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.

Beyonce / April 15, 2013

Beyonce’s H&M (Bikini) Campaign

Here’s our photo of the day! She’s done it again, take a look at Beyonce’s H&M (Bikini) Campaign.

According to the retailer, “The face of H&M’s summer campaign will be the global superstar Beyoncé. She will be wearing pieces from the H&M summer collection inspired by her style. It was shot on the beaches of the Bahamas and features both a print campaign and a commercial.”

Ladies, this is perfect motivation for summer! Let’s strive to look great and feel great.

Visit your local H&M (click here) to grab a cute and sexy bikini…

WATCH BEYONCE’S PROMOTIONAL VIDEO FOR H&M {HERE}

Nails / April 12, 2013

Nars Collaborates with Pierre Hardy for Heel Inspired Nail Polish Collection

Nars cosmetics has teamed up with Pierre Hardy to create nail “colors” that are inspired by the Summer 2013 Shoe Collection.

The nail shades are considered to be a limited edition featuring six polish duos in a miniature shoebox.

To read more about the Nars (shoe inspired) nail polish collection, click on the link: Beauty Blogging Junkie

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / April 10, 2013

Four Seasons Baltimore Introduces New China Specialist Program

A wedding is a reflection of a couples’ personalities and their vision of a future life together, and Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore has all of the elements – dream location, incredible cuisine, inspiring décor, and impeccably trained staff – to create personalized, special celebrations. The Hotel is now enhancing its services to go beyond that one special day to help couples look forward to a lifetime of unforgettable entertaining together with the new China Specialist Program.

The Hotel’s Director of Stewarding John Flynn is available to offer expert advice to newly engaged twosomes on how to curate a selection of beautiful china, glass, and silver patterns that are certain to take centre stage as they welcome friends and family into their home. Couples can escape the hectic conventional registering experience and enjoy a private consultation in the comfort of a luxurious hotel setting, with a glass of bubbly or zero proof cocktail. In meeting with guests, Flynn will guide them through a series of questions designed to aid them in determining the type of dinner and stemware, including silver and stainless that would be the best investment based on their lifestyle and how they like to entertain. Whether it’s ornate and vibrant or simple and understated, Flynn’s priority is helping busy couples find a pattern for life – with the peace of mind that Four Seasons provides by taking care of every detail.

Flynn’s highlights include: Registry 101, mixing and matching, modern vs. classic and special place settings. Additionally, he will share his top tips on how to best care for and maintain different types of tableware, along with things to consider when registering, such as taking an audit as a couple of existing essential pieces before registering, choosing a broad range of items to accommodate different budgets of guests attending the wedding, and over-registering for more than is needed.

“We firmly believe that true hospitality extends beyond the confines of our Hotel and planning for one special day. We create special experiences for our couples throughout the Hotel and beyond that make for a truly memorable start for their new life together,” Flynn says. “We want to build a deeper relationship with guests getting married at our Hotel and offer them a more comprehensive experience of Four Seasons lifestyle as we help them to build their new life together.”

With more than 10 years in the hospitality business, Flynn has been responsible for the proper cleaning, storage and distribution of china, silver, glassware, pots, pans and other cookware. His extensive catering training has also taught him the importance of plateware as a frame for the presentation of food.

The complimentary consultations are approximately one hour long, by-appointment-only, and available exclusively for couples getting married at the Hotel.

View a sample of Flynn’s selections from the celebrated Rosenthal catalogue in a recent post on Four Seasons Weddings online magazine.

Uncategorized / April 9, 2013

Celebrities looking Fit and Fabulous Pregnant

There’s nothing like seeing a woman “glow” and the celebs are looking fabulous pregnant!

In my opinion, being pregnant is one of the highest forms of womanhood and the women in this post are wearing “motherhood” well.

Enjoy photos of Halle Berry, Tamar Braxton, Kim Kardashian, and Marlin Akerman celebrating motherhood while (still) looking very fashionable.

Halle Berry looks stunning in this purple Roberta Cavalli gown

Tamar Braxton wearing a lovely white gown that drapes her silhouette

Kim Kardashian selected a baby doll dress to accentuate her pregnancy

Malin Akerman chose leggings and a t shirt for a comfortable date night

Uncategorized / April 9, 2013

Canvas Shoes and What to Pack for Summer by Guest Contributor Catherine M.

