Alex Malay Boutique – Chic Southern Style

The Mission Of Alex Malay
Alex Malay is chic southern style with a modern twist incorporating trendy flare with classic pieces that pop. It’s a game changer from what some may have limited southern fashion to be. Our boutique offers something trendy and classic for every lady who loves fashion. Alex Malay differs in that it can be challenging to shop for exclusive and limited edition items in a high end department store. At our boutique, we offer one-of-a-kind styles that fashionistas would love to rock at any time or occasion and still make a striking fashion statement. You’ll find Alex Malay in the streets, at a party, in the boardroom, on the beach, on a plane, and even at a soccer game.
Combined with my years of creative knowledge, fashion designing, fashion styling, fashion consulting, and beauty consulting, I have an eye for detail and beauty and the ability to communicate to my clients on a level where they understand. I teach them what works best for their body type and overall image objectives. My expertise has been sought out and featured in national publications, People Style Watch Magazine and Ebony Magazine. As an industry problem solver, I pride myself in always seeking new ideas and approaches to problems and constantly implementing new approaches and new ways to take Alex Malay to the next level.
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 The Heart To Inspire Humanity
Today, my dream is to reach and inspire ladies all over the world to be their own kind of beautiful, and express who they really are through fashion and beauty. I absolutely love when women feel good about themselves. Alex Malay also serves the young woman who is inspired by beauty, and who loves to look good and feel good, while being creative with her style. I wholeheartedly believe that when you look good, you feel good.
Giving back and making a difference because that’s what it’s all about. Alex Malay will be an inspiration to women globally to share their stories with one another by feeling and looking good. Fashion/style is a feeling and when women feel her best, she can conquer the world!
In the near future, I see myself and team traveling all over the world expanding Alex Malay as a movement, extending our reach and inspiring women to be their own kind of beautiful. In addition, open up several brick and mortar locations, offer style and beauty classes, and host seminars and events.
Alex Malay | www.AlexMalay.com | Instagram: @AlexMalay | Twitter: @ShopAlexMalay
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BEAUTY. TIMELESS STYLE. LOVE. CONFIDENCE. AN EXPERIENCE. These are the core essentials that make up Alex Malay!
The Foundation Of A Fashionista!
Ever since I can remember, I was a lover of all things beautiful and always had a sense of style. I was the one who stood out in front of the crowd, whether at church or a birthday party or any event. Although very young, I always loved various vintage styles, sequins, and feathers. I loved black and white Hollywood classics of flashy fashions and striking styles.
Born and reared in New Iberia, Louisiana, my love for fashion wasn’t accepted by everyone. I recall while in high school, my mom and I crafted some pink glitter Barbie heels that we worked on all night long. The next day I wore them with great pride, and was ridiculed by a lady. It hurt me deeply. I chose to get over it quickly and let it motivate me to go after my dreams. The biggest lesson that I learned from that experience is to always be your own kind of beautiful regardless of other people’s opinions.
The Birthing Of A Beauty Boss!
My entrepreneurial spirit was sparked from a long line of hustlers. My great grandpa was a serial entrepreneur who owned a pressing shop and a hotel and night club called “The Shady Rest.” My dad worked in the club as a teenager, and I remember him telling me that Ike and Tina Turner actually performed there live!
My dad was an entrepreneur also who owned a commercial floor cleaning company. I, along with my brothers all worked in my dad’s business, we had no other choice. I’m most grateful now because my lineage instilled a great work ethic and strong discipline at an early age. Nothing was handed to us, we were taught to work very hard for everything we had.
The Alex Malay name has great significance, as my mother’s family last name is Alexis. Alex was taken from Alexis and my husband’s last name is Malay. I combined the two names and made it a family name Alex Malay, that’s why the name is so important to me. Family is everything.
The Making Of Alex Malay
I knew that I was born and made to be an entrepreneur! Alex Malay came about as the result of the dissatisfaction of a regular 9-to-5 job. Daily I felt frustrated, restricted, shut down, almost imprisoned—and couldn’t be free to express who I was authentically, creatively not to mention fashionably. My desire was to show case my gifts to the world.
Therefore, I worked, saved and saved some more until I was ready to branch out on my own. Never taking out a loan, I decided to bootstrap from the bottom up to realize my dream. Sure, it took longer and was stressful at times, but I knew it was for a greater cause. The first year in business, I didn’t make any money. Yes, I became discouraged but didn’t let it stop me.
Through numerous sacrifices including giving up things that I really wanted and managed to stick it out even when everything else around me was whispering, give up. My faith played a huge role those many times when I had no earthly idea of how or when it was going to happen; it always ended up working out just fine.
ALEX MALAY BOUTIQUE – 1ST BRICK AND MORTAR LOCATION IN LOUISIANA AND MORE LOCATIONS TO COME!

