Macy's Sizzle Showdown Semi-Finals for The Grilling Guru

This post is sponsored by the Everywhere Society

On Saturday, June 7th 2014, I traveled up the CT I-91 corridor to Holyoke Massachusetts to attend the Sizzle Showdown Semi-finals for Macy's Great American Grilling Guru 2014.  Contestants from around the country submitted their best grill recipes for a chance to be considered in the semi-final showdown held in select Macy's across the nation. Contestants in each region were judged by member's of Macy's Celebrity Chef Culinary Council. (Note: A giveaway booklet of the recipes submitted is at the end of this post.)

Contestants (L-R) Erin Evenson, Sarah Malikowski, Irma Ferretti
(L) MC Billy Costa of KISS 108 FM in Boston (R) Culinary Council Chef Nancy Silverton

While these three grilling gurus were competing in Holyoke, MA, similar contests were going on in Leawood, KS,  Lynnwood, WA, Charlotte, NC, Pittsburgh, PA, Skokie, IL, and the winner from each region will be eligible to compete in the grand finale held at Macy’s Herald Square in New York, NY!

Before we move on to the contest - I have to say I was completely blown away by the fact that Macy's Holyoke combined this event with the Macy's Country Fair-Featuring Great American Fun and Food! It was a mini state fair, right there in the Macy's parking lot. There are always great events going on at Macy's! Check the events list on the Macy's web page near you for upcoming specials!

Macy's Country Fair - Featuring Great American Fun and Food

At about 2:30pm the showdown began, with each contestant given an hour on the clock to create their dish.
During the cooking time, Host Billy Costa of Boston's KISS 108 FM and Judge, Celebrity Chef, Restauranteer, and Cookbook Author Nancy Silverton entertained the audience with Macy's Trivia Contests, samples from Nancy's new cookbook Mozza, and foodie tips and chatter!

Radicchio marinated in balsamic vinegar and grilled with pancetta
From Chef Nancy's Mozza Cookbook

Nancy also gave us her tips for grilling the tastiest burgers. First and foremost, to use ground chuck. And I have to say, that the burger that I sampled using Nancy's recipe and her amazing spicy chipolte mayo was INCREDIBLE.

Nancy's Burgers with Chipolte Mayo, Applewood smoked bacon, and avocado

On to the Sizzle Showdown Semi-Finals

Meet Contestant #1, Sarah Malikowski from Hampden Maine who prepared a Grilled Chicken Stuffed with Herb Goat Cheese and Prosciutto. I had the opportunity to chat with Sarah briefly before the clock began and learned that she competed last year in the prestigious Pillsbury Bake Off!

Sarah Malikowski, Hampden ME
Grilled Chicken Stuffed with Herb goat Cheese and Prosciutto

Meet Contestant #2, Erin Everson from Brookly, New York, who prepared Spicy Grilled Squid and Shrimp Salad with Charred Tomatoes, Crispy Watercress and Caahews. During the competition we learned that grilling is difficult to practice for this Brookly NY native - it's not allowed in Erin's neighborhood.

Erin Everson, Brooklyn NY
Spicy Grilled Squid and Shrimp Salad

Now meet Contestant #3, the adorable Irma Ferretti, who hails from Ossining, New York, but originates from Ecuador. Irma brought the game to a whole new level by entering a dessert of Grilled Bourbon Glazed Peaches. I can tell you that the sauce smelled heavenly as she prepared it and the glazed peaches grilled? So innovative!

Irma Fennetti, Ossining, New York
Grilled Bourbon Glazed Peaches

Our Sizzle Showdown Judge Nancy sure had her work cut out for her - and as she sampled each dish she critiqued the contestant.

However, in the end, there can be only one winner, and that contestant is....(drum roll please)

Sarah Malikowski's -- Grilled Stuffed Chicken!

Congratulations Sarah!

 But, at Macy's everyone is a winner, and the runner-up contestants went home with a Macy's Gift Card!

Macy's Sizzle Showdown - Grilling Gurus

I would be remiss if I didn't mention all the hard work that went into this fabulous event! Everyone at Macy's from the sales associates to the event staff, to the auxiliary caterers, were what made this competition such a success!

And YOU can be a winner too! Two lucky readers will each receive a copy of the Sizzle Showdown Recipe book that contains the grill recipes prepared by all the competitors in each region. That's right! You can make Sarah's winning chicken dish too! And the booklet contains recipes from each of the members of the Macy's Culinary Council, as well!

It's a Win-Win!

YOU CAN WIN THIS RECIPE BOOK!
***ENTER BELOW***

Just enter the raffle copter below!

Note: This contest begins on 6-8-14 and ends on 6-15-14 at midnight. Home Place Blog is responsible for the dissemination of prizes. Entrants must reside in the continental U.S.
Home Place Blog will notify the winners within 48 hours of the contest end and at that time the winner must provide a valid U.S. mailing address.

This book contains over 20 grill recipes from regions across the U.S.!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more pictures of the event visit the Home Place Blog facebook page HERE and while you're there don't forget to like us!

Do you like to back yard grill? What's your favorite item to grill? Let me know in the comments below!

(Don't have a google account or any of the selections in the comments box? Simple select the Name/URL selection from the drop down menu. Enter your name and leave the URL blank).

****************

Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided me with compensation for this post about Macy’s Culinary Council. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own. 

Get Your Grill On for a Sizzle Showdown At A Macy's Near You!

Let the Sizzle Showdown begin!

Ready to Get your Grill On?  Macy's is looking for America's Greatest Grilling Guru! (#GrillingGuru)

Don't miss the Sizzle Showdown, where three semi-finalists will compete for the chance to be crowned the Grilling Guru. The celebrity Culinary Council Chef will pick the winner live, who will go on to complete in New York City at the Sizzle Showdown. The Grilling Guru winner receives $10,000 and a trip to the 2015 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks!

You can get in on the Sizzle Showdown Fun! Because the qualifying events are coming to select Macy's Stores across the country! One might be near you!

Yes, that's right! Macy’s Grilling Guru events may be coming to a store near you!

At each location, three semi-finalists will compete and be judged by one of Macy’s Culinary Council celebrity chefs who will pick a winner live. Each winner will go on to the finals in NYC and compete for the title of ‘America’s Greatest Grilling Guru’!

Join the fun because with your purchase of $50 or more* in the Home department, receive a special grilling gift and meet a Culinary Council Chef, and have him/her sign your gift. Don't forget to RSVP!

Here's a list of times and details:

Check in will end promptly 30 minutes prior to event start time to accommodate walk-ins. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Macy’s Town Center Plaza in Leawood, KS
 June 7th, 12:00p  Join Macy's Culinary Council Chef Stephanie Izard!


Macy’s Alderwood in Lynnwood, WA
 June 7th, 1:00p  Join Macy's Culinary Council Chef Tom Douglas!


Macy’s Southpark in Charlotte, NC
 June 7th, 1:00p Join Macy's Culinary Council Chef Cat Cora!


Macy’s Ross Park in Pittsburgh, PA
 June 7th, 1:00p Join Macy's Culinary Council Chef Marc Forgione!


Macy’s Holyoke in Springfield, MA
 June 7th, 1:00p Join Macy's Culinary Council Chef Nancy Silverton!


Macy’s Old Orchard in Skokie, IL
 June 7th, 12:00p Join Macy's Culinary Council Chef Michelle Bernstein!

And the grand finale!
Macy’s Herald Square in New York, NY
June 28th, 12:00p Johnny Iuzzini & Todd English Judge the Sizzle Showdown Finale!

Also, while there enjoy trivia, prizes and tasty samples from the Culinary Council Chefs!

To learn more about the Macy's Culinary Council and upcoming events, log on to macys.com/culinarycouncil 

Follow them on twitter @culinarycouncil

Follow the Grilling Guru fun on twitter under the hashtag #GrillingGuru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And there's even more Grilling Guru Twitter Chat with #FoodieChats

Can’t make it to any of the above events, but want to stay in the conversation? Join them for a Grilling Guru edition of the famous #FoodieChats Twitter chat sponsored by @CulinaryCouncil on June 4th at 1pm EST. Macy's Culinary Council chefs, Stephanie Izard (@StephAndTheGoat) and Marc Forgione (@MarcForgione), will be answering your questions live!

