For a woman, le smoking is an indispensable garment with which she finds herself continually in fashion, because it is about style, not fashion. Fashion’s come and go, but style is forever.“–Yves Saint Laurent
After hearing the news of Yves Saint Laurent’s passing, I decided to pay homage to his memory by writing about one of his major contributions to fashion:
Le Smoking.
A feminized version of the male tuxedo, le smoking debuted in 1966 and was reinvented and redone every season as Yves’s signature silhouette. He revolutionized the industry by being the first to put women in masculine tailoring… And contemporary women continue to pay honor to his legacy in sleek, form fitting pantsuits: Iman where’s a black sequined version with ribbon tie belt… Amerie modernizes the look with a decolette vest, sans shirt… And J.Lo and Mary J Blige wear all white pantsuits on the most formal of red carpets in both double breasted and single breasted jackets.
Chic!
If you want the look, splurge with the following options: 1. Just Cavalli Suit, $944. 2. Gucci Women’s Suit, $2,650. 3. Fabrizio Lenzi Suit, $720.
Save with these: 1. Nanette Lepore Beloved Suit Jacket and Pants, $196. 2. Pique Pant Suit, $60. 3. Neiman Marcus Two-Piece Pantsuit, $295.
Smootches!
Hey Guys!
So, you went, you saw…did you love???
Apparently a lot of you were super juiced about the flick. Tanasia writes, “I thought it would be cool to show you how “Carried Away” fans got for Sex and the City….”
“…Attached is a flick of me on opening night of the movie. Â Xoxo.“
You look amazing! Lovin the white vest pantsuit, heels, and sequined bag!
So what do you think: Did Tanasia get carried away?
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*New York Magazine’s David Edelstein had a good review of the movie, but brought up an interesting point (that I didn’t quite realize while watching).  He says, “Sex and the City’s nod to the nonwhite is scary. Jennifer Hudson plays Carrie’s personal assistant, and Oh my God, it’s Hattie McDaniel for the new millennium…“ “… Instead of cleaning Carrie’s house, she cleans up her computer files (although she does help declutter the apartment, too). She admires her mistress in those beautiful outfits. And check out that smile when you give her a Louis Vuitton handbag! Please, Sex and the City, do not pretend you exist in the real multiracial world. White will always be your new black.” Meow!!! While I was watching, I didn’t really have a problem with JHud’s character (save the marbles in her mouth accent). But what did y’all think? Were you happy with the ‘sister’ representation???
*In other sad fashion news, legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent passed away this Sunday… “From the first YSL tuxedo and his trim pantsuits to see-through blouses, safari jackets and glamorous gowns, Saint Laurent created instant classics that remain stylish decades later.” [AP]
Hey! Sex and the City is in theaters today…do you have your ticket?? Even though I saw it last night, I think I might go again with my girlfriends! In celebration, I’m going to answer a few Sex and the City queries. Let’s get started! Tawanda from Greenville, North Carolina writes, “Carrie Bradshaw wears these Christian Dior sandals in the Sex & the City Movie.” “Where can I find a similar pair for less?“ Girl, I loved those shoes!! Thankfully intern Aramide stepped in and found the following lower priced options: 1. Bakers Shoes Gladys WP Sandals, $74. 2. Bakers Shoes Candice Sandal, $65. 3. ASOS Heavy Gladiator Sandals, $120. 4. Steve Madden Madalynn Black Multi Sandal, $110. Note: Of course the Steve Madden ones are already backordered till June 24th…! Next Bambi wanted to recreate this lovely look… She says, “When I saw this picture, I knew I had to have it. Please please please tell me how I can get it!“ It is super cute (and great for the office!). Get her look for less with these: 1. Asos Safari Waistcoat, $61. 2. Asos Chambray Bow Mini Skirt, $51. 3.  Spiegel Criss Cross Strap Sandal, $15.  4. L.A.M.B.  Dominic Striped Sandal, $320.  5. Kenneth Cole New York Keyhole Tote, $239. A few readers got in touch with requests from the actual series.  