Sunday, May 10, 2009
A+E, Food, Life, In this Issue..., Style, Atlanta
Reader's Choice
Sunday Best 2009
Style and Shopping
BEST-DRESSED LOCAL CELEBANDRÉ BENJAMIN
THE LOWDOWN: Sure, he's known as André 3000, Dre, Ice Cold and a million other names in the music world, but this half of OutKast has left his mark in fashion as well. With outfits ranging from classic (his Benjamin Bixby line was influenced by 1930s college football) to eccentric, Benjamin wins this one faster than you can say, "Hey Ya."
THE RUNNER-UP: Usher
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty ImagesBEST ATLANTA FASHION TREND
GLADIATOR SANDALS
THE LOWDOWN: These haute sandals continue to bring out our inner goddesses. Easy to wear, they go with everything from summer maxi dresses to jeans, shorts and rompers (another 2009 trend we love). You can get your lion-fighting sandals at most any shoe boutique, but we think you’ll like the pairs offered at Jac, an Inman Park boutique.
THE BASICS: 245 N Highland Ave. 404-681-4696.
www.dearjac.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Statement necklaces
BEST FASHION TREND WE WISH WOULD GO OUT OF STYLEBAGGY PANTS
THE LOWDOWN: Exactly—they're too low, and they're too far down. We know times are tough, but that doesn't mean you have to skimp on a belt and splurge on pants that could house several families. Remember: Crack is wack.
THE BASICS: Don't do it.
THE RUNNER-UP: Ugg boots
OUR FAVORITE ANSWER: “Damn scarfs!”
BEST LOCAL DESIGNERCLINT ZEAGLER
THE LOWDOWN: A native of Sylvania, Ga., Zeagler is the owner and designer of Pecan Pie Couture, a high-end T-shirt outfitter with a decidedly Southern point of view. Regional production is important to him—knitting mill workers in Villa Rica create hand-knit inlays with organic cotton yarn from North Carolina. Pecan Pie is an homage to Zeagler’s muse, his Nana Theola Treado, who owned and operated an eatery as well as a pie factory.
THE BASICS:
www.clintzeagler.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Mychael Knight
BEST LOCAL CLOTHING BOUTIQUESAGE CLOTHING CO.
THE LOWDOWN: We’ve known for some time that you don’t have to go bankrupt to dress fashionably, and apparently our readers do, too, since they’ve singled out Sage for its high-end looks and low prices.
THE BASICS: Locations in Buckhead, Midtown and Cumming.
www.sageclothing.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Bill Hallman
BEST CHAIN CLOTHING STOREBANANA REPUBLIC
THE LOWDOWN: Originally a safari-themed clothing store, Banana Republic has reengineered itself as a mainstream luxury clothing retailer. Specializing in a modern and refined look, it offers unique yet affordable choices for men and women.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations.
www.bananarepublic.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: H&M
BEST HAIR SALONVAN MICHAEL
THE LOWDOWN: This full-service Aveda concept salon employs only the most highly trained staff to coif and pamper its hair-obsessed clientele. Continuing education in technique, beauty and fashion trends and other specialty areas allows employees to excel. Sleek and sexy, the salon offers styling and color treatments, haircuts and a complimentary scalp, neck and hand massage with each service.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations.
www.vanmichael.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Lux
BEST HAIR STYLIST
BEST COLORISTMAX SANCHEZ
THE LOWDOWN: Max is a seasoned, Van Michaels-trained pro who’s served as the go-to stylist and colorist for such celebs as Meryl Streep, Cameron Diaz, Paris Hilton, Nancy Pelosi, international royalty and dignitaries, as well as the babes and broads of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. He’s been in the biz of making heavenly coif dreams come true for almost 20 years, and now Atlanta’s lured him back for some serious hair care.
THE BASICS: Dragonfly, 1170 Howell Mill Road, Suite 101, in the White Provision complex. 404-815-6702.
