Happy Monday!
So today is a big day: it’s day one of the Fashion Bomb intern contest! We received over 50 submissions from fashionistas all over the continent–from Florida to New York, Cali to Chicago and even Canada!
As soon as candidates e-mailed their interest, we put them to work to scour their local town for Real Style. Read on for the 411 on our finalists, and also tell us: do they have what it takes?
Our first Fashion Bomb Intern contestant is Vuitton Bain:

A University student in Canada, Vuitton is a native Bahamian and fashion fanatic! He says, “To me, fashion is more than just the label. You have to understand colors, textures, the design aesthetic of designers, the poetry involved in creating that garment. I’d like to believe that I have an innate sense of style, and when it comes to fashion, I know I’d get the job done perfectly.” I think so too! For his Real Style, he snapped a picture of a fly young lady, “wearing a feathered tube dress paired with a vintage belt and pink FCUK pumps...”
Great job, Vuitton. Looking forward to seeing more!
Our next finalist is Suzy from Orlando, Florida:
A fashion student, Suzy says, “I believe that style comes from within no matter where you are…” With a tight deadline, Suzy decided to submit Real Style from her church service:
They better work!
Next up, we have Jemise…
…a student at Hampton University, Jemise looked to a few of her fellow students for style inspiration…

She says, “I decided to get some real guy style since I’m sure you’ll get lots of pictures of fabulous ladies!” Good thinking!

Representing for the South is Fashion Bomber Ashley…
…a senior at The University of Southern Mississippi, she says, “I have two major missions in life 1) to bring awareness to the unique style found in the southern states, and 2) promote awareness of the beauty in being brown within the fashion industry.” For her Real Style, she kept it local, snapping a few pics with friends:
Fun!
Last but not least, we have Amber..
She says, “For me, studying, analyzing, reading about and just looking at fabulous clothes, shoes and bags, makes me want to challenge myself to work at creating the fiercest wardrobe possible.” She captured a bit of cool winter style in her neighborhood…
…that does it!
Adriana and I are so excited about this contest, and know the interns will knock your socks off!
Stay tuned this week for their posts, and remember, on Friday, you vote for your favorite.
Until then, what do you think of our candidates? Are they the bomb or what?
Bisous!
*Huge THANK YOU to everyone who entered. We wish we could pick you all:)

A Fashion Bomb tipster informed us that as part of a class action settlement, $175 million worth of free cosmetics products will be given away starting tomorrow…

Stores like Saks, Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale’s will be giving away Chanel, Estee Lauder, Christian Dior and Guerlain perfume, lotion, and shower gel. Hey, if you’re not in D.C. to celebrate Obama’s Inauguration, console yourself with a free bottle of eau de toilette!
See the complete list of all you can cop here.

Shouts to my homie Liana:

Happy Birthday Girrrrl!

The 2nd Annual BET Honors took place this past weekend in D.C., and it seems lots of celebs were in the capital to catch the inauguration and get their party on:
Gabrielle Union shined in an asymmetric black gown with silver details…

Gabby always knows how to keep it classy and elegant. Her look is hot!
Singer Monica also went for black, accenting a strapless number with an assortment of necklaces, bracelets, and dominatrix type leather gloves…
I actually don’t mind this look, though something about it makes me go Hmm…
Star Jones showed off her still svelte physiquie in a plunging halter sequined number…
…this look is quite bare for a such a mature woman. At first glance I’m thinking hot, but this is a wee bit scandalous…hmm…
Mary J. Blige looked radiant in a red short sleeved gown with simple metallic accessories….
….show ’em how it’s done Mary! Hot!
Queen Latifah went for sweet and simple in an off the shoulder black embroidered dress…
…She looks regal, almost presidential. Hot!
And lastly Whitney Houston made an appearance inside in a cream and white circle design strapless…
…wow. The Whitney of Being Bobby Brown was funny, but this Whitney is fierce. Hot, hot, hot!
What do you think?

Today is eternal pop princess Aaliyah’s birthday…

…so strange, it seems like only yesterday we were jammin to her hits.
Here’s an Aaliyah viddy, still one of my favorite songs to this day:

Enjoy!

