Thursday night in Birmingham: One place to be

Ok, make that two places but both are at the Summit! Gus Mayer is hosting a silent auction to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. The event starts at 6:00 p.m.

You can get more details at this link. (Thanks to Jennifer Galbreath at BCRFA for the information!)

After you do your part at Gus Mayer, come over to Belk for their famous Girls Night Out celebration. You'll find 20% off all the newest fall fashions while being treated to glamorous hors d'oeuvres and wine. You can also register for a $1500 shopping spree at Belk and free makeover compliments of Estee Lauder! What's not to love?

You'll find more details here.

Happy Thursday!

Grand happenings at the Summit: West Elm Grand Opening to benefit Jones Valley Teaching Farm

A lot of companies come to Birmingham, and we're glad. But we're especially glad when the company comes in with open arms and hosts an amazing grand opening party that benefits something as wonderful in this community as the Jones Valley Teaching Farm.

Welcome to Birmingham West Elm! We wish you all the best and will definitely see you soon!

Art by Rachel West

Our favorite salon owner won Birmingham Business Alliance Young Professional of the Year award

So excited and this will be short, but we just found out that Tonya Jones won  the Birmingham Business Alliance Young Professional of the Year award for 2013!

Congrats Tonya! So well deserved.

Big things are happening at the Riverchase Galleria!

Just in case you haven't heard, the fashion capitol of the South is growing by leaps and bounds! The new trendy fashion store Cloochie opened today and Von Maur is slated to open in November at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, near Birmingham, AL.

We'll try and visit Cloochie soon and give you a report, but this lace skirt on their website is making my inner Stevie Nicks come to life, and that's a good thing!

And Von Maur? We've never had the occasion to visit one but we're looking forward to checking the store out. It's always exciting when you have more fashion to choose from.

Interest free credit card? Color us interested already!

Chip & Pepper in the house!

If you're of a certain generation you might remember Chip & Pepper. And if you're younger, you'll be happy to discover the ultra-hip team of Chip and Pepper. And guess what? Fashion fans of all ages can meet Chip & Pepper in person this Thursday at Belk in Tuscaloosa.

I know, you thought all Alabama was known for was football, but really, it's tres fashionable! So come to Belk this Thursday, get your fashion on and meet Chip & Pepper. There will also be denim give-aways every half hour. Can't beat that!

 Belk Celebrates College Night with Denim Experts Chip & Pepper

What:                   Belk and denim designers Chip & Pepper Foster are launching a new, exclusive collection and you are invited to meet the dynamic duo and be among the first to try on the jeans yourself at Belk at University Mall. Chip & Pepper will be on hand for Belk’s College Night, and will be sharing their tips and trends for denim this fall. 

Chip & Pepper are experts when it comes to fit, comfort and style, and they have incorporated their knowledge into a cutting edge denim collection for Belk that will be available at an affordable price.  

                               

The Chip & Pepper® California collection is available in select Belk stores across the Southeast and on belk.com.

When:                  Thurs., Sept. 26

                                6:30-8 p.m.

Where:                Belk at University Mall

                                169 University Mall

                                Tuscaloosa, Ala. 35405

I bet you knew this, but we didn't

Anna Wintour wears the same shoes just about all the time. Not exactly the same same, but just about.

I have a confession, I like that. If you find something that works and feels good, by all means keep doing it!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2424692/Why-does-queen-fashion-wear-shoes-LIZ-JONES-Vogue-supremo-Anna-Wintours-500-addiction.html

Project Runway- We'll tell you how the modern Southern woman dresses, compliments of Belk!

Like the rest of the world, we here at Birmingham Fashion Blog tune in faithfully to Project Runway. Imagine our excitement when we heard the designers were charged with designing a dress that retail giant Belk was going to carry in the 301 Belk locations and nationally online at Belk.com!

The episode was interesting and our collective hearts went flutter when John Thomas from Belk walked on the set. Who knew that fashion executives could be so, well, MANLY and attractive. We're thinking he needs his own reality show.

We digress....

What threw us for a loop about this episode was how flustered some of the designers were over the challenge: Designing a dress for Belk's Southern customer. Such an easy task, but yet, so many of them struggled with this, as if the South was a foreign country all together.

So we checked out what Belk is offering for Southern women, and really, women all across the USA via Belk.com and we think what Belk is offering is HOT! We saw something for everyone and as is our duty, bring some of what we discovered to share with you, our Southern fashion fans.

Belk Fashion Fall 2013: Most Wanted for Women

Charlotte, NC — Get ready for the next big things! Find out the revealing revelations of fall fashion that will amp up any attire. This is just what you’re looking for when it comes to the latest fashion forward finds. Dynamically designed for any occasion, these pieces are key. It’s our cue to review “Most Wanted for Women,” from Belk, the leader of “Modern. Southern. Style.” and Arlene Goldstein, Belk vice president of fashion direction. Here’s the list of fall’s hits and highlights:

1. Slim Trouser – No wardrobe update is complete without fall’s favorite pant. Sleek, simple and easy to wear, this bottom is still first on fashion’s hip parade.

2. Button Front Shirt – Comfy doesn’t always mean casual. Paired with denim or a pencil skirt, this versatile top offers a first class ticket to tailored elegance.

Michael Kors at Belk

3. Statement Jacket – This is the “go to” item that easily upgrades any look. Fitted blazer or boxy crop; military or motocross, this is the wardrobe change that changes everything.

4. Fashion Sweatshirt – This humble sweater has had a high fashion make over. It is an old school classic that is chic yet accessible.

5. Patterned Sweater – From spots and stripes to abstract florals and animal imagery, this knit has a knack for newness. Both pullovers and cardis can take you anywhere,

6. Something Leather – Choose pleather or the real thing, either way sensational skins are a fall must have. Romantic or edgy this material matters.

7. New Knit Dress – Good to go. It is wearable, packable and fashionable. Did I mention modern shapes and sophisticated patterns?

Vince Camuto at Belk

8. Bold Jewels – Check out statement pieces that pack a punch. Rings, necks and a bevy of bracelets. Brilliant stones and bold proportions. Ritzy yet relevant.

9. Satchel – Fashion meets function with precise lines and the ultimate in craftsmanship. The season’s #1 handbag silhouette becomes the exclamation point to your look.

Michael Kors at Belk

10. Short Boots – Dare to wear them with everything from slim pants and skinny jeans to sleek sheaths and snazzy skirts. Be adventurous or just play it safe. Both work!

Sam Edelman at Belk

The marvelous Donald J Pliner to visit Birmingham, Belk at the Summit!

Fashion Designer Donald J Pliner to Appear at Belk at the Summit on Sept. 14 to Introduce Fall Collection

 Silent art auction during 4-hour event to benefit Donald and
Lisa Pliner’s Peace for the Children Foundation

BIRMINGHAM, ALA., Sept. 5, 2013 – Donald J Pliner, renowned designer of men’s and women’s luxury footwear and accessories, is coming to Belk at the Summit in Birmingham, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 14, to introduce his Fall 2013 collection and raise money for a children’s charity that he and his wife founded. 

Pliner will appear at the store’s ladies shoe department from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

A silent auction of folk art carvings of pigs and masks created by New Mexican artist Larry Jacquez and signed by Pliner will also be held during the event with proceeds benefiting Donald and Lisa Pliner’s Peace for the Children Foundation. Winners will be announced at the end of the event with payment by cash or check only.

Gus Mayer's Fashion Night Out

Fashion's Night Out is an all-day affair at Gus Mayer! Tax free fashions and beauty from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm. We welcome all fashionistas to come enjoy tax free shopping and great music from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Skinny Girl Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served as well as ten minute makeovers in cosmetics! Don't forget to get your professional photo taken by Big Swede Photography!

http://www.birmingham365.org/event/detail/441797413/Gus_Mayers_Fashion_Night_Out

Does your bra fit? Find out at Belk the Summit with a Wacoal fitting and help raise funds for breast cancer

Does your bra fit? Find out at Belk the Summit with a Wacoal fitting and help raise funds for breast cancer!

Seriously, you won't believe how it will impact all aspects of your life when your bra fits correctly. And enhance your figure? You bet. So please call the intimates department at Belk the Summit and make your appointment today. For every woman who comes in to be fitted, Belk and Wacoal will donate $2 to the local Susan G. Komen group. It's a win-win for everyone!

Don't forget the free gift with $80 purchase: free pink panties and beautiful cosmetics bag from Belk!

Please make your appointment today with Peggy Bloodworth

STM Contemporary/Intimates

Belk Summit

205-968-4200 x308

Project Runway is looking for YOU!

Just received an email from Bunim-Murray and we're delighted to pass along the news that Project Runway is looking for YOU! The show is casting now, this could be your chance to live the dream.

"Girl get your record on!" Tonya Jones SalonSpa

Sometimes, a very pleasant experience reminds me of a song and every time I think of that experience, the soundtrack plays in my mind. It's nice, sort of like MTV back in the old days when they played music.

 ("Girl, get your record on!")

That happened again for me just last week when a friend gave me the gift of a haircut. SHE didn't cut it herself, but called one day and proclaimed, "You're going to Tonya Jones SalonSpa, call them and make your appointment." So I did, but honestly I didn't want to. I even put it off for a few days so I could think of a way to try and get out of it. Horrible, right?

By way of explanation, I have a sort of hair appointment resistance. I just can't find anyone who understands my hair. I'm Caucasian, but my hair has extreme curliness which flips right over into pure frizz at the slightest provocation. At the same time the hair itself is very fine, but it LOOKS like it's hale and hearty, so it has fooled many a stylist who thought they could razor the ends for extra body. It never works and after most hair appointments I found myself rocking the ponytail for a few months while whatever style my hair was supposed to be grew out a bit.

But there I was on a balmy Saturday driving through Birmingham to Mountain Brook to  Tonya Jones SalonSpa. Nervous would be an understatement. I'm more relaxed before a root canal!

To be continued........

It's been too long!

Everyone was tres busy this summer so we took a little break from the Birmingham Fashion Blog, but never fear, we're gearing back up to bring you news of the best fashion events in Birmingham and across the Southeast! And as always, reviews and news about fashion, cosmetics and the best places in town to find what you need, at the best price.

Stay tuned!

It's time Birmingham, the swish and the swing is in season!

Isn't there something freeing about spring and summer fashions? The swish and the swing is all in fashion right now and we love it!

Here in the South those two overlap, which is GREAT for your shopping budget. That cute sleeveless dress you picked up at Gus Mayer is perfect for spring when paired with the light weight cardigan from TJ Maxx. Then May is upon us and that cute sleeveless dress is perfect for summer!

Speaking of shopping for spring and summer, we have a great tip for you! Extend the look of your wardrobe with designer jewelry  I know, you think it's out of your budget, but it's not.

And your perfect opportunity to find your signature piece is happening at the beautiful Alridge Gardens this Tuesday, May 14 at the "Made in the South" one-day trunk show.

BLO Vintage, an Alpharetta, Georgia, will be on hand with based custom jewelry designer, truly one of the most unique jewelry artisans in the South.

The creation of Nastro Bello designer Allison Stackpole, BLO Vintage combines a sense of history and fashion into each of its one-of-a-kind vintage lariats.

Each lariat includes a vintage whistle - from a beautifully crafted railroad station master’s whistle circa 19th century England to a small, functioning charm whistle from America in the 70s.  Designed with a sense of whimsy, and combining form with function, BLO Vintage offers a truly unique experience for the wearer.

And did I mention they are just lovely?

Eileen Fisher always reminds me of a song, and her Tipsters are coming to Belk!

When I see Eileen Fisher designs I always think of the U2 song, Mysterious Ways. Because the clothing, no matter the piece, have a flow and movement to them that you just don't always see in designer fashions.

Don't believe me? Find out for yourself at Belk this Thursday, May 9 when Belk at the Summit brings you an Eileen Fisher fashion show and, get this, personal style advice from Eileen Fisher's staff!  Here is everything you need to know about this uber stylish event in Birmingham!

EILEEN FISHER Tipsters to Host Spring Fashion Event at

Belk’s Summit Benefitting Girlspring

New York, NY. May 3, 2013 - Everybody needs a little personal style advice and the designer Eileen Fisher has a solution: She is sending the company’s style mavens—known as “Tipsters”--on the road. On Thursday, May 9, Belk’s Summit location in Birmingham will host an EILEEN FISHER Tipster Event at 11:00 am, complete with a fashion show and personal style advice from Tipsters, Gaetan Karr and Maryanne Morella.

 “I find our Tipsters endlessly fascinating,” says Fisher, “because they’re so creative in the ways they put the clothes together.” To her the real test of collection is the way it empowers women to create style on their own.

For the May 9 event, Belk has selected EILEEN FISHER Tipster Gaetan Karr, who works as one of the company’s personal shoppers. “I’ve been in retail for 50 years,” says Karr. “I used to shop the collections in Paris and Milan. Over the years I’ve learned a few things. One of them is how to be edgy--with the wisdom of age.”

As a customer service team member, Gaetan loves giving advice all day. She studies up on what she needs to know by playing with the clothes as soon as they arrive in the store. “I think about: Is something running small? How will it look with a skirt, what if you add a belt?” says Karr. “I try to anticipate all the questions a customer will have.”

Gaetan’s co-tipster, Maryanne Morella, is a Regional Merchandise Manager for the brand’s wholesale department stores, and traveling light throughout the country is a top priority. Her carry on is always ready to go and inside, one would find her wardrobe staples: a simple black dress, a lightweight cardigan, and her signature style silver hoop earrings. “Maxi, midi or anywhere between, I love the simplicity of our dresses as the staple of my wardrobe. I personalize them with big, bold bangles and chunky necklaces to add fun and dimension.”

Shoppers who attend the Tipster Event will not only get great fashion advice, they will also have a chance to help a good cause. EILEEN FISHER will donate 5% of the event day sales to GirlSpring, a non-profit organization that provides access to reliable information and positive role models to girls and young women so they can make sound decisions and good choices.

To RSVP for this event, please call 205-968-4200 ext. 305.

This event has everything I need. It's free to enter, features SOUTHERN FASHION, home decor and cusine and it's at Aldridge Gardens!

“Made in the South” Traveling Trunk Show Arrives in Birmingham May 14

Preview new products from southern designers including Sushi Furniture, Vintage Chanel bracelets, “Mad Men” inspired hats, whistle jewelry, vanilla/blackberry jam and more!

WHAT:          

The 2^nd annual “Made in the South” Traveling trunk show will make a stop in Birmingham, Alabama on Tuesday, May 14 at Aldridge Gardens from 10:30 am – 6:30 pm.  For one-day-only, 15 southern-based fashion,

home décor and cuisine companies will showcase their summer collections.  Open to the public and free to attend, guests can shop for great deals on must-have summer items, meet the designers in person and enter the

chance to win giveaways throughout the day. 

Highlights include:

·         Lissa Mar – Hamptons style clothing made in the south!

·         Sushi Ottomans – ottomans for your bedroom or living room that look like real California Roll and Cucumber sushi complete with salmon roe

·         Moo Moo Designs – new earrings, necklaces and bracelets made out of horn and bone

·         Emily G’s – new “curry” ketchup, pepper vinegar, apple pie jam and more! 

·         Hot to Trot – horse show handbags, vintage Versace/Chanel button jewelry created in a newly renovated 1964 airstream trailer! 

·         Susan Morehead Hats – new twisted sea grass hats created with custom-made wooden blocks – inspired from the television show “Mad Men”

WHEN:          

Tuesday, May 14

10:30 am – 6:30 pm

WHERE:        

Aldridge Gardens – Cottage House

3530 Lorna Road

Hoover, AL 35216

Free parking

For more information, please visit: www.southerndesigners.net

I almost forgot the Belk Charity Sale!

There I was at the Birmingham Business Journal's fantastic Women's Summit and I heard the announcer say, "And don't forget about the Belk Charity sale tomorrow."

My head popped up and I rolled my eyes at myself. I'd forgotten the Belk Charity Sale! All was not lost thankfully. I was able to walk right back to the Belk table and purchase my Charity sale ticket from the Dachshund Rescue Society. Their groups was on hand selling tickets and handing out flyers.

Let me give you a preview of what is undeniably the best sell in Birmingham:

Local nonprofits and schools sell the $5 tickets and keep all the money. Customers use their tickets to shop the special sale hours on Saturday from 6-10 a.m. The $5 ticket price comes right back in your wallet courtesy of Belk by way of a $5 discount on the first purchase.

The first 100 people in line receive a  free Belk gift card worth $5 - $100 and the chance to win one of three $1000 gift cards being given away across Belk's 16 states.

And if that isn't enough, the flyer says that items throughout the store will be on sale for 20-75% off! Yes, Ladies Shoes. Yes, kids shoes, Yes, purses.

I can't wait!

And speaking of fashion shows, wow, the fashion show at the BBJ Women's Show was great, so enjoyed the fashions and found myself really drawn to the colors.

Like so many others, I wasn't sure about  the neon trend when it first started popping up, but the small and well placed pops of neon in places like shoe details and necklaces were so fresh. I found myself making a mental note to take a closer look at the Sam Edelman shoes that will be on sale at Belk tomorrow!

Simply Bridal? Simply Beautiful!

SimplyBridal is an online retailer started in July 2011, simplifying the entire bridal process by putting the best wedding products and services directly into the hands of users worldwide. 

Offering over 400 wedding gown styles, 180 bridesmaids dress styles in 28 colors, close to 100 wedding veils, and a new line of bridal accessories. Each dress is made to order from the finest fabrics without the monumental cost and corporate red tape.

SimplyBridal has professional bridal consultants at both Los Angeles and New York showrooms as well as over the phone with years of experience to assist brides in choosing the dress of their dreams. So check them out at Simply Bridal! 

Simply Bridal

Take care of your girls and they'll take care of you! Belk to host Wacoal bra fitting at the Summit

WACOAL HOSTS LOCAL FIT FOR THE CURE EVENT

-Receive a Complimentary Bra Fitting while helping Find a Cure for Breast Cancer-

WHAT: Join Wacoal to help fight breast cancer with Fit for the Cure! Participate in our Fit for the Cure Event at Belk at the Summit and receive a complimentary Bra Fitting, in Wacoal or b.tempt’d intimate apparel, from a Wacoal fit specialist and sign up to receive a monthly email reminder to do a self breast exam. For every woman that participates, Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for breast cancer research and community health programs. Wacoal will also donate an additional $2 for every Wacoal bra, shapewear piece or b.tempt’d bra purchased at the Event. Friday, April 19 from 10am-5pm. 

221 Summit Blvd, Birmingham · (205) 968-4200

Susan Street, 50 not frumpy!

Sometimes we come across a great blog that we just have to share and this time it's Susan Streets, "50 not Frumpy" blog.

She is so adorable and her posts always bring great info.

Check her out. http://fiftynotfrumpy.blogspot.com/