It’s Showtime!

Tasha Smith

One of Birmingham’s most elegant and entertaining evenings is almost upon us as  The Sickle Cell Foundation  hosts It’s Showtime at the Apollo – Birmingham Style 2012 on Saturday, January 28th!  Similar to the famed talent show conducted at Harlem’s  legendary Apollo Theater, the event features a local talent showcase and actress Tasha Smith  (For Better or For Worse) will serve as host.  Sharon B. Lewis (Executive Director) speaks passionately about the Foundation’s mission and the necessity of a cure for sickle cell  and gave me a sneak peek into what guests can expect.

“Sickle cell disease affects the red blood cells and it causes extreme pain and can cause major organ damage,” Lewis explains.  “[The Sickle Cell Foundation has] been the advocate for improved medical care and access to social services for affected families. ”  Celebrities like Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins (of TLC fame) have put a face on the disease, which can lead to severe health complications. 

Lewis – who is very optimistic that a cure will be discovered soon – emphasizes the upcoming gala’s impact.

“Funds from this event have gone towards making sure adults have access to comprehensive medical care.   If we are who are working are experiencing tough times, imagine how much tougher it is for families facing tough times [compounded with] sickle cell anemia.  [We] help families obtain prescriptions, as well as dental care and vision care.  We’re able to fill in the gap, even [providing] things like transportation to the doctor.  And there are many complications.  It’s not unusual for a person to have numerous hospitalizations throughout the year, and it’s an ongoing cycle for them.  It’s really a vicious cycle.  In addition to financial needs, I hope that the foundation also offers emotional support to help them weather the storms they find themselves confronted with. We really thank the community for all of their support in the past and hope that they will continue to support us. ”

Lewis promises guests will enjoy “a fabulous evening with incredible food and this year [there will be] an extra special twist for patrons. ”  The black tie event will be held at the Sheraton Hotel, and a limited number of tickets and tables are available for purchase by calling the Foundation’s office at (205) 780-2355 or 1-800-735-0405 (tickets are not available online). 

Image via TSAW.com

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Fashion Recap: NAACP/SWAC Night of Fashion

SCDD was in the building (yes, fashionably late!) for the NAACP Night of Fashion last Friday night, and what a fabulous night it was!  Held at the Birmingam Museum of Art and hosted by Jazze Pha and Miss Alabama  2010 Ashley Davis, the standing room only event featured designs by Alabama A&M alum Nicci Hou, Francisco Azucar, Shaka King, and Piedmont, AL native Borris J. Powell.  The evening also included formal recognition for Justice Ralph D. Cook, Sr., who received a crystal gavel courtesy of Bromberg’s.  And over$30,ooo was raised for the NAACP!

The catwalk sizzled with some serious looks, but if we had to choose a favorite, it would have to be the taffeta shirtdresses featuring layered or puffed sleeves, nipped waists, popped collars and ballgown silhouettes.  These classic looks brought the drama and would up the ante for any after-five social event.  We also loved Shaka King’s Spring 2012 preview, with its easy, breezy tribal-inspired resortwear for men.  Clothed in textured and printed fabrics, his models looked like they were flown in from some rocking party in Morocco!  For more fashion fab, check out the video from Kenny Luk here.

The fashion wasn’t just on the runway however, as Birmingham’s social set turned out in their finest furs and baddest hats.  Ashley Davis dazzled in a teal silk satin one shoulder floor-length gown with front slit, and of course, Jazze Pha was in his “uniform”: a red checked dress shirt, navy vest and denim with coordinating baseball cap.  We spotted several ladies in red, but our best dressed of the night has to go to the young woman who was spotted wearing a knee-length red chiffon dress with long sleeves,  accented with long strands of pearls, black tights, and leopard boots.  Trés uptown chic!

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Bill Cosby @ the Alabama Theatre, 2/17/2012

Hey, hey, hey…Miles College presents an evening with Bill Cosby on February 17! Whether you know him from I Spy (which made television history by being the first drama to feature an African-American actor as a lead), Uptown Saturday Night  and Let’s Do It Again, The Cosby Show, his stand-up comedy or Fat Albert (which was also part of Dr. Cosby’s dissertation), his extensive philanthropy, his books, or from his activities as a no-nonsense,  outspoken social critic, – whew! – you don’t want to miss this show. 

No word on whether pudding pops will be provided.

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

Image courtesy of art.com

Lalah Hathaway @ the Alys Stephens Center 12/15-16/2011

Mark your social calendars, chic ones! Lalah Hathaway (daughter of Donny and owner of a FAB set of classically trained alto and contralto pipes) is performing at the ASC on December 15 and 16, and YOU can win tickets! How? Simply check out Magic City Post’s contest and enter by 5 PM on December 12, 2011; many will enter and a few will win-you know the drill!

For more on Ms. Hathaway, whose newest album Where it All Begins  dropped in October,  click here.   And just for kicks check out this clip of what Birmingham concert-goers can expect.

Image courtesy of amazon.com

Can I Get a Roll Tide?

You mad?

We had the privilege of being in the house for the 2011 University of Alabama Football Banquet at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center yesterday evening, and what a thrilling night it was!  The legendary Eli Gold was master of ceremonies and the mood was absolutely electric as guests waited for the final BCS standings to be announced.  I would be remiss if I didn’t note that crimson and houndstooth were the color combination of the night, with Chanel handbags being seen on the arms of quite a few.  Floral arrangements by Norton’s featured crimson roses, and pristine white hydrangeas, accented with houndstooth bows and hats.

Congratulations to Kerry Goode, who was named Jefferson County Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus for spearheading the Alabama/Auburn charity flag football game to benefit tornado relief efforts, and Trent Richardson, who was named Most Valuable Player, as well as all the other award winners.  We spotted Dont’a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw, Carson Tinker, Marquise Maze, and AJ McCarron as well.

Although we restrained ourselves from getting autographs, it was truly a fabulous night!

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See you at the ‘Ship!

Best Dressed: The Classic Soiree

Okay, okay…we partied too hard last weekend at the Magic City Classic to take photos, but take our word for it: the hautest party in town was held at the Birmingham Museum of Art last Friday night, where Birmingham’s most fashionable mix, mingled, and enjoyed music from Raheem Devaughn! And while there were simply too many fabulous ensembles to recount, we thought it only fitting to celebrate three socialites who styled this week’s Fashion Flashback in three very distinct, but equally fab ways:

Regan Fisher Liggins chose a long sleeve sweater dress with grommet and lace-up detailing and accessories from Cache.   Mrs. Liggins notes she was “aiming for sophistication with comfort.”  We think she succeeded..and as the temperatures dipped, we know several bare-armed ladies wished they’d followed her lead and worn something with sleeves!

Tia Chestang-Beville chose a black sheath with ruffle detail by Paul Sinclaire.  She accessorized with Valentino’s couture bow d’Orsay pumps in cherry red for a pop of color, and a Kate Spade Pop Art Pearle clutch (which we’re going to “borrow” at the first opportunity!).  Mrs. Beville says she was going for a “back to basics  meets classy chic look”.  

Jamika Kirk shopped the day of the event (!) and came away a winner with a “fun, flirty,  sexy” one-shoulder Jessica Simpson cocktail dress she found at Macy’s/Colonial Brookwood Mall.  She accessorized with Badgley Mischka’s black satin Randall stilettos, jewelry by Guess and Claire’s and a clutch from Express.   Ms. Kirk,  who had never worn a one-shoulder before, was looking for a dress that could easily transition to another nightspot.

Three looks – all chic!

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…

….WHO’S THE HAUTEST OF THEM ALL?

It could be YOU!

Same Chic Different Day is looking for the best dressed ladies and gentlemen at the 2011 State Farm Magic City Classic!  Rock your fly and flashy ensembles…if you’re tapped by our Head Fashionista in Charge  – Alexis Barton – as she checks out game day fashion at Birmingham’s Legion Field and party attire throughout the weekend, your style could be featured right here in an upcoming post! 

For more on Magic City Classic fashion do’s and definite don’ts, check out this post!

Image courtesy of Google

What’s Not Haute: 2011 State Farm Magic City Classic Edition

These lovelies are getting worn this weekend. Trust.

It’s time for the 2011 State Farm Magic City Classic, the 70th annual face-off between Alabama A&M and Alabama State Universities, and one of Birmingham’s most fashionable events! Whether you’re rooting for the Hornets or the Bulldogs come October 28th, here are some tips to keep you from being fashion roadkill! 

  1. LAYERWeather can change from hot to cold and back in an instant.  Shivering half-naked makes you look silly. And sweating with a coat on is unacceptable as well.
  2. Fur is FIRE (if the temperature deems it appropriate)…but please leave anything that resembles German shepherd, raccoon, or squirrel in your closet.  Better yet, trash it.  Simply put, if it looks like it can move  with you, don’t wear it!
  3. Rock boots and stiletto heels if you must, but only if you know how to walk in them. Hobbling,stumbling and/or stomping are not sexy. If you just bought them and haven’t broken them in, don’t bother.
  4. Furthermore, if your toes are hanging over the edge of your shoes, or if the heels are missing taps or look like they’ve been gnawed by a rabid animal, please don’t wear them.
  5. This is a family-friendly weekend.  No one wants to see the tattoo(s) on your exposed stomach, cleavage, or lower back. Thanks!
  6. If your ‘gators are the same color as Kool-Aid or Now&Laters, spare us.
  7. We know you’ve got school spirit, but that 1964 band sweater is not the business. Matter fact, NOTHING from 1964 is okay.
  8. No one is starching their jeans anymore, we hope! We don’t want to see any super stiff creases in your denim!
  9. If you’re wearing Spandex and are visibly pregnant, expect to be tapped on the shoulder and asked to leave.
  10. Ditto for anyone in an extra smedium vest (male or female).
  11. Wear your ice, but don’t be mad if it gets snatched. You’ve seen Birmingham on The First 48, right? Please don’t be a fashion casualty!
  12. No one wants to see your underwear (bra straps, panty lines, boxer shorts, etc.). Take our word for it.
  13. You’re not on the dance line, so why would you wear booty shorts or a leotard and fishnets to the game?
  14. If you absolutely must wear a (zoot) suit to any of the events scheduled this weekend, please remove the tag(s) from the sleeve.
  15. If your lacefront game is not up to par (and by “up to par” we mean: no visible glue tracks, it shouldn’t look like old Barbie doll hair, and it shouldn’t be perched right above your eyebrows), expect to be a topic of discussion for all the wrong reasons.
  16. Need we inform you that baby hair is for BABIES?
  17. Ladies: please keep your shoes on in the club and everywhere else for that matter. You’re welcome.
  18. Men in skinny jeans or jeggings – well, if you’re guilty of this crime you probably aren’t even reading this blog regularly – so…never mind.
  19. It’s not Halloween or Mardi Gras.  Unless you actually are Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, or Lady Gaga, don’t show up dressed as a misguided geisha, Barbie, Smurfette, or wearing meat.
  20. Keep it chic!   One of our readers rocked a bow tie and sweater at her college’s homecoming.  Or maybe in honor of LisaRaye – this year’s ambassador – you want to try a “white haute” look. This weekend is the time to take a calculated risk, either with your ensemble or accessories!
     

And for more on Black college classics, check out this article by Deron Snyder at theroot.com.

Image courtesy of bloomingdales.com

SCDD Recommends: 2011 Magic City Classic Edition

Hornets. Bulldogs. A mass exit after halftime. Totally inappropriate attire for late October. That’s right children, it’s time for the 2011 Magic City Classic…show up and show out whether you actually attended either Alabama State or Alabama A&M Universities!  Here’s our guide to some of Birmingham’s best bets (if you’re not stuck at the Galleria or the Summit trying to hook up your party  outfit at the last minute).

EAT:  Cafeteria-style meat and three:  Niki’s West.  Wings:  Green AcresFine dining (reservations recommended!): Bottega Cafe, Bettola, and Ocean (best seafood north of the Gulf; try the lobster tails!).  Casual  dining: Michael’s  (our choice for steaks).  Modern TexMex: Cocina Superior (Have the queso! And a margarita!  And the shrimp brochettes!) Cocktails: Avo and Dram (super chic!).  Breakfast: The Original Pancake House (if you’re not down with the Awful Waffle).

SHOP: Check out The Summit on Highway 280 (where you will find the only Saks Fifth Avenue, BCBG, Juicy Couture and Sephora), or if you have time to kill, The Shops of Grand River in Leeds.  There’s also great boutique shopping in Homewood’s SoHo district.

STAY:  Take your pick: Aloft in SoHo, the super swank  Ross Bridge Renaissance, the Embassy Suites  in Hoover, or  Southside’s  favorite boutique hotel The Hotel Highland.  And the Sheraton  is conveniently located downtown as well.

PLAY:  You’re here for the game and after parties, supposedly, so we’ll skip the scenic tour (although you can find highlights here).  After the game, get your party on, hit up a concert or catch a comedy show…this is when Birmingham’s nightlife comes alive (and if you don’t believe us, check out Urbanham.com’s Classic Weekend Event Guide!  And for a taste of local radio, tune your station to WBHJ 95.7, KISS 98.7, Hot 107.7,   Power 102.1 or 104.1 The Beat.

Image courtesy of State Farm Magic City Classic

See and Be Seen at Fashiontini!

Birmingham’s most fashionable people as well as members of the fashion industry will connect at FASHIONTINI on September 21 at The H Bar, located in the Hotel Highland at Five Points South.  This cocktail mixer will salute up and coming local designer Brian Moore of B.Moe Apparel and JamaicaBama…you don’t want to miss it!  And check out our interview with Mr. Moore himself over at urbanham.com!

Image courtesy of urbanham.com

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