Uncategorized – Page 30 – Style [+] Life [+] Fashion by [@kwest1908]

Event / March 15, 2016

Alabama Gulf Coast Convention Joins Food Sport

Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, known across the country as Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (www.orangebeach.com), has signed as the 2016 title sponsor of the World Food Championships (www.WorldFoodChampionships.com), making Orange Beach, Alabama the Official Host Site of this year’s ultimate food fight.

The arrangement ensures the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area capitalizes on the energy, excitement and economic impact of an anticipated 1,200 chefs, home cooks and competition teams who will compete for World Food Championships’ $350,000 prize purse and its industry-leading $100,000 grand prize.

The event, which last year attracted competitors from 45 states and 17 countries, will take place Nov. 9-15 at The Wharf (www.alwharf.com), a resort destination with a full-service marina, retail, dining and entertainment options anchored by a multi-use event center and a 10,000-seat amphitheater.

“Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism and our Sports Commission are excited to step into the arena of competitive food sport with the World Food Championships coming to our beach destination,” says Vice President of Sales Beth Gendler. “Sports has truly diversified our destination, and this event helps us diversify even further.

“One of the focuses of the sports commission is to build shoulder season business, and the World Food Championships will be a very impactful event in both room nights and number of people visiting our community during the fall shoulder season,” Gendler said. “It is our pleasure to welcome these national and international food competitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast this November.”

All told, World Food Championships is expected to bring an estimated $2 million in direct local spending as it draws thousands of foodies and Food Sport enthusiasts to the Alabama Gulf coast, elevating hotel and vacation rental bookings, restaurant spending and other community revenue metrics that come with such signature events.

The deal also connects Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism with World Food Championships’ universe of marketing assets, including national media exposure which eclipsed 794 million impressions last year, as reported by independent media monitoring service BurrellesLuce.

The World Food Championships has experienced rapid growth since its creation in 2012 as the richest and largest Food Sport competition in the world. From a 30% annualized growth in competitors, to its second TV series scheduled to air summer 2016 on Destination America, the WFC has evolved into a year-long quest for thousands of competitors and foodies, as well as a marketing platform for innovative companies.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism welcomes more than 5.7 million individuals to the Alabama Gulf Coast each year for family reunions, vacations, meetings and sporting events. Marked by its sugar-white sand beaches, deep-sea fishing and countless family attractions, the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area is one of the world’s leading beach destinations, annually attracting more than 5 million visitors. Centrally located along the Gulf Coast, and a short drive from airports in Pensacola, Fla. and Mobile, Ala., Orange Beach’s lodging properties are ideal for beach-side access or inland retreats that are both convenient and affordable. A spectrum of local dining, upscale shopping, fishing, golf, nature and adventure-based excursions also contribute to a spectacular vacation, holiday or leisure experience.

The bulk of these Orange Beach-based food fights will occur in Kenmore Kitchen Arena, the largest outdoor kitchen in the world, measuring a full city block at 7,800-square feet. The competition space features $250,000 worth of Kenmore branded stoves, cooktops, countertops and cookware – enough for 50 chefs to cook simultaneously. An additional $100,000 worth of professional grills from Bull Outdoor Products affords open-flame grilling.

To learn more about the WFC and its qualifying events, tournament-style process or consumer experiences, visit www.worldfoodchampionships.com.

To learn more about Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, visit www.orangebeach.com

To learn more about The Wharf, visit www.alwharf.com.

# # #

About the World Food Championships:
The World Food Championships (www.WorldFoodChampionships.com) features hundreds of competitors seeking food fame and fortune. The fifth annual event, scheduled for Nov. 9-15, 2016 at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, invites the champions from the biggest and best food competitions around the world into a single highstakes culinary showdown for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. Follow World Food Championships on Twitter (@WorldFoodChamp), and Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships).

About Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism:
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism serves as the official destination marketing organization for the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in addition to the unincorporated area of Fort Morgan. To learn more about the whole different state of discovery on Alabama’s 32 miles of white-sand beaches, visit either www.GulfShores.com or www.OrangeBeach.com. This convention and visitors bureau is an accredited Destination Marketing Organization (2012-2016). Follow Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism on Twitter (@AlabamaBeaches), Instagram (@GulfShoresOrangeBeach) and Facebook (@AlabamaGulfCoast).

Beauty / March 14, 2016

Glow Bio Cleanse – Healthier Lifestyle

Introduce yourself to fruits and veggies you never knew existed with the bountiful menu at Glow Bio! From Acai to Goji and everything in between, Glow Bio offers a lineup of beauty food rich smoothies and juices that will keep you satisfied AND taste good – all carefully curated by nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author, Kimberly Snyder!

