Tag: modern southern woman

Project Runway Season 12 Episode 10 L’Oreal Makeover Challenge

Abby Hathorn1 Comment

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Tim Gunn: The designers don’t know you’re here.

Superfans: *chattering with excitement*

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On The L’Oreal Challenge, each of the remaining designers were assigned a Project Runway superfan to give a glamorous makeover–hair, makeup, custom outfit–the whole kit and caboodle.

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With a GoBank spending budget of $200-$400, the designers and their superfans went to Mood to shop for their materials. Oh, how I wish I could have a designer create me a custom garment using fabric from Mood with a GoBank spending budget of $200-$400…that would be so fabulous!

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How would you feel if someone came into your temporary home, intentionally knocked your iron off the ironing board, and ruffled your feathers with a sassy comment?

Hmmmm…in my opinion, it appeared as if Alexander were trying to pick a fight with Ken…or was it just made-for-TV drama?

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You may know Ken as the designer who has been showcased in a negative light, but for those who know him best, he is a true Southern gentleman and a self-taught fashion designer with a passion for creating chic, tailored garments. “Reality TV creates characters, and I’m not the person they make me out to be. I can be sassy, but I am also silly and love to joke,” stated Birmingham-native Laurence.

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I cannot argue with the winning look of this challenge. Helen did a fabulous job of transforming her superfan from blah to glam! Kudos to you, designer Helen! P.S. I would like to have this dress in my closet.

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The losing look of this challenge was Ken Laurence’s garment; however, you cannot argue with how happy his superfan was on that runway! You could tell that Susie was truly confident and in love with her custom dress.

Even though I was sad to see designer Ken go home on Episode 10, I know he was super happy to be back home in Birmingham, Alabama. “Coming to Project Runway and coming this far in the competition was reassurance of myself as a self-taught fashion designer…I am relieved [to be going home]. This [Project Runway] was such a boost of confidence for me. I came in intimidated as hell because of my lack of experience and education in design,” explained Ken on Episode 10.

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No matter how some people, especially the press, paint Ken Laurence’s image, one has to admire his determination to push through life’s hardest moments as well as his self-taught design ability in such a highly-competitive and educated competition. “Project Runway is only the beginning,” stated Ken Laurence in the VIP’s interview at his premiere party for Project Runway.

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Check out my “Abby In the City” article on www.thisisrealmedia.com about the modern Southern woman with exclusive commentary by Project Runway’s Ken Laurence. Click here to read the article.

 See today’s 30 Day J.Crew Challenge here.

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Project Runway: Belk Challenge Season 12 Episode 9

Abby Hathorn2 Comments
THE REMAINING NINE (back row from left to right) Jeremy, Brandon, Alexander, Alexandria (front row from left to right) Kate, Ken, Dom, Helen, Justin
THE REMAINING NINE
(back row from left to right) Jeremy, Brandon, Alexander, Alexandria
(front row from left to right) Kate, Ken, Dom, Helen, Justin

Heidi: “Are you impressed that you’re still here?”

All of the designers: “Yes!” *nodding their heads*

Southern style brunch on Project Runway Season 12 Episode 9.
Southern style brunch on Project Runway Season 12 Episode 9.

Hey y’all!–imagine my saying this in my most genuine Southern Belle accent–Are y’all ready for the VIP’s weekly recap of Project Runway?

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Tim Gunn: “She is a modern Southern woman…She is the Belk customer…She dresses vibrantly and impressively. She is always fashionably put together. She knows how to use accessories, and she loves color and anything with feminine detail.”

Me: “Mom, I think Tim Gunn just described me perfectly!”

Mom: “Sweetheart, he just described every true Southern lady perfectly.”

Ken purchasing his fabric at Mood with his GoBank card. Image provided by The Weinstein Company.
Ken purchasing his fabric at Mood with his GoBank card.
Image provided by The Weinstein Company.

After their classy Southern brunch and thirty-minute sketching time, the designers were given thirty minutes in Mood to find their fabric and were given a suggested GoBank spending budget of $200–$250. Wouldn’t it be fabulous to have a $200–$250 GoBank shopping budget at Belk? I can imagine myself walking out of those doors with bags of fabulous attire, accessories, and sweet high heels. Do I have a shopping addiction? Sure, some would call it that…now, back to Project Runway!

With one day to create their looks, the designers were antsy about creating something that a modern Southern woman would wear.

Helen: “I do not design for the modern Southern woman…this is way out of my comfort zone.”

Alexander: “I do not dress like a modern Southern woman…just like a modern 80s woman.”

When time was up in the workroom, Tim Gunn (looking dashing as always) escorted the designers and models to the runway.

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The winner of this challenge was Brandon. I liked the concept of his design; however, I am not too crazy about the plaid. I can definitely see this dress in vibrant colors and a pretty, flowy fabric…perhaps then…the true modern Southern woman would snatch it off the rack at Belk. Kudos for the fabulous design concept, Brandon! Boo on the plaid!

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Heidi: “We think you all did not fully understand the concept of this challenge, and you all could benefit from a little bit more time…For the first time in Project Runway history, I’m going to send you back to the workroom. Right now—you will have one hour to work on your look, and to give you a little help, each of you can choose one fellow designer. You have access to all of the fabrics in the workroom….”

So…Designers Dom, Jeremy, and Ken were sent back to the workroom…all I could think was good luck, my darlings!

Designer Dom's second look. The second winning look of this challenge.
Designer Dom’s second look. The second winning look of this challenge.
Image provided by The Weinstein Company.

I LOVE THIS DRESS! Just so all of you know….when this dress arrives at Belk, I will be running to get it!

Designer Jeremy's first look.
Designer Jeremy’s first look.
Image provided by The Weinstein Company.
Bless his heart…Despite Jeremy’s valiant effort, he was sent home. I was very sad to see him go because I am going to miss his wonderful designs and especially his British accent.
Ken Laurence's first look.
Ken Laurence’s first look.
Image provided by The Weinstein Company.
Ken Laurence's second look.
Ken Laurence’s second look.
Image provided by The Weinstein Company.

After watching Episode 9, I chatted with Ken about the challenge and his two spectacular garments.

Me: “If you could have created a completely new garment, what would you have created?”

Ken: “I would have created the exact same dress in a different fabric. My goal was to find a lighter, more flowy fabric, but I ran out of time in Mood…and the color was most important.”

Me: “What was the concept behind your first design?”

Ken: “I wanted to design something that I witnessed selling on a day-to-day basis when I worked as a stylist at BCBG–before Project Runway. Southern women came in looking for maxi dresses that were simple, easy-to-wear, and could be accessorized for all occasions. Another factor I tried to think about was the climate here in Alabama, and that was why I wanted to go with a lighter fabric.”

Me: “What was your goal when you went back to the workroom to modify your look?”

Ken: “My main goal was to just have a dress…I was not thinking about the modern Southern woman anymore…I was just thinking about giving the judges a different look. In my original sketch, I actually created a silhouette similar to the one in my second look so I just went with it.

Personally, I loved designer Ken’s first look the most! I loved the fact that it could be easily accessorized…we all know how much the VIP loves her accessories!

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Phew…this episode was quite the humdinger! I cannot wait to see what Episode 10 has to offer!

Don’t forget to live tweet with YOUR favorite designer by using the hashtags below!

#DesignerKen

#DesignerKate

#DesignerHelen

#DesignerDom

#DesignerJustin

#DesignerBrandon

#DesignerAlexandria

#DesignerAlexander

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

A Fun Day at Belk The Summit in Birmingham, Alabama

Abby Hathorn3 Comments
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Makeup: Melissa Atkinson, Lancôme (Belk The Summit)
Sunglasses: Ray Ban, Belk The Summit

One thing this VIP fashionista absolutely loves to do is shop! Where is one of my favorite places to shop? Belk, of course! What modern Southern Belle does not enjoy the one-stop-shop experience at Belk?! You can get fabulous shoes, apparel, accessories, fragrance, and makeup all in one spectacular store–talk about perfection!

Now, I want to share with y’all some of the magnificent things I found at Belk The Summit in Birmingham, Alabama! Come on, y’all! It is time to get fabulous!

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If y’all could see my closet…y’all would see how much I absolutely adore purses. So, when I stumbled upon these artsy gems by Brighton….I immediately added them to my Birthday Wish list. Hey, two months is not too far in advance to start blowing out the candles wishing for fashionable birthday presents!

To learn more about these stunning Brighton bags, please click here.

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Looking for a new way to add some pizazz to my summer-to-fall transition makeup, I stopped by the Lancôme counter where MUA Melissa Atkinson made me look like I was ready to hit the runway at New York Fashion Week! I absolutely love the color combination on my eyes–the bright blue liquid eyeliner is a true wow-factor that isn’t too overpowering. Stop by the Lancôme counter at Belk The Summit in Birmingham, Alabama to get dolled up just like the VIP…or get the wonderful makeup artists to create you your own snazzy Fall 2013 makeup look!

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The Donald J. Pliner shoe selection at Belk The Summit is truly a fashionista’s dream come true! I was so infatuated with Donald’s fall shoes that I just had to pick my top five to share with y’all (as seen in the slideshow above).  Speaking of Donald J. Pliner…

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You are cordially invited to join renowned shoe designer Donald J. Pliner at Belk The Summit this Saturday, September 14 from 10AM to 2PM to learn about the latest trends and styles in shoes. I hope to see all of you there! *BIG HUGS FOR EVERYONE*

Belk The Summit

Women’s Shoe Department

221 Summit Blvd.

Birmingham, Alabama

For more information, please call (205) 968-4200

To shop in your cute PJs, visit www.belk.com!

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn