skirt! magazine savannah - september 2012

S E P T E M B E RSavannah, GA

Cover copy by Nikki Hardin, art by Jackie Besteman

“And you? When will you begin your long journey into yourself?” Rumi

skirt!isfree!www.skirt.com

September is all about starting over and

shifting gears, changing seasons and

making a sea change. Do something

for the first time. Make a zine about

anything. Lose your Vespa virginity.

Create your own University of One and

major in Wild Ideas.

Become a beginner

Think sideways instead of straight

and narrow. Make the music instead

of the musician. Be the power, not the

woman behind the power. Lead if

you usually follow; surrender if you

always resist. Choose Door # Unknown.

at something you think you’ve

mastered. Open your mind and

give meditation a chance. Let go of

anything that doesn’t beautify, edify

or sanctify your life. Read out of your

depth. Start something impossible

or outrageous or out of reach and

take a baby step. And then another.

LUCKY YOU!

skirt!’s

It’s All A

bout

You Insert

Inside

2 septemberw2012savannah www.skirt.com

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The Feel Good Issue

Publisher

Nikki Hardin

[email protected]

Art Director

Caitilin McPhillips

[email protected]

National Editor

Margaret Pilarski

[email protected]

Savannah Editor

Elena Fodera

[email protected]

Advertising Director

Jane Townsend

[email protected]

Sales Executives

Cinda Baker

[email protected]

Belinda Draucker

[email protected]

Graphic Designer

Britt Scott

[email protected]

Interns

Colleen McNally

Rachel Regan

Photography

Adriana Iris Boatwright

Emmy Lubitz

Office:

912.525.0740

Sales:

912.525.0740

FAX:

912.525.0746

skirt! is all about women... their work, play, families, creativity, style, health and wealth, bodies and souls. skirt! is an attitude...spirited, independent, outspoken, serious, playful and irreverent, sometimes controversial, always passionate.

Calendar submissionsSend information [email protected], or mail to skirt! Savannah, 1375 Chatham Parkway Savannah, GA 31405

letters to the editorAll letters must include the writer’s name and city/state.

Writers & artistsOur guidelines are available online at skirt.com. Submit artwork or essays via e-mail to [email protected].

FolloW us on FaCebook and tWitter!Facebook.com/skirtsavannahhhi Twitter.com/skirtSavannah

skirt! is published monthly and distributed free throughout

the greater Savannah area. skirt! reserves the right to refuse to sell space for any

advertisement the staff deems inappropriate for the publication. Unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Letters to the editor are welcome, but may be edited due to space limitations.

Press releases must be received by the 1st of the month for the following month’s issue.

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 © 2012, 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.

Features

Profile: GeorgAnna Wiley

“Enjoy Your Birth!” ..................................................................... 13

Profile: Daniele Britt

Stretching the Boundaries .................................................... 14

FEEL GOOD Directory .....................................................29

Revival Meeting

Stacy Appel .................................................................................... 24

Sunday Night Dinner

Lisa Evans ........................................................................................ 27

Skirt! Style ....................................................................................38

in every issue

Letter from the Publisher/Editor ......................................... 9

Calendar .......................................................................................... 21

He’s So Original .......................................................................... 35

Skirt of the Month..................................................................... 40

Meet ................................................................................................... 43

Planet Nikki .................................................................................... 46

Women make more than 80% of all purchasing

decisions.

Women control 2/3

of the nation’s disposable income.

Women influence 80%of all car sales.

Women spend almost 2 of every 3

healthcare dollars.


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www.skirt.com septemberw2012savannah 9

Happy

THE UNITED SKIRTS OF AMERICA

The United Skirts of

America was founded

on the blood, sweat

and estrogen of our

foremothers, who

won us the freedom

to choose...to break

The Rules, to wear

combat boots or high

heels, to run for office

or run a marathon,

to form our own

rock groups instead

of being groupies, to

shatter Glass Ceilings

and Glass Slippers, to

shoot hoops instead

of settling for hoop

skirts. The ones who

came before us made

it possible for our

daughters to dream

bigger, to have the

chance to grow up to

be President and turn

the Oval Office into

the Ovary Office. In

the United Skirts of

America, every day is

Independence Day!

Jackie Besteman

Jackie is a graduate from The

Ontario College of Art &

Design whose colorful work

has been seen in many publica-

tions in Canada and the US.

Going digital almost ten years

ago has made illustrating even

more fun and so the journey

continues. She has recently

started making patterns and

this has affected all aspects of

her work. Fashion and urban

life are big influences as well

as packaging with vibrant color

and beautiful design. Her work

has been recognized by

Print magazine and the Art

Directors Club of Toronto

and work was chosen for

American Illustration Tribute

Web gallery in 2010.

jackiebesteman.com

VISIT US ON SKIRT.COM

Elena [email protected]

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the Feel Good Issue! Our annual health and wellness issue, this month we’re dedicated

to the best state of body and mind. Feeling good means something different to everybody. In my

world, I’ve recently begun hitting the gym—consistently—for the first time, oh, ever. Meanwhile,

others have been maintaining a kick-butt routine every day for years. But there’s no need for any-

one to get down on themselves. Regardless of your level of activity or your nearness to “perfec-

tion,” people tend to have something in common. We strive to be better, and the only way to make

change is through a challenge. Whether it’s in your mindset or in your actions, the desire to break

habits, to learn something new or follow a fresh routine keeps things interesting. It’s what makes a

person grow. It’s the dream that pushes you to upstage your old self and finally keep your new year’s

resolution, apply for that dream job or just buy the dang shoes, no matter how crazy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Nikki [email protected]

I read an interview with Rachel Maddow recently and was surprised

to learn that she has suffered from recurrent bouts of depression since

childhood. Super confident, no-holds-barred Rachel Maddow?! Given her

public persona, it seemed such a brave thing to put out there, and her

description of how she copes with self-doubt and anxiety was inspiring.