It may seem like a long way off now, but your much deserved summer holiday will soon come around. Make sure that you’re ready for it by building a great summer wardrobe that will take you wherever you’re off to on your holidays – from Majorca to Mexico!

Simply head to your local department store and fill your trolley with summer fashions while doing the weekly shopping. If that just seems like far too much effort, you can shop online at George at ASDA and have a complete summer wardrobe delivered directly to your door.

Or take advantage of the free click and pick up your purchases from your nearest ASDA the very next day (order before 5pm today and collect after 5pm tomorrow!)

What You Will Need for Summer 2013

Canvas Shoes

Sandals can be a difficult wear for men, so why not ring the changes this year with some cool, casual canvas shoes? Canvas shoes are ideal for summer as the fabric upper allows feet to breathe. They also look great with shorts – choose either chino style shorts or denims for 2013.

One of the other benefits to choosing canvas shoes is that they represent amazing value for money. You can pick up a black or white pair of simple canvas plimsolls for just £8 at ASDA, so why not have both? Great value canvas shoes will take you everywhere from beach to bar, and look fantastic with everything from swim shorts to dark denims. They’re also lightweight, breathable and comfortable. How many more reasons do you need to throw a pair or two into your suitcase?

Chino Shorts

Chino trousers were one of the big fashion stories of 2012, but times have changed. Spring/summer 2013 is all about the chino short!

Smart, comfortable and fantastic for if you fancy a change from your trusty denim shorts, chinos are so easy to wear. They make a perfect pairing for polo shirts and canvas shoes.
Choose navy for a nautical look, with a striped t.shirt, or wear a muted berry pair with trendy grey marl for a fashion-forward look ideal for sightseeing or sipping a beer by the sea.

Graphic Tees
The graphic tee is big news for 2013, and a must for packing in your suitcase, whether you’re off on a city break or a relaxing beach holiday. As ideal for wearing as a cool cover-up around the pool as they are worn out at night with chinos or denim shorts, they’re a versatile choice so be sure to pick up a fair few.

If you’re not planning on a sunshine break, pack casual zip-up hoodies and fine knit cardigans for wearing over your graphic tees day and night, for a warm, comfortable and casual look ideal for enjoying yourself in – after all, you are on holiday!

The above three essentials can form the basis of any basic summer sun wardrobe. All you need to do is add shades, suntan lotion and swim shorts and you’re good to go.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / March 30, 2013

Madewell Shopping Party hosted by Taliah Ferguson of Fashion Was Here

As a blogger, there’s nothing like the feeling of networking with those in the industry and living your passion. Last thursday, I attended the Madewell store shopping party which was hosted by fellow, local blogger Taliah from the site Fashion Was Here.

For those that may not know, Madewell is a brand extension (sister store) of the J. Crew company. The store was launched to attract a younger, hipper crowd while holding true to the company’s style which is chic and comfortable.

This was my first time visiting the boutique and I was impressed with the quality of the clothing and the accessories.

Honestly, my personal style is more on the lines of being “Preppy” with a touch of “American Classic” and a hint of “Hollywood Glamour.”

So you’re asking, what does all of that mean? I love basic t shirts, blazers, oversized sunglasses (the bigger the better) pearls, and jeans.

When I entered the Madewell store, it had all of the components that would make up my wardrobe but I decided not to get distracted because I was there for a store event (being professional.)

While attending the event, the store provided drinks and treats, a 20% off discount on all merchandise, and prizes. But, the fun aspect of the night was the style challenge.

During the style challenge, participants were placed into groups and asked to create a style based upon the guidelines of the store/host.

Everyone wanted to win this challenge! Fashionistas raced around the store in search of clothing and accessories to fit their mannequin or model.

With all of the great displays, it was hard to judge the contest!

Overall, this was a fun event and a great opportunity to meet other bloggers, photographers, and local “fashion lovers.”

