Dec

Thank you.

Last Friday was a dream come true. My first job was in a library, and as a writer it’s been my goal to add my story to the symphony of stories a library curates. To have the opportunity to do that at Fashion Friday was beyond my wildest dreams (and that’s saying something). THANK YOU to Chanda Temple, the Birmingham Public Library Director and staff (including Mr. Roderick and Mr. Arthur and Vonda!), Deidra K. Perry and Birmingham Magazine, Belk, Michele Dickey and Panorama Public Relations, Alicia Rohan and KC Projects, Jamie Robinson and The Outlet Shops of Grand River, Roxy Rabb, Lynsey Weatherspoon, the City of Birmingham, Betsy Prince, Karri Bentley/Artistry Cosmetics, James Adams, Jr./Renovare Hair Salon, Mrs. Tia Chestang-Beville and Mrs. Marty C. Barton. Thank you to Marissa Mitchell at ABC 33/40’s Talk of Alabama, Rick Jackson at CBS 42’s Wake Up Alabama , Russell McClinton/Urbanham.com, Javacia Harris Bowser/The Writeous Babe Project and Mia Watkins/AL.com. THANK YOU to everyone who tweeted, posted, hung a flyer, kept me off the ledge, attended or in some way supported Fashion Friday and Same Chic Different Day. If I have forgotten your name, please charge it to my head-not my heart-and know that I appreciate you!

Please enjoy a few candids from Fashion Friday below; I’ll share the “official photos” soon.

Onward and upward!

xo Alexis

Images via AEB, Chanda Temple and Deidra K. Perry

13 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Birmingham Live!/First Person Fabulous

Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham style/Fashion Friday/Same Chic Different Day

Dec

J.Crew does it again!

Talk about over-the-top, unforgettable drama. I’m a firm believer that one should dress to be remembered, not just noticed, and one couldn’t help BUT be noticed in this feathered creation from J. Crew. Black, white and fabulous all over, it features a sequined bodice and knee-length feathered skirt. Even the color – “blackjack” – is glam! This piece is made for headturners, not wallflowers., and it’s perfect for a black-tie event. But can you believe it’s $1500?! J. Crew, why won’t you let me be great?!

What I love about this look is that it reminded me of what was considered THE event of the social season: Truman Capote’s masked Black and White Ball. Considered the party of the century (in 1966) this super-exclusive event was held in New York at the Plaza Hotel to celebrate the release of Capote’s masterwork, In Cold Blood. Want to read more about the lengths high society went to in order to claim a coveted spot on the invitation list? Check out The Party of the Century, from the Birmingham Public Library.

Is this look a little too much for you? Then try just a touch of the trend by adding your own DIY feather peplum belt to a simpler sheath. One of my favorite DIY bloggers – Kristen Turner from Glitter ‘n Glue – shows you how, HERE.

Want more party-perfect style tips? Then meet me the Birmingham Public Library’s Arrington Auditorium for Fashion Friday, TODAY at noon! You could win a $100 gift card from Belk, an Artistry Cosmetics goody bag, or even a total makeover from Renovare Hair Salon!

13 years ago Short URL Comments

C'est Si Bon/Love That!/Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham style/Fashion Friday/J. Crew/Same Chic Different Day

Dec

Can you tell I’m excited about Fashion Friday?

Click HERE to watch Chanda Temple (the Birmingham Public Library’s Director of Public Relations) and me chat with CBS 42’s Rick Jackson about tomorrow’s Fashion Friday!

Join the Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham Magazine and me for style tips, fashion from Belk and The Outlet Shops of Grand River and fabulous prizes (including a $100 Belk gift card, a makeover from Renovare Hair Salon, SWAC championship tickets and more!) TOMORROW at noon at the Central Library’s Arrington Auditorium!

P.S. Wait, what? Vogue Contributing Editor Andre Leon Talley will be in Nashville today?!