Macy's Culinary Council Chef Iuzzini at Oxmoor Center for Pre-Derby Day Dessert Demo

Louisville Kentucky Race Horse Fans - Save the date!

Wednesday, April 30th at the Oxmoor Center Mall Macy's! 

Don your Derby Day Hats and head on down to the Oxmoor Mall for a Pre-Derby Day Dessert Demo!

On Wednesday, April 30th Macy's Culinary Council Chef Johnny Iuzzini will be in the Macy's Oxmoor Center Mall to you how to create classic race day desserts!

Join Macy’s Culinary Council Chef Johnny Iuzzini for a galloping good time in the kitchen! Just in time for the big race at Churchill Downs, the one and only Kentucky Derby, Chef Iuzzini will be on hand to demonstrate the secret to preparing winning desserts that are perfect for serving up at any race day party.

Taste his delicious creations then take home the recipes to impress friends and family.

Afterwards, you'll be able to meet and chat with Johnny and have him sign a copy of his cookbook, Dessert FourPlay, which you'll receive along with a $10 Macy's Gift Card when you spend $35 or more* in the Home Department.

Johnny is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with over 20 years of experience. He's also the recipient of the 2006 James Bear award for "Pastry Chef of the Year."

Space is limited, so reserve your spot by calling 1-877-55-MACYS (1-877-556-2297) beginning April 21 from 10am to 6pm.

     Macy's Oxmoor Center
     Furniture Department, 3rd Floor
     Wednesday, April 30th at 6:30pm

To learn more about the Macy's Culinary Council and upcoming events, log on to macys.com/culinarycouncil

Follow them on twitter @culinarycouncil

*Event subject to change or cancellation. Purchase must be made on April 30, 2014 at Macy's Oxmoor only. Gift Card and Dessert FourPlay will be distributed on April 30. One per customer, while supplies last. Seating is first come, first served. Macy's Gift Card valid April 30 - May 7, 2014.

Kentucky Derby Race day is Saturday May 3rd 2014


About Johnny Iuzzini
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with over twenty years of kitchen experience, Chef Iuzzini honed his craft at highly lauded New York City dining locations such as The River Café, Daniel, Payard, Café Boulud and Jean Georges. In 1998 he traveled around the world and studied pastry at some of the finest patisseries in France including LaDuree under Pierre Hermès. In 2006, the James Beard Foundation awarded Chef Iuzzini "Pastry Chef of the Year." He has also been recognized as one of the "10 Most Influential Pastry Chefs in America" by Forbes, and as one of the “Top Ten Pastry Chefs in America” by Pastry Arts and Design. He has appeared on national television shows including the Today Show, Good Morning America, Martha Stewart, and Live with Regis and Kelly. While he was the Executive Pastry Chef at Restaurant Jean Georges, the restaurant received four stars from the New York Times, three Michelin stars, and was considered one of the world’s fifty greatest restaurants. Chef Iuzzini was the head judge of Bravo’s Top Chef Just Desserts for two seasons and the author of DESSERT FOURPLAY: Sweet Quartets From A Four-Star Pastry Chef.

Follow Chef Iuzzini on twitter at  @Johnny_Iuzzini

Macy's Fall Fashion Essentials for 2013 - Providence Rhode Island

This post is sponsored by the Everywhere Society

Fall is creeping us on us slowly here in New England. The weather is getting cooler and the leaves are changing into some beautiful shades of crimson, orange, yellow, and soft brown. It was a perfect day for a drive to neighboring Rhode Island to view the fall foliage, AND some fall fashions at Macy's Providence Place Mall in Providence Rhode Island. Look for info under #MacysFF13

This is my third time visiting the Providence Place Macy's and each time I visit I'm always impressed with the store's management team and sales associates. For this trip my sister accompanied me, and as soon as we arrived at the Macy's store, I spotted one of Macy's incredible store managers, Craig Robbins. Each time I've attended one of the Macy's events in Providence, Craig has welcomed me to his store and made sure I had logistics on the event and any and all background information I would need.

Macy's Store Manager Craig Robbins (center) and models from today's event

Today was no different. Not only did he make sure we were situated front and center for the fashion event, but he also took the time to explain a little bit about how the Macy's in Providence connects with the local community. This fall they are partnering with some local organizations to support the Gloria Gemma Flames of Hope Run Walk event on October 13th. The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation is out of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and Craig was so happy that Macy's shares his commitment to supporting this worthwhile cause and the local community. "After all, the community supports us," said Craig. 

Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation

While I was getting situated, my sister did a little shopping, and came back and reported how helpful sales associate Deb in housewares was. Since my sister has about 20 years experience in retail department store management, she knows an outstanding sales team when she sees one, and also noted that it's a direct reflection of the store's management when the sales staff is so attentive and helpful! Again, kudo's to Craig Robbins! 

I also got to meet some of the "extra's" that Macy's recruits for their events. Alisha from Manicures-n-Motion, a mobile manicure lab out of D.C., as well as the greatest DJ who saved this blogger by letting her charge her phone at his deck. See! Everybody at Macy's is helpful!  (THANK YOU!) 

Macy's Attention to Detail! Manicures -- and Music!

In fact, there was something for everyone at Macy's today! Some candy - and downstairs in the children's section, there was a balloon contortionist!

Fun for everyone at Macy's

Time for the fashions! And the Five Fashion Essentials!

Bold prints, leggings, leather or pleather, cool accessories, and saturated colors are on trend for Fall 2013.

The Weekender:

Denim & Supply and BarIII

Wearing Rachel Roy

Wearing Kensie and Impulse

Mock Leather Jacket by BarIII

Date Night:

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson

Betsy Johnson

 Wearing Guess

Girl on the Go:

Ralph Lauren

Bar III

Jacket by Bar III - Blouse by Rachel Roy

Sweater by Rachel Roy

All of the clothes were amazing and I can't wait to put my own spin on Fall 2013's fashion trends! 

If I had one critique to make of this event, it would be the absence of an MC to announce the model's looks down the runway and explain the origins and backstories of this season's fashions. Each model, however, was knowledgeable about what designers they were wearing, and the makers of all their accessories, from shoes, to purses, to jewelry.  

Another great fashion event at Macy's! 

Looking for a Macy's Event near you?  click here: Find Macy's Events

or Follow Macy's Events on Twitter: @macysevents

*****

For more pictures from this event visit the Home Place facebook page HERE

*****

What's your favorite look or trend for this season?

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided me with compensation for attending this event. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own. 

Macy's Culinary Council - Chef Ming Tsai in Natick, MA - Back to School Healthy Snacks

It's time for some healthy school snacks!  

And Chef Ming Tsai and Macy's wants to show you how!

Don't you want to learn to put something healthy in that lunchbox? 

And aren't you already out of ideas for after school meals? 

Well, class is in session and Chef Ming Tsai wants to show you how to make quick, easy kid friendly lunches & meals!

Join Macy's Culinary Council Chef Ming Tsai for a Back to School Cooking Demonstration!

Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 at 6:00 PM

Macy's Natick Collection

1245 Worcester Road

Natick, MA 01760

And it only gets better!!!

With your purchase of $35 or more* in the Home department, receive a $10 Macy's Gift Card, and a Macy's Culinary Council backpack filled with gourmet goodies, which Chef Tsai will sign following the demonstration.

Reservations are required as space is limited. To save your spot today visit www.chefmingtsainatick.eventbrite.com 

*One per customer, while supplies last, while time permits. Seating is first come, first served. Macy's gift card valid September 12th - 19th. Purchase must be made September12th, 2013 at Macy's Natick. Chef Tsai will sign after the demo only. Event subject to cancellation or change.

To learn more about the Macy's Culinary Council and upcoming events, log on to macys.com/culinarycouncil

Follow Macy's Culinary Council on Twitter @culinarycouncil

Chef Ming Tsai is the James Beard Award-winning chef/owner of two restaurants - Blue Ginger and Blue Dragon. Also an Emmy Award-winner, Ming hosts PBS-TV's Simply Ming, now in its tenth season. Ming is the author of five cookbooks, including his latest Simply Ming In Your Kitchen.

Ming is a national spokesperson for the national Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization. Ming also worked with Massachusetts Legislature to help write Bill S. 2701 that requires local restaurants to comply with food allergy awareness guidelines.

A member of the Harvard School of Public Health's Nutrition Round Table, Ming also supports many charities including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Cam Neely Foundation, Family Reach Foundation and Greater Boston Food Bank.

Disclosure:  I am a member of the Everywhere Society and received compensation for this post.  However, all opinions expressed herein are my own.

Megan and Liz American Rag Tour - Macy's Paramus New Jersey

This post is sponsored by the Everywhere Society

This weekend I was invited to Macy's in Paramus New Jersey by my friends at the Everywhere Society to hear an acoustic set from sisters Megan and Liz, the music duo from Michigan who are on their American Rag 2013 Tour.

Megan and Liz - at Macy's Paramus New Jersey - American Rag Tour

I asked my sister to accompany me on the the car ride up from CT via Connecticut's Merritt Parkway to the New Jersey Garden State Parkway. After all, it's only fitting that sisters go see sisters! But Megan and Liz aren't just any kind of sisters - they are also fraternal twins! I should also add that twins and triplets run in our family! We currently have two sets of twins and one set of triplets. WOWZA!

The ride up there was beautiful, it was a clear late summer day, and along the CT Merritt Parkway, we spotted several deer, about 10 feet from the roadside, grazing on the long summer grass. So magnificent. Dangerously close, but so beautiful.

This was my second time at Macy's Paramus New Jersey in the Garden State Plaza Mall, and let me tell you, parking is crazy! After we stalked shoppers leaving we were finally able to nab a spot, and made it to the Macy's juniors section to see the show.

The fans started lining up well before the 2pm start time, and by the time we arrived it was about five deep around the stage.

Fans line up for Megan and Liz - Macy's - American Rag Tour

I was able to chat with some of the fans while we were waiting for the girls to arrive, and they were so excited when they found out on twitter that they could meet the duo here at Macy's Paramus NJ, hear a mini-session, get their autograph, and, if they had tickets, then go see them tonight at the Gramercy Theater in neighboring New York City.

But the best thing? You didn't need a ticket to hear the girls at Macy's today!

The girls were great! And even though they were suffering some vocal fatigue from their jammed-filled concert dates, they toughed it out and sang several songs from their new album.

Macy's - American Rag Tour - Megan and Liz

The highlight for me was getting to see these girls meet their fans. They were sincerely so happy to welcome them and they were equally pleasant to each and every single person who came out to meet them. Even though the line for autographs stretched on, and on, AND ONNNN. They were as sweet and warm to the first fan -- as they were to the last.

Megan and Liz Meet and Greet Session at Macy's Paramus New Jersey

I was able to spend a few minutes with Maria, one of the sales associates who works in the American Rag Junior section at the Paramus store, and she was able to help me find some of the cute clothes Megan and Liz were wearing.

American Rag at Macy's on Megan and Liz

Don't you LOVE the American Rag separates the girls are sporting? And you can shop the look, too!  Liz, left, is wearing American Rag denim overalls, and Megan, right, is wearing American Rag faux leather mixed media jacket.

Macy's is sponsoring mini-concert-sets in some of their stores near the major cities that Megan and Liz are playing in on their American Rag Tour. With a $25.00 purchase, you can meet Megan and Liz after their set! 

Get some back to school clothes - and a Megan and Liz autograph! It's a Win-Win!

Here's a list of some of the upcoming host Macy's in-house concerts.

