Feb

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

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Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham fashion/Birmingham style/J. Crew Factory/Same Chic Different Day/The Shops of Grand River

Feb

Tune in to Talk of Alabama this Friday!

Toss some sequins and tune in to ABC 33/40 on Friday (February 26th): I’ll be sharing some news you can use during the 9:00 A.M. hour! Not in the local viewing area? Try live-streaming it by clicking HERE, or catch the video when it’s posted later by clicking HERE.

Xo, Alexis

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Feb

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.

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Jan

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

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Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham style/how to wear a tulle skirt/JCrew Factory/Look Grand for Less/Rue 21/Same Chic Different Day/The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Jan

What not to wear: #CFP Edition

To be fair, SEC fans do tend to overdress for games…

But no ma’am. NO MA’AM. I better not catch one misplaced prom dress at A Day this year!

To be clear, the dress and on-trend cape are beautiful (although I think the ensemble should have been lined), and Ciara is gorgeous. But: right dress+right person+wrong occasion=back to the closet.

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Sep

“FALL” in love with fashion this season

Be sure to catch us on ABC 33/40’s Talk of Alabama this morning as we bring you tips, trends and pieces to try! We won’t spill all the tea, but we have goodies from local boutiques South Boutique in Trussville and Festivity in Homewood, as well as local brand Aviate and items from your favorite big box department and discount stores: Belk and Target!

Thanks for watching!

Alexis

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Aug

#WhatIWore: University of Alabama Commencement

So…if you follow me elsewhere then you already know I didn’t wear THIS to graduation. *sadface*

The zipper stuck, and I was so afraid of a wardrobe malfunction that I made a quick decision to wear what you see pictured above. The off-white lace blouse and skirt, with nude lining and exposed back zippers, is by BCBG Max Azria and was purchased at Belk/The Summit. I wore it with nude strappy sandals gifted from my parents, and of course, my mother’s strand of pearls, formerly seen HERE and HERE.

Special thanks go to James Adams, Jr. of Renovare for my hair color, cut and styling, and to Kim Colvin of Kimistry Makeup Lab for makeup artistry. After three months of wearing curls and almost no makeup, seeing myself with straight hair and a show-stopping face was a shock!

Something about the lace and the silhouette were just perfect for me (lace can be tricky to pull off sometimes). It was also very cool, which was very important since we’re in the midst of a sweltering summer. I’m still loving wearing off-white — maybe I’m in a LisaRaye phase! Although I typically refrain from outfit posts, I really felt beautiful on Saturday — and this may sound strange — like every bit of happiness I felt inside showed on the outside. Maybe I’ll begin doing a few more of them?

Jul

#SONSummerCrush: Ringlet realness

There used to be a time where I “couldn’t get right” if my hair wasn’t perfectly blown out. Even after I transitioned to natural hair seven years ago, straight hair was my comfort zone. But since this past year has been all about breaking out of it, I decided to force myself to wear my natural, co-washed curls for two and a half months. Even to a job interview!

It’s led to questions about my ethnicity, as well as some uncomfortable conversations with people who want to touch it, uninvited. But that’s okay.

Don’t get me wrong: I’ve worn curly hair to work, on vacation and to formal affairs, but I always reverted to straight hair, whether worn long and loose, or up in an ponytail or bun. And to be honest, I didn’t alway feels “pretty” with curly hair. But as Beyoncé says: pretty hurts. My years of addiction to relaxed, flat-ironed and highlighted hair is what made it fall out in chunks to begin with. Now I’m blessed to have a headfirst of tender headed curls that require patient detangling and nurturing products.

It’s funny to me now when people who don’t realize the versatility of natural hair and are surprised to see me with shoulder-length locks.

Love me, love my hair.
Xo, Alexis

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Jun

Outfit of the day…

Tee via Out of Print Clothing, cardigan and pencil skirt via J. Crew
Who says you can’t wear a t-shirt and look pulled together? I love one under a cardigan or even with a suit. The key is that the rest of your look needs to be turned up. Make sure there are no suggestive phrases or rips and holes before you try this style, and evaluate your workplace before you rock one on your 9 to 5. This may not fly in a more conservative environment.

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Jun

The Look: Draper James

I am in LOVE with this new line and lifestyle company, recently launched by Oscar winner and noted Southern girl Reese Witherspoon. Draper James is a salute and a celebration to the grace, charm, wit and ease that are hallmarks of this side of the United States.

In her own words, Reese says “I wanted to recapture and celebrate all that I love and remember about my grandparents and the South. That is why I created Draper James. With Draper James, our goal is to bring contemporary, yet timeless Southern style to your wardrobe and your home, no matter where you live.”

From clothing to accessories, jewelry and home goods, the pieces are thoughtfully designed with an emphasis on quality. Nothing is ostentatious, and it is sentimental without being passe (an achievement we applaud).

Magnolias and peaches make tasteful appearances as motifs; here’s hoping a camellia will show up too! Here are my favorite pieces:

Happy shopping!

Xo, Alexis