Friday Fab: Girls Inc. Rocks and so do the Shops of Grand River

Don’t let this be you. Please.

Last week I took a teensy vacay to “get my life” but still managed to get in some connectivity offline.  It was a blast sharing tips on personal style with the young fashionistas who attended the 3rd Annual Girls Inc. Teen Conference last Saturday!  And special thanks to Belk for partnering with me to provide a $100 gift card to Tasia Wright!

One of the tidbits I shared with the ladies is, you don’t have to break the bank to look fabulous. One of the ways you can save money is to shop at outlet malls.  And I should know, because I recently enjoyed a lovely day of shopping at the The Outlet Shops of Grand River.  I spent a few hours networking with other Alabama bloggers and seeing all that the Shops had to offer, at stores including Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, GAP, LOFT, the Nike Factory Store and Banana Republic.  But my personal Shangri-La was the The Cosmetics Company Store, which had products from MAC, Clinique, and (be still my heart) Origins!

If you haven’t been, the outlet stores are a short drive away, and the layout is easy to navigate.  I found the representative at Guest Services to be quite helpful (yes, I got lost) and there is a thriving food court, as well as a covered play area for kids (where they can rock out while you rest your feet).

Want to check it out? Get your shop on with a $50 gift card! SCDD is giving one away to a lucky reader, and all you have to do is post “Send me to The Outlet Shops of Grand River!” in the comment section.  Gain up to two extra entries by sharing a link to this post via Facebook and/or Twitter (be sure to tag Alexis or @SameChicSouth so additional entries can be tracked). Use a valid email address, as that is how the winner will be contacted.  Winner will be announced on Tuesday, November 20. All decisions final.

Special thanks to Rachel @ Grasping for Objectivity and the ladies at KC Projects!

Get ready to shop The Market!

The Junior League of Birmingham has had the tradition of changing the lives of women and children in our community since 1922. Now the organization is encouraging the residents of the Birmingham area to be a part of this mission! 

Shoppers can give back by purchasing for themselves and others this week at The Market. The annual three-day shopping extravaganza will be held on Thursday, November 14 through Saturday, November 17 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center located off U.S. Highway 280.  

All funds raised support the JLB’s community projects that address some of Birmingham’s most critical issues, including literacy, domestic violence prevention, health education, and life skills for families in transition.   This three-day shopping event begins with The Market’s Sneak Peek Party on Wednesday, November 14 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Shoppers will not want to miss the opportunity to be the first to shop the great finds The Market vendors have to offer!  

Whole Foods Market of Mountain Brook will offer fabulous wines and Good People Brewing Company will provide beer tastings.  The evening will feature a Diamond Giveaway sponsored by Diamonds Direct where attendees will have the chance to win a one carat diamond with the purchase of a glass of champagne.  Shoppers can conclude their evening by bidding on incredible silent auction items or trying the new “Market Mystery Boxes”, where everyone is a winner.  Martie and the Market on November 15 will offer brunch with Alabama’s own “Food Network Star” finalist Martie Duncan.  Martie will be sharing some of her best party tips while displaying Bromberg’s beautiful serving pieces.  

And that’s not all; read about other events scheduled at The Market this week by clicking HERE!  All general admission tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance or at the door.

WANT TO WIN TICKETS TO THE MARKET? SCDD is giving away a pair to one lucky reader!  Enter to win by posting “Send me to The Market!” in the comment section below.  One winner will be selected on Wednesday, November 14th at noon.  Enter with a valid email address, as that is how the winner will be notified.  All decisions final.

***This giveaway is now closed; congrats to Sara, who won two general admission tickets to The Market!***

Special thanks to Holly Lollar!

These…

…were MADE to be worn during Magic City Classic festivities.  You can’t go wrong this season with Jessica Simpson’s ‘Essas’ booties ($149), featuring leopard print and a fashionable black leather cap toe; these shoes will take you from the game to afterhours activities on the town whether you’re rocking black and old gold or maroon and white. If animal print is too much of a statement for you, rock the more subtle black or burgundy versions. Be careful though; these 5″ heels are not for novices.  Please don’t break them out without sufficient practice.

Feel free to revisit our list of Magic City Classic Fashion Don’ts if you need a refresher!

It’s time to Shop, Save and Share!

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This year the Junior League Shop Save & and Share (SSS) card is back with more savings, benefits, and partnerships than ever before.

“This fundraiser is really a win-win for everyone,” states Valerie Ramsbacher, President of the Junior League of Birmingham. “The League raises money that supports over 35 community projects. Card buyers receive discounts from their favorite retailers and restaurants, who in turn benefit from sales related to the Shop Save & Share card.”

From October 24-November 4 cardholders can enjoy a 20% shopping discount at over 500 retailers, restaurants, and on services throughout the local community including Pepper Place, Trussville, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia, Hoover, the 280 corridor, Alabaster, and online vendors.  Simply purchase a Shop, Save & Share card for a $40 donation to the Junior League of Birmingham and start saving while supporting our community.  

The Outlet Shops of Grand River will be hosting a “Sip and Savor” kick-off party for the fundraiser on Thursday, October 25 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. which is open to the public with the purchase of a Shop, Save & Share card. There will be fashion shows featuring the latest in fall fashions showcasing stores from The Outlet Shops of Grand River. There will also be several food demonstrations, including one by Chef Randall Baldwin of Dyron’s Low Country featuring the best in Alabama-grown fall produce, as well as appetizers and drinks for attendees.

“A major contributing factor to the success of this fundraiser is the support of our generous sponsors.  Their support can claim that,” states Amanda Saint, SSS Chair.

To purchase your Shop, Save & Share card or review a complete list of participating merchants please visit www.jlbonline.com or www.shopsaveshare.net.

Want a chance to win a Shop, Save and Share card? Same Chic Different Day is giving one away! Here’s how to enter the giveaway: leave an “I want to Shop, Save & Share!”comment under this post!  And there are FOUR more fabulous ways get in on the good stuff:

  • Follow SCDD on Facebook or Twitter @SameChicSouth.
  • Subscribe to  SCDD (by scrolling to the end of this page, entering your email address and clicking “Sign me up!”)
  • Share this giveaway post via your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. 

NOTE: For each additional entry, a separate comment should be left on this post (“I followed SCDD on Facebook”…etc).  ONE winner will be selected at random from all qualified entries.  Please use a valid email address when posting comments, as that is how the winner will be contacted.  Enter by 5 PM CDT on Friday, October 26.   All decisions final.

Special thanks to Holly Lollar!

***This giveaway is now closed.  The winner will be announced on Monday, October 29.  Thanks!***

I’m So Wearing This

…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)?

Ask Alexis: Help me find a nude shoe!

Q: Dear SCDD, Help!!! Where can I get some super awesome nude shoes: Flats, pumps, stilettos, etc? Also, “nude” means nude for YOUR skin type…right??  -Sincerely,  Desperately Seeking Nudeness

A: No need to be desperate, diva!  As the above photo shows, there are plenty of options for nude, tan, or beige footwear. From Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson, Nine West and Aldo to Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Brian Atwood it’s pretty easy to find a neutral shoe that flatters your skintone.  Check out all the options available at Heels.com!

The hue doesn’t have to be an exact match to your complexion; one or two shades lighter is perfectly fine.  And don’t limit them to your beige, tan or brown ensembles.  A nude pump, flat, bootie, peeptoe or platform can be worn with (just about) anything!

Do you have a fashion dilemma?  Wondering what to wear on a first date, job interview or to a social event? Ask Alexis!

*Top, clockwise: Tory Burch “Reva” leather flat, Christian Louboutin “Very Prive” open-toe pump, Rebecca Minkoff “Solange” wedge booties, and Christian Louboutin “Bianca” closed-toe platform pump

Saks Friends & Family starts today!

Enjoy 20% off online-only purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue (with some exclusions, and jewelry is 15% off) today through October 17. Use FRNFAM2 at checkout. Click HERE for more information and details on exclusions.

From October 18-21, enjoy the Friends & Family discount in store and online.

Saks Fifth Avenue also offers free standard shipping on orders of $150 or more (now through October 27) with code FREESHP3.  See website for additional details.

Image via Saks

Haute off the press: Cam Newton to Launch Collection at Belk

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Carolina Panthers quarterback (and GQ cover model) Cam Newton is launching MADE Cam Newton, (a menswear line) with Belk.  The collection will debut in stores and on Belk.com next Spring.  According to Cam: 

“As a man born and raised in the south, I have always known Belk as a benchmark for quality apparel and a destination for clothing that is both functional and stylish. Developing a collection for Belk was a natural fit from the beginning, and we designed the MADE collection with an authentic approach,” said Newton. “I’m happy to bring my vision to a clothing line that provides comfortable, on-trend clothing to men and that reflects my personal style.”

The collection will be comprised of “fashion-forward, versatile, professional apparel options for men, and in fall 2013, will also include accessories and shoes.” Celebrity fashion collections can sometimes go left (hello, House of Dead Wrong), but having seen a few of the casual and professional looks, I have to say the pieces are a sophisticated breath of fresh air (no signs of this or this).  I can’t wait to see how the line will be received here in Alabama (I’m sure the Auburn family will be “all in”). 

Your thoughts?

Update: My source told me “tees will start at $28 and a blazer will be around $120, [offering] a wide variety of prices for any budget. [Belk and Mr. Newton] created this collection for people to be able to purchase what their wallet allows…we wanted to offer a variety of choices.”

Images via Belk, Inc./PRNewswire

You need it: The Shift Dress

This Merona longsleeve shift dress by Tarjhay is purrrrrfect for days when you have to to hit the bricks quickly and are at a loss as to what to wear.  I spotted this in Hoover’s SuperTarget at The Grove and it is lovely in person – a seasonless item at a budget-friendly price ($27.99).  It comes with a self belt, but would look just as cute unbelted. And – hello? – it’s in a fierce kitty leopard print! 

Throw on a bootie, pointy-toed flat or a pump (in a nude or even a bright hue), a statement necklace and you’re done.  Wear it right into winter with a pair of tights!

Image via Target

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