For an added bonus, many of your favorite smoothies are found in a number of the Glow Bio Cleanses. These help rebuild your digestive system and help you achieve sustainable results by getting on track to a healthier lifestyle! With three options to select, durations ranging from 1 to 5 days, each cleanse consists of four unique components:

1) The world famous and fiber-filled Glowing Green Smoothie to start and end your day with.

2) Cold-Pressed Juices enhanced with probiotics to aid digestion.

3) Powerful benefit-driven boosters.

4) A specific order of consumption to maximize the nutritional benefits and get your body back to harmony.

All of which help to achieve renewed energy, a more svelte and toned physique and glowing, radiant skin!

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / March 8, 2016

Transitional Sweaters – Dryel Home Care Tips

When it comes to fashion, the laundry does not stop! One discovers (very quickly) the proper care and treatment of garments is vitally important. Each article of clothing has its own label that includes the fabric percentage, content and suggested laundry needs.

I have a few sweaters that I’ve started wearing to help with the transition of seasons. In this region, the weather fluctuates; one day it’s cold enough to wear a cashmere tunic and the next day I’m searching for an open-front cardigan.

Dryel is such an important product (for your wardrobe) because it’s easy to use, inexpensive, and less damaging to your clothing. The product contains 6 cloths and for hard to clean stains, the company provides a booster spray.

From my personal experience, the kit was simple and resulted in my sweaters smelling great. I opened the Dryel ultra cleaning cloth and placed inside of the bag (with my sweaters.) After tumbling in the dryer for 30 minutes, I removed the sweaters and put them on a satin hanger. This was an easy laundry process for a lady on the go!

Check back with the site (over the next few months) and I will share additional tips from Dryel At-Home Cleaner.

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Accessories / March 3, 2016

Ashley Stewart – Extended Size Collection Blogger Collaboration

Ashley Stewart, the premier plus size fashion brand, announces the launch of their spring dress collection in sizes 12-32. Already a brand known for embracing women’s curves, Ashley Stewart’s offering of their trend-right dresses in sizes 28, 30 and 32 allows a whole new customer to express herself through fashion and use the streets as her runway.

“We listened. Our customers have been asking us for more sizes and we’ve answered with our most sought-after dress styles,” says Kristen Gaskins, President and CMO of Ashley Stewart. “The collection will include maxi dresses, jumpsuits, and ready-for-work styles, with plans to extend more categories in the future.”

Ashley Stewart is launching their new collection and size expansion with real women. Partnering with Plus Model Magazine and bloggers Alissa Wilson from Stylish Curves, Beck Delude from Manfattan, Tiffany from Lace N’ Leopard and Megahan O’Conner from Little Lime Dress, each girl shows off their personal style while showcasing the new Ashley Stewart Spring Dress Collection. Denim dresses, patterned shifts, striped jumpsuits and the signature Butterfly Bra™ allow women to flaunt their curves.

“I think it’s amazing that Ashley Stewart has extended their size range because this is something that is needed. When you look at the fashion industry, all of these brands stop at a size 14 and 16, which makes you feel like the world stops at a 14/16. Having extended sizes is letting women know that they too can be fashionable regardless of their size.” – Alissa Wilson of StylishCurves.com

“Ashley Stewart extending their size range is very important for the brand as well as an important step in the fashion world. Allowing women who are 28 through 32 to dress for their shape and style is not only exciting but it is an uplifting movement that I am very happy to be part of.” – Meaghan O’Connor of LittleLimeDress.com

Available online at AshleyStewart.com, the new collection launches on March 1st. Given the buzz generated by Ashley Stewart’s industry-leading social media platforms and the national #LoveYourCurvesTour, which kicked off in Dallas over Presidents Day Weekend, the new sizes are expected to be very popular and sell out quickly. For additional information, please visit AshleyStewart.com and Ashley Stewart’s Facebook Page at Facebook.com/ByAshleyStewart and/or feel free to reach out to the Ashley Stewart team for an interview and/or feature consideration.

About Ashley Stewart: Ashley Stewart has captured the hearts and minds of curvy women since its founding in 1991 in Brooklyn, New York. Today, Ashley Stewart offers the hottest looks with stores across the United States, a rapidly growing ecommerce presence at www.AshleyStewart.com, and an industry leading social media presence. Ashley Stewart stands for uncompromising style, fashion, fit and empowerment for the trend-savvy woman who flaunts her curves. From the perfect pair of jeans to churchflow dresses, smoking hot outfits to #DaretoBare intimates, Ashley Stewart has you covered.

● Visit our stores around the country for a one-on-one shopping experience with our in-store team: http://www.ashleystewart.com/stores

● Shop online with new styles added daily: http://www.AshleyStewart.com

● Join more than 550,000 fans on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/byAshleyStewart.=

● Share your #AshleyStewart look on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/byAshleyStewart.

