Category: Birmingham

Accessories /

Misook Woven Sheath Dress: Summer Sophistication Collection

When I have a meeting or church event, dresses are my favorite option.  They’re easy to wear and accessorize with a great pair of shoes.  The key to selecting a dress that’s fab and not drab has to do with the color.  This is the one area that’s often understated because we become visually intrigued by the style of dresses.

Although the fit and design are equally important, selecting complementary colors are a high priority for my wardrobe.  Jewel tones are always an accent to my complexion and this dress was no exception.

Misook shipped this beautiful Red Woven Sheath Dress and Mother of Pearl Necklace.  There’s nothing better than a sheath dress!  Right!  I couldn’t wait to add this dress to my collection for several reasons.  Number one, its form-fitting which accents my frame.  Number two, the side pockets are functional and allows me to place items in them throughout the day.  Number three, the dress can be hand-washed.  Who has the time to make a dry cleaner run?

Some additional style ideas for the Woven Sheath Dress are adding a dark wash denim jacket and statement necklace.

Visit Misook and view more of the Summer Sophistication Collection!

Shop Misook for sophisticated & polished looks designed to be forever flattering.

Accessories /

2019 Kentucky Derby Fashion: Decadent Hats and Floral Dresses

Living in Baltimore, Maryland Derby season was a fun annual tradition. I have loved attending my sorority’s brunch event AKA Day At The Races hosted by Committee Chair Cylia Lowe, Esq. and Preakness Stakes.

In the deep south, attending the Kentucky Derby is not only a must-attend affair but a mecca of high fashion. This year did not disappoint and the looks were stunning.

Take a look at the Derby fashion that was shared from Instagram. There were decadent hats and floral tea dresses.  And don’t forget to follow these lovely ladies on social media!

Accessories /

oNecklace Children and Birthstone Bracelet: Heirloom Mother’s Day Gift

Mother’s Day is one of my favorite holidays.  It’s the perfect time to celebrate all of the special moms in my life.  I like to consider not only my mom but friends and neighbors as well.

Selecting the right gift often depends on the individual.  Some women are fitness gurus while others are beauty enthusiast.  For me, I enjoy sentimental, heartwarming gifts that reflect my journey during motherhood.

I have active little boys and definitely a hands-on parent.  My days are filled with Lego bricks, Martial Arts, and afternoon snacks; all engulfed with endless hugs and kisses.

The Children and Birthstone Charm Bracelet was a great addition to my jewelry collection.  It allows me to keep a small token of my kids next to me.

This particular oNecklace bracelet represents the birth and month of each child.  I selected the Topaz and Zircon birthstone.  Due to the bangle, it stacks easily with my additional bracelets.  I wanted to wear it with a coordinating blue dress to play off the bracelet stones.

To purchase a Children and Birthstone Charm Bracelet for the mom in your life, visit oNecklace Personalized Jewelry.  This bracelet is now an heirloom piece and will be worn for years to come!

Dress:  Cocolove Sleeveless Maxi Dress | Shoes:  ASOS Strappy Pointed Sandals
Accessories /

Pixel Outflow Studios and Kimberly West Styling host Photo Walk 2019: Photography, Fashion, and Creative Art

Pixel Outflow Studios is an international multi-media company based in Birmingham, Alabama. The owner, Stanley Parrish is a multidisciplinary editorial and portrait photographer, graphic designer and well-known videographer.

To kick-off the new season, Stanley will host his annual Photo Walk 2019 street-style, photography series in collaboration with Kimberly West, Fashion Editor, and Stylist.

The event is free admission for models, digital influencers, or media personalities seeking professional photos. Photo Walk 2019 will be an afternoon of photography, fashion, and creative art!

Registration can be made on Facebook or through Eventbrite underneath the name Photo Walk 2019.

For more information contact Stanley Parrish at info@pixeloutflowstudios.com or Kimberly West at (205) 202-1166.

About Stanley Parrish:

Stanley Parrish is a multidisciplinary portrait photographer, wedding photographer, graphic designer and videographer based in Birmingham, Alabama. Stanley graduated from the University of Alabama with a BA in Fine Arts and Graphic Design. He has over fifteen years of experience working in visual media. See his commercial/fashion website at www.stanleyparrish.com

Art is his first love. He loves creating illustrations, logos, advertising design, marketing materials, flyers, posters and more! His goal is to help small businesses and business professional’s builder better and effective brands by offering creative graphic design solutions and professional photography services.

About Kimberly West:

Kimberly West is an on-air television personality, consultant, and digital influencer. She holds both a B.S. in Apparel Merchandising, M.S. degree in the field of Family Consumer Sciences and graduate level coursework in Public Relations For Digital Media. Kimberly has represented several lifestyle-related brands on news stations such as ABC 2 WMAR, Fox 45 Baltimore, ABC 33/40 – Talk of Alabama, WBAL – TV 11, and much more.

In addition, she has a retail background working for companies such as Talbots, Victoria’s Secrets, New York & Company, and Parisian Department Store. Kimberly West has been featured on numerous sites such as Entrepreneur.com and received awards/nominations.  She was also the official Style Expert for the local Baltimore based news series with ABC 2 WMAR, Scandal Shopping!

Birmingham /

VERNA GATES, AUTHOR OF 100 THINGS TO DO IN BIRMINGHAM BEFORE YOU DIE, TO HOLD BOOK TALK AT MOODY CITY PARK

100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die, which is the ultimate bucket list of things to do in Birmingham and the surrounding area.

Featured Photo from Bham Now

The author, Verna Gates, has a presentation at Moody City Park on Thursday, April 22 from 10 to 11 a.m.

What: Author presentation for 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die

When: Thursday, April 25 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Where: Moody City Park, 640 Park Avenue, Moody, AL 35004

Admission: Free and open to the public

Local author Verna Gates will talk about her book 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die at Moody City Park, 640 Park Avenue, Moody, AL 35004 on Thursday, April 25 from 10 to 11 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

It was called the Magic City – a bright, shiny new boomtown following the misery of the Civil War. Birmingham was teething on steel as a brash Wild West town with gambling, shootouts, and famous madams. When the steel died down, banking and medical industries settled it into a sophisticated city with a famed culinary scene, a broad entertainment district, and striking natural beauty. The colorful past remains in a juke joint, quirky museums and a mining trail turning into a greenway. The city changed the country with its notorious struggle, preserved in churches, parks, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The city is experiencing a new boom in the restoration of its historic downtown, craft beer scene, up and coming new chefs, and an explosion of music venues. The Magic is back. 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die is your guide to discovering that magic!

Whether you’re a local to Birmingham and are looking for new things to do and places to go or you are tourist planning a trip, this book will serve as the perfect guide.

About the Book

100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die

ISBN 9781681060934

Softcover 5.5 x 8.5 inches

160 pages

$16.00

About the Author

For the past five years, Verna Gates has worked with Alabama Tourism to bring international, national and regional journalists to her beloved home state of Alabama as a contract press trip coordinator. She delights in showing people the famous, quirky and fascinating places from fine dining to hidden gems. Verna also works as a commentator for Troy Public Radio and produces and voices features and travel stories. In 2009, she was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the National Federation of Presswomen, the Communicator of Achievement Award. She has won numerous national awards for her articles. Her career began as one of the original 50 employees of CNN who worked to launch the network and has also reported for TIME Magazine and Reuters International News Service.

Accessories /

Spring 2019 Style Report: 15 Trends For The Everyday Wardrobe

The sun is out and birds are chirping!  That means it’s time to transition our wardrobe for Spring.  Put the cable sweaters away and take out your favorite sandals.  Some would argue that trends are not authentic but they help to refresh your closet.

Below are some of the standout trends for Spring 2019.  I wanted to share items that are easy to incorporate in anyone’s wardrobe.

One suggestion is to purchase items at a reasonable price.  You do not want to buy pricey pieces that may not be worn the following year.  Also, you don’t have to check-off on every style trend but select your top five favorites and enjoy dressing up every day!

Some of the stores highlighted range in sizes which are very important.  When shopping for your favorite piece, you don’t want to get frustrated due to sizes and lengths.

A few reasonably priced stores with sizes 0-22 are Loft, H&M, New York and Company, Nordstrom Rack, and Macy’s.  Additional stores for discount shopping include Marshalls and Burlington.

Happy Shopping!

Spring 2019 Style Report:
  • Shirt Dresses
  • Vests
  • Bows:  Tops, Dresses, Footwear

Need assistance with your clothing or personal shopper?  Contact Kimberly West Styling consulting agency.

Birmingham /

ZUMBA BLOCK PARTY FOR AUTISM AWARENESS at The Summit Birmingham #TheSummitBham

Grab your cute leggings and get ready to hit the dance floor!  The Summit Birmingham will host a Zumba Block Party for Autism Awareness.

If you follow my Instagram Stories account, you know that I am a huge fan of Zumba fitness.  It’s a fun way to break a sweat, stay healthy, and dance to Latin music.  I normally take Zumba classes at the local YMCA but looking to join the dance party on April 26th from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Featured Photo from The Summit Birmingham

The event is requesting that everyone wear blue and offer $10 donations in support of the Autism Society of Alabama.

According to the site, “After the fitness experience, be sure to check out Athleta’s After-Party in-store! Bring your friends, bring your spouse, bring your Zumba bestie and help raise money for Autism Awareness!”

Click here to learn more:  ZUMBA BLOCK PARTY FOR AUTISM AWARENESS

Birmingham /

Spring Break Fun and Excitement at the Birmingham Zoo

Spring Break is the best time to have fun and enjoy exciting places like the Birmingham Zoo! Join us from March 23-31, for the opening of seasonal favorites and special activities. Guest will enjoy the Children’s Zoo Splash Pads, happenings at the Predator Zone, interact with animals in the Contact Yard and do so much more. Starting Saturday, March 23 will be the return of Giraffe Feedings* and Camel Rides*.

Guests are invited to feed the lorikeets in the Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary*, take a ride on the Red Diamond Express Train*, spin on the Protective Life Carousel* and zip down the Full Moon Bar-B-Que Wild Slide*. Enjoy watching a Wildlife Show or meet an Ambassador Animal at the UAB at the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Stage. Participate in up-close fun with our sea lions at a Red Diamond Sea Lion Show.

Our All Adventure Wristband* will be available to purchase for access to unlimited rides on the train, carousel, and slide, in addition to one camel ride, one ticket for giraffe feeding and one ticket for lorikeet feeding. Just in time for the warmer weather, guests can soak up the sun while creating lasting memories with a visit to your favorite Zoo!

*All rides and various activities are an additional cost – plus tax and are weather dependent.

SPRING BREAK DAILY ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE: March 23–31

All Adventure Wristbands

Cost: $17 plus tax

Access to unlimited rides on the train, carousel, and slide, in addition to one camel ride, one ticket for giraffe feeding and one ticket for lorikeet feeding.

Camel Rides

Daily

9am – 4:45pm

Cost: $5 plus tax – per rider

Children under the age of 3 MUST be accompanied by an adult and reach over the safety bar.

Weather dependent

Children’s Zoo Splash Pads

Daily

9am – 4:45pm

Weather Dependent

 Full Moon BBQ Wild Slide

Daily

9am – 4:45pm

Cost: $3.50 plus tax

Riders must be 4 years of age and 40 inches tall to ride

Protective Life Carousel Rides

Daily

9am – 4:45pm

Cost: $3.50 plus tax

Children under two, receive a free ride on the carousel with a paid accompanying adult.

Children two and older must have a ride ticket.

 Red Diamond Express Train Ride

Daily

9am – 4:45pm

Cost: $3.50 plus tax

Children’s Zoo Contact Yard

Daily

10am – 12pm

 Goat Walk

Daily

9:30am

Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary

Daily

10am – 4pm

$2 plus tax

Weather dependent

Red Diamond Sea Lion Show

Daily

10am

2pm

Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter

Daily

10am – 3pm

Cost, $3.50 plus tax

Weather dependent

UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Show

Daily

11am

Predator Zone Lion Training

Daily

11:30am

3pm

Animal Greetings at the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Stage

Daily

2:30pm

LINKS

Admission Tickets

https://tickets.birminghamzoo.com/Sales/Admission/TicketSales.aspx?_ga=2.84040912.817116577.1553013169-277242370.1553013169

 

All Adventure Wristbands *Click March 23 on Ticketing Calendar.

https://tickets.birminghamzoo.com/Sales/Admission/TicketSales.aspx?_ga=2.84040912.817116577.1553013169-277242370.1553013169

Accessories /

NY&C Closet Online Clothing Rental Subscription Service

Years ago, only a few selected retailers offered shoppers the opportunity to rent clothing pieces.  Now, this digital option of building a wardrobe has become popular amongst other companies.

New York & Company offers NY&C Closet which is their online clothing rental service.  To get started, you can sign-up for the program and receive approval via email.

From there you build an online closet, have items are delivered to your front door, ship pieces back, and repeat the same process.

 

The really amazing aspect of their online rental service is that items can be purchased for a discount.  It doesn’t get any better than that!

Additional tips for using the NY&C Closet clothing rental service is to add several items to the digital closet, pinpoint and select your favorite items, and be sure to let the company know when pieces are returned.  It’s just that easy to look fabulous every day!

I will be trying the service and sharing my online shopping experiences with everyone here!

 

Accessories /

Weekend Self-Care Activity and Plaid Peplum Top #OOTD or #WIW

The weekends can become pretty hectic.  Running errands, cleaning your room, and paying bills.  Whew!  The word that I’m searching for is called, “adulting.”

At no matter what age, adulting can be super exhausting.  But, the reality is that we strive to be successful versions of ourselves.  Nobody wants to be the girl who forgot to schedule an oil change.

Despite the spirit of busyness and reality of having limited hours in the day, self-care is a must-do!  While cheering for others, we can’t forget to cheer for ourselves.

Simple steps towards practicing self-care involve reading a book, getting a massage, or taking a walk.  My favorite self-care activity during the week is listening to music.   Another activity that’s on the top of my list is journaling.  As a fellow creative, I enjoy organizing my thoughts and keeping lists of what’s important to me.  My journals range from words to pictures or keepsakes.

Self-care doesn’t always have to involve elaborate practices or high-ticketed experiences.  Some of the most relaxing opportunities involve being present in the moment.  How do you practice self-care in your life?

In the photo below, I was attending The Birmingham Home and Garden Show to support my college sister-friend who was a speaker during the event.  In the spirit of self-care, I threw on my peplum blouse and captured a meaningful break to enjoy the show!

Plaid Wrap Peplum Top:  New York & Company | Matelasse Leather Bag:  YSL or replica Amazon