Charlotte Premium Outlets Grand Opening - July 31-Aug. 3 - Check Out the Schedule and Giveaways

I could say, "the time has finally come" but it's more like, "man that got here quick" -- the grand opening of Charlotte Premium Outlets. The dates for the four-day grand opening celebration were announced months ago, but it's still astonishing to see this 100-store outlet mall come to fruition after only breaking ground last September. I've driven past it each of the last two weekends, where you can see it clearly from Interstate 485 (Exit 4 NC 160/Steele Creek Road). I blogged in March about how Charlotte Premium Outlets will greatly transform that part of town.

Photos credit: Facebook

The grand opening events kick off this Thursday at 10 a.m., and there'll be live bands performing over three days in the commons areas--Charlotte favorites like 5 on Sundays, Early Ray, and Hot Sauce. There will also be two prizes given away every hour between noon and 5 p.m. Plus, there will be in-store events and entertainment taking place at several of the stores, such as DJs inside the Converse, Puma, and Hilfiger stores; and gift card giveaways at Aeropostale, Eddie Bauer, J.Crew, Lane Bryant, Nike, and many others. Reality TV star, author, and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel is scheduled to appear Saturday at the VIP Shopper Club Lounge. It's also possible that other celebrities and special guests could appear throughout the weekend.

Click here for the full schedule of grand opening events.

Charlotte Premium Outlets now has social media accounts: facebook.com/charlottepremiumoutlets and twitter.com/CharPremOutlets; the hashtag for the grand opening is #CPOGO (stands for Charlotte Premium Outlets Grand Opening, FYI). Charlotte Premium Outlets, 5404 New Fashion Way, 704-523-8865, charlotte@premiumoutlets.com, premiumoutlets.com/charlotte.

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Charlotte Hornets Unveil New Uniforms -- Larry Johnson's Not Walking Through That Door, Fans

Is the buzz starting to wear off already? Nah, I don't think so. But some Charlotte Hornets fans are feeling a little stung today after team officials unveiled the highly anticipated new uniforms. My first reaction was like, "they're okay." And then I felt that the design of the new jerseys and shorts will grow on me. But the reaction was pretty much either love it or hate it for many of the fans commenting on social media (isn't it always like that for commenters, though), especially on the Hornets' Facebook announcement.

Charlotte Hornets will wear these uniforms during the 2014-15 NBA season. Credit: Hornets

This is basically what it comes down to. A lot of people who are excited about having the Hornets name, brand, and colors return to its rightful city, are holding on too tightly to nostalgia. They weren't going to be happy with the new uniforms unless they looked almost exactly like what Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, Dell Curry, and Muggsy Bogues and 'em wore during Charlotte's NBA heyday (like the team gear Kriss Kross and I rocked as kids).

Credit: bleacherreport.com

Like Rick Pitino infamously said during a press conference back in 2000 while he was head coach of the Boston Celtics: "Larry Bird's not walking through that door, fans. Kevin McHale's not walking through that door, and Robert Parrish is not walking through that door. And if you expect them to walk through that door, they're going to be gray and old." Larry Johnson's not walking through that door, Hornets fans, and neither are the 1990s-era uniforms. Muggsy is though--he's an ambassador for the team and the new look.

I'm still excited about having the Hornets back, and here's to the future!

See the descriptions breakdown of the new uniforms and the unveiling video. And by the way, the uniforms are on public display inside the atrium of Mint Museum Uptown through July 10 (it's free to enter the atrium so go check them out in person).

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H&M Grand Opening February 27 at Carolina Place

Charlotte's northside got its H&M when the retailer opened at Northlake Mall in November. Now it's the southside's turn, as H&M holds its grand opening this Thursday, February 27 at Carolina Place in Pineville.

Tomorrow's grand opening event begins at noon at the store, located on the mall's upper level. Guests can begin lining up at 7 a.m. at the upper level entrance. The event will offer free T-shirts and gift cards valued from $10 to $300 for the first 200 people in line (the chance to win the $300 gift cards is what usually spurs a large turnout). There will also be music by DJ LP, refreshments, and plenty of great deals on merchandise.

