28

Jan

Weekend Fab: Sickle Cell Gala supports ongoing research

It’s Showtime!
This is the closest I got to Nicole Ari Parker. Sorry!
The view from the audience
Marcell Dareus and Alexis
Junk nails!
Fox 6’s Mickey Ferguson and Alexis

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending one of Birmingham’s premiere social events: “Showtime Birmingham Style,” in support of the Sickle Cell Foundation. The Foundation “was established in 1978 for the purpose of advocating and improving the quality of health, life and services for individuals affected by sickle cell disease and related conditions in central Alabama, while promoting the search for a cure for all people in the world with sickle cell disease.” Executive Director Sharon B. Lewis, this year’s chairwoman Brenda M. Brantley and celebrity host Nicole Ari Parker made this year’s gala a truly magical event.

After a red carpet pre-gala reception, guests enjoyed remarks from Dr. Tim Townes, UAB Chair of the Department of Biochemistry/Molecular Genetics, whose research may lead to a cure for the disease. Next, Fox 6’s Jeh Jeh Pruitt and Mickey Ferguson took the stage as masters of ceremony and ongoing comic relief. After greetings from Mayor William Bell, Congresswoman Terri Sewell and acknowledgments from President of the Board of Directors Michael H. Bell, Ms. Lewis, and Ms. Brantley, guests enjoyed a dinner of barbecue shrimp and grits, Southern fried chicken and sauteed spinach.

This year’s celebrity showcase did not disappoint and featured some hidden Birmingham-area talent: highlights included Birmingham Fire Chief Ivor Brooks, Ernest Miller and Lamont Saffo’s rendition of “Let’s Just Kiss and Say Goodbye” by The Manhattans, City Councilman Jonathan F. Austin’s take on Barry White’s “Practice What You Preach,” accompanied by Courtney G. French of Fuston, Petway and French, and Charlie Waldrep, Randy Jones, Jim Folsom and Tommy Spina’s lively medley of “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” and “The Duke of Earl.”

The night’s popular amateur talent feature wowed the audience with R&B, rap and soul. It included Abijah Cunningham’s first place version of Patti Labelle’s “If Only You Knew,” Prince’s “The Beautiful Ones” performed by second place winner El Paso Williams, and “OG” Gregory Johnson’s third place take on “Cruisin’ ” by Smokey Robinson.

This was also a night for fabulous black-tie fashion, and you know I love to get fab for a great cause! So what did I wear? An apricot and cream vintage sequined and belted silk sheath from Dallas’ Rummage Vintage, with a gold snakeskin miniaudiere, and barely-there PVC Manolo Blahniks. I wore my hair in a simple topknot, and for a little pizazz I also tried “junk nails,” which added sparkling embellishments to my manicure.

Surprise guest of the night? Buffalo Bills’ defensive tackle (and former Alabama gamechanger) Marcell Dareus, who made an impromptu pledge of support to the Sickle Cell Foundation, and was sweet enough to pose with me! Isn’t he dapper?

BB&T of Alabama was this year’s title sponsor, and the 2014 “It’s Showtime! Birmingham Style”chairman will be Charlie Waldrep, of Waldrep, Stewart and Kendrick.

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07

Sep

For once, I’m at a loss for words.  Your thoughts?

Image via People (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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05

Sep

Fashion faceoff: RNC vs. DNC edition

Who wore it best?

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Ann Romney in a crisp red silk, belted taffeta shirtdress from Oscar de la Renta ‘s pre-Fall 2012 collection  (which may have cost close to $2490, from the looks of a similar dress sold on Net-a-Porter) with black low-heeled open-toed pumps…or First Lady Michelle Obama in Tracy Reese’s arm-baring custom rosy pink and bluish gray toile dress with J. Crew’s suede “Everly” pumps in rhubarb ($245)?  Mrs. Romney chose a bright red nail polish and gold accessories while Mrs. Obama chose a soft taupe-grey (very similar to Sally Hansen’s ‘Commander in Chic’) and almost no jewelry. Both women had flawless hair and makeup (no stiff hair “don’ts” here). 

Mrs. Obama’s ensemble seemed to be more of a bold risk with its keyhole back, tonal fabric, seaming, scallop detail  and cutaway silhuoette, which also showed off her toned arms.  Mrs. Romney’s sartorial choice was a twist on the traditional 1950s shirtdress, with its demure neckline and sleeves and full skirt. 

So, darlings, which look gets your vote?

Images via Huffington Post, US Magazine and the Daily Beast

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08

May

Who Wore What Where: 2012 Costume Institute Gala

Chiffon! Feathers!  Silk taffeta! Peplum! DRAMA! Yes, the Costume Institute  Gala was held last night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.   The Costume Institute celebrates and curates “five continents and seven centuries of fashionable dress, regional costumes, and accessories for men, women, and children, from the fifteenth century to the present.”  Last night’s theme “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” brought out the best (and worst) in some of us.

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Who brought the fabulosity? Hands down, our vote goes to Blue Ivy’s baby mama in a gasp-inducing sheer, beaded and feather-festooned Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. Yes, it’s a risk and it’s over the top and her rear is almost exposed, but this is Beyonce and this is the MET Gala.  Go glam or sit home, folks.  The gown is such a major fashion moment with its embellishment and ombre feathered train that we’re overjoyed the current World’s Most Beautiful Woman kept her hair and makeup subdued. Another showstopper? Florence Welch’s tiered Alexander McQueen WERQ!

Other hits? Rihanna’s crocodile-embossed gown was gorgeous.  I’m also loving the serene and understated soon-to-be Mrs. Justin Timberlake in blush and lime-beaded Prada, and coordinating couple Mr. and Mrs. Tom Brady (Gisele also wore Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci).  Note the dapper evening and footwear Tom’s rocking, gentlemen.

Disappointments? Scarlett Johansson’s Dolce & Gabbana fit and flare and “undone” hair bothered me, and so did Leighton Meester’s tulle tragedy (really, Marchesa?) and Diane Kruger’s purple people eater look.  Le sigh.  And Kristen Stewart (in Balenciaga) looks like she dropped in on her way to Studio 54.  The dual Little House on the Prairie disasters worn by SJP (SHOCKER!) and Mirror, Mirror ingenue Lily Collins are both by Valentino Haute Couture.  Kirsten Dunst and Alicia Keys opted to come straight from the set of Working Girl (I kid, I kid. But really…these are not good looks).   And Coco Rocha…WHY?! I don’t care if your pantsuit did belong to Liz Taylor; it’s a definite “no ma’am.”

See more photos HERE and HERE.

Images via MTV and People

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30

Apr

Who Wore What Where: White House Correspondents Dinner

Okay, fab ones: we have several hits and one fashion travesty from this weekend’s festivities.

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WINNERS:  Kate Hudson looks like she walked off the set of Valley of the Dolls in  floorlength navy sequins and bun, Viola Davis rocks a  fabulous red one shoulder gown and a glowing Reese Witherspoon is a Grecian goddess in draped black with a pop of color at her ears.   First Lady Michelle Obama wears a lovely hyper-floral print strapless gown; wallpaper-inspired prints are very important for Spring style.  And Kerry Washington (star of ABC’s new hit show Scandal) kills it in a simple peach caftan-esque gown with snakeskin clutch  (love the simple hair and matching pout).  Adding a snakeskin-print accessory is a great way to mix it up for evening and step away from the usual metallic or rhinestone shoe or bag.

But did Alicia Keys realize which party she was attending? I don’t understand her outfit at all for this occasion; your thoughts?

And finally: Kim K. managed to show up somewhere with her new “boo” attached at the hip. *Eye roll*

See more photos via The Daily Beast and YB&F

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30

Apr

So Chic: Solange Knowles in Stephané Rolland

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Singer-songwriter, dj and model Solange Knowles (who has also served as the face of beauty brands Carol’s Daughter and Rimmel London) shuts it down in this white Stephané Rolland Spring 2012 gown with peplum detail and gold accent.  Check out the minimalist, barely-there makeup…a breath of fresh air for Spring!  Her slicked back bun and minimal jewelry finish the polished, modern look.  And while I’m usually all about embellishments, the stark beauty of this dramatic white gown announces “less is (really) more.”  Take note ladies: this is what “not trying too hard” looks like.  Perfection!

View more of Stephané Rolland ‘s Spring 2012  show by clicking HERE.

Image via YB&F

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The Look/Who Wore What Where

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27

Apr

Pink Ladies

Tyra channels Marilyn at the recent Time Inc. 100 Gala  Or is it just me? Minus the bodacious butt bow and gloves, of course.