THE RUNNER-UP: Martianne Renninger, Salon One
BEST BRIDAL SALONLA BELLE WEDDINGS
THE LOWDOWN: Billing itself as Atlanta’s first one-stop bridal shop, this full-service bridal boutique handles everything from invitations and bridal party gifts to cakes, jewelry, ceremony and reception supplies and even bachelorette and honeymoon novelties. (Sorry, you’ll have to pick out a groom yourself.)
THE BASICS: 3505 Gwinnett Place Drive, Suite 100, Duluth. 678-475-9445.
www.labelleweddings.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: David’s Bridal
BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING STORESTEFAN’S VINTAGE CLOTHING
THE LOWDOWN: Open since 1977, this is where some of Atlanta’s best-dressed hipsters go to recapture days past and make everything old new again. 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 to the ’60s, ’70s jackets, bowling shirts, costume jewelry and more.
THE BASICS: 1160 Euclid Ave. 404-688-4292.
www.stefansvintage.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Psycho Sisters
BEST THRIFT STORE LAST CHANCE THRIFT STORE
THE LOWDOWN: With four locations in the metro area and truckloads of quality used clothing and household items added each day, you’re always finding something new at this for-profit resale retail store. And the prices can’t be beat.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations.
www.lastchancethriftstore.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Value Village
OUR FAVORITE ANSWER: That place in Little Five Points
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD TO SHOP INVIRGINIA-HIGHLAND
THE LOWDOWN: Take a stroll among the charming and diverse array of shops, and the appeal of the Virginia-Highland neighborhood becomes immediately apparent. You’ll lose yourself (and many hours) browsing amongst the eclectic offerings, from trendy clothing to antiques, books, offbeat crafts and gourmet foods.
THE RUNNER-UP: Buckhead
BEST MALLLENOX SQUARE
THE LOWDOWN: Although it has an affluent feel, this Buckhead landmark offers diverse goods at a variety of price points. Anchored by mainstays such as Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus, it also features upscale delights like Louis Vuitton and Cartier, as well as staple stores like the Gap and Banana Republic. Less common options include Zara and True Religion.
THE BASICS: 3393 Peachtree Road. 404-233-6767.
www.lenoxsquare.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Phipps Plaza
BEST OVERALL CLOTHING STORE
BEST PLACE TO SPEND $150 ON A PAIR OF JEANSNORDSTROM
THE LOWDOWN: This upscale department store offers high quality and designer wares, from clothing and cosmetics to handbags, jewelry and fragrance. And while it may be hard to imagine spending $150 on jeans in this economy, once you try on a pair of body-transforming brands like the amazing “tummy-tuck” Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, you’ll never go back.
THE BASICS: Perimeter Mall and Lenox Square.
www.nordstrom.com.
THE RUNNERS-UP: Saks (clothing store); Blue Genes ($150 jeans)
OUR FAVORITE ANSWER: Nowhere! ($150 jeans)
BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE CHOCOLATE SOUP
THE LOWDOWN: This bursting-at-the-seams Roswell Road boutique attracts discerning parents with a fun and funky selection of designer labels (including its own in-house line) for kids up to age 14 (for girls) and 7 (for boys). There’s also a smattering of toys and accessories. And the deals available at sale time? Fuhgeddaboutit!
THE BASICS: 6681-C Roswell Road NE. 404-303-9047.
THE RUNNER-UP: Target
BEST LINGERIE STOREVICTORIA’S SECRET
THE LOWDOWN: Victoria’s secret isn’t under wraps anymore: She’s well known for her ability to entice shoppers with specialty items designed for those who want a little romance—or just plain lust. Offerings include panties in every variety, teddies and nightgowns from shy to risqué, and sexy bras. She also sells perfumes, swimsuits, makeup and pajamas.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations.
www.victoriassecret.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Intimacy
BEST SHOE STOREDSW
THE LOWDOWN: This shoe candyland may be low on prices, but not on style. From designer labels to stylish knockoffs, sandals and sneakers to pumps and everything in between, there’s something here for everyone, and at a good price, to boot.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations.
www.dsw.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Nordstrom
BEST JEWELRY STOREWORTHMORE JEWELERS
THE LOWDOWN: You won’t find any stuffy, suit-wearing jewel merchants bragging about their latest trip to some diamond mine here—just relatable, knowledgeable employees dedicated to helping customers make the right decision for their lifestyles and budgets. Not that sticker shock is usually an issue, since Worthmore strives to keep its prices as low as possible. Sweet!
THE BASICS: 500-L3 Amsterdam Ave. 404-892-8294.
117 East Court Square, Decatur. 404-370-3979.
www.worthmorejewelers.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Tiffany & Co.
BEST OUTLET SHOPPINGNORTH GEORGIA PREMIUM OUTLETS
THE LOWDOWN: A 45-minute drive from Atlanta, this outlet destination offers impressive savings for those who want to look stylish without breaking the bank. With 140 stores to choose from—including Kate Spade, Ann Taylor, Restoration Hardware and Cole Haan—and specially priced items that often include out-of-season goods, why would you shop anywhere else?
THE BASICS: 800 Hwy. 400 South. 706-216-3609.
www.premiumoutlets.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Discover Mills
BEST FURNITURE STOREIKEA
THE LOWDOWN: Going to IKEA can be like visiting another country, with its quirky escalators and Swedish Food Market. The Scandinavian outpost warehouses furniture, storage solutions, lighting, decorations and mirrors, textiles, rugs and various other home-related products. And it’s an interesting place to take the family, just to soak up the atmosphere.
THE BASICS: 441 16th St. NW. 404-745-4532.
www.ikea.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Intaglia
BEST ANTIQUE STORE
KUDZU ANTIQUES
THE LOWDOWN: If you prefer things that are actually old over new things that were made to look old, there are 25,000 square feet of antique goodness for you at this Decatur store. With everything from lamp repair to records and everything in between (from more than 100 dealers), there’s something for everyone to dig through.
THE BASICS: 2928 E. Ponce De Leon Ave. 404-373-6498.
www.kudzuantiques.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Scott’s Antique Market
BEST PLACE TO BUY ELECTRONICS AND APPLIANCESBEST BUY
THE LOWDOWN: Gadget geeks love the variety of popular tech items available here, where easily accessible displays allow shoppers to demo the latest big-screen TVs and laptops, and then buy a new kitchen stove or refrigerator. Those who are electronically challenged will feel at home, too, thanks to the large variety of music and movies.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations.
www.bestbuy.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Sears
Kipp Howe
BEST TOBACCO
HIGHLAND CIGAR
THE LOWDOWN: Smoking may draw some looks of disgust, forced coughs and gestures toward "no smoking" signs elsewhere, but at Highland Cigar, smokers are welcomed with open arms. We love the walk-in humidor, leather sofas and high-definition TVs for all your puffing and relaxing needs.
THE BASICS: 245 N. Highland Ave, Suite 140. 404-477-2415.
www.highlandcigar.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Tinder Box
BEST CAMERA STORE WOLF CAMERA
THE LOWDOWN: Wolf can provide everything the hobbyist or professional photographer might need for his or her shooting excursions. Check out a wide variety of digital cameras, supplies and plenty of other fun gadgets and electronics.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations.
www.wolfcamera.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Showcase Photo & Video
BEST HARDWARE STOREHIGHLAND HARDWARE
THE LOWDOWN: Make-it-yourselvers flock to this neighborhood hardware center that goes well beyond nuts and bolts. Experts offer instruction on woodworking in the adjacent shop, and publish an online woodworking newsletter. Cool.
THE BASICS: 1045 N. Highland Ave. 404-872-4466.
www.highlandwoodworking.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Ace Hardware
BEST GARDEN SHOPPIKE NURSERIES
THE LOWDOWN: Highly skilled gardeners and newbies alike flock to this nursery because of the wide variety of plants and flowers, ranging from well-known horticultural mainstays to more exotic offerings. The knowledgeable staff is happy to answer any type of question, big or small, from those looking to increase their green thumb quotient.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations.
www.pikenursery.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Habersham Gardens
BEST ART SUPPLY STORESAM FLAX ART AND DESIGN STORE
THE LOWDOWN: The laid-back interior of this spacious Northside Drive favorite boasts a mind-blowing collection of art supplies for everything from ceramics to painting and drawing, with an impressive lineup of presentation, drafting and design materials. This is Atlanta’s one-stop shop for the blossoming or veteran artist.
