AN EVENING OF FUN AND INFORMATION

The O Report founder Olivia Fortson with Dr. Stephan Finical, left, and Dr. Kevin Smith. Photos by daniel coston.

In a milestone for The O Report, the online magazine hosted its first event for a fun group of movers and shakers on the Charlotte scene. They gathered at the office of Charlotte Plastic Surgery on Randolph Road to learn about the newest advances in skincare and procedures. 

Guests socialized and enjoyed wine with a special menu created by La-tea-da's Catering owner Janet Woodson that included Tomato Basil Tea Sandwiches, Southern Pinwheels and Sweetgrass Dairy Goat Cheese Watermelon Stacks.

Before the program began, The O Report founder Olivia Fortson talked about why she partnered with Charlotte Plastic Surgery and what she hoped everyone would learn.

"For 65 years Charlotte Plastic Surgery has maintained its reputation as Charlotte's original, and best, plastic surgery center," Olivia said. "They are regarded as not only one of the best plastic surgery centers in the Carolinas, but in the nation. Whether you're interested in a facial, fillers or a  facelift - the doctors, nurses and staff here can help you. All consultations are free and everyone who works here has gone through Ritz-Carlton training so when you walk through the doors you know you're going to receive excellent service." 

Then one of Charlotte Plastic Surgery's nurse injectors, Mischell Christmas, whose background includes being a critical care nurse at Georgetown University Hospital and an ICU nurse at the National Institute of Health, explained the new VISIA complexion analysis machine. This revolutionary technology reveals a patient's overall skin condition in minutes, then the data is used to determine the products and nonsurgical procedures that will help their skin look its best.

The main speakers were two of the most respected plastic surgeons in the country, Dr. Kevin Smith and Dr. Stephan Finical. Each spoke specifically about the newest procedures for the face and neck, plus the skincare products offered by Charlotte Plastic Surgery that are proven to help reduce the appearance of aging. The doctors answered questions and reminded everyone to wear their sunscreen, and to make sure to remind their children - and grandchildren - to protect their skin, too, because sun damage is the main cause of prematurely aging skin.  

Everyone left with a goodie bag filled with gifts from Charlotte Plastic Surgery, The O Report and La-tea-da's Catering. To schedule you're own free consultation, click here.

ROSE ON THE RISE

Take a look around at chic restaurants and parties and you'll see that everything seems to be coming up Rose. More wine drinkers than ever are sipping Rose wine, the pale pink drink that's made from a process using red grapes. Many different countries have their own version, but some of the best come from France, naturalment.   

Even wine connoisseurs are surprised at the rise in its popularity. The wine experts we talked with say summer is the perfect time to give it a try because its pale pink color looks gorgeous in a glass, it chills well and it's a nice compliment to seafood.

Here are two to try - a sparkling and a nonsparkling - both available at Total Wine: 

Louis Bouillot Rose, $18.99. From Burgundy, France, it has fine bubbles with cherry and strawberry notes and a dry, creamy finish. Superb with salmon, shrimp and lobster. 

Brin de Rose, $24.99. From Provence, France, it has citrus fruit flavors, plus suggestion of candied rose and peppery spices.