In 2013, Christian Louboutin did brown girls around the world a solid when he released a collection of “nude” heels available in five shades. Reportedly, the project was prompted by a simple workplace interaction where a Louboutin employee told the designer that her skin wasn’t beige. The rest as they say is history.
The new shades are already live on the Louboutin site and are options for all of the brand’s styles that come available in nude. It’s a direction that we hope more brands will go in for the future, not only recognizing but acknowledging that their customer base comes in a variety of shades.
” Style, for me, is ever-changing. I wouldn’t even want to box myself in by saying I have one particular style.”
” I style myself based upon how I’m feeling that day.”
“One day you may see me and I’m in a formal dress, with 6 inch heels on, and the very next day you’ll see me with ripped jeans and sneakers on. “
“That’s just how different and versatile my style is. “
“It’s authentically and unapologetically…me. I live by the quote, “Fashion is nothing, Style is everything”, because style is so beautifully, unique and helps to express who you are as a person.”
“So as you look at my pics, and you see my style, it’s almost like I’m telling you who I am…without even have to say one word…and that is simply amazing :)”
Okay Jasmine! Your looks are definitely unique and diverse, and I love looking at them (especially the yellow romper, yum!) Anywho, if you guys want to stay friends with Jasmine, follow her on IG: Clothesandfros. What do you think of her style?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
Hey!
So I was recently invited to Cohen’s Fashion Optical to peruse their eyeglasses and sunglasses and learn more about their fabulous offerings.
Since I live in Brooklyn, it was easy for me to pop by their location on Montague Street and see what they had in store.
When I got there, I consulted with their team, including franchise owner and optometrist Dr. Mina Kim. They were super friendly and open to offering loads of great advice on what would work best for my face and lifestyle.
Full disclosure: I am as blind as a bat! My eyeglass prescription is -10.5 on both eyes, which translates into coke bottle glasses that are generally the opposite of cute when it comes to specs.
I worked closely with Dr. Kim and her team to find out which frames they think would work best for my face. They informed me that because I have an oval face, I could get away with a lot of the styles: Angular styles would give me more of a fierce and glam aura, while cat eyes were more casual. If I wanted something that could conceal the ‘coke bottle’ moment, I should go for rounder frames.
So I then began my quest for some Bomb eyewear, and needless to say, I had a lot of fun testing out all these styles & trying on the various brands of frames:
These angular Fendi frames were fun and fierce! The blue accents and crystal tips were unexpected touches. Though quirky and different, I think these could work with a wide range of wardrobe options, and they’ll stand out as a bold yet alluring flourish.
The store’s collection truly had a ton of chic options that I simply adored. I was a super fan of these Tom Fords. I felt that the subtlety of these frames make them dope for everyday wear.
I normally wouldn’t pluck anything pink, but these glasses were hot! They were feminine and flirty, and honestly, most of my friends were fans of these. The pastel hue is on point for Spring and can coordinate well with all the fresh, vibrant outfits I plan to wear in the upcoming months.
Miu Miu stole my heart with their roomy, yet stylish options. And especially because I was told these would be the best frames for my strong prescription. The square design also works well for my oval face, and the darker tone reads scholarly and smart.
My absolute fave? These tortoise shell stunners by Miu Miu. Not only are they the right shape for my face, but they worked the best for my hair and skin tone, and offer a classic feel that transcends all seasons.
I was pleased with that news! And I was pleased to find out that everything was so affordable and within my budget – I know I’ll be popping back in there in the future to see any new selections I can add to my collection!
And good news for you – There are over 130 franchise stores in the US, so head to CohensFashionOptical.com to find a Cohen’s near you and try on the styles that work best for you!
In newly released promotional shots for Wednesday’s episode of Kocktails With Khloe, Khloe Kardashian rocked a $3,100 Jitrois Red Suede Dress:
She accessorized with $395 Schutz Dudalina Lace Up Thigh High Black Boots.
The red lambskin suede dress features a plunging V-neckline, gathered material at the waist to accent, and a zipped back.
Her boots have lace up sides.
Two high buns offered a playful touch.
If you’ve got $3,100 burning in your pocket to rock this look, you can grab her dress here. Complete the look below:
The voluminous piece showcases a sculptural silhouette and cascading bell sleeves. This ‘fit also features one of spring’s top trends – exposed shoulders. Purchase a similar version of Tracee’s look here.
Gucci’s green dress was the first look seen on Alessandro Michele’s amplified, ’70s-inspired Spring ’16 runway.
Fitted with a detachable stretch-silk slip, this cotton-blend lace style has a ribbed-knit waistband, ruffled trims and polished two-way zip at center.
If you’re up for the splurge, shop the frock here.
Rita Ora was on the move today, jetting out of Vancouver International Airport after hair and makeup testing for Fifty Shades Darker, reprising her role as Christian Gray’s sister, Mia. The singer/actress paced swiftly through the terminal giving us a bit of a rocker vibe in this $4,809 Saint Laurent Fringed Biker Jacket.
The black lambskin biker jacket from Saint Laurent features an off-centre front zip fastening, notched lapels, front zipped pockets, shoulder tabs, and zipped cuffs.
A buckle fastening, straight hem and multicolour snakeskin fringe detailing elevate an already standout piece.
Rita completed her look a baseball cap, leggings and a pair of chic ankle boots festooned with grommets on the straps.
You don’t always have to be dolled up at the airport, especially if you have to practically disrobe for TSA. I, for one, am a fan of traveling comfortably. And the jacket spiced up her look.
If you’re feeling a little lavish, you can click here for buying info.
Sonam Kapoor couldn’t be missed at the L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Awards—certainly turning heads in a Monique Lhuillier Resort 2016 Floral Print Capelet and Strapless Full Skirt Gown:
Sonam stuck to the collection’s simple styling, adding red lips for a pop of color.
In addition to our Breaking into Fashion Series, we will also start showcasing women making moves in the arenas of business, lifestyle, and more! Thus, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to a Bombshell You Should Know: Cherae Robinson, Founder and CEO of the Tastemakers Africa.
If you have ever aspired to travel to Africa, Tastemakers is an app you seriously want to consider! It offers a highly curated itinerary of the very best in all-local experiences across the continent.
We sat down with founder Cherae Robinson to find out more about the app, her motivations for starting it, and her tips for other aspiring entrepreneurs.
Robinson was an avid traveler-for-work (in other words, her job at the World Bank Agriculture Research Center CIMMYT kept her in airplanes quite a bit throughout South Asia, Africa, and Europe). She connected with a photographer in South Africa on a work trip and through that connection met an entire network of creatives on the continent contributing to the culture. These talented folks gave Cherae “a new lens on the African experience.” She called them “influencers and tastemakers in their own right” and felt quite strongly that she “couldn’t have had these sorts of experiences had it not been for the [creative community in fashion, food, and music].” She imagined this is exactly how others would want to travel in Africa; with that mission in mind, Tastemakers Africa was born.
Sounds like a simple story, and in many ways it was! But you may be intrigued to know that Tastemakers Africa launched in late 2014 as little more than an idea. Soon after her personal travels, Cherae drafted a business plan and put together a visual prototype of her app. She shared, “I didn’t know anything about building a business, but I knew how to ask for help.” She attended President Obama’s Africa Summit in Washington, D.C. in August 2014 and “talked to anyone [she] could about Tastemakers. [She] had a picture of what the app could look like and would literally walk up to people and show them [her] idea [to get their thoughts].” Through that process, Cherae found her first advisor and gained valuable feedback on her business model. It wasn’t until Cherae applied for the SheLeadsAfrica Pitch competition one month later and won top prize that Tastemakers Africa took off at hyper speed.
With $10,000 of critical funding, Cherae could finally hire a developer and build the app she had been envisioning. The two founders of SheLeadsAfrica, Yasmin Belo-Osagie and Afua Osei, became instant mentors for Cherae; with its visibility, Tastemakers Africa found its first formal investor. In a six-month period, she could hardly believe “her app was coming off paper into real life.”
Cherae and I were quick to talk about how Tastemakers Africa is different than the alternatives on the market. She shared, “Our whole ethos is about these amazing people and this lifestyle the world doesn’t know exists – this Afropolitan world. The way we built our brand was on people, lifestyle, and culture…this is very different from other travel startups that are just focused on the transaction. Of course, there is a transaction to be made at Tastemakers as well, but we’re offering a way to tap into these African narratives, becoming a part of this new culture wave through a travel experience.” She continued,“Everything I saw on the Internet [prior to Tastemakers’ launch] was ‘Go on a safari.” I couldn’t help but agree — there is certainly more to do in Africa than safari! Now some of you may be surprised to know that Cherae is not an African immigrant or even born in the continent. Growing up in Long Island, New York, Cherae embodied a curious mindset and “always dreamed of seeing the world despite some of the chaos she experienced” during her childhood. She attended Morgan State University on an academic scholarship and was quickly immersed in an internationally inclusive group of people that shaped her afro-centric view.
Her major in Biology and International Development led her to roles with CARE, the Center for Disease Control and CIMMYT in Mexico City. She credits “women [in her life] for stepping in to help her in some way or another…there was always one helping hand that didn’t allow her to fall through the cracks.” In listening to Cherae, I could hear how she felt truly #blessed and incredibly thankful that her venture had achieved much success at such an early stage.
Her advice for entrepreneurs: “1) It is the most clichéd one, but so true – just start! There is always going to be more to learn and more to do…not doing anything will never get you anywhere; 2) Get comfortable with being uncomfortable…entrepreneurship brings super high-highs and super low-lows. The idea of knowing what is in front of you is fleeting and 3) It is your business and nobody knows your business more than you. As you grow and involve more people in your business, you will get swamped with advice on what you should and should not do…some will be awesome [and] some will be bad. Just remind yourself of your Why.”
Loving her advice! If you’re still on the fence about traveling to Africa, take a look at the brand’s Instagram account for major visual encouragement! My final question to Cherae, what would she do with $20 on a Saturday in Brooklyn? Her answer: “a night at Casablanca, hoping that DJ MOMA is there and getting a drink (tequila)!” If you want to learn more about Tastemakers Africa, download their app here and follow @tstmkrsafrica and Cherae on Instagram!
What do you think of this Breaking Into Lifestyle interview? Let us know in the comments who we should feature next!
