3 Ways to Wear a Red Sweater: Outfit #1

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Today, I would like to introduce my new styling challenge: 3 Ways to Wear a Red Sweater. Yay!  I purchased this sweater on my last Grand Haul shopping spree with The Outlet Shops of Grand River because its vibrant red hue was absolutely irresistible! I could not leave GAP without this in hand *wink*

So, how many different ways can you wear a red sweater? 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 cozy piece.  

Now, let’s take a look at Outfit #1!

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Sweater: GAP, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Scarf: Vera Bradley

Cords: J.Crew

Heels: Michael Kors, Belk

Purse: Kate Spade (The Summit, Birmingham, AL)

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

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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

5 Days of Denim: Weekly Whistle

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Hello, my fabulouses! Welcome back to the blog for this week’s Weekly Whistle.

It has been a bit since I incorporated my most favorite REO Speedwagon tee on the blog. It is so soft, so  versatile, and so fabulous!

Okay, enough of my babbling! Check out today’s fabulously fierce Weekly Whistle.

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Blazer: Anthropologie

Tank: Urban Outfitters

Denim: Chip & Pepper, Belk

Heels: Jessica Simpson, Belk

BLOOPER! Me being Miley Cyrus. Just kidding...No time for twerking, just working *wink*
BLOOPER! My being Miley Cyrus. Just kidding…No time for twerking, just working *wink*

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

5 Days of Denim: Transformation Tuesday

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Hello, my fabulouses! Today is Transformation Tuesday on the 5 Days of Denim series, and I cannot wait for y’all to see how this retro floral button-down has transformed from summer hipster to fall chic!

Check out Closet Shopping: Vintage Hipster to see how the VIP wore this blouse back in April 2013.

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Blouse: VIP’s personal vintage collection

Jeans: Chip & Pepper, Belk

Shoes: Jessica Simpson, Belk

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

30 Day J.Crew Challenge: Weekly Whistle

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Hello, hello, hello, fabulouses! Oh, look…another 30 Day J.Crew Challenge outfit post! Interchanging the shorts from yesterday’s outfit and the fabulous French hen tee from September 2nd, I created this magnificently casual ensemble that was destined to be this week’s Weekly Whistle! Mmm…Weekly Whistles are amazing–I love them almost as much as I love Diet Pepsi.

Okay, enough chit chat! Let’s see what the VIP’s outfit of the week is! Whoop whoop!

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Shirt: J.Crew Factory, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

(get the look here)

Shorts: J.Crew Factory, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

(get the look here)

Heels: Jessica Simpson, Belk

(get a similar look here)

Earrings: BluKat Design by Heather O’Cain

(get a similar look here)

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Check out the VIP Facebook page for more pictures from this fantastic photo shoot! Click here.

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn