11

Feb

Friday Night Fashion at BFW 2012

Following the Emerging Design and Rising Design Star competitions, last night’s Birmingham Fashion Week presentations (hosted by Tara Gray) built on Thursday evening’s momentum and brought us looks from local boutiques Theodora and Stella Blu,  European drama from Iota, Prophetik’s ecochic sensibility, and streamlined sophistication from by SMITH.

Iota Westenburg’s luxurious couture wraps, capes and coats are made of “durable, renewable, recyclable, bio-degradable” skins with fur and shearling accents.  Designed by Machteld Schrameijer, each opulent piece featured special detail – either lace insets, tapestry paneling,  or seaming – in rich colors such as rust, aubergine, chocolate and snowy white.  Her hooded evening coat with lace, eyelet and beading was especially beautiful.  With background music including the Lara’s Theme  from Dr. Zhivago, Schrameijer’s presentation put me in the mind of  being bundled up for an elegant sleigh ride across the snow.

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Next up was Smith Sinrod’s line by SMITH, which I found to be sophisticated and polished.  Sinrod  pairs unexpectedcolors and rich silks together in a lovely way; the woman who wears her line must be bold and confident.  I think her line could be worn by women of various ages without making the wearer look too young or too matronly, which can be difficult for a designer to achieve.  by SMITH featured separates and dresses that would make it easy for one to get dressed quickly and feel very pulled-together.

Headlining designer Jeff Garner of Prophetik closed the evening with a short film on the ethical design process and both fencing and dancers on the runway (although not all at once).   Prior to the show Garner noted that the audience would see “a lot of romance and…dramatic flair” and he definitely delivered.  His hemp silk blends and Civil War-era silhuoettes embody his social conscience and upbringing in Tennessee (Garner does not own a television).   His pieces featured light colors and soft fabrics and he showed multiple looks for both women and men. Prophetik can be purchased locally at Manhattan South and will even be seen on an artist at the Grammy Awards tomorrow night (I’d give away who’ll be wearing his gown but you’ll have to stay tuned for our Grammys coverage on Monday!).

Images courtesy of Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

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11

Feb

Emerging Designers and Rising Stars Shine at BFW 2012

Last night was another whirlwind of fashion as emerging and established designers and local boutiques took to the stage.  Particularly impressive last night were the creations from the Emerging Design competition (featuring under and post-graduate designers) and the Rising Star Design Challenge (featuring junior high and high school designers).  Sharp tailoring and attention to detail were hallmarks from Elizabeth Singleton’s romantic peplum-waist cocktail looks and fitted evening dress.  We also appreciated the strong perspective shown by Chanelle Clark’s hippie-chic homage to the 1970s. 

The innovative up-and-comers in the Rising Star Design Challenge crafted clothing from items including sheet music, moss, twigs, stretch banadges, and tissue paper.  Hayden High School had several entries from its art department, including a pine needle and pine cone creation by Annie Strong, featuring a fringed skirt and corset top.  Annie was one of the students who moved on tonight’s finals.   Amy Cutcliffe, Hayden High’s art teacher, was extremely proud of her students’ efforts and was excited to participate in BFW 2012.

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“It’s definitely working as a way to get people interested [in design].  All of the teachers have gotten really involved too,” she said, pointing out Hayden’s vice principal, an English teacher and school librarian. 

Judges from last night’s competition included Joe O’Donnell (B-Metro), current Miss Alabama USA Katharine Webb, and public relations maven Krista Conlin (KC Projects). Winners from both contests will be announced this evening.   The 2012 Emerging Designer will receive a $1000 prize sponsored by 90/10.  Three winners will be selected from the Rising Star Design Challenge, with prizes sponsored by Mercedes Benz.

Images courtesy Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

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11

Feb

Who Wore What Where: Birmingham Fashion Week

From what I’ve seen come down the catwalk, come Spring we will all be wearing (or avoiding) high-low hems, pleated maxi skirts and palazzo pants, romantic sheer blouses (but perhaps not sheer enough to expose our lingerie, as was shown),  and tailored shorts.   But the high fashion isn’t just on the runway at BFW 2012.  I’ve spotted super-chic attendees in colored denim, one shoulder embellished tunics, faux and genuine fur vests and short jackets, at least one fascinator, and amazing footwear: booties, glam platforms, and of course, a Louboutin (or ten).  

Who was the most fashionable?  There were SO many to choose from, but I just had to talk to the very chic Miss Cates Lyman, age 6, who attended Birmingham Fashion Week’s Friday shows with her mother, Elisabeth Lyman.

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Who picked out your outfit?  My mama. [smiles]

Why do you like it?  “Because my mama has a matching one…and because it has pockets!”

What’s your favorite color?  “Pink.  It’s a happy color!”

What do you want to be when you grow up? “A movie star!”

Is this your first fashion show?  “No ma’am.  I’ve been in one.  This is my third,” she informed me.

Cates’ mother provided additional details regarding her outfit: the Milly multicolored striped mini dress is from Village Sportwear, and was purchased so they could match on Palm Sunday.  The silver sequined vest is from SNAP KIDS apparel in Crestline Village; Cates’ red tights are from Target, and her red leather, buckled Mary Janes are from Christine’s in Mountain Brook Village.

Images courtesy Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

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10

Feb

Lights, Camera, Fashion: BFW 2012

Laura Kathryn for Birmingham Fashion Week 2012

It was standing room only under the white tent and high-wattage lights set up in Pepper Place for the second night of Birmingham Fashion Week.  Lesson number one? Don’t wear four inch, patent leather, pointy-toed mules to a fashion show where you’ll be shifting your weight on what’s basically a toothpick for 2 and half hours.  By 7:10 PM my feet were begging for mercy. Tomorrow night? I’ll be in flats.

The night’s festivities began with a procession of entries from the college-level Emerging Designer and junior high and high school-level Rising Design Star competitions.  Standouts  included Travis Mackey, whose avant garde designs and attention to detail were different from anything else on the runway, featuring corset detailing, mutton sleeves and stark colors.  Mackey advanced to the next phase of the Emerging Designer competition.

The night also featured selections from local women’s boutiques SOCA and Laura Kathryn.  I LOVED the very wearable cheetah-print suit with short bottoms and apricot blouse, which will be perfect for summer date nights and cocktails. 

Finally it was time for the featured designers: William Bradley (last year’s Emerging Design winner), Southern Proper and Annie Griffin.  Bradley’s prairie-chic, flowing creations had  the feel of vintage Ralph Lauren in the fabrication and silhuoettes.  Bradley counts Chanel as a major historical icon and noted, “[I’m trying] to create a story.”  The pieces had a very editorial feel; Bradley should concentrate on fabric choice and fit as he progresses.  This year has been a whirlwind; his spring collection was picked up by Private Gallery and will be in their stores in May.

Southern Proper’s brightly colored, preppy accessories incorporated menswear from Peter Millar.  The line is

Laura Kathryn for Birmingham Fashion Week 2012

available locally at Remon’s and at the Birmingham Country Club, and there are plans to partner with J. Crew on a men’s wedding bow tie line.  [4:07 PM: I have edited this review to remove my previous enthusiasm for the line.  After further reviewing Southern Proper’s website in detail today, I was dismayed to see a Cotton Pickin’-themed print.  I can appreciate the seersucker and bucks look for men but I don’t support anything that harkens to “plantation chic.”]

Annie Griffin closed the show with feminine separates in muted solids and prints.  The line also made use of color-blocking, which is a major Spring 2012 trend.  The line is extremely wearable and appeals to women who appreciate the retro flair, the soft touches and laidback silhuoettes.

More looks from last night:

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Stay tuned for more coverage!

All images via Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography for Birmingham Fashion Week 2012

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10

Feb

Eighth Grader Debuts at Birmingham Fashion Week

Pizitz Middle School student Lucy Bailey walked her first runway like a seasoned pro in Birmingham Fashion Week’s Rising Design Star competition last night. Twenty young fashion designers showcased pieces crafted from materials straight out of a Project Runway challenge, utilizing garbage bags, bubble wrap, coffee filters, feathers, pine cones, doilies and duct tape. Wearing a drop-waist party dress made of pink, yellow, and orange plastic ribbon designed by Greer Micelli, the Cynthia Bailey model search finalist spoke with me about her first foray on the catwalk.  She was accompanied by her mother, Shannon Bailey, and grandmother Marcella Bailey.

How’d it feel to walk the runway?  “It was exciting! The cameras flashing and the [noise of] crowd…I loved it! And I got to meet Miss Alabama [USA 2012; Katherine Webb]!”

How long did hair and make-up take tonight?  “About an hour and a half, ” mom Shannon Bailey shared.

Describe your dress (made of what is commonly used for balloon streamers) in one word: “Curly!” [laughs]

How was the Cynthia Bailey Model Search experience?  “It was really fun.  Being [chosen] as a winner was really surprising.”  Lucy was chosen as the fifth finalist on the last day of the competition last month and will compete in Atlanta in May.  At stake: a one-year modeling contract, photo spread, and $10,000 prize.  This was the second modeling event Lucy has participated in.

Although Miss Micelli’s innovative dress was not selected to advance in the Rising Design Star competition, both Lucy’s mother and grandmother were very pleased with Thursday night’s events.

The Bailey Family after the show. Courtesy Lynsey Weatherspoon

“I thought the whole night was fabulous.  It’s nice they let the young kids get involved,” said Shannon, who also felt the production was good for the city’s image.

“[Everything] was very professional,” added Marcella.  “And we’re very proud of Lucy!”

Stay tuned for more coverage of Birmingham Fashion Week and updated photos courtesy of Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography!

Images courtesy of Shannon Bailey and Lynsey Weatherspoon

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09

Feb

SCDD has Spring Fever

While many flocked to Highway 280 to the Birmingham Fashion Week kick-off party at Gus Mayer yesterday evening, chic Homewood boutique DOREE hosted an intimate sneak peek at its Spring 2012 offerings.  It was hard to focus on fashion when cheese straws and petit fours beckoned! But on to the task!

Longer days and uncommonly warm temperatures lead me to believe spring is in the air, no matter what Punxsutawney Phil observed last week.  Standout items by Seduce Clothing feature airy fabrics and organic embellishments of metal or rope and are a welcome relief from winter hats, coats and mittens.   There is a white chiffon maxi dress that has my name all over it! 

What will we see this spring?  “A lot of bright colors,” says manager Meredith Carter.  “Pinks, oranges and reds worn together are definitely worth a try.”  The one shoulder fuchsia overlay blouse with bright orange lining and long fluttery sleeve byAnalili ($160) would be perfect with dark denim and a killer pair of stilettoes.

Spring fashion will also blow a kiss to the 1970s, and the rose gold blouson sequined Laundry by Shelli Segal cocktail dress ($265) is a definite Studio 54-style showstopper.  Its mini length and split back are not for the faint of heart. 

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Don’t forget your accessories!  Meredith recommends you purchase a large, beaded necklace as a transitional piece, and we also spotted several Bakelite-style bracelets in black, the very “now” coral and turquoise with gold and stone overlay detailing for $25.  And there is a ivory mesh envelope clutch by Urban Expressions that I also intend to add to my collection (it also comes in pink and lavender).

Doree is located at 2814 18th Street South in Homewood.

Images via Doree and Nordstrom.com

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08

Feb

Birmingham Fashion Week Kicks Off Today!

The local catwalk heats up this week as Birmingham Fashion Week descends on the city (specifically, Pepper Place)!  Local and national designers and boutiques, models and members of the fashion and beauty industries will unite for three nights of runway shows as well as design and modeling competitions.  And yes, Same Chic Different Day will be there!  Having reviewed the list of featured designers (including Smith Sinrod’s contemporary yet classic looks and What Goes Around Comes Around NYC’s vintage aesthetic),  I can’t wait to see who rips the runway.  The lineup promises a definite mix of exciting perspectives, capped off with after parties at local nightspots and restaurants each evening, a Bridal Day Saturday and the Mercedes Marathon on Sunday morning.  

Who will be spotted (and what will they be wearing) at the Gus Mayer kick-off party this evening? Who will be the Face of Birmingham Fashion Week 2012?  Which Emerging Designer and which Rising Design Star will take top honors?  Which designer’s line should you be wearing, and why?  Stay tuned!