And follow the tour on Twitter at @raggedmag

Thursday, August 15, 4PM

Macy's Castleton Mall, Indianapolis, IN

Saturday, August 24, 1 PM

Macy's Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ

Sunday, September 1, 2 PM

Macy's Coral Springs, Ft.Lauderdale, FL

Saturday, September 7, 1 PM

Macy's Fashion Square, Scottsdale, AZ

Sunday, September 15, 2 PM

Macy's Washington Square, Portland, OR

We had a great time visiting with Megan and Liz!

I even got to meet up briefly with some fellow New England bloggers that I had met the last time I was in the Paramus Mall, Jennifer from MommaDandDaBoyz (@mommaDandDaBoyz) and Monica from     SoFamilyOnline  (@Sofamilyonline)

The only downside of the Saturday trip was we took a wrong turn out of the mall and ended up coming home on I-95 via the George Washington Bridge. UGH! $13.00 toll to cross the bridge only to sit in bumper to bumper traffic for an hour. What is up with that? GPS should be auto-programmed to avoid the GW Bridge! 

But it was meant to be as we saw so many road signs with family names...and we stopped and had a late lunch at my favorite Norwalk restaurant - the Mediterraneo!  YUM!

Are you going to see Megan and Liz on their concert tour?

Have you started your fall clothes shopping?

Did you ever take a wrong turn that ended up bringing you to where you really wanted to be?

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

Were you there?  Here's more pictures and remember to "Like" the Home Place Facebook page!

Click here: Megan and Liz Pictures on Facebook

DISCLAIMER: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post about Megan and Liz's American Rag Tour. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.

Clinton Kelly's Do's and Don'ts for Spring 2013 at Macy's #SpringStyles

You've all heard the saying, "it takes a village to raise a child" haven't you?  Well this week, when preparing for Macy's Spring Styles Fashion Show, featuring Clinton Kelly, I certainly experienced something similar to it.

I had planned to attend this fashion show with sponsorship by the Everywhere Society at the Macy's in the Westfarms Mall, right outside of Hartford, CT. However, when the date of the show was released to us, it was only a few days away...and on a weekend that I had planned to visit family in upstate New York. I did reach out to some potential guest bloggers, but it seemed like everyone was busy this weekend! Sad face.

So, of course, I turned for support to the place I knew best, the Connecticut Blogging Community.
One member of our wonderful community, mentioned that a colleague from work was a BIG FAN of Clinton Kelly's and would love to take my seat, and would be happy to take pictures and recap the event for my readers!

So folks, you see, while it takes a village to raise a child, it sometimes takes a community to write a blog!

Many, many thanks Beverly and friends, for this review of Clinton Kelly's Do's and Don't for Macy's Spring Styles 2013! #SpringStyles

#SpringStyles
copyrighted photo used with permission

Beverly Wanza-Jones is a guest blogger for the Home Place blog. Beverly is a blogger whose passion includes jazz and fashion

To a rapturous crowd of 400 fans of fashion, Clinton Kelly of TLC's "What Not To Wear" and author of the book "Oh No She Didn't" walked on to the stage at Macy's in the Westfarms Mall and gave us all a lesson on what TO wear! 

copyrighted photo used with permission

Clinton has a personality that electrifies a room while engaging us in a personal, warm conversation about how our clothes make a statement about ourselves. When Clinton's on stage, he gives candid, often funny advice in a kind way, the way only a best friend would. I'd say Clinton Kelly is everyone's best fashion friend! Below he critiques a member of the audience with his trademark wit and inspiration.

The fashion segment of the show opened with this great look of 'mix and match' separates with bold statement jewelry.

Alfani Jacket, Calvin Klein Tweet Pencil Skirt
copyrighted photo used with permission

Sometimes it's all about the shoes.  Look how wonderfully these coordinate with this suit. The taupe handbag acts as a great neutral and accents the spring colors.

Calvin Klein Suit Separates
copyrighted photo used with permission

Here's a great way to mix patterns. Note the Aztec print that is popular this season, and the boldly patterned cropped pants. Patterned pants are also a fun trend for spring 2013.

Aztec inspired top
Cropped print pants
copyrighted photo used with permission

Maxi dresses continue to be on trend this season.  Here's a boldly patterned tribal print highlighted by a cute little cropped jean jacket.

Casual daytme look with sandals and cropped jacket
copyrighted photo used with permission

One of the highlights of the show were these adorable "short-shorts" worn with a high low striped top and a great pop of color in this peach cropped jacket. 

copyrighted photo used with permission

There were so many spectacular outfits that came down the runway it's hard to choose a favorite! 

The fashions covered work attire, weekend, date night, party perfect and, the aforementioned season's “must-have - crop denim jacket”.

In the closing, Clinton shared with us a positive message. He advised us all not to compare ourselves to models in advertisements who might have been photo-shopped or who had many things about them that are fake. We should be confident in our options of what we choose to wear. The event ended with the thunderous applause of an appreciative crowd!

Macy's did an amazing job hosting this event and the fashions were FABULOUS! The tag line of the event was "Only One Star [the Macy's Star] brings you coast to coast" ...but I give this event 5 out of 5 stars! 

Thank you Macy's! 

Thank you Bonnie for the opportunity to guest blog for you on Home Place! 

And now it's time for shopping!

******************

Home Place Disclaimer: I am a member of the Everywhere Society. All contributors were provided with compensation for this post about Macy's Clinton Kelly event. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are those of our own.

Daisy Lewellyn's 5 Spring Essentials - Macy's Spring Fashion Show

It's finally beginning to feel a LITTLE like spring here in Connecticut so it was the perfect weekend to hop in the car and take a drive up the Merritt Parkway to Paramus New Jersey to attend a Macy's Spring Fashion Show (#SpringEssentials and #5Essentials).

Oh my goodness.  The Garden State Plaza Mall in Paramus NJ is unbelievable. The mall is fantastic but parking is CRAZY! You literally have to stalk shoppers as they exit the mall to get a parking space.  What do they do at Christmas?  Of course,  it wasn't until I was leaving that I found out they have park assist, where you will be directed to available parking in their parking garage, and some stores (although Macy's is not one of them) have valet parking!

In any case, this was a fun fashion show hosted by the effervescent Daisy Lewellyn, author, TV personality, fashionista, and style expert. Daisy has been featured on such shows as Good Morning America, Rachel Ray, and the Martha Stewart Radio Show.

Daisy Lewellyn does a happy dance for the Five Spring Essentials!

The Everywhere Society was my sponsor for this trip and it was certainly a great event to participate in!  First of all, I got to meet a few bloggers from New England, which is always great and helps to pick up tips of the trade, and just plain make new friends! Prior to the show I met Jennifer from MommaDandDaBoyz (@mommaDandDaBoyz) and right after the show I met Monica from SoFamilyOnline (@Sofamilyonline). I also met a journalism student, Terichi, who was covering this event as part of her university studies in a course on mobile media.

We got there early enough to see the catwalk being set up and met another amazing Macy Event Coordinator, Lindsay.  These Macy's event coordinators are fantastic.  In a matter of an hour they literally transform a section of a Macy's store into a Project Runway worthy fashion event.

The show was opened by MaryAnn, store manager for the Macy's Garden State Plaza Paramus New Jersey store.

MaryAnn, store manager for Macy's Garden State Plaza Paramus NJ

Macy's was also offering shoppers who spent $75.00 or more a copy of Daisy's book "Never Pay Retail Again" and a free Macy's tote!

And everyone was invited down to the Impulse Beauty counter to have a spring inspired makeover! Shout out to the Impulse girls who also did the make up for the show!

The Impulse Girls

Daisy's five essentials for spring this year are great!  Plus they're easy to put together and AFFORDABLE!  Most of her picks for the models were separates and accessories that cost under $100.00. I know, I know, you're waiting for them!  Well here they are!

Daisy's Five Spring Essentials

• Pullovers (comfy! one was even made of sweatshirt material)
• Peplums (hides a tummy and helps give curves, or accent existing curves)
• Printed Pants (fun and flirty)
• Dresses (always a mainstay)
• Lace (even a shoe that was patterned in lace!)

As always Macy's featured beautiful models, that represented the typical real-life woman! In addition to the traditional tall and slender model, they also featured a petite size, as well as a curvy model.  Thank you Macy's for knowing that beautiful women come in ALL sizes...and that we like to see clothes on people that look like US!

