Gus Mayer to host ‘Poppin’ Girl’s Night Out’

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*Due to inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled for a later date.*

Ladies, if you need a little “spring” in your step, come out to Gus Mayer’s Girl’s Night Out tomorrow from 3 pm-8 pm! Kick the winter slump and get glam: professional glamour shots, spring fashion,  and delicious martinis and hors d’oeuvres (from Seasons 52’s Mini Indulgences and Popchips!) are on the menu.  Pampering makeup and hair touch-ups will be provided by Gus Mayer’s cosmetics and salon.  Plus, shopping is tax-free during the event and you can trade in your gently worn, clean denim for  $50 off a $150 purchase!

Ann Simmons, Gus Mayer’s general manager, shares that what sets Gus Mayer apart is its approach to customer service.

“Our expert sales associates will help you with  whatever need you may have, from a casual look for day to a night out.  Most importantly…we make it enjoyable,” she says.  “With different buyers, each with their own unique styles, Gus Mayer offers a variety of brands and styles at different price points to fit any age or lifestyle.”

Plans are in the works to update Gus Mayer’s website in order to better serve customers.

“[We’re] in the process of updating our website to give the customer a better idea of the current merchandise we have in stock so that they have the opportunity to pre-shop before coming into complete their wardrobe selections.  If they are unable to come into the store we can also ship to our customers.”

Gus Mayer carries premium brands such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Missoni, L.A.M.B., Tory Burch, Jeffrey Campbell and Giuseppe Zanotti.  The store also offers extensive fur services and has a facial room; it is located at 225 Summit Boulevard, Suite 700.

Looking forward to seeing you at Girl’s Night Out!

Images via Gus Mayer

Meet designer Donald Pliner at Belk

Donald Pliner will appear at Belk at the Summit this Saturday, March 30 in the Ladies Shoe Department from 11 AM-4 PM!  During the appearance he will showcase (and sign!) pieces from his spring collection.  Billed as “chic, evocative and exotic,” Mr. Pliner’s line is known for luxe materials and fine details.  It’s almost sandal season and we’re currently obsessed with the Tiam, a fabulous crepe espadrille with a 4 1/2 inch wedge heel and braided detail!

About Donald Pliner: “The Donald J Pliner Company has built a reputation for its innovative materials and quality craftsmanship in men’s and women’s luxury footwear and accessories. Since 1989, the brand has been known for the combination of fashion, fit and comfort that embodies every design. Donald J Pliner products are sold nationwide in select specialty stores and upscale department stores including Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Bloomingdale’s, and at the company’s five retail stores (Aventura, Coral Gables, Houston, Las Vegas, San Jose).”

The public is invited to attend this free event and refreshments will be served.

You just never know…

#MarchMadness

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Or, in which I relax, relate and release –

For the past few weeks, I’ve had a serious case of the uglies. You know. The “I hate my hair, I hate my clothes, I hate my look”…which can easily spiral into “I hate my life” if left unchecked. A monster allergy attack left me with a red nose and watery eyes, my inability to adjust to springing forward stamped dark circles under my eyes, and I was burnt out on just about everything and everyone, including myself. Then I had the worst outbreak of acne I’ve had…well, EVER.  And I’m well past puberty. Ugh!

So.

Last week I booked a stay-cation and a first class ticket on the “Get Your Life” express.  For the first time in a long time, I did nothing but think. I didn’t blog, I didn’t plan outfits or outings, I didn’t clean house or cook or make groceries or strategize or network. I stopped obsessing over the million little things I should be doing, or could be doing (if I cloned myself ten times). I gave myself the thing that’s the most difficult for me:  a break from everything, including my to-do list and my expectations.

This week, I feel better. My skin is clearing up, a trip to Alabama Allergy and Asthma Center means I can breathe without leaving a trail of Kleenex behind me (thank you, Dr. Sikora) and I don’t look quite so red and puffy, and several days of meditation and prayer have me refocused on the things I can control (my hair, my closet) and content about the things I can’t (pretty much everything else). And most of all, I came away grateful: not everyone gets the opportunity to do what they love, and I’m wasting valuable time looking at the glass half-empty, or in squeezing in more than it’s advisable for one human to attempt without a caffeine IV or help.  Last night, I got the most refreshing beauty sleep I’ve had in six months.  I surrendered my invisible plane, indestructible bracelets and lasso of truth for one week, and I’m the better for it.  Sequin toss for Alexis!

Pressing the “pause” button to relax, relate, and release for a week, a day, or even an hour is a great way to adjust your attitude and approach….and get back in the game ready to play. Not just ready to play, ready to win – at whatever fabulous goal you have on your radar.

In the meantime, Beyonce instructed us all to do an act of worship to her and announced both her H&M Summer Collection  and EPIC trailer (sounds like she could use a break too, no?) and I found out Nordstrom Rack opens on 280 on May 16! I also found out wedge sneakers do nothing for me (but that’s a post for another day). And have you heard Angela Davis AND Esperanza Spalding are coming to Birmingham?!

I’ve missed you, darlings.

Screen shots of A Different World via YouTube; featured image of Wonder Woman by J. Bone

SCDD is on Spring Break…

Belk announces 125th Anniversary celebration plans

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Did you know that Belk – your destination for “modern Southern style” – turns 125 this year (on May 29)? How fabulous is that? And the family-owned retailer is ready to celebrate in a very big way, which means great things for its customers and the community at large.

I had the privilege of attending Belk’s Media breakfast yesterday, where I was seated right next to President and COO Mr. Johnny Belk himself! Mr. Belk spoke candidly about the plans to celebrate this special anniversary by opening more flagship stores, expanding private labels like Cynthia/Cynthia Rowley and Cam Newton, and continuing their commitment to community service by giving back to the local communities through “125 Days of Service,” its $2 million dollar commitment to helping makeover schools with the Points of Light Institute.

