Be sure to catch us on ABC 33/40’s Talk of Alabama this morning as we bring you tips, trends and pieces to try! We won’t spill all the tea, but we have goodies from local boutiques South Boutique in Trussville and Festivity in Homewood, as well as local brand Aviate and items from your favorite big box department and discount stores: Belk and Target!
Thanks for watching!
Alexis
If you haven’t visited the Birmingham Museum of Art, please make your way there. The regular exhibitions are awesome; but I had the privilege of viewing both Black Like Who? and Rising Up: Hale Woodruff’s Murals at Talladega College last night. Both are moving exhibits that provide visual, social and cultural commentaries relevant for today.
I can’t remember the last time I walked into a museum and wanted to cry, just because something in the art connected with me so deeply. Okay, I’m a known crier anyway, but the pieces just grab you! Although I’d definitely heard of Hale Woodruff’s murals, nothing prepared me for the beauty, dignity and triumph in the bold paint strokes he used to depict the Amistad case as well as the building of Talladega College.
And as for Black Like Who?, if you don’t walk out seriously contemplating identity and beauty–you may have missed the point totally. The collection includes works by renowned Elizabeth Catlett, as well as two with Alabama roots.
Go. Soak it up. Come out changed. I’m already figuring out when I can go back. The museum has ArtBreaks, lectures and public tours scheduled throughout the month of August. And if you stay for lunch at Oscar’s, attending selected events on certain days will get you a free dessert!
Rising Up closes September 6; Black Like Who? closes November 1. And don’t forget: Art on the Rocks is this Friday!
Photo of mural via the Birmingham Museum of Art’s Instagram account. All other photos taken by AEB.
The zipper stuck, and I was so afraid of a wardrobe malfunction that I made a quick decision to wear what you see pictured above. The off-white lace blouse and skirt, with nude lining and exposed back zippers, is by BCBG Max Azria and was purchased at Belk/The Summit. I wore it with nude strappy sandals gifted from my parents, and of course, my mother’s strand of pearls, formerly seen HERE and HERE.
Special thanks go to James Adams, Jr. of Renovare for my hair color, cut and styling, and to Kim Colvin of Kimistry Makeup Lab for makeup artistry. After three months of wearing curls and almost no makeup, seeing myself with straight hair and a show-stopping face was a shock!
Something about the lace and the silhouette were just perfect for me (lace can be tricky to pull off sometimes). It was also very cool, which was very important since we’re in the midst of a sweltering summer. I’m still loving wearing off-white — maybe I’m in a LisaRaye phase! Although I typically refrain from outfit posts, I really felt beautiful on Saturday — and this may sound strange — like every bit of happiness I felt inside showed on the outside. Maybe I’ll begin doing a few more of them?
You’ve come to the right place.
Yes, I am still obsessed with the elegant ensemble Solange Knowles chose for her wedding to Alan Ferguson a few months ago. Amal Clooney didn’t do too badly either, with her choice of a sleek pantsuit groom. And I loved Olivia Palermo’s wedding shorts+overskirt…tres daring! If you’re jumping the broom soon and going for a more traditional gown, perhaps you could incorporate the look into your engagement photo shoot, bridal luncheon or bachelorette bash or even your reception/farewell ensemble.
Here are a few options:
Crepe cowl-neck halter jumpsuit, $650 at David’s Bridal
Lola jumpsuit, $300 at BHLDN.com
Matilda jumpsuit, $800 at BHLDN.com
Ivory Love Always romper, $185 at Trussville’s South Boutique.
Ivory Lace romper, $66 at Trussville’s South Boutique.
It’s crucial that you consider your undergarments when wearing this type of look. There should be no lumps, bumps or visible panty lines! And if the item you choose is not lined, you can either have one made at an alterations shop or you may “fake it” by wearing nude pantyhose underneath, depending on the fabric (snip the legs to an appropriate length).
Xo,
If you’ve been reading this blog any length of time, you know my love for all things Ebony. Recently someone asked me if “black history” was my beat as a journalist and I politely explained that it was not. I see history as history: all entries and moments are important. Ebony and the Ebony Fashion Fair are definitely a part of that. It saddens me that the fashion show no longer struts and sashays through towns and cities. However, thanks to an auction to be held this Wednesday, we have the opportunity to bid on “the best of the best” from the archives.
Here’s more on the Ebony Fashion Fair:
Haute couture by Oscar de la Renta, Yves St. Laurent, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Lanvin, Carolina Herrera and more are among over 500 lots up for auction. The collection includes gowns, cocktail dresses, coats, capes, separates and shoes. And yes: the pieces have all the detail and drama you may recall if you ever attended one of the charity shows. The sale of these beautiful pieces will go on to benefit education just as they did in the past: a portion of proceeds will go to Johnson Prep. The live auction is to be conduction by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, and will begin at noon CST on June 10.
To view the catalog, click HERE. Note, you must register ahead of time in order to bid.
Did you know? Mrs. Eunice Johnson, the show’s founder and driving force, was a Selma, Ala. native. She was educated at Talladega College.
All images via the Treasures from the Ebony Fashion Fair Collection. See them all by clicking HERE.
Know someone who needs a reminder –even if it’s you? Post “SparkleChic” in comments for Your chanc to won this pair of “Abbie” sparklers from Towne & Reese!
Want an extra entry? Find this picture posted on our Instagram account (@samechicdifferentday) and follow the directions there! I’m picking a winner tonight!
Sally Beauty has provided me with compensation for this post and my appearance at the event. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by Sally Beauty Supply in Montgomery last Saturday! I had such a great time talking natural hair styles, trading transitioning tips and sharing my favorite products from Beautiful Textures! And yes, I used the products (three of them, in fact) on my hair.
I shampooed and conditioned my hair at home, using the Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner. I have a LOT of hair, and it loved the hydrating treatment this product provides. I left it on for about 20 minutes and my hair felt really soft and moisturized after I rinsed it out. Then I blew my hair dry, flat ironed and rolled it on flexi rods for my first look, using the Curly to Straight Flat Iron Silkener. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT! It smells delicious (thanks to olive, coconut and argan oil, shea and mango butter and aloe vera), and gave my hair both silky weightlessness and shine while acting as a heat protectant. However it was really warm in Montgomery, so eventually my hairstyle had to adjust. Beautiful Textures Edges and Ends Silkener helped me achieve my bun. It has a soft gelee-type texture and did not harden, which I like. Not only do these products support the versatility of natural hair, they’re affordable…which I’m sure you’ll appreciate if you’ve become somewhat of a product junkie! Each product is about $7 at Sally.
Did you miss the Montgomery event, or are you interested in trying Beautiful Textures? You’re in luck, because I’m giving away a selection of products to two Same Chic Different Day readers!
PRIZE 1: full size versions of the Moisture Butter Whipped Curl Creme and the Curl Control Defining Pudding
PRIZE 2: a sample of the Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner mentioned about and a full size version of the Naturally Straight Texture Manageability System.
To enter, simply comment “Send me #BTSallyBeauty!” below. Two winners will be selected this Friday, and all decisions are final.
To see more photos from the #BTSallyBeauty event in Montgomery, follow SCDD on Instagram (at)samechicdifferentday!
Sally Beauty has provided me with compensation for this post and my appearance at the event. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
What hair style are you rocking this spring and summer? Are you transitioning – or have you recently transitioned – to natural hair? Need tips on how to have celebrity hair every day? Then join Beautiful Textures, Dream Kids and me (!) at Sally Beauty Supply on Saturday, April 25 from 1-4 PM for an afternoon of beauty tips, contests and giveaways! You will also have a chance to enter a giveaway for two tickets to the BET Awards, where you can FLAUNT YOUR LOOK!
In the meantime, stay tuned for tips on how I maintain my natural hair with Beautiful Textures plus a product giveaway!
This event will be held at the Sally Beauty Supply on 1526 Eastern Boulevard in Montgomery, Alabama.
Hope to see you there!
XO, Alexis
Spring has definitely sprung (hello, allergies!), and I am thrilled to transition from coats and boots to sundresses and strappy sandals! One of the trends I’m trying is allover pleating. Pleats can be tricky depending on their size and placement, so I’m picky about wearing them.
BCBG has a gorgeous pink pleated maxi gown for $398, but I found a similar silhouette while browsing Etsy…for over $330 less! Everything old is new again, no? The shorter look is from Canadian retailer Winston Vintage and is so ladylike that I just sighed with happiness when I opened the box! I don’t even think it had been worn, and the pleating is in excellent shape. I love the bright shade of coral-pink and the attention to detail that you find in vintage pieces: the waist is pleated and the hem even has that fluttery accent! I say this all the time: they just don’t make dresses like this anymore (okay, maybe they do, but not at prices like this).
I plan to wear this with gold stilettos, a ponytail and a pink pout, perfect for weddings and soirees this spring and summer!
Xo, Alexis
Same Chic Different Day 
