This Week in Chic: Amber, Rihanna, Fabolous, and more!

Stars came out in droves this week for birthday parties, club nights, and red carpet events:

Zoe Saldana Prada

Amber Rose Fabolous Birthday

Fabolous Diddy Birthday Party

Rihanna Party Look

Kim-Kardashian-Tiny

Drake-and-Wale

Naomi-Campbell-Gabrielle-Un

Rihanna always kills it, and the guys are looking fly, but I have to give this week’s chic award to the ladies in the plum, specifically Tiny who is rocking that Alexander Wang Goddess Dress with nude heels!
Yes, she’s an unlikely style subject, but I think she looks cute!
Who’s your pick for this week’s chicest outfit?
Smootches
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Fashion Bombshell of the Day : Lola from New Jersey

Hey Bombshells!

Today we have another fabulous submission from Olakiitan from New Jersey, who wanted to nominate her sister Lola for Bombshell of the Day:

Fashion Bombshell of the Day Lola

She says, “She had a little bit of style before but it definitely improved once she found The Fashion Bomb! She’s 23 and she’s currently in her 2nd year of medical school.”

lola-5

“…She works very hard in school but still manages to take time out and enjoy life, and she does so in style! Her (funky & classy) short hair is always on point and knows how to make a fashion statement without overdoing it (i.e. She can wear a solid dress with a big statement chain to really make it stand out).”

lola-3

“…We’re both Nigerian. Even when she rocks traditional Nigerian clothing, she adds a lot of flavor & style to it.”

lola-6

Yes she does!

Wow, brains and beauty to match! Lola you have amazing style, and as Rick Owens said, your hair and shoes say it all!

What do you guys think of this Bombshell’s style?

Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature that showcases the singular style and flair of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, and Fashion Bombshell of the Day Picture to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.

You Should Know : Briana Bigham

Hey Guys!
Allow me to re-introduce you to Briana Bigham:

Briana Marie Bigham Style Fashion BMarie Handbags

Though you’ve most likely seen her light up primetime on BET’s Harlem Heights, the Atlanta native (woot!) is a very serious handbag designer with an interesting and nuanced background:

Briana Marie Bigham Style Fashion BMarie Handbags

She took some time out of her busy schedule to tell you guys a bit about her fashion industry experience, her favorite handbag brands, and dole out advice for you aspiring designers!

Briana Marie Bigham Style Fashion BMarie Handbags

An FIT graduate, Briana has worked for labels like Laundry by Shelli Segal, Esprit, Victoria’s Secret PINK, and Tommy Hilfiger in everything from apparel design and tech design to production. She says, “I wanted to learn all aspects of the business so when it was time to launch my own I could be self sufficient. The ultimate focus for me when I moved to New York was to start my own line, not to just work for a label.”

Briana Marie Bigham Style Fashion BMarie Handbags

She did just that in April of this year, launching her line of sultry handbags named B Marie for her first initial and middle name. For her latest collection she says, “I’m inspired by a contrast of western influence and rock glam….fringes and spikes. I’m doing cross the body mini bags and saddle bags with huge studded flaps and multiple straps.”

BMarie Handbags

Of course as a handbag and design expert we had to ask her about her favorite brands. She says, “Fendi is by far my favorite. Karl Lagerfeld makes unique wearable art that is functional. I think that is the strongest element when you purchase a luxury item.”

For those who can’t quite afford Fendi, she says to look for the 3 D’s when purchasing a quality handbag: Detail, Define, and Durable. I love small unique details in a style. For example one of my favorite bags is the Fendi Spy, and it stands out with the woven handles and cool hidden compartments. You have to ask yourself, ‘Does the bag define my personal style?’ And lastly a bag has to be made with durable material that is long lasting.” Good advice!

Briana-Harlem-Heights

For you aspiring designers out there, Briana says, “Education in the business and grinding are the keys to success. If you can’t go to design school full time, take draping and sewing classes, sketch, study the history of fashion, and master Illustrator. There are so many people that claim to be a “Designer”, but don’t understand the structure of building a brand. You have to do the work to be successful…anyone can write a check.”
Here here!
If you want to learn more about Briana or check out her fabulous bags, visit her website, www.bmariestyle.com. She’s one to watch!
Smootches!

Style Inspiration : Kandi Burruss

Hey Guys!

So I know I’m a million light years behind, but I finally downloaded Season 2 of the Real Housewives of Atlanta and watched the whole show from beginning to end! Though this season had its share of catfights, the character who captured my heart the most was Kandi.
She was the perfect mix of spunk and level headed cool, and seemed one of the true talents on the show!

I compiled this look based off of her ‘intro segment’:

Kandi Burruss Real Housewives of Atlanta

Style Inspiration Kandi Burruss

The dress is chic, but not bank breaking at $125. Kandi always splurged on a bad shoe, so I incorporated a $620 Prada Slingback Sandal, then brought it back down to earth with baubles, jewelry, and makeup under $50.

Get her essence below:

See more Kandi inspired looks in this vintage post on Real Housewives of ATL style.

Hot! or Hmm…: Leona Lewis and Ciara at the ASICS Celebration for “Echo”

Hey Bombshells!

Vuitton here with a little mid week Hot or Hmm….

Leona Lewis’ new album “Echo” was released this week, and she partnered up with ASICS to celebrate:

Leona Lewis Asics celebration Echo

Dressed in a purple Herve Leger body-con dress with a black corset belt and black chained booties, I’m gonna say that Leona’s a little lukewarm for me.

Leona-Lewis-Herve-Leger

She definitely looks cute and her makeup is hot, but it looks like her ensemble is missing something.  Maybe a boyfriend blazer and a statement necklace would’ve moved her up the fashion thermometer.

Ciara-black-dress

Ciara and her perfectly toned gams also attended the shindig in this frill-shouldered black number and fab peep-toe Louboutin’s.  I loved how she kept jewelry to a minimum so as not to take any focus away from the dress. While I do love it, I think it’s a little too short, especially for someone else’s event.  And it’s obvious Cici slacked off in choosing the right bra.  Hmm…

What’s your verdict?
~VB

Men’s Fashion Flash: A Bathing Ape Bapex watches

A cool play on the uber-lux brand, Rolex, A Bathing Ape offers a less-expensive, yet still splurgeworthy alternative.  Enter the Bapex:

Bathing Ape Watch Bapex

This collection comes in matte black, gold, and silver featuring the logo at the “12” position and the letter “R” below the phrase “Made by Human” at the “6”.  I wouldn’t expect anything less witty, yet so eye-catching from the creative minds that are Pharrell and Nigo.  They’re $530, and you can get them here.

PS. The gold is already sold out, so you know they’re going fast.

~Vuitton

100 Under $100 : Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

So Thanksgiving is next Thursday, and whether you’re chillin’ with the fam, keeping it grown and sexy with a group of sophisticated friends, or meeting the parents (eek!), we have 100 items under $100 that’ll keep you fly for turkey time (and help you save those pennies for post holiday sales)!

Thanksgiving Fashion Style

First up: Meeting the Parents:

Meet The Parents Thanksgiving

Meeting your boo’s fam for the first time can be tough, but that doesn’t me you can’t show some style!  Look pulled together and sophisticated while asserting your personality in low key frocks that sizzle in fall colors, or a fun blouse, skirt, and tights combo worn with sensible heels. Add a cute cardigan to pull your look together:

Large Dinner Party:

solange-daytime-casual

If you’re away from home (like me), the holiday occasion might call for a large dinner party. Though you’ll most likely know the host, you may need to put your best face forward for new colleagues and acquaintances. Be sure to make a good first impression in stylish blouses with skinny jeans or skirts with conversation starting accessories:

Chillin’ with the Fam:

simmons-sisters

Thanksgiving is a time when you get together with loved ones, some who you may not see often. Keep it super laid back, yet cool and classic in no nonsense tops, roomie hoodies, and stretchy pants for all that eating you’ll be doing:

Where will you be spending your Thanksgiving?

Wardrobe Query : Varsity Jackets for Women

Today, in a Wardrobe Query, Angela asks, “I recently saw a piece you all did on varsity jackets for men, but are there any varsity jackets for women? Like the ones that the Dirty Money girls are wearing in that one picture with Diddy?”

Diddy Dirty Money Varsity Jackets

Hey Angela!

Though Varsity Jackets are on trend for men, we were able to find you a handful of fashionable Varsity Jackets for women:

They’re not as colorful as the men’s options, so perhaps to really get the look you can purchase a men’s Varsity Jacket in a small size. To see a few hot options, check out our Men’s Varsity Jacket post!

Men’s Fashion Flash: Camo Jackets

Hip-Hop Heads have taken camouflage jackets from the woods to the sidewalk, mixing the style with sharp jeans and look-at-me accessories:

Men Trend Fashion Camo Jacket

Get the evergreen look with these:

Chris Brown Camo Jacket

Rick Owens’ 10 Rules of Style

Fabulous fashion designer Rick Owens recently shared his 10 Rules of Style with Details Magazine, offering his unique takes on how to accessorize, tailor, and more.

Rick Owens

If you haven’t heard of Rick Owens, he started his label in 1994 and is now one of the most respected designers in the industry. His impeccably sophisticated yet avant garde leather jackets and pants are favorites of trendsetters like Rihanna, and his pieces tread the line between classic and conversation piece.

Rihanna leather Jacket oversized Collar Rick Owens

Take a look at his style rules:
1. I’m not good at subtlety. If you’re not going to be discreet and quiet, then just go all the way and have the balls to shave off your eyebrows, bleach your hair, and put on some big bracelets.

2. Working out is modern couture. No outfit is going to make you look or feel as good as having a fit body. Buy less clothing and go to the gym instead.

3. I’ve lived in Paris for six years, and I’m sorry to say that the Ugly American syndrome still exists. Sometimes you just want to say ‘Stop destroying the landscape with your outfit.’ Still, from a design standpoint, I’m tempted to redo the fanny pack. I look at it as a challenge: it’s something to react against.

4. When a suit gets middle-of-the-road it kind of loses me—it has to be sharp and classic and almost forties.

5. Hair and shoes say it all. Everything in between is forgivable as long as you keep it simple. Trying to talk with your clothes is passive-aggressive.

6. There’s something a little too chatterboxy about color. Right now I want black, for its sharpness and punctuation.

7. Jean-Michel Frank, the thirties interior and furniture designer, supposedly had 40 identical double-breasted gray flannel suits. He knew himself and is a wonderful example of restraint and extravagance.

8. I hate rings and bracelets on men. I’m not a fan of man bags, or girl bags either or even sunglasses. I don’t like fussy accessories. Isn’t it more chic to be free? Every jacket I make has interior pockets big enough to store a book and a sandwich and a passport.

9. With layering, sometimes the more the better. When you layer a lot of black you’re like a walking Louise Nevelson sculpture, and that’s pretty attractive. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable is also one of the most attractive things you can do.

10. It’s funny: whenever someone talks about rules, I just want to break them. I recoil from the whole idea of rules.

I’ve gotta agree with his rules about shoes and hair–they can make an outfit.
What do you think of his fashion philosophies?
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