Be sure to like Gus Mayer’s page on Facebook; for every “like” they receive between today and midnight in October 12, they will donate $1 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama! Now if that’s not fabulous, we don’t know what is!
#ThisIsBeauty
If you live in Atlanta (or simply shop and socialize there), be sure to check out the “Posing Beauty in African-American Culture” exhibit currently on display at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art – noted as “the only museum in the United States emphasizing art by and about women of the African Diaspora.”
Via the Museum:
“Featuring more than 75 photographs by leading, emerging, and amateur photographers, Posing Beauty in African American Culture explores the ways in which our contemporary understanding of beauty has been informed by photographers and artists working from 1890 to the present. It incorporates a diverse range of media including photography, film, video, fashion, and other forms of popular culture and prompts rich discussions about the contested ways that African and African American beauty have been represented in historical and contemporary contexts.
Posing Beauty in African American Culture (September 5 – December 7, 2013) is curated by Deborah Willis and organized by Curatorial Assistance Traveling Exhibitions, Pasadena, California.”
The Museum of Fine Art is located in the Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby, Ed.D. Academic Center on 350 Spelman Lane, Box 1526,, Atlanta, GA 30314. Musuem hours are Tuesday through Friday from10 AM-4PM, and Saturdays from 12PM-4PM.
Photograph by Ken Ramsey, “Susan Taylor, as Model”. Check out more of his amazing work by clicking HERE.
Best darn handheld hair dryer, period
Unless you are Oprah or Beyonce, you probably have to shampoo your hair at home at some point. If so, RUN to Sally Beauty Supply and get the Conair Yellow Bird 1875 watt hair dryer. I bought one to use in between salon visits, and let me tell you: never be fooled into thinking you can skimp on haircare tools. This dryer was $40.99 plus tax, and I paid an additional $5 for an extended warranty.
I eagerly tried it out on my natural curls after completing a ponytail rollerset first, and was amazed at the results. I’m too vain to show you a before photo (don’t judge me), but trust me: this hair dryer was worth every penny. The cool setting is very pleasant, and the hot settings are warmer than my old hair dryer but did not fry my hair. What used to be a two day process of coaxing my strands straight has easily been shortened into about a 4 hour process (depending on how long it takes my roller set to dry). It also comes with two attachments (a comb and air nozzle), which both worked well.
Thank me later!
Image via Sally Beauty Supply
Style Rule No. 1
The first rule?
NEVER apologize for being stylish. In fact be unapologetically chic or fly. Natural hair or weave, sneakerhead or stiletto addict, denim dynamo or pencil skirt aficionado (or all or none of the above) – own your personal style aesthetic and never feel obligated to apologize for it.
Sweatshirt via Forever 21
Oh, you didn’t make it to NYFW either?
Oh, you didn’t make it to NYFW either?
No worries, darlings! You know we’ve got you covered!
Thanks to New York Magazine, I can watch the hautest Spring 2014 ready-to-wear ready-to-wear collections from the comfort of my home, in my pajamas! I might even put on my aviators to get in the mood! And you can, too: click HERE to view the hautest shows scheduled through the end of Fashion Week (and catch up on what you missed last week!). Be sure to check out “A-Z Shows” to see runway videos of the collections presented…with details, accessories and photos from backstage and the front row!
While we recover from an amazing vacation in the Big Easy, we invite you to remember that sometimes all you need has nothing to do with the season’s it bag or newest shoes…
I wear my suuun-glasses at night…okay, not really, but I do love my aviators! What accessory do you refuse to leave home without?
Pictured: Ray-Ban Aviators, via Nordstrom
Ask Alexis: Check my footwork
Q: Can I wear lime suede cap toe pumps this fall (see photo)? -T. C. B., Trussville
A: Why not? I love unexpected color combinations in any season, and wearing pastel into fall and winter is a very modern and fresh approach. However, when styling your look make sure the rest of your ensemble reads “fall” or “winter” as appropriate. So as the season changes, don’t pair these with lightweight fabrics. Try anchoring these pumps with a monochromatic outfit in pewter tones (like charcoal coated jeans and a relaxed, knit top or chunky sweater), tribal-print harem pants or tops, or even with camo-print! Just leave them at home when it’s rainy out, and invest in a suede shoe repair kit (with a stiff brush and protectant spray) to keep them in tip-top shape between wears.
Got a style question? Ask Alexis! Send your questions to alexis@samechicdifferentday.com.
Fall fashion at Belk is ‘seriously chic’
Even if we haven’t quite reached fall on the calendar, the crisp temps and arrival of pre-season football are putting many of us in the mood ahead of time. As you search for the perfect items to accomodate the cooler weather, Belk is ready with the top trends you need in your wardrobe this fall.
At Belk’s recent fall fashion preview, Arlene Goldstein (Vice President of Trend Marketing and Fashion Direction) suggested that shoppers embrace texture, pattern and the clever use of color in “entertaining pieces that will blend well in your wardrobe.” Before you grab something off the rack, consider whether it will add value to what you already own. “Fashion should liberate us, not fence us in,” according to Goldstein. “You can wake up every morning and be whoever you like.” (For more with Ms. Goldstein, click HERE.)
With that in mind, here are four key statements you may make this fall.
MODERN MINDSET: This is a sleek, architectural look with boxy shapes, juxtaposing the large against the small, and featuring “punk” influences like zippers and studs and dramatic optical or graphic patterns.
PAST PERFECT: Vintage, textile-driven pieces with more subtle effects. Neutral palettes, lace detailing, and embellishments are hallmarks of this look. And if you’ve grown bored with the platform soles we’ve seen for several seasons, single-sole pumps are back.
GLAM GLOBETROTTER: Pattern-mixing is key to this look, which includeds one of my favorites: animal print! Goldstein also notes, “Don’t limit shiny things to evening! Wear your glitz before six!” Tiptoe into this trend by trying a beaded or sequined top worn under a jacket; don’t wear a cocktail dress to work, darlings.
JUST DANDY: This “town and country” look features contemporary classics with a bit of a twist. Think plaid and houndstooth and military touches like brass buttons and epaulets. Flat boots and smoking slippers are part of this look.
One of the most exciting collaborations at Belk this fall is the new CYNTHIA Cynthia Rowley footwear line. The shoes feature details such as studs and ankle straps, which are on-trend for fall. Four different options are available online now, and each is a totally wearable, high-quality addition to your fall wardrobe. I tried to pick a favorite (I’m leaning toward the “City” pump), but honestly, they are all amazing and affordable (in the $90-110 price range). Check out the “Halo” pump, “River” flat, “Chelsea” bootie and “City” pump! Can’t decide between the various heel heights? Buy them all.
Happy shopping!
Toss some sequins, darlings: it’s our 500th post! Thank you for supporting Same Chic Different Day! – Alexis
Images courtesy Belk
Same Chic Different Day 