Indie Fashion Week – Showcasing FW 2016 Collections

Lights, Camera, Action!” Yes, that very phrase will be heard throughout Washington, DC beginning February 29th as Indie Fashion Week kicks off for its second cycle. Created by Harley Morgan and Terrance Payton (ROE the Agency, LLC), Indie Fashion Week will be a breath of fresh air to the Fashionistas in the Nation’s Capital and those who just love supporting small business in the fashion industry. Indie Fashion Week will host Le Divertissement, from February 29-March 6, 2016. This fashion diversion is a series of Parisian-inspired events each night. Buyers, the media, influencers, style connoisseurs and the general public will get an ample opportunity to interact, connect with, and support Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle brands over a seven day span.

Indie Fashion Week aims to bridge the gap between consumers and independent brands by building a platform to facilitate sustainability, brand expansion, and retail opportunities. Indie Fashion Week is building a new and vibrant fashion community by creating a space where tools can be provided to help fashion entrepreneurs to learn about the business of fashion, to hone their craft, to network with their peers, and to build long lasting business relationships.

When asked about the vision behind the creation of Indie Fashion Week, Harley states “Indie Fashion Week is shifting the style culture in a multitude of ways. From highlighting the fashion brands from our area down to the EXPERIENCE that you receive with such a wide range of fashion-fused events, you have no choice but to be excited! The mood Is changing; the time has come for us to get excited about fashion here in our city!”

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The full schedule of Indie Fashion Week is as follows:
Monday, February 29– Bienvenue à la Fashion Week Indie: Indie Fashion Week Kick-Off & Live Pop Up Shop at Amsterdam Lounge #ModelMONDAYZ
Tuesday, March 1– Tout le monde aime Street Wear: Street Wear Presentation at Honfleur Gallery #StreetSymphony
Thursday, March 3– Style Me, s’il vous plait: The Style[ish] Competition at Lord & Taylor, Chevy Chase #StyleISH
Friday, March 4– Une nuit sur la ville: Fashion’s Night Out at the Aveda Institute #FashionsNightOut2016
Saturday, March 5– L’apprentissage est à la mode: Indie to Mainstream Fashion Workshop ft. Fashion Industry Experts at the Silver Spring Civic Center #IndietoMainstream
Saturday, March 5- Sole Savers Launch Event in Partnership with Indie Fashion Week | RSVP: http://bit.ly/IFWSoleSavers
Sunday, March 6– Le Spectacle de Nuit: Indie 500, Part Deux, Indie Fashion Week Finale at SAX Restaurant #Indie500Finale

For more information on Indie Fashion Week, information on volunteering or to RSVP to any of the events, please visit www.indiefashionweekdc.com. You can also follow Indie Fashion Week on Social Media: Twitter – @Indie5HundredDC, Instagram – @IndieFashionWeek, and Facebook –www.facebook.com/indiefashionweekdc.

If you’re a media outlet or photographer interested in covering the Indie Fashion Week, please send your inquiry to Candice@CandiceNicolePR.com.

Arlette Jewelry Launches New Empire Collection

Leading NY designer jewelry house Arlette Jewelry has recently launched its new Empire Collections. The latest collection has promised exquisite pieces in bamboo, pearl, added to gold & silver. The new Empire collection offers exquisite one-of-a-kind fashion forward jewelries that’s designed in New York & crafted in Italy.

Arlette Empire Collection
“We are glad to announce that we have recently lunched our all-new Empire Collections which duly complements our signature one-of-a-kind exotic style statement with every piece. We believe in the royal prowess of every woman out there and our latest imperial collections are sure to bring up the inner Queen in you”, smiled a leading spokesperson from Arlette.

Founded in 2002, Arlette Jewelry is an endeavor of Arlette Sarkissians, an esteemed alumnus of Gemological Institute of America & Academy of Fine Arts in Italy. The dynamic designer-lady believes in inspiring strength & class in all the womenfolk out there through her innovative & cutting-edge ornaments.

“With the creative soul of an artist & mind of a daring entrepreneur, Arlette has come up with exclusive timeless pieces which are a mind blowing fusion of a cutting edge NY designer & seasoned craftsmanship of Italy. Our pieces have earned accolades for their spectacular elegance, fashion fervor & bang-on attitude and the new Empire Collections is just an extension of Arlette’s unmatched magnificent creations.”

