Knuckle Rings + NYC Hermes Sample Sale!

*At a loss for words? Wear your emotions on your ring with three finger dazzlers by Fashion Bomb sponsor Melody Ehsani:

Rihanna Solange Melody Ehsani

…get Solange’s Love ring for $25…
…or customize your own creation (like Rihanna) for $48. Now didn’t I tell you Melody Ehsani was the ish? Visit her online boutique here.
*For my NYC Heads, the Hermes Sample Sale starts today!!!
Make your way to the 4th floor of Metropolitan Pavilion ( 123 West 18th Street) today from 10am – 6pm; Thurs, 10am – 8pm; Fri, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 6pm, and Sun, 10am – 6pm. Play nice! As an aside, I’m sure if Hermes saw that picture of Pharrell with his Birkins they’d release a statement like, “Um, we didn’t intend for ‘rappers’ to rock our stuff.” But hey, we gotta stay fly!
*If you don’t have the bling for a Beyonce Chanel Resort Jacket
…hop on over to J.Crew, where you can get this Metallic Boucle Clea Jacket
..for $300. Hmh, I wonder if they meant to call it ‘Metallic Boucle Chanel Jacket?”
*Ridiculously high heels at the Prada Spring/Summer show in Milan caused many models to hit the catwalk–literally:

Check out the video:

Sad!

Trend Forecast: Spring 2009

Today, Adriana gives us a rundown of next year’s Spring trends.
Stay tuned next week for what you should buy for Fall.
Enjoy!
*******************************************************************
Fashion Week is over and the looks we just saw on the runways won’t be in stores until at least January.
Claire and I noticed several trends that ran throughout the collections, however, that we wanted to share in order to prep FB readers for what’s coming (especially since many of you might be changing over to your fall clothes and wondering what to save from this past season).
Overall, the Spring ’09 looks were simple and un-fussy, and referenced quite a few specific eras/cultures. There are some new trends (jodhpurs), old trends (jumpsuits), and trends that hardly ever seem to go away (LBDs)—take a look:
Open-toed shoe boots at Tibi, Miss Sixty, and Iodice:
tibimisssixtyiodiceHippie-chic at Baby Phat, Milly, and Reem Acra:East meets West at Reem Acra, Vivenne Tam, and Tibi:Jodhpur-esque trousers at BCBG Max Azria, Tibi, and Iodice:Jumpsuits at BCBG, Tibi, and Baby Phat:Fresh takes on the LBD from Zac Posen, Nicole Miller, and Vivienne Tam:Which trends you think you’ll indulge in (or pass on)?
~A

How to Break into Fashion: Rihanna’s Hairstylist Ursula Stephen

Hey!
It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a Breaking into Fashion post, so today I wanted to give you guys the scoop on Ursula Stephen

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…hairstylist to the stars.
While she’s well known for taming the manes of Michelle Williams and Keyshia Cole, she’s probably most recognized for gifting the ever fashionable Rihanna her oft imitated pixie cut:
…whose edge always adds to Rihanna’s fashionable fits!
Thankfully, Ursula put down her styling tools to tell you hopefuls how to break into her business:
She says, “I caught my “big break” by working in the salon. I had really great clientele, a couple of which worked at labels, a couple who knew people in the industry. So it was basically word of mouth.”
Starting at a humble Brooklyn boutique, Ursula rose through the ranks thanks to her unquestionable talent and positive attitude. She says, ‘I always kept my eyes on the prize, thought outside the box, and stayed upbeat no matter how far away my dreams seemed…
Currently in France, Ursula travels the world, packing all her hot combs and adapters in her carry ons. She says, “I’ll never forget having dinner with Roberto Cavalli. Rihanna was invited to his show in Milan, and afterwards he invited the whole team to his restaurant for a private dinner. I was actually having casual conversation with him, and found out we share the same sign!!
For women of color, she has this pointed advice, “Always go that extra mile, because as sad it may sound, we as people of color have not really overcome as much as we think we have. It’s gotten easier but its not easy.”
In sum, she says to, “Be sure about your love for hair; and ultimately do what makes you happy.
Sound advice for any profession!
Smootches!

Fashion Trivia + Video Fun!!

*It’s a sloowww news day, so here’s a little fun fashion trivia:
Whoever can tell me who that man is standing next to Grace Coddington (creative director of Vogue) will win a Fashion Bomb T!
E-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
Update: We have a winner!
Kiley correctly answered, “That’s Edward Enninful– London based stylist and fashion director. He is the contributing Fashion Editor of Italian Vogue, Fashion Editor-at-Large of Japanese Vogue and Fashion Editor at Large of i-D magazine.”
So right!! Enjoy your Fashion Bomb T-Shirt!
*Also, a video, just for fun

Was I the only one who choreographed a dance to this song for cheerleading?? This video was the ish!!!
*Running to the gym!

Real Style: San Francisco

Hey!
So I took a break this week from bringing you videos of Real Style to showcase the chic of some of the Fashion Bomb Readers!
Peep Samona and friends from San Francisco, California:

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Samona says, “I always add a little flavor my wardrobe…I did so recently with my BCBG snakeskin clutch...”
Fab! And you ladies look svelte in shiny fabrics and flattering sandals.
What do you think of Bay Area Bombers?
Smootches!

Joy Bryant Blogs + Pharrell for Barack Obama

*I always knew Joy Bryant was more than just a pretty face…
…turns out that while she was taking in all the shows during Fashion Week, she was also guest blogging for a website called Starworks, snapping pictures while also offering a bit of commentary. About Herve Leger she says, “[My friend personifies] the Herve Leger woman: unapologetically sexual and fiercely self-assured… the kind of woman that rolls out of bed, tosses her hair, and throws on a hot little tight dress, all the while daring the world to judge her.” OK then!
*Seems in addition to designers, lots of artists have offered their support to Barack Obama. Check this shirt designed by swoon worthy producer Pharrell:
The theme is “Obama stands apart from the crowd.” Yes he does! Get yours for $60 at store.barackobama.com.
*Psssst: Do you Rock an Obama T??? Send your pix to thefashionbomb@gmail.com!!
*And Suzy Menkes of the IHT wonders if fast fashion is going out of fashion
She says, “As a phenomenon, speedy style has given a shake up to the industry and brought the look of the moment to main street, with the collaboration of leading designers. It has proved that fashion does not have to be elitist and that big names are as capable of creating cheap chic as haute couture….But, as with all things fashionable, from kitten-heel mules to girly frills, there is a moment when it is over. And for fast fashion, that is now…” What do you think? I love me some Forever 21!! Read more here. [IHT]

Mail Bombs: Beyonce’s Rouland Mouret Dress, Brandy’s Peach Top, and Solange’s Louis Vuitton Bag!

It’s Friday and we have a ton of Mail Bombs to solve:
Let’s not delay!

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First, T from Tennessee says, “Loving this look on Beyonce..
…It’s classy, its sexy, its young but still office ready…please tell me more!!
Aramide found that Beyonce is wearing this $2,065 RM by Rouland Mouret Pigalle Wool Dress
Get a similar look for much less with these:
1. ASOS V Backless Pencil Dress, $70. 2. Arden B Belted Pencil Dress, $128. 3. Magaschoni Wool Crepe Dress, $220.
Jasmine says, “I was wondering if you can help me find an outfit like Brandy’s in the photo….
…I’m really loving the look of those jeans.”
Aramide and I collabo’d to find the following look:
1.Reyna Tee, $78. 2. Arden B Off the Shoulder Blouse, $39. 3. American Apparel Faux Denim High Waisted Legging, $42. 4. ASOS Indigo Denim Leggings, $46.50.
Ms. Nelson says, “Where can I find this bag…
…Solange wore to a recent event?”
Solange is wearing a red trimmed Louis Vuitton, a style debuted on the Fall 2007 Ready to Wear runway:
Get yours at Louis Vuitton Stores (www.louisvuitton.com).
In a Male Mail Bomb, Kayvin from Ohio says, “I love the shirt that Bow Wow is wearing…
“...He is like mini T.I. these days so credit who you will with the style… Anyway, can you help me find something similar?
Get a Bow Wow like shirt with these:
1. Morphine Generation Traditional Button Up Military, $184. 2. Triple Five Soul Drill Military Shirt, $50. 3. Apolis Military Woven in Olive, $68.
Now for a few wardrobe queries:
Lauren says, “I am looking for a fashionable medium to large sized tote bag to use for school. As a broke graduate student, my budget is limited, but I would like something fashionable that will work with a lot of different outfits.”
If your budget is limited, I’d say go for a nylon or faux leather tote. Try these under $150 options in colors that are neutral or bold enough to go with anything:

