Muhammad Ali and grandson pose for Louis Vuitton

Let’s all say it together: “Awwwww!”

Ali and his grandson Curtis Conway, Jr.  join a list of other celebrity and iconic supporters of the posh brand including Angelina Jolie and Pele.  The ad campaign – with photos shot by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz -was captured at Ali’s Phoenix home and launches today.  And that haute bag? It’s the Keepall 50, priced at $1630 and can be customized with stripes and/or a monogram.  You can purchase  it online at Louis Vuitton; the luxury brand is also sold at Birmingham’s Saks Fifth Avenue, located at the Summit.

Image via The Wall Street Journal

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Recommended Reading: Lara Spencer’s I Brake for Yard Sales

If you haven’t checked out a good yard sale, garage sale or antique mall*, you simply haven’t lived, darling.  Savvy bargainistas know that one woman’s junque is another’s treasure, and that you can rack up on some serious deals for your home and wardrobe.  Want “blue-blood style on a blue-collar budget”? Then you need to read this.

Good Morning America coanchor Lara Spencer gives readers the scoop on navigating auctions, estate sales, thrift stores, flea markets and the like with her new book I Brake for Yard Sales. Spencer is an experienced bargain shopper and moonlights as an interior designer and antiques dealer; she even redecorated Kathy Griffin’s California pad.

So, what do you need to get started? A good eye, patience, and a plan.  Spencer’s book is an informative resource to help you hone your high wattage taste and identify how to salvage those much-loved treasures.  She includes helpful hints such as estate sale etiquette, the do’s and don’ts of haggling, insights from fellow flea marketer Jonathan Adler and designers to look for during your search.

Ready to hit the sales? Check out estatesales.net for listings in your area.  And locally, I’ve found great deals at Hanna Antiques (jewelry AND furniture!).

*I draw the line at dumpster diving.  But to each her own.

Images via Amazon and Redbook

Have you entered our HAUTE H&M Giveaway?  What are you waiting for?

Enter SCDD’s super haute H&M giveaway!!!

News this fabulous deserves a drumroll…**cuetheconfetti***

Your summer wardrobe just got a whole lot hauter, fab ones!  Same Chic Different Day is pleased to partner with H&M to celebrate their June 14 opening at Huntsville’s Bridge Street Town Centre by offering our very chic readers a chance to win one of FOUR $50 gift cards…OR the fabulous grand prize: a $100 gift card PLUS early entry to the grand opening, at 11:30 AM!  That’s right:  the grand prize winner gets to skip the line and shop early!

Want a chance to win?   Here’s how:  leave an “I HEART H&M HSV” comment under this post!  And we’re giving you FOUR more fabulous ways get in on the good stuff:

  • Follow H&M on Facebook or Twitter @HMUSA 
  • Follow SCDD on Facebook or Twitter @SameChicSouth
  • Subscribe to  SCDD (by scrolling to the end of this page, entering your email address and clicking “Sign me up!”)
  • Share this haute giveaway post via your blog, Facebook or Twitter account.

NOTE: For each additional entry, a separate comment should be left on this post (“I followed [H&M]”…etc).  Winners will be selected at random from all qualified entries.  Please use a valid email address, as that is how winners will be contacted.  Enter by 5 PM CDT on Tuesday, June 12.   All decisions final.

***Comments for this post are now closed.  The winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 13.  Thanks for entering!***

CNBC features J. Crew’s “King of Retail” Mickey Drexler

In case you missed it, CNBC recently profiled CEO Millard “Mickey” Drexler, the retail guru who got millions to fall into the GAP and wear Banana Republic, and who reimagined Ann Taylor.  Drexler is most recently behind the mega-success of J. Crew (their revenue was up $1.9 billion in 2011).   J. Crew and the Man Who Dressed America was hosted by David Faber and featured commentary from none other than Vogue’s Anna Wintour.

Little known fact (even to a J. Crewaholic like me) : J. Crew began as the Popular Club Plan in 1947 and debuted as J.Crew outfitters in 1983.  Drexler even helped launch the Apple stores and is on the board of Apple.  Once considered the poor man’s Ralph Lauren,  now the clothes are “like a triple decker sundae” gushed company President and Executive Creative Director Jenna Lyons.  Drexler was quite outspoken about getting the boot from the GAP, and even addressed current customer complaints and issues with fabrication and design, which are often featured on blogs such as J. Crew Aficionada

Drexler also revealed that Jackie O served as his imaginary muse, particularly during his tenure at Ann Taylor.  He said he’d ask himself, “Would Jackie like this?”.  It is easy to see that Drexler understands the finer points of retailing and appealing to the consumer; no detail is left to chance, and J.Crew’s painstaking attention to detail means its clothes wind up on the back of  even the First Lady of the United States.

See Drexler’s take on design HERE.

Image via CNBC

Part novelty item, part nostalgia piece, this Native Union Pop Phone handset is both the strangest and coolest phone accessory I’ve ever seen.  

From Nordstrom: “inspired by the iconic 1950s Bakelite-style telephone, this handset plugs directly into most phones and computers to facilitate chatting via Skype, Facetime, Google Talk and other web-based communicators. The handset is fitted with a high-quality speaker and microphone along with noise-reduction technology. It has a 3.5 mm jack to accomodate iPhones and most smartphones, eliminates over 99% over absorbed phone radiation and is made of plastic.”

Handsets come in a variety of primary colors in the $29-35 range, and the featured goldtastic model is in the $50-$60 range.  Want to try it but don’t have an iPhone? Check Native Union for adapter options.

Available via Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom

Sew Fabulous: FREE lessons from Craftsy.com!

If you’ve been wanting to learn the fine art of stitchery  but are scared to death of your sewing machine (ahem), Craftsy.com is offering FREE (yes, FREE!) sewing lessons! Who has had a sewing machine banished to a closet for the past two years (*raises hand*)?

If – like  me – you missed out on taking home economics and are not self-taught, you may want to look into Sewing Machine 911, which teaches users how to familiarize themselves and troubleshoot issues with their sewing machines, whether new or vintage.  All you have to do is create a Craftsy membership and register; there are five classes which you can enjoy whenever you want, as often as you would like (access never expires).  There are also course materials to round out the experience.   View a preview HERE.

While this class doesn’t actually teach you how to sew, it very well may get you over the fear of using the actual machine (okay, it just may get ME over it).  Craftsy.com offers a range of crafting classes, plus workshops, patterns and projects to try, and I have a sneaking suspicion it’s going to be one of my new favorite websites!

*

Come out for a fun night benefiting a great cause! Join the UAB Minority Health Research Center’s Young Professional Board at their 4th Annual Casino Royale on June 1!

Fab Freebies from Ulta

Mark your calendars!  The beauty emporium Ulta is in the midst of a “Love Your Hair” promotion offering two weeks of  tools, product deals and demos including the following freebies:

May 17: Flyaways be Gone! Free Sleek and Smooth Demo

May 19: Free CHI Blow Dry Boot Camp

May 21: Free Waves and Curls Demo

May 23: Free Braid Demo

Daily deals and demos are only good for the day advertised.  Check the “Love Your Hair” Calendar for other promo goodies!  Click HERE to locate an ULTA near you.

 Just for lagniappe, while we’re talking about loving your hair, how cute is this cheeky tee from Differently Clothing?  The $26.99 statement tee is made of organic cotton and comes in four colors. 

Images via Ulta and Differently Clothing

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Who knew Lena Horne had her own cosmetics line back in the day?  This ad via Flickr offers shoppers “an appointment with beauty” and “unsurpassed excellence and style.” 

Watch the fabulous Ms. Horne in all her glory below:

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHzx2P4x63c&w=560&h=315]

Fab Find: Monogram Necklaces

Something about monogrammed jewelry just seems to add a touch of class to an outfit, no?

Looking to add a pop of color to your every day style? I am LOVING these super cute and budget friendly acrylic monogram necklaces, available online at Swoozie’s and The Pink Monogram!  Choose your lettering style (script, block, filigree, etc.), pendant color and chain and enter your initials (or those of a loved one!) and you’re good to go! Swoozie’s also has single-letter options available.

For those of you who prefer a more classic look, diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but The Pink Monogram also features a handcut CZ option with the “look and feel of the real thing” minus the pricetag.  Not interested in (faux) bling?  There are rose gold, sterling silver and traditional yellow gold options as well.  Expect to pay somewhere in the three to four figure range for these pieces (acrylic versions are significantly less expensive).  Look around on The Pink Mongram at your leisure; there are some gorgeous pieces!

These dress up even a tee shirt and jeans or are the perfect touch for your simple spring sheaths.  They also make chic keepsakes for grads and bridesmaids – or treat yourself!

Images via Swoozie’s and The Pink Monogram

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Straight from the A: Spring Fashion Haute List

The weather is heating up and so is spring fashion! Make sure you read these tips so you don’t become fashion roadkill! And special thanks to the Roy Wood Jr. Morning Show!

DO: Wear trends the second time they pop up, but be sure to update the look. You can’t wear it the same way the second time. Make sure your footwear and accessories read fresh and modern, not “blast from the past”. (ex: friendship bracelets, colored denim)

DO: Upgrade your jewelry into something bright and big. DON’T wear a million pieces though; have one main conversation piece.  And if you are still wearing pink ice, contact me immediately for support.

DO: Try a crop top, but don’t expose your belly button!  Show a hint of skin by wearing it with a high waist skirt or short.

DO:  Try wearing a high-low or mullet hem skirt or dress.  That’s right—it’s short in the front and long in the back! Make sure your shoes aren’t clunky!  Keep them delicate.

DO: Wear something neon.  But don’t blind us!  Try a pop! of color with your belt, shoes or handbag.

DO: Go for bohemian chic with airy fabrics and crochet.  But keep in mind that there should be an opaque layer underneath see-through fabrics so your “business” isn’t exposed.  Please consider a slip (or cut off a pair of fleshtone pantyhose to wear underneath.)

DO: Fellas, it’s almost summer, summer, summertime!  But you won’t impress anyone in a color-coordinated shorts set with gators.  Go for yachting or boating chic in linen shorts, seersucker and boating shoes or casual loafers.

DO: Reassess your makeup and fragrance.  If you tan, you may need to adjust your foundation shade.  And if you wear cologne or perfume, adjust the amout you apply, as the rising temps and changing body chemistry may affect its potency.  No one wants to smell you all the way around the block!

DO: try color-blocked accessories, peplum waists and hyperflorals! But not all at once.

DON’T: Those large black-framed eyeglasses without an Rx…why?!

DON’T: Weard hite shoes and pumps.  They aren’t flattering to ANYONE.  Need I say more?

DON’T: Wear denim on denim; try monochromatic COLORS instead!  Pastels are a definite DO; mint green, blush, orange sherbet and baby blue are haute on both ladies and gents.

DON’T: black lipstick or lipliner…why?!

DON’T: Rock finger waves or French rolls.  Soft hair is in.

DON’T: Please retire your jeggings.  They just look weird with no zipper and those faux pockets.

DON’T: Feather earrings and hair extensions are over. Just let them go.

DON’T: High-heeled sneakers during any season or Timberlands when it’s warm outside. Please and thank you.

DON’T: Insist on showing “VPL” and exposed bra straps (during any season).  Buy something seamless and/or strapless to wear underneath clingy fabrics.  Likewise, sagging pants and leggings without a top that covers your hind end…no one wants to see your butt. Trust me.

DON’T: Bieber hair, mohawks on males over the age of 6, and half shaved heads on women. What works for Rihanna and Cassie may not work for you. Please.

DON’T: Long, pedicured toe nails…WHY?! And: please don’t just polish your big toes and stop; do all ten!  If you have missing toenail, most salons can add a fake.

DON’T: Over-coordinate (i.e. red hair, red purse, red necklace, red belt, red shoes, red nailpolish and lipstick) You’re welcome.

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