08

May

Who Wore What Where: 2012 Costume Institute Gala

Chiffon! Feathers!  Silk taffeta! Peplum! DRAMA! Yes, the Costume Institute  Gala was held last night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.   The Costume Institute celebrates and curates “five continents and seven centuries of fashionable dress, regional costumes, and accessories for men, women, and children, from the fifteenth century to the present.”  Last night’s theme “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” brought out the best (and worst) in some of us.

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Who brought the fabulosity? Hands down, our vote goes to Blue Ivy’s baby mama in a gasp-inducing sheer, beaded and feather-festooned Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. Yes, it’s a risk and it’s over the top and her rear is almost exposed, but this is Beyonce and this is the MET Gala.  Go glam or sit home, folks.  The gown is such a major fashion moment with its embellishment and ombre feathered train that we’re overjoyed the current World’s Most Beautiful Woman kept her hair and makeup subdued. Another showstopper? Florence Welch’s tiered Alexander McQueen WERQ!

Other hits? Rihanna’s crocodile-embossed gown was gorgeous.  I’m also loving the serene and understated soon-to-be Mrs. Justin Timberlake in blush and lime-beaded Prada, and coordinating couple Mr. and Mrs. Tom Brady (Gisele also wore Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci).  Note the dapper evening and footwear Tom’s rocking, gentlemen.

Disappointments? Scarlett Johansson’s Dolce & Gabbana fit and flare and “undone” hair bothered me, and so did Leighton Meester’s tulle tragedy (really, Marchesa?) and Diane Kruger’s purple people eater look.  Le sigh.  And Kristen Stewart (in Balenciaga) looks like she dropped in on her way to Studio 54.  The dual Little House on the Prairie disasters worn by SJP (SHOCKER!) and Mirror, Mirror ingenue Lily Collins are both by Valentino Haute Couture.  Kirsten Dunst and Alicia Keys opted to come straight from the set of Working Girl (I kid, I kid. But really…these are not good looks).   And Coco Rocha…WHY?! I don’t care if your pantsuit did belong to Liz Taylor; it’s a definite “no ma’am.”

See more photos HERE and HERE.

Images via MTV and People

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Haute or Not?/The Look/Who Wore What Where

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07

May

Recommended Reading: Vanessa & Helen Williams’ You Have No Idea

Mother-daughter relationships can be fraught with tension, full of shared clothes and closeness, or somewhere in between as the years pass.  Vanessa L. Williams and her mother Helen recount theirs with laughter and candor in the new release You Have No Idea.  And no – honestly – we never have an idea of what it’s like to grow up in another person’s skin, but the Williams ladies give us a peek into their lives by addressing the turbulent teen years, those scandalous photographs that cost Vanessa her historic Miss America crown, the struggle to overcome past hurts and MUCH more.   Both women’s strong will, no nonsense attitude, frankness and wit are a delight.  This book is a lovely, touching read; the duo show us how to survive controversy, loss and upheaval with style.  

Reading it made me reflect on my relationship with my own mother,  and also made me appreciate her sacrifices for me all the more.  It can be difficult to see our parents as individuals with their own desires and needs, and hard to see how a child’s growing independence can strain a relationship.  Although I’m not yet a parent, this book gave me even more empathy for the tremendous responsibilities of those who are. 

The Williams Family

Image via Amazon and ABC

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Reading is FUNdamental (and sexy!)

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04

May

The Weekend Haute List for May 5, 2012

Here are two super fun events for your social calendar in addition to the Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil:

Walk for a great cause tomorrow morning from 8 to 12 in the 2012 Sickle Cell Walk-a-thon at Kelly Ingram Park, sponsored by The Central Alabama Sickle Cell Foundation.  The event will include  honorary walk chairman Chief Ivor Brooks of Birmingham Fire & Rescue, celebrity spokesperson Lady Woo of 95.7 JAMZ and the support of Walgreens’ “Walk with Walgreens” initiative.  The day’s activities will include onsite registration begins at 8 AM; the walk will start at 9.  Registration is $25 for adults age 18 and up and $15 for youths up to age 17.

