Carrie Underwood's CMA Style - Hit or Miss?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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...

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

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