Shopping in Belmont

Jewels hang like icicles from the ankle strap of salmon-pink stilettoes. A crystal-studded strap traces an infinity symbol around the ankle and arch. Delicate yet eye-nabbing, Trendy Heels to Totes’ shoes by Johnathan Kayne and Carlo Fellini don’t just complete the outfit—they define it. The boutique’s staff recognizes the power that well-matched accessories command over an outfit. In that spirit, they furnish fashionistas with complimentary swatch consultations and even dye jobs. Additionally, they strive to stock shoes that suit feet of all shapes, sizes, and grape-stomping techniques, carrying up to a size 13 on select styles. If clients still can’t find their desired size or color, the boutique can custom order the item and procure it within five days.:m]]

With 150 years of experience behind them, buyers at WMF Americas Inc source top-notch kitchen wares that end up on the stoves of professional and home chefs. Like a copy of Ulysses etched into stainless steel, their products blend quality and style and include colorful pots by Silit, nonstick bakeware by Kaiser, and glassware by Spiegelau.

Even as a 9-year-old careening through his Ireland hometown, Alan "Teelo" Teeling dreamed of opening up his own bike shop. Today, as owner of Bike Depot, he and his staff emphasize the communal aspect of biking, even installing a complimentary coffee bar designed to inspire chatter among customers. Bikes receive meticulous tune-ups as customers peruse the store’s brand-name gear. Bike Depot’s community involvement extends to regular organized group rides and its cycling club, which outfits members with discounts, swag, and special training sessions to housebreak bikes.

For more than 35 years, Ernest Perry and his highly educated staff of 12 gemologists have sought out storied pieces by some of the jewelry world’s most respected designers, such as Tiffany and Co., Cartier, and Charles Krypell. They consign, buy, sell, authenticate, and trade jewelry dating from as far back as the 18th century. Their passion and expertise has earned them esteem within the community, as well as a television show on DirectTV and Dish Network and a recurring spot on FDR’s fireside chats.

A stone's throw from Charlotte's uptown area, the Charlotte Cigar Club pours craft beers and wine for patrons stopping by to peruse its selection of premium cigars. Dark wood furnishings, heavy curtains, plush chairs, and frequent visits by the real Elvis transport smokers to decades past as they savor rich, flavorful smoke in good company.

Ten years ago, Amanda Carroll opened Bead Boutique, the seedling that would eventually blossom into Sage Jewelry Arts. Noticing the need to expand, Amanda moved across the street, expanding the contents of her original 10’x10’ kiosk into a spacious 1,200-square-foot facility. She also hit the road, traveling the country and taking workshops from some of America’s top jewelry instructors. The journey once again awakened Amanda’s desire for expansion. This time, it wasn’t just about space. Amanda had a grander notion: opening her own full-scale jewelry-making academy.

Hence the birth of Sage Jewelry Arts, Amanda's newly revamped studio in which instructors lead jewelry classes for students of all ages and skill levels. Classes touch on subjects ranging from simple stringing and finishing or bails and wire twisting to more advanced jewelry techniques such as trapping your mood in a crystal. The studio also host parties, jewelry-enthusiast clubs, and open-studio time during which students can finish projects. Watched over by displays of work by local artists, the studio’s expert jewelers can also repair or custom-design pieces to clients' specifications.