…this Saturday at Ann Taylor (The Summit location). Happy shopping!
Bevello hosts grand opening this week!
Love, love, love this chic boutique! It was one of my favorite stops in Tuscaloosa, and now bevello celebrates its grand opening at the Summit this Wednesday!
The grand opening party is this Wendesday, March 23 at 5:00 P.M. Guests will enjoy a DJ, photographer, complimentary drinks and light bites from Seasons 52 and Zoe’s Kitchen, plus 20% off purchases!
The new store is located at 214 Summit Boulevard, Suite 400.
Happy shopping!
There’s nothing like a good read…
What? You didn’t think I spent ALL my time shopping and gallivanting, did you? I haven’t been able to read for enjoyment the way I did before graduate school, and am just getting back to it. These are all great reads, whether your tastes run to highbrow, lowbrow…or somewhere in between.
Get INformation: Becoming Beyonce, by J. Randy Tarraborelli. Three stars and a bottle of hot sauce for this juicy read. Does it lay out what happened in that elevator in 2013? You’ll have to read it yourself.
Real Housewife of Barnes and Noble: American Housewife, by Helen Ellis. Four stars. Witty, strange and definitely funny. Ellis and her characters are women I’d love to have a cocktail with. Fun facts: Ellis is an accomplished poker player and was reared in Tuscaloosa.
HERstory: My Time with the Kings: A Reporter’s Recollection of Martin, Coretta and the Civil Rights Movement, by Kathryn Johnson. Three and three quarter stars. Johnson became an AP reporter covering the civil rights movement and the King family during a turbulent time in history. She had a front row seat to many things, including Dr. King’s funeral, and was even allowed into the King family’s intimate spaces. She was present for the University of Alabama’s Stand in the Schoolhouse Door, and her recollections on that alone make this a read. Her resourcefulness, quick thinking and gumption gave her access many could not have gotten.
And one to grow on: I Had a Favorite Dress, by Boni Ashburn. This was a pick for my niece, who loves to be read to! (And also so she doesn’t become a semi-hoarder like her aunt.) The illustrations and story are lovely.
All images via Amazon
Spring Fling…
I am so glad that groundhog’s forecast was for an early spring! My wardrobe needs a breath of fresh air and sunshine, and that’s what this season’s style has in store. I’m ready to break out my culottes, expose a little bare shoulder and tuck my coats and boots away. If you can’t tell, I’ve got spring fever–and here are a few seasonal tips and trends (as seen on Talk of Alabama this morning) to keep in mind:
- Pantone, the company which selects an annual signature color, has chosen two for 2016: ROSE QUARTZ and SERENITY. So expect to see blush pinks and baby blues in everything from home décor to clothing and accessories for the whole family. Pastels are pretty much expected for Spring, and that will continue.
- Wearing WHITE head-to-toe is white haute this spring.Yes, you totally CAN wear it Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Let’s put this argument away for good, shall we? Just make sure the fabric is appropriate to the season, and that the shade of white compliments your complexion.
- PATTERNS are a great way to add visual interest. Some will say “FLORALS for Spring? Groundbreaking!” but they are a seasonal staple. You can try something delicate like a daisy print, something more abstract and graphic, or even something a little more dark and edgy. But other options include STRIPES and GINGHAM. If you’re worried about fit or “doing too much,” try a top, sandals or purse in the print, against a more neutral outfit. Gentlemen, try a gingham tie or dress shirt would work. Ladies, try a striped cami or gingham-print shoe. The more adventurous shopper will try wearing patterns from head to toe.
- This season is all about the chunky heel, the flat mule, sandal and slip on shoe, all of which are super easy on the feet. But what keeps it interesting are again, color, pattern and texture. Do us all a favor and be sure to get a pedicure…you can add a pop of seasonal color to your tips and toes!
- Little DETAILS can make or complete a look this spring. There areso many to choose from: a romantic touch of lace or delicate ruffles, a long necklace that adds a touch of sparkle, textures such as tweed and laser-cut patterns. These extra little touches add a bit more oomph or edge to an otherwise run-of-the-mill outfit.
Happy shopping!
Image via Giphy.com
What I Wore: Galley and Garden
I was waaaaaay overdue for a night out wih friends when I received an invite to relax, relate and release with girlfriends a couple of weeks ago! And when I wasn’t salivating over the menu at local hotspot Galley and Garden, I had outfit planning to look forward to. 
This J. Crew asymmetrical zip jumpsuit is so comfortable, but manages to be chic AND weather appropriate! And jumpsuits are just so easy! The leopard heels give it a little Cookie Lyon action, and I always have a clutch to carry my essentials.
Now here’s the scoop on Galley and Garden: it’s DELICIOUS! Go. The ambiance, service and food are superb.
J. Crew invites you…
Happy shopping!
Xo, Alexis
Haute off the press!
Here’s one more exciting announcement for the week: I’m excited to be featured in B-Metro magazine as its “Look Grand for Less” feature for February! Thanks to the Outlet Shops of Grand River, I was able to find several fab items that fit a $250 budget! In fact, the deals are so amazing that I came in under budget. Putting together versatile, well-made and fun pieces I could wear in a variety of ways was actually quite do-able thanks to the variety of options at the outlet. Don’t believe me? Grab your copy of B-Metro for details; it’s available on newsstands now!
Special thanks to Kim Colvin (makeup artistry), Chuck St. John (photography) and Tracy James for making this an awesome experience!
Xo, Alexis
Images via Tracy James and B-Metro
Keep it chic in 2016!
If you’re stuck in a style rut, why not strut out in something different next year, whether that’s a new hairstyle or new color palette? Trying new things gets you out of your comfort zone, and that’s always a great thing! And if you prepare your style statements now, you’ll be ready for whatever the year may hold. (As we like to say, if you STAY ready, you don’t have to GET ready!)
- Add a touch of FAB to your look: Embrace the opposite, style-wise. For example, my look is generally prim and proper…but now I’m trying pieces with a little more edge to them, or maybe that are different from my “normal” look. For me that means embracing more color and pattern, which you get both of in this JCrew Factory tuxedo blouse from the Outlet Shops of Grand River. And plaid is very on trend for fall and winter. (I love this top with destroyed jeans, or even with leather shorts!)
- FUN pieces are not just for kids: Style is personal, and I think people should be free to try different things. You’re never too old to wear what you might’ve worn, you just have to make certain adjustments. I’ve wanted a “Carrie Bradshaw”-style tulle tutu forever, and I finally decided to be brave and just go for it. This one is from Rue 21, also available at the Outlet Shops. Pair it with a simple slim-fit black turtle neck – NOT a leotard – plus heels or ballet flats and it’s not so far out for date night or girls night (but maybe not the office)!
- Serve FIERCE face: Find at least one new makeup technique you’d like to try. Whether that’s contouring, strobing or highlighting – or even enhancing your brows, keep your look current. Products like Estee Lauder’s New Dimension Shape+Fill Serum – which lifts the look of the cheekbones and jawlines and adds radiance – make that easy. (Special thanks to makeup artist extraordinaire Kim Colvin for my camera-ready look! Ready for your close-up? Book your look by clicking HERE.)
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Balmain x H&M is here!
Toss some sequins! The day many of us have been waiting for is finally here: Olivier Rousteing’s amazing capsule Balmain x H&M collection is on sale today!
Check out our favorite our favorite looks:
Shopping the line? A few points to keep in mind: Online purchases are limited to only 1 item per product. If you’re shopping in store, you are limited to two items per product. Items you have placed in your cart aren’t actually yours until you check out; trust us, hesitation will get your feelings hurt today if you’re slow about finalizing your purchase. Also, if you traveled to Huntsville to shop the collection, the first 420 people in line will receive a colored bracelet that determines when you can shop. If you are just vising H&M for other items, you will not need a bracelet. Once the final group with bracelets has shopped the collection, it will be opened to all other customers.
And yes: the site has already experienced issues. But you saw that coming, no?
A final question from SCDD: when is BIRMINGHAM getting an H&M? We’re putting it on our 2016 wish list…along with Uber!
All images via Balmain x H&M
Same Chic Different Day 