First person fabulous: Malia Marbury

Malia Marbury, 20, is a junior at Alabama State University. The Birmingham native, who graduated from Minor High School, is majoring in Business Marketing. After graduation, she aspires to be a marketing executive with Gap Inc. This is one busy girl; in addition to her studies, Malia is a third-year cheerleader for the Hornets and is also active in the SGA Event Committee, Student Government Association and the American Marketing Association. We caught up in the midst of Magic City Classic festivities to talk style.

How would you describe your sense of style? I’m not too flashy; I like things that are simple but cute.

Do you dress up or dress down for class? I dress up. [A typical outfit] is business attire: a black skirt and button-down, with baby heels. We can’t wear four-inch or higher heels in the business department, so maybe a 3-inch heel. In between classes I wear flats.

What are some of the major fall trends you’re wearing? Brown boots, and I like colored pants and jeans – green or orange – with a button down and a scarf.

What’s your go-to outfit? If I’m going out, a go-to outfit would be some cute leggings and a cute blouse. [Malia emphasized that choosing leggings that fit properly and are well-made is key.]

What are your favorite places to shop? Lotus Boutique, Francesca’s, Old Navy and Target

How do you balance school with all your other activities and still maintain a social life? It’s hard – I’m taking 18 hours and we travel almost every other weekend. But it’s all a matter of time management and being mature. If there’s a party coming up but I have homework, my homework comes first. When I receive an assignment I try do it right away.

Who has been a major influence on your sense of style? Dayira Jones (@dayybella on Instagram); she’s really big in Atlanta for doing promotions and marketing seminars. She’s classy but professional; she wears up-to-date styles but she doesn’t make them look cheap.

What I love about Malia’s sense of style is it’s modest without being dowdy, and she has such a ladylike demeanor! We wish her every success at ASU and beyond.

Images via Malia Marbury

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Know someone who has an amazing sense of style? Nominate him or her for our next First Person Fabulous by emailing Alexis (alexis@samechicdifferentday.com)!

 

#OOTD

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I rarely do outfit posts, but since I’m linking up with My Life Well Loved’s #14DaysofStyle contest on Instagram, I thought I’d share today’s look. I’m wearing J. Crew’s navy and cream silk gingham top, a black pencil skirt and bubble necklace, and C. Wonder’s blue velvet “Southern Belle” smoking slippers.

I love patterns, mixing black and navy, and pieces that are a bit quirky, and this outfit has all those elements.  Fall is  not my favorite season, but being able to stick to my style in unique ways helps me hang on until Spring and Summer roll back around. Oh – I’m also wearing a black cardigan…because I don’t want to catch a cold or the flu! 😉

Images via J. Crew and CWonder

Saks Fifth Avenue to present fall fashion this Saturday

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Will you be in attendance at Magic City Classic festivities next week? If you’ve been once, you know this is one of Birmingham’s biggest social events and a premier occasion to see and be seen. To preview some of the hautest looks this season, you should attend Saks’ fashion event this Saturday, October 18.

And to refresh your memory and guide your shopping, click HERE for one of our most popular posts.

Get chic: Riverchase Belk flagship store opens October 15!

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Gift cards between $5-$500 will be given away to the first 400 people in line at next week’s event.

Mark your calendars, darlings! The Riverchase Galleria will debut its new flagship Belk during a Grand Opening Celebration next Thursday. This remodel and expansion project has been two years in the making. Ready to shop ’til you drop? Join Belk for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 AM; the first 400 people will receive Belk Gift Cards worth $5-$500! And that’s not all: Belk will donate $65,000 to local charities in honor of its grand opening. The charities include the United Way, Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Red Mountain Theatre, Hoover City Schools, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama.

As you evaluate your fall wardrobe, Belk has you covered with clothing and accessories which make modern, southern statements. What’s on its Fall Most Wanted List for Women? Here are some pieces that can help you update your look this season:

  • The Soft Pant – Easy elegance is a given with a bottom that will bring a big bang to any wardrobe; softly structured and often athletic inspired. Start with solids and work your way up to bold patterns. Fem is fresher than ever with a sporty attitude.
  • Longer Skirts – Go over the knee, mid-calf or all the way. These new lengths are fast becoming show stopping style staples.
  • The Creative Cardigan -This sweater is the season’s must have completer piece with fresh shapes, clever trims and interesting textures. Let the layering begin!
  • The Novelty Vest – Who Wore What When? Well who knows, but if she wore it with a vest–furry, fluffy, quilted or tailored–then the look was on its way to awesome. Try it! Pair it with a longer skirt for extra style points.
  • The Fashion Sweatshirt – On loan from the gym, this item has had more staying power than anyone could have predicted. Fabric blocking and luxe embellishments have elevated this top from “so so” to seriously chic.
  • The Tunic Top – No bells, no whistles. Go glam in a top that is pure perfection with its practical polish. High-low hems continue, while novelty fabrics feel so right.
  • The Midi Length Sheath – Take a look at a twist on a tried and true silhouette. This is the dress that turns a classic into a cause for celebration.
  • The Statement Neck – Logical or luxurious? Both! Bold stones, chain details and burnished metals. This jewelry item can update and refresh any old frock!
  • Over the Knee Boots – Strut your stuff in this fall fashion phenomenon. They feel modern and look so stylish. Worn with slim pants or skirt, it will most definitely deserve a selfie.
  • The Satchel – With its simple shape and subtle details, this classic bag captures an “of the moment” fashion vibe. Perfect to add a pop of color to any look.

Meet Nanette Lepore at Saks on Sept. 25!

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Darlings, please be sure to mark your calendars! A portion of the proceeds from this event benefits programs offered by The Junior League of Birmingham, which will in turn benefit our local community.

See you there!

Talk is chic…

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Don’t be the employee everyone gossips about because your wardrobe is clueless! Contact me for tips on:

Transitioning your wardrobe from campus to the corporate office;
Navigating the office dress code; and
Getting the biggest bang for your buck

I’ve consulted with individuals and delivered dynamic presentations on style to nonprofits and companies and would love to share my tips with you. Dressing for the office doesn’t have to be boring; it can show off your personality without making you a topic of discussion for all the wrong reasons. Contact me directly to discuss further!

Love this!

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I’m here for this new line of tongue-in-cheek tees by Tees in the Trap! This one ($30) was made for me! I’d toss it on with a leather pencil skirt or some destroyed denim, a pair of haute shoes and call it a day.

Image via Tees in the Trap

Ask Alexis: Finders Keepers

Q: I’m loving Jersey Belle’s style! Where can I find the super cute graphic sweatshirt she wore on last week’s “Secrets of the South” episode? – Bama Belle

A: Bama Belle, here comes the boom! (See what I did there?) Birmingham’s latest reality star Jaime Primak Sullivan’s pop art French terry sweatshirt (pictured in part above) looks super similar to the one from Target’s previous 3.1 Phillip Lim collaboration last fall, which originally sold for $29.99 but is no longer in stores. However, I suggest you search for it on eBay. Happy shopping!

Sidebar: Are you watching Jersey Belle, which airs tonight at 9 PM? I kind of like it; I admire Jaime’s outspoken personality!

Images via Target and Bravo

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Do you have a question on matters of style or etiquette? Ask Alexis! Contact me via Twitter @SameChicSouth or via SCDD’s Facebook page!

Ask Alexis: Does this make me look old?

20140730-112339.jpgQ: Dear Alexis: I find myself in love with THIS dress, but will it make me look old? – In Love with Lace

A: Dear Lace, If you loved it, I certainly hope you bought it as it’s now out of stock. Honestly, one can age almost any outfit with dated hair, jewelry and shoes; so if you purchased this, remember to keep your look youthful or else yes, you’ll look like Thelma Harper. Note the model’s styling: her hair and shoes are pretty simple, right? That’s for a reason. The shorter length and the sheer hemline keep this dress out of Golden Girls territory. The navy hue is a fresh take on the classic LBD, and the bateau neckline balances the hemline, because to have bare shoulders or an exposed bust AND a short hem would cheapen the look. Try a snakeskin or metallic strappy shoe, a coordinating (but not matching!) clutch, and either statement earrings or bracelet (a necklace would be a bit much). DO NOT wear lace shoes, pearls, pantyhose or a shawl. And please, no prom updo.

Do you have a style dilemma? Ask Alexis!

Image via Cache

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