Fashion Bomb Sponsor Gilt Groupe has some amazing picks today from Helmut Lang, Just Cavalli and more:

Top Row: Helmut Lang Wool Open Back Dress, $138; Helmut Lang Jersey Dolman Top, $88. Bottom Row: Just Cavalli Giraffe Print Bubble Sleeve Dress; Just Cavalli Jersey Belt Dress, $228.
Join Gilt by going to www.gilt.com/thefashionbomb

Nitrolicious reports that Ted Gibson, celebrity hairstylist to stars like Debra Messing and more, will debut a range of affordable beauty products for Target:

Apparently his cuts typically cost $950 a pop, so a diffusion line was in order! The article says, “Gibson’s product range includes his daily shampoo and conditioner, Daily Cleanse and Daily Nourish; a shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair, Clarity Color, and three style items from the It series: Build It Blowdrying Agent, Fix It Gel and Tame It Shine Lotion — which are formulated with his Merlot Complex for shine and movement — and Beautiful Hold hair spray. His other items, including the iconic Hairsheet, are now sold at target.com. Prices for Gibson’s items range from $22.99 to $24.99.“
Hmm, you learn a new thing everyday! I’d never heard of Ted Gibson before today, had you?

We’ve got lots of *great* intern applicants, and I can’t wait for the contest next week! I’m super excited, but of course we must make time for Mail Bombs…

…let’s go!
First Ollie says, “I love the dress that Garcelle Beavais-Nilon had on at a recent In Style event…”
“…Can you tell me who makes it????”
Yup! Garcelle is wearing this floral Tracy Reese frock…
The designer herself wore it at the conclusion of her Spring 2009 RTW show.
Shana says, “I just saw this photo shoot of Nene by the very talented Derek Blanks, but all I could really focus on was this plaid shirt...”
“…Please help me find it, I NEED it…or at the very least want it really bad. 🙂“
Nene better work! Adriana searched and said, “I couldn’t find NeNe’s exact shirt, and searched several sites… The closest I could find was this $36 American Living Ruffled Plaid Shirt….“
“…from www.jcpenney.com.” Hey, it’s similar and for $36, it’s a steal!
Next, Alissa says, “I love Alicia Keys’ Black & White jumpsuits…“
“…Can you please help me find similar looks?“
Of course. Try these high and low priced items for a stage ready presence:

1. Robert Rodriguez V-Neck Jumpsuit, $363. 2. Arden B Knit Tube Jumpsuit, $68. 3. Black Halo Strapless Stretch Jumpsuit, $450. 4. Stella McCartney Twill Halter Jumpsuit, $995.
Now for a few wardrobe queries!
First, Suai says, “I’m wearing this dress for a big event…“
“I had to return the shoes to my stylist, so I’d like to know what shoe to wear instead. Also, should I go with opaque stockings again? Or something more sheer? I’m lost when it comes to dressy looks!!”
Adriana says, “If you want to give the look a chic, hipster edge, keep the opaque black tights and opt for a streamlined black platform shoe, preferably with an ankle strap to mirror the form-fitting silhouette of the pencil skirt. Try these two-textured options from Gucci and RSVP:“

Left to Right: Gucci Eva Platform, $447; RSVP Tate Platform, $72

“To channel your inner siren (think Beyonce at a cocktail party), go for bare legs and a sexy, pointy-toed pump in a dark red (distinct enough for pop of color, but not so bright where it will overwhelm the outfit):”

Left to Right: Gianna Meliani Maroon Snakeskin Pump, $154; Manolo Blahnik Slingback Snakeskin Pump, $865.
Good luck!

Khadijah says, “I’m having a dilemma with purses. I have my work purse, purses to take to clubs, bars, and restaurants, but I don’t have a casual purse for going to the movies, brunch, going to the mall, or just hanging out. Could you show me some casual, affordable bags in a few different sizes or styles???? I’m going to see “Notorious” this weekend–I want to look good..lol!!“
Gotta stay fly! Here are a few medium sized affordable options, fit for the movies and the mall:

1. Anya Hindmarch for Target Small Python Hobo Bag, $25. 2. Nine West Metallic Slouchy Hobo, $60. 3. Express Genuine Suede Fringe Hobo, $79.50 4. Deux Lux Doublecross Bag, $68. 5. Kenneth Cole Aim to Pleats Bag, $104.
Lastly, Suzy says, “I am throwing an old Hollywood party for my 21st birthday at B.B. Kings. I need a vintage inspired outfit that will stand out but is still recession conscience. Can you please help?“
I’d recommend going for a flapper look for old Hollywood! Try these options, which are recession friendly and under $150:

1. Royal Blue Flapper Dress, $72. 2. French Connection Beaded One Shoulder Flapper Dress, $120. 3. Silence & Noise Knit Bead Flapper Dress, $55. 4. Armani Exchange Fringe Mini Dress, $79.
That does it!
Be sure to tune in on Monday for our First Intern Challenge!
Bisous!