By Smarty MK
You Smarties are in for a special treat.
First of all – anyone interested in a super-secret invite to a pop-up shop by under-the-radar women’s boutique, fiveonefive, taking place this Thursday, May 4, at Hidell Brooks Gallery from 10-3pm? 
Yeah, thought so.
Just tell them at the door you’re a “Smartie” and you’ll get in.
fiveonefive GIVEAWAY
Secondly, get ready for this – – Smarties are the only folks eligible to win two ridiculously amazing fiveonefive giveaways featured below.
GAIA EMPOWERED WOMEN NECKLACE
About GAIA: GAIA’s mission is to empower refugee women – from often war-torn countries, including Syria, Afghanistan, Burma, Iraq, and Thailand who have resettled in Dallas, Texas to rebuild their lives and begin anew – through employment and encouragement.
GAIA creations are handmade by these refugee women using vintage, artisan-made, & sustainable materials. The name “GAIA” in Greek mythology meaning “Goddess of the Earth” – was chosen as a way to honor all women, from the ones who craft GAIA products to those who purchase or receive them. Value: $175
UNFORTUNATE PORTRAIT WIN-WIN TEE
How frickin’ fun is this shirt?! I’m in love. You can only find them in town at fiveonefive OR you can Win-Win one for free through this Smarty Giveaway. 
Detailed with the likenesses of Oprah and Anna Wintour high-fiving and “Win-Win” lettering at the bottom. You know these two power-pals are totally friends and could basically rule the world.
The giveaway comes with the t-shirt only, does not include the stripped tee underneath; however, you could pick up that little winner at the fiveonefive pop-up shop on Thursday! Value: $75
Keep reading to learn how to register for the giveaway!
ABOUT fiveonefive
So, now you’re like, what the heck is fiveonefive and how have I never heard of it, right? I know…here’s the deal.
Karen Perry, a long-time Charlotte gal, had shopped with stylist Whitney Whitlock at Neiman Marcus for years before Whitney moved to Dallas. While Whitney was in Dallas working at a small boutique she kept styling for Karen (and even some of her friends!) which is when Karen realized there was clearly an unmet need in the Charlotte market for easy, contemporary, high-end clothing. 
So when Whitney and her family moved back to Charlotte, she and Karen decided to combine forces. They went on buying trips to NYC, they met with designers, Karen and her husband purchased a property, and long story short: now they can’t wait to open their doors late this summer.
The way Whitney describes it, the shop sounds like some amazing combination of party and shopping. There will be a styling room where you can schedule appointments to update your wardrobe if – for instance – your Mom’s Night Out gear is feeling a little outdated (insert handraise emoji!) or you need some date night outfits or for a special occasion. And, they’ll have a bar…um, hello.
The most endearing part of this unique boutique? Behind the shop there is a woman that teaches sewing classes to elementary-aged kids. I know. They learn how to pick out a pattern and material, learn how to pin on a pattern, how to baste, how to backstitch, and so on. Think about how many great life lessons and skills these kids will carry throughout their life, learned from behind the neighborliest little shop on the block. You guys… 🙂
Until the store opens late this summer, you can find fiveonefive at their garage shop at 2215 Hopedale Avenue or at their pop-ups, like the one on Thursday. Follow them on Instagram @shopfiveonefive to see Whitney’s hilarious and amazing posts and subscribe to Karen’s weekly eblasts at info@shopfiveonefive.com to find out the latest schedule of events, newest items in the shop, and more.
Also, FYI, fiveonefive stands for the shop’s future address: 515 Fenton Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28207. Grand Opening details to come.
fiveonefive GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Two lucky Smarties will win these awesome giveaways! Follow these 3 steps to enter:
1. Subscribe – You MUST be a subscriber of our e-newsletter for your chance to win! Not subscribed? Sign up!
2. Share – Put this post on facebook and instagram and tag Charlotte Smarty Pants and fiveonefive with #fiveonefive.
3. Tell – Post in the comments below and tell how you’d style the necklace in your wardrobe! Or where you’d rock the Win-Win tee around town! This is very important – make sure you leave your first and last name and working email address for us to contact you if you Win-Win!
Good luck, Smarties! We’ll announce our two lucky winners on Monday, 5/8.
1 comment
So excited!! Love both the necklace and shirt! GAIA is amazing. I’d style the necklace with tired-mom-eyes, wrinkled mom jeans, and whatever clean shirt I could find…. and seriously still feel fabulous because that necklace is awesome!!!