Clothes Hound Media & Press Release Party

After driving to Raleigh, NC for the first time in my life, going to the shops P.O. box instead of their brick and mortar location, and finally making it to the party 40 minutes late, I had such a wonderful time at the Clothes Hound media and press party!

The voice behind @shopcltheshound on Twitter is Mary, and she knew me the second I walked through the door. My semi-fear of not having anyone that I knew there was instantly gone. We connected like sistas from another mista and had a wonderful time chatting it up. Mary also introduced me to Chelsea, the writer behind Haute Child in the City, a Raleigh-based style blog.

This post officially has more pictures than any other blog post I've ever created, so please bear with me. You won't be sorry that you looked through the entire thing. I promise. Well, you might be sorry once you get to the food section if you weren't there...

door to the shop

Clothes Hound was so neat, organized, clean, and bright. The decor was inviting with bright colors, clean lines, and southern charm. I had the pleasure of meeting Bryce, the owner, and she was gushing thankfulness for my driving all the way from Greenville for the party. So sweet!

Mary's being super official with the guests. 

And I love her!

poms on a branch above the register

fitting room area

You know, my weekly weigh-ins just HAVE to be Friday mornings, right? Those cake pops looked SO GOOD and the cupcakes behind them? Forget about it. I brought one home... but no touchy. 

I wanted to. 

I just couldn't!

I COULD, however, splurge on a little dress sugar cookie! 

Throughout the store, you'll find several little doggie accessories and toys.

Bryce has done a great job with  keeping true to the boutique's name.

Several proceeds from tonight and the grand opening on Saturday will be donated to the SPCA.

I DIE for this chandelier.

Dear navy, white, and red nautical dress, I'm sorry I had to leave you at the boutique. I'm poor, you see? And the thing is... I really want to wear you on July 4th.

I just couldn't walk out with you. I'm so sorry. Hopefully we can still be friends.

corals, tans, whites, and denim

singlehandedly my MOST favorite item in the store... and I didn't look at the designer!

agh!

Gucci, Mary's dog and the official boutique mascot was making comfy on the fitting area couch.

Chelsea, Mary, Me

What I'm wearing:

tweed skirt: thrifted

cream top: Charlotte Russe

belt: New York & Company

wedges: Sbicca via Ross

necklace: New York and Company

Me, Mary, and her dog (THE Clothes Hound, Gucci)

The Clothes Hound has been an online boutique based out of Durham, NC. The first brick and mortar store will open in Raleigh this Saturday, June 25, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The shop is located in the Brennan Station shopping center right off of Rt. 540.

At Clothes Hound, you'll find clothing from French Connection, Free People, Gentle Fawn, C. Luce, Karlie, and several others! The owner is even featuring a rack of pieces from a local design duo!

Most importantly, the Clothes Hound team is warm, inviting, helpful, and eager to please with top notch customer service. For any event from summer parties to bachelorettes to sorority events, Clothes Hound is the premier place to find designer clothes at real people prices! If you stop by, please let me know! I'd love to hear what you think!

Have you "liked" Fashion Momma on Facebook?

How about followed on Twitter?

Food, Clothes, & an Event!

Readers, I write this morning with so much anticipation! I've been invited to the press and media release party for the Grand Opening of the Clothes Hound boutique in Raleigh, NC. It's tonight and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to make it, because it's a work week. But... I get off early, today and Husband is amazing enough to be home in time to take care of Little S. so I can leave on time! 

I can't wait to bring pictures and information back to not only the blog, but to Greenville as well! Raleigh is considered local shopping grounds for us, so hopefully I can spread the word about the awesome ladies that run the place and have good photos and notes to prove that everyone needs to give the Clothes Hound a visit! I'm such a nerd, but I feel so important. And I tried on FIVE outfits for the hubs last night. I want to look professional, but laid back. Not like I'm trying too hard or am out of my element. Also, Raleigh ladies? Southern charm! So I had to choose something that would show my appreciation for belle style.

Without giving away my outfit, here's a hint (and tone it down a bit... or a lot, k?):

image via chanel

And TOTALLY off subject, I've been talking a lot on Facebook about cooking Indian cuisine for the family for which I work. "The Mom" taught me how to make masala from scratch and not only is it easy, it's healthy and nutritious. I've been eating it all week, because you can literally put anything in it! Well, except broccoli or asparagus. I haven't tried those two, but was strongly advised against it! So, I've made meat masala with ground chicken, chickpea masala, and last night, I made sweet bell pepper masala, also called Capsicum. I serve the main courses over long grain and wild rice pilaf and even Little S. and Husband have been enjoying the sweet and spicy cuisine.

Capsicum

-or- Bell Peppers Masala

I don't have peas in mine, but other than that difference, this photo is very similar to last night's dinner.

image via 

How to Masala:

- 1 large yellow onion

- 2 T. tomato paste

- 6 cloves of garlic

- 1 inch of peeled fresh ginger

- 1 t. salt

- 1 t. kitchen king 

(found at Indian food stores)

- 1 t. turmeric

- 1 t. cayenne pepper

I've doubled this for most of my recipes, because I'm cooking an abundance ahead of time to eat throughout the week.

Brown the onions to hell. No, really. My boss said that's the secret and I know it's true because I've done two batches. The one with browner onions was waaaayyy tastier. Don't burn them, though!

In a food processor or blender, combine the garlic, ginger, and a bit of water to make a paste.

Add garlic and ginger paste plus tomato paste to the browned onions.

Add four seasonings.

Cook together for 5 more minutes.

Add your cooked vegetable, meat, or beans!

Cook together for 5 minutes.

Serve hot!

Makes delicious leftovers!

Don't forget to stop back by tomorrow for Project Self and my 400 Follower Giveaway! 

I have a few awesome friends that are donating services or products to this giveaway. If you'd like to join in, please send me an email at kimberly.s.parham(at)gmail(dot)com! I'd love to have you and to do a special feature on you and your blog or product/service in return!

Remember, I'm announcing the giveaway tomorrow, so I'd need to know by tonight!

Thanks, friends!