Boho chic is so back. Trends have once again come full circle—and this time, we’re running it back 20 years to the popular boho-chic style of the mid 2000s.
Earthy tones and flowy textures will run the season, thanks to recent runway shows by Chloé and Isabel Marant setting the mood. Think the laid-back, crunchy look of the ’70s with a few stolen elements from the rockstar-glam looks of the ’90s—from fringe and lace to studded leather, messy makeup and slouchy bags. So, after a year of the overly high-effort looks of the clean girl and officecore aesthetics, it’s high time we kick back and opt for undone yet chic looks.
Courtesy of Rangoni Store
Piggybacking off of last year’s trend, a pair of tall boots will continue to be a must-wear into spring and summer. Cherie low- heel boot in cognac, $610, rangonistore.com
Courtesy of Shop Voda
Wear this ivory ruched op as either a midiskirt or dress, and pair with tall boots or gladiator sandals and a slouchy leather tote. Praire convertible skirt, $148, shopvoda.com
Courtesy of Tecovas
Fringe is equal parts neutral and bold—meaning you can throw it on for the finishing touch to any outfit. Western leather fringe jacket, $525, tecovas.com
Courtesy of Hellbent
This goes-with-everything tote touts a modern shape with vintage-like embellishments for a versatile-meets-unique accessory. Sofia studded baguette bag, $58, shophellbent.com
Courtesy of Edge of Urge
An ivory or white blouse with some kind of unique textures—think ruffles, ruching or lace—is a quintessential staple in a ’70s-sleaze outfit. Paris lace blouse, $149, edgeofurge.com
Courtesy of Edge of Urge
Channeling stars from a decade ago to five, oversize statement sunnies are an easy-to-pair and practical accessory. Lorna sunglasses, $24, edgeofurge.com
Courtesy of Madewell
Who doesn’t love a useless belt? Channel boho sleaze icon Kate Moss with a low-slung belt over a skirt or dress. Studded Western belt, $88, madewell.com
Courtesy of Hellbent
This Sharon Tate-esque suede skirt is perfect to pair with a low-slung belt and tank, or a textured top and tall boots for elevated occasions. Per-Suede Me miniskirt, $54, shophellbent.com
Courtesy of Uniquities
The best part of boho being back? It’s bringing millennial pink (aka a pale mauve) with it. Embrace the comeback with this lace look. Drea embroidery dress, $450, uniquities.com
In a devastated LA County, thousands are without homes—and without any home insurance to cover their losses. Before fires burned over 10,000 structures, insurers decided against renewing thousands of home policies in areas they deemed to be at high risk for wildfires.
Case in point: Last March, Cali’s largest home insurer State Farm General announced they wouldn’t be renewing 72,000 home and condo policies upon expiration. Meanwhile, premiums in some neighborhoods more than quadrupled, and many who couldn’t get onto the California FAIR Plan (the state’s public insurance op) had to opt for no insurance at all.
Here in NC, as we’ve especially seen in the past year, we are no stranger to natural disasters.
Houses are falling into the ocean due to flooding in the Outer Banks. WNC still looks like a war zone after Helene demolished entire towns that may never fully recover. And every year, the coast must brace for hurricanes that are slowly but surely becoming more ferocious and catastrophic.
In the face of imminent calamity, we tapped NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey with pressing questions about the state of insurance amid natural disasters—and what’s stopping insurers from pulling the rug out from under NCers like they did in LA.
How did this happen in California? Could a massive insurance withdrawal like this happen in NC? No. Poor decisions in California’s leadership have allowed extreme environmentalists to override common sense fire safety in wooded areas. Additionally, repeated denial of insurance rate increases forced insurers to stop writing new business.
How do natural disasters affect premiums?They have long-term consequences in making insurance in those areas more risky and causing increases in rates. The solution to keeping costs down is to rebuild to more resilient standards that are stronger than code.
What risk-reducing measures can consumers take to keep their premiums low? Higher deductibles, fortified roofs and minimizing fire hazards
Where can residents find risk maps for their area? NC provides the Flood Risk Information System, containing digitally accessible flood hazard data, models, maps, risk assessments and reports that are database driven. This site also provides geospatial data, along with hydraulic and hydrologic models available for download and use. fris.nc.gov
Western NC still needs our help. Thoughts and prayers aren’t going to cut it if we want Asheville and the surrounding locales to ever grow back into the bustling stretch she once was. The region relies heavily on tourism, and the impact of Hurricane Helene has already caused a 70% decline in visitor spending. Area retailers, bars, restaurants, venues and hotels need tourists to come stay and play to fill the gap. And what’s better than a gorgeous getaway with a positive impact?
Although we know and love the plethora of majestic Asheville-adjacent hikes (looking at you, open Black Balsam Knob, Max Patch and Graveyard Fields), our picks focus on supporting local businesses rather than sending you outside. Naturally, of course, we rec you make time to catch some mountain air. As a WNC native, I implore you to take a drive and take in my fave spots to sip, sup and play in the Land of the Sky.
DO
Courtesy of Downtown Books and News
Downtown Books and News Since 1988, this used bookstore and newsstand has been a mainstay for locals and a staple bucket list fixture for visitors. Feed your brain with every genre imaginable—from French fiction to zines and illustrated works—amid quirky decor and oodles of character. Wooden stools, a green bank safe and ghost sightings are just some of the historic leftovers from the shoe store, jewelry store and livestock auction the building formerly housed. In short, it’s a culture vulture’s haven. dbnbooks.com
Photo by Raleigh Magazine
The Orange Peel Asheville is the up-and-coming music city—and if you want to face the noise, this fruity music hall is the place to start. Named one of the best venues in the Southeast, the lovable-meets-sleazy locale is the perf size—large enough for big names to come through, but small enough you can arrive an hour after doors and grab a beer with ease. Artists and comedians alike are regularly slated to take the stage, with upcoming shows including Inhaler and Duncan Trussell. theorangepeel.net
Asheville Pinball Museum Retro fun found at the endearing neon-lit play palace cramped with ~80 games, including pinball and old arcade games like Frogger and Pac-Man. Don’t stress about finding quarters—for a flat fee, you’re able to try your hand at however many games you fancy for as long as you want. ashevillepinball.com
EAT
Photo by Raleigh Magazine
Old Europe Pastries Whenever anyone asks for Asheville recs, this posh-yet-homey bakery and coffee shopalways tops my list. Asheville’s longest-running cafe, the pastry menu has been perfected by founder Melinda Vetro after almost three decades—and, in turn, the taste and quality of these almost-too-pretty-to-eat treats shines. The chocolate éclair is the best one you’ll try in the continental U.S.—and don’t sleep on the cakes and tiramisu. oldeuropepastries.com
Photo by Carolyn Marie Photography
Jargon Akin to its name, this mod American restaurant is always evolving. Taking inspo from near and far, the unconstrained-by-borders menu features everything from NC trout with grit cakes to golden beet risotto and chicken leg confit. Meanwhile, the gold-trimmed-mirror-adorned walls of the small historic structure create a bright and elevated atmosphere to wine and dine. jargonrestaurant.com
Early Girl Eatery Tomato girl summer came early (!). AVL’s staple farm-to-table eatery is guided by the motto “More Than Made From Scratch”—and you can taste the dedication. Multigrain pancakes, sandwiches and salads rounded out with an array of mimosas grace the fresh-focused menu. And for a post-meal stroll, check out the walkable Wall Street, oft filled with pop-ups boasting the work of local makers and artisans. earlygirleatery.com
DRINK
Antidote Life’s antidote? Three stories of 20th century apothecary-style lounge space—think starry-tiled flooring and rustic wooden furniture illuminated with soft yellow lighting from chandeliers—and classic and signature cocktails, natch. Pick your poison from ops like a vesper martini, Manhattan and The Navigation (aka a twist on an aviation). antidote.bar
Photo courtesy of Double D’s Coffee & Desserts
Double D’s Coffee & Desserts More than just a pretty red bus—although we can’t deny it’s perfect for an Insta pic—this double-decker will double deck you out with the likes of coffee, smoothies, milkshakes and desserts. Once a bevvy and sweet treat is secured, level down to the patio to sip and snack with a view of lush plants and passersby. Pro-tip: The bus is cash only, so bring some bills. doubledscoffee.com
Wicked Weed Brewing When in Asheville, you drink IPAs—and the original home of Wicked Weed is just the spot to get your fill of the hoppy bev. The OG 15-barrel brewery doubles as a beer garden and bottle shop, complete with two pup-friendly outdoor patios (so bring Bark Obama along!), plus a full-fledged restaurant in case you get the munchies. Hoppy drinking! wickedweedbrewing.com
STAY
Photo by Colby Rabon
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins “It’s the wrong way…” Tap into sublime with an elevated glamping experience on the edge of the French Broad. Created by two rafting guides who felt Asheville’s unconventional outdoor personality wasn’t represented in lodging, the luxe lodges and A-frame cabins connect with your crunchier side while still boasting private bathrooms, AC and Wi-Fi—so after you get your outdoor fix, you can catch some Z’s in comfort. wrongwaycampground.com
Blind Tiger Less a hotel and more “the home of a well-connected friend” in the heart of the city, this unique-but-unpretentious inn blurs the lines between art and living with tile-adorned bedroom walls, avant-garde seating and bedside fireplaces. Not to mention the venues, local boutiques, bars and restaurants just steps away. larkhotels.com
The Radical This abandoned 1920s warehouse-turned-hotel has opened its doors once again after Helene demolished the River Arts District. Now on the path to revive the area, the “living art installation” treats visitors and locals alike to a lush lobby, marble and gold bathrooms, and—bringing the creative landscape of the artsy area to your bedside—graffiti-embellished walls. A rad escape, indeed. theradicalavl.com
Based on the Cap City’s bustling business scene, it’s clear great minds thrive here. Many local inventions have ventured beyond our state and (literally) connected the globe—and there’s still plenty of inspiration in Raleigh. Here, test your smarts on NC inventors and products.
1. The NC trio that created the Shibumi Shade—you know, those fluttering blue canopies that dot the coastline come summer—borrowed their brand name from an apartment complex at which Triangle university? a. NC State b. University of North Carolina c. North Carolina Central University d. Duke University
2. What’s in a name? Raleigh-born inventor Beulah Louise Henry claimed 49 patents on over 100 inventions, earning her what nickname? a. Miss Edison b. Lady Edison c. Lady Franklin d. Madam Tesla
3. The Wright Bros. famously flew the first flight in Kitty Hawk. The plane—which then cost $1,000 to make and never flew again—would run how much to build in today’s currency? a. ~$1,500 b. ~$5,700 c. ~$10,500 d. ~$36,000
4. After being told by his doctor that he needed to relieve stress to avoid a breakdown, a 28-year-old executive in Fayetteville invented what now wildly popular game? a. Spikeball b. Water balloon toss c. Putt-Putt d. Disc golf
5. Buzzy fun fact: Burt Shavitz—aka the “Burt” of the Durham-headquartered natural skincare brand Burt’s Bees—originally worked in Manhattan as a what? a. Dermatologist b. Pharmacist c. Photojournalist d. Race car driver
6. It’s all in the sauce. Raleigh-founded BBQ sauce brand Bone Suckin’ Sauce began when it won the NC Battle of the Sauces in March 1994. How many years in a row was the sauce awarded best in sales records? a. 3 b. 4 c. 6 d. 12
7. What local craft company garnered the attention of Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban on Shark Tank and ultimately partnered with the duo, who invested $450K in the company? a. The Woobles b. IpsyDoodles c. Jerry’s Artarama d. J. Sanders Studio
8. Sweet relief! What OTC headache reliever was invented by Durham-based pharmacists Germain Bernard and C.T. Council in 1910? a. Advil b. Tylenol c. Aleve d. BC Powder
9. IBM’s famed engineer George Laurer—who held 25 patents and published 20 technical bulletins in his lifetime—received the Raleigh Inventor of the Year award in 1976 thanks to what invention? a. Universal Product Code b. Windshield wipers c. Contributions to holography d. Loudspeaker system
Step aside, Canes. The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is taking over the Lenovo Center for the night during its ever-so-aptly named national Takeover Tour. The Ottawa Charge and Minnesota Frost will face off March 7, bringing the intensity of women’s hockey to the Triangle and inspiring all—just in time for Women’s History Month. So don your jerseys, make a poster and show out for a night of frosty fun to cheer on these lady-skaters running the world—and the rink. thepwhl.com
