C is for Chic
Feeling a little nostalgic today as the kids head back to school? I don’t have children, but I certainly miss “back to school” shopping each summer! And there’s no reason why we can’t update our own wardrobes with items sure to make the grade. My shopping list always included items to mix and match: new kicks (sneakers for gym class and a pair for “fun”), a few pairs of slacks and denim, at least one cozy sweater and a snazzy bookbag; below you’ll find looks for the diva who’s still schoolin’ life.
Clockwise from top left: Forever 21 “Tres Chic” sweater, $22.80; Forever 21 Leopard-print harem pants, $19.80; Steve Madden Realove, $79.99 at Zappos.com; Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM, $980, also available at Saks Fifth Avenue; Nike Air Pegasus 83, available at Zappos.com
Images via Forever 21, Zappos.com and Louis Vuitton
J. Crew Factory coming to the Outlet Shops of Grand River
Toss some sequins! Although the J. Crew Factory website says we have to wait until August 21 for it to open, The Shops of Grand River are welcoming J. Crew Factory to the area this morning. CAN. NOT. WAIT.
While you’re celebrating and getting some amazing deals throughout the Shops, be sure to stop by Summer on the Plaza while it lasts. Summer on the Plaza features games, giveaways, music and even a Starlight Cinema! Click HERE for more details.
The Outlet Shops of Grand River are located at 6200 Grand River Boulevard in Leeds.
Happy shopping!
Image via J. Crew Factory
News you can use: back-to-school giveaways!
If you’re in the market for back to school items, or maybe just something special for yourself, be sureto check out these two contests going on NOW at Colonial Brookwood Village and the Riverchase Galleria:
*Colonial Brookwood Village is offering a $1000 gift card giveaway via its Facebook page. Be sure to Like their page and register to win via the “Register to Win” tab. Giveaway ends August 20, 2013.
*The Riverchase Galleria is offering a Back to School Fashion Rules Sweepstakes via its website. Enter to win a $5000 scholarship, a Lenovo Ideapad, or one of hundreds of gift cards. Increase your chances of winning by entering daily. Giveaway ends August 18, 2013.
Giveaway alert: Blu Bijoux bib necklace
*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.*
I was going to save this sweet little giveaway info for myself, but that wouldn’t be very nice, now would it? If you love a touch of sparkle, this post is for you.
Jewelry Dose is giving away a Blu Bijoux muted neon bib necklace that will add the perfect pop of bright color (mint, lemon, fuchsia and citrus orange) to your neutral looks this summer, and all you have to for a chance to win is first comment on their blog post by clicking HERE. Then, comment on any two Jewelry Dose posts. Per the giveaway guidelines, “the MINIMUM number of comments is THREE: you must comment once on THIS post and on AT LEAST two other posts! ” But hurry: the contest ends tomorrow at 12:OO PM EST (the winner will be announced August 8)!
Get to commenting! And by the way, Max & Chloe has a great selection of baubles to add to your fashion and fine jewelry wardrobe. I’m going ga-ga over their monogram necklaces!
Image via Max & Chloe
Toss some sequins: H&M.com is here!
Swedish retailer H&M answered a lot of fashionistas’ prayers on August 1 when they (finally!) opened online shopping in the United States. If you were part of the contingent that traveled to stores in Huntsville, Nashville, Atlanta and beyond (or gave a shopping list to friends in a city with an H&M), you now can shop H&M’s fast fashion offerings for ladies (including maternity and plus size), men, kids and the home from the comfort of your sofa (at least until they open a store in the Birmingham area). Check out our wish list top ten looks below.
The deets: Draped top in black, $34.95; Embroidered organdie and chiffon blouse in black or white, $29.95; Embossed “leather” tote, $34.95; Graphic jersey top in white, $12.95; Jersey midi skirt in coral, $12.95; Loose-fit pants in dark blue, $24.95; Imitation leather pants in black, $34.95; Shoulder bag with stitch and tassel detail in black or cream, $24.95; Gold feather earrings with ear cuffs, $5.95; “Chic” Print tee in white, $14.95
And as a final plea: H&M, if you’re listening, we want a brick and mortar location in Birmingham!
Happy shopping!
Project Runway Episode 3 Recap: Meltdowns, turbans and yogurt…oh my!
*Warning: This post contains spoilers to last night’s episode of Project Runway. Watch full episodes HERE. *
The challenge: The designers are awakened by Heidi for jaunt to Coney Island. A Yoplait executive introduces them to new frozen yogurt, which will then inspire the theme of the challenge. The designers take carts on the boardwalk, offer free samples, and ask for feedback from people (“tasters”). They are to take three of the descriptive sensory words they receive as feedback (such as “fluffy”, “light” “refreshing”, etc.) to use to inspire their designs. This is a team challenge. Oh dear…the button bag is back!
Each team is to create 1 look. Instead of going to Mood for fabric, they have to play games and use the prizes they win for fabrication.
It’s interesting to see what they come up with out of vinyl dolphins, sombreros, vinyl whales, balls, stuffed frogs and ice cream cones.
The drama: So many people cried during this episode that we lost count.
Our favorite design: Helen and Kate’s stunning, wearable crimson cocktail dress. Made out of rattan sombreros, kites and stuffed animals (for lining), the sculptural effect, with sharp tailoring and minimalistic styling KILLED. Zac Posen: “It looks polished, it looks well-made.”
Our least favorite design: The shark bait/big-mouthed blue monster dress. Cue the Jaws theme music. It looked juvenile and wacky, not fun and playful as the designers hoped. It. Had. A. Mustache. But the judges loved it; Nina Garcia lauded it as an “Instagram moment.”
Designer to watch: Kate Pankote (who was given the boot last season, returned this year and won the first challenge) is taking no prisoners.
Style statement of the night? Ken Laurence’s turban, hands down. WORK.
Outcome: Helen and Kate are named the winners of this challenge. Helen is named overall winner and gains immunity. Birmingham’s own Ken Laurence is still in it to win it!
Project Runway airs Thursday nights at 8 PM on Lifetime. Join the fun by watching and live-tweeting with SCDD (@SameChicSouth) every week!
Images via Lifetime
‘Hats, Pearls and Gloves’ fundraiser to be held this Saturday
Want to get a preview of this season’s fabulous fashion before you shop this weekend’s sales tax holiday, AND support a great cause?
Then please join the Women’s Auxiliary of the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club as they present their second annual ‘Hats, Pearls and Gloves’ luncheon and fashion show this Saturday, August 3rd! The event will be held at the Wynfrey Hotel at the Riverchase Galleria from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM, and will feature members of the local community modeling “modern, Southern style” from Belk.
The Club serves nearly 1,000 children in the community each year. Its efforts with area youth emphasize character development through five core program areas: Education and Career Development, Character and Leadership Development, Health and Life Skills, Sports, Fitness & Recreation and the Arts. The skills and characteristics gained through these programs encourage academic success, personal responsibility and teamwork.
“We are so pleased to welcome the community to show its support for this special event benefiting our deserving young people,” said Frank E. Adams, Jr. President & Chief Professional Officer for the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club. “Building on the success of last year, we’re certain that this year’s Hats, Pearls and Gloves will be a joyous and stylish celebration.”
This year’s program – sponsored by Belk and McDonalds Corporate – will be emceed by Gina Redmond and Gene Norman of CBS 42 and will include fashion commentary from yours truly! As a special feature, Saturday’s event will include a “Fashion Tap” where guests are invited to wear their best hats, pearls and gloves; the person with the ‘most unique’ ensemble will be tapped and awarded a special prize.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit programs at the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club. Individual tickets ($50) can be purchased by clicking HERE.
See you there!
Same Chic Different Day 