The Long Song/Andrea Levy
This is not your usual slave narrative. The main character has her own version of the “truth” and the island lilt in her retelling of historical events is unmistakable. Andrea Levy’s book tells a brutal tale but manages to have moments of humor and also candidly reveals the color complex in the Afro-Caribbean community. This was an entertaining read.
Image via amazon.com
Mad Men’s highly anticipated, hotly debated Season 5 aired last night and – without giving anything away- it’s safe to say “the time’s, they are [definitely] a-changing.” SCDD won’t parse the details and speculate about future plot twists here (that could go on forever, as internet chatter about the newest season hit fever pitch the past few months). Nay, we’ll celebrate the show’s pitch-perfect attention to detail. I squealed out loud when I saw little Sally Draper’s sunshine yellow Springmaid bed sheets; my parents had the exact same set which they received as a wedding gift. Want a set of your own? Check them out on Etsy HERE (alas, this listing ’tis only the flat sheet).
What other era-perfect goodies did I browse? How about Joan Holloway Harris’ signature statement piece: the gold pen necklace? Femme fatale attitude sold separately. Or how about that super chic pram she strolled her new baby around town in? This Silver Cross Balmoral pram sold by Posh Tots “combines stately elegance with an air of true nostalgia” and retails for $3,995 (although it’s missing the little privacy curtain).
In the age of iPhones, crackberries and Androids, how many of us maintain a hardcopy desk calendar or handwritten schedule? Pete’s secretary Clara had a nifty trifold version, and Kate Spade periodically offers a similar pink version. This one is on Ebay. Or might you be interested in playing solitaire with a real deck of cards for a change?
Wondering what to get the man who has everything (including a secret identity)? Then a pure badger shaving brush or silver-topped walking stick may be right up your man’s sartorial alley. And if you’re planning to serenade him with his own special “Zou Bisou Bisou” moment, this dress by Posh Girl Vintage is close-up ready.
For more Mad Men clothing and cosmetics, check out the collections at Banana Republic and Estee Lauder.
I have an early meeting with Coca Cola on Staten Island,
Alexis
Images via AMC TV
Colorblocking is a MAJOR trend for Spring 2012. Whether you rock a striped blouse, skirt, or dress or decide to accessorize a neutral ensemble with colorblocked accessories, this is a trend to try. Today I’m going “resort prep” with a black tee and slacks, aqua sweater, Chanel-esque Jessica Simpson color blocked flats, and pearls. I like to dip my toe into some trends; over-investing in pieces that I can’t wear into the next season (or the next) is not part of my style philosophy. So I’m using this trend to insert a pop of color or a little visual interest into my everyday look.
That’s also why I love P.S. I Made This, which takes of-the-moment pieces and re-interprets them in a budget-friendly, super chic way, all way encouraging readers to get crafty! Erica Domesek’s ideas are genius! She’s reimagined Celine’s colorblock envelope clutch at a fraction of the price using a tote, bright vinyl, and hardware.
Ready to DIY? Click HERE for a nifty video (I’m going to need those bracelets you’re wearing in it, Erica. Please and thank you!).
And if breaking out the glue gun is not your style, this super cute clutch and crossbody bag by Francesca’s Collection are just as cute, and under $40!
Images via P.S. I Made This and Francesca’s Collections
March came in like a lion with its rainy weather, but the lovely spring days we’re experiencing this week are making me long for something other than filmy sundresses and cute sandals. While some of you enjoy Spring Break, others are toiling away on their keyboards (ahem!). Since I’m not scooting around on a Vespa for a Roman holiday (sigh!), I came up with a chic alternative. I saw this bike on CWonder.com and suddenly imagined myself gliding down the sidewalk on Second Avenue North to run into Charm or in downtown Homewood to pop into Molly Green, all while lowering my carbon footprint. Although I haven’t actually been on a bike since I was 12 and my allergies usually have me hotfooting it indoors, this fuchsia beauty (a unisex model which also comes in navy and orange) is enough to make me break out the Keds and hit the pavement. Even better, the online emporium also offers a chic matching helmet, wicker basket, bell, and bike lock!
C. Wonder, which was founded by Tory Burch’s former husband Christopher Burch, is built on the premise that every woman deserves a dose of “wonder.” Its flagship store opened in New York this past October (offering shoppers onsite monogramming and dressing rooms in which the music and lighting can be adjusted), and I am loving everything it offers: clothing, shoes, jewelry and home decor.
Happy Spring!
Image via C. Wonder
A small statue on Christopher Butler’s desk has the following Vince Lombardi quote inscribed on it: “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.” During my recent chat with the CEO and co-founder of Butler’s Grooming, it became apparent that the work ethic and discipline it took for him to become a record-holding high school track star and an NFL running back are no less necessary when forging one’s place in the local business community.
Since its opening in June 2009, the men’s grooming lounge (a partnership between Butler and NFL linebacker Karlos Dansby) has served thousands of clients, but as Butler himself notes, there are still many who don’t even know it exists. However, their focus on providing quality service is paying off; plans are underway for Butler’s to open a second location at The Summit’s Saks Fifth Avenue this spring.
“Men want to feel good, and they want to look good,” Mr. Butler explains. “We’re a man’s man’s place, and we focused on designing a masculine environment.” The curent location is almost a fantasy man cave come to life, with its multiple flat screens, WiFi, inviting bar and comfy leather armchairs. A grand, old-fashioned (but fully functioning) shoeshine stand, private massage and treatment room, and a Hall of Fame with framed sports memorabilia complete the downtown location’s decor. Nail treatments, hot lather shaves, facials, and the services of a barber and stylist help men look their absolute best.
“We have guys we have to almost kick out the door,” Butler notes. “For the busy professional, we value his time. We want to [ensure] that he has the very best experience, that [the surroundings are] memorable and he wants to return. It’s truly about the relationship; customers become part of our family.”
Why was now a particularly good time to expand and partner with Saks?
Butler’s enthusiasm is infectious. “I think it’s going to be a great fit in terms of the services and quality we offer. I think the grace of God opens doors and sometimes you have to walk through them. Expansion into key markets has always been the vision, and timing is everything. The timing was right for us and we’re very excited.”
The artistic renderings for the Saks location are fabulous. The 1700 square foot men’s club will be located in the men’s department and will feature a bar, cafe and billiards lounge, recessed televisions, private treatment rooms and a concierge. In a word, it is plush. The grand opening is slated to be held in a few months and may even feature some special guests. In the meantime, if you want to be treated like a VIP, Butler highly recommends one of their signature services.
Butler is clear that the new expansion is part of a team effort.
“Given this economy, [you really have to] be strategic. If you have a dream, go for it. You have to make sure you have the right team in place that shares your vision. If you do, the sky’s the limit.’
Gentlemen, want some spring grooming tips straight from Butler’s? Stay tuned!
Image via Butler’s Grooming
Eurweb and ABC previously reported that Steel Magnolias would be remade with an all-black cast; now we have the deets on who will star. Deadline.com reveals that Queen Latifah will play M’Lynn, the long-suffering Southern matron; Alfre Woodard will play Quiser, the wealthy and irreverent contrarian; Phylicia Rashad will play Clairee, the elegant, tart-tongued widow; Jill Scott will play Truvy, the southern-fried salon beauty parlor owner; Adepero Oduye (known for her lead turn in Pariah) will portray naive newcomer Annelle, and doomed sweetheart Shelby will be played by Condola Rashad (daughter of Phylicia and Ahmad, who made her Broadway debut in Stick Fly).
The original film featured Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah and Julia Roberts. One of my favorite scenes:
I really like to withhold judgment until a film airs but this casting leaves a little to be desired, and I think at least a couple of roles have been seriously miscast. I’m not eager to hear another round of “fake” southern accents, if indeed the movie will be set in the south (Louisiana). But I am eager to see if Kenny Leon can make his Lifetime television version as poignant and funny as the original. The film is treasured for its pacing and I especially loved that the interaction and emotion between the women didn’t feel forced. Yes, it was a little hokey and yes, the accents were syrupy, but it’s a classic! And pink is my signature color!
What say you?
Image via Eurweb.com, People, , Rotten Tomatoes, Broadway World
Congratulations to Brittney Boddie and Yaz, who won SCDD’s MAC giveaway! Winners, please respond to this entry by posting a comment with your mailing address no later than Friday, March 23 (your address will not be shared). You may also email SCDD directly (samechicdifferentday@gmail.com).
Thanks to everyone for reading and participating, and stay bold, beautiful and safe!
The former Wheelchair Jimmy covers one of three special editions of GQ (and deservedly so, having shed the Cliff Huxtable sweaters and emo posturing). If this is what young money looks like, well done. *slow hand clap and a wolf whistle*
Image via GQ
Reigning Miss Black Alabama USA Charis Wilder, 25, accepted her crown this past November and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Health Administration at UAB. Charis, who was the drum major at Spain Park High School for three years, also plays the flute. The busy queen, University of Alabama graduate, and oldest of four children to Reverend Dr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Wilder, Jr. is not only pursuing a platform to raise the self-esteem of young women and girls, she teaches piano through the Bethel Baptist Fine Arts Academy she founded with her mother, and also holds a day job: Office Manager at Women’s Health Associates. Whew! She recently took time out of her busy schedule to talk with me about her personal style and platform.
What have been some of the highlights of your appearances so far? What means the most to me is when young women or girls see me and their faces light up. That gives me an opportunity to explain what I’ve gone through and to encourage them. There’s nothing different about me from them. That’s been a highlight of all my appearances.
How have you been able to promote your platform? It’s focused on promoting the benefits of taking care of yourself and also building self-esteem. One of the things I’ve been able to do is when I talk to girls, is to let them know they are perfectly and wonderfully made. As far as the medical side, I have an opportunity to talk to patients and encourage them to get [screened and tested]. One of the big focuses is in April is I’ll do the fashion show to promote Heart Health Awareness. We’ll have women of all ages to promote positive living and heart health awareness.
Why is this so important to emphasize to young women and girls today? Because when you look at tv the world will tell you beauty is this or that, [and] what people see on tv becomes their reality. If you aren’t that [unattainable or unrealistic beauty ideal], you begin to doubt yourself and your looks. If you don’t, anyone can come tell you something about yourself and you’ll believe it. It’s important to know you aren’t defined by what others say or feel about you.
What did you learn about style and self-esteem from your mother? I learned a great deal. Before I [entered] this pageant, my mother challenged me to sit down and think about what I like or dislike and to get to know myself. Once I got to know myself – to take time with myself -[I was able to] appreciate and love the things about me that make me me.
How would you describe your personal style? My personal style is professional but chic. I like structure. I think you can put class and sophistication [into dressing]. You can be sexy and attractive but be professional; you don’t have
to have your skirt slit up your thigh.
What style tips have you learned from pageants that you carry over into “every-day” dressing? Always dress to impress. You never know who you will run into.
What’s your “go to” outfit? It’s a red dress. I love the color red because it’s vibrant but it’s a bit conservative. It hugs me and it’s flowy at the bottom. It’s fun, cute and professional.
If we peeked in your handbag, what would we see? People tell me my handbag is entirely too heavy! It has my planner, my phone, my glasses, wallet, mints, papers, pens that I should have thrown away -the typical things you would see in any woman’s purse.
What are your “must have” items? My makeup in general is a must have! If I leave the house and I’ve left a piece we have to go back and get it. I love eye shadow specifically.
What’s the best piece of style advice you can offer to readers? Get to know your body type. Just because [an article of clothing] looks good on someone else doesn’t mean it will look good on you. I’d rather have something that complements me rather than the latest trend.
Ms. Wilder will join other women vying for the Miss Black America USA crown in the national competition in Washington, DC for preliminary activities and community service events during the first week of August. Follow her appearance schedule and keep updated regarding Charis’ activities via Facebook and Twitter.
Images courtesy Carla Pennington
Same Chic Different Day 