Image via Birmingham Fashion Week

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07

Feb

We Admit It

…we’re officially jealous of Beyonce and her post-baby body.  Chick is svelte and undeniably FABULOUS, stepping out last night for hubby Jay-Z’s concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall (one month after giving birth to baby Blue Ivy!).  Check out NY Daily News’ coverage here.  Her curve-hugging ruched “Molina” dress is by Alice  By Temperley, and the killer pumps are by Christian Louboutin.

Images via Joe Marino/NY Daily News

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07

Feb

Get Glowing!

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If beauty is only skin deep, then there’s no time like the present to reassess your skincare regimen.  Many of us are in hibernation mode due  to the weather, but spring is right around the corner.   Here are some of my favorite, time-tested cleansers for maintaining my complexion (I’m still working on remembering to  wash my face before bed!). 

Noxzema’s Original Deep Cleansing Cream and Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser are great drugstore brands that are always in my bathroom cabinet.  I probably began using Noxzema because my mother used it.  I love to smooth it on after a workout and let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with a hot washcloth.  Its energizing scent really feels like it’s working on my pores!  Noxzema’s website comes packed with a Resource Center  and advice from a dermatologist.

Cetaphil is a great mild cleanser for normal, combination or oily skin which came recommened by my dermatologist.  It doesn’t produce a significant amount of foam, nor does it tingle, but it does cleanse and refresh my skin without leaving any residue.   For deals, be sure to connect with the brand on Facebook.

I also love Origins Checks and Balances Face Wash (available online, as we no longer have an Origins store).  Scented with bergamot, lavender and spearmint, it a silky consistency and leaves my skin feeling cleansed but not parched.  What’s also great is it works for all skin types.  Origins strives to create organic products using earth-friendly techniques.  And they have a wealth of special offers!

Taking a little extra time to work with whatever you have skin-wise will ensure that come March, your face is fresh as a daisy.  Getting your beauty rest, eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water are all key, as is being cognizant of each product’s ingredients (you wouldn’t want to have a Hitch moment, would you?).   Please use what works best for your complexion, and be sure to consult a dermatologist for specific concerns.

Images via drugstore.com

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The Look

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06

Feb

Ask Alexis: How to Dress for Success

Last week I was driving downtown and I think I counted fifty men in light blue button downs and standard-issue khaki pants. Okay, maybe not that many, but quite a few.  And a current refrain over the water cooler in my office is “I woke up this morning and didn’t know what to put on!”  Having already covered what not to show up to work in, let’s talk about how to dress to impress at your place of employment.

This advice comes courtesy of my stylish parents – through a gift I received from them as a little girl.  Day to Night Barbie wore a velvety, bubblegum pink suit with spectator pumps and carried a matching briefcase – the perfect attire for her (somewhat vague but surely very important) office job.  But once the clock struck five, you could transform her ensemble into sophisticated cocktail wear: the jacket could be removed to reveal a bedazzled bodysuit, the skirt reversed to one with a floaty chiffon overlay, and she even had a pair of hot pink evening shoes. 

The point? Barbie wore appropriate pieces (note the modest skirt and lack of bared cleavage at left) that could be quickly reworked for any occasion.  Simon Doonan, creative ambassador for Barneys New York, echoes this in his recent column for Slate:  “Avoid the gruesome pitfalls of overdressing or underdressing.  Simply dress like you are going someplace better later.  When your mantra is to look like you’re going someplace better later, then you have permission to add that signature flourish which sets you apart.   For gals this translates to a few sequins here, a fake lash there, an oversized bejeweled cuff here.  For men it means a new suit with a more fitted jacket, a pocket square or a nifty iPad case.  And then, in the unlikely event that you are actually going someplace better later, you are good to go. ”

The lesson? DON’T show up at your workplace dressed like Nicki Minaj or Steven Tyler (unless you really are Nicki or Steven).  Be appropriate to your environment and considerate of fellow employees.  By all means, DO incorporate well-considered touches of sartorial flair that turn your look up a notch or two without making you a topic of conversation for all the wrong reasons. 

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Image courtesy of Google

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Random Acts of Fashion

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