This location of H&M at Carolina Place, which is selling apparel in ladies, men, kids, and young, reportedly, is 17,000 square feet, which is about a third smaller than the 26,000-square-foot Northlake store. And the Charlotte area will go from having no H&Ms, having been long overdue to this market, to soon having three locations. A SouthPark Mall store is currently under construction.

Shoppers lined up before the H&M Northlake opening last November. Photo credit: @htrenda

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Air Jordan 10 Retro 'Bobcats' Release January 11

Attention sneaker heads--and this time, also Bobcats fans--the Air Jordan 10 Retro sneakers are being released nationwide this Saturday, January 11. The kicks have been nicknamed "Bobcats" because of the Charlotte Bobcats-inspired colorway: wolf grey/dark powder blue-new slate-atomic orange. The shoes will retail for $170.

As many of the sneaker blogs (Sneaker News) point out, this is the first pair of retro J's to pay homage to the team Michael Jordan owns. Jordan Brand rakes in hundreds of millions of dollars a year by introducing new colors of vintage sneakers from MJ's legendary NBA career. Actually, the 10s were originally released in several colors throughout 1994 and '95, during Jordan's first retirement from basketball, when he was trying his hand at minor league baseball. A photo of the Jordan 10 Retro Bobcats is drawing plenty of comments on the Jordan Facebook page.

Credit: Nike

As usual, these retros are being sold in limited quantity and will likely sell out on Saturday (only to be resold at a much higher markup later on sites like eBay). Or will the Bobcats' lack of popularity as an NBA team hinder sales of this edition of J's? Regardless, the sneakers should at least go over well in the Carolinas.

If you're looking for them in the Charlotte area, the Foot Locker stores at SouthPark Mall and Carolina Place Mall are selling them (click here for the launch locator). And as has become protocol, a "sweepstakes" is being held just for the opportunity for you to buy the sneakers at Foot Locker. Tickets are being issued this Wednesday and Thursday, January 8 and 9, to people who come by the store. You'll need to designate the exact size you want, and on Friday the "winners" will be notified by phone, which will then allow them to come purchase the sneakers on Saturday. This prevents unruly crowds and chaos from forming at the stores on release day.

I guess you could say these sneakers are a going away present of sorts, since there are only a few more months until the Bobcats switch to the Charlotte Hornets. By the way, the new Hornets merchandise, including this basketball below, goes on sale January 18.

Credit: facebook.com/bobcats

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'Don't Try to Compare Us to Another Bad, Little Fad.'

Kriss Kross, circa 1992. Credit: The Internets

#Bobcats x #CharlotteHornets = #BuzzCity.

bobcats.com.

backbuzzcity.com.

Charlotte Hornets, 2014-15. Credit: Bobcats.com

Explanation of headline: Rap Genius.

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William Wilson Clothing Opens Charlotte Showroom

William Wilson, CEO of William Wilson Clothing, has opened a new showroom for his custom clothing line. The Charlotte-based designer makes custom men's suits, shirts, and neckties for his namesake brand, which he launched in 2008. I met William about two years ago and have seen his brand and notoriety grow tremendously during that time. I attended the private grand opening event he held on Monday.

William Wilson shows merchandise at his new showroom. Photos by Marissa Carter. See more.

His new showroom, located in a great storefront space in the Coffey & Thompson building (near the corner of West Morehead and South Tryon streets, where Uptown meets South End), represents the growth of his company. It's not easy getting a clothing line off the ground--all of his custom label suits are handmade--but William has managed to make suits for several professional athletes, including Carolina Panthers players and NASCAR drivers. In fact, he now designs the jackets for the winners of three NASCAR Sprint Cup series races--the Coca-Cola 600, Bank of America 500, and Sprint All-Star Race--as well as the Chiquita Classic golf tournament, and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (presented by the Charlotte Touchdown Club to the best college football defensive player in the nation; 2013 award is being given out December 9).