Sure, we’re living in an era when we all know the brand names of half a

dozen antidepressants, and many of us have been in therapy at one time (or

have a friend or family member who should be!), but it’s still hard for me

to admit out loud how much I struggle with depression periodically and

how debilitating it can be. Our culture places such a high value on being

relentlessly cheerful, optimistic and Facebook-friendable that it’s just sort

of embarrassing not to be that person. God knows, I’d love to wake up

every day in a cupcakes-and-kittens state of mind, but there are mornings

when I’ll settle for an emotional weather report that is partly sunny with

only a 30 percent chance of rain. As much as I thought I’d always been

honest about this lifelong battle I seem to have inherited, I realized from

Maddow’s interview that I’m often still apologetic to myself and others

about the times I get taken down by what Winston Churchill called the

“black dog.” Her courage made me realize that I still have so much to

learn about the difference between being broken and being broken open

to become more human. Thanks for the lesson, Rachel. I promise to keep

doing my homework.

The Feel Good Issue


GeorgAnna Wiley | “Enjoy Your Birth!” A homebirth certified nurse midwife and doula—voted Savannah’s best, in fact— GeorgAnna Wiley helps expecting women through pregnancy, delivery

and adjustment after giving birth. “Midwifery uses a wellness model,” GeorgAnna explains, “We focus on empowerment and learning as opposed to the

medical model, which is problem-focused and relies heavily on interventions and technology.” As technology and medicine improve, women can assess

more factors regarding their own and their baby’s health, affording the freedom to explore more traditional options safely. GeorgAnna is the only homebirth

midwife in Savannah. “Women are made to give birth,” she says. “If an emergency arises, you need medicine, or are high-risk, the hospital is there.” She

advocates home birth for healthy, low-risk women who are interested in natural approaches and alternatives to mainstream medicine. “Giving birth can be a

beautiful, healing, life-changing experience,” says GeorgAnna. “Every woman should feel safe, informed, respected and empowered during the process.”

Photo by Adriana Iris Boatwright

Body Talk


Daniele Britt | Stretching the Boundaries Daniele Britt, founder of Instant Karma Studio, wants you to think of a yoga mat as a welcome mat. For her, the move to begin practicing yoga was a

life-changing one. “It felt like I was returning home,” Daniele explains, “I began to feel better physically and mentally almost immediately.” After leaving

a high-stress career in television in London, she began her first training ever at age 29. “I got on this weird mat and listened to the teacher talk about

relaxing, and I thought, ‘I don’t do that!’ But I soon realized that this could be the balancing ground in my life.” Now in Savannah, she’s opened a new,

walk-ins welcome, donation-based yoga studio. Her goal? It’s simple: to make yoga accessible to everyone. “I feel there are plenty of people who aren’t

being reached at all,” Daniele says. “We can truly service the community with this.”


Body Talk

SKIRT! SAYS: If it rains on your parade, turn it

into a victory march.

82 augustw2012 charleston.skirt.com


Rowen Leopard Pointy-Toed Heels Copper Penny 22 W. Broughton St. 912.629.6800

BC Mustard WedgesTerra Cotta Boutique 34 Barnard St. 912.236.6150

Sacha London Suade WedgesGlobe Shoe Co. 17 East Broughton St.912.232.8161

Kick Up Your Heels

KORS Michael Kors Cyprien michaelkors.com


1Spend your long weekend with the fam-ily at River Street’s Labor Day Celebra-tion for laid-back days that are anything

but hard work. 9am. Historic River Street. riverstreetsavannah.com

6Doors stay open late for Fashion’s

Night Out world-wide shopping spree. Participating stores host celebrity

guests, workshops and more. 6-11pm. Broughton St. fashionsnightout.com

MSavannah Jazz Festival celebrates

31 years of fantastic music at venues across town, from Forsyth Park to intimate clubs, free and open to the

public. savannahjazzfestival.org

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1 EASY RIDER Pedal Savannah Bicycle Campaign’s 4th Annual Midnight Garden Ride, then switch gears for the Good and Evil Party concert. 8-11pm. Telfair Square. midnightgardenride.com

1 RUN THIS TOWN Lace up and kick cancer to the curb at the Run for Jane 5K. The event honoring Dr. Jane Philbrick benefits the Leukemia Cup Regatta. 8:30am. Fort Pulaski. fleetfeetsavannah.com

