Ann Taylor SS16 Collection

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Ann Taylor Creative Director, Austyn Zung, presented the Spring Summer 2016 collection—her first with the brand.

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SPRING AND SUMMER 2016 Collection Inspiration

The new proportions

Our essentials reimagined

Fluid dressing

Separates reign again

The culotte

Safari oriented classics

Emphasis of the waist

Nude Barre Undergarments – Every Day Is Leg Day

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Every day is leg day in Nude Barre for icons like Tyra Banks and Wendy Williams. Nude Barre gains continued growth as it empowers women and girls who dare to go bare tastefully across the U.S. Seven years of sustainable hosiery revered for its durability, comfort and chic style. Also gracing the legs of actress Laverne Cox, Star Jones and singer, Mya. This invisible hosiery is made in 16 shades of nude to match all skin tones.

Noted by Black Enterprise on how Nude Barre redefined the term “nude” to make it more inclusive for all women. Nude comes in all shades, says owner Erin Carpenter. “It’s a bold statement of validation to all women: you are beautiful in your own skin.” It’s not Victoria Secret or Le Perla, its Nude Barre.
Nude Barre continues to reign as leader by identifying, then fulfilling a much-needed void in a booming industry. Paving the way for other like brands.

In 2014 intimate apparel sales (bras, panties, day wear and shape wear) were about $80.5 billion globally and $11.1 billion in the U.S. Sustainability is gained through production adherence to specified cottons, yarn and other materials designed to be sustainable. Carpenter says, “Nude Barre panties are made with a eco friendly fabric. To make the textile spandex, you have to melt down plastic. So majority of all products are made from recycled plastic. We also use eco friendly dyes as often as we can.” Nude Barre’s lavish line of eco friendly undergarments enters 2016 with luxurious CRYSTALLIZED TIGHTS.

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“I like to make the product durable enough for the active woman. So whether you’re going to a yoga class, you are a professional dancer or a corporate woman, the product can adapt to your lifestyle.”

Currently sold online and retail stores in New York City, Georgia, and various Ambiance locations throughout San Francisco. Next steps for Nude Barre is expanding to department, small chain stores and boutiques throughout the U.S. and internationally.

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Harbor East Welcomes Bmore Betty – Reseller of Authentic Designer Accessories

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Harbor East Management Group is pleased to announce retailer B’more Betty is set to open at Harbor East. B’more Betty, Maryland’s premier buyer and seller of new and pre-owned designer handbags, shoes and accessories for men and women, will make its new home at 1500 Thames Street, Suite B. The store will span approximately 1,200 SF and is projected to open for the 2015 holiday shopping season.

Betty, an acronym for “Bringing Exclusive Trends To You,” keeps true to its name by carrying respected high-end designers at affordable price points, including labels such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Michael Kors, Christian Louboutin, Salvatore Ferragamo, YSL and many more. The store design is curated to resemble a luxurious closet, complete with a chandelier and glamorous furnishings. It will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 11AM-7PM.

This is B’more Betty’s second location – owner Camille Edwards opened a store at National Harbor Maryland in May of 2015. B’more Betty originally opened in Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighborhood in 2012 and closed in the spring of this year.

“It is with tremendous excitement and anticipation that we reopen B’more Betty in its hometown of Baltimore,” Edwards said. “We have so many loyal customers who believe in the store and who have supported us throughout the years and we can’t wait to show them the new space. We look forward to being a part of the vibrant retail scene at Harbor East.”

About Harbor East

Harbor East is home to some of Baltimore’s best shopping, dining, entertainment, hotels and residences. Among its many eclectic attractions are renowned restaurants, vibrant and unique shops, a world-class fitness center, seven-screen art house theatre, and the luxury Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. Harbor East is also an inspiring place for business, providing a contemporary setting for world-class offices. Welcome to Harbor East – 12 square blocks of restaurants, boutiques, hotels, and harbor-side amazing. www.harboreast.com

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Macys Holiday 2015 Gift Guide

Macys has some wonderful gift options for the holiday season.  They’re one of my favorite retailers and I’m looking forward to purchasing goodies.

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To jump start our shopping list, take a look at the Holiday 2015 Gift Guide (below.)  Also, don’t forget to stay connected to the retailer for upcoming Black Friday Sales, Coupons, and Deals.

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Ann Taylor Fall Boot Collection

As the weather grows colder, warm up your closet with fall favorites from Ann Taylor. Grab all your fall shoe must-haves and most sought after trends including, fringe booties, braided booties and leather riding boots.

