VIP Interview: Jeana Lee Fleming

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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!

(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2013. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2012. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
  • 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.

Heidi Elnora (on left) and Jeana Fleming (on right) at the BFW 2012 Kick Off party at Gus Mayer (Birmingham, Alabama location). PHOTO CREDIT: CHUCK ST. JOHN
Heidi Elnora (on left) and Jeana Fleming (on right) at the BFW 2012 Kick Off party at Gus Mayer (Birmingham, Alabama location). PHOTO CREDIT: CHUCK ST. JOHN
  • 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)

(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2013 Rising Design Star Reception. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2013 Rising Design Star Reception. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
  • 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.

(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2013 Rising Design Star Reception. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2013 Rising Design Star Reception. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
  • 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.

(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2012. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2012. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
  • 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.

(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2012. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2012. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)

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

(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2012. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2012. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)

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!

Like the VIP on Facebook to keep up with the latest VIP news and sneak peeks! www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/abbysauce_

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/vintagepassionista

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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*

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Advertisement

Noteworthy Neon

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“When the sky gets dark enough to see the colors of the city lights. A trail of ruby red and diamond white…tonight she’s out to lose herself and find a high on Peachtree Street…She comes and goes like no one cares….she’s always buzzing just like neon, neon. Neon, neon…” John Mayer surely knows how to sing it! Mmmm…my kind of eye candy-he loves neon and has the voice of an angel! Yum!

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“She’s always buzzing, just like neon, neon, neon, neon…”

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A sheer, neon yellow frock is divine when paired with neon skinny belts and flashy stilettos! This ensemble is perfect for dancing the night away while looking totally fabulous! Create a casual look by simply accessorizing a neon dress with sleek black jewelry and classic black wedges. Such style is great for getting that cute co-workers attention at a classy office party!

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Neon and vintage, oh my! You cannot get any better than that! Sport a purple knee length vintage skirt with a neon yellow chiffon blouse and sky-high stilettos for a stellar vibe that is sure to capture everyone’s attention! Step up this ensemble with a lovely pair of vibrant statement earrings and a spunky watch for a look that is spectacular for dinner with your best friends to a date night out on the town!

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“Pretty woman, walking down the street. Pretty woman, the kind I’d like to meet…” Ooo la la, pretty woman in pink! Work a floor length, neon pink skirt with a throwback acid wash denim button up and studded toe black flats for a look that is totally awesome and spunky. Take this ensemble to the next level by frosting your neck with black rhinestoned statement necklaces for a look that is totally rad for a rocking the night away at a local concert or karaoke!

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VIP TIPS:

  • Awesome Accessorizing!:  “Hot pink, citron yellow, and lime green shades seem to be everywhere this season, but if you’re a little color shy, this trend would be an intimidating one…,” says collegefashion.net. No need to fear the color, fashionistas! Instead of going full out neon-on-neon, add pops of brights in at the waist or with a cute colorful clutch and rock the street in super style!
  • Opposites Attract.:  In the world of hues, neon and black are complete opposites! Wearing super sleek black accessories with brilliantly bright neon pieces is a daring look that is terrific for all occasions!
  • Cute Colorblock!:  “Colorblocking has been big for a few seasons now, so naturally pairing one neon piece with another is a great way to wear this trend.” (collegefashion.net) Wear a neon-on-neon ensemble with rhinestone jewelry, simple neutral flats, and funky belts for a style that is casual chic perfection!

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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!

Like the VIP on Facebook to keep up with the latest VIP news and sneak peeks! www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/abbysauce_

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/vintagepassionista

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Weekly Whistle: Wonderful Wonder Woman

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Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman.  All the world’s waiting for you, and the power you possess.  In your satin tights, fighting for your rights and the old Red, White and Blue.  Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman.  Now the world is ready for you, and the wonders you can do.  Make a hawk, a dove.  Stop a war with love.  Make a liar tell the truth. Wonder Woman, Get us out from under, Wonder Woman.  All our hopes are pinned on you.  And the magic that you do.  Stop a bullet cold.  Make the Axis fall.  Change their minds, and change the world. Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman.  You’re a wonder, Wonder Woman.

Well, hello, readers! There is something about Weekly Whistles that just make me want to sing and dance! Ahh…Weekly Whistle is the best time of the week! The best because we all get to see what the VIP’s favorite outfit of the week is! So, come on! Let’s see what this week’s Weekly Whistle is all about!

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Cardigan: Old Navy

Graphic Tee: Old Navy

Jeans: JCrew

Shoes: Betseyville, JCPenny

Earrings: BluKat Design by: Heather O’Cain

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How to Rock a Superhero Tee in VIP Style:

1.  Cassie’s Cute Cardigans: Pair a cute colored cardigan with a spectacular superhero tee for a superb look that will take you to infinity and beyond!

2.  Jeanie’s Jamming Jeans: For a laid back look, layer a superhero tee with a basic black blazer and slip into your favorite dark wash jeans and flirty flats to create a look that will take you from casual Friday at work to karaoke with your best friends at the local café in a snap.

3.  Fran’s Flirtatious Frocks:  Flirt-ify a distressed superhero tee with a sassy skirt and splendid stilettos. This style is great for a dashing dinner party with that special someone or catching a movie at the matinée with a group of friends!

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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!

Like the VIP on Facebook to keep up with the latest VIP news and sneak peeks! www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/abbysauce_

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/vintagepassionista

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

LA Green Boutique Spring Fashion Show 2013

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Hello there, fashionistas! Welcome back to the VIP blog on this wonderful day! I recently attended the LA Green Boutique Spring Fashion Show in Starkville, Mississippi. It was ever so adorable!  What a fabulous way to show off the boutique’s new apparel!

LA Green did a fantastic job styling and finding beautiful models to walk their lovely Spring 2013 items down the runway! I took snapshots of some of my favorite ensembles to share with y’all! So, readers, enjoy these stellar outfits from LA Green Boutique! *Applause*

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The “swag bags” at the fashion show were filled with all kinds of goodies! A copy of the latest issue of Town and Gown Magazine, a coupon for buy one get one free VersaSpa treatment at World Color tanning salon, a 25% off coupon for any one item at Aspen Bay, 15% off any one item at LA Green, a $10 off any three month package at Midtown Pilates, and 15% off at Vitality Skin & Spa! Oo la la, time to get pampered!

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The VIP ADORES floral shorts paired with a complementary hued blazer! Absolutely perfect for the temperamental spring weather in the South!

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Don’t you just love coral accents on neutral pants! What a luscious look! I totally need these terrific trousers in my wardrobe!

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A super cute peplum top with a pinch of gold at the waist is the perfect way to celebrate the warm weather in complete style!

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I am totally obsessed with coral for spring! It is such a subtle bright that brings a smile to everyone’s face.

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Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous! That is all I can say about this amazing ensemble from LA Green Boutique!

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The VIP is infatuated with a spectacular statement necklace paired and with a white embellished top!

Attending the LA Green Boutique Spring Fashion Show has me ready for Spring Break! All the vibrant hues, sweet silhouettes, and exciting embellishments are simply divine! I loved every outfit that walked down the runway….I must have everything at LA Green Boutique!

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Want to see more of what LA Green Boutique has to offer? Check them out on Facebook and fall in love! https://www.facebook.com/pages/LA-Green-Boutique/240671512619901

If you live near the Starkville, Mississippi area, stop by and take a look at all of their fantastically fabulous choices! Also, do not forget to tell them the Vintage Inspired Passionista sent you:)

Location: 500 Russell Street Suite 5, Starkville, MS Contact: (662) 324-6280 & lagreenboutique@gmail.com

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Oh, my! Seeing all these spring fashions is getting me so super pumped for Birmingham Fashion Week, February 23-March 2! It is going to be such fun and filled with fabulous fashions! You can keep up with BFW events @ https://www.facebook.com/bhamfashionweek?fref=ts! If you are interested in tickets to Birmingham Fashion Week, you can purchase tickets and view the schedule of events @ www.bhamfashionweek.com! I hope to see many of my rad readers there!

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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

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

Like the VIP on Facebook to keep up with the latest VIP news and sneak peeks! www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/abbysauce_

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/vintagepassionista

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Kicking Off Fabulous February 2013!

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Hello, hello, hello, my lovely fashionistas! Today on the VIP, we are going to be Kicking Off Fabulous February! Whoo Hoo! Let’s flashback for just a moment to yesterday’s blog “Buh-Bye January, Hello Fabulous February”. I told all of you that I had a super secret blog to kick off February…BIRMINGHAM FASHION WEEK 2013! So, in honor of the upcoming event, I want to take a look back at BFW 2012! So, join me as I reminisce BFW 2012 with a few pictures!

These wonderful MAC make up artists got me all dolled up and looking fabulous for the runway show! Such sweethearts! The VIP does love her MAC makeup:)
These wonderful MAC make up artists got me all dolled up and looking fabulous for BFW 2012! Such sweethearts! The VIP does love her MAC makeup:)

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Oooo....This dress was just too amazing! I still want one!
Oooo….This dress was just too amazing! The vibrant color and the attention to detail is absolutely magnificent! (Dress designed by Theresa Mince)

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I simply adored the artistic makeup, hair, and designs that Travis Mackey portrayed with his collection! I would like one of each please, and thank you!
Don't you just adore this wearable art piece made from from aluminum siding! (designed and worn by Sarah Vallin age 17 of Hoover High School, Alabama)
Don’t you just adore this wearable art piece made from aluminum siding! (designed and worn by Sarah Vallin age 17 of Hoover High School, Alabama)
Dress designed by Holly Griffin Thomas, one of the Rising Design Stars in 2012! This dress is so cute and funky, truly a work of art! This dress was modeled by Holly’s sister, Anna Leigh Thomas Arsenault.
Dress designed by Holly Griffin Thomas, one of the Rising Design Stars in 2012! This dress is so cute and funky, truly a work of art! (Model: Anna Leigh Thomas Arsenault).

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This amazing dress was made from old maps and clock parts! So spectacular (designed by Allie Phifer age 18).
This darling dress was made from old maps and clock parts! So spectacular (designed by Allie Phifer age 18).

Oh, my goodness! Looking back at pictures from BFW 2012 is getting me super pumped for Birmingham Fashion Week 2013! I cannot wait to see what new and fantastic things will be at BFW 2013! Come join the fashionable fun this year at Birmingham Fashion week February 23-March 2! To purchase tickets and check the schedule of events, visit www.bhamfashionweek.com! Also, like Birmingham Fashion Week on Facebook to keep up with all the happenings and other media coverage! https://www.facebook.com/bhamfashionweek?fref=ts

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What’s coming up in February 2013:

  • Coverage on the Rising Design Star exhibit at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

  • Interviews with the founder and co-founder of Birmingham Fashion Week.

  • BFW 2013 coverage of events, what I will be wearing, and much more!

Don’t forget to like the VIP on Facebook to stay up-to-date with sneak peeks and much more @ www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Abbysauce_

Instagram: www.instagram.com/vintagepassionista

Cannot get enough of the VIP? Check out my articles in The Real Story @ http://realstorypublishing.com/category/the-adventures-of-the-vip/

Fall in love with Town and Gown Magazine! Read the latest issue @ www.issuu.com/townandgownmagazine

Earrings by BluKat Design @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/blukatdesign
Earrings by BluKat Design @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/blukatdesign

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn