A few weeks ago, WWD asked designers to submit sketches for an inaugural outfit for first lady Michelle Obama, and everyone from Rachel Roy to Diane von Furstenberg raced to submit eye catching sketches portraying gowns in a myriad of colors.
Though we all know Barack is wearing Hart Schaffner Marx on inauguration day, that didn’t stop WWD from asking menswear standouts such as Sean John, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger, and Salvatore Ferragamo to go back to the drawing board and imagine how they would outfit our President Elect if they had the chance.
While most designers submitted sketches of subtle suits in gray or black offset by cool bowties or more traditional ties in blue or red…

Top Row Left to Right: Sean John, Nautica, Salvatore Ferragamo. Bottom Row: Paul Smith, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs.
Others seem to have misread the assignment:

Top Row Left to Right: DSquared, Elie Tahari, Brooks Brothers. Bottom Row: Kenneth Cole, Missoni, Rag & Bone.
We’re dressing a President not a Pimp! A close up of the Dsquared design:
SMH.
See the rest of the sketches here.

Adriana here!

Il Verdi hosted a holiday brunch at his Luxe Laboratory yesterday with the fabulous Ana Ortiz AKA the sizzling (and my favorite) Hilda Suarez from “Ugly Betty.”

Super-cool Ana and I gabbed it up for a while after comparing notes and finding out we’re both native Uptown NYC girls, fans of stand-up comedy, and hungry for “Ugly Betty” spoilers (I tried, guys, but no luck–she said she and even America Ferrera, Ms. Betty herself, are kept in the dark by the writers!).

As if meeting Ana wasn’t enough, the spread was a foodie’s dream (or punishment if you’re avoiding the holiday pounds). Co-sponsor Budweiser created a Bud Light Lime Bellini that was…out of this world (Bellini and Beer–who knew?). I drank mine so quickly that all I could get was a shot of the recipe for anyone who wants to try it (that’s “eldelflower liquer” at the end)!

Of course, I couldn’t leave without a catch-up with Robert, who was chicly bedecked in Louis Vuitton camo finery! (You can’t tell it in this picture but he had a fabu LV camo belt on to match the scarf).

R.Veezy and I talked holiday plans, and he and his lovable pooch, Lucinda (who made her rounds among the guests, too), plan to spend the holidays close to home. I almost wanted to ask if I could make the Luxe Lab my home (seriously, y’all–it has a spa bathroom with a tub big enough for four, a kitchen befitting a spaceship, and hair and nail stations) but figured I should quit while I was ahead, no?
Love, Peace, and Bud Bellinis (seriously!)
~Adri

Ever since the Gilt Groupe offered Fashion Bombers an invite to their exclusive sales, I haven’t been able to stop myself from perusing their fabulous offerings!
A few Milly items from today:

1. Belted Strapless Dress, $155. 2. Grace Lace Sheath Dress, $144. 3. Printed Stand Collar Coat, $202.
And it seems they still have a few Pour la Victoire shoes in stock:

1. Sybil Sandal, $128. 2.Dionne Pump, $88. 3. Laurette Sandal, $98.
The prices are *great* and the selection isn’t bad.
Want to browse? Join by going to www.gilt.com/thefashionbomb.

Today I went to the Musee au Petit Palais…

…to check out an exhibit on fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier.
If you saw The Devil Wears Prada, you might remember Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) saying, “Did Demarchelier confirm?” and Emily calling his office and responding, “I have Patrick!!” In case you didn’t get the reference, Demarchelier is a premiere fashion and beauty photographer. Shooting for British, French, American, and Italian Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and more, Demarchelier manages to capture the beauty of his subjects with seeming simplicity, always delivering a memorable shot.
A few photos from the exhibit:
It was honestly breathtakingly beautiful–really the first time I’ve taken the time to notice the art inherent in everything from fashion shoots to advertorials.
Cool fact, Demarchelier shot Janet Jackson’s cover from her janet album:
…and much much more.
Read more about Demarchelier here, or if you’re in Paris, the exhibit will be up until January 4th.
And one parting shot from the city of lights:
Aren’t you glad my camera’s working again?
Bisous!

Only a few more Mail Bomb posts before the year ends…

…let’s get in all that fashion goodness!
First Jewel from New Orleans says, “I am hoping you can help me find out who designed the hot dress J. Lo wore to the premiere of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’s in L.A.“
“…and can you also help me find a similar design at a cheaper price?“
According to InStyle.com, J.Lo is wearing a Roberto Cavalli ivory gown. For a similar look, Adriana found these options:

Left to Right: Notch Bodice Halter Gown, $228; Bias Cut Gown, $308

Next Kamilah says, “Do you know who made the jumper Keri Hilson wore to the Lexus Listening Lounge?“
Since she’s posted up with Project Runway’s Mychael Knight, I’m assuming she chose to wear one of his singular creations along with her $83 Soldier Girl coat. If you want a similar look, add a gold belt to this $210 Paul & Joe Sister Noisette Bandeau Jumpsuit…
…and pop on a pair of gold hoops.
Randa says, “I am sending you this picture of Sanaa Lathan because I love her headband!!“
“Do you know where I can get one like it?“
Of course! Adriana found these chic, affordable headbangers:

1. Forever 21 Sequined Headband, $5. 2.Bebe Skinny Metallic Elastic Headband, $12. 3. Forever 21 Metallic Headband, $3
Ramona liked last week’s post on Ciara’s lace up boots, but was more interested in her dress:
She says, “I’m going to a party and would love to have this dress for the occasion.”
Mimic Ciara’s off the shoulder steeze with this $102 C&C Califoria Wool Jersey Dress:
…from www.shopbop.com.
Lastly, Akilah from LA comes with a wardrobe query. She says, “Here is the dress that I plan to wear for New Years...”
“…I was wondering what kind of shoes I could pair it with? I will be in LA so I can do sandals in the winter time BUT I’m a college student so my budget is TIGHT. Under $100 pretty please.“
Since there’s quite a bit going on with that dress, I’d stay keep it simple with a black shoe. Yes, black sounds boring, but you can dress and jazz it up with a pop of patent leather or details like cut outs or fringe:

1. Pelle Moda Women’s Colette Dress Pump, $98. 2. Guess Women’s Millicent Pump, $55. 3. STEVEN by Steve Madden Women’s Bijoux Pump, $72.
That does it!
This weekend I’m going to my first défilé de mode (fashion show) with Fashion Bomb reader Aissata! My camera is finally working (yeah, did I mention I broke it at the Kanye Concert?) so I’ll be snapping some fresh pics for Monday.
Stay tuned…and have great weekends!
Bisous!