Click on each photo to review in detail.
The 411: FLOTUS coat: Thom Browne; FLOTUS boots: Reed Krakoff ;FLOTUS belt: J. Crew; Malia’s coat: J. Crew; Sasha’s coat: Kate Spade; Jill Biden’s coat: Lela Rose; Beyonce’s gown: Pucci; Beyonce’s coat: Christian Dior; Beyonce’s jewels: Lorraine Schwartz; FLOTUS gown: Jason Wu
What’s your pure essence?
Aquafina and Project Runway invited aspiring designers to answer that question with original designs in its ‘Pure Challenge’ contest, which launched last month. Contestants uploaded drawings, photos and sketches of their designs to Aquafina’s Facebook page, and ten semi-finalists have been chosen. By January 20, four finalists will be selected to participate in a one-hour live-design competition in NYC on February 6 in conjunction with Project Runway’s finale.
Julia Cohen, Assistant Brand Manager for Aquafina, explains why this partnership makes sense: “Aquafina is a brand that tries to empower our consumers to look and feel their best every day. What we’re really trying to do is build off what we stand for: what is the pure essence of who you are?”
What’s at stake? A $5,000 cash prize and a year’s supply of Aquafina.
But the fabulosity doesn’t end there.
You (yes, you!) can enter for a chance to win a trip to the Aquafina ‘Pure Challenge’ party and the Project Runway Season 11 finale by voting for the ‘Pure Challenge’ finalists between now and January 20. Head on over to Aquafina’s Facebook page and get to getting!
Project Runway Season 11 debuts next Thursday, January 24 on Lifetime, and Zac Posen is the new featured judge!
Images via PepsiCo/Aquafina and Lifetime TV/Project Runway
Yay: J. Lo’s white-haute lace fantasy by Zuhair Murad! Kerry Washington in blush Miu Miu! And Nicole Richie in baby blue Naeem Khan!
Not impressed: Halle Berry in printed Versace and Eva Longoria’s “Look at me!” slit, by Pucci.
Nay: Amy Poehler’s shirtless Stella McCartney tuxedo suit, Gabby Douglas’ unfortunate wig/ill-fitting gown combination and Nene Leakes doing her best Oprah impression (GlamMa? Not in this outfit.)
Your thoughts?
In other news, The Carrie Diaries airs on the CW tonight. I live for Carrie Bradshaw, but I think I’ll pass (here’s why).
Have I mentioned my obsession with Scandal before? No? Well, from the plot to the characters to the fashion, I’m definitely a gladiator! And as such, I’ll be tuning in to find out What the Huck and Who Shot Fitz when Scandal returns to ABC tonight at 9 PM.
In the meantime, I’m in love with Liv’s ivory and lace confection of a dress as seen in the ‘Happy Birthday Mr. President’ cliffhanger. The Michael Kors ‘Cady’ sheath is simple and elegant, with its wide black lace sash and ladylike length. It’s also sold out, darlings. However, you (and I) can recreate the look with this lovely Tahari ‘Jess’ sleeveless crepe dress, featuring a black lace applique at the bust (which carries over to the back of the dress). It’s available at Belk, Dillard’s and on Zappos.com.
Hint, hint.
For more on dressing Olivia Pope, click HERE.
Images via ABC, Lyst and Dillard’s
Special thanks to Keisha Kennedy and Carla Pennington! This was a lively bunch; I especially appreciated the thoughtful questions about accessorizing formalwear with feather boas (only for festive events and costume parties) and the politics of wearing a purple tie (perfectly appropriate at a Que party)!
Same Chic Different Day is brought to you by the letter “W” today….
#Wow. My life has been a #whirlwind this #week! I feel like I was #whisked away to the #wonderful #world of Oz! Here’s the quick and dirty:
On Tuesday I had the privilege of sharing fashion tips with the clinical staff at the Aletheia House (from the root word “truth” or to be “truthful with yourself”), which provides affordable housing, job training and placement, substance abuse treatment, HIV prevention and other services to men, women and children (and veterans). A special thank you to Keisha Kennedy (Director of #Women and #Wellness Services) and Carla Pennington (Outreach Specialist) for hosting me. The Aletheia House is truly a special place offering “a special kind of caring!”
The whirlwind picked up speed on #Wednesday; I hit the road before dawn to drive to Atlanta as a guest of the #W Hotel Buckhead as it presented a series of events in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designer of America’s {Fashion Incubator}. The Fashion Incubator helps emerging designers prepare for handling the business side of the fashion industry by providing mentorship, professional education, networking opportunities and creative workspace. The day included a breakfast with design students and featured Fashion Incubator designers Daniel Vosovic, #Whitney Pozgay, Emanuela Duca and the Burkman Bros. Next was a luncheon and fashion presentation, then interviews…and the evening ended with an exclamation point: a fabulous cocktail party in the W’s rooftop bar. And of course I had to squeeze in a little #window-shopping! More on this to come on Monday…but after all this #work, I’m ready for the #weekend!
…somewhere (Magic City Classic weekend, perhaps?). When I’m bored, I love dreaming up outfits to wear. This one combines several of my current favorite things: the leather peplum trend, white pants after Labor Day, fierce kitty leopard flats and arm candy. The top could easily be worn with a pencil skirt or colored denim instead. You likey? Or do I need to go back to the drawing board (er, closet)?
Same Chic Different Day 