The latest collections from Arlette’s arsenal cover all sorts of jewelries ranging from bracelets, earrings, rings, pendant and necklaces. The senior manager from the group stressed on something for everyone with the new launch.

“You can choose from our chunky Empire cuff ring to complement your Gothic style whereas our Snake ring would be great when you are looking for something truly wild but not garish. Our pearl silver drops would be excellent for your dainty statement while our Empire royal blue horn pendant is meant to accentuate your ravishing flamboyance”, she explained while speaking on the collections.
 
A trendy NY designer, Arlette deploys all state of the art technologies related to the digital media to give life to her creative styles & get the right vision of colors to complement them. Being a New Yorker, she holds updated knowledge on the latest jewelry trends & promised an elegant craftsmanship backed by old world values of integrity, refinement & superior artistry.

About Arlette Jewelry: Based at Manhattan, New York, Arlette Jewelry is founded by Arlette Sarkissians in 2002 with the sole aim of reinventing the fashion forward jewelries. All the jewelries are made with gold, precious and semi-precious stones by combining efforts of highly skilled and specialized craftsmen with latest technology.

Georgia Browns Fine Southern Cuisine – Lifestyle

I wanted to share a photo of my recent dining experience (actually a few weeks ago) while attending a social event in Washington D.C.  After a long night of walking in heels and re-applying lipstick, it was time to eat dinner!

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Smiles & Selfie
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The Mansion on O Street
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The Mansion on O Street

We decided to visit Georgia Browns and dine from their famous Southern menu.  I ordered the Grilled Atlantic Salmon and glass of wine.  We ended the evening with a Flourlesss Chocolate Torte which was delicious!

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Georgia Browns is said to have a live jazz band and Sunday brunch.  If you’re in the area stop by their restaurant and indulge in the culinary tradition!

Arundel Mills – Easter Celebration

Simon®, a global leader in retail real estate, is hosting its annual Easter celebration festivities at Arundel Mills, offering families the chance to participate in traditional and unique seasonal events.

The Bunny Photo Experience begins March 4th and runs through March 26th in the food court. Kids will have the chance to visit with the Bunny and take home a treasured snapshot of the fun occasion.

The presenting sponsor for the 2016 Bunny Photo Experience is The Gymboree Corporation – including its Gymboree and Crazy 8 clothing brands.

“We love to hold family-friendly events and we always look forward to watching children interact with the Bunny at Easter,” said Rocell Viniard, Area Director of Marketing and Business Development at Arundel Mills.

Arundel Mill’s Caring Bunny™ event will offer families that have children with special needs a subdued environment to participate in the Bunny Photo Experience. Caring Bunny has been developed by Simon and is guided by AbilityPath.org, a national online resource hub and special needs community. Over 90 Simon® properties will host the Caring Bunny this season. Promotional assistance for Caring Bunny has been provided by Autism Speaks.

On March 13th from 9 am to 10:30 am, many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for children’s cherished visit with the Bunny. The subdued environment is likely to include (specific elements or aesthetics may vary):

• Turning off in-mall music, stopping escalators located near the photo set, dimming the lights and shutting down fountains for the duration of the event.
• Eliminating queue lines through the use of a numbering system whereby guests approach the set when their number is called.
• Special activities geared toward the needs of the child during the ‘wait’ period to help the child understand what activities will occur during the visit.

Arundel Mills will also be offering a chance to have Breakfast with the Bunny on March 12th from 8 am to 9:30 am at Nando’s Peri Peri. The event is free, but seating is limited, so please RSVP beforehand at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kidgits-kids-club-breakfast-with-the-bunny-tickets-21823882821?aff=es2.

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.

About Simon
Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

About AbilityPath.org
AbilityPath.org is an online hub and special needs community for parents and professionals to learn, connect and live a more balanced life. The website combines social networking features with expert content from AbilityPath.org’s team of educators, parents, therapists and medical professionals.AbilityPath.org was created by Community Gatepath, a nonprofit with over 90 years of experience serving families and children with special needs by fostering hope, dignity and independence. AbilityPath.org may also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $500 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

About Gymboree
Gymboree has a 30-year rich heritage in dressing children, newborn to 12 years old. Gymboree offers colorful, head-to-toe clothing and accessory collections – quality clothes that let kids be kids.

Gymboree is part of The Gymboree Corporation family, which began in 1976 with Gymboree Play & Music, offering parent-child play programs. Today, along with franchised and company-operated Gymboree Play & Music locations, The Gymboree Corporation operates three specialty retail brands – Gymboree, Crazy 8 and Janie and Jack – offering unique, high-quality products delivered with personalized customer service in more than 1,300 stores worldwide and on www.gymboree.com, www.crazy8.com, and www.janieandjack.com.

Celeb MUA Latisha Nicole – Tips for Jordin Sparks Beauty Look

Latisha Nicole Rankin is the extraordinary artist behind many of singer and actress Jordin Sparks’ beautiful beauty looks. Below, Latisha Nicole shares her five steps and expert tips on how all women can achieve Sparks’ everyday glam.

Jordin Sparks

“Working with clients like Jordin Sparks keeps me continuously inspired. Jordin truly understands the essence of beauty in the most sophisticated way. Beauty is an enhancement to what we naturally have; it’s like wearing a piece of jewelry to compliment your outfit.Trust is very important. Jordin has to trust and believe that I cannot only make her look beautiful, but feel beautiful too. Feeling beautiful will radiate past the makeup and translate as pure confidence. When Jordin and I discuss looks for the day, we collectively create something that we hope in turn inspires other women everywhere.”
~ LATISHA NICOLE

Jordan Sparks' Beauty in 5 Steps

1. PREP
I always prepare Jordin’s skin with Murad Oil Control Mattifier moisturizer, Dior Airflash CC Primer and Urban Decay Setting Spray. I begin by applying the moisturizer first, followed by the primer, which I apply using a Beauty Blender that is damp with Urban Decay Setting Spray. Jordin does not like make up to be applied onto her face with hands, so I only use brush applicators and place the product on a makeup dish or mixer.

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2. EYES
After her skin is prepped, I “base” or prime her eyes. I use Bobbi Brown Longwear Shadow in Smokey Topaz or Mac Cosmetics Paint Pots. Next, I focus on her eyebrows. I love using Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Brown brow shadow to lightly fill in any holes and to also define the shape of her brows. For eye shadow, I use the Keyvn Aucoin “The Essential Eye Shadow” palette #3. With an eye shadow blending brush, I gently apply into the crease of her eye. Using a black, thin liquid liner, she covers her waterline. Lastly, she pops on her favorite false lashes, the Ardrell 113’s and, voila, her eyes are complete.

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3. FOUNDATION
After finishing the eye make up, I clean up any excess shadow that may have fallen onto the under eye area and prepare to apply foundation. When it comes to foundation, Jordin and I are both OBSESSED with the Nars Radiant Sheer Glow! Jordin’s color match for this foundation is Syracuse, but if she has a little more color than usual, I like to use the Cadiz hue to warm her skin tone. I apply her foundation using the same Beauty Blender used for her skin preparation in step 1.

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4. BLUSH
Unlike most celebrities, Jordin is not a big fan of adding much highlight or glow to the cheek, as she prefers a very, very natural look. I usually convince her that adding just a slight glow gives her a perfect amount of radiance for a final touch. After a little back and forth, I manage to brush it on and she, of course, loves it. I use Nars Orgasm and Bobbi Brown Brightening Blush; I slightly contour the cheek for a little definition and she automatically has a refreshed look, it adds a perfect natural glow against her natural color. The combination of the blush and glow that both of the products offer, are always captured beautifully on camera.

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5. LIPS
Last but not least, I line her lips with a Nars Velvet Lip Liner and add The LipBar Tiramisu Toffee lacquer. For her simple and chic daytime looks, I focus on glowy skin with a nice full eyebrow and nude lips. For her evening looks, I like to keep everything very neutral and clean, much like her daytime looks, but add dimension with lip color. I add depth using deep wines, reds and berry color lips. I also like to infuse pop colors such as vibrant oranges, fuchsia pinks and purples.

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Latisha Nicole’s 5 Fun Facts
about Working with Jordin Sparks

1. I work in slow steps with her because Jordin likes learning different techniques along the way to use when applying her own make up.
2. Jordins’s favorite false lashes are the Ardrell 113’s, as mentioned above, and the Ardell Wispies.
3. Jordin applies her own eyeliner, top and bottom; lashes too!
4. Jordin is not a fan of concealer, so I use Nars’ Radiant Creamy Concealer.
5. I set Jordin’s skin and make up using the Ben Nye Banana powder and spray, in addition to a final mist of Urban Decay Setting spray, before she’s out the door!

