20

Dec

(Because) You’re Worth It.

Lately I can’t get those old school L’Oreal ads out of my mind, the ones featuring coiffed and glamorous models or celebs cooing “I’m worth it” just before the final shot (who always looked like they didn’t have a day job, side hustle, or household to manage, much less a care in the world).  Years after those ads hit the airwaves their message continues to resonate, because I think  women sometimes (often?) forget they are worth it.  And I don’t mean in a high maintenance, “I need diamonds and caviar” way.  We deserve to take care of ourselves.  We deserve excellent mental and physical health, which means taking the time to eat well, exercise regularly and rejuvenate through relaxation (Hello, girls night! Or bubble bath, good book and comfy pjs night. Etc.).  We deserve to present our best selves with makeup, hair and clothing that expresses our personality and style at its loveliest, even if we have to do it on a budget.  We also deserve a little bit of luxury and pampering!  We deserve healthy, loving relationships, which begins with loving and affirming ourselves and choosing others who support and affirm us to be in our circle (now’s the time to cut out anyone who doesn’t fit the bill, Facebook “friends” and real-life frenemies included).   And we owe it to ourselves to be fiscally smart and prepared for the future, whatever it holds (so girl get your money straight, or go back and get that degree!).  

Doing these things doesn’t mean you’re selfish; it means you are self-full.  Remember ladies: we can’t run the world if we’re run down, dragging and not looking or feeling our best. If my grandmothers could run their homes, take care of their husbands and more than 10 kids each and still be fierce in the same amount of time we have to work with…I don’t have a choice! (And you don’t, either!)

Knowing your worth? Now that’s chic!

XOXO Alexis

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

First Person Fabulous

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19

Dec

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words…

Sheree Whitfield and Miss Lawrence were on the couch for Bravo‘s Watch What Happens Live Sunday night, and while I usually have nothing to say about him (that’s Miss Lawrence) I have to say his ensemble was a little bit of everything!  From the turban to the leopard pants to the Louboutin Fall/Winter 2011 Collection Puck pony booties he gave us LIFE, chile.  But I’m a little perplexed by the bejeweled accessories decorating his face and think keeping my opinion to myself is best…your thoughts?

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Images courtesy of Bravo

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Haute or Not?/Learn From My Mistakes!

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19

Dec

Ask Alexis

Q:  Alexis – Help! How would you suggest I dress up a simple grey draped cocktail dress in jersey for a Friday night office party?  – A.C., Birmingham

A:   I love a versatile dress that can be worked at multiple occasions; that way you get more for your money!  And this dress is perfect because not only is it (deceptively) simple, it has a classic silhouette and a length and neckline that won’t show all your lady parts to your colleagues.  So how would I take this look up a notch?  Add a bit of bling: a jeweled headband, bedazzled belt,  or this necklace (this one can easily go day-to-night).  Or you could try an armload of sparkly jet bangles, a couple of  rhinestone cuff bracelets, or some eye-catching earrings and a statement ring.  The key is balance:  choose  a few accessories carefully.  For example, you could do the headband, bracelets and ring, or the belt, cuffs and ring.  Finish the look with a sleek, chic topknot, cat-eye makeup and a red lip and nails, plus a black satin or sequined clutch (not the tote you carry every day to the 9 to 5), and black satin pumps.  

Be sure you’ve practiced walking in your shoes ahead of time so there are no tumbles on the dance floor; roughen the soles by walking across a sidewalk several times to give them more “grip”.  If you’re not sure about baring your legs, add a pair of opaque tights (patterned may be a tad much with your accessories this time).  Et voilà! You’re done fab one…now get your party on!

Note: This is not the dress the reader wore, but it’s very similar.  And the model pictured is not me.

Image via Google

Got a style question?  Ask Alexis! Email SCDD or connect with SCDD via Twitter @SameChicSouth or Facebook!

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Shopping is My Cardio

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16

Dec

Fashion Flashback: The Muppets (Take OPI!)

Wocka, wocka!  The Muppets are back!  I browsed the “unFROGgetable” Muppets for OPI line recently and the nail lacquer is super cute…there wasn’t a shade I didn’t love!  Since I grew up on The Muppet Show, The Muppets Take Manhattan and The Muppet Babies, I’m more than a little geeked.  I have to say OPI Meep Meep Meep (a rich, glittery red), OPI Gone Gonzo (a sheer, glittery blue that my grandmother Dorothy would have loved), OPI Pepe’s Purple Passion (a deep raisin with – you guessed it – more glitter) and OPI Rainbow Connection (I’ll let you figure out on your own what that is) were hands down my favorites.  If you normally stick to a conventional sheer blush (guily!), conservative French manicures or classic cherry red, why not get a pedicure in a twinkly shade?

The collection is available at Ulta and Ricky’s NYC.

Meep meep!

Images courtesy of OPI

Connect with Same Chic Different Day on Twitter @SameChicSouth

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion

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15

Dec

I Never Met a Stiletto I Didn’t Like

Scarlett/Sam Edelman $199

…and this lovely traffic stopper is no exception.  My eyes zeroed in on it in Belk and I HAD to try it on! This shoe is NOT for the timid!  The dual design peep toe – the leopard calf hair  is the business in the front and studded suede provides the party in the back – is saying a lot, so if you dare to wear them keep your ensemble  simple: rock a black tee and skinny jeans or a quiet but deadly sheath. 

Also available in ivory/black, gold/black, and black/black.

Image courtesy of Belk

Connect with Same Chic Different Day on Twitter @SameChicSouth

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

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14

Dec

One of the looks featured at the recent NAACP Night of Fashion was one SCDD has been excited about ever since chic reader R.B. Clark mentioned she rocked it at her college’s homecoming: neckties for ladies!  Worn the right way (think Janelle Monae, not Colonel Sanders) it’s definitely one to try.  It’s a play on menswear, but the key is to balance the look with feminine touches.  So don’t bust out a vest, jacket, pocket watch, monocle and spats.  The tie should have a slim silhuoette (no fat knots at your neck!), and can be worn casually with a v-neck or cardigan sweater and denim or with a swingy skirt and button down  – not a tailored business suit.

Image via Google

Connect with Same Chic Different Day via Twitter @SameChicSouth

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion/The Look

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13

Dec

Don’t Let This Be You: The Shiny Dress Edition

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Dear God. 

First the HoneyBadger struck it platinum, and now Paula Patton has been spotted at Germany’s Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol  premiere in a remnant from the Star Trek costume closet.  What is it with these space-age fabrics?!  The gentlemen may disagree, but as much as we envy Mrs. Robin Thicke’s post-baby body (and we haven’t even had a baby yet), this super short AND tight AND cleavage-baring metallic mini is doing the most. 

Ms. Patton, you are the newest CoverGirl Queen Collection ambassador, and you are too fab for this!

Images courtesy of YB&F

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Haute or Not?/Learn From My Mistakes!/Random Acts of Fashion

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12

Dec

Fashion Recap: NAACP/SWAC Night of Fashion

SCDD was in the building (yes, fashionably late!) for the NAACP Night of Fashion last Friday night, and what a fabulous night it was!  Held at the Birmingam Museum of Art and hosted by Jazze Pha and Miss Alabama  2010 Ashley Davis, the standing room only event featured designs by Alabama A&M alum Nicci Hou, Francisco Azucar, Shaka King, and Piedmont, AL native Borris J. Powell.  The evening also included formal recognition for Justice Ralph D. Cook, Sr., who received a crystal gavel courtesy of Bromberg’s.  And over$30,ooo was raised for the NAACP!

The catwalk sizzled with some serious looks, but if we had to choose a favorite, it would have to be the taffeta shirtdresses featuring layered or puffed sleeves, nipped waists, popped collars and ballgown silhouettes.  These classic looks brought the drama and would up the ante for any after-five social event.  We also loved Shaka King’s Spring 2012 preview, with its easy, breezy tribal-inspired resortwear for men.  Clothed in textured and printed fabrics, his models looked like they were flown in from some rocking party in Morocco!  For more fashion fab, check out the video from Kenny Luk here.

The fashion wasn’t just on the runway however, as Birmingham’s social set turned out in their finest furs and baddest hats.  Ashley Davis dazzled in a teal silk satin one shoulder floor-length gown with front slit, and of course, Jazze Pha was in his “uniform”: a red checked dress shirt, navy vest and denim with coordinating baseball cap.  We spotted several ladies in red, but our best dressed of the night has to go to the young woman who was spotted wearing a knee-length red chiffon dress with long sleeves,  accented with long strands of pearls, black tights, and leopard boots.  Trés uptown chic!

Connect with Same Chic Different Day on Twitter @SameChicSouth

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Who Wore What Where

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10

Dec

Don’t Let This Be You: The Shiny Suit Edition

"Nights like this I wish...that raindrops would fallllll!" (A few of you will get that.)

We love a man who knows how to rock a suit.   But remember our previous post about keeping it simple?  When it’s your moment in the spotlight, PLEASE don’t choose a suit made of flammable fabric.  LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu (aka The Honey Badger) made a platinum statement at tonight’s Heisman Trophy presentation in New York, and while somehow he makes it work, we don’t want to see anyone downtown in a bronze or copper suit. (And for those of you who think I’m biased, who can forget this? See slide #21.)

Gentlemen, listen to us: when you want to show up and show out, there are ways to wear a suit that allow you to make a statement without saying a word (but in a good way). 

1. Make the CUT.  Choose a silhuoette that flatters your body, whether you have an athletic or slim build.  Be particular about the pants’ break.  I can’t over-emphasize the need to have your suit tailored to your body.  You should not be swimming in fabric, nor should you look like you’re suffocating.  Tailoring costs less than you probably think, and can work wonders.  It customizes the fit, even if you cannot afford to have a suit handmade.

2.  Be careful about COLOR.  Easter comes but once a year, and even then most of us don’t want to see you casket sharp in pastel from head to toe.  Or red.  Or purple.  Or plaid.  Or….you get the idea.  Subtlety is chic!

3. The devil is in the DETAILS.  Suspenders or belt?  Flashy socks (sure, if your shirt and tie are toned down)?  Bow or neck tie?  To monogram or not to monogram your cuffs? There are so many options to choose from, but don’t wear them all at once.  And please don’t match your tie to your pocket square.

Need further tips? Check out Valet Mag and Put This On.  You’re welcome. 

 (And congratulations to this year’s Heisman winner, Robert Griffin III,  as well as all the other nominees!)

Image from Best of New Orleans

Follow Same Chic Different Day on Twitter: @SameChicSouth

14 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

Learn From My Mistakes!/Random Acts of Fashion/The Look

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09

Dec

Fashion Flashback: Marilyn McCoo

You can thank Tasha Simone of Hot 107.7 for today’s flashback; her tweet yesterday inspired SCDD’s stroll down memory lane! When we think of Marilyn McCoo, we instantly recall the over-the-top pop sensation that was Solid Gold in the 1980s.  Ms. McCoo was the show’s glamorously coiffed and couture-wearing host, who performed a contemporary hit each episode set to some awesome choreography from the Solid Gold Dancers.  The show also featured a top ten countdown and sassy commentary from Madame.  But did you know the multi-Grammy award winner  and former Jet Beauty of the Week was also an original member of the The 5th Dimension, a  music group known for hits such as One Less Bell to Answer and Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (of Hair fame)?  Ms. McCoo, who went on to record as a successful duo with her husband (Billy Davis, a founder of The 5th Dimension), is a celebrated stage, film and television actress, entertainer, author and hostess.

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There were entirely too many clips to enjoy  from Solid Gold, but check out this one featuring Jermaine Jackson.

Images courtesy of Lucy Who, Vintage Black Glamour, mccoodavis.com and Wikipedia

14 years ago Short URL 3 Comments

Fashion Flashback

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