The former Wheelchair Jimmy covers one of three special editions of GQ (and deservedly so, having shed the Cliff Huxtable sweaters and emo posturing).  If this is what young money looks like, well done. *slow hand clap and a wolf whistle*

Image via GQ

Be Bold, Beautiful and Safe with MAC VIVA GLAM

The latest MAC Cosmetics’ Spring 2012 Viva Glam campaign is underway, supported by Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin. Support the MAC Aids Fund with either Viva Glam Nicki, a limited edition luscious pink (of course!) or Viva Glam Ricky, a limited edition lip conditioner.  All proceeds benefit men, women and children suffering with HIV/AIDS.  Since 1994, celebrity-endorsed Viva Glam campaigns have raised more than $250 million dollars for HIV/AIDS research and programs.  The sale of one lipstick alone can be used to cover a variety of essential needs.

To support this initiative, Same Chic Different Day is giving away two tubes of Viva Glam via drawing!  Wanna win one by this Friday?  There are three ways to win:

1.  Follow/subscribe to the blog via WordPress.

2.  Follow @SameChicSouth via Twitter  (if you’re not already) and tweet “Viva Glam ME!” to SCDD

3. “Like” SameChicDifferentDay.com’s Facebook page and post “Viva Glam ME!”

4.  Comment “Viva Glam ME!” on this post.

*If you already follow the blog or are linked up via Twitter or Facebook, you must comment to win.  One entry per person.  Entries must be submitted by this Friday, March 16 at 5:00 PM CDT.  Many will enter, but only TWO will win.  If supplies of the prize have been depleted, a comparable MAC substitute will be provided.  You must be willing to provide contact information under separate cover for the prize to be shipped to you; please do not post your address or contact information in the comment section. 

XOXO

Image via MAC Cosmetics

Get Glowing with Origins’ Modern Friction

You knew there was more to skincare than simply washing your face, right? 

After cleansing, I use a great exfoliator  twice a week to gently smooth away dead skin cells and refine my skin’s surface.    What I love about Modern Friction from Origins is that is works for all skin types.  I have dry, sensitive skin and have found that this creamy product is super-gentle; it’s promoted as “Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion.”  It doesn’t “strip” my skin and leave it feeling thirsty, and I’ve never had any redness or irritation afterward.  In fact, my skin feels silky and has a glow; after moisturizing I even find that my makeup seems to apply better.  Modern Friction is available in a 4.2 ounces($37.50) and 1.7 ounces ($18.50), and trust me, a little goes a long way.

As for the ingredients, rice starch is used to refine the complexion, lemon oil boosts luminosity, bergamot and peppermint aromas refresh the skin, and aloe is included for its soothing and moisturizing effects.   Origins promotes the use of organic ingredients and essential oils to provide “high-performance” skincare, and the company is commited to “earth-friendly”  production.  Another perk?  Origins offers amazing free samples with purchase!

 We no longer have an Origins store in Birmingham (boo hoo!), but the product can be purchased online.  For more on dermabrasion, click here.  And remember, for specific skincare concerns, please consult a dermatologist!

BREAKING FASHION NEWS: H&M IS HEADED TO ALABAMA!

Yes, typing in all caps was completely necessary.

H&M lands in Sweet Home Alabama by way of Huntsville’s Bridge Street Town Centre this Spring.   And according to my source,  the store “will include collections for ladies, men, young ladies and young men, with full lingerie, maternity, and accessory departments. This location will also carry H&M’s fantastic children’s collection which features quality clothing for newborn up to kids age 14. The Bridge Street Town Centre H&M will offer approximately 20,000 square feet of selling space.”

Be sure to go to the website and drool over the trendy and affordable pieces; sign up for H&M’s newsletter and you could win a$1000 shopping spree (all subscribers receive a 20% discount off one purchase).  And if you are STILL several hours’ drive from Huntsville (or Atlanta) step away from the ledge: H&M will launch online shopping this fall.

To find out what I love about H&M, click here.

Image via H&M

Estee Lauder debuts Mad Men Line March 18

Are you as excited as I am about Mad Men’s return to the airwaves on March 25?!  (Okay, maybe you aren’t planning to wear mid-century modern and drink a Manhattan when the fifth season airs.) The characters have inspired a limited edition Banana Republic collection, been immortalized by Barbie and hipsters everywhere, and now in conjunction with the season’s launch, Estee Lauder is releasing a Mad Men-themed cosmetics collection.  The brand will include lipstick and rouge (i.e. blush) in swinging retro glam shades of cherry and evening rose that invite wearers to “shake, stir, [and] seduce.”  The items are prettily packaged in vintage gilt holders; whether you’re a Betty, Joan or Peggy you will definitely look chic when you whisk them out of your pocketbook (er, handbag)!

What better brand to wear to give your Don or Roger a little kiss?

For more info, click here.

