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

MACY’S AT RIVERCHASE GALLERIA HOSTS URBAN FASHION SHOWCASE

WHAT:        Macy’s at Riverchase Galleria invites you to an Urban Fashion Showcase featuring the hottest new looks from Sean John, LRG and Levi’s. Enjoy music, refreshments and more. Style specialists will be here to help you find the perfect outfit. Plus, receive a special gift with your qualifying purchase from select brands. 
        
WHEN:                Saturday, Oct. 26, 2012  at 6 PM 
               

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

Fossil is coming to town!

The Birmingham area just got a little better!

THE OUTLET SHOPS OF GRAND RIVER ANNOUNCES

NEW STORE TO SHOPPING CENTER

Fossil Opening in Central Alabama in Mid-October

BIRMINGHAM, AL- The Outlet Shops of Grand River is pleased to announce the addition of Fossil to their already extensive line up of stores. The distinctive shopping destination that is located minutes from Birmingham looks to welcome the authentic vintage style of Fossil in mid-October. 

“The Outlet Shops of Grand River has seen several new stores come in over the past few months, with the addition of Fossil, it will expand our offerings of accessories and chic fashion,” states Christine Szalay, General Manager of The Outlet Shops of Grand River.

Fossil will be located in the South corridor next to Chico’s Outlet. Rooted in authenticity and a distinctive vintage-inspired design aesthetic, Fossil will offer its creative take on iconic vintage style to Alabamians. The outlet store will offer watches, jewelry, small leather goods, sun wear and leather goods for both men and women.

Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing announces the FALL 2012 trends

Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing announces the FALL 2012 trends, and we love to share, so here they are!

MIXED GREENS: Solo or in combination, greens spruce up any wardrobe.

BORROWED FROM THE BOYS: Menswear influences tailor-made for her.

THE JACKET: Goes over everything—keep it top of mind.

THE LEATHER LEG: Second-skin tight or cut like a trouser, leather has legs.

THE SMOKING SLIPPER: The luxury loafer is flat-out chic.

NAVY: THE NEW NEUTRAL: Pair it up with black or brights.

DIGITAL PRINTS: Patterns made modern.

THE HIGH-IMPACT HANDBAG: Size and details matter.

BROOCHES: One adds newness, a cluster adds drama.

THE FALL FACE: Get juiced with the cherry lip.

"Love flies in for the weekends, sometimes on Valujet"

"Love flies in for the weekends, sometimes on Valujet"

Yes, I lifted that line from one of Rick Bragg's famous books, I just can't remember which one! But when we met Elizabeth from Pennsylvania last week, the line seemed to fit. She was in town to visit her boyfriend, a local guy, and we caught her cute at the the Patton Creek Shopping Center.

She was a dear and let us snap a cell phone pic of her adorable high heels. Who says all the fashion is in NYC?

It's Fashion Week and Belk is celebrating with Fashion's Night Out in Birmingham

It's Fashion Week people! And since we can't all go to NYC and see shows by people like TADASHI SHOJI and BCBGMAXAZRIA, Belk is bringing NYC's Fashion's Night Out to Birmingham. Swag? Yes. Delish treats and refreshing drinks? Check. Great fashion presentations? Of course!

Belk Brings New York’s Fashion’s Night Out 2012 Party to

Birmingham Store at The Summit on Sept. 6

Register to win a trip for two to Charleston Fashion Week during iconic fashion extravaganza

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Sept 3, 2012 – If you love fashion as much as we do, your favorite brands and designers are like your good friends. So, come party with Belk as we present an entire evening of fashion-centric activities Thursday, Sept. 6, from 6-9 p.m. during our celebration of New York’s Fashion’s Night Out. Birmingham’s own Megan LaRussa, style coach and stylist from Southern Femme, will be on hand to present the hottest looks for fall at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Statements Shop at Belk at the Summit in Birmingham when Belk brings New York’s Fashion’s Night Out to the South.

“Fashion’s Night Out is one of the many ways Belk will showcase this season’s hottest looks now arriving in our stores,” said Arlene Goldstein, vice president of trend merchandising and fashion direction for Belk. “This season you will see four key Belk Style Statements: My Fair Lady, Town and Country, Mod Modern and Vivid. This is a perfect time to update your wardrobe with fall’s best offerings and enjoy a festive atmosphere with a special Southern style that only Belk can bring.”

Featured Looks:

Tahari mustard pleated shift
Bags, Katie Kalsie
Suede "Sadie" in jade
Suede "Melissa" in rust
Each Katie Kalsie bag features two hand 
painted leather straps

Willow & Clay lace skirt

Belk at The Summit will debut the latest in fall fashions as Belk celebrates in style. The first 100 event guests will receive a free chic train case.  Customers will also get a taste of NYC with cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery, candy from Dylan’s Candy Bar and a signature Frrrozen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity 3. In celebration of Fashion’s Night Out, Belk guests may register to win a VIP trip for two to Charleston’s Fashion Week 2013.  See store for official rules and trip details.

Guests of Belk at The Summit can indulge their sweet tooth and sense of style at these great brand shops: French Connection, St. John, Eileen Fisher and Ladies’ Shoes. Attendees can have a celebrity experience while they walk the red carpet, located in our Free People shop, and take home a photo souvenir.

Fashionistas never forget beauty. Guests can visit the Estée Lauder counter for a free polish changeand experience Pure Color Nail Lacquer with True Vision Technology to transform ordinary color into extraordinary.  Plus, receive a free Intense Double-Ended Kajal Eye Pencil with your make-up consultation.  One per customer.  While supplies last.

Fashion’s Night Out, is a global shopping event coordinated in the U.S. by Vogue magazine, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the City of New York. First launched in 2008 and billed as “the best fashion party in history,” Fashion’s Night Out celebrates personal style and boasts more than 100 participating retailers across the nation, including this year’s addition of e-tailers.

The Summit, 221 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham

Just checked out a new (to me) fashion and style blogger

Introducing Tomris from DeJa Fashion:

Tomris (dejafashion) is the whole package: Arts & Entertainment Editor for Carolina STYLE Magazine and Fashion/Beauty Writer. AND she usually posts an outfit of the day that she ROCKS.

Former full time model and you can tell. No amateur stuff at Deja Fashion. But yet, it's all completely real, and down to earth, as if your best friend had been strikingly beautiful, grown up internationally, worked as a model and then a fashion editor and still called you to to come over after work for mint chocolate chip ice cream like you used to back in the 7th grade.

She's beautiful, but you like her. It works.

Love the blog, love the blogger.

@deja_fashion

What should Megan wear to Fashion Week in NYC?

One of Birmingham's top stylist, Megan LaRussa has posed the following question to readers, "What should Megan wear to Fashion Week in NYC?"

I won't spoil the surprise by telling you my fav look, but she has three chic looks to chose from. And voting for your favorite makes you eligible to win a fabulous New York Fashion Week swag bag, all compliments of Megan.

Go vote! http://www.southernfemme.com/2012/08/27/wear/

Sometimes we love the fragrance, sometimes we love the packaging it comes it. And sometimes, it's both

Tried a little sample of Vera Wang by Vera Wang at Belk. Ah, what a beautiful fragrance! And the bottle is ever so lovely as well. We're putting this on the Christmas List!

The first "Beauty from the Heart" award: Regine Valcin

I started this post and wrote it several different times. I find that I'm inadequate for the task I've assigned myself as editor of this blog.

That task is bestowing the first "Beauty from the Heart" award. The winner is the beautiful and kind Regine Valcin. And I don't even have the words to tell you just how great I think Regine is.

Loved the Sam Edelman spiked shoes!

Regine won't like this, the part where I talk about how pretty she is and how's she's propelled herself to success by following her dreams. It's just the way she was raised by her Haitian immigrant parents. Get an education, work hard, DO. She wouldn't want anyone bragging on her, I can assure you of that!

But I can't help it.

And here's why.

I met Regine a few months back at an event I was hired to photograph, and then again at another event I shot a few weeks ago. At that first meeting I was instantly struck by her beauty and all together fashionable self. But then I settled in to listen to her speak. I watched from a seat in the back as she gathered a whole room of students into her heart and grabbed their complete attention with the very real story of her life, from unemployed college graduate to owner of one of Huntsville, Alabama's most popular upscale salons, Salon Prive.  In three years. And that includes the time it took her to earn another degree.

Regine is in a word, riveting. And I could spend hours telling you all about her life and the things she's accomplished, but what I'd most like to tell you about Regine is that she cares about people. She's funding an orphanage in Haiti. She finds the time to speaks to young people about the importance of staying the course and avoiding the pitfalls can steal a young person's life before they have even begun to live it. She prays privately about the problems people share with her while having their hair styled. She is deeply devoted to her faith, and it shows in everything she does.

She's human like the rest of us, not perfect, and she'd be the first to tell you that. But Regine is a true beauty, with beauty emanating from the only place it really matters in the long run, beauty from the heart.

 ^"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."