1. French Connection City Quilt Bag, $118. 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs So Real Faser Tote, $98. 3. Nine West Patent Leather Large Tote, $150. 4. Melie Bianco Drawstring Bag, $90. 5. BCBG Max Azria Poem Print Canvas Tote, $88.
Lastly, Anissa says, “ I’m going to an awards show in Vegas. Here is the dress and the shoes...”
…I need your help picking accessories!
Since your outfit is so plain, you have lots of room to add your own sparkle!
I’d say go with a simple necklace that accents your decolletage, then pile on blinged out and silver bangles with a cocktail ring. Finish it all off with a clutch that incorporates the color of your silver shoes:
1. Juicy Couture Sterling Silver Heart, $150. 2. Jumbo Cocktail Rings, $18 for set of 6. 3. Sterling Silver Chevron Necklace, $50. 4. Tri Colored Envelope Clutch, $30. 5. Crislu Cubic Zirconia Bangle, $125. 6. Calanna Clutch, $25.
We still have so many to catch up on, but that does it for today.
Have wonderful weekends! Soak up the sun before fall starts in earnest!
Smootches!

Black Models at London Fashion Week + House of Dereon Obama T

*NY Fashion Week is done, but it was only the beginning of Fashion Week fury! Some of our favorite models are now stomping across the pond in London:
Check Jourdan Dunn in Issa, Vivienne Westwood, and Aquascatum…

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Our girl Chanel in House of Holland, Nathan Jenden, and Aquascatum…
…and other models in shows like Fashion Fringe, Peter Pilotto, and Meadham Kirchhoff..
Thanks to Bethann for raising the ‘Black Model’ issue and holding all designers accountable. Now, as an aside…don’t the London shows look kind’ve dope…and refreshing??? I think the next stop for the Fashion Bomb might have to be international coverage…[Style.com]
*In the spirit of celebs jumping on the Obama Bandwagon, House of Dereon just released its own Obama T:
Get your t-shirt in navy, red, or white for $60 at the official Barack Obama store.
*If you want Cassie like YSL Tribal Sandals…
…but don’t have $940 to spend, go to www.marciano.com for affordable alternatives. These Lacey and Garvin heels …
…give off a similar look–minus the feathers. And at around $300, they’re a relative steal.

Cool Online Find: Rockett Mansion

Hey Fashion Bombers!
Today I wanted to put you on to a new line of vintage and original clothing called Rockett Mansion...

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Launched just this past May by 2006 Howard University Graduate Melanie Lyke…
…the line consists of supremely well edited shoes, dress, and accessories, all plucked from second hand stores, then remixed with buttons, tailoring, or pleats…
Melanie says her inspirations are, “Postmodern Global Beauty. I love to draw simple, minimalist items from different cultures. They can be glitzy, ornate, doesn’t matter as long they are beautiful…
The Fashion Merchandising student started the Rockett Mansion line because, “I wanted to do my own thing, and didn’t want to work for a big fashion house. I was sick of working for places that just didn’t ‘get it’ or understand my aesthetic…
She continues, “The line is the sum of my love for vintage and living a minimalist lifestyle… I adore the idea of finding beautifully made, well preserved items and mixing them with everyday pieces. Most people see vintage as over-the-top costumes that can’t be applied to a daily wardrobe or simply as the attire of hip, starving artists- I beg to differ. Any good stylist knows the key to great personal style is the mixing of old and new as well as expensive and inexpensive. It gives a look dimension and makes it seem effortless.
In addition to being chic, vintage cuts down on waste. “We can easily recycle and use what we already have on this earth because as we all know, polyester isn’t going anywhere. It’s retail therapy with no buyers remorse.”
And you can cut down on spending as well: every Rockett Mansion item is under $50. Perfect for this economic climate!
Check out Rockett Mansion’s one of a kind items here. Tell ’em I sent ya!
Smootches!

TopShop Delays Store Opening + Throwback Viddy

*WWD reports that British superstore Top Shop will be delayed yet again in coming to US Shores:
WWD says, “TopShop postponed its entrance into the U.S. market until March because of construction delays at the store.” Honestly, before my trip to London, I didn’t care at all about TopShop. After my trip, I must tell you: TOPSHOP is the ISH!!! Shoes, Accessories, Dresses, Tops…it’s a fashionista’s dream! You want it in the US. Will keep you posted on the story. [WWD]
*Here’s a throwback viddy for my East Coast Headz: