Their dreams have come true. Carri Lawson and McKenzie Amash worked in fashion retailing for years and have dreamed of opening their own boutique.
Last week the two Raleigh-area natives opened their store, Anna and Alice, in the new Lafayette Village center in North Raleigh.
"We have a passion for clothing and have always had the desire to open our own business," Amash says. "So this was a great way to combine our love of business with our love for clothes."
The store will carry women's lines, featuring pieces at several price points. One of the labels, DL1961 Denim, is new to Raleigh. They'll have Ella Moss, Hudson Denim, Rag & Bone and Halston Heritage accessories.
Amash and Lawson plan to spend a lot of time in the store, getting to know customers and establishing a close relationship with their shoppers.
"We want people to know that we truly are passionate about being present in our store, and that everyone is welcome here," Amash says.
Anna and Alice is at 8490 Honeycutt Road, Suite 108, in North Raleigh. 900-8954, www.annaandalice.com
'The Hills' is gone, but LC's coming
If you're missing actress Lauren Conrad and "The Hills" reality show, you'll want to be at Barnes & Noble in Cary on Oct. 23. Conrad, who starred in the MTV reality series that followed the lives of several young women in LA, will sign her "Lauren Conrad Style" guide, as well as the latest in her "LA Candy" series.
Conrad recently announced that she's starting a fashion line, in addition to her affordable line for Kohl's, LC by Lauren Conrad. Her style guide shows readers how to achieve that casual-yet-sleek California look for which she's known. Conrad's Triangle appearance is set for 2 p.m. at the store at 760 S.E. Maynard Road, Cary. 467-1583, www.barnesand noble.com
Divine Consign has deals on kids' clothes
The books, the supplies, the clothes - back-to-school shopping can really put a strain on a family's budget. But parents can save a little, at least, on back-to-school clothes at the Raleigh Divine Consign Show, running Tuesday through Thursday.
The annual sale features gently used and overstock designer children's wear, in sizes newborn to 12. Brands include Three Mommas, Wish Upon a Star and Castles & Crowns. The pre-sale for volunteers, consignors and grandparents is 3:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Other show hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday (with a private show for new mothers from 8 to 9 a.m.) and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. The Divine Consign Show will be held at 9660-160 Falls of Neuse Road, in Falls Pointe shopping center, Raleigh. www.divine consignshow.com
Charity benefit at West End Wine Bar
Local jewelry designers are using their accessories to help people with eating disorders.
The Art and Eating Disorders silent auction, set for 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at West End Wine Bar in Durham, will feature jewelry by local designers such as Katie Seiz of Vintage Garden Designs, Liz Esser of Haden Designs, Ashley Brodie of Ashley Brodie Jewelry, Kenda Kistenmacher of Kenda Kist and Tim Garvin of Blue Bus Studio. The show will also feature photography, paintings, sculpture and other works by local artists. Proceeds will benefit the Duke Center for Eating Disorders.
Tickets are $15 at the door, and attendees will be entered in a raffle to win gift certificates from local businesses. West End Wine Bar is at 601 W. Main St., Durham. 684-0353
Kid Fest fashion show coming up at Belk
See the latest in back-to-school style at Hudson Belk's Kid Fest, noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Crabtree Valley Mall store. The event features a fashion show highlighting hot new fall trends for children. Games, prizes, crafts and entertainment round out the day.
Hudson Belk is in Crabtree mall, 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh.782-7010, www.belk .com
Weddings, whimsy at Southern Bridal Show
As the summer wedding season winds down, planning picks up for next spring's weddings. Just in time, the Southern Bridal Show and Expo comes to the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Brides-to-be can meet with wedding vendors, sample food and check out the latest in photography and floral arrangements. Hourly wedding fashion shows highlight the hottest looks in bridal wear, tuxedos and wedding party dresses. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
The N.C. State Fairgrounds are at 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. www.foreverbridal.net.
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