Thank you, Birmingham Magazine!
I’ve answered phones, I’ve cleaned offices and I’ve been made to count pencils (yes, really). I’ve been counted out, overlooked, laughed at and rejected more times than I can count. I very nearly flunked out of college. I’ve doubted myself. I’ve felt invisible. I’ve been underestimated, undermined, underpaid, overlooked and overworked. In spite of that I’ve worked my narrow behind off, and I never let other people’s issues and “-isms” determine my self-worth. I’ve delivered under pressure that has seemed insurmountable, and performed when my heart wanted to give up. But I’m still standing. And I know I’m not alone.
I’m honest about my journey because I’m grateful for it. If I can make it, God knows you can, too.
I am still overwhelmed from yesterday’s Top Influencers Under 40 luncheon! Birmingham Magazine made it a beautiful day for us at the City Club.
And Rent The Runway really came through in a pinch. I’ve lost so much weight that most of my clothes don’t fit, and I literally had nothing to wear! Having been through several physical changes over the last couple of months, RTR, Kim Colvin and James Adams, Jr. all helped me look my best.
It meant so very much to me to not only be in the room, but to have my mother beside me and to celebrate so many other amazing people, including one of my best friends!
Congratulations to all the honorees!
A.
VBxTarget launches April 9. Here’s how to shop.
Calling all Target shoppers!
Just when I think I’m done with Target’s budget-friendly designer collaborations, they pique my interest (and pick my pocketbook) with something different. So here we are with Victoria Beckham’s new line, hitting the interweb and brick and mortar stores this Sunday, April 9.
If you’ve followed the shenanigans here for a length of time you know I’ve camped out at my local store for both the Neiman Marcus drop and the Great Lilly Pulitzer Disaster of 2015. If you’re planning to scoop some VB on the low (and are not a Redcard-holder who is shopping early!), I’ve got tips for shopping either online or in an actual store, because knowing is half the battle!
When shopping online (for the truly dedicated who like to shop in their pajamas):
- Review the list of items and zero in on what you want, whether it’s for women, babies or toddlers–there are over 200 items total in this collection reflecting Beckham’s design aesthetic and influenced by her daughter, Harper. I’ve narrowed my wish list to two pieces to preserve my sanity.
- Go ahead and register on Target.com so your information is saved. You would not believe how quickly stuff gets wiped out online, and the quicker you can complete your checkout, the better. Do not plan to browse for other random items and think your online cart is reserved or your feeling will be hurt
- Be ready at your laptop at least 10-20 minutes before launch.
- Have your credit/debit card information handy.
- While you wait, check Twitter (#VBxTarget) for any news or reactions from other shoppers.
- Expect the items to drop at midnight PACIFIC TIME on Target.com and VictoriaBeckham.com. I’d have both sites and up and ready, just in case.
- REFRESH REFRESH REFRESH!
- SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP!
- A note on free in-store pick-up at Target: I wouldn’t necessarily count on it being an option for this line. Be prepared to have your order shipped, and for these worst case scenarios: your cart may be canceled or your items may be backordered. Hopefully Target has learned from previous experience and there won’t be many hiccups this time. Stay tuned.
When shopping in a brick and mortar (for those who enjoy the thrill of shopping like they’re on the streets Pamplona during the running of the bulls):
- Pro tip: Survey your local store (displays for the line are going up) or call ahead to politely inquire whether your favorite store will be selling items from the collaboration, and decide ahead of Sunday morning which store you will visit.
- Dress for the weather and the occasion. As you may have to beat a crowd when the doors open, this is not the time for four-inch heels and a heavy handbag. Be comfortably dressed, wear nonskid soles and streamline your accessories to a wallet or crossbody bag.
- Get to your local Target, early. And by “early,” I mean before daybreak (otherwise you could be at the end of a long line of shoppers and eBay resellers (*shakes fist*). Go prepared with something to sit on, a warm beverage and/or snack to keep you fortified, a book and your phone charger.
- Hit the bricks and claim a spot on the sidewalk.
- Wait patiently. Do not harass any employees who are arriving to work, and don’t be tacky and ask to be let in. (Go to the potty before you get to the store.)
- This should go without saying: be aware of your surroundings.
- When the doors open, don’t push or elbow. Make your way quickly to the section where your items are displayed. If you must run, God help you.
- Don’t snatch or grab from the clothing racks–and definitely NOT from other shoppers’ hands or baskets or shopping carts. It’s not attractive. And the store employees will have to clean up your mess, which isn’t nice.
- Be considerate in the dressing room. If you grabbed multiple sizes, try them on quickly. Don’t leave the dressing room in disarray. Try on your items quickly, return the item(s) you aren’t purchasing and move on.
- If you didn’t find what you were looking for, try your next closest store. And if you still come up empty-handed, keep checking as people often return items for days and weeks after a launch.
Happy shopping!
In which I find my #BestAngle
If you have already read this announcement on Facebook or Instagram, I apologize! But I’m so excited to share that I’m in the January issue of Glamour magazine, which is on stands now!
I am so used to writing away behind the camera that it was a shock to be the focus of a camera’s lens. The photographer had to remind me to breathe! It was also a great reminder to always be open to new adventures and to expect wonderful things to happen when you work hard. From the moment I was notified that I’d been chosen, to being picked up by a chauffeur, to the royal treatment I received in NYC – it was the trip of a lifetime, and I’m so grateful to Glamour and Estee Lauder for the opportunity.
Enjoy some of the behind-the-scenes shots from the photo shoot, and stay tuned for more from my first ever trip to the Big Apple! (I took so many photos that it’s taking me a while to weed through them!)
Xo, Alexis
In which I meet a Maasai chieftain + a giveaway!
I have had so many amazing experiences as a blogger, but attending the Pikolinos launch at Belk a few weeks ago is one I will never forget. If you’re not familiar with the brand, it is a line of beautifully made shoes, jewelry and accessories featuring Spanish leather and intricate beading created by Maasai women, who also receive the profits.
The Maasai Project, as it is called, gives the women a creative space as well as economic freedom. They can then educate themselves and their families…and that is a cause that really spoke to me.
I had the opportunity to see pieces from the partnership at the Summit store, and from the superb leather to the detailed beadwork, these pieces are so, so beautiful. I also had the pleasure of meeting William Kikanae Ole Pere, the tribe’s chief! He is so gracious and so warm, and his vision for empowering women has changed the lives of so many women and girls – and benefited his community as a whole.
Enjoy my highlight reel! You can shop Pikolinos’ Maasai Collection by clicking HERE and HERE.
I was gifted with a beautiful necklace from The Maasai Project and I’m sharing a little of the love with ONE lucky reader! Post “Pick Me 4 Pikolinos!” in the comments for your chance at winning a hand-beaded bracelet. ONE winner will be chosen at random this Friday!
Chief William even taught me a little of his language, Maa, and I close with this:
Ashe (“Thank you”) for reading!
Alexis
Join me at Sally Beauty Supply this Saturday!
Come by this Saturday, April 25 for your chance to receive natural hair tips, prizes and a shot at tickets to the BET Awards! For further details, click HERE.
I survived #LillyforTarget.
Here’s a recap of what happened yesterday morning, my Lilly for Target haul, plus a final word on #PinkSunday.
After staying up all night waiting for the Lilly Pulitzer collection to launch online, I drove to the Hoover West store in hopes of having better luck. I arrived around 6:15 AM in the pouring rain and no line had formed. Once the weather died down, I hopped out with a book and a piece of cardboard to sit on and made myself comfortable at the front door closest to the Electronic section (both sets of doors would be opened at 8:00, but this set was the quickest way to Ladies Apparel). Just when I began to think I was a little nuts, other cars began trickling into the parking lot. By 7:00 there was a line that eventually extended into the rain as well as one at the second set of doors near the Grocery section.
At 7:30 or so, a store manager came out to ask us not to run once we were let in, and to be kind to each other. We agreed at the front of the line that this would not be an issue. However, three people did attempt to break the line, which I thought was extremely tacky. When the doors were opened, I quickly made my way toward Ladies Apparel. I never looked back, but I could feel the crush of about 60 people behind me. I pulled the Fan Dance shift dress I wanted in two sizes and the Nosie Posey clutch I wanted as well, and hustled over to the Beauty aisle to grab the Fan Dance double-zip train case. Then I went back to try on the dresses. When I came out, I noted the decimated clothes racks and bewilderment of women who’d gotten there late. I handed the dress I didn’t want to a lady who was very grateful, then headed to the cashier. I saw no fighting or crying, but I did see lots of grabbing, some stockpiling and several hurt, disappointed and confused faces. The stock was definitely wiped out within minutes.
After checking out, I drove eight miles to the Bessemer store to look for the Fan Dance round top clutch, but found the Pineapple juicer instead. I’m ashamed to admit that I drove to two other stores in search of the clutch (with no luck), but at that point I was pretty delirious.
A note on the quality: while some minor details are missing on the shift (lace trim and bra strap holders), I’m happy with what I received. The clutch is sturdy with beautiful embroidery and a vibrant floral design. The train case and porcelain juicer are well-made as well. I couldn’t care less about someone thinking it’s cheap. I thought the items were cute overall and nicely done at the price point offered. It is a shame Target is not planning to restock so more people can enjoy the collection.
All in all, it paid to get there early (and to have long legs and a strategy). But I’m not sure I will go this extreme again.
Aside from the problems experienced with the website and the hassle of shopping the store, I hated the fact that the quantities were so limited. If you got to the store at 8:00, you could basically forget it. This release brought out the ugly side of a lot of people, fighting and grabbing up things to sell at ridiculous prices elsewhere. Then there is the faction of Lilly snobs who came out in full force on social media to bash people who enjoy the novelty of these collaborations as well as the democratization of fashion (i.e. whining because Lilly is no longer limited to those who live in exclusive enclaves and have exclusive tastes). On another note, I wish Target would make these launches into “events” with music, food and giveaways for customers who congregate at the store. It might’ve helped the atmosphere a little. After all, Lilly was famous for her Palm Beach juice stand; they could’ve at least served orange juice!
I say “never again,” for now…at least until the next collaboration is announced. Don’t judge me.
Images via Google
We’re giving away passes to JLB Bargain Bash!
***THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. Congrats to M. McGlamery for winning the VIP passes!***
It’s time for Bargain Carousel, Birmingham’s 1,000 family garage sale, benefiting the community projects offered by the Junior League of Birmingham! On April 26 and 27, you can shop the sale at the former JC Penney/Century Plaza Mall and find deals on everything from gently used clothing, appliances, furniture and home decor, electronics, art, sporting goods, heirlooms, antiques and baby items – all at terrific prices! Even better: your shopping will help women and children in the Birmingham area.
But that’s not all. Bargain Bash – the event’s preview cocktail party – kicks off tomorrow night and we’re giving away passes to one SCDD reader today! These VIP passes will allow you (and a friend!) to attend the Bargain Bash preview party with early entry at 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 24. Early entry means one extra hour of pre-sale shopping before general admission entry begins at 7:00 PM and “first dibs” on sale and over 150 live/silent auction items. The live auction will feature items including SEC Championship tickets and a New Orleans Saints Experience!
Want a chance WIN Bargain Bash VIP tickets?
Simply comment “It’s CHIC to be VIP!” on this post! The winner’s name will be drawn at 6:00 PM today. Please use a valid email address where you can be contacted if you win. The winner (and guest) may report to Will Call at Bargain Bash tomorrow evening for wristbands and auction bid cards. All decisions final.
***THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. Congrats to M. McGlamery for winning the VIP passes!***
If you don’t win, you may purchase VIP tickets ($40) or General Admission tickets ($30) to Bargain Bash by clicking HERE.
Tips to remember:
Arrive early for Bargain Bash (and for Bargain Carousel, if you plan to shop this weekend)! Lines will form.
Bring a bag or two (or even a cart!) to Bargain Bash and Bargain Carousel; you’re probably going to want to load up on deals.
During Bargain Bash, items will be sold at double the marked/listed sale price.
Bargain Bash parking is at the back of the mall; enter at the JC Penney entrance closest to Entry 4. Century Plaza is located at 7580 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35210.
Pre-sale tickets for Bargain Carousel will be available Friday, April 25 from 3-7 PM; shoppers may purchase up to 4 tickets at $10 per ticket to the Saturday Sale.
Bargain Carousel 2014 will open its doors on Saturday, April 26 (8 AM-5 PM). Tickets from 8-10 AM are $10 per ticket and from 10 AM-5 PM they are $5 per ticket. It continues Sunday, April 27 (1-5 PM) with free admission and half price merchandise.
A special note for the Saturday sale: all tickets are numbered, and shoppers will enter Bargain Carousel in the order of their ticket number. For information about Bargain Carousel 2014, the most exciting spring shopping event in Birmingham, call 205-879-9861, visit www.bargaincarousel.net or “Like” Bargain Carousel on Facebook.
Happy shopping!
*Full disclosure: I am a member of The Junior League of Birmingham.
Image via The Junior League of Birmingham
Same Chic Different Day 