28

Sep

The Look for Less: Loafers

Christian Louboutin Dufferin loafer, $1295

If you’re looking to update your look from the ubiquitous ballerina flat, and aren’t too excited about the casual aesthetic of Tom’s slip-ons or laceless oxfords, then this season’s loafer might be just the thing.  Velvet, patent, studded and animal-print are haute for fall and at affordably chic prices.  Pair with this season’s bright cropped slacks, cigarette pants, and skinny jeans with a neutral top.  Or rock it in  reverse: a neutral camel or black pant with a pop of color on top.

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1.  Sam Edelman Adena in studded black satin                                                                                                                                                                                             2.  J.Crew Darby Patent in nut                                                                                                                                                                                                                               3.  Steven by Steve Madden Madee in leopard                                                                                                                                                                                                 4.  J. Crew Darby  in metallic graphite glitter

Images courtesy of Zappos and J. Crew; inspiration look from Net-a-Porter

15 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

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28

Sep

Quote of the Day

“Simple things can be just enough to impress! Sometimes, we try to go over the top to impress, [when] an impression is a simple feeling someone gets when they NOTICE something about you… sometimes going over the top gets [you] un-noticed!” – Chris Coleman, WBHK 98.7 KISS FM Radio Personality

15 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/He Said She Said

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28

Sep

We’re Obsessed: Sheila Bridges’ Harlem Toile de Jouy

As seen in O Magazine, December 2010

While decluttering recently, I came across a packet of magazine clippings with articles I’d been hoarding for decorating my dream house.  One of the articles was this October 2010 piece in People magazine which featured Gayle King’s lovely yellow kitchen.  What caught my eye was the toile wallcovering by consummate designer Sheila Bridges; French toile is linen or canvas ulphostery cloth which features a repeated pastoral scene.  But Bridges’  Harlem Toile de Jouy is unique; it features African-Americans in the scenes and has a satirical edge (sort of putting one in the mind of the art of Kara Walker.  Bridges designed the patterns to “lampoon some of the stereotypes deeply woven into the African-American experience.”  The patterns, which are used on wallpaper, bedding, fabric, glasses and plates, come in several cheery but subtle colors.  At $100 per yard, it’s unlikely I will be redecorating my boudoir in this fabric, but a set of the plates are on my shopping list.  Looking to find culturally affirmative  and chic wallpaper for a nursery or child’s bedroom?  Be sure to check out the “Hopscotch” pattern.

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For more on Sheila Bridges’ Harlem chic aesthetic, check out this piece by So Haute Style.

Image courtesy of O Magazine

15 years ago Short URL Comments

Love That!

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27

Sep

The Look for Less: Jennifer Aniston in Vivienne Westwood

Jennifer Aniston rocked this haute tangerine peek-a-boo Vivienne Westwood dress at the launch of her eponymous fragrance earlier this year…and we decided to rock our own blouson version by BCBGeneration (bought on sale for under $100).  This dress is a definite head-turner and a refreshing change from the usual little black dress.  We’re pairing it with nude strappy pumps by Aldo, or perhaps our lucite Manolos (purchased on Ebay!) for a leg-lengthening look (because looking like a walking jack-o-lantern is not what’s haute in the streets).  We think even our leopard booties would work!

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Images courtesy of Fab Sugar and BCBGMaxAzria

15 years ago Short URL Comments

Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

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27

Sep

Haute or Not? Queen Latifah and Beyonce Launch Lines

Queen Latifah recently launched an apparel line via HSN…and the results are decidedly…meh…for someone who has access to the creme de la creme of fashion and admitted to New York Magazine that she has “expensive taste.” Prices range from $269.90 for the asymmetrical zip jacket , $89.90 for the knit poncho, and $299 for the studded patent-patch satchel.  

Um…we’ll pass.

 And in other label launch news, if the news that the House of Dereon is up for sale made you jump for joy, sit back down.  The tea is that Mama Tina’s Houston-area digs are on the market.  Ms. Knowles and the expectant Mrs. Knowles-Carter have revamped and relaunched (yes, again) their couture line and released it exclusively through Selfridge’s of London. The line features toned-down casual separates and you can view the pieces here.

And again, we’ll pass…unless Bey’s bedazzled suit becomes available.

Images courtesy of  Stylish Curves and Getty Images

15 years ago Short URL Comments

Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

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26

Sep

Harpo, Who Dis Woman?

We’re surprised our friend (in the head) over at WTForever21 hasn’t covered this crime against fashion.  Yes, the 1970s/Annie Hall look is back, with palazzo pants, flowy blouses and floppy hats.  But wear this flammable, unsubtle disaster masquerading as pants from Forever 21 and you will look like an extra from the Miss Celie’s Folkspants scene in The Color Purple.  And no, we don’t mean that in a good way.

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This is the last time palazzo pants worked (around the 0:23 mark).

Images courtesy of Forever 21

15 years ago Short URL Comments

Haute or Not?

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26

Sep

Color Me Chic: Emberglow

Fall is almost upon us, and the color gods at Pantone have decreed emberglow as the haute hue in its 2011 Fashion Color Report.  Emberglow is a “traditional autumnal tone, emanat[ing] the warmth of a glowing fire – the perfect panacea to the crisp air of fall.”  It reminds us of the burnished leaves that fell from our Mama’s sugar maple tree and made a satisfying crunch under our feet, or the blazing bonfires that warmed our high school Homecomings.

Peter Som - Emberglow

Ready to wear it?  We’re loving the simplicity of this classic wool crepe dress by J. Crew.   It’s just the thing to wear with leopard or cheetah calf hair or patent leather pumps and gold menswear watch.

J. Crew "Teddie" dress, $198

Peter Som design courtesy of pantone.com;  dress jcrew.com

15 years ago Short URL Comments

Random Acts of Fashion

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24

Sep

Don’t Let This be You: Jessica White

We’re not sure if model Jessica White is newly engaged or just being coy, but she flashed a huge rock  while strolling the black carpet for Beyonce’s Pulse fragrance launch recently…and then we saw her manicure (or lack of one).  Ladies, jacked up polish does nothing for your look.  Too many brands offer quick-drying nail polishes now, which means there’s no excuse for showing up anywhere like this.

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Images courtesy of  YB&F

15 years ago Short URL Comments

Learn From My Mistakes!

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23

Sep

Fashion Flashback: Billy Dee Williams

That hair! That voice! That mustache!  Whether he was fighting for the people and Mahogany’s love, romancing Billie Holiday, ruling Cloud City as Lando Calrissian, or reminding us that Colt 45 works every time, William December Williams, Jr. has done it with impeccable cool.  He even made some of  you want to buy Jovan Musk. Watch his number one fan here.

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Images courtesy of Google

15 years ago Short URL Comments

Fashion Flashback

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22

Sep

This Ain’t Your Grandma’s Turban

June Ambrose

This turban is to die for! So chic! June Ambrose, stylist extraordinaire to the celebs (and soon to be reality starlet), has worn them as part of her signature look for some time and is now launching a line to spread the fabulousness. 

I haven’t worn a turban since my Erykah Badu phase in college, but I’ll definitely rock one this fall.   These are just the thing to boost a bad hair day, or to stand out in a crowd of oh-so-average berets and cloches when the temperature decides to take a permanent dip. Make sure you have your MAC-game tight before rocking this fierce look and beware: if you look like you’ve tied your hair up for bed or to clean house, you’re committing a fashion crime. 

Image courtesy of Google

15 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Haute or Not?/Random Acts of Fashion/The Look

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