So you want to wear a wedding jumpsuit…

Jumpsuits

You’ve come to the right place.

Yes, I am still obsessed with the elegant ensemble Solange Knowles chose for her wedding to Alan Ferguson a few months ago. Amal Clooney didn’t do too badly either, with her choice of a sleek pantsuit groom. And I loved Olivia Palermo’s wedding shorts+overskirt…tres daring!  If you’re jumping the broom soon and going for a more traditional gown, perhaps you could incorporate the look into your engagement photo shoot, bridal luncheon or bachelorette bash or even your reception/farewell ensemble.

Here are  a few options:

Crepe cowl-neck halter jumpsuit, $650 at David’s Bridal

Lola jumpsuit, $300 at BHLDN.com

Matilda jumpsuit, $800 at BHLDN.com

Ivory Love Always romper, $185 at Trussville’s South Boutique.

Ivory Lace romper, $66 at Trussville’s South Boutique.

It’s crucial that you consider your undergarments when wearing this type of look. There should be no lumps, bumps or visible panty lines! And if the item you choose is not lined, you can either have one made at an alterations shop or you may “fake it” by wearing nude pantyhose underneath, depending on the fabric (snip the legs to an appropriate length).

Xo,

Alexis

Own a piece of history from the Ebony Fashion Fair

If you’ve been reading this blog any length of time, you know my love for all things Ebony. Recently someone asked me if “black history” was my beat as a journalist and I politely explained that it was not. I see history as history: all entries and moments are important.  Ebony and the Ebony Fashion Fair are definitely a part of that.  It saddens me that the fashion show no longer struts and sashays through towns and cities. However, thanks to an auction to be held this Wednesday, we have the opportunity to bid on “the best of the best” from the archives.

Here’s more on the Ebony Fashion Fair:

Haute couture by Oscar de la Renta, Yves St. Laurent, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Lanvin, Carolina Herrera  and more are among over 500 lots up for auction. The collection includes gowns, cocktail dresses, coats, capes, separates and shoes.  And yes: the pieces have all the detail and drama you may recall if you ever attended one of the charity shows. The sale of these beautiful pieces will go on to benefit education just as they did in the past: a portion of proceeds will go to Johnson Prep. The live auction is to be conduction by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, and will begin at noon CST on June 10.

To view the catalog, click HERE. Note, you must register ahead of time in order to bid.

Did you know? Mrs. Eunice Johnson, the show’s founder and driving force, was a Selma, Ala. native. She was educated at Talladega College.

All images via the Treasures from the Ebony Fashion Fair Collection. See them all by clicking HERE.

Dazzle ’em, darlings!

  
Know someone who needs a reminder –even if it’s you? Post “SparkleChic” in comments for Your chanc to won this pair of “Abbie” sparklers from Towne & Reese! 

Want an extra entry? Find this picture posted on our Instagram account (@samechicdifferentday)  and follow the directions there! I’m picking a winner tonight! 

I said YES to the dress!

  

August 1, here I come! I found my graduation dress! I am finally getting excited about receiving my Master of Arts degree in Journalism, and this silk gazar strapless sheath by J. Crew is everything I’m going to need in my life when I cross the stage.

This sleek, chic stunner was originally $895, but it was purchased for just under $90 on…wait for it…eBay! 

Darlings, if you’re not shopping there – or at least browsing there – you are totally missing the party! It is as easy as creating an account (I suggest creating a PayPal account as well for secure payments), and searching for your heart’s (or wardrobe’s) desire. Whether that means entering “white cocktail dress” or something more specific including a brand and style number, it has been my go-to for years. And no, it doesn’t mean ending up with used or dirty items. You can find “New Old Stock” or items that are “New With Tags.” You can also find vintage items galore.

Even better: the more you shop, the more eBay Bucks you can accumulate to use on future purchases! Bloop!

A few caveats:

  • Ask any and all questions you may have about a garment BEFORE purchasing!
  • Make sure you know the seller’s return policy!
  • Know your size!
  • I stick with brands I’m familiar with, but random searches can turn up some jewels as well.
  • If it looks suspicious, proceed with caution!
  • EBay’s guarantee means you get what you pay for…or you get your money back!

Happy shopping!

H&M announces Balmain collection

  H&M’s next designer collection will be with French fashion house Balmain, led by Olivier Rousteing.  If you watched the Billboard Music Awards last night, models Jourdan Dunn and Kendall Jenner wore pieces from the upcoming line. Rousteing, a favorite of Kim and Kanye, is known for his edgy, yet opulent designs with couture flourishes.

Per the release, “The collection will be available starting November 5, in around 250 stores worldwide and online, and will feature clothing and accessories for both women and men.”

Alabama shoppers can find H&M at the Bridge Street Town Center in Huntsville.

In which I meet a Maasai chieftain + a giveaway!

I have had so many amazing experiences as a blogger, but attending the Pikolinos launch at Belk a few weeks ago is one I will never forget. If you’re not familiar with the brand, it is a line of beautifully made shoes, jewelry and accessories featuring Spanish leather and intricate beading created by Maasai women, who also receive the profits.

The Maasai Project, as it is called, gives the women a creative space as well as economic freedom. They can then educate themselves and their families…and that is a cause that really spoke to me.

I had the opportunity to see pieces from the partnership at the Summit store, and from the superb leather to the detailed beadwork, these pieces are so, so beautiful. I also had the pleasure of meeting William Kikanae Ole Pere, the tribe’s chief! He is so gracious and so warm, and his vision for empowering women has changed the lives of so many women and girls – and benefited his community as a whole.

Enjoy my highlight reel! You can shop Pikolinos’ Maasai Collection by clicking HERE and HERE.

I was gifted with a beautiful necklace from The Maasai Project and I’m sharing a little of the love with ONE lucky reader! Post “Pick Me 4 Pikolinos!” in the comments for your chance at winning a hand-beaded bracelet. ONE winner will be chosen at random this Friday!

Chief William even taught me a little of his language, Maa, and I close with this:

Ashe (“Thank you”) for reading!

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Fringe benefits

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I am obsessed with wearing fringe this season! I’ve always associated it with rodeo-wear, but this spring’s looks are uber-chic.

Case in point? These sandals by Steve Madden (see above). They’re everything I needed and then some, after no the if wearing boots and sneakers. Available at Macy’s they come in five colors, but I choose taupe for its wear-with-everything ease.

I’m also loving the Double Zero cream fringe top I wore to the Sally beauty event. I found it at Von Maur, and am really impressed by their selection and the store’s overall atmosphere (including the pianist)! It’s a delightful break from the frenzied mall, and a welcome throwback to the traditional gracious department stores of yesteryear…just with very modern designers like Kendra Scott, Shoshanna and Trina Turk. The ladies’ dress department is exceptional.

If these are a bit “much,” add a little festival flair to your look with a handbag, necklace or earrings!

“Fringly”/Steve Madden at Macy’s, $129; Tassel earrings/J. Crew; $79.99

#SallyTalksTextures recap + giveaways!

Sally Beauty has provided me with compensation for this post and my appearance at the event. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by Sally Beauty Supply in Montgomery last Saturday! I had such a great time talking natural hair styles, trading transitioning tips and sharing my favorite products from Beautiful Textures!  And yes, I used the products (three of them, in fact) on my hair.

I shampooed and conditioned my hair at home, using the Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner. I have a LOT of hair, and it loved the hydrating treatment this product provides. I left it on for about 20 minutes and my hair felt really soft and moisturized after I rinsed it out. Then I blew my hair dry, flat ironed and rolled it on flexi rods for my first look, using the Curly to Straight Flat Iron Silkener. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT! It smells delicious (thanks to olive, coconut and argan oil, shea and mango butter and aloe vera), and gave my hair both silky weightlessness and shine while acting as a heat protectant.  However it was really warm in Montgomery, so eventually my hairstyle had to adjust. Beautiful Textures Edges and Ends Silkener helped me achieve my bun.  It has a soft gelee-type texture and did not harden, which I like. Not only do these products support the versatility of natural hair, they’re affordable…which I’m sure you’ll appreciate if you’ve become somewhat of a product junkie!  Each product is about $7 at Sally.

Did you miss the Montgomery event, or are you interested in trying Beautiful Textures? You’re in luck, because I’m giving away a selection of products to two Same Chic Different Day readers!

PRIZE 1: full size versions of the Moisture Butter Whipped Curl Creme and the Curl Control Defining Pudding

PRIZE 2: a sample of the Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner mentioned about and a full size version of the Naturally Straight Texture Manageability System.

To enter, simply comment “Send me #BTSallyBeauty!” below. Two winners will be selected this Friday, and all decisions are final.

To see more photos from the #BTSallyBeauty event in Montgomery, follow SCDD on Instagram (at)samechicdifferentday!

Join me at Sally Beauty Supply this Saturday!

Calling all naturalistas!

beautiful textures flaunt your look

Sally Beauty has provided me with compensation for this post and my appearance at the event. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

What hair style are you rocking this spring and summer? Are you transitioning – or have you recently transitioned – to natural hair? Need tips on how to have celebrity hair every day? Then join Beautiful Textures, Dream Kids and me (!) at Sally Beauty Supply on Saturday, April 25 from 1-4 PM for an afternoon of beauty tips, contests and giveaways! You will also have a chance to enter a giveaway for two tickets to the BET Awards, where you can FLAUNT YOUR LOOK!

In the meantime, stay tuned for tips on how I maintain my natural hair with Beautiful Textures plus a product giveaway!

This event will be held at the Sally Beauty Supply on 1526 Eastern Boulevard in Montgomery, Alabama.

Hope to see you there!

XO, Alexis

 

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