What’s Happening Wednesday: The Birmingham Edition

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Hey, y’all! Welcome back to the blog!

This Wednesday, I am trading a Weekly Whistle for a What’s Happening Wednesday–yes, I have made this blog into a card game for the moment. Hm…what a fabulous idea…a VIP card game *wink* Okay–this is no time for digression because I have two fabulous Birmingham events coming up SOON that you all should attend. Now, let’s find out what they are!

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The VIP at the Birmingham Fashion Week 2013 Kick Off Party with (from left to right) Krista Conlin (KC Projects), Jeana Fleming (co-owner of Bella Bridesmaid, co-founder of BFW), Heidi Elnora (wedding gown designer, co-founder of BFW), and Jeremy Stephens (head stylist of The Salon, founder of Association of Independent Artists).

If you are a Birmingham reader, you know Birmingham Fashion Week is happening RIGHT NOW. If you have not attended, but would like to–there is still time! Check out the Birmingham Fashion Week 2014 schedule here. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, click here.

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Want to know more about Birmingham Fashion Week? Check out the VIP BFW archives here and visit the official website here.  

The VIP with author Liza Elliott.
The VIP with author Liza Elliott.

Also happening this week in Birmingham–30-A Supper Club author Liza Elliott will be releasing her 30-A Supper Club: The Cookbook (written by authors Liza Elliott and Nancy Dinsomre) at Williams-Sonoma at The Summit Birmingham on April 24 from 5:30–8:00PM. This launch party will provide a delightful atmosphere, complementary samples from the cook book, complementary wine, swag bags, a meet and greet with the author and the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the book….BUT The festivities do not end there. A silent auction of a gift basket filled with Williams-Sonoma goodies will take place benefiting the “Delicious Nutritious” Program at Children’s Hospital.  

To learn more about Liza Elliot, check out the VIP interview here and visit her Facebook page here.

 

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

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Throwback Thursday: Escapade Back In Time…

Photographer: Kevin Walker www.KWalkerPhotography.com
Photographer: Kevin Walker
www.KWalkerPhotography.com

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to VIP for Throwback Thursday!

Today, we are going on an escapade *cue Janet Jackson’s Escapade* back in time–I have had Janet Jackson stuck in my head since early this morning…*cue Rhythm Nation* Oh, it was such a fun ride to the movie set–or at least it was for me…I cannot speak for everyone else in the car *wink*  I digres…back to why we are adventuring back in time!

I recently entered REDBOOK  “Real Women Style Awards,” and to celebrate TBT, I want to share with y’all five of the ten outfits I submitted. Hopefully, the VIP will be one of the top 25 finalists…*fingers crossed* BUT we will not know until April 8th…Soooo while we wait, let’s take a look at these five throwback outfits *wink* 

Ah...this look has me so ready for summer! Do y'all remember this cute outfit from the VIP Accessories Challenge: First Strapless Dress of Summer series?
Ah…this look has me so ready for summer! Do y’all remember this cute outfit from the VIP Accessories Challenge: First Strapless Dress of Summer series?
Ah! Another way to wear the yellow dress! I think I might have to pull that dress out of the closet ASAP! :)
Ah! Another way to wear the yellow dress! I think I might have to pull that dress out of the closet ASAP! :)
Hello, mixing patterns! Don't y'all just love this preppy patterned look from the 30 Day J.Crew Challenge!
Hello, mixing patterns! Don’t y’all just love this preppy patterned look from the 30 Day J.Crew Challenge!
Oh, this dress has me flashing back to many wonderful events like the Birmingham Fashion Week Kick Off Party 2013 and the Tennessee Williams Tribute Luncheon 2013!
Oh, this dress has me flashing back to many wonderful events like the Birmingham Fashion Week Kick Off Party 2013 and the Tennessee Williams Tribute Luncheon 2013!
And... fifth outfit I am going to show y'all is from my photo shoot with Birmingham photographer Kevin Walker. Oh, this look has me ready for a night out in The Magic City!
I love this dress and the photo shoot with Birmingham photographer Kevin Walker. Oh, this look has me ready for a night out in The Magic City!

To see the other five outfits I submitted to REDBOOK’s “Real Women Style Awards,” please click here, and be sure to share your favorites to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest! Also, let me know which outfit is your favorite by commenting on this blog post or on the VIP Facebook page :)

Special shout out to my Paw Riley and Maw Maw for coming to visit and have lunch with me after filming. Love y'all so much:)
Special shout out to my Paw Riley and Maw Maw for coming to visit and having lunch with me after filming. Love y’all so much:)

Now, I am off to study my script! *phew* Actually, I think I am going to take a little nap first *wink*

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

VIP Signature Curls with Hot Tools and Matrix Products!

