May

In which I discover what a vacation is….

Yes, I do take vacations (although, does it count as one if I blog about it?). Anyway, during this past Memorial Day weekend I explored Panama City Beach and documented it with Instagram.

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Headed down to the beach? Here are some places you should check out:

EAT: Bruno’s Pizza in Seagrove Beach. These pies are piping hot, full of flavor and worth the wait! We had half supreme, half pepperoni, and it didn’t last long enough for me to photograph. Their weekly pizza buffet is seven days a week, from 11-2. We just HAD to stop at Polar Bear Ice Cream…who counts calories on vacation? And if you’re in the mood for sushi, stop by Hana Japan at Pier Park and get the spicy shrimp roll.

SHOP: It wouldn’t be a trip to Destin if you didn’t hit up the SilverSands outlet. I got as far as J. Crew, Coach and Saks Fifth Avenue. I managed to make it out alive, with a pair of rainy day ballet flats (normally $39.50, made mine for just under $11.)

STAY: On the beach! Duh. Whether you crash with family (like this frugalista did) or lounge in luxury, you have to be near the emerald waters and sugar-white beaches. Want to splurge? The Serenity by the Sea spa at the Hilton Sandestin resort awaits.

PLAY: I don’t do jet skis or miniature golf; my hobby is shopping. And the St. Andrews area in downtown Panama City beach is a thrifter’s delight. If you brake for antique malls, Elegant Endeavors Antique Emporium is your Shangri-La; Debra Anderson and Jane Lindsey make treasure hunting a blast. I’ll post about the vintage black silk dress I bought (half-off!) for $7.50 later. Pier Park in Panama City Beach offered the best in shopping, people-watching and parlaying; it even hosted a carnival! Just want to enjoy the water? Pompano Place has the breathtaking views.

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Alexis E. Barton/Same Chic Different Day/What to do in Panama City Beach

May

Grab the popcorn!

Summer, summer, summertime!!! So glad it’s here! (Okay, so according to the calendar it’s not until June 20, but this is the south. Memorial Day kicks it off in these parts, no?)

One of my absolute favorite summer activities is catching old movies in all their glory on the big screen at the historic Alabama Theatre. And goody, goody they’ve released their Summer Film Series dates! Gone with the Wind, To Kill a Mockingbird AND a Hitchcock double feature (Psycho/The Man Who Knew Too Much)…I’m there!

The Summer Film Series delights fans of the silver screen with with matinee and night showings of classic movies. Candy, popcorn and adult beverages are available for sale and there’s an audience sing-along with their mighty Wurlitzer organ!

Check their online calendar for showtimes and information; tickets are $8 each and are available an hour before showtime at the door. If you plan on seeing several films, why not become join Friends of the Alabama Theatre? A $25 Paramount Membership includes 6 Summer Film Series tickets.

Another fun option?

Check out Free Friday Flicks in Homewood Park! Pack your picnic basket or cooler and blanket for a movie night under the stars, or enjoy refreshments from Jack’s and Blue Bell. The movies planned will appeal to kids as well as the young at heart (The Muppets will be shown June 8!).

Images via al.com and Homewood Parks and Rec

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Alabama Theatre Summer Film Series/Alexis E. Barton/Homewood Free Friday Flicks/Same Chic Different Day

May

Part novelty item, part nostalgia piece, this Native Union Pop Phone handset is both the strangest and coolest phone accessory I’ve ever seen.

From Nordstrom: “inspired by the iconic 1950s Bakelite-style telephone, this handset plugs directly into most phones and computers to facilitate chatting via Skype, Facetime, Google Talk and other web-based communicators. The handset is fitted with a high-quality speaker and microphone along with noise-reduction technology. It has a 3.5 mm jack to accomodate iPhones and most smartphones, eliminates over 99% over absorbed phone radiation and is made of plastic.”

Handsets come in a variety of primary colors in the $29-35 range, and the featured goldtastic model is in the $50-$60 range. Want to try it but don’t have an iPhone? Check Native Union for adapter options.

Available via Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom

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Haute or Not?/Love That!

Alexis E. Barton/Native Union Pop Phone/Same Chic Different Day

May

The look on Fantasia’s face is the same one I had when I saw this tragic ensemble on YB&F this morning.

*Throws laptop out the window*

Image via YB&F

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Something in the Milk Ain't Clean

Alexis E. Barton/American Idol 2012 finale/Birmingham fashion/Birmingham style/Fantasia/Same Chic Different Day

May

Chic Essential: The Caftan

We’re not talking muu-muus here. Caftans (and tunics) are to your spring and summer wardrobe what sheath dresses are for the working girl: a definite must have. You can throw one on and with minimal effort, you’re basically done. Whether you choose a pretty pattern or a solid color, an already-embellished version or add your own statement necklace or cuff, you can rock these to run errands, lounge by the pool or beach (they make great swimsuit cover-ups and are easy to pack), or to a backyard soiree. (Side note: my grandmother LOVES them, and gives longer styles as presents. They make fabulous hostess gowns and just scream “Have cocktails in the casbah with me, dahling. Or a daiquiri on the patio. Your choice.”)

Love your legs? Then by all means, bare them: caftans easily mimic mini dresses. If you’d like more coverage, wear them over shorts, jeans, linen slacks, palazzo pants or leggings. They’re just that versatile and can go from casual to polished with a change of accessories and shoes. Wedge sandals, canvas espadrilles, or capri sandals (metallic, brightly colored or bedazzled leather flip flops) are all you need to complete the look. Be sure to layer sheer fabrics with a cami underneath, and if the flowy style threatens to swallow you up, belt it!

What’s also lovely is this easy style is flattering on all body types! I am loving the bright, v-neck versions at Old Navy right now, which have slits at the sleeves and hem and are priced just under $20 before tax! Having tried the orange print on, I advise that you go a size up for comfort and note the polished cotton doesn’t offer any “stretch.” Want to spend a little more? Tory Burch’s offerings are synonymous with wearable, effortless chic. And you can always search Ebay or your favorite consignment outpost for groovy vintage options. If you’re really adventurous and want to break out your sewing machine, you can scoop a vintage pattern via Etsy and create your own!

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Side note: this beaded Victoria’s Secret caftan is now in my closet and is as airy as a summer breeze (it will be worn with white skinnies and shorts). The black on white Venus Swimwear version mimics the classic Tory Burch pattern and is my new beach cover-up; it was a steal at $19!

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Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham fashion/Birmingham style/how to wear a caftan/Same Chic Different Day/Spring style

May

Sew Fabulous: FREE lessons from Craftsy.com!

If you’ve been wanting to learn the fine art of stitchery but are scared to death of your sewing machine (ahem), Craftsy.com is offering FREE (yes, FREE!) sewing lessons! Who has had a sewing machine banished to a closet for the past two years (*raises hand*)?

If – like me – you missed out on taking home economics and are not self-taught, you may want to look into Sewing Machine 911, which teaches users how to familiarize themselves and troubleshoot issues with their sewing machines, whether new or vintage. All you have to do is create a Craftsy membership and register; there are five classes which you can enjoy whenever you want, as often as you would like (access never expires). There are also course materials to round out the experience. View a preview HERE.

While this class doesn’t actually teach you how to sew, it very well may get you over the fear of using the actual machine (okay, it just may get ME over it). Craftsy.com offers a range of crafting classes, plus workshops, patterns and projects to try, and I have a sneaking suspicion it’s going to be one of my new favorite websites!

Come out for a fun night benefiting a great cause! Join the UAB Minority Health Research Center’s Young Professional Board at their 4th Annual Casino Royale on June 1!

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Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham fashion/Birmingham style/Craftsy.com/Same Chic Different Day

May

Casino Royale goes all in for Healthy Happy Kids on June 1

Here’s your opportunity to be a high roller, all for a great cause!

UAB’s Minority Health Research Center Young Professionals Board presents its annual fundraiser, Casino Royale, at WorkPlay on June 1. The event, which has been held since 2009, is a premier evening of music, casino games, great food and amazing prizes benefitting the Healthy Happy Kids program, which combats obesity in school-age children by promoting nutritious eating and physical activity. Last year, the event welcomed over 600 guests and raised over $70,ooo. The program has reached nearly 600 kids and has been implemented in 14 Birmingham City Schools, thanks to the funding of the Young Professionals Board and other sources.

Stephanie Mays (an attorney at Maynard, Cooper and Gale) is the board’s president, and she shared that this year’s event will involve a new twist: the addition of mystery boxes for sale.

“For $25 you could draw a box and whatever is in that box you can take home [such as a gift certificate]. We’ll also have three different glass cases. In one we’ll have a variety of wines donated by members of the board. Another glass case will have liquor. And a third will be filled with whiskey and cigars. For $20, guests can buy a chance to unlock those cases. And whoever is lucky enough to purchase a key that unlocks a case gets to take home whatever’s in it.”

Tickets are $50 each until midnight on Sunday, May 27th and are available online; after midnight the price will increase to $65. “The ticket price includes food from the Fish Market, complimentary beer and wine, access to all gaming and each person gets a certain amount of play money to play the games,” says Mays. At the end of the night, the play money is cashed in for raffle tickets to be used to determine the winners of the door prizes.

