Happy Friday folks!
I’m prepping for a spa getaway before the Fashion Week hubbub, but headed out yesterday to chop it up with Orange is the New Black’sDascha Polanco! Though I came to learn more about the her affiliation with Kids Rock! (it’s a fashion initiative for stylish kids which culminates in a Fashion Show on September 10th), Dascha and I ended up talking about embracing curves and our definitions of personal style.
We captured everything on video, so stay tuned;) But Dascha certainly embraces her shape, dresses according to her mood, and wears everything with confidence. For the day, she looked lovely in an outfit by 2nd Day comprised of a bodysuit, wide legged pants, and a blazer placed on her shoulders.
As for me, I wore an Alice + Olivia Lea Striped Crop Top, Zara Gold Button Skirt, and Tom Ford Padlock pumps.
I further accessorized with a DVF clutch and Moschino knuckle dusters.
I can’t wait to show you guys the video! Dasha and I had a great time chopping it up and I think you’ll enjoy.
Yesterday, Elle Canada ruffled quite a few feathers when their team tweeted that Dashiki’s– a brightly colored garment worn for centuries in West Africa–was a new ‘it’ item.
Of course, the internet was not here for it.
The original article, titled, “Is Dashiki the New Kaftan?” is pretty harmless. It’s little more than a slideshow of 10 stars wearing the traditional garment, with the curt caption (that has undoubtedly been edited since the uproar), “Originating from West Africa, this tribal printed shirt is on our style radar. See how celebs are rocking their dashikis.”
This is obviously not the first time magazines have suffered from foot in mouth disease when it comes to writing about pieces firmly entrenched in minority and/or black culture. Who could forget the hubbub when Elle USA dubbed Timberland boots, “The New Fashion Shoe for Winter“?
The issue most take with fashion magazines is their Christopher Columbusing of items that have been part of black culture for decades (if you’re unfamiliar with the term, it’s when people claim to discover things that were already there and thriving). Of course magazines can write about dashikis, cornrows, or even Timberland boots. But it’s about how they package them to seem as if they’re new, when they are in fact, steeped in history.
Since this insiduous problem keeps creeping up, I’m willing to delve into some solutions. You’re welcome to offer your thoughts as well. Because it seems magazine writers are just not getting it.
First Idea: When it comes to black culture, do your research. Instead of slap an article together about Dashikis, include a bit of context to show deference to the culture that created it. Nothing excessive. 1-5 sentences is fine. Hit the Google Search button and go.
Beware of the uninformed tweet. Most of the above situations were exacerbated by irresponsible tweets. Know that the minute you press ‘send’ the twitterverse will be on you.
And while, in fashion, everything old becomes new again, when it comes to cultural items, make sure that your awareness of this is clear. Using the phrase ‘again’ ‘modernized’, ‘updated’, ‘renewed’, etc will show readers that you know where a garment comes from, and you know how it’s being embraced anew today. Bonus if you show people of color actually wearing or modeling the item that originated in their culture.
We have to be very careful with how we choose our words and images.
But what do you think of this whole situation?
See the original Elle Canada article here.
Remember those shades from The Row that Beyoncé simply could not stop wearing while Blue Ivy was still a wee babe? Well, they’re now available for a fraction of the price on Gilt:
The round stunners are one of the brand’s most popular styles and come in an array of colors— all available for $99 – $129.
The style is a collaboration with famed eyewear designer Linda Farrow and boasts a whopping $485 price point. Both brands are known for their quality, so you should definitely run (and not walk) to snag a pair.
My order is already in the works! You do need to be a member of Gilt to shop, so sign up if you haven’t already and shop the sale here.
Will you be pressing “purchase” on these shades from The Row?
Someone complained yesterday that we hadn’t featured any International Bombshells lately, so I thought I’d switch it up with Nancy from Toronto, Canada!
She says, “I’m Nancy (aka the Fancy Nancy).”
” I’m a food and lifestyle blogger located in Toronto Canada.”
