01

Jun

R2 Express Salon introduces the Renovare System

James A. Adams, Jr. of R2 Express Salon and Renovare

IS YOUR SUMMER ‘DO a “DON’T”?

R2 Express Salon  in Alabaster delights customers with fashionable and budget-friendly hair, done fast.   Salon owner, color specialist and Clairol platform artist James Adams offers  the Renovare System via his newest venture: R2 Express Concept Salon.  The concept: “banging” haircuts, predictable color results and a variety of professional services including makeup and skincare, “whether you want to enhance your natural beauty or try out the latest trends”.  Spending your entire day at the beauty parlor? That’s out.   Go in for professional customer service and premier styling that is respectful of your schedule: the Managers’ Special offers a shampoo, reconstructor,  round brush blow dry and flat iron finish completed in an hour and a half, for $30.

Or it’s FREE.  Guaranteed.

R2 Express gets you in and out in an hour and a half, because you’ve got better things to do with your time.

R2 Express Salon was founded in May 2012 and uses only the best products by Design Essentials, Pravana, Nairobi and Clairol.  The salon is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM-6PM and Saturdays from 9 AM-4PM.  It is located at 1615 Kent Dairy Road, Alabaster AL 35007.  James Adams, Renovare’s artists have been featured in Sophisticate’s Black Hair, have been selected Best Hair Salon by Fox 6 News, and were named one of the Top 100 Urban Elite Salons by Salon Sense Magazine.  For more information regarding R2 Express Salon, please contact James Adams at (205) 620-1369 or via email at quivisfull@aol.com or visit the website. 
  
Full disclosure:   I’ve been James’ client for five years.  A co-worker had GORGEOUS hair (I’m talking Pantene-commercial worthy hair), and one day I just asked who her stylist was.   I’d tried multiple stylists since I moved here, with varying results plus many Saturdays spent in a salon.  Over the years, James aided my transition away from chemically relaxed hair and has overseen several color changes, a major hair cut and helped me find the courage to rock my natural curls. 

Image via James A. Adams, Jr.

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Birmingham Live!

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31

May

The Summit and the Shops of Grand River to host fashion camps

Looking for fashionable and fun camp options this summer?  Then check out these upcoming camps at The Summit and the Shops of Grand River!

The Summit is hosting a day camp for girls ages 6-12; registration began in April and can be completed by visiting the Summit’s  Guest Services.  On select dates in June through August, little fashionistas will receive tips on “style, accessorizing, makeup, decorating and entertaining.”   The $65 per child fee includes lunch, a $25 Summit gift card, a gift and a graduation certificate.  Participating stores include Sephora, Barnes & Noble, Vera Bradley and Gymboree.  Campers will enjoy  a week “like fashion week in Paris, a Hollywood makeover and an elegant dinner party all rolled into one!”  For more information, call (205) 967-0111 or visit the summitonline.com

The Shops of  Grand River will host Fashion Camp with Tracy Robinson, to be held June 11 through August 3.  Attendees between the ages of 6 and 15 “will visit a host of The Outlet Shops of Grand River’s collection of favorite designer and brand name stores as they learn how to accessorize like a pro, identify prints and patterns, experiment with make-up the right way, the art of modeling, and much more.”  The $50 registration fee includes “a catered lunch, a goodie bag complete with a $25 gift card to The Outlet Shops of Grand River, the opportunity to model in the outlet center’s upcoming Back-to-School Fashion Show, plus a VIP invitation to the outlet center’s Back-to-School Bash.”  For  more information or to register, go to www.shopsofgrandriver.com.  Fashion campers may also register at Guest Services, in the Food Court.

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!

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31

May

CNBC features J. Crew’s “King of Retail” Mickey Drexler

In case you missed it, CNBC recently profiled CEO Millard “Mickey” Drexler, the retail guru who got millions to fall into the GAP and wear Banana Republic, and who reimagined Ann Taylor.  Drexler is most recently behind the mega-success of J. Crew (their revenue was up $1.9 billion in 2011).   J. Crew and the Man Who Dressed America was hosted by David Faber and featured commentary from none other than Vogue’s Anna Wintour.

Little known fact (even to a J. Crewaholic like me) : J. Crew began as the Popular Club Plan in 1947 and debuted as J.Crew outfitters in 1983.  Drexler even helped launch the Apple stores and is on the board of Apple.  Once considered the poor man’s Ralph Lauren,  now the clothes are “like a triple decker sundae” gushed company President and Executive Creative Director Jenna Lyons.  Drexler was quite outspoken about getting the boot from the GAP, and even addressed current customer complaints and issues with fabrication and design, which are often featured on blogs such as J. Crew Aficionada. 

Drexler also revealed that Jackie O served as his imaginary muse, particularly during his tenure at Ann Taylor.  He said he’d ask himself, “Would Jackie like this?”.  It is easy to see that Drexler understands the finer points of retailing and appealing to the consumer; no detail is left to chance, and J.Crew’s painstaking attention to detail means its clothes wind up on the back of  even the First Lady of the United States.

See Drexler’s take on design HERE.

Image via CNBC

14 years ago Short URL Comments

C'est Si Bon/Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion

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30

May

For more information on this fabulous event, check out the full post HERE.

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Scene and Heard

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29

May

In which I discover what a vacation is….

Yes, I do take vacations (although, does it count as one if I blog about it?).  Anyway, during this past Memorial Day weekend I explored Panama City Beach and documented it with Instagram. 

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Headed down to the beach?  Here are some places you should check out:

EAT:  Bruno’s Pizza in Seagrove Beach.  These pies are piping hot, full of flavor and worth the wait! We had half supreme, half pepperoni, and it didn’t last long enough for me to photograph.  Their weekly pizza buffet is seven days a week, from 11-2.  We just HAD to stop at Polar Bear Ice Cream…who counts calories on vacation?  And if you’re in the mood for sushi, stop by Hana Japan at Pier Park and get the spicy shrimp roll.

SHOP:   It wouldn’t be a trip to Destin if you didn’t hit up the SilverSands outlet.  I got as far as J. Crew, Coach and Saks Fifth Avenue.  I managed to make it out alive, with a pair of rainy day ballet flats (normally $39.50, made mine for just under $11.)

STAY: On the beach! Duh.  Whether you crash with family (like this frugalista did) or lounge in luxury, you have to be near the emerald waters and sugar-white beaches.  Want to splurge? The Serenity by the Sea spa at the Hilton Sandestin resort awaits.

PLAY: I don’t do jet skis or miniature golf; my hobby is shopping.  And the St. Andrews area in downtown Panama City beach is a thrifter’s delight.  If you brake for antique malls, Elegant Endeavors Antique Emporium is your Shangri-La; Debra Anderson and Jane Lindsey make treasure hunting a blast.  I’ll post about the vintage black silk dress I bought (half-off!) for $7.50 later.  Pier Park in Panama City Beach offered the best in shopping, people-watching and parlaying; it even hosted a carnival!  Just want to enjoy the water?  Pompano Place has the breathtaking views.

14 years ago Short URL 4 Comments

Uncategorized

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28

May

Grab the popcorn!

Summer, summer, summertime!!! So glad it’s here! (Okay, so according to the calendar it’s not until June 20, but this is the south.  Memorial Day kicks it off in these parts, no?)

One of my absolute favorite summer activities is catching old movies in all their glory on the big screen at the historic Alabama Theatre.  And goody, goody they’ve released their Summer Film Series dates!  Gone with the Wind, To Kill a Mockingbird AND a Hitchcock double feature (Psycho/The Man Who Knew Too Much)…I’m there!

The Summer Film Series delights fans of the silver screen with with matinee and night showings of classic movies.  Candy, popcorn and adult beverages are available for sale and there’s an audience sing-along with their mighty Wurlitzer organ!

Check their online calendar for showtimes and information; tickets are $8 each and are available an hour before showtime at the door.  If you plan on seeing several films, why not become join Friends of the Alabama Theatre?  A $25 Paramount Membership includes 6 Summer Film Series tickets.

Another fun option?

Check out Free Friday Flicks in Homewood Park!  Pack your picnic basket or cooler and blanket for a movie night under the stars, or enjoy refreshments from Jack’s and Blue Bell.   The movies planned will appeal to kids as well as the young at heart (The Muppets will be shown June 8!). 

