Author: Kimberly West

Style+Life+Fashion is the brainchild of Kimberly West, a consultant, and on-air lifestyle expert. Although Kim started blogging as a hobby due to her love for Fashion, she quickly gained a loyal following as a respected industry expert and contributor for numerous fashion websites. She seeks to provide the latest trends as well as educate consumers about all aspects of fashion. Kim has hosted television segments as a fashion and lifestyle expert with ABC 33/40, WBRC Fox6, ABC2 News, Fox 45 WBFF, The List Baltimore, and WBAL News. Her fashion interviews include well-known industry experts such as Tai Beauchamp, Tomima Edmark, Julie Weiss, Clinton Kelly, Gianni Rich, Darius Gibbs, Dean Banowetz, and Lilliana Vazquez. In addition, she’s interviewed reality star Queensly Felix and R&B Artist, Keyshia Cole. She has also collaborated with online features for Glamour Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and Macy’s, and worked to stream digital content and video for New York Fashion Week 2010.
Beauty /

Mega Influencer/Serial Entrepreneur, Ariana Fletcher Inclusive Makeup Line REMEDY BY ARI

Model, Macro influencer turned serial entrepreneur, Ariana Fletcher synonymously hailed as @therealkylesister — has become one of the most influential of them all, utilizing her social media presence to help brands make millions and in turn made herself into a multi-millionaire. 
 
Known for her exotic beauty, full lips, seductive eyes, flawless skin, and megawatt influence, Ariana Fletcher has utilized her social media presence to influence a world of beauty lovers and trendsetters by forging her own path in the industry with the launching of her new, all-inclusive beauty brand, REMEDY BY ARI.
 
 

Lip Glosses: Moisturizing, smudge-proof, non-sticky, and non-oily/greasy feel, each lipgloss is formulated with Shea butter for moisture. Formulated without Phthalates, Parabens, Vegan & Cruelty-Free.

  • Barely There is your go-to for every day shine. Put it on for some extra moisture or layer it on top of your favorite colored gloss! Our lightweight formula gives you a long-lasting glow without stickiness.

  • Conceited: How could you not think you’re the baddest in the room while wearing this gloss?! This high gloss is the perfect neutral addition to any look! Conceited features a light shimmer that adds additional shine.

  • High Class: Imagine Foxy Brown as a lip gloss! This is your beauty hack to a 90’s vibe. High-class features a soft brown shimmer that compliments any natural lip color. Wear it solo or pair it with one of your favorite nude lipsticks.

  • One Night Only: A new super pink gloss that is nourishing, lightweight with a high-shimmer finish, intense color, and 3D, multi-dimensional shine. This is perfect for pigmented lips that need their color to push THROUGH!

  • Lover Girl: This gloss is already a FAN FAVORITE! Featuring a slight pink color with a lightweight shimmer, pair this with any faves and it’s sure to be a hit! Its multidimensional features plumps your lips for maximum effect.

  • Mesmerized: This classic shade provides a mirror-like shine with a light taupe/pink shade. Mesmerized features our hydrating formula that plumps your lips for a natural full look!

  • Sex Appeal: A new super pink gloss that is nourishing, lightweight with a high-shimmer finish, intense color, and 3D, multi-dimensional shine. This is perfect for pigmented lips that need their color to push THROUGH!

  • The Don: A paraben-free gloss that’s never heavy or sticky, and leaves lips moisturized, hydrated, and softly tinted with color. Semi-sheer, radiant shine that can be worn alone or paired up with your favorite lipstick or lip pencil.

  • Viral: A new super pink gloss that is nourishing, lightweight with a high-shimmer finish, intense color, and 3D, multi-dimensional shine. This is perfect for pigmented lips that need their color to push THROUGH!

The Signature Eyeshadow Palette: 

A daily mix of highly pigmented, rose-toned neutral shades that will become your daily go-to palette. A mix of warm, cool, and neutral matte, satin, and shimmer shades that give the perfect, rich canvas for your shadows. Formulated without Phthalates, Parabens, Vegan & Cruelty-Free.

Lip Liners: 

A smooth, smudge-proof Matte lip liner that naturally enhances the fullness of the lips with bold, intense color, whether it is worn alone or paired with your fav gloss for a long-lasting BOMB look. Formulated without Phthalates, Parabens, Vegan & Cruelty-Free.

  • Trendsetter

  • Baby Girl

  • Kiss Me

  • Boss Babe

  • Caviar

  • Flawless

  • Souffle

  • Suede

REMEDY BY ARI launches exclusively on RemedybyAri.co starting on August 26th with global shipping. The Products range from $16-$60 and are available worldwide. 

 

Celebrity /

Real Housewife of NJ Dolores Catania Inspires RTA Outdoor Living’s Next Outdoor Kitchen

Dolores Catania has made a name for herself as one of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” on Bravo TV.  Now, her vision is coming to backyards across the country, as her unique outdoor kitchen concept was selected by the public as the winner of RTA Outdoor Living’s (RTAOutdoorLiving.com) “Choose Our Next Design” contest.

Catania’s “Cubed Outdoor Kitchen” beat out designs from Mike Pyle, host of HGTV’s Inside Out, and Kevin Lenhart, Design Director at Yardzen, the leading online landscape design and build platform. The new design will be available for purchase at RTAOutdoorLiving.com starting in 2023.

“I am so excited my square design won! It really is perfect,” said Dolores Catania. “I can cook and watch my family enjoy the food at the same time. And now, I’m so happy this design will help more families make beautiful memories together.”

Right off the bat… You’ll notice how unique this layout is. It’s not a straight, L shape, U shape, or even a galley style island. It’s a spacious square! There’s a reason behind this design twist, too. Dolores Catania loves to have Sunday dinners with her family, and the square outdoor kitchen brings the idea of a large, indoor dining room table outside. What better way to host than to have the entire family seated on the island?

As for the appliances in Dolores’ design, first, you’ll find the massive 42” Coyote grill! There’s plenty of space for grilling fish, burgers, or other preferred proteins. Underneath, you’ll see there’s a warming drawer. This feature is excellent if you frequently host large gatherings! However, Dolores’ favorite feature is the Coyote power burner, so she can cook everything outside… most importantly, her “Sunday sauce.”

ABOUT RTA OUTDOOR LIVING
RTA (ready-to-assemble) Outdoor Living was born from a desire to empower homeowners to create ideal outdoor spaces that encourage gathering and human connection. Our outdoor living features, manufactured in the heartland of America—Cambridge City, Indiana—achieve this purpose. At its core, RTA’s product line is a simplified alternative to outdoor masonry. Through this approach, we avoid the high costs associated with building outdoor kitchens from scratch. Our easy-to-install options make the luxury of an outdoor grill island attainable to everyone.  More information is at RTAOutdoorLiving.com

Accessories /

How To Style Graphic T-Shirts For Classy Dressing

If you love graphic t-shirts, you will probably have many of them in your wardrobe. They look cool and trendy and make you your best companion for casual dressing. A sassy quote or a cute image is enough to get you all the attention you want. But you may have some qualms about wearing it to work or on a formal occasion for the same reason. The truth is that you can actually wear your favorite tee anywhere by only being a little creative. Let us share a few easy styling ideas to carry a graphic t-shirt for chic dressing.

Featured Photo The Best Graphic Tees On The Internet

Stick with minimal graphics

The chic dressing is about minimalism, and you can achieve it by picking a tee with minimal graphics. You need not be too loud with words and pictures to say what you want. Just a word can pass a message, and a small image can do the trick. When you create your wardrobe, look for a mix of bold messages and one-word tees so that you have something for every occasion. Pick the appropriate one to make a mark with your style sense.

Choose a subtle color

Stylists recommend sticking with subtle shades for sophisticated dressing. Black is an evergreen favorite, though you can opt for white and gray if you like lighter hues. You can even carry a prominent graphic tee formally with these colors. Steer clear of bright tones like red, yellow, and green because they instantly catch anyone’s attention. Even a small text or image becomes more visible in these colors.

Layering does the trick

Layering is your best styling trick every time you want to dress chic. It can help you overcome the challenge of styling graphic t-shirts for work and formal occasions. Wearing your favorite tee under a blazer or jacket gives you the best of both worlds. You love the look and feel of the ensemble as both pieces complement each other perfectly. Moreover, you have endless options to add the element of fun to classy dressing.

Find a perfect fit

Although t-shirts are meant to be comfy, you cannot ignore the fit when carrying them to a formal occasion. Pick one that isn’t too tight because you need not look like a gym buff or show your flab. A loose fit is totally against the rule of chic dressing because it makes you look lazy and unkempt. Check the fits of the graphic tees in your wardrobe and set aside the right ones for formal dressing.

Carry your attitude

Nothing looks out of place if you carry it with the right attitude. If you are confident about wearing a graphic tee formally, show it with your attitude. As a rule, you must love what you wear to look good. Comfort is the key, so be sure to dress in garments you feel easy in. Think beyond the layering and bottom wear, and pair your tee with the best accessories to create the ultimate ensemble.

Styling graphic tees for chic dressing is easier than you imagine, provided you are creative and open-minded. Most importantly, experiment until you find what works for you!

Collaborative Post

Celebrity /

Former First Lady Michelle Obama Announces New Book

Former first lady Michelle Obama, whose memoir “Becoming” became a global bestseller, is releasing a new book.

The book, “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Certain Times,” will include lessons the former first lady says she has learned on “change, challenge and power” and overcoming obstacles in uncertain times.

“Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles—the earned wisdom that helps her continue to ‘become,'” the book’s publisher, Penguin Random House, said Thursday in a statement announcing the book.

“She details her most valuable practices, like ‘starting kind,’ ‘going high,’ and assembling a ‘kitchen table’ of trusted friends and mentors,” the statement continued. “With trademark humor, candor, and compassion, she also explores issues connected to race, gender, and visibility, encouraging readers to work through fear, find strength in community, and live with boldness.”

Obama’s book will be published on Nov. 15, 2022, in 14 languages and 27 countries around the world, according to Penguin Random House.

In her previous book, “Becoming,” Obama, a mother of two, detailed her journey from growing up on the South Side of Chicago to becoming First Lady of the United States.

The memoir sold more than 17 million copies around the globe, according to Penguin Random House, and its accompanying audiobook won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album.

“Becoming” also turned into not just a bestselling book but a world tour for Obama, whose book tour consisted of stops in major arenas around the globe during which the former first lady was interviewed by high-profile people including Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon, and Oprah Winfrey.

Credit ABC News//Good Morning America

ABC /

Ashanti Joined “Good Morning America”

This morning, singer Ashanti joined “Good Morning America” to talk about rerecording her debut album to own her masters and her new children’s book.  In case you missed it, the performances included a special appearance from Ja Rule.

Ashanti performs a medley of hits on ‘GMA’ The Grammy-winning singer performs some of her most popular jams, including “Rock Wit U,” “Happy” and “Mesmerize,” and brings out a special guest.

Ashanti performs ‘Falling for You’ and ‘Foolish’ on ‘GMA’ The hit singer performs her brand-new song live for the first time along with one of her biggest hits.

Ashanti chats about new music and re-recording past hits The singer said she was inspired by Taylor Swift to re-record her debut album, which was released 20 years ago.

Credit: Good Morning America/ABC News

Birmingham /

National Women’s Business Council Gains New Insight with a New Member

Selena Rodgers Dickerson secures another seat at the table. Business award-winning founder, President and CEO of SARCOR LLC and Selene LLC, is making her mark nationally through the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC)! Her appointment to this council will allow her to continue prioritizing the advancement of opportunities for women on a national scale as she speaks with Government officials including the President, U.S. Congress, and the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Rodgers Dickerson, a Birmingham native, has been leading discussions and taking control of the narrative by securing her spot on multiple local boards including the city of Birmingham’s Small Business Council, and through being a panel speaker at the Essence Fest in 2022. Her appointment to the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) last month is a huge achievement as it presents an opportunity to make real change across the nation for small, female-owned businesses.

“I am extremely honored to be on the National Women’s Business Council. This new opportunity allows me to take another step forward and continue to be a part of the conversation to make fundamental changes and promote real opportunities for women entrepreneurs and young professionals.” – Selena Rodgers Dickerson, President, SARCOR LLC

Her selection as a council member is based on her achievements through her businesses as well as the mark that she has made on her local community. Rodgers Dickerson started SARCOR with a single employee and grew the business into a team of engineers. The woman-owned business provides innovative solutions to the challenging projects of its private, corporate, and municipal clients. She also made history as the first African American sponsor of an iconic Vulcan statue as part of a community art project in which miniature replicas of Vulcan are displayed throughout the city of Birmingham.

Selena R. Dickerson is the president of SARCOR, LLC, located in Birmingham, Alabama. She strives to educate others on how to become successful business owners. Her mission is to utilize her expertise to leverage strategic solution-based diverse, equitable, and inclusive initiatives through business endeavors, philanthropy, integrity, and spirituality.

Birmingham /

Mastercard Supports Black-Owned Businesses During World Games

Mastercard commemorates The World Games by supporting Black-owned small businesses in the Magic City! The initiative will kick off the high-level, diverse, and spectacular sports competition beginning July 7 through 17th.

Birmingham is proud to be one of seven cities participating in Mastercard’s In Solidarity initiative, a 500 million dollar commitment to closing Black Americans’ racial wealth and opportunity gap across America. In partnership with the Birmingham Business Resource Center (BBRC), Mastercard is launching the Birmingham Loyalty Campaign, offering a 20% rebate on qualifying purchases at Black-owned businesses during The World Games! Mastercard made the announcement at a press conference Thursday in Kelly Ingram Park with special guests Mayor Woodfin, Bob Dickerson of the BBRC, and Arian Simone, founder of The Fearless Fund, the first venture capital fund built by women of color. The conference celebrated Mastercard’s commitment to the city while highlighting two local, women-owned, Black-owned businesses, including one that will be featured at the Civil Rights District Marketplace. The five-day festival hosted by the BBRC, and in partnership with Mastercard, will showcase Black-owned businesses, entertainers, interactives, and artisans at Birmingham’s historic Kelly Ingram Park beginning July 8.

The Civil Rights District Marketplace is in collaboration with the World Of Opportunity Vendor Program, a division of The World Games 2022 Birmingham. “Where do I begin. I am so excited that Mastercard has intentionally found a way to support our local minority businesses and their cardholders through the Loyalty Program. In both the Merchant Market and The Civil Rights District Market, a win-win opportunity has been designed for the business and consumer. Not every company will really be as bold or as courageous as they are being to encourage people to buy from Black businesses. It means a lot when you can see that someone believes in you. Mastercard is showing they believe in Black businesses and in Birmingham”, said Kathy Boswell, Executive Vice President of Community and Volunteer Engagement at The World Games 2022 Birmingham.

“As I’ve said before, these businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and they deserve the support of the city they make investments in,” said Mayor Woodfin. “That’s why I’m proud of this genuine partnership with Mastercard. This effort encourages Birmingham residents and visitors to support our Black-owned businesses by shopping local.”

“We have been able to have a 3rd marketplace for The World Games in the Civil Rights District, right here on this hallowed ground! That’s important because, as the mayor talked about, supporting Black-owned businesses means paving a way and opening a door for opportunities,” said Salah Goss with Mastercard. Goss says the marketplace provided a space for businesses who couldn’t get into The World Games marketplace to benefit from the economic windfall.

In addition to the 20% cashback initiative Mastercard has issued, the company partnered with The Fearless Fund to present a check of $10,000 to Bernadine Birdsong, owner of Michael’s Steak and Seafood in Birmingham.

“Over 50% of Black businesses had to close their doors during the pandemic,” said Arian Simone, CEO & Founder of The Fearless Fund. “Now, we are facing the global, macro-economic climate of high-interest rates, inflation at an all-time high, and supply chain issues, where now people of color are being hit again. So, it is an honor to stand here today to present a $10,000 grant to Bernadine Birdsong of Michael’s Steak and Seafood! This is our way of saying we see you, we honor you, and keep going!”

Birdsong accepted the check with tears of joy in her eyes, thanking Mastercard and the Fearless Fund for this opportunity to overcome what Birdsong considers a dark time in the world for the restaurant industry.

To see a list of participating businesses in Mastercard’s Loyalty Program, along with the terms and conditions, please visit: mastercard.com/birmingham.

Birmingham Business Resource Center assists entrepreneurs in every stage of business development. Through an array of technical assistance activities, including one-on-one coaching, the BBRC focuses on helping businesses scale for growth. Services include providing resources to build capacity, attain new customers, and access capital. Emphasis is placed on economic empowerment and supporting historically underserved businesses through diverse supplier opportunities.

