Hey, hey!
So for this week’s Style File, I decided to profile an unsusual suspect…

Cassie!
While her talent is somewhat debatable, I believe her style is consistantly impeccable. Let’s take a look:
For the red carpet, she wears anything from floor length black gowns…

…to more age appropriate low rise jeans accented with a cute shoulder baring tops.
…topped off with cute peep toes or Mary Janes.
For a night on the town, the shorter the better. She makes her mark in thigh skimming frocks…

With even the occasional shirt dress thrown in…

…for good measure.
When she’s super casual, she loves a soft striped sweater…

…paired with high waisted jeans or tights.
In the fall, you won’t catch her without some sort of cute cropped jacket or coat…

Skinny jeans…
…and you can’t forget the boots…
…even while watching basketball.
C’mon, cute!
Want a Cassie casual look this fall?
Start with a few hot jackets….

Left to right: Coffee Shop Belted Trench, $98, www.nordstrom.com; Cotton/Linen Spandex Moto Jacket, $48, www.maxstudio.com; Michael by Michael Kors Kimono Sleeve Jacket, $189, www.nordstrom.com;.
Throw in a couple striped sweaters…

Left to Right: Striped Cardigan, $18, www.forever21.com; Minnie Rose Pullover Sweater, $162, www.madisonlosangeles.com.
Pair with skinny, low rise jeans…

Left to Right: Levis Ultra Low 521 Skinny Jean, $58, www.urbanout.com; Cassie Skinny Jean, $29.80, www.forever21.com; Tom Five Pocket James Jeans, $168, www.searlenyc.com.
Throw on a few pairs of boots….

Left to Right: Kenneth Cole Reaction Go Along, $143,Zappos.com
Loeffler Randall Emmy Belted Boot in Black, $679, Pink Mascara
La Canandienne Divine Charcoal Boot, $260, www.piperlime.com.
And if you still plan on going out when temps dip south, of course get a few hot dresses….

Left to Right: Laundry by Design Metallic Lace Mini Shift Dress, $325, www.nordstrom.com; Solid French Cuff Shirt Dress, $45, www.gap.com; Elijah Shirred Mini Dress, $225, www.neimanmarcus.com.
And you’re set!
Smootches!
PS For the record, lip sync or not, I actually really loved Cassie’s first album. She had so many good songs on there…’Long Way to Go’, ‘Just One Night’, ‘Miss Ur Touch’, and of course ‘Me & U’…if you haven’t downloaded yet, give her a try. You won’t be disappointed!
PSS Roll out to YBF’s meet and greet tonight!
RSVP to ybfnyc@gmail.com.

Hey, hey!
So I haven’t yet bitten the bullet for my Macbook (I’m stupid, I know… I’ll do it during lunch!), but in the meantime, my friend Gigi was nice enough to guest blog for me today. She attended a charitable fashion event last week, and gave us the scoop on some cool designers for men and women.
Enjoy!
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Hi Fashion Bomb Readers!
I’m going to step in the shoes of my homegirl Claire and help her out while her computer’s sick…I’m excited about my first foray into the joys of blogging.
I attended a charitable event last Saturday evening that incorporated one of my favorite activities: shopping! The event was hosted by the men of Triumph Entertainment , and it was held at a trendy boutique in Harlem called NHarlem (114 W 116th St bet Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd)…

