02

May

MORE Style Tips for Haute Mamas

Check out the first round of tips (and info on a $5000 giveaway from Carter’s) HERE!  Note: I am not and have never been pregnant, so I wrote this “as if” I were shopping for maternity items for myself. If I got something wrong and/or if you have firsthand experience you’d like to share, please post it in the comments!

  1. Don’t neglect your undergarments!  Get sized for and purchase new, well-fitting bras and underpants.
  2. Work your assets, tastefully.  If you love your legs or toned arms, don’t start covering them up. 
  3. Some of you will insist on being pregnant in heels (and I probably would too). Understand though, that as your bump expands, you may be a bit more wobbly and your shoe size may change, and who wants sacrifice personal safety for style?  Joycelyn A. (mom to Jaden and Jayla) shares “As much as I hated it, I had to avoid my super high heels; being pregnant [made me] more vulnerable to falls and you want to protect your little one.”
     Other cute options for stylish moms-to-be include kitten heels, Capri sandals, and wedges. Not into ballet flats? Try a smoking slipper or loafer.  If you’re experiencing swelling or pain, opt for comfort. 
  4. Accessories are a DO: work those colorful scarves, sunglasses, hats and jewelry (try larger pieces!).  “The more bling the better.  Cocktail rings, big earrings, [and] bracelets!” says Dr. Khristy Large.  Don’t forget about belts; you can belt tent-like pieces to give yourself a much more shapely silhouette.
  5. You’ve more than likely got a natural glow; maintain it with some pampering! Pregnancy massages and soothing facials, manis and pedis will help keep you feeling lovely.  Check with your doctor to make sure your beauty treatments won’t harm the baby.  Pampering yourself at home? Be sure you’re using a belly cream or oil to ease stretching skin (coconut and Weleda oils and cocoa butter are suggestions).  What’s safe? Check out these tips from Parents.com. 
  6. Your hair is going through changes too; it may be thicker and more lustrous than normal.  Keep a good routine of maintenance, but again: check with your doctor before booking any chemical procedures.
  7.  Pack a lovely silk, satin or lace bedjacket in your overnight bag.  It’ll look more pulled together than a wrinkly or slightly faded hospital gown.  Check Etsy or consignment stores for vintage options.
  8. I’m loving just about everything ASOS Maternity is offering, especially the One Shoulder Maxi Dress, the Swing Dress with Dipped Hem, and the Jersey Pencil skirt!
  9. Are you receiving a push present or baby bauble? I’m going to err on the side of tradition and suggest starting a charm bracelet or an Add-a-Pearl necklace. And something in a little blue box always works…
  10. Just for fun: check out this advice from Glamour, circa 1944 (via 22 Words)!

In the mood for some Mommy and Me reflection? Check out a preview of Jada Pinkett Smith’s candid Red Table Talks, featuring her mom and daughter Willow:

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The Look

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01

May

Ask Alexis: Style Tips for Haute Mamas

A fashionable soon-to-be mommy asked for fashion tips for expectant ladies.  Note: I am not and have never been pregnant, so I wrote this “as if” I were shopping for maternity items for myself.  If I got something wrong and/or if you have firsthand experience you’d like to share, please post it in the comments!

  1. 1.  Embrace your beautiful bump.  I can’t think of one good reason to disguise it.  Don’t be shy about wearing pieces that show off your curves. Fabrics shouldn’t be stretched tight, nor should they be baggy.  “We are not in the 70s and 80s; moo-moo dresses and shirts are out,”  says new mom Dr. Khristy Large (mom to Addison).  “Show your curves and belly!”
  2. Exercise some restraint.  Fab mommy Amorice L. advises, “Don’t go overboard on the maternity clothes. The ultimate goal is to only be in the them for a few months!”  So shop for practical items and add some chic flourishes.  As Joycelyn A. advises, “Maternity clothes can be expensive and you don’t wear them for very long so why break the bank?”
  3. Look at photos of other expectant  or new moms (Beyonce, Reese Witherspoon, Kourtney Kardashian, Nia Long, Jessica Simpson, Rachel Zoe, Victoria Beckham) whose style you admire, and focus on looking for similar pieces. 
  4. Jessica Simpson dreams about giving birth in a leopard caftan; now’s a great time to wear one (or several), whether you’re expecting or not.  They’re easy to put on and comfortable, whether you’re relaxing on vacation or chillaxing at home.
  5. In a similar vein, maxi dresses and skirts are a fashionable alternative (some skirts offer a comfy foldover top to accommodate your pea in the pod).  Throw on a denim jacket, blazer (in solid or stripes), a soft cardigan or an easy open-front wrap for extra coverage.  “They are loose-fitting anyway so once the baby comes you can still wear the same dresses,” says Joycelyn.
  6. Try Gap’s Starter Maternity Wardrobe, with pieces you can build on.
  7. LAYER.  Tanks and leggings are a great outfit foundation.  “[They are] comfortable and you can dress them up or down,”  notes Khristy.  Throw on a long-line cardi, interesting necklace, and flat sandals and you’re done.
  8. Don’t forget your denim!  Law recommends that you “splurge on trendy maternity jeans. They are a worthwhile investment.”  Check out  J Brand or 7 for All Mankind ;  yes, they are expensive, but who can argue with a great pair of jeans that fit well and make you feel good? (If you plan to have more than one kid, they may be an investment in your closet; if not, pass them along to another fashionable friend!)  
  9. And yes, you can still wear skinny jeans.  “Skinny jeans while pregnant are a must…at least your legs will look small!,” Amorice says.  Pair skinnies or boyfriend jeans with a tunic, button down, or loose-fitting top.  I’m on the fence about the cutesy overalls look; if you can pull off wearing them without looking fresh off the farm, go for it.
  10. A tip from MY mom: try to upsize “regular” clothing as long as you can.  Shop for larger sizes that aren’t necessarily “maternity” items; you can always have them altered. 

Want a chance at a closet full of Carter’s children’s wear? Enter HERE for a chance to win a $5000 gift card from Carter’s!  

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14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

The Look

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30

Apr

Who Wore What Where: White House Correspondents Dinner

Okay, fab ones: we have several hits and one fashion travesty from this weekend’s festivities.

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WINNERS:  Kate Hudson looks like she walked off the set of Valley of the Dolls in  floorlength navy sequins and bun, Viola Davis rocks a  fabulous red one shoulder gown and a glowing Reese Witherspoon is a Grecian goddess in draped black with a pop of color at her ears.   First Lady Michelle Obama wears a lovely hyper-floral print strapless gown; wallpaper-inspired prints are very important for Spring style.  And Kerry Washington (star of ABC’s new hit show Scandal) kills it in a simple peach caftan-esque gown with snakeskin clutch  (love the simple hair and matching pout).  Adding a snakeskin-print accessory is a great way to mix it up for evening and step away from the usual metallic or rhinestone shoe or bag.

But did Alicia Keys realize which party she was attending? I don’t understand her outfit at all for this occasion; your thoughts?

And finally: Kim K. managed to show up somewhere with her new “boo” attached at the hip. *Eye roll*

See more photos via The Daily Beast and YB&F

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Haute or Not?/Random Acts of Fashion/The Look/Who Wore What Where

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30

Apr

So Chic: Solange Knowles in Stephané Rolland

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Singer-songwriter, dj and model Solange Knowles (who has also served as the face of beauty brands Carol’s Daughter and Rimmel London) shuts it down in this white Stephané Rolland Spring 2012 gown with peplum detail and gold accent.  Check out the minimalist, barely-there makeup…a breath of fresh air for Spring!  Her slicked back bun and minimal jewelry finish the polished, modern look.  And while I’m usually all about embellishments, the stark beauty of this dramatic white gown announces “less is (really) more.”  Take note ladies: this is what “not trying too hard” looks like.  Perfection!

View more of Stephané Rolland ‘s Spring 2012  show by clicking HERE.

Image via YB&F

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14 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

The Look/Who Wore What Where

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26

Apr

Haute deals to be found at tonight’s Bargain Bash

Calling all savvy shoppers and bargainistas!  The Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel (AKA “Birmingham’s Biggest Garage Sale”) is this weekend! From clothing for the whole family to gently used baby equipment, toys, housewares, furniture, exercise/sports equipment to electronics and more, you can find SERIOUS deals at the former Mazers location on Greensprings.   And the proceeds benefit the Junior League’s community projects!  

 Full disclosure: as a new member of The Junior League, I had an opportunity to volunteer at the venue last weekend in Ladies Clothing, and was able to get a sneak peek at some of the deals.  And there was plenty to love, including brand new and “gently loved” items by Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Bebe, and Kristin Davis for Belk. There was a fabulous bronze bedazzled top by Ann Taylor, an ivory evening gown with jet beading and a cowl neckline, straw handbags and white denim that are perfect for Spring and Summer, and a lovely LBD with jeweled neckline by David Meister.  Love vintage? I spotted a lime green and orange Christian Lacroixknit set and a to-die-for wool coat with mink collar (from a former Birmingham department store!) Some of the items still sport their original sales tags.

Jade and gold Bebe blouson top

Sundresses, separates, casual pieces and cocktail wear have been separated to give shoppers a taste

"Girlfriend" strikes a pose in David Meister LBD and vintage coat.

of how to mix and match when one has a budget, a little time to look and a lot of creativity!  One of my duties involved dressing the mannequin in Ladies Clothing, whom we nicknamed “Girlfriend”; what do you think?

Bargain Carousel kicks off TONIGHT with the Bargain Bash, featuring “show-stopping” deals ahead of the official sale dates this Saturday and Sunday.  Amanda LeBlanc of the Style Network’s The Amandas, will appear from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will organize certain pieces from the sale into a display. The event will also feature a silent auction, cotton-candy cocktails and carnival treats; feel free to come dressed in casual attire.  VIP Patron Tickets allow guests in for 6 P.M. shopping and are $40; general admission tickets for 7 P.M. entry are $30; click HERE to purchase.  Note: items will be sold for double the price marked during the VIP Patrons’ Party and Bargain Bash. 

Bargain Carousel welcomes weekend shoppers this Saturday, April 28 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 P.M.  Tickets can be purchased at the sale site this Friday from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M, and there is a four ticket limit on advance tickets.  Expect plenty of bargain hunters when the doors open, but purchasing a numbered ticket ensures your spot in line.  Admission is free this Sunday, April 29; doors will be open from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. 

The former Mazers Superstore is located at 816 Greensprings Highway in Homewood.

See you there!

Images via The Junior League of Birmingham and yours truly

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14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Love That!/Shopping is My Cardio

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25

Apr

Red Haute: The Shops at Target Launch May 6

Have you ever wished all the fabulous, one-of-a-kind boutiques you’ve found during your travels or in various places you’ve lived were in ONE convenient location?  Wish no more! 

Target puts an innovative twist on its commitment to “great design at affordable prices” and changes up its designer collection approach by launching The Shops at Target, a six week collaboration which will feature 400 chic, limited edition pieces from select shops around the country.  Look for “bohemian-chic” housewares from Connecticut’s Privet House, clothing from Miami’s The Webster, Cos Bar from Aspen (featuring high-end cosmetics), sweet treats for humans from The Candy Store from San Francisco, and sweet treats for your pooch from Boston’s Polka Dog Bakery.  Store displays in Target will highlight each shop’s unique appeal, and items will sell in the $1-$160 range. 

Get it while it’s haute; the collection closes June 16!  View The Shops at Target Gift Guide HERE, and watch a preview of the line below:

Image via Target

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14 years ago Short URL Comments

C'est Si Bon/Shopping is My Cardio

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24

Apr

Pop the champagne (and pass the sequins)!

It’s Same Chic Different Day’s 200th post (and our 75th at AL.com)!

To celebrate, I bought myself something special: a pair of sequined harem pants. Why, you ask?  No, I am not headed to Vegas or auditioning for a Dynasty reboot (although, how fabulous would that be?!). 

I wanted to own something that said “risk taker” (oh, and “lover of sequins”).  I don’t wax poetic and get all mushy about getting to write this blog, but starting it represented a a huge risk for me and an opportunity to step out on faith.  Each day is sort of a “If you post it, they will come” moment.  Will you like it? Will you hate it?  Will you READ it? Will you try something different in your own life or wardrobe?  That’s the goal.

So, the pants.  I saw them a while back, as J. Crew sold a ridiculously glamorous pair silver pair for over $600 last year.  I filed them away in my mental “Obsessing Over but Out of the Budget” file until I happened across a look-alike pair in black.  For $40.  Sold!

So (once again) I’m stepping out on faith, my personal sense of style, and the fervent hope that my life will soon include someplace ridiculously glamorous to sashay around in them (or break out in a mean Chinese Typewriter).  And if not, I’ll just wear them while I sit on my sofa and write these posts. 

XOXO, Alexis

Images via J.Crew and CalypsoThreads

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14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

C'est Si Bon/Champagne Taste Beer Budget/First Person Fabulous/Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

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23

Apr

Ask Alexis: Should I Try Spanx?

Q:  I have a fashion question if you have time to answer it. What do you know about women’s body shapers? What would be the most effective in your opinion? I am familiar with Spanx. Wondered if you had a suggestion as well. – B.D., Florida

A:  I swear by Spanx…I don’t wear them often, but they are great.  In fact I used to avoid them, but back in the day women wore girdles from their teenage years onward.  Shapewear can make clothes fit better, and sometimes they make you more conscious of your posture, which means you’ll stand and walk upright/better.  And I’m not going to lie, they have helped me comfortably get into a dress when I was a pound or two off from getting into something.  They smooth your silhouette, squeezing you in and giving your form a “tighter” shape, if that makes sense.   Some fabrics show lumps and bumps or pudginess/bloat at the tummy, thighs and rear and Spanx eliminate that without the dreaded “VPL”.  I recommend the kind that resemble biking shorts, or the kind that look like a minidress with a bra at the top;  they are very effective.  Other options include Assets (also by Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx) and Victoria’s Secret; you can even find shapewear at your local department store, Target or Wal-Mart.  If you DO try them, be sure they fit comfortably; DON’T buy them too small thinking that will help.  The shaper will pinch, cut off your circulation or worse – start to roll up on you.  You should be able to breathe in them.  Also, I DO recommend that men wear shapewear (also known as  “compression undergarments”), if they need it!

Sign up to receive a chance at a $500 “Shaping Spree”  from Spanx by clicking HERE.  And guess who else is a fan of Spanx?

Fun Fact:  Spanx CEO Sara Blakely started Spanx  in Atlanta with $5000 seed money. According to Forbes:  “Blakely owns 100% of the private company, has zero debt, has never taken outside investment and hasn’t spent a nickel on advertising. At 41 she’s the youngest woman to join this year’s World’s Billionaires list without help from a husband or an inheritance.”

Image via Spanx

14 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

Haute or Not?

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20

Apr

Headed to the Prom Tomorrow?

My grandparents - chaperones at a Southern Normal School dance

You’ve got the date, agonized over your dress and accessories, made your hair appointments, booked the limo and bought his boutonniere…it’s almost time for the prom!  Here are some “night before” tips to remember:

1.  Lay out your clothing and accessories the night before, and make sure your evening bag has extra cash, a safety pin, hairpins, a travel size stain remover and floss (for emergencies), and your powder and lipcolor (for quick touch-ups).

2.  Make sure you’ve practiced walking in your shoes.   If they’re brand new, walk across a driveway or sidewalk to roughen the soles and avoid slip-ups on your big night! 

3.  Tomorrow will be a whirlwind; try to get plenty of beauty rest!

4.  Eat a healthy breakfast and lunch the day of the event; you won’t be able to function on an empty stomach.

5.  Be sure to wear a button down shirt to your hair appointment.

6.  The day of the prom is not the day to try an unfamiliar beauty treatment like waxing. 

7.   Do you know how to enter and exit a car gracefully?  If wearing a long gown, gather it a little to keep the hem clear of the ground when getting in and out.  Practice a few times so you can do so smoothly.

8.  Make an entrance: hold your head up, keep your shoulders back and smile!  Enjoy a fabulous evening!

And for those of us whose prom nights have passed, enjoy walk down memory lane with First Lady Michelle Obama:

14 years ago Short URL Comments

C'est Si Bon

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19

Apr

“You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream.  You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself. “ – Diana Ross

Want a fabulous blast from the past? Watch The Boss circa 1979 in a glamorous bedazzled jumpsuit:

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdGu0dkK5Qk&w=560&h=315]

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Love That!

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