Category: Birmingham

Accessories /

Macy’s Fall Fashion 2016 Lookbook

Macy’s Fall Fashion 2016 Lookbook –

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.

Accessories /

Saks Fifth Avenue – 2016 Fall Preview Catalog

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!

Ann Taylor /

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.

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.

Birmingham /

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:

Ingredients

SPARKLING ICE Cherry Limeade
Mint Leaves
Mashed cherries
Lime
Club soda

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.

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

ABC /

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.

 

Birmingham /

Sally Hansen at Stella McCartney – Paris Fashion Week

SALLY HANSEN PERFECTING THE NATURAL NAIL AT STELLA MCCARTNEY’S
WINTER 2016 FASHION SHOW

Sally Hansen, the exclusive nail sponsor of Stella McCartney Collections in 2016, added the finishing touch to the Stella McCartney Winter 2016 Fashion show with a flawless and always on trend nude nail look. S Adding to the elegant and polished silhouettes, Sally Hansen’s Global Color Ambassador Madeline Poole elevated the natural nail look by using a warm beige tinted shade giving nails a deeper nude undertone perfect for the runway.

Madeline Poole used two coats of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in “Au Nature-al”, a fresh clean shade that reveals unexpected added coverage while still maintaining the neutral aesthetic. The warm shade matches precisely with skin tone and delivers the perfect amount of color for a flawless finish.

“This season we wanted to celebrate the signature Stella look. Luxurious and effortless, sensual with a sense of humour and a tomboy side” – says Stella McCartney
“This year at Stella McCartney we are using a very classic shade. “Au Nature-al” is an amazing shade from Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in a sheer mid tone beige. With built in base and top coat the models are getting a quick and thorough high shine manicure that’s perfect for every day, every scenario, and every outfit change”– says Madeline Poole, Sally Hansen Global Color Ambassador

THE SHADE

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Au Nature-al

Sally Hansen’s award-winning Complete Salon Manicure collection infuses trend-setting shades with an expert quality formula to deliver salon-caliber results. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure delivers seven salon manicure steps in one bottle. Chip resistant strength joins gel-quality shine. Must-have color meets nourishing benefits. Plus, a built-in base and top coat, it’s everything you need to achieve a professional manicure at home.

THE STELLA MCCARTNEY WINTER 2016 COLLECTION

Winter 2016

Celebrating signature Stella. Luxurious and effortless. Sensual with a sense of humour and a tomboy side.Urban puffa jackets in imposing dimensions with feather free wadding. Mock turtlenecks and fluid knits with ruffle detailing in shades of bright pink, scarlet, caramel, and black. Cropped ‘Skin Free Skin’ bomber jackets and quilted black shorts.Denim adopts a sporty mood in a bold tie-dye finish and elasticated cords looping through dresses.

A swan print motif glides effortlessly on loose jacquard pieces and silk garments. Contrast fringing on pyjama legs, shorts and shirts introduces a fuzzy and playful feeling.Softly structured silhouettes in speckled grey and black tweeds play on volume with high waisted trousers and tops buttoning at the cuff. Nipped waists and handcrafted detailing create a sense of form and fabrication with an elegantly unpolished and light-hearted attitude. Raw edges and visible topstitching toughen up outerwear. Felted and fluid flecked knitwear wraps around the body.Tailoring plays with suspended sheer tulle with velvet tuxedo jackets seemingly floating off the shoulders.Delicate lace cocktail dresses are fully foiled with sunken Swiss lace collars and kilt-like pleating. A sense of romance is heightened in plush tones of rose, forest green, teal, pastel yellow and peach combined with silver, gold and copper metallics. Shoes are minimal with a sporty sensibility in velvet, denim and eco alter nappa finishes. Pointed-toe styles, mules and pumps have a triangular wedge, while sustainably made flats have zip detailing on the front. Bags are hand-held with a cartridge pleated carry-all and smooth rounded metal handle and furry balls or with a marble finish and gold edging. Enamel jewellery in crescent, cylindrical and artistic shapes that hang from ears and necks on curves of precious metals.

THE MANICURIST
Sally Hansen Global Color Ambassador Madeline Poole is a nail expert working in New York and LA. Trained as a painter, Madeline worked odd jobs like vintage poster restoration as an art student in Baltimore. Her unique talent in crafting innovative designs, emphasis on skin care and attention to the hand as a whole makes her one of the most sought after names in the beauty industry. As part of the collaboration with Sally Hansen, Madeline helps setting the artistic direction for a new generation of modern nail looks and collections with her fashion-forward vision on a worldwide basis.

Accessories /

Target Lainee D’Orsay Pumps – Nude Pumps for Women of Color

I shared a post last month titled the “Nudes Pumps Collection Spring 2015.”  Since that time, I decided to research a collection of affordable nude pumps for women of color.  I love my red bottom shoes but we shouldn’t sacrifice cost for real fashion and style.

After searching the internet for months (and canceling my shoe order) I found myself shopping at Target. Something told me to visit the shoe department because I am a sucker for a good sale. Sitting on the rack for $20.00 dollars was the Lainee D’Orsay Pumps!  I was super excited because although they’re not considered to be a nude pump, this shoe is the exact color of my skin complexion.

I like to wear nude pumps when I’m hosting Lifestyle Segments at the news station.  They’re also a great style option for attending fashion events or date night.  I have truly mastered the art of mixing “high and low end pieces” to create a total look.  For example, thrifted jeans with a Nordstrom bangle; dress from Target paired with a Louis Vuitton Neverfull.

I also discovered the Melanie Classic Pumps which are very similiar to the Patent Red Sole Pump.  For future references, I will always visit Target to find a sale on stylish shoes!  Follow me on Instagram @kwest1908 to keep up with my shopping deals.

This is not a sponsored post – 

The links in this post contain affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.
Accessories /

Caring for Your Handbags: 10 Easy Tips for Fashionistas

We own them, we love them, and we spend a great deal of money on them….handbags!  There’s so many stylish bags for our personal collection such as tote bags, satchels, clutches, hobo bags, and weekender bags.

 

 for more handbag photos visit my instagram: kwest1908

Handbags 2

I have an obsession with handbags because they’re a great organizational tool. When my handbag’s properly sorted I feel like I can conquer the world.  Although we may own several handbags (in various shapes and colors) are we caring for them properly?

As fashionistas, we stick our handbags in a closet once the seasons change.  We forget to handle the outer leather, straps, and interior with care.

Tips to properly care for your handbag collection:

1.  Know the material of your handbag prior to using chemicals or solutions.

2.  Always store your handbag in a pillow case or protective cloth.

3.  Don’t forget to zip or fasten the bag; and put the straps together.

4.  Purchase a leather or suede protector for your handbags.

5.  Repairs can be done by your local seamstress or purse repair shop.

6.  Handbags should be moisturized with a leather conditioner.

7.  Insert bubble wrap or tissue paper to help your bag keep it’s shape and form.

8.  Use a spray protector for weatherproofing handbags against environmental debris.

9.  Let spills dry naturally inside of the bag.

10.  Remember to also care for the hardware on your handbag.

If you switch handbags often, consider purchasing a handbag organizer to keep important items in tack.  You never have to worry about packing your favorite lipstick or nail file ever again.

Purse Organizer

click here:  http://stylelifefashion.com/handbag-accessories-tips/