At the showroom grand opening, I learned that William has recently launched William Everette, his first ready-to-wear collection of business suits. As he explained, this allows him to serve clients who can't afford to pay thousands of dollars for a custom suit, but he can still make quality suits they can buy off the rack for a few hundred dollars.

Another thing I'm impressed by is the humbleness that comes across from William when you're talking to him. At Monday's event, he repeatedly thanked and gave credit to the people he says have helped him along the way and have been instrumental to his success. He also talked a lot about the role God plays in his life.

I never hear Donald Trump talking like that!

William Wilson Clothing, 109 W. Morehead St., williamwilsonclothing.com. Follow William on Twitter @TheClothier.

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Brooklyn Decker Dons Charlotte Hornets Hat... and Keeps It G

Supermodel-turned-actress Brooklyn Decker shared a photo on Instagram late last night of herself wearing a Charlotte Hornets hat, adding some buzz to the Buzz City movement.

After starring in two major movies in 2012--What to Expect When You're Expecting and Battleship--the Matthews native is set to star in her first recurring role on a television series, a comedy called Friends with Better Lives that is expected to debut midseason on CBS. According to tweets and Instagram posts from cast and crew members, the show wrapped the taping of its first season this past Wednesday. In addition to Brooklyn, the FWBL cast includes Kevin Connolly, James Van Der Beek, Majandra Delfino, and Zoe Lister-Jones.

Back to the Hornets hat, if you'll notice, Brooklyn keeps it G by posing with the tag still on, reminiscent of this hilarious "Dueling Hats" skit from Key & Peele.

The Hornets name and mascot makes its return to Charlotte's NBA team, replacing the Bobcats, beginning with the 2014-15 season.

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Charlotte's First H&M Opens Nov. 14 at Northlake Mall

I strolled around Northlake Mall a few weeks ago and I literally thought to myself: this mall can almost give SouthPark mall a run for its money. Opened since 2005, Northlake is Charlotte's youngest mall and it's always been well-managed from what I can tell. But it's the addition of many elite stores that's taking it to another level. And not the least of which is H&M, which holds its grand opening at Northlake on November 14.

H&M is occupying the space that formerly housed Borders bookstore (located near the food court entrance). For the last several months, the building has undergone massive renovations to take on the H&M brand, and making it look almost like a stand-alone store. This will be the retail giant's first Charlotte store, while a second location is scheduled to open less than a month later at Carolina Place. H&M has about 3,000 stores worldwide, with more than 230 of those located in the U.S. I'm not sure what took it so long to come to Charlotte--it opened in Raleigh and Winston-Salem prior to the Queen City, and there's also a location opening soon in Greensboro.

Chicks love H&M. Credit: facebook.com/hm

If you're not familiar with H&M, it sells ladies, men, and kids' clothing as well as home goods, and it's most known for carrying items and brands that reflect international trends. It also regularly presents special collections from celebrities such as Beyonce and David Beckham.

The H&M Northlake Grand Opening will take place Thursday, November 14 at 12 p.m. The celebration will feature fashion, music by a DJ, and giveaways. And according to the Facebook invite for the event, the first 200 shoppers in line will receive an all-access fashion pass valued up to $300 off your entire purchase. Obviously the store is opening just in time for the start of the holiday shopping season.

Rendering of H&M at Northlake Mall. Credit: shopnorthlake.com

Other stores that have opened at Northlake within the past year include Forever 21, which was already at the mall but moved to a much larger space--the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that line the entire front of the store are eye-catching; White House | Black Market and Chico's also opened earlier this year. And then there's the Apple Store that opened a couple of years ago that attracts shoppers from around the state.

There's also a lot of new development going on around the mall, particularly on Harris Boulevard near the I-485 exit.

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What's In the Box? Charlotte Knights Unveil New Team Colors, Logo, and Merchandise

If you follow the Charlotte Knights on Twitter, and happened to see the team's feed today, you were probably asking: What's in the box? (Though you likely didn't drop the F-bomb.)

