Shop tax free at Gus Mayer during ‘Fashion’s Night Out’ this Thursday!

Fall fashion at Belk is ‘seriously chic’

Even if we haven’t quite reached fall on the calendar, the crisp temps and arrival of pre-season football are putting many of us in the mood ahead of time. As you search for the perfect items to accomodate the cooler weather, Belk is ready with the top trends you need in your wardrobe this fall.

At Belk’s recent fall fashion preview, Arlene Goldstein (Vice President of Trend Marketing and Fashion Direction) suggested that shoppers embrace texture, pattern and the clever use of color in “entertaining pieces that will blend well in your wardrobe.” Before you grab something off the rack, consider whether it will add value to what you already own. “Fashion should liberate us, not fence us in,” according to Goldstein. “You can wake up every morning and be whoever you like.” (For more with Ms. Goldstein, click HERE.)

With that in mind, here are four key statements you may make this fall.

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MODERN MINDSET: This is a sleek, architectural look with boxy shapes, juxtaposing the large against the small, and featuring “punk” influences like zippers and studs and dramatic optical or graphic patterns.

PAST PERFECT: Vintage, textile-driven pieces with more subtle effects. Neutral palettes, lace detailing, and embellishments are hallmarks of this look. And if you’ve grown bored with the platform soles we’ve seen for several seasons, single-sole pumps are back.

GLAM GLOBETROTTER: Pattern-mixing is key to this look, which includeds one of my favorites: animal print! Goldstein also notes, “Don’t limit shiny things to evening! Wear your glitz before six!” Tiptoe into this trend by trying a beaded or sequined top worn under a jacket; don’t wear a cocktail dress to work, darlings.

JUST DANDY: This “town and country” look features contemporary classics with a bit of a twist. Think plaid and houndstooth and military touches like brass buttons and epaulets. Flat boots and smoking slippers are part of this look.

One of the most exciting collaborations at Belk this fall is the new CYNTHIA Cynthia Rowley footwear line. The shoes feature details such as studs and ankle straps, which are on-trend for fall. Four different options are available online now, and each is a totally wearable, high-quality addition to your fall wardrobe. I tried to pick a favorite (I’m leaning toward the “City” pump), but honestly, they are all amazing and affordable (in the $90-110 price range). Check out the “Halo” pump, “River” flat, “Chelsea” bootie and “City” pump! Can’t decide between the various heel heights? Buy them all.

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Happy shopping!

Toss some sequins, darlings: it’s our 500th post! Thank you for supporting Same Chic Different Day! – Alexis

Images courtesy Belk

Summer essential: Sam Edelman ‘Gigi’

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I know I’m supposed to be transitioning to fall footwear, but can we talk about the chic simplicity of a Sam Edelman sandal? Sigh.

I’m just purchased my third pair, the ‘Gigi’ in new nude leopard, and I have a feeling I probably should have bought two because these will probably get worn out. They have a comfortable padded footbed, come in a variety of neutral colors and fun patterns, and can be worn with dresses and denim. Coincidentally, Gigis have also been spotted on the Kardsashian sisters. They’re just a well-made, fashionable, reasonably-priced sandal ($65, unless you catch a sale). I bought mine at Zappos.cm, but the Sam Edelman line is also sold locally at Belk.

(And yes, my love for certain animal prints is almost as fierce as my love of bedazzling. This shoe is a perfect “baby step” toward incorporating it into your look without your ensemble screaming “Fierce Kitty” to onlookers.)

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In other news, J. Crew Factory is open at The Shops of Grand River! They’re offering 20% off on purchases of $125 or more, and you can register to win a $200 gift card.

Happy Shopping!

Images via Zappos.com

C is for Chic

Feeling a little nostalgic today as the kids head back to school?  I don’t have children, but I certainly miss “back to school” shopping each summer!  And there’s no reason why we can’t update our own wardrobes with items sure to make the grade.  My shopping list always included items to mix and match: new kicks (sneakers for gym class and a pair for “fun”), a few pairs of slacks and denim, at least one cozy sweater and a snazzy bookbag; below you’ll find looks for the diva who’s still schoolin’ life.

Clockwise from top left:  Forever 21 “Tres Chic” sweater, $22.80; Forever 21 Leopard-print harem pants, $19.80; Steve Madden Realove, $79.99 at Zappos.com; Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM, $980, also available at Saks Fifth Avenue; Nike Air Pegasus 83, available at Zappos.com

Images via Forever 21, Zappos.com and Louis Vuitton

J. Crew Factory coming to the Outlet Shops of Grand River

JCrewFactoryLaunchToss some sequins! Although the J. Crew Factory website says we have to wait until August 21 for it to open, The Shops of Grand River are welcoming J. Crew Factory to the area this morning. CAN. NOT. WAIT.