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 thefashionbomb@gmail.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.
The 2015 US Open Tennis Championships kick off at Arthur Ashe Stadium beginning August 31st. If you haven’t scored tickets to cheer on your favorite tennis pros, remember FBD has a discount code (read about it here; use the code BFASHION for 50% off select tickets. Go here to purchase).
If you plan on going, dive into today’s inspired looks.
Keep it chic and stay cool in the heat in a white peplum top and crossover d-ring shorts for a head to toe white-on-white look.
Add a few details with a leather tote, a pair of open back flats, and stylish oversized frames to block to sun rays.
More of a dressier gal? Pair a strapless checked jacquard top with tailored culottes for a city chic summer look.
Fringed suede sandals, a satchel, and luxurious shades add the finishing touch.
Opt for sporty chic in a contrast-trim mini dress and sneakers.
Complete the look with a white shoulder bag, metallic mirrored-lens sunglasses, and a pair of diamond stud earrings.
A pleated midi skirt mixed with a boxy poplin cropped top make for a stylish US Open ensemble.
Add black and navy details with a pair of round frame sunglasses, caged sandals, and an embellished leather clutch.
And for a final wardrobe option, keep your look stylishly simple in a light-weight striped sweater and high-rise culottes.
Shield the sun with a straw panama hat, and complete your look with woven espadrille wedges, and a textured tote in an olive hue.
Please remember you’ll be sitting outside, so bring your sunscreen!
And that’ll do it! Who are you excited to see at the US Open?
*If you haven’t entered our US Open ticket giveaway contest, do so here! We’ll be choosing winners this week!
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus and Note 5 Launch Party was star-studded! Celebs packed the event in crop tops, form-fitting frocks, high-fashion kicks, and more, with A$AP Rocky lending his talents to the stage.
Let’s see what they wore!
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade are one of Hollywood’s most stylish couples, thus it made sense that they coordinated. There was a bit too much going on with Dwyane’s look (which is the norm), but Gabrielle’s Stella McCartney long-sleeve crop top and high-waist trousers were perfection.
Chrissy Teigen showed off her décolletage in an off-the-shoulder LBD and simple ankle-strap sandals. Simplicity is always a surefire way to look great!
Dascha Polanco flaunted her curves in a $28 Fashion Nova Tomb Raider Dress and stud-embellished strappy sandals. Isn’t she gorgeous?
Jamie Foxx was on-trend in a short-sleeve denim shirt and Maison Martin Margiela Paint Splatter Kicks. One of my favorite all-time looks from him!
Essence Atkins followed Gabrielle’s lead in a strapless peplum LWD.
Tyrese added a pop of color to an all-black ensemble with a purple blazer.
Kendrick Sampson showed us all just how polished black, navy, and white looks together. Hot!
A sporty orange button-front shirt, cropped trousers, and stripe sandals were Shaun Ross’s choices at the event.
It seems Stephen Colletti has gotten even better looking from his days on The Hills and One Tree Hill.
Straight Outta Compton star Aldis Hodge kept it simple in neutrals. He’s a cutie no?
A$AP Rocky took to the stage in a surprisingly pared-down black and white ‘fit.
Selena Gomez is a girl after my own heart because she loves Starbucks! She was spotted exiting one of the brand’s stores in a $50 Topshop Ribbed Crew Neck Cropped Sweater and Black Pleated Midi Skirt:
Chanel Iman looked every bit the model at the All Aboard! W Hotel Toasts The Upcoming Opening Of W Amsterdam. For the fete, she slipped on a $1,225 Alexander Wang Green Satin Slip Dress and Giuseppe Zanotti Black T-Strap Sandals:
Her satin slip dress features spaghetti straps, a sleeveless silhouette, v-neckline, and drawstring closures. Chanel’s frock showcases a slit for a flash of skin.
Her black sandals feature a t-strap, cage silhouette and buckled ankle straps.
Hot!
Chanel’s sandals are no longer available, but you can get her dress here.
