Here are the tricks of the trade to actually enjoying your business wardrobe!

Hope this video is helpful & if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions make sure to leave me a comment below! Merci!

p.s. Thanks again to my fabulous friend Kendall Chew of Southern Storyboard for creating my video!  Haha you perfectly captured my excessive use of my hands when talking…you can obviously tell I’m very excited about looking chic at work

Browse thru my best & worst picks & let me know which dresses you are still talking about, both the fabulous & the horrid…

BEST:

Anna Paquin in Alexander McQueen with Stephen Moyer.  Love her, love him, love True Blood, love Alexander McQueen.  Obviously my favorite look of the night.  Enough said.

Claire Danes in Giorgio Armani Prive.  I adore some sparkle when it is done correctly (aka no pageant dresses), and Claire mastered it in this Armani gown.

Toni Colette in Valentino with a Judith Leiber clutch.  A different look for an award show but I feel it worked thanks to the subdued color palette.  Digital prints have been highlighted in all the fashion magazines lately and United States of Tara star did this trend right!

Rose Byrne in Gucci.  Although Rose was criticized for her ‘frizzy’ hair & I think she looks waaaay too thin… all that aside, her Gucci goddess-inspired dress was absolutely breathtaking.  Her accessories were just right too for this dress, not too chunky or dainty… props to her stylist!

January Jones in Atelier Versace with Miu Miu shoes.  Mad Men star January Jones caused quite a stir with this vibrant blue scale-like dress.  I personally think it is UNBELIEVABLE!  The color pops against her blond hair & fair skin, and the architectural nature of the dress is so unique & buzz-worthy!

All 3 Mad Men women look divine…no wonder they won for the 3rd year in a row! (from left to right: January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Christina Hendricks)

Kyra Sedgwick in Monique Lhuillier.  I’ve never thought of Kyra as a style icon but she truly put her name on the style star list last night.  The rich wine color of the dress, along with her flowing locks looked divine!!  This burgundy color is quite on trend for fall & Kyra did it just right with a similar hued clutch & a great big cocktail ring.

WORST:

Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera.  The Glee cast member looked like she was wearing an antebellum dress made from curtains.  Painful.  She’s young, talented, and pretty why make yourself look like a funeral parlor?!

Kerri Russell in vintage Scherrer from Decades.  Ok this dress would be absolutely fabulous & perfect for a fun night out or to a summer daytime wedding…but not the Emmys!  Although Kerri was just a presenter she should have stepped it up a notch with a more formal gown.  And a bra would have been nice too, just sayin’.

Heidi Klum in Marchesa.  Yes Heidi you have a rockin’ body but you don’t allllwaaays have to wear a dress the size of a band-aid.  And that crafty looking necklace with the embellished dress, no m’am.  Oh & please have your hair dresser make your color less streaky.  Thanks.

Stephanie Pratt.  Someone didn’t get the memo that Jersey Shore star Snooki’s bump-it hair is not ‘of the moment’.  She looks ready to go clubbing, not to the Emmys.

Rita Wilson in Prada.  Every time Rita, every time.  I love Prada & I love Tom Hanks but I do not love chandelier looking Prada from head to toe.  She needs a fabulous feminine gown; please Rita, call Donna Karan or Vera Wang for a dress next year.

Jane Lynch in Ali Rahimi.  Jane you are a hilarious award winning actress, pay for a decent stylist.  The purple ombre dress looks like material from a very bad 1985 prom dress.  I will say I do like the asymmetric neckline, baby steps

Naya Rivera of Glee. The hair.  The scary shiny turquoise pouf.  I have no words.

All images courtesy of style.com & wwd.com

When I lived in NYC, my always ‘in the know’ friend Liz introduced me to Lykke Li’s album Youth Novels & immediately I was in love.  The Swedish style star screams architectural Norwegian with her wardrobe full of black sculpted coats, platform wedge boots, and layers upon layers of jewelry.  And of course it helps that her platinum blond hair swings about as she rocks out on stage or is perfectly messy on top of her head.  All in all Lykke Li can do no wrong.

Breathtaking, right?!?!  Argentinean designer Gustavo Cadile creates works of art that engulf and enhance the female form.  He dresses everyone from Jessica Simpson to Eva Longoria Parker to Queen Latifa, and he’s coming to Birmingham!

To find out more about Cadile and his alluringly beautiful gowns AND about his upcoming visit to Bham…

Make sure to check out my Birmingham Magazine Style Sheet blog.

I frequently get questions asking what exactly I do… how I started Southern Femme…and of course whhhhhy would you want to move back to Birmingham after living in NYC?!

So my wonderful friend & the fabulous filmmaker of Southern Storyboard, Kendall Chew sat down with me and got me to dish it all!  I hope you enjoy this video!

AND I am turning this into a regular video series soooooo if you have a thought on a fashion ‘how to’ video you’d like me to do, make sure to leave a comment below

Have you ever had a shopping day where you come home & realize all of your purchases have a common theme?!  Haha well I definitely did yesterday!  When out & about pulling clothes for the September issue of Birmingham Magazine, I discovered terrific fall pieces for the menswear Style Sheet shoot- BUT I also purchased a few little treasures for myself…all in the coral color family!

At J.Crew at The Summit I came across this delightful Essie nail polish in Chubby Cheeks.  If you’ve ever seen my bathroom counter you’ll know I’m a bit of a nail polish fiend, so I just haaaaad to purchase the burnt orange meets coral nail color!

Then when my intern Erika & I checked out Zoe’s Consignment Boutique in Forest Park, I stumbled upon this great vintage Anne Klein rich coral blouse…I was thrilled to find this shirt for $18 that looked EXACTLY like the more pricey Equipment brand blouses that I’ve been vying for recently!

So moral of this shopping story: Coral, orange, yellow, and similar shades are an important color story for both now & for fall!!  Time to start shopping

Wearing my pinky coral Anne Klein blouse with my Marc by Marc Jacobs denim skirt, Argentinean leopard print wedges, black shagreen cuff, & vintage Stephen Dweck bracelets.

J’adore….Essie nail polish in Chubby Cheeks.

So I asked my ultra creative intern, Erika to take a stab at a blog post.  She majored in Textile & Apparel Design at the University of Alabama & thus created a few textiles below inspired by one of the most important trends this fall: Utility Chic.

The military trend is definitely my favorite look for Autumn!  I love the strong, masculine designs that are flattering to the female figure.

I was inspired by this trend to create textile designs that compliment this style.  I used a chevron military patch as my inspiration and went from there to create a of couple designs.

Balmain

Anna Sui

Burberry Prorsum

Rag & Bone

Textile designs by Erika Johnston

Here are a few items to help you get the perfect ‘utility chic’ look:

J Brand Cargo Skinny Pants

Son of John Sequin Pocket Military Shirt

Pelle Moda Lace Up Booties and many more…

Megan’s Loves…

One.

Grunge is alive & well.  It is obvious Courtney Love was channeled when Topshop’s NEW Fall Collection (see look above) was designed!  Love the feminine lace dress paired with the rough & ready boots.

Daisy Lowe (below) is already ahead of the trend this summer…Fun fact I just discovered that Daisy is the daughter of Bush frontman & Gwen Stefani’s husband, Gavin Rossdale!  No wonder she is lovin’ some grunge, probably raided her dad’s closet!

Image from fashionsquad.com

Two.

Atelier Minyon has many, many, many breathtakingly beautiful & bad ass pieces in their Fall 2010 collection.  But out of all the pieces this skull ring just spoke to me.  Maybe because ever since I went through my ‘emo/punk’ phase in high school I’ve loved me some skulls, of course only happy skulls  And the best part you can scout of the latest Atelier Minyon pieces at Etc. in Mountain Brook Village!

Three.

I’m in the process of moving into my own condo/decorating my first permanent place! YAY!  But that being said I’ve been scouring these design blogs my fab friend Sarah at Coastal Living shared with me (Decor 8 & Apartment Therapy ) along with antique shops everywhere I go…

I found this framed vintage calendar today at an antique shop in Highlands, North Carolina.  Isn’t is sexy yet sweet??

Four.

Right now I’m working on getting together menswear looks for a photo shoot I’m styling for NYC photographer Stephen DeVries.  I came across these images & fell in love.  Aren’t his glasses terrific?? As well as his conservative button up with tattoos peaking out. LOVE.

And this is just too nerd chic cute for words!  Patterned socks, yes please!

Five.

I recently saw for the second time Nashville lyrical & piano playin’ genius, Brooke Waggoner perform at Bottletree.  I recommend you listen to her songs ‘Go Easy Little Doves’, ‘Hush if you Must’, and the passionate ‘I am Mine’.  I promise you will not be disappointed!

For more… http://www.brookewaggoner.com (check out her audio player)

Chelsey’s Loves…

One.

Ever since Chelsey saw these Swedish Hasbeens High Heeled Jodhpur boots on Sarah Jessica Parker the rest was history, she had to purchase them!  I think her love for them probably stemmed from the fact that they look like her favorite shoe in the entire world: the clog!

Two.

I concur with this one!  The other night the fam sat down & watched the movie Pirate Radio.  Needless to say every amazing rock ‘n roll song from ‘Crimson & Clover’ to ‘Ziggy Stardust’ is on the Pirate Radio Soundtrack.  An absolute must have!

Three.

The Mara Hoffman Fall 2010 Collection.  The colors, the patterns, the cool styles make Mara Hoffman a necessity for any true fashionista!  The line is carried exclusively at Swank in Mountain Brook Village!  Go visit Chelsey at Swank this summer, she’ll be happy to help ya!

Four.

Ummm yum. SweeTreats.  I also agree with this one!  This ice cream & yogurt shop in Highlands, NC is divine.  It puts Yogurt Mountain, Yogurtland, & even TCBY to shame with their delectable toppings mixed into their creamy sweet ice cream or yogurt!  We definitely went twice over the course of a week while in Highlands, come on we couldn’t resist!

Five.

Another one of Chels’ fall fashion obsessions, the fur vest.  Seen here on the celeb stylist, Rachel Zoe.  Chelsey has been coveting my Joie rabbit fur vest since I bought it at Saks a few years ago…now it’s her turn to sport this cozy trend!  (secret: I heard Laura Kathryn boutique in Crestline Village was getting in some fur vests for fall!)

Thanks for letting us share our loves!  Chels & I would both LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear what you are obsessing over right now…so comment away!

Look One ‘Nerdy Chic’: So if you are a true Southern Homme then you’ve already been sporting the khakis, driving mocs, & pink button up  this summer.  Now for transitioning your summer staples into fall throw on a fitted sweater & cuff those khakis…trust me on the cuffing, it is EVERYWHERE, in the magazines, runway shows, fashion blogs…

How to get this look:

-BDG gingham checked fitted cardigan from Urban Outfitters; Banana Republic pink button up, Kenneth Cole silver cuff links, Ben Sherman reversible brown/black belt, Standard Cloth chino from Urban Outfitters, Frye brown leather driving moccasin, Tiffany silver ring, Ray Ban glasses. (click on highlighted words for more clothing options & looks!)

Look Two ‘East Coast Prep’: Barett is looking quite prepster but with a Martha’s Vineyard twist.  A dark hued polo is the perfect way to transition your linen pinstriped pants into early fall.  Loving the raffia belt as a laid back alternative to a leather belt.

How to get this look:

-BDG blue & white pinstriped linen pants from Urban Outfitters; Scotch & Soda navy polo; khaki raffia belt. (click on highlighted words for more clothing options & looks!)

Look Three ‘Indie Business Casual’: I adore Barett’s bicycle shirt..not only are the bicycles absolutely quirky but also it a great alternative to those obnoxious ‘critter pants’ as I call them (you know what I’m talking about, really do you need little whales all over your pants?!).  But paired with a vintage tie, gray jeans, & driving mocs, this look could easily take you from work to the bar.  Plus gotta love the color palette of gray, shades of blue, & burgundy!

How to get this look:

-Standard Cloth gray jeans from Urban Outfitters; BDG bicycle button up from Urban Outfitters; vintage burgundy tie; Frye driving moc; Ben Sherman leather belt. (click on highlighted words for more clothing options & looks!)

Look Four ‘Modern Day Mad Men’: Channeling a little Don Draper is always in style, especially when modernized with a tonal color palette & cuffed fitted jeans.

How to get this look:

-Standard Cloth gray fitted jeans from Urban Outfitters; Gap white linen button up; American Eagle gray pinstripe vest; Ben Sherman belt; Frye driving mocs; vintage pink striped tie. (click on highlighted words for more clothing options & looks!)

