Roll Call: What is Your Favorite Brick and Mortar Black Owned Clothing Boutique?

Amberley wrote, “Hey FBD! I don’t know if you’ve seen the black-owned restaurant posts from I Don’t Do Clubs, but it’s pretty awesome & it’s garnering up great business for these restaurants!

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Cocktails with Claire Atlanta Presented by Toyota Meow and Barks Boutique
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Harlem Haberdashery for Fashion Bomb Daily. Image by Karl Pierre 1

I think it would be great if Fashion Bomb Daily did something similar with black-owned boutiques! I know you highlight a lot of designers of color (which is great), but I would love to see some stores too. After seeing that Valentino post on your site, I’m pretty much at my wit’s end with the fashion industry. I’m ready to support my own. Just a suggestion! Keep up the great work!”
That’s a great idea! Back in the beginning days of the site, I used to do tons of Boutique Spotlights, particularly in New York. Stores have come and gone in the past 10 years, and we’re past due for a refresher.
While I know of several, including New Orleans’s own Exodus Goods (518 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70130; (504) 309-2995):

And Garb, which is also in LA (2108 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130; (504) 301-9174):

Jasksonville, Florida’s Meow and Barks Boutique (1537 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207; (904) 704-8222):

Nashville, Tennessee’s Violet Flower Boutique (500 Madison St #105, Nashville, TN 37208; (615) 457-1432):

Tags in Atlanta (225, 2140 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309; (404) 883-3836):

Michelle New York (376 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217; (718) 643-1680):

And Harlem Haberdasherry (245 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027; (646) 707-0070):

I know there are WAY more that deserve a spotlight.
Let me know of your favorite local black owned brick and mortar clothing boutiques (brick and mortar means they are an actual physical store; it’s ok if they have a website as well) by leaving a comment below. Please include whether they carry luxury goods or are mass market. I’ll compile the list for the ultimate guide for black owned clothing boutiques around the country.
Thanks for the suggestion, Amberley!

Splurge: Olivia Munn’s New York City Tory Burch Black Double Breasted Peacoat and A.L.C. Black Austin Dress

All-black was on the agenda for Olivia Munn while out and about in the Big Apple. She was clad in a $985 Tory Burch Black Double Breasted Peacoat and $395 A.L.C. Black Austin Dress:

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Her peacoat boasts a double-breasted buttoned front, side slit pockets, and a modern silhouette.

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Her ribbed knit LBD features a fold-over turtleneck, circular back cutout, and sleeveless silhouette.

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Her style is impeccable!

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If you’re up for the splurge, get Olivia’s coat here and dress here.

Thoughts?

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Steal: Kourtney Kardashian’s Woodland Hills Adidas Originals Helsinki Half Zip Hoodie

Kourtney Kardashian was spotted in Woodland Hills, sporting an $80 Adidas Originals Helsinki Half Zip Hoodie:

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She completed her look with her favorite $185 APL Athletic Propulsion Labs Ascend Sneakers.

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Her casual hoodie features colorblock detailing, the brand’s signature trefoil logo at the chest and back, a front zip closure, and kangaroo pocket.

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Adidas Originals makes some really cute and affordable pieces, no?

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Get Kourt’s hoodie for a steal here.

Would you wear it?

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Fashion Bombshell of the Day: Camille from Atlanta

It’s so cold here in D.C., *sigh* so let’s go somewhere a little warmer! Let’s check out Camille from Atlanta:

Camille-from-Atlanta- Bombshell- 4 “I’m a fashion and conscious blogger at Muse is a Verb.” Camille-from-Atlanta- Bombshell- 5 “I’d describe my style as versatile, ranging anywhere from boho to classic, somewhere between tomboy and girly girl.”Camille-from-Atlanta- Bombshell- 6 “A naturally laid back chick, I’m most comfortable in a pair of jeans though. “Camille-from-Atlanta- Bombshell- 7 “Regardless of what I wear, I tend to keep it simple, with an emphasis on quality, yet affordable pieces, and will be launching an online boutique this Spring with that in mind.” Camille-from-Atlanta- Bombshell- 8 “Thanks so much for the opportunity to be featured.”

Check out some more photos below:Camille-from-Atlanta- Bombshell- 9 Camille-from-Atlanta- Bombshell- 1 Camille-from-Atlanta- Bombshell- 2 Camille-from-Atlanta- Bombshell- 3

You can check out the blog MuseIsAVerb or follow her on Instagram  @museisaverb. Hot! There’s definitely an effortless chic factor here, along with that feather skirt that I need immediately. What do you guys think of Camille from ATL?

 

What Do You Think of Camille From ATL?

 
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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 6-8 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.

Throwback Thursday #TBT: The Style Evolution of Marjorie Harvey

Marjorie Harvey Fashion Bomb Daily

One thing we can not deny is that Marjorie Harvey serves looks time after time.

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Not only is she a philanthropist and part of the dynamic duo behind her and husband Steve Harvey‘s Foundation, but Mrs. Harvey knows a thing or two about fashion and designers; just take a look at any Fashion Week, and she’s bound to be sitting front and center, laced and dipped in head-to-toe Lanvin, Chanel, Elie Saab, or Dior.

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To say she is only Steve Harvey’s first lady would be an understatement; she also serves the role of mother (with seven children!) and community activist as well. marjorie-harvey-christian-louboutin-orange-ankle-boots

Marjorie and Steve Harvey reclined after the Giambattista Valli Fashion Show in Paris. Hot!
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Marjorie’s style has evolved significantly over the years, from simple cocktail dresses and heels to decadent furs, ball gowns, and straight-from-the runway ‘fits.

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Marjorie Harvey luxuriated in a red ball gown and Christian Louboutin Pumps


Even though she loves playing dress up, she dedicates much of her time to supporting the charitable initiatives of her husband Steve Harvey and the Steve Harvey Foundation, which include the annual Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend for Young Men, Disney’s Dreamers Academy and the Ford Hoodie Awards.

The 2015 Neighborhood 'Hoodies' Awards featuring Steve Harvey, Marjorie Harvey, Michelle Williams, and more!
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This woman is truly someone who inspires the next generation to be fabulous, fierce, and have a passion for fashion! As her charities have continued to grow, so has her style, as it has evolved over the years. Click the above gallery, and let’s take a look back over the years and check out Marjorie Harvey’s style evolution!

Splurge: Khloe Kardashian’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Prabal Gurung Black Long Sleeve Tailored Jumpsuit

Khloe Kardashian made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in a $1,750 Prabal Gurung Black Long Sleeve Tailored Jumpsuit:

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Her black wool jumpsuit features a thin notch lapel with a satin collar, a single welt pocket at the front, sheer lace panels at the sleeve and bodice, tapered legs with creases at the front, and a concealed zip placket.

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Hot!

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Get Khloe’s jumpsuit for a splurge here.

Would you wear it?

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Splurge: Kendall Jenner’s Il Pastaio Elizabeth and James Tarra Fur Coat and Givenchy Lucrezia Micro Bag

Kendall Jenner grabbed lunch at Il Pastaio in a $1,181 Elizabeth and James Tarra Fur Coat and $1,250 Givenchy Lucrezia Micro Bag:

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Her fur coat boasts a colorful chevron pattern, round neck, and long sleeves.

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Her black leather mini bag features a top zip closure, top carry handles, an optional adjustable crossbody strap, and protective metal feet.

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Hot!

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If you’re up for the splurge, get Kendall’s coat here and bag here.

Thoughts?

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Look for Less: Jennifer Lopez’s NBC TCA Shades of Blue Press Stop Victoria Beckham One Shoulder Blue Dress and Casadei Blade Pumps

J. Lo repped for her show Shades of Blue at an NBC TCA Press Event in a $2,600 Victoria Beckham One Shoulder Blue Dress and $730 Suede Casadei Blade Pumps:

Jennifer Lopez's NBC TCA Shades of Blue Press Top Victoria Beckham One Shoulder Blue Dress and Casadei Blade Pumps


Her blue silk-wool one-shoulder fitted dress has contrast seaming on the front and an exposed back zipper.

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Her pumps have a spiked heel.

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Jennifer Lopez's NBC TCA Shades of Blue Press Top Victoria Beckham One Shoulder Blue Dress and Casadei Blade Pumps


Get her look here:


Need the look for less? Try these options:

What do you think?

Fashion Discussion: Valentino Styles White Models in Cornrows for Spring 2016 Campaign; Is It Problematic?

Many of us remember the outrage that sparked over Valentino’s decision of styling a largely white cast of models in cornrows. First, it was the 2015 lookbook and accompanying campaign that raised eyebrows; then, it was the “Africa” themed spring 2016 show where less than 10 black models walked the runway. Ideas and comments of cultural appropriation sparked fire on the Internet, where even celebrities cited their frustration with the brand’s decision to dismiss people’s frustration and continue to do what they wanted.
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Well, once again Valentino has provided a collection and accompanying beauty looks of white models styled in non-European clothing and cultural looks, ironically shot in a Maasai village in Kenya’s National park. Guido Palau, the lead hairstylist for the spring 2016 campaign, explained that “the clothes have some tribal inspiration, so the hair has that feeling as well…It’s a bit influenced by the ’60s and ’70s when girls used to travel and they would bring back inspiration from other places and cultures, which is kind of an eclectic way of styling yourself.” (Vogue)

Valentino-Styles-White-Models-In-Spring-2016-Campaign-In-Africa1However, we’ve seen time and time again this idea of cultural appropriation of one culture versus another, or how one culture is glorified while another is criticized. Many publications have remarked on how Valentino is insensitive to exactly what it means to culturally appropriate, but it seems the ‘aesthetic’ of the brand is not changing anytime soon. How is it that fashion brands such as Valentino refuse to employ African or African-American models for runway, yet display them as a backdrop in the Spring 2016 campaign?

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Discussions have been circulating between people who think these ads are awful and others who believe that powerful fashion brands can do whatever they want and that there is nothing wrong with one culture embodying another.
What do you think of the ads and where do you fall in the discussion?

Models.com Taps Maria Borges and Ajak Deng for Africa Rising Photo Shoot

Models.com taps Angolan model Maria Borges and South Sudanese model Ajak Deng to star in photoshoot featuring rising and established designers and brands that all have ties back to Africa, entitled Africa Rising. After traveling to Lagos Fashion Week last year, Models.com was inspired by the strong variety of talent they saw and wanted to showcase that talent in this shoot. Borges and Deng are the perfect choice to stand out among the vivid colors and unique fabrics of designers like Brother Vellies and Nomad Vintage NYC. Photographer Ed Singleton and stylist Solange Franklin created a striking shoot that allows the beauty of the clothes and the models to shine.

Check out the full shoot below to see the talent Africa has to offer!


Ajak Deng and Maria Borges Star in Photoshoot Featuring African Designers
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Head to Models.com to check out the full list of designers.

Images: Models.com