Pullovers:
Daisy commented that these are all made in comfortable materials, cottons blends and jersey knits. Jessica on the left has on a pullover made of sweatshirt material.  What makes it look so polished?  Simply add a belt to kick up the style a notch!

(L) Jessica in a pullover by Bar III, pencil skirt Marilyn Monore
(Center) Zoriah in a leather vest and leather skort by MADE
(R) Tricia in a Style & Co pullover with Calvin Klein Skinny Jean

Peplum:

The peplum works like magic! Daisy says it gives both fit and flare! For women without curves, it gives the illusion of some, and for those with curves, it helps hide a little tummy and because it fits so nicely at the the waist, it nips it in a bit!

(L) Zoriah in an INC petite top and cobalt blue peplum skirt
(Center) Jessica in sorbet colors, a leather jacket and peplum dress by BAR III
(R) Tricia in a  peplum top and jeggings by Jessica Howard

Printed Pant:
This spring it is all about the printed pant, says Daisy.  What do you think?  I like them, A LOT! And I think this is one summer trend I will jump onboard with.

(L) Jessica in Michael Kors print jeans
(Center) Zoriah in Lauren priint jeans
(R) Tricia in Style & Co. print jeans

Dresses:
Dresses are always a mainstay and these three looks were fabulous!  You simply can't go wrong in a spring dress.

(L) Zoriah in a printed shirt dress by INC
(Center) Jessica in a print dress
(R) Tricia in a print dress 

Lace:
Daisy explained that lace is the one of the hottest celebrity trends this year. And can be found in everything from dresses to tops to shoes.  Check out the beautiful Tricia in the emerald dress on the right!  Emerald green is the hot color of spring, says Daisy!

(L) Jessica in an INC gray lace dress (gray is the new black says Daisy!)
(Center) Zoriah in Kensie apricot lace with lace shoes!
(R) Tricia in emerald lace (looks teal in this pic but it was actually a beautiful shade of emerald)

And I have to point out the shoes from these outfits!  The shoes in this show were amazing!  Polka dot lace ups, bright colors and neutrals, and lots of comfy wedges!

In between each 5 Spring Essentials set, Daisy held various contests, name three celebrity baby bumps (Kimye, Kate Middleton, Jessica Simpson), name the perks of the peplum, strut your stuff fashion feature, and a sixty second dance party!

Attendees get to walk the catwalk and party like a rock star!

After the show we got to meet Daisy and have our book autographed!  Terichi got to do a short interview for her mobile media course, and Monica and I did our own pose with Daisy's book on the Macy's catwalk!

Top left:  Terichi interviews Daisy while event coordinator Lindsay looks on, Bottom left:  me and Daisy, 

Center: Terichi and Daisy strike their best "fierce" pose, 

Right: me and Monica of SoFamilyOnline.

And here's some candids of the people that were there...

... and some of the pops of spring color we saw throughout the store!

Remember to check Macy's website for events in your area!

Click HERE and enter your zip code!

Hope you enjoyed looking at  Daisy Lewellyn's and Macy's Spring Essentials

shown at the fashion event at Macy's Garden State Plaza Mall in Paramus NJ

See more pictures from the event HERE and "like" the Home Place facebook page!

You can search for more info at: #SpringEssentials and #5Essentials

Look for upcoming Macy's Spring Fashion Events in:

Washington, DC: 3/28 at 5:30 pm, Macy's Union Sq with LookMazing
Memphis, TN: 4/6 a 1 pm, Macy's Wolfchase Galerria, with Nick Verreos
Cincinnati, OH: 4/20 at 1 pm, Macy's Kenwood, with Nick Verreos

*******

What's YOUR view of the fashions shown today?

Have you bought any new pullovers this spring?
Would you wear a peplum?
Is a spring dress in your future?
Will you be in some printed pants this season?
Is lace in your wardrobe?

Tell me your take on the Five Spring Essentials in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post about the Macy's Five Spring Essentials event. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.