Dressing On-Trend for Carnival Season

Mardi Gras is a southern, carnival tradition.  I have enjoyed participating in the festival since childhood.  This year, I was invited to attend one of the balls. Guests were asked to dress in non-traditional attire, wearing sequin tops and denim jeans.

Immediately, I started searching for the perfect sequin blouse.  I was able to find what I needed at the local thrift shop.

The top (below) had all of the colors that represent the event and matched perfectly with my bottom.

I have secretly been waiting for the right time to wear my clear ankle booties. This shoe was on-trend and wore nicely for an evening of dancing.

Thrifting can be a lot of fun if you have an idea of the piece your searching. What’s your favorite thrifted item?

Winter Fashion Survival: Wearing Bright Hues and Tones

To survive the remainder of winter, incorporate a bright hue into your fashion wardrobe. There’s something about the fluctuating weather and brisk air that makes us resort to earth tones. Although I adore wearing a taupe sweater, I opted for the Alex Malay Satin Pink Blazer instead of the traditional pieces.

Normally, I would style this blazer with a button-down, denim jeans, and quilted flats.  I wanted to elevate the look and represent the upcoming warmer season.

The cranberry toned accessories evolved from owning a velvet hat, pointed toe boots, and bodysuit. White jeans are considered a faux pas but can brighten a look and accent the colors in your top or accessories.

How do you use fashion to brighten the cold season?  What are your favorite colors and accessories?

 

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment – Valentine’s Day Beauty Prep from Head – To – Toe

I was invited to visit Talk of Alabama and share Valentine’s Day Beauty Prep from Head – To – Toe.  This segment featured at-home beauty essentials to impress your significant other or indulge in some much-deserved TLC.

The products I presented on ABC 33/40 included WUNDERKISS Lip Plumping Gloss, JuvaLips, Amarte Wonder Cream, Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream, SweetCheeks, NeoCell Beauty Bursts, INGLOT Breathable Nail Enamel, A Complete, WUNDER2 WUNDERBROW, Glycolic MUD Cleanser, HA + Collagen Anti-age Serum, and Vitamin C Serum.

Here’s the breakdown:

FACE

Amarte Wonder Cream

Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream

Glycolic MUD Cleanser

HA + Collagen Anti-age Serum and Vitamin C Serum

WUNDERKISS Lip Plumping Gloss

WUNDERBROW

A Complete Moisturizer

JUVALips

NAILS

INGLOT Breathable Nail Enamel

HAIR

NeoCell Beauty Bursts

BODY

SweetCheeks Cellulite Massage Mats

Click Here To Watch:  TALK OF ALABAMA

Dressing According To Your Body Type

Featured Red Pumps from Shoedazzle.com

Fashion can be a whimsical experience. There are a variety of accessories, fabrics, styles, and designs. But, one of the most important style tips is to dress according to your body type.  How can you discover your body type?  See the example below:

Knowing your body type allows you to purchase clothing based upon the direction of lines and patterns. It also serves as a guide when buying shapewear to camouflage targeted areas such as the  stomach, hips, or thighs.

The first step to dressing for your body type is to getting the right measurements and selecting your physical shape.  Your shape is either an Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Inverted Triangle, or Rectangle.

Another fashion tip is to find a style icon that’s based upon your body type and remix their wardrobe. For example, Jennifer Lopez is a “pear” and Queen Latifah has an “apple” shape.

 

Pear Body Type
Amazon – DREAM PAIRS Women’s D’Orsay Style Pointy Pumps Classic Stiletto

The next step is select clothing that will compliment those areas and wear accessories to accent the total look:

  1. Hourglass – Tailored Clothing, Cropped Jackets, Wrap Dress, Dark Colors, Pencil Skirts, and Mid-Rise Pants
  2. Pear – Bright Prints, Embellished Tops, Dark Colored Pants, Bold Earrings, and High Heels
  3. Apple – Plunging Neckline, Tunic Shirt, Tailored Blazers, and Platform Wedges
  4. Inverted Triangle –  Empire Waist Tops, Large Belts, Full Skirts, Boot cut Jeans, and Stilettos
  5. Rectangle – Flowy Tops, A-Line Skirts, Skinny Jeans, Flats, Heels, and Fitted Blazers.

Dressing according to your body type can be tricky but with the right attire you can have a timeless, capsule wardrobe.

Birmingham Winter Restaurant Week 2017 – Local Cuisine

Are you a foodie and take pleasure in culinary cuisine?  Well, you’re in luck because today starts Birmingham “Winter” Restaurant Week 2017 through Sunday, January 29, 2017.

Residents can enjoy delicious meals from locally owned and operated restaurants.  A few of the participants on the list include Ghost Train Brewing Company, Rojo Latin and American Food, and Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille.

Tourists and residents can also purchase tickets for specialized events throughout the city.

Discovering Your Personal Style

Recently, I’ve added style photos to my social media feed.  I wanted to share my personal style, which is categorized as chic and modern.

This leads me to the topic for the blog post. How can someone discover his or her personal style? Essentially it’s about self-awareness and understanding your clothing preferences. The definition of style is, “a distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed.”

The first step to discovering your personal style is identifying a style icon. Do you prefer the total appearance of Lady Gaga or Michelle Obama?  Grab a few magazines and create a stylebook.

The next action is to visit your closet and examine pieces you have worn on numerous occasions.  This could be a fedora hat or cardigan sweater.  Are those items complimenting your features and body type (circle, triangle, hourglass, rectangle)?

Rebecca Minkoff

Consider your lifestyle and occupation when curating your wardrobe.  A corporate executive should invest in a high quality suit; same concept applies for weekly Pilates sessions.

Accessories are the best assets for discovering your personal style.  They allow you to change a look without purchasing new clothing.  A classic wristwatch can upgrade an inexpensive blouse.

Ultimately, it’s about feeling great and presenting yourself in a positive manner!

H&M Large Earrings

Quick Wardrobe Tips:

  •  Invest in alterations for ill-fitting items
  •  Use the dry-cleaners sparingly – can damage clothing fibers
  •  Spend extra money on work shoes, blazers, jeans, bras, suiting, and outerwear
  •  Find unique pieces at consignment or thrift shops

 

Mid Sleeve Floral Romper – Cute and Relaxed Style Option

New Year’s Eve is a night of glitz and glam.  This year, I opted from the traditional cocktail gown and wore an outfit that’s casual chic.

Festive activities (for this holiday) range from serving appetizers, playing board games, and toasting with a glass of champagne. To enjoy the evening, I needed a look that’s stylish and comfortable.  The Mid Sleeve Floral Romper from AMI Clubwear was the ideal option.

I am a huge fan of wearing a Romper because it’s the perfect combination of cute, relaxed, and sexy. In addition, the mid-length sleeves provide an extra layer of warmth.

Another style option for this look is to pair with Over-The-Knee Boots, Infinity Scarf, Cardigan Sweater, Cropped Blazer, or Tights.

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment – NYE 2016 Beauty Products and Personal Glam Squad Techniques

I was invited to visit Talk of Alabama and share New Year’s Eve beauty products and personal glam squad techniques.  This segment featured at-home beauty essentials to achieve a professional look for everyone – not just red carpet celebrities.

The products I presented on ABC 33/40 included EcoTools Makeup Brushes, SensatioNail Pro LED Lamp, Sally Hansen Gel Polish, Hard Candy Nail Polish, Hard Candy Eyeshadow Collection, Vanity Planet Tame Flat Iron, Spa Sonic Skin Care System, and Whamisa Real Kelp Sheet Mask.

Here’s the breakdown:

FACE

Spa Sonic

Whamisa Real Kelp Sheet Mask

EcoTools Makeup Brushes

Hard Candy Eyeshadow Collection

NAILS

Hard Candy Nail Polish

SensatioNail Pro LED Lamp

Sally Hansen Gel Polish

HAIR

Vanity Planet Tame Flat Iron

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE SEGMENT:  TALK OF ALABAMA

COVERGIRL SO LASHY! BLASTPRO MASCARA – Morning Routine

COVERGIRL has a new Lash Equality campaign.  I like this campaign because makeup has no boundaries or restrictions.  It’s simply about using a product to enhance the physical appearance.  Makeup also has internal healing properties. There are several individuals that purchase cosmetics for corrective purposes (such as skin deformities) or cancer patients that suffer from the side-effects of chemotherapy.

Due to the previous reasons, I am an advocate for wearing makeup and finding the right product.  Many people are not aware that I have eczema – inflammation of the skin.  As a child, my mother taught me proper skincare techniques and (how-to) use makeup to protect my face from environmental impurities.

My three-step morning routine is:

  1. Use a facial scrub
  2. Apply a moisturizer – a must do
  3. Beauty Blend (in a T-formation) on my face COVERGIRL Custom Blend Foundation

My last step is to complete the look with a voluminous mascara.  The COVERGIRL SO LASHY!  BLASTPRO MASCARA has a three-in-one brush; allowing beauty enthusiast to reach eyelash.  Some of the other mascara wands won’t reach every hair and can create a smudge effect.  This is not the case with SO LASHY!  BLASTPRO MASCARA!  Try it for yourself and pick-up a tube at Target.

Pro Tip: apply more than one coat for volume