Image via AMC

Mother and Daughters Make Design a Family Affair

Sisters Lindsay Oakley and Lauren Carpenter have launched Lila & G, a customizable children’s clothing line celebrating the handmade craftmanship their mother Karen Eubank used in creating their own clothes as little girls.  Drawing inspiration today from their lives as mothers to two little girls of their own (Lila Kate and Gwyneth Anne),  Lila &G makes the process personal: mommies and daughters design the outfit;  Mrs. Eubank constructs the final product.

What inspires your designs?   I remember us drawing out our Easter dresses and my mom would mix and match patterns or draft her own and make them.  She did that for our prom dresses too.  So really that’s been a part of our lives for a long time, since we were kids.  [Lindsay and I] noticed that there was a market for young-looking, sweet clothes made the way [our mother] dressed us.

How did you make the leap from stay-at-home mom to entrepreneur?  I was a teacher for three years; I taught music [prior to Gwyneth’s birth].  When we’re out in public Gwyneth wears clothes that I designed and my mom made, and people asked where they could buy what she was wearing.   And the same thing happened to [my sister and me]when we were growing up.  Since we’re home now, [our starting the business] just made sense.  It really just seemed like a natural thing to do. 

Explain the Lila & G concept.   We looked for things you can’t find in stores and we looked for things you can mix and match.  The idea is that the mom and daughter get to design the outfit together and we get to make it.  They start with our template, and they pick the fabric and trim.  [At our design parties] we bring samples in every size, fabric, and option we  offer.  It gives the client the chance to look at everything,  to try it on their daughter, and decide how [they want to customize their outfit] based on one of the top and bottom options.  Every outfit will turn out different because there are so many options.  (Pieces run between $30-$70 for the Spring line.)

You currently only have pieces for girls.  Any plans to expand for boys? [Laughs] Currently I’m pregnant with a boy, so yes, we’ve already talked about adding a boys line to Lila & G in the future.  Now that we have a boy in the family that’s probably coming soon.  [In terms of expanding the line] we’re also going to have an heirloom line with silk fabrics, satin ribbon and French lace;  it’ll be for special occasions: flower girl dresses, christening gowns, Easter dresses, etcetera.

One last question: what’s it like working with your mother and sister?  It’s good;  it’s been really fun.  We all have similar ideas of how we think little girls should dress or would want to dress.   And it’s given us a new way to connect with each other and spend time with each other.

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Lila & G can also be found on Facebook and Twitter: @LilaandG

Images via Lila & G

You may not have made it to the Big Apple for the Fall 2012 collections, but you can watch them online from the comfort of your home (where you’ll definitely have a front row seat!).  Prabal Gurung, Marc Jacobs, Rodarte and more…all in one place? Thank you, New York Magazine!

Want more Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2012 info? Click HERE.

Image via Washhouse

Emerging Designers and Rising Stars Shine at BFW 2012

Last night was another whirlwind of fashion as emerging and established designers and local boutiques took to the stage.  Particularly impressive last night were the creations from the Emerging Design competition (featuring under and post-graduate designers) and the Rising Star Design Challenge (featuring junior high and high school designers).  Sharp tailoring and attention to detail were hallmarks from Elizabeth Singleton’s romantic peplum-waist cocktail looks and fitted evening dress.  We also appreciated the strong perspective shown by Chanelle Clark’s hippie-chic homage to the 1970s. 

The innovative up-and-comers in the Rising Star Design Challenge crafted clothing from items including sheet music, moss, twigs, stretch banadges, and tissue paper.  Hayden High School had several entries from its art department, including a pine needle and pine cone creation by Annie Strong, featuring a fringed skirt and corset top.  Annie was one of the students who moved on tonight’s finals.   Amy Cutcliffe, Hayden High’s art teacher, was extremely proud of her students’ efforts and was excited to participate in BFW 2012.

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“It’s definitely working as a way to get people interested [in design].  All of the teachers have gotten really involved too,” she said, pointing out Hayden’s vice principal, an English teacher and school librarian. 

Judges from last night’s competition included Joe O’Donnell (B-Metro), current Miss Alabama USA Katharine Webb, and public relations maven Krista Conlin (KC Projects). Winners from both contests will be announced this evening.   The 2012 Emerging Designer will receive a $1000 prize sponsored by 90/10.  Three winners will be selected from the Rising Star Design Challenge, with prizes sponsored by Mercedes Benz.

Images courtesy Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

The Look for Less: Kate Spade Bow Bracelet

I love the thought of wearing a bow and packaging myself as a gift, but with this Kate Spade two-tone bracelet’s $128 pricetag (now $79.99 via 6pm.com) I had a feeling I’d have to admire this one from afar! I found the perfect compromise with Forever 21’s glossy black bow cuff (and it was easy on my pocketbook at under $5!).  It’s so easy to find current trends at “fast fashion” stores like Forever 21, H&M, Wet Seal, or Charlotte Russe that mimic more expensive pieces.  While my bracelet is no longer available online (that’s the downside; you have to be quick about buying because these stores sell out), this one is quite similar.

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Images via 6pm.com and Forever 21

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