Hey!
So after attending John Legend’s concert last night, I sashayed over to night spot Taj to celebrate Brooke Crittendon’s birthday party! I was able to meet and catch up with a few fabulous peeps.
Of course I had to say Happy Birthday to Brooke who looked gorgeous in a tie dye cut out mini dress and poppin pink lipstick:

Turns out Brooke is newly engaged to Harlem Heights hottie Christian. She literally glowed!
I also had to say ‘hey’ to one of my favorite bloggers, Rae Holliday of Stuff Fly People Like:

We chit chatted and just might collaborate on an event later on this year.
The last and biggest surprise of the night was seeing Dwight from the Real Housewives of Atlanta:

I’d actually met him before at Baby Phat’s Fall 2009 show, but every time I see him it’s like a breathe of fresh air! He was working some hot lashes and cascading pearl necklaces ( a la Rihanna). He was so much fun!

I have just a few more days in NYC before I pack up and go back to Paris. But no worries, I’ll be in town again for NY Fashion Week!

Smootches!

See more pix at blog Luxurious Prototype.

Clothing, bags, and shoes aren’t to be outdone when it comes to knockoffs!  Fiona Paxton’s Shona Necklace and Forever 21’s Kuta Tribal Beaded Necklace are strikingly similar with one exception: one is a lot more costly than the other.

With Fiona Paxton’s at $340 and Forever 21’s ringing in at $13, would you rather pay for the name or save to get the very same look?

~Vuitton

Our snapshot from today got me thinking about the portrayals of black women in fashion, and how they’re so typically placed in “Out of Africa” spreads that suggest their closeness to and affinity for animals. I blogged about the Naomi Campbell pictures (photographed by Jean-Paul Goude) for AOL Black Voices, and in my research stumbled upon these pictures of Grace Jones and Amber Rose:

Grace Jones, also photographed by Jean-Paul Goude, was featured on the cover of Goude’s 1981 book Jungle Fever. Amber Rose (who is of Cape Verdean descent) appears in Complex Magazine’s September 2009 issue.

Though the photos were taken decades apart, the message is the same. These women are so wild they must be caged–they’re sultry, snarling sex beasts. No matter how many years pass, it seems as if black women can’t shake the same animalistic image.

Naomi Campbell, Russian Vogue, December 2008

In my AOL post, which suggests this portrayal was offensive, one commenter said, “This is why blacks are so often held back because we spend too much time and effort sweating the small stuff to fight the big fight. There are real issues to be addressed right now but I see those aren’t being touched.” Another said, “This “small stuff” sends a wider message to everyone regardless of color, if the recent events with Gates and even Obama slanders have taught us nothing: that people of color and black people specifically, are so far removed from white or whiteness that they can never be considered human(e), therefore are in fact, the animals their (supposed) ancestors roamed with.“

Iman photographed by Peter Beard, 1985

On what side do you fall in this debate? Is it small stuff? Or are you offended?

Also, what roles do models play in this? Someone like Naomi should have the power to say ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ No?

Picture Source

Summer’s not done yet! Stay cool in hot tees and accessories by urban designer Marc C.

His fall 09 collection launched last week and features t-shirts that pay homage to fashion icons like Anna Wintour, Andre Leon Talley, and the incomparable Grace Jones…

The collection also boasts cotton creations highlighting hot trends…

And of course has the requisite tributes to Michael Jackson…

In addition to t-shirts, he has quirky necklaces, brooch clips, and hair clips in bowtie silhouettes (perfect for a Gossip Girl Look):

Check out his website here or follow him on Twitter.

I’m feeling those fashion icon and MJ tees.  Which ones are you ready to cop?

~Vuitton

Today Angela from Virginia gives us this cute pic she snapped in her backyard:

She says, “Here’s a pic of me getting ready to meet up with an old friend! The blazer was my mother’s from waaay back in the day lol, now it’s mine!”
You’re definitely giving some Tyra level fierceness in your stare! Your better work!
What do you think?

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.

Sneaker brand Pony paired with the Keep A Breast Foundation to raise breast cancer awareness among women. $3 from each pair goes toward breast cancer research:

The shoes are designed by Granadan artist Pepa Preito, who doesn’t skim on color:

They’re perfect for the chick who likes a bit of flavor on her feet. And they won’t break the bank! Get ’em for $50-$75 here.
~Vuitton

Amber Rose went for a G.I. Jane steeze with this $850 Alexander Wang Bianca Bag:

100% functional, you can pop your lipstick, debit card, and cell phone in any of the vest’s pockets for a fashion forward look.
Funnily, I tried this item on after interviewing Ne-Yo the other day:

Would you rock it?
If yes, purchase here:

Wear your cravings around your neck with these $50 Tiny Treat Necklaces from Fred Flare:

Choose from a fortune cookie, pretzel, strawberry, or yummy cupcake.
Find your flavor here:

A Fashion Bomb fan recently put me on to Josh X-an-tus, a multi-talented R&B artist who has worked with Swizz Beatz and Los.

The self proclaimed sneaker head has an eye for fancy footwear and fashion, as seen in this video.
He’s teamed with menswear brand Parish Nation to offer one lucky male Fashion Bomber this polo shirt:

The first person to leave a comment telling us the name of Josh X-an-tus’ single with Jadakiss will win!