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships, and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

 

ABC /

Martin Lawrence and Tessa Thompson join “GMA” and Meg Thee Stallion Summer Concert Performers

In case you missed it, on “Good Morning America” actor and comedian Martin Lawrence talked about 30th anniversary of ‘Martin,’ and reunion special on BET+ as well as his favorite character and career.

Plus, actress Tessa Thompson discussed her latest role and “GMA” announced the 2022 summer concert series which will include performances from Meg Thee Stallion, Ozuna, and The Black Eyed Peas. Martin Lawrence talks about 30th anniversary of ‘Martin’ The comedy legend and the cast of the hit ’90s sitcom reunited for a new special on BET+.

Actress Tessa Thompson also discusses her role as Valkyrie in ”Thor: Love and Thunder” and Creed 3.

Plus GMA Announces 2022 Summer Concert Series Performers include such superstars as Megan Thee Stallion, aespa, the Black Eyed Peas, Ozuna, Demi Lovato and OneRepublic. 

 

Good Morning America” announces its sizzling hot lineup for the 2022 Summer Concert Series with K-pop girl group aespa kicking off the free concert series on Friday, July 8.

Sponsored by Massage Envy, this year’s concert series lineup includes some of the biggest stars in music, including OneRepublic, Megan Thee Stallion, Demi Lovato, Ozuna, and the Black Eyes Peas.

Each concert will take place from Rumsey Playfield in Central Park in New York City.

“GMA” Announcement Video

2022 Summer Concert Series Lineup:

This link will be updated as additional performances are announced.

·        July 8 – aespa #aespaonGMA

·        July 15 – OneRepublic #OneRepublicOnGMA

·        August 12 – Megan Thee Stallion #MeganTheeStallionOnGMA

·        August 19 – Demi Lovato #DemiLovatoOnGMA

·        August 26 – Ozuna #OzunaOnGMA          

·        September 2 – Black Eyed Peas #BlackEyedPeasOnGMA

Credit ABC News//Good Morning America

Birmingham /

100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die, Second Edition

Called the Magic City, Birmingham sprang up fast, as if a magician’s wand pulled skyscrapers out of a valley surrounded by mountains. In 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die, Second Edition you’ll discover the famous places and hidden treasures of a city brimming with character, charm, and natural beauty. Whether it’s the best barbecue or martini, a picture-perfect round of golf, or where to find clothes by famed local designers, Birmingham native Verna Gates is ready to be your personal guide to the best the Magic City has to offer.

  • Birmingham has one of the few meat-and-three restaurants with a James Beard nomination. Plus, a restaurant named the best in America by James Beard. Other fascinating restaurants include the Original Whistle Stop Cafe, where Fannie Flagg’s aunt perfected fried green tomatoes.
  • The First Lady of Liquor and the runner-up in a global bartending contest both offer drinks in establishments in Birmingham.
  • Why are there elephants in Avondale? In the early days, Miss Fancy lived in the nearby park and gave rides to children. She also drank a gallon of beer a day, making her an entertainment icon.

Book Review:

This book is a must-have for anyone visiting the city or those that have resided here for years.  It’s organized according to food, drink, music, entertainment, sports, recreation, culture, and fashion.  Personally, I can’t wait to visit the Birmingham Museum of Art.  BMA is the perfect location to learn about the culture and find inspiration for those in the creative space.

Although I have grown up in Birmingham, after moving back to the Magic City, there are several events and activities that are new to me.  For example, I have never visited Gianmarco’s Italian restaurant or the Talladega Speedway!

100 Things To Do in Birmingham Before You Die is the perfect coffee-table book or reference when venturing “outside.”  To purchase your own copy, visit Barnes & Noble.

And, although this is the 2nd edition, I am confident there will be several new editions in the future!

About the Author:

Verna Gates was born in Birmingham and can trace her local heritage back four generations to a land grant farm. She began her career as one of the original crew that launched CNN.

After moving back to her beloved home, she spent 25 years covering the state for TIME Magazine and Reuters International. She has received a lifetime achievement award from the National Federation of Presswomen.