Girls: are you Strong, Smart & Bold?

If so, please join me at the 2012 Strong, Smart & Bold Teen Conference hosted by Girls, Inc. of Central Alabama on November 10!  This day-long series of informative, inspiring and fun workshops will advise girls in grades 9-12 regarding “personal finance, fashion and style, job readiness and stress management.” Lunch and swag bags will be provided, and the registration fee is $20 (which attendees get “back in the form of a gift card once they complete the conference”).  Click HERE for the 411.

“Since 1938, Girls Inc. of Central Alabama has provided places and programs where school age girls of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds participate in wholesome activities. Girls Inc. helps girls develop to their fullest potential, enrich their relationships with others, and grow to be responsible and productive members of the community. With support from local individuals, corporations, and foundations, Girls Inc. helps girls gain new skills, develop self-confidence, and learn to compete in an ever-expanding world.” – From the Girls Inc. website

Now, how fabulous is THAT?  If you know a young woman who could benefit from this conference (or from the programs offered by Girls Inc.) please sign her up or invite her to attend!  Parents, there will even be a segment for you. The event will be held at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, from 9 AM- 3 PM.  And guess who will be there chatting with the young ladies about fashion, style and self-image?

Can. Not. Wait.

I’m dying to see this documentary about legendary “Empress of Fashion” Diana Vreeland, who led Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue and heavily influenced the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.    Unfortunately, I’ll have to content myself with the book for now; the documentary isn’t showing in Birmingham.  If you’re up for the drive, head over to Atlanta to see it at the Tara Atlanta 4.

Vreeland was known for her signature style (red nails and lips!), eclectic taste and quirky sensibility (once suggesting that parents shampoo their children’s hair in dead champagne).  Some of my favorite DV quotes: 

“Style [is] a standard. It helps you get down the stairs.  It helps you get up in the morning.  It’s a way of life.  Without it you’re nobody.  I’m not talking about a lot of clothes.”

“You know the greatest thing is passion, without it what have you got? I mean if you love someone you can love them as much as you can love them but if it isn’t a passion, it isn’t burning, it isn’t on fire, you haven’t lived.”

“The only real elegance is in the mind; if you’ve got that, the rest really comes from it.”

“A new dress doesn’t get you anywhere; it’s the life you’re living in the dress, and the sort of life you had lived before, and what you will do in it later.” 

‘Dark Girls’ to air in Birmingham this Saturday

FINALLY!

The Bill Duke and D. Channsin Berry documentary was first mentioned here last November, and will show in Birmingham on November 3 at the Carver Theatre/Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.  Get your FREE TICKETS by clicking HERE.  According to the invitation, Bill Duke will be featured at the screening, which begins at 7:30 PM.

Dark Girls “[explores] the deep-seated biases and attitudes about skin color particularly [experienced by] dark-skinned women, outside of and within the Black American culture.” As Berry notes, “The skin issue is a discussion we all need to have once and for all…so we can eradicate it.” 

If you think we’ve progressed beyond the need to address the color complex, then you surely have missed the recent uproar over Zoe Saldana’s casting in the upcoming Nina Simone biopic. I will say upfront that the preview was painful for me to watch.  It brought back some memories and brought up some serious questions. Not every person with a darker complexion has a negative self-image or confidence issues, and not everyone of a lighter complexion has been held up as a beauty ideal. But whatever your complexion, eye color or hair texture, Dark Girls a thought-provoking piece.

The Carver Theatre is located at 1631 4th Avenue North.

We have a winner!

Congratulations to J.D. Andrews, who won the Shop Save & Share card

But don’t worry: this fabulous card can still be yours.  Click HERE to purchase a card from The Junior League of Birmingham’s website, or pick one up at a participating retailer.

It’s almost #gameday

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But what should I wear?  Both looks incorporate the still-haute colorblock trend; one is bedazzled while the other is more subtle.  As you can see, either way I’ll be in flat boots for the sake of my feet.

I think I’m leaning toward the sequined look. Between my height and hair there’s not really much that’s subtle about me right now. But rather than making me look like the missing member of a dance team, the flat sequins add a fun touch of shimmer.  The boots, purse and denim tone the look and keep it appropriate for fun times on the Quad.

Whether you are rolling with the Tide, praying over the Plains or enjoying the Magic City Classic this weekend, be safe and keep it chic!

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!

It’s time to Shop, Save and Share!

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This year the Junior League Shop Save & and Share (SSS) card is back with more savings, benefits, and partnerships than ever before.

“This fundraiser is really a win-win for everyone,” states Valerie Ramsbacher, President of the Junior League of Birmingham. “The League raises money that supports over 35 community projects. Card buyers receive discounts from their favorite retailers and restaurants, who in turn benefit from sales related to the Shop Save & Share card.”

From October 24-November 4 cardholders can enjoy a 20% shopping discount at over 500 retailers, restaurants, and on services throughout the local community including Pepper Place, Trussville, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia, Hoover, the 280 corridor, Alabaster, and online vendors.  Simply purchase a Shop, Save & Share card for a $40 donation to the Junior League of Birmingham and start saving while supporting our community.  

The Outlet Shops of Grand River will be hosting a “Sip and Savor” kick-off party for the fundraiser on Thursday, October 25 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. which is open to the public with the purchase of a Shop, Save & Share card. There will be fashion shows featuring the latest in fall fashions showcasing stores from The Outlet Shops of Grand River. There will also be several food demonstrations, including one by Chef Randall Baldwin of Dyron’s Low Country featuring the best in Alabama-grown fall produce, as well as appetizers and drinks for attendees.

“A major contributing factor to the success of this fundraiser is the support of our generous sponsors.  Their support can claim that,” states Amanda Saint, SSS Chair.

To purchase your Shop, Save & Share card or review a complete list of participating merchants please visit www.jlbonline.com or www.shopsaveshare.net.

Want a chance to win a Shop, Save and Share card? Same Chic Different Day is giving one away! Here’s how to enter the giveaway: leave an “I want to Shop, Save & Share!”comment under this post!  And there are FOUR more fabulous ways get in on the good stuff:

  • Follow SCDD on Facebook or Twitter @SameChicSouth.
  • Subscribe to  SCDD (by scrolling to the end of this page, entering your email address and clicking “Sign me up!”)
  • Share this giveaway post via your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. 

NOTE: For each additional entry, a separate comment should be left on this post (“I followed SCDD on Facebook”…etc).  ONE winner will be selected at random from all qualified entries.  Please use a valid email address when posting comments, as that is how the winner will be contacted.  Enter by 5 PM CDT on Friday, October 26.   All decisions final.

Special thanks to Holly Lollar!

***This giveaway is now closed.  The winner will be announced on Monday, October 29.  Thanks!***

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

I’m So Wearing This

…somewhere (Magic City Classic weekend, perhaps?). When I’m bored, I love dreaming up outfits to wear.  This one combines several of my current favorite things: the leather peplum trend, white pants after Labor Day, fierce kitty leopard flats and arm candy.  The top could easily be worn with a pencil skirt or colored denim instead. You likey? Or do I need to go back to the drawing board (er, closet)?

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