Break out your freshest Aviators and Wayfarers: Ray-Ban is turning 75 this year! To celebrate, they’ve launched the Ambermatic capsule collection, featuring their classic Aviators (the Shooterand the Outdoorsman) with photochromatic yellow lenses which darken as the temperature increases and light brightens. Produced under the slogan “Legends Never Hide,” these limited-edition sunnies (only 18,000 pairs were made) can be yours for $210, and can be purchased at select Ray-Ban stores and Sunglass Huts, as well as on the website.
Best dressed goes to Taraji P. Henson in bright turquoise, Rocsi Diaz in a nude bedazzled number (and that “new boo” glow from toting around with Eddie Murphy), Selita Ebanks giving us FASHION in an embellished short dress with black overlay (it’s a risk but me likey!) and Tamia Hill in a classy and understated black evening gown. Good to see her back on the scene. I also loved Elle Varner’s entire ensemble and two snaps: Mariah Carey is looking every inch the diva. WORK!
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Worst dressed? Whew! Tyga in that leather t-shirt (no sir!), Porscha Coleman’s thirsty sartorial salute to Latoya Jackson, Kenya Moore’s pageant look (those days are over, boo), and Lala Anthony’s homage to I Dream of Jeannie. Was a wardrobe change not in the budget for her? Regina King and Tatiana Ali, I expected a lot more from you. Boom Kat (Laurieann Gibson) has officially gone to the dark side. 2 Chainz is taking over for Bootsy Collins, and Rick Ross just looks ridic. Chante Moore, your tribute to Donna Summer was on point but must you look like a cougar on the prowl? You might want to check with Tamia’s stylist. And take Nicki Minaj with you.
I’m done. Y’all can look for pics of Kimye and Blue Ivy’s parents elsewhere.
You didn’t think we’d let June slip by without an ode to the most popular wedding month of all, did you? Pish posh! And because we don’t like anything boring and ordinary, we dreamed up a wedding wardrobe worthy of only the most daring, most imaginative bride, using the lovely pieces at BHLDN.com, a division of Anthropologie. The clothing, footwear, and accessories featured on the website invite brides (and those who hope to be, one day) to dream away.
And after the festivities are over? No run-of-the-mill, farewell suit for our bride. She’s headed to a farflung location for her honeymoon, perhaps to the French Riviera. This navy and white knit macrame Leeward jacket and short suit by Orla Kiely ($425 for the jacket; $315 for the shorts) is perfect. Bon voyage!
Okay, so I’m not seven anymore (and there are so many things going on in that first video, starting with what Jermaine Jackson actually used to look like and his bedazzled outfit! And Tootie’s Members Only jacket! And that road manager’s tight jeans and hairline!). But wouldn’t it be amazing to go through life on roller skates the way she used to? Okay, for the two of you who haven’t now decided I’m a raving lunatic, I saw these old school skates with fun multi-colored wheels at C. Wonder. At $75, all they need is a pair of pompoms and bells laced through them! If I could get away with it, I’d roller skate around downtown in them. It’d make the workday a little more interesting, no?
Or maybe I’d just save them for a roller disco night out.
In any case, everyone’s closet needs that one whimsical item that makes you smile on the worst days. These skates remind me to keep it moving, no matter what.
It’s time to see and be seen! Mark your social calendars, fab ones: the ‘Ham has several haute events happening this week:
Sinbad – appearing June 28 through July 1 at the Comedy Club Stardome; tickets are $35 plus applicable fees
Magic City Live After 5 [**Free!!**] – June 28 in Linn Park. Will feature live entertainment, libations and treats from various food trucks (NOLA Icewill be on deck at the first event!). This week’s musical guest is Todd Simpson & Mojo Child; Just a Few Catsare scheduled to perform July 5.
Art on the Rocks – kicks off its 8th season this Friday, June 28 at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The event will celebrate the Museum’s new Warhol and Cars: American Iconsexhibit (which opened June 22). Sip cocktails, nibble on treats from Oscar’s and enjoy a scavenger hunt, a photo booth and the musical stylings of Ponderosa. Ticketsare $20 for non-members and $10 for members.
Don’t forget about the Summer Film Series at the Alabama Theatre, and Free Friday Flicks at Homewood Park!
How easy breezy is this lovely floral frock? Mrs. Tom Cruise was spotted in this blue silk dress in New York on Wednesday.
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Gotta have it for your own closet? A similar printed tunic with cap sleevesis available at Zara for $79.90 (standard shipping is free!). Pair this tunic with flat sandals or wedges and an envelope clutch and you’re done! And for those of you who like to shop around (not just on the interweb), Zara can be found at Perimeter Mall and Lenox Mall in Atlanta.
Known for their fast and well-made fashion, Zara offers separates, dresses, shoes and accessories, as well as menswear, at very accessible prices. Clothing for kids is available online as well. Just how do they get the clothes to consumers so quickly? Check out this article from Slate.
Calling all shoppers! Saks Off 5th Friends and Family Eventis in full swing, offering “an extra 40% Off: Men’s Suits, Fine Jewelry and Watches, and Women’s Premier Designer Sportswear. Plus, More! Members enjoy exclusive coupons to save 30% Off everything else in the store.” Some exclusions apply; the event concludes June 26. Off 5th locations can be found at Silver Sands Factory Stores in Destin and Discover Mills in Lawrenceville, GA.
Click HEREfor More! Members Info. Membership is free!
Special thanks to chic reader T. Chestang-Beville for the heads up!
“Birmingham Bound: Writers and Writing from the Birmingham Public Library Archives Presents Rachel Swarns
New York Times correspondent Rachel Swarns will discuss her book American Tapestry. This family saga is a remarkable, quintessentially American story—a journey from slavery to the White House in five generations. Yet, until now, little has been reported on the First Lady’s roots. Using the collections of the Birmingham Public Library Archives and many other sources, American Tapestry traces the complex and fascinating tale of Michelle Obama’s ancestors, a history that the First Lady did not even know herself. Books will be available for purchase and signing. ”
American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama was released June 19 by Amistad.
Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston is Whitney Smith’s 2010 ode to Roy Halston Frowick, better known simply as “Halston.” Known for his modern, pared-down yet uber glam take on womenswear, Halston owned the seventies and proved that American design was as relevant as those from Europe. Smith – in a Smokey and The Bandit-type Trans Am and various hairstyles – sets out to uncover more about the designer’s life and legacy.
Along the way, he meets up with the imperious and formidable André Leon Talley, a chatty Liza Minelli (who was close friends with the designer), former model Anjelica Huston and legendary model Pat Cleveland, a favorite of Halston’s (she was known as The Moth, because she strutted toward the light. She also modeled in his triumphant “Battle of Versailles” show.) We also get a peek at the Halston archives, located at Lipscomb University in Nashville (who knew!) and a crash course in 70s era decadent music and nighlife.
The documentary, which is as light and airy as a swath of chiffon, provides something akin to a Cliff Notes version of Halston’s life and legacy. Although we get a glimpse into his posh home, posh friends (including Andy Warhol and Bianca Jagger), his archives (located at Nashville’s Lipscomb University) and his decadent and ultimately tragic life, we don’t get much else. Smith touches on Halston’s significant influence – the Iowa boy became a milliner who put new First Lady Jacqueline Kennedyin a pillbox and simple cloth coat and influenced the likes of Calvin Klein – but Smith fails to go deeper into the material. He also hits the highlights of Halston’s business ventures: the licensing of his name and his partnership with JC Penney (which led to his line being dropped by Bergdorf Goodman) and sort of tainted his brand, but yet which set the stage for the current democratization of fashion (e.g. Isaac Mizrahi at Target and Versace at H&M). Halston was ahead of his time in realizing that women wanted high fashion even if they didn’t have deep pockets, and he attempted to cash in on that idea before it was popular.
If Smith hadn’t been so concerned with asking shallow questions or in reliving the 70s – if he had looked deeper into Halston’s motivations and his genius – this would have been a much better documentary.
View some of Halston’s designs HERE, and Smith’s interview with Liza HERE.
Here’s your opportunity to meet Fashion Fair Creative Makeup Director and celeb makeup artist Sam Fine! He’s worked with Vanessa Williams, Tyra Banks, Iman and Naomi Campbell and is considered by Vogue to be “the go-to makeup master for women of color.”
He’s appearing at Macy’s/Lenox Mall this Saturday, June 23. Mr. Fine will be sharing Fashion Fair’s Truly Treasured Collection featuring “luxurious plum to warm rose for lips and cheeks specifically created to complement beautiful rich skin tones. The Fashion Fair Pro Team will also be on hand to provide Truly Treasured Collection makeovers, and spotlight Fashion Fair makeup and foundation essentials. Receive a makeover by the Fashion Fair Pro Team with a purchase of $25 gift card redeemable on Fashion Fair products. Mr. Fine will provide makeup consultations at the Fashion Fair Counter from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.”
I know we JUST got into summer, but I have a feeling the new lipsticks in “It Girl,” Rebel” and “First Lady” will be accenting my fall makeup palette.
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Headed over to check out the fabulosity? Register online HERE. Fashion Fair cosmetics are available at Belk and Macy’s.
Peep this behind-the-scenes video regarding the Truly Treasured Collection.
Break out your freshest Aviators and Wayfarers: Ray-Ban is turning 75 this year! To celebrate, they’ve launched the Ambermatic capsule collection, featuring their classic Aviators (the Shooter and the Outdoorsman) with photochromatic yellow lenses which darken as the temperature increases and light brightens. Produced under the slogan “Legends Never Hide,” these limited-edition sunnies (only 18,000 pairs were made) can be yours for $210, and can be purchased at select Ray-Ban stores and Sunglass Huts, as well as on the website.
Same Chic Different Day 