Talk of Alabama Fashion Segment: Closet Organization and Budget-Friendly Products under $25

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Talk of Alabama:  ABC 3340 and share budget-friendly closet organization tips.

One way to boost your overall mood is with an organized closet.  There are so many benefits to managing your clothing and accessories:

  1. Save money on your wardrobe without re-buying the same items.
  2. Reduce the clutter with visually seen items.
  3. You will dress better because items are at your fingertips.
  4. It creates more space in your home.

Organizing your closet can be overwhelming but with the right set of tools, this can be a fun project!  Grab your best girlfriends or Fashion Stylist and start sorting those shirts and accessories.

While on-air, I showcased products that can be purchased from Target and Amazon.  The list included non slip hangers, cascading hooks, plastic baskets, over-the-door hook, shoe bag, and wall-mounted jewelry canvas.

Click on the link to view the segment: Talk of Alabama | Closet Organization | Kim West

Talk of Alabama Fashion Segment: Makeup Techniques, Shapewear, and Much More

On July 2, 2019, I hosted a television segment on Talk of Alabama:  ABC 3340 discussing simple fashion tips to elevate anyone’s everyday style.

I was excited to serve as the Fashion/Style Expert and shared makeup techniques, shapewear basics, color placement, and classic accessories.

Why talk about everyday style tips?  Because it’s easy for women to wear the same hairstyle or favorite jacket for several years. Refreshing your overall look can uplift your mindset and self-esteem.

MAKEUP
During the segment, I discussed how to cut down on the early morning routine with the use of face palettes from companies such as Makeup Geek.  Face palettes remove the need for various products and keep the bathroom area organized.  They’re easy to store in your cosmetics bag as well.

The most important makeup tip shared on-air was wearing a bright-colored lipstick to elevate the face during an early morning routine!

SHAPEWEAR
Owning shapewear basics such as a bodysuit or camisole will make those fitted shift dresses, align skirts, or slim-fit slacks lay smoothly and camouflage problem areas.

COMPLEMENTARY COLORS
When shopping, purchase items that are in complementary colors according to your skin tone, eyes, and hair color.  The IBKUL Mock Neck Summer dress is the perfect addition to anyone’s seasonal wardrobe.

This dress has rich colors and the sleeveless design can be dressed up with wedge sandals or dressed down with a denim jacket.

ACCESSORIES
Accessories are like icing on a cake!  Wearing the right accessories can elevate any look; it’s suggested to start with classic pieces such as stud earrings, tortoiseshell sunglasses, leather belt or black handbag.

From there, you can incorporate trendier items for a fun look.  The pieces shown on-air included a straw handbag and hat, pearls, hoop earrings, tote bag, and aviator sunglasses.

Need help with your overall look, then click here:  Fashion Consultant and  Personal Shopper

Fashion to Figure Plus Size Retailer and Denise Caldwell Summer Style Soiree Event Recap

Fashion to Figure, America’s leading trendy plus – size fashion retailer, announces the opening of their newest Baltimore brick and mortar store at White Marsh Mall. In celebration of their latest location, Fashion to Figure partnered with curvy fashion blogger and Baltimore native Denise Caldwell, hosting an in-store summer style soiree last night.

Denise Caldwell & Fashion to Figure
Denise Caldwell & Fashion to Figure

The FTF in-store Fashion Stylists along with Denise were on hand sharing their style expertise with guests. In store promotions were offered to shoppers including up to 50% off merchandise.

“A major look of the evening was floral,” shared Denise. “It’s one of my favorite key trends of the season! It’s refreshing and also a mood booster. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. My favorite slimming style tip is to wear mixed colors like shades of purple, navy, cobalt and pastel blues together that have the same base tone.  FTF is a great spot.  I always leave feeling confident.”

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SUMMER TRENDS AND STYLE TIPS
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SUMMER TRENDS AND STYLE TIPS

The retailer’s 26th store opening continues rapid national expansion for Fashion to Figure. Started by the two great-grandsons of Lena ‘Lane’ Bryant, Fashion to Figure was founded with the mission to make people’s lives better through the ultimate full-fashion experience.  FTF is the only fast fashion retail chain solely focused on women sizes 12-26 and is dedicated to giving this set of women access to on-trend, up to the minute styles at accessible prices.

“We are thrilled to be opening our eighth store in Maryland and our third in the Baltimore area”, said Michael Kaplan, Co-Founder and CEO of FTF. “We started Fashion to Figure to make a meaningful and positive difference to people within the US, and we are excited to expand within Baltimore as a whole.  We believe fashion is a state of mind not a size range and we are excited to bring our approach to White Marsh Mall and a new community of guests.”

The FTF White Marsh Mall location is now open to the public at 8200 Perry Hall Blvd. All clothing ranges from sizes 12 – 26, and all merchandise is under $50.

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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 sponsorslocal 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

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