Hey Guys!
So since I’ve moved back to New York, I’ve been popping into my old haunts and also dipping around some of my favorite neighborhoods to find cool new places to shop. My blogging buddies Kristin aka the Clothes Whisperer (www.theclotheswhisperer.co.uk) and Charlotte of Style Cartel (www.stylecartel.com) were in town from London, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to rediscover Soho. We first had lunch at Balthazar (80 Spring Street, N,R to Prince, 4, 6 to Spring Street), then stumbled upon a store you must visit called Roundabout Resale (115 Mercer Street between Prince & Spring):
Roundabout is a consignment store that purchases and resells new and gently used designer items by Gucci, Giuseppe Zanotti, Hussein Chalayan, Balmain, and more. You can imagine three style bloggers in there. We were literally frothing at the mouth at all the offerings.
I found jackets by Hussein Chalayan ($550), Chanel suits ($1,000), Gucci Sandals (the ones in the pic above were $345), and a pair of Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes ($219). The store has a contemporary floor featuring brands like Diane von Furstenberg and Marc by Marc Jacobs, and a boot section with brand new stompers by Giuseppe Zanotti and Maison Martin Margiela.
The best thing about Roundabout were the sizes. My main issue with vintage and consignment stores are that the clothes are usually a sample size or smaller. At Roundabout I saw tons of shoes in a size 10 and even jackets in a size 12. And a lot of things were on sale for 30% off. I’m saving up for my birthday celebration next week (woot!) so had to hold off, but will definitely be making Roundabout one of my regular shopping stops.
If you’re ever in the city, visit the store at 115 Mercer (212-966-9166) or their other location at 31 East 72nd street (646-755-8009). Tell ’em the Fashion Bomb sent you!
Smootches!
*Thanks to Charlotte of Style Cartel for taking the shopping pix and to Kristin of Clothes Whisperer for modeling the stuff out of that YSL dress and Chanel jacket!
Fashion Bomb reader Melissa wrote in asking, “What can I do to keep makeup on my face and not everywhere else? I have a primer and I know that is supposed to help with keeping make up on my face and longevity but that just doesn’t seem to cut it, especially when I’m wiping my face or happen to rub my face against someone’s clothes. I use a foundation that is supposed to stay on your face as well. I heard that setting sprays are good but I don’t know where to start. Is there anything that you suggest?“
Hey Melissa!
This is actually a pretty common thing in the world of makeup. I remember when I first started wearing makeup I was wearing a liquid foundation one day and went to hug a friend who was wearing a white as snow sweater. When I let go of the embrace guess what was all over her once pristine sweater? Yep. About half of my made-up face. *sigh*
While there isn’t a way to completely get rid of makeup rub off, there are some things you can do to limit it. Using a primer as you mentioned is one. Primers help to keep your makeup on your face longer, but using it alone won’t do much for transfer. It’s a good idea to also set your foundation with finishing powder and yes, there are some good makeup sprays out there that also help. My current fave is Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix Spray (sold at Sephora), but I also hear good things about Ben Nye Final Seal Spray and Mehron Barrier Spray. Ben Nye and Mehron can be found where professional makeup products are sold.
You can also try applying thinner layers of your makeup or switching to powder formulas which aid in absorbing your skin’s oils that add to makeup stains. Or try waterproof formulas. Makeup brand Make Up For Ever has a host of waterproof makeup from foundations to lip and eye color.
Make Up For Ever Boutique inside Sephora Soho
But before you think you’re immune from rub-off after using a setting spray, there are also some new tricks you’ll need to train yourself to do. I’m completely clumsy but over the years have managed to train myself to not touch my face. I’ve got this down so good that I don’t even touch my face when it’s makeup-free. This helps to prevent accidentally getting your makeup all over anything your hands touch like your report due at 2 P.M. or a friend’s collar. If you absolutely must touch your face, be sure to wash your hands immediately or keep some hand wipes in your purse to cleanse your hands.
