Great stylists think alike? One of my favorite dresses I selected for a client in early Spring (Feb) was the long floral silk "Triss" dress by alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet, which she wore to her brother's Rehearsal Dinner. Thus I was amused to see Revenge's Emily Thorne wearing the dress in an April episosde. Then, tonight, Haley wore the dress to Cam & Mitchell's wedding on the Modern Family season finale! Take a look a the picture to see the slightly different ways the dresses were styled for each character - see if you notice the slight alteration on Haley's dress.
Chic Images
Often I find style inspiration in everyday life - whether the color of lush green trees or texture of sand on the beach. In Chic Images, I will share these inspirations with you. Here, examples of fashion throughout history, as viewed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and Marksburg Castle in Germany.
Top row & middle left, both Vermeer and Rembrandt included some of the elaborate ensembles of the time in their paintings. The rest of the pictures show actual clothing items on display in the Rijksmuseum, including, on the right, one of Yves Saint Laurent's classic shift dresses.
At top: intricate hair clips (waaaayyy before the Batman symbol was conceptualized); Middle row: before hipsters adopted them, Dutch shipyard workers donned knit toboggans. The rest of the photos show knight's armor throughout the ages, including the original gladiator sandal.
Chic Travel
As promised, a report on my "11 Days in Europe in 1 (Carry On!) Suitcase." (OK, and I took a carry on bag for toiletries, etc. But still! I was so impressed with myself I even took a picture of my luggage in the trunk.) In the end, very pleased with what I took, and I'm proud to report I wore every single item I packed. XL Ziplock Bags allowed me to not only keep my suitcase organized, but flatten out the bulk.
With the weather being in the low 40's in the morning and often getting up to the upper 60's in late afternoon, layers were crucial; I began each day with a jacket. Thanks to the scarves, I mixed and matched my outfits with 9 tops and 4 pair of pants. I toiled about what shoes to pack, as this petite gal has to have at least a bit of a heel, cobblestone streets or not! Indeed we did walk a ton (some days up to 10 miles according to the Fitbit!), and fortunately the shoes I chose did me right. My one pair of heels coordinated with all 3 dresses I took for dressier dinners.
Here's the low down:
Clothing items packed:
Nikibiki Microfiber Tanks: nude, black, grey
2 Nikibiki Microfiber Second Skin Long Sleeve Tops: ivory, black
9 tops
3 dresses
4 pair skinny pants -
- BCBG black
- Lysee brown
- Lysee heather grey
- Seven for All Mankind Tan
3 pair shoes -
- Bernie Mev Black “Lulia” wedges
- BC footwear tan clogs
6 printed infinity scarves
2 lightweight jackets -
- Laundry by Shelli Segal black 3/4 length water resistant hooded jacket
- Calvin Klein tan reversible (water resistant on one side) jacket with removable hood
1 Hammitt metallic crossbody bag
Client Comment
This morning's text from a mother-of-the-groom client for whom I have been helping dress for wedding events absolutely made my day!! "You would not believe how good I felt about my outfit Saturday. I have ALWAYS been so self conscious about how I look but your assistance has helped me feel so much better! I hope to keep working with you on the rest of my closet. Thank you sooo much."
Chic Travel
I help many clients pack for trips, so it was truly a case of "the cobbler's children have no shoes" when I realized I had no clue what I was going to pack for MY upcoming 2 week trip to Europe. For one, I wear dresses and heels/tall wedges the majority of the time, not sensible walking shoes! Let me note that my travel companion, an airline pilot, has requested we carry on our bags, which limits me to one suitcase and a small duffle. So my quest has begun to become "perfectly packed" for this vacation! My first acquisitions? 6 infinity scarves to mix and match with my outfits in lieu of a lot of jewelry. Next, a crossbody bag in a great neutral, sized to hold basic necessities like my iPhone and passport. So I'm off to a decent start....stay tuned for more of "11 Days in Europe in one (Carry On) Suitcase."
Von Maur's 3 walls of scarves in the Junior Department, ranging in price from $8-$16.
Hammitt crossbody bag in a taupe with a slight metallic sheen. From Gus Mayer.
Internship Posting
Seeking a Summer Intern, age 18 and up, to begin June 16th, ending August 15th. Weekly hours will vary, some weekend work required. Possible travel (expenses paid). Internship is unpaid, for course credit or experience only. Tasks to include assisting Tracy with clients (shopping & closet revamps), fashion editorials, on photo shoots, at style seminars and Fashion Camp (7/14-8/8). Fashion experience and writing skills preferred. If interested and for more information, please send an email to tracy@chicmadesimple.com with "Internship" in the subject line.
Look Grand for Less
Each month I style and write a one-page editorial piece for The Outlet Shops of Grand River (OSGR) that appears in the first few pages of B-Metro Magazine. For the promotion, OSGR selects a lucky Birminghamian to receive a generous $250 gift card to spend however they need - we've had moms buy children's clothes and birthday gifts, career women buy office appropriate attire and aspiring fashionistas select the latest trends. So what a fun surprise and treat it was when OSGR gifted me the opportunity, challenging me to focus on the best Spring accessories. Check out my stylish loot!
Style Service: Sorority Rush Readiness
One of my favorite tasks each summer is helping college bound girls prepare for Sorority Recruitment. In addition to selecting the right wardrobe and deciding what to wear on which day, I assist these rising freshmen ladies on proper footwear, accessorizing, and hair & makeup, as well as advice on what to carry from house to house (a Rush "emergency kit," if you will). My goal for each and every girl I help guide through Rush is to make sure she is prepared and confident so she can let her true self shine! Email me at tracy@chicmadesimple.com to learn more or get on the schedule for a consultation.
Style Blueprint Event Thursday night honoring "Faces of Birmingham"
Hope you will join me this Thursday night at an event hosted by Gus Mayer and StyleBlueprint Birmingham, celebrating Style Blueprint's "Faces of Birmingham," of which I am honored to be one! From 5:30-8:00pm at Gus Mayer, enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres & tax free shopping.
And, OK, I should mention that there's something in it for me too - the 'Face of Birmingham' with the most attendees will receive $500 to their charity of choice (as well a dinner for 2 to FOODBAR in Cahaba Heights)! So stop by if you can to browse & show your support!
PS: Clients, I will be offering complimentary style advice during the party should you need it while shopping!
Chic Deal!
Right now the J.Crew Factory Store has their classic Clare cardigan (regularly $54.50) 60% off. Available in a variety of colors and patterns fresh for Spring, the Clare cardigan has flattering and practical three-quarter sleeves, and enough stretch to hold it's shape. Perfect over a sundress or as a suit jacket alternative at the office. TIP: I always advise my clients to buy their cardigans at least once size smaller than they would normally wear. Why? We're really not wearing our cardigans closed anymore (a la twinsets back in the day), but rather just as an arm covering, so there is no reason it needs to be able to button. Plus, you want a fitted silhouette that hits above the hip, which makes cardigans work over dresses and prevents a matronly or "librarian" look.
Save the Date for Fashion Camp Summer 2014!
SAVE THE DATE and mark your calendars now!
The ORIGINAL Fashion Camp with Fashion Stylist Tracy James of ChicMadeSimple
"Because confidence never goes out of style."
2014 Back to School Edition
Where: Brookwood Village
When: July 14-Aug 8 (see class breakdown below)
Time: 9:30am-2:00pm each day
Cost: $65 per child, per day (includes etiquette lunch & $10 gift card)
Ages: 5-15
When I started Fashion Camp 6 years ago, my goal was to create a fun, activity-filled day camp in which young girls could learn about - first and foremost - the importance of individuality, healthy self-expression, positive self-image, and grace... along with practical lessons on coordinating, wardrobing, accessorizing, deciphering and communicating style likes/dislikes, and manners....just to name a few! I am extremely passionate about relaying to young girls the message that style doesn't come in a particular size or shape, or at any specific price point, but rather that their uniqueness is what makes them the most beautiful. After 4 years at The Summit and 1 year at The Shops of Grand River, last year I took Fashion Camp to Brookwood Village for a late-summer, Back to School edition of Fashion Camp, and it was a perfect fit. I hope your child will join me this summer for this fun learning experience that has become a favorite of so many.
Fashion Camp is intended as a day camp, with 2 different agendas from which to choose. Girls may attend one or both days, and these days do not have to be consecutive. Class breakdown is as follows. Specific activity agendas and registration form coming very soon! (You will receive via email.)
□ Age 5-7, Agenda A: 7/14, 7/28, & 8/6
□ Age 5-7, Agenda B: 7/21 & 7/29
□ Age 8-9, Agenda A: 7/15, 7/22, 7/30 & 8/7
□ Age 8-9, Agenda B: 7/16, 7/23 & 7/31
□ Age 10-12, Agenda A: 7/17, 7/24, 8/1 & 8/8
□ Age 10-12, Agenda B: 7/18, 7/25 & 8/4
□ Age 13-15: 8/5
5 Spring Trends: From Runway to Reality
Check out my latest article in StyleBlueprint!
B-Metro Magazine: Social Media Broadcast: Salon Suites
Tonight I was part of a Social Media Broadcast led by B-Metro Magazine at the Grand Opening of the Salon Suites at The Colonnade in Birmingham. You may have caught some of my Facebook posts and Tweets during the live blogging event - we bloggers were furiously transmitting info about the event in real time. (This genius concept is the brainchild of B-Metro's Cathy Fingerman.)
