Hey!

So I finally got my Carte de Sejour!!

Yes, it took me 11 months and four hours this morning to pick up the little piece of plastic that allows me to live and work legally in Paris!!  Because of my morning appointment, Mail Bombs were a tad delayed (my bad). Now we’re ready to go!

First, Nikki says, “I love Christina Milian’s polka dot top!“

“I’d love to find something similar. Can you help?“

The closest I could find to C. Milli’s sheer beaut is this Weekend Max Mara Blouse:

Get it for $275 from www.saks.com.
[Update: I just went to Zara and saw C. Milli’s exact top for like 60 Euro ($85 USD approx.). Find a Zara store near you by visiting www.zara.com.]

Next, in a Rih Rih bomb, Monica asks, “Where can I find Rihanna’s vest?“

According to Rihanna Daily, Italian Vogue covergirl is wearing Paige Skinny Jeans with this $176 Grateful Acid Wash Vest:

Get your vest at www.shop.rvca.com.

Edonna says, “Summer is just about over, but that doesn’t mean my sandal addiction is!!“

“Please point me in the right direction! I need similar black sandals!”
Amerie looks fly, no? Get a similar ankle wrap look with these high and low priced options:

Now for a few wardrobe queries!
Raven says, “I’m going back to school, and am looking for a great tote bag. Can you help me find something more on the affordable side?”
Of course! Adriana found these options for you:

Lastly, Whitney says, “I was wondering if you could give me a little inspiration for a nice outdoor concert fit? En Vogue is performing this weekend and I want to find something that has a funky diva vibe to it. Thanks!”
For an outdoor concert, I’d recommend mixing a sequin or graphic print tunic top with dark jeans or leggings. Go for comfort in cute flat sandals, and bring along a jacket for nighttime chill:

That does it!
I’m going to enjoy my new French resident status. Ah, what to do?
Bisous!

Today’s style inspiration offers a golden mixture of casual and chic:

The gold peep toes offer a dash of sauce, while the liberal fit of the top and shorts are laid back yet lovely. Add a cool shade of gold nail polish, a bangle, and a statement bag for gilded style:

Style Inspiration is a feature showcasing high priced pieces you can use to inspire your style. Be inspired, then search for affordable items that offer the same aura.

If you watched Anna Wintour on David Letterman, then you undoubtedly heard her make mention of an event coming up called Fashion’s Night Out.

American Vogue partnered with the CFDA, New York & Company, and the city of New York to increase consumer enthusiasm during this economic dismay.  From outstandingly decorated store displays to parties, performances, and celebrity appearances, this event is sure to draw a crowd.  Many designers will also be lending a hand with the event by appearing in department stores and answering questions as they relate to fashion and the economy.  The other editions of Vogue are involved as well and will host the event in their respective fashion capitals.

The extravaganza kicks off September 10th, 2009.  If you’re in the New York area, be sure to stop in and shop!  You can click here for more info or simply watch this viddy:

~Vuitton

Celebs kept up their usual schedule of parties and red carpet events, with Keke Palmer toasting her Sweet 16th, Diddy showcasing his new group Dirty Money, and Queen Latifah and more attending the wrap party for the movie “Just Wright”:

I think Keke looks absolutely darling at her Sweet 16th party! She’s growing up beautifully!

Who do you think wins this week’s chic award?

Source & Source

Imagine this is your typical workday: you while away the hours in the Women’s collection at Bergdorf Goodman, remind yourself of tasks like “must call Marc (Jacobs) to ask what he thinks about prints for next season,” and lunch frequently with the top editors at ELLE, Vogue, or Harper’s Bazaar. Sound at all like a fantasy? Well, it’s one that Bergdorf’s Senior Women’s Fashion Director Roopal Patel gets to live out every day.

As the chief decision maker for the women’s clothing department at the store, the stunning Indian executive dictates not only what Bergdorf’s will carry but, given her position at the helm of a fashion leader, the trends and styles shoppers will be clamoring for. To do so, she works closely  with *the* big name designers and major editors at fashion magazines, and she’s always front row in at the shows NYC, Milan, London, and Paris.

In an interview for Asiance Magazine, Roopal offered up the following tips for women who aspire to obtain a position like hers:
1. Start at the bottom (Roopal started as an assistant at Bergdorf’s).
2. Make sure you know the history of fashion and of individual fashion houses (Roopal said she is surprised by the lack of knowledge and research candidates have about fashion when they come in for interviews).
3. Dress appropriately no matter what position you are in.
4. Get a Business or Marketing degree in order to get into Fashion Marketing, not necessarily a degree from a fashion school (Roopal herself has a degree from NYU’s Stern School of Business).

And what does Roopal say about what makes a person stylish? She tells EGO Magazine “Personally, what I think is stylish is when a person puts her own personal signature on her look. Really, it is about the woman giving off an air of confidence that she, herself, feels beautiful. Style comes from the inside out.” Couldn’t agree more!

Roopal’s own impeccable style has a feminine, elegant sensibility that definitely takes its cues from high-fashion. She also seems to favor warm colors and jewel tones. If you dig her look, try any of these affordable gems:

And think of Roopal next time you’re walking around with one of those iconic purple bags. 😉
~Adri

Source, Source, Source & Source,

According to Upscale Hype, Mary J. Blige has joined forces with Gucci to create this splurgeworthy timepiece:

They say, “[The] original timepiece is to be sold for Mary’s charity group the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN). The basic design is based on Gucci’s ‘Twirl’ watch and features black diamonds, Gucci’s signature double G pattern, and converts to a bracelet.”

The limited edition stunner is a shocking $1,895, but a percentage of proceeds go to charity.
The watch will be sold at Gucci’s 5th Avenue in New York starting September 16th. Go to gucci.com for more information and store locations.

This $24 Watercolor dress from Forever 21 is fit for anything from the office to an art gallery opening:

Wear it with a pair of round toe pumps and carry all tote for a prim, stylish, and put together look:

Rihanna was spotted doing what she does best: posing for the paps in a spectacular outfit.

This time around Rih went for a trendy look in brown harem pants, a cropped top, gold drop jewelry, and leopard print round toe pumps.

Get her look for less with these fun, recession friendly options:

Who knew we had so many Canadian readers?
Today we have Christina hailing from Toronto, Ontario:

She says, “I hope you enjoy my pics!”

Christina shows us that sometimes your best wardrobe asset is a high wattage smile!

What do you think of this example of Canadian 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.

Today’s style inspiration is for those girls who must look fly for the office:

Whether you’re an editor, account executive, or CEO, you can hightail it to meetings, power lunches, and after work networking events in these droolworthy pieces:

Use them as inspiration for your next office engagement!
Style Inspiration is a feature showcasing high priced pieces you can use to inspire your style. Be inspired, then search for affordable items that offer the same aura.