You’ll also want to adjust the way you hug. Instead of a face-to-face hug, try to go in on an angle to avoid hitting your subject’s clothes. I’ve managed to keep my makeup off other’s clothes for the last five years doing all of the above. Practice makes perfect though.
Hey Guys!
So we have our very first Bombshell of 2011: Leslie from Miami.
The blogger for Ur Pretty Haute lives by the motto, “Versatility is my Tranquility.”
She says, “…I just love dressing up, no specific style at all.”
“…I’m into thrifty finds and mixing key essentials with trendy pieces.”
“Layering and mixing patterns gives me an eccentric look…. padded silk tops add a vintage feel.”
“When I want to feel girly I like to wear soft fabrics that I can wear heels with but also versatile enough to give it an edge if I wanted to switch to combat boots.”
Cute style!
This is a great start to the New Year, if I do say so myself.
What do you guys think of 2011’s first Bombshell?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style and flair of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and your Fashion Bombshell of the Day Picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
Hey Guys!
Tomorrow at midnight we’ll be waving goodbye to 2010, and saying hello to 2011! So much happened in this past year…I moved home from Paris, covered fashion weeks, and even tried a little on camera work. I’m setting my sights high for the new year…
….but before I dip into my resolutions, I have to take a look back at my goals for 2010.
They were to:
1. Take more fashion risks.
This year I stepped further away from J.Crew and cable knits, and moved confidently towards more prints, sparkles, and faux fur. I also indulged in trends like leopard, wedges, and bright lipsticks.
I made a conscious effort to experiment more with my makeup and rock out with poppin red, cherry glosses, and vampy hues.
2. Switch up my hairstyle.
2010 saw me sporting faux hawks, bumps, curls, and updos. In the end I realized I was too lazy for all that, so rounded out the year with an asymmetric short cut.
It works! 3. Get my travel on.
My frequent flyer status caused tons of confusion, and half the year I’m sure you guys didn’t know where in the world I was! From Atlanta to New York to Paris, I kept busy. This year I definitely want to travel more internationally, and even make a return trip to Asia. 4. Continue to expand The Fashion Bomb.
This year we debuted a new header, streamlined design, and implemented easier navigation. Thanks to you guys and your input, we’ve enjoyed one of our biggest years to date! Let’s hope things continue on the up and up!
That does it for 2010! For 2011, my main goals are to: 1. Wear more accessories.
This year I’m really going to fight my conservative tendencies and be more adventurous with jewelry. Cascading necklaces, cocktail rings, chandelier earrings–I’m there. The bigger the better.
2. Out with the old, in with the new.
This fall was the first time I sold my old bags and baubles on Ebay and used the proceeds to invest in new items. I’m traditionally a ‘more is more’ type fashionista, with a closet brimming over with items from years past (a lot being things I don’t wear). The new year will be all about minimizing and focusing on a few key pieces. It’s also about continuing to invest in my wardrobe–besides investment pieces retain value and demand high bids once I’m over them. 3. Attend more international fashion weeks.
I’ve been to London, Paris, and New York. It’s high time to see what Milan, Japan, and Africa have to offer! 4. Bring back Fashion Bomb TV!
Back in 2008 I tried my hand at shooting a bit of Real Style on camera, but when I moved to Paris the concept fell by the wayside. It’s not that Paris didn’t have great style–the language barrier would have made it difficult to bring the interview to life.
Now that I’m back in New York, it’s on! Hopefully we can create more professional videos and make the site more interactive. And I hope to share more of my life with you guys:)
At any rate, that does it for me!
What are some of your New Year’s Fashion Resolutions?
Ah Bombshell of the Day.
Who knew such an innocent showcase of reader style could bring out the best and worst in us, fanning controversy, commanding criticism, and at times bubbling over with praise? Though the Fashion Bomb jury can be harsh, hundreds of you sent in your pictures on a daily basis, opening yourself up to what may be the internet’s most selective style judges. Only a handful of Bombshells stood head and shoulders above the rest, attracting more positive comments and choruses of ‘girl where did you get that?” than “girl, no!“
We had 14 nominations, but I whittled it down to 10 based on positive reader feedback and overall style.
Our nominees for Bombshell of the Day are: Gina from Boston, Gigi from DC, Lily from Vancouver, Nikole from LA, Brittainy from North Carolina, Alicia from LA, Whitney from Texas, Shanease from Atlanta, Tysha from Toronto, and Lori from LA.
Gina’s style mantra was simple: “Everyday’s a party, I love to have fun and will try any and everything. Lots of color and lots of glam!”
The positive comments just wouldn’t quit. Keshia from Dallas said, “Two thumbs up! Work it!” and Diamond said, “Gina if I ever see you, I’m robbing you of your shoes!!”
Though Shanease cited Rihanna as a style muse, we could still see her personal style and flair shine through.
Readers were drooling over her dress game. L of Avid Accents said, “This girl is just too cute. She sticks to a few colors with each outfit and adds a little surprise like the animal print pumps and yellow nails. I likes.”
Lori was so good, she appeared twice as Bombshell of the Day, each time getting comments like, “HOT all the way through,” and “HOT TO DEATH!!! Weeerk!”
The vintage shopping pro shows off her finds on her blog www.rouseardor.com. Click on if you just can’t get enough.
If there were a popularity contest, Lily would win. The personal style blogger for www.bleedforfashion.com enjoyed over 88 comments brimming with compliments like, “Wow love every look! She’s awesome!” and “Now THIS is a bombshell. Love everything!”
Image consultant Whitney from Texas blew us away with her multicolored blazers and well tailored looks.
The truth said, “Love her style! From head to toe, she looks flawless in every pic.”
7. Alicia from LA
Alicia already had quite a following thanks to her blog Inny Vinny, and it seems she gained a few more fans after her feature on the Bomb.
Zy said, “Ohhhhh…. I LOVE her style. It’s been a while since you guys have featured a Bomb with some serious style… this chickadee is WORKING it. from the shoes, to the haircut, she’s definitely got a signature style. Love it, love it, love it!” FashionEditorTN added, “It’s about got-darn time Claire, Lol! Her style is where it’s at. I love the glasses and the paisley-lookin dress with the mustard sandals. The grey cardigan, pearls and purple platforms are thrown together nicely…Love love love it. Thanks Alicia…Well done!”
Nikole, aka The Moptop Maven, charmed fellow Bombshells with her sick wardrobe, bright smile, and gorgeous hair.
AD said, “BEAUTIFUL! That hair! Fantabulous! *drops bombs*” Even Danielle had to weigh in, saying, “OH-MY-SWEET-GERKINS! (*Rupaul voice*). This woman is gorgeous! I’m here thinking about the Phytorelaxer I bought the other day and shaking my head at myself and seriously contemplating taking that thing back…lol. I LOVE her hair. And her style. And her face.”
Last, but not least is Brittainy who just made the cut, submitting her pix just a few days ago.
No matter, the 5’10” stunner made quite the impression. Zimbabwechic said, “Okay honey I’m gonna need the name of your hairstylist and where you go thrift shopping, that is all:)”
And that’s all folks! Who do you deem worthy of the title, “Bombshell of the Year”?
*Note: You can make more than one selection
Have fab weekends and stay tuned for more Best of 2010 fun!
Hey Guys!
So we’re kicking off this lovely Friday with Fashion Bomber of the Year, and will publish our Fashion Bombshell of the Year post later this afternoon.
Nominations for Bomber of the Year were few and far between–most ballots had a big question mark next to the entry! At any rate, we whittled it down to five guys you felt were worthy of the title.
I give you Robert from Houston, Charod from Florida, Shakur from New Jersey, Joshua from Las Vegas, and Mboko from Paris:
Readers were swooning over Robert’s model looks and confident swagger. Though a few complained his professional shots didn’t truly showcase his style, most were too distracted by his chiseled cheekbones to care.
Frequent commenter Wallflower said, “Helllooooooooo nurse!” and Jellytime said, “Man take those clothes off! Lookin good as hail, hay hay hay!”
Charod from Florida’s pictures were submitted by his friend Jazzmene who said, “he’s been FLY since we were 11 years old!”