THE BASICS: 1460 Northside Drive. 404-352-7200.
www.samflaxsouth.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Utrecht
BEST TOY STORERICHARD’S VARIETY STORE
THE LOWDOWN: You can get lost for hours at this hidden gem, reminiscent of an old general store with a dash of worldly kitsch. Thanks to its new second location in Midtown, many new customers are discovering this wonderland of old-fashioned toys, books, knick-knacks and greeting cards.
THE BASICS: 2347 Peachtree Road. 404-237-1412. 931 Monroe Drive. 404-879-9877.
www.richardsvarietystore.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Toys “R” Us
BEST FLORISTHall’s Flower Shop and Garden Center
THE LOWDOWN: Currently celebrating its 62nd year of “making every day special,” this family-owned shop prides itself on a high-quality selection of flowers and plants, as well as gourmet baskets with fruit, candy, balloons or stuffed animals and a same-day delivery policy within the metro Atlanta area.
THE BASICS: 5706 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain. 404-292-8446.
www.hallsflowershop.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Twelve Boutique and Flowers
BEST STORE FOR ECO-FRIENDLY GOODSWhole Foods Market
THE LOWDOWN: Thanks to its environmentally savvy ways, Whole Foods is pretty much the dictionary definition of an eco-conscious company. And with its wide selection of organic produce, hot bars, bakeries and more, it’s far and away the standard-bearer for “green” dining (in more ways than one).
THE BASICS: Multiple locations.
www.wholefoodsmarket.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Fresh Market
BEST COMIC BOOK STOREOxford Comics & Games
THE LOWDOWN: Maybe it’s the convenient Buckhead location, the cardboard Obama that greets visitors at the door or the association with Atlanta’s late, lamented Oxford book chain. More likely, our readers chose Oxford for its superheroic range of comics, graphic novels, posters, games, action figures and other memorabilia, which attract mainstream pop-culture junkies as well as comic and role-playing devotees.
THE BASICS: 2855 Piedmont Road NE. 404-233-8682.
THE RUNNER-UP: Titan Comics and Games
Spark St. JudeBEST CD STORE
CRIMINAL RECORDS
THE LOWDOWN: Casual listeners might prefer the sterility of downloading music, but in-the-know music fiends flock to Criminal Records, where the only thing criminal is the insane selection. With tons of music as well as movies, comics, toys, magazines and a very knowledgeable staff, it's worth having to actually stand up and walk.
THE BASICS: 1154 A Euclid Ave. NE. 404-215-9511.
www.criminal.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Decatur CD
BEST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STOREKen Stanton Music
THE LOWDOWN: This local institution has been selling quality equipment since 1949. With a well-informed staff (many of them professional musicians) that doesn’t work on commission (i.e., no badgering) and competitive prices, this family-owned business is in tune with your needs.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations.
www.kenstantonmusic.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Guitar Center
BEST BOOK STOREBorders
THE LOWDOWN: As much as we love and support our local independent booksellers, even we have to admit there’s something about these spacious emporiums of books, music and movies that beckons us. The cool coffee, the frequent signings and the free Borders Rewards program probably have something to do with it.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations.
www.borders.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Atlanta Book Exchange
OUR FAVORITE ANSWERS: Eagle Eye Books; Downtown Library
BEST STORE FOR SPICING UP YOUR SEX LIFEStarship
THE LOWDOWN: Whether you’re searching for adult DVDs, gag gifts or what we used to call “marital aids,” this ubiquitous chain has an out-of-this-world selection guaranteed to send your romantic evening into the stratosphere. And with more than a dozen locations, it’s never been easier to beam aboard.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations.
www.shopstarship.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Love Shack
OUR FAVORITE ANSWERS: Walgreen’s; “No comment!”
MOST DISTURBING ANSWER: PetSmart