The Look: Betty Draper Francis

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Mad Men is back! Season 6 proved to be a dark and somewhat morbid meditation set at the end of 1967-beginning of 1968 (if you watched, did you catch the reference to the Crimson Tide?) Don’t worry; while I won’t give away any other plot spoilers, I will definitely celebrate the feminine, well put-together style of Don’s ex-wife Betty Draper, and sigh over the direction her wardrobe has taken since their marriage ended.

One of my favorite looks (from a previous season) was this bright floral sheath with white gloves and pocketbook. Proof that what goes around comes right back around, Muse Apparel offers a similar option with its Cut Out Back Bouquet Dress ($144). Florals are a huge trend for Spring apparel, and Muse keeps this look from being too much of a sweet throwback with the cutout detail in the back. The belt also nips the silhuoette nicely. Note that the florals are cast against a softer shade of this season’s “it” color. I love how this look has been paired with a bright shoe, but if that’s a bit too much color for you, you could also wear a nude one.

For more on Mad Men‘s costume design, click HERE.

In news, Lilly Pulitzer – purveyor of fun and feminine floral print designs for over 50 years – has passed.

Chick Stole My Look: Ashlee Simpson

20130326-083313.jpgWhile I was off maxing and relaxing, Ashlee Simpson showed up at SouthPark Mall in Charlotte, NC in the same dress I rocked at the Macy’s Prom Event! Does she read this blog??? And did she also hijack my pose? The only difference in dresses is she removed one layer of the skirt.

Okay, okay…maybe the fact that her sister designed the Spring-ready “Extollook had something to do with it. This flouncy, flirty look with abstract print, cap sleeves and button placket back is fit for a variety of occasions and physiques. But just for fun, (and because I love E!’s Fashion Police feature): who rocked it best? Vote below!

Fab photos from the Macy’s Prom Event!

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Macy’s offered prom shoppers the magic of a Macy’s prom experience last weekend at the Riverchase Galleria location, with a fashion show featuring their latest dresses, etiquette tips for the big night, cupcakes from Dreamcakes, and mini-makeovers courtesy of Clinique and Fashion Fair!  I had a blast hosting the event, with the help of party entertainer Danny Brewer of Danny Brewer Live.  If you’re looking for something long, short or in-between, on trend and at a great price, be sure to check out their m style lab on the first floor.  The shoes with each look were from the ladies’ shoe department on the second floor, with everything from a pop of color, sparkled, studded, or neutral featured – great for prom and beyond!

The team at Macy’s was lovely enough to let me model a look from their Social Department on the second floor; I wore a spring look with a fun floral print by Jessica Simpson (not available online) and nude patent Chinese Laundry peep-toes.  I stayed to shop a little after the show and took home the dress I wore, plus one more!

Looking for a super-cute way to ask someone to the prom? Make sure you see the “Prom?” cupcake Ms. Moon provided. All you have to do is hand one to your intended date – much more chic than tweeting or sending him or her a text!

Thank you, Macy’s!

Then and now: the more things change…

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True story: I didn’t go to the prom. But my first formal “fashion moment” happened in high school, when I was invited to a ball in New Orleans.

My mother and I shopped for my dress at Cordova Mall in Pensacola, FL and found “the one” at The Body Shop (yes, they used to sell formal wear). The floor length, fully bedazzled crimson gown had a high neck, front slit and a jazzy keyhole opening.

We found red  Caparros slippers at Shoe Station in Mobile (which I still have), a matching tasseled red evening bag at the Accessory Lady in New Orleans and I raided my mom’s jewelry box.  My mother set my hair and did my makeup. The look wasn’t finished without customizing the dress: she stitched a sheer modesty panel over the front so I wasn’t exposed.

Fast forward a few years and I still absolutely love getting dressed up…the fancier the event, the better! You’ll see my style hasn’t changed: I still shop everywhere to complete a look, and I still love the drama of a bedazzled gown! This past Saturday I altered my vintage stunner from Etsy retailer Call Me Chula to make it fit tighter in the bodice and sleeves. I added a pop of coral with Essie’s “Tart Deco” nail polish and MAC’s Cremesheen Glass in “Richer, Lusher”and as you can see I still love my curls, which I fluffed myself. Although I wear less makeup than I used to, my after -ive absolute must-have are my false eyelashes! My purse was from Tarjhay, and my Badgely Mischka satin peep-toes were from DSW.

Are you headed to prom and ready to make your own fashion statement? Then you don’t want to miss the Macy’s Prom Shopping event this Saturday at the Riverchase Galleria at 2 PM! Join me for prom fashion and etiquette tips, plus mini-makeovers from Fashion Fair and Clinique, and treats from Dreamcakes!

Like Same Chic Different Day on Facebook, and follow SCDD on Twitter @SameChicSouth!

Shop for prom with me at Macy’s!

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Is your look prom-perfect?

Join me March 9 as I host Macy’s Prom Shopping Party Event at Macy’s Riverchase Galleria! You definitely don’t want to miss the afternoon of fun planned: mini-makeovers by Fashion Fair and Clinique, treats from Dreamcakes Bakery, and formal fashion, trend and etiquette tips from yours truly!

Spend $40 or more in the Juniors Department and receive a special gift, while supplies last! And darlings, be sure to tweet your favorite prom-perfect look to #MacysProm!