Look Five ‘Laid back Hipster’: For those casual early fall days throw on something comfortable & easy, aka a v-neck tee & jeans.  Notice the plethora of grays in Baretts’ wardrobe, just one of the important colors to think about for fall.  Other essentials are neutrals, deep reds, & shades of blue, particularly midnight blue.  And if you are daring like Barett a bad ass necklace or two never hurts

How to get this look:

-7 for all mankind Jeans; BDG heather gray v-neck tee from Urban Outfitters; Aubaine clothespin & key necklaces from Urban Outfitters. (click on highlighted words for more clothing options & looks!)

Look Six ‘A Pop of Color’: While neutrals are very important this fall, we in the South do love our color!  And so liven up your wardrobe with a vibrant lightweight v-neck pull over sweater for those chilly early fall days.  Every man looks good in a pull over, trust me on this one.

How to get this look:

-Gap purple v-neck pull over sweater; Diesel white polo; Standard Cloth khakis from Urban Outfitters; Frye driving mocs; Ben Sherman leather belt. (click on highlighted words for more clothing options & looks!)

Look Seven ‘Utilitarian’: The utility trend is HUGE this fall for both men & women.  So men pull those safari, cargo, military-inspired button ups out of the back of your closet!  Pair them with jeans, a great trouser or even shorts for early fall.  Again notice the color story here: burgundy, deep blue, ok I think you’ve got it now

How to get this look:

-Standard Cloth burgundy striped utility button up from Urban Outfitters; BDG navy pants from Urban Outfitters; Ben Sherman belt; Frye drivers. (click on highlighted words for more clothing options & looks!)

Couldn’t resist including this photo…isn’t it great?!  Barett & I decided he looked like an Anne Geddes photo, ha!

I hope this Summer to Fall photo tutorial has inspired you!  Let me know what your favorite menswear pieces are for transitioning from season to season!

One of my favorite places in Birmingham is the Birmingham Museum of Art (go figure, I was an Art History major in college!).  So where better to showcase some of my most coveted clothing than at the BMA.  I invited my fashionable intern, Rachel to join me in the summer afternoon festivities…it was quite lovely despite the unbearable southern heat & humidity that had us running as fast as our heels could take us to Urban Standard for an ice tea post-photoshoot!

What am I wearing?!

Forever 21 high waisted sailor front navy skirt

LnA royal blue v neck tee

Alexander McQueen pink & black skull scarf

Vintage lion ‘door knocker’ earrings

Vintage Gucci watch, Leonard watch, & Matt Bernson black leather wrap bracelet

Platform chocolate Christian Louboutins

Yves Saint Laurent Muse bag in chocolate leather

LOooooovvvving my new children, Christian & Louboutin.  Their red soles make me smile

What is Rachel wearing??

Anthropologie striped nautical top with embellished shoulders

J.Crew denim shorts

Gianni Bina multi colored gladiator heels

J.Crew mustard yellow patent purse

AND a fabulous pink lip stain!

This photo was one of my favorites…it reminds me of Alice in Wonderland wandering through the Queen of Hearts’ garden…

Out of the garden & into the clouds….Amy Pleasant’s ‘Suspended’ exhibit is absolutely fantastic, magical, & surreal.  You MUST check it out at the BMA for yourself, these pictures don’t do it justice.

Fashion Fun Fact: Be on trend this summer & fall seasons by channeling Mad Men with pencil skirts, pumps, & anything to accentuate your womanly figure!  At the same time I’m all about juxtaposition…scarves in the summer & menswear items mixed with a feminine ensemble…Here I paired some strong mens watches with my 1950’s inspired look.

Pretty amazing exhibit, right?!  How great is the contrast of the stark clouds with the colorful swirls of the massive piece above the gardens?!

Fashion Fun Fact: Nautical is so fresh right now!  (Make sure to check out the July issue of Birmingham Magazine for more on this trend & how to wear it!) Her striped top paired with denim shorts & heels gives it such an effortlessly cool look, tres Parisian!  Oooohhh & be on the look out for pops of mustard yellow in accessories (like Rachel’s purse) & clothing for fall!

I’d love to know your thoughts on our outfits, please feel free to comment below!! Merci!