Yes, you need them – whether they came from Forever 21, a yard sale, Mikimoto or courtesy of your mother’s jewelry box (sorry Mom; you aren’t getting yours back!). Faux or fabulously real, in a triple strand or opera-length, a beautiful set of pearls will take you anywhere.
Image via Google search
Birmingham’s Red Mountain Theatre. The Color Purple. September 27-October 14. Starring Myiesha Duff as Celie, Erika Evans as Sofia, and Caprenia Anthony as Shug Avery. Tickets are $30-35 (unless you’re a senior, a student or are purchasing group tickets).
Go. Period.
According to the RMTC website, there will be a “talk back” session after each Friday night show, and a “Sunday supper add-on” before the Sunday matinee performances.
In Alice Walker’s powerful novel, a marginalized and abused Black woman eventually reclaims and asserts her emotional and economic independence (as a clothing designer and businesswoman!), and redefines her notion of God. Here’s one of my favorite clips from the 1985 Steven Spielberg film (and the only clip I can post without my mother having a fit), because of the song lyrics and Shug’s FABULOUS, blingtastic outfit (I need a headdress in my life!):
Q: What shoes would you recommend I wear to my alma mater’s upcoming college homecoming? -A TSU Tigerbelle
A: Go Big Blue! Without knowing the exact details of your ensemble (but I assume some blue and white are involved), I’d say you have plenty of chic options. If you’re going to be strolling the campus, observing a parade, stomping your feet at a pep rally or bonfire, or traipsing through multiple tailgates, now is not the time to break out the 4 inch stilettos. The damage to your toes is not worth it, nor is hobbling attractive. Save the high heels for the alumni reception or banquet (or the after party circuit!).
Instead, you could try a neutral wedge bootie, a cap-toe ballet flat, or even a tuxedo flat. Since your mascot is pretty fierce, why not carry over the theme to your shoes, such as with Dolce Vita’s ‘Lissa’ flat ($79 at Belk)? I’m also loving Dolce Vita’s ‘Pilar’ wedge lace-up bootie (in 3 different neutrals, $99 at Belk), and Bandolino’s ‘Abundant’ bootie (also at Belk). The wedge will give you the lift without the pain of a stiletto heel (which can be gruesome on pavement/stadium cement). A word of caution: make sure the hem of your denim is long enough to keep the top edge of the bootie covered when you’re seated. Other flat but fabulous options: ‘Slipified’ by Kenneth
Cole, ‘Favoryte’ by Steve Madden, ‘Eavan’ by Steve Madden, ‘London’ by Coach and ‘Lunna’ by Dolce Vita (all at Belk!).
School your former classmates on style by opting for a bold shoe, or even by pairing a rich cobalt blue and black together in your ensemble (super “in” for this fall). Leave your shoulder bag at home; opt for a sleek crossbody bag to carry your essentials. Accessorize with a bright pashmina as the temps fall, but leave the tiger ears and tail at home. Above all, be comfortable: spend a day or two breaking in your shoes, and add inserts for extra cushion.
And don’t forget your pompoms!
Images via Tennesse State University
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
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
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
Image via Amanda Catherine Designs
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week may have ended yesterday, but thanks to New York Magazine, I can watch the Spring 2013 ready-to-wear shows at London Fashion Week from the comfort of my home, in my pajamas! And you can, too: click HERE to view the LFW shows scheduled through September 18. Be sure to check out “A-Z Shows” to see runway videos of the collections presented at NYFW, with details, accessories and photos from backstage and the front row!
Image via Etsy
Same Chic Different Day 