13

Jan

Best Dressed: 2012 People’s Choice Awards

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The People’s Choice Awards are a little tricky.  They’re not quite the Golden Globes or the Oscars, so hitting the red carpet in a dramatic gown is a misstep.  But looking like you just rolled out of bed is inappropriate as well.  Better to err on the side of a look that is smart and sophisticated without trying too hard to look glamorous.  Ginnifer Goodwin succeeds in a well-chosen sleek,  shocking Schiaparelli pink cocktail dress with bell sleeves by Roksanda Ilincic, waved flapper hair and lace booties.  Haute!

The bad news is there’s a three-way tie for worst dressed (proving that the LBD isn’t always one’s BFF), as Pauley Perrette (NCIS) looks like she escaped from 1995 in a high pony and unfortunate Mary Jane pumps, and  I’m not exactly sure what event Kat Dennings (2 Broke Girls) is dressed for.  That’s a shame, because she looks fab in a recent InStyle shoot!  And then Lacy Hale (Pretty Little Liars) came dressed as the Gulf Oil Spill.  Maybe next time, ladies.

Images via MSN

 

 

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Random Acts of Fashion

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12

Jan

Change is Good

One of my very elegant grandmothers once told me:  “If you do what you always did, you’ll get what you always got.”  Now, she was giving me advice on finding a man (which is a post for another day and a whole other blog), but the same applies with fashion.  If your look needs a serious shot in the armoire, now’s the time to try something different.  I’m not suggesting you tattoo your neck or decide to wear a tutu every day.  But I’ll give you an example:  I’ve never, EVER shopped in Talbots.  I always peeked in the window as I passed by, but shop there? Never.  Why?  Because I always thought it was for someone far older, far wealthier, far more something [insert another totally off-base assumption here] than I happen to be.  But this recent photo shoot for O  Magazine  made me see the women’s store in a new light.

In search of the pink pants pictured, I stepped into Talbots at the Summit earlier this week.  And while some of the items were not my taste (which is probably going to be the case wherever one browses), I did find several pairs of  kicky flats festooned with bows, a bright turquoise suede clutch, and other pieces that fit my lifestyle, budget and aesthetic. (The  fact that the store was in the middle of a serious sale didn’t hurt, either.)  I left the store empty-handed, but it occurred to me: what have I been writing off that I should be trying?

My challenge to you this week is to stop in a store you’ve never considered.  Try something on that you previously thought was too daring, too colorful, too young, too old or out of your league fashion-wise.  If you only buy high-end, saunter into Forever 21 for something fun and frivolous.  And if you stick to fast fashion that is heavy on trends, consider an investment piece that you could own forever.  You might be pleasantly surprised.

Or you could play it safe, blend in with the wallpaper and remain age-appropriate.  How’s that working out for you?

Riiiiiight.

Image via Talbots

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Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

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11

Jan

Baby, it’s Cold Outside…

…and the days of running around without a coat, shivering in our work or partywear are SO over.  Catching the flu because you’re inappropriately dressed for the cold is definitely not what’s haute in the streets! So what’s a chicster to do?  Make sure your outerwear is every bit as fab as your outfit, of course!

The past few days have been blessedly warm(er), but slow your roll before you replace your boots with flip flops.  Now is the perfect time to catch deals on winter coats and accessories, according to Frugal Living.  But don’t settle for just any old coat; make a statement!  MSN offers old Hollywood as inspiration, and I {heart} a vintage (or vintage-inspired) coat, like the Kate Spade swing coat shown.  Similar wool and cashmere versions with quality linings with fur or “fur” collars and cuffs can often be found at your local thrift or consignment shop.  I scored a camel-colored mid-century model with mink trim and three quarter sleeves at Hanna’s Antique Mall last year that is adorable.  I love that these coats often have linings embroidered with their previous owner’s initials; it kind of gives each piece a story.

If you’ve got a good, heavy winter coat, why not try a smart, all-weather trench that can carry you into spring,  something in an unusual color (a white coat against an all black outfit is so chic!),  or invest in a dressier evening coat?  Many veer to furs or wraps for after five, but a satin opera coat or velvet cape is just as lovely.  And don’t forget your gloves and scarf as a finishing touch!  If you’re feeling particularly crafty, P.S. I Made This has super-cute Lanvin-inspired ear muffs you can make (whip up the faux version, so you don’t end up in PETA’s doghouse with Dr. Dre and Oscar De La Renta).

Image via Kate Spade

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Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

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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

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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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29

Dec

That’s (Not) a Louis Vuitton

I don’t personally condone carrying knockoffs, but if you do, that’s your business. (Here’s how to spot a fake.) I just found it hilarious that Louis Vuitton is suing the makers of the Hangover 2 because of this scene.

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Random Acts of Fashion

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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!

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

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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

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15

Dec

I Never Met a Stiletto I Didn’t Like

Scarlett/Sam Edelman $199

…and this lovely traffic stopper is no exception.  My eyes zeroed in on it in Belk and I HAD to try it on! This shoe is NOT for the timid!  The dual design peep toe – the leopard calf hair  is the business in the front and studded suede provides the party in the back – is saying a lot, so if you dare to wear them keep your ensemble  simple: rock a black tee and skinny jeans or a quiet but deadly sheath. 

Also available in ivory/black, gold/black, and black/black.

Image courtesy of Belk

Connect with Same Chic Different Day on Twitter @SameChicSouth

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

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14

Dec

One of the looks featured at the recent NAACP Night of Fashion was one SCDD has been excited about ever since chic reader R.B. Clark mentioned she rocked it at her college’s homecoming: neckties for ladies!  Worn the right way (think Janelle Monae, not Colonel Sanders) it’s definitely one to try.  It’s a play on menswear, but the key is to balance the look with feminine touches.  So don’t bust out a vest, jacket, pocket watch, monocle and spats.  The tie should have a slim silhuoette (no fat knots at your neck!), and can be worn casually with a v-neck or cardigan sweater and denim or with a swingy skirt and button down  – not a tailored business suit.

Image via Google

Connect with Same Chic Different Day via Twitter @SameChicSouth

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion/The Look

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