Ask Alexis: wedding guest on a budget

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Q: It seems like everyone I know is getting married this summer! I don’t want to wear the same cocktail dresses over and over; how can I look like a million dollars on a budget? – Stressed Guest

A: Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a hardworking socialite who appreciated a bargain. When social season rolled around each year, she found herself in a dilemma: she was unwilling to pay exorbitant prices for black tie ensembles that might only get worn once or twice, and equally unwilling to buy something ho-hum but budget-friendly. What was a diva to do?

Enter Rent the Runway, which makes couture fairy tales come true for fashionistas seeking a “Cinderella moment.”

The online retailer – the brainchild of Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss – rents formal and cocktail attire from major designers (think Prabal Gurung, Badgley Mischka and Herve Leger) as well as high-end accessories for a fraction of the price. These gowns are current, and RTR has options for plus, petite and tall sizes. Shoppers register online, peruse the digital runway of gowns and choose one or more to rent (as well as a free back-up size). The dresses are shipped via UPS, arriving according to a date you select; after your event, you simply return the items to Rent the Runway via the enclosed shipping envelope.

Have a fit question? Chat with a virtual Go-To Girl, who can help you make the best selection.

Worried you’re going to get something obviously used? I tried the service twice; all four dresses were professionally dry-cleaned and had no stains, odors, rips or issues. RTR also included fashion tape with the first order, which came in handy.

But what if is doesn’t fit? If nothing in your order fits, return the items to RTR within 24 hours for a full credit.

How big of a deal is this? In my opinion, it’s major. The dress I borrowed for the UNCF Masked Gala earlier this year (Badgley Mischka’s Rouge Rosalind Peplum Gown) retails for $530, and I rented it for $86.65 (the price included tax, $5 insurance and $9.95 shipping). RTR offers first-time renters promo codes that can be used for additional savings. If you attend multiple social events (dances, weddings, balls and awards ceremonies, etc.) and find yourself buying dresses you wear once or twice and then are leery of wearing again soon (because let’s face it: most of us don’t want to be seen in the same outfit multiple times in one season), you can find a tremendous variety of options at Rent the Runway, without emptying your piggy bank. And who wouldn’t want to wear something that echoed Jennifer Lawrence’s peplum Dior, worn at this year’s Oscars? (Okay, so that was a total coincidence.)

Of course, you do have to send the dress back (unless you want to be charged, per RTR’s rental agreement), but if you were really looking for a dress to keep, you wouldn’t be renting one to begin with. The site also offers private sales on dresses from time to time that registered users may take advantage of.

Will I rent again? Only my fairy godmother knows for sure…

Happy shopping!

*Pictured: Badgley Mischka Rouge Rosalind Peplum Gown via Rent the Runway, J. Crew Grande Crystal Drops Necklace (sold out); Jennifer Lawrence via Jason Merritt/Getty

 

Summer essential: the espadrille

Looking for the perfect summer shoe? Slip into an espadrille! It’s not a sandal, and definitely not a stiletto; I like to think of it as a smoking slipper that went on vacation, but didn’t turn into a pair of Toms. *wink*

There are so many easy, breezy ways to wear this shoe. Whether you choose lace, leather, leopard or classic canvas by Soludos, you can experiment with color, texture and pattern and add a little pizzazz to your maxi dresses, shorts, denim and palazzo pants this season. Here are some options to think about (of course I had to find a sequined pair!):

Lace by H&M, $15 on sale;
Leopard “Lanii” by Steve Madden, $72.99;
Leather “Mara” by Loeffler Randall, now $136.50;
Sequin “Mischa” by Tory Burch $105 on sale

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Don’t forget! The Bloganista Mini-Conference is this Saturday!

Birmingham designer Sandyha Garg to appear on Project Runway Season 13!

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When Project Runway season 13 debuts on July 24, Birmingham will once again be represented, this time by Sandhya Garg! Meet #DesignerSandhya:

Click HERE to learn more about Sandhya and to view her portfolio! Will you tune in on July 24 to see if she can make it work?

Images via Lifetime

Love this!

ICYMI: In the Studio 10 Kitchen with Alexis!

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I had an absolute blast today at WALA Fox 10’s Studio 10 today! I grilled a batch of Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa’s Cinnamon Spice Grilled Pineapple, and shared a few smart summer grilling tips from leading meal delivery service BistroMD! In case you missed it, watch the video by clicking HERE.

A very special thanks to Linh Ha, Mr. Marcus, Cherish Lombard, Chasity Byrd and Joe Emer for their hospitality, to my mother for being my sous chef and set helper today, to my father for enduring my impromptu rehearsal at 11:00 last night…and to everyone who tuned in via television and the live stream!

Bistro MD’s Summer Grilling Tips:
Grill Tip #1
Use spices and herbs for seasonings instead of pre-made marinades/sauces which enables the cook to control sugar and sodium.

Grill Tip #2
Season freshly chopped veggies with seasonings of your choice and toss in a bit of olive oil. Then wrap the veggies into a foil pouch. Place pouch on top grill rack while meat is grilling and flip occasionally. This times your meat and your veggies to complete at the same time.

Grill Tip #3
Use leftover grilled veggies the next day on a salad or as a homemade pizza topper, or use them with your leftover grilled chicken or steak for fajitas.

Grill Tip #4
Grill your favorite summer fruit! I tried pineapple, but you could also use peaches, figs, or pears. Check out the video for a how-to!

And for the recipe:
Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa’s Cinnamon Spice Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients

• 1 pineapple peeled and sliced in 1/2 inch thick pieces
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg ground
• 1/4 cup apple juice concentrate
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Balsamic vinegar, to taste
Instructions

1. In a bowl combine all ingredients except pineapple and balsamic vinegar
2. Marinate pineapple slices in mixture for 15 minutes
3. Grill pineapple on each side for 2 minutes
4. Remove from heat and cool
5. Serve hot or cold, drizzled with balsamic vinegar

Bon appetit!

Tune in to Studio 10’s ‘In the Kitchen’ tomorrow!

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Darlings,

I’ll be WALA Fox 10’s Guest Chef on “In the Kitchen” tomorrow (July 1) between 8-10 AM CDT! If you’re not in the Mobile/Pensacola viewing area or won’t be near a tv, you can watch via the Live Stream link (see below).

WALA is the news station I grew up watching, so it’s an honor to have been invited. I have never cooked in public OR on live tv, and it will truly be an adventure! 🙂 Please pray I don’t burn down the set, and if you use social media, please shout me/WALA Fox 10 out on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram so they know you’re watching!

Web: http://fox10tv.com/category/studio10/in-the-kitchen/
Live Stream: http://fox10tv.com/video/live-streaming-video/
Twitter: @SameChicSouth / @Fox10News / @Studio10WALA
Instagram: @samechicdifferentday
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fox10News / https://www.facebook.com/Studio10WALA
Hashtags: #WeLoveLex #IntheKitchen #WALAFox10 #Studio10

Thanks for your support!
Alexis

Ask Alexis!

Q: Where can I find a top similar to the cute printed blouse Reese Witherspoon wore in New Orleans, as seen in People? – M.

A: Isn’t her blouse easy breezy? While I don’t know exactly where Ms. Witherspoon found her blouse, I will say you can find one that is just as cute and (bonus!) easy on the pocketbook at TARGET! This button-down by Merona is in a lightweight lawn and is $22.99 online. Even better, Target is offering a “buy one, get one half off” deal on select clothing, shoes and accessories through June 28! So go ahead and get the pineapple or whale print versions too!

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Looking for something haute or hard-to find? Need style advice? Just ask!

Images via Reese Witherspoon’s Instagram and Target, respectively

Want to dress like Olivia Pope? It’s handled.

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Gladiators, we may have a bit of a wait until Season 4 of Scandal returns this fall (at a new time: 8 PM CDT!), but we can at least console ourselves by shopping The Scandal Collection at The Limited! And from the sneak peek provided by the sketches, expect statement coats and sleek separates!

Haute off the press (release):

“KERRY WASHINGTON, LYN PAOLO TO DEBUT “SCANDAL” COLLECTION INSPIRED BY THE HIT ABC SERIES AT THE LIMITED

Look for Fashion Created by Style Icon, Actress Kerry Washington and Emmy® Award Winning Designer Lyn Paolo Starting this Fall

Columbus, OH (June 25, 2014) — Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actress Kerry Washington and costume designer Lyn Paolo, in partnership with Elliot Staples, head of design from The Limited, have developed a new fashion line exclusively for The Limited inspired by Shonda Rhimes’ top-rated ABC drama, Scandal, which airs Thursdays at 9pm EST and premieres its fourth season this fall.

“By creating a line inspired by the show, we are introducing a collection that embodies the elegance and power of the Scandal aesthetic for real-life gladiators and everyday fashionistas,” said Washington. “The collection is a nod to our devoted fans, to fans of fashion and to women everywhere who are inspired to boldly pursue their passions and look good while doing it.”

Breaking new ground in Hollywood-inspired fashion, this is the first-ever design collaboration between a national retailer, a top-rated network TV show, its costume designer and leading lady. It is also the first design collaboration for Washington and Paolo, the duo credited for creating powerful looks for Scandal’s protagonist, Olivia Pope, and for inspiring millions of fans to call themselves “Gladiators in Suits.”

“The whole team took great care in creating a collection that reflects Olivia Pope’s unique style. We believe the collection tells a story of confidence and professional sophistication as well as maintaining a strong feminine point of view. It has been a joy, as always, to collaborate with Kerry and now also with The Limited team who have been amazing,” said Paolo. “I am so excited and hopeful that our Gladiators are as excited about the collection as we are; it has been such tremendous fun and such an honor to design for the amazing characters that Shonda Rhimes has created and now to help make their style accessible to all.”

A leader in specialty apparel retail, The Limited has long been the destination for runway-inspired fashion tailored for the needs of modern and sophisticated women. The Scandal collection is the retailer’s first Hollywood collaboration.

“Our collection evokes the striking and aspirational style that has become synonymous with the Scandal brand and its heroine Olivia Pope. Bringing a quintessential neutral palette together with soft feminine color, the collection is outfit driven while remaining easy to mix and match – creating effortlessly modern and powerful looks,” said Staples. “Olivia Pope’s signature wardrobe is well represented by tailored wide leg trousers, separate jackets with strong lines & signature trims, chic feminine blouses, and heroic outerwear pieces. Our plaid round collar cape seamlessly translates television to reality and captures the true essence of the consistent sophistication and style that Olivia Pope represents for confident women everywhere.”

Washington, Paolo and Staples collaboratively developed each piece in the collection, which is characterized by its authenticity, originality and unique details and trim. Tops, pants, jackets and outerwear are included in the fall collection, with prices beginning at $49. The Limited Scandal Collection arrives in The Limited stores nationwide and online.

Join the conversation with @TheLimited and @scandalabc using #scandalstylethelimited”

Images via TheLimited.com and Glamour

Thank you, Leading Edge Institute!

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It was an absolute pleasure sharing tips on aligning professional dress with one’s brand at last night’s Summer Institute. I met so many ambitious, eager young women who are sure to make an incredible difference in this state and beyond, and am humbled that I was invited to participate!

And I love their motto!

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Leading Edge Institute brings together Alabama’s college-aged women to prepare and inspire them to make a difference in this state through its leadership program.   To learn more about Leading Edge Institute, click HERE.

Do you (your office or organization) need tips on dressing for success? Need to know how to create a versatile professional wardrobe on a budget? Not sure about transitioning your wardrobe from campus to the corporate office (while retaining your sense of personal style)? Feel free to contact me!

Deep breath.

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I’m preparing to give some tips on dressing for success to the ladies of the Leading Edge Institute…and I’m nervous. So I’m doing a quick change to add accessories that make me feel powerful.

Okay, I’m also an 80s baby, and it’s already been established that I love Wonder Woman. Don’t judge me.

I love that a sense of style can be a way to bolster confidence and send a message about who I am without me saying a word. Here’s to bold, gold cuffs, my favorite pumps and Ruby Woo for getting me through.

I’m curious: what fashion item makes you feel like your best self?

Xo,
Alexis

Scalloped cutout cuff, Forever 21

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