2 HOPPED UPEnjoy local beers and live music at the Rhythm and Brews outdoor concert, concluding the 5th Annual Craft Brew Fest. 3-10pm. Westin Harbor Resort. savannahcraftbrewfest.com

2 THE LOW DOWNExplore history in authentic style during a rare evening Gaslight Tour of founding Girl Scout Juliette Gordon Low’s first home. 6:45pm. juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org

5 A-LIST AFFAIR Join Savannah Magazine in toasting the winners of the 12th annual readers’ poll at the Best of Savannah Party. 5:30pm. Charles H. Morris Center. bestofsavannah2012.eventbrite.com

8 SKIRTS IN THE BIZMingle, market products and learn about tons of topics at the first-ever Women in Business Expo, no suits necessary. Riverfront Hyatt Regency. savwomeninbusinessexpo.weebly.com

8 LOUD AND PROUD Celebrate unity and social awareness with the city’s LGBT community at year 13 of the annual Savannah Pride Festival. 12-10pm. Forsyth Park. savpride.com

15 AY CARAMBA Taste the vibrant blending of cultures with themed music and foods at Fiesta Latina, presented by the Latin America Services Organization. Rousakis Plaza. facebook.com/savlaso

15 WITH A TWISTKaren Burns directs a showcase of six area choreographers’ fresh spin on classic fairy tales for this fundraiser. 7pm. Savannah Arts Academy. savannahdancefestival.org

20-23 SEE THE SEAGray’s Reef Ocean Film Festival brings you four days of free film screenings and fun events to learn about and celebrate the study and sea life of the deep. graysreef.noaa.gov

22 I HEART RUNNINGGet moving to benefit the Priceless Gifts Campaign at the 22nd YMCA Heart of Savannah 5K, then party in the park after the race. 8am. Forsyth Park. ymcaofcoastalga.org

22 HELP THE HOO-HAHS September is National GYN Cancer Awareness Month. Help the Hoo-Hahs 2nd Annual 5K Walk/Run raises money and awareness for local women bat-tling GYN cancers. helpthehoohahs.com


F E E L G O O D A b O u t Y O u r M E s s A G E

Tees for Change believes in the power of positive intention. While wearing a t-shirt with an inspiring message on it, not only do we remind ourselves

to incorporate more of the phrase into our own lives, but we also encourage others we encounter throughout the day to do the same. The blend of bamboo and organic cotton in Tees for Change

creates a luxuriously soft shirt, and several of their styles are made in the USA. For every tee they sell, the company plants a tree by making

a contribution to Trees for the Future.

teesforchange.com

FEEL GOOD


Stacy Appel is an award-winning writer in California whose work has been featured in the Chicago Tribune and other publications. She has also written for National Public Ra-dio. She is a contributor to the book You Know You’re a Writer When… by Adair Lara. Contact Stacy at [email protected].

My favorite dinner date is my friend Jay, for all kinds of reasons. He’s good-looking, witty and sensitive, and his ob-sessions are different enough from mine that they’re actually endear-ing. He’s kind, and ex-tremely picky about his women. He also hap-pens to be married to my

friend Liz, which pretty much takes the heat off. The icing on the cake, often literally if he baked that day, is that he’s a former restaurant chef. When he says, “Dinner out?”, he means a multi-course, healthy, home-cooked meal on his back patio, with many of the ingredients picked straight from the garden just minutes ago.

Jay lives in Danville, a town set in a narrow part of the San Ramon Valley against the dramatic double-pyramid backdrop of California’s Mt. Diablo. First populated by Native Americans, then put to use as grazing land, the area finally transformed itself from a farming community to a residential suburb just after World War II. Now it boasts one of the priciest zip codes in the nation. But Jay’s house (as I think of it, since Liz is often out when I drop by), is quite modest by Danville standards. I also can’t quite manage to shed the notion that he’s single-handedly trying to turn his town back into farmland.

On a street of beautifully manicured lawns with tasteful wrought-iron or redwood fencing and flower-lined cement walkways, Jay’s front yard stands out. The first thing you notice are the giant stalks of corn. Not a cornfield, exactly, but you could definitely lose a child or a dog in there. Venture a little deeper into the yard, and even before the sweet fragrance of ripe tomatoes, onions and herbs assaults the nose, there are enormous squash, carrots curling up from leafy nests, melons swelling into ripe bounty in the next row. Cucumbers and eggplants and peas burst free in voluptuous glory in a semi-circle beyond that. The house seems almost like an afterthought.

I’m not a gardener. It’s a miracle when one of my houseplants survives my overwatering and underfeeding. To walk through this cool green oasis, then, is a visit to a foreign country in which Jay speaks the language and I do not. He’s

fluent in the dialect of fertilizing, weeding, pruning, irrigating. He’s patient and listens to the garden’s murmurings.

“Look,” he says. “That’s a different kind of cucumber I’m trying out. Pick a couple and we’ll put them in the salad tonight.”

He makes mango salsa to put on the salmon he’s grilling for us. We eat it with the juiciest tomatoes I’ve ever tasted, and corn on the cob that is so sweet we don’t bother with butter. I don’t tell him I’ve spent the day with vampire people, that I felt so used up by evening that I didn’t even want to drive over, just longed to curl up on my bed and bury my tired mind in a book. I feel restored here, as if the arid desert I’ve been stumbling through has vanished altogether. The garden is a friend, and mirrors what I like best about Jay himself—it’s or-derly, eccentric, generous.

