A trip down memoir lane

Memoir is the new fiction, or so it seems when skimming the New York Times Best Seller list. The lone survivor of a Navy Seal operation describes his daring scape. A former child-soldier recounts his life in Sierra Leone. Even dyed-in-the-wool fiction writers (Nora Ephron, Barbara Kingsolver) have new essay collections (about aging and homegrown […]

Top drawer: fashion news and views

Nature girl Local designer Natasha Nogan has been sewing for 10 years. Her creations—mainly geared toward women—are organic both in the materials she uses and in the lines she creates. Skirts and pants are made with comfortable drawstring ties and breathable fabrics. Simple designs are embellished with appliqués. Here, Natasha models her latest apparel. To […]

Pun intended

Just because Asheville doesn’t have a comedy club doesn’t mean it’s not a funny place. Big fun: Duke of deadpan Todd Barry will headline a roster that includes Asheville’s own Brian Fox, a 3’4” actor and comedian. “Our improv scene is fantastic,” says Greg Brown, author, chef and comedian-turned-festival-organizer. “The Oxymorons and Feral Chihuahuas are […]

Top drawer: fashion news and views

Most service-industry positions come with a uniform. If not a prescribed one (think flight attendants and postal workers) then a suggested one (the all-black attire of waitstaff; the aprons donned by baristas). Still, Asheville manages to make work wear not so, well, uniform after all. • The staff at the Chocolate Fetish (36 Haywood St., […]

Top drawer: fashion news and views

Unexpected accessories Hats, shoes, belts, bags: Everyone knows the drill. But sometimes it’s fun to step out of the usual accessory routine. • Tim poses with a retro suitcase that matches his tomato-colored T-shirt. “I just like red,” he says. • Found at the French Broad Antique Mall (794 Riverside Drive, Asheville, 225-0772): These unusual […]

Top Drawer: fashion news and views

Halter dress with emerald-green silk from India, $90. Designer Rachel Stack has been putting in too many late nights, trying to complete her collection which she hopes to sell at that other fashion week: Bonnaroo. But while flowing skirts, halter tops and loose-fitting unisex cropped pants are perfect attire for festival fans, Stack’s creations may […]