31

Jan

Best Dressed: 2012 SAG Awards

Sunday night’s SAG Awards were a major relief from the Golden Globes – guests actually gave us FASHION!  Here are my best dressed for the evening, as well as my take on those who missed the mark.

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Viola Davis absolutely glowed in a white and gold Grecian Marchesa gown.  Juliana Margulies was bare and chic in an embellished lavender Calvin Klein column gown.  Emily Blunt gave us effortless glamour and a pop of color on the red carpet in a jade green Oscar de la Renta.  Jayma Mays WORKED in a heavily bedazzled but still subltle black gown by Reem Acra with lace detail in the back.  Octavia Spencer was chic in a silvery draped and beaded gown by Tadashi Shoji; her styling was lovely as well, and I LOVED her bejeweled Judith Leiber miniaudiere.  My best dressed of the night?  Rose Byrne in a bedazzled jumpsuit by Elie Saab, because she took a risk and she looked gorgeous!  Very Sharon Tate, circa Valley of the Dolls.

Worst dressed? Anjelina Jolie’s black Jenny Packham halter looked like a garbage bag.  Lea Michele’s washed-out Atelier Versace was just ho hum, but her shoes didn’t fit!  And her pose is…far too much.  Dianna Agron came in a raspberry bridesmaid’s dress by Carolina Herrera, and Diane Lane went for mother of the bride in a slate blue, satin one shoulder by David Meister.  I also did not care for Stacy Keibler’s black lace Girorgio Armani gown; she’s young, and the dress looked a little matronly.  They must have all come from Kaley Cuoco and Katrina Bowden’s double wedding, because they both came dressed as brides!  Glenn Close’s navy tulle and taffeta trumpet gown by Zac Posen was overworked.  And I’m putting Kristen Wiig in the worst dressed category for singlehandedly trying to bring back the choker.  Zoe Saldana, we saved you a seat on this list too.  Her pearl-white Givenchy fell short: the three pieces did not complement each other or her body type.  Men’s undershirts on the red carpet? No ma’am.

I am holding my breath for the Oscars!

Images via InStyle

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Haute or Not?/Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion/The Look/Who Wore What Where

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30

Jan

Darrius Peace Hopes to Redefine ‘Beauty’

The natural hair phenomenon  – which has remained a topic of discussion thanks to enthusiastic transitioners, social media and films such as Good Hair – shows no signs of slowing down.  Birmingham master barber, stylist and instructor and 12 year hair industry veteran Darrius Peace is introducing MyHairAintNappy.Com,  a resource he hopes will “help redefine what we consider, or what we’ve learned to [think of as] beautiful and incorporate organic beauty into that definition, [and to help others learn] to love and embrace themselves in their organic form.”

How did you get into the hair industry?  When I got to UAB [where he received a bachelors degree] I decided I would grow my hair out.  Because it was really difficult for me to find someone to do the styles I wanted – I thought every girl could braid, and was disappointed to find out every girl can’t – it got me into [styling my hair] myself .  [When] people inquired who did my hair,  I told them I did it myself.  Soon I established a small clientele on campus.  Then I decided to legitimize myself and get certified, and there was a barber college close to Rast Hall.  I went there to get proper licensing and certificiation so I could become a professional hair stylist.

What motivated you to launch MyHairAintNappy.com?  At some point I am going to retire from doing hair. When I do that, I want to leave a legacy.  I want to have a mark in the industry so my children can say, ‘Here was my dad’s contribution to the hair industry.’  It’s been beautiful in the four walls of the salon, and now I’m able to [share expertise I’ve only shared in the salon]  with the world.

Peace’s plans for his brand’s footprint extend beyond an online resource; he has also written and published a companion book, My Hair Ain’t Nappy: A Black Man’s Introspective on Natural Hair, which can be purchased on the website and at amazon.com.   

“The book offers information on how to effectively transition – both mentally and physically – into accepting, embracing and loving your natural hair.  It’s a must-read for all those that are transitioning or even have a thought of transitioning to natural hair,” Peace says.

Are you against the use of chemical relaxers?  I don’t want anyone to think I’m opposed to relaxers – I’m not.  I prefer that if you’re going to wear anything that isn’t native to your natural curl pattern, that you don’t wear it because you think your hair is nappy.  I hope that black people begin to employ more positive terminology in reference to our hair textures and omit words like “nappy” and all those other words that are antithetical to our being beautiful.

