Pop over to AOL Black Voices, where I compiled some of the top moments in fashion and beauty in 2009. From shaved heads to Beyonce’s leotards and Lady Gaga, we covered it all!

Read the article here.
What trends stood out for you this year?

American designer Jeremy Scott is the collaboration king. On top of his fun pliage bags for Longchamp, he also works with Adidas quite frequently to release wing tipped sneakers and athletic separates. Nylon Magazine has the first look at his newest collabo with Adidas.

What do you think?
Would you rock it?
See more here and go to www.adidas.com for more info!
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Monique Coleman at the MTV Music Awards

Today’s look is for the 80’s baby who wants to channel those days of poofy skirts, neon bangles, and big hair. This outfit is definitely a splurge, but you can look to these aspirational items to inform a potentially hot New Years or holiday look:

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It is snowy and gorgeous here in Paris.
I’m staying inside with some warm mint tea and solving some Mail Bombs!
Let’s go:
First up, Bethany says, “I’m sorry, I love Rihanna’s faux fur hat!”


“Where can I get something like it?”
Get Rihanna’s winter ready look with this Faux Fox Fur Trapper Hat from Express:

It’s $40 at www.express.com.

Kizzie says, “I am celebrating my birthday soon. I like the lace dress Nicki Minaj had on in one of your posts…”

“…I am on a budget. Thanks I need your help!”
We found these options to offer you a Minaj essence:

Vert says, “Bubble coats can be so boring and square, so PLEASE PLEASE help me! I was wondering where I would be able to find a similar jacket like this one….”

“It’s so cute!”
Yes it is! Gone are the days where down coat is synonymous with marshmallow! Brands like Mackage, Moncler, Michael Kors, and more have tons of cute options for any price range:

Lastly, Whitney says, “So I’ve been looking for a hot NYE dress and ran across this!”

“Too hot! So I’m trying to figure out how to accessorize it just right. A little help please? Thanks!”
Take a cue from Kim Kardashian who accented a very similar dress with a statement necklace, black pumps, and a black satin clutch.

You don’t want to take too much away from the cute design of the dress–let it stand on it’s own while simply playing up its scoop neckline:

That’s it for today!
Stay tuned for more ‘Best of 2009’, Style Inspirations, and more!
Smootches!

A look back at the Best of 2009 wouldn’t be complete without a peep at the fly fashionistas who made reading The Fashion Bomb so much fun!

This year’s contenders made the cut thanks to a combination of the following factors: the amount of times they appeared on the blog, the number of Mail Bomb questions focused on them, AND the number of votes they received via Twitter.
Of course the final vote is up to you guys!
First, let’s take a look at some of the chicest stylistas of 2009:

1. Solange Knowles:

This year Solange stepped firmly out of her sister’s shadow, expressing her own, quirky takes on beauty and style. She reigned as the cool accessories queen, rocking liquid Chanel earrings, neon platform pumps, and vintage jackets with pinache and singular flair.

While she made major inroads in fashion, she made the biggest splash in July when she boldy chopped off her long locks and emerged with an inch long cut. While the blogosphere went crazy commenting on her latest beauty move, she shook off the controversy, chatted with Oprah, then put on some poppin lashes to accent her new look. Fly!

2. Zoe Saldana:

What a year it’s been for Zoe! Plum movie roles in Avatar and Star Trek have translated into frequent red carpet cameos, premieres, and party appearances.

Designers have taken note, outfitting the young Dominican beauty in Marchesa, Andrew GN, Louis Vuitton, and Calvin Klein.

Thankfully she has the attitude to pull off most anything, and looks ravishing at every camera flash.

3. Cassie

Sure, her vocal skills are questionable, but Cassie’s fashion acumen is indisputable. The soft voiced songstress excels in red carpet wear and can even make a half shorn head of hair and holy t-shirt look hot.

This year Bombshells fell over their Louboutins for Cassie’s Rodarte knee high boots, Brian Reyes off shoulder dresses, and leopard print Giuseppe Zanotti’s.

4. Kerry Washington

Silent killer Kerry Washington literally sizzled this year in poufy, pretty dresses and vibrant sequin lined frocks. With the seasoned eye of a style aficionado, she was one of the first to adopt the strong shoulder silhouette that dominated magazine pages and runways.

A devotee to Chanel, Marc, and Louis Vuitton, Kerry has gone toe to toe with fashion’s foremost faces…

…yet still holds her own, emerging as an almost untouchable, timelessly sophisticated style force.

