Teen Vogue and Arundel Mills Mall: Back – To – School Saturdays Event

Teen Vogue hosted Back – To – School Saturdays with Simon Property Group at Arundel Mills Mall on Saturday, August 8, 2015.  I had the opportunity to attend as a blogger and this was a fun event!

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Back – To – School Saturdays started at the registration table where mall guests could register for coupons and savings.  Music was played by a local DJ while guests enjoyed cupcakes, mocktails, and pretzels.  Vendor booths where also in place to provide hair and beauty makeovers along with John Casablancas Modeling Agency.

The retailers featured in the fashion show included Banana Republic, Express, and The Loft.  Models came out and walked the floor to showcase fashion trends.  To help guests capture the event via social media, everyone was asked to use the hashtag #BTSS and #FoundatSimon for a chance to print photos at the photobox. Overall, this was a great way to bring fashion awareness to the area and get everyone excited for the upcoming school year.  To participate in your local Simon and Teen Vogue event visit the website and search upcoming dates.

Additional Information:

Teen Vogue and Simon have also produced a special eight-page style guide featuring trends for Back-to-School, as identified by Teen Vogue editors, with each profiled piece found at Simon. In addition, Simon will extend the section to a full-blown magalog, complete with a shopping guide of products, to be distributed at Arundel Mills as part of BTSS.

Further extending the partnership, Teen Vogue and Simon have chosen YouTuber Amanda Steele (@MakeupbyMandy24) to star in a series of shopping haul videos, showing how she shops Simon centers to achieve Teen Vogues three highlighted trends. The videos will debut just in time for the back to school shopping rush, with the content running across all Teen Vogue and Simon digital and social platforms.

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.

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Macys Fall 2015 Lookbook

 

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TRENDS FALL 2015 

COUNTRY LIFE

Autumnal hues. Effortless silhouettes. Fresh patterns. The great outdoors beckon to be explored. Utility meets luxe with cool outerwear, flight pants, jumpsuits and the inclusion of rustic-inspired heritage fabrics like plaids and tweeds.

GLOBAL ATTRACTIONS

The inspiration for Fall’s worldly fashion: the people, prints, places and patterns. You’ll see eye-catching blanket fabrics for ponchos, while coats and utility jackets have a collectible feel. Embellishment is at the forefront with an art and craft vibe to make every piece unique.

WHITE MAGIC

Opt for this season’s collection of cool & crisp neutrals. White is the color of the moment. Layers are oversized and creatively reworked. Cocoon silhouettes lend a cozy feeling with soft textures and amplified volume. Midi skirts and oversized knits inject minimalism into easy looks, while new quilting and padding bring a fresh spin to casual chic.

BLACK MODERNISM

Sharp. Sophisticated. Stunning. There’s never been a better time to head over to the dark side. There’s a whole new attitude to head-to-toe black. Fabrics and texture are key with an unexpected combination of high-tech and luxe materials. Prints are a reflection of modern art, photo and hyper-realism, while athleisure silhouettes are combined with sleek asymmetric must-haves: the stacked set, the mod shift, the track pant, the new sweat and the bomber.

ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS

As fashion’s latest muse, it’s all about creating your personal sense of style. A kaleidoscope of unexpected, vibrant hues are the new color therapy. Pop art sets the mood for graphic, virtually surrealistic prints. Asymmetric shapes, sparkle bursts and fun furs beget the trend’s wild side.

PURPLE PASSION

The color purple reigns everywhere this season — and it’s not just for key statement piece. From the palest of lilacs to the boldest amethyst, this alluring hue is having a crowning moment this season.

GOLD

All that glitters is gold this holiday season! From luxe chain-link jewelry and sparkling handbags to metallic sweaters and sequined frocks, each item on your wish list is guaranteed to have the Midas touch. Come party time, make a shining statement with this 24-karat color in celestial motifs, shimmery dresses and embellished accessories.

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About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 775 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.

Ann Taylor Fall Trend Report: Midi Skirts and Sophisticated Suede

Ann Taylor’s Fall 2015 collection features the season’s anticipated stylish looks such as midi and maxi skirts and dresses, suede, high-neckline blouses and coats. Ann Taylor is also your one-stop shop for seasonal accessories, like fringed satchels, suede heels and bold belts.

Midi and Maxi Skirts and Dresses

Transition from the summer heat to the autumn chill and continue to opt for midi and maxi-length skirts and dresses. These lengths are flattering and feminine and can take your look from poised and refined to glamorous and captivating no matter what the day brings you.

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Sophisticated Suede

Layers and textures are a fall must – embrace this trend by incorporating suede to your look. From dresses to jacketsand bags, this fabric is a classic staple that will help you face the autumn chill in the air with style.

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High-Neckline Blouses

Rooted in the classics but modernized to perfection, high-neckline blouses have been a constant presence in fashion that has revived itself this fall. This style is great for transitioning your look from work-to-social and will leave you feeling poised and confident.

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The Trench and Oversized Coat

Are you ready to face the chilly autumn air? Prepare yourself and make a statement with eye-catching coats. From the classic trench to the high-neckline oversized coat, these outerwear pieces will add a versatile and intriguing layer to your look.

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Fringed Accessories

Ann Taylor not only has the on-trend apparel you want – but the on-trend accessories to complete your look. Accentuate your ensemble by adding some fringed and suede accessories. Whether you opt for a suede bag or belt or a bold fringed shoe, these accessory will be sure to make you feel confident from head-to-heel.

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Handbag Gallery 2015 – Designer to Moderate Price

 

One fashion item that unites all women (across the world) are gorgeous handbags.  We love them and they keep us organized. Handbags also serve various purposes in our life and can upgrade any look!

For example, we have kids and purchase a different “style” handbag; we start a new job and purchase a different “color” handbag.  The options are endless because retailers and designers work actively to suit our fashion needs.

Everyone has their favorite fashion accessory and personally, I prefer a new handbag.  In the gallery above, I’ve shared a few bags that might suit your liking.  The purses range from designer to moderately priced.  I’m also very fond of the rich hues shown in gray, dark purple, and taupe.

Also, stay connected to this website because I will share an interview from The Purse Paparazzi handbag collection very soon!

Miss Black USA 2015 Returns to the Nation’s Capital

Miss Black USA 2015 Returns to the Nation’s Capital with Contestants Competing for Top Honors

Not Just Highlighting Beauty, but Education, Confidence & Self Worth

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On August 9th, 2015 Miss Black USA will make its return back to the Nation’s Capitol to crown Miss Black USA 2015. The big night will be held at the Theatre for Performing Arts at the University of the District of Columbia. The pageant will be hosted by Kalilah Allen-Harris, M.D. who is an actress, physician and a former Miss Black USA (2007). The crowning event will also showcase a special performance by Grammy Nominated Singer, Producer and Musician Johnny Britt performing his hit single “Beautiful Queen”. In addition, the newest addition to this year is Miss Black USA will be live streaming through the website www.MissBlackUSA.org.

Miss Black USA was founded in 1986 to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young African American women. To date, the pageant has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships. It’s mission is to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young women of color and to develop the “whole woman mind, body, and spirit”. In addition, there are two key factors to the Miss Black USA pageant.  The belief of scholarship and community. Miss Black USA celebrates scholastic achievement and believes that education is the key to lifelong success and empowerment. The winners of the Miss Black USA title is provided scholarship opportunities. For community, the two leading social issues are health and education and the winner will use her civic platform to promote awareness of these issues during her reign. When asked about Miss Black USA and what the pageant offers the African American community, founder Karen Arrington states”Miss Black USA redefines what it means to be a courageous, compassionate & a CONFIDENT black woman today! Eighty percent of Miss Black USA queens are in graduate or professional school. They represent a new generation of powerful and intelligent Black women not portrayed in mainstream media. Anytime you are part of a subculture, it’s important to have your own reward system and need more role models and we need them now.

Leading up to the crowning on August 9th, contestants will participate in a series of preliminary competitions. All preliminary competitions are open to the public and the Miss Black USA Talented Teen & Jr. Teen National Pageant will also take place during the kick off week. The full list of events is below:

  • 8/7/15 – Miss Black USA Fitness & Evening Gown Preliminary
  • 8/8/15 – Miss Black USA Talented Teen & Jr. Teen National Pageant
  • 8/8/15 – Miss Black USA Talent & On Stage Q&A Preliminary
  • 8/9/15 – Miss Black USA Pageant
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Tickets for all preliminary events, Miss Black USA Talented Teen & Jr. Teen and Miss black USA Pageant are on sale now at www.missblackusa.org.

Miss Black USA would like to thank the following: Arik Air, The Kairaba Resort, Lamik, NYS Collection Eyewear, Beautiful Textures, Contemporary Family Services and Anestasia Vodka.

 

Teen Vogue Back-To-School Saturdays: Arundel Mills Mall

Teen Vogue will host it’s Back-To-School Saturdays event at Arundel Mills Mall on Saturday, August 8, 2015 from 1 – 4 p.m.  I grew up reading Teen Voguegetting all of my makeup and fashion tips right before school started.  I will forever be a fan!

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EVENT DATES: 8/8/2015 – 8/8/2015

Join us before it’s time to hit the books with a sneak peek at the hottest back-to-school trends at Arundel Mills.

DATE: Saturday, August 8th

TIME: 1-4PM

LOCATION: Fashion Court near Starbucks

Cupcake and mocktail bar will be available as well as a Beauty station.

Show your back-to-school fashion discovery using #foundatsimon #contest, for your chance to win $2,500.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter Contest by: 12/31/15. To enter and for Official Rules, go to www.simon.com/foundatsimonrules

If you like this post, click here: Teen Vogue Handbook Careers in Fashion

Ann Taylor Safari Looks and Style

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Take a cue from celebrities like Diane Kruger and Olivia Wilde and be adventurous with your style by incorporating thesafari trend into your wardrobe.  Ann Taylor offers a variety of elevated khaki styles with cargo pockets and accessories in exotic and earthy palettes that are sure to spice up your ensemble.

Take on fierce femininity with a midi-skirt or flattering cargo skinny jeans paired with a light sweater or jacket for an easy, in between season look.

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Accentuate your look with printed flats or a tortoiseshell belt to make a statement. Add a pop of color to your neutrals with a pair of red pumps that will leave you looking sophisticated in your safari look.

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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.

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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.

Lainee D‘Orsay Pumps

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.

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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.

 

MYHABIT Clutch Handbags – Favorite Brands and Prices

MyHabit offers customers an inspiring daily destination to discover new and favorite brands at exciting prices:
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Alexander McQueen Demanta Piccola Clutch, Gold

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Buji Baja Zig Zag Madagascar Clutch, Multi

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Lauren Merkin Tatum Clutch, White

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Jessica McClintock Hiss Cage Minaudiere, Bone

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Jessica McClintock Asymmetrical Clutch, Leopard