While you’re celebrating and getting some amazing deals throughout the Shops, be sure to stop by Summer on the Plaza while it lasts. Summer on the Plaza features games, giveaways, music and even a Starlight Cinema! Click HERE for more details.

The Outlet Shops of Grand River are located at 6200 Grand River Boulevard in Leeds.

Happy shopping!

Image via J. Crew Factory

Toss some sequins: H&M.com is here!

HMNowOpenSwedish retailer H&M answered a lot of fashionistas’ prayers on August 1 when they (finally!)  opened online shopping in the United States.  If you were part of the contingent that traveled to stores in Huntsville, Nashville, Atlanta and beyond (or gave a shopping list to friends in a city with an H&M), you now can shop H&M’s fast fashion offerings for ladies (including maternity and plus size), men, kids and the home from the comfort of your sofa (at least until they open a store in the Birmingham area).   Check out our wish list top ten looks below.

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The deets: Draped top in black, $34.95; Embroidered organdie and chiffon blouse in black or white, $29.95; Embossed “leather” tote, $34.95; Graphic jersey top in white, $12.95; Jersey midi skirt in coral, $12.95; Loose-fit pants in dark blue, $24.95; Imitation leather pants in black, $34.95; Shoulder bag with stitch and tassel detail in black or cream, $24.95; Gold feather earrings with ear cuffs, $5.95; “Chic” Print tee in white, $14.95

And as a final plea: H&M, if you’re listening, we want a brick and mortar location in Birmingham!

Happy shopping!

Don’t let this be you.

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Dress like you mean it.  And if you need help, please contact me! Get ready for that interview, date, vacation or simply refresh your wardrobe.  Personal shopping, style advice and closet reorganization are services I am glad to offer.

Follow SCDD on Twitter @SameChicSouth

Shorts story

Can you tell what my summer style staple is? Whether they are embellished, floral, edgy, brightly patterned or basic boyfriend cutoffs, shorts are in my style arsenal! Dressed up with a killer stiletto or dressed down with wedges or even a sneaker, I’ll be rocking some version of short pants this season.

Clockwise from top: J. Crew tiki short, $65; J. Crew desert floral short, $89.50; destroyed boyfriend short, Victorias’s Secret; French Connection silverweed silver mini shorts, $68.24 at Bluefly.com, Wyatt faux leather pleated short, $55.89 at Bluefly.com

What are you looking forward to wearing this summer?

And since it is Throwback Thursday:

Trend to try: knuckle rings

'Sly as a Fox' gold knuckle ring, $12 at Lulus.com

‘Sly as a Fox’ gold knuckle ring, $12 at Lulus.com

Darlings, knuckle rings (AKA ‘midi’ rings) are a bandwagon I’ve been slow to get on, because I generally go ring-less.  However, once I saw this foxy (!) ring on Lulus.com, I was ready to climb aboard. Have you tried adoring your fingers with one or more of these delicate rings that rest just above your knuckles? Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Francesca’s and Lulu’s all have super cute, budget-friendly options that allow you to rock the look without breaking the bank! Which is great, because this is not a trend I would go too crazy trying.  One well-placed midi ring will provide just enough sass for me.

Image via Lulu’s

You’re invited: shop our Stella & Dot trunk show!

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*Darlings, this trunk show has ended. Regular posting will resume on June 10. See you then!*

Have you shopped Stella & Dot’s fabulous jewelry and accessory line? Well, here’s your opportunity! From May 20-24, SCDD is hosting a Stella & Dot trunk show as only we can: online! I absolutely love their pieces; whether you are looking for something delicate or want to make a bold statement, you can find something stylish, unique and well-made at Stella & Dot.

Shop by clicking HERE.

More about Stella & Dot: this direct sales retailer is driven by hostess parties and stylists who have turned jewelry shopping into an intimate, fun experience. With chic, well-crafted pieces and a variety of price ranges, Stella & Dot is about to become a billion dollar enterprise. CEO Jessica Herrin was inspired in part by her grandmother, Stella; “Dot” is Chief Creative Officer Blythe Davis’ grandmother, from whom she inherited her “style and passion for beautiful things.”

And of course I’ve handpicked a few baubles I think are just fabulous: check them out in the Wish List!

Special thanks to Stella & Dot stylist Ashley Stork for coordinating this! Connect with Stella & Dot on Facebook for style inspiration and deals; they also offer flat rate $5.95 shipping and free returns.

(Don’t snooze on this; I am still mad I missed out on the super cute Alice Temperley limited edition fox ring they had a few collections ago!)

Happy shopping!

Images via Stella & Dot (sketch is by Inslee!)

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