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Andre Benjamin

BEST-DRESSED LOCAL CELEBRITY

André Benjamin

THE LOWDOWN: Benjamin, aka André 3000, is known for more than his part in the musical duo OutKast. He’s almost always spotted in vintage duds or colorful yet tasteful ensembles, whether roaming around Phipps Plaza or promoting a movie. The hip-hop artist/producer-turned fashionista also recently created his own clothing line, called Benjamin Bixby, which he hopes to start selling in the fall.
THE RUNNER-UP: Usher

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Leggings—comfortable, sexy and fun

BEST ATLANTA FASHION TREND

Leggings

THE LOWDOWN: Worn under short skirts, long shirts and dresses of differing lengths, leggings rule the roost. These fab leg coverings vary in length and color, from solid black that stretches to the ankle to bright red polka dots that hit mid-calf. Comfy, fun, sexy—what more could you ask for?
THE RUNNER-UP: Expensive handbags

FASHION TREND WE WISH WOULD GO OUT OF STYLE

Pants below the crack

THE LOWDOWN: Around since the early ’90s, it’s really outdated. Plus, to wear it, you have to walk as if you have a venereal disease, you’ve soiled yourself, or you’re smuggling a pound of rancid beef in your pants. We propose a new charity, Belts for Bums, to address this civic blight.
THE RUNNER-UP: Crocs

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Mychael Knight

BEST LOCAL DESIGNER

MYCHAEL KNIGHT

THE LOWDOWN: Atlanta-based Mychael Knight is best known for his gig as a contestant on the third season of Bravo’s “Project Runway.” His collections have been seen on celebs and fashionistas around the globe, including the likes of Ciara and Queen Latifah. The clothing designer also recently sojourned into fragrances with a unisex scent dubbed MajK.
THE BASICS: www.mychaelknight.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Ann Roth

Courtesy of Bill Hallman
Bill Hallman

BEST LOCAL CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

Bill Hallman

THE LOWDOWN: Featuring hot brands like Kasil, Hobo, Ben Sherman, Cheap Monday, Single, Hype, Corpus and Graham, Bill Hallman keeps the battle of the sexes going with separate stores for men and women. However, everyone wins with the latest and greatest finds in jeans, dresses, shirts and shorts.
THE BASICS: Women: 784 N. Highland Ave. 404-607-1171. Men: 792 N. Highland Ave. 404-876-6055. www.billhallman.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Sage

BEST CHAIN CLOTHING STORE

Neiman Marcus

THE LOWDOWN: A high-end department store filled with luxurious goods, from handbags and jewelry to kids’ clothes and home goods, Neiman’s, as frequenters call it, sells high-quality designer wares. There’s even an electronics department for the style-phobic men out there.
THE BASICS: 3393 Peachtree Road. 404-266-8200. www.neimanmarcus.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: American Apparel

David Arnold
Van Michael

BEST HAIR SALON

Van Michael

THE LOWDOWN: A full-service Aveda concept salon, Van Michael is the go-to choice for the elite, the trendy and the hair-obsessed. Sleek and sexy, the salon offers haircuts, styling and color treatments, each with the signature Aveda herbal scalp massage, stress-relieving neck massage and hand massage.
THE BASICS: Locations in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Virginia-Highland and Norcross. www.vanmichael.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Carter Barnes

BEST HAIR STYLIST

James McKinley at Crimpers

THE LOWDOWN: Known for his expert men’s haircuts and creative coloring, James prides himself on precise, edgy cutting, from the basic clipper cut for men to a long-layered cut for women, Before joining the Crimpers staff, he worked at Tara Burroughs and Michele Coulter salons.
THE BASICS: 1579 Monroe Drive. 404-876-8838. www.crimpersatlanta.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Kirby Brittany at Van Michael

BEST COLORIST

GINA CAPORALE

THE LOWDOWN: SP readers heart colorist Gina Caporale at James Madison Salon. She offers mad artistry, coloring skills and longevity, to boot. She’s been serving her clients there for more than five years, and mastering hair color for the past 12. She’s pure genius, so make sure you book far in advance.
THE BASICS: James Madison Salon. The Metropolis. 929 Peachtree St. 404-266-8647. www.jamesmadisonsalon.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Bradley Boone

