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.
Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Event Alert: Towson Town Center Guru Show’s Off Seasons Must Haves

On Friday, March 22, at 10:45am in the mall’s Grand Court, Level 1, Rebecca Klein, Towson Town Center’s GURU, will showcase the hottest trends in apparel, accessories, beauty and home goods. Participating retailers include Aerosoles, Crate & Barrel, Destination Maternity, Francesca’s Collection, Free People, Lilly Pulitzer, The Limited, Michael Kors, Pottery Barn and Sephora. Music and refreshments will be provided by Chick-fil-A and Stoney River!

In February 2013, The Towson Town Center GURU blog was named one of the best local blogs in the Baltimore Business Journal’s Biz Buzz Awards.

Guests also can enter for a chance to win a $250 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card and a Styling Session with Rebecca! Contestants must be 18 or older and present at the time of the drawing to win. Along with the gift card, Rebecca will join the winner for a shopping spree at the mall, offering her styling expertise along the way.

Plus, 100 lucky participants will leave with a GIFT BAG by visiting the information table and picking up a Style Passport. The first 100 participants to have their Style Passports punched at each of the display tables will receive a gift bag to take home*.

*While supplies last. One reward per person. Must be 18 or older.

Towson Town Center is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, Inc., a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust focused on owning, managing, leasing, and redeveloping regional malls throughout the United States and Brazil. GGP’s portfolio is comprised of 125 malls in the United States and 18 malls in Brazil comprising approximately 134 million square feet. GGP is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol GGP.

Fitness /

Fitness Options and The Right Footwear: Guest Post by Catherine M.

If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight this year, a gym membership is the first obvious step towards accomplishing your goal. But as effective as it can be, the gym isn’t for everyone. There are lots of other ways of keeping fit that are worth exploring.

 

 

Phaedra Parks working out with hubby Appollo

 

If you live near or in the countryside, then going for a run or a brisk walk might be the answer. This allows you to take in the scenery and enjoy some peace and quiet while burning off those pesky calories. If you live in a more urban setting, spend more walking time during your commute – either get off a stop early or if you’re feeling brave, walk the whole hog!

 

 

Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, and Larsa Pippen grab a quick workout at the beach

For those who prefer to exercise indoors, investing in a games console might just be the thing. With a wide variety of games and techniques to help you lose weight and track your progress, you can work out a personal exercise regime customised to suit your own interests. Once you’ve invested in a console, you might be more likely to stick at it too.

This next suggestion may seem a bit surprising, but it’s shockingly effective. Gardening, despite what you might think, is a really good way to shed those unwanted pounds, plus you could end up with some healthy and tasty fruit and vegetables to eat as a result. For example, half an hour of weeding could leave you 182 calories lighter, and the same amount of time spent digging will burn off 202 calories. If you happen to live in the middle of a city or you don’t have a garden, look around for a community gardening plot. Most areas have at least one community garden, and working with other people means there’s an added social bonus that could help you stick to your goals.

 

 

Heidi Klum running (and looking great) with Miranda Kerr

 

Whatever activity you choose to take up, investing in the right footwear is essential. Comfort is equally as important as durability. Luckily, most shoes these days offer both qualities. For example, you can now buy Skechers shape ups at isme which are specially designed to give you extra stability and support no matter what you’re doing to stay active.

 


 

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Fashion Awards MD: Final Nominee Ballot

I am excited to announce that Style Life Fashion has made the final nominee ballot for the Fashion Awards MD!

According to the Press Release, “The general public is encouraged to give their voice and vote for the top nominees using the FAMD website www.FashionAwardsMD.com starting on April 1, 2013.”

I look forward to the next upcoming events and connecting with those in the fashion and beauty industry.

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO VOTE!

 

 

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Trend Alert: Wearing My Long Dress and Nude Pumps

It’s time to start shopping for spring attire and update our wardrobe.  Some of the trends that I have seen in stores are crop tops, cut off shorts, and sleeveless vest.

But one trend that’s girlie and flirty are long dresses and maxi skirts.  Wearing a long dress tells the world that you’re feminine but yet fashionable.  And there’s several ways that one can wear a long dress or maxi skirt.  This trend can be paired with a cropped jacket, lace blouse, or even a tank top.

 

Source: havelessbemore.tumblr.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

 

 

I decided to showcase my fuschia dress that I purchased from H&M last spring.  I actually wore this dress to a sorority event with a white hat and strappy sandals.

For the purpose of this article, I wanted to provide a dress option for the lady that’s having brunch with her girlfriends.

In this photo, I’m wearing a bold necklace in the same shade as the dress; a denim jacket to make the dress more casual; and nude pumps to elongate my legs (because I’m very petite.)

Overall, I think this is a great look for brunch with “the girls.”

 

Accessories /

{REPOST} Dressing for a Fashion Event 101

To support the fashion industry in the state of Maryland, I will be attending Baltimore Fashion Week 2012. Although it’s exciting to see what each designer has to offer, there’s always a question of, “What should I wear to a fashion show or how should I dress?”

Whether it’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week or you’re attending Fashion’s Night Out, most participants want to look sleek, chic, and pulled together.   And it doesn’t hurt to try a new trend or wear something that’s created by the designer.

But, if you want to make a statement, keep in mind (when shopping) what’s your personal style.  Below I have created some style inspiration for attending a fashion event!

 Dressing For A Fashion Event 101:

1.   Support the Designer (if you can) and wear something from a previous collection.

2.  Seek to look casual and chic.  For example, wear a pair of well fit slacks and blazer; a sheath dress with pumps; or jumpsuit with bold accessories.

3.  Take into consideration the time and season of the event. Most shows happen early fall, mid winter, and early spring.

4.  Carry an oversized bag or clutch for your camera, notebook, e tablet, or any other important accessories.

5.  If you’re walking to a variety of shows, parties, or boutiques keep a pair of flats in your purse.  Nothing is worth having foot pain at the end of the night!

 

FASHION EVENT INSPIRATION

 

 

The Show #1

Sequin top
$31 – newlook.com

H m blazer
$47 – hm.com

Valentino tech accessory
$610 – colette.fr

 

The Show #2

Talbot Runhof classic black dress
$2,590 – veryeickhoff.com

Stacking bangle
$18 – diva.net.au

Ellis Faas lip makeup
$35 – liberty.co.uk

The Show #3

 

 

The Editor’s Look for BFW 2012

 

Dress: bebe| Speedy Damier Handbag and Charm: Louis Vuitton | Shoes: bebe

also visit: Pinterest.com

Beauty /

Alex Malay Boutique

Alex Malay Boutique is making quite the mark among leading trendsetters, and socialites. The boutique offers an array of vintage, classic, and trendy apparel for the fashionista on a budget. Founded by Rochell Perro, the purpose of the online store is to provide everyday women with high end fashion pieces that won’t break the bank.

Hip-Hop and Pop sensations Nicki Minaj was recently seen in a grey and white bodycon dress, which not only wowed her audiences but left them wanting to see more of this side of the fashion icon. Alex Malay Boutique featured a similar dress this week for a fraction of the cost and nearly sold out within days! “ I want women to feel comfortable and beautiful and the best way to do that is through fashion” says Rochell of Alex Malay Boutique. Since it’s launch last year the boutique has become the go to spot for unique and affordable, fashion forward pieces.

For more information or to shop Alex Malay Boutique visit www.shopAlexMalay.com

 


fashion /

UPDATE: Michelle Obama on Cover of Vogue Magazine April 2013 Issue

Ladies, it has been confirmed by The Washington Post that our First Lady will appear on the cover of Vogue Magazine  (again) for their April 2013 Issue.

According to The Huffington Post, the first lady will be wearing a Michael Kors skirt and sweater in this issue.

You know here, at Style Life Fashion, we absolutely love the style and grace of our Michelle Obama.  I guess my Vogue Magazine collection will be growing, thus my purchase from last month (Beyonce Cover.)

Click here to read The Huffington Post article: Michelle Obama Vogue Cover

 

April 2013 Issue

 

 

Michelle Obama March 2009 Cover

 

 

We have this cover as well, check it out on Instagram!

Beauty /

Unusual Beauty Secrets from Celebrities: Guest Post from Isabella Franklin

Contrary to popular belief, most celebs don’t wake up looking good. They spend a lot of time and money on their appearance – but what are their most unusual beauty secrets? Let’s find out.

Placenta facials

Believe it or not, the rich and famous are opting for placenta facials in a bid to reduce ageing. That’s right, the afterbirth of lambs, pigs, cows and even human beings is thought to stimulate collagen levels and this is proving popular in Tinseltown. Eva Longoria is said to be a fan, as is Katie Holmes – but would you give this off-the-wall product a go?

Peppermint oil

Ever wondered how Mariah Carey maintains her looks? Well, it’s believed she uses peppermint oil to plump up her lips. This sweet smelling product – which is extracted form a plant indigenous to Europe – has been shown to stimulate blood flow and can be added to lip creams and glosses.

Olive oil

Olive oil has been used for centuries to moisturise and refresh the skin, so it seems Julia Roberts has caught wind of this trick. The Pretty Woman star uses this ‘liquid gold’ (so named by the poet Homer) to improve the condition of her skin and also applies it to her cuticles and nails. Olive oil can be bought for most supermarkets and lasts for a very long time (if used sparingly), so it’s worth giving this a go.

 

 

Hemorrhoid cream

According to Glamour Magazine, Sandra Bullock uses haemorrhoid cream underneath her eyes to reduce lines and wrinkles. This might sound strange, but the active ingredient in the cream is believed to temporarily tighten the skin – so she could be onto something. Sure, the effects ware off after some time, but at least she can look her best while filming.

Coffee

Let’s face it; Halle Berry is one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her hair, teeth and skin look perfect, but how does she do it? Well, if reports are to be believed, she relies on coffee granules to get rid of her cellulite. Of course, liposuction is available at clinics across the UK – but this is a great alternative is you’re scared of surgery.

Surgical and non-surgical procedures are the norm these days, but celebrities still manage to surprise us with their beauty regimes.

To read more about celebrity unusual beauty secrets, click on the link and learn about Kim Kardashian’s vampire facial: FoxNews.com