We talk about movies, music, the writing he doesn’t have time for and the ups and downs of his job. Dessert turns out to be his pecan shortbread and some straw-berries, with a little aged Gouda. He won’t let me clear the table or wash anything, so I walk back out to the cornstalks, just to breathe the magic fragrance again and fortify myself against the vampire people I will have to talk to the next morning. Liz pulls up just as I’ve closed my eyes and am thanking a tomato plant.

“Hey, you look like someone I know,” she says, and hugs me quickly, smell-ing slightly rank from the gym. “What are you doing out here in the dark by your lonesome?”

“Planning a heist,” I say. “I’ve got my eye on those melons and strawbs.”“Jay will give you a takeout bag,” Liz says, hand on my shoulder. “You have

no idea how happy we are to get rid of some of this. C’mon, let’s go in before I wilt. I just realized how much I hate the gym. You should come with me next time, except I’m never ever going back. ”

Jay is hunched over a seed catalogue at the kitchen table when we go inside, with a kettle boiling for tea. I stay just long enough for them to load me up with a tin of homemade granola and a huge paper bag of ripe veggies.

“You can have your husband back now,” I tell her. “Thanks for the great loaner.” I start to feel bad that I didn’t bring anything, didn’t cook anything, didn’t clean up. Then I notice the way they’re smiling at me, and it just doesn’t matter. I am being tended to, another plant in need of water, food and light.

Driving back through Danville, I gaze at all the ordinary corn-free yards, though some are quite ornately appointed, with huge lawn ornaments or dog-houses with little windows and their own house number. Beneath this luxury, though, I can sense the vibrant hum of earth—rich, dark and hungry, ready to give back a hundred times over.

“You can have your husband back now,” I tell her. “Thanks for the great loaner.”

Stacy Appel


Lisa Evans is a writer from Toronto, Canada, who now lives in Mexico with her boyfriend. While she is no longer able to attend Sunday night dinners at her parents’ house, she credits them for putting her back on the right path in her life. Visit her at lisa-m-evans.weebly.com to learn more.

Sunday night dinners weren’t a return to the past, but a step forward into the future.

When I moved from home to attend university, I missed many things about my par-ents’ tiny bungalow. The backyard sanctuary my father created, the kitchen that always smelled of fresh-brewed coffee, the large, plush living room couch that we could all comfortably sprawl out on, and the family cat that

provided hours of entertainment. I expected to miss these things as I moved into a small, backyard-less one bedroom apartment that didn’t allow pets, but I was surprised to find what I missed the most were those five o’clock family dinners.

The food was okay, but my mother wasn’t a great cook and most of the meals came from a pre-frozen box. Frozen fish, frozen Cajun chicken and even frozen bacon-stuffed potatoes were regular items on the family dinner menu. We joked that we were so lucky to have a mom who could get dinner on the table in half an hour or less. Fortunately for her, the food wasn’t the highlight of the meal.

I looked forward to those dinners where we shared stories about our days, opinions about current events and discussed our future plans. My sister and I proudly produced our report cards and graded homework assignments, receiv-ing praise from our parents for a job well done and ice cream for dessert when we really did a stellar job. We laughed at the cat’s attempt to steal chicken from our plates and my sister and I played rock-paper-scissors to decide who would get the dreaded dish-washing job.

Six years removed from the family dinner table, I was recently divorced and living in yet another backyard-less one bedroom apartment in the downtown core. My father’s proposal to return to tradition and host the Sunday night din-ner couldn’t have come at a better time.

As I drove up my childhood street, I was reminded of a family dinner that didn’t take place at our house, but in Bayfield, a small town on the shores of Lake Huron. On this unforgettable evening, the four of us huddled around the small round checker-clothed table, staring out at the dark sky that threatened us from behind the sheer curtains that lined the motel restaurant where we had stayed for the past five summers. Rain pounded the rooftop and howling winds prevented us from hearing the normal chatter in the kitchen behind us. Trees were bent at an awkward angle and scraped the glass windows. We stayed in the restaurant a little longer than usual and watched as the sky darkened and the wind raised its voice.

The next morning, we realized we had been witnesses to a devastating tor-nado that had ripped through the town overnight, leaving behind a mess of up-rooted trees and overturned cars. Neighbors walked the streets looking for their lost garbage cans and mailboxes. Camera crews from local TV stations rolled through town to document the calamity Mother Nature had wrought upon un-suspecting townsfolk.

As I drove down my parents’ street, remembering this dinner, I reflected on my life. At this point, it closely resembled Bayfield after that devastating tornado. I was 27, divorced, working in a dead-end job with barely enough money to pay my rent and unsure what my future held. Taking a deep breath, I walked up the driveway to my childhood home for the first of many promised Sunday night dinners. Shame masked my growling stomach as my shaky hand reached for the doorknob, opening a side door that I can’t remember ever having been locked.

My parents had been cautious about my leap into marriage while I, as usual, had confidently boasted “I know what I’m doing.” I was wrong, and as I walked up the four stairs that led into the kitchen, I worried I would be perceived a failure—back at the dining table, needing the type of good old-fashioned scolding my father was so good at and was known to bequeath upon his daughters. I’d clearly made a mess of things and deserved the tongue-lashing.

Surprisingly, this wasn’t the case at all. By now, Mom had learned to cook and treated her girls to a gourmet meal, the ingredients to which I struggled to pronounce. As she placed a steaming dish of vegetable lasagna on the table that she had prepared from scratch instead of a box, we engaged in our usual banter.

“We have a new neighbor,” announced my dad. “I signed up to run a 10k,” said my sister.“The cat needs his nails clipped. Can you do that after dinner?” asked my

mom. We laughed about my mom’s new boss, whose large grey beard hung at least

three inches from his chin, giving him the nickname “Santa Claus,” although his management style turned out to more closely resemble The Grinch, and we talked about planning a family trip to Niagara Falls.

Sunday night dinners weren’t a return to the past, but a step forward into the future.

Mom filled our Tupperware containers with leftovers and asked what we wanted on the menu for next week. We drooled over her recipe books, selecting spinach and ricotta stuffed chicken, Cajun potatoes and peach pie.

But it wasn’t the delicious food that kept me coming home every Sunday night. Family dinners provided the normalcy to what otherwise seemed like a tornado-wrecked life. For a few hours each week, I was behind the sheer curtains, safe from the destructive storm.

Lisa Evans


Sandfly Isle of Hope


T h e F i e l d G u i d e t o a H a p py, H e a l t hy Yo u .


Boutiques

ACUPUNCTURE MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD. REALLY!

Heal Acupuncture Nicole Coughlin

My Philosophy: i work with patients every day to eliminate pain in primarily the back, neck and knees. acupuncture is also effective for headaches, digestion, insomnia and infertility. it’s hard to believe, but super-fine sterile needles are not painful and help relax the body. yes, needles make you feel good!

2424 Drayton St. Savannah • 912.655.0330 healsavannah.com

Acupuncture

Fitness


Adult Entertainment Boutiques

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS!

The Comedy StoreSalena Frost

My Philosophy: since opening our doors in savannah in 1976, we have strived to be a company with a unique vision and passion for helping people grow, discover new levels of intimacy and embrace a variety of interests. our store brings out the playfulness in couples that is proven to improve relationships.

217 Eisenhower Dr.Savannah • 912.353.7584 comedystoreonline.com

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS!

Joker’s NoveltiesShelby Frost

My Philosophy: to provide a line of products that inform, educate, arouse, delight, excite, create ambiance, encourage communication and playful-ness, increase intimacy, stimulate the senses, improve relationships and help people laugh and enjoy life. We believe our businesses create a positive effect in the world!

111 W. DeRenne Ave. Savannah • 912.352.0709 jokernov.com

A FABULOUS FASHION EXPERIENCE

Copper Penny ShoozVanessa Hoffman

My Philosophy: We specialize in im-peccable customer service as well as unique, stylish clothing and shoes. our friendly staff allows you to shop with ease and rely on us for fashion advice. We are dedicated to helping you find the perfect outfit head-to-toe and leave our salon with shoes that are as sassy, funky, comfortable and glamor-ous as you dreamed.

22 W. Broughton St. Savannah • 912.629.6800shopcopperpenny.com

CLOTHING AS UNIQUE AS YOUR LITTLE ONE

Sara Jane Children’s Boutique Sara Jane Strickland

My Philosophy: Children’s fashion is our passion. not your typical children’s store, sara Jane creates a special place and experience for the kids. While you peruse the racks of unique apparel, your little one can enjoy a dress-up tea party, play in our pint-sized playhouse or take a trip down the catwalk.

202 E. 37th St. Savannah • 912.234.5266sarajanekids.com

QUALITY DENTAL TREATMENT

Cohen Dental Center Scott A. Cohen, DDS

My Philosophy: our practice philosophy is to treat our patients like friends and family. through yearly con-tinuing education and keeping current with new products and technologies, you can be assured we offer the best treatment options available for family and cosmetic dentistry at a fair and affordable price.

835 E. 65th St., Ste. 108 Savannah • 912.353.9533scottacohendds.com

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Chatham Skin & CancerDr. Claudia N. Gaughf

My Philosophy: prevention, early diagnosis and rapid treatment are the cornerstones of effective dermatology. We use the best diagnostic tools and the newest technologies, providing the highest level of personalized attention and professional care. We offer a wide range of services, from full-body skin exams to cosmetic non-surgical reju-venation treatments. We are confident that you will enjoy our friendly, open atmosphere.

639 Stephenson Ave.Savannah • 912.354.7124mysavannahdermatologist.com

BALANCING LIFE, FUN AND FITNESS

Victoria RunsVictoria Hickling

My Philosophy: runner, mentor, coach, blogger and life enthusiast, victoria is a huge inspiration to savan-nah’s active community. Join her on her journey as a newly wed with a renewed focus: health and fitness! her contagious positive attitude and witty humor will make everyone want to join her for a run!

victoriaruns.comTwitter: @Victoria_Runs

Dentistry Dermatology


FASHION MEETS FITNESS

Women at Fleet Feet Sports Lauren Denmark

My Philosophy: my passion for fitness and gifted eye for fashion help me to give women that extra confidence they need to empower their next workout and fuel their healthy lifestyles. With the expan-sion completed, Women at Fleet Feet sports now has 2,000 square feet of running, yoga and lifestyle apparel just for women!

3405 Waters Ave.Savannah • 912.355.3527fleetfeetsavannah.com/women

Fitness

Medical Spa


Florist Gourmet Seasonings

WHEN THE ORDINARY JUST WON’T DO

Kiwi Fleur Vicki Sepielli

My Philosophy: new Zealand-born and trained, i have been inspired by vibrancy, elegance and cutting-edge trends for over 40 years. Weddings are my passion! i partner with my brides to create a unique, magical and memo-rable day. visit our new location for unusual arrangements, exotic plants and orchids ready for any occasion.

714 Mall Blvd., Ste. 2Savannah • 912.352.0995kiwifleur.com

CUSTOM FRAMING, GALLERY ART & HOME DÉCOR

Trends and TraditionsKathy McCollister

My Philosophy: to offer innovative and upscale art solutions at reasonable prices and to help customers create a personalized environment that cel-ebrates their individual tastes. locally owned and operated, we offer a quiet, comfortable atmosphere, meeting all your decorating needs with experience, quality products, attention to detail and exceptional customer service!

5401 Waters Ave. Savannah • 912.354.5012trendsinframing.com

WHERE TASTE SAMPLING IS FUN!

The Salt TableCarol Sellers

My Philosophy: upon entering the salt table, you’ll discover a store like no other. smell and taste the salts, seasonings, teas, sugars, oils, vinegars, popcorns and vanillas. not a franchise, the salt table is a unique local brand of food-enhancement products packaged on the premises. Come taste the difference!

51 Barnard St.Savannah • 912.447.0200salttable.com

THE VEIN AND ARTERY EXPERTS

Savannah Vascular and Cardiac Institute Sharon Bell

My Philosophy: Focusing on excel-lence in patient care and state-of-the-art facilities, our physicians are fellowship-trained, board certified specialists who believe in disease prevention through patient educa-tion, lifestyle changes and medica-tions proven to lower morbidity and mortality. We are committed to serving patients with compassionate, minimally invasive management of all venous and arterial disorders.

4750 Waters Ave., Ste. 500 and11706 Mercy Blvd., Plaza A Bldg. 7Savannah • 912.352.8346savannahvascular.com

PEOPLE WITH A GIFT FOR HELPING

Hospice SavannahBeth Logan

My Philosophy: We are commit-ted to helping families in five coastal empire counties. We hear so many say, “i wish we’d called you sooner.” don’t be afraid to get the informa-tion you need for yourself and your loved ones. Call now and let us explain how we can lift the burdens of worry and care giving.

1352 Eisenhower Dr. Savannah • 912.355.2289hospicesavannahhelps.org

FINALLY! AFFORDABLE LASER TREATMENTS

Allure Laser Center Jennifer Admundsen, CCE, CME, LE

My Philosophy: allure laser Center focuses on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction. most women and men who are seeking an alternative solution are candidates for laser hair removal. We can remove hair from any part of the body quickly and effectively, making your skin smooth and hair-free!

408 US Hwy. 80Pooler • 912.596.8524allurelasercenter.com

WHERE BEAUTY BEGINS

Genesis Medical Spa Kathy Chu, MD

My Philosophy: We want to help you achieve lasting results while providing information and tools to maintain your vibrant look. We have carefully selected the most effective technology for our procedures, including microdermabra-sion, laser hair removal, facials and photofacials, botox, and Juvederm.

4451 Paulsen St., Ste. B Savannah • 912.354.4095genesissavannah.com

Hospice Care Laser Hair Removal

Framing

Healthcare Admin



Plastic Surgery & Esthetics

MORE BEAUTIFUL. MORE YOUTHFUL. MORE YOU.

Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery Robin Bayles, LE

My Philosophy: Combining natural elements with proven techniques and an awareness of new trends and scien-tific developments helps us offer you a superior opportunity to look and feel your best. i love creating healthy, glow-ing skin and am dedicated to providing the most effective skin care and skin transformation treatments available.

1209 Merchant Way, Ste. 301 Statesboro • 912.681.7793 coastalempireplasticsurgery.com

SEVEN SURGEONS. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES.

Savannah Plastic SurgeryBarbara L. Davies, MD

My Philosophy: i am grateful to be in a position to help someone improve his or her self-esteem. patients come for a consultation about an issue that has troubled them for years, and then leave feeling so much happier about their possibilities. i feel very fortunate to help people in this way.

7208 Hodgson Memorial Dr. Savannah • 912.351.5050 savannahplasticsurgery.com

MEDICALLY-BASED SKIN CARE

The Skin Institute Paige Adams, LE

My Philosophy: i am committed to helping you achieve your most stun-ning self. From waxing and facials to chemical peels and lasers, i help patients feel more confident in their skin. i feel most rewarded when a patient rises from my chair, looks in the mirror, and sighs in amazement and satisfaction.

