Skirt December 2014

Augusta, Aiken & Columbia

“Stop the habit of wishful thinking and start the habit of thoughtful wishes.”

Mary Martin

There’s something magic about these chilly

winter months, these smallest days, these

longest nights that have us searching for in-

spiration to fill the dark hours with things

that light up our souls. We seek warmth of

body and spirit. We wander aisles to the

tune of holiday muzak, wondering if this is

the year we find a balance between our

hearts and our wallets. The for-real gifts

can’t be bought, wrapped, or tied with a

bow. They’re in the love we let go without

expecting a return-on-investment, in the

small secret favors, in the “their hands in our

hands” moments without words. Surround

yourself with garlands of laughter, glowing

strings of love and delight, the beloved, the

cherished, the precious. Treasure the ones

who love us because of (and not in spite

of) who we are. Hold the lessons of past,

present and future tight with both arms.

Turn up the kindness, turn down the

mayhem. Let’s make a date to pause in the

very last seconds of the very last night of

the year and whisper a new year’s wish to

the wind. Don’t just believe in miracles—

make them happen.

december

f r e e

E s c a p e t h e o r d i n a r y .

www.skirt.com december 2014 3

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Christmas came early for me, and I’m not talking about carols I heard two days

before Halloween or snow that fell in these parts November 1. I’m thinking about

the package that arrived in my mailbox with season tickets for University of South

Carolina women’s basketball. As I’m writing, the first game has yet to be played.

We’re still shaking the package, trying to guess what’ll happen when we unwrap the

thing. Preseason polls have my team ranked number two in the nation. It sounds

promising. But no matter what, I’ve got a giddy feeling that the women’s game has

arrived. When I was a girl, my college basketball heroes were men. There weren’t a

lot of women making headlines. Now, the Gamecock’s female players and coaches

are stars. So whether you’re a fan of Dawn Staley’s team or more inclined to cheer

for the Columbia College fighting Koalas, USC-Aiken’s Pacers, the Lady Tigers of

Benedict or the Lady Lions of Paine, I hope your December

includes not only eggnog, mistletoe, and new bedroom

slippers—but also some holiday cheer(s) for wom-

en’s basketball.

-Jenny

[email protected]

SKIRT! THIS MONTH

Like to see your ad in skirt! Magazine? 843.958.0028

Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.The Hausa Of Nigeria

december2014

Cover Art: If you’re an artist

and would like to submit your work, please send

a link or low res artwork to [email protected].

Features

Dance And Music With Victor Teresa Dickinson ............................ 11

Reaching For The Top Shelf Rachel Joffe ........................................ 13

Let’s Be Merry skirt! 2014 Give Book .................... 25

In Every Issue

Letter from the Editor .....................4

He’s So Original ...............................23

Skirt of the Month ...........................19

Take Six ................................................8

Meet ....................................................24

We Salute ..........................................34

FounderNikki Hardin

Creative Director Caitilin McPhillips

[email protected]

Market ManagerKate Cooper Metts

[email protected]

Contributing Editors Jenny Maxwell

[email protected]

Gracie Shepherd [email protected]

Sales DirectorLisa Dorn

[email protected]

Sales ExecutivesDoressa Hawes

[email protected]

Lisa Taylor [email protected]

Maidi McMurtrie Thompson [email protected]

Mary Porter Vann [email protected]

CirculationJessica Seigler

[email protected]

PhotographySara Caldwell Molly Harrell

AdvertisingSales: 706.823.3702

Fax: 706.823.6061 1.800.622.6358

skirt! is published monthly and distributed free throughout the greater Augusta, Aiken &

Columbia area. skirt! reserves the right to refuse to sell space for any advertisement the staff deems

inappropriate for the publication. All content of this magazine,

including without limitation the design, advertisements, art, photos

and editorial content, as well as the selection, coordination and

arrangement thereof, is Copyright © 2014, Morris Publishing Group,

LLC. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this magazine may be copied or

reprinted without the express written permission of the publisher.

SKIRT!® is a registered trademark of Morris Publishing Group, LLC.



IT’S THE MOST

WONDERFUL TIME OF THE

YEAR!

thei s s u e

Marilyn Monroe

We are all of us stars, and we deserve

to twinkle.


Hammered Dulcimer ChristmasURS Center for Performing Arts, Aiken 7 p.m. Relax to tranquil string music. aikenplayhouse.us

Jingle Jam 10kAugustaBenefitting SafeHomes of Augusta. Evans. jinglejam10k.com

Jingle All the Way 5KRun, Walk & Dog Jog9:30 a.m.Main Street Columbiastrictlyrunning.comMAKE TIME FOR:

DEC

EMBE

R 6

DEC

EMBE

R 10

DEC

EMBE

R 13

It’s hard to get the daily

recommended dose of

fruits and veggies and we

don’t love popping vitamin

pills. Aloha Daily Good

Greens are packets of

powdered goodness that

you can add to water (or

smoothie or juice) and

get the bene�ts of or-

ganic greens (peas, spinach,

moringa, wheatgrass), fruits

(blueberries, raspberries,

coconut water, lemon), and

three kinds of mushrooms.

Just $2.50 a packet; free

trial available at Aloha.com.

BLUESY WINTER? JUST MUSH!Speaking of mushrooms, eat more of them! They’re loaded with vitamin D,

which helps boost immunity and prevent vitamin D de�ciency (especially in

winter months!). This easy recipe for baked mushrooms will get you started.

1 pound medium fresh mushrooms, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs

Place mushrooms on a baking sheet. Drizzle with oil; coat with bread crumbs,

sprinkle over mushrooms. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 18-20 minutes.

IN THE RAWHave you tried raw food?

The health bene�ts are amazing and

you can get everything from fresh

pressed juices to full catered meals at

the only organic, raw, vegan restaurants

in Columbia, SC. The Good Life Cafe is

located at 1614 Main St. Check out the

menu at GoodLifeCafe.net

takesixgreat ideas X six

“Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.”

Doug Larson

Mushrooms are made up of around

90% water.

(good for holiday hangovers.)

S A Y H E L L O T O A L O H A







Marsha Jones | Friends with the Neighborhood

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Whether it’s vegetable gardening, after-school tutoring, recreational activities for kids or one of the other myriad ways that St. Luke United Methodist Church

embraces their neighborhood, you will find Marsha in the heart of it all. Director of outreach and music director for the church, her role in the Harrisburg

neighborhood is more of den-mother-in-residence than anything else. “It’s really a lot of people digging in and saying okay, what can we do?” she says, quick to

pass along the credit to a whole host of other people. Marsha and her cohorts have been a big part of noticeable change in Harrisburg over the past several

years, with efforts such as the Veggie food Truck that brings organic and locally-grown produce to Harrisburg each week in partnership with Augusta Locally

Grown. “I think things are just falling together the way they were always meant to be,” Marsha says. “Our purpose being here is not to ‘fix’ anything, but to share

life with other people – we’re not asked to fix things, we’re asked to love things.”

december2014



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Taryll Rhodes | Big Sister

As a wife, mother of five, working woman, and active church member, Taryll might strike you as having plenty to do. But she also makes time to volunteer as

a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia. Taryll first met her “little” through a school reading program and says, “I knew it was a match

made in heaven.” Her little sister was living with her grandmother. Taryll was brought up by her grandmother, too. “She’s a blessing to me,” says Taryll of her

little sister, “and I feel I’m a blessing to her.” With a masters degree in counseling, Taryll’s always had an interest in helping people and feels she’s fortunate to

work for a company that supports volunteering. She hopes people reading her story will consider becoming a big brother or big sister. “Anyone who can find

time to give back should know, it helps.”

december2014




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Tibi pony hair skirtOne.453 Highland AvenueAugusta706.869.2254

I dreamed I packed my skirt,

and went in search of Dasher, Dancer, Prancer,

Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and

Blitzen.

WHEREWill Your Skirt

take younext?


20 november 2014 www.skirt.com

Kitty Gordon | Loving by Teaching

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When Kitty moved to Aiken 25 years ago, teaching school was not a part of the picture. An engineer with Westinghouse, she switched to teaching 14 years ago

when her sons were starting school and she wanted a work schedule that matched their school schedule. from the moment she walked into Mead Hall, she

knew there was something special about the historic school and she wanted to be a part of it. The small class sizes and passionate staff created an environment

that she loved so much, she stayed at Mead Hall and became Head of School. “This is what I was meant to do,” she says. “It’s a great way to show someone

you love them, if you teach them.” Kitty works hard to make Mead Hall feel welcoming to every student, and greets each child by name every morning with a

handshake. “I think it’s an important way to show they are individuals, and they matter to us.”

december2014

www.skirt.com november 2014 21


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The big city held its charms for randy for many years, but when it came to masterminding his last big professional act, he knew he wanted to come home. He

opened Peach Augusta in Surrey Center earlier this year after a 30-year career as a leading makeup artist and celebrity stylist, working for names such as Glenn

Close and the Broadway production of “Kinky Boots.” Peach Augusta is just him trying to one-up himself, he says. “In life, you’re always trying to be more happy

and more creative, and that always changes,” he says. The store reflects his zest for living with bright colors, eye-catching accessories and of course, his favorite

Kevyn Aucoin makeup line. With the burgeoning store and big plans for expansion, randy has nonstop ideas about the future. He’s loved the interaction with his

customers and being back home in Augusta, but most of all loves the chance to be creative in his own way. “It’s never even a choice for me – I can’t do anything

else,” he says with a laugh.

december2014

He’s So Original | Randy Houston Mercer | Peach Augusta


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“Let’s make it happen.”

dec.

Caitlin BrightExecutive Director, Tapp’s Arts Center

Columbia, SC

5 Favorite Things:5 Words That Describe Me:

1. Curator

2. Community Liaison

3. Adventurer

4. Problem Solver

5. Inspiration Provocateur

1. Shared Accomplishments

2. Great Conversations

3. A Good Challenge

4. Roller Coasters

5. Spicy Foods


l e t ’ s b e

s k i r t ! 2 0 1 4 G i v e B o o k



l e t ’ s b e

Paris Clutch Summerville rags, 1502 Monte Sano Ave., $65

Fabulina necklace with stone enhancerfab’rik, 447 Highland Ave., $62

Glamourpuss Fur Funnel, six colors Shoes at Surrey, 487 Highland Ave., $225

Retinol Night Complex, Merle Norman 344 e. Martintown road, North Augusta, and 2701 Washington road, Augusta. $44.50

Sequined skirt fab’rik, 447 Highland Ave., $36

Sterling Silver Engraved Locket Bangle Bracelet Crown Jewelers, 367 Highland Ave., $99

Handcrafted bracelets, $28-$38 each, Senn Designs, 706-294-8848.

Lily Pulitzer Agenda Cudos!, 1257 Augusta West Pkwy, $22 and up

Tobacco clutch with gold chain strap fab’rik, 447 Highland Ave., $54

Kevyn Aucoin lip gloss in holiday tonesPeach Augusta, 371 Highland Ave., $30

Glass GlobesArt on Broad, 1028 Broad St.,

Augusta, $16-$145



Fortress of Inca Adriana Coco bootie, fair trade, made in Peru. Shoes at Surrey, 487 Highland Ave., $230

Silk tassel necklaces from Bali by Zachasha, Peach Augusta, 371 Highland Ave., $48-$89

Brighton Leopard Handbag, Cudos2U, 400 Town Park Blvd., evans, $360

Cute and trendy tunic, The Oops Company, 601 Harden St., Columbia, $49.99

Tusk necklace with stone beads, Senn Designs, 706-294-8848, $58.

Pashmina scarves, 100 percent cashmere, Peach Augusta, 371 Highland Ave., $36

M&M Designs Necklace, fresh water pearls with sterling silver, Larimar and Blue Topaz, Summerville rags, 1502 Monte Sano Ave., $255

Bronze golfer by Napco flowers on Broad, 1018 Broad St., $69.95

Lily Pulitzer wine glasses Cudos!, 1257 Augusta West Pkwy., $25 each

Tory Burch Kira mini chain clutch, works day or evening, Shoes at Surrey, 487 Highland Ave., $250

Black peppercorn body wash by Molton Brown London, Pout!, 2850 Devine St., Columbia

Handcrafted bracelets, $28-$38 each, Senn Designs, 706-294-8848.



get

24K yellow gold-plated milk bone ornament, Crown Jewelers, 367 Highland Ave., $39.95

Birchwood Pine home fragrance by Nest, Wesley Cadle Lifestyle, 1432 Monte Sano Ave., $16-$38

Silver platters by I.H.I. International, flowers on Broad, 1018 Broad St., Augusta. $67.50 each

Salame di Cioccolato by Cacao Atlanta, Wesley Cadle Lifestyle, 1432 Monte Sano Ave., $19.95-$53.10

Luxurious sheared rabbit jacket in emerald by Linda Richards, Peach Augusta, 371 Highland Ave., $440

Prosecco Bubble Bath with tray by Antica Farmacista, Wesley Cadle Lifestyle, 1432 Monte Sano Ave., $62

24K yellow gold-plated golf ball and tee with wood display case, Crown Jewelers, 367 Highland Ave., $39.95

Lulu DK temporary tattoos, gold and silver jewelry designs, Shoes at Surrey, 487 High-land Ave., $28

2014 Snowflake ornament, Crown Jewelers, 367 Highland Ave., $19.95.

Brush Basics, four brushes with travel bag, Merle Norman, 344 e. Martintown road, North Augusta, and 2701 Washington road, Augusta. $40.50

Alex & Ani bracelets, Cudos2U, 400 Town Park Blvd., evans, $28 and up

Delicious Agent, quilted cell phone case with mirror and lip gloss, Shoes at Surrey, 487 Highland Ave., $100


l e t ’ s b e

Pebble Creek Pottery, artist Donna Proctor, Art on Broad, 1028 Broad St., Augusta. $12-$85

Red currant candle, fab’rik, 447 Highland Ave., $24

Greek Key Tote and Cosmetic Bag, gold and navy jute/cotton. The Oops Company, 601 Harden St., Columbia. $22.99 and $8.99

Bathing Treasurers by Molton Brown London. Pout!, 2850 Devine St., Columbia

18K yellow gold-plated large link bracelet, Crown Jewelers, 367 Highland Ave., $75

Reindeer nightshirt by Marigot, Wesley Cadle Lifestyle, 1432 Monte Sano Ave., $88

Market Tote Bag, Faribault Woolen Mills Co., Wesley Cadle Lifestyle, 1432 Monte Sano Ave., $225

Agate Coaster sets by Shiraleah, Wesley Cadle Lifestyle, 1432 Monte Sano Ave., $65

Double-walled Yeti Rambler Tumblers for hot and cold beverages, The Oops Company, 601 Harden St., Columbia, 20 oz., $29.99, 30 oz., $34.99

Merle’s Pearls, translucent finishing powder with brush, Merle Norman, 344 e. Martintown road, North Augusta, and 2701 Washington road, Augusta. $30.50

Riva swing jacket by 3 Sisters, Peach Augusta, 371 Highland Ave., $294

Sterling silver engraved monogram disc with black silk cord necklace, Crown Jewel-ers, 367 Highland Ave., $29.95


december2014

Y’allsome

Not just “made in

America,” but also “made

in the south,” we liked

Y’allsome because of the

cute tees, but fell in love

when we found out that

15% of the company’s

profits benefit kids

in foster programs

in the south.

Our personal favorite!

american madewesalute

Founder Craig Evans was

born in Atlanta, grew up

in Charlotte, and went to

college in Tennessee.

His career took him back

and forth between New

York and Los Angeles and,

missing home (and sweet

tea), he had the idea for

southern made goods that

give back to the south,

starting in his garage.

Support southern

businesses and help foster kids

find forever homes!

Shop shirts, hats and prints at

Yallsome.com


Skirt December 2014

Documents

merry skirt

im writing

p e t h e o r d i n

decemberf r e ee s c

habit of wishful thinking

college basketball heroes

glowing strings of love

smallest days