Selvedge Yards - Introducing Lumina Jeans - Available Now

These are Not your Father's Levis:  In case you haven't noticed, men's jeans have come a long way    since the days of Levi 501's.  Artisan jeans are showing up at the workplace and as dining and evening attire.  Is this the result of skillful marketers or an outgrowth of our "distressed" times? Perhaps it is a bit of both. Raleigh Denim + Workshop paved the way for locally made, quality denim jeans at a premium (+$200) price points. Now the local jean market has a second source - Raleigh's Lumina Clothing. The Lumina jeans are made from premium denim (Cone Denim's White Oak Mill in Greensboro) and are manufactured in Tennessee (LC King Mfg.).  Two styles will be offered: The Trenton Jean - with Stock Denim - $108; and The Ayden Jean - with Selvedge Denim - $148. The two styles also differ in terms of taper - code for "slim appropriate".

Artisan Jeans - Are They Worth the Price?  Unless you relegate your jeans to just working in the vegetable garden, investing in the right artisan denim makes sense.  Really?? How!!  Well for starters: 

• Quality Denim can Last for Decades - Unlike the latest iPhone & iOS 7
• The Cost per Wear Equation is Less - A $150 pair that lasts 5 years is cheaper per wear than the $50 jeans that last a year
• Handmade is the Ultimate Quality Control - Skilled craftsmen sweat the details and make a product that fits and looks right
• Selvedge is the Best Denim you can Buy - Made on a narrow shuttle loom, selvedge resists fray, ravel, or curl
• Jeans Get Better with Age - A Japanese investor bid $60 thousand for an 1880's pair of Levi 501's. ... Hello Ebay!

So, are they worth it?  Well, if they make you look slim and your butt look good, absolutely!

One Year Aniversary - Lumina Denim Launch Party:  Lumina is celebrating a year at its first home base in Raleigh with an official Denim Launch Party on Saturday, November 9 from 6-10pm at their 123 E Martin Street, Raleigh location. They will be offering 10% off all jeans the night of the event as a thank you for a great year. Beer and pizza will be provided by Trophy Brewing Company and there will be live music by Virgins Family Band. Note: To properly prepare, they are requesting that RSVP's be sent to events@luminaclothing.com.

Lumina Clothing - Founded with the goal of one-hundred percent American-made goods, Lumina's product line has expanded from men's bow and neck ties and shirts to sweaters, pants, and jeans. The owners love to meet new people and host monthly parties and events which are announced on Facebook  and Twitter. Location: 123 E Martin Street, Raleigh; Hours: Tue - Fri / 11am - 6pm and Sat / 12pm - 6pm; Website

To Bee or Not to Bee

Unsightly Winner - Center for Architecture & Design 

The American Institute of Architects (AIA)  Center for Architecture and Design on Peace Street has been dubbed one of the ugliest buildings in Raleigh. Of course, it's all in good-humor without any scientific, organized polling. But locals admired it about as much as they did the superfluously-columned Fidelity Bank building in Cameron Village.

Just like a piece of art, architecture is in the eye of the beholder. And, it sometimes grows on you. Case in point: many of the buildings that made the ugly list have also been nominated for some of Raleigh's most beautiful buildings.

The AIA NC Center for Architecture and Design has decided to become a winner to many downtowners who desperately seek venues for events such as meetings, weddings, rehearsal dinners and much more.  Event planning has become a source of income for this modern building that was designed and built for the purpose of a community resource for NC design professionals and statewide residents.

The mission of AIA NC Headquarters was to bridge architecture and the public. By joining the event venue list for downtown Raleigh they'll accomplish their mission much quicker than previous plans.

Whether envisioning an event to be elegant, modern or eclectic, indoor or outdoor, guests will be impressed with an inimitable experience in this unique venue that offers a one of a kind, urban oasis with stunning views of downtown landmarks and facilities for all your needs.

Reception packages reflect the flexibility you need when planning your event. Options are numerous and space can be picked from their multi-level modern aesthetic interiors anchored with picturesque views of downtown Raleigh and William Peace University. The Reception Banquet room, is the largest and most versatile indoor space. With an attached prep kitchen, rear screen projection, automatic shades, and surround sound, this room features some of the Centers most unique architectural features. The double doors invite an option to open onto a 476 sq.ft. of the acqua pavered parking green for an alfresco continuity one may envision.

Depending on areas selected guest accommodations may range from 26 to 550. Caterers and some rentals will most likely be needed, but can give an opportunity to build an event with fun and fluidity.

Center for Architecture and Design: 14 E Peace Street, Raleigh 27604, phone: 919.833.6656, fax: 919.833.2015, Email, Website.

Three Homes For Sale In Olde Raleigh

3800 City of Oaks Wynd: $599,900

4308 Johnston Busbee Wynd: $1.195 or Executive Rental @

$5000/mo.

7,214 SF, Transitional w/ All Hardwoods, Gracious Formals, Keeping Room, Master Wing w/Gentleman's Office, 6 bdrs/5.5 baths, Children's Study, Fin. 3rd Floor, 3-garage, .57 Acre. (photo right)

4101 John S. Raboteau Wynd: List Price: TBD

4,012 SF, Large Living Areas, Sunroom,4 bdrs/3.5 baths, Bonus,.52 Acre. (photo left)

Olde Raleigh features three beautiful lakes with centerpiece fountains, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, clubhouse, veranda and two tennis courts. 

Contact: Jill Rekuc, Owner-Olde Raleigh Real Estate

Website: www.olderaleighrealestate.com

Email: Jill@olderaleighrealestate.com

Core Results Inc.- Self Defense Seminar: "Evasion and Survival" - Sat, November 9, 10am - 12pm. Core Results is teaching a class on self defense. Taught in a group setting for both men and women, students will get hands-on instruction in simple, effective self defense techniques including:

• Tactics to reduce risk and enhance personal safety
• Practical awareness skills
• How to overcome fear and function under stress
• Practical defensive tactics

The Knitty Gritty at Certain Things - Fall Sweaters galore! Come see the variety of sweaters in all weights, colors and sizes. But hurry before they're gone!

Certain Things of Cameron Village - 404 Daniels St. Raleigh, NC 27605, (919) 828-5055Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 1-5pm.

Except on Halloween (Thurs.) Oct. 31 - Closing at 5:00pm. Grandparents/owners Lu and Doug have precious grand-babies to see!

Happy Halloween! Website.

  Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales,Ltd. -  Now accepting Fine Jewelry for The Winter Catalogue Auction, which will be held on December 5, 6 & 7, 2013.

For local convenience, global reach & international results, contact Leland Little's Fine Jewelry Director, Nancy Blount, for additional information or to schedule an appointment to discuss consignment.

Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd.: 620 Cornerstone Court, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Phone: (919) 644-1243, Website.

Core Results - Personal Training is teaching people from all over the Raleigh, Cary and Triangle area how to meet their fitness goals. From kettlebells to TRX, everything is top of the line and brand new at the private Core Results studio. Call and make your first appointment for a Complimentary Session!

Core Results: 1330 St. Mary's Street, Suite A00, Raleigh, 27605, Phone: (919) 946-1737, Email:info@coreresults.net, Website.   

Kenna Custom Painting is available to tackle your residential painting needs.  With their great crews that perform very professional jobs on residential homes, you won't believe how quiet and unobtrusive they are.  So if you have that "itch" to freshen up your home, interior or exterior before springtime, contact them now.  Call 919-855-0082 or Email: kennapaint@bellsouth.net.  Website.

How to Decorate When You're Starting Out or Starting Over

A Young Entrepreneur - Please Support! 

Car Wash Service