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/

Fun fashion events in Birmingham this week at Belk & Gus Mayer

I trust you have all your Easter shopping completed, but if not, we have several terrific fashion events to report.

Gus Mayer is hosting the Joeffer Caoc Spring 2013 Trunk Show Thursday, Mar 28 10:00a to 5:00p. Isn't that dress beautiful!

Joeffer Caoc’s clean cut lines, lean proportions and subtle textures create illusion. Soft Structures. Signature draping, tucks, pleating and asymmetry offset crisply tailored separates in natural cottons, feather-light stretch crepe, jersey and fine silks. Each skillfully crafted garment is infused with a sense of grace and fluidity that complements the feminine form. 

Head over to Belk at the Summit this Saturday from 11-4 and meet the magnificent man himself, Donald J Pliner and thank him for designing shoes that are so absolutely beautiful and yet wearable. Maybe we'll get lucky and he'll bring his beautiful wife Lisa. (That woman exudes grace and kindness. We think it's because she's from the South, natch!)

Pliner will be showcasing his Spring 2013 collection and showing women how a shoe can yes, we said it, be sexy and comfortable to wear all at the same time.  

Light refreshments, sparkling beverages and Donald J Pliner? Now that's a great Saturday Birmingham!

Nail fashion in Birmingham, Birmingham UK that is!

We often receive fashion pitches from Birmingham, and yes, Birmingham, UK! It's always exciting to open those emails and see what fashionistas on the other side of the pond are up to.

We received an email from Jade at Totch Nails in Birmingham and thought we'd share a few of her artistic nail designs with you.

It almost seems a shame when it's time to change the polish!

Thanks for the email Jade, hope you'll be sure and send us more nail fashions from the UK as your business grows!

Hello Spring! And aren't we glad...

I love winter and I especially love fall fashion, fall colors are really my best colors. But when SPRING gets her, wow, it's such a happy look. You can't help but see all the bright colors, feel the sun on your face and get invigorated!

One of our team members was in Trussville last week and saw this cute dress at South Boutique. We all felt bad that we were out of the loop about South Boutique and have not mentioned it before, because according to all reports I can find, people love this place.

That same team member stopped in at Marshall's in Trussville and saw these cute shoes for her 3 year old. We think they are too cute!

And speaking of colors, do you know what your best colors are? How would you like to find out? Noted fashion author and speaker Shari Braendel has a free service at her website. It won't take but a few minutes and I promise you'll thoroughly enjoy finding out what your best colors are.

All free and just in time for spring! Click here.

And just a reminder, we don't charge money for our blog posts and we don't solicit or accept any compensation for mentioning fashion events, places, people or things. We post about things we see that we like, or events that people are kind enough to tell us about and it's always a free service.

We love Easter hats, don't you?

Christine Moore Trunk Show

Wednesday, Mar 20 10:00a to 5:00p

Gus Mayer
Birmingham, AL

Need a new hat for Easter or the Kentucky Derby? Christine from Christine A. Moore Millinery in New York will showcase her Spring 2013 line at Gus Meyer.

If you love her Derby hats, you will love her new 2013 Spring line. You will be delighted to find that Christine has designed a totally fresh, unique collection inspired by the top colors and clothing trends for Spring 2013.

As always Christine is focused on creating wearable hat styles that push the quality of design and craftsmanship to a new level.

The good thing: Helping when you can, where you can. Kickstart Tallulah!

Sometimes in life you meet people who are so adorably and unfailing sweet and kind it restores your faith in humanity. And that persons spends hours and hours patiently teaching you everything she knows. Then she goes off to rural Mississippi to fulfill her life's calling as a teacher to at-risk kids.

Then that same wonderful person's sister is trying to get her WONDERFUL fashion design company, "Talluah," off the ground in the beautiful city of New Orleans.

It's hard out there people, for an honest person to get a break in the fashion industry. But this is an honest person who has been working hard at this dream for many years. And you could help her. I can help her. We could help her. We can kickstart this dream!

No, she isn't a starving child in Africa. But she does want to put people to work. And more people working means more people helping others, right?

And it's not a "donate and get nothing except a good feeling." It's an opportunity for you to be a part of something good. Something nice. For nice people who want to do nice things and create nice clothes.

(And there is a little something in it for you, check out the link and see the details.)

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tallulahsdesigns/tallulahs-designs-you-love-we-make-partner-with

I know, you are asking, is she legit? YES! The venerable Birmingham News and several other media outlets (like the wonderful Southern Femme!) have often covered TALLULAH designer Heather Williams.

Birmingham fashion designer Heather Williams is wearing her "Kande'' dress, which is made of fabric from Africa. (The Birmingham News / Linda Stelter)

Even $1 will help. And hey, doesn't everyone want to know a famous designer? This is your chance to get in on the ground floor! Click the link, you'll be glad you did.

 http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tallulahsdesigns/tallulahs-designs-you-love-we-make-partner-with

Birmingham Fashion Week! Kudos to you for a great event

Serious applause for everyone at Birmingham Fashion Week for a great event! And one of the best Harlem Shake videos we have ever seen.

THE THIRD ANNUAL BIRMINGHAM FASHION WEEK CELEBRATES

BIGGER AND BETTER ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

Emerging Talent & Retail Community Shine Alongside National Brands

Birmingham, AL – After a week of runway shows, parties, spring fashion and fierce competitions, the lights have come down and the curtain has closed on the third annual Birmingham Fashion Week. The 2013 turnout proved bigger and better than ever as crowds packed out the tent to see emerging talent and local retailers light up the stage alongside internationally recognized brands. The overwhelming response in sponsor participation, regional and national media impressions and expected economic impact resulted in a record-breaking year.

Fashion forward students from across the state had the rare privilege of sharing the stage with headlining designers Tibi, Anthony Ryan Auld, Prophetik and heidi elnora. Featured designers included Joshua McKinley, Annie Griffin, Leona, Mandi Faulk, Lula Kate and Ivy & Aster. Each Spring 2013 collection showcased different looks and trends, ranging from bold colors and straight lines to neutral tones and soft patterns. Some designers and boutiques displayed ready-to-wear outfits, while others highlighted couture garments, giving attendees a full spectrum of fashion.

The Rising Design Star challenge showcased middle and high school aspiring designers who created non-traditional garments using materials such as bubble wrap, coffee filters, computer parts, comic books, and crayons glued, stapled or taped together. Winners included: 

1st Place: Annie Bloomston, 16, Birmingham native, attends Mountain Brook High School

2nd Place: Preston Mills, 17, Hayden native, attends Hayden High School

3rd Place: Bradford Billingsly, 11, Vestavia native, attends Pizitz Middle School. 

The Emerging Designers competition gave up-and-coming college-aged and post-graduate students the opportunity to exhibit their talent on a platform with accomplished designers. Winners included:

1st Place: Elizabeth Singleton, Birmingham native, 2012 University of Alabama graduate

2nd Place: Sarah Winford, Helena native, attends Auburn University

3rd Place: Anna Kay Winford, Helena native, attends Auburn University and Allison Mills, Birmingham native, 2012 University of Alabama graduate

Throughout the week, industry professionals judged every official BFW model for the Fresh Face of Fashion competition. Ashley Burgess Sharbel was named the 2013 Fresh Face of Fashion.

As guests entered the 40’ x 120’ beautiful white tent, they quickly forgot their surroundings as stage lights, an 80’ runway and DJ Coco’s masterful entertainment transformed the inside from a tent to a glamorous and inviting atmosphere. VIP attendees sat in elegant, white chairs lining the runway while general admission guests packed out the sides to standing room only. Celebrity guests graced the shows including country singer Sara Evans and the Style Network’s reality tv star and professional organizer Amanda LeBlanc.

"Birmingham Fashion Week has proven to be a main stay among top Alabama events,” states Heidi Elnora, cofounder of Birmingham Fashion Week. “We are so proud to have the support from the City of Birmingham and our local businesses. The sky is the limit when it comes to the caliber of designers and young talent who will participate in BFW 2014."


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

  

You, yes you dear reader, can win a $500 shopping spree from The Summit, Birmingham's Fashion Address

Find out all about it over at Style Blueprint Birmingham!

 http://birmingham.styleblueprint.com/happenings/win-500-for-the-summit/

"There are no ugly women. Only lazy ones." Helena Rubinstein

Beauty queen who paid for your make-up with misery: She revolutionised cosmetics but Helena Rubinstein's success came at a terrible emotional cost
By TESSA CUNNINGHAM


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2287532/Helena-Rubinstein-She-revolutionised-cosmetics-new-book-reveals-success-came-terrible-emotional-cost.html#ixzz2MXInTox6
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

COTTON INCORPORATED GIVES FASHION FANS ACROSS AMERICA FRONT ROW SEAT TO COTTON’S 24 HOUR RUNWAY SHOW

The team here at Birmingham fashion Blog is loving the 24 hour streaming of the best runway show ever!

http://cotton24hours.thefabricofourlives.com/

ve webcast offers close-up look at the fashion, celebrity guests and other highlights; online and in-store shopping event offers discounts on cotton looks

NEW YORK (February 28, 2013) – Cotton Incorporated invites fashionistas across the country to participate in one of the year’s biggest fashion events – Cotton’s 24 Hour Runway Show – from their own computers or mobile devices, and gives them a chance to purchase cotton apparel and accessory items from some of their favorite brands featured in the show at 24% off. 

Cotton’s 24 Hour Runway Show, which takes place in South Beach from 8 p.m. EST Friday, March 1, through 8 p.m. EST Saturday, March 2, will be streamed live for the full 24 hours on http://cotton24hours.thefabricofourlives.com/. The show will feature the versatility of cotton through 1,440 different looks – one per minute – inspired by regional style trends from across the U.S. It will be hosted by television personalities Giuliana Rancic of E! News and E!’s Fashion Police and Bill Rancic and feature special appearances by actress Camilla Belle, who appears in Cotton’s iconic “The Fabric of Our Lives®” advertising campaign; author, fashion designer and television personality Lauren Conrad; comedian and television personality Michael Yo; and fashion journalist and host of NBC’s Fashion Star, Louise Roe.

As part of Cotton Incorporated’s shopping event, consumers who visit http://cotton24hours.thefabricofourlives.com/ can learn more about the participating brands who will be offering 24% percent off cotton apparel and accessory items in-store and/or online. The discount is available for a limited time only from March 1 – 2.  

“Cotton’s 24 Hour Runway Show is designed to showcase the diverse regional trends of America, so it only makes sense for this event to be available to everyone across the country,” says Marissa Barlin, Cotton’s 24 Hour Runway Show National Spokesperson. “Not only will people from across the nation be able to watch the show, fashionistas everywhere will be able to purchase some of their favorite looks from many of the brands seen in the runway at 24% off.”

For more information on Cotton’s 24 Hour Runway Show, shopping event and a full list of participating retailers, please visit: http://cotton24hours.thefabricofourlives.com/. 

                                                                                                                                           

Free for you and hopefully you as well! And you too! BIRMINGHAM FASHION WEEK TO GIVE AWAY 35 GIFT CARDS TO THE SUMMIT

During Birmingham Fashion Week’s Thursday Runway Show, 35 lucky VIP guests will receive a $25 gift card to The Summit.

Purchase your VIP ticket now to cash in on a chance to shop at some of Birmingham’s hottest stores. Tickets are selling out fast, so jump over to www.BhamFashionWeek.com to get yours! VIP tickets are $65 each, which includes access to the exclusive VIP area, as well as guaranteed seating for the runway show, featuring Prophetik by Jeff Garner.

Don’t miss out on the first night of BFW model and design competitions, highlighting the talent of middle school to post graduate students from across the state of Alabama. Along with Prophetik’s “The Princess Grace Tribute Collection,” featured Designer Leona will showcase her Spring collection and Mandi Faulk will return to the BFW stage as the Emerging Design Winner of 2012. You have the opportunity to experience the exciting action of Thursday night as a VIP and receive a $25 gift card to The Summit.

For more information on Birmingham Fashion Week, ticket sales, a complete schedule of events, and participating designers and retailers, visit www.bhamfashionweek.com. Be sure to follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER. The hashtag for Birmingham Fashion Week is #BFW2013

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!