What’s the biggest mistake you feel naturalistas make with their hair?  I think the biggest mistake I’ve seen is people not seeking professional expertise.  YouTube has been a very valuable resource, but it’s mainly comprised of amateurs who have learned to master their own texture.  But a professional hair stylist has encountered various hair textures and can offer custom solutions to help you optimize your hair growth.

What do men really think about women with natural hair?  To be frank, brothers don’t care.  It ain’t even about your hair; it’s about you.  We love confidence, we love beauty, and we love you when you love you. 

For more information, connect with Darrius Peace via email: dpeace@myhairaintnappy.com.

Image courtesy of Darrius Peace

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/Love That!/Scene and Heard

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19

Jan

S.W.A.K.

Do people write actual letters anymore?  When I was retrieving my mail yesterday evening and sorting the circulars, catalogs and bills, I suddenly wished a letter might present itself.  In this age of text messages, emails, tweets, BBMs and (unfortunately) pokes, I miss the intimacy of a well-written (or even hastily dashed off) missive.  When I was younger, my friends and I filled pages of looseleaf or totally awesome Lisa Frank stationery (which is kind of hard to look at now without having a seizure) with girlish thoughts, gossip and daydreams about our crushes.  Before cell phones, we bought stamps.  Before Facebook friends and tweethearts, we had pen pals.

I still send notes, and generally stick to pale pink monogrammed correspondence cards.  This year I plan to choose a set with a little more pizazz;  SteelPetalPress ‘ cheeky letterpress notecard is perfect.

If putting pen to paper strikes your fancy, remember: neatness counts!  There’s no point in sending a letter the recipient can’t decipher.  And if you’re sending thank you notes, be sure to check out Something New: The Bride’s Complete Guide to Writing Thank You Notes by Emily Smith and Rachel Daniels.  The sisters have narrowed composing the perfect thank you note down to a science!

Image via SteelPetalPress

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Love That!

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16

Jan

Oh, My…

Look up "swag" in the dictionary. This is who you'll see.

 Yeah, there are no real words for this ladies. 

Congrats to Mr. Elba on his Best Actor win at the 2012 Golden Globes. (Loving the studded loafers!)

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

C'est Si Bon/Love That!/The Look/Who Wore What Where

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05

Jan

Caped Crusaders

Plaid "Sophie" Cape by Kate Spade

Snuggie and Forever Lazy wearers take note: this is the hautest way to keep warm!  Wrap up in a super cute cape and add a touch of drama to your looks for work  or play.  Layer it over a long sleeved blouse or tee and skinny jeans or cigarette pants plus your flat boots, loafers or ballet flats  to pull off this polished look.  I have a feeling this camel version by J. Crew will make its way into my closet.

Images courtesy of Kate Spade, Net-a-Porter and Snuggie Humor

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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30

Dec

We Like to Partyyyy

If you’re a bad girl and your friends bad too, you’ll appreciate the party dresses in this post.  Spotted by effortlessly chic SCDD reader J.T. Coates, we recommend you scoop a sparkly mini for this season’s swankiest mixers and cocktail parties.   Check out these versions by French Connection that we adore; the line can be found at Belk/The Summit and at Dillard’s. 

Not sure about baring your legs in nippy temps?  Put on a pair of jet black opaque tights and black bejewelled or satin pumps to keep your gams warm.  The tights  add a monochromatic touch that can soften the flashiness of the dress, plus they lengthen the look of your legs!  Also, because these dresses often have a lot going on, balance your hairstyle, makeup and accessories so you don’t look like a streetwalker.  An oversized bun, a slick ponytail or tousled curls look lovely; add a vampy nail lacquer like this classic from Chanel, nude lips and a smoky eye, and you’re ready to party!

Image courtesy of Google

Don’t forget to enter SCDD’s chic giveaway by 12/31! Comment on 12/21’s post and you could win a copy of Commander in Chic!

