*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]
It’s Friday and we have a ton of Mail Bombs to solve:
Let’s not delay!
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!
*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…
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
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Hey Fashion Bombers!
Today I wanted to put you on to a new line of vintage and original clothing called Rockett Mansion...
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!
*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:
Style File Throwback: Pam Grier
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Hey!
So today, Adriana hits us with a Style File throwback on super sultry actress Pam Grier:
We might’ve covered a lot of the silver screen’s current sirens, but we still may have a bit to learn from the old school.
Enjoy!
**********************************************************************
With the return of Halston and flare legs, among other things, ’70s fashion has come back and it’s a trend that’s going to march right on through Fall 2008. Who else embodies that decade’s tough, sexy style more than Ms. Foxy Brown herself, Pam Grier?
Known for her roles in Coffy and the now-legendary Foxy Brown, Ms. Grier’s film fashions (and swagger) have inspired legions of designers, models, and fashionistas. Halter-top jumpsuits, tall boots, leather, filmy silk, and what another writer terms “fierce-fitting polyester” are all touchstones of Ms. Grier’s trendsetting wardrobe.
Confident and sensual, with a touch of Afro-centric–loves it. And what has Ms. Grier said of her status as a fashion icon? “Me, sexy? I’m just plain ol’ beans and rice.” We would strongly beg to differ.
Channel Pam Grier’s style with these pieces:
Top Row Left to Right: Michael Kors Penelope Boots, $159; Leather Trench Coat, $80; Solid Petal Necklace, $120; Halter Ruched Fitted Jumpsuit, $69.
Bottom Row: Kimono Sleeve Minidress, $209.
~A
*Bill Cunningham of the New York Times discusses the indomitable presence of sky high, uncomfortable shoes at Fashion Week:
He says, “Without a shadow of a doubt, the handbag is less important and the shoe and the long stretch of leg has arrived in New York like a tornado force. The women are all in these spidery strapped shoes, usually black, very high heels.” [NYTimes]
*Speaking of high, hot shoes, check out the splurge of the day:
Camilla Skovgard Glazed Ankle Buck Sandals, $538 at shopbop.com
Try a Trend: Driving Gloves
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Hey Guys,
So while the most recent runways are showing you what will be hot next spring, I wanted to clue you into a trend idea that true modern fashionistas can’t help but rock:
…driving gloves.
Though the accessory debuted in the Fall 2007 runway shows, the style has been quietly acquired by some of fashion’s most forward trensetters due to it’s rock & roll, daredevil chic aesthetic:
Victoria Beckham has been spied wearing leather driving gloves with anything from red carpet gowns…
…to jeans and blazers.
And fashionista Rihanna wore a pair with a flouncy dress:
…accessorized with chains and a peek-a-boo bra.
Even guys get in on it, with Kanye pairing his with a white jacket….
….and the singular Karl Lagerfeld accessorizing his uniform with kid gloves.
If you want to go out on a limb this fall, try these:
1. Nordstrom Fingerless Driving Gloves, $78. 2. Carolina Amato Gloves Driving Gloves, Yellow, $149. 3. Carolina Amato Gloves, White, $149. 4. French Connection Driving Gloves, $58. 5. Bloomingdales Leather Driving Gloves, $40.
Smootches!
*Diane Von Furstenberg designed this tote…
…to proclaim her support for Barack Obama. The tote bag features the words Obama 08, hope, change and red hearts in handwriting script and is signed on the bottom by Diane von Furstenburg. It retails for $75. Pick it up at Barack Obama’s official online store.
*Check out Anya Hindmarch for Target’s collection of sultry bags…
Prices range from $19.99 to $49.99. And they’re so chic! Mark your calendars: They’ll be available at www.target.com and select Target stores on October 12th.
*Singer M.I.A. has come out with her own limited collection of clothes:
It’s currently available at MIAUK.com.
*Bethann and Co met again yesterday to discuss black models on the runway. The verdict? Much improved. [WNBC]
Hey!
So the Baby Phat show was fun, but of course we had to capture Real Style!
Enjoy!
*Special Thanks to my Fashion Week Sponsors: Jenny Dayco, Melody Ehsani, Pieces Boutique, Tibi, and Bag, Borrow, or Steal! Hair by De Lux Gallery in Brooklyn (91 Hanson Place, 718-522-3324), makeup by Glam DLuxe!
