Summer is a time of vibrant colors, warm sunshine, and endless possibilities. It's a season that invites us to shed our layers and embrace the beauty of nature and ourselves. When it comes to fashion, summer offers an opportunity to explore an array of styles that cater to every body type, allowing us to feel confident, comfortable, and utterly fabulous. In this article, we delve into the world of summer styles, celebrating the diversity of bodies and providing inspiration for fashion-forward individuals like yourself.
]]>Summer is a time of vibrant colors, warm sunshine, and endless possibilities. It's a season that invites us to shed our layers and embrace the beauty of nature and ourselves. When it comes to fashion, summer offers an opportunity to explore an array of styles that cater to every body type, allowing us to feel confident, comfortable, and utterly fabulous. In this article, we delve into the world of summer styles, celebrating the diversity of bodies and providing inspiration for fashion-forward individuals like yourself.
At the core of summer fashion lies the importance of embracing and celebrating your unique body shape. Each of us possesses a distinct silhouette that deserves to be adorned with outfits that not only flatter our figure but also reflect our personality and individuality. The key is to focus on highlighting your best features and expressing your personal style with confidence.
If you have an hourglass figure, you're blessed with well-defined curves and a balanced waist-to-hip ratio. Embrace your shape by opting for styles that accentuate your waistline, such as wrap dresses, high-waisted skirts, and belted tops. These choices will enhance your natural curves and create a stunning silhouette that's bound to turn heads wherever you go.
Pear-shaped bodies are characterized by a narrower upper body and wider hips and thighs. To achieve a harmonious balance, focus on drawing attention to your upper body while subtly minimizing the emphasis on your lower half. A-line skirts, off-the-shoulder tops, and tailored jackets are excellent choices to achieve this effect. By accentuating your shoulders and creating a more defined waistline, you'll exude confidence and style effortlessly.
Apple-shaped bodies tend to carry weight around the midsection while having slimmer arms and legs. The goal is to create definition and draw attention away from the midriff. Opt for dresses and tops that cinch at the waist, creating an illusion of an hourglass figure. V-necklines and empire-cut dresses work wonders in elongating the torso and balancing out proportions, allowing you to embrace your body with grace and sophistication.
Athletic builds are characterized by well-defined muscles and an overall toned physique. To showcase your athletic prowess while maintaining a fashionable look, opt for tailored clothing that accentuates your shape. Choose tops that create the illusion of curves, such as peplum blouses or ruffled sleeves. High-waisted trousers and wide-leg pants can add a touch of elegance to your ensemble, creating a look that is both sporty and chic.
For those with petite frames, the aim is to elongate the body and create the illusion of height. Opt for monochromatic outfits to streamline your silhouette and make you appear taller. Vertical stripes, high-waisted skirts, and dresses with empire waists are your allies in achieving a look that elongates your figure and showcases your unique style.
]]>Permanent Jewelry (aka Forever Bracelets & Anklets) are dainty custom lengths of 14k yellow gold fill, rose gold fill or sterling silver chain that are measured out for your specific wrist or ankle and then micro welded together creating a totally seamless piece.
Where?
Permanent Jewelry is only offered in store at 117 N Main St, Mount Holly NC 28120. No appointment necessary, but you might want to call us to see how busy we are, 704-820-8022.
How?
The micro welder is a quick and totally painless process that can have you wearing your newest custom design in less than 15 minutes.
Pricing?
Flat pricing per metal and style, not by the inch.
Yellow Gold & Rose Gold Bracelets are all $60
Sterling Silver Bracelets are $45
Anklets are +$15
Necklaces are x 2
Charms can be added at $25 per charm
*No refunds will be given on Permanent Jewelry. If you are unhappy with yours, we do offer free repairs.
Need to remove your Permanent Jewelry? No problem! Simply use a pair of household scissors to snip your strand! We recommend snipping the small ring that was welded together to join both sides of your chain. This will ensure you don't lose any chain length should you decide to have your sparkle put back on! We are just a phone call, email, or DM away and always happy to help!
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It became apparent quite quickly that even though our floor was full of amazing finds and creations, we were really missing one major category; Clothing that went above the standard Small, Medium, Large. How can we fully serve all of our new best friends when we were missing out on so many? A quick brainstorm with our fearless boutique girls and a solution was immediately found. The Curvy Collection includes sizes that go up to 3X. Fun graphic tees, sweet blouses, flowy dresses, soft leggings, comfy jumpsuits, and pretty sweaters. We've even now got a strappy bralette! Like anything new, it's a slow build. If you see something you love, let these boutique girls know by supporting them! By selling our current styles, they can buy more! Looking for anything in particular? Let us know! We will do our best to help you find it.
]]>After facing cancer twice, Amber and her identical twin sisters, Erica and Ashley, worked for over a year researching and developing a holistic way to stay healthy. Apple Cider Vinegar and Turmeric have long been proven to be great at this, however it's not the most tasty combination. The girls started home brewing fresh veggies. roots, herbs and honey and developed a delicious tonic without the harsh apple cider vinegar taste. Available in two flavors, Firey (the spiciest) and Southern (slightly sweeter).
How do you use it? The easiest way is to take a "shot" every day! However, you can also integrate Sisters' Cider into your every day life by using it as a marinade or even a simple salad dressing. Saute your favorite greens, or add a splash into your favorite drink mix for a little kick! The options are endless!
Here's one of our faves: Sister's Guacamole
Avocado
Red onion
Tomato
Jalapeno
Cilantro
Olive oil
Fiery Sisters’ Cider
Lime juice (from a fresh lime)
Salt
Pepper
Combine everything and enjoy with a good salty, crunchy chip!
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This weekend, we can't wait to team up with 10 other of our favorite downtown businesses and celebrate Galentine's Day! What is Galentine's Day? Only the Best Day Ever!
In the words of Parks & Rec's Leslie Knope, "Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and boyfriends at home and kick it breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.”
]]>This weekend, we can't wait to team up with 10 other of our favorite downtown businesses and celebrate Galentine's Day! What is Galentine's Day? Only the Best Day Ever!
In the words of Parks & Rec's Leslie Knope, "Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and boyfriends at home and kick it breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.”
While we aren't doing breakfast in store (you really never want me to cook for you, trust me on this) we are having Mimosas! At least, Catalyst's version of Mimosas, which is even more fun. Plus, our skincare Queen, Kelly with Legacy Botanicals will be here doing facials! Enjoy special Galentine's Day discounts on almost everything in store and even grab a $25 suprise goody bag! While supplies last.
Make a day of it and explore the rest of what our cute downtown has to offer! The Vintage Nest, Accentuate Med Spa, Awaken Gallery, Pop-Maize-N, Queen Bee Bakery, Create In Us Studios, Talent Inc, The Summit Beer Shop, Mount Hollywood and Arts on the Greenway are all offering fun Saturday only Deals and experiences.
The Party starts at 10 and goes until close! Grab your girls and clear your calendar, we can't wait to celebrate with you!
]]>Saturday Night, October 24 was our first event and we are still floating down the street with glee. The weather was great, the music was perfect, the food was yummy, and the vendors were incredible!
We've got three more fun events lined up; November 14, Small Business Weekend Nov 27-29 and our Christmas Market Dec 4-6. All of our events will be held at the Farmer's Market in Mount Holly and will be outdoors so we can ensure safe social distancing. There are still just a few spaces left, so if you or someone you know has an amazing small business, email us at catalystpopup@gmail.com!
Update: The Markets were a hit! We learned so much but had the times of our lives. Thank you to everyone who participated, whether as a vendor or a customer or just a by-stander. You are the reason the events were so fun and we’re hopeful we can continue them through the spring. We will update you as soon as we have our schedule!
]]>But, you did it. You baked the banana bread and watched all the episodes of every season of everything, did the puzzles, tried to meditate and wound up napping, watered the plants, waited. You were worried, bored, frustrated, a little angry.
Phase 1 begins in a few hours and we will see what this new version of life looks like. The one where we can venture out a little further than just the grocery store, but are still wrapped in bubble wrap and cloroxed to the nth degree. Just as the version before this, we're doing it together. Always.
]]>Fortunately, Mother Nature has graced us with mostly beautiful weather, which makes it easy to take a family walk each day...or 3...or 7. The best way to kill, I mean enjoy, extra time is turn one of those walks into a picnic! Don't have a basket to hold PB&Js that will almost certainly get smashed by a one year old who thinks everything is a seat? We have you covered here!
For the days that you're nursing your sunburns because you forgot that the sun exists when you're walking outside and, therefore, didn't use sunscreen (not speaking from experience, of course), get the whole family involved in a little redecorating! Take some time to decide together which pictures make it to the wall of fame. And, while your at it, check out this fun picture frame that allows you to easily swap out pictures and/or cards. Hanging pictures using clothes pins makes it easy to sneak in that embarrassing one of your pre-teen when he played dress up in his sister's clothes and wait for him to find it. We do love a prank.