Beauty / March 2, 2016

Beauty Blender – two.bb.clean Kit

Beauty / March 1, 2016

LOreal Paris Makeup Case – Infallible Pro Collection and Tips

LOreal Paris is a premiere cosmetics brand. To my surprise (and excitement) I received a package in the mail. I opened the box and there was a huge makeup case. Enclosed was a card that read, “LOreal Paris is thrilled to share our latest cosmetics launches with you. From contour palettes to matte glosses and brow essentials, each new product combines fashion-forward makeup trends, encouraging every woman to be her own makeup artist.”

Every item in the box was gorgeous and showcased the new Infallible Collection. Timeless beauty is the theme of this product line and I could not agree more! The Infallible Collection is suggested to give customers a longer-wear with high-intensity colors. What does that mean? The pigmentation in this particular product line’s extremely rich (true to color) with a velvety, matte finish.

Also, how many times have we applied foundation only to appear “unpolished” after a few hours? LOreal wants to keep us beautiful all day and night with a liquid foundation (and press powder) that matches our skin tone. The Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation is light-weight with a demi-matte finish.

Tip: How To Apply Liquid Eyeliner

I have very small eyes and constantly seeking techniques to accent my lids. Also, there’s a little secret, I actually wear contact lenses. Due to this knowledge alone, I like to wear eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner for an attractive look. LOreal Paris included (in this makeup case) the Voluminous Superstar Red Carpet Mascara, Infallible Matte-Matic Liner, Infallible Black Velvet Liner, and Colour Riche Eyeshadow.

Tip: Avoid eyeshadow flaking by applying with a brush!

Aside from seeking new eye techniques, I have a tendency to obsess over my eyebrows because they frame the face. Thankfully, LOreal included the Brow Stylist Prep & Shape Pro-Kit along with the Stylist Definer. I am not a fan of over plucking eyebrows but a nice grooming can do wonders for the bone structure!

Lastly, it’s no secret that I’m a lipgloss lover and fill my makeup bag with various shades. LOreal shared the new Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss (available in ten amazing shades.) I recently learned that having a matte lipgloss is the latest trend. The idea is to convey a velvet-matte finish on your lips for an “Old Hollywood” appearance. This lipgloss is priced at $9.99 which is a good deal considering the higher-end cosmetics brands.

Visit your local drugstore (or Target) to pick up items from The Infallible Pro Collection!

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / February 23, 2016

BJs Cherry Berry Smoothie – American Heart Health Month

February is Heart Health Month and BJs Wholesale Club has some delicious produce (and recipes) to help us live a healthy lifestyle. Personally, I am a huge fan of smoothies! They’re easy to make and the perfect breakfast option for families.

Smoothies can be made in a variety of ways depending on your health needs. For example, if you’re having digestive issues, add a teaspoon of Flaxseed into your mixture. Drinking a smoothie provides ease into your morning routine and allows breakfast on the go. It can also serve as a filling afternoon snack instead of drinking a soda or eating potato chips.

Homemade Cherry Berry Recipe

2 containers (5 oz each) Yoplait Greek Cherry or Strawberry Blended Yogurt

1 1/2 cups Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Sweet Cherries

1/2 cup Cascadian Farm Frozen Organic Strawberries

1 cup Milk

Make It:

Place all ingredients in a blender
Cover & blend on high speed, about 1 minute or until smooth
Pour into 3 glasses
Serve immediately

For my smoothie recipe, I like to include a small amount of water and 2 teaspoons of Wellsley Farms Pure Honey. Also, if your schedule will be hectic the next morning, take frozen fruit out of the freezer (the night before.) This will help ingredients blend faster and more consistently. Pour the smoothie into your tumblr and go!

Ingredients are from BJs Wholesale Club

Cute Tumblr from Dollar Store

follow my Snapchat @kwest1908 to see more behind the scenes at BJs Wholesale Club

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Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / February 19, 2016

Westfield Annapolis: Get the Look from Variety Studios Installation

To celebrate Awards Season this year, Westfield partnered with Variety to bring the hottest red carpet looks to local Westfield centers around the U.S.

Through this exclusive fashion partnership, top Westfield retailers including Nordstrom, Macys and Anthropologie curated celebrity looks from Hollywood so shoppers can also get the look of their favorite celebrities for less!

I was invited (as a media outlet) to visit Westfield, Annapolis Mall and re-create one of the installation looks. This was exciting because the campaign included a few of my favorite retailers.

My individual style would be described as poised and polished. I like tailored lines with a hint of femininity through ruffles, patterns, and fabric textures. My style icons vary (depending on the mood) but are primarily Michelle Obama, Eva Longoria, with a hint of Kourtney Kardashian.

