Life / August 15, 2013

Shopping Tips: The Right Gifts for a Newborn Baby

The recent birth of the third in line to the throne has ignited excitement in people all over the world, with Will and Kate having a healthy baby boy to begin their family together. With the new baby being given the moniker George Alexander Louis, baby fever has already reached new heights, with social networks being swamped with the news.

Of course, the Royals aren’t the only people to have had a baby on the 22^nd July and whether you’re a lucky parent or you’re close to someone who is, it’s an ideal time to treat the newborn to a couple of gifts to celebrate their arrival.

It’s easy to get carried away with shopping for a new baby; the cutesy items almost jumping off the rails and landing in your trolley, so an element of sense will be required unless you have plenty of money to splash. What does a newborn baby need? Most expectant parents will already be well stocked on many of the essentials and unless you’ve been proactive and asked about what they actually need you will be spoilt for choice once you get to the shops.

Baby blankets are a great gift for newborn. While the current heatwave means chances of needing one are pretty slim, we all know how quickly the weather can turn. George’s range of baby blankets will appeal to most tastes and with luxuriously soft cotton fabrics, baby will feel cosy, warm and most of all, content.

Bibs and Muslin Squares are a lifesaver with new babies, with muslins continuing to be useful way into toddlerhood in some cases. Bibs are a popular addition to any baby gift parcel but chances are, they will all come in use.

Nappy Cakes are a fun take on a typical baby gift that can be given during baby showers or following the baby’s birth. Nappies will always be needed and form the basics of the cake creating the shape while adding other goodies, such as toiletries, booties, bibs or comforters, before wrapping it up in one big, elaborate display.

Clothes will always be welcome but remember that newborns won’t require too many outfits before they grow out of them. If you do choose to buy an outfit or two, buy them in different sizes so that the new baby can grow into them, rather than it sitting in their wardrobe with its label still attached.

Starter Parks are a great way to buy a matching set for the little one, including bodysuit, top, sleepsuit, hat, bib and mittens – perfect if you’re a little overwhelmed and you’re not sure what to buy for them.

Shopping for babies is great fun, with so much to choose from at George at ASDA. Before you head for the checkout with your micro-purchases, pop by the flower aisle and pick up a bunch as well as a lovely box of chocolates – the new mum will certainly appreciate the thought, seeing as though she’s been through so much too!

Beauty / August 9, 2013

Product Review: Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup

Last week I received a package in the mail from Tonja, the CEO of Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup. Of course, I was super excited to test out the products because I love makeup. But most importantly, this line of cosmetics is considered to be a mineral product.

For those that are not savvy about the use of mineral based makeup, the Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup line’s considered to, “give skin a natural glow and feel as if you have nothing on.” According to sources, mineral makeup is also helpful for women with sensitive skin and need assistance covering blemishes.

Many people are not aware that I suffer from having eczema (all over.) Having this skin care issue is my driving force behind developing a regiman and wearing the proper makeup for my skin type (to protect my skin from environmental debris.) That purpose alone is a positive incentive for anyone to test out this brand.

Upon opening the package, I received several makeup brushes, shimmering bronzer, and foundation. And I have to agree that this product did indeed live up to it’s testimony! When applying the foundation and bronzer, I only needed to use a small amount of each product. The makeup brushes felt wonderful and my face looked great throughout the remainder of the evening.

To place an order with Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup, click on the link and see photos (of me) below!

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / July 15, 2013

Target’s Beauty Concierge Progam Launches in Baltimore: Contributing Post by Lydia Rochelle

Just in case you needed another reason to shop at Target, the store known for the “Expect More. Pay Less” brand promise has launched a Beauty Concierge program in 27 existing stores in Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Baltimore.

This program started in Chicago, and launched in the DMV on June 28, 2013. The Beauty Concierge is available at select times during the day, to answer all of your beauty and skincare needs with personalized and unbiased information.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with Melody, the Beauty Concierge at the store in Towson. Her impressive background as a professional make-up artist and extensive training in skin care and hair care, guided me through my beauty journey. During my visit, we perused the vast amount of ethnic hair care products (the largest selection that I have seen at Target) and developed a regimen that would work best for my hair type. Melody provided personalized and unbiased information and we also had a great time!

Additionally, the program will launch in 96 stores in Los Angeles/Orange County, 36 stores in Minneapolis and expand to 41 stores in Chicago, with approximately 200 stores implementing the program in 2013. Check with your local Target for additional locations with the Beauty Concierge. Happy shopping!

