Ashley Madekwe Rocking The Pajama Trend
Take a look at Ashley Madekwe wearing the new pajama trend. Did you know that she’s also a fellow blogger? Take a look at her site here: Ring My Bell
Author: Kimberly West
Style+Life+Fashion is the brainchild of Kimberly West, a consultant, and on-air lifestyle expert. Although Kim started blogging as a hobby due to her love for Fashion, she quickly gained a loyal following as a respected industry expert and contributor for numerous fashion websites. She seeks to provide the latest trends as well as educate consumers about all aspects of fashion. Kim has hosted television segments as a fashion and lifestyle expert with ABC 33/40, WBRC Fox6, ABC2 News, Fox 45 WBFF, The List Baltimore, and WBAL News. Her fashion interviews include well-known industry experts such as Tai Beauchamp, Tomima Edmark, Julie Weiss, Clinton Kelly, Gianni Rich, Darius Gibbs, Dean Banowetz, and Lilliana Vazquez. In addition, she’s interviewed reality star Queensly Felix and R&B Artist, Keyshia Cole. She has also collaborated with online features for Glamour Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and Macy’s, and worked to stream digital content and video for New York Fashion Week 2010.
Shopping Tips: The Right Gifts for a Newborn Baby
The recent birth of the third in line to the throne has ignited excitement in people all over the world, with Will and Kate having a healthy baby boy to begin their family together. With the new baby being given the moniker George Alexander Louis, baby fever has already reached new heights, with social networks being swamped with the news.
Of course, the Royals aren’t the only people to have had a baby on the 22nd July and whether you’re a lucky parent or you’re close to someone who is, it’s an ideal time to treat the newborn to a couple of gifts to celebrate their arrival.
It’s easy to get carried away with shopping for a new baby; the cutesy items almost jumping off the rails and landing in your trolley, so an element of sense will be required unless you have plenty of money to splash. What does a newborn baby need? Most expectant parents will already be well stocked on many of the essentials and unless you’ve been proactive and asked about what they actually need you will be spoilt for choice once you get to the shops.
Baby blankets are a great gift for newborn. While the current heatwave means chances of needing one are pretty slim, we all know how quickly the weather can turn. George’s range of baby blankets will appeal to most tastes and with luxuriously soft cotton fabrics, baby will feel cosy, warm and most of all, content.
Bibs and Muslin Squares are a lifesaver with new babies, with muslins continuing to be useful way into toddlerhood in some cases. Bibs are a popular addition to any baby gift parcel but chances are, they will all come in use.
Nappy Cakes are a fun take on a typical baby gift that can be given during baby showers or following the baby’s birth. Nappies will always be needed and form the basics of the cake creating the shape while adding other goodies, such as toiletries, booties, bibs or comforters, before wrapping it up in one big, elaborate display.
Clothes will always be welcome but remember that newborns won’t require too many outfits before they grow out of them. If you do choose to buy an outfit or two, buy them in different sizes so that the new baby can grow into them, rather than it sitting in their wardrobe with its label still attached.
Starter Parks are a great way to buy a matching set for the little one, including bodysuit, top, sleepsuit, hat, bib and mittens – perfect if you’re a little overwhelmed and you’re not sure what to buy for them.
Shopping for babies is great fun, with so much to choose from at George at ASDA. Before you head for the checkout with your micro-purchases, pop by the flower aisle and pick up a bunch as well as a lovely box of chocolates – the new mum will certainly appreciate the thought, seeing as though she’s been through so much too!
Mommy-ista Dressing and Beauty Tips: Look Fabulous while Being a Mom
As a mom you’re busy going to school meetings, shopping for groceries, and picking up socks. Honestly, there’s barely enough time in the day to get it all done, let alone time to fix yourself up. But mommy-istas, today is a new day! We need to embrace motherhood with a sense of vengeance and look fabulous while on this journey.
There’s a few rules that every mom should remember as “the going gets tough.” Rule number one: In order for everyone to be happy (and sane) in your home, your sense of happiness is very important. Number two: It’s completely okay to pick up a new tube of lipstick while shopping for pampers. And number three: Find a gym that has mommy daycare so everyone can have a “time out.”
Now that the rules have been established, let’s talk about looking fabulous. With so many celebrity moms like Halle Berry, Kim Kardashian, and Jessica Simpson, they have opened the doors for better apparel and beauty products.
Your probably saying to yourself, “good for them” but becoming a mom’s truly a unique sisterhood. When you enter this girls club, there’s always the uncontrollable issue of time. Which means we need (better) products that get us out of the door quickly, make us look good, and are cost efficient.
Based upon my own experiences, I have decided to share a few “mommy” secrets in regards to dress and my daily beauty regimen.
Mommy-ista Dressing Must Haves
1. A cute pair of flats: They can be purchased from Target or Channel but you need a pair of flats in your wardrobe…it’s difficult to chase kids in stilettos (honestly.) Also, flats are perfect for when you wear heels and need to take a break. You can carry flats in your purse and use them when needed.
2. Jeans are purchased in three categories: You have date night jeans that are sexy, stylish, and slightly trendy. You have parent/teacher conference jeans that look appropriate with a blazer…not too tight or sexy. You have shopping jeans that are comfortable…not “mom jeans” and can be worn with any pair of shoes.
3. Stylish pair of pumps/heels: Eventually you will have a “Girls Night Out” or need to wear them to the office. Every mom should have a pair in her wardrobe. When starting out, purchase them in basic colors and progress towards “fun” heels.
4. A blazer can do wonders: Wearing a blazer instantly makes you look stylish but can also hide a few figure imperfections. They can also go with anything (depending on the color and fabric texture) so this is a must have in your “mommy” wardrobe.
5. Proper undergarments: Once you become a mom (no matter what size) you will have a case of the “jiggles.” And that’s okay because as a grown woman, you want to have curves but undergarments assist with the shape/fit of your attire. Stop by your favorite lingerie store and purchase a cami top, hosiery, and body shaper.
Mommy-ista Beauty Tips
1. Buy Concealer and Foundation: This particular beauty product is your best friend! You have long nights, and early mornings (very different from college.) Therefore at some point, you will want to look awake and refreshed. Concealer and Foundation can be purchased at Saks or at a local drugstore. For more questions about concealer, download my e-book Beauty Tips Back to The Basics.
2. Neutral Lipstick and Red Lipstick: Wearing a neutral lipstick will make your face appear upbeat and match any color blouse (or dress) in your wardrobe. Wearing a red lipstick will brighten the eyes and refresh your face as well.
3. Groom those Eyebrows: Your eyebrows are truly a window to the face! They can be groomed at any local salon for $10.00 or a kit can be purchased from a local drugstore.
4. Fragrance, Fragrance, Fragrance: Wearing a fragrance can boost any mood but most importantly, you will smell pleasant at all times (while running errands.)
5. Buy Quick Dry Nail Polish or Nail Stickers: At some point, you will need to “appear” as if you’ve had a manicure. Owning nail polish provides the luxury of making your hands look polished but also good for in-home touch ups. Nail stickers are inexpensive and trendy.
Fall 2013 Fashion Designer Trends and Collections Part II
Below are photos that provide inspiration for Fall 2013, when we consider building our wardrobe. Based upon my previous post, “Fall 2013 Beauty Trends and Accessories” I like to stay abreast of what’s current and new as it relates to fashion, beauty, and style.
My motivation behind this post series (or more so incorporating a trends element to this blog) steams from my family and friends asking what’s popular for the upcoming season. The people in my life acknowledge that this is my passion and therefore come to me for wardrobe advice.
Therefore, this particular write – up centers around designer trends (for the fall) that have graced the runway last Spring. I decided to compile a few looks and hopefully they will help “spruce” up a few items you already own. And don’t forget, it’s always great to find inspiration but learn to make every look your own!
Marc Jacobs
Celine
Diane von Furstenberg
Rebecca Minkoff
Giueseppe Zanotti
Alexander McQueen
The Underground Chic Fashionable {Recycled} Handbags
Have you ever considered purchasing a handbag that’s created from recycled plastic bottles? Well if you’re fashionista that’s environmentally conscious this is the post for you! The Underground Chic handbag collection’s one of the hotest “birkin inspired” handbags that any girl can have for a reasonable price.
According to the site, “at first glance, the bag appears to be real leather with metal hardware” but in actuality this polyester based handbag’s made from recycled plastic bottles. Talk about innovative and eco-friendly!
The Underground Chic handbags also come in a variety of “girly” colors such as pink, citrus, green, orange crush, and nautical blue. And if you’re searching for a fashionable cosmetics bag (to keep all of your favorite lipsticks) you can find one on the site as well.
I was super excited to receive my Nautical Blue (gifted) handbag. In my opinion, this color will look great for the upcoming season (fall) and coordinate with several items in my wardrobe.
Again, prices for this collection are reasonable (so you can’t go wrong) and don’t forget to join their newsletter for brand updates. Happy shopping fashionistas from SLF!
Handbag: The Underground Chic | White Peplum Blouse: Shop.stylelifefashion.com | Leather Leggings: bebe | Black Pumps: Carlos Santana Collection
Product Review: Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup
Last week I received a package in the mail from Tonja, the CEO of Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup. Of course, I was super excited to test out the products because I love makeup. But most importantly, this line of cosmetics is considered to be a mineral product.
For those that are not savvy about the use of mineral based makeup, the Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup line’s considered to, “give skin a natural glow and feel as if you have nothing on.” According to sources, mineral makeup is also helpful for women with sensitive skin and need assistance covering blemishes.
Many people are not aware that I suffer from having eczema (all over.) Having this skin care issue is my driving force behind developing a regiman and wearing the proper makeup for my skin type (to protect my skin from environmental debris.) That purpose alone is a positive incentive for anyone to test out this brand.
Upon opening the package, I received several makeup brushes, shimmering bronzer, and foundation. And I have to agree that this product did indeed live up to it’s testimony! When applying the foundation and bronzer, I only needed to use a small amount of each product. The makeup brushes felt wonderful and my face looked great throughout the remainder of the evening.
To place an order with Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup, click on the link and see photos (of me) below!
Fall 2013 Beauty and Accessories Trends: Part I
From a blogger’s perspective, I always like to know what’s “hot” for the next upcoming season. And honestly, I do not consider myself to be “trendy” but I do believe in the concept of “refreshing” your wardrobe.
Life is too short to wear boring clothes (via my Instagram post) and dressing is a form of personal expression. It’s how you present yourself to the world and most importantly, it shows everyone how you feel about yourself.
My philosophy is that anyone can refresh their wardrobe without having to spend their life savings. A simple bracelet or new shade of lipstick can do wonders for your wardrobe, mood, or even your professional life.
I have to give credit to one of my favorite magazines, Instyle (I’ve been reading since I was a teenager) for telling us the new, runway inspired looks.
In conclusion, it’s fun and easy to select a trend but don’t forget that true style is making a look your own!
Beauty Trends
Oxblood Nails
Wide Headband
Nude Nail Polish
Matte Skin
Accessories Trends
Animal Print Heels
Pointy – Toe Flats
Strappy Sandals
White Pumps
High Heeled Loafers
Pendant Earrings
photos were taken from Pinterest.com
Product Alert: The DIVA PRESSING IRON by {Sultra}
Ladies, take a look at the newest pressing iron for women with the coarsest, curliest and frizziest of hair! The Diva Pressing Iron has a ThermaGuide Plate System with an advanced Ceramic Heater.
In addition, the temperature settings are designed for natural or relaxed hair, which is a plus. If you’re a natural girl (like me) who’s searching for a really good straightening system, I suggest you try this product (because I will be grabbing mine soon.)
The Diva Pressing Iron can be found at Sultra or Sephora.com
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti’s new Cat Island collection
Trendsetters, I want to share some beautiful, beach-y designs from Elsa Peretti’s new Cat Island collection at Tiffany & Co.
In addition, take a look at (new) beach totes from the Tiffany Leather Collection. Enjoy!
