I had a fabulous time hosting the Belk Fashion Show during the Birmingham Business journal’sWomen’s Summit this past Friday at the Wynfrey Hotel! The models were Belk’s store associates, and they did an amazing job showcasing looks from Trina Turk, Plenty by Tracy Reese, Sunny Leigh, Vince Camuto and more. If you’re looking for on-trend attire that is appropriate for work and play this Spring, Belk has it!
Like my outfit? I’m wearing an antique white and hot orange Bar III Spring Collection peplum dress from Macy’s and Manolo Blahnik stilettos with a fuchsia rattan clutch (similar here, hereand here). I thought I’d try some color-blocking to accent my (new) red hair!
If you’ve never been to Birmingham’s biggest garage sale, your opportunity is here. Bargain Carouselspins 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.
Jillian Michaels is my new BFF. We have a love-hate relationship: she loves to torture me in the name of exercise, and I hate every minute of it…until those endorphins kick in. At the end of this “strength/cardio/ab” circuit workout, combined with sensible eating (guess who’s keeping a food journal via My Fitness Pal?) and alternating lunchtime walks and stair climbing with visits to the gym (and tracking my progress with the Nike+ Running app), I better see real results or she’s getting kicked to the curb.
I checked this DVD out from the local library (because I’ve been burned before – ahem, Abs of Steel), and It. Is. Kicking. My. Butt. Which is probably a good thing. I’m not craving Cokes (as much), and water never tasted so good.
Lessons learned thus far?
1. Make small changes to your diet and build on that, and be sure to incorporate a cheat day. As in ONE cheat day. Don’t beat yourself up when you start craving steak and cupcakes…because when you work out, you’ll definitely feel hungry!
2. Just do it. It’s not fun or cute to sweat this hard, but neither are heart disease, diabetes, or a muffin top. Lace up your sneakers and get after it.
3. The 30 Day Shred is a 20 minute workout. Who can’t find 20 minutes to devote to getting healthy? If shredding is not for you then power walk, roller skate, join a Zumba class…just do something that will make you break a sweat.
4. My upcoming class reunion was motivation enough for me, but build in rewards so that you have something to look forward to.
5. Have epsom salts on hand. You’re going to need them.
I’d post “before” pictures but the interweb really doesn’t need to see my tummy.
Are you on #teamtwopiece, or are you making an effort to increase your fitness level? Leave a comment in the comment box! Let’s encourage each other.
*I’m many things, but doctor, nutritionist, and personal trainer didn’t make the cut. I’m not offering or claiming to offer any professional advice; I’m sharing my own experience. Get checked out by a professional before you start any weight loss or fitness plan, and proceed with care.
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.
Drama. Glamour. Excess unlike any our generation has known. Starcrossed lovers caught between class restrictions, unspeakable fortunes and shifting morals. Find all this and more in the upcoming film version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, opening in theaters next month! Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, directed by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge) and featuring a soundtrack with Andre 3000, Beyonce (singing Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black!!!) Lana del Rey and more…who’s in?!
If this preview isn’t scorching hot I don’t know what is:
Ready to throw on your foxiest feather boa and headdress – or your zoot suit and spats – for a great cause? Join the Birmingham Chapter of The Links, Inc. as they host their annual fundraiser – A Harlem Renaissance Evening– at Old Car Heaven on Saturday, April 20 at 7PM. This event will feature casino games, a cocktail buffet and dancing; tickets are $75 each and can be purchased by clicking HERE.
Levy’s Fine Jewelry, established in 1922 and known for its amazing selection of estate jewelry, is offering an amazing giveaway in celebration of The Great Gatsby via Facebook! Like their page and vote for your favorite diamond pendant by clicking HERE before 4/30; the winner will receive a diamond pendant of his or her choice, tickets to Gatsby and a gift certificate to Ocean. And then you should stroll down to their store on 2nd Avenue North to browse; I’ve spent many a lunch hour drooling over their unique pieces!
“…Johnson noticed models, in the Ebony Fashion Fair show were mixing foundations to create the right blend to match their hues. Initially she approached existing cosmetics companies and urged them to create a line to meet the specific needs of Black women. Unfortunately, this request was met with great resistance.
Mrs. Johnson and her late husband John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony and Jet magazine, went to a private lab that developed formulas out of the mixtures the models created. After successfully applying this makeup on the models in the fashion show, the Johnsons produced Capsule Collection, a mail-order package in 1969. Based on the overwhelming response, it was clear there was a demand for a Black cosmetics line.
Fashion Fair Cosmetics was born in 1973, named after the fashion show that inspired it. With its feminine pink packaging and a wide range of shades, Fashion Fair Cosmetics was strategically marketed to high-end department stores. The line continued to expand by introducing skin care, fragrance and hair care products that addressed black women’s needs.”
I remember this cosmetics line fondly; I grew up on it! Many little girls of a certain age remember the glamour, mystery and great freebies) at the Fashion Fair counter, and it’s exciting to see it flourish under the direction of legendary makeup guru Sam Fine. To celebrate four decades of glamour, EBONY Fashion Fair is offering a special capsule collection for $48 each. The four limited edition sets – “Foxy, Fresh, Sensuous, and Divine” – include “nail lacquer, lipstick, lip teaser and beauty blush in one of spring’s hottest pink hues…for women who celebrate life with a touch of luxury.”
Enter to win a set from the capsule collection by clicking HERE.
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.
There are many ways I could lead into this, but why make you wait? SCDD already told you Cam Newton was launching a menswear linewith Belk, and very recently I had a quick chat with him about the collection.
The Carolina Panthersquarterback, number one draft pick, former Auburn standout, Heisman winner, GQ covermodel and philanthropist has added yet another title to his resume: fashion designer. Newton presents MADE Cam Newton to suit the modern, Southern style for which our region is known – although in his words, the man who wears MADE can be found anywhere. The line features sophisticated but affordable and versatile pieces which can be mixed, matched and easily incorporated into a one’s professional and casual wardrobe. Newton was gracious enough to take time away from his many endeavors (including his studies at Auburn University) to share his views on style and what sets his collection apart.
“I understand the customer because I am a Belk customer – I think that authenticity is going to be paramount to this collection’s success,” says Newton. Confidence and comfort are two hallmarks Newton considers when getting dressed, and those qualities carry over into the collection’s pieces. “If a person is confident there’s no telling what that person is able to do,” he notes.
How did you balance your day job and other commitments with designing MADE? Anything done right will take a person’s time. Belk’s staff did a great job taking my thoughts and vision and bringing it to life. A lot of credit goes to those guys. My job was easy.
Who is the MADE “man” and what sets your collection apart? I think the ‘MADE man’ is a man that is smart. One thing I really wanted to make an impact with was having the ability to mix and match. If you have a shirt and sportcoat you really like, you can buy MADE jeans without having to pay for something top to bottom. It gives the consumer that resource. That’s the fun thing about it.
You’re 6’5. What considerations were made for men who are tall (or who have an athletic build) during the design process? It was something that was part of the focus. I stressed the importance of making clothing a person of that stature will be comfortable wearing. In this day and time, many don’t have the money to buy expensive clothes that would be tailored. I also had in mind it being comfortable for the bigger guy. I think this brand allows those guys to have an outlet to look good as well. [MADE Big & Tall will be sold on belk.com in the near future.]
What should every well-dressed man have in his closet? Different colors. You have different seasons, you have different events; having options is what this brand is about.
How would you define your style? When the opportunity is right I look up to par. From a young age my parents stressed that the first impression is the last impression. In a post-game interview, at a dinner or corporate event I always want to look the part. Not to be the flashiest or flamboyant. I want people to be able to say ‘He looked clean or well put-together.’
How does being a high profile person affect what you wear? Or does it? Nowadays social media gives everybody a voice. That voice is going to be heard. You can be at the gas station or a lounge and a picture can be taken and no matter what you have on, first impressions are the last impression.
We know you design menswear, but what’s the most stylish thing a woman can wear?That would get my attention? I’m into shoes, and I always compliment my mom about the shoes she wears. Any outfit for a female can make one dramatic change or turn heads with her [choice of] shoes.
MADE is available now in Belk department stores and online. I did notice a lot of orange and blue tones, which I’m sure will please Auburn and Carolina fans. Prices range from $28-$65 for casual sportswear and $80-$240 for suiting separates; complete suits are $500. Be on the look-out for the development of an accessories line from the brand in the future, as well as childrenswear.
*Due to inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled for a later date.*
Ladies, if you need a little “spring” in your step, come out to Gus Mayer’s Girl’s Night Out tomorrow from 3 pm-8 pm! Kick the winter slump and get glam: professional glamour shots, spring fashion, and delicious martinis and hors d’oeuvres (from Seasons 52’s Mini Indulgencesand Popchips!) are on the menu. Pampering makeup and hair touch-ups will be provided by Gus Mayer’s cosmetics and salon. Plus, shopping is tax-free during the event and you can trade in your gently worn, clean denim for $50 off a $150 purchase!
Ann Simmons, Gus Mayer’s general manager, shares that what sets Gus Mayer apart is its approach to customer service.
“Our expert sales associates will help you with whatever need you may have, from a casual look for day to a night out. Most importantly…we make it enjoyable,” she says. “With different buyers, each with their own unique styles, Gus Mayer offers a variety of brands and styles at different price points to fit any age or lifestyle.”
Plans are in the works to update Gus Mayer’s website in order to better serve customers.
“[We’re] in the process of updating our website to give the customer a better idea of the current merchandise we have in stock so that they have the opportunity to pre-shop before coming into complete their wardrobe selections. If they are unable to come into the store we can also ship to our customers.”
Gus Mayer carries premium brands such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Missoni, L.A.M.B., Tory Burch, Jeffrey Campbell and Giuseppe Zanotti. The store also offers extensive fur services and has a facial room; it is located at 225 Summit Boulevard, Suite 700.
Looking forward to seeing you at Girl’s Night Out!
Same Chic Different Day 