Who can believe that last year marked the tenth anniversary of Love Jones‘s release? Whether you first saw it on a date, with friends, or a special someone in your life, Love Jones became, for all of us, one of the definitive cultural statements about African-American men, women, and relationships in the 1990s.
And, unassumingly, fashion. Set at a moment when fashion was transitioning from the minimalist ’90s to the label-conscious 2000s, the movie’s understated, boho-urban style is also a time capsule of modern young, upwardly mobile Black fashion, not to mention an influence of today’s neo-soul aesthetic.
The characters, like the movie itself, are swathed in earth tones; rich sweaters, black leather jackets, boot-cut jeans, and motorcycle boots comprise the wardrobe’s signature looks. The clothes are quietly stylish, as if to contrast the flash that accompanies other movies of the decade (Belly, Boomerang) documenting the adult African-American experience. Nia Long’s much-copied bob and the movie’s hit soundtrack are also two of the film’s legacies.
Did you have any Love Jones style back in the day?
Adriana

My homie Charles recently debuted his new fashion video website, Modamouth.com!

Log on today for throwback videos, plus in the tents look at Paris Fashion Week and more!
My favorite video:

JD, CI, SL= BGR from Moda Mouth on Vimeo.
Charles better work!
Leaves comments, and tell him I sent you!

Hip Candy reports that Obama inspired outfits popped up in Spring 2009 Parisian fashion shows, with Rodarte, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Sonia Rykiel and Stella McCartney all promoting the Democratic nominee on the runways…
I like how those Parisians think! Figures…

One of my favorite recent beauty finds is Barielle’s Shades Nail Polish
I’m a self-professed Essie devotee but may be changing to Shades permanently soon. Why? Not only does it seem to wear better than Essie (my finish hasn’t chipped after just one or two times in close-toed shoes), but – best part – it’s also free of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, the chemicals present in most polishes that cause your nails to turn yellow or brittle. It also seems fairly safe to use while pregnant and comes in fabulous, trendy colors (why can’t they do this more for shoes?! argh!).
Extra cool points: their Web site let’s you test all of their shades and match them to three different skin tones: light, medium, and dark. If you’re in NYC, you can pick up Shades from your local Ricky’s drugstore. For out-of-town Fashion Bombers, buy Shades online or check with your local beauty supply shop!
Also, Beautistas take note:Bella Sugar is offering a dream beauty weekend in San Francisco: a trip to Bliss, a Bare Escentuals makeover, and a Kérastase cut/color at a swank San Francisco salon. More details here!
Adriana

Beauty afficionados who’ve been waiting for their own version of “Project Runway” need not wait any longer: “Blush” has arrived! Billed as “The Search for the Next Great Make-up Artist,” “Blush” pits beauty professionals from around the country against each other for a shot at $100,000, a contract with Max Factor, and the chance to be the make-up artist for an upcoming In Style shoot. Judges include industry stars such as In Style’s Hal Rubenstein, and celebrity make-up artists Joanna Schlip and Charlie Green, along with host Vanessa Marcil (known, of course, to fans of “General Hospital” and “Las Vegas”).

“Blush” premieres Tuesday, November 11 at 10:00 p.m. EST on Lifetime Television –visit their Web site for your local listing!

Hey!
Sorry about the delay!
Mail Bombs will be a bit abbreviated today…hope you understand!
First up, Claudine writes, “I‘m sure you’re going to get several e-mails about J-Lo’s white Gucci form fitted dress...”
“… A more affordable option would be perfect for me at my wedding rehearsal dinner. Can you help?“
Well these might not be quite a Gucci, but these strapless styles give off the same figure flattering effect:
1. Black Halo Strapless Bustier Dress, $325. 2. David Meister Strapless Dress, $160. 3.Corey Lynn Calter Michelle Sweetheart Dress, $159.
In a male Mail Bomb, Terrence says, “I was wondering if you could tell me where to get this jacket Common is wearing…”“...if there is a lower cost option that’d be good too… but I’m digging the sleeves & over all look. Thanx!“
Channel Common’s Neo-Soul swagger with these high and low priced options:
1. Oak Orthodox Marquez Leather Jacket, $878. 2. Shipley & Halmos Milton Jacket, $695. 3. Juicy Couture Shiny Hypr Cire Jacket, $298. 4. Cheap Monday Nic Jacket, $148. 5. G by Guess Ferson Jacket, $110.
In other Male Bomb, Sher says, “Can you tell me who TI is wearing, mainly the vest and the shirt???“
“... He wore this to the Music in Motion Tour party at Marquee on September 29, 2008 in New York City.“
Adriana found that T.I. is wearing this $295 Rag & Bone Hunting Vest:
For a similar military style shirt, go with these options:
1. William Rast Military Shirt, $178. 2. Banana Republic Slim Fit Solid Dress Shirt, $60. 3. Triple Five Soul Drill Military Shirt, $30.
Lastly, we have a wardrobe query!
Sandra says, “I’m a plus sized black women who absolutely LOVES your site. I’m going to a wedding on Oct 26th and I’m in DESPERATE need of finding a purple ruffle blouse/top that is a size XL, for PLUS SIZE WOMEN….I have no CLUE where to find this online or in the stores…can you PLEASE HELP???? Also…do you know of any WIDE WIDTH Online shoe websites for women that carry really cute heels (strappy, ankle strap heels, peep toe heels)???“
Adriana stepped in to find you these plus sized ruffled beauts:
1. Purple Short-Sleeved Ruffle Button Top, $44. 2. Purple Ruffle Front Banded Bottom Top, $44. 3. Sadie Ruched Top, $68. 4. Reese Ruffle Wrap Blouse, $68
And here are a few shoe pics:
1. Type Z Coren Strappy Sandal, $80. 2. J. Renee Brianna Pump, $88. 3. Stuart Weitzman Stitchup Pump, $206.
Smootches!