What a cool concept Salon Suites is! The large, beautiful space houses separate suites that beauty professionals can completely decorate and personalize to their own aesthetic. Whether a hairstylist, masseuse, aesthetician, manicurist, etc., one can become an independent salon owner for as little as $190 a week! Until the end of the month, Salon Suites is offering incentives for potential salon owners:
- Salon owners who sign a lease by 3/31 receive 1 month free rent for their salon
- New salon owners receive $200 worth of the product line of their choice with which to stock their salon
At tonight's event, Mayor William Bell did the ribbon cutting honors and commented on what an amazing opportunity Salon Suites provided those wanting to be small business owners.
As for the clientele, seeing a beauty professional at Salon Suites provides a private atmosphere, especially ideal for those who aren't crazy about the hustle and bustle of a large salon. Guests at tonight's open house enjoyed complementary wine, hors d'oeuvres from Asian Rim and desserts from Edgar's Bakery, as well as swag bags and tons of door prizes, some valued over $400.
A Salon Suites is already in operation at Bazaar 280 and a Vestavia Hills location is under construction.
Chic Pick
Following Spring's pastel trend, French fashion house Balenciaga reworks their classic glove leather wedge sandal with a lavender-tinted grey heel, elasticized straps and ayers snakeskin accents. And instantly it becomes the kind of shoe that can make an outfit.
Have Style Needs? Will Travel...
What a pleasure to be in Shreveport, Louisiana this past week, delivering a Professional Dress Style Seminar to and having one-on one mini sessions with Ameriprise Financial employees.
In addition, I was able to assist a few individual clients with their closets and wardrobes, shopping for them at local boutiques. As a result, I had the privilege of meeting some of the friendly residents of Shreveport. At both John Pickens Clothiers and Knox Goodman's Boutique I was well taken care of by the stores' namesakes themselves. Elegantly appointed Knox greeted me at the front door with "May we help you find something fabulous today?" and showed me a multitude of dresses she deemed suitable for "dinin', dancin', drinkin' and prayin'." Her store's motto, "Beautiful clothes for beautiful women," certainly rang true in not only her inventory (which includes Yoana Barachi, Tracy Reese, and Alexis Bittar jewelry) but also in the graciousness of her staff. John Pickens (who carries lines including Robert Talbott, AG Adriano Goldschmied, and Hickey Freeman met my every need with gentlemanly flourish, including helping me custom order several items for my client.
Having worked with retailers for the past 14 years, it is wonderful to come across those who understand the value and purpose of a personal shopper/stylist and who seek to make my job easier, resulting in a win-win for both of us in the form of a pleased client! These retailers represent what all boutiques used to and still should be. I look forward to returning to this Louisiana city in the fall for another round.
Knox Goodman has been in business for 30 years
You're rarely a stranger in John Pickens' Clothier, but if you enter as one, you certainly won't leave as one.
I'm a fan of Strong Suit, a men's apparel purveyor based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Custom tailored suits and sportcoats at an exceptionally reasonable price, available at John Pickens.
Chic Quip
Leading Ladies
Fashion marketing and PR agency MediaRun Digital have trawled through the archives and managed to turn every dress worn by a woman accepting the Academy Award for Best Actress into the one amazing infographic. Tune in Sunday, March 2 to the 86th Academy Awards to see which actress' frock will join this historic image. (ChicMadeSimple's prediction: Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine)
Chic Tip
Other than the fact you're not supposed to eat it (has it ever actually occurred to anyone to do so?), what do you know about silica gel? We're usually instructed to throw away these little packets we find in the pockets of new clothing, vitamins, and beef jerky. Silica gel is a "desiccant" (fancy word of the day), or moisture removing agent (ever used Damp Rid products and wondered what those little crystals are?) Thus these packets can be quite handy in a number of ways, especially in the humid South. Pop a few in your jewelry box to impede sterling silver from tarnishing and costume jewelry from turning.
Chic Quip
10 Commandments of Men's Style
1. Thou shalt own several good dress shirts and wear hem often (whether you’re wearing a tie or not!)
1. Thou shalt own several good dress shirts and wear hem often (whether you’re wearing a tie or not!)
2. Honor thy tailor. (VERY few men can wear clothes straight off the rack.)
3. Thou shalt invest in the right timepiece. (And not wear to the office the one you wear to the gym.)
4. Thou shalt take care of your clothes.
5. Thou shalt coordinate your socks with your pants. (No, black socks do NOT "go with everything.")
6. Thou shalt put your wallet on a diet. (Don't be George Costanza.)
7. Thou shalt know how to chose a pair of pants: cuff vs. no cuff, pleats vs. flat front.
Before
After
Before
8. Thou shalt wear clothes that fit properly.
After
9. Thou shalt wear (polished!) brown shoes - with almost; everything.
10. Thou shalt wear sneakers made for a man (not an athlete, unless playing a sport).