If you rock with Cassie’s look, but can’t get down with her Balmain sandals, get the next best thing with this pair of $165 Jeffrey Campbell Mels:

Complete the look with these:

*Don’t forget the bright nail polish!

We have a winner!

Fashion Bomber Sihan from Toronto, Canada was the first to answer all five questions from our Chick Downtown contest correctly!

She says, “Toronto is doin’ it big with Vuitton (putting us on the map at last lol!). I read The Fashion Bomb on a seriously regular basis…My fave parts are the “Looks for Less” and “Real Style“…I think it’s great that you guys offer a variety of looks and styles for every budget….“
Thanks for reading and enjoy your Peace Fold Over Clutch by Moyna!

*The answers to the contest were:
1. Keyshia Cole wore a strapless metallic number from Lebanese designer Basil Soda’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

2. The Real Style Subject is the owner of a handbag, accessory and jewelery line called Kipepeo in New York City.

3. Claire rubbed a dryer sheet on the inside of her dress and on her legs to get rid of static cling.

4. Adriana met FB favorites Chanel Iman and Arlenis Sosa.

5. Vuitton got his Levi’s denim number for about $40 from Zellers.

Thanks to everyone who participated!!

Hey Fashion Bombers!
Vuitton here with a quick fashion report! Lately we’ve been noticing nautical items on the celeb circuit. The trend is soon going to be a hit with everyone, not just those who travel to the Hamptons and the South of France every summer! To achieve a nautical essence, stripes are important, as well as colors like reds, blues, and blacks. We pieced together a few looks so you can hop on board!

Bermuda shorts worn with a heel are the definition of casual chic, and the piped jacket offers a dash of prep.

I can totally see Beyonce rocking these items…

Sky-high wedges vamp up this look, and a statement bag adds the finishing touch.

White denim is making a strong comeback, so don’t be afraid to get a pair! A stylish fedora inserts a soupcon of style while keeping the sun at bay. Bold colored flats are perfect in terms of comfort, but remember to keep the rest of your ensemble in basic tones.

If you want to dress up just a little more…

Perfect for a night out with the girls and some Cosmos. The clutch has the nautical flair with its unassuming woven pattern, and the look can be done with sexy heels as well.

So do you guys think you’ll be sailing off into the sunset with this trend?

Guys if you love the nautical look, check out The Brooklyn Circus’ Spring 2009 Collection:

Using chambray fabrics, anchored buttons, brass hardware, and details like stripes and crests, the collection gives off a tailored, fresh, naval/nautical vibe.
Shop the collection here.

My girl Jen over at The B Life recently put me on to Travelista TV, an online show featuring Teri & Andrea, two young women who visit places like Marrakesh, Sweden, Croatia, and more bringing their own funky takes on travel for women of color:

Check out their videos at www.travelista.tv!
In other travel news, my sister’s in town and we’re hopping on an Easyjet flight to Rome for the weekend!
Vuitton and Adriana have stepped in to help me out while I’m gone (and I’ll of course bring my laptop with me).
Stay tuned for a Claire’s Life: Rome sometime next week!
Bisous!

Channel your inner rocker chick with this $9 Forever 21 Pyramid Stud Elastic Bracelet:

Don’t know how to wear it? Use one of these recessions friendly items as inspiration:

The Simmons sisters are taking on American Malls, pubbing their Pastry products at shopping stops all over the nation. Recently they linked up with Keri Hilson for a show in Aventura, Florida:

I love a pop of bright color, but at first glance my eyes went a little cross eyed. Perhaps it’s the coordination that’s off, but it seems there’s way too much going on in this shot!
Individually they might look hot!

…but I’m not sure. Hmmm…
As an aside, check out the crowd for their event:

Geez Louise! Do you just need a sort’ve ok reality show to win stardom? Or did Keri’s certified hits bring out the onlookers?

Since Oscar de la Renta had so much to say about Michelle Obama’s fashion choices, I thought it only fitting to feature a Splurge of the Day from the designer himself:

This $4,590 Silk Embroidered Dress is beautiful, simple, and perfectly suited for Buckingham Palace!
If you have $5,000 to spend on a dress (instead of say a house or a car), you can accessorize your investment with the following splurge worthy items:

Look, no sweaters!

Leave it to Beyonce to kick off a trend!

When the songstress chose to wear a pair of suspenders to Pastis the other day, I got to thinking about the menswear inspired accessory:

Though she’s not the first Fashion Bombshell to rock the look:

I must say I like her take.
Will you be kicking off this trend in your town?

PS Looks to me like Bey may be wearing this $545 Dsquared2 shirt:

Too much? Go here to get her look for less.