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Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion/The Look

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23

Dec

Fashion Flashback: The Friendship Bracelet

My short trip down Memory Lane this week paused to remember the summer of 1988, when our babysitter taught me how to make friendship bracelets from embroidery thread. Armed with a safety pin to anchor the bracelet to my jams (come on, you know what jams are), I made as many as my allowance allowed, then my friends and I traded them.  Though I never became very advanced in terms of technique, I could spend hours with my Walkman on, looping and tying to my heart’s content.

Anyway, these updated, blinged out versions by Courtney Prince are way more chic and add a bit of boho glam to an outfit…feel free to purchase me one!

Image copyrighted/owned by Courtney Prince

Don’t forget to enter SCDD’s chic giveaway! Comment on 12/21’s post and you could win a copy of Commander in Chic!

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

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22

Dec

A Girl’s Gotta Have it: The Go Cup

Blame it on my birthday this week: I’ve been thinking about all the accessories of my long-over childhood, like that Hello Kitty lunchbag and thermos I just had to have in fourth grade.

I know, I know…how chic can a “go cup” be? But if you’re from the Deep South, you understand its importance-nay, necessity-in adulthood: in the French Quarter you can carry (note: not operate a motorized vehicle with) your drink on the street if you have your beverage of choice in a non-glass container.  And for those of you who don’t indulge, did you know Starbucks gives you 10 cents off your drink order if you bring your own tumbler?

This super cute and festive Prize Ball thermos by Kate Spade ($35) has a party on the outside to match whatever party beverage you prefer to pour inside it!

Speaking of which, if you’re in the vicinity of a New Orleans Original Daiquiri shop or Fat Tuesday, make sure you try the Cajun Eggnog daiquiri! Please indulge responsibly.

14 years ago Short URL Comments

C'est Si Bon/Love That!

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21

Dec

Recommended Reading: Mikki Taylor’s Commander in Chic

From the beautiful photography to the warm commentary to the priceless “Mikki-isms”, this book is a style resource to have at hand.  Celebrating the effortless style of FLOTUS Michelle Obama and jam-packed with Ms. Taylor’s expertise from years as Essence ‘s final-word beauty editor, Commander in Chic was such a great read and wealth of information on building one’s personal style that I couldn’t put it down…it was more like having a one-on-one conversation with a style-savvy friend!

As Ms. Taylor notes, “At the end of the day, style in the broad stroke is about being on purpose.  It’s about being comfortable in your skin and not following the trends but setting them.  Finally, it’s about being your most bold, empowered self and using that awareness to color your world–from your inner and outer beauty to your fashion sensibility, from the love that you share to the hand you lend in service to others.  It’s about showing up ready to stand and deliver and not only looking the part, but being just the woman for the opportunity at hand.  That’s what being a “commander in chic” is all about.  And we, like Michelle Obama, are just the women to do so.”

Whatever your politics are, who can’t agree with that?  Fab ones, I loved this book so much that not only did I purchase one for myself, I’m giving a copy away!  So tell me how you “keep it chic”: how do you express your personal style (and I don’t care if you shop the Salvation Army or Neiman Marcus)?  Leave a comment below between now and December 31,  2011 and a copy could be yours!

14 years ago Short URL 8 Comments

C'est Si Bon/Haute off the Press/Love That!/Reading is FUNdamental (and sexy!)

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16

Dec

Fashion Flashback: The Muppets (Take OPI!)

Wocka, wocka!  The Muppets are back!  I browsed the “unFROGgetable” Muppets for OPI line recently and the nail lacquer is super cute…there wasn’t a shade I didn’t love!  Since I grew up on The Muppet Show, The Muppets Take Manhattan and The Muppet Babies, I’m more than a little geeked.  I have to say OPI Meep Meep Meep (a rich, glittery red), OPI Gone Gonzo (a sheer, glittery blue that my grandmother Dorothy would have loved), OPI Pepe’s Purple Passion (a deep raisin with – you guessed it – more glitter) and OPI Rainbow Connection (I’ll let you figure out on your own what that is) were hands down my favorites.  If you normally stick to a conventional sheer blush (guily!), conservative French manicures or classic cherry red, why not get a pedicure in a twinkly shade?

The collection is available at Ulta and Ricky’s NYC.

Meep meep!

Images courtesy of OPI

Connect with Same Chic Different Day on Twitter @SameChicSouth

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion

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