The Charlotte Knights promotions department came up with a clever, social media-powered strategy to generate interest leading up to the team's big announcement this evening, as well as to tie-in with the Triple-A club's move from Fort Mill to the new Uptown Charlotte baseball stadium. Below are several of the photos the team posted to its Twitter account today, beginning around noon and continuing until tonight.

Photos credit: @KnightsBaseball

So as you see, the Knights have debuted a new team logo and colors. The new designs and merchandise were formally unveiled during an event this evening at the Charlotte Convention Center. Here's how the look is described in the announcement on the team's website:

"In keeping with a medieval theme, the Knights new image showcases gold and silver, colors synonymous with royalty. The team's four on-field caps feature a base color of black with white accents, creating a classic combination of colors unique within Minor League Baseball. The font-style in the team's word emblem "Knights" has an Olde English look similar to professional baseball's Charlotte Hornets circa 1950."

Below is a look at the old logo against the new logo (in case you're wondering, it's already been updated on Wikipedia).

I must say, I like the new look. It looks fiercer, which is what I prefer in sports teams' branding. The Knights hired Brandiose, a San Diego-based design firm to create the new look. Brandiose has designed new identities for minor league and major league teams.

This new look will certainly add to the excitement for what's already an exciting time for the team (don't forget they added their first-ever cheerleader squad, The KnightinGals, last spring), led by its move to the under-construction BB&T Ballpark in Uptown. The stadium is scheduled to be completed in time for the Knights to begin playing there at the start of the 2014 season. Their home opener is Friday, April 11, at 7:05 p.m.

BB&T Ballpark rendering. Credit: charlotteknightsatuptown.com

Keep up with all things Charlotte Knights by visiting charlotteknights.com.

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The Air Jordan 5 'Bel-Air' Releases Saturday

For sneaker heads, Saturday is often an important day. That's when a lot of the highly anticipated sneakers are released for sale in stores. This Saturday, October 5 is a big day for fans of the J's. The Air Jordan 5 "Bel-Air" is being sold at limited stores nationwide and is expected to sell out.

The 5's continue the lucrative trend by Jordan Brand of releasing retro sneakers in new colors. You have people my age and older who remember when these sneakers were originally released in 1990 and they want them today partly because of the nostalgia or because they can afford them now. And then there are the teenagers like my nephews who are intrigued by the sneakers that originally came out before they were born.

This release of the Air Jordan 5, or V, which retails for $185, has been given the nickname Bel-Air because the colors are reminiscent of the flashy and funky styles Will Smith wore on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The colorway for the sneakers are cool grey, court purple, game royal, club pink. Guess you could say it's a classic's ode to a classic, and one of the best sitcoms of all time also debuted in 1990, the same year as the Jordan 5's. Will's character often wore Air Jordans on the show.

If you're looking to buy these sneaks tomorrow, good luck. They're only being sold at select stores. If you're looking for them in the Charlotte area, the Foot Locker stores at SouthPark Mall and Carolina Place Mall are selling them, but you won't be able to just show up to buy them. Having learn from the craze, headaches, and even potential dangers of crowds forming outside of stores on the morning of popular sneaker releases, stores like Foot Locker now do sweepstakes or lotteries--just for the opportunity to buy the shoes. Specifically for the Bel-Airs, the Foot Locker at SouthPark and Carolina Place (as well as other select FL stores nationwide) issued tickets on Wednesday and Thursday to people who came by the store. You had to designate the exact size you wanted. Then today, Foot Locker called the winners, who'll now be able to come to the store tomorrow to buy the sneakers.

If you want to buy them from a store locally, you'll have the chance to cop the kicks from Social Status, the high-end sneaker boutique and men's clothing store in Plaza Midwood (1519 Central Ave., 704-632-9902). I called the store and the representative said they're selling the Bel-Airs on a first-come, first-served basis when they open at 11 a.m. tomorrow, and that you must also spend an additional $100 on merchandise to be able to buy the sneakers.

Social Status. Credit: socialstatuspgh.com

Foot Locker also says the sneakers will go on sale online tomorrow at 8 a.m. at Footlocker.com.

And artists are still making new songs about wearing J's.

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Welp! At Least Cam Newton Isn't Wearing an Atlanta Falcons Hat

The NFL is the only professional sport where the players and teams continue to dominate sports news during their offseason. Guess that's how powerful and influential the league is. Or maybe it's just the around-the-clock sports networks needing to fill time during the summer when there's pretty much only baseball going on.

Well in recent days, we've learned that the San Francisco 49ers' breakout star quarterback Colin Kaepernick likes to rock a Miami Dolphins hat (see here and here) and isn't sorry for it. Then over the weekend, in an interview with The Atlanta Journal Constitution, it was revealed that Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is still an Atlanta Falcons fan. "I've always been a Falcons fan, and I'm still a Falcons fan except for those two times a year [when the Panthers play Atlanta]," Cam said.

His comments became big news today once ESPN got wind of it. See their analysts discuss it in the video below.


I don't have a problem with Cam being a Falcons fan. He did, after all, grow up in Atlanta, and it's common for us, as adults, to root for the same teams we were fans of since we were kids. But I have a problem with Cam admitting to being a Falcons fan in 2013. Granted, the AJC article was part of a wide-ranging interview with a reporter he sat down with after an event his Cam Newton Foundation put on for kids at a YMCA in Atlanta (his foundation does great charitable work in both the ATL and Charlotte). But Cam has to know that as the leader of the Carolina Panthers, he can't say anything that puts into question his desire to win in Carolina or loyalty to his team. I'm not questioning it--and, for the record, I'm a big fan of his--but he opens the door to that criticism.

Cam Newton at the School Pride Day his foundation hosted in May for more than 700 Charlotte middle school students. Credit: camnewtonfoundation.org

And at least Cam has ties to the NFL-team-he-paid-homage-to-but-doesn't-play-for. In regards to Colin, however, I can't figure out what's behind his audacity to wear a Dolphins hat--I don't think he's ever lived in Miami, and he didn't play college ball in that city--other than for the fashion statement he was trying to make, which continues to be popular with young guys who love wearing pro teams' hats and athletes' sneakers. Cam and Colin are both young--ages 24 and 25, respectively--so I believe a lot of this behavior and mindset can be attributed to them being born in the late '80s. Could you imagine Randall Cunningham wearing anything other than a Philadelphia Eagles cap back then?

This also reminds me of the time I chastised Cam for wearing a Charlotte Hornets hat to a Bobcats game. Looks like he was just ahead of the curve though.

But in comparison to the trouble some star NFL players get in, if all you or I have to complain about with our team's star quarterback is a little fondness he displays for another team, I'll take it.

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Cam Newton's 'MADE' Clothing Line Debuts at Belk

Last fall, Belk announced its newly formed partnership with Cam Newton to produce a clothing line by the star Carolina Panthers quarterback. Now, MADE Cam Newton has officially arrived in stores. Belk, the exclusive seller of the line, describes it as:

"Modern fashion for the modern, Southern gentleman. Polished for the man who can put it all together. Designed for the man of action. Charismatic as the man who wears it. It's time to get MADE."

MADE offers an assortment of men's pants, shorts, shirts, T-shirts, suits, sportcoats, and ties. Cam is said to have worked closely with Belk's designers in crafting the line. You can tell he's a fan of close-fitting clothing. You don't have to have Cam's physique (we're mere mortals), but you pretty much have to be in shape or be somewhat slim to pull off wearing most of his pieces. (But then again, there are plans to launch MADE Big & Tall soon.) Personally, I like the suits.

 

Credit: pinterest.com/mybelk

The regular retail prices for the items are: complete suits, $500; suit separates, $80-$240; ties, $50; tees, $28-32; polo shirts, $40-45; long-sleeve woven shirts, $60-65; shorts, $50; pants, $60; and jackets, $120.

Charlotte-based Belk is the nation’s largest family-owned and operated department store chain with 301 stores located in 16 Southern states. MADE is being sold in 133 of those stores and at Belk.com.

