Take it or Leave It? Top Fashion Trends of 2009

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back at which trends we’d like to bring with us to 2010, and which should stay firmly in 2009! The Fashion Bomb has compiled the following fads, but you tell us: Should we take ’em or leave ’em?

First up: Bandleader Jackets:

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Whether you blame it on Balmain or Beyoncé, metallic trimmed bandleader jackets dominated catwalks and sidewalks in 2009, spawning look-a-likes by everyone from Alice & Olivia to Target.  While the cut was definitely cool, I’d have to give a strong side eye to anyone rocking the exact braided, multi-button look in the new year. This hot trend is ovah–leave it in ’09!

Ripped Jeans

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Every celeb from Ashanti to Rihanna was spotted wearing ripped jeans this year, most notably J Brand’s Thrashers as pictured above. The rocker look is a recurring trend that always exudes chic edginess. Let’s take it to 2010!

Open Toe Shoe Boots

Ciara Rihanna Miu Miu Peep Toe Miu Miu Boots

Open Toe Shoe Boots played up both dresses and skinny jeans in 2009, but I’ll be honest, the look always confused me. The cut could be more stifling than sandals in summer months, and in winter, your toes will freeze! Of course fashion standouts Rihanna and Ciara managed to make the stompers look hot, but hmm, not too sure illogical accessories need to endure into our new year. Save your time and money for things that never go out of style like coupons for cologne, perfume and makeup. Leave ’em in 2009!

Leggings, leggings, leggings

Amber Rose Blue Hair
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Angela Simmons Lace Leggings

2009 saw multiple celebs, most notably Amber Rose, rocking leggings in every color, style, and sheen imaginable. Purple or green, ripped, laced, or zipped, leggings were worn under tunics but more often as figure illuminating, butt lifting pants. I’ll cosign a legging for a comfy weekend ‘fit, but personally think spandex leggings as pants should not endure. Leave ’em in 2009!

No Pants

Beyonce Single Ladies

Lady Gaga No Pants
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What started in music videos and onstage trickled down to the masses with regular around-the-way girls opting for leotards and stockings in lieu of traditional skirts or pants.

Unless you’re Lady Gaga or Beyoncé, it would be wise to back away from the glorified panties. Leave ’em in ’09.

Extended Shoulders

Extended Shoulders Kim Kardashian Tracee Ross Kerry Washington

80’s era shoulders breathed fresh air into fashion in 2009, adorning dresses and jackets with a seemingly cutting edge flair. The strong, sophisticated cut is too flattering  and chic to die away so soon. Let’s take it to 2010!

Now guys, you had your own share of trends too!

Cardigans

Soulja Boy Men's Style Cardigan

Jay-Z Diddy Swizz Beatz Cardigans Men's Style

Our fave men’s style icons have been embracing the prepster cardigan look, and you’ll hear no complaints from my end! Piped, cable knit or purple, this look works. We’ll discuss the big chains later, but your cardis can stay. Let’s take ’em to 2010!

Lastly, Kanye’s Louis Vuitton Sneakers

Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Lance Gross, Kanye Louis Vuitton Sneakers

Kanye West tried his hand at designing sneakers for Louis Vuitton, and the colorful kicks were a certified hit amongst hip hop heads. Creating a bomb product, as well as supporting and rocking said product with purpose is definitely a trend I can cling to. Let’s take it to 2010!

What do you guys think? Which trend would you take? And which would you leave in ’09?

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Get the Look : John Legend & Estelle

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Singers John Legend and Estelle celebrated John’s birthday recently in NYC, with John in a smart suit with bowtie and Estelle in a cute bright blue dress, zippered motorcycle jacket, and light catching accents. Though the two are not a couple, the look could work for a fashionable pair heading out for a fun fete.

Get the look below:

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Holiday Style Inspiration: New Year’s Eve Luxe

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Tired of basic black?  When choosing a dress for New Years, go for a more refined look with some rich color: purples, blues, hunter green.  Then edge out the ensemble with accessories, jewelry, shoes, and makeup.

Check out where to get the pieces below:

Happy New Years!

~Vuitton

Best of 2009 : The Fashion Bomb

Today our Best of 2009‘ rundown will end with a quick look at the year’s top highlights for The Fashion Bomb!
This year has been amazing for your urban fashion cyberstop–so much so we’ve outgrown our server*! We couldn’t do it without you guys, so of course our first highlight of 2009 is…

Our Fashion Bombshell of the Day Feature:

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Fashion Bombshell of the Week

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Fashion Bombshell of the week

We debuted our Bombshell of the Day feature in July, and ever since we’ve received a flurry of cute pics from stylistas from Belgium to Boston to St. Maarten! Though its had its share of hiccups, it still remains one of my fave new features.

Breaking into Fashion

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Always intent on offering insight into the ‘biz, we’ve strived to give you the best subjects for our Breaking into Fashion feature. From designer Rachel Roy to celebrity stylists like Phillip Bloch and Mariel Haenn, they’ve all taken time to offer good, sound advice to all you future industry insiders. In the New Year we want to continue to give our best!

Celebrity Sightings

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International fashion weeks have allowed us amazing access to our fave celebs. Next year we definitely want to keep it poppin’, even perhaps dropping into shows in Milan and London to give you even more runway reviews and star exclusives.

Awards and Recognition

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In 2009, the Fashion Bomb won Judges’ Vote for Best Style & Fashion blog and even crept onto Style 9’s 99 most influential blog list. We’ve got our eyes on that number one spot, and hope you guys will stick along for the ride!

This wonderful year wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing Fashion Bomb Team and you fabulous readers!

Here’s to many more!

Smootches!