Arlene Goldstein: A Fashion Queen Returns to Serve

We recently received a media alert about a fashion event we really hated to miss. (Alas, all of the  Birmingham Fashion Blog team have day jobs.)

The event was a makeover, compliments of retail giant Belk. The makeover was granted to a Miss Lauren Banks in honor of her service to the youth of Birmingham and to celebrate and welcome delegates (of whom Miss Banks is one) to the Charlotte's Democratic National Convention of 2012.

We've been to Belk events before, so it didn't surprise us that Belk was being so welcoming to visitors of the Queen City. Its' the Southern way. But can we just say we were awed by the fact that Arlene Goldstein, Belk's Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction, came all the way from Charlotte today to personally style Miss Banks?

We've meet this fashion queen several years ago when she was the Fashion It Girl at Parisian and later Vice President of Trend Merchandising for Saks, although we don't know her personally.  And it's our humble opinion, (as a fashion observer for over 30 years in Birmingham,) that Goldstein deserves much of the credit for turning Parisian into the fashion power-house that it was. And Belk's fashion direction since entering the Birmingham market? Nothing less than stellar.

And yet, Parisian always retained that accessibility to "the everyman" shopper. Hmm, something that I've noticed Belk does quite well also, now that I've had a chance to get acquainted with them.

Kudos to Belk for doing something so very nice for someone so deserving. And a bow to the fashion queen, who came all the way to Birmingham just to be of service to someone else.

This is what young, fashionable Birmingham looks like!

Two of Birmingham's top style writers and stylist: Megan LaRussa of Southern Femme and Donnell Cole of Southern Homme
Check them out  http://www.southernfemme.com/ and  http://www.southernfemme.com/category/southern-homme/ 

Wondering about back to school essentials? Jamie Robinson, Marketing Director for The Outlet Shops of Grand River has the 411

Jamie Robinson, Southern fashion diva and marketing director of the Outlet Shops at Grand River and all around sweet person was kind enough to make time in her day to answer a few questions about back to school must-haves.



What are the hottest back to school trends for teens?
- Hi Low skirts and dresses are a must! You can find all the latest styles at The Outlet Shops of Grand River, including Charlotte Russe and maurices. - Colorful denim in an array of styles can be found at Gap Factory Store and Aeropostale. - Boho-Chic styles are great for any occasion. Check out maurices and rue21 for these looks.What are the hottest colors this year? Tangerine has definitely been the hot color this year. Other fruit-inspired colors are following suit, like sorbet yellows, greens and pinks.

What are you seeing as far as bottoms go – short skirts? Cargo pants? Long skirts? 

We’re seeing tons of skirts with the hi-low hem lines. Maxi dresses are still in and Palazzo pants have made a comeback.What are the shoe styles this year?
Platform booties, animal print flats and anything adorned with zippers buckles or fringe. Guess Factory Store and Nine West Outlet are your best bet for these latest trends!


What about accessories? What is the going trend? Are cross-body purses popular? 

Thick chain bracelets and necklaces in gold and silver are very popular. Chevron earrings and necklaces just might be the going trend. Cross-body purses are great when you’re running errands. Choose a style with a chain or fringe for an added touch. You can find all of these styles at Charming Charlie (PHOTO ATTACHED) and fabulous purses at Nine West Outlet and Coach Factory.

With kids’ backpacks, what is popular? What about teens – what will they be using for backpacks? Kids, especially teens like to express their individuality through backpacks and accessories. For younger kids, choose a backpack with their favorite sport or super-hero. The Children’s Place Outlet has a great selection at great prices. For teens, color and fun patterns are the most important characteristics. They can find an array of choices at Famous Footwear and Gap Factory Store.

Any special hints for teens that wear uniforms, how they can personalize without breaking the dress code? ACCESSORIZE! Teens can find great patterned knee socks at GoldToe, fun belts at Aeropostale or rue21 and of course a ton of earrings, bracelets and necklaces at Charming Charlie… in colors to suit every personality.

Tell me a little something about your own fall must haves. My own fall must haves includes a tailored jacket in a fun, fall color from Banana Republic Factory Store, black skinny jeans from Gap Factory Store (PHOTO ATTACHED), a neutral platform pump from Nine West Outlet, chunky gold bracelets from Charming Charlie and an oversized leather tote from Coach Factory.

Anything else you’d like to add? Don’t miss our Back to School Fashion Shows this Saturday and next at 12:00, 1:00 and 2:00 to see all the latest trends I’ve mentioned here from your favorite brands at The Outlet Shops of Grand River!