Westfield Style Tour at Garden State Plaza with Stacy London

Yesterday, October 23rd, was a long, fun-filled day at Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ for the Westfield Style Tour. I can't believe I spent 7 1/2 hours at the mall! Half of the day was participating in events and the second half of the day was lots of shopping! I was excited to meet Stacy London from TLC's What Not to Wear.

I was surprised and thrilled when I found out a few days ago that I was the winner of the 'Claim It and Win' contest through Garden State Plaza's facebook page. They had several prizes you can enter to win daily. I won the $150 gift card to Nine West. I bought the Trinity Flat Leather Riding Boots for $159.99 (thank you to Leena and Rosa for their help at the Nine West store!), so I literally paid $10 after using my gift card!

When I checked in at noon at the Neiman Marcus Court, I started with a makeover touchup from Clinique. 'Claim It and Win' winners and participated in free beauty treatments and consultations with professional stylists.

After my makeover, I headed over to the Lord and Taylor Court for the fashion show
hosted by Stacy London. Fashion Editor Heather Zwain of 201 Magazine kicked off the show by introducing Stacy.

Heather Zwain, 201 Magazine


Stacy London from TLC's What Not to Wear

The show was all about showcasing the latest fall trends:

Camel coats - if you are not used to wearing as light of a color as camel, you can always wear it with a dress color you are comfortable with - black, navy, or red

Nude colored shoes - it's not all about black anymore

Plaid is in, but if you are over 30 you shouldn't be wearing a skirt this short. Looks like a look you would see on Gossip Girl, either on Blair Waldorf or one of her minions during their high school years. Sporting a knit blazer is also in. I love the boots! I'm looking for a low boot/heel for fall, especially for walking around the city and pairing with jeans or a skirt!

I have my BB Dakota faux fur vest for the fall, but a flair jean and clogs is not really my style. I'd rather pair my vest with a pair of denim leggings and high heeled booties or long black leather boots. Or even with a dress! It all depends on your personal style! So many different ways to style with a faux fur vest.

This is my favorite look - military inspired look with black lace leggings and cinching the waist with a belt.

I think with heels the right jumpsuit would actually elongate my frame, but that would definitely require tailoring.

Some other trends for fall are gold dresses, tweed suiting, belted handkerchief hem sweaters (which I can't pull off because it would literally look like I am wearing a blanket - too much fabrics for my petite frame), strapless dresses (a strapless silhouette never goes out of style!) and knit handbags (during the show I had just remembered I have a blue tweed Missoni bag at the bottom of my closet somewhere that I have never even worn - I must dig it out and wear it this fall!

After the fashion show, the 'Claim It and Win' winners met with Stacy in groups of 5 to ask her some personal style questions. I was happy to hear she liked my Charlotte Ronson silk blouse with the sequin shoulders and cut out arms that I got at Lucky Shops last November.

I had tried my luck at the texting contest Virgin Mobile was holding - the fastest texter wins a $1,000 shopping spree. I am horrible at texting on a keyboard. I gave up halfway while trying to text the Snookie phrase that was given. Ever since I switched to touch screen I can no longer press keys! Touch screen is so much faster for me now!

Then it was off to shopping! Along with my Nine West boots I bought a pair of Petite Black Coated Leggings from LOFT, and a basic long sleeve crew from Gap Body. Specific retailers were participating in offering special sales for the Westfield Style Tour weekend.

Also, when you spent $200 or more (which I did) you were eligible to receive a $10 Westfield Gift Card and a $20 card to be used at Aveda.

Since I didn't get to do a skincare treatment, Eric from Origins (thank you) directed me to the Origins store where they were doing free facials and makeovers. I'd like to thank Adrienne for providing a facial/makeover. I love Origins Modern Friction, and Adrienne introduced me to the Out of Trouble® 10 minute mask and VitaZing™ SPF 15 Energy-boosting moisturizer.

I was sure to stop over at Aveda, since my gift bag included a card that entitled me to free hair samples (look forward to trying the Pure AbundanceTM Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner), stress-relieving neck and shoulder massage and Aveda Comforting Tea with Godiva Chocolate. Thank you to Elysia for all her help! I will definitely visit her back at the Aveda store once I figure out what I want to spend with my $20 card! I was lucky I went to Aveda when I did because as I was leaving, a flock of customers entered the store!

I am grateful for having enjoyed such a fabulous shopping day filled with fun events. Thank you to Garden State Plaza and the WestField Style Tour team, Stacy London and all the people that work at the stores I visited and shopped in. Everyone was so friendly, helpful and nice! I'll be on the lookout for the Westfield Style Tour next year!

- Kim Weling