Accessories /

AMIClubwear Giveaway – Enter to Win and Update Spring Wardrobe

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Super Cute Plus Size Clothing

Style + Life + Fashion has teamed up with AMIClubwear to host a giveaway for our faithful readers! Ladies can win a $50.00 GIFT CARD to jump start their spring wardrobe.  To enter the giveaway, view the guidelines below:

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GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES

1. “Like”  AMIClubwear’s Facebook Page or Twitter account.

2.  Return to my blog (HERE) and leave a comment sharing your favorite Spring 2014 trend.

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

Giveaway will end at midnight on March 27, 2014 EST.  The winner will be notified (via email) 
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Beauty /

Beauty Box 5 March Subscription Box – Tree Hunt Shea Body Butter Favorite

Beauty Box 5 sent this fabulous set of products in the mail. This month’s box included Jane’s Pick (handmade) Soap, Tree Hunt Shea Body Butter, Swisscom Dual-sided Facial Pad, Bellapierre Makeup Base, and Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse.

In every subscription box I have a product that’s my favorite and this month was no exception. My favorite item that I received was the Tree Hunt Shea Body Butter with a Coconut Lime scent.

I’ve tested Tree Hunt products before but when I opened this cream I feel in love! The smell is very “delicious” and the cream glides on nicely. I am completely sold on this product and now searching for the scrub (in the same scent.)

Overall, I am still in the process of using my Bellapierre Makeup Base but will probably test it out this weekend for my next lifestyle segment.

I am always eager to receive my Beauty Box 5 subscription in the mail because there’s a new theme every month and that’s pretty exciting for a beauty junkie!

Visit their website to learn more about the Beauty Box 5 brand.

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Confusing Baltimore Weather and Confusing Fashion

With the Baltimore area going from beautiful, sunny and warm BUT— back to cold and snowy, we decided to have a little fun by mixing two ends of the fashion weather spectrum by matching a high waist bathing suit with a fox fur coat and UGG boots!!! I had so much fun doing this shoot!

 

The Coat: a fox fur coat by Kent Fisher Furs in Towson, Maryland (gift from my husband Christmas ’09)

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The High Waist Swimsuit: by AMIClubwear

 

The Boots: by UGG

 

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Fashion Awards Maryland Emerging Nominee Awards 2014

On this evening, Baltimore’s best and brightest emerging fashion leaders are being recognized at the Fashion Awards Maryland, Emerging Nominee Awards 2014.  The event was held at The Lord Baltimore Hotel near the Inner Harbor.  As the event unfolds, I will continue to post updates.
My outfit: (1) Tailored black leather spiked motorcycle jacket; (2) Black pencil skirt; and (3) Shoes by Christian Louboutin
WBAL’s Ava Marie served as the event host.  The awards show started with a fabulous presentation (as seen above) making guest excited and engaging with the show.

Jack Daniels Honey served as the sponsors; local designers were invited to display designs that were inspired by the color honey and/or yellow.  Additional vendors were It Works Global, The Peddlers Gallery, Wearable Art and Design, New Secrets, and Embella Adorn, LLC.

Attendees were in high fashion and taking Instagram pics!

Congratulations to the nominees and awardees!!!
The grand finale!

Click on the link to view the winner’s list: 2014 EMERGE Awards

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Money Saving Tips from Stylist Sam Bell: Don’t Blow Your Tax Refund

Don’t blow your tax refund on clothes without reading these money saving tips! Wardrobe stylist Gen Bell offers great money saving tips for tax season and for throughout the year.

Sam Bell

1. Have a set budget!
Having a set budget on how much you’d like to spend is key. Everyone has different methods that work best for him or her. Some people prefer to use cash so that they can see exactly how much they’re spending and on what. My personal method is to create a budget first, let’s say $100. Then I figure out how many outfits I’d like to have from the $100, let’s say 4 outfits. Then I start window-shopping and comparing prices from different stores. I always check both online and in actual stores. Often times you’ll find the best mark down prices online!

2. Hit the Discount Stores
You can find stylish bargains at stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and DSW. Designer duds for a fraction of the price! But be careful, just because a store is inexpensive doesn’t mean you’ll save any money if you over spend. Learn control.

3. Learn to Do-it-Yourself
Learning how to make a few, simple alterations can save you lots of money down the line. Master the basics of sewing, replacing buttons, and hemming pants. If you’re a busy professional like most of us, then find a local seamstress in your neighborhood that can make the simple alterations for you. The point is to have you clothes last you for a long time. So if you loose a couple of pounds and can’t fit those jeans anymore, make the necessary alterations so that you can reincorporate those jeans back into your wardrobe.

4. Shop Out of Season
Seasoned shoppers shop for spring and summer items in the fall, and buy your fall and winter looks when spring rolls around. Clothing is always cheaper when they are out of season.

5. Avoid Impulse Shopping or Emotional Shopping
Many of us can’t fight the urge to impulse buy. Remind yourself when the urge arises, are these shoes worth it right at this moment? Do not buy the shoes, wait a couple of days and if you still want them and rationalize your need then buy them.

6. Think About What’s Already in Your Closet
When shopping, build a wardrobe around one or two color families that you already have. Keep your current wardrobe in mind when you shop, and don’t buy anything that won’t go with at least two or three other items that you own.

7. Take Care of Your Clothing
Caring for your clothes will help them last longer. Use the right amount of detergent, avoid the dryer when possible and hang and fold clothes properly. Pack your seasonal wardrobe! You don’t need your winter clothes hanging in your closet all summer long. Pack them in air tight containers that are designed to keep the moisture out and your clothes fresh!
8. Shop Vintage and Consignment
Fashion is cyclical! Trends from the past always make a comeback so don’t shy away from vintage and consignment shops. It may take longer to find exactly what you are looking for at a used clothing store so you must have patience and bring a friend for a fun movie montage.

9. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize. No outfit is complete without the right accessories. Take a simple dress and accessorize it in different ways to create completely different looks each time! This will expand your wardrobe without having to buy a new outfit for every occasion.

About Gen Bell:
Wardrobe stylist and creative director, Gen Bell is the true embodiment of a career girl in every aspect. Bell was born in Chicago and is currently styling key individuals in the South Florida community in film, fashion and music. Bell has worked one on one with designers, boutiques, production companies, models and more.

As a previous writer for Haute Living, Gen Bell has an impressive resume for a newbie. With a portfolio centered on beauty, video, celebrity/music, and street-chic styling, Bell has a vast knowledge of creating an aesthetically pleasing composition. Working with color palettes, silhouettes, and design, Gen Bell pulls together elements and principles to create a final “product” which sets apart from the rest.

To view all of Gen Bell’s stylist services and her portfolio, please visit www.genbell.com

Beauty /

Jennifer Lopez: Photo of The Day

Jennifer Lopez

Style + Life + Fashion’s Photo of The Day goes to none other than stylish, “Jenny from The Block!” Jennifer Lopez was seen wearing this pink number and nude pumps while on the set of American Idol.

We also love her whimsical high ponytail and blond highlights. Jennifer Lopez was a star in this particular look!

 

 

Beauty /

NATU Hair Care Products at Target

NATU is a natural line of salon-quality hair care products that will even impress the toughest critic…your stylist! With the shift to go natural and eliminate chemicals from our lives, people are becoming much more aware of what ingredients are in the products they purchase and how they affect their bodies.

(And because of this, I think consumers may be eager to hear about this new, natural hair product coming to a nearby Target). NATU’s goal is to nourish and improve the nature of your hair, each and every time you wash your hair.

Keep an eye out for NATU as it hits Target shelves!

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Shalaja Swimwear Collection: Interview with Style + Life + Fashion

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview the owner and designer of Shalaja Swimwear.  Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Shaquoya Jackson decided to stop searching for the ‘sexy, flirty yet sophisticated’ swimwear she desired and create it herself.

Shaquoya

1. When did you realize you wanted to become a swimwear designer?

Well I have always loved fashion, modeling, and entertainment, and I always wanted to be a commercial model and be involved in the entertainment industry (Hosting or interviewing.)

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I realized I wanted to become a designer in 2011 after I prayed to God to show me my purpose in life. When he showed me my purpose thats when it became my passion!

2. How long does it usually take to construct a swimsuit? And what’s your favorite piece from the collection?

To actually create a sketch design only takes about 5-15 mins depending on if I already have an idea in mind. Sometimes I sketch images that I’ve pictured in my mind and sometimes I sketch and design as I go. To get the swimsuit made takes around 2 1/2 weeks. I have a few favorite pieces from the collection so this will be hard! I guess I would have to say Black Chic Monokini is my favorite because black looks nice on everyone, and the high fashion look/design plus the mesh cut outs makes me feel sexy!

