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

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."