While it's easy to get down about all the things the quarantine has taken from you *ahem precious adult interaction* , you must also take a moment to appreciate the things quarantine has given you. Maybe your pre-teen has finally opened up to you and you guys now have a thriving TikTok dance channel, maybe you got to experience your baby's first steps that would have otherwise happened in daycare, maybe you got to have that first Zoom call with your funny grandma who kept holding her phone too close to her nostril. Whatever it is, you certainly wouldn't have been able to enjoy it from your gray cubicle.
Until we can clink our drinks in person, here's a virtual cheers from us to you.
xo,
The girls of Catalyst
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Some moms have added teacher to their resume with no prior experience or expectation of EVER being 100% responsible for a small human's education. Some are being thrust into the role of full-time mom while still working their 9-5 remotely. Some have temporarily welcomed back children who had previously left the nest; and are feeding those kids who now also drink beer and wine. Some are missing hugging their kids and/or grand-kids all while trying to figure out all the different video chat platforms and learning the frustration of a weak WiFi signal. The list goes on...
Regardless of the mom-tuation, the past few weeks have come with a lot of highs and lows, frustrations and special moments. We all know what's hard about it, so let's focus on the positive!
In conclusion: moms, YOU ROCK! You're nailing it and earning the title Queen of the Quarantine every single day. And for that, you deserve all the treats! We, at Catalyst Mercantile, have put together a Mother's Day Collection including some curated boxes to take the guesswork out of gifting. There is an option to add gift wrapping only or an option to add gift wrap & porch drop off on 5/8. So drop the hints, send something special to all the moms in your life, and/or treat yourself! And, above all else, remember that you are amazing and you're doing a great job!!!
]]>We know, we KNOW, we know. It's crazy times out there. With everything going on, it's easy to feel that overwhelming-spinning- feeling that makes you want to just hide under the covers. Here's a few of our favorite ways to keep that crazy feeling at bay.
1. Take a long hot soak with our favorite bath bombs and bath tea from Ador Creations and our newest addition, Annie Mae & Ivy! Her handmade goats milk soaps use aromatherapy and moisturizing ingredients to leave your skin softer than ever before. Let the healing salts and calming essential oils work their magic and you'll feel better in no time.
2. Take a hike! Get outside and breathe that fresh air! Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't get upset about Corona (or something like that). This cute little reminder from The Deerest Life will help you get out that door!
So tell us, how are you breaking up the monotony of quarantine? Let us know in the comments below!
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Kickin' it old school
Now is the time to bring back the lost art of sending a physical greeting card! The wonderful mail carriers are still working, so let's give those mailbox flags a workout and send special notes via snail mail. How fun would it be to check your mail and see a hand-written hello, just 'cuz??? Check out our collection of "punny" greeting cards brought to you by the creative minds of Oh Script Paper Co. Here are links to a couple of our favorites.
Virtual meet-ups
Zoom - this platform is great for chatting virtually with a group of people or presenting to a group! It is being used for anything from virtual happy hours, to virtual workouts, to online classes!
Houseparty - we might be late to the party (see what we did there?), but this app is so fun! You can hop on the app and friends can pop in to say hi, play games, or crash a party already in progress!
There are tons of other ways to hang out virtually, but the common thread between all of them is you will be seen from the shoulders up. With that in mind, put on your most comfortable PJ pants, and click the links below to check out our recommendations to ensure your clavicle is party ready!
Forrest Off the Shoulder Top from Cotton & Sage
Do Good Distressed Sweatshirt from Makaila James Boutique
Petal Necklace by Deeply Artisan
]]>To help get you in the spirit of things, we pulled together our favorite Easter-ready pieces available online and ready for store pick-up!
Service streaming outfits:
Desert Rose Dress by Makaila James
Tessa Cold Shoulder Dress by Makaila James
Neighborhood walk approved porch decor:
Easter Bunny Door Hanger by Chrissy's Custom Creations
Easter Bunny Table Stands by Chrissy's Custom Creations
Basket stuffers to put the Easter Bunny to shame:
Peonies Zipper Pouch by Defined Designs
Unicorn Bath Bomb by Ador Creations
Accessories to show off in every virtual gathering:
Chandelier Earrings by Deeply Artisan
Rainbow Hoops by Neon Love Story
Check out these items and more in our Easter Goodies shop on the collections page!
Stay safe, stay healthy, and make beautiful memories!
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