VIP Scrapbook: Meeting Rebecca Minkoff + Q&A at Saks Fifth Avenue in Birmingham, AL

December 3, 2014 Abby Hathorn4 Comments

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

So, I made a one-day, round trip from Johnson City to Birmingham yesterday to meet and chat with another one of my fashion heroes, Rebecca Minkoff! Ah! Seeing the genius behind the brand at Saks Fifth Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama was an absolute dream come true. Not to mention…I got her to sign the front of my MINI MAC crossbody bag. *wink*

Rebecca: Is the inside okay? asking where to sign my handbag

VIP: I would like for you to sign it right on the front!

Rebecca: excited You want me to sign it right here…on the front?!

VIP: Yes, of course!

Rebecca: You know my handwriting isn’t the best, right?

VIP: I do not care!

Rebecca: Okay–let’s do this!

The blogger Q&A with Rebecca Minkoff was kicked off by Bertha from Chic in Academia with questions bloggers sent in prior to the event. NOTE: B did such a great job juggling her toddler (who did not have a babysitter for the evening *sad face*). — The blogger Q&A with Rebecca Minkoff was kicked off by Bertha from Chic in Academia with questions bloggers sent in prior to the event.
NOTE: B did a great job juggling her toddler (who did not have a babysitter for the evening *sad face*) while asking Minkoff questions.

This bag is in the VIP blog colors...therefore I need it *wink* — This bag is in the VIP blog color…therefore I need it *wink*

After Chic in Academia finished asking RM the sent-in blogger questions, I had the opportunity to personally ask Minkoff some questions. Check them out below!

VIP Interview Questions with Rebecca Minkoff:

VIP: What is one item in your closet you would never toss out and why?

Rebecca: I wear this jacket more than I wear anything else in my wardrobe [referring to her black leather, West Motto jacket]. It [the West Motto] is one of the first pieces we ever made, and we keep making it every season because it is such a timeless piece.

VIP: I really do love that jacket! It has a really great look that can transit into any season.

Rebecca: If we had a uniform in our office, it would probably be my West Motto [jacket]–two of my girls pointing to her assistants are wearing them right now!

VIP: What era in fashion would you say most inspires you?

Rebecca: I think my favorite era [in fashion] is always the one that I am going to reference when starting my research. So, for example, right now, I am working on fall [for 2015], and it very seventies-inspired with the colors and fringe. No–there will be no large bell-bottoms. laughs

The VIP with blogger and makeup artist Je'Don Holloway-Talley at the RM event at Saks Birmingham! Check out all of awesomeness at Life. Culture. People! (click here) — The VIP with blogger and makeup artist Je’Don Holloway-Talley at the RM event at Saks Birmingham! Check out all of her awesomeness at Life. Culture. People! (click here)

MY GIRLS! Ah! No words can express how much I love these two fashionable ladies--I miss y'all dearly! Come to JC so we can get into some makeup fun *wink* (from left to right) Tasha Deyampert, the VIP, and Tamarous Reynolds. — MY GIRLS! Ah! No words can express how much I love these two fashionable ladies–I miss y’all dearly! Come to JC so we can get into some makeup fun *wink*
(from left to right)
Tasha Deyampert, the VIP, and Tamarous Reynolds.

The crowd at Saks Birmingham was wild to see THE Rebecca Minkoff. — The crowd at Saks Birmingham was excited to see THE Rebecca Minkoff.

One word--LOVE! If you are in the Birmingham area, stop by Saks Fifth Avenue at the Summit for a FABULOUS shopping experience! And not to mention...they have a lovely selection of RM clothes, shoes, and handbags! — One word–LOVE! If you are in the Birmingham area, stop by Saks Fifth Avenue at the Summit for a FABULOUS shopping experience! And not to mention…they have a lovely selection of RM clothes, shoes, and handbags!

I need these heels in my life...and probably the two handbags, too *wink* — I need these heels in my life…and probably the two handbags, too *wink*

I love how Rebecca Minkoff can take such a simple concept, like a black handbag, and twist it so many different ways. That's what separates the true designers from the rest. — I love how Rebecca Minkoff can take such a simple concept, like a black handbag, and twist it so many different ways. That’s what separates the true designers from the rest.

So much quilting...and so much Southern love *wink* — So much quilting…and so much Southern love *wink*

Oh, y’all! The VIP had such a fabulous time at this Saks event (as she does at all Saks Birmingham events)! It was totally worth driving across three states and going on very little sleep today *wink*

Be sure to stay tuned to my sister blog, S&S, where Rebecca Minkoff will be our Featured Friday cover girl. Her story is so inspiring, and every girl needs to know it! :)

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Happy Birthday to Me!

November 28, 2014November 28, 2014 Abby Hathorn8 Comments

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

If you have been keeping up with me on my social media today, you already know that it is my BIRTHDAY! Ah! And for those of you who have been off social media and out shopping killer Black Friday sales…SURPRISE–it’s my birthday *wink*

So, in celebration of the wonderful day I had with my family, I am going to share a few of the highlights with y’all! :)

http://instagram.com/p/v8zRwYtJuK/?modal=true

The Black Keys never sounded so wonderful...#LoveBeatsByDre — The Black Keys never sounded so wonderful…#LoveBeatsByDre

Already ahead of you, parents *wink* Lounge pants, sweatshirt, and fuzzy socks on--I am ready for Etsy shopping *wink* Be sure to tune in to the blog next week where I will be revealing the awesome birthday goodies Beadsoul sent me! Whoo hoo! It is going to be awesome! — Already ahead of you, parents *wink* Lounge pants, sweatshirt, and fuzzy socks on–I am ready for Etsy shopping *wink* Be sure to tune in to the blog next week where I will be revealing the awesome birthday goodies Beadsoul sent me! Whoo hoo! It is going to be awesome! P.S. Does the about $50 include shipping? Hmmm *wink*

A photo taken by my lovely Deddy at Cakes in a Cup in Johnson City, Tennessee. My mom and I enjoyed gluten-free cupcakes (we are both Celiac) and my dad had a "normal" Birthday Cake flavored one :) — A photo taken by my lovely Deddy at Cakes in a Cup in Johnson City, Tennessee. My mom and I enjoyed gluten-free cupcakes (we are both Celiac) and my dad had a “normal” Birthday Cake flavored one :)

I picked up this AMAZING, navy lace frock from Serendipity Boutique in Johnson City today during their Black Friday sale! I cannot wait to wear this!

And of course, when I spotted this precious vintage Santa Clause yard decor at a local shop...I had to get it *wink* — And of course, when I spotted this precious vintage Santa Claus yard decor at The Next Best Thing in Johnson City, I had to pick it up *wink*

My awesome Aunt Karen shipped me a birthday care box. Love her:)

Lots of goodies that will keep me above water during finals *wink*

I also picked myself up this SEXY Rebecca Minkoff bag! Check out the photo below to learn more about how the VIP will be meeting the ONE...the ONLY...Rebecca Minkoff! Ah! — I also picked myself up this SEXY Rebecca Minkoff bag! Check out the photo below to learn more about how the VIP will be meeting the ONE…the ONLY…Rebecca Minkoff! Ah!

Oh, and did I mention...you can meet her too at her public meeting?! Yep--well...you can! :) — Oh, and did I mention…you can meet and mingle with her too at her public appearance?! Yep–well…you can! :)

And I wrapped up the day with this fabulously delicious ice cream treat. I am still a little kid at heart *wink* P.S. thanks, Deddy, for making me gluten-free sloppy joes and tater tots! *gluten-free macaroon from Cakes in a Cup in Johnson City #shoplocal #dinelocal

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Throwback Thursday: Interviewing Published Author Liza Elliot

July 31, 2014 Abby HathornLeave a comment

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

It’s Thursday…and y’all know what that means–it is time for me to throw it back to a fun and fabulous VIP blog moment! Yay!

To celebrate Liza Elliot’s newest book 30-A Super Club: The Cook Book, which was released earlier this summer, let’s take a look back at when I first met and interviewed the magnificent author! Click here to read interview.

ALSO, I just so happened to have run into Liza while shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham a little while ago–it was such a joy! We chatted about the cookbook + a few upcoming projects on which she is working. Sh…I promised not to tell anyone *wink*

The VIP and Liza Elliot chatting at her cookbook signing at Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham.

The VIP with Kaneshia Sims, the editor of Red PaSH Magazine at Liza Elliot's cookbook signing at S5A. — The VIP with Kaneshia Sims, the editor of *Red PaSH Magazine,* at Liza Elliot’s cookbook signing at S5A.

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Beauty Tues: 2 Looks in 1–Perfect For On-the-Go College Students, Like Me!

July 29, 2014 Abby HathornLeave a comment

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to Beauty Tues.

This week on VIP Beauty Tues, I want to share with y’all a super fabulous 2-in-1 makeup look for the college campus with Bobbi Brown beauty specialist Becca Sammis at Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham.

Look 1: "This look is perfect for day-time activities on campus. It is fresh looking and easy to do, but it is also flirty and age-appropriate," explains Becca Sammis. — **Look 1:** “This look is perfect for day-time activities on campus. It is fresh looking and easy to do, but it is also flirty and age-appropriate,” explains Becca Sammis.

