Summer 2015 Recap: Fun In The Sun

Summer’s the time of year I reconnect with my family and friends.  Although I adore the Fall, I try to enjoy a little fun in the sun!  My boys are out for the summer and as a mom it’s important to make memories before they start summer jobs, traveling abroad, or preparing for college.

I also like to grab some adult time with a glass of wine (or cocktail) sip gourmet coffee and share laughs with my best friends.  I live here in Maryland but I was born and raised in Alabama; I move around (now) like a city girl but still a southerner at heart.  I guess that explains my cooking hobby and outdoor living.  I learned at an early age that serving a hearty dish brings people together.

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One hidden secret that many may not know is that Alabama has some great thrift stores!  I participate in a good ole’ thrifting session while visiting the heart of dixie.  My normal finds include heirloom items, knick knacks, and various clothing items.  If you’re a true southern girl, one can not forget to visit the local water park (because it’s hot) and host a family barbecue.  My dad will normally cook on the grill; our barbecues are fairly traditional, eating hotdogs, steaks, or seafood.

Summer would not be eventful without a trip to the Smithsonian Institute.  I love the nostalgia of statues and museums.  They’re constantly updating and you never know what’s in store when you visit.  Life can get pretty hectic but don’t forget to relax, rejuvenate and feed your soul!

Other random things I do in the summer –

Read a good novel

Visit the Pool (often)

Dance at a Concert

Golf Outing 

Arts & Crafts

Watch Fireworks

Shop The Farmers Market

Enjoy Netflixs

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Visit my Instagram @kwest1908 for more photos

 

 

National Coffee Month Lifestyle Segment – WBAL TV Baltimore

August was National Coffee Month and people everywhere celebrated this delicious beverage.  I’m an avid coffee drinker and brew a pot daily.  Some people like to enjoy a cup of tea but there’s a few tricks to brewing coffee at home.

Kimberly West

I like to use filtered water for the best results; add hazelnut (or vanilla) syrup along with creamer and sugar.  If you’re monitoring your sugar intake, substitute with a sweetener.  Take your coffee up a notch by adding whipped cream and cinnamon.  As a hobby, my mom and I like to purchase flavored coffee beans such French Roast, Pumpkin, or Caramel Pecan.  It’s fun to taste the various spices and scents!

Also, the best place to store a bag of coffee is in a cool, airtight container to ensure the flavor’s not lost.  Last Sunday, I had the chance to share coffee, espresso, and tea brewing products on WBAL TV Baltimore.  I am always enthusiastic about discussing fashion, parent, or home products.

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IMUSA Electric Espresso Maker | IMUSA Espresso Set | KRUPS Savoy Machine

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Krups Burr Grinder | Ten Thousand Villages Mugs | T-Fal Electric Kettle

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Chatting with Jennifer Franciotti

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Smiling with Miri Marshall, Meteorologist

I had a great time visiting WBAL – TV Baltimore and hope the items (shown) will encourage my audience to enjoy brewing products at home.

Arundel Mills Labor Day Super Sale

Labor Day Weekend signals the end of summer and the start of the fall fashion season with blow-out deals on top of everyday discounts of up to 70 percent during the Arundel Mills Labor Day Super Sale, September 4 through 7. Arundel Mills Super Sales are not-to-be-missed opportunities for unsurpassed savings. Savvy shoppers can enjoy an extra day of bargains on Monday, September 7.

Bargain hunters and fashion lovers alike will find incredible Super Sale savings at almost all of Arundel Mills’ 200+ brand-name retailers, including Neiman Marcus Last Call, NIKE Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Cole Haan, Tommy Hilfiger Company Store, Oakley Vault, Kenneth Cole, Charlotte Russe Outlet, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Guess Factory Store, and The Limited Outlet, as stores deeply discount summer merchandise and show off new fall arrivals.

For more information, call (410) 540-5100, visit http://www.simon.com/mall/arundel-mills, or follow Arundel Mills’ Super Sale Weekend on Facebook.

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About Arundel Mills
Arundel Mills is Maryland’s largest outlet and value retail shopping destination with more than 200 stores, including Coach, Coach Mens, J.Crew Factory, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Michael Kors Outlet and Nike Factory Store.  Shoppers can enjoy quality dining and entertainment at Buffalo Wild Wings, DuClaw Brewing Company, Dave & Buster’s, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and Cinemark Egyptian 24 Theatres.  Arundel Mills is also home to Maryland Live! Casino, one of the largest commercial casinos in the country with 189 live action table games, more than 4,200 of the latest slot machines and two High Limit rooms, as well as a lineup of nationally-acclaimed restaurant brands, live entertainment at Rams Head Center Stage and the unique, interactive R Bar.