13 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Birmingham Live!/C'est Si Bon/Scene and Heard/Shopping is My Cardio/Uncategorized

Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham style/Fashion Friday/Same Chic Different Day

Dec

Put on your dancing shoes

Wearing vintage pieces is a great way to add interest to your look. For dressy casual and cocktail attire, why not try a vintage shoe, like these from Daniel Green? (Back in the day, your mother or grandmother probably wore his gold, ivory or black leather wedge slippers around the house.) Both pairs are available on Etsy.com, a wonderful resource for vintage finds.

This black brocade pair (from seller capricorne) are accented with black piping detail and metallic gold, pink and teal thread. I also love the scalloped detail on the instep; very Arabian Nights! And even better: the smoking slippers provide an excellent alternative to heels. These would look great with a smartly tailored suit (come see a PERFECT little black suit this at Fashion Friday this week!), a cigarette pant and blouse or even tailored denim and a luxe sweater or silk blouse. These are $38 plus shipping, and are in “excellent vintage [condition] with the gentlest of wear and no flaws.”

The second pair (from Birmingham seller TwirlVintageCo.) reminds me of Cinderella’s slippers – so romantic. The use of PVC and lucite in shoes is a major trend right now (see Christian Louboutin’s ‘UnBout’), and these would perfectly complement a floor-length gown. I love that they have a super cute, silver sequined bow accent at the toe for a touch of sparkle. These $42 mules have a 3 1/2 inch heel and are open-toed – meaning please skip the hosiery, and show off your pedicure instead!

A word of caution: vintage shoe sizing is usually smaller than the modern foot. So before you purchase, please be sure to compare your shoe size against the shoe’s measurements to ensure a perfect fit. It would be a shame to purchase something fabulous that you can’t wear!

Images via capricorne and TwirlVintageCo.

13 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham style/Fashion Friday/Same Chic Different Day/vintage shoes

Dec

In which I camp out at Target and toss sequins over ABC 33/40

Click HERE to watch what happens live, as Chanda Temple and I visit ABC 33/40 to promote Fashion Friday! (Click on each picture to see full-size versions.)

Darkness, everybody…darkness!

Recognize my lovely blouse? Of course you do. It was every woman for herself last Saturday morning at the Target + Neiman Marcus launch. I roused myself at 5AM to camp out at Hoover West SuperTarget and met Jenny Luttrell and her daughter Anna-Laura from Hoover, who were also in pursuit of designer fashion at deep discounts. The ladies arrived impressively prepared with camping chairs and snacks, while I parked it on the concrete (It was early. My only “plan “was to grab the shirt and get out, quickly. I didn’t think about the two hours and a half hours I’d have to kill while exposed to the elements). The Ladies Luttrell and I amused ourselves by reading Neiman Marcus’ twitter feed, but quickly abandoned that when we realized shoppers in other cities being treated to coffee, a hot chocolate bar and cookies and were “glamping” on plush sofas. (Not that we were down in the mouth long; Target’s managers were kind enough to bring us breakfast.)

All we saw for several hours were joggers and curious “regular” shoppers looking to make more conventional purchases once the doors opened at 8. By 7:45, at least 4 others had joined us in line. Which meant there was really no reason for me to break out into a sprint once the doors were opened, but I felt a burst of adrenaline so powerful that I lit out anyway, grabbing the object of my obsession as well as something for my mother.

Sunrise on the curb

There was no couture-mad crowd, no melee over Marc Jacobs, no come to Jesus moments over Oscar de la Renta, and no shoppers were maimed in the name of Marchesa. I really wish Marchesa had created something special for grown ladies, especially when I saw one pocket-sized, ingenious young woman had tried on one of the GORGEOUS ivory Marchesa party dresses that I couldn’t pull over my kneecaps. Sigh.

Anyway, on Monday I paired my top with dark denim and nude pumps, which complemented my newly-red hair (courtesy of James Adams at Renovare), to illustrate a dressy casual look for our visit to ABC 33/40’s Talk of Alabama. I was feeling pretty snazzy when I tweeted my photo and even snazzier when Target unexpectedly rewarded me with a $25 gift card!

13 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

Birmingham Live!/Shopping is My Cardio

Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham style/Fashion Friday/Same Chic Different Day

Dec

Friday’s going to be pretty amazing, too!

13 years ago Short URL Comments

C'est Si Bon

Alexis E. Barton/Same Chic Different Day

Nov

Kimberly Brown is ready for her close-up!

I had the pleasure of speaking with Miss Brown, age 8, about her personal style and foray into modeling (most recently at The Outlet Shops of Grand River’s fashion camp). She’s the daughter of Derrick and Christina Brown and wasn’t the least bit shy when it came to sharing her style sensibility.

What’s your favorite color? Pink. HOT Pink.

Why? Because it’s very bright, and it stands out.

What was it like modeling for The Outlet Shops of Grand River? How did you stay calm? It was amazing! I just kept saying, “Kimberly, you can do this!”

Was it hard work? Did you practice a lot? I did not practice at all…yes, [it was a lot of hard work]. We first had to find an outfit. Then, we had to see if it fit and find what shoes we had to wear. And that’s pretty much it. My mom did my hair and [applied a] little bit of makeup.

What’s your favorite thing to wear? Skirts or tutus. [She has two tutus, “so far. They are both pink.”]

What do you want to be when you grow up? I’d just want to be a fashion designer. I know all the shoes. Wedge, platform, gladiator, stiletto, flip flop…and flats. I want to design shoes and clothes.

Christina, Kimberly’s mom, told me that her daughter has always been opinionated about her clothes. She first modeled in an Easter fashion show for Belk, and she has also participated in a pageant. Christina shared that Kimberly has been designing since kindergarten, and always has to “add some type of ‘Kimberly Flair’ to [her outfits]. She loves adding tutus, sequins and ruffles to all her outfits-anything glittery.”

Despite finding it a a challenge to find clothing that is not too mature, Christina and her husband are teaching Kimberly to “coordinate different pieces and develop her own sense of style.” Dad Derrick is supportive and proud.

“He loves it! He’s a proud father and he loves the fact that she’s becoming comfortable and is mastering taking photos. He’s so proud of her,” says Christina.

Want to strike a pose in your best party wear this season? Then you don’t want to miss Fashion Friday next week at the Birmingham Public Library!

13 years ago Short URL Comments

First Person Fabulous

Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham fashion/Birmingham style/Same Chic Different Day

Nov

I’m obsessed with…

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…this to-die-for strapless cocktail dress by J. Crew (okay, when am I NOT obsessed with anything from J. Crew?). Anywho, this play on the tuxedo look capitalizes on the ongoing black+white and colorblocking trends, and manages to be devastatingly chic in its simplicity. I’ll have to admire it from afar though, as the Collection Framed Bow Dress is $398. *Sigh*

Notice how the rest of the model’s look is virtually bare (no jewelry and a hint of makeup)? That allows this dress to be the major statement.

Are you ready for cocktail season? Not sure what “festive attire” or “dressy casual” mean? Wondering how to shop chic on a budget? Then join me for Fashion Friday (presented by the Birmingham Public Library and Birmingham magazine) on December 7 at noon! The fashion workshop will be held in the Arrington Auditorium of Central Library, located at 2100 Park Place.

Image via J. Crew

13 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham fashion/Birmingham style/J. Crew/Same Chic Different Day

Nov

P.S. Join Alexis for Fashion Friday on December 7 at noon, presented by the Birmingham Public Library and Birmingham magazine! Yes, sequins are involved. You don’t want to miss it!

13 years ago Short URL Comments

C'est Si Bon

Alexis E. Barton/Same Chic Different Day

Nov

You’re invited to Fashion Friday!

Need help taking your look from day to night, decoding tricky dress codes? Do you want to know how to look glam on a budget? Join style blogger Alexis Barton for Fashion Friday at the Birmingham Public Library on Friday, December 7 at noon, as she shares tips to help you dress your best for social occasions. The event is free, and the pleasure of your company is required!

The workshop will be held in the Central Library’s Arrington Auditorium (located at 2100 Park Place), and is brought to you by the Birmingham Public Library and Birmingham Magazine.

Special thanks to Chanda Temple!