Macy’s Unveils Fall’s {Lookbook} Biggest Fashion Stories
Checkout our Fall Lookbook for the latest trends in Women’s, Men’s and Millennial Fashions. See what’s on the HOT list and read what Macy’s fashion experts forecast for the season.
Link to Fall 2013 Lookbook:
http://pimsmultimedia.com/
FALL 2013 Women’s Trends List
A Red Affair
Red captures her essence. Throughout decades and diverse cultures, it has long been the ultimate expression of love, emotion and power. And now, her dream wardrobe has arrived in a spectrum of the hue’s most splendid shades, from bright to Bordeaux. The look is bold and authoritative, yet feminine, with an emphasis on high tech materials, luminous embellishments, fur details, shine and luxurious fabrications. Leather rules, done in sheath dresses, soft pants, minimalistic tops and pencil skirts, as well as revamped outerwear. Leather is also important in graphic clutch silhouettes to utility backpacks, while ruby stones with brass hardware can be found on the suede single sole bootie.
Urban Utility
For her, fashion marches to a military beat this fall. Think rescaled, recolored and DIY camouflage. The cargo jacket, vest and pants join the ranks in different styles, from tailored to oversized, along with retro bomber jackets and traditional pea coats. Equipment shirts resurface. Utilitarian chic is redefined, especially when the unexpected elements come into play. Work in surplus boots, backpacks and utility belts.
The Modernist
She believes in new minimalism, a return to innovation with high-tech materials. The palette consists of soft neutrals to bold brights, often combined for sophisticated effects. Track pants add a certain “sport allure” with reinvented sweatshirts. Her style is a reinterpretation of basic silhouettes, but with totally new volumes, color blocking and banding combinations. Suede and leather are no longer statement pieces but the foundation of a complete head-to-toe look.
The Artist
Her body is a canvas. The curator of her own inimitable style, she artfully fuses graphic, stylized and surrealist patterns as well as Asian influences, artistic collage, dark florals and unusual layering. This trend includes a palette of muted jewel tone sometimes in graduated color ways. Expect lots of shine in jacquard materials, lace as a key fabrication and new knits with textural effects, intarsias and mixed media. The Grandpa cardigan and crew sweater look especially fresh when worn with jacquard silk printed matchstick pants and pencil skirts.
The Dandy
She embraces her femininity by stealing masculinity. The match set takes a new dimension from shirts with skirts or pants. It’s the return of the pantsuit in 70’s-inspired geometric patterns. Glen plaids and tweeds are another focus of her gender-blended look. She commands attention with military details and equestrian silhouettes. Peplum shapes and triple layering give an extra dimension to this new aristocratic attitud
The Collector
She is eccentric and mysterious; a “femme fatale” with an eye for eclectic excess inspired by the historical decadence of decades past. Medieval prints to ecclesiastic craft and Gothic inspiration play a big role here. Embellishment becomes positively ornamental with bold cabochon beading on jackets, dresses or skirts. Gold Baroque details and intricate scrolling
In Black & White
In her eyes, everything is black or…white! Optional primary accents of color may add a stunning contradiction. You’ll see everything from conversational, landscape, surrealist patterns, photo prints and stylized black and white florals. Bold black and white banding or color blocking and sheer detail come into play as well. There is also a surprising juxtaposition of leather, ciré, velvet and new geometrics. With the “iconic” Pierrot clown as her muse, the mood is romantic, unsuspecting and totally mesmerizing.
RTW Hot List
1. The Crewneck
2. The Oversized Cardigan
3. The Military Jacket
4. The Patterned Sweater
5. The Shirt Story
6. The Blouse
7. The Sweater Dress
8. The Sheath & Shift Dress
9. The Moto Jacket/Vest
Impulse Hot List
1. The Crew Neck
2. The Shirt Story
3. The Blazer
4. The Parka
5. The Matched Set
6. The Matchstick Pant
7. The Skinny Jean
8. The Legging
9. The Skater Skirt
10. The Modernist Dress
Mstylelab Hot List
1. The Crew Neck
2. The Oversized Cardigan
3. The Patterned Sweater
4. The Shirt Story
5. The Bomber
6. The Skinny Jean
7. The Legging
8. The Skater Skirt
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