Splurge of the Day: Paon Paon! Minaudiere by Sylvia Toledano

Get your shine on in this Swarovski encrusted minaudiere by Sylvia Toledano:

Minaudiere by Sylvia Toledano

The clutches’ stylized multicolored peacock feather glitters against a smoky topaz-hued pavé background, providing a dash of drama to any evening outfit. $1,400 buys you a purse fully covered in Austrian crystals; perhaps the glittering pen and detachable silvertone chain justify the price?
It comes in blue and pink at Vivre:

Real Style: Street Spotted New York

Hey!

In case some of you are missing NYC street style, we’ve collaborated with cool college site Street Spotted (www.street-spotted.com) to bring you a bit of USA flavor!

Today they give us a picture of Rachel and Victoria, two friends who are currently doing Parson’s intensive summer program in the city:

Street Spotted Rachel Victoria

Rachel (left) mixes high and low, rocking an Urban Outfitters Jacket and Century 21 dress with Stuart Weitzman flats and a Marc Jacobs bag. Victoria on the right is the definition of recessionista chic in American Apparel and Urban Outfitters.
What do you think of their street style?

Smootches!

Read more about their outfits here.

Video: Must be Love by Cassie Featuring Diddy

Finally got a chance to peep the video for this hot new single by Cassie:

Cassie Must be Love Screenshot

I’m actually happy that Cassie is back on the scene.
Crossing my fingers she can knock it out the park with a live performance to secure her comeback!

Steal of the Day: Nina Elga Pumps

Step out on a date night in this elegant pair of $89 Nina Elga Pumps:

Nina Elga Pumps

The t-strap ruffle sandals are made out of 100% fabric, meaning lots of comfort while you dance the night away. Wear a cute nail color to add to its allure.

Adriana’s Life: André Leon Talley at NYC “Valentino” Screening

On Sunday night, I made my way to SoHo to view the “Valentino: The Last Emperor” screening at the Angelika. I was super-excited about the film and hoped I’d get to chat up ALT himself, who hosted a Q&A right after the movie. Lo and behold…

andre_leon_talley_adriana_nova_valentino_screening

If I look shell-shocked, that’s because I was! Mr. Talley was gracious enough to pose for a pic but, alas, was in too much of a rush after the event ended to give a Fashion Bomb exclusive. Maybe next time…
Valentino: The Last Emperor” is sumptuous: chock-full of laughs, tears, and fabulous fashion. It revolves around the deisgner’s relationship with his longtime partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, as well as his retirement in 2007. Cameos galore and and an inside look at how Valentino plies his craft and managed to stay at the top of his game for 45 years. A *must-watch* for stylephiles!

Handbag Fix: Avelle’s Refurbishment Service + Free Membership to Avelle for Fashion Bomb Readers!

Have a bag you absolutely *love* that has had too many encounters with pens, water, and dirt?

Avelle, the new Bag Borrow or Steal, has just launched a new Refurbishment Service that will allow you to keep your “well-loved” handbags looking like new again!

Avelle Refurbishment Service

For $45-$175, their service takes care of stain removal, deodorizing, leather conditioning, parts replacement, and handle reconstruction.

I know I have some bags that could use more than a little TLC!

Find out more particulars at www.bagborroworsteal.com/ui/handbag-repair/.

*Haven’t tried Bag, Borrow, or Steal? What are you waiting for?? Fashion Bomb readers get a free membership with the code FreeFashion09. Go to www.avelle.com and check it out!

The Fashion Bomb On Essence.com!

Hey Y’all,
So a few days ago Essence.com contacted me about taking street style pictures for their site:

valerie_full

I had a super tight deadline and it was raining like *crazy*, but I did manage to find a few urban fashionistas!

Log onto www.essence.com to check out my handy work.

joy_full

Leave comments!

Who Wore it Better? Rihanna vs. Beyonce in Matthew Williamson

Red Carpet Fashion Awards noted that Rihanna and Beyonce seem to be taking style notes from each other, sporting Matthew Williamsom’s gathered leather coat on different occasions:

Rihanna Beyonce Matthew Williamson

Rihanna fashioned the coat into a dress for an NYC outing late last month while Beyonce chose to rock the trench with a dress and wedge heels.
Who wore it better?

39876_in_dl

See more at Red Carpet Fashion Awards

Steal of the Day : Savanna Metal Mesh Mini Clutch

Step out this weekend with this $20 sequined gold mini clutch by Savanna:

glitter-mesh-bag

Put your lipgloss, cards, and keys in the glittering bag, then drape it across your body for hands free fun!

Wear with the following for a perfect Friday night club look:

Rip the Runway: Stella McCartney vs Bebe

stella-vs-bebe

They say that imitation is the best form of flattery, but can we really say the same when it comes to fashion?  Sure, most designers find inspiration from the collections of other designers and place their own aesthetic on their designs.  But Bebe clearly took “inspiration” to another level with their Lizzy Mesh Sandal which obviously serves as a doppelganger to Stella McCartney’s Mesh Basket Sandal for her spring 09 show.  The only differences are the color of the platform, the stiletto, and Stella’s faux leather against Bebe’s patent leather.  Caged sandals are all the rage right now: which begs the question, “Would you spend hundreds of dollars to support a designer’s trend item, or go for the same look for a fraction of the cost, especially considering the economy?” Check out Stella McCartney’s shoe here.  The Bebe’s are only in turquoise online, but stores may have them in stock.

What’s your verdict?

~Vuitton