5. Keri Hilson

ATLien Keri Hilson breathed a bit of fresh air into the scene, joining the fashionable ranks in ’09 thanks to her sharp haircut and laid back swagger. While she shined on the red carpet, Bombshells clamoured for her cool Melody Ehsani accessories, chic leather vests, and daring separates.

6. Rihanna

Say what you want about Rihanna. Say she’s overexposed, overhyped, and overstyled. Whatever your thoughts about the fashion phenomenon (yes phenomenon) that is Rih, you can’t deny bish if FIERCE. After her highly publicized run in with ex boyfriend Chris Brown, the diva bounced back, quietly at first, hitting clubs in Missoni silk jumpsuits, Louboutin silver slingbacks, and Balmain studded leather numbers that had stylistas drooling at every turn of her red bottomed heels.

While her outings in NYC witnessed a good share of unparalleled fabulosity, Rih truly blew us away when she popped into Parisian fashion shows wearing Hussein Chalayan, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Givenchy like a true diva.

Whether in Gareth Pugh or a doily hat, Rihanna pulls it off effortlessly 90% of the time, meriting her the title of Fashionista of the Year 2007 and 2008. Will she win the crown again for 2009?

It’s up to you folks! Vote below:

Smootches!
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Today’s holiday ready look is tailored for the bad girl who loves the look of luxury without the high price tags. We found a handful of hot separates perfect for a low key yet fashionable event. Look fly for less in a one shoulder sequin top, affordable ripped jeans, faux fur, and cubic zirconia earrings. If the weather’s still mild in your neck of the woods, top everything off with a silver sandal. Otherwise, why not try the season’s hottest thigh high boots?

Go for even more low key by subbing in a simple white tank in place of your sequined top!

What do you think of today’s Holiday Style Inspiration?

For more ideas, check out our past looks here.

When I won the intern contest for the Fashion Bomb, one of the fabulous prizes was a $250 gift certificate to Gilt Groupe.  I had a hard time figuring out how I was going to use it until I saw these shoes.  Clae’s offer the perfect mix of preppy and urban without going overboard: even with the prices harboring around $150.  Not bad for the omen we call “the recession”. I have the green ones above, and they’re pretty comfortable.  But for the high-tops, I suggest getting the next half size to a full size up.  The colors are pretty dope.  Just enough to brighten up any fit for the season.  You can check the website here, or take a look at a few below:

~Vuitton

Seems like a few of our fab bombshells made their way to Letterman this week!  It was Leona Lewis’ turn, and she rocked a very laid back, rock star chic ensemble.  The over-the-knee boots are to die for and so is that Stella McCartney Falabella Bucket Bag.Â
Love the look?  Get it for less than Leona’s purse below:

~Vuitton
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2008 witnessed Obama-mania, as designers like Sonia Rykiel, Rachel Roy, and Zac Posen fashioned stylish t-shirts and dresses supporting the election of our new President.

In 2009, however, Barack was eclipsed in the fashion department by his fabulously down to earth yet effortlessly chic wife, Michelle.

Michelle’s style from inauguration to the G20 summit and beyond has spawned lookbooks and blogs, and sent J.Crew’s stock skyward thanks to her propensity for their cashmere cardigans and pencil skirts. Most notable for her patronage of younger designers, she has worn everyone from Jason Wu to Thakoon to Sophie Theallat.

Let’s take a look at some of her best looks:

She dazzled at Barack’s inauguration in January, slipping on an Isabel Toledo coat, Nina Ricci sweater, and Jimmy Choo heels.

And celebrated that night in an ethereal Jason Wu creation with jewelry by Loree Rodkin.

As she began to settle into her White House life, she also began to settle into her personal style, which quickly became defined by pencil skirts, kitten heels, and cardigans set off by waist cinching belts.

Though she did diverge from the norm at times, choosing showstoppers like this vibrant dress by Stevie Wonder’s wife, Kai Milla…

Colorful creations like this dress by Jason Wu….

… Conversation pieces like this oft asked about Basso & Burke blouse…

…And saucy shifts like this ravishing red Moises de la Renta…

She generally kept it classy yet pretty in prim J.Crew separates and demure heels…

And playful shirtdresses like this number by Sophie Theallat.

Whether in floor length gowns or comfy sneakers, Michelle has brought a renewed flavor to the White House, and created the biggest fashion furor over a First Lady I’ve ever personally seen.

What do you think?

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