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Dress Collection Begins for Prom Project 2013

Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. is kicking off its Prom Project for the 11th year. The Charlotte nonprofit organization makes a positive impact in the lives of middle and high school girls year-round with its programs and events, and Prom Project is one of the most successful. Each year, the program provides new or gently used prom dresses, shoes, and accessories free of charge to high school girls for what is an important and memorable event in their lives.

Girls receiving dresses during last year's Prom Project, posing with Mrs. North Carolina International 2012 Kimberly White. Credit: facebook.com/GTFinc

Over the last ten years, Girl Talk has collected more than 6,000 prom dresses, and it's people like you who make Prom Project possible. Beginning this Monday, February 25 through Friday, April 5, Girl Talk will collect donations of new or gently used prom dresses, bridesmaids gowns, or cocktail dresses, shoes, accessories such as purses, and unused makeup and perfume. You can donate these items at any one of the six drop-off locations listed below (take note of the days and times):

South County Regional Library
5801 Rea Rd., Charlotte
Mon., Wed., Thu., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

North County Regional Library
16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville
Mon., Wed., Thu., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Morrison Regional Library
7015 Morrison Blvd., Charlotte
Mon., Wed., Thu., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
300 E. Seventh St., Charlotte
Tue., Wed., Thu., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m.

WPEG FM (Power 98)
1520 South Blvd., Suite 300, Charlotte
Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saks Off 5th
Concord Mills Mall, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord
Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m.

After hundreds of dresses and other items have been donated by generous members of the community as well as corporate sponsors and local businesses, high school girls will get to "shop" for those items free of charge at a make-shift boutique that will be set up at ImaginOn on Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. As a prerequisite to shopping, girls will attend a 45-minute etiquette class that includes beauty, fashion, and prom safety tips. Those young ladies who wish to participate can register by clicking here.

Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. was founded by Janine Davis, who serves as executive director. The organization positively impacts the lives of more than 700 Charlotte-area girls each year through its programs and special events, which also include the 16-week Tailoring Teens for Success curriculum, community service projects, a college tour, and more.

Visit www.girltalkfoundationinc.com for complete details on Prom Project 2013.

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Anthony Hamilton's Got Them J's, Up for Two GRAMMYs

Charlotte-native and platinum-selling recording artist Anthony Hamilton was stuntin' on 'em this week. He celebrated his 42nd birthday a few days ago and took to Instagram to show off the gifts he received from Jordan Brand, the lucrative division of Nike, run by Michael Jordan, and maker of the forever-popular Air Jordan sneaker. A-Ham has had a friendship with MJ for several years now, something he attributes to their "North Carolina connection." Jordan's company sent over a dozen pairs of retro Air Jordans, or J's as they're known in the streets, as well as a nice watch for Anthony's birthday. The company has also thrown parties for him in the past (see here and here).

That watch reminds me of one of my favorite lyrics from rapper Sauce Money, years ago: "Since my watch was a gift, there's no better time than the present."

The good times continue for A-Ham. He's nominated for two GRAMMY Awards this year: Best R&B Song for "Pray for Me" and Best R&B Album for Back To Love. He's up against R. Kelly, Robert Glasper, Tamia, and Tyrese in the album category. The 55th GRAMMY Awards air live Sunday, February 10, 8 p.m. on CBS.

Photos credit: instagram.com/anthonyhamiltonofficial

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Meet Russell Simmons at Belk SouthPark this Saturday

Music and fashion mogul Russell Simmons is making a special appearance at Belk at SouthPark Mall (4400 Sharon Road) this Saturday, 2-4 p.m. to celebrate the launch of his Argyleculture collection at the Charlotte-based department store chain. Spend at least $100 on Argyleculture merchandise and you'll get in the VIP line and receive a photo with Russell. You can also register for a chance to win a $500 Argyleculture wardrobe.

Russell Simmons at a recent launch party for Argyleculture. Credit: facebook.com/ArgyleLife.

As the legendary co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, Russell (@UncleRush) has now been involved in fashion for just about as long as he ran the storied record label. I started wearing Phat Farm in high school, and I'm sure you used to rock it too. Argyleculture, which was founded in 2007, represents his continued foray into more mature, sophisticated styles. He relaunched the brand this year with a new partner, fashion designer Joseph Abboud.

