Handbags in The City – Luxury Fashion and Accessories

Handbags in the City is the ultimate fashion and luxury lifestyle destination in the Baltimore City area. The accessories boutique takes pride in extraordinary sales, unique styles, and excellent customer service.

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Carrying some of the world’s most popular designers; the accessories boutique has everything from handbags, clothing, jewelry, luggage, and eyewear.

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I have always been a fan of the luxury brand, visiting their Instagram account for new merchandise.  The boutique itself is a beautiful site and the perfect shopping destination if you’re ever visiting downtown Baltimore.  Let them know that Style + Life + Fashion sent you.

It’s great to have a trendy bag but you can’t beat the quality (and longevity) of a well-made purse.  Visit Handbags in The Cityyou won’t be disappointed!

Quick Fact: Handbags in The City also completes phone orders and will ship to anywhere in the U.S. Customers have to pay the shipping fee, but will exclude tax.

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Shirley Murdock Celebrity Interview – Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview Shirley Murdock, R&B singer-songwriter and superstar.  She can also be seen performing during the upcoming event, “Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love” on April 9, 2016 at the Murphy Fine Arts Center.

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Who are your inspirations? (as in other artists)

My inspiration comes from artists who sing from a deep place, able to not only tap into their emotions, but make you experience the story and make you feel something thru the songs they sing: Aretha, Gladys, Stevie, Patti, Luther, Michael Jackson, Shirley Caesar, The Clark Sisters.

How did you get started as an artist?

I was discovered by the late Roger Troutman, front man for the funk band Zapp. He heard me singing “Jesus Is Love” for a gospel crusade, on a cassette tape that my cousin Jill beg my mom for a copy to let him hear.

Like the many previous offers that I received to do R&B, I said thank you, but no thank you, because after giving my life to the Lord at 15 years old, I believed I was only suppose to sing Gospel. Roger informed me that he didn’t have any connection there, but left the door open, should I ever want to give it a try.

I basically left there asking God why are the only doors opening are R&B and not Gospel? After praying, soul searching, talking to my family, pastor and remembering that my relationship and witness was constant, regardless of the jobs I’ve held. We take our faith and light everywhere God plants us.

So, I walked by faith thru the open door and it’s been and continues to be an amazing journey!

Who are your favorite singers?

As mentioned before, Aretha, Gladys, Stevie, Patti, Luther, Michael Jackson, Shirley Caesar and The Clark Sisters are my biggest inspirations, but I have to say, I love me some Whitney Houston, Vesta and Teena Marie, Natalie Cole (Gone Too Soon) and Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Lalah Hathaway, Kelly Price and Mary J. Blige!

What do you think about when your preforming?

When I’m performing, I think about how incredibly blessed I am to be living my dream and how these wonderful people have played such an incredible role in making that happen. It’s very humbling, because there are so many artists out there to choose from. I’m grateful, because it doesn’t have to be me!!!

This make me want to give my audience my all. I’ve been given so much, now it’s my turn!

What else can we expect from you in the future?

These 30 plus years in the business has allowed me to hone my skills as a singer, writer, arranger, actor and speaker. My desire is to continue to use my gifts to bring joy and inspiration to the world. I have books to write and Master Classes to do, to share knowledge and experience with the next generation.
I think we should die empty!!
I’m currently working on a “Life Song” project that has a nice balance and blend of inspirational songs with songs about life and love!

Sally Hansen x PRIV App – Airbrush Legs Makeup

This spring, Sally Hansen® is bringing bare-legged beauty to your fingertips. The brand is teaming up with PRIV, a popular on-demand beauty app that allows users to order their favorite beauty services right to their doors. The partnership will bring the brand’s revolutionary Airbrush Legs® Leg Makeup directly to women in select markets across the country. Beginning in April through August, consumers in New York, NY, Hamptons, NY, Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX will receive a professional application of Airbrush Legs® Leg Makeup from one of PRIV’s top stylists with any beauty service ordered through the app or on PRIV.com.

The coveted product will be applied right in the consumers’ own homes by an expert makeup artist, who will also teach fans how to use the spring essential with a step-by-step tutorial during application. As an added bonus, fans will also receive a complimentary bottle of Airbrush Legs® Leg Makeup.

One of Sally Hansen’s best-selling products, Airbrush Legs® Leg Makeup is a lightweight leg makeup that leaves legs looking smooth and sexy all day long. The formula infused with Palmaria Extract, helps cover imperfections like veins, freckles or bruises and stimulate microcirculation. This long lasting, fast drying formula is transfer and water resistant. The spray-on formula blends seamlessly into skin for gorgeous and flawless legs. It is available in six natural-looking shades with a luminous finish: Fairest Glow, Light Glow, Beige Glow, Medium Glow, Tan Glow, and Deep Glow and is also available in a Lotion form.SHS3703_ABL_00FRSTGLW_CNnw_1900x1900PRIV is a one-stop destination for every beauty and wellness need. The app brings together services from every aspect of the industry, allowing fans to order their favorite services like blowouts, massages and haircuts directly to them anytime and anywhere in multiple markets across the US and UK.

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WHAT AIRBRUSH LEGS COSTS: $13.99

WHERE TO FIND IT: Drugstores nationwide

Lotus Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center – Spa Week

It’s been a while since I’ve indulged in a good spa service. Life can get very busy and we often forget to take time out for ourselves!

Luckily, we can (all) visit the spa and still splurge on a new pair of pumps.  Spa Week is a great time to check out local wellness or beauty centers.  Anyone can sign up on the website and find discounted treatments.  A few of the $50 services include Eucalyptus Mint Massage, Cat-Eye Lash Extensions, Aloe Vera Jelly Pedicure, or Chemical Peel Treatment.

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I was invited to visit Lotus Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center.  The service I received was the Custom Lotus Bliss Massage.

Prior to starting my treatment, the owner (Nicole Stokes) shared a few facts:

  1. The center specializes in wellness and all of the products used are organic (bath salts, lotions, candles.)
  2. The services also include special enhancements such as sinus relief massage, scalp massage, thermal softening treatment, and custom aromatherapy.
  3. The practitioners have a medical or science background which enhances the total spa experience.

 

Lotus Bliss Spa Review – 

My massage started with selecting a few essentials oils, depending on my personal preference.  I made the selection based on relaxation.  From there, I was able to smell the aroma while Nicole created a special lotion. My treatment also included a stimulating face massage (infused with essential oils.)  The steam instantly relaxed my facial muscles and allowed for easier breathing.

Nicole also shared information about the Chronic Pain and Lymphatic Massage.  This particular treatment is encouraged (or suggested after doctor recommendation) for those suffering with specific illnesses such as fibromyalgia.

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The experience of visiting Lotus Bliss Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center was truly an educational session.  I learned a lot about aromatherapy and the health benefits associated with receiving a massage.  The center also sales products to their customers that will enhance their body treatment at home such as bath salts, essential oils, or massage balls.

Visit their website to learn more and book an appointment.

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Home Decor Spring Trends 2016 – Fox 45 Morning News Segment

Everyone’s updating their home for the Spring season!  Whether it’s purchasing new pillows, curtains or adding tulips to a vase, new decor can uplift any space.

Last week, I hosted a Lifestyle Segment on Fox 45 News discussing home decor trends with a technology flair.  Blindsgalore is a window treatment company, specializing in Bali Blinds.  This particular type of home blinds is considered eco-friendly and it operates from a smart phone/table app or remote control.  Customers can open their blinds while sitting on the couch or in a different area of the home!

A few of the other products shared included the Mcushion Massage Pillow, BedJet Climate Comfort System, and MyIvation Lamp.

Special thank you to Burlington for (also) supporting this segment and providing additional home products!

Arundel Mills Expands with New Retailers

Shoppers seeking the latest in fashionable footwear for men and women and treasured women’s apparel will soon have two new options to choose from at Arundel Mills with the scheduled spring openings of shoe retailer G.H Bass & Co (Spring 2016) and women’s fashion outlet Francesca’s Collection (Spring 2016).

“G.H Bass & Co and Francesca’s Collection are two wonderful additions to our mall,” said Gene Condon, general manager at Arundel Mills. “Both brands emphasize what shoppers want; the latest trends for less. In line with our own mission to offer the best selection at a discounted price, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome these two great companies to our mall.”

For those seeking the highest quality footwear at the lowest discounted prices, G.H Bass & Co will be the place to shop when it opens at Arundel Mills in the spring of 2016. Founded in 1876 in Wilton, Maine, G.H. Bass Co. has continued to live up to the mission of its founder of “mak[ing] the best possible shoe for the purpose in which it will be used.” The store will offer quality and affordable shoes for the whole family and will be located in Neighborhood 3 near H&M.

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Those who seek luxurious style will enjoy the addition of Francesca’s, one of the fastest-growing women’s fashion retailers in the country. Since its founding in 1999, Francesca’s boutique stores have offered women a bevy of unique handpicked apparel, jewelry, bags, shoes, accessories and home goods. The store will be located in Neighborhood 4 near Teavana.

