It's Oscar night! I rarely watch movies but I do love the clothes!

For starters; I love Halley Berry. I don't love that dress she is wearing. Makes her matronly before her time.

I like Jennifer Anniston's just ok, the color is pretty, but I'd like to see her in something more sleek.

Jennifer Lawrence. You've heard the song "Fade to Black?" Her dress is cute but it became the song, "Fade to Pink."

Jessica Chastain. Liked the style of the dress. Old Hollywood glam. But the color kind of ran away with her.

Reese Witherspoon. The gown is too bulky in the wrong places. It's not horrible, but it's almost beneath her in a way. But then the color sort of picks it up again and I almost like it.

Amy Adams in grey. It just sort of faded away....

Brandi Granville. Girl, put the girls up. All that flopping around upstairs took the attention off the very pretty downstairs of the dress.

Kelly Osborne. The 70's called and want their lounge singer gown back. Your granny called and wants her hair.

The first dress I've almost really liked: Giuliana Rancic

What a wonderful world: Belk Southern Design contest winner Faith Thornburg will be in Birmingham Sunday

What a wonderful world: Noted bridal gown designer and Belk Southern Design contest winner Faith Thornburg will be in Birmingham Sunday!

A little bird tells us that your wedding dress dreams can come true this Sunday at Belk at the Summit. Stop by Belk from 1-4, Feb. 24 and the famous designer of one-of-a-kind bridal gowns will meet with you, discuss that dream wedding dress you've always imagined walking down the aisle in.

 Faith will then sketch her ideas for each dress in store. From that sketch, Thornburg will create a custom gown that you will pick up at at Belk upon completion.

Yes. Your personally designed wedding dress, as unique as you are. This Sunday. At Belk at the Summit.

Interested in knowing more about Faith? Click here to read an article about her in Elle.

Say hi to Faith on Twitter: @faiththornburg

And check her out on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/FaithAnnetteThornburg

Our hearts are beating faster, it's almost time for Birmingham Fashion Week 2013

BIRMINGHAM FASHION WEEK ANNOUNCES

FEATURED AND HEADLINING DESIGNERS

Tibi, Anthony Ryan Auld, Prophetik and Heidi Elnora to Headline at BFW

Birmingham, AL – The long-awaited unveiling of Birmingham Fashion Week’s 2013 designers has arrived. The Magic City will host some of the nation’s biggest names in the fashion industry February 24 – March 2, including world-renowned Tibi, Project Runway All-Star winner Anthony Ryan Auld, Prophetik by Jeff Garner, and Birmingham’s very own bridal designer, Heidi Elnora. 

“We are so honored to welcome the talents of Tibi, Anthony Ryan Auld, Prophetik, Heidi Elnora and so many others to the Birmingham Fashion Week stage,” says Jeana Lee Fleming, cofounder of Birmingham Fashion Week. “These brands regularly show on runways around the world and are leading the way in fashion.  To have such amazing talent come to Alabama to showcase their designs is a great privilege and speaks volumes to what BFW is bringing to the state. “

Birmingham Fashion Week, founded in 2011, has turned heads in the fashion world and will continue forward with its momentum to attract trend-setting designers from around the world. The week’s festivities begin with a Kick-Off Party at Gus Mayer, followed by five nights of runway shows that highlight the latest wedding fashions, lifestyle garments and Spring Collections that have debuted on such platforms as New York Fashion Week’s stage....

For more details and a complete schedule please go to the Birmingham Fashion Week website.

Macy's at Riverchase to host prom event featuring Alexis Barton of Same Chic

Hey guys, this is an event I am excited to share! Macy's at the Riverchase Galleria is hosting a very fab prom event and you won't want to miss it. (Hoover, Alabama, near Birmingham.)

The event will feature Alexis Barton, the resident diva of fashion and style at SameChicDifferentDay.com,  mini makeovers by Fashion Fair and Clinique and edible delights provided by Dreamcakes Bakery

  

Did I mention the free gift and the fun Twitter hash tag? Tweet #MacysProm and show the world your prom style, spend only $40 and receive a free gift from Macy's. How fun is that?

WHEN:        Saturday, March 9, 2013
                2 PM

WHERE:         Macy’s at Riverchase Galleria
2600 Riverchase Galleria
Hoover, AL, 35244
205-985-2600


About Macy’s  
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

Where has the time gone? It's almost spring!

My apologies for such a long time between posts! It's just that once you've passed New Year's Eve, there isn't that much fashion to discuss. But with the advent of spring, ah, that's when our fashion hearts start singing for joy!

And to help hasten that fashion joy in we have a few exciting fashion updates for you.

1. Do you have your tickets for Birmingham Fashion Week? This is such a fun event. We can assure you that if fashion AND helping others is your passion, you'll enjoy every single date of Birmingham Fashion Week.

Kimberley Newpoer-Mimran

In fact, be sure and mark Feb. 26 on your calendar. The 16 semi-finalist in the Emerging Designer contest will be revealed at Saks at the Summit. Kimberley Newport-Mimran, President and Head Designer of the Pink Tartan line will be choosing one lucky winner who's design will then be featured on the runway during fashion week.

2. Did we mention design competition? Specifically the Belk Southern Designer's contest? You must check this out because if you win your designs could be featured at Belk and on Belk.com! With over 300 locations, that's Southern Fashion at it's best!

Another stylish website for Birmingham!

Style Blueprint Birmingham! 

I think you'll like it!

3rd Annual Birmingham Fashion Week

Can it be time already? Spring invites are popping up in our inbox like crazy! And we are so excited about the 3rd Annual Birmingham Fashion Week, for two reasons:

1. It's really awesome and there is something for everyone. Free shows & exhibits, some shows are for all ages, even brides get a big nod.

2. It's for a good cause, several in fact. Camp Smile-A-Mile, Alabama Forever and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes are all slated to benefit from Birmingham Fashion Week.

So join the fun, the beauty, the excitement, the designers, the models, the stores and usher in Spring '13 with flair!

JANUARY 13 – FEBRUARY 10, 2013
RISING DESIGN STAR EXHIBIT
hosted by Birmingham Museum of Art
Free to the public.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday Noon-5pm
-All Ages Show

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013
BFW KICK-OFF PARTY
hosted by Gus Mayer
Free to the public.
Hours 6pm-8pm
-All Ages Show

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
BRIDE ATELLIER (WEDDING RUNWAY SHOW)
hosted by Bromberg’s
Couture Runway Shows:
 Bella Bridesmaid
 Bella Couture
 Mr. Burch
 Ivory and White
 Headlining Designer: Heidi Elnora
General Admission $15
Doors open at 1pm, Choose between 2 show times 2pm and 3:30pm
-All Ages Show

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013
SAKS-EMERGING DESINGERS REVEAL
hosted by Saks
Free to the public.
Hours to be announced.
-All Ages Show

Many more events here: http://bhamfashionweek.com/schedule/

There I was, on a cold wintery day and the FRESH Macy's Spring fashion email popped in my inbox!

There I was, on a cold wintery day, housebound and recovering from a cold. Everything was dull and gray, and then the FRESH Macy's Spring fashion email popped in my inbox!

As I perused the Spring '13 fashion offerings from the Macy's fashion staff I was so warmed, inside and out. Fresh colors, fresh shapes, fresh styles. Love, Love, Love.

Especially interesting were some of the men's items which I hope to showcase more of later.

And thank you Fashion Universe! The structured bag is bag!!

Kudos to all at the Macy's fashion office! Nicole Fischelis, Groups VP, Global Forecasting, Durand Guion, VP of Fashion Direction - Men's, Josh statterman  Vice President/Fashion Director - Millennial, and Russell Orlando, Vice President/Fashion Director -- Centercore. My hat is off to you!

 And can I just say this? I don't know how it is in other cities, but in Birmingham, I find that Macy's has a wide variety of price-points. In this day and age, that's appealing.

Macys
614 Brookwood Village
Birmingham
(205) 868-2600
Macy's

Macys
2600 Galleria Circle
Birmingham
(205) 985-2600

Birmingham Fashion Week brings top name designers starting February 23

TOP DESIGNERS AND MODELS BRING NEW YORK

FASHIONS TO BIRMINGHAM FOR FASHION WEEK

Birmingham Fashion Week Kicks Off Saturday, February 23

Birmingham, AL – Birmingham Fashion Week, one of the hottest events of the year, is pleased to announce that it is back for its third annual event starting Saturday, February 23, with the finale runway show on Saturday, March 2 at Pepper Place in Birmingham, Al. Showcasing world-renown designers and top models, the week’s schedule has expanded from four days to seven days of runway shows and parties. The same high fashion found on the runways of New York will grace the city of Birmingham, from the makeup, hairstyles and outfits to the hottest trends. The schedule includes designer runway shows, fashions from local boutiques, and model and design competitions highlighting the latest fashions of the season. General admission and VIP seating are available, with a rocking After Party following each show.

Featured designers have included Southern Proper, Annie Griffin, By Smith, Prophetik, Heidi Elnora, Leona Collection and What Goes Around Comes Around. International designers will display their talents on the runway again this year and Birmingham Fashion Week will be announcing these names closer to the event. Participating boutiques for this year include Soca, Theodora, Laura Kathryn, Shaia’s, Gus Mayer, The Pants Store, lululemon, Faith Skate, and Pure Barre. A panel of local and national celebrities, who will be announced in the days leading up to Birmingham Fashion Week, will judge the design and model competitions.

For more information on Birmingham Fashion Week, ticket sales, a complete schedule of events, and participating designers and retailers, visit www.bhamfashionweek.com.

Destin for the holidays? Check out the Center of My Universe collection at REEDS Jewelers at Destin Commons

We were in Destin over the Thanksgiving holiday and of course, shopping was on the agenda. Destin Commons is the place to go for great shopping when you're anywhere on the Emerald Coast. I can't decide if it's the outside strolling or the variety of stores that makes shopping there so invigorating, but it is.

We  stopped by REEDS Jewelers to check on a charm for my daughters charm bracelet and also took a look at the  new "Center of My Universe" collection featuring the new Forevermark diamond from De Beers.

If you're like me and have been to a movie lately or watched any TV, you've probably seen that beautiful Forevermark commercial for the "Center of My Universe" collection. This is so sappy, but when that little baby girl toddles onto the screen and the narrator said, "Because of her, beautiful things began to grow," I just melt! It's that precious.

(The "Center of My Universe" collection is based on the idea of the one person that life orbits around, because she holds all the pieces together.)

So when I saw the sign in REEDS I thought I'd take a look at the collection and can we just say right now that we LOVED it! Maybe Santa Baby will get the memo!

Beautiful diamonds, responsibly sourced and alluring designs. What's not to love!

Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman, we salute you!

Just heard that the decidedly un-anorexic and un-skeletal looking model Kate Upton will appear on the cover of British Vogue.

Using a somewhat normal sized model is a brave move for the fashion industry and we salute Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman for her brave choice!

Caught you cute at "Fashion Friday" presented by Alexis Barton at the Birmingham Public Library!

If you live in Birmingham, you KNOW Birmingham and its inhabitants are très chic! If you don't have the pleasure of living in Birmingham, we snapped a few photos at Fashion Friday at the Birmingham Public Library just to show you what we mean.

First up is Ms. Vanessa Barnes Miller. She wowed us to pieces in this hounds-tooth dress.  I noticed her as soon as I walked in, because in a crowd of 70-plus people in the Arrington Auditorium at the Birmingham Public Library, she stood out. (In a great way!) When I had a chance to talk with her, I found her personality to be as great as the dress. Lovely, lovely, lovely!

And this column dress, or shift dress I guess I should say, so flattering. This shape has long been a favorite of mine since the first one I bought at Yieldings in Birmingham way back in the day. Ms. Miller's dress brought back so many memories for me that I made a note to myself to return to this style in the very near future!

Vanessa Barnes Miller

Next up we have Ms Jheri Hunter and her daughter Camisha Rivers.

LOVED both of these outfits and had to pull Camish out of the meet and greet line to get a picture because her total look was FIERCE.  She was so fashion forward and was rocking a runway look the REAL WAY, with a bright lime blazer. (BRIGHT bold colors, yes, on the cover of January's British Vogue no less! But you saw it in Birmingham, AL first!)

So Fabilicious!

My I-Phone camera didn't do the outfit or the young lady justice, because I'm telling you, it is SUCH a cute look. I showed the photos to everyone in the office when I got back and we all loved the way the lip was subtle and the earrings were delicate, allowing the blazer to sing.

As I was taking the above photo, another lady turned around to see what all the fuss was and oh, she was so adorable! I immediately said, "Your look is so cute, can I take your picture?" I know that sounds crazy coming from a complete stranger and I can't thank Ms. Hunter enough for participating.

Love the holiday lip!

And yes, you read that right above, Ms. Hunter is the mom of the lovely Camisha in the lime blazer. And again, my I-Phone camera does not do this sweet lady justice, especially her makeup. Those are the best holiday lips I've seen so far this year, this DECADE! Ms. Hunter, if you read this will you leave a comment telling us about that lipstick?

For Ms. Hunter's look, she wowed with a vibrant makeup, and statement necklace and then, SHOES! The dress was great also, with the flow that a holiday dress needs, but the star of this show were lips and heels and it worked soooo perfectly!

The angels probably want to wear these red shoes! 

Ms. Hunter was also rocking one of the newest fashion trends, black with blue, and in our opinion, one of the best new trends. Check out the photo of her entire outfit. Notice the way the necklace picks up the blue in the skirt.

Fashion Friday!

Thanks so much to everyone who allowed me to take your picture at Fashion Friday! And I have more to come, so stay tuned.

And thank you to Alexis Barton of Same Chic Different Day who presented a wonderful fashion program! Ya'll this girl rocks. If you need a fashion or style program presentation, call on Alexis, you will not be disappointed!

Also, the marvelously fashionably and chic Chanda Temple, Director of Public Relations at the Birmingham Library, who birthed this idea, and Birmingham Public Library Director, Irene "Renee" Blaylock, who so graciously welcomed guests and made everyone feel like the library was THEIR library.

Great job! We can't wait for more!

You say fashion, we say Alexis! Door prize is $100 Belk gift card

Great fashion news for Birmingham fashion lovers! 

The Birmingham Public Library is sponsoring a free fashion workshop!  http://samechicdifferentday.com/2012/11/27/youre-invited/

From the invite:

"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!"

Did we mention the doorprize? A $100 Belk gift card! 

Fashion as art, art as fashion

Fascinating article in the Daily Mail: Frida Kahlo's fascinating wardrobe exhibited in the Mexico City home the artist shared with husband Diego Rivera

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2239100/Frida-Kahlos-fascinating-wardrobe-exhibited-home-shared-Diego-Rivera-Mexico-City.html#ixzz2DRaG3Ezh
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

That little oxblood silk dress by Veronica Beard that you had your eye on is now half price at Saks!

That little oxblood silk dress by Veronica Beard that you had your eye on is now half price at Saks!



http://bit.ly/UVrcdm

Black Friday Shopping in Birmingham, AL

If you're planning to shop during Black Friday in Birmingham, following Christie Dedman at al.com is just a must! She'll have live updates at Twitter and her column in the Birmingham News (and it's online home at al.com) features the best info on all the best deals.

She's done the work so you don't have to!


Here are her posts in the Birmingham News: http://connect.al.com/user/cdedman/posts.html

 #BlackFriday

Her Twitter page: twitter.com/BhamBargainMom

And Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BirminghamBargainMom

Thanksgiving Fashion, Southern Style

We caught these two cuties at a family Thanksgiving dinner in Bluff Park and couldn't resist taking a snap.

Hope, (on the left rocking the stripes) is an uber chic mom of an adorable two year old daughter (who was also looking tres chic today in her pink princess crown!)

Heather is a Birmingham native and UAB grad who now lives and works in Washington D.C. but was in town to spread love and cheer to her nearest and dearest.

Southern fashion and charm, it's the best!

How about those boots!

Signature pieces for the working woman - ideas from the delicious diva of Southern Fashion, Arlene Goldstein

After receiving a job offer couldn't she refuse, one Birmingham Fashion Blog team member is headed back to the work-a-day world after a few years as a stay at home mom.

Team member Sasha notes, "The children are all in school now, so it's time. But after 8 delightful years as a full-time mommy, my closest reflects that!

 She's often heard asking,"What to wear?" So we're putting that question to the delicious diva of Southern Fashion, Arlene Goldstein.

"As Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction for Belk, Inc. and with more than 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, I have seen too many women make their fashion purchases based on emotion. Clothes have the ability to make us feel happy, even powerful. We are often seduced by the razzle dazzle but it’s important to invest in pieces that inspire yet also serve as timeless wardrobe staples. At Belk we offer our customers the latest trends showcasing modern, Southern, style at a range of price points. Working women can always find professional, on-trend designs at our stores and on our website at a price that works with their budget. Here are a few of the staples I recommend to every woman in the workplace:



·         The Black Sheath Dress: This classic silhouette is always on-trend and can be found in an array of fabrics for every budget. This piece is forever young, while at the same time brilliantly mature and sophisticated.

·         The Pencil Skirt: This all-seasons favorite is chic year-in and year-out. It goes from day to dinner – workplace to weekend – with ease and elegance.

·         A Tailored Blazer: Choose a well-fitted blazer in a neutral palette that can be paired with a dress, skirt or silky blouse in any color.

·         Slim Black Pant: This classic cut is flattering for all figures and will become your go-to pant for seasons to come.

We have a feeling Sasha is going back to work in style!


Get instant updates from Arlene Goldstein on Twitter @BelkFashionBuzz

Don't let winter skin do you in! Check in with the prettiness professionals at Belk

Belk Beauty Picks for Winter 2012

 Arriving at Belk cosmetics counters now: The 2012 holiday season's top beauty solutions for winter skin! From luxurious anti-aging products to lashes that are sure to catch everyone’s admiring attention, our experts have handpicked each of these cosmetics stars with you in mind. Each of these make-up bag must-haves embrace “Modern. Southern. Style.” and will create an exquisite beauty experience like no other just in time for holiday festivities.

1. Esteé Lauder Advanced Night Repair - The one formula beautiful skin can't live without. This comprehensive, high-performance anti-aging serum-inspired by groundbreaking DNA research dramatically reduces visible signs of aging in your skin.

1.0 oz $52/1.7 oz $80

2. Esteé Lauder Perfectionist CP+R- New Perfectionist CP+R is a supercharging cream that is safe for all skin types. What can you expect to see in a day, week and even month?

DAY 1: Immediately reduces look of lines by 37 percent
WEEK 1: Doubles skin's line-fighting power. Prominent wrinkles begin to look lifted away.

MONTH 1: 96 percent of women showed a significant reduction in lines and wrinkles. Skin looks re-defined, reclaims a youthful firmness and suppleness.

1.0 oz $65/ 1.7 oz $95/3.4 oz $145

3. Clarins Total Eye Concentrate - Clarins sheds new light on age-defying eye care with a treatment powered by Pueraria Lobata, the "forever young" plant proven to reduce the effects of aging. In just three weeks eyes are given a luminous “lift.” Clarins Total Eye Concentrate works on all skin types and is great for removing puffiness and crow’s feet. This product makes looking younger simple and easy.

.53 oz $82

4. Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Optimizing Skin Serum - See a difference in as little as six days when using the new Visible Difference Optimizing Skin Serum together with the spa-inspired skincare regimen. In a perfect world, your skin would repair and replace damaged cells so quickly that you'd have a continuous, healthy glow. The reality is that our skin needs a little help and this skin serum is just the trick. Elizabeth Arden has optimized 100 years of spa science to create a serum that gives your skin a healthy advantage. This advanced treatment formula with an exclusive retinyl complex renews skin's clarity and texture with a healthy glow as it evens skin tone. This product is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, and has been approved by dermatologists and clinically tested. Another plus is that this serum is non-comedogenic.

1.0 oz $49

5. Lancôme Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base- Give your lashes an XL boost. This innovative mascara base maximizes the result of any Lancôme mascara and features micro-fibers for enhanced effect. This product includes a triangular brush that helps separate lashes.

$23

6. Lancôme Effortless Lash Design- Find ultimate control with Le Curler with its specially designed, no-slip grip. Its unique silicone pads guard against breaking and gently cushion every lash to create a sweeping, crease-free curl. Finally, effortless curling that your lashes will love. Fits any eye shape or lash type.

$23

www.belk.com

Finally, it's true boot weather!

We here at the Birmingham Fashion Blog LOVE boots and can't think of anything else that pulls an outfit together faster.

We've asked local fashion pro Tracy James for her thoughts on boots and we're delighted to present them here!

"As soon as the weather snaps, people get excited about wearing boots. This fall, styles range from below the ankle to creeping above the knee. At the forefront is the shoe bootie, whether with a high heel, chunky heel or wedge. Because this bootie hits below the ankle bone, it is more flattering than its taller cousin, the ankle boot, and more versatile as it can be worn with opaque tights under skirts or dresses, creating a long lean line. Many designers are adding interest to their boots, in the form of color (grey is now a staple and oxblood an on-trend addition), texture (pony hair and reptile), and embellishment (grommets and spikes). As the weather gets colder, taller boots will become more appealing - equestrian styles continue to be a popular choice with their wearer-friendly flat soles and ease of pairing with the season's skinny pants. Women now want a whole wardrobe of boots, rather than just one go-to pair, so finding deals is important! At The Outlet Shops of Grand River, on-trend boots can be found at several stores, including Nine West Outlet, Charlotte Russe Outlet, Charming Charlie, maurices and Famous Footwear."      

-Tracy James, Fashion Consultant & Stylist with www.chicmadesimple.com on behalf of The Outlet Shops of Grand River