BBrian will be on the wheels of steel as this year’s dj, and Diamond Dealers manning the Texas Hold ‘Em, roulette, craps and blackjack tables will include the following community leaders and personalities: Sly King and Tasha Simone of Hot 107.7, Eric Guster of the Guster Law Firm, Yenu Wodajo of ABC 33/40, Birmingham City Councilman Jay Roberson, NBC 13’s Bettina Boateng and Harmony Mendoza, Bruce Ayers from the Comedy Club Stardome, John Hudson from Alabama Power, and DZire Inc.’s Meme Williams.

Mays is enthusiastic: “The outpouring of community support is phenomenal [Primary sponsors include Balch and Bingham and AT&T.]. And we’re keeping it fresh; there will be new additions and things that keep the event worth coming to. And it’s for a good cause! It’s for the children!”

Cocktail attire is advised; to brush up on the rules of play for the evening, click HERE. The doors will open at 7:30 PM, and WorkPlay is located at 500 23rd Street South, Birmingham 35203.

See you there!

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

Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham Casino Royale/Casino Royale/Casino Royale Birmingham 2012/Same Chic Different Day/UAB MHRC Young Professionals Board

May

Joseph Abboud to visit Belk/Riverchase Galleria May 24

Designer Joseph Abboud

Gentlemen, mark your calendars for this special event:

Menswear designer Joseph Abboud will showcase his new line, Black Brown 1826, at the Belk/Riverchase Galleria next Thursday. The contemporary menswear line is sold exclusively at Belk and Lord & Taylor stores. The event (okay, it’s a party!), which begins at 6 PM, will feature fabulous prizes, music, craft beer tasting from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and even complimentary cigars for the first 50 guests. Guests will have a chance to win a $500 Black/Brown 826 wardrobe and a weekend trip to Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge! Appetizers and wine will be on deck via the B&A Warehouse.

Guys, if you’re stuck in a style rut (I mean, how many times can one wear khaki pants and a blue shirt? Come on.) then you need to be at Belk next Thursday from 6 PM to 9 PM. Black Brown 1826 is advertised as “clothing and sportswear designed for the way real men really live,” and includes a range of options for the well-dressed gent: suits, dress

If you look like this, you need to be at the Black Brown 1926 launch. You’re welcome.

shirts, outerwear, shoes and accessories, as well as more business casual-type offerings and even golf polos. It’s not so edgy that you’ll feel like you’re wearing Gordon Gartrell, but the line certainly has pieces that will freshen your spring and summer wardrobe.

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Birmingham Live!/Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham fashion/Birmingham style/Black Brown 1826/Joseph Abboud/Same Chic Different Day

May

Tails in the Trails event lets guests walk on the wild side

Note to self: gold stilettos sandals were not made for trekking through the Trails of Africa.

But I soldiered on anyway, and thoroughly enjoyed last night’s “Tails in the Trails” event hosted by the Birmingham Zoo’s Junior Board and Donohoo Auto. The second annual event benefited the Zoo’s summer camps for kids, and allowed guests to visit “one trail; three different perspectives” with the Zoo’s African elephants. Animal handlers were along the trail as well; at the entrance to the exhibit I got up close and personal with a barn owl (thankfully I missed the handler who walked around showing off the snake!).

Further up, guests were treated to the song styling of two-man acoustic band Big Town Run on guitar and banjo in the Hugh Kaul Indaba, a covered pavilion and open area which provided a great atmosphere to mingle, enjoy the music and observe the animals. The food was tasty; I enjoyed the passed hors d’oeuvres, particularly the tomato-mozzarella bruschetta bites and the lamb with feta and mint in crisp, flaky phyllo baskets. It was an evening of “firsts”: I’d never tasted lamb, and the band had never played for elephants before! I passed on the buffet, although it included a carving station and received a hearty thumbs up from a guest seated near me.

After enjoying the treats, I made my way up to an eleven-year-old elephant and got to feed her apples.

How cute are these centerpieces: a paper rhino grazing on a daisy-strewn bed of grass!

It was a lovely evening to support the Zoo, and thankfully the shady and pleasant weather made for the perfect atmosphere for people (and animal!) watching. Plus I got a cool sticker from a friendly dude at Avondale Brewing Company. (Does one ever get too old for stickers? I think not. The sticker features their mascot, Miss Fancy the Elephant.) And the band was great; a particular hit was their rousing version of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising.”

Go check out the Trails of Africa exhibit (but leave your heels at home, ladies). As President of the Junior Board Austin Davis noted, it is indeed a cool venue…and you may get to feed the elephants too! And if you’re interested in supporting the zoo’s mission, why not adopt an animal?