BEST BRIDAL SALON

BRIDALS BY LORI

THE LOWDOWN: Bridals by Lori combines warm, Southern hospitality with nearly three decades of experience to provide each and every bride exceptional customer service. Lori offers a host of designer gowns, dresses and accessories for the bride, bridesmaids, mother of the bride and flower girls, as well as men’s formalwear.
THE BASICS: 6021 Sandy Springs Circle. 404-252-8767. www.bridalsbylori.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Priscilla of Boston

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Stefan’s Vintage Clothing

BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE

Stefan’s Vintage Clothing

THE LOWDOWN: Open since 1977, the store itself is vintage now. Look for items from the 1900s through the ’70s, focusing on ’20s and ’30s evening gowns, men’s and women’s suits from the ’40s through ’60s, ’70s jackets, costume jewelry, cuff links and more.
THE BASICS: 1160 Euclid Ave. 404-688-4292. www.stefansvintage.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Junkman’s Daughter

BEST THRIFT STORE

Junior League of Atlanta’s Nearly New Shop

THE LOWDOWN: The Junior League uses its thrift store to raise funds for community agencies. Not only does it showcase attractive, gently used clothes and goods, it also offers volunteer opportunities as well. Special sales for certain national holidays make this the best thrift store in town.
THE BASICS: 1715 Howell Mill Road. 404-355-3547. www.jlatlanta.org/nearlynew/.
THE RUNNER-UP: Value Village

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD TO SHOP IN

Buckhead

THE LOWDOWN: With Phipps Plaza, Lenox Square and tons of tiny boutiques scattered throughout, Buckhead is leaps ahead of other Atlanta neighborhoods when it comes to shopping. Pricey? Yes, but the stylish designer clothes make it well worth the cost. After all, that area on Peachtree where all the bars used to be is now being billed as the new Rodeo Drive. Enough said.
THE RUNNER-UP: Virginia-Highland

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Lenox Square

BEST MALL

Lenox Square

THE LOWDOWN: Unlike its neighbor Phipps Plaza, Lenox Square has a variety of affordable shopping options. Anchored by Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus, it also features staple stores like Gap and Banana Republic, as well as less common options such as Zara and Buster Brown.
THE BASICS: 3393 Peachtree Road. 404-233-6767. www.lenoxsquare.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Phipps Plaza

Courtesy of Blue Genes
Blue Genes

BEST PLACE TO SPEND $150 ON A PAIR OF JEANS

Blue Genes

THE LOWDOWN: One hundred and fifty dollars may sound like a lot, but when the jeans fit at well as they do at Blue Genes, it’s easy to fork over the cash. Men’s, women’s and kids’ and numerous brands, including True Religion, Blank, Citizens of Humanity, AG and 7 For All Mankind—there’s so much to choose from!
THE BASICS: 3400 Around Lenox Road. 404-231-3400. www.shopbluegenes.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Bill Hallman

BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE

 Chocolate Soup

THE LOWDOWN: This chic Roswell boutique offers up a funky and eclectic mix of designer labels (for girls and guys) like Petit Ami, Baby Lulu, Le Top and Good Lad, alongside a scattering of fun toys and accessories that would tempt even the most sophisticated and discerning Sandy Springs 3-year-old. That’s right—this is a shopping experience for the little ones, not their taller, AMEX-wielding counterparts.
THE BASICS: 6681 Roswell Road NE. 404-303-9047.
THE RUNNER-UP: Gap Kids

Courtesy of Macy’s
Macy’s

BEST OVERALL CLOTHING STORE

Macy’s

THE LOWDOWN: Whether you’re in a hurry, just looking to browse, shopping with a group or hate the mall and crave a one-stop shop, Macy’s is the place to go. From designer brands to great sales on items for all ages, males and females, this standby has you covered.
THE BASICS: Eight locations around metro Atlanta. www.macys.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Urban Outfitters

BEST LINGERIE STORE

Victoria’s Secret

THE LOWDOWN: Victoria’s secret is not so hush-hush: She sells sleepwear designed for times when you know you’re not going to sleep, along with sexy bras, panties and teddies galore. Oh, yeah, she also sells makeup, swimsuits and pajamas.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.victoriassecret.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Blue Corset Co.