Argyleculture fall 2012 collection.

This is Russell's second stop in Charlotte in the last few weeks--he made a recent visit on behalf of President Obama's campaign.

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Cam Newton to Launch 'MADE' Clothing Line at Belk

Outside of Carolina Panthers home games, quarterback Cam Newton doesn't make too many public appearances in Charlotte. But he was all the talk this evening--and not about football--as he appeared at the Belk headquarters to announce the launch of his men's clothing line for spring 2013. Titled "MADE," the line will be sold exclusively at Belk, and today's launch event was complete with models, dancers, and an onstage chat with Cam.

Cam Newton has it MADE--modeling pieces from his spring collection. Credit: Belk, Inc.

It makes sense for Belk, the Charlotte-based chain that's the nation’s largest privately owned mainline department store company with 302 stores located in 16 Southern states, to want to partner with one of the NFL's biggest stars who's right here in their hometown. In a press release, Kathryn Bufano, president and merchandising officer for Belk, said, “Cam Newton personifies our company’s dedication to family, community and the Southern lifestyle, and therefore is a perfect complement to Belk’s modern Southern fashions.” As I've said repeatedly on this blog, Cam has quickly become one of the most marketable, highly endorsed athletes in all of sports.

But many people will question and criticize the timing of Cam's decision to launch a clothing line--plenty made such remarks on Twitter as word spread this evening--considering his lackluster play this season, which has the Panthers off to a 1-4 start. I'm sure this announcement was months in the works, and Cam wouldn't have anticipated his team playing so poorly come October--and him being scheduled to attend a fashion press conference, of all things, the day after a devastating home loss.

Cam joining Belk executives on stage at Monday's press conference. Credit: @ESPortillo.

But Cam would've been wiser to have waited a year before tackling an endeavor that gives critics the ammunition to say he's too concerned with being flashy and being a superstar--his Superman touchdown pose that was heralded during his rookie year, has come under scrutiny this season. If for nothing else, Cam should've gotten through his second season, proven that he wasn't going to have a sophomore slump, finish the season with a winning, or at least .500, record, and then do all of this clothing line business next fall.

But then again, why not strike while the iron is hot? I truly believe he's going to be a great player in this league for the next decade-plus, but if he does indeed suffer a full-on sophomore slump this season, there's no guarantee his name and likeness will be in such high demand a year from now.

Cool logo for MADE. Credit: Belk, Inc.

MADE, his clothing line, is described as "fashion-forward, versatile, professional apparel options for men." It's launching in spring 2013, and in fall 2013 it will expand to include accessories and shoes. Cam has proven himself to be a stylish dresser so I would expect high standards from a clothing line bearing his name.

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Cam Newton Covers GQ, Gatorade

Carolina Panthers' second-year quarterback Cam Newton continues his role as the most marketable professional athlete Charlotte has ever had. He appears on the cover of the September issue of GQ, one of two covers the leading men's magazine has published for its NFL Kick-Off issue. The other cover features the world's most famous backup quarterback, Tim Tebow, who, coincidentally, Cam backed up for one year at the University of Florida before transferring and eventually having that legendary season at Auburn that led to him winning the Heisman Trophy, college national championship, and becoming the No. 1 pick by the Panthers in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Credit: twitter.com/GQFashion

Cam, who rarely grants media interviews outside of brief pressers at Panthers practice sessions or post-game press conferences, opens up to GQ writer Brett Martin, who writes a great story. He takes you inside Cam's inner sanctum of agents, sponsors, trainers, and his family. You can read the story here as well as check out a photo gallery that features him in a sports-influenced fashion shoot, including a few pics of him with the TopCats cheerleaders.

The 23-year-old is also featured on a limited-edition Gatorade bottle.

