04

Apr

I Love the 80s: NEON

What goes around definitely comes back around.  Raise your hand if you owned a pair of these Reebok Freestyle  Hi lace-up sneakers during the “Let’s Get Physical” aerobics craze of the ’80s, or wore them on the playground (*raises hand*)?  These call to mind a pink pair I received as a much-loved hand me down from my older cousin Raven.   Rocsi Diaz (co-host of BET’s ‘106 and Park’) rocks a neon green pair while enjoying some downtime in NYC.  Notice how she’s paired them with a neutral, casual outfit (not skintight leggings and a leotard)?  Get your own pair here (they’re advertised in island blue, neon purple, hot green and neon pink with “reignbow” laces).  Then all you need are a Skip It!, a side pony and an NKOTB poster for your bedroom ceiling.  Totally rad!

Seriously, neon is an important spring trend; but wear it at your own risk. The point is not to look like Rainbow Brite.  If a neon sheath (as seen in the slideshow) or pant is too much color at once,  an easy way to incorporate the look is by limiting the bright color to your shoes or handbag.  Balance a neutral outfit with bright shoes and bag, or try the reverse (a bright dress with neutral accessories).

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Another note about Ms. Diaz’s casual ensemble:  need I say don’t get caught running errands around town in your saggy pajama pants and dirty flip flops? Follow her lead: keep it casual AND chic.

Images via YBF, People & Reebok

14 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

The Look

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03

Apr

The Look for Less: YSL Tribute Sandals

Haute mommy Christina Milian (The Voice’s social media correspondent) gives us a POP! Of color while out and about in LA in neon pink skinnies and towering heels. 

Love the look of her YSL Tribute stilettos (available at Net-a-Porter) but not the $795 (plus tax and shipping charges, darlings!) pricetag?  Check out a similar pair: “Toleo” by Vince Camuto in snake-embossed beige and “Mojito”  mint green (a very hot color for Spring).  The 4″ heel, 1″ platform is available at Macy’s and Dillard’s online, for $98 (yes, plus tax and shipping.  Macys.com does not have the mint green pair).

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Images via YBF, Net-a-Porter and Dillards

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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16

Mar

I Believe the Children are Our Future…

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But no ma’am, Willow.

All jokes aside, Same Chic Different Day looooooooves the kids.  I promise you we do!  But this picture of Willow Smith shopping in Soho in a pair of  $690 Adidas Y-3 by Yohji Yamamoto heeled sneakers has us clutching our pearls in horror. Aside from the fact that they are an assault on the eyes, are 4 1/2 heels appropriate for children?  True, I grew up rocking white canvas Keds and Nike Air Max, but come on…is this really what’s hot for pre-teens?  I blame Will and Jada.

I’m all for letting kids express themselves in a healthy, safe manner (side-eye to the green buzz cut, though), but I wonder: where should parents draw the line between self-expression and exhibitionism (i.e. making an unnecessary spectacle of oneself)? 

Your thoughts?

Images via YBF

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Learn From My Mistakes!/Something in the Milk Ain't Clean/The Look

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16

Mar

The former Wheelchair Jimmy covers one of three special editions of GQ (and deservedly so, having shed the Cliff Huxtable sweaters and emo posturing).  If this is what young money looks like, well done. *slow hand clap and a wolf whistle*

Image via GQ

14 years ago Short URL Comments

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

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07

Mar

Kanye West may be a bit much sometimes, but these pearl encrusted shoes he designed for Giuseppe Zanotti are a little bit of everything!  Although model Jourdan Dunn has said the super high stilettos are not to be walked in, at over $5000 a pair I’m not sure I’d be on a dirty sidewalk in them anyway. For those of you who don’t need to crawl before you ball, they’re available via French retailer Colette.

As seen on Kim K (I give her a hard time, but I am LOVING chick’s ensemble):

I’m going on record and calling these HAUTE.  What say you?

Image via US Weekly

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Haute or Not?/The Look

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27

Feb

This is the Oscars, for Crying Out Loud

There are no E’s for Effort for our Worst Dressed offenders.  Get it together.

Melissa McCarthy paid homage to Bridemaids in a sienna rose jeweled gown by Marina Rinaldi. McCarthy is reportedly starting her own clothing line. I love her; just not in this dress.  Surely there was a more flattering design to be had (i.e. from Tadashi Shoji, perhaps? They have proven they understand and celebrate a fuller silhouette.). 

Another no: Natalie Portman’s vintage scarlet and black polka dot gown by Dior.  I’m not sure polka dots are ever a wise choice for the red carpet.

And a special note for you, Sacha Baron Cohen (and Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj and everyone else who wants to be so “different”): come as YOURSELF.  Costumes and gimmicks at the Oscars? Leave those to the host.  Except for blackface.  That is never appropriate.

No ma’am Melissa Leo: a matronly black and gold sequined combo with an unfortunate ribbon belt?  And what looks the top part of a short-sleeved shirt stuffed into a strapless evening gown? #dobetter

Emma Stone’s fire engine red Giambattista Valli has been seen before, on Nicole Kidman wearing a similar version by Balenciaga in 2007.   And I liked it better on Nicole.

Why take home an Oscar when you can come dressed as one?  Best Actress winner Meryl Streep did, in a golden draped Lanvin. And so did Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson, in a Romona Keveza gold number straight from Caesars Palace. But Stacy Keibler in (Marchesa) did it better, ladies!

Trend that needs to stop?  Split and/or sheer sleeves, as seen on Jennifer Lopez (in Zuhair Murad), Berenice Bejo (in Elie Saab), Sherri Shepherd, the aforementioned Melissa McCarthy, Livia Firth and Amara Miller.  This is not prom season 1974.  Stop trying to make matronly, peek-a-boo and fluttery sleeves happen. And we should not be able to see your lingerie, Sherri.

What else wasn’t cool? Angelina Jolie must be taking lessons from the Lea Michele book of “Look at ME!” posing.  The slit-up-to-HERE black velvet Atelier Versace was lovely, and I get that it’s couture and meant to give leg drama, but it was too much. We don’t all want to see your inner thigh.

Final thoughts? Jane Seymour’s ensemble made me sad, because it reminded me of how beautiful she used to be when she wasn’t trying so hard. She’s a gorgeous woman, but the low cut, red sequined look is just wrong. Bo Derek, on the other hand, is still a “10” (pun intended) in her figure flattering navy gown. And I still am scratching my head over Busy Phillip’s grey lace Dolce & Gabbana.  Scarlett O’Hara did curtains already.

So fab ones, what have we learned? Don’t wear something someone else wore better in recent history.  Stay away from dowdy touches.  Don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself with outlandish posing. Be sexy AND age appropriate.  And leave the Halloween costume in your closet.  You’ve been warned.

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Images via InStyle/Getty

14 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

Learn From My Mistakes!/Random Acts of Fashion/The Look/Who Wore What Where

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22

Feb

Estee Lauder debuts Mad Men Line March 18

Are you as excited as I am about Mad Men’s return to the airwaves on March 25?!  (Okay, maybe you aren’t planning to wear mid-century modern and drink a Manhattan when the fifth season airs.) The characters have inspired a limited edition Banana Republic collection, been immortalized by Barbie and hipsters everywhere, and now in conjunction with the season’s launch, Estee Lauder is releasing a Mad Men-themed cosmetics collection.  The brand will include lipstick and rouge (i.e. blush) in swinging retro glam shades of cherry and evening rose that invite wearers to “shake, stir, [and] seduce.”  The items are prettily packaged in vintage gilt holders; whether you’re a Betty, Joan or Peggy you will definitely look chic when you whisk them out of your pocketbook (er, handbag)!

What better brand to wear to give your Don or Roger a little kiss?

For more info, click here.

Image via AMC

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

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

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16

Feb

Mother and Daughters Make Design a Family Affair

Sisters Lindsay Oakley and Lauren Carpenter have launched Lila & G, a customizable children’s clothing line celebrating the handmade craftmanship their mother Karen Eubank used in creating their own clothes as little girls.  Drawing inspiration today from their lives as mothers to two little girls of their own (Lila Kate and Gwyneth Anne),  Lila &G makes the process personal: mommies and daughters design the outfit;  Mrs. Eubank constructs the final product.

What inspires your designs?   I remember us drawing out our Easter dresses and my mom would mix and match patterns or draft her own and make them.  She did that for our prom dresses too.  So really that’s been a part of our lives for a long time, since we were kids.  [Lindsay and I] noticed that there was a market for young-looking, sweet clothes made the way [our mother] dressed us.

