We’re popping by the left coast for today’s Bombshell, Saachi from San Fran:
The blogger for StylebyEye.blogspot.com says, “I would describe my style as nothing cohesive and everything eclectic.”
” I have clothes from every style out there, from Rave spandex bodysuits to sweater sets with pearl buttons.”
” My favorite things are the [things] that people overlook as boring or pass up as too extravagant because then I always get a sale bargain and I’m the only one in it.”
” I also like to create theme outfits when I wake up in the morning and feel a certain mood or have a dream about a theme I want to wear. I think every person inspires me to continuously look at clothes differently.”
“… My favorite brands are Mishka, Blackmilk, Lazy Oaf, Tom Ford, and Moschino Cheap and Chic.”
“… My favorite fashion sites are Shopjeen, Stylenanda, Romwe, Pixiemarket, New High (M)art, Karmaloop/Plndr/Miss KL, and Nasty Gal.
“… My favorite designers are Melody Ehsani, Miuccia Prada, Waris Ahluwalia, and Jeremy Scott.”
You have a swagger about you that I can’t help but appreciate. Love your cold shoulder black dress and your leopard pieces and snapback. Werk!
What do you think?
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 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!
Jazzy! Love that fur vest, along with your leopard moments.
What do you think?
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 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!
Yvonne wrote, “A long time ago, you wrote [this post] about fashion and budgeting. Now that it’s been a few years, do you have any advice or lessons learned to share with us about your money management journey? I know this isn’t directly related to fashion, but young women should try to keep in mind the danger of ruining your credit or not having any savings in the name of fashion (you’d be shocked at the stories I hear from my friends). So maybe like a paragraph or so? Thank you!”
I’ll give you more than a paragraph! Yvonne actually wrote me the above e-mail in October, but I saved this post for January 2013, as I set that date as my goal for getting rid of my credit card debt. I’m happy to report that as of today, I am 100% credit card debt free! Yessss!
Years ago, I was saddled with over $35,000 in debt, spread out over 4 cards. In my 20’s, I wasn’t making a lot of money. With a love for nice things, I bought quite a few items beyond my budget and ran up all my credit cards to the limit. I was fine paying the minimums while working my full time job in New York, but ish truly hit the fan when I moved to Paris for two years starting in 2008. With no job and little income, I had a scary moment one month when I simply couldn’t afford to pay my bills! Thankfully I was able to get on bill payment and tracking plans for all of them, which deducted an amount I could afford at a set time every month. After that scare, I quit using credit cards cold turkey, stopped spending above my means, started paying off my cards in huge chunks, and now, 5 years later (wow!), I am debt free and feeling fabulous! I know some of you are having to refinance student loans and/or take out personal loans just to tread water (on top of lingering credit card debt). So I do have a few words of advice for fellow fashion lovers who want to save, build, and grow both their wardrobes and bank accounts.
I was an entry level magazine staffer with champagne taste and a beer budget. Back in the day, you’d find me at Loehman’s, vintage stores, and more, because that’s all I could afford. A credit card unfortunately enabled me to buy things outside of my spend zone at the time ($300 Gucci sunglasses, anyone?), and I paid the consequences. If I could do it again, I’d have one credit card around for emergencies (and no, the Louboutin sample sale doesn’t count as an emergency!). Use a credit card if you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere and need to fly back home immediately. Don’t use it because Bloomingdales has a coupon and you found a pair of really cute shoes. After my credit card scare in 2008, I cut up all my cards, stopped using them, and have focused on paying them off. I now only use my debit card, which means that if I don’t have the money to pay for something outright, I don’t get it. Simple.
2. Search out sample sales and get those discount codes.
Women in line at the Jimmy Choo sample sale
You’ll find even the most seasoned fashion editor waiting in a long line, just like everyone else, for entry into the hottest sample sales. Luxury costs a lot of money, and lovers of fine things don’t always have the bank accounts to shoulder those costs. You’ve seen me battling the crowds at the Manolo Blahnik sale, wrangling over H&M designer collaboration coats, or popping by Helmut Lang for Friends & Family. Not in New York? Get familiar with sites like Gilt Groupe. Also, set your calendars for sale season. Wait until Black Friday to snag your coat for a deal, or join mailing lists to see when stores like Intermix, Net-a-Porter, and Bloomingdales are having promotions. Shopping online? Before you hit ‘check out,’ do a quick Google search to see if there are any discount codes for the site in question. Usually you can get a quick 10% or 20% off–any little bit helps.
3. Get familiar with vintage and consignment
Ina Consignment in Soho
I’ll be honest: I hate vintage shopping. I can’t deal with the potpourri of possibilities. When I go shopping, I prefer the boutique experience–edited selections with plenty of sizes, or department stores. I just like to know what I’m getting! That said, I still love to pop by vintage and consignment stores for the accessories. In New York, I frequent places like Ina or Fisch for the Hip, as they tend to have *great* sometimes current season designer shoes for a fraction of the retail price. Also, when you start to splurge a bit on your own, you can bring your designer duds there when you’ve tired of them, and make a little change by consigning yourself. Use the proceeds from the sale to get something else you’ve been eyeing. Call it fashion recycling.
4. Go on Ebay or sites like Fashionphile.
While Ebay is prime ground for fakes (I’ve fallen victim), there are several websites that sell authentic luxury goods for less. FashionPhile.com stands out, as they vet all their merchandise, and allow you to pay for authentic pieces over a couple of months.
5. Rent. Rent. Rent!!
Me wearing a Prabal Gurung dress from Rent the Runway
I’m no fool! With a myriad of events per week, there’s no way I can afford to buy new dresses, etc, for each engagement. So I’ll invest in shoes and handbags, and if there’s a low key event where I just need something cute to throw on, I’ll Rent the Runway. They have current season styles up to a size 16, and in New York, you can try things on in their fashion closet and take it right home with you (or get pieces courriered to you same day). Also, there’s no shame in Bag, Borrow, or Steal. Though I buy my bags now, back in the day I totally rented my designer bags for, say, Fashion Week, when I couldn’t afford to drop $2,000+ on a purse.
Me ca 2009 rocking a Louis Vuitton Vernis Tote from Bag, Borrow, or Steal
Aside from the tips above, I’d say save your money!! Though I’m not as good as I’d like to be, I automatically deduct a certain amount per month to go into a savings account that I don’t really touch. I use those funds as emergency backup first if anything happens. Now that I’m free of credit card debt, I plan to seriously focus on saving for retirement, and open one card just in case. I’ll most likely be rocking with a card that has fringe benefits–say miles on Delta in case I need a few extra on one of my international jaunts.
In conclusion: A lot of you guys have seen the site and myself grow over the past years. I wasn’t always rocking with Givenchy Nightingales, Kenzo RTW, and YSL Tribtoo pumps! When I first launched the site, I was in my Nine West heels, carrying Cole Haan bags, and professing my love for J.Crew. I still love those brands, but as I’ve grown up and gone for my goals, I now can afford to spend a little more.
Don’t try to live a lifestyle that is not authentic to who you are or what you’re doing.
Don’t try to dress just like Beyonce–she is a multi millionaire and can afford $1500 dresses.
If that’s not your reality, admire, get something similar, or save up if you really want it! If a star isn’t getting an item for free, they are buying it because they can. Rihanna is worth $53 million. So yes, she’ll be rocking a $4,000 coat or a $3,000 bikini.
Rihanna in a $3,000 bikini
It’s ok for you to rock with the $40 version. Just know, most times you get what you pay for (reference my Bronx Heels). But if it’s something you’ll only wear a few times, go ahead and get the look for less.
So in sum, if you’re wrangling with credit card debt yourself, my advice to you is: Stop using your cards, unless there’s an emergency. Buy what’s in your budget (it can be done!). And set a goal for getting rid of your debt. Mine was January 2013. And nothing compares to the feeling of not owing anyone ANYTHING. But then, there’s always Uncle Sam. Ha.
So there you have it! Nothing mind blowing, but I hope my words were helpful! Tell me about your financial journey, your goals, and how you stay fly on a dime. Smootches!
Happy Monday!
We’re kicking off this week of Bombshells with Arieal from New Orleans:
She types, “I love to stand apart from the crowd and I consistently invent ways to do so.”
” I have a creative mind and visual capacity that can be seen portrayed in many of my photos.”
“… My style is fearless and unlike any other, with many classic characteristics and not patronized by society.”
“Born and Raised in New Orleans, I truly have a deep appreciation for my hometown, but most of all I love the influence my city has contributed to the fashion industry.”
“With the title of Wardrobe Consultant, I believe that anyone can be a stylist but it is my personal desire to craft the images of my clients.”
“… I have a natural eye for fashion and as a personal stylist, everyday is an adventure for which I look forward to.”
“I live by my motto: “Confidence is the Key to Success” ❤”
Your looks are cute, colorful, and trendy. I can dig it!
Can you?
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 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!
Ok, I’ll be checking out your Tumblr. I share your love of leopard. And I’m feeling that mohawk. Fierce, sister!
What do you think of Lizzy’s looks?
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 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!
Our first Fashion Bomber of the year is Carlos from Oviedo, Spain:
He says, “I like suits in light colors and bright ties.”
” For streetwear, I like oversized sweaters and hoodies with skinny jeans with leather effect.”
” I love beanies and wearing headphones over them and I cannot live without the latest pair of Jordans.”
” Also not so much jewelry…”
“… just a pendant and a small bling watch.”
Simply Suave. I love it, Carlos!! If like it, too, join over 70,000 of Carlos’s fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/Carlos.Vijande.Rocks.
What do you think?
Fashion Bomber of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of male Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-8 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!
West Coast reader Kadejah from LA submitted her pix for Fashion Bombshell of the Day:
She says, “My style is staying true to what I like, all the while [distinguishing myself from] everyone else in the world.”
” Sometimes it can be a very growing process to discover who you are as a college student.”
” This generation is so quick [to validate] themselves by picking a title/status, while they are on the journey of self-discovery. But I question “how can you know who you are, while you’re on the road of discovery?“”
“Therefore, I tend to just be true to myself in the moments, and follow my heart with what I want to wear and what feels good.”
” I’m not typical and I’m absolutely okay with that.”
” I also like to think: you should only do what makes you feel good.”
” I also believe that you shouldn’t count on others to make you happy.”
“… It begins and ends with you, with that being said I may wear a furry coat so everyone can look at me, and become amused. That alone will pick my mood up, if I’m feeling down.”
“Life is too short to not do things that are adding to you.”
Um, is that a snake around your neck? Talk about a bold accessory! See more www.kadesmode.com.
What do you think?
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 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!
It’s been a bit of a slow week here on the The Fashion Bomb, but we’re going to kick start the year in earnest with the first Bombshell of 2013, Nicolette from Maryland:
She writes, “I would describe my style as: A Colorful Classy Splash of Vintage Freshness.”
“…The 80s and 90s era inspires my style. Many clothes during the 80s and 90s era had structure, shapes, and were also very bright and colorful.”
“I am Nigerian-American and get inspired and wear a popular African cloth called “Ankara””
“I always wear vibrant and colorful clothing.”
” My outgoing personality also reflects this “bright and colorful” sense of style that I have.”
“I get 98% of my clothes from a thrift or vintage store and I usually wear clothes people do not see in a popular store or mall.”
“Two famous people I look up to,fashion wise: Janelle Monae & Rihanna.”
Will do. What a beautiful to restart this feature! Loving all your fabulous prints.
What do you think?
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 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!
Happy Almost 2013!
Yet another year has flown by before our eyes–really, where did the time go?!? 2012 witnessed magazine features, TV appearances, and the growth of The Fashion Bomb staff.
I have quite a few goals for 2013, but first, let’s take a look at what I wanted to accomplish for 2012!
1. Attend even more fashion weeks
My international travels took me to the British Virgin Islands this past year, but I’d love to diversify even more! Australia, Brazil, and Japan are all on my short list. I’m really going to try to do it up for 2013–hold me to it!
2. Take more fashion risks
I’ve experimented with braids and platinum blond locks, and that’s only the beginning of my style evolution. I’m still working on breaking out of my conservative shell; in 2013 I promise to push the fashionable envelope.
Well…TheBombLife.com has launched, but I haven’t made time to add anything to it! Hopefully I’ll be able to update with my favorite restaurants, places to shop, and more next year! In 2013, I hope to:
1. Make Fashion Bomb TV into a weekly/bi-monthly show.
Instead of occasional episodes, I’d love to have weekly or biweekly episodes with celebrity interviews, boutique spotlights, and event coverage. Upcoming designer? It girl around town? Hit me up!
2. Strive for more exclusives and guest posts
You guys loved when Angela Simmons blogged with us for a week. It’s always fun to get an insider view from a star whose style we admire. Who else would you like to see?
3. Commit to snapping more Street Style.
I used to put up Real Style every Monday; I’ve been slacking! I know you guys like to see what’s hot on the streets. I’ll learn how to use my DSLR *cough* and bring it in 2013.
4. Continue to build the Fashion Bomb Team
This blog has benefited greatly from the diverse voices of our staff members. From Jihan’s snarky fashion news tidbits to Cliché and Faith’s celebrity style wizardry, the Fashion Bomb is now an assemblage of smart writers united with a common love of multicultural fashion. We could always use more fashionable perspectives–I’m looking forward to see who submits their candidacy in our next internship contest!
We’ve also been super blessed to have graphics designer Ashley, webmasterZillz, photographer Marta, and videographer Samuel Centore on our squad!
And this year wouldn’t have been half as special without Fashion Bomb Readers. You make blogging fun–and you give me a reason to wake up and get to work;) Your thoughtful comments and e-mails, good or bad, inspire and motivate me to be a better blogger. Let’s keep the party going in 2013.
What are your New Year’s Resolutions?
Though you guys are typically very lukewarm with our male reader style submissions, Fashion Bombers showed out and represented like no other this year!
Tailored, sophisticated, and suave, guys from New York to Paris caught your attention. Check out this year’s nominees:
Few Bombers elicited as much excitement as Davidson from New York.
Clad in tailored suits in a plethora of colors and patterns, Davidson was the definition of dapper.
To say you were swooning would be an understatement! Out of 1,180 votes, he had a 94% approval rating, with comments like, “A true gentleman of style!!! Love!” and “Lawd Have Mercy!- nothing sexier than a well dressed man-and you have perfected that to a tee–You’ve got my vote!”
Sophisticated Alain caused stylish hearts to palpitate with his punchy pieces and unique ensembles.
Bright pants and patterns were his thing, along with unexpected pops of color via socks and pocket squares.
His Bomber status was cemented with 89% out of 966 votes. Martinique_FR gushed, “BRAVO Alain! Your look is very “classy gentleman with edge”… Love it!”
We had a lot of international Bombers, and Dualleh certainly stood out.
His outfits oozed effortless chic, with ample European influences.
Though you’re typically a tough crowd, you were all in for Dualleh. Siyam wrote, “Perfection!!!” and Yeyo added, “Funky fresh and dressed to impress! Certified fashion bomber!”
Larry represented for Dirty Jerz in a series of refined looks uplifted by moments of cool colors.
He didn’t say much in terms of a description, but his clothes said it all: he had an eye for style and a singular swagger.
Ladies loved Larry! Dom wrote, “Handsome and fashionable, a rare combo. His shoe game is sick!” while Ashleigh wrote, “Absolutely love it. Call me! Hahaha.”