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The Avett Brothers Get their 'Shine' in Gap's New 'Icon Redefined' Collection

Awhile back, Gap launched its global marketing campaign for fall 2012, called Shine. Now it's introducing a new collection within that campaign, billed as Icon Redefined. To market it, the department store chain is "featuring an eclectic mix of musicians and dancers wearing Gap's signature pieces updated with a modern design point of view and rich fall color palette," according to a press release. Among those musicians are Concord natives Seth and Scott Avett of The Avett Brothers.

Credit: Gap Inc.

Joining the Avetts in the promotional campaign are pop duo Karmin; professional "Jookin" dancer Lil' Buck; singer-songwriter Lia Ices; Chinese-born San Francisco ballet dancer Yuan Yuan Tan; musician Kaki King; and singer-songwriter Nicki Bluhm. So as you can see, Gap is truly redefining icons and not going for the typical mainstream artists.

The Avett Brothers also appear in a Gap commercial, which you can see below, where they perform a snippet of their new single "Live and Die." The 30-second clip is part of an eight-week content series being featured on Gap's social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, etc.; the Avetts' image is currently Gap's Twitter background).

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Wonder If I Could Pull Off Rocking a Bow Tie?

It seems as if I see more and more guys wearing bow ties these days. I've always felt that only certain dudes could pull it off, sort of like with scarves, ascots, suspenders, or even fedoras (don't wear all of those at once please). Those stylish items have to fit your personality or befit your character, so to speak. But I think I'm beginning to warm up to bow ties, thanks to a Charlotte-based company.

High Cotton Ties launched two years ago by mother-son team Judy Hill and James Hill, and their brand of 100 percent cotton, handmade bow ties have grown rapidly in popularity. The ties are now sold in nearly 100 clothing stores and boutiques in more than a dozen states, primarily throughout the South but as far north as Maine and as far west as Texas. High Cotton's tagline is "A True Southern Accent," and bow ties, to me, evoke imagery of sitting on large front porches in rocking chairs sipping sweet tea. I can dig that. I am a South Carolina native, after all.

A High Cotton madras bow tie on the gentleman and a matching headband on the lady.

I've been loving the photos of the ties--and the lifestyle scenes captured in them--that High Cotton has been posting on its Facebook page. And the reason, in particular, I'm now considering giving this style a shot is because I like the bow ties in its spring 2012 collection. The colors are so vibrant and make you want to dress up for a steeplechase or outdoor Sunday brunch, both of which I hope to do this spring.

Wearing a bow tie would be a stretch for my wardrobe stylings of the past, though. But what the heck, you gotta change up things sometimes. And I think chicks dig 'em, which is another plus.

Visit highcottonties.com for all the details.

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Kemba's Kicks

Now that the NBA lockout is over, the Charlotte Bobcats are getting back to the business of basketball. The team signed their top draft pick, guard Kemba Walker, over the weekend and I'm sure the former UConn star is happy and relieved that some NBA checks are on the way. I know it had to have been tight for rookies like Kemba who haven't been able to get paid by the teams that drafted them in June. But I'm sure a lottery pick like him didn't have to resort to Ramen noodles, thanks largely to the endorsement deal he signed with Under Armour in July.

Credit: facebook.com/uabasketball

It's an interesting fact that our city's top two rookies--Kemba from the Bobcats and quarterback Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers--both have endorsement deals with Under Armour. It would be great if UA put up a billboard in Uptown Charlotte of the two of them. Who knows, that probably would've happened by now had the NBA lockout ended sooner and not have caused any loss of games the way the NFL lockout was able to be resolved before preseason.

Because of the NBA lockout's long duration, it has sort of stifled a promotion Under Armour had planned for Kemba. The sportswear and apparel company was planning to commemorate the Bronx, New York native's homecoming, the scheduled December 10 game between the Bobcats and New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, by releasing a special color of his sneakers. A limited edition of the PE "Homecoming" UA Micro G Jukes were produced in white/silver/orange. But all is not lost, Under Armour is going to hold the promotion to coincide with Kemba and the Bobcats' January 4 visit to the Garden.

Under Armour released a previously shot promo video over the weekend, though it still refers to the original December 10 game.

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