Mr. Belk also shared with us that Belk has major plans to improve the store’s online and in-store shopping experience to meet the demands of customers who are shopping in a variety of ways.

And if you’re shopping with Belk you’re going to love the 125 exclusive products Belk will have available from designers such as Michael Kors and Jessica Simpson, as well as 125 Days of Prizes, during which time Belk will award a prize valued from $500-$6,500 every day. Customers can register on Belk’s Facebook page or on belk125prizes.com. And yes, there’s more: designers like Cynthia Rowley and the Southern Design Showcase winners (whose collections will be featured online and in stores) will make appearances at in-store events!

Stay tuned for more details regarding Belk’s 125th anniversary!

Fab photos from the Macy’s Prom Event!

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Macy’s offered prom shoppers the magic of a Macy’s prom experience last weekend at the Riverchase Galleria location, with a fashion show featuring their latest dresses, etiquette tips for the big night, cupcakes from Dreamcakes, and mini-makeovers courtesy of Clinique and Fashion Fair!  I had a blast hosting the event, with the help of party entertainer Danny Brewer of Danny Brewer Live.  If you’re looking for something long, short or in-between, on trend and at a great price, be sure to check out their m style lab on the first floor.  The shoes with each look were from the ladies’ shoe department on the second floor, with everything from a pop of color, sparkled, studded, or neutral featured – great for prom and beyond!

The team at Macy’s was lovely enough to let me model a look from their Social Department on the second floor; I wore a spring look with a fun floral print by Jessica Simpson (not available online) and nude patent Chinese Laundry peep-toes.  I stayed to shop a little after the show and took home the dress I wore, plus one more!

Looking for a super-cute way to ask someone to the prom? Make sure you see the “Prom?” cupcake Ms. Moon provided. All you have to do is hand one to your intended date – much more chic than tweeting or sending him or her a text!

Thank you, Macy’s!

Then and now: the more things change…

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True story: I didn’t go to the prom. But my first formal “fashion moment” happened in high school, when I was invited to a ball in New Orleans.

My mother and I shopped for my dress at Cordova Mall in Pensacola, FL and found “the one” at The Body Shop (yes, they used to sell formal wear). The floor length, fully bedazzled crimson gown had a high neck, front slit and a jazzy keyhole opening.

We found red  Caparros slippers at Shoe Station in Mobile (which I still have), a matching tasseled red evening bag at the Accessory Lady in New Orleans and I raided my mom’s jewelry box.  My mother set my hair and did my makeup. The look wasn’t finished without customizing the dress: she stitched a sheer modesty panel over the front so I wasn’t exposed.

Fast forward a few years and I still absolutely love getting dressed up…the fancier the event, the better! You’ll see my style hasn’t changed: I still shop everywhere to complete a look, and I still love the drama of a bedazzled gown! This past Saturday I altered my vintage stunner from Etsy retailer Call Me Chula to make it fit tighter in the bodice and sleeves. I added a pop of coral with Essie’s “Tart Deco” nail polish and MAC’s Cremesheen Glass in “Richer, Lusher”and as you can see I still love my curls, which I fluffed myself. Although I wear less makeup than I used to, my after -ive absolute must-have are my false eyelashes! My purse was from Tarjhay, and my Badgely Mischka satin peep-toes were from DSW.

Are you headed to prom and ready to make your own fashion statement? Then you don’t want to miss the Macy’s Prom Shopping event this Saturday at the Riverchase Galleria at 2 PM! Join me for prom fashion and etiquette tips, plus mini-makeovers from Fashion Fair and Clinique, and treats from Dreamcakes!

Like Same Chic Different Day on Facebook, and follow SCDD on Twitter @SameChicSouth!

Calling all Target shoppers!

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The gods have answered: Homewood’s new Target opens to the public today! Can you tell I’m thrilled? The official grand opening is this Sunday, March 10.

While not a Super Target, the two-story store  – located in Brookwood Village – will feature a Starbucks, Pizza Hut Express, Fresh Grocery, pharmacy and Target Mobile.

*Now where are Trader Joe’s, H&M and Neiman Marcus?

Roll Tide Forever!

***Spoiler Alert*** This post has very little, if anything, to do with fashion, and if you’re connected with me via social media then you’ve seen these photos already.

When you have an opportunity to meet Nick Saban, everything else – including what you were wearing – kind of pales in comparison.

Last night I attended the Over the Mountain Touchdown Club’s Coach of The Year Awards ceremony at the Cahaba Grand (thank you, Charter Business and D.K. Perry!), and one of the perks was having a photo made with honorees Nick Saban and Brent Musburger and Coach Bobby Bowden. Every minute of the experience was enjoyable, including Coach Bowden’s jokes!

I won’t bore you with why Nick Saban’s “process” or the Crimson Tide have so much meaning for me (I’ll save that for closer to A-Day or the 2013-14 football season), but suffice it to say, having him shake my hand (yes, I’ve since washed it) was a moment I’ll never forget. I managed to refrain from screaming and fainting, and only yelled “Roll Tide” when it was totally appropriate.  But I did weep a little when last season’s highlight were shown, set to Adele’s “Skyfall.”

And for those of you who must have a fashion angle, I wore an LBD by J. Crew, pointy-toe pumps by BCBG and kept the crimson at wearing MAC’s ‘Ruby Woo’. I left all signs that I’m a “homer” at home…and yes, that is my natural hair!

Special thanks to the gentleman who took our photo randomly and then gave it to us!

Roll Tide,

Alexis

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