LIFE Spring Fashion Forecast

Local Retailers Discuss Latest Trends; Dogwood Festival Includes Fashion Show; Starry Night Features Fashion Star

Bezshan Dolatabadi B. Prince

TRENDS Fuller pant legs in cropped and full length styles. Lots of color and prints.

DIDN’T SEE THIS FASHION

COMING A big resurgence in tone on tone monochromatic dressing.

MUST HAVE A great dress, a great blazer and cool sneakers.

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH Does this mean am I going? Lol. Yes Destin. If what to wear …Ulla Johnson and Johnny Was bathing suits with matching cover ups. Reinhard Plank straw hats and Beek flip flops.

MOST COMMON FASHION MISTAKE Not being yourself. Don’t be forced into a style or trend that is not you

B. Prince 271 Rele St., Mountain Brook

TRENDS Going into 2023, we continue to see an increase in higher neck and waistlines. The popularity of Balletcore for streetwear has also influenced softer colors and sheer fabrics in the dance community.

DIDN’T SEE THIS FASHION COMING Ruffles. Ruffles are added as accents to leotards, bra tops, and booty shorts and are popular for convention outfits.

COLORS AND PATTERNS

Pastels, jewel tones, and florals are what we’re seeing most in Spring fashion.

MUST HAVE Every dancer needs a pair of turning shoes for practice. Pirouette half soles and BlochSox are the most popular.

MOST COMMON FASHION

MISTAKE The most common fashion mistake in dance is not having the proper undergarments. Seamless nudewear is a must for every dancer.

Applause Dancewear 1629 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood

Find All Things Fashion at Dogwood Festival Fashion Show

Add an afternoon of fashion showcasing Vestavia Hills retailers to your style calendar on March 9.

The Dogwood Festival Fashion Show will feature all things fashion, just in time to get ready for Easter, spring break, bridal events and baby showers. The event, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., will be held at the Civic Center and is presented by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce.

A variety of businesses will be represented, including catering, jewelry, tanning, salons, florists, cakes, shoes, dry cleaning, bridal registry, stationery and event rentals.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, online at vestaviahills.org or by calling 205823-5011.

The fashion show is one of a variety of events being held as part of the annual Dogwood Festival, which began Feb. 11 with a tea party for children and runs through April. Events include self-guided tours of the city’s historical sites, luncheons, community festivals, a prayer breakfast, a battle of the bands featuring middle and high school bands, concerts and other activities.

TRENDS Floral appliques, maxilength everything, denim, and big bags

DIDN’T SEE THIS FASHION COMING Puffy everything… Now down to the shoes. We’ve seen puffy and pillow bags a lot last year, and now it seems like the trend is bubbling down all the way to the feet. I’m interested to see how some people will work this into more timeless looks.

COLORS AND PATTERNS Green! And black for summer…

MUST HAVE The do-it-all, carry-all tote. The past few years have all been about mini bags, and I can say for myself I am happy to see big bags making a comeback –both in style and practicality.

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH

Again, the big tote to carry all your beach necessities, colorful caftans –like our famed Delightful Caftan–to match the joyful atmosphere, and comfortable slide sandals to take you all around town.

MOST COMMON FASHION MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE Dressing for trends and not for yourself! Our motto is “Wear What Makes You Happy” and we hope our clothes do just that.

Frances Valentine, The Summit, 225 Summit Blvd Suite 97

Starry Night Assistance League Fundraiser to Feature Designer Heidi Elnora

The Assistance League of Birmingham’s signature fundraiser, One Starry Night, is a party with a purpose on March 9 at The Club.

Chairwomen Mary Ann Wade and Molly Bee Bloetscher are planning a night with a silent auction, seated din-

TRENDS Everyone is back to traveling again and the spring collections reflect a resort-type feel with bright, happy colors, flowy fabrics, and eclectic prints.

DIDN’T SEE THIS FASHION COMING I can’t say I would have envisioned the prairie dress and tennis shoe trend.

COLORS AND PATTERNS MUST HAVE Pretty shades of turquoise, periwinkle, magenta and light greens. Prints range from classic awning stripes to funky boho prints and embroidery.

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH “Beach to bistro” is a big category in fashion right now, with kimonos, sheer tunics, and lightweight, fun print dresses that can be worn as a beach coverup or paired with sandals and fun accessories to go out to lunch or dinner. Our Tin Marin totes are hand-woven in Mexico and can carry all of your beach essentials.

MOST COMMON FASHION MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE Prioritizing trends over what looks good on you and fits your own personal style.

Town & Country Clothes, 74 Church St, Mountain Brook ner, live auction led by Christie King with C King Benefit Auctions, and music from The Bassmen.

The brightest star of the evening is national television personality Heidi Elnora, an Alabama entrepreneur who focuses on wedding dress design and inspirational speaking.

Elnora became well known as a contestant on the second season of “Project Runway” and later starred in her own reality show, “Bride by Design,” which is airing on Discovery+. Her collection of wedding dresses and occasion wear is available exclusively

Kathleen Roberts

Flip Flops & What Nots

TRENDS Platform Shoes, Cropped Jeans, Bright Colors

DIDN’T SEE THIS FASHION COMING Finally moving away from all black, but it’s my job to see to see the new thing coming!

COLORS AND PATTERNS Hot Pink and Kelly Green. Fun Prints MUST HAVE Archies Arch support, Flip Flops completely water proof with arch support.

MOST COMMON FASHION MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE Not trying new things, colors. Staying stuck in a rut saying, “I can’t wear that!” You never know until you try something new!

Flip Flops & What Nots, 4137 White Oak Dr., Vestavia Hills at the heidi elnora atelier in Birmingham and Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The evening celebration helps raise funds to support the philanthropic programs Operation School Bell, Operation Literacy and PrimeTime Treasures, serving both children in need and seniors of greater Birmingham area.

Parker Sadler Avery Achieves Eagle Scout Ranking

Parker Sadler Avery earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts of America, in October, and on Jan. 8, a Court of Honor ceremony was held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church to recognize and celebrate his achievement.

Parker, along with two fellow Troop 53 Scouts, received his Eagle pin with family and friends in attendance. The ceremony represented the culmination of Parker’s many years of dedication and service to Troop 53 and his community.

His Eagle Scout project was centered on early childhood development. Parker designed and built an outdoor play kitchen and picnic table for a playground at his church, Mountain Brook Baptist Church. His building plans came to fruition through donations and assistance with construction from family and friends. Parker provided mentorship and direction to many younger scouts from Troop 53 who helped with his project, as well.

Parker’s older brother, Jackson, also is an Eagle Scout, having earned the rank in 2021. They both are role models for their younger brother, Marshall, who is also a scout in Troop 53 on his journey to Eagle rank.

Parker is active in his youth group at church and has had an outstanding senior year on Mountain Brook High School’s varsity football defensive line. He also enjoys playing golf, recreational and church league basketball, and spending time with family and friends.

Parker is excited to attend the University of Alabama in the fall.

Payne Baxley Awarded Eagle Scout Rank

Payne Baxley in January earned the highest rank awarded by the Boy Scouts and now is an Eagle Scout. Baxley comes from a strong scouting family. His grandfather, uncle and two cousins are all Eagle Scouts.

Payne is a member of Troop 53 from St. Peter’s Anglican Church. Since joining Troop 53, Payne has held several leadership positions. He has been a patrol leader, an assistant patrol leader and an outdoor ethics guide. Payne also was elected by his troop members to the Order of the Arrow. While a Boy Scout, Payne completed 28 merit badges.

For Payne’s Eagle project, he