Jenee's Columns

Two years ago April Lacher was a stay-at-home mom and wife. That alone was hard work _ taking care of her son, paying bills, cleaning house, running the day-to-day errands. Still, she wanted more.

She'd discovered she had an artsy side when she was planning her wedding. To save money, she took on the task of decorating the facility, designed the floral arrangements and helped create the invitations.

"I realized I loved creating beautiful things that other people could appreciate," says April, 32.

So when a family member couldn't use a lip balm because of an allergy to almond oil, April figured she could make some.

I just don’t understand why there has to be so much T’n’A. It’s everywhere. Just take a look at our new entertainment district.

I mean, the Power & Light is sexy enough with Mosaic, the chic lounge with Miami flair.

The indoor-outdoor living room with potent martinis is the gem of the Cordish Co.’s mall of bars that have taken over downtown.

But it isn’t enough to have sultry décor and a hot staff. The P&L wants its waitresses to look as if they’re auditioning for a spot in the Pussycat Dolls.

Seriously, the servers at Angel’s Rock Bar look like extras in that old Christina Aguilera video — “Dirrty.” And pretty much every bar in the district serves up a wait staff with thighs exposed and/or breasts spilling out of their tops.

Designer bags: treats or status?
Most of my life, I have looked at purses and thought, “What’s the big deal? It’s just a bag.” That’s what you are supposed to say, I mean, otherwise you’d sound a little shallow.

But a few years ago, for my 25th birthday, I got a Coach bag as a gift, and it was a big deal. Having that purse reminded me of the women I used to see in my neighborhood when I was younger. They carried Coach and Louis Vuitton. They looked like they were going places, places I hoped to one day see.

sikenomics.com
Year after year I’ve sat in the audience loving the stylish brilliance of the West 18th Street Fashion Show. Last weekend I walked the runway. It was exciting, frustrating and one serious rush.
My friends Beth Guinta and Phil Shafer of Sikenomics came together to make a statement: Street wear — T-shirts, jeans and sneakers — is fashion.

Carrie Chesnut
In a few weeks they’re entering the battle zone.

Their guns will be loaded, and they’re taking no prisoners.

The Wicked Warriors will take on the Crushing Crusaders in the first HomeFront Paintball Tourney on June 28. Hosted by Jaegers Paintball Park and Ribbon Events, the competition is bigger than paint-slinging. It’s about helping our brave troops overseas. All proceeds from the event will benefit Operation USO Care Package (www.uso cares.org).

The Lovings

During one of the most trying presidential primary seasons in American history, one thing became clear. Race is still an issue in our country.

Barack Obama last week became the first African-American to become a major party’s presidential nominee. Some people, politics aside, cannot get past the black-and-white of him. But for many, Obama is a sign of change, a step in the direction of true racial harmony.

As I sat in the theater, watching one of my favorite television shows wrap up its story on the big screen, I found myself feeling a little less than fabulous.

“Sex and the City,” the movie, was good, and the fashionistas with attitudes all walked down the right runway in their lives. But one thing became apparent to me as I sat there slouching in my seat. Single is not sexy.

Yes, I’m sure I have now contradicted all the being-single testimonies I’ve delivered in the past. But I’m human, I’m 28, and I reserve the right to change my mind.

For years “SATC” convinced women that single is to die for. But it isn’t and even they know it.

When she found out she was having a little girl, Erin Breeden was scared.

Having a little boy, she thought, would have been easy to get excited about. He’d have his father to look up to, and it would be great. But having a baby girl meant that she, Erin, would be the primary role model. At the time that felt intimidating.

“As women, our experience is very different, and it’s very difficult,” says Erin, 25.

“We are a minority, and there’s a huge glass ceiling — specific expectations of what is acceptable and what isn’t. To think about what girls go through, the thought of raising her was overwhelming.”

It costs $45 to fill the gas tank of my Volkswagen Beetle. Forty-five.

For that much money, I can get my hair done, treat a friend to dinner or buy a new dress. Just seven years ago it cost about half that for a full tank. Back then a crinkled $20 bill could get me through the week. Now, with prices averaging $3.94 nationwide (about $3.79 locally), it hurts more and more every time I see a gas station.

There was a time when a full tank meant the freedom to hop in the car and zoom down the highway to browse the aisles of Target, check out a sale at Oak Park Mall or walk around Zona Rosa. Last summer I would’ve gladly made the 19-minute drive to a Chick-Fil-A without being worried about gas.

Kat Rauber, katclothing.com
Kat Rauber was just 13 years old when she asked her mother if there were a surgery she could have to make her feet smaller.

Back then it was a scavenger hunt to find a pair of size 11 shoes. She even looked in the men’s section. Equally taxing was the search for long-legged denim.