atlanta, 30307, 404-681-5128, www.acappellabooks.com.
Best store for spicing up your sex life
Aphrodite’s Toy Box
The Lowdown: Mighty Aphrodite, indeed. This “unique boutique for women” is a female-friendly alternative to Inserection and offers gravity-defying stilettos, fun and sexy lingerie, corsets, exotic and pole-dancing classes and a good selection of fetish gear and adult novelties. Not that we’ve been there or anything.
The BASICS: 3040 North Decatur Road, Scottdale, 30079, 404-292-9700, www.aphroditestoybox.com.
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