Additional Photos from The Event

He did a fabulous job assisting the Host

Grabbing a quick picture of Taliah

Fellow Blogger, Teena (from Fashion for Breakfast) participating in The Style Challenge

Posing with fellow blogger from the site Corner Curl Girl

instagram pic showing the shoes I wore that night

Celebrity / March 29, 2013

Celebrity Inspired Prom Fashion by Guest Contributor Tiffany Ly

Ready or not, prom season is almost upon us, so it’s time to get ready for a knockout look! Let’s face it; looking good isn’t enough and you want a dress that’s dazzling and will show your very best.

Honestly, what better way to score a fashion knockout (on the big night) than with a dress that’s designed for one of Hollywood’s hottest stars?   If the thought of “making the scene” in a Hollywood star inspired dress is something you’ve always wished for, this is the post for you.

The selections below emulate dresses worn this year by the hottest and most beautiful stars, including Rihanna, Kerry Washington and Anne Hathaway.  

This year at the 2013 Grammy Awards, pop star Rihanna had the crowd under her spell as she graced the Red Carpet in a stunning Azzedine Alaia custom made evening gown while wearing a bold, red lipstick.

This gorgeous floor length dress features a long, sweeping length that flows in the back (like a wedding train.) The sleeveless dress also featured a crisscross design (across the front) with a revealing sheer chiffon section on the midriff. This dress is a stunner! Take a look at the similar style here by David’s Bridal

Kerry Washington is another Hollywood beauty who lit up the Red Carpet this season, making a major impact in a glowing Miu Miu floor length dress that featured a coral sheath style bottom with a glittering sleeveless top.

This mirrored dress of the Django Unchained star was feminine and flattering. All you need is the red clutch (similar style here by Nina Shoes) and flawless makeup to pull off a Kerry Washington look! The clutch will definitely compliment your outfit especially with the silver clasp.

Darling Anne Hathaway, who took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at the 85th Academy Awards in February for her role in “Les Miserables, ” was a big winner on the Red Carpet as well. Hathaway wore a sleek column style gown designed by Prada in a very feminine shade of light pink.

The gown played beautifully off her stylish short hair style and showed off her shimmering earrings. With this replicated dress (here) you would certainly look like a gem.

Uncategorized / March 25, 2013

Choosing an Outfit That’s Timeless by Guest Contributor Mandy Parkin

The only thing that is better than an outfit that looks and feels beyond incredible is one that continues in the same vein for the years, maybe even decades to follow. What we’re talking about here is of course timelessness, which is one of the most desirable traits in all of the fashion world.

Think for a moment about the hundreds of trends and styles that have come and gone over the last 50 years of so, which in all instances have presented certain garments and outfits that never change. However, while timelessness is indeed one of the most cherished traits of any given garment, it is in fact also one that is perfectly possible to define and target with a little common sense.

So, if looking to stock up on wares that will be just as stunning and desirable in ten years as they are today, here are a few top tips for some of the UK’s premier fashion brands:

Back to Basics

First and foremost, one of the more immediately noticeable things about any timeless garments and outfits is the way in which they are so very simple and understated. Take a standard black Jones and Jones going out dress for example – this is the kind of dress that isn’t only a stunning wardrobe staple that can be used for an infinite range of scenarios, but follows the exact same guidelines as the little black dresses of 50 years ago – they really haven’t changed a bit. From simple t-shirts to plain dresses to jeans to cardigans and so on, basics are probably the best examples of timelessly elegant clothing choices that are also mercifully affordable.

Solid Colors

Pattern and prints always have and always will go in and out of fashion, but solid colors are here to stay and always have been. As such, the best advice is to go for a purposeful mix of both plain/solid colors and prints in order to ensure that at least half of your wardrobe remains timelessly elegant while your chosen prints go through the usual in-and-out cycle.

Dependable Materials

Another sticking point to work by is that of materials and this is one of the more obvious considerations. For example, there may be times during which PVC and nylon come back into fashion for a brief spell, but it will indeed be brief at best. On the other hand, simple cotton, wool and denim (within reason!) are impossible to go wrong with and chances are will never, ever look anything other than superb on anyone.