7208 Hodgson Memorial Dr. Savannah • 912.351.5050savannahplasticsurgery.com

EVERYONE DESERVES RADIANT SKIN

The Skin Institute Kathy D. Brown, LE

My Philosophy: i am a licensed esthetician who has worked for the skin institute at savannah plastic sur-gery for nine years. as an avid believer in research and advanced technolo-gies, i strive to stay on the cutting edge of skin care trends, delivering the best skin therapies to savannah and my patients.

7208 Hodgson Memorial Dr.

Savannah • 912.351.5050savannahplasticsurgery.com

Medical Spa

WHERE BEAUTY BEGINS

Genesis Medical Spa Raven Logue, LEHaley Spring, LE

My Philosophy: We focus on personal attention and unmatched professional service. We think that a good cosmetic experience starts with a detailed, private and complimentary consultation that addresses each pa-tient’s specific needs to help determine what procedure is best suited for you.

4451 Paulsen St., Ste. B

Savannah • 912.354.4095genesissavannah.com


Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery Meghan K. McGovern, MD

My Philosophy: Women come to me because they want to look younger and more refreshed. they don’t want to look unnatural, over-plumped or pulled too tightly. my practice is devoted to providing a wide range of individualized solutions, whether you want a little softening of facial lines or a total “mommy makeover.”

900 Mohawk St., Ste. ASavannah • 912.920.5626 coastalempireplasticsurgery.com


Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery Donna Thiffault, LE

My Philosophy: as a licensed esthetician, my passion is for quality service using the latest technology and innovation. i am committed to exceed-ing my clients’ expectations. i begin by offering a complimentary skin analysis and educating clients about correction and prevention. my vision is to make you feel and look your best.

900 Mohawk St., Ste. ASavannah • 912.920.5626 coastalempireplasticsurgery.com

SKINCARE FOR THE RESULT-ORIENTED PATIENT

The Skin Institute Michelle Cox Turley, LE

My Philosophy: With two decades of experience, i am the proud leader of savannah’s most experienced medi-cal skin care specialist team. expan-sive treatment options are available through my collaboration with the surgeons at savannah plastic surgery. my ultimate goal is having every patient appreciate the compliments given on their healthy, beautiful skin.

7208 Hodgson Memorial Dr.

Savannah • 912.351.5050savannahplasticsurgery.com

Plastic Surgery & Esthetics


Spas

COMPASSION, INTEGRITY AND RESPECT

Summer Breeze Senior Living Allison Adams

My Philosophy: i knew early on that i would pursue a career in senior adult care. this passion stemmed from a close relationship with my grandmother, “mema,” and is the foundation of a caring nature that contributes to the overall well-being of all of our residents. our team is devoted to giving each resident the personal attention they deserve.

351 Wilmington Island Rd. Savannah • 912.228.4473kapdev.com

Retirement Communities


Salons

RETIREMENT AT ITS FINEST

John Wesley VillasLinda Malhoyt

My Philosophy: at John Wesley villas, we strive to ensure that our independent and assisted living residents truly live life to its finest. offering warm, personalized service in a friendly community, we understand that no two people are alike. We celebrate individuality by tailoring our care to meet their needs.

231 W. Montgomery Cross Rd. Savannah • 912.925.8853 johnwesleyvillas.com

UPSCALE & EDGY

40 Volume Salon Michelle Rouzer

My Philosophy: From the crystal chandeliers to the industrial dia-mond plate-covered work stations, 40 volume salon is a wonderful contradiction. offering the best in haircuts, color, keratin treatments, extensions and more, our expert stylists specialize in making sure all their clients feel pampered, indulged, and totally relaxed.

3307 Waters Ave. Savannah • 912.352.007740volume.com

PRESTIGE SIGNATURE SERVICES

Brian Davis Salon Brian Davis

My Philosophy: We are proud of the fact that we are the only aveda life style salon outside of atlanta. We are committed to participating in aveda’s responsible business practices concerning our planet for a healthier lifestyle, environment and future. every aveda product is created us-ing advanced planet technology and formulated with pure plant essences without animal testing.

5525 Abercorn St., Ste. 25Savannah • 912.351.0600

TRANQUILITY AWAITS

Poseidon Spa

Our Philosophy: poseidon spa, located inside the mansion on For-syth park, offers a tranquil escape in a luxury, resort-spa setting. Carefully crafted treatments provide a sensory journey inspired by the natural peace found by the ocean. poseidon’s thera-pists are professionals in the art of healing, customizing your service to create an unforgettable experience.

700 Drayton St. Savannah • 912.721.5004poseidonspa.com

QUALITY DENTAL TREATMENT

Savannah Day Spa Celeste Hobson

My Philosophy: We believe that everyone begins life simply gorgeous. maintaining that inner and exterior beauty can be difficult to achieve with our hectic lifestyles. at savannah day spa, we dedicate ourselves to helping you enhance your beauty by providing the highest quality, lasting treatments and services. We use only the best skin care lines as well as the most advanced technology applied by skilled professionals.

