While I was off maxing and relaxing, Ashlee Simpson showed up at SouthPark Mall in Charlotte, NC in the same dress I rocked at the Macy’s Prom Event! Does she read this blog??? And did she also hijack my pose? The only difference in dresses is she removed one layer of the skirt.
Okay, okay…maybe the fact that her sister designed the Spring-ready “Extol” look had something to do with it. This flouncy, flirty look with abstract print, cap sleeves and button placket back is fit for a variety of occasions and physiques. But just for fun, (and because I love E!’s Fashion Police feature): who rocked it best? Vote below!
This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending one of Birmingham’s premiere social events: “Showtime Birmingham Style,” in support of the Sickle Cell Foundation. The Foundation “was established in 1978 for the purpose of advocating and improving the quality of health, life and services for individuals affected by sickle cell disease and related conditions in central Alabama, while promoting the search for a cure for all people in the world with sickle cell disease.” Executive Director Sharon B. Lewis, this year’s chairwoman Brenda M. Brantley and celebrity host Nicole Ari Parker made this year’s gala a truly magical event.
After a red carpet pre-gala reception, guests enjoyed remarks from Dr. Tim Townes, UAB Chair of the Department of Biochemistry/Molecular Genetics, whose research may lead to a cure for the disease. Next, Fox 6′s Jeh Jeh Pruitt and Mickey Ferguson took the stage as masters of ceremony and ongoing comic relief. After greetings from Mayor William Bell, Congresswoman Terri Sewell and acknowledgments from President of the Board of Directors Michael H. Bell, Ms. Lewis, and Ms. Brantley, guests enjoyed a dinner of barbecue shrimp and grits, Southern fried chicken and sauteed spinach.
This year’s celebrity showcase did not disappoint and featured some hidden Birmingham-area talent: highlights included Birmingham Fire Chief Ivor Brooks, Ernest Miller and Lamont Saffo’s rendition of “Let’s Just Kiss and Say Goodbye” by The Manhattans, City Councilman Jonathan F. Austin’s take on Barry White’s “Practice What You Preach,” accompanied by Courtney G. French of Fuston, Petway and French, and Charlie Waldrep, Randy Jones, Jim Folsom and Tommy Spina’s lively medley of “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” and “The Duke of Earl.”
The night’s popular amateur talent feature wowed the audience with R&B, rap and soul. It included Abijah Cunningham’s first place version of Patti Labelle’s “If Only You Knew,” Prince’s “The Beautiful Ones” performed by second place winner El Paso Williams, and “OG” Gregory Johnson’s third place take on “Cruisin’ ” by Smokey Robinson.
This was also a night for fabulous black-tie fashion, and you know I love to get fab for a great cause! So what did I wear? An apricot and cream vintage sequined and belted silk sheath from Dallas’ Rummage Vintage, with a gold snakeskin miniaudiere, and barely-there PVC Manolo Blahniks. I wore my hair in a simple topknot, and for a little pizazz I also tried “junk nails,” which added sparkling embellishments to my manicure.
Surprise guest of the night? Buffalo Bills’ defensive tackle (and former Alabama gamechanger) Marcell Dareus, who made an impromptu pledge of support to the Sickle Cell Foundation, and was sweet enough to pose with me! Isn’t he dapper?
BB&T of Alabama was this year’s title sponsor, and the 2014 “It’s Showtime! Birmingham Style”chairman will be Charlie Waldrep, of Waldrep, Stewart and Kendrick.
For once, I’m at a loss for words. Your thoughts?
Image via People (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Tyra channels Marilyn at the recent Time Inc. 100 Gala Or is it just me? Minus the bodacious butt bow and gloves, of course.
I think I like Marilyn’s haute pink version better.
And speaking of thinking pink…what do you think of Lauren Conrad’s fuchsia ponytail? I kinda love it! Check out the lovely deeper shade with ombré effect on Ashanti (and how Nelly coordinated!). The hues each lady chose flatter their 
complexions, and their makeup is flawless! There’s a major difference between what these ladies are working and the clown colors others are rocking (names are withheld to protect the guilty!). Note how complementary shades are used to pull off such a risky look, and also note: these ladies are in the entertainment and fashion/beauty industries. A more subtle use of hair color is highly recommended for those of us in more conventional occupations.
Images via AP, Jon Kopaloff/Film Magic (by way of People) and YB&F
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There are no E’s for Effort for our Worst Dressed offenders. Get it together.
Melissa McCarthy paid homage to Bridemaids in a sienna rose jeweled gown by Marina Rinaldi. McCarthy is reportedly starting her own clothing line. I love her; just not in this dress. Surely there was a more flattering design to be had (i.e. from Tadashi Shoji, perhaps? They have proven they understand and celebrate a fuller silhouette.).
Another no: Natalie Portman’s vintage scarlet and black polka dot gown by Dior. I’m not sure polka dots are ever a wise choice for the red carpet.
And a special note for you, Sacha Baron Cohen (and Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj and everyone else who wants to be so “different”): come as YOURSELF. Costumes and gimmicks at the Oscars? Leave those to the host. Except for blackface. That is never appropriate.
No ma’am Melissa Leo: a matronly black and gold sequined combo with an unfortunate ribbon belt? And what looks the top part of a short-sleeved shirt stuffed into a strapless evening gown? 
#dobetter
Emma Stone’s fire engine red Giambattista Valli has been seen before, on Nicole Kidman wearing a similar version by Balenciaga in 2007. And I liked it better on Nicole.
Why take home an Oscar when you can come dressed as one? Best Actress winner Meryl Streep did, in a golden draped Lanvin. And so did Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson, in a Romona Keveza gold number straight from Caesars Palace. But Stacy Keibler in (Marchesa) did it better, ladies!
Trend that needs to stop? Split and/or sheer sleeves, as seen on Jennifer Lopez (in Zuhair Murad), Berenice Bejo (in Elie Saab), Sherri Shepherd, the aforementioned Melissa McCarthy, Livia Firth and Amara Miller. This is not prom season 1974. Stop trying to make matronly, peek-a-boo and fluttery sleeves happen. And we should not be able to see your lingerie, Sherri.
What else wasn’t cool? Angelina Jolie must be taking lessons from the Lea Michele book of “Look at ME!” posing. The slit-up-to-HERE black velvet Atelier Versace was lovely, and I get that it’s couture and meant to give leg drama, but it was too much. We don’t all want to see your inner thigh.
Final thoughts? Jane Seymour’s ensemble made me sad, because it reminded me of how beautiful she used to be when she wasn’t trying so hard. She’s a gorgeous woman, but the low cut, red sequined look is just wrong. Bo Derek, on the other hand, is still a “10″ (pun intended) in her figure flattering navy gown. And I still am scratching my head over Busy Phillip’s grey lace Dolce & Gabbana. Scarlett O’Hara did curtains already.
So fab ones, what have we learned? Don’t wear something someone else wore better in recent history. Stay away from dowdy touches. Don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself with outlandish posing. Be sexy AND age appropriate. And leave the Halloween costume in your closet. You’ve been warned.
Images via InStyle/Getty
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