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3. What was the first article of clothing you ever designed? What’s your inspiration?

My first article of clothing I ever designed was probably a skirt and top when I was in middle school. My first designed piece that was made was a swimsuit. My inspiration for my designs are everything that I like. If I see a print that I like on anything it may inspire me to use those colors or print. If I see a beautiful piece of clothing item it may inspire me to design a swimsuit a certain way. If I see a funky hairstyle it may inspire me to create a wild and crazy piece that would coordinate with the style. What inspires me in life is the fact that I am surrounded by striving, successful, and supportive people who works to achieve the best out of life and I want to do the same!

4. What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?

Actually just making it to the point where I am now is an accomplishment for me. I started a business completely on my own; researching and gaining all of the knowledge that I can to make all of this happen! I was involved in Miami International Fashion Week 2013 as well as Alabama Fashion Week 2013. I will be showcasing new pieces in Hollywood, Ca for Facet Fashion Week 2014. I have been featured in Epok Online Magazine, and Life on The Water Magazine which is sold in barnes and nobles, yachts, etc. I have also had the opportunity to supply my alumni school, ASU, with suits for ballet dancers and their performance.

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5. Who are some of your favorite clothing brands?

I don’t have a favorite clothing brand. I wear everything and anything that I like. I mainly shop online at various stores, but I do love Versace and the luxurious prints used for their clothing.

6. What’s in the future for ShaLaJa Swimwear?

In the future ShaLaJa Swimwear will have a men’s line, kids line, exotic wear, beach lounge, and cover ups.

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About Shalaja Swimwear: 

The collections feature different ranges of pieces in an array of prints, styles, textures, colors and embellishments – from simple to space age, and everything in between. All collection highlights include creative monokinis, twisted two-pieces and one-pieces that cinch your figure into svelte mode. Future plans for ShaLaJa’ include exotic wear, beach wraps, lounge wear, hats, t-shirts and a children’s line.

Shalaja Swimwear

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Fox 45 Morning News Segment: Spring Cleaning Products

The whole experience of being on television is new to me but also very exciting. It’s an aspect of my brand that I didn’t pursue (or imagine) but was presented to me through a public relations firm located in New York.

Please see the segment below:

Fox 45 Baltimore – Discussing Spring Cleaning Products

Beauty /

Dr. Natalie Strand Gives Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Health

Dr. Natalie Strand’s (winner of TheAmazing Race and contributor on The Doctors) tips for spring cleaning your health with your readers, because spring cleaning isn’t only for homes:

• Get A Spring Tune-Up
• Make Exercise Fun
• Spruce Up Your Mouth Health
• Get Seasonal
• Relax, Don’t Just Rest

 

Spring Clean Your Health Tips with Colgate Total

Colgate Total

Dr. Natalie Strand’s Tips: 

1. Relax, Don’t Just Rest – Stress is a huge contributor to poor health, but many people don’t know how to manage it. People often mistake resting for relaxing, but it’s not the same. Learn some stress reducing techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or meditation.
2. Get Seasonal – Check out your local farmer’s market. Buy seasonal foods and try to incorporate them in your meals every day. Seasonal produce is more flavorful and densely packed with nutrients.
3. Make Exercise Fun – Spring is the perfect time of year to combine exercise with social activities. Be creative to get endorphins pumping and think of things to do with friends such as taking a salsa class, archery lessons, or an evening walk around the neighborhood.
4. Get A Spring Tune-up – Doctor’s appointments are important, but often pushed to the wayside. Make a list and schedule all your appointments at once: yearly check-ups, dental exams and cleanings, eye exams, etc.
5. Spruce Up Your Mouth Health – You’re already brushing your teeth twice a day so take the chance to switch to using oral care products that do more than just protect, but can actually help improve the health of your mouth. Using the Colgate Total® regimen is proven to eliminate fifteen times more bacteria and improve mouth health in two weeks. It’s a simple change with a powerful impact.

Dr. Natalie Strand

 

Dr. Natalie Strand (winner of The Amazing Race and contributor on The Doctors)

Dr. Natalie Strand, is the director of integrative medicine at Freedom Pain Hospital. She has worked closely with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The American Diabetes Association, and dLife to promote exercise and healthy living among people living with diabetes. She has appeared on CNN/HLN, The Early Show, The Doctors, EXTRA!, The Rachel Ray Show, CNBC, and CBS.