Aug

Toss some sequins: H&M.com is here!

Swedish retailer H&M answered a lot of fashionistas’ prayers on August 1 when they (finally!) opened online shopping in the United States. If you were part of the contingent that traveled to stores in Huntsville, Nashville, Atlanta and beyond (or gave a shopping list to friends in a city with an H&M), you now can shop H&M’s fast fashion offerings for ladies (including maternity and plus size), men, kids and the home from the comfort of your sofa (at least until they open a store in the Birmingham area). Check out our ~~wish list~~ top ten looks below.

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The deets: Draped top in black, $34.95; Embroidered organdie and chiffon blouse in black or white, $29.95; Embossed “leather” tote, $34.95; Graphic jersey top in white, $12.95; Jersey midi skirt in coral, $12.95; Loose-fit pants in dark blue, $24.95; Imitation leather pants in black, $34.95; Shoulder bag with stitch and tassel detail in black or cream, $24.95; Gold feather earrings with ear cuffs, $5.95; “Chic” Print tee in white, $14.95

And as a final plea: H&M, if you’re listening, we want a brick and mortar location in Birmingham!

Happy shopping!

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Aug

Project Runway Episode 3 Recap: Meltdowns, turbans and yogurt…oh my!

*Warning: This post contains spoilers to last night’s episode of Project Runway. Watch full episodes HERE. *

The challenge: The designers are awakened by Heidi for jaunt to Coney Island. A Yoplait executive introduces them to new frozen yogurt, which will then inspire the theme of the challenge. The designers take carts on the boardwalk, offer free samples, and ask for feedback from people (“tasters”). They are to take three of the descriptive sensory words they receive as feedback (such as “fluffy”, “light” “refreshing”, etc.) to use to inspire their designs. This is a team challenge. Oh dear…the button bag is back!

Each team is to create 1 look. Instead of going to Mood for fabric, they have to play games and use the prizes they win for fabrication.

It’s interesting to see what they come up with out of vinyl dolphins, sombreros, vinyl whales, balls, stuffed frogs and ice cream cones.

The drama: So many people cried during this episode that we lost count.

Our favorite design: Helen and Kate’s stunning, wearable crimson cocktail dress. Made out of rattan sombreros, kites and stuffed animals (for lining), the sculptural effect, with sharp tailoring and minimalistic styling KILLED. Zac Posen: “It looks polished, it looks well-made.”

Our least favorite design: The shark bait/big-mouthed blue monster dress. Cue the Jaws theme music. It looked juvenile and wacky, not fun and playful as the designers hoped. It. Had. A. Mustache. But the judges loved it; Nina Garcia lauded it as an “Instagram moment.”

Designer to watch: Kate Pankote (who was given the boot last season, returned this year and won the first challenge) is taking no prisoners.

Style statement of the night? Ken Laurence’s turban, hands down. WORK.

Outcome: Helen and Kate are named the winners of this challenge. Helen is named overall winner and gains immunity. Birmingham’s own Ken Laurence is still in it to win it!

Project Runway airs Thursday nights at 8 PM on Lifetime. Join the fun by watching and live-tweeting with SCDD (@SameChicSouth) every week!

Images via Lifetime

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Aug

‘Hats, Pearls and Gloves’ fundraiser to be held this Saturday

Want to get a preview of this season’s fabulous fashion before you shop this weekend’s sales tax holiday, AND support a great cause?

Then please join the Women’s Auxiliary of the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club as they present their second annual ‘Hats, Pearls and Gloves’ luncheon and fashion show this Saturday, August 3rd! The event will be held at the Wynfrey Hotel at the Riverchase Galleria from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM, and will feature members of the local community modeling “modern, Southern style” from Belk.

The Club serves nearly 1,000 children in the community each year. Its efforts with area youth emphasize character development through five core program areas: Education and Career Development, Character and Leadership Development, Health and Life Skills, Sports, Fitness & Recreation and the Arts. The skills and characteristics gained through these programs encourage academic success, personal responsibility and teamwork.

“We are so pleased to welcome the community to show its support for this special event benefiting our deserving young people,” said Frank E. Adams, Jr. President & Chief Professional Officer for the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club. “Building on the success of last year, we’re certain that this year’s Hats, Pearls and Gloves will be a joyous and stylish celebration.”

This year’s program – sponsored by Belk and McDonalds Corporate – will be emceed by Gina Redmond and Gene Norman of CBS 42 and will include fashion commentary from yours truly! As a special feature, Saturday’s event will include a “Fashion Tap” where guests are invited to wear their best hats, pearls and gloves; the person with the ‘most unique’ ensemble will be tapped and awarded a special prize.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit programs at the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club. Individual tickets ($50) can be purchased by clicking HERE.

See you there!

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Jul

Shop during the 2013 sales tax holiday this weekend!

Darlings, who doesn’t love a good sale?

The 8th annual sales tax holiday is this weekend, so this would be a good time to stock up on “unmentionables”, outerwear and footwear.

rom the state revenue department’s website –

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. (CST) on Friday August 2, 2013, and ending at twelve midnight on Sunday August 4, 2013, Alabama will hold its eighth annual sales tax holiday giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, and clothing free of state sales or use tax. Local sales and use tax may apply.

For the list of 2013 participating cities and counties, click HERE.

For a quick reference guide to exempt items, clicke HERE.

The Alabama Retail Association notes “Alabama retailers are required to participate in the state’s sales tax holidays and cannot charge any waived sales taxes on the items that are legally tax-exempt during the two tax holidays.”

Happy shopping!

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Jul

I hope you know…

This is the view outside my window, and I wanted to share it with you.

Have a fabulous weekend, darlings!

XO, Alexis

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Jul

‘Tales of Endearment’ episode features DVF

Watch:

If you love Diane von Furstenberg and her iconic womenswear, you can introduce her pieces to the little fashionista in your life by shopping The Little Explorers Collection via GAP Kids. The collection includes shoes, separates, and accessories in DVF’s eye-catching prints – and yes, there is a wrap dress.

Wrap dress in lush green, originally $50. Now $29.99 on GAP.com

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Jul

What we wore: Soirée at SoHo

I wanted to share two of the super chic looks worn at the recent Soiree at SoHo. I had a lovely time, and the Role Model Runway was so fun (I managed not to trip or fall!). It was a pleasure celebrating the work accomplished by the Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama.

On Leslie Cooper: Calvin Klein crew neck roll sleeve blouse in “Tempest Teal “and Michael Kors printed skinny pant in turquoise and navy with Jessica Simpson “Cosset” wedges in red. What a chic and totally wearable way to mix patterns, prints and color!

On Alexis: Vince Camuto twisted neckline maxi dress (similar, here). I love the graphic chevron print as well as the slight pop of citrus yellow at the neckline. Perfect for cocktails or luncheons, it flatters a multitudes of silhouettes; it flatters the shoulders and neckline. We also added a matching yellow belt for an additional pop of color. This airy chiffon dress was so comfortable that I just wanted to twirl all the way home in it!

Here’s a look at the fabulous fashions worn by all the Role Models this year ( the outfits were graciously provided by Belk).

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Jul

‘Summer Camp’ by Harold&MOD is tonight

This event will feature a fashion show and video premiere from vintage lifestyle brand Harold & MOD plus music by DJ Coco and Shook Foil tonight at the Good People Brewing Company. Parking may be iffy, so get there early darlings…my leather shorts and I will be in the building!

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Image via Harold&MOD

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Jul

Join me for Soiree at SoHo on July 11!

Join the Girl Scouts Young Philanthropists Society for its 4th Annual Soiree at SoHo tomorrow evening! Soiree at SoHo, sponsored by Regions Bank, is no ordinary event and is truly a fun event for all involved. This event features food, music, drinks and a silent auction as well as a “Role Model Runway” show. I am SO honored and excited to rock the runway this year – along with Reed Avant, Catherine Briscoe, Leslie Cooper, Setara C. Foster, Brandon Gibson, Rhett McCreight, D.G. Pantazis, Jr., LeNa’ Powe, Madeline Reeves, Becky Rogers, Lochrane Smith and Will Thuston – while touting the season’s hottest fashions provided by Belk. Funds raised at this event help support the programs of Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama that serves more than 15,000 girls annually.