You guys concurred. Dinka Don said, “He is adorable and what style! Thumbs up on my end!” and Daisy said, “This is the first male fashion bomber who has the kind of style of the man I could see myself dating. It’s effortless, a little rugged, and hot!”
3. Shakur from Jersey:
Young Shakur from New Jersey stole our hearts in November, saying, “…Fashion is about being yourself…it isn’t always about Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton.”
Zy said, “I <3 him for that statement. *applause* he rocks and his fashion sense rocks too. Love it!”
4. Joshua from Las Vegas:
Young Joshua first appeared on the site in July 2010 with a unique style that didn’t bow to trends or the latest hot shoes.
LK said, “I love that he stepped out of the box!! It’s nice to see black men in something other than the latest Jordans!! Joshua u rock!“
5. Mboko from Paris:
You guys actually only submitted four nominations, so I took the liberty of including Mboko because I adore his dapper looks and undeniable chic.
It seems you guys approved. Lola said, “You hit it again Claire! This is what being a fashion bomb is all about. He is owning his look and you can tell he is not complete without his glasses, attaché, and brogues. Make your own lane and OWN IT!” Missy added, “Classic with a twist…and a pop of color. Not only is he one gorgeous guy, he has style to die for. Each look was perfection!!!”
So that does it! Who do you think should be Fashion Bomber of the year?
Stay tuned later for Best of 2010: Fashion Bombshell of the Year!
Hey Guys!
So last night I made my way up to Carol’s Daughter in Harlem to get a manicure and chat with Kandi Burruss of Xscape and Real Housewives of Atlanta. As I’m sure all your Real Housewives fans know, Kandi is a very talented singer and producer and recently released a soulful album called Kandi Koated. So, Kandi and I chatted about music, fashion, and shoes…
…until my video cut off.
YES!!! I was so mad. I lent my Flip Video to a friend, so was working with my regular camera. Kandi and I were chatting it up, talking about her style… Little did I know that my card had insufficient memory, so didn’t catch all the magic. Good news is that we did get to learn about Kandi’s clothing store, Tags, which is in Atlanta.
Check it out:
What didn’t make the cut: News about Lawrence’s single, which will be coming out soon. Kandi flashing her amazing Versace shoes. And a more in depth discussion of her album.
But no matter–I listed to her CD last night and fell in love. Tons of cool, soulful tracks, with a mix of trash talking.
The year is winding down with Bombshells, and Brittainy from Durham, North Carolina just made the cut!
She said, “My style is pretty sporadic. I change my hair about every week, so my style changes pretty frequently as well.”
“I love vintage. I am an avid thrift store shopper. I love blazers! I believe that they can be worn with EVERY outfit. I also love long strap purses and any shoe 5 inches & over.”
“It is hard for me sometimes to find clothing & shoes that fit because I am 5’10 and I wear an 11 size shoe, but thankfully God blessed me with fashion sense. I also believe in shopping according to your budget.”
“You DO NOT have to splurge if you do not have it, there are many stores with prices that reflect your lifestyle and income.”
Love your style and fashion philosophy Brittainy! I also adore your adventurous hairstyles. You switch it up a lot, but make it work–which would be hard to pull off for most. Snaps!
What do you guys think of Brittainy’s style?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style and flair of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and your Fashion Bombshell of the Day Picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
Hey Guys!
We’re nearing the end of the year with Bombshells! One of our last entries is 18-year-old Tyler from Alabama:
The freshman at the University of Alabama says, “I was born and raised in Alabama but don’t think for a second that means we don’t know how to dress down in the south. Fashion is an emerging and growing part of my life.”
” I like to always be classy, trendy, yet relaxed. Fall fashion is my favorite. Scarves, booties, sweaters, boots, and tights are my favorite pieces.”
“I love getting inspiration from different fashion blogs.”
“Fashion is so fun to play with and I let mine speak for itself.”
What do you guys think of Tyler’s style?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style and flair of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and your Fashion Bombshell of the Day Picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