Arundel Mills is located at the intersection of the Baltimore Washington Parkway and Route 100.  It is 10 miles south of Baltimore and 20 miles north of Washington, D.C. and just 2 miles west of the Baltimore-Washington International Airport. Regular hours are 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday.  For more information on Arundel Mills, please call (410) 540-5100 or visit www.arundelmills.com.  Like Arundel Mills on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArundelMills and follow us on Twitter @ArundelMills and on Instagram @ArundelMills.

About The Mills, A Simon Company
The Mills®, one of Simon Property Group’s five real estate platforms, offers a unique brand of shopping with a mix of popular name brand outlets, value retailers and full-price stores, plus family-oriented dining and entertainment concepts. The Mills are well-located in major metropolitan markets and many are recognized as leading tourism destinations. Notable properties include Arundel Mills (Baltimore), Gurnee Mills (Chicago), Grapevine Mills (Dallas), Ontario Mills (Los Angeles), Opry Mills (Nashville), Potomac Mills (Washington, DC) and Sawgrass Mills (Ft. Lauderdale/Miami).

Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG) is a S&P 100 company and a global leader in the retail real estate industry. Simon currently owns or has an interest in more than 325 retail real estate properties in North America, Asia and Europe comprising approximately 243 million square feet. Simon is headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., and employs approximately 5,500 people in the United States.  For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com.

Beauty Products: Sustain Your Summer Glow

Take a look at the beauty products shown to help us maintain a healthy summer glow.  Although the season’s coming to an end, that doesn’t mean our beauty regimen should stop!  Our goal is to look fabulous year round.

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·         Teeth—Extend the appearance of a summer tan with a bright, white smile! Luster Premium White, innovators in teeth whitening, offer whitening solutions proven to remove the toughest stains while maintaining zero tooth and gum sensitivity. Options include the new Smile Illuminator Instant Whitening Kit and Pro Light Dental Whitening System.

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·         Scent—Give off those summer vibes with just a simple spray – Bella Vince Camuto possesses sweet notes of Peach Nectar, Pear and cooling Lemon Ice, providing any girl with a sensual boost of confidence.

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·         Skin—Keep skin looking healthy and radiant long after the sun sets on days spent at the beach. Rejuvenate and replenish your post-summer glow with Retinol Anti-Aging Facial Oil. Utilizing nine right essential oils plus vitamins, this facial oil hydrates and protects skin combating wrinkles and dryness! 

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·         Bling—Beat that end of summertime sadness with a bang! Rock metallic bling with Lulu DK’scollections of jewelry inspired temporary tattoos that give new meaning to fashionable beach chic. Lulu DK makes it easy to accessorize in trendy and fun ways so that you can leave the heavy bangles and tangled necklaces at home!

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·         Lips – Seal the summer with a fabulous kiss using Moodmatcher Luxe Twist Sticks. The Twist Sticks are smudge-proof, fade-proof and kiss-proof, allowing you to show off that bold lip from the pool party to the after party!

BJs Wholesale Club: Fun Sandwich Solutions

Get creative with sandwich ideas and  take a break from your “normal” turkey club!  Below, I’ve shared a video to provide some fun lunch solutions.

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Photo from BJs Member Services Ad

Start your lunch prep (today) whether for yourself or family in a matter of minutes.  Of course, all ingredients can be found at your local BJs Wholesale Club.

[youtube height=”720″ width=”1280″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6um5L_V7wA&cm_mmc=Cheetah-_-Email-_-08%2F28%2F2015-_-Get%20creative%20with%20back-to-school%20sandwich%20ideas!&cm_em=kimwest1908@gmail.com[/youtube]

 

SOGAA Youth Fashion Show and Designer Interviews

SOGAA Presents

A Youth Empowerment Fashion Event

When:  Saturday, August 29, 2015

Time:  6 pm – 8 pm

Visit:  SOGAA.org for tickets and information

Producers:  Jacob Pierce, Ken Moore and Caprese Garrett Jackson, owner of Bonneau Incorporated.

How:  Students learning how to produce a fashion show.  Baltimore youth ages 15-19 – there will be workshops and shadowing of related areas in the fashion industry.

The Featured Designer Interviews:

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Stylehouse Accessories

*  How long have you been in the fashion industry and how did you get started?  I started working in fashion in 2011 and launched my company in 2013.

*  Describe your collection and inspiration for your designs – My collection is very playful and chic, its has many influences from African/Indian cultures as well as inspiration from notorious designer Alexander McQueen.

*  What is the best piece of advice you can give to Baltimore City youth?  Have a plan, focus, get a mentor, and never give up.

* How can people contact you?  www.stylehouseaccessories.com

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Siobahn Peay

* How long have you been in the fashion industry and how did you get started? I am an Emerging Designer and starting in May 2016 will be considered my sophomore year in this industry! So far, so good!

*  Describe your collection and inspiration for your designs – My collection is ready-to-wear, very fun and vibrant. I love color, and try to incorporate it in my designs. I find my inspiration from everyday life; for example a girl at the mall or local store.  I like to create items that women can wear in their everyday lives. Women of all sizes, preferably curvy!

*  What is the best piece of advice you can give to Baltimore City youth? I’d like for the youth of Baltimore City to stop waiting for validation, I want them to be their own inspiration! I want them to live life and know how awesome they are.

*  How can people contact you? My social media outlets, siobahnpeay/Instagram, siobahnpeay/facebook, siobahnpeay.com or siobahnpeay@yahoo.com

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Original Crackage

*  How long have you been in the fashion industry and how did you get started?  I have been in the fashion industry since October of 2012. I went school at North Carolina Central University in the Fall of 2010 to pursue my degree in fashion. As a student, I starting thinking of ways to start my clothing line; as far as developing a name, concept, theme, ect. By October of 2012, I had everything ready to start selling my clothes on campus and other areas, and in March of 2014 I officially launched my brand website, www.originalcrackage.com.

 

*  Describe your collection and inspiration for your designs – Original Crackage is a high-end, urban, fashion brand specializing in uniquely exclusive designs which include black&white, stripes, lines, abstract shapes, and hints of color blocking. All the designs are original and come from my imagination which stays consistent to the brands concept/theme. This goes along with the brand message, which is to be you, be original, and embrace whatever it is about yourself that people might not understand. This is the origin of the inspiration for the brand.

 

*  What is the best piece of advice you can give to Baltimore City youth?  To be yourself and don’t worry about what the crowd is doing. If you stay true to yourself, you will never have to question who you are. We all have different motives and aspirations. Just stay consistent with whatever you love and go all out. You only live once, and with this one shot would you rather be someone who made something of themselves, or some one who didn’t? Live your life with no regrets!
* How can people contact you?  weswoods.originalcrackage@gmail.com / 3017413847
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 gamakache Black

 

* How long have you been in the fashion industry and how did you get started?  Since 2000 but I got serious about designing in 2012 I started sewing as a kid by watching my grand mother

*  Describe your collection and inspiration for your designs – My designs are based around the color black.  I wear this color daily, so I decided to create a collection that centered around black clothing.

 

*  What is the best piece of advice you can give to Baltimore City youth?  Stay focus on what you want to achieve because with hard work you will make it.  Never take NO for an answer.  IG Gamakache_black Facebook Gamakache Black www.gamakacheBlack.com Twitter and mpersaud2013@gmail.com

 
 

  Khemistry by Trease

 

*  How long have you been in the fashion industry and how did you get started?  In my mind, I’ve always had a passion for fashion.  However I actually established my line in February 2014.  God guided me in the right direction and from there I learned to sew.

*  Describe your collection and inspiration for your designs – This current collection is glamorous and for the more risqué chic who doesn’t care what people say and wants to stand out in the crowd. She is confident and sexy.  I was inspired by our (upcoming) senior prom girls, seeking to stand out and leave their legacy with younger peers.

*  What is the best piece of advice you can give to Baltimore City youth?  My advice to our Baltimore City youth today is to take full advantage of free education. These are the years that mold our way of thinking and future.

*  How can people contact you?  Contact me on instagram @ k_khemistry88 or Facebook trease chemistry.  Business line is 443-885-9696.
 

Yvonne Fields
 

* How long have you been in the fashion industry and how did you get started?  I have been designing since I was in middle school but I officially  started my design company in 2013. I started by making clothes for my family and friends.

*  Describe your collection and inspiration for your designs – This collection (and other collections) was inspired by everyday women.  Those who want to find the perfect outfit to turns heads.  They want to transition from work to happy hour. Also, women that love colors in bold print no matter what season it is.

*  What is the best piece of advice you can give to Baltimore City youth?  You’re never too young to start working towards your dream.

*  How can people contact you?  Email: Yfandimi@gmail.com | Number: 301.433.1279 | Instagram/facebook: YvonneFieldsDesigns

Interview conducted by Jacob Pierce

Vince Camuto and Tommy Bahama – Summer Fragrances

End of summer is quickly approaching and we know every girl is looking to feel and smell their best as they celebrate the close of the season. Whether its drinks with friends on a chic rooftop, date night with that special someone or a beach side Labor Day party, Tommy Bahama and Vince Camuto have the perfect fragrances to give off those summer vibes with a simple spray.

Bella Vince Camuto captures the seduction of the summer, with floral and feminine notes while Tommy Bahama Island Life for Her offers an aromatic summer retreat infusing fresh fruit and floral notes.