… a portion of all the sales were donated to the Metro Manhattan Community Foundation.
NHarlem brings to Harlem what exists below the 96th street dividing line (Paper Denim & Cloth, Citizens for Humanity, Hugo Boss, Joe’s Jeans, etc), but it also showcases the unique creations of local designers such as Minoritees and Nubian Gardens.
What I loved most about the evening was that a few local designers were in the house to meet and greet shoppers. The first I came across was a handbag designer named Severe Erase who makes a slew of beautiful totes, shoulder bags, and clutches. Here she is with some of her bags in the background…
…Her online shop (www.sevybags.com) features purses that range in price from $200-$500. For a working girl, that’s not bad at all. What do you think?
The next designers I met were the two ladies of a line called Sukari…
..Sukari stands for “sweet” or “sugar” in Swahili and the name of each bag in this collection is inspired by a different place the designer has visited. I loved these bags, but for a diva on a budget, these may be a bit out of reach. My personal favorite was the espresso brown alligator skinned clutch (featured in the bottom left corner of the photo). HOWEVER, at a not-so-cool $3600, this bag amounts to way more than my mortgage payment…so even though I loved it, I had to say bye bye alligator, I’m gon’ have to catch you later (if you’re as frugal as me)! This may just have to be that type of bag your splurge on as if it were a Gucci. I can say this though: the quality is definitely on par with a Gucci or LV bag. If you’re interested in owning one of her creations, you can find them at www.sukaridesigns.com
I’ve also gotta give it up for NHarlem for coming equipped with their own in-house tailor, Omar…
Although he tried to play coy at first, I discovered that this man makes unique custom shirts and suits for men. Check him and his sleek designs out at at www.omarxomar.com…cop one for your man if you’re inclined to love a man in a suit or any other type of finely tailored outfit.
Now onto the patrons of the evening.
I thought these two ladies , Desiree and Harrah, looked wonderful.
Love that Gap shirt dress and the LV bag!
I also thought these two divas–Andrea and Brooke–were working it!
I loved how Andrea paired a bright casual skirt with a cute denim jacket. Brooke’s sophisticated pleated purple dress was definitely an eye-catcher all night.
Of course the men of Triumph Entertainment (Mike, Abdel and Kwame) were profiling in the shop
Blazers, jeans, and subtle accessories made for a very casual chic look.
Cute!
I’ve gotta say, this was a wonderful way to altruistically spend my Saturday evening while simultaneously pampering myself. Next time you’re up in Harlem, check out NHarlem and see for yourself all it has to offer!
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Great job Gigi! I’m already in love with Sukari Designs’ clutches! That might be on the top of my wish list this Christmas! Sevy Bags are very cute as well. Stay posted to the Fashion Bomb for more Triumph events!
Smootches!
PS My girl over at YBF is having a hot party in NYC tomorrow!
I’ll be there!
Want to come and meet the uber fabulous Natasha? RSVP to ybfnyc@gmail.com.
PSS Model Casting Call! James Jeans (www.jamesjeans.us), which I absolutely LOVE, is seeking a model or model-like woman that can work a press preview (2 days) at the end of this month. She’ll be modeling James’ hot jeans for top fashion magazine editors. Compensation is cash (to be determined) and jeans! Requirements: Must be 5’8″-5’10” and a size 2. Email your photo, measurements and contact info to genevieve@jamesjeans.us. They’ll get in touch if you’re chosen for a fitting.
PSSS I’m clearly obsessed with Facebook! So what? Anyway, join The Fashion Bomb Group and write on my wall!

Happy Monday!
So a few weeks ago, a friend and I made a trek down to Coney Island…

…to ride the rides…Experience the Cyclone…
And eat yummy Nathan’s hotdogs…
…it was tons of fun!
We took a small detour on the boardwalk (had to take in the ocean), and ran into this young lady…
…whose seemed destined to be on the Fashion Bomb.
From her colorful hair to her gold bamboo earrings, on to the artful way she mixed and matched patterns, styles, and colors, this girl was working her own look in a very urban chic way. I personally loved her skinny blue jeans and prepster with a twist yellow and gray sweater.
What do you think?
Smootches!
PS My friend has the Style Network…last night I went over and couldn’t help watching Kimora’s Life in the Fab Lane marathon! I am officially obsessed…! But as obsessed as I am…I don’t think I’d ever want to be Mallory (her personal assistant). I’d much rather BE Kimora:)
PSS Check out the cool giveaway on the blog Chic and Untroubled.
PSSS Have you joined The Fashion Bomb Group on Facebook.com???

Hey, hey!
So I’ve been super swamped and out of sorts this week between my broken computer and a packed work and social schedule. Still, I found time to answer just a few mail bombs…

Let’s get it!
First up, reader Ms. B says, “I LOVE this belt from the D&G Collection…”

“…but the price is TOOOO rich for my blood! Can you tell me if you know where I can find a designer replica of this belt or something that is similar? I really love the idea of the metal chastity influence of this piece.”
Hey, so Elita found that the D&G Belt retails for $3,100 online…no matter it’s sold out. If you want something similar in a similar metal finish, and have a bit to spend, you can go with this Fendi Perforated Cummerbund Belt…

…for $430 at www.net-a-porter.com.
Too much? You can get that mirrored silver look with this Double Buckle Waist Belt…

…for $160 at Bloomingdales.
Still too much? I think this Linea Pelle Corset Belt works really well…

…and at $88, it’s a relative steal.
Next up reader Melody (among others) said, “I was wondering if you can find where one could get this cute top…”

“…that Alicia rocked recently at 106.”
I searched and searched, and the closest approximation I could find was this Diane Von Furstenberg Graciela Wrap top…

…available for $245 at shopbop.com
If you want the same sort of look, but don’t care much about color, this KLS Buttoned Turtleneck with Keyhole comes close…
…and is a bit more affordable at $165.
Update! Reader Bianca found that A. Keys is wearing this $425 Mischen Deco T-Back Charmeuse Blouse…

…BACKWARDS! Check out the alternate view in gray here:

To get the emerald version, visit intermixonline.com…sneaky, sneaky!
Next up, Jenni from New Orleans says, “Can you find this cute outfit Gabrielle Union was rocking (don’t forget the bag)…..”
“…I’m a teacher so I will need the cheaper version.”
No Problem!
Pair this $9 Lace Halter from Forever 21 …

With these affordable skinny jeans like these $68 Black Dazed & Confused Jeans from Urban Outfitters…

Slip on a pair of bronze sandals, like these $68 Sea Horse’s by Max Studio

If you want to splurge, go for it with this Babee D Canvas Touch bag for $382…

If not, Spiegel always has affordable lookalikes…

This one captures the essence and is only $54!
Lastly, reader De’Nae says, “I know these pants may be a big fashion faux paus, but do you have any idea where I can get these pants worn by Alicia Keys at the VMAs?”
“… I LOVE the slight sheen in the stretchy looking pant and I’ve looked EVERYWHERE and can’t find them. I’ve Googled, “Satin Pants” and you wouldn’t believe how many genie and Hammer pants that came up!!”
Hey there. They are a bit of a fashion faux pas, but if you can rock ’em with confidence, I’m not mad at ya!
I did a quick search and found that these Cheap Monday Satin Skinny Pants…

…fit the bill. Get ’em for only $65 at www.barneys.com.
That does it for today….
Smootches!
PS Reader Ms. Dee alerted me this cool trick on Tyra Banks’ site. If you like any of her or her guests outfits on her talk show, you can click here to find out what they’re wearing. Very cool!
PSS Have great weekends!
PSSS Join The Fashion Bomb Group on Facebook.com! Yippee!

“She looks like one of those rap guys’ girlfriends/ But, y’know, who understands those rap guys? *scoff*/They only talk to her, because, she looks like a total prostitute, ‘kay?/ She’s just so … black!” Intro “Baby Got Back” Sir Mix A Lot

Happy Thursday!
So I’m bumming a computer again. This friend has Photoshop…and y’all it has changed my life! When I get my new sleek black laptop, I’m definitely going to have to upgrade…tell me if you agree.
So today I decided to take a bit of a different turn for this week’s Style File. Instead of looking at the celebs who make tracks, host shows, or rock catwalks, I wanted to look at the women who act as sidekicks, confidantes, and arm candy to hip hop stars…

…that’s right their girlfriends.
It takes a lot to go from virtual anonymity to stuntin’ the red carpet with flair and style. The following honeys try their very best to step up to the plate. Let’s take a look:
Kanye’s Boo Alexis Phifer…

Seems to have had no trouble at all stepping her game up.
For the carpet, she rocks black with the best of them whether in thigh skimming cocktail frocks or strapless pantsuits…

