Tag: Birmingham

Three Ways to Wear Thursday: Black to Basics | Eyelet Skirt + SPECIAL #BelkScene Announcement

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Phew…we’ve made it to Thursday, y’all! Just one more day until the weekend–I think we got this fabulous (and stressful) week in the bag! *wink*

Speaking of bags…the VIP has lots in store for y’all on this week’s TWTWT, so let’s get it started *cue Black Eyed Peas* Be sure to stay tuned to the bottom of the blog for a very special announcement about a fab event the VIP will be hosting this weekend! Hm….I wonder what it could be?!

For this week’s TWTWT challenge, I took my new eyelet skirt from JC Penny and wore it three fabulous ways. The special thing about this TWTWT is that I show you how simply tucking in/untucking a blouse can create two looks EFFORTLESSLY. Who would have thought?! Ah…my favorite–cute and effortless fashion *wink*

Way One:

I sported this lucky outfit on St. Patrick’s Day this year; however, I did not share it on the blog. I love the stark contrast of solid shamrock and basic black + I am always looking for an excuse to sport my green kitten heels! *wink*

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Button up: Express

Skirt: JC Penny

Heels: Nine West

Necklace: BluKatDesign

Way Two:

Preppy, pretty and tucked in for the office or business luncheons.

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Blouse: JC Penny

Skirt: JC Penny

Heels: Jessica Simpson, Belk

(leather) Bracelet: Luke & Lyla Designs 

(silver) Bracelet: Tiffany & Co.

Earrings: Hearts of Stone

Way Three: 

Comfy, cute and untucked for drinks after work or night out with the girls.

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Blouse: JC Penny

Skirt: JC Penny

Heels: Jessica Simpson, Belk

(leather) Bracelet: Luke & Lyla Designs 

(silver) Bracelet: Tiffany & Co.

Earrings: Hearts of Stone

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Luke & Lyla Designs = my heart. I mean…how can you NOT love this handmade, pink leather cuff made from a vintage earring! Shop Lule & Lyla Designs here, and fall head-over-heels for all the loveliness!

SPECIAL VIP ANNOUNCEMENT!

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The VIP is going to be a guest blogger host at the #BelkScene Prom and Special Occasion event at the Belk Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham, Alabama this Saturday (April 11). YAY! How fun! I will be at the Saturday Scene event offering up my style advice + talking about the fabulous prom trends–from fabulous dresses to sweet shoes! Speaking of shoes…I will be wearing some pretty cute and comfy Steve Maddens, so stop by to see my shoes + how I will be wearing them *wink* Small hint: they are perfect for dancing!

There will be a live DJ (I will, of course, have to take a dance break in my Steve Maddens*wink*), sweet treats, and models showcasing the best of the best trends from brands like Jessica Simpson, Steve Madden, Unlisted, Adrianna Papell, and MORE! So, Birmingham fans–come out and see the VIP at the Belk Riverchase Galleria for a terrific time, fun fashions, and apparel tips! Cannot wait to see y’all there!

More details about the event + other locations for the #BelkScene prom and special occasion event below:

Stay tuned to the VIP’s social media (Twitter, Facebook, IG) for updates about the event. Now, I am off to pack my bags for the trip to Birmingham–here I come Magic City! *wink*

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

VIP Home: Why Blog About Home?

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Since I started the VIP Home segment a little over a year ago, I have received many emails from curious fans asking “why I do it.” It is a good question–a fabulous question, as a matter of fact. 

Before blogging was ever even a thought, I was surrounded by all kinds of interior design, re-decorating, renovation, selling, moving, and buying–the whole nine yards. Through all of that, I unconsciously gained a love for adventure and houses of all kinds. For example: I am totally obsessed with little blue houses. If you do not believe me, check out my dream house board on Pinterest here *wink*

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Kicking in walls in the master bath of Sloss Castle.

The main “life-event” that sparked the idea for “VIP Home” was when my family and I moved to Birmingham, Alabama and tackled a total renovation project. If you are just now joining us on VIP, be sure to take a glance back at some of the reno blogs here. Note: my leg came out unharmed after getting stuck in a wall *wink* We had a lot of laughs over it…so many that my mom took a picture to capture the moment *wink*

VIP Home not only broadens the VIP’s content from just fashion and beauty–because writing about the same thing over-and-over again gets a bit boring after a while *wink*–but writing about home also gives me the opportunity to share cool and fun ideas with y’all. In the famous words of American advertising director William Bernbach, “word of mouth is the best medium of all.”

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My dad and I after the “sold” sign went up at our house in the Tutwiler Farms subdivision of Trussville, Alabama.

So, to answer y’all’s question in the simplest way, I do VIP Home because the home has played a huge role in my life–from teaching me how to fix a leaking shower head to total renovation. Although I am no expert, I want to write about and share my home experiences with y’all in a fun way that makes YOU want to put more heart into your home. :)

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For home advice from the experts, check out my in-person interviews with Ty, Mark, Ahmed, and Matt:

Ty Pennington interview

Mark Brunetz interview

Ahmed Hassan interview

Matt Muenster interview

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Fabulous Finds Friday: My Fav Fall Bootie for 2014!

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Phew! What a long week it has been…My, my, I am so glad that it is Friday because that means the weekend is finally here, and I finally get to share the baddest, coolest, fall-est bootie with y’all! *wink*

While shopping in Birmingham last weekend, I went into DSW on a mission to find fall shoes because wearing open-toe wedges in twenty-degree weather does not sound very appealing *wink* So, I told myself to focus. *deep breath* After lots of gorgeous distractions and trying on lots of booties, I found the perfect pair! Ah–I was so excited that I could have danced a jig in the middle of the store! Not only are these Kork-Ease booties fantastically comfy, they are also neutrally classic for fall. I can go from coffee meeting to girls’ night out in a snap in these cutie pies. Oh, I cannot envision myself ever throwing them out :) Thanks, Kork-Ease, for always being the VIP’s favorite go-to comfort (and cute!) shoe :)

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I am head over heels for these!

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Fabulous Friday: Belk Fall Fashion Preview + VIP’s Major Fall Favs

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Can you believe it! Fall is almost here. Ah! I am so super pumped for fall fashion–I love the colors, the layering…it is all so fabulous.

Speaking of fabulous fall fashions…I attended Belk’s “Finding Your Fabulous” fall preview at The Summit in Birmingham, where Arlene Goldstein, Vice President of Trend & Fashion Direction, gave insights into fall 2014 trending looks and must-haves. Bloggers, fashion stylists, and writing celebs were all on hand to see the most wanted list for the upcoming season. Stephanie Grada (Southern Living, Style Editor), Alexis Barton (www.samechicdifferentday.com), youtubers Stephanie and Tracy of EleventhGorgeous, Vanessa Culpepper (www.buddingfashionista.com), Erica Bunker (D.I.Y Style, www.ericabunker.com) and the VIP are just a few of the fashionistas who attended  the fabulous fall preview event. I wonder how many times I can say fabulous and fall and fabulous fall *wink* 

The VIP with the Budding Fashionista, Vanessa Culpepper. Oh, I am so loving her jacket!
The VIP with the Budding Fashionista, Vanessa Culpepper. Oh, I am so loving her jacket!

Now, let’s take a look at my major favorite fall trends that I will be doing everything in my power to get my hands on this season *wink* Pst…little secret…Tomorrow, I am going to give y’all the full details + pictures that are all about Arlene’s Fall Looks and the Most Wanted List! Yay!

VIP Major Fall Favs:

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1. Arlene gave us three fabulous fall looks at this year’s preview, and I automatically fell in love with the “His is Hers”. I love this style because it has a classic fall vibe + it reminds me a lot of style icon Katharine Hepburn. Arlene explains this style as, “A recast of classics, a manstyle mash-up, and filled with a quirky coolness.”

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2.  A “fashion” sweatshirt–from coffee, to campus…from gym to casual dinner date, this trend will definitely be slipping its way into every aspect of my wardrobe! I already have two hanging in my closet now (sh…I cannot tell y’all much about them because I am saving them for an upcoming styling challenge *wink*).