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Hello, my fabulouses! I had the most fabulous modeling photo shoot EVER thanks to Detra Smith, hair stylist for the shoot, and Daphne Rush, MUA for the shoot. Before I show all of the magnificent pictures…let me tell you a little bit about Daphne and Detra!

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Who is Daphne Rush?

Daphne Rush is a makeup artist in the Birmingham area. She currently works full time for Smashbox Cosmetics as an account coordinator and artistry trainer. In addition to that, she serves on the board of directors for the Association of Independent Artists (AIA) and is currently the Best Makeup Artist for Birmingham Fashion Week. She eats, sleeps, and breathes makeup 24/7–when she isn’t in-store for Smashbox, she is making brides beautiful, on set for a photo shoot, or collaborating on projects for publication. She got her start at Sephora, and after making the National Pro Beauty Team, she traveled internationally in 2009-2010. After that, Daphne left to pursue her own business, Birmingham Beauties. She began embracing the education side of makeup artistry by teaching everything from private lessons to interactive group tutorials known as Makeup By Numbers. While freelancing for Tarte cosmetics in 2011, she was recruited for her current position with Smashbox. The fusion of education and camera ready products made Smashbox a perfect fit, and allowed her artistry the momentum that it continues to have today.” (Daphne Rush’s bio.)

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Who is Detra Smith?

“I wear many hats in the salon industry. As Artistic Director at Helen of Troy, one of my responsibilities is to style models for Hot Tools advertising.  I also write step-by-step guides to teach consumers how to use their styling tools.  As an artistic educator for Matrix, my responsibility is to teach other stylists how to achieve the best possible color results in their salons.  As a salon owner, I have many guests who ask how to maintain frizz with curly hair.  After meeting the VIP [Vintage Inspired Passionista–Abby Hathorn], I knew she would be the perfect step-by-step model to help others learn to manage their curls.”
After winning top stylist at BFW [Birmingham Fashion Week], I became a lead board member of the Association of Independent Artists.  I meet regularly at AIA The Salon with Jeremy Stephens, Daphne Rush and others on the board.  Jeremy is generous enough to allow me access to his salon anytime I’m working in the Birmingham area.”
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How did Detra Smith make my curls ever so luscious and frizz free?

“I used Matrix V-Light to touch up Abby’s highlights.  Next, I used the Matrix Total Results Super Defrizz Gel–it is my favorite product to define curls while taming frizz. The Hot Tools Tempest 2000 Blow Dryer comes with the finger diffuser that Abby used to dry her hair while keeping the curls controlled and smooth.  The curling iron I recommend for touch ups is the Hot Tools 1” Professional Spring Iron,” says Detra Smith.
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The Matrix Defrizz Gel, Hot Tools hair dryer with finger diffuser, and the Hot Tools 1” Professional Spring Iron is the most fabulous mix for any girl wanting to tame her natural curls.

VIP Personal Testimony:

Oh, I cannot explain how much I love the Hot Tools Tempest 2000 Hair Dryer and finger diffuser! I was very impressed how the Hot Tools Tempest 2000 dried my hair thoroughly and so quickly–AND without frizzing! Wow! I could not believe my eyes when I saw no frizz!  I admit that the VIP was skeptical because I have tried and owned several different hair diffusers–and by the time my hair was dry, my blonde curls looked like a giant frizz ball.  After only one use, I had fallen head over heels for Hot Tools!
For those pesky strands of curls that do not want to cooperate–the one inch Hot Tools Professional Spring Iron is beyond amazing! Some days, fixing my signature curls is a stressful task, but with Hot Tools and the Matrix hair gel, styling my hair has never been so easy and fast!
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Now, without further ado, I introduce to y’all the fabulous photo shoot pictures! Special thanks to Detra Smith and Daphne Rush for making me look so totally FABULOUS! Another super special thanks to Bella Bridesmaid for letting the VIP wear their lovely dresses and model at the super gorgeous Bella Bridesmaid shop!
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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

VIP Interview: Fabulous Fashion Designer Hilton Hollis

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Hello, fashionistas! I am very excited to announce that I interviewed the FABULOUS Mississippi native fashion designer, Hilton Hollis! We chatted about his design career, what inspires his fashion pieces, and of course, Southern food! When you get two Mississippi natives together, talking about good ole’ Southern cooking is absolutely going to happen! What is Hilton’s favorite Southern food? See the VIP Interview video on the YouTube channel here!

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The VIP telling designer Hilton Hollis about my Birmingham Fashion Week spread in Town and Gown Magazine.

