Tani Luxury Undergarments – Product Review

Tani is a luxury underwear brand that strives to create the world’s most comfortable undergarments.

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The garments are designed to be streamlined and the perfect selection for anyone seeking to add design and functionality to their wardrobe.

Most of the traditional lingerie retailers only provide bra sets but Tani has tapped into the market of luxury loungewear. For example, the retailer has SilkCut Leggings, Tank Tops, Slip Dresses, and Shirts.  All of the items listed are ideal in terms of dressing casual and effortless at home.

Tani also shared a few of their new products for a review.  The undergarments shipped included SwissTouch Cotton Camisole and SilkCut Shorty Panty.

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As a style exert, the pieces were soft, lightweight, and provided a great fit.  The undergarments inspired me to add more comfortable pieces to my wardrobe!

To learn more about the company visit TaniUSA.com

 

Gallany Cosmetics Review – Makeup Trends for Fall 2016

Gallany Cosmetics is a unique beauty brand, created by cosmetics chemist Ida Gál-Csiszar. The company believes, “You don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability.”

This is an appropriate statement because shoppers often feel that high-end prices will lend high-end results.  As beauty enthusiasts, we know this is not the truth and can look amazing with a moderately priced product.

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Gallany Cosmetics Product Review:

Gothic or Dark lips is one of the makeup trends for the upcoming season.  This lip color can be applied for a date night or paired with a darker tone business suit. Either way, it’s a popular lipstick shade and should be worn with minimal makeup accents.

Gallany shipped a beautiful Semi Matte Lipstick in the color Black Cherry.  This particular lipstick shade is between a dark chocolate and berry hue.

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To apply, use a lipliner and top with Gallany Lucite Lipgloss in the color Frisson. The Semi Matte Lipstick lasts for hours and hydrates the lips.

Another very popular makeup craze for the new season includes the “no makeup” lip trend. Gallany has created a Semi Matte shade in the color Just Nude.  The hue is a “true nude” and looks amazing with everything!

Apply the Gallany Lucite Lipgloss in Tutu for a high, sheen finish.

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The kit also included Private Jet Black Mascara and Eyeshadow Quad (Cabaret) along with Budapest Face Palette Trio.  All of the items listed coordinate flawlessly with the lipsticks and glosses.

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Aside from creating quality cosmetics, the packaging was beautiful with a copper/gold tone.  To learn more and order visit Gallany Cosmetics.com 

Birmingham Fashion Week 2016 | Event Recap

Birmingham Fashion Week debuted it’s 6th annual runway show on August 25 – 27, 2016 at The Boutwell Auditorium.  Guests in attendance for the event were tastemakers, designers, retailers, and media outlets.

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More Photos on Instagram @kwest1908

DSC_0115Style + Life + Fashion was present on Friday, August 26, 2016 serving as a media outlet for the production.  Guests were greeted by Tara Gray (TV Host and Producer) while welcoming participants to this fashionable event.

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BENJAMIN JAY was the opening designer on August 26, 2016 along with RAILS, BRADFORD BILLINGSLEY and featured designer CHARLES ELLIS SARTORIAL.  

Runway retailers for the show included Gus Mayer and ALCHEMY 213.  In addition, 8 emerging designers and  30 rising design stars were present on this particular night.

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Birmingham Fashion Week 2016 was a great event for fashion enthusiasts. The production showcased genuine talent and artistic value of local Birmingham residents.

Featured designers displayed professional work and runway models exemplified the individual style of each collection.

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Designs from High School Students

With vendor support, upbeat music, and unique designs, Birmingham Fashion Week will continue to be a runway show that’s anticipated (here) in The Magic City!

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Jill Scott Concert 2016 – Songstress and Poet

One of my favorite quotes is “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” by Eleanor Roosevelt.  This quote is significant in terms of goal setting and personal achievement.

Attending a Jill Scott concert was a goal on my personal to-do list.  Jill Scott is a soulful singer and her voice has a variety of range.  As a song-writer, her lyrics go beyond the surface; addressing topics that are realistic to listeners.

I was gifted a set of tickets from my brother (and sister-in-law) to take part in her performance at the Amphitheater located in Tuscaloosa.

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Lace Chiffon Sleeveless Romper purchased from Amazon Prime

Jill Scott’s concert pushed beyond the limits of watching a songstress to viewing a “seasoned” artist/poet.

She gave us relationship advice and shared reflections from her own life. The concert was amazing and I encourage anyone who’s a fan of her music to purchase tickets from ticketmaster.com

 

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BIRMINGHAM FASHION WEEK 2016 | Madeline Stuart

Birmingham Fashion Week (BFW) welcomes Madeline Stuart, the first globally recognized model with Down syndrome to open the runway shows on Thursday, August 25 at Boutwell Auditorium. The 19-year-old model from Brisbane, Australia says “Down syndrome is a blessing, something to be celebrated,” and has made it her mission is redefine the true meaning of beauty.

Heidi Elnora, TLC’s “Bride by Design” star, Birmingham, AL based bridal designer and founder of Birmingham Fashion Week has created a custom skirt for Madeline to wear during her BFW runway debut. The couture, high-low skirt has been designed exclusively for Madeline using custom patterns with a light pink, duchess satin from Italy featuring a light pink ruffle lining detail.
“I am so honored to have the opportunity to design a custom piece for the inspiring and sweet Madeline,” states Heidi Elnora, founder of Birmingham Fashion Week. “She is a true pioneer in the fashion industry and we are overjoyed to show her the love and support the City of Birmingham has for her as she continues her career in the modeling industry.”

The fresh-faced, flame-haired beauty has previously modeled in New York Fashion Week twice and been featured in leading publications such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Paper, Women’s Day, Elle, Marie Claire, and People, to name a few. Madeline possesses confidence and is an incredible modern-day, relevant role model in today’s fast changing society.

Birmingham Fashion Week is August 25 – 27, 2016 at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, AL. Sponsors for BFW include: Alabama Power, Savannah College of Art and Design, The University of Alabama, Mercedes Benz of Birmingham, Schaeffer Eye Center and The City of Birmingham. Showcasing nationally recognized designers, emerging designers, retailers and models. For more information on Birmingham Fashion Week, ticket sales, a complete schedule of events, and participating designers and partners, please visit www.bhamfashionweek.com.

About Madeline Stuart:
Madeline has been featured in over 10,000 articles and news stories across the globe and over 500,000 mentions on Google and currently referred to as the world’s first Supermodel with Down syndrome by media outlets around the world. Additionally, she has been awarded the prestigious 2015 Model of the Year Award at international fashion show Mélange in San Francisco, whose partners include Jean Paul Gautier, Sephora and Nicole Miller. On her current trip to America, Madeline received the KultureCity Advocacy Award for her advocacy work in Uganda for people living with disability.

In 2016, Madeline headlined the Caspian Fashion Week in Russia; made her stage debut in London as part of the Culture Device Dance Project; went to Uganda to advocate for people living with Disabilities with Kulture City; she then went on to be the celebrity guest on the 3rd Mission Possible Cruise for Developmental Disability through Canada and Alaska. Currently Madeline is working in America at a series of events and television appearances. Recently finishing modelling in Boston, Ohio, San Francisco and New York. Madeline’s friendly, warm and thoughtful nature makes her immediately relatable. She has over 617,0000 Facebook users and over 142,000 Instagram followers: Facebook.com/madelinesmodelling | @madelinesmodelling_

About Birmingham Fashion Week:

Birmingham Fashion Week was founded on the ideals of bringing unity to the community through fashion. Two childhood best friends, Heidi Elnora (an internationally known fashion designer) and Jeana Lee Thompson (a successful retail business owner and fashionista) created Birmingham Fashion Week (BFW) in April 2011. After 6 years of hard work BFW has proven to be one of the TOP southeastern fashion events. BFW is recognized by local, regional, and national press for bringing in acclaimed designers like Tibi , Show Me Your MuMu, W3 Bespoke, Rebecca Taylor, What Goes Around Comes Around, Project Runway all -stars, and many many more. Not only has BFW hosted a handful of top designers they also support local boutiques, local designers, and the up -and-coming fashion designers in our community. Each year Birmingham Fashion Week showcases the talents of our local make-up artists and hair salons, photographers, models, and artists. BFW has now become the hub for fashion, encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore the creative talents of Birmingham, Alabama. For more details and a full schedule of events, please visit www.bhamfashionweek.com.

Ann Taylor and Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Ann Taylor is proud to think pink and continue to support the fight against breast cancer. Since 2005, ANN INC. has helped donate more than $27 million to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)*. Currently, 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF is directed towards breast cancer research and awareness programs.

Every THURSDAY in October, Ann Taylor will donate 10% of entire in-store purchases from 5 pm to close and all day online will be donated to BCRF.

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Birmingham Restaurant Week 2016 – Local Culinary Cuisine

Birmingham Restaurant Week started on August 12 – 21, 2016 for residents and tourists in the Alabama area.  This is an exciting opportunity for customers to eat and try new dishes for a reasonable price.

Click on the [link] to view a list of lunch, dinner, and brunch options with participating locations.  Prices range between $5 – 30 and the menu varies from down-home Southern cuisine to Puerto Rican-inspired dishes.

This week marks the 7th annual year Birmingham has supported Restaurant Week.

Dryel Wardrobe Solutions – Saving Money At-Home

There are so many reasons why purchasing the right fabric cleaning products will save you money.  Number one, it helps to retain the color density of your clothes. Number two, it preserves the garment from everyday wear and tear. Number three, you have the freedom to wear an outfit without saying, “This blouse should go to the dry-cleaners.”

All of the reasons listed are very simple solutions when purchasing a Dryel Kit.  It’s easy to use and can be found at a local drugstore or Target.

Dryel not only saves money but it also saves time!  The directions for using the kit includes: treat stains with the booster spray, place the garment inside of the bag with an ultra cleaning cloth, and put the bag inside of the dryer for 30 minutes. Afterwards, remove from the dryer and place on a hanger.

What an easy process to help us with our wardrobe needs! Check out the price comparison below:

Dry Cleaner Price List [ Per Item]

Dry Cleaners

Pants – $3.25

Shirts – $3.95

Suits – $6.95

Winter Coat – $7.95

Dryel | At – Home Dry Cleaner  [ Use with 4 Loads]

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Cleaner Starter Kit $9.99

Stain Pen $2.95

* Garment Bag holds up to 4 items per Load*

Dryel adds moisture to clothes, making them wrinkle-free with a chemical solution for cleaning fibers.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dryel. The opinions expressed are from the author.

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment – Summer Beauty on a Budget

I was thrilled to visit Talk of Alabama and share beauty tips on a budget.  With so many products in stores one has to ask, “are they budget-friendly?”

There’s also a misconception that one must spend hundreds of dollars to look amazing.  This is not a true statement!

Beauty can be accomplished with a $10 purchase; we must use self-awareness and research our individual needs. For example, I suffer from eczema and constantly seeking products that will retain hydration and reduce skin irritation.

The products I shared on ABC 33/40 included Remington Electric ShaverBanana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning LotionRevlon Pedi-Expert Pedicure KitSelf-Tanning TowlettesEOS Evolution of Smooth Lip Balm, Spa@Home Oxygen Bubble Sheet Mask, ORLY Breathable Treatment + Color, Aquation Gentle Moisturizing Cleanser, Aloe Glow Organic Water, Coconut Beach Water, Brahmin Travel Tote, and Clear Cosmetics Bags.

All of the beauty products listed can be purchased at Ulta, Amazon or a local drugstore.

Personally, my favorite product is the Revlon Pedi-Expert Pedicure Kit. This is a must-have item and I will explain more during the lifestyle segment.

Here’s the breakdown:

FACE

Spa@Home Oxygen Bubble Sheet Mask

EOS Evolution of Smooth Lip Balm

Aquation Gentle Moisturizing Cleanser

Aloe Glow Organic Water

Coconut Beach Water

BODY

Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion

Self-Tanning Towlettes

Remington Electric Shaver

HANDS/FEET

Revlon Pedi-Expert Pedicure Kit

ORLY Breathable Treatment + Color

TRAVEL

Clear Cosmetics Bags

Brahmin Travel Tote

Summer Beauty on a Budget Segment

Macy’s Fall Fashion 2016 Lookbook

Macy’s Fall Fashion 2016 Lookbook –

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This fall, Macy’s is helping kids kick the school year off in high style. With throwback 90s looks ruling the runways, Macy’s is offering returning students a nod to old school trends, along with incredible savings on clothing, accessories and dorm items to make this year’s start to school the most anticipated yet.

“The excitement of heading back to school is punctuated by the art of back-to-school shopping,” said Cassandra Jones, Macy’s senior vice president – fashion. “Macys aims to make that the ultimate experience, offering the latest styles and trends in everything from the right outfit to the right dorm accessories, ensuring students can head back to class in style.”

Back-to-School Fashion

Junior girls channel the 90s, sporting casual looks with plenty of attitude, inspired by the grunge style of plaid shirts, distressed denim and overalls. Denim in all silhouettes is bigger than ever this year, from dresses to shirts to wide-legged jeans. Paired with chunky platforms and booties, these iconic 90s pieces get a fun and fresh update perfect for the classroom.

For young men, the 90s comeback continues with denim styles from classic to distressed. Cuffed jeans are paired with high-top chukkas, which are given a trendy update with athletic soles. Tees with graphics of classic 90s video games, TV shows and witty memes give the old school t-shirt and jeans uniform a modern and quirky bent.

The 90s craze applies to fashion for kids, as well, but in a more scaled down version. Young girls sporting flannel dresses or cuffed denim will rock the halls, while boys in graphic throwback tees with gaming and skateboard images will rule the school in comfort.

 

Back-to-School Deals

Shoppers will have the best selections to choose from at Macy’s, the back-to-school destination for savings and style. Find all the go-tos they can’t live without—tops and tees, rompers and dresses, pants and jeans—even the true essentials like uniforms. Also, add in all the finishing touches—from hoodies, sweaters and jackets down to underwear, socks and shoes. Brands including Levi’s, Betsey Johnson, Benefit, Martha Stewart Whim, American Rag and Epic Threads have some of the best deals to match every kid’s preferred school day look. Visit your local Macy’s store and macys.com for savings throughout the season.

Dorm

Whether a first year away or packing it up for the last time, college living is cool and trendy with lifestyle essentials from Macy’s. Whim comforter sets in fresh new patterns offer options to fit each student’s personal living space. Studying is stylish with Poppin desk sets and accessories. Colorful letter trays and pencil pouches make organization fun. A Joy Mangano mini steamer is easy to store in a small dorm living space and keeps wrinkles away and help show off new, flawless threads on campus.

Love Bravery

Macy’s partnered with Grammy®, Tony® and Academy Award®-winning legend Sir Elton John, along with Grammy and Golden Globe®-winning icon Lady Gaga to create Love Bravery, a high-spirited, limited-edition line of clothing and accessories that inspire compassion and combat prejudice. Perfect for anyone heading back to school, Love Bravery includes shirts, sweats, outerwear, clutches, backpacks, scarves, beanies, keychains, pins and even speakers, water bottles and skateboards, all rendered in vibrant graphic prints and designs that fuse both artists’ renowned musical talent and revered inimitable style. Love Bravery is sold exclusively at select Macy’s stores and on macys.com/lovebravery, with 25 percent of the purchase price benefitting Born This Way Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and will be available globally later this year. All donations from the limited-edition line, on sale through Aug. 30, 2016, will be made to Born This Way Foundation, which will use 50 percent to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

In-Store Celebrations Nationwide

Macy’s is throwing back to the 90s through in-store themed events nationwide that prove everything old is cool again. On Saturdays from Aug. 6 to 27 at select stores, Macy’s will host throwback-themed shopping parties with awesome activities, including styling tips and fashion must-haves, photo booths with totally 90s props, and a DJ spinning old school beats. Cosmetic outposts with makeup artists will provide 90s-inspired beauty makeovers to show how to flawlessly achieve a throwback look with a modern twist. To add to the excitement, actresses Katie Cassidy and Ashley Rickards will be making several store appearances for a photo-op and meet and greet with customers. For the 4*1*1, visit macys.com/events.

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About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 734 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.