18 E. Oglethorpe Ave.

Savannah • 912.234.9100savannahdayspa.com

FEEL WELL, LOOK WELL, LIVE WELL

Live Well, MDDr. Mary Kay Ross

My Philosophy: i believe that medicine is more than just treating illness; it’s about helping you feel your best. live Well, md is an innovative, integrated medical practice that takes a proactive approach. using the latest in anti-aging medicine, we specialize in bio-identical hormone therapy, nutri-tion, weight loss and minimally-invasive aesthetic procedures so patients can look as good on the outside as they feel on the inside.

3 Johnston St., Ste. A Savannah • 912.352.1234livewellmdsavannah.com

TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE!

True Balance, MDKyrin Dunston, MD, FACOG

My Philosophy: We transform people’s lives with the true balance pyramid of success: by addressing the root cause of health prob-lems with natural measures such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and bio-identical hormones. With our process, your life and your health will truly be the best it can be.

800B 70th St. Savannah • 912.349.9490truebalancemd.com

Wellness Specialists


Spencer Wheeler never slows down.

Dr. Spencer Wheeler has always led an active life— “My mother was very athletic,” he recalls. “She was a baseball pitcher! She could throw a curveball

like nobody could.” An orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, he has served as team physician for public schools, Olympic-level teams and

universities including SCAD and Armstrong Atlantic State University. “There are a thousand things I love about this job,” says Spencer. “Every age group has

something fun about them.” Not only is Spencer a world-class doctor, he’s also a world traveler. And while his next big trip will be a challenge, this one’s

just for fun. Spencer and a group of eight friends will soon spend 11 days biking 700 miles through Vietnam and Cambodia.

What do you like about wearing a skirt?

“It makes sense anatomically. Men should be the ones wearing skirts. Think about it!”

What do you like about reading skirt!?

“I think women deserve something that’s just for them.”


He’s So Original


SK

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Clockwise from top left: Directors’ Cut STUNglasses in Coal from stunglasses.com, Plenty by Tracy Reese sleeveless mixed print blouse from Custard, jeweled elephant necklace from Fab’rik, Vestal Zep watch from ZÏA, leather buckle and wrap bracelets from Copper Penny, FNO canvas tote available from Fashion’s Night Out Official Collection, Ya Never Can Tell Whiskey & Black wedges by BC from Terra Cotta Boutique, Mermaid Green jeans by DL1961 from Fab’rik.

Styling by Colleen McNally.

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Skirt of the MonthEva Franco Sunglass Skirt

Terra Cotta Boutique 34 Barnard St. 912.236.6150


Meet Sabrina Madsen, a personal trainer at Fitness Body Balance, world-class gymnast and cancer survivor.

Sabrina knows that a positive attitude is the key to making change happen in the body and in life.

Favorite Restaurant: The Crab Shack.

Dream Vacation:Hawaii.

My Workout: Fitness classes and weightlifting.

Favorite Artist:Jackson Pollock.

Red, White or Beer?Margaritas and piña coladas.

My Inspiration: Being a role model and a help to others. My Guilty Pleasure: Cookie dough ice cream. My Role Model: My college coach, ’88 Olympic

U.S. gymnastics coach Missy Marlowe. I’d Like To Learn To: Surf and paddleboard. Where I Get My Coffee: Advocare Coffeecinos. Where You’ll

Find Me on Weekends: On my float in the pool. I Can’t Live Without: Laughing! Signature Scent: When I’m not sweaty? Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy.

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Every two seconds in the U.S., someone needs blood.

If just one more percent of Americans would donate, blood shortages would

disappear for the foreseeable future.

giveblood.


planetnikki[ a v i s u a l j o u r n a l ]

I’m not a good meditator, but I’ve been using the iMeditateWithErich app since my yoga teacher recommended it. For some reason, it really works for me. I can pick the type of meditation I want to do and the duration—hopefully increasing the time as I progress. imeditatewitherich.com

is my birth month, and although

I LOVE celebrating my birthday.

September

Maybe it’s the change the month itself has always been a little tinged with sadness for me.

(will there be, could there be, a piñata again this year?!),

of light or just the slight melancholy that comes

with the downward turning of the year.

If it had a color, September would be sepia. If it had an anthem, it would be “Summer’s Gone” by The Beach Boys.

And if it had a uniform, it would be faded Levi’s old enough to be vintage.

September is lonely and lovelyall at the same

94 augustw2012 charleston.skirt.com

time.

As much as I hate it, I’m tethered to my iPhone, which often loses a charge before I can get home to plug in. The Mophie Juice Pack serves as both a case and

on-the-go battery charger. I’d be lost, or at least incommunicado, without it.

Remember Belinda Carlisle of The Go-Gos? She has a CD

of French songs that I’d never heard of till Jeffery at RTW in Charleston

(rtwcharleston.com) recommended it. It’s one of the soundtracks that plays

in the shop and now in regular rotation on my

iTunes playlist.

Nikki Hardin is the founder and publisher of skirt! magazine. She blogs at fridaville.com.

mop

hie.

com

I hate grocery shopping and I’m too impatient to be a good cook, so when I run out of food, I sometimes resort to my favorite comfort food for supper: Jif Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter on saltines with a Coke. Yes, I know that is pitiful fare for a grownup, but it makes me happy.

skirt! magazine savannah - september 2012

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