13

Dec

Don’t Let This Be You: The Shiny Dress Edition

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Dear God. 

First the HoneyBadger struck it platinum, and now Paula Patton has been spotted at Germany’s Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol  premiere in a remnant from the Star Trek costume closet.  What is it with these space-age fabrics?!  The gentlemen may disagree, but as much as we envy Mrs. Robin Thicke’s post-baby body (and we haven’t even had a baby yet), this super short AND tight AND cleavage-baring metallic mini is doing the most. 

Ms. Patton, you are the newest CoverGirl Queen Collection ambassador, and you are too fab for this!

Images courtesy of YB&F

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Haute or Not?/Learn From My Mistakes!/Random Acts of Fashion

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12

Dec

Fashion Recap: NAACP/SWAC Night of Fashion

SCDD was in the building (yes, fashionably late!) for the NAACP Night of Fashion last Friday night, and what a fabulous night it was!  Held at the Birmingam Museum of Art and hosted by Jazze Pha and Miss Alabama  2010 Ashley Davis, the standing room only event featured designs by Alabama A&M alum Nicci Hou, Francisco Azucar, Shaka King, and Piedmont, AL native Borris J. Powell.  The evening also included formal recognition for Justice Ralph D. Cook, Sr., who received a crystal gavel courtesy of Bromberg’s.  And over$30,ooo was raised for the NAACP!

The catwalk sizzled with some serious looks, but if we had to choose a favorite, it would have to be the taffeta shirtdresses featuring layered or puffed sleeves, nipped waists, popped collars and ballgown silhouettes.  These classic looks brought the drama and would up the ante for any after-five social event.  We also loved Shaka King’s Spring 2012 preview, with its easy, breezy tribal-inspired resortwear for men.  Clothed in textured and printed fabrics, his models looked like they were flown in from some rocking party in Morocco!  For more fashion fab, check out the video from Kenny Luk here.

The fashion wasn’t just on the runway however, as Birmingham’s social set turned out in their finest furs and baddest hats.  Ashley Davis dazzled in a teal silk satin one shoulder floor-length gown with front slit, and of course, Jazze Pha was in his “uniform”: a red checked dress shirt, navy vest and denim with coordinating baseball cap.  We spotted several ladies in red, but our best dressed of the night has to go to the young woman who was spotted wearing a knee-length red chiffon dress with long sleeves,  accented with long strands of pearls, black tights, and leopard boots.  Trés uptown chic!

Connect with Same Chic Different Day on Twitter @SameChicSouth

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Who Wore What Where

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10

Dec

Don’t Let This Be You: The Shiny Suit Edition

"Nights like this I wish...that raindrops would fallllll!" (A few of you will get that.)

We love a man who knows how to rock a suit.   But remember our previous post about keeping it simple?  When it’s your moment in the spotlight, PLEASE don’t choose a suit made of flammable fabric.  LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu (aka The Honey Badger) made a platinum statement at tonight’s Heisman Trophy presentation in New York, and while somehow he makes it work, we don’t want to see anyone downtown in a bronze or copper suit. (And for those of you who think I’m biased, who can forget this? See slide #21.)

Gentlemen, listen to us: when you want to show up and show out, there are ways to wear a suit that allow you to make a statement without saying a word (but in a good way). 

1. Make the CUT.  Choose a silhuoette that flatters your body, whether you have an athletic or slim build.  Be particular about the pants’ break.  I can’t over-emphasize the need to have your suit tailored to your body.  You should not be swimming in fabric, nor should you look like you’re suffocating.  Tailoring costs less than you probably think, and can work wonders.  It customizes the fit, even if you cannot afford to have a suit handmade.

2.  Be careful about COLOR.  Easter comes but once a year, and even then most of us don’t want to see you casket sharp in pastel from head to toe.  Or red.  Or purple.  Or plaid.  Or….you get the idea.  Subtlety is chic!

3. The devil is in the DETAILS.  Suspenders or belt?  Flashy socks (sure, if your shirt and tie are toned down)?  Bow or neck tie?  To monogram or not to monogram your cuffs? There are so many options to choose from, but don’t wear them all at once.  And please don’t match your tie to your pocket square.

Need further tips? Check out Valet Mag and Put This On.  You’re welcome. 

 (And congratulations to this year’s Heisman winner, Robert Griffin III,  as well as all the other nominees!)

Image from Best of New Orleans

Follow Same Chic Different Day on Twitter: @SameChicSouth

14 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

Learn From My Mistakes!/Random Acts of Fashion/The Look

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09

Dec

Fashion Flashback: Marilyn McCoo

You can thank Tasha Simone of Hot 107.7 for today’s flashback; her tweet yesterday inspired SCDD’s stroll down memory lane! When we think of Marilyn McCoo, we instantly recall the over-the-top pop sensation that was Solid Gold in the 1980s.  Ms. McCoo was the show’s glamorously coiffed and couture-wearing host, who performed a contemporary hit each episode set to some awesome choreography from the Solid Gold Dancers.  The show also featured a top ten countdown and sassy commentary from Madame.  But did you know the multi-Grammy award winner  and former Jet Beauty of the Week was also an original member of the The 5th Dimension, a  music group known for hits such as One Less Bell to Answer and Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (of Hair fame)?  Ms. McCoo, who went on to record as a successful duo with her husband (Billy Davis, a founder of The 5th Dimension), is a celebrated stage, film and television actress, entertainer, author and hostess.

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There were entirely too many clips to enjoy  from Solid Gold, but check out this one featuring Jermaine Jackson.

Images courtesy of Lucy Who, Vintage Black Glamour, mccoodavis.com and Wikipedia

14 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

Fashion Flashback

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08

Dec

Recommended Reading: asha bandele’s Something Like Beautiful

This 2009 release from former Essence editor asha bandele is a follow-up to her memoir The Prisoner’s Wife and recounts bandele’s experiences as a single mother combating drinking and depression.  I struggled to relate to her as the wife of a imprisoned man, then as a mother to his child, until I read this passage:

“I would have to ask myself this question, and find the heart to answer it:

Had I ever really loved myself? Had I ever handed myself over to myself, whole and complete, willing and wanting…wide open and without barrier?

…Had anything worked either its magic or science and moved me closer to the place where I could claim my own heart, my own desires, and my own needs?

Did I ever commit to myself the way I did to others, and if I didn’t then why not? And if I didn’t, is that why I found myself in my thirties still trying to stand, years after I could have sworn I had taught myself to run?” –  asha bandele, Something Like Beautiful 2009.

Whoa. 

What mother doesn’t want the absolute best for her daughter? And what daughter doesn’t – at some point – contemplate her mother’s choices as she makes her own? As the publisher’s site notes, “[Something Like Beautiful offers] a vision of hope for all women struggling to keep it together on their own.”  Don’t miss this lovely, lyrical read.

Image courtesy of HarperCollins; brief excerpt reprinted with permission

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Haute off the Press/Reading is FUNdamental (and sexy!)

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07

Dec

Bill Cosby @ the Alabama Theatre, 2/17/2012

Hey, hey, hey…Miles College presents an evening with Bill Cosby on February 17! Whether you know him from I Spy (which made television history by being the first drama to feature an African-American actor as a lead), Uptown Saturday Night  and Let’s Do It Again, The Cosby Show, his stand-up comedy or Fat Albert (which was also part of Dr. Cosby’s dissertation), his extensive philanthropy, his books, or from his activities as a no-nonsense,  outspoken social critic, – whew! – you don’t want to miss this show. 

No word on whether pudding pops will be provided.

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

Image courtesy of art.com

14 years ago Short URL Comments

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

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06

Dec

Lalah Hathaway @ the Alys Stephens Center 12/15-16/2011

Mark your social calendars, chic ones! Lalah Hathaway (daughter of Donny and owner of a FAB set of classically trained alto and contralto pipes) is performing at the ASC on December 15 and 16, and YOU can win tickets! How? Simply check out Magic City Post’s contest and enter by 5 PM on December 12, 2011; many will enter and a few will win-you know the drill!

For more on Ms. Hathaway, whose newest album Where it All Begins  dropped in October,  click here.   And just for kicks check out this clip of what Birmingham concert-goers can expect.

Image courtesy of amazon.com

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

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

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06

Dec

Get a Leg Up….

…on falling temperatures by adding patterned tights under your dresses, skirts and shorts.  You can play it safe with opaque, or experiment with a fun pattern in argyle, quatrefoil, stripes, polka dots or even lace-print.  And of course, now’s a great time to break out a haute pair of fishnets or back-seamed stockings.  When worn with a demure pencil or pleated skirt or even a fitted dress, they look quite professional and not so “working girl.”  And even better, tights can be an inexpensive way of turning your look up a notch without breaking the bank; you can find an array of styles at reasonable prices at Target, Macy’s, Belk and Dillard’s.

Note: Our experience with thigh highs has taught us they tend to roll down at the most inopportune moments (like while we’re in line at the bank!).  We also aren’t recommending nude pantyhose for anyone of any age, for any occasion.  Instead, dare to bare legs that are smooth and moisturized (ahem)!  And if you absolutely must wear knee highs (gasp!), please remember that the top edge near your knees should not be visible when you sit, stand or walk.

Image courtesy of  Red Rider Leg Lamps

14 years ago Short URL Comments

The Look

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05

Dec

Can I Get a Roll Tide?

You mad?

We had the privilege of being in the house for the 2011 University of Alabama Football Banquet at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center yesterday evening, and what a thrilling night it was!  The legendary Eli Gold was master of ceremonies and the mood was absolutely electric as guests waited for the final BCS standings to be announced.  I would be remiss if I didn’t note that crimson and houndstooth were the color combination of the night, with Chanel handbags being seen on the arms of quite a few.  Floral arrangements by Norton’s featured crimson roses, and pristine white hydrangeas, accented with houndstooth bows and hats.

Congratulations to Kerry Goode, who was named Jefferson County Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus for spearheading the Alabama/Auburn charity flag football game to benefit tornado relief efforts, and Trent Richardson, who was named Most Valuable Player, as well as all the other award winners.  We spotted Dont’a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw, Carson Tinker, Marquise Maze, and AJ McCarron as well.

Although we restrained ourselves from getting autographs, it was truly a fabulous night!

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See you at the ‘Ship!

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

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

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05

Dec

Nicki Minaj is Now a Real Barbie Doll

We don’t know whether to clutch our pearls or give her a slow hand clap.

In your life imitating art imitating life news of the day, Billboard’s 2011 Rising Star, Cash Money multi-hyphenate Nicki Minaj will now be immortalized in plastic as a “Her Minajesty” Barbie doll. The Divine Design Pink Friday  doppelganger is being produced for a charity auction through charitybuzz. com and will benefit Project Angel Food, which delivers over 700,000 free meals a year to people suffering with life-threatening illnesses in Los Angeles County.  Bidding, at a $1000 minimum, began December 2 and will conclude on December 19.

We can’t knock her hustle…er, enterprising skills.  Nicki’s MAC Viva Glam line launches in February and her OPI Nail Lacquer will be out next year as well.

Images courtesy of celebritybuzz.com

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Haute or Not?/Random Acts of Fashion

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