07

Dec

J.Crew does it again!

Talk about over-the-top, unforgettable drama. I’m a firm believer that one should dress to be remembered, not just noticed, and one couldn’t help BUT be noticed in this feathered creation from J. Crew. Black, white and fabulous all over, it features a sequined bodice and knee-length feathered skirt. Even the color – “blackjack” – is glam! This piece is made for headturners, not wallflowers., and it’s perfect for a black-tie event. But can you believe it’s $1500?! J. Crew, why won’t you let me be great?!

What I love about this look is that it reminded me of what was considered THE event of the social season: Truman Capote’s masked Black and White Ball. Considered the party of the century (in 1966) this super-exclusive event was held in New York at the Plaza Hotel to celebrate the release of Capote’s masterwork, In Cold Blood. Want to read more about the lengths high society went to in order to claim a coveted spot on the invitation list? Check out The Party of the Century, from the Birmingham Public Library.

Is this look a little too much for you? Then try just a touch of the trend by adding your own DIY feather peplum belt to a simpler sheath. One of my favorite DIY bloggers – Kristen Turner from Glitter ‘n Glue – shows you how, HERE.

Want more party-perfect style tips? Then meet me the Birmingham Public Library’s Arrington Auditorium for Fashion Friday, TODAY at noon! You could win a $100 gift card from Belk, an Artistry Cosmetics goody bag, or even a total makeover from Renovare Hair Salon!

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13 years ago Short URL Comments

C'est Si Bon/Love That!/Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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05

Dec

Put on your dancing shoes

Wearing vintage pieces is a great way to add interest to your look. For dressy casual and cocktail attire, why not try a vintage shoe, like these from Daniel Green? (Back in the day, your mother or grandmother probably wore his gold, ivory or black leather wedge slippers around the house.) Both pairs are available on Etsy.com, a wonderful resource for vintage finds.

capricorne_slipper1.jpgThis black brocade pair (from seller capricorne) are accented with black piping detail and metallic gold, pink and teal thread. I also love the scalloped detail on the instep; very Arabian Nights! And even better: the smoking slippers provide an excellent alternative to heels. These would look great with a smartly tailored suit (come see a PERFECT little black suit this at Fashion Friday this week!), a cigarette pant and blouse or even tailored denim and a luxe sweater or silk blouse. These are $38 plus shipping, and are in “excellent vintage [condition] with the gentlest of wear and no flaws.”

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The second pair (from Birmingham seller TwirlVintageCo.) reminds me of Cinderella’s slippers – so romantic. The use of PVC and lucite in shoes is a major trend right now (see Christian Louboutin’s ‘UnBout’), and these would perfectly complement a floor-length gown. I love that they have a super cute, silver sequined bow accent at the toe for a touch of sparkle. These $42 mules have a 3 1/2 inch heel and are open-toed – meaning please skip the hosiery, and show off your pedicure instead!

A word of caution: vintage shoe sizing is usually smaller than the modern foot. So before you purchase, please be sure to compare your shoe size against the shoe’s measurements to ensure a perfect fit. It would be a shame to purchase something fabulous that you can’t wear!

Images via capricorne and TwirlVintageCo.

13 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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29

Nov

I’m obsessed with…

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…this to-die-for strapless cocktail dress by J. Crew (okay, when am I NOT obsessed with anything from J. Crew?).  Anywho, this play on the tuxedo look capitalizes on the ongoing black+white and colorblocking trends, and manages to be devastatingly chic in its simplicity. I’ll have to admire it from afar though, as the Collection Framed Bow Dress is $398. *Sigh*

Notice how the rest of the model’s look is virtually bare (no jewelry and a hint of makeup)?  That allows this dress to be the major statement.

Are you ready for cocktail season?  Not sure what “festive attire” or “dressy casual” mean? Wondering how to shop chic on a budget? Then join me for Fashion Friday (presented by the Birmingham Public Library and Birmingham magazine) on December 7 at noon!  The fashion workshop will be held in the Arrington Auditorium of Central Library, located at 2100 Park Place.

Image via J. Crew

13 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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14

Nov

MAC opens at Belk/The Summit!

Who’s been waiting on this besides me?! 

The MAC counter is in a prime location near the front of the store, and has double counters.  Becky Blair, Belk Western Division Merchandise Coordinator noted, “We’re looking forward to the new MAC counter for this location.”

To celebrate, we’re giving away a MAC gift bag featuring lots of goodies: eye shadow in “Love Cycle” (a duo of baby and cobalt blue), nail lacquer in “Inert” (a so-now shade of grey), an eye shadow quad in “Parlor Smoke”, a chromagraphic pencil in “Rich Purple”, Zoom Waterfast Lash Mascara in “Waterfast Black”, Pro Longwear Lipglass in “Next Fad” (a pout-perfect pink), and a special edition Make it Perfect Brush Kit.

WANT TO WIN? Post “I want a MAC-over” in the comment section!  For an extra entry, post a link to the contest on Facebook OR Twitter (choose one method and be sure to tag Alexis or @SameChicSouth so the extra entry can be verified).  One winner will be chosen on Friday, November 16 at noon. Enter with a valid email address, as this is how the winner will be contacted. All decisions final.

*And in case you missed it, Nordstrom Rack is headed to Birmingham! It’s slated to open in the River Ridge Shopping Center next Spring!

***This giveaway is now closed.***

13 years ago Short URL 23 Comments

C'est Si Bon/The Look

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25

Oct

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!

13 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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23

Oct

Fashion faceoff: Demi vs. Genevieve

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Demi Moore and socialite Genevieve Jones stepped out in similar looks by Oscar de la Renta recently. Ms. Moore wore a longer version with Jimmy Choo peep toes, a bright Judith Leiber clutch and her signature mane, while Ms. Jones styled her minidress with ethereal hair and a shoulder bag.  The embellished tulle dress features lace, beading, jewels and sequins, retails for $5290 and has a matching jacket. 

Who wore it best?

Looking for a similar party dress with all the wow factor but minus the hefty price tag during Magic City Classic?  Check out this embellished cami dress by Victoria’s Secret, or – if you’d like to be a little more covered up = their luxurious cashmere sweater and pencil skirt.  In fact, check out Vicky’s entire Angel Guide to Party Dressing; whether you plan to make an appearance at a chic soiree or will be wobbling at a local nightspot, you’re sure to find something.

Images via Craig Barritt/WireImage.com and The YB

13 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Birmingham Live!/Random Acts of Fashion/The Look

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19

Oct

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

13 years ago Short URL Comments

Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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18

Oct

The Secret of My Success

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The ballerina bun I’ve been rocking has gotten so many unexpected compliments that I thought I should come clean.  I use a very nifty bun-maker made by Conair, which I purchased at Ulta for $4.99.  The kit contains a ponytail holder, 4 hairpins, and the bun-maker (It looks like a fake donut. Seriously. But it’s actually magic in a box.).

All you do is brush your hair into a ponytail, then slide the bun-maker over it until it meets your scalp.  Wind your hair around the form – tucking it in as you go – secure with a pin, and voila!  For extra volume or to try the messy bun look, tease your ponytail with a rat-tail comb, then wind, tuck and pin.  This makes a great protective hairstyle if you’re avoiding heat, and seriously, it takes less than five minutes to do. It’s perfect for Monday mornings or when you have very little time.   And it just looks polished no matter where you’re going. I’m wearing my bun in a topknot, or sometimes at the nape of my neck.  Apparently you can buy even larger hair donuts at beauty supply stores; I can’t wait to style even more height-defying buns!

(And for some #Throwback Thursday fun: I’m the one with the bun in the last photo, circa 1986. Thanks Mom!)

Images via conair.com

13 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

C'est Si Bon/Love That!/The Look

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05

Oct

InStyle Says…

There are 10 items every fashionable woman needs in her closet.  Here’s one I wore this week: candy apple-red flats (plus a peek at the hem of my matching skirt).

Image via  Instagram (@tongueinchic1)

14 years ago Short URL Comments

The Look

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03

Oct

Check My Footwork

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Ready to take your sneaker game up a notch? This fall is all about the wedge sneaker, worn with tight-rolled skinnies, minis and leggings.  Balance the fitted lower half of your outfit with a loose silhuoette on top: tanks with easy coats and comfy sweaters. The goal is to keep it unfussy; you don’t want to look like an elf.  These kicks are casual but oh-so-chic: perfect for Saturday errands or dates, and a must-have for getaways (instead of any running shoe that screams “Hi! I’m a tourist!”).

Want more options?  These shoes are everywhere right now, including  Dillards, DSW, Victoria’s Secret, Neiman Marcus and Saks.

*You may not be able to read the caption, but those high-heeled lace-up sneakers in the slideshow are a definite fashion DON’T.

Images via Gizmodiva and FreePeople.com

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

The Look

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