Service

Eyebrow wax/shaping   
Parvin's Spa
A great eyebrow wax is like a great haircut. You can't put a price on a really good one. And once you've had a brow shaping by Parvin Amiri at Parvin's Spa, you'll realize that the best doesn't have to cost a fortune. Amiri applies her more than twenty-five years of experience as a European-trained aesthetician to arch, shape, and redefine your brows to perfection for just $15. From barely there brows to burly caterpillars and unis, the result is a perfectly arched look that accentuates your best features. By appointment only.
316 East Blvd., 704-333-0911

Cut, color, and style
Shine Salon
It's the Holy Grail of hair: glossy, shiny color that lasts for weeks (better yet, months) and a cut that makes other women stop you in the street to ask, "Who does your hair?" Shine's rich Framesi color is eye catching in every shade (from caramel brunettes and dirty blondes to auburn red heads) and lasts so long you'll rethink your six-week appointment. The quirky staff of stylists keeps the atmosphere upbeat in the tiny bungalow space, and their Euro-chic cuts bump you up at least three notches on the style scale. Here's a tingly tip: for a truly mind-blowing scalp massage with your shampoo, ask for James.
1900 Commonwealth Ave., 704-344-0338

Place for a guy to get pampered   
Emerson Joseph
Emerson Joseph removes the stigma of the metrosexual with a classy operation that leaves men feeling more macho than emasculated. Relaxing on supple leather couches, watching flat-screen TVs showing ESPN, and downing a cool brew all while getting trimmed and fluffed just feels manly. Even Rocky wouldn't have denied a massage ($90, we recommend Jennifer) or a straight-razor shave ($30 to $38) that makes a man look ultra well kempt.
221 South Tryon St., 704-343-3443; Ballantyne Village, 14825 John J Delaney Dr., 704-369-5181; SouthPark, 4300 Sharon Rd., 704-362-7297

Alterations
Anna's Alterations
If you're one of the lucky shoppers whose pants fit perfectly just as you bought them, congrats. For the rest of us who need hemming, tucking, and expanding of our trousers, bridesmaids' dresses, and fitted shirts, head to Anna's Alterations, a Charlotte staple. The team at Anna's can take an oversize waist on a pair of Banana Republic dress pants and form fit it so closely and comfortably to your hip that you can't even tell an inch was chopped off. But it's the pricing (about $20 for a standard hem and waist taken in) that will have you returning season after season.
2400 Park Rd., 704-348-5488

Shoe repair
Belk Shoe Repair
Tucked away on the fourth floor near customer service, this is one hidden jewel your feet will thank you for finding. Your favorite pair of old pumps can be buffed to a shine and totally resoled for just $27. That “tasteful” pair of purple bridesmaid's sandals? The staff'll dye them black so you can wear them again for the paltry sum of $17. Men, those trusty work shoes will last you another three years when these cobblers replace the worn-down front sole for $23.95. With trusty quick fixes like this, you may never buy new shoes again.
Belk, SouthPark, 704-364-0220

Gait analysis
TrySports
High arch, flat foot, bowed legs, bad knees—no matter what your running or walking diagnosis, the staff at TrySports can find the perfect sneak for every shape foot through its free gait analysis. Hop on the in-store treadmill and a tiny camera projects an image on screen for TrySports' staff to analyze your gait. A virtual “wet test” (gauging your arch height) and brief fitness history allow staff to determine just what shoe will keep your feet happy and healthy. And the sneak options are kinda slim, but what they do have is simply the best in fitness shoes: Asics, Saucony, New Balance, and more.
Blakeney Village, 9830 Rea Rd., 704-544-4626

Movers
Easy Movers
All moving companies look the same on paper, and you often don't know if you've hired a good one until the work is done. But Easy Movers does it right. The company will pack up and unload. If it's not in a box it gets wrapped with a blanket, and Easy Movers also does pianos and autos. Easy Movers is bonded and comes highly recommended by Angie's List.
11021 Downs Rd., Pineville, 704-588-6868, www.easymovers.com

Bikini wax
Beth Solomon at Charles Grayson Spa
It's no secret that a bikini wax can be, um, a bit embarrassing for first timers and the tried and true alike. But aesthetician Beth Solomon makes you feel as if you're receiving a relaxing facial rather than removing unwanted hair. Her best work: a traditional Brazilian that leaves you super smooth and hair free. Men, fear not: Solomon keeps the macho from feeling emasculated and instead makes the art of waxing less painful and much, much easier to bear.
Specialty Shops on the Park, 6401 Morrison Blvd., 704-364-2944

Place to buy flowers in a hurry
Harris Teeter in Matthews
Besides the vast selection of staple florals (zinnias, tulips, and roses), the staff at this HT are helpful and friendly. When you're trying to find the perfect centerpiece for a dinner party, they'll help arrange a low-lying bunch of soft pink roses or suggest floating bright yellow spider mums in a wide crystal bowl for a modern effect. The bonus: the staff's advice is free and the deals are superb. (Where else can you nab three bunches of tulips in a gorgeous garnet red or creamy white for $12?)
1811 Matthews Township Pkwy., Matthews, 704-846-7117

Produce delivery
Absolute Organics
Going organic has never been so easy. Family-owned and -operated Absolute Organics woos its clients with convenient weekly produce deliveries (starting at $30) to Charlotte and surrounding areas like Concord and Lake Norman. After compiling a list of favorite fruits and vegetables, customers receive a box of ten to twelve organic, seasonal pieces of produce (think red raspberries in the summer, cauliflower in the fall) on their doorsteps. And if weekly deliveries are too much, just let them know—you can schedule the delivery dates to cater to your veggie and fruit needs. 704-470-4963, www.theabsoluteorganics.com