Back in Black

Wearing all black is like throwing on a baller gold watch...it just INSTANTLY makes you look chic, put together and...let's be frank...pretty badass. No one quite exemplifies the term "badass" better than Kelly Cutrone, founder of the branding, marketing and PR firm Peoples Revolution. With a resume and list of clients to die for, "Kell on Earth" has the tenacity we all could learn from when we're feeling a little wimpy. In fact, we DID learn from Ms. Cutrone last night when she graced Savannah College of Art & Design (ATL) for a SCAD Style Week lecture about working hard and getting what you want out of work and in life.


That's our girl, Angelique, getting Kelly to sign a copy of her book If You Have to Cry Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You !

In honor of "Kell on Peachtree", we thought we'd feature a few of our basic black stunners. Who knows, maybe you'll look in the mirror and find a toughness that you didn't see before.

How about this black embroidered tunic, only $48? Pair it with chic leggings, heels and a belt for work, and you'll be well on your way to feeling confident and cool, even if you're stuck in a cubicle. But break free at quittin' time with some killer cutoff shorts and gladiator sandals!

Feelin' a bit breezier? Why not give this $72 boho-luxe maxi dress a look? Paired with a chunky belt and perhaps a simple blazer or bolero, you'll be a haute topic at the conference table! Thanks to Kelly's advice, you can find yourself FIERCE & FASHIONABLE, and you can find your clothes at fab'rik!

Check out more celebs from the fashion industry at SCAD Style week, happening now through May 6 at both Savannah and Atlanta campuses.

Life in the Fast Lane

With the summer months quickly approaching, it's inevitable that, just when you didn't think it was possible, you are going to fancy a margarita a few more days a week than usual. Dressing for the post-work drink is an art form, so consider yourself a "work hard, play hard" masterpiece in fab'rik's transition tops.

Pair option one, $44 sky blue bibbed stunner, with your favorite black pants and a blazer on the job, but pull an off-the-clock switcheroo with some dark wash denim shorts (might we suggest our Joe's Jeans cutoffs, available in stores?) and hit up happy hour in casual style (you can even keep the blazer on if you get the chillbumps!) Consider yourself the boss (of fashion, that is) at work with this $48 pink twist strap top, tucked into a high-waisted skirt. But when that clock strikes 6 (or 5 if you're one of the lucky ones), turn yourself into a saucy Cinderella with white pants (Hudson, William Rast, Miss Me OH MY - all in-stores) and some studded sandals (the glass slipper might be pushing it a bit far).

While switching up your wardrobe, why not put a twist in your normal happy hour routine by visiting the High Museum of Art's Single Mingle Wine Tasting on April 30? Even if you're attached, you can still visit the High's newest exhibit "The Allure of the Automobile" until June 20, admission included if you attend the Single Mingle event (see...being single DOES have its perks). Who knows, maybe you'll see a couple "hot rods" you just can't resist!

Project Fab'rik!

If you're reading this, I think it's safe to assume you're a fan of Lifetime's series "Project Runway." And I don't know about you, but Tim Gunn is my fairy fashion godfather, and I live and die by his style rules only! So imagine the surprise of fab'rik Midtown ladies Angelique and Kara when season 2 contestant Nick Verreos walked in our door on Tuesday! Though Nick was not the winning designer, he certainly had a winning attitude that kept us tuned in every week (and a winning smile...my goodness!) He has since gone on to become the style consultant in the webseries "The Victory Project", an online video diary profiling 4 women in different cities who are looking to shape up, slim down and dress up!



Nick came to our store on Tuesday looking for outfits for "The Victory Project" contestants Nikki & Amanda. He loved our new cropped black blazers and playful jackets for working girl Nikki, reminding us that the pop of color should be worn underneath to create a more dramatic effect (and it can bring the eyes up if you're worried about your thighs or mid-section). For bride-to-be Amanda, Nick singled out this one-shoulder MM Couture by Miss Me dress for her rehearsal dinner choice (also perfect for you wedding attendees out there). When it comes to shoes, Nick loved our tribal wedges citing that neutral heels can elongate the leg and increase posture!



While beauty is certainly from within, Nick reminded us and his Victory Project contestants that feeling good about yourself is all about staying positive and feeling comfortable & confident in your clothes. Let fab'rik's personal stylists help you with your own Victory Project and keep track of Nick's progress at http://thevictoryproject.msn.com/. It was an honor to have him the store, and we'll let you know when the episode airs!

Star-Studded Style

If a dog is man's best friend, I think it's fair to say a pretty purse is a gal's best friend. Think about it..."she" is with you through the good times and the bad. You can cradle her under your arms like precious cargo (while you participate in some glee-filled shopping) or throw her on the couch with rage (after hanging up on your beau because he forgot your anniversary...the NERVE!) And she'll still forgive you!

Vanessa Hudgens finds a bestie her in Balenciaga "City" handbag...whether she's grabbing cappuccino at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in West Hollywood or lounging courtside at the Lakers game with Zac, she's got friendly fashion right at her fingertips!

Photo courtesy of stylebakeryteen.com
Snag a similar style for less at fab'rik with this $58 caramel drawstring bucket tote. With tough metal accessories but a sweet price tag, this bag might be the schizophrenic-stand-by-your-side staple in your wardrobe! Now if we could just debut our new addition courtside with Zac at a Hawks game...

The "Third Piece"

Like a game of "Hot/Cold", it's fair to say that temperatures everywhere are "getting warmer...getting warmerrr!" But it's important not to skimp on style when you are stripping down for those hotter days. A cute, flowy top and white jeans may seem like a great option for a daytime look, but when you incorporate that "Third Piece", you send your style over the edge of normal and on the nose of fashionable.

The "Third Piece" is that killer black leather jacket that Kate Moss throws over her already perfect ensemble with ease. It is the white blazer Ashley Olsen effortlessly rocks over a pastel blouse and silky cargo pants. And it is this $42 linen vest you can wear time and again over a plain black t-shirt and denim cut-offs for playing or printed long sleeve blouse and cropped khakis for working.



Rock this look with a skinny black pants & a neutral-toned silk blouse underneath your Third Piece to the Atlanta Film Festival's Closing Night Extravaganza on Friday, April 23 & stretch your look into the evening with a visit to Whiskey Park at the W Hotel Midtown for post-screening sipping.

A Winning "Combo"

Like a good toast at a wedding or that boy from college who tried to court you for months & months but you never could quite fall for, a spring time dress should be short but sweet. You need just enough length to keep that girl-next-door rep rockin' but just enough skin peeking above the knees to keep 'em guessing.

Add "short but sweet" with an of-the-moment trend like the combo dress (def.: noun, a dress that appears to be two [or more] pieces, fooling your admirers into thinking you spent more time planning your outfit than you actually did; synonyms: flirt, fashionista, forward-thinking fab'rik fan), and you have irresistible results for only $46 and $44, respectively!



Try dress #1 or dress #2 with a blazer and black peep-toes for work, then rock those bare shoulders and some funky platforms or wedges at happy hour. How about testing the trend $5 Ladies Night at Marlow's in Midtown tonight? Only after you've made a stop at our West Peachtree location, that is!

On the Scene: Screen on the Green

It's no secret that Atlanta has year-around entertainment for visitors and residents alike. Enjoy getting jacked up on caffeine (as I drink my 3rd cup of joe for the day...)? Look no further than the World of Coke in Downtown ATL to sample all types of the stuff from around the globe. Curious about creatures of the sea? The Georgia Aquarium satiates the wonder of the whale shark (and many more) as the world's largest aquarium. Need more news about...well...news? You can grab a behind the scenes tour of the CNN Center just about everyday of the year.

But just a few Thursdays a year does one of the greatest traditions in Atlanta entertainment occur. After a stint at Centennial Park, Screen on the Green returns to Piedmont Park in Midtown. Featuring movies like "National Treasure", "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" & "Dreamgirls", Screen on the Green makes the park the place to be on a warm summer night.

Instead of your usual t-shirt and shorts for the park, might we suggest some twilight trends from fab'rik for your film fete?



Whether you want to keep your look romantic or rock 'n roll for the park, we've got you covered. This sweet $62 maxi can take you from the park to a perch at the bar. If you're looking to live on the edge, our slashed denim shorts (sold in stores) will help unravel your style. With a $46 embroidered top and $22 ankle sandals...and to a funky fedora to top it all off (available in stores)...this is a look you don't want to miss out on!

So make a move at the movies, and find yourself as the main attraction in fab'rik's fashion at Thursday night's Screen on the Green in Piedmont Park! Shows start May 27!

The "You Tube" Dress

Max Azria has taken Hollywood by storm with his body-con Herve Leger collection. With its horizontal stitching and sexy stretchiness, the collection's bandage dresses bring a new meaning to "stars and stripes!" Take this tube dress rocked splendidly by two blonde bombshells, Heather Graham & Kristin Cavallari.



We love how these ladies let the dress speak for itself...no chunky diamond necklaces or stacks of bright bangles here! If you're dreaming of the day you can access this image (for less than the 4 bills our stylish celebs above shelled out), look no further than this $88 silky stunner, available at fab'rik in stores and online.



Wouldn't it be fun to pair this look with simple black peep toes and a sleek up-do for a night of bubbly & blackjack at the Bellagio casino in Vegas? Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?

fab'rik Brides Save A Lot Before They Tie the Knot!

What could be a more joyous occasion than a wedding? If all goes as planned (that is your great-aunt Lizzy stays away from the bar, your crazy uncle Jimmy doesn't get on the mic for Kenny Roger's "The Gambler" and your old roomie from the sorority house doesn't tell all your dirty secrets during her toast), you're in for the best weekend of your life!

fab'rik knows how exciting but stressful wedding planning can be, so we make it easy with our Bride Brag program! Haven't heard of it? We guarantee once you get the bling, you won't want to miss a thing in stores! fab'rik offers brides-to-be 20% off all purchases up until the big day. Just come in and let us know when the wedding is, and after we "ooh" and "ahh" over the goods on that left hand, we'll offer you an exclusive card to present to your personal shopper each time you buy.



Photo by Adore Amore Photography

One of our fave customers Candace (yep, that's her above!) found the perfect dress at fab'rik for her engagement photo shoot. We love how lady-like ruffles cascade down the front of the dress! And could that color look any more stunning with her hair and complexion? With her obvious sense of style and sassiness, Candace totally owns the position of a fabulous fab'rik bride. And we think her fiance James is pretty darn cute too!

Be sure to stop in your nearest fab'rik to get on board. It pays to be a bride-to-be. Only fab'rik gives you the "cred before you wed!" Email angelique@fabrikatlanta.com for any further questions you might have!

And for a honeymoon idea, might we suggest the beautiful resort Cap Juluca on the island of Anguilla in the British West Indies? STUNNING! Don't even get me started on how much fun picking honeymoon clothing is!

"Pamper Thyself": The 11th Commandment

Spring cleaning isn't just about scruba-dub-dubbin' that haven of a bathtub on your hands and knees anymore. It's not just about combing through crumpled up neon pink Post-it note after Post-it note in your wish-it-was-bigger office desk drawer either (and then finally finding the digits of that cute boy you saw at the bar 5 months ago...WHERE WAS THAT NUMBER WHEN YOU NEEDED IT!?) Spring cleaning is also about straightening up yourself and tapping into that bubbly personality that shines as bright as a mid-July Atlanta sun.

Once you've found that "spring" in your step, if you will, it's time to harness the good energy with an uber-relaxing massage or facial. And it JUST so happens that Dove is sponsoring a nation-wide Spa Week featuring $50 treatments April 12-18 (we're taking markdowns on massages, deals on peels...ya know, the good stuff!) Whether you are a fab'rik fashionista from Texas, Virginia, North Carolina or Georgia, you've got the the facts on how to relax (sorry Des Moines ladies)!

The last thing you want to do after tackling the tension is squeeze into those tight True Religions. So we recommend a simple cotton dress for running your ease-inducing errands. Long or short, a dress like this one for $52 can take you from the massage table to the dinner table.



So shed that heavy (but classic!) camel-colored trench, and step into a new season with style!