Jeana Lee Fleming is a fashion savvy, Alabama native married to Wes Fleming.  She graduated from the University of Alabama with a major in advertising and a minor in political science. Jeana is the co-founder of Birmingham Fashion Week, and she also co-owns Belle Bridesmaid with her sister, Charlotte Thompson.

Jeana has a talent for styling magnificent ensembles and  rocks at accessorizing! “I have always loved fashion…I am so happy to have a profession in it,” states Jeana. So, without further ado, I present the fabulous interview with the tremendous Southern fashionista, Jeana Lee Fleming!

• How would you describe your personal style?

“My style varies from day to day, and accessories can make or break an outfit.” –Jeana Lee Fleming

After several minutes chatting with Jeana  about her personal style it became obvious that she adores colorful outfits that can be spiced up with snazzy accessories.

• What is one item in your closet you would never toss out and why?

“South Africa is my heart, and when I visited there, I picked up a bright necklace that can be easily dressed up or down,” says Fleming.

After listening to her passion about South Africa and her beloved necklace, I understood completely why she would always cherish it.

• Who is your celebrity fashion crush and why?

“Olivia Palmero! Her style is so easy…It is affordable and accessible,” says the extraordinary fashionista, Jeana Fleming.

• What inspired you and Heidi Elnora to start Birmingham Fashion Week?

“We wanted to bring something fresh, new, young and exciting to Birmingham,” states Fleming.

Jeana and Heidi were hoping BFW would catch on, and to their surprise, the first year was a complete success! “We are so blessed with so much community support! We want to show everyone how fashionable Southerners are, and Birmingham Fashion Week does just that,” says Fleming.

• What influenced BFW to involve Alabama middle and high school students?

“Birmingham Fashion Week wants to help promote and inspire teenagers to follow their dreams….It makes me happy to involve these students in BFW.  We were blown away by the talent of last year’s Rising Design Stars and are so excited about this year’s,” exclaims Jeana.

BFW reaches out to students (grades 6-12) across the state of Alabama encouraging them to create wearable pieces of art to enter into the BFW Rising Design Star Competition. (To learn more about the Rising Design Star competition, click here)

• Describe Birmingham Fashion Week in five words.

“This is a tough one because there are so many positive words to describe it.  I am going to pick hard work, exciting, fresh, inspiring, and community-driven.  I think that was more than five, but close enough, ” says Jeana with a smile.

• What should people expect from Birmingham Fashion Week 2013?

“Bigger and better!  Expect bigger names, higher designers, and major talent.  We are taking BFW to the next level this year!  So much hard work and time goes into making BFW a fabulous event.  The BFW team works from 8pm to 3am…but we love fashion, and that’s why we do it,” Jeana Lee Fleming declares.

The BFW website and Facebook page updates include the release of headlining and featured designers as well as a schedule of events. To see more, like Birmingham Fashion Week on Facebook and check out their website, www.bhamfashionweek.com.

• Is there anything else you would like to add?

“The fan mail is so encouraging! It makes all of us at BFW work even harder.  Designers and out-of-state visitors are always charmed by our fashion and our Southern hospitality,” states Jeana.

Stay tuned for more from this interview with Jeana Fleming by keeping up with me on my blog, www.realstorypublishing.com, and www.townandgownmagazine.com (read online @ www.issuu.com/townandgownmagazine!)

To learn more about Birmingham Fashion Week, take a gander at their website: www.bhamfashionweek.com. If you are interested in purchasing tickets for Birmingham Fashion Week, click here.

Like BFW on Facebook to keep up with the latest media coverage and runway updates! www.facebook.com/bhamfashionweek

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bhamfashionweek HASHTAG: BFW2013

If you cannot get enough of the VIP, check out my articles in The Real Story! The Adventures of the VIP in the Lifestyle section! www.realstorypublishing.com

The VIP is also on The Real Story YouTube page! Check out the first Adventures of the VIP video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uhx3yMCDh4

Check out the latest issue of Town and Gown Magazine! You can read online @ www.issuu.com/townandgownmagazine!

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Upcoming Blogs this Week:

*How to Look Fabulous at BFW 2013*

*VIP Interview with co-founder of BFW, Heidi Elnora*

*Shopping in Your Own Closet–not on Monday*

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn