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

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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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

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Scene and Heard

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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

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Haute off the Press/Random Acts of Fashion/Scene and Heard/The Look

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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

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

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

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Random Acts of Fashion

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03

Feb

Jason Wu for Target Launches this Sunday!

 
 

This is not a drill.  As previously reported, Jason Wu’s capsule collection for Tarjhay drops this Sunday in stores and online (and will be available through March 6).  The ladylike line was inspired by Wu’s vision of an American girl in Paris and features airy prints, pleating, colorblocking and feminine touches of lace and bow detailing.  Pieces range from $19.99-$59.99 for clothing and $19.99-$49.99 for accessories.  If the haute mess that was the Missoni for Target release is still fresh in your mind and you are dead set on owning a piece without spending your 401K with Ebay carpetbaggers (I rebuke you, hot pink Versace for H&M dress!), be ready to rumble!

Game. On.

Image via FashionPolice.net

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14 years ago Short URL Comments

Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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02

Feb

The Look for Less: Kate Spade Bow Bracelet

I love the thought of wearing a bow and packaging myself as a gift, but with this Kate Spade two-tone bracelet’s $128 pricetag (now $79.99 via 6pm.com) I had a feeling I’d have to admire this one from afar! I found the perfect compromise with Forever 21’s glossy black bow cuff (and it was easy on my pocketbook at under $5!).  It’s so easy to find current trends at “fast fashion” stores like Forever 21, H&M, Wet Seal, or Charlotte Russe that mimic more expensive pieces.  While my bracelet is no longer available online (that’s the downside; you have to be quick about buying because these stores sell out), this one is quite similar.

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Images via 6pm.com and Forever 21

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Champagne Taste Beer Budget/Love That!/Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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30

Jan

Darrius Peace Hopes to Redefine ‘Beauty’

The natural hair phenomenon  – which has remained a topic of discussion thanks to enthusiastic transitioners, social media and films such as Good Hair – shows no signs of slowing down.  Birmingham master barber, stylist and instructor and 12 year hair industry veteran Darrius Peace is introducing MyHairAintNappy.Com,  a resource he hopes will “help redefine what we consider, or what we’ve learned to [think of as] beautiful and incorporate organic beauty into that definition, [and to help others learn] to love and embrace themselves in their organic form.”

How did you get into the hair industry?  When I got to UAB [where he received a bachelors degree] I decided I would grow my hair out.  Because it was really difficult for me to find someone to do the styles I wanted – I thought every girl could braid, and was disappointed to find out every girl can’t – it got me into [styling my hair] myself .  [When] people inquired who did my hair,  I told them I did it myself.  Soon I established a small clientele on campus.  Then I decided to legitimize myself and get certified, and there was a barber college close to Rast Hall.  I went there to get proper licensing and certificiation so I could become a professional hair stylist.

What motivated you to launch MyHairAintNappy.com?  At some point I am going to retire from doing hair. When I do that, I want to leave a legacy.  I want to have a mark in the industry so my children can say, ‘Here was my dad’s contribution to the hair industry.’  It’s been beautiful in the four walls of the salon, and now I’m able to [share expertise I’ve only shared in the salon]  with the world.

Peace’s plans for his brand’s footprint extend beyond an online resource; he has also written and published a companion book, My Hair Ain’t Nappy: A Black Man’s Introspective on Natural Hair, which can be purchased on the website and at amazon.com.   

“The book offers information on how to effectively transition – both mentally and physically – into accepting, embracing and loving your natural hair.  It’s a must-read for all those that are transitioning or even have a thought of transitioning to natural hair,” Peace says.

Are you against the use of chemical relaxers?  I don’t want anyone to think I’m opposed to relaxers – I’m not.  I prefer that if you’re going to wear anything that isn’t native to your natural curl pattern, that you don’t wear it because you think your hair is nappy.  I hope that black people begin to employ more positive terminology in reference to our hair textures and omit words like “nappy” and all those other words that are antithetical to our being beautiful.

What’s the biggest mistake you feel naturalistas make with their hair?  I think the biggest mistake I’ve seen is people not seeking professional expertise.  YouTube has been a very valuable resource, but it’s mainly comprised of amateurs who have learned to master their own texture.  But a professional hair stylist has encountered various hair textures and can offer custom solutions to help you optimize your hair growth.

What do men really think about women with natural hair?  To be frank, brothers don’t care.  It ain’t even about your hair; it’s about you.  We love confidence, we love beauty, and we love you when you love you. 

For more information, connect with Darrius Peace via email: dpeace@myhairaintnappy.com.

Image courtesy of Darrius Peace

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/Love That!/Scene and Heard

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25

Jan

The Look: Skirting the Issue

Hemlines that fall gracefully below the knee to mid-calf  or maxi length are one of this season’s biggest trends that will carry over into spring.   Expect to see some high-low versions as well.  It’s a welcome departure from the much shorter hemlines that have dominated the runways for seasons.  If you dare to wear it, go for ladylike chic or edgy coolness, but remember: the “frumpy librarian” look is definitely not in season.  Keep it neutral or try an unexpected color combination.  I am loooving the crispness pleated skirts add to separates for the office, especially when paired with a silk blouse and cardigan or even a button down.  Footwear should be kept sleek: a pump,  bootie, ballet flat or smoking slipper are super cute options.  Stay away from anything clunky!  Whether you choose a knife pleat (a narrow pleat turned in one direction), a sunburst pleat (similar to a knife pleat except it has more of a flare) or a box pleat (a wider pleat; similar to old-school cheerleader skirts), this is a classic piece that should have a permanent place in your closet.

Here’s the look as seen on People Style Watch, in shorter versions:

Images courtesy via People and BCBG

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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24

Jan

If a Kardashian Can Do It, So Can I

Hold your horses: I mean I can COUPON for thrilling deals, not sign up for a 72 day marriage!  I clip coupons for groceries and shop sales, but I only recently discovered how to shop smarter via sites like RetailMeNot. A quick search recently returned a sales code for a deep discount at one of my favorite shoe stores; how did I not know about this?!  

Since sharing is caring, I’m passing on a few highly recommended favorite deals and steals sites for your shopping pleasure.

1. RetailMeNot offers coupon codes and printable coupons at over 150,000 popular stores (even for groceries!).   The site  features an Offer Portal with top deals and coupon codes for certain popular gifting periods.  The website also offers a Mac dashboard widget.  I don’t think I’ll be able to ever shop again without consulting this website.

2. ShopStyle is excellent for “cross-shopping hundreds of thousands of apparel, home decorating and kids products — all in one place.  Featuring products from the most popular designer brands and big name fashions, to the up and coming boutiques, ShopStyle lets users search the most stylish stores at once — by designer, brand, store, sale items, price point, and color.”  Use it to set sales alerts on your favorite brands;  the website sends you email blast when the item is marked down.  ShopStyle also offers a free mobile app for iPhone and iPad users.  Fun feature: the Community Looks section, where users can play fashion stylist and put together looks.

3.  Indea L. recommends My Habit (a membership-only website, but you can sign in with your amazon.com account).  MyHabit describes itself as “a private fashion sale site offering up to 60% off hand-picked selections from designer and boutique brands.  Most [sales] start daily at 11 AM CT and last 72 hours.   Prices are up to 60% off list prices.”  There were so many to-die-for designer and boutique labels to drool over that I barely got this post written (do the names House of Harlow, Catherine Malandrino or Fendi ring a bell?)!  Perks include “fast, free shipping and returns in the U.S.”  The MyHabit mobile app alerts members to new designers and sales.

4.  Designer Apparel is a “members-only personalized shopping experience, providing exclusive access to designer sales and customized email alerts on the top fashion brands. Designer Apparel scours the web to find the best prices and promotions so its members are the first to know when items from the most coveted designers go on sale. ”  With pieces from Marchesa and Balenciaga and members-only private sales, what’s not to love?

5.  Kesha T. recommends Yowza!!, a free mobile app which provides location-specific coupons to over 15,000 sellers nationwide.  No more handing over tattered coupons; just show your iPhone to the cashier.  Yowza!! also has a piggy bank feature which shows you how much you’ve saved.

6.  Gilt City, another gem suggested by Indea L., allows you to search for deals by city.  The site describes itself as “the key that unlocks the very best your city has to offer for less,  [having] combed through hundreds of neighborhoods, [and] countless things to do and boiled it all down to the most sought-after experiences and services just for you.” 

7.  Ideeli.com is yet another members-only, designer apparel sales site that hosts a sale at 11 AM CT each day.  The site and its mobile app feature “more than a dozen new sales showcase fashion for men, women and children, home décor and travel at up to 80% off.”  A neat perk?  Refer friends to Ideeli; if 10 become buyers you receive $250 in credits to use on the site.

8.  Looking to treat your feet? Jessica C. finds super shoe deals at Heels.com.  This women’s shoe mecca offers free shipping and returns, and has a loyalty program that allows you to earn points with each purchase.  I also love its sales page  and the fact that the site utilizes video to show you what the shoes actually look like while worn.

Enjoy!

Image via StyleHive

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Shopping is My Cardio

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