Elegance over Impact

Last but not least, if there’s one tip to offer that should be used across the board when making such decisions it is that of favouring elegance over impact. It’s really not hard to put together an outfit with a real ‘wow’ factor that turns heads, but chances are that said ‘wow’ will soon enough turn into an ‘oh dear’ when fashion trends swing, as they will. As such, favour timelessness by going for understated elegance and make an impact by proving you don’t have to show off to look stunning.

By Mandy Parkin

Mandy Parkin is a full-time hotel receptionist from Sheffield who was bitten by the fashion bug after receiving her first shipment of Jones and Jones going out dresses early last year. She has since taken to blogging and barely allows a day to go by without shouting her musings to the world.

Mens / March 23, 2013

Men’s Designer Socks and Shoe Game Spring 2013

A careful and creative selection of Men’s Socks and Shoes will be the leading Men’s fashion trends for Spring 2013.

Here (in this photo) is a stylish combination that I selected at Nordstrom Columbia Mall (Maryland). The shoes are designed by Ferragamo and the socks are from the Polo Ralph Lauren retailer.

Wearing creative and colorful socks along with colored shoe laces will be the biggest Men’s fashion trend for Spring and Summer 2013. We told you.

Signed,

Judge Swagwire

About Judge Swagwire:

Judge Swagwire is the pen name of a Baltimore based Attorney and Serial Entrepreneur. Because of reader demand, Kimberly has graciously invited him to post articles about Menswear, Men’s Style and other thought provoking topics from time to time. Follow him on Twitter @judgeswagwire

Celebrity / March 21, 2013

Spring 2013 Fashion Trends: Guest Post by Danielle Ward

As winter begins to wind down new spring styles are slowly starting to emerge in the market. These new styles bring with them exciting trends that are sure to take the fashion world by storm. Here is our preview of Spring 2013 Fashion Trends.

It’s important to stock up now on these upcoming trends, as winter will be over before we know it and April showers will be in our past. Below is a list of upcoming trends according to some of the most elite style experts in the world. Follow these styles and you’re sure to be deemed a fashionista this spring.

Selena Gomez looks great wearing an a line skirt and cropped top

Upcoming Trends Spring 2013

Contrast: It’s a simple, old-fashioned trick and it’s back this spring. A black and white top, or black top with white pants, or a dress with contrasting colors is the way to go this spring. Try mixing and matching bold, solid colored pieces to create a stunning look. The great thing about an outfit full of contrast is that it makes a bold statement without being too overwhelming and can simultaneously be very slimming.

Louis Vuitton Checkerboard Print

Sheer layers: Many of this year’s New York Fashion Week models graced the runway sporting outfits with sheer layers. Also known as a “veiled look,” designers like Haider Ackermann and Roberto Cavalli dressed their models in sheer pattern dresses, blouses, and skirts. Whether the sheer layer showed just skin underneath or was layered over a more solid piece of clothing this element definitely adds depth to any outfit.

Roberto Cavalli Spring Collection demonstrates sheer design

Ruffles: Some of the most acclaimed designers in the world, like Balenciaga and Gucci, introduced their spring fashion lines with bountiful ruffle designs. Long dresses with ruffled shoulders are coming back this spring so be ready to make a statement with these types of pieces. The peplum top also appears to be here to stay for at least another season. In addition to this, be on the lookout for ruffled skirts, as they will also be making a dramatic entrance in the coming months.

Gucci Spring 2013

Business chic: This look embodies female empowerment. Think business savvy with a twist of trendy. These suit-like styles aren’t your grandmother’s business outfit and rather put a modern, sleek twist on business wear. Whether you’re going on an interview or just meeting friends for drinks loose fitting blazers with colorful dress pants are a must this season. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, and Stella McCartney (just to name a few) are embracing this look for the spring in full force so be ready to see it just about everywhere.

Mila Kunis wearing a Classic Black Suit

Asian inspiration: This spring Asian culture will serve as an inspiration for some of the newest fashions. This eastern-inspired look is comprised of different elements ranging from fabric, to shape, to overall design. Think kimono inspired chic with a twist of glammed up karate uniform. These looks are definitely different and bring with them a fun, unique twist to 2013’s spring fashion trends.

Danielle Ward is a personal shopping assistant who loves hunting down a good bargain. Danielle enjoys sharing his tips on shopping and fashion blogs. Visit Thehookup.com for more fashion news.