Tag: bargainista

A Cinderella Moment with Lotus Boutique!!

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This past week, I attended Birmingham Fashion Week for the first time…as a blogger!!!  Last year I attended simply as a guest, and the experience was much different than it was this time.  I had so much fun this year; it was super exciting and so amazing!!  In preparation for Fashion Week, I wanted to make sure I planned fun outfits for each night.  Cue: Lotus Boutique!!

Lotus Boutique was amazingly gracious!  I was able to wear three looks from their current in-store collection!  It started out with a visit to the Lotus Boutique at the Summit to pick out some outfits. For those of you who haven’t been to the Lotus store at the Summit in a while, be aware that they are no longer located over by Sephora and Gus Mayer, but rather next to Gap, and in the same suite as the Halcyon Day Salon & Spa!

041714102304171410250417141025aSo, I got started! Selecting only three outfits was by no means an easy task!  There was so much to choose from!  Check out some of the cute things I saw:

0417141028b 0417141032a 0417141031 0417141030c 0417141030a 0417141029d 0417141029b 0417141029 0417141028 0417141027c 0417141026a 0417141026 0417141025b0417141033 0417141034 IMG_20140417_121939I made my choices based on uniqueness if you will.  I wanted pieces that people wouldn’t think to pair with a metallic jacket, or with a peplum top.  I also wanted pieces that spoke to my style, which is fun and feminine.  In the end, I selected a few things:

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All of the outfits were so fun to wear and fit so well!!  I am SOOOOO grateful to Lotus Boutique for making this experience such a memorable one!!  I had so much fun styling all three different looks!  Here are the three looks I put together with pieces from the Lotus collection:

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BFW – Night 2 (This outfit was also featured on al.com!!)

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BFW – Night 1 (LOVED this outfit…this dress is one of my all-time favorites. I’m planning to wear it ALL summer!!)

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BFW – Night 4 (Loved, loved, loved this skirt!! Loved that it was a stretchy pencil skirt, so very flattering for curvy-figures!

What do you think??  I could fill my closet with Lotus clothing and accessories!!  Couldn’t you??

Follow me on Instagram to see more outtakes from Birmingham Fashion Week, and my blog, Chic in Academia, for work-appropriate outfit inspirations, as well as tips on how to mix high and low fashion!

Stay Chic! 💋

Exclusive Preview of LOTUS BOUTIQUE’s New Spring Line

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Anyone who has ever gone shopping with me knows that Lotus Boutique is one of my go-to for unique, affordable clothes and accessories in the Birmingham area. I am ESPECIALLY fond of their earring, belts, bracelets, and statement necklace inventory! Check out some of my previous purchases:

Chaus Bow Blouse) I inherited from @sarasab! Happy Tuesday! // Belt: @lotusboutiqueonline Shoes: Paolo @nordstromrack // Skirt: Norma Kamali #Walmart // Hanger: @pearlsandpastries

Chaus Bow Blouse, from @sarasab // Belt: @lotusboutiqueonline // Shoes: Paolo @nordstromrack // Skirt: Norma Kamali #Walmart // Hanger: @pearlsandpastries

Skirt: Lotus Boutique // Top: Vince via @tjmaxx // Blazer: boutique in LA // necklace: @ellandemm // shoes: marc jacobs via @eBay

Skirt: Lotus Boutique // Top: Vince via @tjmaxx // Blazer: boutique in LA // necklace: @ellandemm // shoes: marc jacobs via @eBay

Until recently, I had no idea that they also had an online store! What’s more, the online sales are crazy good! It is not uncommon for them to have 40% off flash sales, which includes clearance items. Here are a couple of things that I have purchased for next to nothing during these flash sales:

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Lotus recently received new merchandise for the Spring and you are among the first to get a preview of their new Spring Lookbook!! Here’s a look at what they have in store this Spring:

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I am loving some of these pieces, so naturally, I have put together a list of my top picks from their current, Spring Lookbook! Here are my picks:

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Love these looks??  There are even more on the Lotus Boutique website!  Lotus Boutique has been incredibly generous and is offering one of my lucky readers a $15 gift card to use on your next online purchase!!!  Just comment below with your thoughts on the Spring line and a winner be chosen at random and announced Monday morning!!

Last, but not least, I am excited to report that I will be styling and wearing Lotus Boutique outfits during Birmingham Fashion Week!! Birmingham Fashion Week will take place Saturday, April 19th- Saturday, April 26th at Pepperplace Mart in Birmingham, AL. Follow me on Instragram to see what I’ll be wearing! I’ll also be posting updates on Twitter for those who are tweeting-inclined. 😉

Stay chic!!

Latest Musings

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Hi, Friends!!

I’m back from my hiatus!!  Well, my blogging hiatus.  I’ve not yet taken a break from academics (though, really, can anyone ever REALLY take a break in academia?!), but rather worked quite hard on some grants, papers, and even explored some new job opportunities!  More to come on that. 😉

For now, I have some super exciting things to report!

  1. I’ve agreed to two exciting sponsorships for blog posts that will go live on my blog Thursday, Feb. 27th, and then again the first week in March.  Stay tuned for those!  I wanted to make you – my readers – aware that, although I am getting paid for these posts, and though there will – hopefully – be more paid posts in the future, I am only agreeing to work campaigns which align well with either academics (public health specifically) and/or fashion.  So…fear not!  The topics will be things you will want to hear about!  Or so I hope, haha!
  2. A super exciting collaboration with a fantastic jewelry company is in the works!!  I’ve already styled a couple of their pieces on Instagram, but will soon be able to offer you discount just for you…my readers!!  Stay tuned for that as well!  Also, remember that I post daily #ootd’s (translation: Outfit Of The Day, ‘ootd’), so you’ll get daily styling ideas for those days when you’re feeling uninspired!
  3. I have finally established a little bit of a following on Twitter, but it’s a bit lonely out in there in Twitterverse.  Do you tweet?!  If so, check out my account!  Let’s tweet together!
  4. Last, but not least, I have not forgotten about you – the reader – and your needs…your SHOPPING NEEDS!!!  As such, I have a tidbit of info to leave you with today!  C. Wonder is having a flash sale…up to 75% off on some items!!  Here are some of my picks:
Nylon Easy Tote, Originally $78.00, now only $34.99
Double Drop Earrings, Originally $34.00, now only $7.99
Large Chic Necklace, Originally $48.00, now only $8.99
Medium Ocelot Pouch, Originally $44.00, now only $14.99
Scottie Notecards, Set of 8, Originally $12.00, now only $3.99
Calf Hair Crystal Deco Pump, Originally $168.00, now only $39.99

Cute, right?!  But that’s not it!!!  As a final token of gratitude for your patience as I mused about staying ‘chic in academia’, I am offering one lucky reader a $15 voucher/coupon to Banana Republic!  The coupon can be used online or in-store, for your shopping pleasure and convenience. 😉  Just leave a comment below and the winner will be announced on my Instagram account on Friday, February 28th.  Email me at chicinacademia@gmail.com if you don’t have an Instagram account to check the announcement (seriously though, get an Instagram account and follow me!  It’s fun!!).

Stay chic! 💋