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.
Birmingham /

2022 WORLD GAMES TO CELEBRATE THE PEOPLE, POWER, AND RICH MUSICAL HISTORY OF ALABAMA IN OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONY PERFORMANCES

The initial line-up and details of The World Games 2022 Opening and Closing Ceremonies have been announced, promising two nights of unforgettable performances celebrating the rich musical and cultural history of The Games’ 2022 host city Birmingham, AL. Set for July 7 and 17 respectively at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium, the ceremonies will feature musical and theatrical performances spanning a broad range of genres and generations. With funk legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Bootsy Collins serving as Master of Ceremonies, the lineup of performers includes: Yolanda Adams, Alabama, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Bo Bice, Sara Evans, Taylor Hicks, Jamey Johnson, Nelly, Pastor Mike Jr., Martha Reeves, Sheila E., Ruben Studdard, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Worth The Wait, and Yung Bleu.
The World Games 2022 will kick off on July 7th at Protective Stadium with Unlocking The Magic: Celebrating The Power of The One. The evening will be a colorful celebration of sport and Birmingham history. Presented by Alabama Power, the presentation will feature live entertainment, special effects, honorable dignitaries and a parade of athletes representing more than 100 countries. Produced by Birmingham-based LRY Media Group, the Opening Ceremony will celebrate Birmingham’s past, present and future. Spoken word artist, musician, educator, and Birmingham native, Sharrif Simmons will be delivering a poem in the Opening Ceremonies.
On July 17th at Protective Stadium, the grand finale of The World Games 2022 – One World-One People: Celebrating Legacy, Achievement & Unity – will commemorate The Games with incredible performances and the opportunity for athletes, fans and volunteers to bid farewell to Birmingham. Presented by Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, the final presentation will include the ceremonial passing of The World Games flag to representatives of the 2025 host city: Chengdu, China.
“The World Games will bring a once-in-a-lifetime level of focus and attention to Birmingham and Alabama,” says Dr. Henry Panion, Artistic Director of The World Games 2022. “It is our goal to showcase and celebrate the very best of Alabama in presentations that are both festive and reflective, commemorating our past yet articulating the hope of our future. I wanted to combine the elements of Olympic ceremonies and Super Bowl half-time shows, with the best of my true loves… the sounds of a symphony orchestra and the pageantry, artistry, and precision of professional drum corps. Gospel Music and the sound of Gospel have influenced virtually every form of music across the globe. So, as an indigenous art form of America and Alabama, it is only appropriate that it be featured so prominently in these World Games.”
Developed in partnership with the cohort of global partners and advisers, Birmingham, AL-based Audiostate 55 Entertainment has been brought on by The World Games to create and direct the ceremonies. This year’s Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be a feast for the eyes and ears. Each evening will showcase elaborate custom costumes, props and performances, set to the backdrop of one of the largest LED displays amassed in America. The choreographed presentation of synchronized lights and immersive sound will feature a cast of over 700 combined performers across the two nights (including dancers, field pageantry artists and more), a 75-piece orchestra, and an array of choral ensembles including gospel, classical, and youth choirs, all embarking on a journey across the history of Birmingham, from its incorporation in 1871 into its future.
The World Games are returning to the United States in 2022 for the first time in more than 40 years. This year over the course of 11 days, The World Games will feature events across 34 sports, showcasing some 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries. A total of 24 competition venues will participate in this year’s World Games, including the newly renovated Birmingham Jefferson Civic Complex.
Stay tuned for more information, including news on the forthcoming theme song of the 2022 World Games.
About The World Games:
The World Games is an extraordinary, international sports event held every four years, in the year following each Summer Olympic Games. Staged over 11 days, The Games represents the pinnacle of competition for 3,600 of the world’s best athletes in 30+ unique, multi-disciplinary sports. The World Games generates worldwide exposure for participating sports and provides a highly visible stage on which athletes from more than 100 countries compete for gold. More than 600 medals will be awarded to the competing athletes, including 200 gold medals for the ultimate champions in each discipline.
The World Games is led by the International World Games Association (IWGA), a non-profit organization that is composed of 37 International Sports Federations and recognized by The International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Follow The World Games here:
Celebrity /

TUNE IN | Buttah Skin’s BEYOND THE SURFACE Digital Series for Black History Month | EPISODE 4: Nina Parker

Tune in and watch episode 4 of BEYOND THE SURFACE by Buttah Skin, executive produced and hosted by Natalie Manuel Lee. In honor of Black History Month, the show will highlight Black creatives and changemakers and examine the stories that have shaped their lives and careers.
 
This week, Natalie chats with E! host, broadcast journalist and fashion designer, Nina Parker. Nina discusses how it’s never too late to change careers, how contentment can be a distractions from true career goals, and the importance of loving herself first.
 
BEYOND THE SURFACE will stream across official Buttah Skin platforms each week on Thursdays, including the brand’s official website, ButtahSkin.com, as well as their official Instagram @buttahskin. In addition, the audio version of each conversation will be available in podcast form via Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 
 
Beauty /

Celebrity MUA Saisha Beecham Uses AJ Crimson Beauty on Musician Estelle

Celebrity Makeup Artist Saisha Beecham and singer/song writer Estelle shared a photo on Instagram showing off the musician’s makeup look using AJ Crimson Beauty. Saisha used AJ Crimson Beauty’s Blurflection Priming Souffle ($55; https://ajcrimson.com/) to achieve a smooth, flawless look on Estelle.

The Black-owned luxury cosmetic line features a variety of different products + lip shades and is now carried at Nordstrom.

Accessories /

5 Spring 2022 Accessory Trends That Will Elevate your Style

Accessories can make or break an outfit, and no-one understands that better than Jenn Loyd, Fashion Stylist for NBC & CBS, a Personal Fashion Stylist, Lifestyle Expert, and founder of Lobe Love, a bespoke accessory company.

Over the years, Jenn has styled hundreds of women, and is passionate about helping women look and feel their best, and uncover their own unique, personal style. When it comes styling a look, Jenn pays attention to details with accessories.

“When I’m not helping women win their freedom from Outfit Overwhelm into Clothing Confident, you’ll find me creating and celebrating a life that is functional AND fun”, says Jenn.

Jenn was interviewed on Spring 2022 accessory trends, and we’d love to share her insight with you:

1. What colorways are you seeing for Spring?

There are going to be so many dreamy colors: Periwinkle, soft lilac, soft tan, and my personal favorite – hot pink.  A gorgeous infusion of color!

2. Do you foresee all-white ensembles featuring? What does this mean for accessories?

I  love all white ensembles because you can pair them with any color statement. An all-white ensemble will instantly pop with colorful accessories or you can keep your statement pieces all white for a clean, sophisticated look.

3. With the abundance of crochet predicted, what accessories do you have in mind to 

complement this look? 

I would love to pair crochet looks with jewels… we have some coming in spring that will work exceptionally well with crochet. The juxtaposition of organic wool with glittering stones works well.

4. Any gingham accessories for Spring? If so, what colorways?

Gingham will be a fun pattern this season and I would wear it in the colors for spring. I’m gravitating towards soft lilac and hot pink for earrings and headbands in particular.

5.  With sexy bra tops making a return, what earrings will best compliment this look?

Depending on the detailing of the bra, I would pair them with some fringe earrings or jewel with fringe earrings. The minimalist bra look allows for a ‘wow’ earring to fill up the space.

6. Your top embellishments for Spring earrings?

I am big on jewels this Spring in soft tan, purple and blues. Chains and pearls will be making a statement as well and adorn your ears perfectly.

Beauty /

BELOVED by Love Beauty and Planet: Valentine’s Gift Guide

BE[LOVE]D is in the air! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner wanted to share the greatest pampering beauty gifts from vegan beauty brand BELOVED by Love Beauty and Planet! Check out the below products available at Target and Target.com that make the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day!

About BELOVED by Love Beauty and Planet

  • BELOVED by Love Beauty and Planet is a line of pampering bath & body products that transforms bath time into a small act of love for your body, mind and planet.
  • Our products are vegan, made with plant-based cleansers and moisturizers, free from parabens and sulfate cleansers, and made with 92%+ naturally-derived* ingredients. Love Beauty and Planet (including BELOVED) is PETA approved, meaning we do not test on animals, anywhere in the world.
    • *We consider an ingredient naturally derived if it’s unchanged from its natural state or has a natural source and undergone some processing — but retains greater than 50% of its original natural structure. 92% naturally derived means 92% of our formula, including water, is made up of naturally derived content!
  • Our bottles and jars are recyclable and made with 100% recycled plastic. We are proudly committed to continuously seeking innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact while offering consumers exciting formats for their different needs (excluding body scrubs, candles, and sheet masks)
  • BELOVED by Love Beauty and Planet is available exclusively at Target stores and Target.com/Beloved

 

https://www.tiktok.com/@kwest1908/video/7065141615404338479?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7072485944645813802
Beauty /

DARK & LOVELY BRINGS BRIGHT, BOLD & BLONDE HOME WITH NEW UPLIFT BLEACH KIT – TikTok Outfit

Now entering its 50th year, Dark & Lovely has been the go-to brand for Black women looking to achieve head-turning styles, while protecting the integrity of their hair. The brand continues to stay relevant with new innovations like the Uplift Bleach Kit, which appeals to consumers of all agers, including Gen Z and Millennials who are looking to express themselves through their style. Keeping in step with this, the new Uplift Bleach Kit features a patented, two-part system that is not only easy to use, but delivers up to 8 levels of dramatic lift – from Black to honey blonde to platinum. The new haircare solution also includes curl safe technology with encapsulated oils that provide 4x more hydration, while maintaining hair texture.

“As a newly converted blonde, I am thrilled for the launch of Dark & Lovely’s new Bleach Kit,” said actress, producer and Dark & Lovely Brand Ambassador, Storm Reid. “This has already become an absolute must-have in my beauty arsenal. What I really love is that I can actually use it to keep my hair looking amazing from home.”

“When opting to go blonde, it’s important to use products that not only help you to achieve your desired hue, but nourish the hair while respecting its natural curl pattern,” said celebrity hairstylist Kendall Dorsey, who styles Kelly Rowland, Saweetie and Alicia Keys.  “The Dark & Lovely Uplift Bleach Kit does just that, making it the perfect at-home staple for blonde bombshells.”

Dark & Lovely

The Dark & Lovely Uplift Bleach Kit is available for $8.49 at Walmart stores nationwide and Walmart.com. For more information about Dark & Lovely and the Uplift Bleach Kit, please visit DarkAndLovely.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

ABOUT DARK & LOVELY
Dark & Lovely, founded in 1972, was created to help Black women express and embrace their individual styles. As one of the first brands to celebrate the Black consumer, for 50 years Dark & Lovely has been known for offering innovative products and technology made exclusively for Black Women to address their specific beauty needs.  As a subsidiary of L’Oréal USA, Dark & Lovely continues to unveil breakthrough hair innovations for women of color. For more information, visit www.darkandlovely.com

 

@kwest1908

Classic high low pieces. #church #churchoutfits #blackgirltiktok #highlowfashion #thrifted #fyp

♬ original sound – Kim West | Affordable Fashion

Fashion /

Fashion and Beauty Influencer Aaliyah Jay Relaunches Fashion Label Twisted Saints

