Great Picks from the Gilt Groupe

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

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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

Hairstylist Ted Gibson for Target

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

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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?

Mail Bombs: Garcelle’s Tracy Reese Dress, Nene’s Plaid Shirt, and Alicia Keys’ Jumpsuit!

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…

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…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):”

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!

Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista for DSquared ’09

Naomi Campbell plays up her ‘firy’ image for the DSquared Spring 2009 Advertising Campaign, fist fighting and sparring with fellow supermodel Linda Evangelista:

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Very apropos that Ms. Campbell is fighting in designer frocks…
*In other fashion news, it seems Naomi has finally settled the suit filed by her ex maid. You remember, the one she beat down over a pair of Stella McCartney jeans? [NYMag]

New Totes and Tee’s for Obama’s Inauguration

WWD reports that designers such as Rachel Roy, Alexander Wang, and Tory Burch have released even more Obama merchandise as his inauguration approaches:

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Top Row: Unisex T by Dereon, $45. Tote Bag by Tory Burch, $70 ; Bottom Row: Scarf by Alexander Wang, $40. Ladies T by Zac Posen, $45.
Love that Zac Posen! See more here.

Have the Tents Lost their Luster?

A fashionable friend wrote me recently, saying, “Are the tents losing their luster? I blame Project Runway!! What do the tents mean today? I mean come on, She by Sheree??? And meanwhile Sass & Bide, Betsey Johnson, and Vera Wang are dropping out?? What?!
LOL, he’s a bit dramatic, but he makes a good point.
What’s going on with Fashion Week?

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Citing economic conditions, several designers, including DKNY, Betsey Johnson, Peter Som, Carmen Marc Valvo, Monique L’huillier, and Naeem Khan have decided to stage smaller intimate presentations in lieu of huge tent blowouts. With good reason: Big runway shows last less than 20 minutes, and can cost $100,000-$750,000.
Rather than this being an indication of a decline in prestige, I think designers are simply victims of tough economic times, just like everyone else. And I’m not too sure I buy that whole She by Sheree thing…I’ll believe it when I see it! Besides, plenty of tent regulars like Nanette Lepore, Tracy Reese, and BCBG are still showing.
But what do you think? Are the tents becoming less prestigious? There are some who argue that since we can view the collections online, we can do without the hustle and bustle….

*A bit of history on the tents: New York Fashion Week was created in 1943 by a well known publicist named Eleanor Lambert, who created a Press Week so that journalists and editors could see and write about American designers (who, at the time, played second fiddle to French designers). Press Week ended in the 1950’s, and afterwards, individual designers were charged with putting on their own fashion shows in loft spaces, clubs, or restaurants (a trend that continued well into the 90’s). Understandably, jamming several people into a cramped loft space proved quite dangerous, and in the Spring of 1994, Fern Mallis, Vice President of IMG, sought out a single venue where all the shows could take place. Thus Bryant Park Fashion Week was born. Now the event allows editors, writers, and buyers a chance to see the newest American designs in one centralized location. Nice, but in the digital age, is it necessary?
Source

Fashionable & Stylish Laptop Bags

Lisa wrote in, saying, “I have to lug my laptop to work each day and I would love to see if you guys can find any chic laptop bags!!!
I feel you! My Macbook never leaves my side:)
Try these work perfect options to transport your computer:

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1. L.A.M.B Tiger Bag, $475. 2. Puma Pure Evo Work Bag, $80. 3. Nine West Laptop Tote, $70. 4. Faux Croc Laptop Sleeve, $40. 5. Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Vivienne MM, $1,440. 6. Quilted Laptop Tote, $52. 7. Johnston Murphy Natalie Quilted Tote, $199. 8. Henrik Vibskov Red and White Piggy laptop bag, $138. 9. Kenneth Cole Webpage Messenger Bag, $78.

15 Under $150: Inauguration Outfit Ideas

Jay from Atlanta says, “I’m headed to DC for the inauguration, and it’s supposed to be freezing up there. Considering that I’ll probably be standing out in the cold for 6 to 8 hours, can you help me with some looks that will shield the cold, but still be fab?
Sure! Here are a few affordable items to keep you cute and toasty for the big day:

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1. Laundry Box-Quilt Belted Coat, $137. 2. Yellow Salusia Scarf by Malene Birger, $73. 3. Logan Hooded Peacoat with Thinsulate, $79. 4. Juicy Couture Luxe Boxed Earmuffs, $71. 5. Portolano Nile Brown Cashmere Gloves, $63. 6. Autumn Cashmere Rum Raisin Cashmere Merino Shawl Collar Sweater, $145. 7. Rugby Wool Beret, $39. 8. Michael Michael Kors Quilted Down Topper with Belt, $148. 9. Guess by Marciano Quilted Anorak, $80. 10. French Connection Lofty Knit Wrap, $130. 11. Rugby Buffalo Plaid Scarf, $70. 12. Sara Berman Red Cashmere Gloves, $65. 13. Earflap Cadet, $15. 14. Anna Kula Hooded Scarf, $149. 15. Yaya Aflalo Wool Sebastian Pant, $137.
Pssst, if you’re going too, send pix!