Images via al.com and Homewood Parks and Rec

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen

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25

May

Part novelty item, part nostalgia piece, this Native Union Pop Phone handset is both the strangest and coolest phone accessory I’ve ever seen.  

From Nordstrom: “inspired by the iconic 1950s Bakelite-style telephone, this handset plugs directly into most phones and computers to facilitate chatting via Skype, Facetime, Google Talk and other web-based communicators. The handset is fitted with a high-quality speaker and microphone along with noise-reduction technology. It has a 3.5 mm jack to accomodate iPhones and most smartphones, eliminates over 99% over absorbed phone radiation and is made of plastic.”

Handsets come in a variety of primary colors in the $29-35 range, and the featured goldtastic model is in the $50-$60 range.  Want to try it but don’t have an iPhone? Check Native Union for adapter options.

Available via Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Haute or Not?/Love That!

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24

May

The look on Fantasia’s face is the same one I had when I saw this tragic ensemble on YB&F this morning.

*Throws laptop out the window*

Image via YB&F

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Something in the Milk Ain't Clean

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24

May

Chic Essential: The Caftan

We’re not talking muu-muus here.  Caftans (and tunics) are to your spring and summer wardrobe what sheath dresses are for the working girl: a definite must have.  You can throw one on and with minimal effort, you’re basically done.  Whether you choose a pretty pattern or a solid color, an already-embellished version or add your own statement necklace or cuff, you can rock these to run errands, lounge by the pool or beach (they make great swimsuit cover-ups and are easy to pack), or to a backyard soiree.  (Side note: my grandmother LOVES them, and gives longer styles as presents.  They make fabulous hostess gowns and just scream “Have cocktails in the casbah with me, dahling.  Or a daiquiri on the patio. Your choice.”)

Love your legs? Then by all means, bare them: caftans easily mimic mini dresses.  If you’d like more coverage, wear them over shorts, jeans, linen slacks, palazzo pants or leggings.  They’re just that versatile and can go from casual to polished with a change of accessories and shoes.  Wedge sandals, canvas espadrilles, or capri sandals (metallic, brightly colored or bedazzled leather flip flops) are all you need to complete the look.  Be  sure to layer sheer fabrics with a cami underneath, and if the flowy style threatens to swallow you up, belt it!

What’s also lovely is this easy style is flattering on all body types! I am loving the bright, v-neck versions at Old Navy right now, which have slits at the sleeves and hem and are priced just under $20 before tax!  Having tried the orange print on, I advise that you go a size up for comfort and note the polished cotton doesn’t offer any “stretch.”  Want to spend a little more? Tory Burch’s offerings are synonymous with wearable, effortless chic.  And you can always search Ebay or your favorite consignment outpost for groovy vintage options.  If you’re really adventurous and want to break out your sewing machine, you can scoop a vintage pattern via Etsy and create your own!

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Side note: this beaded Victoria’s Secret caftan is now in my closet and is as airy as a summer breeze (it will be worn with white skinnies and shorts).  The black on white Venus Swimwear version mimics the classic Tory Burch pattern and is my new beach cover-up;  it was a steal at $19!

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14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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23

May

Recommended Reading: The Frugalista Files

Are you Fabulous And Broke?  If you’re living the champagne life on a Chek soda budget and swimming in bills you’re struggling to pay, you should read Natalie P. McNeal’s The Frugalista Files for tips on trimming the fat from your budget (and attacking any personal debt head on). 

McNeal details her ambitious efforts to curtail unnecessary shopping, beauty services and expensive dinners and nights out in order to get a handle on her budget (and take a bite out of her student loan and other debts).  A “no-buy” month, careful planning and confessional blogging via her then-employer helped her make a personal and professional change.  Did living frugal mean no frills or treats whatsoever?  Not at all.  With a few adjustments, McNeal was still able to travel, eat out and look good with less damage to her bottom line.  How’d she do on knocking out her debts? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

For more on Natalie and the “frugal side of fabulous”, check out thefrugalista.com!

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Come out for a fun night benefiting a great cause! Join the UAB Minority Health Research Center’s Young Professional Board at their 4th Annual Casino Royale on June 1!

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Reading is FUNdamental (and sexy!)

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