Michelle on another cover. Ok this is getting to be a bit much:

Though it’s cute to see her mom.
See behind the scenes photos at www.Essence.com.

Hey hey!
So today we have a Fashion Bomb Exclusive Interview with…

…Brooke Crittendon!

The Harlem Heights spitfire is a certified fashionista who keeps it splashy with an arsenal of hot makeup and fashion finds. A Baltimore native, Brooke is a self described “denim freak” and once spent $5,000 on jeans in one shopping trip! Not one to hold back for style, Brooke took some time to reveal a few of her favorite fashionable things:

She says, “My look is a blend of 80’s, thrift, comfort and convenience. I definitely dig the ‘single of a pair’ movement of the 80’s, one glove, one earring, one legwarmer etc. I don’t wear a lot of heels because I don’t believe in walking around with my feet aching for fashion (or corns for that matter)! I tend to wear a lot of flat boots and gladiator sandals.”

A girl after my own heart!

She continues, “ I don’t like trends, so I shop for pieces at vintage and thrift shops to guarantee that I’m not in a place where someone is wearing what I have on. I keep a funky haircut and take liberties with my makeup, so it makes it easier for me to dress simply and not overdose on being fashionable. My favorite designers are Buddhist Punk, Betsey Johnson, and PINK. I have a lot of black in my wardrobe, because I think black is classic and timeless…and easy when you need to get dressed really quickly!”

She confesses that she stocks everything from hoodies to statement bags in her closet. “I love my “No Autographs Please’ hoodie because the arms are long and skinny…it’s hard for tall girls to find fitted tops where the arms are long enough! I also adore my ripped jeans. I had been looking for a pair ( I have thick thighs so I didn’t want them to fit tight) and found a perfect pair for $49 at an Intermix Warehouse Sale! Another must: my gray booties. I’ve had the same pair of gray suede flat ankle booties for the past 4 years. The sole is worn to pieces (when I wear them in the rain my feet get wet!) but they fit so perfectly, they are worn in to the shape of my foot, and they add a hint of sass to a simple outfit. “

She goes on, “My cinch belts add swag to a simple shirt and accentuate my small waist and full hips. I love my Louis Vuitton Mahina XL bag– I had been waiting to purchase a classic black leather purse, and when it came out last year I had to have it! It’s a perfect ‘city’ bag–I can dress it up or down and it can fit all my stuff. My gold Swatch big face watch never leaves my arm–it was $150 but looks like a Rolex! I also can’t live without my black leather jacket, gladiator sandals, and my two small cross necklaces. I wear a gold cross and a diamond cross together around my neck. They are very dainty and small, and are cute accents to my tops:“

Brooke brings it with the makeup, so shared a few beauty tips as well, “In my makeup bag, you’ll find Givenchy mascara, Shu Uemura loose finishing powder and liquid eyeliner, Ambi face moisturizer, and Chanel red lipstick. With perfumes, I prefer body sprays from Bath & Body Works or this oil that I get from a guy on 125th street!”

Very cool. Though Brooke definitely has a stronghold on fashion, she admits she still learned a lot from Harlem Heights Stylist (and Fashion Bomb friend) June Ambrose. She says, “June and her team definitely gave me a broader understanding of clothing and putting things together. They taught me how not to be matchy matchy with colors, how not to overdose on trends, and most importantly how to work with my body. I definitely stepped my style game up for Harlem Heights, but also gained an appreciation for laid back casual style when I’m not on camera..after those shoes and clothes I was happy to throw on a hoodie and some Nikes.”

See more of Brooke’s fabulousness on Harlem Heights, tonight at 10pm/9c on BET.

If you’ve ever drooled over a hot pair of red soled heels, Wednesday is your chance to get a pair of your own!

The Gilt Groupe (www.gilt.com) has joined with Christian Louboutin to host the mother of all sales this Wednesday. You’ve got to check it out!

If you’re not a member of Gilt, join courtesy of The Fashion Bomb at www.gilt.com/thefashionbomb.

Power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z hit up New York hot spot Pastis this weekend for a fashionable lunch:

They looked cute and casual in jeans, jackets, and sharp accessories.

If you want Beyonce’s look for less, go with these options (all under $100!):

Get Jay-Z’s swagger with these:

“Easy Breezy” was the theme of the weekend as the fashionable kept it lax and loose for early spring, with a few notable exceptions. It felt like the old school showed the new school a thing or two about coming fashionably correct for an event–what say you?

Reverend Run and Justine Simmons donned their Sunday best for Run-DMC’s long-overdue induction into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Mrs. Simmons kept it elegant in an A-line maize silk gown with matching satin underpinning, while the Rev rocked a dapper deacon suit and his customary clerical collar. A very adult contemporary hot!

In L.A., the I Heart Ronson collection launch attracted quite a few Bomb celebs, including “Idlewild” beauty Paula Patton. Mrs. Robin Thicke sported a grey suede mini-dress with cut-out shoulders and a demure splash of studs, along with matching bronze-hued accessories and brown leather open-toed pumps. Love the clutch and her makeup is gorgeous, but I don’t think the dress flatters her wonderful shape and would have liked to see her with a more imaginative hairstyle, Hmm…

“I Love You, Man” star Rashida Jones also showed up in cut-out shoulders to support good friend Charlotte Ronson. This blue gingham sundress is typical of her boho-chic style, as are her black opaque tights and chunky platform peep-toes. Like Paula Patton, Rashida’s a natural beauty whose face can light up the dreariest of ensembles but this comes off as a bit too frumpy even for her laid-back steez, Hmm…

Sanaa Lathan redeems the I Heart Ronson red carpet a little, though, working a flirty little sweetheart floral number with funky strappy sandals and a classic Chanel quilted shoulder bag. Kind of sassy and hot!

