Kicking Off Spring Style with Belk and Arlene Goldstein

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog on the first day of spring! Whoo hoo!

Oh, spring has finally sprung which means it is time to go on a spring shopping haul! After the crazy, up-and-down winter weather we had, I am beyond excited to swap the big coats, chunky sweaters, and UGG boots for lightweight cardigans, flowy dresses, and sassy sandals. Now, before we go out and buy our spring wardrobe, let’s take a look at the Spring 2014 Fashion Forecast, courtesy of Arlene Goldstein, Belk’s Vice President of Trend Mechandising and Fashion Direction. (Pst…remember when the VIP interviewed Arlene?  To celebrate Throwback Thursday, let’s take a look back at the VIP interview here and learn more about the fabulous fashion expert!)

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Spring 2014 fashion is all about creating a statement style with pieces that look and feel fabulously modern with a dash of classic. Before we kick off spring shopping, let’s check the fashion weather. This season, Arlene Goldstein is predicting light showers of dazzling jewelry, wind gusts of statement shoes, and a monsoon of must-have apparel items. Fierce florals and feminine charms will be in full bloom as exotic fabrics and clean lines take fashionista closets by storm. So, let’s grab our trendy umbrellas and hit the stores fully prepared to locate the hot trends below:

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Feminine Charms

From ultra-romantic to chic eccentric with a femme flare, this [Feminine Charms] is a fashion story that delivers a dynamic aura. Expect looks to exude elegance with oversized ruffles, fit-and-flare silhouettes, appliqued petals and new, longer lengths. Heavy lace, luminescent layers and sheer fabrics easily finesse any look, and florals are flawless along with dots, swirls and pattern mixes.

Step into the limelight with add-ons that offer everything from whimsy to clever practicality. Not-so-proper pearls, floral motif jewelry, shiny gold finishes, chain bags, clutches and single-sole pumps are just a few essentials.

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Jetsetter

“As a style statement, Jetsetter always says ‘yes,’ to a tribal twist with a multi-cultural mix,” notes Goldstein. Neutrals–especially khakis and greens–need no introduction. Details of the Jetsetter trend includes both utility and handcrafted elements such as zips, pockets, studs and grommets along with ornate embellishments, tassels, fringe and frayed edges.

Jacquards, silks, sheers, linen and washed poplin are just a few of the textiles that inspire this indisputably cool glam gal. Artsy camo, lkats, new tropicals and scenics are some of the flawlessly executed patterns that add to the spirit of adventure that is so relevant to this trend. Layers of jewelry, natural leathers, burnished metals, embellished totes and new gladiators give this trend the polish and panache it definitely deserves, effortlessly chic and natural.

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Clean Slate

Clean Slate touts strong sculptural shapes and understated elegance, causing minimal chic to have maximum impact. Check out A-line silhouettes, asymmetric detailing and architectural lines, and anticipate an ultra-modern makeover with sportif touches that add an off-duty edginess.

Textiles are interesting and innovative with cheer, metallic finishes and New Age synthetics that offer sleek chic at its best. Bold patterns blaze with photorealisms, stripes, color blocking, exaggerated geos and digital designs–the simplest ideas are the best and anything graphic goes a long way.

The accessories in Clean Slate say it all. Count on items with a contemporary feel–mirror metallics, boxy shaped handbags (clutches, totes, satchels), strong cuffs and geometric pendants, multi rings, chunky heels and anything color blocked because it is strong and powerful.

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Be sure to come back tomorrow for Belk’s Most Wanted List from Arlene Golstein! Oh…I cannot wait to share it with y’all! 

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

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VIP Beauty Tues: The Perfect Liquid Eyeliner with Lancome

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome to Beauty Tues!

Winged eyeliner is SO hot right now, and acing the trend can be a bit tricky; however, the perfect liquid eyeliner can help you become a little makeup artist! Wowza!

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“Liquid eyeliner”–Those were two words I feared before Belk introduced me to Lancome Artliner 24 Hour . Past experiences with other liquid eyeliners left me with raccoon eyes, smudges all over my face, and a small mountain of cotton rounds from removing said eyeliner.

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With the Lancome Artliner, I can now successfully create subtle, winged eyes in a snap! Phew…thank goodness for this Lancome beauty find because I was tired of epic eyeliner fails *wink*

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Give this hot VIP Beauty find a try! Visit the Lancome counter at your local Belk store or shop online in your PJs here

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

3 Ways to Wear: Cynthia Rowley Owl Sweater Outfit #2

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

What did y’all think about Outfit #1 of the 3 Ways to Wear Cynthia Rowley Owl Sweater challenge? It was perfect for a day at the office…but how do we dress it down for running errands? Come on, I’ll show you!

To change up Outfit #1, trade the black, fitted pencil skirt for a pair of skinny-ankle patterned cords, add a vibrant yellow scarf, and hop into a pair of gold Cynthia Rowley sneakers for a cute and comfy look that is sure to make you stand out while standing in line at the post office *wink*

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Sweater: Cynthia Rowley, Belk

Cords: J.Crew, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Sneakers: Cynthia Rowley, Belk

Scarf: J.Crew, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Watch: Kate Spade (Kate Spade at The Summit Birmingham, AL)

Earrings: BluKat Design by Heather O’Cain

Arm Candy: Etheral Energy by Liz Stechschulte; Beadsoul by Lisa Hamilton, Sparkle Cat Studio by Stephanie Grantham

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorm

3 Ways to Wear: Cynthia Rowley Owl Sweater Outfit #1

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Hello, fabulouses!

Today, I would like to introduce my new styling challenge: 3 Ways to Wear a Cynthia Rowley Owl Sweater. Yay! I was given this sweater for Christmas, and what I love about it is the fabulous cobalt blue color–oh, and the owl is too adorable *wink*

Now, how many different ways can you wear a statement sweater like this? Well, over the next few days, I am going to show y’all three of the many looks I was able to create with this magnificent Cynthia Rowley Owl Sweater! 

Now, let’s take a look at Outfit #1!

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Sweater: Cynthia Rowley, Belk

Skirt: Guess, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Heels: Nine West, DSW

Earrings: Hearts of Stone by Rachel Leathers

Watch: Kate Spade (Kate Spade at The Summit, Birmingham, AL)

Bracelets:

Ethereal Energy by Liz Stechschulte

Sparkle Cat Studio by Stephanie Grantham

Beadsoul by Lisa Hamilton

Thumb Ring: Beadsoul by Lisa Hamilton

Midi Rings: Beadsoul by Lisa Hamilton

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

VIP Interview: Arlene Goldstein, Belk Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction

IMG_4297Fabulous, modern, and classic are just a few words to describe the apparel at Belk and Arlene Goldstein, Belk INC.’s Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction.

Arlene Goldstein has over twenty-five years of fashion industry experience under her fashionista belt. She has traveled all over the world to some of fashion’s hot-spot cities in search of emerging trends and brands for Belk stores.With her signature styling and Southern fashion charm, Arlene truly exemplifies Belk’s motto “Modern. Southern. Style.”

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I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Arlene at the 2014 Spring Preview at Belk the Summit. She looked amazing—sporting a leather moto jacket, printed dress, and leopard heels, which is her favorite “color” *wink* What fashionista doesn’t love leopard?!

The Spring Preview was spectacular, and I cannot wait for the trends to hit the racks! I sense a shopping spree in the near future *wink*

After Arlene’s presentation, she sat down with the VIP to chat about her favorite Spring 2014 trend, personal style, and more!

Now, without further ado, I present to you the VIP interview with Arlene Goldstein, Belk INC Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction.

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VIP: What is your favorite Spring 2o14 trend?

Arlene: I love jet setter because I love the prints. Since I travel so much, I wear a lot of black, and the jet setter trend is a chance for me to integrate some “Oh WOW!” pieces without stepping too far outside of my comfort zone. I also love the accessories–the tribal twist is definitely fabulous!

VIP: Oh, yes! Accessories make all of the difference! So, when you are not traveling with Belk, what are some of your favorite things to do?

Arlene: Well, I have a slew of grandkids, and I love being with them anytime I can! I enjoy going antique shopping too–I love old stuff. Also, if I happen to be in town when the flea market is, I love going out to it to see what all I can find. If I leave with one little trinket–I am happy. 

VIP: How would you describe your personal style?

Arlene: I think it is classic with a twist. I like to ensure that I have the basic building blocks of a wardrobe like those great, timeless pieces that can take you from season to season. 

VIP: What is your favorite fashion era and why?

Arlene: I love the 40’s because they were very romantic and sort of the post-war ear where the hemlines got longer–which we can see the hemlines dropping again in today’s fashion trends. Also in the 1940’s women were very chic–they dressed from head-to-toe with marvelous style and elegance. 

VIP: What is your favorite fashion season?

Arlene: Definitely fall!

VIP: What is your favorite fall fashion piece?

Arlene: Absolutely a jacket!

VIP Question: What is one item in your closet you would never toss out and why?

Arlene: I do not know that I have one piece, but I really love keeping accessories because you can wear older jewelry with more trendy jewelry for a look that is totally your own. Also, I would never toss out anything that was vintage. 

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Keep up with Arlene Goldstein on Twitter @BelkFashionBuzz. Be sure to check out her writings for the Huffington Post for fun and fabulous fashion articles you will love!

Twitter: click here.

Huffington Post: click here.

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn