chicSheet

Ready those winter knits for hibernation

2012-01-25T15:37:00.000-06:00

As Spring approaches, it's time to think about storing those winter knits. Here are some tips:
1) Make sure they are clean before storing! Even if a garment looks spotless, invisible spots of food, perspiration, etc., can cause discoloration and - worse - attract moths!
2) You CAN hand wash your knits (even cashmere and merino wool), and in fact, it is preferable to dry cleaning. If you have a big sink, go for it, if you prefer to use your washing machine on Ultra Delicate cycle, just MAKE SURE you remove before any sort of spin cycle!
3) Skip the Woolite and use a Shampoo/Conditioner 2-in-1 combo
4) Do not twist or wring. To dry, GENTLY squeeze excess water, then roll up in a towel, pressing with your hands.
5) Reshape and lay flat to dry.

ChicTip: Magic Tape

2012-01-08T19:02:00.000-06:00

You've heard that tape has a million uses (specifically, the double-sided variety in this case)...
Forgo the expensive "fashion tape" (the only difference is marketing and pretty packaging) and cut custom sizes of good-ol' Scotch (or similar brand) to fit your need. Here are a few handy uses in the keeping-you-stylish realm:
• Secure the loose tail of a belt
• Temporarily fix a snagged hem (only works with lightweight fabrics)

• Seal down a plunging neckline
• Keep the back of your strapless bra from sliding up above the back of your dress or top/ Keep bra straps from falling down
• Close a gape in between buttons of a button-down shirt

Holiday Attire Done Right

2011-12-05T11:44:00.000-06:00

Diane Von Furstenberg "Pauletta"
embellished sheath, Saks Fifth Avenue

First of all, let's talk about what NOT to look for in holiday attire. Do not, do not, DO NOT wear any sort of attire that features reindeer, wreaths, snowmen, holly berries, etc...and resist the temptation to wear red and green together, period. You will just end up looking costume-y, cliche, and frankly, tacky. The fact that there are "tacky Christmas sweater parties" being held across college campuses should be a huge red flag. Also resist seasonal accessories which include, but are not limited to, ceramic reindeer pins, bell earrings and flashing Christmas tree broaches. With the exception of a watch, jewelry should not have batteries.

Milly "Liza" jacket in gunmetal,
Piperlime.com

Now, I can appreciate the desire to be a little festive during the holidays. Metallics and sequined garments continue to trend, both a great way to add a little sparkle to an ensemble. Think a black sequined blazer paired with black satin cigarette pants. Or a fitted long-sleeved gold sheath contrasted by black opaque tights and platform heels. Fur embellishment (either real or faux) can add a festive element, as can bold color. Look for rich jewel tones, like plum, deep jade and peacock blue, as well as vibrant shades, such as tomato red, cobalt blue and fuschia.

Suede & faux fur bolero, Chico's

"Hutton" trouser in peacock silk faille,
J.Crew

Giles & Brother pave accented
chain link necklace, Saks.com

Modern shift dress in cobalt blue, Ann Taylor

Accessories are an important part of holiday dressing. Select beautiful, interesting jewelry that will last you throughout the year and coordinate with a variety of outfits, not just holiday attire. Even then, don't get carried away. Choose focal pieces, instead of over-accessorizing, but don't be afraid to try statement pieces. Anything too delicate will simply get lost on you. Try chandelier earrings, chunky cuffs, multi-layer necklaces and sparkly cocktail rings — just not all at the same time. The "statement" that a piece of jewelry is trying to make gets lost if there's too much going on all at once. A good rule of thumb is to give some breathing space between bold pieces: so instead of big earrings AND a big necklace, try big earrings and a cocktail ring or embellished cuff.

Above all, be joyful! Never be intimidated again by the invitation that instructs "Festive Attire."

Ponte knit high-waist seamed pencil skirt
in Mars red, Express

Sneaker Alternatives for Yoga/Pilates

2011-11-08T10:58:00.003-06:00

Q: Any suggestions for slip on footwear for yoga pants in fall/winter?

Puma "Sneakerina"

A: In winter, UGGs (or a knockoff style) keep my tootsies warm pre and post sun salutations. But I also like the no laces, slip on athletic shoes - those with a back are preferable so your heels don't freeze. Merrell, Puma and Sketchers all make good options. When you're talking about a "sneaker alternative," color choice is key, and all white looks more "tennis shoe." If the majority of your yoga pants are black, consider a shoe that includes black in the color scheme.

DIY weekend...getting ready for Fall

2011-10-31T14:58:00.002-05:00

Finished product

First I needed to get my beloved Donald Pliner boots that are my go-to fall wardrobe staples in shape. These sleek boots in pewter and bronze have been such faves that I'm not ready to give them up yet, thus I wanted to see what I could do to get them through another season. Since they don't make shoe polish in pewter or bronze, I hand-mixed paints from Michael's and applied to the scuffed toes with a brush, wiping away any excess. It worked remarkably well!

Self application of 2 different OPI polishes

Next, I decided to polish myself - my nails, that is. By layering OPI's "Rising Star" over their "Chopsticking to My Story," I achieved a nice fall metallic, rather fitting for Halloween as well.

Treat tissue tees...like tissue

2011-07-20T17:14:00.000-05:00

Tissue tees have become popular summer wear, and indeed their lightweight structure feels good on sticky hot days. However keep in mind that this "barely there" feel is because the fabric is actually quite delicate. Wash and/or dry these tees with anything adorned with buttons or zippers, and you'll end up with a shirt that looks like a family of moths got a hold of it. So wash separately and carefully!

Trendy at the office?

2011-04-22T16:56:00.004-05:00

Attention businesswomen: while I do like the Spring 2011 nail trends of ice-creamy aqua and vibrant turquoise, keep in mind these shades are not appropriate for certain workplaces. Unless you work in the fashion or other creative industry, this look is too trendy. Especially if your office dress code is professional, you should opt for a more subtle shade (and keep nails reasonably short), saving edgy colors for the weekend or vacation. Keep in mind these colors look best when perfect - so you should probably have applied by a manicurist unless you are particularly good at it. Because they are somewhat youthful shades anyway, a professional looking application will add a bit of sophistication.

Donning your Easter bonnet

2011-04-21T22:18:00.002-05:00

Easter hats (or "bonnets" as they were called back in the day) were all the rage among early American women. Having denied themselves luxuries during the 40 days of Lent, many bought a new bonnet to wear for the Easter day's celebrations. The bonnet-buying custom stems from a larger 16th century tradition of a wardrobe renewal in conjunction with the earth’s renewal.
Wearing hats on Easter has gone in and out of fashion, but one tradition has remained true: NYC's Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, held each year on Easter Sunday. As you can imagine, hats range from demure to outrageous, and many costumed pets join the festivities.

chicRec: Prescription for hydrated lips

2011-02-07T13:48:00.000-06:00

Winter weather and season changes can make lips dry and chapped. I keep by my besdside a tube of Weleda's Everon Lip Balm. This organic, petroleum-free, long-lasting balm is a luxurious and nourishing treatment, containing jojoba seed oil (hydrates), shea butter (smooths), beeswax (protects) and rose wax (heals) is an effective, skin-smoothing emollient that renders your lips palpably softer. Apply before bed to wake up with a healthy smile or carry with you during the day to say ultra-kissable. Available at Whole Foods.

Fashion Camp 2011

2011-02-03T07:39:00.000-06:00

The dates for The Summit's Fashion Camp 2011 (THE stylish day camp for girls aged 6-12) have been announced! See below for specific age breakdowns per each day. While registration does not start until the beginning of April, mark your calendars now. Last year sold out within a week and had a waiting list of over 100 girls, so plan ahead! Should you have any questions, call the Summit office at 967-0111.

Ages 6-7 Agenda A
June 6, 20
July 13

Ages 6-7 Agenda B
June 21
July 14, 25

Ages 8-9 Agenda A
June 7, 22
July 15, 26

Ages 8-9 Agenda B
June 8, 23
July 27

Ages 10-12 Agenda A
June 9, 24
July 11, 28

Ages 10-12 Agenda B
June 10
July 12, 29

Sorority Girls: No Frumpy or Gross Plastic Shizz

2011-01-23T19:55:00.000-06:00

While this excellent blog post from Fashionista.com was shared with me almost a year ago, having just finished assisting a client prepare her wardrobe for sorority rush at the University of Virginia, the memorable blog has been on my mind, and I feel it worth re-sharing. The blogger was fortunate to come across 6 pages of dress code requirements for Cornell's Pi Phi Chapter, with such Elle Woods of Legally Blonde-worthy lines as "Booties ok if you can pull them off, aka probably not." The entire dress code, attached at the end of the blog, is worth reading. And as my client visits her top 3 sororities on this very eve for "Pref Night," I am rewarded by the fact that feels confident in her non-satin dress and sans plastic shizz jewelry. Enjoy: Sorority Dress Code

National Championship Style

2011-01-10T12:03:00.000-06:00

As we gear up for the much-anticipated BCS Championship Bowl, the thought on this fashionista's mind is, "What will they WEAR?"

Both Auburn and Oregon will have new components to their uniforms (or "outfits," as I have called them since I was a little girl). Oregon will wear practically an entirely new ensemble from Nike, while the changes Under Armour has provided for Auburn are more subtle. "Auburn and the SEC have a rich heritage in football," said Matt Mirchin, SVP of sports marketing for Under Armour. "Auburn didn't want to change the uniforms. They don't really need gimmicks to their uniforms to authenticate themselves." The tigers will be sporting new "accessories," in the form of gloves and cleats. The gloves offer two designs, one with a tiger print and AU logo, and another with "War Eagle" on one of the fingers.

The new cleats worn will be from the Nitro III line, which have lightning bolt graphics on the bottom and several different looks from which to choose -- low-tops, mid-tops and high-tops. Heisman winner Cam Newton will continue to wear the Nitro CompFit, which he's tested in games since October. The cleat has a neoprene compression sleeve that surrounds the ankle, giving the low-top cleat the stability of a mid-top. Under Armour has added the Auburn logo on the tongue, a special touch for the big game. Auburn Director of Equipment Operations Dana Marquez isn't taking any chances with the newly laid turf at the University of Phoenix stadium, thus planning for any conditions with several different types of cleats (screw in, molded, etc.). That's 3,500 pairs of cleats to be exact. He also is prepared for each and every player's and coach's wardrobe preference and, in some cases, superstitions.

Assistant Coach Jay Boulware wears the same orange hat every game. Defensive Coordinator Ted Roof wears the same pair of stained pants. When Marquez put a new pair of pants out for Roof early in the season, Roof maintained, "I need that stain." As for the short-sleeve white pullover Coach Gene Chizik dons on gameday, Marquez cuts off the sleeves to the length the head coach prefers, revealing those mock turtlenecks he loves. Marquez's staff keeps busy as well: helmets get new decals, stripes, snaps and screws for every game and are checked daily to make sure air bladders are properly inflated and chin straps and facemasks secure. Every helmets is even run through an ozone machine to kill bacteria. Rumors have circulated about a possible blue helmet for Auburn, but most say Auburn will stick to tradition.

While Auburn may have "classic style," Oregon has anything but, with no other team changing their look more than the Ducks. The University of Oregon has been partnered with Nike since 1996 (Nike co-founder and chairman Phil Knight is an Oregon graduate and booster) and continues to push the envelope with its teams' uniforms. In fact, the Ducks have worn a different combination for every game this season. Oregon Sports Information Director Dave Williford said the last time they wore the same outfit in back-to-back games was probably 2003. According to Williford, Oregon has four helmets, five jerseys, four pairs of pants, four sets of socks and four pairs of shoes, creating a possible 1,280 combinations. That does not include a throwback ensemble or the BCS title-game outfit.

Oregon's specially made championship game duds will feature the latest in sports apparel technology, including "Flywire," a seaming technique which allows uniforms to be lighter, and Vapor Carbon gloves with SureGrip technology, which allows increased range of motion in the gussets between the fingers for a firmer grip. For added effect, a big 'O' graphic on the glove's palm is revealed when a player holds his hands together to catch a pass. Nike will also unveil its next generation of skin layer gear through its arm bands, each displaying the player's number. Perhaps most noticeable will be the players' feet, swathed in neon green socks to match their new Alpha Talon cleats, designed to create a blur effect when players run.

Finally, there is the helmet, manufactured by Riddell but designed by Nike. Todd Van Horn, Global Creative Director for Nike Football points out that 10 years ago Oregon experimented with a green helmet that had refractive colored paint, supposed to mimic a mallard's head. Nike played with the design through the years with various colors and sheen applications.

According to Van Horn, the helmet Oregon will wear in the national championship game "has a carbon fiber aesthetic previously used on Oregon's wing patterns and in their number font. The players liked it, so the natural progression was for it to be used on the helmets."

Monday night's game should prove to be a feast for the eyes in both athletic skill and apparel. So, what does this fashionista - and Auburn grad - think about it all? I think my 70-year old mother said it best, upon my recounting Oregon's fashionable history: "They still look like Ducks to me. Shoot 'em."

Rodarte designs for Black Swan film

2011-01-01T11:11:00.000-06:00

If you haven't yet seen Black Swan starring Natalie Portman, I recommend it, but be prepared for a VERY intense ride. But the acting is fabulous, the story intriguing, and the ballet costumes by Rodarte beautiful. Laura and Kate Mulleavy, the sisters behind the brilliant Rodarte line, have always expressed their interest and love of films, particularly those in the horror genre. While it's debatable whether this movie falls under that category (I prefer "psychological thriller"), the 40 costumes the pair designed for the Swan Lake performance at the film's core are at the same time haunting and dramatic. Portman, who has been spotted in the Rodarte on the red carpet and in the front row of Rodarte runway shows during New York Fashion Week, had an existing relationship with the designers.
Speaking of runways, expect to see a ballet influence in this Spring's styles: feathers, knits and even tutus.
Lagerfeld's Spring/Summer 2011 collection already reflects a feminine-with-a-dash-of-darkness theme, complete with dark eye makeup, sheer materials, and jeweled fabrics. BCBG Max Azria and Lipsy of London are due to sell tutus this Spring.

Product Recommendation for Luscious Lashes

2010-12-31T11:21:00.001-06:00

Want luscious lashes without falsies? (or Latisse, which I actually do recommend as well!) L'Oreal's Beauty Tubes Mascara works wonders. The two-coat procedure really does make my lashes the longest I've ever seen. For the first time, I've actually received compliments on my normally wimpy fringe. Tip: Don't wait between coats of the base and top coat, your lashes will be stiff as a board if you do, making application difficult. Also, don't be alarmed when you remove it at the end of the day, though, and it looks like all of your eyelashes are falling into the sink.

Carrie Underwood's CMA Style - Hit or Miss?

2010-11-11T16:12:00.000-06:00

Carrie Underwood may not have won a CMA award, but she scored pretty well when it came to her 8 wardrobe changes as host of the 2010 show. The girl has a good stylist, and I normally like most everything he/she puts Carrie in (and being an attractive girl, it's not hard to make her look good, especiallys ince she obviously has a great haristylist and makeup artisit as well), but I had a few problems with some of the evening's ensembles. Let's review:

Above: Carrie's red-carpet arrival dress, an overly tiered Talbot Runof gown, Stuart Weitzman shoes, Swarovski clutch and a sprinkling of Johnathon Arndt jewels.

Above: For her kickoff performance, the country star showed off her rocker side in a custom outfit by WTB (which stands for "White Trash Beautiful" and is a label co-owned by Richie Sambora) and scarlet patent heels.

Left: Joining fellow MC Brad Paisley, Carrie dons a sequined Ina Soltani mini with a dramatic ruffled embellishment (which reminded me of those trick snakes that pop out of fake peanut cans), Jimmy Choo "Cosmic" platforms and Bochic baubles.

Left: In one of her best looks of the night, Underwood opts for a feminine and frothy baby pink Randi Rahm rosette confection, Stuart Weitzman sandals and Bochic jewelry.

Below #1: Carrie in a green Ina Soltani from the 2009 CMA.
Below #2: Same song, second verse. From this year's CMA, a bit-too-familiar intricately pleated green Rafael Cennamo number that came closet to overpowering the petite singer, glittering Jimmy Choo "Viola" platforms and pentagonal Bochic earrings.

AND THEN...
Below #1: Carrie's long yellow dress from last year's CMA.

Below #2: Carrie's long yellow dress from THIS year's CMA, a Pamella Roland gown, Rene Caovilla heels and Bochic adornments.

Shall we keep this game going?...
Below #1: Carrie in her "I'm taking over the stage" ballgown, a deep plum custom couture Randi Rahm (that she actually loks really pretty in, and is pretty fitting in Nashville as a prelude to Loretta Lynn's performance) and sparkling Johnathon Arndt jewels
Below #2: Carrie in LAST year's "I'm taking over the stage" ballgown

Left: Unfortunately, the cute singer save my least favorite for last. A buttery tiered tulle ballerina dress by Georges Chakra couture with red rhinestone flower detailing, more reminicent of the "other" Carrie (Bradshaw), but that doesn't quite work on this one. Stuart Weitzman shoes and Ippolita hoops.

Fresh Face for Fall 2010

2010-08-19T15:31:00.003-05:00

Here's to amazing transformations:
* Talbots (formerly an all-around DON'T in my book) with their "Tradition Transformed" rebranding to attract younger clients, complete with Linda Evangelista as the face of the new image. http://www.talbots.com/
* LLBean's new Signature line, featuring all-American classic pieces, reminicent of J.Crew in early days. http://www.llbean.com/llbeansignature
Love to see that clothing companies can still evolve!

Jeweler Mignon Faget's Collection with a Cause

2010-06-15T02:31:00.003-05:00

I've been wondering when the fashion industry was going to take notice of the devastation currently invading our very own Gulf of Mexico. In the wake of the Haiti earthquake, the CDFA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) designed a special t-shirt sold at luxury retailers like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Nike and Life is Good were among other vendors creating garments for Haiti relief. The lack of similar outpouring weeks into the BP oil spill seems to echo the handling of the disaster itself - no one seems to know exactly how to help.

New Orleans-based jeweler Mignon Faget, who has worked in the region for nearly 40 years, has heeded the call by creating a collection she calls "In Mourning." Faget redesigned pieces from her earlier collections inspired by Gulf Coast wildlife, adding symbolic elements to send a message. "It is a heartbreaking statement to make with jewelry originally designed to celebrate the abundant gifts of our coast,” Faget said, "but the reality is we need to make people aware of this disaster and the long-term effects on this region. We all need to do what we can." Sterling-silver renditions of redfish, speckled trout, oysters and pelicans have been made into pins backed with black ribbons and pendants strung on black cords. An oyster necklace has been oxidized to resemble an oil-stained silver, a large oyster pendant hangs from black and brown ribbons, sterling crabs and shrimp charms dangle from an oxidized black chain bracelet reminiscent of the chains found on oil rigs. View the entire collection on Mignon Faget's website, and expect many items to be back-ordered.
Proceeds from the collection benefit the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, a mix of businesses, local governments, scientific communities, national and local conservation groups, hunters, anglers and concerned citizens committed to the sustainability of coastal Louisiana. The coalition is coordinating volunteers to assist in local, state and federal recovery efforts in the Gulf.
Now that's what I call statement-making style.

Look of the Week

2010-06-06T16:26:00.002-05:00

While her accessory choices are a major miss, Sandra Bullock deserves props for her bold wardrobe choice at her fist public appearance since the scandal surrounding her marriage to scoundrel Jesse James made headlines. She needed to appear strong and in control, and did so at Spike TV's Guys' Choice Awards in the black leather form-fitting dress with cap sleeves, glowing makeup and glossy hair. She accepted the Troops' Choice Award for Entertainer of the Year.

Chic Find

2010-05-30T13:34:00.002-05:00

Charles by Charles David comfy "Rumor" wedge sandal in a go-with-everything metallic shade. On sale at DSW for $59.95 (was $105). Join DSW's membership rewards program (no charge) and get free shipping!

Look of the Week

2010-05-15T13:35:00.001-05:00

At The 12th Annual Young Hollywood Awards, Ashley Greene (you may know her as Alice Cullen from Twilight movie fame) looks daring and sexy yet elegant and even, dare I say, classic in this cream Antonio Berardi dress with more-than-a-bit of lacy lingerie exposed. The ensemble fits like a dream (always a key factor in knocking a look out of the park) and the hem length keeps the dress refined, a fabulous juxtaposition with the va-va-voom vibe of the rest of the dress. She took the lingerie trend about as far as one can without looking costume-y a la Lady GaGa, an excellent example of how one can be fashion-forward but not over-the-top. Peep-toe platforms, red nails, minimal jewelry and a side swept messy bun rounds out this well-executed look. Gorgeous!

Weed the Garden/ Consignment Chic

2010-03-16T19:03:00.002-05:00

Spring is here which means spring cleaning...which should include your closet! My clients know I am a big proponent of frequently "weeding' the overgrown garden that one's closet can become. Consigning is a great way to clear out some of the items you're just not wearing for whatever reason. Making a little money takes away the guilt of getting rid of an item that might even still have tags on it (you know who you are). So check out this upcoming in-home consignment event (in which I myself will be consigning): Take Two Consignment Blog Who knows...someone else's unworn garment might prove to be a beautiful flower to plant in your own, freshly weeded garden.

No more bulky undershirts!

2010-03-08T12:42:00.000-06:00

I'm always telling my male clients that if you feel you must wear an undershirt underneath your button-downs, at least choose one that fits properly and isn't bulky! This means a tee with a little bit of stretch, and finding one can prove easier said than done. In the past, I've sent clients to Banana Republic for their stretch tees, but I've recently found a new fave at a most unlikely spot...the Bass Pro Shop!

That's right, check out their RedHead Skivvies Stretch Crew Neck T-Shirts for Men. These tagless, soft-to-the-touch t-shirts feature antimicrobial protection and side seam construction to minimize twisting. But best of all they are made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex for the just the right amount of stretch. Of course they come in white for you traditionalists, but I especially like the heather grey and olive options when worn with a v-neck sweater, for example. In sizes ranging Small to 2 XL, there is one to fit any shape. And with a two pack costing only $18.95, it's a deal that just can't be beat! Go to the Bass Pro Shop website to view all sizes and colors.

Roll out the Red Carpet

2010-01-10T09:49:00.004-06:00

Award season is upon us, and that means stylish (and styled by stylists, let me give a shout out to my colleagues in the biz...) celebrities donning the red carpets. Stay tuned for Best Dressed reviews and mark your calendar for the sure-to-be swanky events:
*Golden Globes - Sunday, January 17 (NBC)
*SAG Awards - Saturday, January 23 (TNT)
*Independent Spirit Awards - Friday, March 5 (IFC)
*Academy Awards - Sunday, March 7 (ABC)

Zen style

2010-01-02T01:21:00.003-06:00

As continued from January's B-Metro magazine...

Artist and yoga instructor Jennifer Berman is beautiful and inspiring as this month's Style Icon. As you make your New Year's resolutions, now is a great time to take up a regimen of yoga. Don't have the proper clothes, you say? Well, you don't need shoes, but to find stylish yet comfortable yoga duds online, my favorite sites include Athleta (now owned by the Gap/Banana Republic family), Lucy, Marika (sometimes available at TJ Maxx), and Gaiam.
Namaste.

Stuff His Stocking

2009-12-19T02:13:00.009-06:00

As continued from December's B-Metro Magazine...

This month's Style Icon is Remon Danforah, Gentlemen's Clothier. Both of his stores, in downtown Birmingham and at The Summit, have some great gifts for that often-hard-to-buy-for man in your life. Here are a few ideas:

1) Truefitt & Hill Luxury Grooming Products
Men don't like to admit it, but - metrosexual or not - they like nice beauty products. Established in London in 1805, Truefitt & Hill is the world's oldest barbershop, catering over the years to such illustrious clients as Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant and even John Wayne (who knew?) The ultimate in gentlemen's grooming, Truefitt & Hill offers everything a man needs to stay dapper, from snappy shaving sets to yummy-smelling cologne. A great gift that he most likely wouldn't buy for himself (but would want to).

2) Umbrella by Davek New York
A must-have for any gentleman is a dependable umbrella - one that won't leak or - worse - turn inside out on a windy day. Davek makes some of the best umbrellas around, so good that they come with a lifetime guarantee. The compact size, sturdy frame, handsome handle and 190 thread count canopy (the most tightly woven available) make this the only umbrella your man (or YOU, for that matter) will ever need.

3) Money Clip by M-Clip
M-Clip bills themselves as "the world's finest money clip," and rightly so. Built to old world standards found in fine jewelry, their patented functionality and unique design allow cash and credit cards to be held more securely with less bulk. Available in a variety of finishes (including gold, silver, platinum, and rhodium), laser-cut designs, and quality insets (from alligator to mother-of-pearl to Neoprene rubber), there is a style to suit any man.
4) Cuff-Links

One of the few ways men can accessorize, cuff-links add a personal, polished touch to a man's attire. Get creative when choosing a pair for your man - a vintage set from an important year, links inset with real baseball from a game of his favorite team or with map of his hometown...the choices are endless and fun. (Abalone cufflinks, right, by Baade.)

Just say "no" to Soap on a Rope

2009-12-02T16:17:00.001-06:00

Lumps of coal might be better than soap on a rope! So stay tuned for Christmas stocking ideas for the men in your life!...

Fabulous Faux

2009-11-29T09:10:00.001-06:00

I love the cozy fur vests out there this season - a perfect topper to a myriad of outfits from jeans and a turtleneck to a holiday dress - but as an animal lover, I don't love the idea of wearing the real thing. Not to worry...savvy designers have fabulous faux versions that in appearance and durability are actually better than the real thing, not to mention the thanks you'll get from your furry friends. I love Michael Kors' faux coyote vest. I bought it in black at Belk at the Summit.
Michael by Michael Kors vest, $125

Beauty Update

2009-11-17T00:32:00.004-06:00

What colors of nail polish are stylish for Fall 2009?

I personally like dark polish in the Fall and Winter: deep eggplants, burgundy, etc. These hues look best if you have relatively short nails - and, incidentally, keeping nails shorter than longer continues to look more current. One of my favorite new polishes is Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri in "Uptempo Plum." It's a metallic shade, which I don't always like, but the sparkles hardly show. It advertises one coat, one swipe with the special brush and a 60-second drying time. I prefer 2 coats (though I have worn one when in a hurry and it looked fine, just a bit lighter than I like) and for larger nails like my thumb, I use more than one swipe so it takes a little bit longer to dry, but in general I think this is a great product. I don't have the patience for regular nail polish, so it's perfect for me. At the nail salon, I usually choose Opi's "Lincoln Park After Dark" or their new for Fall 2009 shade, "Give Me Moor."

If you just don't like dark polish, sheer nude or pink is always classic. I wear shades in this color palette in Spring/Summer, but think it is fine for Fall?winter, too. For some reason I don't think I do a good enough job painting my own nails when "going nude," so I always default to the salon and usually choose Opi's "Bubble Bath." Opi has a great site for checking out their latest and greatest shades.

Mind Your Manners

2009-10-23T23:37:00.008-05:00

As continued from November's B-Metro Magazine...

This month's Style Icon is Pamela Reed, Fashion Etiquette Consultant. Pamela offered answers to some commonly-asked questions about minding one's manners when it comes to style. At chicmadesimple, I get questions all the time relating to avoiding the dreaded "fashion faux-pas." Here are a few:

Q: Can I really only wear white between Memorial Day and Labor Day?
A: NO! As long as the fabric is season-appropriate (i.e., not white linen), you can wear white year-round. In fact, the Emily Post Institute in 2004 ruled it "a thing of the past." That "rule" stemmed from days of old when furnaces were coal-burning and emitted bits of soot into the air. Thus, when weather turned cooler (often around Labor Day in some parts of the country) and the furnace turned on, white and light-colored clothing was moved to the back of the closet to avoid stains from the dirty air. When the weather warmed again (usually around Memorial Day) and the furnace was turned off, people felt free to wear their white clothing again. SO...the moral of this story is, unless you are burning a coal furnace (which if you are, you've got bigger worries with the EPA than the Fashion Police), wear that white year round! Just don't be surprised if you get glares from older, Southern ladies who hold steadfast to their rules or yore.

Q: Can I wear black and navy together?
A: Yes! Colors that used to clash now look cool. Navy and Black, Brown and Black, Pink and Red...just make sure you are wearing true representations of the color in question (a true black, for example, not a faded one) and pair somewhat carefully.

Q: Is it a faux pas to wear hose with open-toe shoes?

A: While nude pantyhose worn with open sandals definitely is a fashion no-no, basically because nylons faking invisibility over your bare toes is just creepy, opaque tights worn with peep toe heels (particularly ones with a sturdier platform or wedge) looks sassy and trend right. Just make sure there's not a visible seam at the toe (buy sandal foot or tuck under the seam.) To stay classic, wear dark tights and/or ones the same color as your shoes. For the more fashion adventurous, try a pair in a bold color or interesting texture or pattern.

Q: When should a man keep on or take off a hat?

A: I'm glad you specified a man, because the rules for hats & men are much different than for hats & women (for which there aren't many rules). These days there aren't the hard-and-fast rules about hats that there used to be, but here's my take: In situations other than sports, I like hats when worn as outerwear. So basically, when you take off your coat, take off your hat. However, whether you have on a coat or not, hats should be removed in most public spaces, like restaurants (or any other dining table, public or not), churches, office buildings and courtrooms.

Favorite product alert!

2009-10-20T23:55:00.002-05:00

I am a big fan of opaque tights in the Fall/Winter. In my opinion, everyone should have at least a pair in both black and in chocolate brown...and probably in charcoal grey, too. I prefer as opaque (non-sheer) as possible for most looks, so at 90 deniers (a denier is a unit of measurement of linear mass-density in textile fabric...see more detailed info here), Hue's Super Opaque tights (93% nylon, 7% lycra) are a leg above the rest (excuse the pun). However, for dressier ensembles, I prefer a slightly more sheer leg (READ: slightly...I'm not talking sheer hose here...we're still in the tights category), so Hue's basic tights (87% nylon, 13% lycra, around 41 denier) are a good choice.

How Fashion Took to the Runway

2009-08-25T17:27:00.009-05:00

New York. Paris. Milan. Birmingham?

Birmingham joins the list of U.S. and international cities hosting “fashion weeks,” multi-day events created to celebrate the latest style trends. While Birmingham’s first foray into the fashion-show scene will focus on the retail (as opposed to the design) side of fashion, The Summit Presents Fashion Weekend is a chance for Birmingham to show its stylish side. Trunk shows, makeovers and creative activities form the event, the highlight of the weekend being the September 12 Saturday night party “under the tents” on the rooftop of the new parking deck, featuring decadent food, drinks and a professionally-produced runway show.

While New York still hosts the godfather of all fashion weeks, other cities are giving the Big Apple a run for her money. The second and third largest Fashion Weeks in the U.S. are Los Angeles and, oddly enough, Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland’s success lies in part to their efforts to be “the educational fashion week,” not just a series of shows but an annual convention incorporating exhibits, films, lectures, and workshops at cultural and educational institutions that seek to inform consumers and industry leaders of the cultural importance and economic contributions of the fashion industry. Other cities that have developed niches with their shows include Portland, Oregon, which showcases eco-friendly designers and boasts an entirely green fashion week production including a bamboo runway, and Miami, which dedicates its week to swimwear. Charleston, Kansas City, Gainesville all host Fashion Weeks, and, like Birmingham, Philadelphia will be hosting its first Fashion Week this fall.

Politics and Fashion

So what inspired these style parades in the first place? Would you believe WWII was the catalyst for the

modern-day “Fashion Week?” American fashion designers and editors, seemingly co-dependent on French couture for inspiration, panicked when Germany’s occupation of France in 1940 prevented trips to Paris salons. New York fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert seized on this auspicious moment for emerging American designers and created something called “Press Week.” What later morphed into “Fashion Week,” began as a series of showings by American designers held alternately at the Pierre and Plaza hotels. Lambert’s plan worked, and the soon the editors of magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, who had only had eyes for French fashion, began to focus their gaze closer to home. By the 70s and 80s, American designers were staging their own shows in lofts, clubs and other urban venues.

The event as we know it today - under the tents in Bryant Park - did not come about

until the 90’s. Fern Mallis, then executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (the group founded by Eleanor Lambert in 1962), answered the growing call from editors and buyers, who had grown weary of venturing to all corners of the city to attend cramped shows, where falling ceiling tiles and blown generators were all-too-common, to organize and consolidate these showings. While designers were reluctant at first, concerned that a group-setting would impede creativity, they quickly realized the opportunity for greater visibility and in 1993, Spring collections were sent down the runway. The semi-annual event that now hosts more than 100,000 attendees each season has outgrown Bryant Park and thus will move to Lincoln Center in 2010.

Just as fashions change from season to season, so do the venues in which consumers experience these fashions. But whether in a downtown department store, suburban mall, outdoor center or under a tent - the promise of style remains a powerful lure.

Fashion Week(end) in Birmingham

2009-07-24T14:25:00.002-05:00

The Summit hosts Birmingham's first-ever Fashion Weekend

September 11-13, 2009

Three days of exclusive events, trunk shows, activities & giveaways

Get your tickets now for the main event!

The Runway Fashion Show benefitting Junior League of Birmingham

Saturday, September 12, 6:30PM

"Under the tents" on the rooftop of The Summit's newest phase

>Pre-show cocktail hour featuring drinks by The Wine Loft (cash bar) & food by Summit restaurants including Flemming's

>Runway show featuring the latest trends from favorites like Saks Fifth Avenue & Belk, new stores including Remon’s, Mary, Mood, and many more

>After-party with live music, drinks & dessert

*$35 General Admission

Cocktail hour featuring hors d'oeuvres from Summit restaurants; 1 complimentary glass of wine from The Wine Loft; Swag bag; General seating at the runway show; After-party featuring live music & desserts

*$60 VIP

Cocktail hour featuring hors d'oeuvres from Summit restaurants; 2 complimentary glasses of wine from The Wine Loft; Deluxe swag bag; Preferred seating at the runway show; After-party featuring music & desserts

Tickets may be purchased at The Summit Guest Services office (located by Aveda and J.Jill), 205-967-0111.

*Proceeds benefit The Junior League of Birmingham.

For those budding fashionistas...

2009-04-03T00:21:00.017-05:00

Fashion Camp 2009

@ The Summit Birmingham

The Power of Fashion...The Empowerment of Kids

It's like fashion week in Paris,

a session with a Hollywood stylist,

and finishing school...

all rolled into one!

This fun (and now infamous!) one-day camp led by fashion stylist Tracy Robinson sparks creativity and encompasses all elements of stylish living on a youthful level.

You’re never too young to learn how to be stylish!

Registration begins April 3rd!

Space is limited to 12 girls per class

Cost per child is $60, which includes lunch,

swag bag (with $25 gift card), graduation certificate and, of course, lots of fashion knowledge!

Registration form and detailed agendas available at Summit Guest Services (near Cheesecake Factory by Aveda) or online at www.thesummitonline.com

Camp dates:

*9:15am to 1:30pm each day*

Ages 6-8: Agenda "A" - June 11,23 & July 9,21

Agenda "B" - June 12,24 & July 10,22

Ages 9-12: Agenda "A" - June 8,25 & July 6,23

Agenda "B" - June 9,26 & July 7,24

Ages 13-16: Agenda "A" - June 10,22

Agenda "B" - July 8,20

Make your child’s summer a stylish one!

Hands-on learning via various activities at stores including:
Hair Reflections, Saks, Claire's, Barnes & Noble,
Swoozies, Belk, Private Gallery, Aveda, Vera Bradley,
Sephora, J.Crew, Old Navy, Gymboree, Abercrombie,
Bath & Body Works and American Eagle

Top Ten Trends for Spring 2009

2009-03-25T13:12:00.014-05:00

1) Patio Dress

2) Asymmetrical

3) Statement Shoes

4) Refined Safari

5) Prints

6) Ruffles

7) Carryall

8) Relaxed Tailoring

9) Jumpsuit

10) Colorful Cardigans

Style Tips for Moms

2009-03-03T11:01:00.013-06:00

As moms, we welcome Spring’s warmer temperatures that allow children to play outside, but often stress about what to wear during the sports season that comes with it. One of the biggest complaints of many of my clients who are mothers is that when they took on the rigors of managing a family, out went any sense of personal style. I tell these women that while their lifestyle may not require the wardrobe of a supermodel, there is no reason they can’t feel attractive and stylish even when chasing kids and grocery shopping. Just as she endeavors to please the members of her family, a mother deserves to feel pleased about her own appearance.

There is a fine line when it comes to proper dressing for such occasions. Moms want to look suitably casual, but not sloppy. Perhaps a bit dressier than athletic wear, but not so glitzy that one appears to be “trying too hard.” Being age-appropriate is also a concern: be too trendy and risk looking like you are trying to emulate a teenager, but god forbid falling too far on the other side of the spectrum and being labeled “frumpy” or “matronly.”

So what to do? I recommend that instead of focusing on trendy fashion, focus on the fit of basic pieces that work for your life. Often, it isn’t the style of clothing that someone wears that makes them look frumpy, it is the fit that does. Take, for example, a pair of capri pants and a T-shirt, which is a staple summer outfit for many moms. They call them “mom jeans” for a reason, you know, so be careful about how frumpy your pants are fitting. I am not implying that your pants should be so fashion forward that your teenage daughter will want to wear them, but there is a broad spectrum between pants your kids will wear and pants th

at are just plain dowdy.

Start by investing in some basic casual pieces. Look for items that are easy to care for and comfortable, but well-fitting. The tendency is to buy casual clothes solely for comfort and not for flattery, thus too large or baggy. When it comes to fit, casual clothes should be held the same standards as dressier clothes. Just as you do for those dressier clothes, think about building wardrobes. For example, choose cohesive pieces built around basic styles and colors for the best mix-and-match wardrobe. Here are a few tips to help you find your own casual style without falling prey to the “soccer mom uniform.”

Tees

A great tee shirt, one that fits correctly (in no way baggy but not skin tight either), is a weekend staple. For best fit, look for tees with at least some lycra/ spandex content, as this will help the tee hold its shape. When you try tees on, be certain that the shoulder

seams hit AT your shoulder (not half way down your arm), that the hem is long

enough to cover your waistband when you sit down or cheer for that scored goal/base hit, and that the body doesn't tent out around you but

rather gently hugs your torso. Crew necks are always easy, but look also for tees with a scoop or V neck or (good for those with larger chests), boat neck (can balance wider hips) and square neck (elongates a short neck). With a few exceptions, polo-style shirts are generally dated for women and should be left to dads. And when in doubt of whether a neckline is too low, layer a fitted tank underneath!

LEFT: GAP Favorite V-neck, $14.50

RIGHT: Three Dot Scoop neck $44

DONT’S:

-Team uniform (unless you are a coach and absolutely required)

-Bared (or even peeking out) midriffs

-Tees with “cute” logos, sayings, cartoons, etc.

Lightweight Sweaters

A simple cardigan, hoodie or pullover sweater is easy to layer for outdoor activities; wear over a tee or tank. Cotton and cashmere can both be washed at home; both make good layering pieces for those windy spring baseball games. As with tees, look for interesting detailing

on the sweaters - three quarter sleeves, for example, which can be

worn over a long sleeved tee for a cool layered look - and cheerful colors.

LEFT: J.Crew V-neck short-sleeve cardigan, $59.50

RIGHT, Juicy Couture Striped Pointelle Hoodie, $248

Simple jacket

Spring often means winds and temperatures that can veer from positively summery to quite cold in a matter of innings. Having a lightweight jacket - including one that can withstand

wind and rain and cold - is a must for sporty weekends. Choose a tailored cut; warm or weatherproof without being bulky. Some days will be merely crisp and allow for just a zippered jacket or hoodie. Avoid windsuit or overly athletic looks (leave those to the mall walkers and joggers, respectively). Instead opt for fitted jackets in fun colors and rich fabrics like velour or terry.

RIGHT: Addidas “Street Graphic" Fleece Hoodie, $44

Yoga pants & Jeans

Yes, you read that right: busy moms need a pair of yoga pants, because inevitably, some Saturday, your son or daughter will have an 8:00AM

game, and it will be all you can do to get everyone fed and dressed and out the door in time. The important thing here, though, is that you wants a pair of yoga pants that FIT PROPERLY, particularly through the back

side. Look for a fairly substantial fabric, because thiner fabrics will cling, and something with some stretch, too, because it will smooth out the parts of you that may not be so smooth. Pair yoga pants with a hoodie or a tee and a sweater.

RIGHT: Old Navy Yoga Pants, $19.50

Jeans are a no-brainer. Just make sure they are NOT the dreaded “Mom Jeans!” Avoid this by buying jeans with a darker wash, lower waist and modern fit. I am a proponent of the “premium denim” jeans, aptly named not only for the quality but also the price! Once you get over the sticker shock, in my opinion, these jeans are well worth it because or the superior fit, look and durability. Be prepared to try on a LOT of different pairs in different brands, styles and sizes. It can get kind of frustrating, so if you don’t want to hire someone like me to hold your hand throughout the process, go to a shop tha

t has a denim specialist (Belk, Soca, Doree) who knows how different styles fit. Brands to check out include Joe’s, 7 for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, David Kahn and Not Your Daughter’s Jeans.

DONT’S:

-”Mom jeans”

-Jean shorts

Dresses

Many women can’t imagine wearing a dress to the ball field, but I’m not talking about ladies’ lunch frocks. I’m talking about loose, comfortable jersey

knit dresses that are perfect for those hot days. Paired with cute flip-flops (I recommend a go-with- everything metallic pair), a soft, cool dress is my favorite for those sweltering Saturdays.

LEFT: Ecoganik Jersey Dress, $108

RIGHT: Sol LeWitt Dress, $34

Cute casual shoes

Since you’re probably not actually PLAYING a sport in these shoes, they

need not be actual athletic shoes. Puma, Rocket Dog, Privo and Merrell are among the vendors who make great sporty slides and slip-on sneakers; wear them with jeans or yoga pants. Ballet flats, driving mocs or cute flip-flops are a nice alternative with jeans, shorts and summer dresses.

RIGHT, J-41 “Leo,” $90

DONT’S:

-Keds

ACCESSORIES

Not much is needed in the way of jewelry with the exception of a watch and a simple pair of earrings. As an alternative to an athletic watch, I wear a man’s stainless watch - the size and style makes it appropriately casual and sporty. As for earrings, a pair of diamond studs (faux or real) is classic and simple.

DONT’S:

-Scrunchies

When it comes down to it, most important is to take the stress out of dressing for sports season so that you feel comfortable and attractive in your clothes, allowing you to focus on cheering your child to victory.

And the Oscars for Best and Worst Dressed go to...

2009-02-23T16:32:00.045-06:00

Not only is The Oscars the creme de la creme of the award shows, but also of the styles on parade. This year offered its typical fashion hits and misses, with none of the occasional oddities (think Bjork's swan and Lara Flynn Boyle's tutu.) Trends included asymetrical

and sweetheart necklines, light colors, molded bodices, mermaid hems and statement necklaces.

Who looked Fab and who looked Drab?

First, the Fab.

Penelope Cruz in vintage Balmain gown and Chopard jewels: With all of the designer clamoring to dress this Best Supporting Actress winner, I loved the fact that she chose to wear a vintage gown she had spotted and loved 8 years ago at top vintage curator Rita Watnick's Beverly Hills shop, Lily et Cie. Luckily, the museum quality 60-year-old strapless lace gown embellished with gold threads was still there, and Penelope wore it gorgeously.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive gown and Cartier jewels: The body-conscious, champagne-hued fishtail gown perfectly fit her figure and glittered with half-dollar sized clear paillettes and a Swarovski crystal strapless neckline and waist. She hardly needed jewels, but wore Cartier bling worth more than $1 million anyway, including a onyx and black crystal broach affixed to the back of her dress.

Marisa Tomei in Versace gown and Van Cleef & Arpels jewels: The Best Actress nominee worked it in the dove-grey gown with all-over fan pleats, somehow managing to perfectly display the dramatic train on the red-carpet. In addition to the fitted bodice highlighting her fit figure, the asymetrical neckline complimented her toned shoulders and arms.

Natalie Portman in Rodarte gown and Kwiat jewels: With all of the light-colored gowns, her orchid-pink number was a refreshing change. Obviously grecian-inspired with the ruched bodice and draped skirt, the gown's Swarovski crystal detailing added glam. Keeping her jewelry simple was smart, and her vampy manicure added a modern edge to her otherwise sweet ensemble.

Other stars who looked fab included:

Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent gown and Choprad jewels

Taraji Henson in Roberto Cavalli gown and 19th century Fred Leighton jewels

Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera gown and Fred Leighton "Cleopatra" necklace

Now, the Drab.

Jessica Biel in Prada: When the words "dishwater" and "dinner napkin" come to mind, you've chosen the wrong dress. Not to mention this ill-fitting blah of a dress does nothing for the great figure we know her to have. Justin was obviously lulled to sleep by the ensemble and stayed in the limo.

Sophia Loren in Armani Prive: A screen legend deserves better than this "Hello Dolly," lemon meringue mess. And the Tammy Faye eyelashes don't help matters.

Beyonce in House of Dereon: While I appreciate the kind gesture of wearing one of your mother's designs to a big event, The Oscars is not a time for charity. Beyonce is too beautiful to don this dragon-lady disaster.

Best Hair and Makeup

While "the dress is the thing," those frocks are either complemented or devalued by the hairstyles and makeup palettes chosen by the wearers. Because walking the red carpet is a dressy affair, hair and makeup often are (and should be) kicked up a notch as well. My favorite hairstyles of the night were those of Freida Pinto's modern take on the french knot, Angelina Jolie's loose gather at the back of her head that showed off those amazing Lorraine Schwartz emerald earrings (the only interesting thing about her outfit), and Jennifer Aniston's loose, wavy locks with subtle side-swept braid was pretty - a natural look only Jenn could pull off at such a formal event.

As for makeup, artist Jeanine Lobell did a fantastic job dramatizing Natalie Portman's beautiful chestnut eyes while still keeping the young star looking fresh and glowing.

From Runway to Red Carpet

And who says celebrities don't buy "off the rack?" Ok, well, off the runway. Check out these red-carpet styles ripped from the runway (and how some of the designers alter their designs slightly for their clients)...

Alas, the Oscars marks the end of award season and red carpets, but the stars are sure to be seen strutting the sidewalks in Spring's latest styles. Stay tuned...

BAFTA's: Back in Black

2009-02-12T13:11:00.007-06:00

For those of you who may not keep up with what goes on across the pond, the "BAFTAs" are the British Academy of Film and Television awards. This year's ceremony was held Sunday, February 8, at the Royal Opera House in London, and many Brits and Americans alike seemed to err on the side of caution by choosing safe (but always classic) black for the occasion.

Pictured: Penelope Cruz in Alaia, Kate Winslet in Zac Posen and Emma Watson in Temperley.

Freida Pinto ("Slumdog Millionaire") was a shining light amongst all that black in a pretty pink Oscar de la Renta with feminine ruffles.

Grammy Style NOT Rockin'

2009-02-09T12:50:00.009-06:00

While there may have been songs and stardom, style was lacking at the 2009 Grammy Awards.

Zooey Deschenel's frock looked like she made it in high-school home-ec, Jennifer Hudson's would have been OK if she haden't rucked her dinner napkin into her collar and Paula Abdul reinvoked superfriend's Isis.

While Gwenyth Paltrow

tried to be modern by paring opaque tights with her cocktail dress, she fell short.

As for those who at least passed: Miley Cyrus' black Max Azria was chic, albeit a bit mature for her. Audrina Partridge's teal gown was pretty, but accentuated her too-thin physique-a few more pounds would have made the dress more flattering.

Tip of the Day

2009-02-05T17:47:00.003-06:00

In the washing machine, zippers can cause snags and small holes in certain clothing items (especially knits), so invest in a mesh laundry bag in which to place zippered items, which will protect the other items in the wash. With some zippered items it may be sufficient to turn items inside-out.

Quote of the Day

2009-01-31T14:07:00.000-06:00

"What is a closet, really, but a catalogue of the different personas we have auditioned and discarded? Hanging there in our closets are reminders, both good and bad, of who we are, who we've been, and who we've hoped to be."

- Tim Gunn, A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style

Award Season Continues

2009-01-28T15:07:00.007-06:00

Personally I thought the style at SAG Awards, where bright color and one-shouldered gowns ruled, was superior to that of the Golden Globes. Can the Oscars (February 22) top both? Here are a few of my faves:

Viola Davis in David Meister

Kate Winslet in Narcisco Rodriguez (could she look ANY better these days???)

Evan Rachel Wood in Monique Lhuillier

Inaugural Style

2009-01-21T16:24:00.010-06:00

Not in recent history have the celebrities come out in droves for a new president like they have for President Obama. With all of the

pre-inaugural events (like the star-

studded "We Are One" concert at Lincoln Memorial, attended by hundreds of thousands) and the 12 Inaugrual Balls celebrating the new First Family, everyone had a chance to strut their stuff in honor of the changing of the guard. The members of First Family themselves looked awfully chic as well! Here are some pics from the various Inaugural events:

And the winner is...

2009-01-12T12:20:00.007-06:00

My vote for Best Dressed at the 2009 Golden Globes?...

In leaps and bounds it was Eva Mendes (whose style has been impressing me a lot lately) in a white silk taffeta Dior gown, complimented perfectly with a gorgeous vintage turquoise and diamond statement necklace and cocktail ring from Van Cleef & Arpels.

And the worst? I knew Renee Zellweger would wear Carolina Herrera as always, but..really, Renee? THIS is the outfit you chose? I wanted

to like the 2-piece look, if for no other reason than for her effort to be different in wearing separates, and I might have liked it on a different woman, but with Renee's pale skin, prom hair and muddy makeup, it was just a mess. The usually completely unadorned Zellweger did wear two Verdura Maltese cross gold cuffs , but alas, it was too late. What is her aversion to earrings?

2008-12-15T23:10:00.003-06:00

HO-HO-NO!

First of all, let's talk about what NOT to look for in holiday attire. Do not, do not, do NOT wear any sort of attire that features reindeer, wreaths, holly berries, etc...and resist the temptation to wear red and green together, period. You will just end up looking costume-y, cliche and frankly, tacky. Look for rich jewel tones, like plum, deep jade and peacock blue. Also resist “seasonal accessories” which include, but are not limited to, ceramic reindeer pins, bell earrings and Christmas tree broaches. Accessories are an important part of holiday dressing, but instead buy timeless, beautiful, interesting jewelry that will last you throughout the year with lots of outfits, not December. Even then, don't get carried away.

Choose focal pieces, instead of over- accessorizing. Choose

bold over quantity. Anything too delicate will simply get lost on you. Try chandelier earrings, chunky cuffs, multi-layer

necklaces and sparkly cocktail rings (J.Crew has some beautiful ones!) — but not all at the same time. A good rule of thumb is not to put items too close together on the body. Instead of big earrings AND a big necklace, try big earrings and a cocktail ring.

MUST HAVES FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES

1) A sassy, short cocktail dress either in a metallic, dressy material, such as thick satin, and/or with a little sparkle or embellishment. See below for examples:

Maggy London Beaded Waist Strapless Matte Jersey Dress, $118 @ Nordstom.com

Diane Von Furstenberg Victoire Silk Wrap Dress, $425, Net-A-Porter.com

Loeffler Randall Cotton Sheath with Ribbon Detial, $375, Saks.com

Moschino Cheap And Chic Jacquard Lamé Dress, $795, Saks.com

2) A chic evening clutch: sized only to hold the essentials like lipstick, cell phone and a credit card

3) an evening coat or wrap : Nothing ruins a party dress more than throwing on your big bulky overcoat over it. Even worse is wearing your husband's suit jacket by the end of the night! An appropriate outer-layer can be anything from a pashmina to a knee-length brocade coat. My favorite and the most versatile is a knee-length version. There are even evening trenchcoats. To ensure the most wearability, choose black or a metallic.

4) Bold jewelry - like a statement necklace, jeweled cuff or cocktail ring:

J.Crew Giant Starburst Ring, $68

Banana Republic Broach Bangle, $39

White House/Black Market Candlelight Necklace, $54

5) A fitted velvet jacket: November thru January is about the only time I like velvet, and usually only in the form of a structured jacket. great to pair with a ruffled blouse and trousers for a semi-dressy or office occasion, and jeans for something more casual. This goes for

men, too! My favorite outfit of my husband's holiday attire is his Diesel jeans, white button-down shirt with French cuffs (special cuff links are a great way for men to accessorize!) and deep cobalt blue velvet blazer.

Ann Taylor, $158

Banana Republic Brown Two-button Velvet Blazer, $250

John Hardy Midnight Cuff Links, Bromberg's, $1595

NOTE: Christmas parties start in early December, so shop now! Definitely don't wait until The Biggest Shopping Day of the Year (day after Thanksgiving) when your choices will be limited as things will all be picked over.

chicGIFTING

2008-12-10T16:23:00.004-06:00

TWO WAYS

to be stylish

this Holiday!

1) Give the gift of style with a Gift Certificate from chicmadesimple!

-Specify an amount & a service (a Personal Shopping trip; a Closet Re-Vamp...see website for more options)

-Your gift certificate will come personalized & stylishly gift-wrapped

2) Ensure EVERY package is a chicGIFT with chicmadesimple's

NEW gift-wrapping service!

-Everybody knows that a gift beautifully wrapped on

the outside makes what's inside even

more special. So, after years of request, self-described gift-wrap fanatic Tracy Robinson is offering holiday gift-wrapping services.

-Each package will be uniquely wrapped

according to gender & desired motif (traditional, modern, etc.) Simply drop off your p

ackages & pick up at your convenience!

-Prices (which include labor & superior-quality supplies) are as follows:

XX-Small: $2.50

X-Small: $3.50

Small: $4.50

Medium #1: $6

Medium #2: $8

Large: $10

X-Large: $12

Jumbo: $15

Chic Made Simple's ABC's of Fashion

2008-10-05T14:02:00.004-05:00

...What every woman should have in her wardrobe...

A- A-line Dress (so flattering!)

B - Blazer (fitted)

C- Cuff (the classically elegant bracelet)

D- Diamond Studs (real or faux)

E- Evening Bag (sized to hold only the essentials)

F- Femininity (make sure your softer side is represented)

G- Gloves (preferably leather)

H- Heels (2 1/2 inches or higher)

I- Investment Piece (have one expensive piece you love- a bag, a shoe - to spruce up those budget items)

J- Jeans (note: so called "premium" denim is worth the money! And the darker they are, generally the dressier & more flattering they are.)

K- Knee Boots (musts for Winter/Fall in black & dark brown)

L- Little Black Dress

M- Metallic (go-with-everything pewter & bronze)

N- Necklace (go bold: a statement piece)

O- Overcoat (pick the right size & shape for your frame)

P- Peep-Toes (appropriate year-round)

Q- Quality (not quantity)

R- Runway to Reality (interpret the trends to make sense in your life)

S- Suit (whether pant or skirt, always a good staple to have on hand)

T- Trench Coat

U- Umbrella

V- Valise (be stylish even when you travel)

W-Watch (the one you choose says a lot about you)

X- X-Factor (have at least a few items in your closet that push the envelope for you)

Y- Young-at-Heart (be age-appropriate, but have a sense of fun in your wardrobe!)

Z- Zen (don’t stress about your style!)

Ask Tracy

2008-08-29T21:17:00.019-05:00

Q:
Dear Tracy,
I've read your analysis of the Presidential candidates' styles, but what about the potential Frist Ladies? Who has more style, Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain?
-L.M.

A:
Dear L.M.,
In fact, just this week Project Runway's Tim Gunn gave his critique of the ladies in question in Us Weekly magazine's celebrity news blog. In Gunn's opinion there is "no contest," and Michelle has the better style. "She epitomizes class and American style," he said. "She looks approachable." "Cindy, on the other hand -- with her button-down suits and blouses -- looks like she's duct-taped," he told Us. "Her fashion is a metaphor for her personality," he added.

So what is my opinion? Well, while Cindy is undoubtedly an attractive lady and I admire her ability to look immaculately "perfect" on the campaign trail, her lookis often a little too June Cleaver/Stepford Wife/Mother-of-the-Bride for me. Her extremely structured leather jackets paired with a turtleneck and up-do hairstyle make for a rather severe look. And unfortunately when she does try to soften, she dresses a bit juvenile. I find myself humming "On the Good Ship Lollipop," especially in regards to the outfit she donned the day the arm sling debuted (in addition to fashion tweaking, the poor woman obviously needs some calcium supplements). St. John and Escada are obvious favorite desingers, as evidenced by her appearances and $750,000 AMEX bill.

As far as Michelle goes, her style appears to be a work in progress, evolving and sharpening before our eyes, but I have to agree with Tim Gunn that she has the edge. At the least, her style is more current and her wardrobe choices come across as more effortless and not as contrived...as if she serves more of a purpose than to just look pretty and enhance the appearance of her husband. That said, especially Michelle's hair and makeup always look very pretty and natural. Many of her outfits are made by Chicago-based designer Maria Pinto. (Oprah and BFF Gayle King are also fans.)

Reminder: Project Runway 5 begins July 16!

2008-07-14T07:43:00.003-05:00

The best fashion show on TV is back! Bravo's fifth season of the three-time Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning creative competition reality series Project Runway returns Wednesday, July 16 in a new time slot - 9/8c. Returning to the runway, host and supermodel Heidi Klum heads a panel of industry luminaries, including top women's and menswear designer Michael Kors and fashion expert Nina Garcia, as they decide which aspiring designer is "in" or "out." Tim Gunn, Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne, Inc., will once again act as a mentor to the designers as they take on weekly fashion challenges. The 16 Project Runway contestants will be whittled down week-by-week to the finalists who will show their own line in front of an audience of fashion industry movers and shakers at New York Fashion Week.

Tail Spin

2008-06-17T13:06:00.009-05:00

Ponytails have never been so popular--or so chic. From the runway to the red carpet, the sporty do got a high-glamour makeover for summer. Here are some simple styling tips and the pretty hair accessories you want right now.

On the Up & Up
A pony placed high on the head is a stylish way to ride out the heat and
humidity--not to mention give cheekbones an instant lift.

Step 1: To achieve a super-sleek look, dampen hair with a frizz-fighting spray and slick it back using a boar-bristle brush. Or for a softer take, Kate Beckinsale's stylist, Adir Abergel, suggests applying volumizer to the roots and teasing them gently.
Step 2: Gather hair up high (at the back of the crown) and secure with a thick elastic to prevent sagging.
Step 3: For an elegant finish, run a flatiron over the tail, or use a curling iron to coax it into a soft twist.

Wave Rider
Flouncy and flirty, the new low pony lets you embrace tousled texture and still look perfectly polished.

Step 1: Add body and bounce by applying a volumizer to damp hair, then blow-dry using a medium round brush.
Step 2: Concentrating on the mid-shaft down, wrap 2-inch sections of hair around a 1-inch-barrel curling iron. Once the waves have set and cooled, tease them lightly from roots to ends.
Step 3: For extra lift, Kate Hudson's stylist, David Babaii, says to muss roots with your fingertips and gather hair from the central part of the crown into a small elastic.
Step 4: Sweep loose hair into a low ponytail and wrap a few strands around the base to hide the rubber band.

It's a Wrap
With a colorful head scarf you can tame stubborn flyaways, mask roots and protect hair from the sun--all while looking like you've just returned from an exotic globe trot.

Step 1: Give hair hold--without the helmet effect--by misting it with texturizing spray from roots to ends. "You want your hair to appear as if you've just stepped out of the ocean and casually pulled it back into a ponytail," says hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai, who created the Polynesian-inspired looks at the Diane von Furstenberg show.
Step 2: Gather dampened locks into a mid-height ponytail and rub a lightweight defining cream over the tail for a beachy finish.
Step 3: Fold your scarf into a 3-inch-wide strip and wrap it around your head so that the edge hits right at your hairline (if you have bangs, push the scarf back 2 inches so that hair swoops across your forehead). Tie the scarf into a knot and "let the ends hang down the back for a carefree, sexy look," says Fekkai.

Ponytail Dont's?
Yes!! Pigtails and braids are fine for the under 15 set, but a little too "adorable" for adult women. You'll wind up looking cheap or like you're trying too hard..or just plain silly. No matter how young you feel or think you look, leave the pigtails and braids to your daughters.

On that note...

Childhood Braid Lives Again

2008-05-30T09:33:00.001-05:00

I am happy to report that my mother freakishly holding onto said braid for 20+ years (stored in a shoebox labeled, "Tracy's hair"), has proved worthwhile. This week the braid was donated to Locks of Love, an organization that makes hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We had previously questioned whether the hair was usable due to its age, but Locks of Love said that because it has remained in a braid for this long, it is perfectly fine. The minimum required length is 10 inches, and my braid is over 17 inches!
Being able to make this contribution not only means a lot to me, due to my father's hair loss during his battle with cancer, but also to my husband, whose sister never re-grew her hair after she lost it due to radiation treatment in the 5th grade. I hope my braid will be used to give a child the self-confidence she or he needs to fight their disease.

Ask Tracy

2008-05-22T14:08:00.010-05:00

Q:
Dear Tracy,
What are some of your favorite websites for online shopping?
-S.S.

A:
Dear S.S.,
Online shopping keeps getting better and better. Because you can shop from the comfort of your own home and most sites are very user-friendly, I prescribe it to a lot of my clients who simply hate going into stores, but (rather than have me shop for them) want to give it a try themselves. To stay competitive, more and more sites are offering free shipping. An insider secret is www.retailmenot.com, a resource for finding promos and coupon codes. Simply enter in the website on which you are shopping, and RetailMeNot will immediately let you know of any ongoing discounts on that site.

When searching the internet for items for clients, I often don't have time to scour through tons of sites, so I love www.shopstyle.com - "The looks you crave from the stores you love. All in one place." Its search tool will give you picture results from all over the net (including some of my favorite sites, like Net-a-Porter, ShopBop, Neiman-Marcus) and allows you to refine your results by various facots such as sale items and available sizes. The one-stop shop saves a lot of time and effort and is a great way to compare prices.

Another good search site for comparison shopping is www.like.com, whose unique "visual search" allows you to find similar items at the click of your mouse. Like that Catherine Malandrino dress but not the price? Search for similar styles. You can even get as detailed as highlighting a certain part of an item (color, pattern, shape) by which to search.

Finally, www.chickdowntown.com is another fave. This well-organized and attractive site offers great styles from a bevvy of designers. Their "Lookbook" offers a pictoral on the season's latest fashions, as do their magazine-style groupings (for example, "Summer Chic," "The Basics," "Good Evenings"). They also have special sections for organic clothing and Celeb Style ("as seen on" fashions).

Happy surfing!

greenCHIC Part Two

2008-04-18T15:44:00.002-05:00

With Earth Day approaching (April 22nd), it's worth revisiting how to encorporate eco-friendliness into our style...

Top Five Ways to be greenCHIC:

1) Edit your closet.

With the help of a consultant or on your own, take the time to go through each item of clothing you own and remove those items that don't flatter, don't fit, look worn or for whatever reason you simply don't wear. Those excess items in your closet just prevent you from seeing and wearing the good stuff. Also take out items that need to be repaired and put them in a pile to take to your tailor. Either donate or consign your edited items. In other words, when it comes to your closet, less is more.

2) Recycle your clothing.

According to the Council for Textile Recycling, clothing waste accounts for 4% of all American landfill content. Rather than throw that shabby t-shirt in the trash, donate it to a group such as The Salvation Army or Goodwill, who sell such items to fabric recycling groups. Or, see if your item falls into a category of a few clever companies who have devised ways to bring items too shabby for donation full circle - and keep them our of the trash. One such company is Nike, who will accept athletic shoes of any brand, turning them into "Nike Grind," a material used in sports surfaces (basketball courts, running tracks) donated to children's organizations. Another is Patagonia - drop off used Patagonia or Polartec fleece garments at a Patagonia store or mail them to the company's service center, and they'll recycle the old fabrics into new clothing.
Nike Reuse-A-Shoe www.nike.com/nikebiz/reuseashoe
Patagonia Common Threads Garment Recycling www.patagonia.com/recycle

3) Use a greener dry cleaner.

Even better, try to avoid dry cleaning as much as possible. My clients have heard me lecture about the evil of conventional dry cleaning, as it is both horrible for our clothes and for the environment. The standard solvent is perchloroethylene (or PERC), a central nervous system depressant that is listed as a hazardous air pollutant under the federal standards. I advise that clothing be immediately removed from the plastic bags, so the chemicals won't be held in and damage your clothing even further. However, the PERC will slowly be released into the air in your home. So the best solution is to ditch your conventional dry cleaner altogether. Spot clean or machine wash when you can, and if you must dry clean, a less toxic alternative is a GreenEarth dry cleaner, a silicone-based solvent used in modified dry-cleaning machines. To find a GreenEarth cleaner near you, go to www.greenearthcleaning.com.

4) Be material-istic.

Choosing eco-friendly fabrics is important not only to the environment but to your health. Take cotton, for example - you've seen all those commercials portraying cotton as the "feel good" fabric. Well, it's actually an environmental disaster. Growing conventional cotton is THE most pesticide-intensive process in the world. Only 3% of the world's farmland is used for growing cotton, yet conventional cotton uses about 24% of the world's insecticides and 11% of the world's pesticides (50 million lbs. in the US alone) - which permeate the air, damage the soil and seep into the water supply. All of those chemicals in the field translate to about a third of a cup of chemicals (which include such known cancer-causing agents as cyanide, dicofol, naled, propargite and trifluralin) on your cute little cotton tee. So...opt for organic cotton, which is becoming more available in the marketplace. Other eco-friendly fabrics include silk, cashmere, linen and wool. (For green goods, check out www.shopenvi.com, www.bepresent.com and www.greenwithglamour.com)

5) Bag the shopping bags.

Shopping bags, both paper and plastic are bigger environmental offenders than you realize. Recycle your bags and/or reuse them by taking your favorite one with you on your shopping trip for all your purchases. Even better (since many of those high-end bags are made of a laminate paper-plastic combo and cannot be recycled), give up bags completely and carry a chic tote in which to bag all of your buys.

Your Best Face Forward

2008-04-12T16:15:00.002-05:00

When approaching a new style season, one often wants to consider cosmetic trends along with the fashion trends. The latest in beauty often reflects and compliments the clothing styles on the runways and in the stores. I recently sat down with make-up artist and Aware cosmetic founder Jestina Howard (www.awarecosmetics.com) to find out the most updated tricks of the trade:
Spring is here and beauty is in full bloom! The looks this season are all about being a little bold and daring by using sheer to intense pops of color!

Here are Jestina's 6 beauty trend picks for Spring 2008:

1) Various Shades of Orange: This is the hottest hue of the season!
Add warmth with a kick to your eyes, cheeks and lips by applying sheer to intense shades of peach, coral, apricot and tangerine.
*Tip- Use a soft, fluffy brush to apply strong color to eyes and cheeks.

2) Pastel Hues : Apply a soft wash of vivid color in hues of violet, blue and green over eyelids.
*Tip- Team a pastel eye with a thin line of black or navy liner close to lashline on top of lids only.

3) High Impact Lips : Make a statement without saying a word.
Lip colors range from bright fuschia and hot pink to cherry red and deep merlot. *Tip- When lips are the focus, make sure eyeshadow is soft and sheer.

4) The Metals : They are the new neutrals this season!
Gold, bronze, copper and silver shades gives a soft shimmer and glow on the eyelids.
*Tip- Team the metals up with lots of black or dark brown mascara.

5) Soft, Muted Smoky Hues : Various shades of gray, plums and mushroom hues dusted lightly over and underneath eyes.
*Tip- Wear soft, sheer lipcolors when smoking up the eyes.

6) Semi Matte Skin : Velvety looking skin with a slight glow.
*Tip - Dust pressed or loose powder on to your skin rather than using a powder puff.

Trendwatch: In the trenches...

2008-02-20T14:29:00.012-06:00

Most fashion experts put the trench coat on the top of their "Must Have" lists, and rightly so. The classic design is smart, sexy, polished and practical - all at the same time. Additionally, the belted style does wonders for the figure (and covers up areas one might want to hide). While there are many variations on the traditional style made famous by Burberry, I recommend having at least one relatively basic "go-with-everything" version. That doesn't mean it has to be khaki-colored, but it should be neutral enough to be worn often and should be in the belted, double-breasted, knee-length construction. Trenches also come in every price range, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget and needs. It is the perfect Spring wardrobe piece for those April showers! Once you own a basic trench, then you can consider some of the more fun options, which include bright colors, prints, patent leather and even cocktail/evening versions.

It's chic being green...

2008-02-18T19:17:00.009-06:00

If I were to write a manual on how to be environmentally responsible, this would be it. (In fact, the cover logo, color scheme and witty yet useful text had me wondering at times if I actually had written it. Or else - gasp! - are my ideas perhaps not as unique as I like to think they are?) So kudos to Christine Matheson for writing such a fun and readable "how-to" guide for preserving our planet without sacrificing our sense of style.

Encouraging us all to "embrace the fabulousness of green living," Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style details several practical ways to minimize our earth-stomping human footprint. Fortunately, for those of us who strive to be both fashion and environmentally conscious, being green does not require wearing only Birkenstocks and clothing made of hemp. AND...right there in green print on Page 116, Matheson advises to "edit your closet" (with the help of a fashion stylist, if possible,) describing a process that mirrors the Closet Re-Vamp chicmadesimple has been offering for years! So, you can treat yourself and your wardrobe to said services and feel good about it (do I hear a lobby for a tax write-off?)

In other green news, did you know that some of your clothing can be recycled? This is a good thing, because according to the Council for Textile Recycling, clothing waste accounts for 4% of all American landfill content. A few clever companies have devised ways to bring items too shabby for donation full circle - and keep them our of the trash. Two such companies include Nike, who will accept athletic shoes of any brand, turning them into "Nike Grind," a material used in sports surfaces (basketball courts, running tracks) donated to children's organizations. Another is Patagonia - drop off used Patagonia or Polartec fleece garments at a Patagonia store or mail them to the company's service center, and they'll recycle the old fabrics into new clothing.
Nike Reuse-A-Shoe www.nike.com/nikebiz/reuseashoe
Patagonia Common Threads Garment Recycling www.patagonia.com/recycle

Being GREEN isn't a fad...it's timelessly chic.

Presidential Panache?

2008-01-26T14:50:00.000-06:00

So, DO clothes make the man (or woman)? Enough to get your vote?

With her sharp-tongued wit, Pulitzer-Prize winning Washington Post Fashion Editor Robin Givhan recently critiqued the fashion senses (or lack thereof) displayed by the front-runners in the 2008 race for the White House. Check out these critiques at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/galleries/frontrunners/
The user-friendly online format allows you to click on a candidate to hear an audio of Givhan's style notes while viewing a fashion show of sorts of the candidate's outfits). Then read the online Q & A session below, in which Givhan discusses her critiques.

Portland, Ore.: To what degree do you believe voters actually respond to a candidate's clothing choice? On the one hand, Kennedy and Reagan were partly admired for their looks and sense of style. On the other hand, we've also elected Nixon and Carter, to name a couple, neither of whom were known for being fashionistas. So, do you think we really notice on some level? And if we do, based on your complimentary analysis, is his cool sense of style one more reason for the Obama surge?

Robin Givhan: I don't think voters respond to a candidate specifically because they're well-dressed or, as you put it, a fashionista. I think people are looking at and listening to candidates and trying to get a sense of their honesty, compassion, intelligence, authority and so on. The way in which they carry themselves and present themselves influences the perception.

Helena, Mont.: In your article on Clinton's pantsuits, you didn't seem to come up with the reason she wears pantsuits -- the chances of having an embarrassing episode with a skirt. This could happen when leaving a car, having some scumbag put a camera up her skirt, a surprise burst of wind whipping the skirt up, etc. Pantsuits allow a woman to go anywhere with confidence that her skirt won't do her in, as you should know and should have stated.

Robin Givhan: I agree with everything you said. In the column, I offered as a possible reason for choosing pantsuits the comfort factor. I think that essentially addresses all the issues you raised ... as well as the desire to avoid ending up with an embarrassing YouTube moment.

Arlington, Va.: Robin, I realize that you focused your research on the various gentlemen and one lady, but who is the best-dressed spouse out there? I vote for Michelle Obama -- the athleticism and grace she brings to her modern outfits hint at four years (or eight if we are lucky?) of fashion-forward White House receptions and balls!

Robin Givhan: I'm sure that I will turn my attention to the spouses in the near future. But I suspect there are many fashion designers who wouldn't mind getting to dress Michelle Obama. But I also suspect that no small number of menswear designers would like to get their hands on Bill Clinton.

Washington: Won't this be the shortest chat on record? All the top-tier candidates in their power ties? And Hilary in her sensible pants suits?

Robin Givhan: I think the top-tier candidates are more interesting than just power ties and pantsuits. But if that's all you see ... so be it.

Vienna, Va.: The highest compliment I can pay you is that I don't understand half of your columns, hate some of them but read all of them. One thing that always bothers me about candidates is that whenever they're doing something "casual" (meeting the voters, at home, playing sports or exercising) their clothes are always perfect and seemingly brand new. I know they want to look good, but when I see one of them windsurfing or biking or jogging and their clothes look perfectly new, they look phony, as if they're posing. Would they be better off looking a little scruffy, or would that cause its own problems?

Robin Givhan: Your point is interesting and it's something I mentioned about John Edwards when he was photographed by Annie Leibovitz in his "work clothes," which looked like they had just been unwrapped and the tags snipped off. I'm not sure it's scruffiness, exactly, that would help them look more real, but they do need to look like the clothes are part of their everyday lives and not like something that was handed to them for a photo op.

Washington: I have less of a problem with the clothing choices that male politicians make than with their haircuts. Why can't politicians break the trend of the long comb-over or comb-back, and embrace their eminent hair loss with a close-shorn cut (Obama excepted)? I mean, if it's good enough for George Clooney...

Robin Givhan: Are you suggesting that Clooney is losing his hair? Say it isn't so! The best aesthetic decision Giuliani made was getting rid of his comb-over. But politicians are only human. Hair loss has to be traumatic. Denial is natural. But I don't think any candidate oozes confidence when he has a comb-over ... and that can be a problem.

Mount St. Joseph High School: I know that you take a lot of heat for these essays, but please labor on! The issue of how those in leadership and authority positions dress is an important one. What is it about many Washington types who take it as a badge of honor to dress as frumpy and dowdy as is possible?

Robin Givhan: I don't think Washington types exactly aim to be frumpy or dowdy. I think the goal is to give the impression that they're thinking deep and powerful thoughts and so don't have time to consider their appearance. But I like to think it's possible to multi-task. Living in New York and dealing with the fashion industry, I don't know anyone who thinks politicians, candidates and leaders should dress like they've stepped off a runway. What they would like to see is people who look like they are engaged with contemporary culture, who look polished and who give the impression that they understand that their appearance is part of the whole package. Someone once said: Dressing well is good manner. I think there's some truth to that.

Fairfax, Va.: Didn't hats go out of favor because Kennedy didn't wear one? Is it possible that ties might eventually go the same way? If one of the leading male candidate would refuse to wear one, he would have my vote.

Robin Givhan: I think if one of the leading male candidates refused to wear a tie, yours might be the only vote he'd get...

Philadelphia: Robin, do you regret the article about Sen. Clinton's brief, unrepeated display of minimal cleavage? One outfit does not a trend make.

Robin Givhan: A trend? I most certainly didn't suggest that there was a Senate-based cleavage trend afoot. I don't regret the column in the least. I regret that a significant number of people don't know the difference between a conversation about a neckline and one about human anatomy.

Seattle: Do you feel that your articles add anything of substance to the political debate? If so, what? If not, shouldn't they be relegated to the arts and living section? Maybe I'm stuffy, but I think this kind of superficial reporting/opining is one of the things that's wrong with today's media.

Robin Givhan: Dear Humorless in Seattle: Are you suggesting that the arts and living section are havens for nothing but fluff? I reject that argument entirely. And yes, I do think my columns add something of substance because I believe the way people present themselves publicly can tell us something about them that their words do not: the work shirts, the flag pins, rolled-up sleeves, the bright pink jackets. People -- and not necessarily the media -- notice Romney's hair, his Central Casting looks. And yet they don't necessarily respond to that in a positive way. I think it's worth asking why. In many ways, the role of the president is wrapped in a thick blanket of symbolism. We have a vision in our head of what that looks like. And it's interesting to think about the tension between that vision and the reality. It's no substitute for stories about policy positions, profiles, etc., but I think it's fair for it to be part of the mix.

Alexandria, Va.: First I want to offer my appreciation of your writing -- I don't always agree with you, but you have a wonderful talent with words, and I usually enjoy reading whatever you write regardless of what it is. ... Back to pantsuits -- for all the things there are to criticize Hillary for, pantsuits have got to be the least of it; most professional women -- especially those of us with children -- have learned that pantsuits are just more practical. As there are so many more flattering and fashionable styles, I can't imagine why anyone would ever want to go back to a skirt suit. It's not about acting like a man, it's about looking professional and comfortable -- I can't tell you how many times I had to instruct an audience of mostly men, while giving a presentation in a skirt, that I needed their attention to rise up to my face.

Robin Givhan: Hey Alexandria, thanks a bunch. On to pantsuits ... Clinton started wearing them regularly during her last months in the White House. I think they're flattering on her, and yes, they're certainly practical and comfortable. It's not about trying to dress like a man, not really, but I think this whole campaign season has allowed the bits and pieces of gender stereotypes to come to the surface so the pants do become a bit of a metaphor for mixing it up in what Clinton described as the "all-boys club of presidential politics." What I find more fascinating than the pantsuits are the bright colors, which are such a departure from what she wore when running for the Senate.

Charleston: Ties: I like ties -- it's the only area were men can be very colorful. But I don't agree with your comment that if politicians didn't wear ties, they wouldn't get many votes. What's wrong with a sport-coat-and-shirt look?

Robin Givhan: Nothing's wrong with a sport coat and shirt other than it makes a man look like he's going out for coffee, rather than to go run a country. I'm talking perception. There's nothing wrong with khakis and a polo shirt either, but that doesn't ooze authority.

New York: I have noticed that Clinton started to wear more color during debates -- a way to stand out in the mist of all those dark suits. To what degree do you feel this helps to "soften" her image among voters?

Robin Givhan: The idea that Clinton, the only woman, needs to do anything to stand out on stage with the other candidates seems a bit of a stretch. But I do think the colors are meant to be more flattering and softer on camera.

Atlanta: I don't understand the hostility over your articles. I think you your articles bother people because "people" do not like to believe their opinions are ever based on a person's appearance. They like to think they are beyond that. However, in "political" articles I see many mentions of John Edwards' handsomeness, Fred Thompson's tall physique, Hillary Clinton's not-quite-feminine attire, Barack Obama's casual cool attire, etc. I don't understand the problem when you do it.

Robin Givhan: I'm just persecuted, I tell you! Persecuted. People respond passionately when you start talking about the choices folks make about their appearance. We like to think clothes don't matter because it seems so superficial -- or worse, I think, elitist -- but we do gather bits of intelligence about people based on their clothing choices, whether it's a young man who chooses to wear a do-rag on his head, a man who likes a three-piece suit or a woman in a micro-mini. we respond to those people in ways that are influenced by their attire. Our response could be completely wrong and once we get to know the person we see that appearances are deceiving. But we also know that first impressions matter ... hence the popularity of the "interview suit."

Washington: I think your columns about the candidates were totally humiliating to all of us as intelligent citizens. Why are we trying to elect fashionistas instead of those who are best qualified to be president? The Post made a big mistake highlighting fashion in this context.

Robin Givhan: And to the Washington representative of Mensa ... I'm not sure what gave you the impression that my goal is to suggest that people should vote for a "fashionista" -- a term I never would use, by the way. But we all know that candidates use every advantage, every gesture, every nuance to communicate their message. To suggest that their appearance doesn't matter, to suggest that candidates don't alter their attire based on their audience would be disingenuous. Clothes are just another cultural signifier -- and one worth examining.

Pin-Up Girls Making a Comback for Spring/Summer 2008

2008-01-22T14:08:00.000-06:00

For Spring/Summer 2008, fashion designers are showing a penchant for the pin-up, the retro images of seductively posed, brightly (and slightly) clad women.

Louis Vuitton is one such design house, showcasing six top supermodels in their ad campaign their Spring/Summer 2008 Collection. LV created these glamorous shots with Stephanie Seymour, Eva Herzigova, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Angela Lindvall and Natalia Vodianova.
LV Creative Director Marc Jacobs noted, “I thought the idea of hot chicks and cars was really cool - and very Richard Prince.” Jacobs collaborated with iconic artist and photographer Richard Prince for the campaign. Prince volunteered his 1970 Dodge Challenger for the shoot.

And speaking of pin-ups...

Dita Von Teese has been named as the new Wonderbra model for 2008. Along with the modeling contract, the burlesque star will also be designing her very own Lingerie collection.

Dita Von Teese is known for a New York performance that showcased her completely naked, while being suggestively covered with $ 5 Million worth of diamonds. (In complete contrast of her glamorous image, she was formerly - and famously - married to macabre rocker Marilyn Manson.)

We can expect new photos of the in the next coming weeks, as she is expected to start her photo shoots for Wonderbra in Paris. “I’ve been passionate about beautiful lingerie my entire life, so to team up with Wonderbra, a brand that is known for undergarments of exceptional quality and beauty is a great privilege for me, and I am immensely proud of the collection,” Dita said. “I really hope that with this new range I can share my passion for sensual, wearable lingerie that will add a touch of glamour to people’s everyday lives.”

Louis Vuitton bag, lingerie, or not, wouldn't YOU like to look this glamorous?...

Well, lo and behold, there are professionals here in Birmingham who can help you do just that! Enter "Birmingham Bombshells." In a downtown loft studio, contemporary Birmingham women are being transformed into pin-up girls in the style of silver-screen glamour goddesses from the ‘40s. Professional make-up artists and hairstylists are on hand to help you achieve this iconic look. (Would this be a FAB Valentine's Gift for your significant other or what???)

“Women enjoy being able to live the fantasy,” said Angela Karen, the creative photograher behind Birmingham Bombshells. “We may have to be all business at work or school, but it’s fun now and then to let the girl inside come out and play.”

One of the modern-day pinups, Susan, added, “It’s for my guy, but it’s also for me. It will also be nice to have something to look back at when I’m 93 and smile. Maybe I’ll scandalize my great grandchildren and prove to them that granny was a hottie in her day.” (Feeling
good about oneself is always chic!)

Angela says they get a lot of requests for poses made famous by classic pinups such as Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe or Rita Hayworth, "Other clients want to look glamourous, but to express their own originality. My main goal in shooting this type of portrait is to make the client feel special and beautiful, and to let them share that beauty with the people they love.”

Vintage-style pinup portraits have also been very popular among military wives. Instead of the traditional care packages, they send pinups, CDs or memory books with sultry pictures of themselves.

To learn more about Angela Karen's photography and Birmingham Bombshells, visit their website (and be sure to check out the impressive photo gallery!) at
www.birminghambombshells.com

Chic Made Simple is contemplating her own pin-up!...

Stars Won't Walk Red Carpet for 2008 Golden Globes

2008-01-07T23:46:00.000-06:00

If you were hoping for a complete critique of red-carpet fashions from this year's Golden Globe Awards (set to air this Sunday night, January 13th), don't hold your breath. The Foreign Press announced today that the normally star-studded show would be cancelled and replaced by an hour-long press conference to air on the same evening. Need I say, LAME!!! Apparently the ongoing Writer's Guild strike is causing quite a fuss, and thus the majority of the stars have, in a showing of support, refused to cross the writer's picket lines. (Now, I am told that this is more of a symbolic statement rather than, as I imagined, celebrities attempting to break through clasped hands to the sounds of, "Red Rover, Red Rover, send Brad Pitt right over!") Whatever. All I have to say is these union folks better get their acts together before the Oscars. Me, Joan and Melissa have a job to do.

Fun Fashion Event This Week!

2007-12-01T16:07:00.000-06:00

Amazing Gray...the Shade of the Season

2007-12-01T12:58:00.000-06:00

Rag & Bone

Be & D

Goldenbleu

Elie Tahari

Jimmy Choo

Stella McCartney

Juicy Couture

Red Sound

Burberry

Alexander McQueen

Brunello Cucinelli

Michael Kors

Lacoste

Tory Burch

Vince

YaYa

D & G

Diane Von Furstenberg

M Missoni

Oscar de la Renta

Nordstrom to come to Birmingham!

2007-11-30T13:39:00.001-06:00

Finally, in a press release from Nordstrom today, something definite came out of the whispers and rumors that have been swirling around Birmingham retail circles for years.

Nordstrom to Open First Alabama Store at Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham

SEATTLE, WA Nov. 30 -- Seattle-based Nordstrom, Inc., a leading fashion specialty retailer, announced it has signed a letter of intent to open a new Nordstrom store at Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham. The two-level Nordstrom will be approximately 143,000 square feet and will open in the former Macy's location. Scheduled to open spring 2012, the new Nordstrom will be the retailer's first Alabama store.

"We've been looking for the right opportunity to open a store in the Birmingham area for years," said Erik Nordstrom, president of stores for Nordstrom. "We're eager to serve Alabama customers who already know us and to build relationships with those who are experiencing Nordstrom for the first time."

"Nordstrom sets the standard for retail excellence, something our shoppers have come to expect from GGP and Riverchase Galleria," said Bob Michaels, president and chief operating officer of General Growth Properties, Inc. "This is a great opportunity to continue providing an unparalleled line-up of retail for the Birmingham shopper. Nordstrom's commitment to outstanding merchandise and superior customer service will be a perfect complement to the existing department stores."

"Riverchase Galleria is the premiere super-regional shopping center in the southeast," said Jim Wilson, III, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC. "We continue to seek out and attract the most stellar tenants in the country and this is the case with Nordstrom, one of the leading fashion specialty retailers in the United States. My father, Jim Wilson, Jr., had the vision to bring Nordstrom to the Riverchase Galleria and for the past seven years, up until his death in 2006, worked toward that goal. We are excited to see his dream come to fruition with the announcement of Nordstrom joining the Riverchase lineup. Nordstrom's presence will be a shopping boon to the City of Hoover, the Birmingham area and the entire Alabama market."

Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 157 stores located in 28 states. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 101 full-line stores, 51 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques, one freestanding shoe store and two clearance stores.

OK, so it's not opening until 2012, but no doubt it will be worth the wait! Word is that the reason construction will take so long is that the area surrounding the site will be totally redone to create a streetscape shopping experience.

Let's Hear It For The Boys

2007-11-30T11:10:00.002-06:00

What a week for the boys! Last night's Project Runway was all about menswear, challenging the designers to create an outfit for football player turned Today Show co-host Tiki Barber. The designers, who are all accustomed to designing solely for women, found the intricacies of menswear quite taxing!

Also, this week's Birmingham Weekly (Vol.11, Issue14), features an article on holiday dressing for men. The article just happens to include expert advice from...yours truly. If you haven't yet picked up your copy from one of the many distribution locations, you can read the article online at

http://www.bhamweekly.com/archive_article.php?article_id=552&issue_id=88&vol=11#article

As always, if any of you men (or women, of course) have questions about holiday dressing or any other style issue, send me a line at tracy@chicmadesimple.com.

No more V.B.S. (Visible Bra Strap)!

2007-11-14T15:13:00.000-06:00

OK, men, this particular post is not for you (unless you wear a "Bro" a la Seinfeld).

Ladies, how many times do you find yourself wearing a sleeveless shirt and finding yourself constantly re-hiding your bra straps? And trust me, no matter how much celebrities like Britney Spears and Tara Reid try to make us think it is fashionable to have a hot pink bra strap showing, it isn't - it's trashy! (I mean, what image comes to mind when you think of the formentioned women? Need I say more?) OR, maybe you, as I have, relegated yourself to wearing a strapless bra with your sleeveless numbers, only to find yourself uncomfortable and, frankly, a bit saggy. Racerback bras just don't offer the "support" (a.k.a., padding and push-up to make my barely-B look like a full-C) I need. I tried using a large safety pin to connect bra straps in the back, which led to painful and embarrasing outbursts when the pin decided to come undone.

Alas, "The Strapper" to the rescue! Looking a bit like a curved "H," The Strapper easily converts a regular bra into a racerback, making it perfect for tanks, cocktail dresses, workout wear, etc. Available via http://www.thestrapper.com/estrapper.com/, the gadget comes in various colors and 2 sizes (I recommend the one-size-fits-all Large for everyone), retailing for $5.99 for a single and less for packages of multiples. OK, so the website video of women dancing for joy about their Strappers is a bit goofy, but the product is indeed a handy tool to fix a serious wardrobe issue and might just make you do a little jig as well.

Even better, with every sale of The Strapper, a portion of the proceeds goes to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to support cancer research. That's what I call a win-win!