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / July 2, 2013

Event Recap: Fashion Awards MD 2013

Photos from this year’s Fashion Awards MD event are posted below. I was super excited to be a nominee, especially since this blog has only been active for one year (hooray!) In addition, every nominee in the media category was very talented, so for me (personally) it was truly about the experience and being amongst those who share the same “love” which is fashion, art, and style.

The event production was also nice from nominees standing on the red carpet, to guest enjoying refreshments, and the opportunity to network with industry professionals. Lastly, to give this event the fashion flair that it deserved Lana Rae (the event founder and owner of the KIS Agency) was able to have Lianca and Johnny from Kimora: House of Fab serve as the awards show host.

I look forward to attending this event again next year. For additional details click on the link: Fashion Awards MD.com Photos below are taken from my Instagram account.

Photo of Fashion Blogger Teena Leone from Fashion for Breakfast

Dress: shop.stylelifefashion.com | Bracelet: Nordstrom | Platform Pumps: Bebe | Envelop Clutch: shop.stylelifefashion.com

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / June 14, 2013

Event Recap: Mdurvwa Pop Up Shop hosted by Teena Leone

On Sunday, June 9, 2013 I had the opportunity to attend The Mdurvwa Pop Up Shop hosted by Teena Leone (from Fashion for Breakfast) along with jewelry designer Deborah Mdurvwa and R&B Singer, Lil Mo. The event was held at a local boutique (in Federal Hill, Baltimore) titled The Lovelace Showroom.

I had a great time at this event for a variety of reasons. Number one, I love supporting other bloggers because we truly have a passion for what we do and understand the dynamics and hard work that goes into maintaing a website. Number two, it was my first time visiting The Lovelace Showroom and I adore the “vibe” that’s in this boutique. From chandelier ceilings to sequin drapes, this is my type of boutique! Lastly, it’s always nice to meet other fashionistas living in the Baltimore area.

Everyone who attended the event also had the opportunity to enjoy cupcakes, light refreshments, and music played by a local DJ.

I give the event a thumbs up and looking forward to the next event hosted by Teena!

Just another fun day for Style Life Fashion!

Beauty / June 4, 2013

Beauty Haul and Video: Wet n Wild and Revlon Cosmetics

Hello ladies, I am back again with another great product review for Wet n Wild and Revlon Cosmetics.

I am excited to share my review (opinion) about the following products because I haven’t purchased Wet n Wild lipsticks (and Revlon products) in a very long time. I was pleasantly surprised with the use of each product and wanted to share with my readers.

I also hope that you like the “snapback” compliments of my hubby, especially since it’s Orioles (baseball) season.

Wet n Wild and Revlon Cosmetics Beauty Haul

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Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / May 9, 2013

Trend Alert: Gift from Mom…My New Embroidered Jeans

I have to admit that I will fall in love with anything that’s embroidered. Not sure if this has to do with my childhood or the fact that I grew up watching my mother sew and create custom made clothing. And no, she wasn’t a tailor or semstress but she too had a true love for fabrics, textures, and design.

So with that being said, my love affair with fashion began at a young age (partially because of the obvious reasons) but mostly because of the connection/bond between myself and my mother. When I was five years old, she taught me how to sketch paper dolls and design clothing. At the age of seven she bought me my first sewing machine and said, “today you will learn how to sew clothing…for your Barbie dolls.” On my sixteenth birthday, she arranged for me to learn makeup application (at the cosmetics counter.) My sophomore year in college, I decided to leave my Psychology major for a degree in Fashion Merchandising and she encouraged my decision (even though in the back of her mind she wanted me to become a Child Psychologist.)

Last month, I decided to travel “home” to visit my parents and of course, my mom had something special for me. As I opened the shopping bag, I see a pair of embroidered jeans. She began to explain where she purchased the jeans and how much she paid for them (which is something we like to do!) Immediately I became excited because I knew that I could (or at least) try to “pull” off these jeans.

In lieu of the upcoming holiday (Mother’s Day) I wanted to write this post for my mom and show her how I “styled” my embroidered jeans. Like the quote says, “April Showers brings May Flowers!”

To read more about where to find a pair of embroidered jeans, click on the link here: Lucky Magazine

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / May 7, 2013

Mother’s Day with About Faces Day Spa & Salon

About Faces is one of my favorite day spas and salon. While living in the Baltimore metro area I’ve had the opportunity to partake in a variety of their services, from having an all day birthday package, to enjoying a “mommy and me” spa day, and coordinating a “girlfriends” pedicure with a glass of wine (over looking the harbor.)

I have never been disappointed with their level of professionalism, products, and services. Most importantly, their day spa and salon caters to all skin and hair types. The best shampoo, straighten, and blowdry service I’ve ever had, happened (on my birthday) at About Faces in Towson.

And while every spa/salon has their own set of services, each location provides a tranquil atmosphere which encourages rejuvination and relaxation.

Of course as we approach Mother’s Day, I have to acknowledge their top picks when we consider gift giving! According their facebook page some of their selections are actually a few of our favorite beauty products:

1. Kérastase Paris Elixir Ultime

2. Philosophy “For Mommy with Love” gift set

3. TOCCA candles

4. OPI polishes

5. CAUDALIE Beauty Elixir

Lastly, don’t forget to enter their Mother’s Day Photo Sharing Contest! The guidelines for the spa/salon include following their Instagram site, share a photo of yourself with mom, and hashtag #aboutmom and tag @About Faces.

If you like this article, click on the link http://stylelifefashion.com/mothers-day-gift-ideas-from-towson-town-center-guru-rebecca/

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / April 10, 2013

Four Seasons Baltimore Introduces New China Specialist Program

A wedding is a reflection of a couples’ personalities and their vision of a future life together, and Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore has all of the elements – dream location, incredible cuisine, inspiring décor, and impeccably trained staff – to create personalized, special celebrations. The Hotel is now enhancing its services to go beyond that one special day to help couples look forward to a lifetime of unforgettable entertaining together with the new China Specialist Program.

The Hotel’s Director of Stewarding John Flynn is available to offer expert advice to newly engaged twosomes on how to curate a selection of beautiful china, glass, and silver patterns that are certain to take centre stage as they welcome friends and family into their home. Couples can escape the hectic conventional registering experience and enjoy a private consultation in the comfort of a luxurious hotel setting, with a glass of bubbly or zero proof cocktail. In meeting with guests, Flynn will guide them through a series of questions designed to aid them in determining the type of dinner and stemware, including silver and stainless that would be the best investment based on their lifestyle and how they like to entertain. Whether it’s ornate and vibrant or simple and understated, Flynn’s priority is helping busy couples find a pattern for life – with the peace of mind that Four Seasons provides by taking care of every detail.

Flynn’s highlights include: Registry 101, mixing and matching, modern vs. classic and special place settings. Additionally, he will share his top tips on how to best care for and maintain different types of tableware, along with things to consider when registering, such as taking an audit as a couple of existing essential pieces before registering, choosing a broad range of items to accommodate different budgets of guests attending the wedding, and over-registering for more than is needed.

“We firmly believe that true hospitality extends beyond the confines of our Hotel and planning for one special day. We create special experiences for our couples throughout the Hotel and beyond that make for a truly memorable start for their new life together,” Flynn says. “We want to build a deeper relationship with guests getting married at our Hotel and offer them a more comprehensive experience of Four Seasons lifestyle as we help them to build their new life together.”

With more than 10 years in the hospitality business, Flynn has been responsible for the proper cleaning, storage and distribution of china, silver, glassware, pots, pans and other cookware. His extensive catering training has also taught him the importance of plateware as a frame for the presentation of food.

The complimentary consultations are approximately one hour long, by-appointment-only, and available exclusively for couples getting married at the Hotel.

View a sample of Flynn’s selections from the celebrated Rosenthal catalogue in a recent post on Four Seasons Weddings online magazine.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / March 30, 2013

Madewell Shopping Party hosted by Taliah Ferguson of Fashion Was Here

As a blogger, there’s nothing like the feeling of networking with those in the industry and living your passion. Last thursday, I attended the Madewell store shopping party which was hosted by fellow, local blogger Taliah from the site Fashion Was Here.

For those that may not know, Madewell is a brand extension (sister store) of the J. Crew company. The store was launched to attract a younger, hipper crowd while holding true to the company’s style which is chic and comfortable.

This was my first time visiting the boutique and I was impressed with the quality of the clothing and the accessories.

Honestly, my personal style is more on the lines of being “Preppy” with a touch of “American Classic” and a hint of “Hollywood Glamour.”

So you’re asking, what does all of that mean? I love basic t shirts, blazers, oversized sunglasses (the bigger the better) pearls, and jeans.

When I entered the Madewell store, it had all of the components that would make up my wardrobe but I decided not to get distracted because I was there for a store event (being professional.)

While attending the event, the store provided drinks and treats, a 20% off discount on all merchandise, and prizes. But, the fun aspect of the night was the style challenge.