Kelly Ingram Park is located at 5th Avenue North and 16th Street North.

Break out your wildest wide-brimmed sun hats, your coolest cloches and fanciest fascinators: it’s Kentucky Derby weekend!  Festoon it with flowers or beautify it with bows; the bigger and brighter the hat, the better!  If you’re not headed to the actual race, celebrate “the greatest two minutes in sports” locally with the Alabama Ballet and its Junior Board at “Ballet, Bourbon & Bowties” this Saturday from 2 to 6 PM at the Alabama Ballet Center for Dance.  The event will feature music, catering by Ashley Mac’s, door prizes and pony rides for the children.  Tickets are $30 for couples, $50 for individuals and children under 12 are free; proceeds benefit the Alabama Ballet City Dance Program.  What to wear?  Coordinate your headwear with a lovely sundress in a bright color or pastel or lightweight fabric.  Gentlemen: break out the summer suits and seersucker!  And be sure to enjoy your mint juleps responsibly!

The Alabama Ballet is located at 2726 1st Avenue South, Birmingham AL 35233.

Images via The Central Alabama Sickle Cell Foundation and the Alabama Ballet

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03

May

Straight from the A: Spring Fashion Haute List

The weather is heating up and so is spring fashion! Make sure you read these tips so you don’t become fashion roadkill! And special thanks to the Roy Wood Jr. Morning Show!

DO: Wear trends the second time they pop up, but be sure to update the look. You can’t wear it the same way the second time. Make sure your footwear and accessories read fresh and modern, not “blast from the past”. (ex: friendship bracelets, colored denim)

DO: Upgrade your jewelry into something bright and big. DON’T wear a million pieces though; have one main conversation piece.  And if you are still wearing pink ice, contact me immediately for support.

DO: Try a crop top, but don’t expose your belly button!  Show a hint of skin by wearing it with a high waist skirt or short.

DO:  Try wearing a high-low or mullet hem skirt or dress.  That’s right—it’s short in the front and long in the back! Make sure your shoes aren’t clunky!  Keep them delicate.

DO: Wear something neon.  But don’t blind us!  Try a pop! of color with your belt, shoes or handbag.

DO: Go for bohemian chic with airy fabrics and crochet.  But keep in mind that there should be an opaque layer underneath see-through fabrics so your “business” isn’t exposed.  Please consider a slip (or cut off a pair of fleshtone pantyhose to wear underneath.)

DO: Fellas, it’s almost summer, summer, summertime!  But you won’t impress anyone in a color-coordinated shorts set with gators.  Go for yachting or boating chic in linen shorts, seersucker and boating shoes or casual loafers.

DO: Reassess your makeup and fragrance.  If you tan, you may need to adjust your foundation shade.  And if you wear cologne or perfume, adjust the amout you apply, as the rising temps and changing body chemistry may affect its potency.  No one wants to smell you all the way around the block!

DO: try color-blocked accessories, peplum waists and hyperflorals! But not all at once.

DON’T: Those large black-framed eyeglasses without an Rx…why?!

DON’T: Weard hite shoes and pumps.  They aren’t flattering to ANYONE.  Need I say more?

DON’T: Wear denim on denim; try monochromatic COLORS instead!  Pastels are a definite DO; mint green, blush, orange sherbet and baby blue are haute on both ladies and gents.

DON’T: black lipstick or lipliner…why?!

DON’T: Rock finger waves or French rolls.  Soft hair is in.

DON’T: Please retire your jeggings.  They just look weird with no zipper and those faux pockets.

DON’T: Feather earrings and hair extensions are over. Just let them go.

DON’T: High-heeled sneakers during any season or Timberlands when it’s warm outside. Please and thank you.

DON’T: Insist on showing “VPL” and exposed bra straps (during any season).  Buy something seamless and/or strapless to wear underneath clingy fabrics.  Likewise, sagging pants and leggings without a top that covers your hind end…no one wants to see your butt. Trust me.

DON’T: Bieber hair, mohawks on males over the age of 6, and half shaved heads on women. What works for Rihanna and Cassie may not work for you. Please.

DON’T: Long, pedicured toe nails…WHY?! And: please don’t just polish your big toes and stop; do all ten!  If you have missing toenail, most salons can add a fake.

DON’T: Over-coordinate (i.e. red hair, red purse, red necklace, red belt, red shoes, red nailpolish and lipstick) You’re welcome.

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Love That!/The Look

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02

May

MORE Style Tips for Haute Mamas

Check out the first round of tips (and info on a $5000 giveaway from Carter’s) HERE!  Note: I am not and have never been pregnant, so I wrote this “as if” I were shopping for maternity items for myself. If I got something wrong and/or if you have firsthand experience you’d like to share, please post it in the comments!

  1. Don’t neglect your undergarments!  Get sized for and purchase new, well-fitting bras and underpants.
  2. Work your assets, tastefully.  If you love your legs or toned arms, don’t start covering them up. 
  3. Some of you will insist on being pregnant in heels (and I probably would too). Understand though, that as your bump expands, you may be a bit more wobbly and your shoe size may change, and who wants sacrifice personal safety for style?  Joycelyn A. (mom to Jaden and Jayla) shares “As much as I hated it, I had to avoid my super high heels; being pregnant [made me] more vulnerable to falls and you want to protect your little one.”
     Other cute options for stylish moms-to-be include kitten heels, Capri sandals, and wedges. Not into ballet flats? Try a smoking slipper or loafer.  If you’re experiencing swelling or pain, opt for comfort. 
  4. Accessories are a DO: work those colorful scarves, sunglasses, hats and jewelry (try larger pieces!).  “The more bling the better.  Cocktail rings, big earrings, [and] bracelets!” says Dr. Khristy Large.  Don’t forget about belts; you can belt tent-like pieces to give yourself a much more shapely silhouette.
  5. You’ve more than likely got a natural glow; maintain it with some pampering! Pregnancy massages and soothing facials, manis and pedis will help keep you feeling lovely.  Check with your doctor to make sure your beauty treatments won’t harm the baby.  Pampering yourself at home? Be sure you’re using a belly cream or oil to ease stretching skin (coconut and Weleda oils and cocoa butter are suggestions).  What’s safe? Check out these tips from Parents.com. 
  6. Your hair is going through changes too; it may be thicker and more lustrous than normal.  Keep a good routine of maintenance, but again: check with your doctor before booking any chemical procedures.
  7.  Pack a lovely silk, satin or lace bedjacket in your overnight bag.  It’ll look more pulled together than a wrinkly or slightly faded hospital gown.  Check Etsy or consignment stores for vintage options.
  8. I’m loving just about everything ASOS Maternity is offering, especially the One Shoulder Maxi Dress, the Swing Dress with Dipped Hem, and the Jersey Pencil skirt!
  9. Are you receiving a push present or baby bauble? I’m going to err on the side of tradition and suggest starting a charm bracelet or an Add-a-Pearl necklace. And something in a little blue box always works…
  10. Just for fun: check out this advice from Glamour, circa 1944 (via 22 Words)!

In the mood for some Mommy and Me reflection? Check out a preview of Jada Pinkett Smith’s candid Red Table Talks, featuring her mom and daughter Willow:

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The Look

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01

May

Ask Alexis: Style Tips for Haute Mamas

A fashionable soon-to-be mommy asked for fashion tips for expectant ladies.  Note: I am not and have never been pregnant, so I wrote this “as if” I were shopping for maternity items for myself.  If I got something wrong and/or if you have firsthand experience you’d like to share, please post it in the comments!

  1. 1.  Embrace your beautiful bump.  I can’t think of one good reason to disguise it.  Don’t be shy about wearing pieces that show off your curves. Fabrics shouldn’t be stretched tight, nor should they be baggy.  “We are not in the 70s and 80s; moo-moo dresses and shirts are out,”  says new mom Dr. Khristy Large (mom to Addison).  “Show your curves and belly!”
  2. Exercise some restraint.  Fab mommy Amorice L. advises, “Don’t go overboard on the maternity clothes. The ultimate goal is to only be in the them for a few months!”  So shop for practical items and add some chic flourishes.  As Joycelyn A. advises, “Maternity clothes can be expensive and you don’t wear them for very long so why break the bank?”
  3. Look at photos of other expectant  or new moms (Beyonce, Reese Witherspoon, Kourtney Kardashian, Nia Long, Jessica Simpson, Rachel Zoe, Victoria Beckham) whose style you admire, and focus on looking for similar pieces. 
  4. Jessica Simpson dreams about giving birth in a leopard caftan; now’s a great time to wear one (or several), whether you’re expecting or not.  They’re easy to put on and comfortable, whether you’re relaxing on vacation or chillaxing at home.
  5. In a similar vein, maxi dresses and skirts are a fashionable alternative (some skirts offer a comfy foldover top to accommodate your pea in the pod).  Throw on a denim jacket, blazer (in solid or stripes), a soft cardigan or an easy open-front wrap for extra coverage.  “They are loose-fitting anyway so once the baby comes you can still wear the same dresses,” says Joycelyn.
  6. Try Gap’s Starter Maternity Wardrobe, with pieces you can build on.
  7. LAYER.  Tanks and leggings are a great outfit foundation.  “[They are] comfortable and you can dress them up or down,”  notes Khristy.  Throw on a long-line cardi, interesting necklace, and flat sandals and you’re done.
  8. Don’t forget your denim!  Law recommends that you “splurge on trendy maternity jeans. They are a worthwhile investment.”  Check out  J Brand or 7 for All Mankind ;  yes, they are expensive, but who can argue with a great pair of jeans that fit well and make you feel good? (If you plan to have more than one kid, they may be an investment in your closet; if not, pass them along to another fashionable friend!)  
  9. And yes, you can still wear skinny jeans.  “Skinny jeans while pregnant are a must…at least your legs will look small!,” Amorice says.  Pair skinnies or boyfriend jeans with a tunic, button down, or loose-fitting top.  I’m on the fence about the cutesy overalls look; if you can pull off wearing them without looking fresh off the farm, go for it.
  10. A tip from MY mom: try to upsize “regular” clothing as long as you can.  Shop for larger sizes that aren’t necessarily “maternity” items; you can always have them altered. 

Want a chance at a closet full of Carter’s children’s wear? Enter HERE for a chance to win a $5000 gift card from Carter’s!  

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The Look

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30

Apr

Who Wore What Where: White House Correspondents Dinner

Okay, fab ones: we have several hits and one fashion travesty from this weekend’s festivities.

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WINNERS:  Kate Hudson looks like she walked off the set of Valley of the Dolls in  floorlength navy sequins and bun, Viola Davis rocks a  fabulous red one shoulder gown and a glowing Reese Witherspoon is a Grecian goddess in draped black with a pop of color at her ears.   First Lady Michelle Obama wears a lovely hyper-floral print strapless gown; wallpaper-inspired prints are very important for Spring style.  And Kerry Washington (star of ABC’s new hit show Scandal) kills it in a simple peach caftan-esque gown with snakeskin clutch  (love the simple hair and matching pout).  Adding a snakeskin-print accessory is a great way to mix it up for evening and step away from the usual metallic or rhinestone shoe or bag.

But did Alicia Keys realize which party she was attending? I don’t understand her outfit at all for this occasion; your thoughts?

And finally: Kim K. managed to show up somewhere with her new “boo” attached at the hip. *Eye roll*

See more photos via The Daily Beast and YB&F

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Haute or Not?/Random Acts of Fashion/The Look/Who Wore What Where

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30

Apr

So Chic: Solange Knowles in Stephané Rolland

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Singer-songwriter, dj and model Solange Knowles (who has also served as the face of beauty brands Carol’s Daughter and Rimmel London) shuts it down in this white Stephané Rolland Spring 2012 gown with peplum detail and gold accent.  Check out the minimalist, barely-there makeup…a breath of fresh air for Spring!  Her slicked back bun and minimal jewelry finish the polished, modern look.  And while I’m usually all about embellishments, the stark beauty of this dramatic white gown announces “less is (really) more.”  Take note ladies: this is what “not trying too hard” looks like.  Perfection!

View more of Stephané Rolland ‘s Spring 2012  show by clicking HERE.

Image via YB&F

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The Look/Who Wore What Where

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27

Apr

Pink Ladies

Tyra channels Marilyn at the recent Time Inc. 100 Gala  Or is it just me? Minus the bodacious butt bow and gloves, of course.

I think I like Marilyn’s haute pink version better.

And speaking of  thinking pink…what do you think of Lauren Conrad’s fuchsia ponytail? I kinda love it!   Check out the lovely deeper shade with ombré effect on Ashanti (and how Nelly coordinated!).  The hues each lady chose flatter their complexions, and their makeup is flawless! There’s a major difference between what these ladies are working and the clown colors others are rocking (names are withheld to protect the guilty!).  Note how complementary shades are used to pull off such a risky look, and also note: these ladies are in the entertainment and fashion/beauty industries.  A more subtle use of hair color is highly recommended for those of us in more conventional occupations.

Images via AP, Jon Kopaloff/Film Magic (by way of People) and YB&F

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Haute or Not?/The Look/Who Wore What Where

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26

Apr

Haute deals to be found at tonight’s Bargain Bash

Calling all savvy shoppers and bargainistas!  The Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel (AKA “Birmingham’s Biggest Garage Sale”) is this weekend! From clothing for the whole family to gently used baby equipment, toys, housewares, furniture, exercise/sports equipment to electronics and more, you can find SERIOUS deals at the former Mazers location on Greensprings.   And the proceeds benefit the Junior League’s community projects!  

 Full disclosure: as a new member of The Junior League, I had an opportunity to volunteer at the venue last weekend in Ladies Clothing, and was able to get a sneak peek at some of the deals.  And there was plenty to love, including brand new and “gently loved” items by Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Bebe, and Kristin Davis for Belk. There was a fabulous bronze bedazzled top by Ann Taylor, an ivory evening gown with jet beading and a cowl neckline, straw handbags and white denim that are perfect for Spring and Summer, and a lovely LBD with jeweled neckline by David Meister.  Love vintage? I spotted a lime green and orange Christian Lacroixknit set and a to-die-for wool coat with mink collar (from a former Birmingham department store!) Some of the items still sport their original sales tags.

Jade and gold Bebe blouson top

Sundresses, separates, casual pieces and cocktail wear have been separated to give shoppers a taste

"Girlfriend" strikes a pose in David Meister LBD and vintage coat.

of how to mix and match when one has a budget, a little time to look and a lot of creativity!  One of my duties involved dressing the mannequin in Ladies Clothing, whom we nicknamed “Girlfriend”; what do you think?

Bargain Carousel kicks off TONIGHT with the Bargain Bash, featuring “show-stopping” deals ahead of the official sale dates this Saturday and Sunday.  Amanda LeBlanc of the Style Network’s The Amandas, will appear from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will organize certain pieces from the sale into a display. The event will also feature a silent auction, cotton-candy cocktails and carnival treats; feel free to come dressed in casual attire.  VIP Patron Tickets allow guests in for 6 P.M. shopping and are $40; general admission tickets for 7 P.M. entry are $30; click HERE to purchase.  Note: items will be sold for double the price marked during the VIP Patrons’ Party and Bargain Bash. 

Bargain Carousel welcomes weekend shoppers this Saturday, April 28 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 P.M.  Tickets can be purchased at the sale site this Friday from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M, and there is a four ticket limit on advance tickets.  Expect plenty of bargain hunters when the doors open, but purchasing a numbered ticket ensures your spot in line.  Admission is free this Sunday, April 29; doors will be open from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. 

The former Mazers Superstore is located at 816 Greensprings Highway in Homewood.

See you there!

Images via The Junior League of Birmingham and yours truly

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Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Love That!/Shopping is My Cardio

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