17

Oct

ICYMI: Being sick is so not chic!

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If you missed my visit to  ABC 33/40’s Talk of Alabama this morning, click HERE to watch the video!

If you’re like me, you have far too much to do to be side-lined by a cold or the flu.  Being proactive is key to maintaining your health. As is often said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”  I get a flu shot every year (and have already received mine this year), but if you’re leery of vaccinations and/or prefer over-the counter remedies, here are a  few tips and products that can help.

  • Wash your hands, and keep them away from your eyes, nose and mouth! If you don’t have access to warm, soapy water, use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Purell is “America’s #1 Hand Sanitizer.”  It contains ethyl alcohol and kills 99.99% of germs within 15 seconds.  You can find it at grocery stores, pharmacies and your local big box store. I keep it in my purse, my car and on my kitchen counter.
  • Do things that boost your immunity naturally. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and foods rich in protein.  If you feel your immunity getting low, try Rainbow Light Counter Attack, a 100% natural defense-strengthening supplement, which contains zinc, berberine, Vitamin C and soothing natural oils. It’s fast-acting and stimulant free, and contains no gluten, sugar, soy or nuts.  You can find it for about $13.99 for a 30-count bottle at rainbowlight.com.
  • Get plenty of rest! When you’re worn out, you’re more likely to get sick.  If your sleep cycle is off, try Take Shape for Life’s Melatonin ($28.95 for a 30-count bottle). Melatonin is a hormone that promotes healthy sleep and helps you wake up refreshed.
  • If you do wind up under the weather, Cold-EEZE® Plus Natural Immune Support QuickMelts can help shorten the duration of your cold and boost your immunity. The QuickMelts dissolve without water and contain zinc, as well as soothing Rose Hips and Echinacea. And if you’re feverish/contagious, please do yourself (and the rest of us) a favor: stay in if you can help it!

Runny noses and hacking coughs are not fabulous…take care of yourselves this cold and flu season, darlings!

Xoxo, Alexis

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8 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Birmingham Live!/C'est Si Bon/He Said She Said/how to survive cold and flu season

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15

Oct

Tune in to Talk of Alabama this Friday!

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Guess who’ll be back on tomorrow?!

Toss some sequins and tune in to ABC 33/40 this FRIDAY between 9-10 AM to see what we’ll be chatting about. I guarantee it’s news you can use! 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.

Xoxo,
Alexis

8 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/First Person Fabulous/He Said She Said

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31

Jul

Ask Alexis: I see London, I see France…

Q:  I know sheer looks are hot right now, but what do I wear with thin maxi dresses?  Once I walk outdoors, they can be totally see-through! – B. A.

A:  I am SO glad you asked!  Ladies, dressing is all about leaving something to the imagination; no one wants to see your underpants in the light of day!  It may seem a little old-fashioned, but to avoid an impromptu peep show I recommend wearing a slip.  Not the itchy kind with a petticoat you remember from your childhood, but a form-fitting, convertible one about knee-length that can add a layer of opacity to those sheer summer dresses.  In lightweight, curve-friendly fabrics, slips can also provide a smoothing effect (I would avoid lace, piping or other types of trim if you plan to wear it under a thin garment).  With shoulder straps that can be worn normally, removed  or worn crossback or halter-style, you’ll find that a slip is a versatile, must-have undergarment. Two to try?  Assets by Sara Blakely’s Fantastic Firmers Full Slip ($42-44) and Vassarette’s Body Curves Full Slip ($16.99); both come in black in and nude, and both are available at Target.

Image via Newsline

11 years ago Short URL Comments

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02

May

MORE Style Tips for Haute Mamas

Check out the first round of tips (and info on a $5000 giveaway from Carter’s) HERE!  Note: I am not and have never been pregnant, so I wrote this “as if” I were shopping for maternity items for myself. If I got something wrong and/or if you have firsthand experience you’d like to share, please post it in the comments!

  1. Don’t neglect your undergarments!  Get sized for and purchase new, well-fitting bras and underpants.
  2. Work your assets, tastefully.  If you love your legs or toned arms, don’t start covering them up. 
  3. Some of you will insist on being pregnant in heels (and I probably would too). Understand though, that as your bump expands, you may be a bit more wobbly and your shoe size may change, and who wants sacrifice personal safety for style?  Joycelyn A. (mom to Jaden and Jayla) shares “As much as I hated it, I had to avoid my super high heels; being pregnant [made me] more vulnerable to falls and you want to protect your little one.”
     Other cute options for stylish moms-to-be include kitten heels, Capri sandals, and wedges. Not into ballet flats? Try a smoking slipper or loafer.  If you’re experiencing swelling or pain, opt for comfort. 
  4. Accessories are a DO: work those colorful scarves, sunglasses, hats and jewelry (try larger pieces!).  “The more bling the better.  Cocktail rings, big earrings, [and] bracelets!” says Dr. Khristy Large.  Don’t forget about belts; you can belt tent-like pieces to give yourself a much more shapely silhouette.
  5. You’ve more than likely got a natural glow; maintain it with some pampering! Pregnancy massages and soothing facials, manis and pedis will help keep you feeling lovely.  Check with your doctor to make sure your beauty treatments won’t harm the baby.  Pampering yourself at home? Be sure you’re using a belly cream or oil to ease stretching skin (coconut and Weleda oils and cocoa butter are suggestions).  What’s safe? Check out these tips from Parents.com. 
  6. Your hair is going through changes too; it may be thicker and more lustrous than normal.  Keep a good routine of maintenance, but again: check with your doctor before booking any chemical procedures.
  7.  Pack a lovely silk, satin or lace bedjacket in your overnight bag.  It’ll look more pulled together than a wrinkly or slightly faded hospital gown.  Check Etsy or consignment stores for vintage options.
  8. I’m loving just about everything ASOS Maternity is offering, especially the One Shoulder Maxi Dress, the Swing Dress with Dipped Hem, and the Jersey Pencil skirt!
  9. Are you receiving a push present or baby bauble? I’m going to err on the side of tradition and suggest starting a charm bracelet or an Add-a-Pearl necklace. And something in a little blue box always works…
  10. Just for fun: check out this advice from Glamour, circa 1944 (via 22 Words)!

In the mood for some Mommy and Me reflection? Check out a preview of Jada Pinkett Smith’s candid Red Table Talks, featuring her mom and daughter Willow:

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01

May

Ask Alexis: Style Tips for Haute Mamas

A fashionable soon-to-be mommy asked for fashion tips for expectant ladies.  Note: I am not and have never been pregnant, so I wrote this “as if” I were shopping for maternity items for myself.  If I got something wrong and/or if you have firsthand experience you’d like to share, please post it in the comments!

  1. 1.  Embrace your beautiful bump.  I can’t think of one good reason to disguise it.  Don’t be shy about wearing pieces that show off your curves. Fabrics shouldn’t be stretched tight, nor should they be baggy.  “We are not in the 70s and 80s; moo-moo dresses and shirts are out,”  says new mom Dr. Khristy Large (mom to Addison).  “Show your curves and belly!”
  2. Exercise some restraint.  Fab mommy Amorice L. advises, “Don’t go overboard on the maternity clothes. The ultimate goal is to only be in the them for a few months!”  So shop for practical items and add some chic flourishes.  As Joycelyn A. advises, “Maternity clothes can be expensive and you don’t wear them for very long so why break the bank?”
  3. Look at photos of other expectant  or new moms (Beyonce, Reese Witherspoon, Kourtney Kardashian, Nia Long, Jessica Simpson, Rachel Zoe, Victoria Beckham) whose style you admire, and focus on looking for similar pieces. 
  4. Jessica Simpson dreams about giving birth in a leopard caftan; now’s a great time to wear one (or several), whether you’re expecting or not.  They’re easy to put on and comfortable, whether you’re relaxing on vacation or chillaxing at home.
  5. In a similar vein, maxi dresses and skirts are a fashionable alternative (some skirts offer a comfy foldover top to accommodate your pea in the pod).  Throw on a denim jacket, blazer (in solid or stripes), a soft cardigan or an easy open-front wrap for extra coverage.  “They are loose-fitting anyway so once the baby comes you can still wear the same dresses,” says Joycelyn.
  6. Try Gap’s Starter Maternity Wardrobe, with pieces you can build on.
  7. LAYER.  Tanks and leggings are a great outfit foundation.  “[They are] comfortable and you can dress them up or down,”  notes Khristy.  Throw on a long-line cardi, interesting necklace, and flat sandals and you’re done.
  8. Don’t forget your denim!  Law recommends that you “splurge on trendy maternity jeans. They are a worthwhile investment.”  Check out  J Brand or 7 for All Mankind ;  yes, they are expensive, but who can argue with a great pair of jeans that fit well and make you feel good? (If you plan to have more than one kid, they may be an investment in your closet; if not, pass them along to another fashionable friend!)  
  9. And yes, you can still wear skinny jeans.  “Skinny jeans while pregnant are a must…at least your legs will look small!,” Amorice says.  Pair skinnies or boyfriend jeans with a tunic, button down, or loose-fitting top.  I’m on the fence about the cutesy overalls look; if you can pull off wearing them without looking fresh off the farm, go for it.
  10. A tip from MY mom: try to upsize “regular” clothing as long as you can.  Shop for larger sizes that aren’t necessarily “maternity” items; you can always have them altered. 

Want a chance at a closet full of Carter’s children’s wear? Enter HERE for a chance to win a $5000 gift card from Carter’s!  

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11 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

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