Ready to get the party started? Join us Saturday, March 9 at the M Style Lab Department on 1 at 2 PM!

See you there!

Like Same Chic Different Day on Facebook, and follow @SameChicSouth on Twitter!

We have a winner!

Jessica Simpson pleated chiffon shift dress $148 at Belk,

Jessica Simpson pleated chiffon shift dress, $148 at Belk

Congrats to KTomas, who won the ‘Spring Forward’ beauty giveaway! The prize features luxe beauty products from Belk, including Isaac Mizrahi’s “Fabulous” new fragrance, Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair and Perfectionist Wrinkle-Lifting Serum, a 5 Piece Nail Polish set by Parisian Beauty (perfect for jump-starting your manicure), and AHAVA Deadsea Water Mineral Hand Cream and Time to Clear Purifying Mud Mask…sure to bring your winter look out of hibernation!

Thank you to everyone who participated, and stay tuned for more great giveaways!

Looking for ‘Love’? Find it this weekend at Target

Have you heard? Prabal Gurung’s collection for Tarjhay launches this Sunday! I am super bummed that I wasn’t at the launch party! Anywho, at least we can all enjoy Gurung’s high fashion at a budget friendly price. I. LOVE. IT. And I love that ‘a girl’s journey through the different stages of love and the clothes she wears during each milestone – from the first date to meeting the parents to the engagement’ served as Gurung’s inspiration.

The collection -billed by Target as a “mixture of modern luxury, indelible style and an astute sense of glamour”-will feature over 80 pieces at prices ranging from $12.99 to the most expensive item: a leather jacket priced at $199.99. Take Prabal’s LOVE QUIZ to determine your style story before you shop the capsule collection this weekend. View the lookbook of chic separates, shoes and accessories and learn more about the collection HERE.

Here are SCDD’s faves, including the ‘First Date’ dress in a digital floral tempered with black accents:

Who’s ready for Spring Break?

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Yes, I understand that Punxsutawney Phil is a rodent, and not a meteorologist. But was I the only one happy he predicted an early Spring? I’m ready for tribal prints, shorts, sleeveless sheaths, single-sole sandals and pumps, chic mix-and-match patterns, seersucker and linen!

We’ve already told you Emerald Green is 2013’s signature color, but if you’re ready to spring forward fashion-wise, here are the top ten looks for ladies and gents suggested by Arlene Goldstein (Belk‘s Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction) at their recent Spring Fashion Tour:

Women’s Most Wanted:

  1. Bold-print dress (tribal prints are so NOW)
  2. Silky top
  3. Spring jacket (how about a soft motorcycle jacket?)
  4. Fancy pant (try a cropped length in a super-chic pattern!)
  5. Fashion wedge (give your platforms a rest this season!)
  6. Novelty knit
  7. Something lacy (so ladylike!)
  8. New tote (Michael Kors has some great options)

Men’s Most Wanted:

  1. Slim-fit jean (ahem…not skinny)
  2. Novelty short
  3. Preppy shoes (time to break out the boat shoes, fellows)
  4. Prominent patterns
  5. Prepster ties (prepare to see knit ties return!)
  6. Spring sport coat
  7. Tees
  8. Bold stripes
  9. Soft-colored dress shirts

To help spring-board your style statements this season, how about a giveaway? SCDD is giving away a goody bag featuring Isaac Mizrahi’s “Fabulous” new fragrance, Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair and Perfectionist Wrinkle-Lifting Serum, a 5 Piece Nail Polish set by Parisian Beauty (perfect for jump-starting your manicure), and AHAVA Deadsea Water Mineral Hand Cream and Time to Clear Purifying Mud Mask…sure to bring your winter look out of hibernation! These lovely products are all available at your destination for Modern Southern Style: Belk!

Want to win? Leave “I want to Spring Forward!” in the comment section, “like” SameChicDifferentDay.com on Facebook, or follow SCDD on Twitter (@SameChicSouth). If you’re already following SCDD via social media, you must post a link to this contest and tag @SameChicSouth (Twitter) or SCDD (Facebook) so that I can track your sharing. Please use a valid email address so I can contact you if you are the winner! The drawing will be held this Friday, February 8 at noon. All decisions final.

You’ve got to be seen…in emerald green

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The color gods have spoken: PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, a lively, radiant, lush green, is the Color of the Year for 2013.

From Pantone.com: “Emerald, a vivid verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight as well as promoting balance and harmony.

Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. Also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity, no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.

“The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally-appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

Who’s ready to inject this sophisticated hue into their wardrobes? I certainly am…and I’m loving J. Crew’s hothouse floral chiffon blouse, with its lush color and vivid pattern.  This top is listed as “bright aqua” but whatever: find a green that flatters your complexion (some tones make me look ill!). Paired with dark denim and leopard flats for play, or a sleek pencil skirt, black tights and pumps for business and I’m feeling like I just stepped out of Oz.

Yes indeed

MAC’s Ruby Woo matte lipstick changed. My. Life. As did this super color and blowout from Renovare. My roots were ridiculous, and my curls were a little flat. I needed to jumpstart my look.

My style tip of the day? A twist on some advice my grandmother once gave me regarding my non-existent (at the time) love life: “To get something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” So if you always wear your hair curly, try wearing it straight. Or if you always rock a pale pink or neutral lipgloss, go for a sultry red velvet. Trust me. It could open a whole new world of fun.

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