Splurge: Beyoncé’s New York City Gucci Linea B Medium Python Shoulder Bag and Manolo Blahnik Chaos Chain Ankle Strap Sandals

Beyoncé was spotted in the Big Apple yet again this week, accessorizing with a $2,900 Gucci Linea B Medium Python Shoulder Bag and $845 Manolo Blahnik Chaos Chain Ankle Strap Sandals:

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She completed her look with a white zip pocket vest, $40 Topshop ’90s Knitted Ribbed Crop Top, and denim cutoffs.

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Her python shoulder bag features light silvertone hardware, hand-painted edges, manual stitch detailing, a double chain shoulder strap, and the brand’s iconic interlocking G closure. Check out the pink multicolor iteration below.

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Her patent leather sandals boast chain link detailing at the ankle straps and 4″ heels.

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No complaints here!

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If you’re up for the splurge, get the pink version of B’s bag here and sandals here.

What do you think?

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Who Wore it Better? Nene Leakes vs. Mary J Blige vs. Kim Zolciak in Cushnie et Ochs Oscar Detail Black Cut Out Dress

Nene Leake vs. Mary J Blige vs. Kim Zolciak in Cushnie et Ochs Oscar Detail Black Cut Out Dress and Manolo Blahnik PVC Ankle Tie Sandals
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88 Nene Leakes's Watch What Happens Live Cushnie et Ochs Oscar Detail Black Cut Out Dress and Manolo Blahnik PVC Ankle Tie Sandals

The inimitable Nene Leakes was a vision on a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live in the same $1,350 Cushnie et Ochs Oscar Cutout-Detail Jersey Dress previously worn by Kim Zolciak and Mary J Blige.

All blonde Bombshells opted for varied footwear; Mary J Blige and Nene Leakes worked peep toe stunners while Kim went for point toe pumps.
The dress is now on sale for a more reasonable $312 at Off Saks Fifth Avenue. It has a round neck, long sleeves, and sexy cut outs.


It’s kind of hard to go wrong with this type of dress. I think they all look bomb!
Thoughts?

Who Wore it Better? Nene Leake vs. Mary J Blige vs. Kim Zolciak in Cushnie et Ochs Oscar Detail Black Cut Out Dress

 
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Nene Leakes's Watch What Happens Live Cushnie et Ochs Black Cut Out Dress and Manolo Blahnik PVC Ankle Tie Sandals
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*Get the dress here or here.

Splurge: Gabrielle Union’s Hotel Edison Royal Jelly Harlem Copa Print Crop Top and Serafina Print Skirt

Gabrielle Union is on the scene this week! The actress was spotted outside of Hotel Edison in NYC in a $185 Royal Jelly Harlem Copa Print Crop Top and $195 Serafina Print Skirt:

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Her printed bustier crop top features adjustable straps, light padding, and a 3-prong back closure.

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Her matching skirt showcases a full silhouette, button-front, and patch pockets.

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I loved this! This brand is definitely on my radar.

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Get Gabrielle’s top here and skirt here.

Are you feeling it?

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Who Wore it Better? Paris Hilton vs. Nicki Minaj in Moschino’s Barbie Logo Detailed Top

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Nicki Minaj was spied in the airport in black leggings, boots, and the same Moschino Logo Detailed Sweater previously spied on Paris Hilton:

While Nicki mixed it up, Paris went for the full on logo look.
The long sleeved top takes a note from the Barbie logo, with a Moschino twist.

I think they both look cute, but Paris wins for me. She looks adorable!
What do you think?

Who Wore it Better? Paris Hilton vs. Nicki Minaj in Moschino Barbie Logo Detailed Top

 
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Paris Hilton seen shopping with her dog in NYC






Splurge: Kim Kardashian’s Craig’s Restaurant Maison Martin Margiela Black Blazer and Proenza Schouler Fringe Skirt

Kim Kardashian was spotted at West Hollywood hotspot Craig’s Restaurant in a Maison Martin Margiela Black Blazer and $1,275 Proenza Schouler Fringe Skirt:

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Her fringe-embellished skirt features a woven top half and figure-skimming silhouette.

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Hot!

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Kim’s blazer is no longer available, but you can scoop up her skirt here.

Thoughts?

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Introducing Claire Cares + Rush Philanthropic

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Hey Bomber and Bombshells!
So I’m launching a new initiative called Claire Cares.

While it’s always great to blog about celebs and show the occasional outfit, it’s way past time for me to get involved in my community in a real way by partnering with charitable organizations. I’ve just feel that I’ve been so blessed; it’s time to be more proactive about giving back.

One of the first charitable organizations I plan to work with is Rush Philanthropic.

Started by Danny Simmons, Russell Simmons, and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons, the organization is dedicated to providing inner city youth across New York City with significant exposure to the arts, as well as to supporting emerging artists with exhibition opportunities. I’ll be learning more about Rush Philanthropic this coming weekend at their annual Art for Life Benefit in the Hamptons!

I’ll be reporting on Rush Philanthropic throughout the week! And also keep an eye out for more from Claire Cares. I’m really excited about doing amazing things, including reaching out to organizations abroad.
Stay tuned!
*Donate to Rush Philanthropic here.

Fashion Bombshell of the Day: Harriette from Cameroon

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Today’s Bombshell is Hariette from Cameroon:

She says, “My style is chic…”

“… simple…”


“…comfortable…”


“… with a vintage twist.”


” I try to stick to what suits my personal style and not follow trends.”


“Attitude is everything.”


” Don’t take yourself too seriously. Smile and have fun..”

Adorable! I love it. Very polished, classy, and chic!
Explore more at www.missblizzers.com and on Instagram @Missblizzers.
Hot! or Hmm…?

What do you think of Hariette from Cameroon?

 
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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 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.

Bomb Product of the Day: Simply Intricate’s Blue and Orange Floral Asymmetrical Wrap Dress

3 Simply Intricate's Blue and Orange Floral Asymmetrical Wrap Dress
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I have a new favorite brand! It’s called Simply Intricate, and they’re based out of Brooklyn, New York!

Created by Fe Noel, the line comprises a short selection of eye catching pieces. One of my favorites is their $388 Asymmetrical Wrap Dress:

This is the perfect piece for a summer day. Pair with flats, simple sandals, or wedges.

Get as close as you can to a custom fit by entering your bra cup size and measurements.

I’ve actually earmarked a few pieces for my upcoming trip to BVI. Stay tuned for the flicks.

Until then, purchase the dress above here. Also see styling options on the brand’s Instagram @SimplyIntricate:

What say you?

Kylie Jenner Sports Cornrows, Accused of Cultural Appropriation; Sparks Internet Ire

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Teen queen Amandla Stenberg rocked a gray hued coif at the Women In Film 2015 Crystal + Lucy Awards.
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The internet was in a tizzy this past weekend over a selfie Kylie Jenner posted sporting cornrows. Her caption, “I woke up like disss.”

Duck lips? Check? Exposed midriff? Check. Beyoncé reference? Of course! But while her flick may have seemed innocent to some, others shamed Kylizzle for using her social media following to show love for black culture, but no love for the actual struggles of black people.

Many weighed in on her hair, from Justin Bieber to Charlamagne (to everyone in between). But the most vocal voice was 17-year-old Hunger Games actress Amandla Stenberg, who commented on the photo, saying, “When u appropriate black features and culture but fail to use ur position of power to help black Americans by directing attention towards ur wigs instead of police brutality or racism #whitegirlsdoitbetter”. Amandla is also famously known for a video she made back in April titled, “Don’t Cash Crop on my Cornrows.” See her thoughts on cultural appropriation here:

She’s a really bright girl! If you take the 5 minutes to watch her piece, you’d certainly see where she’s coming from. Her point: Kylie has no problem espousing body traits typically celebrated in black women, dating black men, and wearing ‘black’ hairstyles. Has she ever so much as hashtagged #BlackLivesMatter? Not sure.

While we’d hope that everyone with a huge platform would use said platform to inspire and incite change, it’s simply not everyone’s prerogative. Kylie is a teenager. Her family is not known for having any discernible talent aside from looking good and dressing well. Even if Kylie wanted to escape the spotlight, she couldn’t–she’s been on a reality TV show since she was a youngster. She is rich and famous just for breathing. I’m not sure why we’d expect her to have any sort of insight or intellectual depth.

Also, we have to think about the types of people we put on a pedestal. The Kardashian/Jenners are not professors, lawyers, dancers, or singers. We love to look at them as an escape from the ‘Real World.’ They live a life of luxurious excess, one that is purely superficial and pretty much completely fake. So why would we expect them to give us anything but duck lips, enviable abs, and pretty pictures? That is their job!

And who knows? Maybe Amandla’s comment and the ensuing internet controversy will inspire Kylie and her klan to learn better and perhaps do better–and use their platforms for elucidating and educating versus simply pouting and preening. Or not.
What do you think of this hubbub?
*Amandla took to her Instagram last night to weigh in some more.

“Black features are beautiful. Black women are not. White women are paragons of virtue and desire. Black women are objects of fetishism and brutality.

This, at least, seems to be the mentality surrounding black femininity and beauty in a society built upon eurocentric beauty standards. While white women are praised for altering their bodies, plumping their lips, and tanning their skin, black women are shamed although the same features exist on them naturally.

This double standard is one string in the netting that surrounds black female sexuality – a web that entraps black women when they claim sexual agency. Deeply ingrained into culture is the notion that black female bodies, at the intersect of oppression, are less than human and therefore unattractive. They are symbols of pain, trauma, and degradation. Often when they are sexualized, it is from a place of racial fetishism.

The stigmas surrounding it are embedded in American infrastructure and psyche as evidenced by the ways black women are sexually assualted and treated by police – an act that goes frequently unreported by the media. When the media is not ignoring black women altogether, they are disparaging them.

As culture shifts and racial tensions are tested through the vehicle of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, it’s important to question:

Do female black lives matter too?”

Fashion Bomb 101: 6 Luxury Shoe Brands You Should Have On Your Radar

FASHION BOMB 101- 10 LUXURY SHOE BRANDS YOU SHOULD HAVE ON YOUR RADAR
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While admiring our Beyonce shoe post from last week, I was redirected to an archived article from 2012, titled 15 luxury shoe brands you should have on your radar. The post was fun and full of information, but all the shoes looked so…dated. 2015 has ushered in a new bevy of shoe designers you should definitely know, in addition to the ones already highlighted.

Take a look at my Top 6:
1. Tom Ford

There’s a good reason Jay Z made a whole song dedicated to Tom Ford! Mr. Ford is one of the industry’s unsung geniuses. Literally everything he touches turns to gold!

His runway creations are gag worthy, his sunglasses on point, perfumes delicious, but his shoes might be his greatest selling point.

Tom Ford shoes offer singular details (gold padlocks, anyone?), and everything from twists on classic silhouettes to designs where only the bold need apply.

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Fords are elusive and expensive (the least you’ll spend is $900).
Get your fill if you can swing it here:

2. Sophia Webster

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Beyonce's Instagram Topshop Blue Ribbed Crop Tee, Pencil Skirt, and Sophia Webster Sweet Talk Sandals
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After working with Nicholas Kirkwood, Sophia Webster launched her eponymous line of playful, colorful shoes.

She became known for a few signatures, including her candy ball heels, slingbacks equipped with quippy messages, neon colors, and fantastical lace ups.

2 Rita Ora's The Sundown Festival The Jersey Series Jersey, Pleated Skirt, and Sophia Webster Fall 2013 Lace Up Thigh High Boots copy
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Ciroc Summer Brunch hosted by Cassie Fashion Bomb Daily



Unlike most designers in this roundup, Webster has managed to keep her prices reasonable at around $400-$800 for heels. In a world of $1,000 shoes, her options are a welcome reprieve.

Shop a few of Webster’s haute heels here:

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3. DSquared2

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DSquared2 has experienced quite a resurgence in recent years, particularly in their shoe department! They’ve unleashed quite the collection of must haves, from plexi decorated stunners to studded caged thigh highs.

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DSquared, like Tom Ford, has also jumped on the elusive train. The heels are hard to find, and are typically only available via their online store, DSquared2 Boutiques, and limited online stores like LuisaViaRoma.com, FarFetch, and the Corner.

Expensive? You betcha! Be ready to shell out at least $900 for a scintillating pair.

Purchase here:


Note: DSquared2 is having a shoe sale. Peruse here.
4. Aquazzura

Italian shoe brand Aquazzura has triumphed due to their signature lace up pumps and sandals.

Other styles showcase fringe, colorblocking, cut outs, and light catching mirrored details.

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When Did She Wear It Better: Kim Kardashian's Aquazzura Sexy Thing Metal Booties
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These will cost you a pretty penny as well, with most styles starting at $600, and the prices going up, up, and up.

Get the look here:

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Khloe Kardashian's LA Jaide Clothing Brown Wrap Blouse, White Jeans, and Gianvito Rossi White Leather and Perspex Pumps

5. Gianvito Rossi

While many heels on this list skew over the top with colors, bells, and whistle, Gianvito Rossi triumphs by way of sheer simplicity.

He was destined to design shoes–his Dad, Sergio Rossi, showed him the ropes.

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Though he’s best known for comfortable, effortlessly chic PVC pumps, he also whips out a few stunners, namely cut out ankle booties or head turning thigh highs.


While the word ‘reasonable’ and designer shoes never tend to go in the same sentence, Gianvito’s pumps ring it at under $1K, which is always cause for celebration.

Shop him up here:

Rihanna's Giorgio Baldi Jean Paul Gaultier Pinstriped Jacket and Azzedina Alaia Black and White Sandals
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 Jennifer Lopez was seen leaving Crustacean restaurant in a cut-out long-sleeve shirt, high-waist black linen shorts, Azzedine Alaia cut-out lace-up booties, and quilted Chanel handbag. Hot!
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6. Azzedine Alaia

No shoe post would be complete without a mention of the notoriously mysterious Azzedine Alaia.

The French designer is one of the most sought after yet under publicized brands around. Mr. Alaia doesn’t need to toot his own horn. The products speak for themselves.


His speciality includes sky scraping boots, embellished sandals, and lace up heels.

Alaia doesn’t do much e-commerce. Heck, when I lived in Paris, I stumbled upon his boutique by accident. He doesn’t even have a sign outside!

Catch archived styles at TheOutnet or TheRealReal.com. Snag current selections in stores at Saks, BergdorfGoodman, or below:

Now, this post was created as an update to this archived post, where I highlighted Giuseppe Zanotti, Pierre Hardy, Nicholas Kirkwood, Walter Steiger, Gianmarco Lorenzi, Ruthie Davis, Brian Atwood, Charlotte Olympia, Lanvin, Prada, Miu Miu, Fendi, Gucci, Versace, Saint Laurent, and Camilla Skovgaard.
That said, would you add any more to this list?