Throwback: Reebok Freestyle Hi-Tops

reebok-freestyle

Call ’em “classics,” “female Air Force Ones,” or the now-infamous “54-11’s”, the Reebok Freestyle Hi-Top can be summed up in just one word: iconic. As a teenage girl in uptown NYC, especially, no sneaker was more definitve, and no fashion trend more beloved. And oh, the colors–sky blue, mustard, hot pink, and even the rumored, holy grail shade of chocolate (which I never confirmed really existed) were among the many hues one could stunt in.

The Freestyle, designed as an aerobic exercise shoe, debuted in April 1982 and became popular both for its sleek design and for being one of the first athletic shoes specifically made for women. It celebrated its 25th birthday in 2007 with not only its own site, but also a line of Freestyles inspired by various influences (like artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, below).

Even Paris’s über-hip concept shop Collette teamed up with Reebok and streetwear line Married to the Mob to deliver their own interpretation:

Recently, supermodel Agyness Deyn designed her own group of limited edition Freestyles and there were, of course, those “Reeboks with the straps” immortalized in Flo Rida’s “Get Low” (is there anything more fitting for the ultimate Around the Way Girl shoe?).

Craving some Freestyles now (the 90s are back, after all)? Look no further:

1. Punk Freestyle, $45 2. Neon Blue Freestyle, $65 3. Pink and Gold Freestyle, $63 4. Hi Evol Musi Freestyle, $70 5. Snowflake Freestyle, $60
What are some of your Freestyle memories? Favorite colors?
~Adriana

Obama Rocks Parisian Runways

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…

Beauty Bomb: Barielle Shades Nail Polish, Bella Sugar Contest

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

Real Style New York: Outtakes

Hey!
I’m still in NYC, and in these last weeks, I wanted to give y’all a bit of Real Style I’ve taken while here, but haven’t had a moment to post.
Check out a few pix I snapped at an industry party in Meatpacking a few weeks ago:

meatpacking

In New York, ladies favor pencil skirts in vibrant colors, while guys rock striped polos, blazers, and T’s that urge you to “Take that, take that, take that!!“….
Fedoras also flourish with tailored jackets and straight legged pants, and sultry ladies take bold steps in strapless wide legs jumpers and innovative updos….
Even the typical prep fit of a polo button down, ribbon belts, and bowties are sauced up with a bit of New York attitude.
Fierce!
And here’s a double whammy: a short Real Style Video:

Smootches!

It’s On, Beauties: New Make-up Artist Reality Show

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!

Mail Bombs Part 2: JLo’s Dress for Less + Men’s Style!

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!

Mail Bombs Part I: Rihanna’s Angel Wing Earrings

Hey lovelies,

Claire’s making some moves at the moment, so I’m going to step in and give you a little taste of Mail Bombs until she brings you the full flavor later today.

Fashion Bomber Amara writes, “I love the earrings that Rihanna is wearing here. Who makes them, and are there any less co$tly options?

Amara, we weren’t able to find the designer of Rihanna’s gorgeous earrings, which appear to be fashioned after angel wings. Try these on for size, though:

1. 2.

1. Eve’s Addiction Angelic Sterling Silver Wing Earrings, $35 2. New Outlet Angel Wing Stud Earrings, $10.
More soon!!
Adriana

Claire on the Carpet: VH1 Hip Hop Honors

Hey!
So last night was a late night, as I attended the VH1 Hip Hop Honors Afterparty.
Industry Heavyweights like MC Lyte, EPMD, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, and Mos Def peppered the party in Midtown Manhattan.
I stayed out pretty late, meaning Mail Bombs today will be a bit delayed.
Until I get them together, take a look at this video I whipped up on the red carpet:

Instead of cheesing with celebs for pictures, I decided to get behind the camera and talk to them a bit about Style.
How’d I do?
Smootches!

Celeb Style: Fall Trends

Hey Guys,
First: Thank you ALL for your kind words. They mean a lot!
Second: In the spirit of change, today Adriana gives you her first post as an official Fashion Bomb contributor!
From now on, there will be no introductions, just Adriana offering her thoughts on trends, celeb style, and the like.
Enjoy!
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Fashion Bombers, if you’re anything like me, fall has crept up on you despite your refusal to believe that summer’s really over. It seems like celebs have been feeling that way, too, since summer gear still abounds among style mavens (especially at the recent European runway shows), and many of the trends predicted for fall have yet to fully make their way onto the scene. There are a few famous ones, though, who have been giving us glimpses of what’s to come.

solange-blazer

The always fashion-forward Solange sported one of fall’s must-haves, a funky tailored blazer, at the recent Giorgio Armani show in Milan:

Other fall trends will make you think you’ve gone to sleep and woken up again in the 1990s: plaid, slouchy styles, and motorcycle-inspired boots are just some of the looks we’ll be re-visiting. Jennifer Hudson and French actress Sonia Rolland offer their interpretations:
Rihanna almost single-handedly popularized the sophisticated glam rock look (graphic tees, skinny jeans, neon accents, and lots of black) that we can all trace at least one item in our current wardrobes back to, and it’s still going strong for fall. Actress Dania Ramirez and Floetry’s Marsha Ambrosius channelled the style at recent events:

And one of fall’s soon-to-be-staples, the ruffle blouse, has been spotted on Toccara, Janet Jackson, and even Keyshia Cole’s mom, Frankie (man down!), who’s been, believe it or not, developing her own cute sense of style of late!
Looking to lead the charge to fall trends, as well? Try some of these similar pieces:
1. Priorities Ruffle Blouse, $64. 2. L.A.M.B. Sideways Plaid Blazer, $385. 3. BCBGirls Motorcycle Boot, $198. 4. Silence & Noise Motorcycle Jacket, $128. 5. Blank Skinny Classique Jeans in Grey, $78. 6. J. Crew Fiona Herringbone Jacket, $150.
Bringing you the fashion savvy more frequently now,
Adriana