"Creating a natural yet sassy eye is simple. On you, I used Bobbi's Metallic Eye Shadow in Champagne Quartz 2. This pretty shade will make creating the second look [smokey eye] super easy." — “Creating a natural yet sassy eye is simple. On Abby, I used Bobbi’s Metallic Eye Shadow in Champagne Quartz and Burnt Sugar. These pretty shades will make creating the second look [the smokey eye] super easy. I also lined the eye with the Bobbi Brown long wear gel liner in Black Ink.”

http://instagram.com/p/qfBmqAtJtd/?modal=true

For the lips (see video above)–Becca Sammis punched up the simple day-time look with a pinky lip…and being the lipstick addict that I am, I totally adore it! It’s so fun and so effortless!

unnamed (1) — **Look 2:** “This makeup look is great for nigh-time events. Rather than worrying about making time to take off all of your day-time makeup, I created this smokey-eye look by building on the [first] look,” explains Becca Sammis

"You can really see how big of a difference a darker shade of eye shadow made the day look turn into a smokey eye without a lot of time and energy. So many people think achieving a smokey eye look is really hard, when in all actuality, you just need to varying shadow shades, a black [eye] liner, and a great brush--oh, and some under-eye concealer for touch ups," says Becca Sammis. — “You can really see how big of a difference a darker shade of eye shadow makes…it turned the day look into a smokey eye without a lot of time and energy. So many people think achieving a smokey eye look is really hard, when in all actuality, you just need varying shadow shades, a black [eye] liner, and a great brush–oh, and some under-eye concealer for touch ups,” says Becca Sammis.

"When going with a smokey-eye, it is very important to play down your lips. For an easy way to achieve a natural-looking lip with a bit of color, I recommend using one of Bobbi's lip pencils. They come in a variety of colors and are easy to toss in your bag and go." — “When going with a smokey-eye, it is very important to play down your lips. For an easy way to achieve a natural-looking lip with a bit of color, I recommend using one of Bobbi’s lip pencils. They come in a variety of colors and are easy to toss in your bag and go.”

LOVE this color--don't y'all? *wink* It is so simple...yet so chic! — LOVE this color–don’t y’all? *wink* It is so simple…yet so chic!

"Also for night time, add a bit of bronzer to the face for a sun-kissed glimmer that looks great when the lights go down." — “Also for night time, add a bit of bronzer to the face for a sun-kissed glimmer that looks great when the lights go down.”

Who would have thought that creating two makeup looks--one for day and one for night--could be so easy! Thank you, Becca Sammis, for opening up my eyes to the fabulous versatility of Bobbi Brown products! You're the best! — Who would have thought that creating two makeup looks–one for day and one for night–could be so easy! Thank you, Becca Sammis, for opening up my eyes to the fabulous versatility of Bobbi Brown products! You’re the best!

If you are in the Birmingham area and looking for a fabulous make up specialist, head on over to Saks Fifth Avenue’s Bobbi Brown counter and prepare to be amazed! Their beauty specialists are wonderful and always full of great makeup ideas :)

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Beauty Tues: Polish Up Post-Makeup Skin with Laura Mercier Face Polish Scrub

May 20, 2014 Abby Hathorn4 Comments

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to Beauty Tues.

What’s in the news this week? The VIP’s favorite face scrub–that’s what!

To be honest, I have tried a plethora of face exfoliating products from a variety of department stores, drug stores, and pharmacies. Each product worked fabulously for about a month…but after a month (give or take a few weeks), it seemed as if my face “got used to” the scrubs–blackheads and patchy dry spots returned + peeling. *thud* another face scrub tossed in the trash.

Just as I was about to give up on finding the perfect face scrub, my wonderful beauty family at Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham introduced me to the Laura Mercier Face Polish Scrub. At first, I was very skeptical about using it because of my previous bad luck with face scrubs. After much debate with myself, I decided to try it–and let me tell y’all…I am so very happy that I did! The Laura Mercier Face Polish is my number one “skinsaver”–especially after a long day of wearing makeup. Most of all, I have been using this product for over three months, and it is very consistent with how well it works. *two thumbs up* Laura Mercier, thanks for creating a face scrub that I could never toss out! I do not know where my skin would be now if it were not for this fabulous beauty product!

Tag: Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham

VIP Scrapbook: Meeting Rebecca Minkoff + Q&A at Saks Fifth Avenue in Birmingham, AL

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Rebecca: Is the inside okay? asking where to sign my handbag

VIP: I would like for you to sign it right on the front!