Bella Vince Camuto (3.4 oz – SRP $78.00)

Bella Vince Camuto possesses sweet top notes of Italian Bergamor, succulent Peach Nectar, Pear and cooling Lemon Ice combined with vibrant mid notes of Strawberry Flower, Nectarine Blossoms, and Jasmine Water and is rounded out by a woody base palette of Solar Musk, White Amber, Sandalwood, Blonde Woods andCaramelized Woods.

Bella Vince Camuto is currently available at major retailers nationwide

Tommy Bahama Island Life for Her (3.4oz – $78.00)

Tommy Bahama Island Life for Her possesses luscious notes of Juicy Pear and sparkling Mandarin, blended playfully with the warmth ofStar Anise on top of a fresh bouquet of White Rose, Peony and Peach Blossom blooms, while the scent is rounded out by Vanilla Bean,Sandalwood and Musk.

Tommy Bahama Island Life for Her is available online and in-store at Macy’s

Michael Kors Faux Wrap Dress – Classic Style

Last week I shared my personal shopping experience at Macys in Annapolis Mall. Let me start by saying, everyone should explore this service!  It’s easy to book and makes your shopping experience a little more pleasant.  After chit chatting with Teresa and discussing upcoming fall trends (I’m still thinking about those pumps) I entered into the dressing room with several delightful items.  She selected a range of garments to suit my lifestyle from jeans, handbags, sunglasses, skirts, and suits.

The one item that captured my heart was a gorgeous wrap dress designed from The MICHAEL, Michael Kors Collection.  I didn’t select the dress because of the brand; but the style was more important.  This High and Low, Faux Wrap Dress complimented my figure and curves.  One thing I’ve shared on this site is that I’m petite and curvy (like the other Kim West) so I’m very meticulous about my style needs.

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The fabric texture also felt great on my skin and silhouette’s classy (and sexy.)  Ultimately, I was very pleased with the garment.  I also have the perfect pair of pumps to wear with this dress for definition, height, and movement.

In addition to selecting the dress, I also picked up a pair of rose gold earrings and skin care products from the Lancome counter. Overall, it was a great day to be a girl and play around in fashion!

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To book an appointment with Teresa Borradaile, see her contact information:

Email – teresa.borradaile@macys.com

Telephone – 410-224-4758 ext. 235#

Sullivans Steakhouse Baltimore – White Hot Party

Sullivans Steakhouse Baltimore is bidding farewell to the summer season with the annual White Hot Party on Friday, September 4 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Guests can dress in their favorite summer white attire and enjoy a night out on the town with exclusive giveaways, summer entertainment and delicious eats, including $7 signature cocktails, select wines and bar menu items.

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Highlights from the bar menu include the mouthwatering Steak Flatbread, warm Blue Cheese Chips and classic Bar Burger. This will also be the last chance to purchase the “Summer Fling” Filet & Main Lobster special for only $45. Guests can RSVP via: http://events.sullivanssteakhouse.com/white-hot/

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JLo and Olivier Rousteing – Paper Magazine Shoot

Today, PAPER Magazine reveals their latest cover story online of their September Issue featuring JLo and Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing shot by fashion and beauty photographer Nicolas Moore.

Paper Magazine

Paper Magazine’s September Issue Luxe in Flux cover story with Rousteing and JLo features a 6-page story shot by photographer Nicolas Moore. Moore had the unique opportunity to see the inspiration from the inside as designer Olivier Rousteing and his newly named Balmain muse Jennifer Lopez vamp it up for the pages of Paper. Paper’s September Issue dedicated to luxury fashion hits newsstands August 31, 2015.

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Photo / Editorial Credits

All Photography: Nicolas Moore / @nicolasmoore

Courtesy Paper Magazine / @papermagazine

Styled by: @marielwashere @robzangardi

Models: @JLo @olivier_rousteing

Talk about this story:

#LuxeInFlux

#nicolasmoore

About Nicolas Moore

Born and raised in New York, Nicolas Moore was first introduced to the world of fashion by his father James Moore, a photographer and film director and his mother, a German model. Moore has shot for for i-D, AnOther Magazine, Allure,Japanese Vogue, Vogue China, German Vogue, Teen Vogue, GQ, and Wonderland Magazine. He has shot celebrities including: Woody Allen, Scarlett Johansson, Kanye West, Pharrell, Nicki Minaj, Lauren Hutton, Catherine Deneuve, and Charlotte Rampling. His advertising clients include Salvatore Ferragamo, DKNY, Maybelline, Aveda, Victoria’s Secret, and Valentino. Nicolas spends his time between New York and LA and is represented byBrydges Mackinney.

Follow the artistry and photography of Nicolas Moore at

www.nicolasmoore.com