BLOG EXCLUSIVE QUESTION:

  • You recently received a honor from the state of Mississippi for your achievements in fashion and philanthropic work. Tell us a little bit about this.

“First of all, I am really honored and amazed that the governor of Mississippi gave me this wonderful award,” says Hilton Hollis. “Growing up in the South and coming from a small town in Mississippi, as a kid I would never in a million years imagine that I would be standing there getting an award from the state that I call home…I give a lot of my time to my philanthropic interests. I also try to give back as much as I can to my home state,” states Hollis. “I am very proud to be a Southerner and a Mississippian! So, for them to recognize my achievements and to give me this award is really humble.”

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Check out my amazing interview with Hilton Hollis on the Vintage Passionista YouTube channel! Click here.

Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for a peek inside my life.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

Twitter: @Abbysauce_

Instagram: @VintagePassionista

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/vintagepassionista

Check out more of my writings and photo shoot styling here:

Latest Real Media (Real Story Publishing) Article: http://thisisrealmedia.com/2013/04/17/the-adventures-of-the-vip-dive-into-the-history-of-makeup/

Town and Gown Magazine April Issue: http://issuu.com/townandgownmagazine/docs/april2013

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Gus Mayer: Girl’s Poppin’ Night Out!

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Check out my Madonna-inspired outfit for Girl’s Poppin’ Night Out! Big leopard bow–MUST HAVE for ALL fashionistas!
Blouse: The Limited
Shorts: Paige Denim Company, Gus Mayer
Makeup: Bobbi Brown violet gel eyeliner
Bobbi Brown foundation
Bobbi Brown Uber Pink lipstick  (Bobbi Brown cosmetics are available at Gus Mayer! It is truly the best makeup I have ever worn!)

Last night, April 18, I attended Girl’s Poppin’ Night Out at Gus Mayer! Oh, it was a FABULOUS event full of tremendous “fashions from Brightly Twisted and Hilton Hollis, makeovers by the Gus Mayer cosmetics team, hair demonstrations by Joelle Salon, and complimentary glamour shots by Photographer Beau Gustafson a.k.a. The Big Swede.” (press release) On top of all the makeover and photo shoot fun, we all jammed out to the music by DJ Coco, who was also the DJ at Birmingham Fashion Week!

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Guests were encouraged to bring gently worn denim to get $50.00 towards a purchase of $150.00 or more in ladies apparel. The donated denim will be given to various charity organizations.

Designer Hilton Hollis talking about his Fall 2013 collection! Pst! I will have a mega fabulous interview with the Mississippi native designer on the YouTube channel SOON!
Designer Hilton Hollis talking about his Fall 2013 collection! Pst! I will have a mega fabulous interview with the Mississippi native designer on the YouTube channel SOON!
Shalon Ballard and I posing for our glamour shot with The Big Swede photographer!
Shalon Ballard and I posing for our glamour shot with The Big Swede photographer!
The VIP with fellow blogger Vincent Martinez of Fashionado! Don't we look ever so fabulous! http://fashionado.net/
The VIP with fellow blogger Vincent Martinez of Fashionado! Don’t we look ever so fabulous! http://fashionado.net/
Alicia Rohan and Kimberlee Brooks of KC Projects looking super gorgeous and enjoying Girl's Poppin' Night Out!
Alicia Rohan and Kimberlee Brooks of KC Projects looking super gorgeous and enjoying Girl’s Poppin’ Night Out!
The VIP with Ann Simmons, the store manager of Gus Mayer!
The VIP with Ann Simmons, the store manager of Gus Mayer!

Now…enjoy even MORE pictures from Gus Mayer’s Girl’s Poppin’ Night Out!

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These delicious sweet treats came from Seasons 52!

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Check out my Facebook page for more Girl’s Poppin’ Night Out here!

Also, stay tuned for my awesome interview with Mississippi native fashion designer, Hilton Hollis! Oh, it is so so SO fabulous! Y’all are going to love it!

The VIP with DJ Coco-He is seriously the best DJ ever!
The VIP with DJ Coco-He is seriously the best DJ ever!

Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for a peek inside my life.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

Twitter: @Abbysauce_

Instagram: @VintagePassionista

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/vintagepassionista

Check out more of my writings and photo shoot styling here:

Latest Real Media (Real Story Publishing) Article: http://thisisrealmedia.com/2013/04/17/the-adventures-of-the-vip-dive-into-the-history-of-makeup/

Town and Gown Magazine April Issue: http://issuu.com/townandgownmagazine/docs/april2013

I absolutely ADORE Brightly Twisted scarves! Each scarf is hand dyed...it is truly wearable art!
I absolutely ADORE Brightly Twisted scarves! Each scarf is hand dyed…it is truly wearable art!

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn