Fashion Bombshell of the Day: Fajr from Philly

Surprise, surprise, Bombshell posts have become a comment battleground! Instead of turning off comments or writing a chastising post, we’re just going to continue to bring it, each day, with bomb representations of international style. I personally think today’s Bombshell, Fajr from Philly, is fantastic:

She says, “I am a 27-year-old fashion blogger, freelance writer, and online marketer!”


“… My style is a mix between Bettie Page, Wanda Skyes, and Wendy Williams.”

” It’s retro, vintage inspired, funny, and a little busty!”

” I love to dress in theme, wearing lots of bold colors and prints and always adding an extra flair like a pair of heart sunglasses or crazy vintage bag.”

“My fashion blog is Stylishthought.com.”

Cute! Will be checking out your blog. And gimme those heart sunnies!
 

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 your picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.

Claire’s Life: Pharrell’s Qream New York Launch Party

Last night I was juiced to attend the New York launch party of Qream, Pharrell’s new liqueur beverage.

With yummy flavors like peach and strawberry, the drink is pegged for the career woman looking to unwind after a long night (without the guilt of excess calories). The taste is reminiscent of a White Russian or flavored milk with a twist. Qream is really light and lovely, yet packs a punch.

I really liked it!

Tastemakers and celebrities like Swizz Beatz, Russell Simmons, Jay-Z, and Selita Ebanks came to sample the yummy drink. I said hey to Q-Tip

Snapped a picture of designing brothers Dee & Ricky

And also caught just a bit of Real Style with Recording Artist Rich P and his Manager/Stylist NiceInHarlem who looked dapper in MCM, Christian Louboutin, Ralph Lauren, Y-3, and Comme des Garcons:

At the end of the night we were treated to a performance by Karmin, a duo known for their quirky covers of rap and pop songs:

It was a fun night!


Style Deets: Print top and Mini Plateau Skirt in Violet, Diane von Furstenberg. Amburr Alert Earrings, Poparazzi. Bling Bangles, Jessie Adore. Lipgloss, Afrobella x MAC All of My Purple Life.

Check out a few more photos from WireImage:



If you want to check out Qream for yourself, visit the website at www.qreamwithaq.com.

*My official photog was stranded outside:/ Hope these pictures were still fun! xoxo
*Thx Christina & Stephanie!

Fashion Bombshell of the Day: Nish from Florida

Since our international Bombshells haven’t been faring too well with our exacting critics, I’ve decided to bring it back Stateside today with Nish from Florida:

She says, “I’m a college student with a passion for fashion.”


” I consider myself a fashion stylist who models in her own attire.”

” I would describe my style as a mix of classy and vintage.”

“… I like to try different styles with different looks.”

” Monica and Kim Kardashian definitely inspire my style :)”

Cute! And you better work that Pavon by Luz & Victoria ruffle top dress!

 

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 your picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.

Fashion Bombshell of the Day: Kristina from Ontario

We’re continuing our International fab with Bombshell Kristina from Ottawa, Ontario:

She says, “I would describe my style as a mix of various definite styles!”

” For instance, sometimes I’m dressed like an uptown hipster, others times my style reflects that of an Afrocentric Barbie-Doll.”

“I believe my style is limitless and that’s why it varies based on the way I feel when I wake up.”

“I love color and re-inventing!”


” I also like customizing pieces… Taking a generic piece of clothing and re-vamping makes all the difference in expression of style.”

“I also have a fashion blog: www.kouturekitten.com. Check me out!”

Will do!

 

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 your picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.

Fashion Bombshell of the Day: Risikat from Dublin

Happy Monday!
It seems our international Bombshell contingent is growing, witnessed by the lovely Risikat from Dublin:

She says, “I would say my style is me.”

” I don’t follow trends, if I feel good about something I buy it.”

” My friends say I don’t have style, but I hope I’ll prove them wrong.”

“… I feel fly in every outfit….”

“…and that is the main thing for me.”

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 your picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.

Fashion Bomber of the Day: Mark from Brooklyn

Today I decided to switch things up with male Fashion Bomber Mark from Brooklyn:

The personal shopping assistant says, “My style encompasses my mood for the day.”

” I usually think about the day’s agenda and how I want the world to see me.”


” One day I can be found in Soho dressed in a Nautica turtle neck and Polo Ralph Lauren rangers boots and the next, dancing the night away at a castle in New Jersey alongside fellow students from the Fashion Institute of Technology in an ivory Kenneth Cole New York suit and matching turban.”


” However, one thing always comes across loud and clear: I mean business.”

Very dapper. And you’re super courageous–not many men could pull off a turban. Mark has a blog, check it out at www.hot4cheap.blogspot.com.

 

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 your picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.

Fashion Discussion: Where are the High End Black Fashion Designers?


Reader Nyeema recently wrote, “I have a question, a question that still remains unanswered. Black high- fashion designers….where are they?? Besides Tracy Reese, who else is there that’s high up on the fashion food chain? I feel that whenever black designers are featured anywhere it’s usually this “dip your big toe in the pool to test the temperature then quickly snatch it back out” approach (if that makes sense). We’re never quite a trend. And while I do love some of the talents of the Euro designers, we as blacks (especially celebrities) tend to gravitate to them a little more. “

“I read your article on urban labels and I have to say urban label designers left the urban community long before we left the label. While I never fully embraced the urban labels (never really was my style) observing the consumer base who wore them made me feel like they just gave us a bunch of gaudy, poor quality, “street wear” for us to wallow around in while they sought more higher end Eurpoean brands. So back to my original question….where are we? Why aren’t we featured more? Who has our back? Where is our voice?”
Great question, Nyeema. Though we do have Tracy Reese showing at New York Fashion Week, Olivier Rousteing as the head designer at Balmain, Duro Olowu, Edward Wilkerson of Lafayette 148, and Patrick Robinson (formerly of the Gap), fashion is still quite a bleak place for black designers in the upper echelons.

The issue is not lack of talent, but lack of money. Though young designers like LaQuan Smith, Mataano, Sammy B, and more can compete, many struggle due to lack of capital. I asked veteran designer Stephen Burrows about the dearth of black designers during a talk with Harlem’s Fashion Row and he said the biggest issue is, “Funding. It comes down to having the resources to let your brand succeed.” In this vintage article, I said, “Vogue established the CFDA/Fashion Fund to help younger designers find their footing; France has the ANDAM award (Association National pour la Développement des Arts de la Mode) award. What do we have in place to help young African-American designers thrive?

Unfortunately there’s nothing established, but here’s one solution: How about all the musicians who have abandoned their urban brands divert some of their copious capital to fronting seasoned designers? Instead of nursing vanity projects then losing interest, they could place their interest in a fashion talent. But then again, why should they invest their hard earned dollars into something they can’t pimp out and sell in a few years?

The other solution is for organizations like The Fashion Bomb and Harlem’s Fashion Row (and anyone else interested) to create a fund of their own. Throw a party/fundraiser, decide on a winner, and finance the dreams of someone with lots of promise. We’ve covered lots of black designers on this blog (see our category here). Perhaps it’s about time to speak with our wallets, not just with words.
What do you think?

Style Diary: Glamour and Glitter

Happy Wednesday!

Yesterday night I had dinner plans down by Washington Square Park. It was hot as Hades (NYC temps reportedly reached a high of 93 degrees!) so I slipped on a flirty little blue halter dress by Lu Pone & Vanderbilt from a store called Yamak down on Bleecker.

As far as accessories, I kept it relatively simple: a belt from Topshop, a black crystal silver mesh bracelet by Jenny Dayco, a Betsey Johnson clutch, and a Steven Shein Faux Real necklace I purchased at Patricia Field.

Not to be overlooked: my Miu Miu Glitter sandals.

I love them!

I had a little time to kill before dinner, so I caught some Real Style (coming soon), then sat in the shade and rocked out with another fave summer accessory: a hand fan.

If you live somewhere sweltering, I’d highly recommend this low cost accent. It keeps you cool and can look super cute. I purchased mine down by Canal street for $4.

What do you think of this week’s Style Diary?
Photos by Marta McAdams.
*Makeup notes: Mac Ruby Woo lipstick. American Apparel Limited Edition Neon Nail Polish (we blogged about it here).

**The title of this post was definitely inspired by Jem. My fellow 80’s babies, reminisce here:

 

Real Style: Washington Square Park

In between twirls for my Style Diary, I ran across Faith, a pretty young thing whose look demanded a quick capture:

Her outfit was memorable: a simple yet colorful vintage tee, jean shorts, and well plucked accessories.

Extra points for the Coke can and lovely caramel tinged Afro.

What do you think?
We featured Faith before in Swagger Mondays. See her first post here.

Photos by Marta McAdams.

Style Inspiration: What to Wear on Vacation in Cancun

Y’all are some traveling people!
Miss B says, “My boo and I are going on vacation for the first time. It will also be my first time in Cancun. What essential items should I carry for our trip? Thanks in advance.”

For the nighttime, I’d personally take a cue from my most recent Style Diary. A simple, flirty dress should do the trick. Turn it up a notch with haute heels and a pop of lipstick:

For daytime, all you really need are beach essentials: a cute swimsuit, equally cute cover up, tote to carry your books, tunes, and what nots, and sunglasses. Pack affordable flats to walk on the beach–slip on a pair of heels for a casual dinner poolside:

Look to these celebs for more inspiration:



*If you have more vacation queries, check out our Vacation category.