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Feel and look luxurious in the Ellen Leather Riding Boots from the Ann Taylor ICON collection for all your fall festivities. Transition from your desk to evening fun with the suede fringe bootie or opt for a braided leather bootie paired with your favorite pair of skinny jeans for a more casual look.

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The Annapolis Sailboat Show 2015 – Lifestyle Tip

The Annapolis Sailboat Show is a historic event that takes place in the Annapolis district.  This is a show for sailors (and family members) searching for equipment, clothing, and boating accessories.  It’s also a great place to visit and enjoy the sailboat tour!

Aside from enjoying the beautiful boats, guests can sip on cocktails, listen to music, and indulge in authentic Maryland cuisine.  My personal favorite is the jumbo crab cake and ice cream.  The boys and I walked around to vendors; we even viewed a gorgeous two bedroom yatch and considered taking sailing courses.


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The Annapolis Sailboat Show’s considered to be one of the largest and oldest in-water sailboat shows.  Here are a few style tips for boat dressing:

1.  Sophisticated Sunglasses

2.  Beautiful Tunic or Afghan

3.  One-Piece Swimsuit

4.  Stylish Clutch Handbag

5.  Maxi Dress

6.  Wedge Platforms or Flip Flops

7.  Straw Hat

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Balmain x HM Collection Launch

Everyone’s waiting for the much-anticipated launch of the Balmain x HM Collection.  Rumor has it, the collection leaked today but we waited too late to jump on the story!  At any rate, Balmain is considered to be one of my favorite designers and I have no problem waiting for the entire collection.

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Jason Merritt / Via Getty Images

The collaboration with Oliver Rousteing will be available on November 5, 2015 at HM stores nationwide. Customers can shop online or in-store for the designs.  Kendall Jenner’s also one of the models for the famous campaign.  The collection will be for menswear, womenswear, and accessories.

No worries Balmaination, Style + Life + Fashion will wait for the November launch and wave our flag for the Balmain Army!

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Photos shared via Instagram:

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Simon Centers Support Breast Cancer: Susan G. Komen ‘Mission PinkR’

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D.C. and Baltimore-area Simon centers support the fight against breast cancer with Susan G. Komen® through ‘Mission Pink®’ 

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Hagerstown Premium Outlets,Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, Queenstown Premium Outlets and St. Charles Towne Center today announced that they will be participating in a national engagement with Susan G. Komen® to support the fight against breast cancer, engaging employees, retailers and shoppers in ‘Mission Pink®’ events throughout the month of October.

“As an active member in this community, D.C.-area Simon centers provide an ideal backdrop for raising awareness and encouraging support in finding a cure for breast cancer, a disease we know affects many of our employees, retailers and shoppers every year,” said Todd Jerscheid, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Director of Mall Marketing and Business Development.

“We are delighted to be working with the dedicated people at Simon,” said Dr. Judy Salerno, Komen President and CEO. “With one case of breast cancer diagnosed every two minutes in the U.S., programs like Simon’s ‘Mission Pink’ play a key role in bringing our mission to people in communities across the country. The support of Simon and their customers will help us fund research, provide support to women, men and families suffering from breast cancer, and move toward a world with no breast cancer.”

Visitors to D.C. and Baltimore-area Simon centers will notice that the Guest Services booths will be outfitted in pink and staff will be honoring National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donning pink accessories. Other planned activities include: 

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

1100 S. Hayes Street / 703.415.2401/ Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Mall Hours: MondaySaturday (10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

  • Celebrate Mission Pink with Girl’s Night Out: On Thursday, October 8 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.on the Ground Level in the Nordstrom Wing, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City will hold a FREE and fashion-forward event to “Celebrate Mission Pink” filled with fun, shopping and ways to support Susan G. Komen. Guests can treat themselves to light bites and smoothies, beauty makeovers, photo booth fun and the latest fall fashions with special one-night offers from select retailers. The event will also feature fitness demonstrations from a local Zumba studio, music spun by a DJ, a Madame Tussauds wax figure of Angelia Jolie and a special DIY area where guests can make their own beaded bracelets with a breast cancer ribbon charm. Shoppers can even spin the prize wheel for special gifts! Volunteers from the D.C. chapter of Susan G. Komen will also be on property to answer questions and provide additional information on breast cancer awareness.
  • Wall of Strength: On Saturday, October 24, shoppers can visit Guest Services to donate to Susan G. Komen to support breast cancer awareness. For a $1 donation, any survivors, family members or friends can write their own message of strength on a foam board “brick” that will be added to the mall’s “Wall of Strength.” Shoppers are encouraged to snap a photo holding their own message in front of the “Wall of Strength” and share via social media using #WhatGivesYouStregnth.
  • Style Passes: During the entire month of October, shoppers can purchase a Style Pass Book containing retailer discounts at Simon Guest Services for $5 with 100 percent of these proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen.

Hagerstown Premium Outlets

495 Premium Outlets Boulevard / 301.790.0300 / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Mall Hours: MondaySaturday (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

  • Message of Strength Photo Saturdays: Each Saturday in October from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., shoppers who make a $1 donation to Susan G. Komen will be able to take a photo and showcase their message of strength in support of the cause, survival and breast cancer awareness.
  • Voucher Program: Shoppers have the opportunity to donate $10 to Susan G. Komen for a voucher card for 25 percent off one single item at participating retailers, such as Columbia Sportswear, Guess, Fossil, Kate Spade New York, The North Face, Under Armour and more. One hundred percent of these proceeds will benefit the foundation.
  • ‘Mission Pink’ Preferred Parking Spaces: All month long, the center will reserve several parking spaces located around the property for breast cancer survivors, marked by a large pink ribbon.
  • Saturday Tabling: On Saturday, October 17, volunteers from the Maryland affiliate of Susan G. Komen will be onsite from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to answer questions and provide information on breast cancer awareness.

Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets  

241 Fort Evans Rd NE, Leesburg, Va. 20176 / 301.870.6997 / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Mall Hours: MondaySaturday (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

  • Voucher Program: During the month of October, shoppers who donate $10 to benefit Susan G. Komen will receive a voucher card for 25 percent off one single item at participating retailers. One hundred percent of these proceeds will benefit the foundation.
  • Wall of Strength: For a $1 donation, survivors, families and friends can write their message of strength on a foam board “brick.” The bricks will be placed on the “Wall of Strength” located at Guest Services.
  • Saturday Tabling: Volunteers from the D.C. chapter of Susan G. Komen will be on property everySaturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. near the Food Court to answer questions and provide information on breast cancer awareness.

Queenstown Premium Outlets

441 Outlet Center Drive / 410.827.8699 / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Mall Hours: Monday – Wednesday (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.), ThursdaySaturday (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

  • Message of Strength Photo Saturdays: Shoppers are able to share their message of strength with a special photo opportunity each Saturday in October (with the exception of Saturday, October 31). Those who make a $1 donation to Susan G. Komen can have their photo taken with a message in support of breast cancer survival and awareness written on a foam board.
  • Voucher Program: All October long, shoppers can receive a voucher card for 25 percent off one item at select retailers, including Banana Republic Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger and Under Armour for a donation of $10 to benefit Susan G. Komen.
  • Saturday Tabling: Shoppers can speak with volunteers from the Maryland chapter of Susan G. Komen on breast cancer awareness during a tabling event on Saturday, October 9 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

St. Charles Towne Center

11110 Mall Circle / 301.870.6997 / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Mall Hours: MondaySaturday (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

  • Pink Walk: Lace up the tennis shoes and join St. Charles Towne Center and the Sisters at Heart Breast Cancer Survivors of Charles County on Saturday, October 10 from 8:30 – 10 a.m. for a walk to save lives! The first 100 walkers who register receive a FREE t-shirt. On-site registration starts at 7:30 a.m.in the Food Court (organizers will only be accepting cash at this location). To register online with a $25 donation, please visit www.cfsomd.org or email charlescountybc@gmail.com.
  • Post-Pink Walk Stretch Session: After the Pink Walk on Saturday, October 10 from 10 – 10:15 a.m., registered walkers can participate in a brief Zumba cool down and stretch session led by a certified instructor in the Center Court. Then, from 10:15 – 11 a.m., all registered walkers will enjoy a complimentary breakfast from Chick-fil-A while listening to inspiring stories from guest speakers and local breast cancer survivors.
  • The PINK Expo: Also on Saturday, October 10, St. Charles Towne Center is hosting The PINK Expo from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. immediately following the Pink Walk. Shoppers and Pink Walk participants can head over to the lower level Center Court by Guest Services to learn about a variety of organizations who take pride in supporting the cause. The first 150 guests who check-in at the “Pink Arch” and register will receive special swag bags filled with goodies, discounts for mall retailers and more. The expo will also feature photo booth fun, light bites and refreshments, a “PINK-inspired” fashion showcase, pop-up make-over stations, glitter tattoos, complimentary measuring for a bra fit, music spun by a DJ and more. There will also be exciting giveaways up for grabs, including the chance to win a $1000 shopping spree! Attendees who wear the color pink will even receive 30 percent off on any Grande-sized drink at Starbucks! Local organizations interested in participating can contact Lauren Monroe, Marketing Director for St. Charles Towne Center, at Lauren.Monroe@simon.com.
  • Message of Strength Photo Saturdays: From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on October 17, October 24 and October 31, shoppers who make a $1 donation to Susan G. Komen will receive a special “PINK” takeaway and will have the opportunity to be write their own “message of strength” on a featured board in support of the cause and breast cancer awareness. Shoppers can also participate in a photo opp with their “message of strength” and share via social media using #MissionPink.

 

During October 2015, Simon is proud to support Susan G. Komen through various fundraising initiatives, and along with the help of generous customers, will guarantee a contribution of at least $250,000.

About Simon:

Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

 

Hair and Beauty Trends – SS16 Catwalk Low Ponytail

The runways at the Spring/Summer 2016 New York Fashion Week not only showed us amazing upcoming fashion trends but also hair and beauty trends! One hair trend that dominated the SS16 catwalks was the sleek low ponytail. It’s such a chic, clean look and easy to re-create at home!

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Spring/Summer 2016 Runway

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Ciara Sleek Ponytail

To get this look, first apply a dime sized amount of Philip B Drop Dead Straightening Baume ($24) to damp hair. This heat activated formula will leave your hair sleek and frizz free.

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Before applying heat, spray hair with a generous amount of Philip B Thermal Protection Spray ($25) to elevate shine and prevent heat damage and split ends.

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Next, blow dry hair with John Frieda by Conair Full Volume Dryer ($49.99) while using the John Frieda by Conair Sleek Finish Vent Brush ($12.99)  to smooth out hair and reduce frizz.

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When hair is completely dry, smooth over with John Frieda by Conair Sleek Finish 1-in Flat Iron ($49.99) transform lifeless strands into smooth sleek strands.

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Finally, pull hair back into a low pony tail using a Scunci Heathered Comfy Elastic ($3.99) (any color of your choice) to keep it in place and finish with a light spray of KMS FREESHAPE 2-in-1 styling + finishing spray ($20.99) to lock in the style.

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Jennifer Lopez Low Ponytail
Jennifer Lopez Low Ponytail

The Purse Paparazzi Alpha Custom Magazine Clutch – Review

There’s nothing better than a custom handbag.  It’s the one item in your wardrobe that speaks volumes about your personality and style.  Local accessories designer, Quinn Conyers (and brand owner) has helped us out in this area!

The Purse Paparazzi provides a variety of handbag styles to fit all areas of your life.  Whether you’re searching for a clutch or tote, this brand gives high quality purses for a reasonable price.  The company’s headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland but customers outside of the area can shop online.

If you want to have a more personal experience, fashion girls can also host a Purse Party or Handbag Happy Hour.  Visit the link and contact Quinn for more details: http://thepursepaparazzi.com/pages/about-us

Alpha Custom Magazine Clutch Review:

I received the Alpha Custom Magazine Clutch from the company.  I was excited to open the package because I am a proud member of my sorority.  Most importantly, how many times are we (sorority girls) wanting to represent our organization by wearing the perfect accessory?  This clutch can achieve all of that and more.

Number one, this is a large clutch in terms of length, height, and width.  That means it’s perfect to hold your cellphone, sunglasses, lipstick, and wallet.  Number two, the Alpha Clutch is made with a very durable material. There’s no way for this handbag to loose its form because there’s a white magnetic snap closure and silver – tone hardware.  Number three, the design on the clutch truly embodies my sorority from the authentic colors and wording.  The inside of the purse has a satin lining; and there’s a detachable shoulder strap.

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I would encourage wearing the Custom Magazine Clutch for chapter activities or a “sisters” night out.  This handbag can be paired with jeans, a blazer, jumpsuit, or daytime dress.  The possibilities for wearing this purse are endless because of its unique quality and style.

Most importantly, visit the website to purchase your own Custom Magazine Clutch and don’t forget to wear your pearls!

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IG @kwest1908