09

Dec

Fashion Flashback: Marilyn McCoo

You can thank Tasha Simone of Hot 107.7 for today’s flashback; her tweet yesterday inspired SCDD’s stroll down memory lane! When we think of Marilyn McCoo, we instantly recall the over-the-top pop sensation that was Solid Gold in the 1980s.  Ms. McCoo was the show’s glamorously coiffed and couture-wearing host, who performed a contemporary hit each episode set to some awesome choreography from the Solid Gold Dancers.  The show also featured a top ten countdown and sassy commentary from Madame.  But did you know the multi-Grammy award winner  and former Jet Beauty of the Week was also an original member of the The 5th Dimension, a  music group known for hits such as One Less Bell to Answer and Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (of Hair fame)?  Ms. McCoo, who went on to record as a successful duo with her husband (Billy Davis, a founder of The 5th Dimension), is a celebrated stage, film and television actress, entertainer, author and hostess.

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There were entirely too many clips to enjoy  from Solid Gold, but check out this one featuring Jermaine Jackson.

Images courtesy of Lucy Who, Vintage Black Glamour, mccoodavis.com and Wikipedia

14 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

Fashion Flashback

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06

Dec

Get a Leg Up….

…on falling temperatures by adding patterned tights under your dresses, skirts and shorts.  You can play it safe with opaque, or experiment with a fun pattern in argyle, quatrefoil, stripes, polka dots or even lace-print.  And of course, now’s a great time to break out a haute pair of fishnets or back-seamed stockings.  When worn with a demure pencil or pleated skirt or even a fitted dress, they look quite professional and not so “working girl.”  And even better, tights can be an inexpensive way of turning your look up a notch without breaking the bank; you can find an array of styles at reasonable prices at Target, Macy’s, Belk and Dillard’s.

Note: Our experience with thigh highs has taught us they tend to roll down at the most inopportune moments (like while we’re in line at the bank!).  We also aren’t recommending nude pantyhose for anyone of any age, for any occasion.  Instead, dare to bare legs that are smooth and moisturized (ahem)!  And if you absolutely must wear knee highs (gasp!), please remember that the top edge near your knees should not be visible when you sit, stand or walk.

Image courtesy of  Red Rider Leg Lamps

14 years ago Short URL Comments

The Look

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01

Dec

We Love a Man Who…

No. Just....no.

…keeps it simple. 

Are you wearing square-toed shoes?  Buttoning every button on your suit jacket?  Stepping out in a suit jacket with more than three buttons (SIGH)?  Rocking suspenders AND a belt (ahem: it’s either/or, never both)?   Sporting more than one ring on both hands (and if either of them is a nugget ring, go sit in the corner)? Do you have nails (finger or toe)so long that your nickname is Shredder? Are you rocking a suit so small that it looks like you stole it from Webster? Then you, sir, are doing the most.  Take it down a notch.

Take it from us: dress your age, not your shoe size.  For the love of God, manscape.   The Grizzly Adams/unwashed look is not the  business; go “occupy” a bathtub and get thee a manicure and pedicure! And the hipster look is not for every physique.   

Remember: less is sometimes much, much more.

You’re welcome.

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

C'est Si Bon/The Look

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30

Nov

Red Haute

Brrrr! Baby, it’s cold outside…but crimson clothing and accessories are heating up this winter, according to a recent fashion forecast by The Birmingham News’ Chanda Temple.  I’ve been wearing red since I was a baby, and have become notorious in my family for busting out a red dress for formal occasions.  I’m currently in love with Plenty by Tracy Reese’s crimson lace cocktail dress at BHLDN…it’s “vintage sophisticate” done right.

Party season is almost upon us, so why not pick out something in the showstopping shade?  But consider yourself warned: put on your red dress, red stilettos, red lipstick, red jewelry and carry a red bag and people will be saying “My, my, my!” for all the wrong reasons.  So tone it down with a nude lip or a neutral shoe.

Images courtesy of Google

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion

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29

Nov

You’re Never Fully Dressed Without….

Fragrance!   I feel naked unless I’m wearing my signature scent.  And as Coco Chanel once said, “A women who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.”   But it isn’t as simple as picking up Beyonce’s Pulse.  (We’re not too keen on celebrity scents; who wants to smell like Khloe Kardashian or Lamar Odom combined? No thanks.)  Fragrance is very personal.  The very memory of one’s cologne or perfume can trigger powerful memories for a family member or loved one (or even a former loved one) years later.    

Want to smell like a lotus flower and not a bomb?  Remember that fragrances work in conjunction with your own body chemistry, so what works for Halle Berry or your homegirl may not work for you.   And there is as much an art to wearing it as there is to producing a scent.   Don’t bathe in it.  Be mindful of where you plan to wear it: loud fragrances are a fail.   And don’t rub your wrists together after spraying it on; you will crush the fragrance’s notes and could alter the scent. 

