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.

 

Ann Taylor Heritage Dress Capsule

Retro has never been hotter and just in time for one of the warmest months of the year, Ann Taylor is launching a heritage dress capsule – a collection of dresses inspired by vintage designs from the archives.

All-Season Stretch Split Neck Shift Dress  

Available online this August, the collection is rooted in the spirit of the brand’s heritage with the modern woman in mind.  When the brand launched in 1954, it got its name from its bestselling dress style, the Ann Taylor. This capsule collection celebrates the archival designs.

Ann Taylor Retro Heritage Dress Capsule

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Saks Fifth Avenue – 2016 Fall Preview Catalog

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Fashion industry professionals are prepping for the upcoming fall season. Designers and retailers actively work behind the scenes; creating new visual displays to showcase merchandise and entice customers.

Saks Fifth Avenue is no exception.  The company provides an online 2016 Fall Preview catalog for shoppers to start planning their purchases.  A few of the trends shown include suede jackets, saddle bags, and motif designed clothing. There’s also hints of block heel pumps and plaid wrap midi skirts.

Shopping for the next season can be fun with the right store, merchandise, or price!

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Summer Getaway Packing List – Ann Taylor

Weekend trips – so short, yet so hard to pack for! With endless possibilities but only a few outfits to wear, packing for a weekend trip can seem even more daunting than packing for a two-week vacation. To ease the stress, Ann Taylor has bold and versatile options, so you can avoid over packing and create effortless and considered looks for all occasions without having to bring the bulk.

Ann Taylor Eyelet Seamed Flare DressAnn Taylor Floral City Shorts

Pack away easy one piece outfits like a striped off the shoulder dress or a linen romper. To switch it up, grab printed shorts and skirts, matching sets (perfect for matching or mixing), versatile wide leg pants and fun halter tops for easy-to-coordinate looks.

Throw everything in a spacious woven straw tote with some chandelier earrings – the perfect additions for casual, yet refined weekend looks. A pair of versatile eyelet espadrille wedges will go far on a weekend getaway.

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Rimmel London and NYC New York Color – Perfect Brows

BROW THIS WAY COLLECTION FROM RIMMEL LONDON
From natural arches to power brows, this season’s hottest looks are all about fierce eyebrows. Groom your brows with the Brow Styling Gel, designed for easy application with a mascara-style wand, or go for a stand-out look with the four-piece Brow Sculpting Kit. Each long-lasting formula dries to a lightweight finish, offering comfortable, all-day brow control. Take inspiration from the catwalks and wear your super-styled brows with minimal makeup—your perfectly defined arches are all the impact you need.

Brow Styling Gel ($4.49): Tame, enhance, and beautify brows with this styling gel. A mascara-style precision applicator makes it easy to brush brows into just the right shape, defining and enhancing each hair. The lightweight, long-lasting gel sets fast, giving you all-day perfection. A palette of three tinted versions and one clear variety lets you choose from a natural look or high-impact brows, and each gel sets with a non-sticky shine. Packaged in a sleek tube embellished with a Union Jack in white silver, this gel makes defined brows simple. AVAILABLE SHADES: Blonde (001,) Medium Brown (002,) Dark Brown (003,) Clear (004)

Brow Sculpting Kit ($4.49): For a bolder, sculpted look, this four-piece kit includes styling wax, setting powder, a specially designed double-ended brush, and a spooly brush, giving you everything you need to create a gorgeously groomed brow. First, shape your brows by applying the styling wax with angled brush, using smooth strokes to define and contour. Next, use the other end of the brush to blend the setting powder, filling in sparse areas with as much color as you dare. Finish by using the spooly brush to lock in the look. With three color palettes, you can match your natural hue or go a shade darker for even more impact. AVAILABLE SHADES: Blonde (001,) Medium Brown (002,) Dark Brown (003)

NYC New York Color Lovatics by Demi Eyebrow Liner ($1.99) -Want that little detail that changes it all? The secret is out with new Lovatics by Demi Eyebrow Liner. Complete your perfectly poised look like your favorite stylishly cool star and create a work of art with long wear color that easily defines natural brows in high definition. The pencil easily glides for color application while the built in brush enables you to groom and shape your brows for a masterpiece only suitable for the Met. Make the difference in shades Medium Brown and Dark Brown

Demi Eyebrow Liner 1 Demi Eyebrow Liner 2

NYC New York Color Showtime Lash & Brow Clear Mascara ($2.99)– GROOM YOUR LASHES & EYEBROWS FOR A PERFECTLY DEFINED LOOK! NYC New York Color Lash & Brow Clear Mascara grooms and defines for flawless lashes and eyebrows. Transluscent formula allows versatility for groomed lashes and eyebrows. Contains provitamins for hair lash health.

Showtime Lash and Brow

Ann Taylor Botanical Prints and Accessories

Keep things tropical this summer whether or not you have an exotic getaway planned. Ann Taylor has all of the botanical prints you need to channel an exotic escape with birds of paradise, leafy and palm motifs in light fabrics and silhouettes sure to keep you cool as temperatures spike.

Leafy Linen Blend Shirtdress

These summer prints are also the perfect companion for last-minute tropical getaways. Presenting Ann Taylor’s “Destinations Summer Sweepstakes,” where one sweepstakes winner (and a friend) will win a getaway to Tulum, Mexico. Additionally, weekly winners will win stylish prizes now through July 8. Click here for more information.

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Sparkling Ice Water and Recipes

Sparkling Ice has a new water product line.  This is awesome because you can take your health and beverage selection to the next level.  The carbonated water’s infused with natural flavors and zero calories.  My personal favorite is Peach Nectarine.

Customers can also enjoy Sparkling Ice in a variety of ways beyond sipping from a glass.  Did you know the product line’s used in recipes?  Take a look at the selections below:

NewEngland

Ingredients

SPARKLING ICE Cherry Limeade
Mint Leaves
Mashed cherries
Lime
Club soda

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Yield – 1 cup

Prep Time – Less than 5 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup Peach Nectarine Sparkling ICE
½ cup seedless raspberry preserves
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Combine Sparkling ICE and preserves in a bowl and beat with a whisk until combined.
Whisk in Dijon mustard and black pepper.

Serving Suggestion:

Pairs well with cooled roasted beets, topped with walnuts, and blue cheese.

Toss dressing with baby spinach, red onion, goat cheese, and strawberries.

 

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Yield 2 cups

Serves 6-8 people

Ingredients

2 Bottles Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade
1/3 Cup Soy Sauce
5 Garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger, minced
1 Tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 Teaspoon red pepper flake
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 lbs. Pork Tenderloin
Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup Scallion, sliced thinly

Directions

To prepare the marinade, whisk together Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, whole peppercorns, red pepper flake and olive oil in a large bowl.
Place pork tenderloin in a large zip lock bag or shallow baking dish.
Pour marinade over pork, cover or seal.
Refrigerate for 6 hours.
Remove pork from marinade and pat dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Reserve the liquid.
Place marinade in small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Preheat your grill (medium high heat).
Place pork on pre-heated grill and close the cover. Turn and brush the pork with the simmered marinade every 5 minutes. Cook until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 145°F, about 15-20 minutes.
Rest for 10 minutes, slice and serve with scallions and warm marinade liquid.

All recipes are from Sparkling Ice.com

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment – Safe Decorating for Kids Rooms

I was invited to host a lifestyle segment on ABC 33/40, Talk of Alabama and share safety tips for kids rooms. The segment was a lot of fun because I truly enjoy discussing new products with a local audience!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH:  TALK OF ALABAMA

The main focus was to bring safety awareness of products for kids rooms.  Parents must ask are home decor items functional and eliminate hazards for little ones?

As a mom, I love to decorate my kids room (especially in character themes) but there’s also consideration for electric plugs, heat consumption, contained storage bins, and comfortable sleep.

The products shown below are beneficial and can be successful in everyone’s home:

 

 1.  Blindsgalore (BG Kids Brand) Shade – recommends completely cordless blinds or shades when children in the home.  The company offers hundred of independently certified child safe blinds and shades.


2.  Kidzooz Pillow – Designed by a chiropractor, parent and grandparent, this is more than just a stuffed animal or pillow but a product that combines the two while encouraging good sleep habits.


3.  BPA Free Storage and Organizers

  • Available in three colors – grey, pink and blue
  • Includes three pieces – a caddy, bucket and tote
  • The storage items are BPA Free and made of a durable canvas exterior.


4.  Interactive Finding Dory Wall Friend –  The interactive light-up, talking Wall Friend from uncle Milton toys is a perfect addition to a child’s bedroom.

  • Just touch the remote control button and watch as Dory lights up and talks with many fun, familiar phrases from the new Finding Dory movie.

 

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – Birmingham

We decided to dine at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen due to our love of Cajun cuisine.  I grew up in the Deep South; born in Mobile, Alabama.  There are several memories of my family fishing and hosting crawfish boils. My aunts would also meet-up (weekly) at my grand mother’s home with a huge pot of Gumbo.  The menu would included fried okra, boiled corn, seafood gumbo, and snow crab legs.

Needless to say, I was excited to fill my stomach with this delicious meal.  I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp Brochette, Dirty Rice with Spinach on the side.  This was no ordinary shrimp because it’s actually wrapped in bacon, infused with jalapeño and Monterey Jack Cheese.  We ended the meal with a shared slice of Chocolate Cake.

“It’s not what we have in our life but who we have in our life that matters” author J. M. Laurence

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PAPPADEUX SEAFOOD KITCHEN

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GUMBO

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JUMBO SHRIMP BROCHETTE

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SHRIMP CREOLE & GRITS

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CHOCOLATE CAKE

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