I’m obsessed with…

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…this to-die-for strapless cocktail dress by J. Crew (okay, when am I NOT obsessed with anything from J. Crew?).  Anywho, this play on the tuxedo look capitalizes on the ongoing black+white and colorblocking trends, and manages to be devastatingly chic in its simplicity. I’ll have to admire it from afar though, as the Collection Framed Bow Dress is $398. *Sigh*

Notice how the rest of the model’s look is virtually bare (no jewelry and a hint of makeup)?  That allows this dress to be the major statement.

Are you ready for cocktail season?  Not sure what “festive attire” or “dressy casual” mean? Wondering how to shop chic on a budget? Then join me for Fashion Friday (presented by the Birmingham Public Library and Birmingham magazine) on December 7 at noon!  The fashion workshop will be held in the Arrington Auditorium of Central Library, located at 2100 Park Place.

Image via J. Crew

You’re invited to Fashion Friday!

Need help taking your look from day to night, decoding tricky dress codes? Do you want to know how to look glam on a budget?  Join style blogger Alexis Barton for Fashion Friday at the Birmingham Public Library on Friday, December 7 at noon, as she shares tips to help you dress your best for social occasions.  The event is free, and the pleasure of your company is required!

The workshop will be held in the Central Library’s Arrington Auditorium (located at 2100 Park Place), and is brought to you by the Birmingham Public Library and Birmingham Magazine.

Special thanks to Chanda Temple!

The Look: Luxe for Less

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 “I know a little bluebird/I sure wish [h]e would sing for me/[He’s ]been flying around so long/I wish [he] would land in my tree…” 

-Little Bluebird/Johnnie Taylor

I had my eye all set on this vintage top from RummageVintage – alas, I spotted a similar look by Tracy Reese in the upcoming Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection. Both blouses make trend-setting Art Deco-esque statements, providing a pop of color and sparing no amount of bedazzle, which means they’re both right up my alley.  It’s proof that what goes around definitely comes back around in fashion, and sometimes you really can get a luxe look for less.

And if you see me making a mad dash for Tracy Reese’s section next month at Target, don’t judge me and get out of my way. Please and thank you.

MAC opens at Belk/The Summit!

Who’s been waiting on this besides me?! 

The MAC counter is in a prime location near the front of the store, and has double counters.  Becky Blair, Belk Western Division Merchandise Coordinator noted, “We’re looking forward to the new MAC counter for this location.”

To celebrate, we’re giving away a MAC gift bag featuring lots of goodies: eye shadow in “Love Cycle” (a duo of baby and cobalt blue), nail lacquer in “Inert” (a so-now shade of grey), an eye shadow quad in “Parlor Smoke”, a chromagraphic pencil in “Rich Purple”, Zoom Waterfast Lash Mascara in “Waterfast Black”, Pro Longwear Lipglass in “Next Fad” (a pout-perfect pink), and a special edition Make it Perfect Brush Kit.

WANT TO WIN? Post “I want a MAC-over” in the comment section!  For an extra entry, post a link to the contest on Facebook OR Twitter (choose one method and be sure to tag Alexis or @SameChicSouth so the extra entry can be verified).  One winner will be chosen on Friday, November 16 at noon. Enter with a valid email address, as this is how the winner will be contacted. All decisions final.

*And in case you missed it, Nordstrom Rack is headed to Birmingham! It’s slated to open in the River Ridge Shopping Center next Spring!

***This giveaway is now closed.***

Fashion faceoff: Demi vs. Genevieve

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Demi Moore and socialite Genevieve Jones stepped out in similar looks by Oscar de la Renta recently. Ms. Moore wore a longer version with Jimmy Choo peep toes, a bright Judith Leiber clutch and her signature mane, while Ms. Jones styled her minidress with ethereal hair and a shoulder bag.  The embellished tulle dress features lace, beading, jewels and sequins, retails for $5290 and has a matching jacket. 

Who wore it best?

Looking for a similar party dress with all the wow factor but minus the hefty price tag during Magic City Classic?  Check out this embellished cami dress by Victoria’s Secret, or – if you’d like to be a little more covered up = their luxurious cashmere sweater and pencil skirt.  In fact, check out Vicky’s entire Angel Guide to Party Dressing; whether you plan to make an appearance at a chic soiree or will be wobbling at a local nightspot, you’re sure to find something.

Images via Craig Barritt/WireImage.com and The YB

I’m So Wearing This

…somewhere (Magic City Classic weekend, perhaps?). When I’m bored, I love dreaming up outfits to wear.  This one combines several of my current favorite things: the leather peplum trend, white pants after Labor Day, fierce kitty leopard flats and arm candy.  The top could easily be worn with a pencil skirt or colored denim instead. You likey? Or do I need to go back to the drawing board (er, closet)?

Ask Alexis: Help me find a nude shoe!

Q: Dear SCDD, Help!!! Where can I get some super awesome nude shoes: Flats, pumps, stilettos, etc? Also, “nude” means nude for YOUR skin type…right??  -Sincerely,  Desperately Seeking Nudeness

A: No need to be desperate, diva!  As the above photo shows, there are plenty of options for nude, tan, or beige footwear. From Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson, Nine West and Aldo to Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Brian Atwood it’s pretty easy to find a neutral shoe that flatters your skintone.  Check out all the options available at Heels.com!

The hue doesn’t have to be an exact match to your complexion; one or two shades lighter is perfectly fine.  And don’t limit them to your beige, tan or brown ensembles.  A nude pump, flat, bootie, peeptoe or platform can be worn with (just about) anything!

Do you have a fashion dilemma?  Wondering what to wear on a first date, job interview or to a social event? Ask Alexis!

*Top, clockwise: Tory Burch “Reva” leather flat, Christian Louboutin “Very Prive” open-toe pump, Rebecca Minkoff “Solange” wedge booties, and Christian Louboutin “Bianca” closed-toe platform pump

Want a chance to shop with Sara Evans?

Enter 104.7 WZZK and Shops of Grand River’s $1000 shopping spree giveaway by clicking HERE.  Then listen in: the winner will be announced on air on WZZK on October 1.

Do you want even more fashion fabulosity? Of course you do. So check out and the Shops of Grand River’s Fall Fashion Tailgate through November 14.  The grand prize: A $1000 shopping spree and 1 hour fashion consultation.

Image via The Outlet Shops of Grand River

I bought leather leggings this week. Don’t judge me.

As seen in InStyle, Sept. 2011

Okay, darlings, I have been known to take a calculated risk or two (ahem, sequined pants) but the mother of all fashion challenges presented itself this week when I was browsing eBay (dashing all thoughts of that no-buy month): one of my fashion “unicorns” appeared during a random search. And like the mythical creature who inspired Lisa Frank folders back in the day, these GAP faux leather leggings have been on my “take no prisoners; buy at any cost” list since they appeared last year.  So when I saw them – new, unworn, and advertised for under $20 (they originally retailed at $80) – I began feverishly stalking the eBay listing. 

Why didn’t I purchase the leggings at full price last year? Because they sold out. Fast. I couldn’t find them anywhere, despite my stealthy shopping tactics.  And they reappeared on the racks at other retailers this season, but somehow I couldn’t find the nerve (or the spare kidney) to purchase Zara’s $399 version

Why would I buy these? Well, why not? There’s something so fierce about leather clothing.  And the goal is to push the envelope a little bit, instead of reaching for my trusty dark denim.   Where and when will I wear them? I have no immediate idea. But Kim K. styled a pair of leather leggings pretty convincingly recently, and I’m sure I’ll wait until the weather cools to break them out, so that I don’t end up on my own epic fall fashion fail list.  I imagine my black bouclé jacket, this appliqué tee shirt, pumps and an envelope clutch will be in order on my end (okay, once this one  that has now taken up residence on the “I’m stalking you” list is found).

Kim Kardashian’s version. Chic, no?

So what are the keys to succesful eBay shopping? Patience, and the willingness to perform random searches using specific terms (which means you might keep a file or a note with the retailer, specific style name and color). Set search criteria such that eBay notifies you when what you’re looking for pops up for sale.  If you’re really determined, download the app so you can shop from the privacy of your iPhone.   Be sure to ask the seller any questions you have about the item that are not covered in the description, so that there are no unpleasant surprises (like broken zippers, or rips) when your “unicorn” arrives!

Happy shopping!

Images via InStyle and Brett Kaffee/Thibault Monnier, PacificCoastNews.com

You have to try this: Artistry Light Up Lip Gloss

Makeup-free Mondays are not an option when cosmetics products as fabulous as Artistry’s Light Up Lip Gloss are on the market.  I recently had the privilege of trying it.

Artistry is a prestige brand sold exclusively through Amway, and is also worn by contestants in the Miss America pageant during competition (Miss America herself serves as brand ambassador during her reign).  The line, according to independent cosmetics consultant Karri Bentley, “has been around about 35 years and is one of the top five prestige brands in the world; it’s up there with Estee Lauder, Chanel and Clinique.”

I tried the lip gloss in “Passion” (a warm berry hue with a pretty shimmer; the gloss comes in five other shades) and was extremely pleased with the results. The packaging itself is attractive and lightweight, and showcases the product well.  One side has a rectangular mirror, which means no more digging through your purse for your compact.  When you unscrew the wand, two bright LED lights are activated, and when you apply the color, the light beams right over your lips.  No more applying lipstick in the dark, ladies!

The gloss itself is not sticky, but is very moisturizing and has a refreshing, minty effect; it makes your lips tingle but not in an irritating way (however, it’s not a lip “plumper”).  The shade flattered my complexion and was not sparkly to an alarming degree but added a lot of shine.  It’s relatively long-lasting, and there was a great color “pay off”: what you “see” in the translucent tube is what you “get” once you apply the gloss.  The more gloss you apply, the more richly the color is deposited.

Karri shares: “The good thing about Artistry is that [it offers] categories that fit any budget or skincare [need].  With each season we have our trend collection, typically in Spring and Fall, with a guest makeup artist to develop colors for the trend line.  It’s always someone who’s one of the famous makeup artists.  Whatever’s going on on the runways is what we’re putting out, but we also have basic colors. [Artistry has] everything for the person who isn’t into makeup all the way to the person who loves being fashionable and trendy with their makeup.”

What’s also nice is that Artistry offers customers a 180-day money back guarantee, so you have plenty of time to try the product and decide whether it works for you. At $16.05, the gloss is on trend with comparable brands; Artistry claims you will get “an estimated 200 applications” from the tube.

Ready to try it? Be sure to check out their Virtual Makeover!  Artistry can be purchased online or from an independent consultant. Click HERE to go straight to the lip gloss!

Image via Artistry

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