Best Dressed: The Classic Soiree

Okay, okay…we partied too hard last weekend at the Magic City Classic to take photos, but take our word for it: the hautest party in town was held at the Birmingham Museum of Art last Friday night, where Birmingham’s most fashionable mix, mingled, and enjoyed music from Raheem Devaughn! And while there were simply too many fabulous ensembles to recount, we thought it only fitting to celebrate three socialites who styled this week’s Fashion Flashback in three very distinct, but equally fab ways:

Regan Fisher Liggins chose a long sleeve sweater dress with grommet and lace-up detailing and accessories from Cache.   Mrs. Liggins notes she was “aiming for sophistication with comfort.”  We think she succeeded..and as the temperatures dipped, we know several bare-armed ladies wished they’d followed her lead and worn something with sleeves!

Tia Chestang-Beville chose a black sheath with ruffle detail by Paul Sinclaire.  She accessorized with Valentino’s couture bow d’Orsay pumps in cherry red for a pop of color, and a Kate Spade Pop Art Pearle clutch (which we’re going to “borrow” at the first opportunity!).  Mrs. Beville says she was going for a “back to basics  meets classy chic look”.  

Jamika Kirk shopped the day of the event (!) and came away a winner with a “fun, flirty,  sexy” one-shoulder Jessica Simpson cocktail dress she found at Macy’s/Colonial Brookwood Mall.  She accessorized with Badgley Mischka’s black satin Randall stilettos, jewelry by Guess and Claire’s and a clutch from Express.   Ms. Kirk,  who had never worn a one-shoulder before, was looking for a dress that could easily transition to another nightspot.

Three looks – all chic!

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The Look for Less: Sequined Popover Sweater

Anyone who knows me well knows I have to have some bedazzle and bling in my life.  But at $398, this crewneck dark sequin popover sweater with elbow sleeves by J. Crew was not going to end up in my closet anytime soon.  So what’s a fashionable (and sensible) girl to do?  Look elsewhere, of course.  And since I love vintage clothing (because of its one of a kind, superb detail), I hunted until I found this beautiful Cyn Les sequined sweater which zips up the back.  I actually love this sweater more than the J. Crew version, because the sequins are jet black and I think the zipper keeps it from being too sweet.  And the grand total was less than $15 (yes, go ahead and hate me).   For a fun night out, I’ll style my version similarly, with tight rolled dark denim to tone the sequins down, and my fuchsia stilettos for a pop of color.  Fab and budget-friendly!

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Want more tips on shopping consignment and vintage successfully? Stay tuned for a future post from Same Chic Different Day!

Images courtesy of J. Crew

We Love a Man Who…

…knows when, where, and how to rock classic kicks.  High tops or low profiles? Makes no difference.  Need we point out that they should be in pristine condition?  We even saw a super stylish leather pair in chocolate brown worn by groomsmen in a very fashion-forward wedding recently!

Ladies – gentlemen take their footwear seriously.   I’ve heard guys talk about saving up their allowances to purchase their first pair of Jordans in tones as reverent as the one I have used to described purchasing my first Louis.

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*Okay, okay, the Prada sneaker is not exactly a classic, but at $395 the pair could be considered a very stylish investment.

Images courtesy of Converse, Nike, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus

Haute for Fall: Colored Denim

The last time we wore colored jeans, it was Fall 1997 and we rocked black Bongo jeans with a matching cropped vest to the Bayou Classic (with a white and black striped top underneath).  Denim in orange-red, lush yellow, jade green, peacock blue and rich purple is in (but we beg you not to wear cropped vests).  Pair a neutral blouse or a tee with a little bit of embellishment with a peep toe bootie or super haute loafer, and steer clear of anything matchy matchy!

Success!

Fail. Sorry, Tyra.

Images courtesy of Google

In Case You Missed It…

…make sure you check out the New York Times Magazine’s Women’s Fall Fashion issue.  Esperanza Spalding graces the cover with her gorgeous afro, the piece Nightie Aphrodites features Solange, Les Nubians and Corinne Bailey Rae in a breathtaking spread and there is also a lovely profile featuring the very chic Erica Reid (wife of The X Factor‘s LA Reid).  Sigh.

Image courtesy of New York Times Magazine

 

 

LOVE That! Kate Spade Book Clutch

Born Fresh Apparel features tees for the hipster with discriminating taste.  Check out this urbanham.com article for more on the line and its creator, Patrick Williamson.

Image courtesy of Born Fresh Apparel

The Look for Less: Loafers

Christian Louboutin Dufferin loafer, $1295

If you’re looking to update your look from the ubiquitous ballerina flat, and aren’t too excited about the casual aesthetic of Tom’s slip-ons or laceless oxfords, then this season’s loafer might be just the thing.  Velvet, patent, studded and animal-print are haute for fall and at affordably chic prices.  Pair with this season’s bright cropped slacks, cigarette pants, and skinny jeans with a neutral top.  Or rock it in  reverse: a neutral camel or black pant with a pop of color on top.

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1.  Sam Edelman Adena in studded black satin                                                                                                                                                                                             2.  J.Crew Darby Patent in nut                                                                                                                                                                                                                               3.  Steven by Steve Madden Madee in leopard                                                                                                                                                                                                 4.  J. Crew Darby  in metallic graphite glitter

Images courtesy of Zappos and J. Crew; inspiration look from Net-a-Porter

The Look for Less: Jennifer Aniston in Vivienne Westwood

Jennifer Aniston rocked this haute tangerine peek-a-boo Vivienne Westwood dress at the launch of her eponymous fragrance earlier this year…and we decided to rock our own blouson version by BCBGeneration (bought on sale for under $100).  This dress is a definite head-turner and a refreshing change from the usual little black dress.  We’re pairing it with nude strappy pumps by Aldo, or perhaps our lucite Manolos (purchased on Ebay!) for a leg-lengthening look (because looking like a walking jack-o-lantern is not what’s haute in the streets).  We think even our leopard booties would work!

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Images courtesy of Fab Sugar and BCBGMaxAzria

Haute or Not? Queen Latifah and Beyonce Launch Lines

Queen Latifah recently launched an apparel line via HSN…and the results are decidedly…meh…for someone who has access to the creme de la creme of fashion and admitted to New York Magazine that she has “expensive taste.” Prices range from $269.90 for the asymmetrical zip jacket , $89.90 for the knit poncho, and $299 for the studded patent-patch satchel.  

Um…we’ll pass.

 And in other label launch news, if the news that the House of Dereon is up for sale made you jump for joy, sit back down.  The tea is that Mama Tina’s Houston-area digs are on the market.  Ms. Knowles and the expectant Mrs. Knowles-Carter have revamped and relaunched (yes, again) their couture line and released it exclusively through Selfridge’s of London. The line features toned-down casual separates and you can view the pieces here.

And again, we’ll pass…unless Bey’s bedazzled suit becomes available.

Images courtesy of  Stylish Curves and Getty Images

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