Hey Bombers,
I have two weeks vacation (Europeans love vacay!) so am coming back to the States for a bit! My first stop will be Chicago for a very very special event…will give you updates as they occur:)
To bless my Chicago trip, I decided to tap a Chi town great, Lupe Fiasco, for the Monday Viddy:

Hope you feel like a superstar today:)

With lots of history, monuments, and breathtaking views, Rome is a must see:

If you visit,  a few tips:

Where to stay: My sister, friend, and I stayed at Hotel Tirreno (Via Di S. Martino Ai Monti, 17, 00184 Roma (RM), Italy – 06 4742556).  We found this diamond in the rough after having to cancel our reservations at the horrible David’s Flat. David’s Flat, where to begin? The rooms were meager, they didn’t have Wifi, accepted cash only, and charged a premium for same day cancellation! Did I mention they were mean? Skip the hostel, check into Tirreno. The staff was nice, the room’s affordable at about 100 Euro per night for a double, and the showers were amazing. Plus it’s close to the main train station, Termini, and walking distance to the rest of the sights in Rome.

Where to eat: Pizza, pasta, pesto, oh my! For cheap eats, pick up a yummy pizza slice to go for 2.50 Euros. For a big night out, make reservations at Ristorante Asino Cotto (Via dei Vascellari 48). Get an entree plus main for about 30 Euros or splurge for two appetizers plus main for 40. The food is delicious (I loved the rack of lamb) and the waitress, Sheba, was the bomb! My friends and I were treated to our own private room where they turned on the hip-hop and R&B as the night wore on. Order the house red or white wine, they’re both really flavorful and affordable.

Nightlife: Check out Gilda’s on Friday nights (Via Mario de’ Fiori 97, Rome 00187). The DJ was great and played everything from the Stanky Leg to Lady Gaga and Techno beats. You’ll bump into lots of Americans, but you’ll also find a slew of very friendly Italians looking to show off their moves. The cost of entry, 15 Euros, includes a drink and cocktails will run you about 15 Euros a pop. Steep prices aside, we danced until 5am–so much fun!

Language and Culture: Many Italians speak English, but don’t forget your phrase book! I benefited from my Lonely Planet Fast Talk Italian Book, which helped with small phrases like “Where’s the bathroom?” and “How do I get here?” Italian people themselves were sometimes very friendly, sometimes quite rude (we were screamed at at the Vatican!) Yes. Customer Service is not key, so all I can say is: don’t assume anything. Always ask if they take credit cards before booking, ask if they can split the bill before sitting down, and be ready to negotiate or pay a little more to get what you want.

Style Notes: The weather was relatively warm, but layer as nights get chilly. We did a lot of walking so while flats are obviously recommended, I’d also suggest sneakers with shock absorption. Note: to visit the Vatican and some churches you can’t wear short skirts or anything baring your arms or midriff. Pack a pair of jeans and a cardigan–keep it classy!

Must Sees & Other Notes: Everything in Rome is a must see, but my faves were the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II. I didn’t realize we were going during Easter Sunday, so the city was packed to the gills with throngs of people surrounding each monument. Research to make sure you’re going during a ‘down time’ so you can experience the beauty of Rome without distraction.

Sian-Pierre from Swagger blesses us with a hot pic of this Parisian/Malian stylista:

Loving her Chuck Taylors, skinny jeans, button down, and headband! Also, check out her purse:

Yes, it’s embossed with her name. I want one of those. Now.

Her successful incorporation of an ethnic influenced accessory with classical pieces makes this outfit 100% hot!

But what do you think?

Does she have Swagger?

See more pics at www.swaggerparis.com.

Modeling veteran Iman and newcomer Ubah Hassan discuss black models on the runway:

Iman thinks there has been a great improvement thanks to Bethann Hardison. Ubah didn’t realize there was an issue with black models, but says, “We look good in anything!“
That we do!
What do you think of the video?

Hey Bombshells,
Adriana here with a Beauty heads-up! I was in Sephora browsing  for some lip gloss yesterday when I came across one of the latest trends to hit the scene, solid perfume.

As Fashionista reports, the advantages to solid fragrances are numerable: more affordable, much more discreet if you have to apply it in public, and they last longer since most of the solids are oil and wax based. And one more perk? Not only do they fit into your purse with a lot less fuss than a bottle of perfume, but some (like Gaultier and Marc Jacobs) also come as fabulously functional jewelry pieces so that you get not only your favorite scent, but also a designer accessory!

Check out these solid scents online or the next time you’re out beauty browsing. I’m going to try and get a whiff of the Tocca “Florence” solid to see if it smells as good their candle by the same name (my favorite one)…
~Adri

Join the Billionaire Boys Club with this $80 BBC Ice Cream Large Sundae Tee:

Only a certified baller would buy an $80 t-shirt, but hey, it’s a small price to pay for a Pharrell like swagger:

Jazz up your look with a colorful watch, like this Stretch Bracelet Watch from Wet Seal:

At only $10, you can get one in every color!
See pink, white, orange, and black options at www.wetseal.com.

On top of being the face of the entire J.Crew April catalog, Liya Kebede is also selling her Lemlem line of children’s clothing in select J.Crew stores. Take a look:

So cute!
Keep your eyes peeled for her line at www.jcrew.com.
Can I just say that I think the people over at J.Crew are marketing geniuses?? In college, I remember J.Crew was only known for basic wool sweaters. Now they’re so hot! Love them.

Over at the Blackbook Magazine party this week, rising hip-hop artist, Kid Cudi was there to perform. I must say I’m diggin’ his look.

The layering of the leather jacket with the red henley and gray tee balances perfectly with the classic khakis and Converse sneakers. This look is hot!

What do you guys think?

PS: If you’ve never heard of Kid Cudi, here’s the vid of his club hit “Day ‘N” Night” (Crookers Remix)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVb_t_ao9gw[/youtube]

~Vuitton

So I’m in Rome!

And it’s absolutely gorgeous. I’ve traveled to lots of places and obviously have a thing for Paris, but Rome takes the cake! The Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, you must must come at least once in your life! I’m going to sight see in a bit, but first a few Mail Bombs! Let’s go.

First Chiriga says, “I stumbled upon this photo of Rihanna and fell in love with her leather jacket!“

“…I need a bright leather number for the spring. Please help!“

Rihanna is rocking Robert Rodriguez, but you can capture her swagger with these options:

Next Marchelle says, “I was wondering if you can tell me who Beyonce’s sunglasses are by in this pic. “

“Are they some new oversized Rayban’s? I’m stumped.”

Adriana says, “I’m pretty sure Beyonce is wearing these Grey Ant ‘Status’ Wayfarers:”

“They retail for $260 at Oak NYC.”

Vicky says, “I’m dying to know what Christina Milian is wearing in this picture!”

“It’s so chic!”

Madame Milian is wearing this Louis Vuitton Dress:

From its Spring/Summer 2009 Collection. Go to www.louisvuitton.com for retail locations.

Lastly, in a wardrobe query, Audrey says, “My friend is getting married and she loves the Manolo Blahnik Something Blue satin shoe with the brooch but it’s $945.“

“…I’ve tried to find something else suitable and similar but no such luck. She says that something blue or silver would be fine, but not in a winter-y material like suede as the wedding is in July. I’d be forever grateful if you would please help us get her a pair of wedding shoes that she loves.“

Adriana says, “Here are some eye-catching blue shoes that won’t break the bank!”

I’m off to enjoy Roma!
Arrivederci!
*Stay tuned for a Claire’s Life: Rome next week!