Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Feeling all fashionable with no place to go?

Feeling all fashionable with no place to go? Then please allow the Birmingham Fashion Blog to help!

Belles Inc. is having a fabulous fundraising fashion show at Saks at the Summit, Friday June 22 from 6-9. The cost is only $40 which is tax-deductable and you'll receive a $25 Saks gift card.

More info here: https://www.eventbrite.com/event/3592753021
For a preview, check out Arielle Clay's blog: http://untitled1986.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/playing-dress-up/


I'm thinking I might like Raf Simmons new line for Dior

I'm thinking I might like Raf Simmons new line for Dior, but how can I know for sure when I can't even figure out the photos!

It's a hat, no it's a chin, no, it's Raf Simmons new line!

And for a few updates on the Southern blogging scene: Same Chic Different day attended the festivities at the H & M grand opening in Huntsville. Read all about it here: http://samechicdifferentday.com/2012/06/15/i-heart-hm/

Monday, June 18, 2012

A beauty item I'll never review - but can't wait to read a review of!

Cle de peau Beaute - $13,213 for just 50g. 



When fashion gives you the warm fuzzies...


Belk Donates $10,000 to Greater Birmingham Humane Society
Community support an essential part of Belk mission



BIRMINGHAM, AL. – June 18, 2012 Belk, Inc. recently presented a $10,000 donation to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, continuing the tradition of philanthropy started by its founders 124 years ago.

“Belk is honored to support the important work of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, its staff, programs, and the many volunteers with this donation,” said Jan Clevenger, chair of the Belk Western Division. “Belk is committed to supporting the work of non-profit organizations who are meaningful to our customers and associates. The GBHS is a vital part of this these efforts.”

Belk continues to be a community leader in giving back to local non-profits and this generous gift is another example of their dedication toward helping to strengthen our communities." said Jacqueline Meyer, Executive Director for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. "The $10,000 gift we received will assist with providing quality care for the more than 9,000 owner-surrendered animals we receive yearly and will allow us to continue to offer programs such as Education Outreach, Cruelty Investigation, Low Cost Shot Clinic and Pet Pantry.”

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Fashion in Huntsville: H&M set to open first Alabama location in Bridge Street Town Center!

You already knew that Huntsville was tres-fashionable. Amy Mayfield is the local fashion writer at the Huntsville Times and Carol Marks is a well known fashion blogger in the area. And starting June 14, the fashion quotient is jumping through the roof in the Rocket City!



Bridge Street Town Centre proudly welcomes H&M to Huntsville with the opening of the retailer’s first Alabama location



Bridge Street Town Center is excited to host the opening of H&M’s first location in the state of Alabama. H&M will make its long awaited debut in Huntsville at the popular shopping and lifestyle destination, Bridge Street Town Centre. 


Opening June 14th at noon, H&M at Bridge Street Town Centre will give Alabama shoppers access to the latest trends at the best prices.

The H&M at Bridge Street Town Centre will offer collections for ladies and men, young ladies and young men, with separate “store within store” sections for accessories, lingerie, and sports apparel. 


This location will also carry H&M’s new plus-sized line, H&M+, as well as the retailer’s fantastic children’s collection, featuring quality clothing for kids aged newborn to fourteen.

On opening day, H&M at Bridge Street Town Centre will offer the first 250 shoppers in line an H&M t-shirt and “Access to Fashion Pass”, valued from $10 to $300, in addition to fantastic opening offers and giveaways for the whole family!

In celebration of the June 14th opening, many other Bridge Street merchants will be offering incentives and promotions throughout the weekend.  Special pavement performances will also compliment the shopping and dining experience. 

Listed below are a few of the special offers:

Altar’d State - Birthday celebration June 14-16. Up to 20% off every purchase or FREE gift. Register to win $200 shopping spree.

Blue Medspa - Mention your recent purchase at H&M and schedule a 50 minute massage for $50.00.  This is a savings of $40.00.  Expiration July 31,2012.  Not valid with any other offer.

Cantina Laredo - Free cup of Queso Laredo with the purchase of an entree when guests shows their same day H&M receipt

Chocolate Crocodile - Show a same day H&M receipt at checkout and receive 15% off your purchase, Valid June 14 – June 17.

Great American Cookie Company – Show your same day receipt from Huntsville’s H&M and receive 10% off your purchase.

Grogan’s Jewelers - 35% off all Tissot watches and register to win a Tissot watch at the store.  Valid June 14 – June 17.

Lime Fresh – Enter to win a $25 Lime Fresh Gift Card to be given away each day June 14 – June 17.

Maggie Moos – Present your same day H&M receipt and receive a $1.00 discount on your purchase, June 14 – June 17

Monaco Pictures – Register for a daily $25 Monaco Pictures Gift card giveaway, June 14 – June 17.  Stop by Monaco’s Guest Services to register.

Papaya – Buy one get one ½ off on all regular priced items, excluding accessories.  Valid June 14 – June 17.

Pinz – Enter to win our Fashion Plate Party for 15 (2 hours in our private suite with light appetizers for 15). Simply present your H&M receipt (dated June 14th -17th) to a member of the PiNZ staff for your chance to win; drawing to be held Monday, June 18th - winners to be announced on Facebook. 

Pinz - Present your H&M receipt dated June 14th – 21st for a FREE pizza and game of bowling for two - shoe rental not included.

Reeds Jewelers - $25 off your $250 purchase for customers who show their H&M receipt
June 14 – June 17

Sage Grill (The Westin - Huntsville) Bring your H&M receipt in Thursday - Sunday, June 14 - 17 for a 20% discount in The Westin Huntsville's Sage Grille. Offer valid for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, dine-in only.  (does not include a discount on alcohol, tax or tip and may not be combined with any other offer)

Sephora – Register in store to win our daily Glam Bag Giveaway, June 14 – June 17

Tavern at Bridge Street – Register to win dinner for two to be given away each day June 14 – June 17.

The Westin - Huntsville  - Bring your H&M receipt to the hotel's check in desk from Thursday-Sunday (opening week), join our FREE SPG Program and you'll automatically be entered to win a 1 night's stay at The Westin Huntsville. (based on availability, may not be redeemed for cash value, Must be 18 to participate)


The Westin - Huntsville – Make it a weekend with a Shop & Stay Package including:
•Rates from $269 per night
•$100 Bridge Street gift card
•Two tickets to Monaco Pictures for Prive or General Admission
•Breakfast for two in Sage Grille ($30 maximum) 
•One Shopping Tote
•Bridge Street Savings Guide
•4 p.m. check-out based on availability
.
For additional offers and a performance schedule visit: www.bridgestreethuntsville.com

Everyone is talking: WWD's article, "To Pay or Not to Pay: A Closer Look at the Business of Blogging"

Everyone is talking about what seems to be a broadside volley by WWD against Fashion Bloggers.

"To Pay or Not to Pay: A Closer Look at the Business of Blogging"


We get it, WWD isn't the biggest fan of Fashion Bloggers. Of course they aren't.

But this remark in the article stuck with me:

"Besides, some brands contend, if bloggers are journalists, journalists aren't paid for writing about a company."


And that my friends is a little misleading. While most journalist don't get paid anything up front to write about various fashion products, they do get many benefits. From free swag bags with valuable products from stores that hope they'll write about said products, to the companies then buying ads in the outlet which is used to pay the journalists salary, there is a payment of sorts.


Here's my philosophy: Everyone needs content to write about. Companies provide a lot of content for bloggers and journalists alike. If a blogger can make a buck, great. If the journalists outlet isn't one that's currently going under and they are receiving a salary, great. Win-win.


So what's the problem with bloggers being paid? As far as my blog goes, I don't get paid. I'm more active during the Spring and Fall fashion pushes so my blog can lie fallow for days. And you can't charge for that!


But brands know that bloggers can create a buzz and keep a conversation going to about a product or event. Journalist don't really specializes in that, nor should they.


In my opinion, bloggers and journalists are BOTH important to brands. And that's a good thing.