Something ‘Wicked’ This Way Comes…

Ready for the crunch of crispy autumn leaves underfoot? Pumpkin bread, sweet potato pie, hot cocoa and apple cider?

Okay, me neither.  I’m a summer bunny, but one thing I do enjoy about fall (other than football season) is the opportunity to trade my ‘blush and bashful’ summer nails for deeper, more vampy tones, like Essie’s ‘Wicked’ ($8 at Ulta).  It’s an inexpensive way to bring the season’s hautest colors into your wardrobe without rushing out to buy clothes. 

Update your mani/pedi with “it-color” oxblood (a deep mahogany-burgundy), cobalt or sapphire blues (my grandma’s fave, believe it or not), candy apple reds or taupey-grays, which are also favored by First Lady Michelle Obama.  There’s something fab at every price point (about $1.99 for Sinful Colors’ ‘Let’s Talk’ at Walgreens, about $6 for Sally Hansen’s ‘Commander in Chic’ at Wal-Mart, to $8.50 for OPI’s ‘I’m not Really a Waitress’ at Ulta, to over $20 for Chanel’s classic ‘Vamp’)!

Image via Essie

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

How much would you reveal?

If you thought the idea of a “no-buy” month was a challenge, how about going out without makeup for a day?  The ladies of The Talk (and guest Jamie Lee Curtis) did just that on their season 3 premiere yesterday, opting to appear in spa attire and bare-faced for the duration of ‘Makeup-free Monday’. 

Business Insider gave readers the big reveal:

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A round of applause to the ladies for taking a stand for authenticity. Could you go out (and not just on a random run to Target) to work or out on the town without makeup?  I don’t think I could; I don’t know who I am without my MAC Studio Fix (and you probably wouldn’t know who I was, either).

In other “big reveal” news, Jennifer Hudson recently revealed her plastic surgery to Oprah, and Jessica Simpson showed off her post-pregnancy weight loss to Katie Couric.

Images via Business Insider and People

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Are you F.A.B.?

“I’ve spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!” – Carrie Bradshaw

The general consensus seems to be that looking good costs money.  And while I don’t necessarily agree that one must be clad in couture from head to toe in order to knock ’em dead, I hope this blog isn’t encouraging anyone to live outside his or her means.  That new Louis tote may be hot but it’s not worth sitting in the dark (or having to borrow money to cover essentials). And here’s another gem: you can go broke trying to save a dollar.  I can’t tell you what to do with your coins, but I can advise you that smart money management is key (unless you want to be the most fabulously dressed hobo ever).

Rethinking of my own shopping habits (which recently led me to purchase a caftan and yet another sequined cocktail dress although I have no immediate plans to vacation in Capri or hit up a party) has me stopping dead in my stilettos.  I believe one should shop for events ahead of time, but this is getting ridiculous (and pricey).  Several months ago I recommended The Frugalista Files by Natalie McNeal, and I just reread this eye-opening post by my friend (in the head) Demetria L. Lucas.  And the points made in both pieces have me considering trying a “no buy month” in which I only purchase absolute necessities. No auction-hunting on Ebay, no Etsy browsing, no random visits to my favorite haute spots for “It’s Monday/I had a bad day/Oooh! It’s on Sale!” takeout, cupcakes or clothes/shoes. No emergency blow outs at the salon, and no latte drive-bys. Whew.

Can I do it?  Would you do it? Hmmm.

Image via Google

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Wow.

Last year this time, I was on pens and needles (get it?)…I wasn’t sure where clicking “publish” on SCDD’s  first post would lead, but what a fabulous journey it has been.  From the bottom of my stiletto-loving heart, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for reading, inspiring, sharing and supporting Same Chic Different Day.  The friendships I’ve made and experiences I’ve had during this first year are beyond my wildest dreams or expectations (considering I thought only my mother and sister-in-law would be reading this!).  Doing what you love may seem like a cliché or even impossible, but amazing things happen when you step out on faith (in the baddest ensemble you own, of course!). 

There are seriously way too many people to thank by name, but I want to thank my family and friends (old and new) for their encouragement, expertise and for talking me off the ledge (trying to make it as a writer is not always as glamorous as I might make it seem). Thank you to EVERYONE who participated in some way with the posts, and to the students in the yearbook class at Hayden High School, who made me feel like a Pulitzer Prize winner.   

This year concludes with SCDD finding itself a finalist for one of Birmingham’s Best blogs. Where will the next year take us? Stay tuned, darlings…the best is yet to come!  (See Mother and Daddy? That liberal arts education is working out!)  

XOXO Alexis

P.S.  Of course I’m wearing sequins today.

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Images via Google and Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

Straight from the A: Fall Fashion Do’s and Don’ts

Lela Rochon gives fashion advice in ‘Waiting to Exhale’

Hello darlings!  As many of you are celebrating fall weather, with football season and back-to-school, I thought we should chat about two of my deepest fashion pet peeves this time of year: the question of wearing white and/or leather (hopefully you aren’t wearing them together!).

Should one wear white after Labor Day? This is a hotly contested issue in the South.  Yes, it’s time to put away the seersucker and linen, but by all means chic ones: please don’t be afraid to wear white.  Wear your white  year-round, but bring your look into autumn with the warmer colors of the season (plum, teal, sapphire) as accents.  Or keep it basic: one of my favorite ways to wear white is to pair white jeans with a black turtle neck and leopard flats or smoking slippers. 

Now as for leather pants and jackets and winter boots, please don’t break them out when the temperature is sweltering (unless you want to get talked about for “leather-wearing in the summertime.” ).Two possible exceptions? Leather skirts and sheaths. This Banana Republic dress ($298) is EVERYTHING, but even though it’s sleeveless, it may not be a good look until the weather cools off.  If you’re going to rock a skirt, keep the length classy (!) and balance the strength of the skirt with a lighter top (unless you’re going for “biker chick”).

I don’t care if these boots are Givenchy.  Please don’t try this look at home.

  

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Images via Tumblr and YB&F

Fashion faceoff: RNC vs. DNC edition

Who wore it best?

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Ann Romney in a crisp red silk, belted taffeta shirtdress from Oscar de la Renta ‘s pre-Fall 2012 collection  (which may have cost close to $2490, from the looks of a similar dress sold on Net-a-Porter) with black low-heeled open-toed pumps…or First Lady Michelle Obama in Tracy Reese’s arm-baring custom rosy pink and bluish gray toile dress with J. Crew’s suede “Everly” pumps in rhubarb ($245)?  Mrs. Romney chose a bright red nail polish and gold accessories while Mrs. Obama chose a soft taupe-grey (very similar to Sally Hansen’s ‘Commander in Chic’) and almost no jewelry. Both women had flawless hair and makeup (no stiff hair “don’ts” here). 

Mrs. Obama’s ensemble seemed to be more of a bold risk with its keyhole back, tonal fabric, seaming, scallop detail  and cutaway silhuoette, which also showed off her toned arms.  Mrs. Romney’s sartorial choice was a twist on the traditional 1950s shirtdress, with its demure neckline and sleeves and full skirt. 

So, darlings, which look gets your vote?

Images via Huffington Post, US Magazine and the Daily Beast

So much for being ‘born this way’…

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