Today we have an entry from Mississippi diva Ashley, who proposed that we do Style Files with a throwback twist. In her intro letter, she said, “As a monthly feature, “Vintage Style,” would feature a fabulous look from the past, a modern way to rock it, and items along with their retailers where the pieces can be found!” For her post, she chose to profile classic Southern Belle, Whitley Gilbert. Enjoy!

“1987’s Cosby show spin-off A Different World was initially intended to be a vehicle for bohemian beauty Lisa Bonet. While we enjoyed Denise Huxtable’s antics for awhile, the show was inevitably stolen by the almost eerily polished Jasmine Guy. For six seasons southern debutante Whitley Gilbert (nee Wayne!) sashayed across the fictional Hillman College in an array of fur coats, Italian leather pumps, Louis bags, and a sickening arsenal of Chanel suits. The messages the show delivered were always positive (who else still watches the re-runs?) and more often than not punctuated with a chic look from their resident Southern Belle. Whitley’s wardrobe consisted of classics that would be appropriate in any situation and, most importantly, were timeless. The show ended in 1993, but Whitley’s style, as Mademoiselle herself would say, remains.
Want Whitley’s classic look, but with a modern flair? Try these cute (and affordable) pieces:”

1. Go International Houndstooth Pencil Skirt, $6. 2. Baby Rib Long Sleeve Turtleneck, $27. 3. Textured Metal Elastic Bracelet, $10. 4. Double Bead Necklace, $9. 5. Victorian Portrait Ring, $7. 6. Vintage Chanel 2.55 Quilted Bag, $2,250* 7. Diamondnet Fishnets (In Black), $9.50. 8. Skinny Minnie Belt Bright, $12.
*(Ok, I snuck one splurge in with the Chanel, but follow the link to borrow or steal it!)”
Ok, I love this idea! Imagine the other Vintage Styles we can profile: Diana Ross, Diahann Carroll, Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker…I love it.
Would it work as a new feature?

Ola Lovelies!
I’m just coming down from the sheer excitement of yesterday. I couldn’t stop myself from watching Obama’s inauguration video and clapping to myself. Yes we did!!
Today is Day 3 of the Fashion Bomb internship contest! Keep an eye peeled for fun posts from contenders Anitra, Ashley, and Amber.

And a note about the contest: Adriana and I really did scour through all the applicants with a fine toothed hot comb, and chose the finalists after everyone competed in a preliminary contest. While absolutely everyone did fabulously, we could only choose a handful, and we think the top picks are the bomb!
With that said, enjoy, and continue to let us know what you think. Also, stay tuned tomorrow for the ‘tern takeover: an onslaught of the hottest beauty and fashion news on the web!
Bisous!
C & A

Our sponsors for The Fashion Bomb Intern Contest are the bomb themselves, and today’s Intern Contest post is courtesy of…

…TRESemmé!
In addition to offering professional quality products at an affordable price, TRESemmé’s also making moves online with their new site, StyleSeeker.com, where you can get the scoop on the hottest hair care trends paired with fashion, shopping, and entertainment coverage. And they’ll be providing our new intern with an end-to-end hair care system of products–sweet!
~Adri

Check out this month’s Allure Magazine for a spread featuring Italian Vogue vet Sessilee Lopez:

Source
I absolutely love that magazines are using more women of color in their pages; it certainly is refreshing. But part of me feels that as ad dollars are dwindling, print mags are looking to last minute gimmicks to get any and every one (meaning us) to buy them on newsstands. Perhaps I’m being cynical…

Um, can we say stunning?

Barack defines dapper in a tux and white bowtie, while Michelle sparkles in a white chiffon one shouldered gown by 26-year-old designer Jason Wu. Who is Mr. Wu?
A Parson’s graduate and native of Taiwan, Wu has only been designing for a few years and just recently got picked up by major stores like Nordstrom. In an interview, when asked about the probability of Michelle picking his design, he said it was “a long shot.“
But Wu, like Obama, shows that absolutely everything is possible, regardless of race or age.
No excuses stylistas!
Go forth in fashion…
Video of the first dance:

I cried (Beyonce better work!). Beautiful!

Michelle Obama has started off Inauguration Day in designer Isabel Toledo:

Curious about the designer? Here’s an excerpt on the Isabel Toledo from Phaidon’s The Fashion Book:

Pssst, First Lady Obama is also wearing Jimmy Choo heels and J.Crew gloves! The little ladies, Sasha and Malia, are in J.Crew Crewcuts. They. are. adorable.

There are so many celebrities taking over D.C, I had to present you this Week in Chic early:

I’m loving Kerry’s look! What about you?

Our last intern post for today is from Jemise, repping from Hampton U! She thinks the Fashion Bomb would benefit from more Beauty Posts. Check out her beauty bomb, and, as usual, tell us your thoughts!
“Spring time is right around the corner, and as you update your wardrobe for the season, it’s only right that you update your beauty cabinet and make-up bag too! Warmer weather welcomes bright colors, and it’s the perfect time to experiment with new trends:”

Try these products for a bright, springy look:

Pictured: L’Oreal HIP Metallic Duo Sculpted, OPI Nail Color MonSooner or Later, L’Oreal HIP Metallic Duo Magnetic, Victoria’s Secret Mozaic Bronzer, Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss Cherry Bomb, Essie Nail Polish Shorty Pants, 8. MAC Blushcreme Laid Mac Lipglass Strawberry Blonde, OPI Nail Color I’m India Mood For Love, Iman Blush Duo Posh, KLS Makeup Eyeshadow.
“With all that color, its important to make sure you have the ever chic staple of black. Big bold lashes and the sultry smoky eye are both winners throughout the season. Try these to really make your eyes pop:

Pictured: Cover Girl Lash Blash, NARS Eyeliner Kohl, Maybeline Eyelash Curler, L’Oreal Eyeshadow Quad Smoke.
I’ll admit, I know nothing about beauty, so this is definitely welcome!
The comments section is open!
Stay tuned for posts from the rest of our intern contestants tomorrow.