Are you still wearing Hai Karate, Tabu, Tommy Girl or Charlie?  I used to love my Love’s Baby Soft and Jessica McClintock, but as I grew up they no longer fit with the young woman I was becoming.   While I believe in staying with a perfume or cologne that works, I also believe in being open to trying something new.  And there are so many great ones to try,  in sprays, solids or oils…from CREED to Coach’s Poppy!  Why not have a different “smell good” to suit the temperature, occasion or your mood?

14 years ago Short URL Comments

C'est Si Bon

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25

Nov

Iron Bowl Cocktails & Couture

We’re a little (okay, a LOT) biased at SCDD, but we fully appreciate that all bets are off during the Iron Bowl. So whether you’re heading out for celebratory cocktails after the game, or just need one to console yourself after the final score, here are our picks for what to sip (courtesy of Birmingham’s own Bottega Cafe). Enjoy. (Oh – and these super cute gameday/cocktail dresses are by Judith March).

Roll Tide!

Roll Tide Roll (Also known as a Scarlett O’Hara)

Ingredients: 1 jigger Southern Comfort Juice of 1/2 lime 1/2 jigger cranberry juice Lime slices for garnish

Preparation: Pour the Southern Comfort, lime juice and cranberry juice into a shaker with cracked ice, and shake well. Strain into a sour glass.

War Eagle!

Wayne’s Orange Thing (Created by Wayne Russell)

Ingredients: 2 cups ice cubes 1/4 cup vodka 2 tablespoons orange liqueur 1/4 cup fresh orange juice Orange slices for garnish

Preparation: Combine first 4 ingredients in a martini shaker. Cover with lid, and shake until thoroughly chilled. Remove lid, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Serve immediately. Garnish, if desired. Note: For testing purposes only, Grand Marnier was used for orange liqueur.

Images courtesy of Judith March

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

C'est Si Bon/Love That!

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23

Nov

The Look for Less: Alexander McQueen Knuckle Clutch

$2095? Not in this lifetime.

I have died a thousand times over Alexander McQueen’s absolutely fabulous knuckle clutches, but these beauties run upwards of $1000.  So I was overjoyed to find that SCDD’s “friend in the head” DIY blogger Kirsten of Studs and Pearls has designed an inexpensive but super chic version  I can create for the low.

Image courtesy of AlexanderMcQueen.com

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Champagne Taste Beer Budget

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16

Nov

You Either Own a Pair…

…or you know someone who does.

If I see one more person in these earrings I’m going to scream….are we all shopping at the same Asian jewelry cart in the middle of the mall? And don’t side-eye me, because I know you’ve seen these larger-than-life hoop earrings with a million glittery balls strung through them.  Seeing them on a Basketball “Wife”,  a Real Housewife and a random person in Wal-Mart all in one night cured me of my desire to own a pair.  I like them – as I love all things sparkly except pink ice – but are these getting to be a bit overdone?

And I would be remiss if I failed to mention that NeNe Leakes is attempting to parlay her catchphrase into a tee shirt line.  Per Ms. Leakes’ Twitter feed yesterday, for $150 you too can wear her new money mantra and continue to line her pockets.   I would also be remiss if I failed to share a finer point of etiquette: it’s bad manners to run around proclaiming that you are now part of the 1%, especially when your veneer game is not up to par.  Do better! #TeamSheree

Sigh.

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14 years ago Short URL Comments

Haute or Not?/Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

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14

Nov

The Look: Floral for Fall

If you think bouquets are only for springtime, think again.  First Lady Michelle Obama once again demonstrates she is (as former Essence Beauty Editor Emeritus Mikki Taylor has dubbed her)  “Commander in Chic” by rocking a white Thakoon dress festooned with pink and yellow flowers at a Tampa appearance last month.  Sharp eyes at the Huff Post and New York Magazine discovered that the First Lady has worn this dress multiple times, also proving that one of the most glamorous women in the world shops her own closet!

Mrs. Obama – who wears up and coming and established designers as well as accessible brands like J. Crew and Gap –  recently revealed her philosophy on style:  “Everything in my closet is something I love, so that I can make choices based on what makes sense, knowing that I’m going to love whatever  it is.”

Want the look without the Thakoon pricetag?  Jessica Simpson offers a similar version.

Image courtesy of the Associated Press

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion

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10

Nov

Haute and Homespun: Gee’s Bend Quilters & Alabama Chanin

If you’re in the Birmingham area, don’t miss Common Threads: Quilters of West Alabama Meet Mud Cloth Makers of West Africa.   Part of the World on Stage Festival, this collective features the famous quilters of Gee’s Bend and Groupe Bogolon Kasobane, mudcloth makers from Mali.  Textiles from both groups are being shown in the lobby of the Alys Stephens Center, and the programs – lunchtime chats, hands-on crafting, and more – will conclude on November 11 (all events are free to the public). 

Full Circle – the new boutique next door to Zoe’s in Forest Park, is hosting an Alabama Chanin trunk show and workshop November 16-19.  The line, which features handmade items for the individual and home made from sustainable and organic materials, is produced in Florence, Alabama under the direction of Natalie Chanin.   The stenciling and beadwork on these pieces is AMAZING. 

Image courtesy of Auburn University/Tinwood Media

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!

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