Or short girly dresses in white or cream…
Whatever she does, she keeps it super sophisticated…
..even when chillin with moms.
T.I.’s petite girlfriend Tiny might not have the dress game on lock, but with bags, she has ’em all beat! Whether she’s mingling at a fancy event…
or just chillin with her man at the club…
She never fails to upgrade her ‘around the way’ swagger with a very large and very expensive Louis V, Gucci or Yves Saint Laurent.
Work it girl!
Next up, Ursh’s new wife and baby momma…
Tameka Foster.
Now, she’s a label girl at heart and loves her status bags as well…
But also mixes it up in a variation of shiny dresses in cream or black…
…or even an exotic print and skinny jeans…
…for something more casual.
Not my taste, but ok!
Last, but not least, we have the mother of all Hip Hop Girlfriends…
…Kim Porter.
Now I know you’re saying, “Didn’t you read that Essence article?!? Her and Diddy aren’t together!”
Pish Posh. She’s the only stable thing in his life. Please believe they’ll be on again soon enough and on the cover of Ebony in six months holding their babies. Moving on….
Kim seems to favor standard white and black dresses (preferably strapless)…
With a hot fur thrown in for dramatic effect…
Hmmm…ok.
Want the look?
Start with a demure dress…

Left to Right: Lotta Stensson Black Jersey Flounce Dress , $60, www.bluefly.com; Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Satin Strapless Dress, $995, www.eluxury.com; Manoush Dody Strapless Dress, $115, www.net-a-porter.com.
Throw in a hot shoe…

Left to Right: Charles David Peony, $275, www.piperlime.com; Christian Louboutin Specchio Very Prive Pump, $770, www.neimanmarcus.com; Enzo Angiolini Maylie , $95, www.piperlime.com.
And whatever you do, don’t forget that status bag!

Left to right: Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Duomo , $1,360, www.eluxury.com; Gucci Ivory Leather Bouvier Hobo , $876, www.bluefly.com; Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Jasmin , $1,120, www.eluxury.com
Only the best will do!
Smootches!
PS Join The Fashion Bomb Group on Facebook.com!
PSS Hopefully this made up for me being MIA on Tues…
PSSS Thanks Elsa!

Hey,

So it was an unseasonably warm day yesterday, and I decided…what better way to spend it than at Habana Outpost?

…My buddies and I agreed that beautiful, sunny days would be in short supply, and we had to make the most out of it. Besides, it might’ve been the last Sunday we could sit outside with a frozen Mojito in hand.
I was looking around for fashionista’s, and as usual Habana didn’t disappoint. This young lady caught my eye…

…because of her pairing of a dressy element (skirt) with a very casual one (gray t-shirt). I asked her what inspired her outfit, and she said she loved to mix prints with solids. She also revealed that she had recently cut her hair (yay naturals!), and had taken to wearing scarves and hats in the interim. Cute!
What do you think of my last Real Style from Habana?
Smootches!
PS Just for fun…this song is changing my life right now:

Let’s go on a living spree!

So,
I received many e-mails yesterday urging everyone familiar with the Jena Six case to wear all black today in protest. Not familiar with Jena Six? Basically 6 black teenagers from Louisiana have been jailed and could face life in prison due to a series of racially charged events that culminated in a fight with a white student. While the boys did participate in some pummeling, many protesters contend that their charge, attempted murder, is too harsh for the crime.
The urge to wear all black is a political as well as a fashion statement, and I decided to show my support (I have plenty of little black dresses in my repertoire, so didn’t find it hard…) but wondered if others supported as well. I went out during a brief lunch break…

…to see what I could see.
Surprise: the all black was in full effect!
Kelly, an executive assistant…
…looked smart in glasses, a black dress, and silver flats.
Shakema and Elizabeth…
accented their all black with bright orange shawls.
Attorney Gigi…

…looked amazing in a black turtleneck sweater, pencil skirt, and hot suede mustard peep toes.
And Elsa and Lisa…
…accent their black with cool retro specs and necklaces.
Cute!
A few people didn’t get the memo.
Accountant Andre…
…said he didn’t know that people were wearing black. Besides, he said, he’s from Jamaica, and was unaware of the national news.
And lastly, Cherise, right, was in all black…
But her friend, Natalie, said she just didn’t know!
A bit of a mixed bag, but it seems that people (in midtown at least) dusted off their old black pieces to show their disdain for a sad case in racial politics.
How’s it look where you are?
Smootches!
PS Not familiar with the case? Read about it here and here.
PSS Send me pictures!