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3. No matter the season, the VIP is a lover of the statement neck! There are so many ways to create a statement neck look–from one piece to layering. “Logical or luxurious? Both! Bold stones, chain details and burnished metals. This jewelry item can update and refresh any old frock,” explained Arlene Goldstein at the 2014 Belk Fall Preview. Oh. My. Goodness. I cannot wait to try out some new pieces this fall! *wink*

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Sweet Home Alabama + Fab Giveaways

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

This week on VIP Home, I am taking a break from chatting about my home to talk about a place that will always be home–sweet home Alabama. *Cue Lynyrd Skynyrd* Sweet home Alabama. Where the skies are so blue! Sweet Home Alabama. Lord, I’m coming home to you!… Sweet home Alabama! Where the skies are so blue! Sweet Home Alabama. Lord, I’m coming home to you! Here I come Alabama…  

Throw back to when the family and I visited the USS Alabama--this was totally fabulous! I think I am going to go nag my dad to go back soon *wink*
Throw back to when the family and I visited the USS Alabama Battleship.  I was totally rockin’ those Birki’s *wink* Learn more + plan your visit to the USS Alabama here: www.ussalabama.com
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My grandmother and her family are from Alabama…my parents married in Alabama…I met the band members of Lynyrd Skynyrd as a kid while vacationing in Alabama–and I even had the great pleasure of living in The Magic City for a few years. No matter where I may roam, I will always see Alabama as home sweet home.  So, when the Alabama Tourism Department reached out to me about their fabulous Alabama Road Trip giveaway–I just knew that I had to share it with y’all!

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The Alabama Tourism Department has recently announced a six-week Road Trip Giveaway with chances to win travel packages to Gulf Shores, Mobile, Huntsville, the Shoals, Birmingham and Montgomery.  The winner of the grand prize will get to plan their own customized Alabama Road Trip–how cool is that?! “This road trip promotion is designed to highlight the variety of travel experiences available in Alabama,” says state tourism director Lee Sentell. “There is something for everyone, from a gulf coast beach vacation, to playing on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, to fine dining in Birmingham, to trips to North Alabama for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville and tours of the recording studios in Muscle Shoals.” Prize package descriptions, complete rules and instructions on entering are available at www.roadtripgiveaway.com.  To learn more about Alabama Road Trips, visit www.alabama.travel or download the Alabama Road Trips app, available on iTunes or the Google Play Store.

To see the list of weekly giveaways + details please click here.

The infamous booty of Vulcan. If you have not visited Vulcan in Birmingham, AL...I highly encourage you too! It is a fabulous experience.
The famous booty of Vulcan. If you have not visited Vulcan in Birmingham, AL…I totally recommend that you add it to your bucket list of places to visit before you die! Plan your visit to Vulcan here: www.visitvulcan.com

In addition to the awesome giveaways the Alabama Tourism Department is hosting, the VIP is also hosting three super fabulous giveaways which will include rockin’ merchandise from all over the state of Alabama! Check out the photos below for the details :)

First Giveaway (currently running): Enter to win this sweet prize on the VIP Facebook page NOW. Click the following mobile friendly link to enter: http://tinyurl.com/mhzhqn9
First Giveaway (currently running): Enter to win this sweet prize on the VIP Facebook page NOW. Click the following mobile-friendly link to enter: http://tinyurl.com/mhzhqn9
Second Giveaway: If you love food as much as this Southern gal...then you will DEFINITELY want to enter this Alabama swag bag giveaway! Stay tuned to the VIP Facebook page for this giveaway to be announced.
Second Giveaway: If you love food as much as this Southern gal…then you will DEFINITELY want to enter this Alabama swag bag giveaway! Stay tuned to the VIP Facebook page for more details and start time.
Third Giveaway: Sh...this one is a surprise! Y'all should have known that I was going to throw a surprise goody bag in there somewhere *wink* Stay tuned to the VIP Facebook page for the date of this giveaway to be announced.
Third Giveaway: Sh…this one is a surprise! Y’all should have known that I was going to throw a surprise goody bag in there somewhere *wink* Stay tuned to the VIP Facebook page for the date of this giveaway to be announced.
My being interviewed at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens by writer and The Cobalt Club blogger Buddy Roberts.
My being interviewed at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens by writer and The Cobalt Club blogger Buddy Roberts. AND no…we did not coordinate our outfits *wink*

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn