Tune in to Talk of Alabama Friday, October 21!


Toss some sequins and tune in to ABC 33/40 on Friday (October 21st): I’ll be sharing some news you can use during the 9:00 A.M. hour! 

Not in the local viewing area? You can live-streaming it by clicking HERE, or catch the video when it’s posted later by clicking HERE.

Xo, Alexis

What I wore: Lily Rain

alexis  lily rain talk of alabama
I am in LOVE with the fuchsia off-the-shoulder top I wore on Talk of Alabama this week! The boutique, located at the Summit, is hosting a special event on September 22 that benefits the United Way of Central Alabama. Stop by and treat yourself for a fabulous cause! 

lily rain united way event

As Seen on TV

Happy Monday, darlings! Let’s get this week off to a fabulous start, shall we? Here are six of my favorite, budget-friendly finds for fashionistas on the go, as shared on  ABC 33/40’s Talk of Alabama today!

STREAMLINING SKIN CARE: Using products that eliminates extra steps or products, or saves time is a major key! For example, I love exfoliating, but what do you do when you’re out of your favorite face scrub? I love OH K!’S CLEANSING PAD DUO PACK—from Paper Source—which lets your cleanser do double duty as an exfoliator. The fun, reusable silicone pads are a gentle way to remove makeup and refresh your skin, and they’re affordable at only $6.95.

PRODUCT PRO TIP: Isn’t it annoying when you can’t get to the last of your liquid foundation, lotion or cream? Consumer Reports estimates 15-25% of product goes to waste for this reason. If you’re like me you’ve scooped or cotton-swabbed to get the last few drops. But I recently found the SPATTY DADDY SET—$6.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond—which is amazing! This tiny set of spatulas can save you from digging or cutting into bottles and lets you get to the bottom of your product–so you get the most from it.

BLING, BLING: Whether your jewels are costume  finds or family heirlooms, keep them looking their best. Baublerella’s GLITZY GLOVE polishing mitt and BLING BRUSH with natural cleaner—available at Swoozie’s at the Summit—are affordable ways to remove tarnish and make your gemstones or precious metals sparkle. And a portion of proceeds empower women entrepreneurs and organizations that help instill confidence in young girls, so you’re helping a great cause.

GO-TO GADGET: I love tools and tricks that help me get dressed just a bit faster, like my BRACELET BUDDY!   When I saw this on TV I had to order one from Amazon. It eliminates fumbling to fasten a clasp through the patented clip that secures one end of your bracelet allowing your free hand to wrap it around your wrist and instantly secure the clasp. For $6.99, it’s a simple solution to this fashionista’s first world problem—and it’s also useful to those with arthritis or other mobility concerns.

READY, SET…OOPS:  If you’re prepared with a mini emergency kit – like this one from PINCH PROVISIONS—about $18 at Paper Source at the Summit – you are ready for just about anything. It has 17 items in a nifty pouch that save you in a pinch, and can be kept in a purse, glove compartment or desk drawer so you have it when you need it!

Xo, Alexis

White on white

Well, well, well…Labor Day is almost upon us, and you know what that means: put away the linen! No, not white clothing: I wear it year-round in season-appropriate fabrics.

However, last Saturday I broke out my linen fringe tank and gazebo pants from J. Crew to wear to a cousin’s summer afternoon baby shower, with Steve Madden’s blush “Sweetyy” flat sandal. Can you tell I’m obsessed with monochromatic dressing, and fringe?

Images via J. Crew and Steve Madden

Black on black


A black sweater and slacks become way more interesting when you rock a gorgeous leopard loafer in an unexpected color…this Tppi sweater, Reese pant and Georgie loafer are all via J. Crew. 

Images via J. Crew and Polyvore

Blush + bashful


Hello darlings!

I’ve said before that pink is my signature color. And since fall is days away, I’m trying to squeeze the last bit of enjoyment out of my summer pieces. Here’s a peek at what I wore to a reception welcoming new members of the Birmingham Public Library junior board. The bell sleeve dress, Falsetto pumps and dahlia necklace are all from J. Crew. 

Xo, Alexis

Wish list

  
I’m slowly getting into the off-the-shoulder trend for spring/summer, and am currently in love with these Collection pieces from J. Crew. In my mind I’m already in Santorini or Capri; why not dress as though my ticket and hotel stay are booked? 

Images via J. Crew

Calling all DIY divas!

 

Whether we’re at the pool, lake, beach or just in the backyard, we all know we should protect our faces and bodies from the sun. One way to do that is to don a sun hat. They are everywhere right now, from discount to department stores. I went shopping and fell in love with a designer one that retails for $485. This hat, by Eugenia Kim, has been seen on Beyonce and is featured in  the June issues of InStyle and O Magazines. It’s absolutely adorable, but it’s NOT in my summer style budget. So one way to get “the look for less” is to harness your creativity and recreate it using less expensive, but easily accessible items.

Ready to try it?

  1. You’ll need a straw hat with a wide brim (app. $15), sequined trim ($3 per roll), a hot glue gun and glue sticks, and chalk or a disappearing ink pen (available at your local craft store for under $5). You can often find coupons in circulars or online that reduce the price even further.
  2. Place your hat on a flat surface and decide what phrase you want to embellish on the brim. While you are tracing it onto your hat with your chalk or disappearing ink, plug your hot glue gun in to let it heat up. (Pro tip: dip the metal tip of the glue gun in petroleum jelly so the heated glue won’t get stringy!)
  3. Add glue to your handwritten outline an inch at a time and working carefully,  press your sequin trim down onto the brim, adjusting it as necessary.
  4. Once you’re done, wipe away any traces of the ink or chalk with a damp cloth.

Why “DIY”? Personalizing it is fun and makes the item one of a kind! Also, consider the price. If you bought the designer version you’d spend close to $500 for a hat you may wear a handful of times during the summer months. Making your own version can be done for well under $50. So as I always advise, evaluate the “cost per wear” and determine the better deal, especially if you have “champagne taste on a soda budget.” And maybe spend some of what you would’ve saved on a super cute swimsuit or sandals!

Images via LookLive and TheGabulousLife

Calling all gentlemen…

 
Aveda Institute Birmingham requests the pleasure of your company…

“Join us for an Aveda Men’s Barbershop Inspired Facial Event this Thursday and Friday (May 26th & 27th) from 3pm – 7pm.

Men can come in to receive Stress-Relieving Scalp and Shoulder Rituals & Mini Barber Facial Experiences.

PLUS take home a FREE skin care sample duo for men!

Don’t miss this opportunity for an Aveda experience tailored to fit men’s grooming needs.”

The pleasure of your company is requested…

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