*We’ve grown too big to stay on our current server! We will be transitioning to a *new server* starting Thursday. No more Errors, once and for all. Woot!

Cool Online Find : Patricia Field Salutes Keith Haring

Keith Haring Patricia Field


Everytime I click on www.patriciafield.com, my fashionista tastebuds are tickled by all the yummy bangles, handbags, and creative separates!

I was delighted to see that the Sex & the City stylist created a tribute to Keith Haring with fun items like an $120 Scarf Dress, $72 Border Print Scarf, and $80 Plastic Clutch. I know where I’m doing my post Christmas shopping…
Lucky you, it seems Patricia is offering 20% purchases of $200 or more with the code ‘PATMONEY.‘ Log on to www.patriciafield.com to browse.

Smootches!

Fashionable Losses of 2009

While there were many fashion highs in 2009, unfortunately, there were a few lows as well.

This year witnessed the loss of a music and fashion icon, a trailblazing model, a nascent clothing label, and more.

Let’s take a look back in remembrance and reverence.

Michael Jackson:

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Michael Jackson Beat It Screenshot


In June, fans were shocked by the passing of music icon Michael Jackson.  On top of scoring dozens of number one hits in his lifetime, MJ also initiated several trends, making red leather jackets, glitter gloves, and fedoras de riguer for fashionable followers young and old. His memory lives on in the music and movements he initiated. We will continue to reference them for years to come.

Naomi Sims

Naomi Sims 60's
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In August we lost Naomi Sims, the model who designer Halston said, “…was the first. She was the great ambassador for all black people. She broke down all the social barriers.” The Philadelphia native covered Cosmopolitan and Life Magazines and was the first black woman to land the cover of Ladies Home Journal in 1968. The pioneering glamazon paved the way for contemporary brown skinned models like Arlenis, Chanel, Sessilee, and Jourdan. She will be missed.

Kanye’s Pastelle Clothing Line

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Before we could even get excited about Kanye’s ‘Pastelle’ clothing line, MTV News reported that the collection would, “never, ever, ever come out.” Too bad, as it seems our Fashionable Man of 2009 has an eye for cut and design, and already scored quite well with his Nike Air Yeezy’s and Louis Vuitton sneaks. Better luck next year, Kanye, we’re all watching and waiting for your next creative move.  We’re sure it’ll be fabulous.

Vibe Magazine

Vibe Magazine Folds

In June, Daily Finance announced the shuttering of Vibe Magazine. The Hip Hop monthly, known for its intelligent, spot on writing, and finger-on-the-pulse reporting closed its downtown offices and bid adieu to its talented staff. Though the print magazine recently relaunched in smaller form, we’ll still miss the Vibe of the olden days, where ed notes by Danyel Smith and eye catching fashion spreads by Memsor Kamaraké delighted and awed.

What will you miss the most?

*Honorable Mentions: Pour out a little liquor as well for J.Lo’s Sweetface and Andre 3000’s Benjamin Bixby Line.

Get the Look : Kelly Rowland

Get-the-Look-Kelly-Rowland
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Kelly Rowland indulged in a bit of post Christmas shopping outfitted in a fashionable belted faux fur vest, black turtleneck, slim fit black pants, and knee high boots. She looks relaxed yet chic, the perfect outfit to simultaneously kick it while smiling for the paps. Get her look with the splurges or steals below:


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Holiday Style Inspiration : LBD (Little Black Dress)

We’re providing style inspiration right up until the last minute!

This year for New Years I can’t run to Forever 21 or Topshop to pick up an affordable shimmery number, so am opting for my faithful black strapless Tibi dress and adding interesting accessories like a sash belt and studded pumps. Go for a similar recession friendly look by sticking to basic black but showing your personality with cute pieces like riding gloves, platform booties, or even playful bunny ears:

Style-Inspiration-New-Years
Paula-Patton-Black-Strappy-Sandals


The great thing about black: it always look rich regardless of how much you spend!
Get the look here:

Snapshot : Amber Rose for Vibe

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Amber Rose for Vibe Magazine December 2009. Thoughts?

Snapshot is a section featuring fashionable, memorable moments.  No words, just an image.  Enjoy…and discuss!

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Holiday Hot or Hmm… : Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and Venus Williams!

Hey Guys!
I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday with your family!

It seems celebs were pretty much under wraps this past weekend, staying inside to exchange presents and dig into Christmas turkey. A handful did show and prove, so you be the judge. Were they hot! Or do they make you go hmmm…?

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Nicki Minaj was snapped at M2 Lounge wearing an inventive pair of neon patterned leggings topped off with a blazer and peek-a-boo bra. As we mentioned here, leggings as pants should stay in 2009…as should bras worn as tops. She gets a few more days to rock those wardrobe ‘don’ts,’ but hopefully she’ll shelve them for the New Year. Hmm…

Rihanna-Pink-Bikini

Rihanna kicked it beachside in her hometown of Barbados, wearing a super cute hot pink ruffled bandeau bikini that showed off her assets. Aside from her slight wardrobe malfunction on the right, the look is hot–even the hairnet!

Jennifer-Lopez-Miami-Dolphi

Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony attended the Miami Dolphins game at Landshark Stadium this past weekend looking ready to disco in a light blue flared jumpsuit for J. Lo and all black for Marc. J. Lo is looking great for her age and is definitely working the one piece. Hot!

Venus-Williams-Miami-Dolphi

Lastly Venus Williams was also in the house, wearing an enviably light spaghetti strap sun dress with flat sandals for the sunshine laced game.  She looks laid back and cool, but I would’ve liked to see something, even a bag, that would’ve taken her outfit to the next level. Hmm, she could do better, but gets a pass for holiday comfort.

What do you guys think?

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