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Brooklyn-based celebrity makeup artist Latisha Nicole Rankin’s journey began when she discovered her passion for beauty after attending Christine Valmy. She quickly became an intricate part of major cosmetic companies, which allowed her to hone in and fine-tune her skills. Armed with her invaluable experience, Rankin decided to try her hand in freelancing. Today, she continues to nurture her craft and work with some of the best wardrobe stylists, hair stylist, photographers and models to date. Latisha has built an impressive celebrity client base which includes singer/actress Jordin Sparks, in addition to Extra’s Tracey Edmonds, Angela Simmons, TV personality Jamie Krell, musician Swiss Beatz and Paula Abdul to name a few.

Vino 301 Wine Concierge – Wine Tour for Alzheimer’s Research

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Tour Ambassadors of Vino 301 Wine Concierge are raising their glasses to support of the Alzheimer’s Association with the sponsorship of a charitable wine tour to the Westminster Wine Region.

The event is scheduled for March 6, 2016 at 10:00 am, and will include tours to the Old Westminster Winery and Springfield Manor Winery. Many of the vineyards featured on the tour are grown in Bordeaux style. Lovers of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Grigio, or Vidal Blanc will especially relish this tantalizing treat.

According to statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association, there is an estimated 5.1 million people 65 years and older in the United States living with Alzheimer’s. Approximately 200,000 individuals below the age of 65 are afflicted with the disease.

Vino 301 Wine Concierge is the one of the latest sponsors to join forces with the organization in the fight against the disease. The company was asked to host the tour by a former tour guest, Ms. LeeAnn Charpentier, whose grandmother had the disease and died. LeeAnn wanted to do something to honor her grandmother’s memory and raise funds for Alzheimer’s research.

Discussing Vino 301 Wine Concierge’s response to Ms. Charpentier’s request, Managing Director of the company, Leslie Frelow said: “We thought it was a great idea and were eager to help. Ms Charpentier has been a tremendous supporter of Vino 301. We hope our contribution will further research for a cure for this debilitating disease.”

Fees for the tour cost $87 for wine tasters, and $37 for non-drinkers. Net profits will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. For further information or to register for the tour, visit: Alzheimer Charitable Wine Tour.

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Photo from TripAdvisor

BJs Cherry Berry Smoothie – American Heart Health Month

February is Heart Health Month and BJs Wholesale Club has some delicious produce (and recipes) to help us live a healthy lifestyle.  Personally, I am a huge fan of smoothies!  They’re easy to make and the perfect breakfast option for families.

BJs Wholesale Club Heart Health Month

BJs Wholesale Club Heart Health Month

Smoothies can be made in a variety of ways depending on your health needs.  For example, if you’re having digestive issues, add a teaspoon of Flaxseed into your mixture.  Drinking a smoothie  provides ease into your morning routine and allows breakfast on the go.  It can also serve as a filling afternoon snack instead of drinking a soda or eating potato chips.

Homemade Cherry Berry Recipe

2 containers (5 oz each) Yoplait Greek Cherry or Strawberry Blended Yogurt

1 1/2 cups Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Sweet Cherries

1/2 cup Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Strawberries

1 cup Milk

Make It:

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender
  2. Cover & blend on high speed, about 1 minute or until smooth
  3. Pour into 3 glasses
  4. Serve immediately

 

For my smoothie recipe, I like to include a small amount of water and 2 teaspoons of Wellsley Farms Pure Honey.  Also, if your schedule will be hectic the next morning, take frozen fruit out of the freezer (the night before.)  This will help ingredients blend faster and more consistently.  Pour the smoothie into your tumblr and go!

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Ingredients are from BJs Wholesale Club
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Cute Tumblr from Dollar Store

follow my Snapchat @kwest1908 to see more behind the scenes at BJs Wholesale Club

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Nude Barre in Laurel DeWitt – NYFW Fall and Winter 2016

Nude Barre Complements Laurel Dewitt Collection, In Designers NYFW Fall/Winter ’16 Show

Nude Barre premium intimates finished looks for the Laurel DeWitt show during Fall/ Winter 2016 New York Fashion Week at 1OAK. The only assorted hosiery undoubtedly chosen to launch Laurel DeWitt’s new inspiration for metal appliqué invisible hosiery.

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Laurel DeWitt model above was stunning in this metal mesh crop top with over sized pyramid stud detail. Metal appliqué Nude Barre Fishnet Tights, and standing in Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. Nude Barre enabled the metal designs to appear “glued to the skin” under a distressed denim pant, with chain detail and metal appliqué.

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Nude Barre Crystallized Fishnet Tights offered a subtle sparkle to these Laurel DeWitt skirts below. Striking denim skirt with chain appliqué, chain fringe floor length cape and Tom Ford shoes. Tights well companied under this regal chain sweater with oversized pyramid stud detail. With a fringed denim skirt with chain web overlay, denim & chain detail and Jimmy Choo shoes. Nude Barre added just enough shine to flawlessly complete each look.

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ABOUT NUDE BARRE
Nude Barre premium hosiery is the brainchild of trained Alvin Ailey and former New York Knicks dancer, Erin Carpenter. After firsthand experience of the hardships finding perfectly matched and affordable tights that can withstand hours of movement. Available in opaque or fishnet and seamless thongs, the line offers 10 shades of nude for adults/children to match all skin tones. From the catwalk to the dance floor, Nude Barre was designed for all around performance.

NYFW Textured Hair and Cantu Products

Texture on the Runway, took place last Saturday in New York City.  This was a unique runway show where curls are embraced and the center of attention!  Five brands put together five amazing looks to celebrate every hair texture.

“The Socialite” by Cantu
“When you want your hair to be your biggest and best accessory, this super defined afro will do just that and more!” Cantu stylist, Maria Antoinette

Cantu 1

Step-by-step:
1. Starting with clean hair, apply Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream

2. Section off a horizontal part of hair in the nape and apply Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream and Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel

3. Brush through to evenly distribute the product

4. Next, taking a medium sized section of hair and two strand twist the hair down to the ends

5. Roll the ends on to perm rods to create a curl

6. Repeat until all of the hair is twisted and rolled on perm rods

7. Once hair is completely dry, remove all perm rods and twists

8. Finally, separate each twist until desired fullness

“The Boss” by Cantu
“The perfect style to create on an old twist out or to prolong shampoo day!” Cantu stylist, Maria Antoinette

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Step-by-step:
1. Hydrate hair with Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream and Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Comeback Curl Next Day Curl Revitalizer

2. Detangle and brush all hair into a top knot

3. Apply Cantu Shea Butter Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel on the full perimeter of the hairline

4. Use a bristle brush to evenly distribute through the hair and secure with a pony tail holder

5. Take Marley hair and Kanekalon braiding hair, twist the two hair textures into a loose two strand twist and secure each end with an elastic band

6. Starting in the middle of the twisted extensions, secure around the top knot with bobby pins

7. Pin the twisted extensions into place, to best compliment the face shape

Westfield Annapolis: Get the Look from Variety Studios Installation

To celebrate Awards Season this year, Westfield partnered with Variety to bring the hottest red carpet looks to local Westfield centers around the U.S.

Through this exclusive fashion partnership, top Westfield retailers including Nordstrom, Macys and Anthropologie curated celebrity looks from Hollywood so shoppers can also get the look of their favorite celebrities for less!

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I was invited (as a media outlet) to visit Westfield, Annapolis Mall and re-create one of the installation looks.  This was exciting because the campaign included a few of my favorite retailers.

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My individual style would be described as poised and polished.  I like tailored lines with a hint of femininity through ruffles, patterns, and fabric textures.  My style icons vary (depending on the mood) but are primarily Michelle Obama, Eva Longoria, with a hint of Kourtney Kardashian.

I started my shopping journey (for the campaign) at Nordstrom where I found a beautiful array of formal gowns.  The store did not disappoint fashionable customers by providing lace, sequins, and floral dresses.  In support of the campaign, I also discovered a Vince Camuto visual display showcasing a monochromatic shift dress, slacks, and tote bag.

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After leaving Nordstrom, I walked over to Lord and Taylor.  If you’re searching for a Little Black Dress, they have it here!  The campaign celebrated Satires Ronan’s fashion style and her LBD through the installation display.

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Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Variety/REX Shutterstock.
Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Variety/REX Shutterstock.

 I concluded my shopping adventure by visiting Macys women’s department.  From there, I was able to create a look that suits my personal style.

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I purchased a Thalia Sodi Solid Scuba Blazer and Pencil Skirt.  This set looked amazing due to the jacket’s stand collar, open front, and leopard-print lining.  The skirt enhanced my body type along with subtle cut-outs at the hem-line.  I can’t wait to share my style photo on the site!

Thalia Sodi Scuba Blazer

To learn more and re-create your personal style in support of Variety Studio: Actors on Actors visit the installation at Westfield Annapolis now through March 1, 2016.

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