In time for Valentine’s Day, fashion and beauty influencer, YouTuber and content creator Aaliyah Jay launches her re-branded Twisted Saints clothing line.
The Twisted Saints website will include three new items including a sheer patterned mesh top, leather pants and cut out yellow and a blue body con dress.
Fashion has always been a strong interest for Aaliyah, so it’s no surprise that she has started her foray as a fashion designer. On her YouTube channel, Aaliyah can be found doing vlogs, fashion and beauty tutorials and more uniquely she also does amazing fashion history videos such as the ones she did on Zelda Wynn Valdes (creator of the Playboy Bunny costume) and Maurizio Gucci and doing fashion commentary such as the videos of her best and worst dressed of The LACMA Gala 2021, The Met Gala 2021, The Oscars 2021 and most recently she covered the fashion from the 2021 American Music Awards on What’s Trendings’ Instagram page.
“​​I created this brand to create a world where everyone can be their true self while still dressing the part,” says Aaliyah Jay. “I’m excited about this relaunch because it feels very personal because while creating it, I found myself, my path and my voice again through creating these pieces!”
Check out recent YouTube video of Aaliyah explaining common misconceptions of her brand and discussing Twisted Saints below.
ABOUT AALIYAH JAY
Over the past 5+ years, fashion and beauty influencer and Youtuber, Aaliyah Jay has cultivated a following of over 4 million across her social media platforms. Aaliyah creates fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle content that she hopes will inspire others to be their authentic selves.
Originally from Boston and now living in New York, Aaliyah Jay is now venturing into the next step of her career, one as an emerging media personality and fashion designer. She will be relaunching her unique clothing line Twisted Saints out Q1 2022, in addition to growing her already large platforms and expanding her media profile.
ABOUT TWISTED SAINTS FASHION LINE
Bold colors and patterns make the new Twisted Saints launch a perfect ready to wear line for the confident, independent and inclusive individual. An individual with a mind of their own who wears what they want fearlessly. While the line is geared towards women, the line is inclusive for all genders and non binary individuals. When wearing Twisted Saints, remember it’s your world, everyone else is just living in it.
SOCIAL REACH
5.4M TOTAL REACH
Fashion /

GET SPRING READY WITH Democracy, a Casual Lifestyle Brand Embraces Women of All Shapes & Sizes – TikTok Outfit

Democracy highlights the new meaning to the principles of “Curve Equality,” Democracy continues to be the industry leader with their signature “Ab”solution® Fit Technology offerings; three (we have a lot more than just 3 products with this technology) products that are engineered and designed to fit every curve, and flatter a woman’s shape by fusing together style, comfort and a great fit.

With their proprietary “Ab”solution® jean, “The Glider” “Ab”solution Booty Lift Jegging and “Ab” leisure jogger, Democracy accomplishes the principles that the brand has been built upon, acknowledging that shapes are different but created equal.

  • The “Ab”solution® jean uses innovative construction that incorporates smooth, super-stretch denim, slimming panels to mold and hold, a hidden inner elastic waistband for a no gap waist, mesh panels for tummy control, signature curved back yoke, and strategically placed pockets which give her a “booty lift.”
  • “The Glider” jegging provides the look of premium quality jeans with the fit of your favorite pair of leggings, with mold and hold “Ab”solution® technology. With an extra-wide pull-on high waist, along with a faux-fly and decorated in a rich dark indigo hue, these stretch-kissed jegging jeans gives off the look of classic jeans.
  • The “Ab”leisure pants are the definition of comfort and style. With a tapered, not too tight fit, the “Ab” leisure jogger features an easy pull-on waist with drawstring and roll cuff hem, along with a faux-fly front and functional front pockets.

ABOUT DEMOCRACY

Democracy is a denim-based casual lifestyle brand, devoted to the woman who grew up with fashion, then got busy with life. She’s passionate about her family and career, but never lost her desire to feel good and look current. With this under-served customer in mind, Democracy was born.

 

Founded on the principle of “Curve Equality,” which acknowledges that all shapes are different, but created equal, we designed a jean that maximizes a woman’s shape by fusing together style, comfort and technology. Democracy’s signature “Ab” solution jean uses innovative construction that incorporates smooth, super-stretch denim, slimming panels to mold and hold, a hidden inner elastic waistband for a no gap waist, mesh panels for tummy control, signature curved back yoke, and strategically placed pockets which give her a “booty lift.”

 

Built from the bottoms up, Democracy blends a universal fit for all shapes and sizes with an effortless aesthetic. Inspired by this multitasking woman with an ageless mindset, Democracy introduces emerging trends in an accessible and affordable way that meets all of her lifestyle needs. Through unparalleled value that fits her body and her wallet. Democracy embraces who she is, enhances what she’s got, elevates her confidence, and evolves her personal style.

 

Caren Lettiere, founder and President of Democracy Clothing and she is a true thought leader in the Women’s fashion space and built a brand for ALL women. Fueled by the passion to fill a void in the marketplace for unmet fashion needs of women like herself, along with her deep desire to look current herself in flattering and age-appropriate clothing, Caren created the Democracy Clothing Brand. Founded as a denim based casual lifestyle collection best known for its “Ab” solution jeans and pants with fit technology, Democracy embraces women of all shapes and sizes, providing them with confidence building, modern clothing that fits both their bodies and their wallets. Today, Caren is leading a dynamic dream team through a period of unprecedented growth. In November 2019, Democracy launched a shop-able e-commerce site DemocracyClothing.com to facilitate an even closer connection to the brand’s loyal customers so they can look good and feel good while doing good.