How did you make the leap from stay-at-home mom to entrepreneur?  I was a teacher for three years; I taught music [prior to Gwyneth’s birth].  When we’re out in public Gwyneth wears clothes that I designed and my mom made, and people asked where they could buy what she was wearing.   And the same thing happened to [my sister and me]when we were growing up.  Since we’re home now, [our starting the business] just made sense.  It really just seemed like a natural thing to do. 

Explain the Lila & G concept.   We looked for things you can’t find in stores and we looked for things you can mix and match.  The idea is that the mom and daughter get to design the outfit together and we get to make it.  They start with our template, and they pick the fabric and trim.  [At our design parties] we bring samples in every size, fabric, and option we  offer.  It gives the client the chance to look at everything,  to try it on their daughter, and decide how [they want to customize their outfit] based on one of the top and bottom options.  Every outfit will turn out different because there are so many options.  (Pieces run between $30-$70 for the Spring line.)

You currently only have pieces for girls.  Any plans to expand for boys? [Laughs] Currently I’m pregnant with a boy, so yes, we’ve already talked about adding a boys line to Lila & G in the future.  Now that we have a boy in the family that’s probably coming soon.  [In terms of expanding the line] we’re also going to have an heirloom line with silk fabrics, satin ribbon and French lace;  it’ll be for special occasions: flower girl dresses, christening gowns, Easter dresses, etcetera.

One last question: what’s it like working with your mother and sister?  It’s good;  it’s been really fun.  We all have similar ideas of how we think little girls should dress or would want to dress.   And it’s given us a new way to connect with each other and spend time with each other.

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Lila & G can also be found on Facebook and Twitter: @LilaandG

Images via Lila & G

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/Love That!/Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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13

Feb

Menswear and Vintage Looks Close Birmingham Fashion Week

It wasn’t all about the ladies at Birmingham Fashion Week.  After an earlier showing of menswear by Southern Proper and Prophetik, local men’s clothier Shaia’s showcased several looks perfect for gentlemen with made to measure taste.  From their natty three piece and double-breasted suits to the infusion of color in the casualwear, there is no need for the fellows to fall back on blue button-downs and khakis come spring.  I especially  appreciated the purple gingham shirt, deep purple knit tie, and grey suit combination (a similar version was spotted on New York Giant Mario Manningham at the Grammys last night).

Headlining designer  Gerard Maione (one half of What Goes Around Comes Around NYC) gave us vintage chic set to a bossa nova beat of Mais Que Nada.  1970s-era glamour was on display with scarlet caftans and jade green tunics fit for the resort and separates for the office (accented with tasseled belts, silk ascots, and fabrics featuring paisley prints or gold thread).

Project Runway Season 8’s Christopher Collins’ black jumpsuit, Leona Collection’s chain-print, lace-up back, yellow sundress and Gus Mayer’s haute pink one shoulder cocktail dress all would give anyone’s wardrobe an edge.

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Stay tuned for my final word on BFW 2012!

All images courtesy of and copyrighted by Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/The Look

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13

Feb

Straight from the Birmingham Fashion Week Runway: Kaylon Nichole

Kaylon Nichole wearing What Goes Around Comes Around, BFW 2012

Kaylon Nichole Brooks, 16, is from Lilburn, Georgia and has been modeling for 5 months.  We caught up with Kaylon and her mother, Stacey M. Cameron, just after Birmingham Fashion Week’s finale Saturday night.

How did you prepare for BFW?  “[By] asking my mom lots of questions about what I needed to do better [on the runway], practicing in my kitchen, and looking up videos on YouTube [which showed how to walk the catwalk].”

What do you think about as you stroll the runway?  “[Walking] clears my head and soothes me; it’s a relieving feeling.”

Any dream designers you’d like to work with?  “Versace!  Their stuff is so different; you know Versace when you see it.  They’re iconic; [wearing their designs] says that you’ve made it big.”

Do you have an agent?  “My mom! [Laughs]  She’s my ‘momager.’ ”

Okay, Mom, what did you think of the show?  “She did amazing!  I’ve been trying to get her to do it!”  Kaylon cut in, “My mom used to say I wanted to model secretly because I used to watch America’s Next Top Model all the time.  She told me then I’d model one day, but I didn’t believe it.  She finally convinced me, and I love it.”

She had the following advice for aspiring models: “Do your research.  Try to learn from the best, and you have to practice.  And, exercise and take care of your body.” 

How does she balance the demands of schoolwork with her budding career?

“My mom keeps me on track.  It is a struggle at times but she lets me know that school comes first.”

Images courtesy Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/The Look

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