Steal of the Day: Arden B. Suede Peep Toe Bootie

These shoes are just perfect for the season.  It’s all about mixing colors with basics, and you can do that with these shoes.

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What’s also great about them is that they can transition from spring to fall easily.  And at $68 a pop, there won’t be a need to defrost that credit card that’s been in the freezer.  You can check them out here.

~ Vuitton

Have you Been a Victim of Shopping While Black?

ABCNews recently shot a controversial video in a Soho boutique where a racist clerk and security guard visibly and loudly harassed a black shopper:

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They wanted to see if fellow shoppers would do anything to stop the injustice. The result? Out of 100 shoppers, only 20 stepped in to defend the shopper, and most of those 20 were fellow minorities.

Click here to watch. Does this shock you? Have you ever been a victim of ‘shopping while black’?

Thanks to Hip Candy for the story.

Splurge of the Day: Tibi Pink Ombre Maxi Dress

With prom and wedding season right around the bend, everyone is probably in short dress mode, especially those in freezing states.  But why not go the long and flowy route? This  $695 Tibi dress does just that with this pink ombre number:

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At $695, heads are going to turn and that green eyed monster will rear its ugly head, but that’s always the goal; isn’t it?

~Vuitton

Suzy Menkes on the “Out of Africa” Trend in Fashion

Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune talks in a recent article about the current Out of Africa trend in Fashion…

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…specifically pointing to the Louis Vuitton Spicy Sandal. She says, “To spice up [the sandal], the designer added everything but the kitchen sink– as long as it was out of Africa. Snakeskin, plumes and semiprecious stones set the tone for a shoe that was inspired by Josephine Baker, the famous singer and dancer of 1920s Paris. She resonated with the exotica that was prevalent in a period when the Ballets Russes had set off one fashion trend and the discovery of Egyptian mummies another.

Who knew the Spicy was inspired by Josephine Baker? I sure didn’t. Read more about the history of incorporating ‘Africa’ into fashion here.

Monday Video: Finally by Cece Peniston

Though Cece came out with ‘Finally’ in 1991, I still jam to it from time to time:

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She had a string of hits didn’t she? There was also “Keep on Walkin” and “We Got a Love Thing.”

Whatever happened to Miss Cece?

Style Verdict: Tattoos vs. Fashion?

When I read that Fashion Bomb favorite Rihanna got a new gun tattoo, I started to think about the occasional conflict between artful tattooing and fashion. While Rihanna placed her tat in a very discreet place:

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Other fashion bombshells are not quite as subtle:

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Do you think tattoos take away from a fashionable look? Or do they add a bit of flavor?

*Want to see more pix?

A huge gallery of tattoos of various styles and genre can be found online and are favored by a lot of showbiz celebrities.

Thierry Mugler Designs Beyonce’s Tour Outfits

Red Carpet Fashion Awards has a few pictures of Thierry Mugler’s designs for Beyonce’s upcoming tour:

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Seems Mama Tina has taken a back seat!
About the project, Mugler says, “Sasha Fierce is another aspect of Beyoncé’s personality. She is Fierce on stage and Beyoncé in real life. I tried to understand these two sides with my own perception of both aspects.”

Love it. Do you?

Splurge of the Day: Rihanna’s Riot Inducing Balmain Lace Top and Boy by Band of Outsiders Miniskirt

Rihanna hit the Hollywood Bar Delux last night in a Spring 2009 Balmain lace top and Boy by Band of Outsiders miniskirt:

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The paparazzi apparently went so crazy for her that they almost started a riot!

Rih Rih clearly loves Balmain, as she was spotted in a jacket by the line not too long ago.

What do you think of her look?

Get her Balmain top Net a Porter’s International Site and her skirt at Hejfina:

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Left to Right: Balmain Exaggerated Shoulder Top, $1,901. Boy by Band of Outsiders Suspender Skirt, $639.

Mail Bombs: Tamera Mowry’s Purple Foley + Corinna Dress, Tia’s Black Maxi Dress, and Brooke’s Motorcycle Jacket!

Happy Friday!!
Today is such a great day for me: I finally got my residency card!! Woo-hoo!
Let’s celebrate with Mail Bombs:

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They’re always fun!

The Mowry Sisters were making waves this week, and our inboxes were flooded accordingly with requests for their red carpet looks.
First Sabrina says, “Tamera Mowry!! HAWT!!!

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“I’m going to Vegas in a few months…and I love this dress!! Where can I get it??!!”

Adriana says, “Looks like Tamera’s wearing this Foley + Corinna dress:

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“…Get it at Shopbop for $400.
Next, Kay says, “I love this dress on Tia Mowry:”

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“…Can you help me find it?
Adriana found these similar options–add a necklace for the exact look:

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1. Laundry by Shelli Segal Women’s Shirred Halter Gown, $147.50. 2. ABS Black Sateen V-Neck Halter, $235. 3. Tart Black Jersey Patti Tie Front Dress, $157. 4. Norma Kamali Black Jersey Halter Dress, $171.

Kyla says, “Ok so I’ve seen these Motorcycle Jackets on everyone but can’t seem to find one of my own! I’m in love with the one pictured here on Brooke from Harlem Heights…

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” …Help please!!!”
Get a Harlem Heights look with these high and low priced choices:

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1. Vince Lambskin Motorcycle Jacket, $750. 2. Rag and Bone Motorcycle Jacket, $560. 3. Express Nylon Motorcycle Jacket, $128.  4. Bebe Metallic Moto Jacket, $129.

Now for our wardrobe questions!

Robin writes, “My cousin is getting married in two weeks, and I’m kind of on a budget. I have a cute LBD (little black dress) that I wanted to wear, but I started to think, ‘Is it ok to wear an LBD to a wedding?’ If you could help me out I would greatly appreciate it, or give me some budget friendly suggestions.

Vuitton says, “There shouldn’t be a problem with you wearing an LBD to a wedding, as long as you bring some color into the ensemble. The best way to do it is with shoes, so we found some budget friendly options.”

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1. Asos Cross Front Punch Shoe, $49. 2. Bakers Raegan 2, $60. 3. Satin Silk Criss Cross Front Heel, $24. 4. Steve Madden Gizella, $90.

But if you decide to go with a black shoe, another way to liven up your look is with a colored shawl, like this $24 Pash Like Scarf from Urban Outfitters:

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Choose any color your like, and coordinate accordingly!

Lastly, Brittiny says, “I’m throwing a party for my Dad & the attire is white linen only. Here’s the problem: I’m not having any luck finding something to wear. Can you PLEASE help me find something that’s figure flattering (I’ve got plenty of curves) & party perfect?”

Sure! White linen dresses are usually flowy creations, but with your curves, you’re better suited with something a bit more structured. Try these:

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1. Antonio Melani Quince Dress, $169. 2. French Connection Lancelot Dress, $188. 3. Pleated Swing Dress by Manoush, $490. 4. MK2K High Waist Sleeveless Dress in White, $204.

That does it for today!

I’m going to celebrate my new resident status with a coup de champagne!

Have amazing weekends. Until Monday…

Bisous!