 

 

@kwest1908

Getting dressed for church. #church #churchtiktok #churchgirl #sundayroutine #fy #fyp #fypシ

♬ Lovely Day – Bill Withers
Beauty /

Pantone launches the Fashion, Home + Interiors Paper Traveler

Pantone LLC, the global authority on color and provider of professional color tools for designers, today announced the launch of the newest edition of the Pantone Fashion Home + Interiors (FHI) Paper Traveler.
The Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors Paper Traveler was updated to provide a better user experience for designers and teams due to the changing nature of work to allow them to create from anywhere. This newest iteration features 2,625 colors arranged by color family and is arranged in a compact accordion-style format that lets you see your entire palette of pigment colors in one glance. Colors are produced as nitrocellulose lacquer applied to paper, similar to the FHI Color Guide. Each color is supported by digital data for fast turnaround and on-time production.
The Pantone FHI Paper Traveler is part of Pantone’s Fashion, Home + Interiors (FHI) product suite which is focused on providing support with digital and physical products for designers around the globe who create products for fashion and home furnishings and related product markets such as footwear, activewear, cosmetics, accessories, gaming and other hard goods to use the color language to select, communicate and control color throughout the design process. The Paper Traveler is the perfect partner to Pantone Connect, allowing users to physically confirm their digital color while on the go.
Additional updates to the Pantone FHI Paper Traveler also includes:
  • All 2,625 (including the newest 315) Pantone colors all on an accordion layout small booklet for easy reference.
  • Features an exclusive chip of Color of the Year 2022, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri.
  • 70 colors arranged per page in a large chip size to provide a better visual and user experience for designers.
  • A portable size that is meant to easily fit a work-from-home/flex work environment.
  • H. 3″(7.62cm) x W.8″(20.3cm) X L 10″ (25.4cm)
  • Colors on pigment paper to reach multiple substrates design options and markets.
“Our team is relentless in updating our products to ensure that designers have tools that support their way of working. With the new FHI Paper Traveler, we wanted to make sure that not only are we aligning our product to the diverse nature of the FHI industry, but also the changing nature of work. We are very excited for our designers to have a better user experience, with features that will help them make the best color choices and create an easier, more efficient process individually and with their teams,” said Tannese Williams, Product Manager of Fashion Home + Interiors at Pantone.
For more information on the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors Paper Traveler please visit www.pantone.com.
About Pantone
Pantone, a wholly-owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, enables color-critical decisions, from inspiration to realization, for brands and manufacturers. Over 10 million designers and producers around the world employ Pantone Products and Services to communicate through color, and control consistency across various materials and finishes. Pantone offers designers, brands and consumers, products and services through three unique business divisions: Pantone Standards, which includes digital and physical workflow tools and the quintessential Pantone Color Language; the Pantone Color Institute™, which provides trend, brand identity, and color assurance consulting services; and Pantone Lifestyle, the consumer products division that brings color and design together across apparel, home, and accessories. More information is available at www.pantone.com. For the latest news, trends, information and conversations, connect with Pantone on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
Lifestyle /

At-home Valentine’s Day meal with The Fresh Market

The Fresh Market’s heart-shaped ribeye has returned! Many people are planning to spend Valentine’s Day at home this year, and our Premium Choice Sweetheart Ribeye is the perfect way to say “I love you” deliciously.

Hand-cut and butterflied by our expert butchers, this steak maintains its unique shape when cooked. The meat is aged a minimum of 14 days for maximum tenderness.

This limited-time specialty is available in store from February 11-14.

Is your love more of a seafood fan? Woo them with our Heart-Shaped Crab Cakes. Available February 9-14, these perfectly seasoned Maryland crab cakes are ready to cook when you pick them up.

As the holidays draw nearer, keep an eye out at your local The Fresh Market for more specialty items like our chocolate-dipped strawberries, heart-shaped desserts and show-stopping florals.