Fashion Bomb friend and über-stylist June Ambrose dipped into Veronica Lighty and Keesha Johnson’s dual b-day celebration in NYC wearing a fantastic shimmery puffer vest in cordovan with fitted blue jeans and a sheer black blouse with satin trim. As an architect of the Urban Fabulous aesthetic, Ms. June knows how to keep it simultaneously hip-hop and glam: hawt!

Finally, ’80s icon Jennifer Beals popped up at an awards event in Pacific Palisades, CA looking beautiful in a kind of Hippie-By-Way-of-Takashimaya look that suits her quite well. Would have loved to see pumps or strappy sandals in place of the tall suede boots but as a “Flashdance” stan, I’m just glad Ms. Beals is on the scene!
~Adri

Reader Tammy recently wrote in asking for the scoop on Rihanna’s handbag:

She says, “I need an electric blue bag for the summer and would love to know who designed this one!!“
As a Gucci spokeswoman, it’s only natural Rihanna is rocking the brand! She’s wearing this $3,350 Gucci Spring 2009 Darwin Backpack:

Saks and Barney’s only carries the bag in black, but you can find a blue version at www.gucci.com.
$3,000 too much for you? Try these blue beauts:

PS If you want another splurge, Rih Rih is also wearing these $675 Louis Vuitton Evidence Shades in White:

Visit www.louisvuitton.com for store locations.

Jezebel reports that newsstand sales for magazines are decreasing:

They say, “The decline is generally blamed on the rise of the internet (duh). Most magazines put a portion of their content on the web, and apparently there are some blogs that post all the juicy bits from magazines online. But recent figures suggest it isn’t just the internet cutting into magazine sales anymore. The decline accelerated in 2008 as consumers decided shelling out for magazines each month wasn’t an essential part of their recession budget. “

People have been talking about the decline of print forever, but I don’t think the internet will replace fashion publications. Beautiful fashion spreads can’t be easily replicated online–great models in breathtaking clothes look best on paper.

But what do you think?

Is print dead?

Hey!

So starting today, we’ll be featuring Real Style shots from hot site, Swagger, an urban street style photo blog started by my buddy Sian-Pierre. Dubbed the ‘Urban Sartorialist’, Sian-P quit his 9-5 at BET in NYC and moved to Paris to pursue his creative passions (like me!).

Today, he blesses up with this shot he took in the Marais:

The young man featured is Isaac, who designed his shirt, blazer and scarf under his label, Zacometi (www.zacometi.fr).

J’adore his jacket. Very unique.

Do you like his style?

Bisous!

PS Visit Swagger at www.swaggerparis.com.

Happy Friday!

Let’s get started!
First, Julia says, “I absolutely love this Herve Leger swimsuit Beyonce wears for the cover of LA Confidential:”

“Can you tell me how can I get this look or something similar?”

Adriana says, “Beyonce’s Herve Leger Spring 2009 Banded Maillot One-Piece doesn’t appear to be in stores yet and is not available on the Herve Leger web site. Get a similar look with these options:”

Next, Candace says, “This purple leather mini dress KeKe Palmer is wearing at the Kid’s Choice Awards has my name on it!“

“Who designs it?“
Adriana found that Keke is wearing a dress from the Spring 2009 collection of Norwegian designer Elise Overland. We couldn’t find the exact dress, but Overland is known for her leather work:

Find Elise Overland creations at stores like Blue Genes (yes the fave of the Real Housewives of ATL!) and Funky La La.

Kristy says, “I must know what Vanessa Hudgens is wearing:”

“I love the spring-ish look! Please.. especially the ankle boots.. hot!”
Get her shopping look with these items:

Now for our wardrobe queries!

First Red Carpet Cheetah says, “I recently had a keloid removed and now have to wear clip on earrings. Can you please help me find cute clip ons??“
I know how you feel, I had a keloid too! When I was 16 I took my friend up on an offer to pierce a second ear hole and voila, years of horror. Fortunately I can still wear earrings, but if you want some cute clip ons, try these options:

Dinah-K says, “I’m about to graduate in a month and we have an annual senior gala at my university. I am in dire need of an evening gown! I have searched but nothing has really popped for me. I am looking for something bright yet elegant that works for an hourglass size 10 figure. My budget is $200! Thanks so much.”
Try these elegant under $200 options in bright colors like orange, purple, and green:

Lastly, Hopeless in Florida“I’m going to a formal next week! I already brought a royal blue cocktail dress:”

“The problem is I don’t know what color shoes to wear. I saw these:”

“…And fell in love! What do you think! Would it be too bold? Help!”
I actually think you can go with either the nude/blue or grey/yellow combination for a stand out look. If you’re hesitant and want a few more shoe options (without going the typical black or metallic route), try these alternatives:

That does it for today.
Have splendiforous weekends, and stay tuned next week for a Fashion Bomb exclusive interview and prize giveaways!!
Bisous!

Make Fetch Happen reports that Chanel Iman is on the May 2009 cover of ID Magazine:

The cover, photographed by Kayt Jones, will appear on newsstands in late April.

Chanel joins the ranks of Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell:

What do you think of Chanel’s newest conquest?