I think I like Marilyn’s haute pink version better.

And speaking of  thinking pink…what do you think of Lauren Conrad’s fuchsia ponytail? I kinda love it!   Check out the lovely deeper shade with ombré effect on Ashanti (and how Nelly coordinated!).  The hues each lady chose flatter their complexions, and their makeup is flawless! There’s a major difference between what these ladies are working and the clown colors others are rocking (names are withheld to protect the guilty!).  Note how complementary shades are used to pull off such a risky look, and also note: these ladies are in the entertainment and fashion/beauty industries.  A more subtle use of hair color is highly recommended for those of us in more conventional occupations.

Images via AP, Jon Kopaloff/Film Magic (by way of People) and YB&F

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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

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11

Feb

Who Wore What Where: Birmingham Fashion Week

From what I’ve seen come down the catwalk, come Spring we will all be wearing (or avoiding) high-low hems, pleated maxi skirts and palazzo pants, romantic sheer blouses (but perhaps not sheer enough to expose our lingerie, as was shown),  and tailored shorts.   But the high fashion isn’t just on the runway at BFW 2012.  I’ve spotted super-chic attendees in colored denim, one shoulder embellished tunics, faux and genuine fur vests and short jackets, at least one fascinator, and amazing footwear: booties, glam platforms, and of course, a Louboutin (or ten).  

Who was the most fashionable?  There were SO many to choose from, but I just had to talk to the very chic Miss Cates Lyman, age 6, who attended Birmingham Fashion Week’s Friday shows with her mother, Elisabeth Lyman.

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Who picked out your outfit?  My mama. [smiles]

Why do you like it?  “Because my mama has a matching one…and because it has pockets!”

What’s your favorite color?  “Pink.  It’s a happy color!”

What do you want to be when you grow up? “A movie star!”

Is this your first fashion show?  “No ma’am.  I’ve been in one.  This is my third,” she informed me.

Cates’ mother provided additional details regarding her outfit: the Milly multicolored striped mini dress is from Village Sportwear, and was purchased so they could match on Palm Sunday.  The silver sequined vest is from SNAP KIDS apparel in Crestline Village; Cates’ red tights are from Target, and her red leather, buckled Mary Janes are from Christine’s in Mountain Brook Village.

Images courtesy Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

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31

Jan

Best Dressed: 2012 SAG Awards

Sunday night’s SAG Awards were a major relief from the Golden Globes – guests actually gave us FASHION!  Here are my best dressed for the evening, as well as my take on those who missed the mark.

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Viola Davis absolutely glowed in a white and gold Grecian Marchesa gown.  Juliana Margulies was bare and chic in an embellished lavender Calvin Klein column gown.  Emily Blunt gave us effortless glamour and a pop of color on the red carpet in a jade green Oscar de la Renta.  Jayma Mays WORKED in a heavily bedazzled but still subltle black gown by Reem Acra with lace detail in the back.  Octavia Spencer was chic in a silvery draped and beaded gown by Tadashi Shoji; her styling was lovely as well, and I LOVED her bejeweled Judith Leiber miniaudiere.  My best dressed of the night?  Rose Byrne in a bedazzled jumpsuit by Elie Saab, because she took a risk and she looked gorgeous!  Very Sharon Tate, circa Valley of the Dolls.

Worst dressed? Anjelina Jolie’s black Jenny Packham halter looked like a garbage bag.  Lea Michele’s washed-out Atelier Versace was just ho hum, but her shoes didn’t fit!  And her pose is…far too much.  Dianna Agron came in a raspberry bridesmaid’s dress by Carolina Herrera, and Diane Lane went for mother of the bride in a slate blue, satin one shoulder by David Meister.  I also did not care for Stacy Keibler’s black lace Girorgio Armani gown; she’s young, and the dress looked a little matronly.  They must have all come from Kaley Cuoco and Katrina Bowden’s double wedding, because they both came dressed as brides!  Glenn Close’s navy tulle and taffeta trumpet gown by Zac Posen was overworked.  And I’m putting Kristen Wiig in the worst dressed category for singlehandedly trying to bring back the choker.  Zoe Saldana, we saved you a seat on this list too.  Her pearl-white Givenchy fell short: the three pieces did not complement each other or her body type.  Men’s undershirts on the red carpet? No ma’am.

I am holding my breath for the Oscars!

Images via InStyle

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