Happy Wednesday, Bombers and Bombshells!
Last night, I was pleased to be invited to an Evening with Mary J. Blige at Morgan Stanley!

The event kicked off with a look at a film about Mary, documenting her most recent London Sessions studio album. See a preview here:

Afterwards, Morgan Stanley Executive Director Kim Hatchett asked Ms. Blige a series of poignant questions about her journey, her new music, and how she feels at this stage in her career.

Mary ventured out to London to try out a new sound, and says she did so because she feared getting stuck in just one genre. She said, ” I wanted to do something new and innovative. It was unfair to myself as an artist to not venture into any other types of music”

In terms of advice she’d give to her 21-year-old self, she said, “Don’t be afraid to be great.” And the best advice she’s ever received was from Chaka Khan, who said, “You need to dye your roots the same color as your hair. And You Need to Get out of Your Own Way.”

I wasn’t able to grab a pic with Mary J afterwards (she had to run to perform at the 2015 AmFar Inspiration Gala), though I did grab pictures of and with a few illustrious audience members:

The gorgeous Ashley Booker rocked a black and white checked mini dress by J.O.A.

This young lady paired denim shorts with a blazer and boots.

Derek Anderson and Casa Reale jewelry designer Alla looked gorgeous in white and blue tones.

A suit was a smart choice for the evening.

The men were extremely dapper! I adored this three piece suit.

I also was a fan of this polka dotted option.

I posed with Kim Hatchett, who looked glorious in Giambattista Valli.

I introduced myself to Gayle King, who looked pretty in a Roberto Cavalli Dafni Sleeveless Jersey Dress.

And I wore a Topshop Vest, an Alexander Wang Tank, a Givenchy skirt, and a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps that I may never wear again. My feet were killing me!
At any rate, it was a great event!

I’m actually seeing Mary perform a few of her new songs tonight. Hopefully I can snag a pic with the Queen of Hip Hop and R&B.
Stay tuned;)
*Be sure to get Mary’s New Album on Itunes or on Amazon here.
Images: Karl Pierre

We’re going international with today’s Bombshell, Kristia from Kingston, Jamaica:

She says, “ I would describe my style as unique.”


” I like to match different things together, and challenge myself to pull of certain looks.”


” My style has a lot of mixed prints…”

“… white and a hint of vintage somewhere.”


” Whether it is in my earnings, shoes, shades, there is always a hint of vintage in my outfit.”


” I dress to match the climate, always looking for outfits that will keep me cool and not too tight on my body.”


“Comfort is most important for me.”

Cute and colorful. I like!
See more at myrepeatoffender.com.
What say you?

What do you think of Kristia from Jamaica?

Hot! Duh! She’s obviously a Bombshell!

Not a Bombshell, but her style is aiiiight

Some hits, some misses!

Not good, but not awful

Hmm…lol..nah…

 

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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.

Sunita is a breath of fresh air. After running across one of her pictures via Tumblr, her unique style left me craving more. With a striking natural beauty and the energy to match, I knew she would make an excellent addition to our Bomb Blogger repertoire.

The hair lured me in; however, as I started to sift through Sunita’s outfit posts, it was clear that her style was just as fascinating as her enviable curls. She proves that personal style reigns supreme in this society where imitation has now become the norm.

Sunita’s fashion favorites include tribal-inspired jewelry, funky prints and pops of color. And, she can rock the heck out of an all-black ensemble! With that, this style maven’s confidence literally pours through her photos and there’s no doubt that her sartorial inspiration captivates the attention of fashion lovers everywhere.

Slay on, hun!

Want to know more about Sunita of Sunita V? Well, head on over to her blog here or browse her IG at your leisure @sunitav_. I promise, she’s ALL that!

 

 

Signing Out — Esmesha

 

Hey!
Things are MOVING for FBD! We have some amazing projects coming up soon, and I wanted to share.
But first, some great news! We were recently named the #43 most influential style blog in the world by Signature 99.

Back in 2011, I was juiced to make it to #86. We’ve steadily moved up each year, nabbing #55 last year, and now we’ve cracked the Top 50!

Though you see my mug all over the blog, this wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of our illustrious staff members, Faith Cummings, Vuitton Bain, Giselle Williams Thomas, Mikelle Street, Danielle Nicole, and newcomers Esmesha Campbell and Olamide Oladipo! Not to mention our graphics girl since FOREVER Ashley Stewart, Zillz, photographer Karl Pierre, videographer Samuel Centore, and the list goes on! We are definitely a TEAM and my vision for the site is BIG. Stay tuned:)

In other news I’m running all over the country hosting events and such.
I’ll be in Atlanta this Friday, June 19th for an event at Club Monaco in Lenox Mall from 7-9pm.

Then, I’m hopping down to Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, June 20th at Violet Flower Boutique for an in store event from 6:30-9pm. Get tickets here.

And for those of you who wondered when the next No Basics Brunch will be, mark your calendars for July 11th. If you haven’t made it this summer, swing on by! They take place at Corner Social in Harlem, generally from 12-4pm.

I’m a busy bee, but as I said on Instagram, “I’m Building a Brand, I’m Always Busy.”🙂
At any rate, thank you, Bombers and Bombshells, for all your support!
And if you live in Atlanta, Tennessee, or NYC, try to swing by the above events. Would love to meet you!
Also, stay tuned for Cocktails with Claire dates. It’s going down in August.

Smootches!

The Queen E. Collection is the business! With the introduction of their Summer/Spring 2015 lookbook entitled “Vividly Royal“, it’s impossible to deny the chicness of its pieces. From jaw-dropping ankara prints to delicate lace numbers, owner/designer Queen Enidiok definitely knows how to make a statement!

“NUDIE”

“NUDILIA”

“UYAI”

“ASSIAN” ankara pant suit

“LUCID” (left), “GREAT NEWS” (right)

Queen E’s pieces embody a classic, feminine aura. The brand even manages to inject that extra bit of sass into each one of its looks. With products ranging from $190-$400, the intense beauty and boldness of these lovely pieces are sure to turn heads wherever you go.

“VINTAGE FLOWER” dress

“FLOWER BOMB” dress

“GREEN WINE” dress

“ESMERALDA” two-piece set

“MARSHA ROSE” two-piece set

If you’re interested in purchasing any of Queen E’s pieces, please email all inquiries to queene.collection@gmail.com. Emails should also provide the specific design name, quantity and your designated size. In addition, check out the brand’s official site here and their IG @queenecollection. I love it all!

 

Thoughts?

 

Signing Out — Esmesha 

 

 

 

After seeing Hilary Duff pump in Marco de Vincenzo’s Yellow and Silver Fringed Shirt, I quickly fell in love with the brand’s coordinating skirt.

The short and sassy piece is currently marked down from $986 to $443 on FarFetch.com. Still a splurge, but I find this adorable.

I’d wear this with white pumps and a white top. This is how you sizzle when you enter a room!

A few sizes are left. Get it before I do here.
Thoughts?

Kim Kardashian recently exited Dash’s LA store in a $745 R13 Oversize Trucker Denim Jacket, a fringed top and skirt by Magda Butrym, and Aquazzura Suede Braided Sandals.

Her long jacket has a spread collar, button-down flap patch pockets at the chest, handwarmer pockets, button-down tabs at waist, and a shoulder yoke at the back.

Her two piece was modeled with lace up sandals.

Her nude sandals are fashioned out of suede, and feature braid details.

Hot! I love this look. Kim’s pregnancy style is starting off on the right note!
What do you think?

Hot! or Hmm…: Kim Kardashian’s Dash LA Store R13 Oversize Denim Jacket, Magda Butrym Fringed Knit Top and Skirt, and Aquazzura Nude Sandals

Hot! Yasssss!

Hmm…not my favorite

 

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Images: Pacific Coast News

The amFar festivities continued tonight with an Inspiration Gala in NYC! As with all charitable events with a fashionable twist, the red carpet was filled with models, songstresses, and actors alike.
Take a look:

Joan Smalls was a vision in a striped Givenchy dress and Casadei heels. She always looks great!

Heidi Klum kept it demure in a midi number.

Victoria Justice brought the glamour in a deep plunge black gown.

Andy Cohen looked dapper in a white blazer and bowtie.

Laverne Cox werked quite a few cut outs in custom Michael Costello.

Anja Rubik looked vibrant in printed Emilio Pucci from the Fall 2015 collection.

Miley Cyrus looked a mess in custom heart printed Moschino.

Hmmm…

Constance Jablonski wore a Resort 2016 Sophie Theallet Black Silk Crepe Bias Dress with Tulle Lingerie Details.

It’s good to see Alek Wek out and about! She wore a navy leather shift.

Brad Goreski offered a different take on menswear in a salmon hued velvet blazer. Hot!

Lastly, philanthropist Joy Venturini Bianchi had one of my favorite looks of the night in a Bang inspired Tom Ford Fall 2013 dress. Kaboom! She slays!
Who had your favorite look of the night?
Images: Getty

Nene Leakes looked gorgeous yet casual at Live! With Kelly and Michael this morning in a Nene Leakes collection leather sleeve blazer, a tee, jeans, and $495 Miu Miu Metallic Toe Sport Flat Sneakers.

She completed with a vintage Gucci bag. I like this hair on her!

Her black smooth nappa leather slip-on sneakers are detailed with a logo embossed polished gunmetal-tone metal cap toe.

I really like this look! She looks great.
Get a similar jacket from her collection for HSN here. Get her sneakers at Barneys.
Would you wear this?

* Kendall Jenner was spotted in NYC sporting the white Miu Miu toe cap stunners. Which look is more your speed?

Images: Pacific Coast News

So of course yesterday, after I asked for candid street style from international photographers, most people just sent in pix of them posing it up for the Gram…! While I rejoice with all the new Bombshell options, please review the criteria for this section here.
Anywho, until we get some more…relevant selections, we’ll be using our Street Style reserves! David Nyanzi always has his eye out for fabulous street chic.

This London lass paired cropped denim pans with a checked, velvet jacket. Daring, but she looks darling!
What do you think?
If you take street style or know someone who does, let them know about this feature!
Tell ’em to send pix to thebomblife@gmail.com.
Here’s to even more amazing style!
Image: David Nyanzi