What's Out: The All Day Workout Look

WORDS  Chandler Hines

Closet Invasion: Take Two

Before we get started I must confess: I’m probably going to offend some of you.
I will be the first to say that I love those body flattering Lululemon outfits you’ve spent a fortune on, but wearing them all day everyday is just not cute. There is a time and place for those comfy duds, but come on ladies, let’s show how sexy you really are by putting the workout gear away when you’re done actually working out!

I invaded my sister Lucie’s closet recently, and let me just say that I had to give her this same lecture. However, once I got my hands on her clothes and rearranged things a little... well, ok a lot, I found some really good stuff!

If you are like Lucie, with two rug-rats constantly pulling jewelry, shoes, and dresses out for play, then you understand her dilemma. Just keeping a clean closet can be frustrating so I came in to rescue her pretty things from a life of sticky fingers.

First, I took everything off of the hangers, turned them right side out, and hung them back in order of color and sleeve length. Even the jeans are all on the same row and color coded. This makes a closet so much more fun to keep up because it looks pretty. I
challenge you to do the same. Take a few hours, if you can find them, and pull everything out, toss the bad and rearrange the good. Sometimes just seeing an old dress hanging in a different spot can make it look new.

Or maybe you need an honest opinion to tell you that dress is not going to look good no matter where it hangs. Sorry, but it needs to be said! Don’t hold on to ugly clothes because you think “oh, it’s just for work” or “maybe I can wear that later.” Ugly is ugly and even I can’t help those unfortunate clothes. I’m all about giving them a second chance and reinventing the way they are worn, but if it doesn’t work, then pass it on to someone that needs it more than you.
Another key to a happy closet is matching, skinny velvet hangers. You can find them anywhere from Costco to TJ Maxx. They are super helpful when trying to save space.... trust me. And, they keep your clothes from constantly slipping off which saves them from the already mentioned “sticky fingers.” Take pride in your clothes and remember to wear what makes you feel good. Now go, start cleaning out, but don’t give away everything just yet! I have a plan for next month that I think you (and your frugal husbands) will really enjoy.

50 Shades of Orchid

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Closet Invasion

WORDS  Chandler Hines

It’s a new year and there are resolutions to work on.
Let me guess: You want to start fresh, lose weight, find a new job, keep that job, find a man, dump him and find a better man, maintain goals, and be your most fabulous. Well, I’ve got an idea, but it may scare some of you.
Dig deep into that closet of yours and be honest about what you see! You probably have a couple of shirts or pants that haven’t been worn in a while. Take a closer look and ask yourself why you’re still holding on to them. Maybe they’re your “skinny” pants and this is the year they make a comeback. Or, maybe they are just out of style and you need someone like me to help you get rid of them. Whatever the reason, it’s time to do a little pre-spring cleaning!
I helped a friend out recently and the results were quite refreshing! You may even realize that some of the old stuff you’re hoarding can be used in new and multiple ways. So roll up your sleeves and get busy because this is the time to donate the items you don’t need anymore or dust off those shoes you keep saying you’re gonna wear. Don’t be afraid to get honest opinions from your friends.....or from me! I’m not saying this won’t hurt a little, but the worst that can happen is parting with a few items and helping someone else out that might need them more than you.
Now that you’ve gotten my lecture, I want to show you something I like to call “Closet Invasions.” A few brave ladies have agreed to let me come in and shake things up! Not only do I show them what to part with, but we “play” in the clothes and figure out a few ways they can be worn.  For example, that cute mini dress you’ve been holding on to can be tucked into some skinny jeans as a fab new blouse!  Or, that blouse you can’t figure out what to wear with can simply be unbuttoned and voila!...You have a new cardi to wear over a strapless dress for work or play.
As an incentive to get those closets in order, Elizabeth Mazyck agreed to let me in her fabulous closet, so I can show you what an organized closet can look like. Once I asked her if I could move in, we decided the invasion was over…
For more on Chandler’s Closet Invasion including a full photo gallery,
visit www.daretowearcsh.blogspot.com

High Style, Low Prices: What I Found at Goodwill

WORDS and PHOTO Chandler Hines

David Bowie wrote a song about it. Beautiful girls have made a career out of it. Countless magazines cover it. 

Fashion. For me, it’s like beautiful silk stiletto couture pornography. Yup, I said it. It’s my purple silk pleated maxi skirt... with pockets! I, like most women, love shopping and collecting beautiful clothes; however, this can get a little costly. But how are we expected to keep up with the latest trends without spending all of the money our husbands don’t know we have in a separate account?

That’s where I come in the picture. I collect clothes like an art collector hoards paintings, all without spending a fortune. I love finding great deals and never pay full price. At least that’s what I tell my husband. Other than shopping online, finding deals can be challenging unless you know where to go. 

Recently, I found some gems at our local Goodwill store. We’re talking fur coats, silk blouses, leather handbags, and metallic shoes. All for less than I care to say! It was so much fun exploring the store and its hidden treasures, and knowing that we are helping others by shopping at (and donating to) Goodwill makes it even more worthwhile.

Goodwill stores are located at 900 Air Base Blvd. and 5326 Atlanta Highway. Follow Chandler’s blog at www.daretowearcsh.blogspot.com

Montgomery Street Style

Top Left. Christian Kerr

Floral button-ups and brightly colored socks. 

Top Right. Haden Brightwell

Crop tops and maxi skirts are a must! Color blocking with any pastel or bold color can work with this duo. 

Top Left. Lindsey Littlefield

My old boots that I’ve resoled and revived. Or pretty floral prints in small doses.

Top Right. Will Abner

I definitely need a good straw hat for when it gets nice and hot. Couple that with some 

cut-off shorts and I’m ready for anything.

Market Scene: Huetopia and Spring Fashion Trends

Spring Style Trends
By Heather Steen

There's something about Spring that screams get outside and play!  Doesn’t matter what your age or definition of “play” is, Spring hosts all activities you've been longing to do since that cold breeze first made you shiver last Fall.

hue studio inc saw the need to break out of the store again and show Montgomery the newest trends for Spring!  And we're not talking that outdated rumor that Alabama is at least 5 years behind in everything. hue delivered the NYC runway looks and trends for the season. 

hue studio inc, The Locker Room, Amplify, Bella, Montgomery Aesthetics, Pine Bar, True, Matter, Christine’s Feathered Nest and Nancy’s Italian Ice all came together to present Montgomery with the latest in clothing, hair, makeup, cocktails, and food.  Local designer and “MAKER” Jenny Johnson Lockhart and her husband Bill joined as event emcees.

So what’s on Trend for Spring 2013?

Women:
• Anything and Everything Floral
• Printed Pants: the crazier the better
• Hi/Low dresses skirts, and tops
• Accessories - anything in Mint or Coral

Men:
• Linen and Cotton blends for a more casual look
• 5 Pocket pants that mimic a jean fit
• "Spectators” Suede Loafers
• Fun with Shirts – think Mint, Peach and Coral and pastels in a stripe or gingham pattern

Hair:
• Textured waves of the 40’s meet natural looks of the 70’s this spring. Volume is back, big Bridget Bardot hair is hot!
• Ponytails are not just for the gym this season and a great alternative for those days when you don’t wash your hair
• Ombré and "bronde" are the colors du jour, again going for the 70’s natural look… Translation: "bronde" – brown meets blonde, "ombre" - French for "shaded like a gradient." I.e., reverse roots are hip….

Makeup:
Glossy Lips and Bronze Cream for fresh flawless skin! Go bright with eyeshadow (Studio 54 style) with Emerald and Maritime Blue

Cocktail Trend :
Pine Bar's “Vino To Go” glass - the “Must-Have” take home accessory for the Summer!

Food Trends:
 TRUE created all that's fresh and local for Spring! Think ripe strawberries (Strawberry Shortcake), spicy arugula and fresh herbs (Spring Salads), Alabama pork and lamb (Pulled Pork Dogs and Lamb Burgers) and Gulf Snapper.
 

Next huetopia show: Fall Fashion 2013: September 13th on Commerce Street. A Made Feature Event…Stay Tuned.