FashionEasta 2015 – Harbor East Fashion Show Recap

Harbor East hosted it’s annual show titled FashionEasta on Saturday, April 25th, 2015.  The purpose of the event was to showcase local boutiques, cuisine, and cocktails.   There was live music by Full Tilt, Jon Boesche, and Super Bueno; guests also had the opportunity to partake in a photo booth from Baltimore Magazine.

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Styling for the FashionEasta Show was provided by Stephanie Bradshaw, Inc. and retailers included Free People, Under Armour Brand House, White House Black Market, Christopher Schafer Clothier, Lululemon Athletica, Handbags in the City, Amaryllis Handcrafted Jewelry, City Sports, Sassanova, Under Armour Brand House, and South Moon Under.  Featured Models where Justin Tucker from The Baltimore Ravens, Sharon Gibala with CBS Baltimore, Emily Gracey with Fox 45, George Lettis with WBAL TV, and Michael Owen with Baltimore Love Project.

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Street – Side Harbor East Restaurants included Apropores, Gordon Biersch, Lebanese Taverna, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Taco Fiesta.   

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I enjoyed attending FashionEasta 2015; the music was upbeat, models entertaining, and love my FashionEasta shopping tote.  I also noticed a few items from the show that I’m interested in purchasing!  How could I forget that Preakness and Black Eyed Susan Day’s coming up soon.

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Hair provided by Haute Blow Dry Bar | Makeup provided by Jen Padro, LLC

Free People Baltimore Opening at Harbor East

Free People

Specialty fashion brand, Free People, is set to open its first Baltimore boutique in the growing Harbor East neighborhood on April 3, 2015. Housed in a 2,545 square-foot retail space, Free People is excited to bring its coveted eclectic mix of apparel and intimates to the development. Centrally located near the heart of Harbor East, on the corner of Aliceanna and Exeter Streets, the location will be Free People’s 105th boutique, and the fourth in the state of Maryland.

“We are very excited to be a part of the continued development of Harbor East,” says Free People Director of Retail, Beth Wehagen, “It’s one of the most exciting waterfront projects on the east coast and we are thrilled to be a part of it!”
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Free People to Harbor East,” stated Tim O’Donald, President of Harbor East Management Group. “This much touted brand is a wonderful complement to the neighborhood and to our retail offerings.”

Free People’s Baltimore boutique will be ready for spring with a sales floor of well-stocked sun dresses and cut-off shorts for warmer weather and festival season. A “wash shop” will feature Free People’s newest relaxed basics such as tees and chinos in the brand’s most turbulent dyes and faded wash techniques. The color white will have a moment, featured in every style from jeans to jackets to tanks. The remaining sales floor will be nicely juxtaposed with simplistic silhouettes in line with Free People’s clean and cool spring trends. In addition, the brand’s coveted ‘Intimately Free People’ line of bras, undies, slips, seamless layering pieces, and loungewear will have a dedicated space within the boutique to round out the assortment.

The space has been designed to feel like the Free People girl’s workshop with a mix of rugged elements and feminine details throughout. Guests are welcomed by a blackened steel storefront, custom double doors and a special lighting moment at the entry. Inside, the space is delineated with a varied ceiling that changes in height and material throughout, including reclaimed hemlock beams. Interior finishes include repurposed bead board, wide plank wood flooring, patchwork quilt curtains and glitter plaster throughout. Yarn-filled cubbies add a bright array of color behind checkout.

The boutique will celebrate on opening day, Friday, April 3, from 6-8pm. The first 50 customers will receive a tote bag giveaway, light refreshments will be served, and store stylists will be on hand to give in-store styling sessions.

Each Free People store offers personalized shopping experiences from a team of expert stylists. Customers can schedule a one-on-one appointment with their favorite stylist, as well as interact and gain inspiration through the brand’s online Style Community, FP Me. In addition to offering personal styling, fans can look forward to a variety of in-store events to be hosted at the Free People Harbor East boutique throughout the year.

Free People will be located at 1001 Aliceanna St., Suite A, Harbor East, Baltimore, MD 21202. Store hours will run Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, and Sunday 11am-7pm.

Fans should “like” the store on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all of the latest arrivals, events, and other happenings: https://www.facebook.com/FreePeopleHarborEast

Taken from Christina Milian Instagram - Dylan Dress
Taken from Christina Milian Instagram – Dylan Dress

Giveaway with BE. Anthony Handbag – Perfect for The Holiday Season

We’ve had a successful year because of you (our readers) and we would like to host a GIVEAWAY with products from BE. Anthony online retailer.

One lucky winner will receive a purse from the designer’s collection. This handbag is perfect for the holiday season because it’s small enough to carry under your arm but large enough to hold your most important items!  And it has sleek design and lined with suede.

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1. Visit BE. Anthony’s website and “Like” Style Life Fashion Facebook Page or Instagram account.

2. Send us an email sharing your favorite holiday memory.

3. Share our giveaway on your social networking sites (either Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram)

Giveaway will end at midnight on December 22, 2014 EST. The winner will be notified (via email) and announced on December 23, 2014.

Boulevard of Chic III – Fashion Truck Rally and Shopping Event Recap

Boulevard of Chic is Baltimore’s fashion truck rally and vendor shopping event.  If you have a love for mobile boutiques and unique beauty services this is the event for you!

Kimberly West

On Saturday, November 8th Boulevard of Chic hosted BOC III at Pierce Park located in downtown Baltimore. Vendors that were present included: Side Dish Mobile, Charm City Mobile, Celebrity Mobile Boutique, and The Pink Armoire.  I was excited to see the merchandise and meet the boutique owners because this was my first mobile boutique shopping experience.

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The event also provided refreshments for guest and delicious cupcakes from Just Good Food, LLC.  I enjoyed eating the Banana Split & Snicker Doodle flavor.

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And of course I couldn’t leave without buying a few items from Side Dish Mobile.  Many thanks to Boulevard of Chic for inviting me as one of their VIP Bloggers and see you next time!

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Click on the link to visit Boulevard of Chic.com

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Fashion Awards MD 2014 – Style + Life + Fashion Media Category Recap

Fashion Awards MD is considered to be one of the premiere fashion events in the Baltimore area.  This year’s theme was “Traveling Circus” and sponsors for the event included: Harbor East, Linell Ellis, Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey, Christopher Schafer Clothing, About Faces Day Spa and Salon, Lana Rae, South Moon Under, Open Fly Magazine, Hide N Seek Entertainment, Maryland Renaissance Festival, Baltimore Fashion Alliance, The Fly Wire, Yelp, and DeBois Textiles.

FAMD Program
FAMD Program

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to attend the event being nominated for the Fashion Media Category.  I was surprised to be placed on the ballot (for a second consecutive year) because I only had plans to attend as a media source.  Once I received the email confirmation I was very excited to be amongst such a talented list of bloggers.

Kimberly West FAMD
Style + Life + Fashion attending the Fashion Awards MD

Dress: Romeo & Juliet {Saks Fifth Avenue} | Handbag: Louis Vuitton | Beauty Products: Fake Bake, OPI, and Cutex One Step Wipes

Jaslene Gonzalez from America’s Top Model served as the host for this year’s event.  She was seen wearing a beautiful red asymmetrical gown, created by local fashion designer B. Descai with an additional black, sequin, and green dress selected by fashion stylist Thea Washington.  Jaslene looked stunning and did a wonderful job of engaging the audience.

Jaslene Gonzalez and Lana Rae
Posing on the Red Carpet

What I love the most about attending any fashion event is the creativity and talent that’s circulating in the room.  From face masks to custom design apparel, everyone came out to be seen and noticed.  The evening continued with a variety of performances between the nominee categories and recognition was given to those with a flair for beauty, fashion, and the arts.  In the honorary words of the Fashion Awards MD, we should strive to “Inspire and Be Inspired.”

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Excited Nominees and Guest
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For additional photos and winner’s list visit: FashionAwardsMD.com

Only In America Clothing Line debuts in Baltimore: {Event Recap} from Candice Nicole PR

Sunday afternoon, Kevin “Trix” Bent debuted his new clothing line ‘Only In America’ to the public at a creative space in the arts district of Baltimore, MD. It was a concept born in 2012 when Kevin was incarcerated.  During this time period Kevin felt like the world had turned their back on him, with only a handful of friends that kept in contact. The struggle to keep sane became a daily task and that is when Kevin began to reflect on one of his true passions, one being fashion.  Kevin states that “Through the difficult  adversities I kept a positive mindset and created my clothing line ‘Only In America’ for people of all cultures and for individuals who feel “incarcerated” in their own mind set. Whether it be mentally or physically when you remain positive through the your turmoil you can have everything you dream of. My personal story exemplifies how “Only in America” can you “loose it all” and gain back more than you could have ever imagined.

Attendees, which included some of the top tastemakers in Baltimore, including event promoters, music industry individuals, fashion media and more enjoyed light fare, champagne and fashion forward music.  ‘Only in America’ will serve as a way of life, a fresh outlook on life that men and women can strive to live. The line will feature select designs of t-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts. Each design has its own story and is truly a piece of art and when you put on a ‘Only In America’; garment a sense of confidence will come over you. The collection features pieces inspired by American Legends such as Andy Warhol to the true American Dream; being famous.

For more information on ‘Only In America’ clothing line, please visit www.oiabrand.com To follow on social media, please follow on Twitter & Instagram @OIA_Brand.  Photos by Dame of D. Rice Photography | www.damonrice.com

 

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Spice Up Your Wardrobe: Lace Leggings on Shop.StyleLifeFashion.com

It’s time to spice up with your wardrobe, we have new merchandise on shop.stylelifefashion.com! Below you will find style inspiration for wearing one of Fall’s hottest trends…Lace Leggings.

You’re probably asking yourself, “how do I wear lace leggings?”  Well, there’s several options for those “daring” fashion girls:

1.   Remember that lace leggings are not pants.  They should be worn with an oversized top or sweater.

2.  If you’re seeking to place emphasis on the print, wear with a pair of knee high boots.

3.  Lace leggings look fashionable under a skirt or even with denim shorts.

4.  Most importantly, don’t forget to let the print speak for itself.  Pair with an item that’s not taking away from the design!

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photos are taken from pinterest.com

Passport to Baltimore Fashion Event hosted by The Junior League of Baltimore

I would like to share an event that’s hosted by one of the leading organizations for developing women and communities.

On Sunday, August 8 from 12 noon until 2 p.m. The Junior League of Baltimore will host Passport to Baltimore Fashion Event.

Attendees will experience an afternoon of delights – the latest fall fashions from boutiques at Green Spring Station as well as a few other area shops, brunch and exclusive salon/spa mini treatments.

As an added bonus, attendees will enjoy discounts at participating fashion boutiques on that day (in addition to November 1 through 10, 2013.)  100% of the proceeds generated from the sale of the JLB Passport to Baltimore shopping card and from the tickets to our Passport to Fashion event will help support our programs developing and training women to their highest potential and our community impact work, including fighting childhood obesity in the Baltimore metropolitian area.  To purchase tickets, click on the link: Junior League of Baltimore
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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