Nordstrom Rack opens today!

You know the deal!

We told you it was going down today, and hopefully you are prepared for the doors to open at 9am!  The first 1,000 shoppers will receive a free tote (to fill with amazing deals!) while supplies last, in addition to other goodies.  Regular store hours are Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 12pm-7pm; the River Ridge Shopping Center is located at 4612 HWY 280 Building B, Birmingham, AL 35242.

Credit card holders got a preview of the new store on Tuesday; check it out HERE.

Are you ready to rule the Rack?

Shop the ‘Made in the South’ Traveling Trunk Show on May 14!

Shop chic with Southern Designer Collections as they present the 2nd Annual “Made in the South” Traveling Trunk Show!  Browse fashion, accessories, jewelry, home decor and cuisine from Southern designers at Aldridge Gardens on Tuesday, May 14, from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM.  Meet over 15 designers and shop with special discounts throughout the trunk show.  This FREE (!) event will include complimentary parking at the Gardens as well as door prizes and giveaways throughout the day.

Vendors include Lissa Mar’s “Hampton’s-style clothing made in the South,” Moo Moo Designs “new earrings, necklaces and bracelets made out of horn and bone,” Hot to Trot Boutique’s “horse show handbags, vintage Versace/Chanel button jewelry created in a newly renovated 1964 airstream trailer,” and Emily G’s “new “curry” ketchup, pepper vinegar, apple pie jam and more!”

Come on out and browse at this one day only event; your summer wardrobe will thank you! There’s something for everyone at this show, and you will be supporting regional designers.

See you there!

Aldridge Gardens is located at 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover, AL 35216

Special thanks to Southern Designer Collections for sponsoring this post.  Want more info? Click HERE.

Images courtesy of Southern Designer Collections

I need this shoe.

JessicaSimpson_GinnyActually, I need the mate also…you know, so I can wear them.

The “Ginny” by Jessica Simpson ($89 at Belk and Heels.com) incorporates three BIG spring trends: the wedge, print, and emerald green.  I can’t wait to make a home for these darlings in my closet!

Image via Heels.com

Bargain Carousel kicks off this week!

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If you’ve never been to Birmingham’s biggest garage sale, your opportunity is here. Bargain Carousel spins its way into the community tonight with its Bargain Bash, benefitting the projects of the Junior League of Birmingham!  Bargain Bash gives shoppers the chance to browse and buy items before the official sale begins on Saturday at the former JCPenney at Century Plaza.  To purchase a $40/VIP or $30/General Admission ticket, click HERE. Bargain Bash features “food, beverages, and first dibs on over 300 cash-and-carry auction items.”  Note: pre-sale items are sold at double the sticker price during the Bargain Bash.

“The proceeds that are raised through this event are used to support more than 30 Community Projects with the Junior League’s partner agencies, which depend on the funds raised to support their missions,” said Valerie Ramsbacher, President of the Junior League of Birmingham. There will be over 100,000 items for sale including adult clothing, appliances (large and small), art, books, music, children’s clothing, electronics, furniture, heirloom items, holiday decorations, home décor, infant furniture and accessories, kitchen items, lighting, linens, office equipment and furniture, outdoors and sporting goods, rugs and toys.

If you are a “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) enthusiast, you will want to make sure to visit the “DIY Duds Corner” featuring donated pieces by JLB Members that have been transformed into treasures for your home. Join Marianne Strong of Marianne Strong Interiors; Bargain Carousel Chair-Elect, Sarah Peinhardt, Designer with Gresham Smith Partners; Interior Designer Marianne Gilchrist; and Sidney Bragiel, Stylist for Entertain Decorate Celebrate magazine, to see their vision of upgrading Bargain Carousel merchandise to make it your own.“There will be lots of washers, dryers, refrigerators, bedframes, antiques and baby furniture,” said Elizabeth Burgess, Chair of Bargain Carousel. “These are always our most popular items.”

In 2012, over 1,400 tickets were presold the day before Bargain Carousel opened its doors. People began lining up six hours in advance. This year, patrons may pre-purchase up to four (4) tickets at $10/ticket for the Saturday Sale on Friday, April 27 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Bargain Carousel 2013 will begin on Saturday, April 27 at 8 a.m.  Tickets for Saturday are $10 a ticket from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. and $5 a ticket from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Bargain Carousel continues on Sunday, April 28 (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) with free admission and half price merchandise. A special note for the Saturday Sale is that all tickets are numbered and shoppers will enter Bargain Carousel in the order of their ticket number. 

To order Bargain Bash tickets and for more information about Bargain Carousel 2013, the most exciting spring shopping event in Birmingham visit www.bargaincarousel.net or call 205-879-9861.  Century Plaza is located at 7580 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35210.

Nordstrom Rack to open May 16!

THIS. IS. NOT. A. DRILL. 

Darlings, mark your calendars, toss some sequins and get ready to shop: Nordstrom Rack is opening at the River Ridge Shopping Center on Thursday, May 16 at 9 AM! Per what I read online, this kickoff will involve music, breakfast and giveaways; be there early or be really upset with yourself when you have to plow through the leftovers. Early birds have a shot at an extra treat: thirty $100 gift cards will be given away between 8 and 9 AM.  One super savvy shopper will win at $1000 gift card as well as the opportunity to shop the store 30 minutes before doors are opened.

The details can be found on the Nordstrom Rack website; go ahead and complete an entry form for the giveaway and be sure to bring it with you on on May 16!

The River Ridge shopping center is located at 4612 HWY 280 Building B, Birmingham, AL 35242.

Shop South – Trussville’s newest boutique!

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South Boutique, which has been open just over a month in Trussville, offers shoppers a new outlet for shopping chic! I recently browsed the store and was thrilled to see a variety of brands and price points.  Anna Spruiell, South’s owner, says that after graduating the University of Alabama and working in retail in Charleston, coming back to Alabama was important to her.

What’s her take on Southern style?

“Personally, it’s what shaped my sense of style. It’s just simple, elegant and chic.”

The boutique reflects that: it’s spacious and not over-crowded with items, and carries a crisp white and grey color scheme. Antique touches such as mason jars and repurposed picture frames display accents.  But this “south” isn’t gingham and overalls: the boutique carries labels such as Elizabeth McKay, Jude Connally, Julie Brown, and Dolce Vita. South offers a wide variety of neutral and trend denim, dresses, separates and accessories for outfitting casual and professional wardrobes.  They also have an extensive selection of pewter home accessories to choose from, and they engrave.

Spruiell is also excited to offer unique jewelry.  Along with monogrammed pieces, the collection includes Chanel button jewelry  (chain necklaces are from $135-350 and pearl necklaces and bracelets start at $250) and Bourbon and Boweties coin and semi-precious bracelets, which are flying off the shelves.

“The vintage buttons are repurposed with chains and pearls; some of the buttons are 50 years or older,” Spruiell notes.  “We were one of the first to have them and they’re just really different.  We work with two vendors, so you’re never really going to see the same thing twice,” she explains. 

There is so much to choose from at South that it was extremely difficult to play favorites, but here’s my wish- er, shopping list:

1. Ivory Dolce Vita croc-print sleeveless “Ashlee” dress with zipper-detail and kickpleat skirt, $225

2. Aqua and white Elizabeth McKay tunic with grosgrain shoulder straps and button detail, $164 + white linen palazzo pant with gold button waist detail, $164

3. Paisley-print Ivy Jane silk tunic with batwing sleeve and tasseled waist detail, $132

4. Foldover clutch in burlap with pink, black or orange piping and monogrammed detail, $30

Ready to shop?  South Boutique will host a Chanel trunk show Thursday, April 18 from 6-8 PM.  The boutique is located at 1820 Gadsden Highway, Suite 104 in Trussville (next to Dunkin Donuts).  They do not currently have an online shop, but will ship anywhere in the country.

The Look: Betty Draper Francis

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Mad Men is back! Season 6 proved to be a dark and somewhat morbid meditation set at the end of 1967-beginning of 1968 (if you watched, did you catch the reference to the Crimson Tide?) Don’t worry; while I won’t give away any other plot spoilers, I will definitely celebrate the feminine, well put-together style of Don’s ex-wife Betty Draper, and sigh over the direction her wardrobe has taken since their marriage ended.

One of my favorite looks (from a previous season) was this bright floral sheath with white gloves and pocketbook. Proof that what goes around comes right back around, Muse Apparel offers a similar option with its Cut Out Back Bouquet Dress ($144). Florals are a huge trend for Spring apparel, and Muse keeps this look from being too much of a sweet throwback with the cutout detail in the back. The belt also nips the silhuoette nicely. Note that the florals are cast against a softer shade of this season’s “it” color. I love how this look has been paired with a bright shoe, but if that’s a bit too much color for you, you could also wear a nude one.

For more on Mad Men‘s costume design, click HERE.

In news, Lilly Pulitzer – purveyor of fun and feminine floral print designs for over 50 years – has passed.

Hmmm

Meet designer Donald Pliner at Belk

Donald Pliner will appear at Belk at the Summit this Saturday, March 30 in the Ladies Shoe Department from 11 AM-4 PM!  During the appearance he will showcase (and sign!) pieces from his spring collection.  Billed as “chic, evocative and exotic,” Mr. Pliner’s line is known for luxe materials and fine details.  It’s almost sandal season and we’re currently obsessed with the Tiam, a fabulous crepe espadrille with a 4 1/2 inch wedge heel and braided detail!

About Donald Pliner: “The Donald J Pliner Company has built a reputation for its innovative materials and quality craftsmanship in men’s and women’s luxury footwear and accessories. Since 1989, the brand has been known for the combination of fashion, fit and comfort that embodies every design. Donald J Pliner products are sold nationwide in select specialty stores and upscale department stores including Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Bloomingdale’s, and at the company’s five retail stores (Aventura, Coral Gables, Houston, Las Vegas, San Jose).”

The public is invited to attend this free event and refreshments will be served.

Shop for prom with me at Macy’s!

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Is your look prom-perfect?

Join me March 9 as I host Macy’s Prom Shopping Party Event at Macy’s Riverchase Galleria! You definitely don’t want to miss the afternoon of fun planned: mini-makeovers by Fashion Fair and Clinique, treats from Dreamcakes Bakery, and formal fashion, trend and etiquette tips from yours truly!

Spend $40 or more in the Juniors Department and receive a special gift, while supplies last! And darlings, be sure to tweet your favorite prom-perfect look to #MacysProm!

Ready to get the party started? Join us Saturday, March 9 at the M Style Lab Department on 1 at 2 PM!

See you there!

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