G.H Bass & Co and Francesca’s joins Steve Madden, Cole Haan, and Yankee Candle, as the newest additions to Arundel Mills– Maryland’s largest outlet and value retail shopping destination.

Allen Edmonds Opening at Harbor East

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Harbor East and Allen Edmonds today announced that the U.S. premium men’s shoe, clothing and accessories manufacturer will set up shop in Baltimore’s upscale retail district. Allen Edmonds will occupy approximately 1,300 square feet at 635 S. President Street in the former Starbucks space between the Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites and Landmark Theatres. While several high-end department and premier men’s shoe stores in Maryland carry Allen Edmonds product, the Harbor East location will be the brand’s first brick-and-mortar store in the state, exclusively featuring their signature line of premium, handcrafted men shoes as well as apparel and accessories.

Allen Edmonds began handcrafting shoes on the Wisconsin shores of Lake Michigan in 1922. Today, their 212-step manufacturing tradition continues with the brand offering the finest men’s dress and casual shoes available featuring classic American styling and fine craftsmanship. The company prides itself on using superior leathers combined with expert service from Master Fitters who have earned their title by fitting thousands of customers with custom-made-like product. Partnering with like-minded manufacturers, Allen Edmonds also offers men’s clothing and accessories including sportswear, ties and pocket squares, watches and leather goods.

“It is with great anticipation that we bring our premium line of men’s shoes and apparel to the Harbor East shopper,” stated Paul Grangaard, President and CEO. “With its robust office and business traveler population, the neighborhood is terrific fit for us. We look forward to serving both our loyal Allen Edmonds customers, as well as gentlemen new to the brand, in such a vibrant urban setting.”

“Harbor East is poised to welcome such an esteemed and timeless brand as Allen Edmonds,” stated Tim O’Donald, President of Harbor East. “It is a truly exciting time for the neighborhood as we see high-end retail open up in such rapid succession. We look forward to Allen Edmonds opening and to a long relationship with the company.”

Harbor East welcomed Brooks Brothers earlier this month. Warby Parker is projected to open in April.

There are 60 company-owned Allen Edmonds stores nation-wide. The Harbor East location is projected to open early summer of 2016.

About Harbor East

Harbor East is home to Baltimore’s best shopping, dining, entertainment, hotels and residences, boasting 5.5 million square feet of development. Replacing a landscape once characterized by warehouses and factories, Harbor East is now defined by gleaming architecture and modern amenities, creating a neighorhood that is vibrant, sophisticated and a true destination. Among its many distinct attractions are critically-acclaimed restaurants, national retailers, a world-class fitness center, seven-screen art house theatre, 200-slip marina and the luxury Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. An inspiring place for business, Harbor East provides a contemporary setting for best-in-class offices and international corporations. Owned, developed and managed by a company with deep roots in Baltimore, Harbor East is proud to call the city home, generating over $38 million in taxes and fees annually and providing space for over 6,000 local workers. Harbor East is committed to ensuring the long-term success of its properties with a focused vision of advancing Baltimore City as a whole.Welcome to Harbor East – 12 square blocks of restaurants, boutiques, hotels, and harbor-side amazing. www.harboreast.com

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About Allen Edmonds

Founded in 1922, Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation is a privately-held, U.S. based manufacturer of premium men’s footwear, apparel, leather goods and accessories with a focus on American manufacturing. Allen Edmonds’ famous Goodyear welted shoes are handcrafted in Port Washington, Wis. using a 212-step production process. Consistent with the company’s heritage, Allen Edmonds remains committed to providing excellent products at exceptional value for style and quality conscience men worldwide. By partnering with like-minded manufacturers, the company’s offering includes men’s clothing and accessory needs from head to toe. Allen Edmonds products are available at premier stores worldwide, including 60 company-owned Allen Edmonds stores across the United States, and online at AllenEdmonds.com.

YUNA FEATURED ON VOGUE – MALAYSIAN SINGER-SONGWRITER

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Malaysian singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, and fashion designer, Yuna, was featured in Vogue Online. The feature focuses on Yuna’s upcoming album, Chapters, which is set for a May 20th release date via Verve Records. Read the feature here.

“The Malaysian-born, LA-based singer-songwriter is preparing to release a new album, Chapters, in May, made with a host of Hollywood super-producers.”

The feature comes right of the heels of Yuna’s release of “Places To Go” produced by DJ Premier. Watch the official video for the track here.

The mesmerizing songstress is kicking of her US Tour on April 29 in Washington D.C. – tickets can be purchased online here.

Stay Up To Date With Yuna
http://yunamusic.com/
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