I started my shopping journey (for the campaign) at Nordstrom where I found a beautiful array of formal gowns. The store did not disappoint fashionable customers by providing lace, sequins, and floral dresses. In support of the campaign, I also discovered a Vince Camuto visual display showcasing a monochromatic shift dress, slacks, and tote bag.

After leaving Nordstrom, I walked over to Lord and Taylor. If you’re searching for a Little Black Dress, they have it here! The campaign celebrated Satires Ronan’s fashion style and her LBD through the installation display.

Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Variety/REX Shutterstock.

I concluded my shopping adventure by visiting Macys women’s department. From there, I was able to create a look that suits my personal style.

I purchased a Thalia Sodi Solid Scuba Blazer and Pencil Skirt. This set looked amazing due to the jacket’s stand collar, open front, and leopard-print lining. The skirt enhanced my body type along with subtle cut-outs at the hem-line. I can’t wait to share my style photo on the site!

To learn more and re-create your personal style in support of Variety Studio: Actors on Actors visit the installation at Westfield Annapolis now through March 1, 2016.

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Fashion / February 10, 2016

Katie Gallagher FW16 Collection – Veiled

Yesterday, Katie Gallagher presented “Veiled” her FW16 collection through a series of appointments during the day in the penthouse at The Roxy Hotel. Later that evening, a film of the new collection was screened downstairs in The Django, a new jazz venue at the hotel.

About Katie Gallagher Veiled FW16
Secretive, unknown, mysterious. Black, the darkest color yet the color with no color at all, represents both full absorption and complete absence of light, evil and elegance, beginning and end, a completed cycle. Inspired by this hue that has no hue, Katie Gallagher’s FW 2016 collection, Veiled, is her second all-black collection.

Gallagher’s monochromatic collection relies heavily on textures and subtle details, featuring elements of gothic architecture, stained glass, and Harry Clarke illustrations. Recalling her initial and first all-black collection, Veil (SS 2010), Gallagher’s latest collection includes reworked pieces from SS 2010, completing her line’s cycle.

Through Veiled, Gallagher combines bold leather jackets and military-inspired trousers with delicate lace, cashmere rompers, and long slitted silk skirts. Stained glass-inspired lace textiles and hairpieces recall cathedral elements, graveyards, and old Catholic rituals. Gallagher pairs twisted seams and twill tape with velvet ribbons and zippers, defining her FW 2016 collection.

Veiled is Gallagher’s 14th collection showing during New York Fashion Week. In her past collections, she has been celebrated for her attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, and creativity. Gallagher pulls inspiration from her childhood, music and art, and her life in New York City.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / February 9, 2016

Terra’s Kitchen – Baltimore Meal-Kit Delivery Service

I’m excited to announce the launch of Baltimore-based Terra’s Kitchen, an innovative meal-kit delivery service that’s making it easy and quick to cook up tasty dishes at home leaving more time for memory making in the kitchen and beyond!

Terra’s Kitchen, available for the first time ever in the Baltimore area starting March 1st, promises farm-to-front door delivery of fresh, seasonal ingredients that are pre-portioned and prepped for skillet-ready, chef-designed recipes. Each meal can be made in 30 minutes or less, giving families more time for the things that matter.

With the now 1 billion dollar meal-kit marketplace offering many options, I wanted to call out a few things that sets Terra’s Kitchen apart from its competitors:

Eco-Friendly Delivery Vessel: The unique vessel features proprietary, climate-controlling technology to keep high-quality ingredients cool and fresh for delivery. The eco-friendly Vessel is reusable and creates 0% waste, as Terra’s Kitchen will schedule a pickup date and time with its customers to retrieve it and reuse.

Clean & Chef-Designed Recipes: Libbie Summers, Head of Culinary Direction at Terra’s Kitchen and esteemed cookbook author, expertly combines high-quality ingredients for healthy meals, with options for omnivore, gluten-free, paleo and vegetarian preferences. With a rotating seasonal menu, each meal comes with a step-by-step recipe card to ensure that dinner is easy-to-make (think Honey Mustard Chicken Breast with Grilled Vegetable Kabobs, Tomato Scallion Rice With Cheesy Grilled Squash or Grilled NY Strip Steak With Tomatoes, Eggplant & Basil Chimichurri in under 30 minutes!).

Recreating The Family Dinner Experience: In an era where busy American families struggle to find the time for quality meals at-home, Terra’s Kitchen’s offers consumers an easy tool for quick meals, that don’t sacrifice nutrition or taste, and can go from the skillet to the table in under 30 minutes. All ingredients come pre-portioned and prepped – all you do is cook!

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