09

Nov

Calling All Shoppers: Versace for H&M Launches 11/19

Yet another reason I’m ticked that Birmingham does not have an H&M:  Versace’s capsule collection for the brand drops on November 19th in limited locations! The line was released last night in New York to fanfare featuring performances by Prince and Nicki Minaj.  If you learned any lessons from the Great Missoni for Target Fashion Catastrophe of 2011 earlier this year, readers,  then for the love of all that is fashionable be at H&M early and ready to make a mad dash for haute couture, albeit at slightly higher prices than you may be used to at H&M.  The collection’s pieces are priced from $29.95 to $399…and I’m going to need the hot pink studded sheath, STAT.  As well as the coral tights.  Please and thank you.

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Images courtesy of Vogue UK

14 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

C'est Si Bon/Haute off the Press/Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

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08

Nov

First Person Fabulous: Ryan Christopher

Same Chic Different Day recently chatted with Birmingham fashion stylist Ryan Christopher, 27.  Mr. Christopher, a Miles College grad, works under the direction of celebrity stylist Shun Melson and has styled the Real Houseweives of Atlanta and Basketball Wives‘  star Jennifer Williams.  He also recently styled LisaRaye McCoy during the 2011 State Farm Magic City Classic and was the official I Am The Classic celebrity stylist.

When did you first become interested in fashion?  I’d have to say in high school.  I was such a Banana Republic person back then. That’s when I bought my first Louis Vuitton wallet.  And that’s when I thought I wanted to do something in fashion, but I didn’t know exactly what.  And I was always helping my friends find things.

His major influences:  When it comes to my personal style, I don’t look to a lot of influences. I dress according to how I feel.   I’ve admired and been inspired by many people, but I’m not an imitator.  From admiration you get inspiration to do your thing.  If I feel urban, I do urban;  if I feel something else, I do something else. 

The item he can’t live without?  My sunglasses; those are like my children, literally. I left a pair in Atlanta [once] and when I realized it I had a panic attack.  They knew to Fed Ex them to me overnight. 

It starts at home:  My mother taught me how to be well put together.  She was very well kept and very well put together, and that’s key to styling.  You don’t want a client to look sloppy.   And I have a great aunt that I think I got a fashion gene from.  She was over my grandmother’s house wearing a full mink and  some high heels and she’s like 80;  I was like ‘I see where I get it from.’

Tips for aspiring stylists:  The best thing I can say is intern as much as you can, research, and sharpen your eye.   And find a stylist you can assist [and from whom you can] learn the business.  When you’re interning, you have to look at it as [an opportunity] to learn everything you can from the person.  Learn how to listen with your eyes and not your ears.

Cheap chic:  When you’re looking at your budget and want to expand, there are several things you can do.  [Browse in] the Z Outlet; they sell very fashion-forward earrings, etc.  The trick is, it’s cheap, so you have to know what to pick up and what to leave in the store. There’s nothing wrong with budget shopping at stores like Forever 21 and Know Style.   Shoe Show and Shoe Time imitate every designer you can think of;  shop those places for that same look without the designer price.  But you have to know what you can make work.  If you don’t have the budget, go into your own closet and try to revamp what you’ve had, something you wore years ago.  Get new shoes and make it look fresh.  I do it all the time. 

In our conversation at Fashiontini Mr. Christopher stated that people in Birmingham play it safe when it comes to style.  His advice on how to take one’s style up a notch (or several):  Step out of the box.  Play with color throughout the season.  One thing I like to see [is people]wearing boots in the spring.   Who says you can only wear boots in the winter?  Do an edgier shoe or an edgier color.  Little things like that can push a look over the edge. Try unexpected colors together:  two colors you never thought would look right together.  Try to make it more interesting and more fun –  not so serious. [It’s as though people say to themselves] ‘OMG everything has to match to a tee’ – NO.  Try that crazy looking bootie, or that bootie with a skirt. 

Casket sharp:  I don’t plan on dying anytime soon, but I would like to be buried in a basic Dolce and Gabbana suit with shades.  Just a basic nice tailored fit: very clean, very crisp, very simple.

And what would you not be caught dead wearing?  Oh, God. What would I not be caught dead wearing?  A fat knotted tie!  I don’t know if that’s a trend in the South, but you’ll never see me wear that.  God, it’s hideous.   I hate those with a passion. 

Well, there you have it.  For more on Mr. Christopher, check out this recent profile on urbanham.com or his personal blog.  For booking or public relations information, please contact Ms. Toni Rousell at (205) 523-4PUB or trou35@gmail.com.

Image courtesy of Ryan Christopher

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/First Person Fabulous

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04

Nov

Best Dressed: The Classic Soiree

Okay, okay…we partied too hard last weekend at the Magic City Classic to take photos, but take our word for it: the hautest party in town was held at the Birmingham Museum of Art last Friday night, where Birmingham’s most fashionable mix, mingled, and enjoyed music from Raheem Devaughn! And while there were simply too many fabulous ensembles to recount, we thought it only fitting to celebrate three socialites who styled this week’s Fashion Flashback in three very distinct, but equally fab ways:

Regan Fisher Liggins chose a long sleeve sweater dress with grommet and lace-up detailing and accessories from Cache.   Mrs. Liggins notes she was “aiming for sophistication with comfort.”  We think she succeeded..and as the temperatures dipped, we know several bare-armed ladies wished they’d followed her lead and worn something with sleeves!

Tia Chestang-Beville chose a black sheath with ruffle detail by Paul Sinclaire.  She accessorized with Valentino’s couture bow d’Orsay pumps in cherry red for a pop of color, and a Kate Spade Pop Art Pearle clutch (which we’re going to “borrow” at the first opportunity!).  Mrs. Beville says she was going for a “back to basics  meets classy chic look”.  

Jamika Kirk shopped the day of the event (!) and came away a winner with a “fun, flirty,  sexy” one-shoulder Jessica Simpson cocktail dress she found at Macy’s/Colonial Brookwood Mall.  She accessorized with Badgley Mischka’s black satin Randall stilettos, jewelry by Guess and Claire’s and a clutch from Express.   Ms. Kirk,  who had never worn a one-shoulder before, was looking for a dress that could easily transition to another nightspot.

Three looks – all chic!

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14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Random Acts of Fashion/Scene and Heard/Who Wore What Where

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03

Nov

Thank Me Later: Beauty on a Budget

Whether you consider yourself a natural frugalista, bargainista, or recessionista, pinching pennies and repurposing items you have on hand can be fabulous!  Here’s one of my favorite tips to shop smarter (not harder) and get more bang for your buck:

Making up is (not) hard to do: You may be “worth it,” but anyone who’s been to a beauty counter to have her face beat knows those powders, lashes, and lip glosses add up.  First, nix prestige-brand makeup for Maybelline and Cover Girl, or mix and match.  Coupons can often be found in the Sunday paper for cosmetics brands found in grocery or big box stores (you are clipping coupons, right?).  That’s how I justify buying a $7 wand of CoverGirl LashBlast mascara (which, if you haven’t tried it yet, is the bomb.com…)!  I’ve also trimmed my beauty budget by signing up for the membership programs offered at Ulta via Ultamate Rewards and at Sephora via BeautyInsider (which also gives members a free gift on their birthday!).  Also, for every six empty MAC makeup containters you recycle at MAC Cosmetics, get one regular lipstick (not lipglass, etc.) for free (either online or at the counter). 

Image courtesy of  Etsy

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Champagne Taste Beer Budget

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26

Oct

What’s Not Haute: 2011 State Farm Magic City Classic Edition

These lovelies are getting worn this weekend. Trust.

It’s time for the 2011 State Farm Magic City Classic, the 70th annual face-off between Alabama A&M and Alabama State Universities, and one of Birmingham’s most fashionable events! Whether you’re rooting for the Hornets or the Bulldogs come October 28th, here are some tips to keep you from being fashion roadkill! 

  1. LAYER.  Weather can change from hot to cold and back in an instant.  Shivering half-naked makes you look silly. And sweating with a coat on is unacceptable as well.
  2. Fur is FIRE (if the temperature deems it appropriate)…but please leave anything that resembles German shepherd, raccoon, or squirrel in your closet.  Better yet, trash it.  Simply put, if it looks like it can move  with you, don’t wear it!
  3. Rock boots and stiletto heels if you must, but only if you know how to walk in them. Hobbling,stumbling and/or stomping are not sexy. If you just bought them and haven’t broken them in, don’t bother.
  4. Furthermore, if your toes are hanging over the edge of your shoes, or if the heels are missing taps or look like they’ve been gnawed by a rabid animal, please don’t wear them.
  5. This is a family-friendly weekend.  No one wants to see the tattoo(s) on your exposed stomach, cleavage, or lower back. Thanks!
  6. If your ‘gators are the same color as Kool-Aid or Now&Laters, spare us.
  7. We know you’ve got school spirit, but that 1964 band sweater is not the business. Matter fact, NOTHING from 1964 is okay.
  8. No one is starching their jeans anymore, we hope! We don’t want to see any super stiff creases in your denim!
  9. If you’re wearing Spandex and are visibly pregnant, expect to be tapped on the shoulder and asked to leave.
  10. Ditto for anyone in an extra smedium vest (male or female).
  11. Wear your ice, but don’t be mad if it gets snatched. You’ve seen Birmingham on The First 48, right? Please don’t be a fashion casualty!
  12. No one wants to see your underwear (bra straps, panty lines, boxer shorts, etc.). Take our word for it.
  13. You’re not on the dance line, so why would you wear booty shorts or a leotard and fishnets to the game?
  14. If you absolutely must wear a (zoot) suit to any of the events scheduled this weekend, please remove the tag(s) from the sleeve.
  15. If your lacefront game is not up to par (and by “up to par” we mean: no visible glue tracks, it shouldn’t look like old Barbie doll hair, and it shouldn’t be perched right above your eyebrows), expect to be a topic of discussion for all the wrong reasons.
  16. Need we inform you that baby hair is for BABIES?
  17. Ladies: please keep your shoes on in the club and everywhere else for that matter. You’re welcome.
  18. Men in skinny jeans or jeggings – well, if you’re guilty of this crime you probably aren’t even reading this blog regularly – so…never mind.
  19. It’s not Halloween or Mardi Gras.  Unless you actually are Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, or Lady Gaga, don’t show up dressed as a misguided geisha, Barbie, Smurfette, or wearing meat.
  20. Keep it chic!   One of our readers rocked a bow tie and sweater at her college’s homecoming.  Or maybe in honor of LisaRaye – this year’s ambassador – you want to try a “white haute” look. This weekend is the time to take a calculated risk, either with your ensemble or accessories!
     

And for more on Black college classics, check out this article by Deron Snyder at theroot.com.

Image courtesy of bloomingdales.com

14 years ago Short URL 11 Comments

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

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19

Oct

First Person Fabulous: Lynsey Weatherspoon

Lynsey Weatherspoon

Lynsey Weatherspoon, 27, is a freelance photographer and professor of public speaking at the University of Montevallo and Jefferson State Community College.  She recently chatted with SCDD about her unique sense of style, her photography work and the joys of living downtown.  Lynsey plans to spend her thirtieth birthday in Paris, which she feels is  “the best place for an artist to live or visit once in [his or her] life.”  Check out her website at lynseyweatherspoon.com.

On her inspiration and working style:  My mom inspired me [to become a photographer]. She was my first photography teacher. I learned on a Minolta Film Camera.  I took one class at the University of Montevallo and went from there.  [When taking photos] I try to let the client get a feel for my personality first, and I try not to pose unless it’s needed.  There’s always a sense of art direction.

The biggest misconception about photographers?  I think most people believe that photography (or starting a photography business) is easy.   In my opinion it’s not.  It’s easy to buy a camera but it’s not easy to acquire skill.

Her personal style? I wear makeup when it’s necessary, but I don’t want anything to clog my skin so I don’t wear it every day.  I try to step out of my box every once in a while.  I do try to keep up with the latest trends but at the same I know everything is not for me.  I’m a jeans and tee shirt kind of person.  Jeans, tee shirts, oxfords and Chuck Taylors. Comfortable chic.  My mood [influences my look].  My go-to outfit is this suit I found at the Ann Taylor outlet in South Carolina.  Outlet shopping is, like the best thing ever.  Not only for clothes, but for shoes.

People would be surprised to know: That I own more than one pair of heels.   I wear them when necessary.

On being a naturalista:  I transitioned in 2009. I wanted to try something new, so I thought I’d start locs.  It was the best decision I could’ve made.  I just knew that I was doing the same thing, the same way every day with my hair. I don’t think my hair showed my true personality.  So I started transitioning in January 2009.  [I did the] big chop in July 2009 [and] started locing on October 2009. For me the whole reason I started [the process] was to learn patience. I knew there would be points where I either loved my hair or hated it but I wouldn’t call transitioning a challenge. I became a better person as far as [having more] patience. 

Tell us about a new beauty technique you recently tried:  [Do you mean] the painful beauty technique I just tried? I went to have my eyebrows threaded for the first time.  Though they look awesome, I wouldn’t suggest that the weak of heart to try it. As single tear dropped out of each eye [during the procedure].   I hope it lasts all the way to Classic weekend, because I’m not going back (laughs).  If it doesn’t then hey, at least I can say I tried it.  For $10, [it was worth trying once].

Trends Lynsey wishes would go away? For men:   Snap back hats.  They’re not fitted; they’re the old school snap backs.  They died for a reason. [And] wing tip loafers. Please make them die.  For women: Graphic tees with inappropriate slogans and sayings.

On living downtown:  Living downtown is the second best thing I could have done.  There’s  a vibe to downtown Birmingham.  You have to live here to understand.  Especially in my building, where we’re all artists.  Though I’ve been here 27 years, I finally feel like  Birmingham is home. Being in the mix of everything is a great feeling.

What’s Birmingham’s best kept secret?  Have you ever been to Reed Books on Third Avenue? That’s Birmingham’s best kept secret.  The owner is Jim Reed. It’s the holy grail of books.  You’ll find something new every time you walk in that place.

Any exciting plans in your future? I plan on going back to school next year to work on a PhD in Visual Communication and possibly going out of the country for my photography work.

Parting words of wisdom? Live out your dreams.  There’s no point in saying “I wish I would have,”  just go ahead and do it.

Image courtesy of Lindsey Griffin Photography

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

First Person Fabulous

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14

Sep

See and Be Seen at Fashiontini!

Birmingham’s most fashionable people as well as members of the fashion industry will connect at FASHIONTINI on September 21 at The H Bar, located in the Hotel Highland at Five Points South.  This cocktail mixer will salute up and coming local designer Brian Moore of B.Moe Apparel and JamaicaBama…you don’t want to miss it!  And check out our interview with Mr. Moore himself over at urbanham.com!

Image courtesy of urbanham.com

15 years ago Short URL Comments

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

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13

Sep

First Person Fabulous: 95.7 JAMZ’s Ms. Nu York Talks Fashion

Ever wonder what some of the most popular voices in radio are wearing?  Same Chic Different Day went behind the beat to talk with the very fab Nu York (cohost of the Roy Wood Jr. Morning Show on 95.7 JAMZ) about her eclectic mix of “Big Apple meets Magic City” style.

On dressing for success:

Nu York: It depends on the day. I wake up at 4:30 a.m. so most of the time when I’m leaving people are just getting in. So, they really won’t see me unless I have other work to do. [The] majority of the time I dress casually; however, recently I’ve been dressing up. Only because with my job, you never know who might drop by the studio.

On how both Alabama and New York have influenced her style:

Nu York: Sometimes New Yorkers can over accessorize an outfit which can look really loud, however Alabama has taught me to tone it down a little bit. Sometimes less is more.  Alabama has a laid back sense of style. Lots of tee shirts & shorts. Flip flops. You will almost never see that in New York. Not unless it’s in the hood [laughs out loud]. And in New York you will almost always see big pairs of gold earrings.  New Yorkers loooove jewelry.

On her worst fashion moment:

Nu York: My worst fashion moment would have to be when I first moved here from New York & I was trying to transition to the “Southern” style. I wasn’t used to wearing make up, as most New Yorkers hate doing, and I wore eye brow make up for the first time. I didn’t know how to apply it so as a result I looked like a clown/Geisha.

Fashion DO’s?

Nu York:  Do wear eyelashes; [they doll] you up. Do keep powder on you in case your face gets shiny. Always keep a set of back up clothes in the car in case you spill something on it. And do dress to impress, even if it’s a trip to the grocery store.

Fashion DON’Ts?

Nu York:  No improper lace fronts. Socks and sandals/flip flops equals what the heck were you thinking?! Leggings do not look good with everything.  And DO NOT bootleg name brands, they are so easy to spot.

Nu York mentioned that her go-to outfit is a Bebe dress, and that she can’t wait to try feathered accessories for fall.   Her final piece of fashion advice?

“There is always a sale going on somewhere! You don’t have to splurge to buy high fashion clothes/apparel.”

Catch Nu York  on the Roy Wood Jr. Morning Show on 95.7 JAMZ weekdays from 5-9 AM.

Image courtesy of Nu York

15 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Birmingham Live!/First Person Fabulous

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