RC says, “I’ve been looking for a skirt similar to this can you help me at all please.“ “I absolutely love how it fits and it is a necessity and I must have it.” It’s been a while since Carrie wore this on the show, so the exact silhouettes are hard to find. You can get a similar look, however, with these: 1. J.Crew Stripe Twisted Placket Shirt, $60. 2. Max Mara Skirt, $209. 3. Urban Outfitters Straw Clutch, $28. In another throwback question, Anisha says, “I loved her accessories in this picture!“ “Can you help me get her look?“ Channel a city cute Carrie with these: 1. Disney Couture Bambi Hoops, $40. 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Blue Floral Dress, $178. 3. Enamel Heart Necklace with Crystals, $75.4. Banana Republic Flat Iron Embossed Shoulder Bag, $125. That does it for SATC Mail Bombs! We had just a couple non Sex and the City related questions. Edrei says, “I MUST have this jumper.“ “...Any idea where I can find something similar?“ Adriana searched and found these: 1. Sea Pleated Front Strapless Jumper, $393. 2. Asos Shirred Cotton Jumpsuit, $48. 3. Asos Lurex All in One Harem Jumper, $61. Lastly, Sally says, “So I was doing my usual blog browsing last night and I saw this bag Beyonce was rocking. VERY HOT!“ “If you know me then you would know that I adore handbags. If you can find something similar, you’ll put a smile on my face.“ I felt this $55 Kathy Van Zeeland Satchel came close… …get it from www.macys.com. That does it for today! Have great fun. And tell me what you thought of the movie! Smootches!
Me!
Log onto www.ushernow.com for the best in male fashion and Usher looks for less. And check out his album… …I just heard it, and it’s fire! Click here to buy.
Hey!
So…Sex and the City last night was *amazing*! I won’t give anything at all away, but trust me, even if the plot leaves you scratching your head, the fashion makes up for it!!! It was so deep, even I have some “Mail Bombs” for that movie!
Anyway, I hope you all sip some cosmos and enjoy the show with your girlfriends this Friday. It’s a fashion lover’s must see!
So last week intern Adriana tackled Part 1 of the Guide to your Summer Work Wardrobe. She was fab enough to tackle Part 2 today! Enjoy!
****************************************************************** Hey FB’ers!
So last week we nailed down dresses, jackets, shoes, and accessory essentials for your summer work wardrobe.
*If you missed Part 1 of the Summer Work Wardrobe Guide, click here.
*Did y’all hear about Jill Scott’s new bra line? According to the blog Stereohyped, Jill Scott caused chaos in Harlem when she showed off her breasts at her Butterfly Bra launch in the flagship Ashley Stewart store! Good lord! Read the rest here. [Stereohyped].
*Eric Wilson of the New York Times says that while gas and food prices are soarcing, the prices of well plucked classics… …have actually declined. [NYTimes]
Hey!
So as promised, I wanted to give you guys the scoop on the hottest boutique to hit East Hampton….
…Bellhaus.
Owned by Shawn Bell, the boutique is the first high end fashion boutique of its kind in the area, carrying extremely exclusive brands like Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, and Sonia Rykiel… …along with shoes by Manolo Blahnik, Sergio Rossi, Christian Lacroix, Bruno Frissoni, and Courtney Crawford… Fun fact: Bellhaus is the only store in the US offering the red patent leather Walter Steiger shoes Sarah Jessica Parker wears in Sex and the City. Chic!
I took a quick look around a found tons of drool worthy gems, like this deep purple Allesandro Dell’Acqua show shopper… This lovely bright yellow halter maxi dress by Kaufman Franco… A feathered evening cocktail by Carolina Herrera…. And this simple cream and blue Jason Wu top…. The store also had men’s clothes… …sunglasses by Dita… And hot accessories… …I so wanted that Fendi bag, but at $2,200, it was a bit out of reach.
As you can imagine, with all those hot off the runway brands, the prices are in the stratosphere. But, it’s a great place to go experience a bit of couture. And the shoes??? Splurge worthy!
If you’re ever in the Hamtpons, find Bellhaus at 328 Montauk Highway. Visit their site, www.bellhaus.net, for more information.
Smootches!
*Sex and the City’s coming out on Friday, but guess who’s going to a sneak preview tonight??? I’m pumped! Now’s a good a time as any to start reminiscing on the show, so I wanted to indulge in a bit of SATC trivia! As an urban fashion blog, I wanted the question to involve someone of color…unfortunately there weren’t that many, so this one is a real doozy: Whoever can tell me the name of Miranda’s neighbor who helped her with her baby when he was colicky… …will win a Fashion Bomb T! Random, but hey…there weren’t too many ‘folks’ in the series! E-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Update: No it wasn’t Blair Underwood! Constance wrote in correctly saying, “The character’s name was Kendall, played by actress Lisa Gay Hamilton.” Correct! Look out for your tee! *The actual New York Premiere was last night. A few pics: …J Hud better work that dress! Other Fashion Bomb celebs were in the house: Lil Kim looks super colorful, while MJB keeps it simple in black and white… …and Michelle Williams shines in a floor length gown, while rapper Kid Sister looks cute in a turquoise dress with red shoes. *WWD reports that Mary J Blige, Eric Dane and Russell Simmons each have designed a limited edition Ernst Benz watch to benefit Chrysalis, the nonprofit association that helps men and women transition from poverty. The collection, dubbed Time for Change, will offer a numbered series of 24 watches per designer in honor of Chrysalis’ 24th anniversary. Fifty percent of the proceeds from each watch sold will go to Chrysalis. [WWD]
Hey!
So my friends and I went to the Hamptons to celebrate Memorial Day this past weekend. Aside from enjoying the beach, sunshine, and great food, we also had to stop into the grand opening of a chic, must-visit boutique called Bellhaus (www.bellhaus.net). The shop was littered with the best dressed in the Hampton set, but this young man really stood out in a Fashion Bomb way:
Turns out his name is Courtney Crawford, and he is the designer behind the pair of sky high patent leather stilettos he’s holding.
Like a paparrazzo, I asked who he was wearing, and he revealed that he had on a Calvin Klein Collection suit, Du Champs Shirt, Balmain tie, Dolce and Gabbana shoes, and a vintage Hermes pocket scarf. Super sharp, but he kept it funky with his haircut… ..swoon!
You can find a few of his shoes at Revolve Clothing (click here), and keep on the lookout for his website, www.courtneycrawford.com!
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*Bellhaus Boutique is a fashionista’s utopia for its high end well edited items, and the opening ceremony was absolutely dope. A few more party pictures: Your truly with my buddy Namik and the boutique owner, Shawn Bell… And Kelly Ripa made an appearance! She was super cute in her feathered frock.
Stay tuned for a Boutique Spotlight on Bellhaus tomorrow.
*I couldn’t resist! Check out a few Courtney Crawford creations: For purchase information, click here.
*OK Courtney is more than a well dressed man with a handsome face! An excerpt from an article on him in Paper Mag, “In the year since he launched his line, Crawford has been busy: He won Who is on Next (a European design competition sponsored by Italian Vogue and the fashion agency Alta Roma); designed Missoni’s feather-happy Spring ’07 shoe collection; consulted on Morgane Le Fay’s debut line; was taken under the enormous wing of Vogue’s editor-at-large André Leon Talley; and so endeared himself to Karl Lagerfeld that he walked in Chanel’s runway show last season. He’s also managed to win over Kate Moss, Mischa Barton, Mariah Carey (in fact, he outfitted her for the entire “Emancipation of Mimi” tour) and Dita Von Teese with his shoes.” Ok then! Read the rest here.
*Thanks Ken!
*LL Cool J and Sears?? You heard that right. WWD reports that LL will release a collection of casualwear for juniors, young men’s, girls and boys in September in time for back to school. The collection will retail from $22 for a graphic tee to $50 for a pair of jeans. Um, really?
Hey! I’m off this lovely Friday before Memorial Day Weekend, so I’m making this quick! Let’s get started. First up, reader Sheria fell in love with Christina Milian’s one shoulder number… …she says, “Can you please help me find her look!?!“ I thought the following frocks gave off a Christina M essence: 1. Aqua Women’s One Shoulder Dress, $78, www.bloomingdales.com. 2. Ella Moss Black Label Samantha Dress, $268, www.shopbop.com. 3. Laundry by Design One Shoulder Short Dress, $164, www.bloomingdales.com. In another Christina Milian Mail Bomb, Natasha says, “I have a family get together coming up in New York and I really want to wear this dress to dinner…“ “.. .I searched and found out that its made by H&M but they don’t have it anymore. Can you please help I’m in desperate need!!“ Sure. The closest thing I could find was this BCBG Strapless Jacquard Dress… …it could work with some tailoring! Get it for $320 at www.saks.com. Nyasha from Georgia writes, “I am desperately trying to find an affordable short sleeved leather jacket and everywhere I look the price is pretty astronomical. I’ve seen Rihanna rocking a black one lately but cannot afford it….” “Please Please Please help me, I’m heading back up to the northeast soon and its still a little chilly here and there. I would like to be fashionably comfortable. Please help I’m desperate for one of these jackets!!!“ A fashion emergency indeed, huh? Well you’re right, most cropped leather jackets are a bit pricy. Lucky you, I found some options under $300: 1. Pepe Short Sleeved Leather Jacket, $300, www.asos.com. 2. Leather Moto Jacket, $98, www.ardenb.com. 3. Cropped Leather Jacket, $129, www.newportnews.com. Finally, some Fashion Bomb Real Style subjects were getting lots of inquiries from readers! Tia says, “I think her pants are so cute in this pic!!“ “…Can you please help me find some???“ The closest thing I could find were these $395 Wide Jodphur pants… …from www.emporioarmani.com. Apparently there’s a cheaper version at H&M. Log onto www.hm.com for store locations. Several people wrote in admiring this young lady’s ruffle top: Turns out she’s wearing none other than this $260 Thread Social Ruffle Knit Double Top… …from www.intermixonline.com. And lastly a reader wrote in a comment to my JC Report Relaunch Party Post. She says, “I couldn’t help but notice the young lady to your right…“ “… Her dress is to DIE for (well for me anyway)! Where can I get this?“ Miss Meghan is so fashionable! She’s wearing this Cynthia Rowley V-Neck Silk Taffeta Dress… …get it at www.cynthiarowley.com. That does it! Have fun, long, luxurious weekends! Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*A Fashion Bomb Birdie passed along a cute picture of TFB friends Andre Leon Talley and Ms. Jay.. …from a recent event at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Two snaps in a circle! *Check out the July issue of French Vogue!!! Source Could it be the powers that be are actually listening–and changing things??? Maybe…or at least in Europe they are. *Get your shop on at H&M this weekend! Go to www.hm.com for details.
And contemporary women continue to pay honor to his legacy in sleek, form fitting pantsuits:
Iman where’s a black sequined version with ribbon tie belt…
Amerie modernizes the look with a decolette vest, sans shirt…
And J.Lo and Mary J Blige wear all white pantsuits on the most formal of red carpets in both double breasted and single breasted jackets.
1. Just Cavalli Suit, $944. 2. Gucci Women’s Suit, $2,650. 3. Fabrizio Lenzi Suit, $720.
1. Nanette Lepore Beloved Suit Jacket and Pants, $196. 2. Pique Pant Suit, $60. 3. Neiman Marcus Two-Piece Pantsuit, $295.
… Naomi Campbell delivered a tearfelt tribute to YSL yesterday saying, “My first Vogue cover ever was because of this man…when I said to him ‘Yves, they won’t give me a French Vogue cover, they won’t put a black girl on the cover,’ he was like ‘I’ll take care of that,’ and he did.” [AFP]
