Every third weekend in August, Londoners have an event called Nottinghill Carnival…
…tons of people stream the streets of London’s Nottinghill and Ladbroke Grove neighborhoods to celebrate Caribbean culture, music, and food: Turns out my vacation fell during this time, so I had the great opportunity to partake: I was set on enjoying myself, but knew I had to capture just a tiny bit of Real Style to give you guys a taste of the Carnival!
Check it: Hip hop chic was the trend, as this group flaunted their doorknocker earrings, dookie chains, and Adidas jackets… These young ladies were eye catching in dresses with waist cinching belts, a herringbone patterned skirt with gladiator sandals, and a patterned top with skinny jeans…. This group had a lot going on, but captured trends I saw a lot in London: shorts worn with stockings and lots of plaid… ..and I did find a few guys, who were very fashion forward with hot hairstyles, shorts with suspenders, and English naval inspired jackets.
Chic!
I’m off to Paris today…hoping the internet connection stays constant!
Cheers!
*Famous German teddy bear maker Steiff created a bear in the likeness of Karl Lagerfeld, replete with dark sunglasses, a dark suit, high collar and logo belt. Only 2,500 limited-edition teddy bears will be launched at Neiman Marcus stores this September for $1,500 a pop. A $1500 Chanel bag, maybe. But a bear???? Not happenin! *American Apparel has released a new line called ‘Afrika’… …comprised of leggings, tube dresses, and tops in African inspired prints. African prints are suddenly very commercial… *Remember when we debated whether or not Solange was a Style Star or a Work in Progress? Well, here’s another outfit to throw into the discussion… ..you can never say she’s afraid to step out the box.
Hey! So I’m in London, enjoying shopping at TopShop, walking around Trafalgar Square and drinking Pimms! While I’m here to relax (natch), you know I still had to find some Real Style! So I present episode three of Fashion Bomb TV!
Hi Guys,
So I’m in the worst airport in the world, Washington Dulles, and there is little to zero internet access!!!
Yeah, it sucks. I have an hour and a half layover, and it’s already taken me an hour to get online!!!
Thankfully stellar intern Adriana pitched in, taking over Mail Bombs today! I have a few minutes to post a few before boarding. Let’s do it!
Prisca says, “I love your site and wanted to know if you can help me achieve the look below...” “…Gabrielle Union is my style icon and I want to know if you could help me find her shoes in the picture below or a cheaper alternative (I am a diva on a budget lol)”
Adriana found you can get the look with the following items: 1. Double Knit Slim Ruffled Halter Dress, $139. 2. Jayanna Side Lace Sandal, $129.
Next, Cheryl from LA says, “I must know who made these shoes...” ...they’re hot!”
Adriana to the rescue! She says, “Cassie is wearing a version of these Pierre Hardy Metallic Strappy Platform Lace-up shoes...” “…These are from Hardy’s Fall 2008 line and are currently only available to pre-order. They retail for 850 Euros (or a little bit over $1,200).“
Next, Soraya says, “I recently saw this jacket on Gossip Girl star Blake Lively, can you tell me where I can find it??” “Its fierce and I would like to incorporate it into my post grad school wardrobe.“
Adriana says, “Blake’s purple-striped crested blazer is from Ralph Lauren’s Spring 2008 RTW collection…“ “…It might be tough to still get in store but visit Ralph Lauren’s Web site to contact them or find a store near you.”
Lastly, Dee says, “Where’s the best place to get fresh water pearls? My budget is $100-200.“
Adriana offers, “Surprisingly, one of the best places to get freshwater pearls is a reputable moderate department store (like Macy’s), as their jewelry departments tend to have lots of quality designs in this organic gemstone. Here are some stylish and affordable pieces:“ 1. 14k Gold Cultured Freshwater Pearl Necklace, $175. 2. Multicolored Freshwater Pearl Strand, 72″, $150. 3. Sterling Silver Cultured Freshwater Pearl Drop Necklace, $70.
Adriana, you’re a lifesaver!
Hope that was enough Mail Bombs fun for ya:)
I’m sure my hotel abroad will have internet access. Hopefully I’ll be able to update regularly while I’m away:)
Until then, Cheerio, Bisous…
Smootches!
So I’m not gone quite yet, but there’s a lot of preparation (and packing) to do before an overseas trip! Thankfully Adriana stepped in today with a Style File on a bit of an unusual subject…
…Brandy.
Let’s see how she did!
************************************************************************* As she prepares to release her fifth studio album, it’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 15 years since Brandy’s first single, “I Wanna Be Down,†dropped and became an instant hit. Brandy’s fashion sense has a fresh, youthful energy about it, and it’s been fun to watch her look evolve as she’s grown from teen pop star to multi-talented R&B icon.
Brandy’s initial style mirrored that of most any teenager in the 90s: shoe boots, baby tees, back-pack purses (was I the only one who forgot she took Kobe to her prom??)… …and, of course, she rocked the signature Brandy braids! As Brandy moved into her late teens/ early twenties, her style took on a new mature, flirtatious edge and we began to see her in more bright colors, fitted pieces, and short hem lines: …And with the birth of her daughter, Sy’rai, Brandy entered full-fledged womanhood–all too evident in her fashion choices. Remember the flapper dress/gladiator sandal outfit she wore to the 2002 MTV Music Awards (two months after becoming a new mom?). She definitely made headlines… These days, Brandy prefers a look that incorporates playfulness, function, and sophistication. She chooses red carpet outfits that accent her waist and slender frame, and feature earth tones and “statement†accessories, such as necklaces and bracelets… Her casual look still leans toward the youthful, and like any girl who’s young at heart she seems to prefer graphic tees and long loose hair, along with other laid-back pieces to complement the look… …yet she definitely knows how to dress for a party or chic affair: It’s been a treat to watch Miss Norwood grow up!
Get some of Brandy’s looks with these pieces:
1. Alice & Olivia Wool Jersey with Belt, $395. 2. J.Crew Beaded Waterfall Necklace, $150. 3. RSVP Taupe Petra Boots,$136. 4. Bebe Diagonal Draped Tunic, $69. 5. Tiger Graphic T, $11.
**************************************************************************
Great job Adriana!
Do you like Brandy’s Style?
Smootches!
PS A bit of throwback Brandy flavor, in case you forgot:
I did the dance to this for days…
You need to give it up…
And I’m still drooling over the guy in this viddy…
*Check out VH1’s new show ‘Glam God‘… …featuring Vivica Fox, Phillip Bloch, and Fashion Bomb friend Indashio (middle)… …he’s the bomb! Tune in tonight at 10pm! *Janet Jackson unveiled a new lingerie line she dubbed ‘Pleasure Principal’… …in WWD, she says, “I hate when you’ve had on a bra all day long and you just can’t wait to take it off… every woman has experienced that…A lot of lingerie tends to leave those marks and be uncomfortable. This line is about detail, fit and comfort as well as beauty and making women feel sexy.” The line ranges from sizes 32A to 44G, and is mostly satin and lace. Slated to drop in department stores by late this year or early 2009, all bras and underwear pieces are affordable at under $40. [WWD] *Check out the blog OmoWrites… …it’s written by Fashion Bomb superfan and fashionista Samantha Smikle (pictured left). Cute!
Hey!
So it took me all summer, but I’m finally taking a much needed vacation! I’m heading to London and Paris in a few days to capture some style (and rest a bit before Fashion Week)…
As a fashionista, you know I’d love to take my whole wardrobe, but the last thing I need are lots of bags to lug around London Town!
I decided to compile a list of 10 Fashionable Travel Essentials that will fit into one large carry on–along with 28 options that will take the most chic traveler through their journey with minimalist style. Pack lightly–but bring lots of accessories!
Travel Must Haves:
1. White T-Shirts The epitome of crisp, a white tee goes with absolutely everything and serves as the perfect backdrop for dangling necklaces, bangles, and look at me accessories. If you’re on vacation for a week, I’d say bring 3 or 4 options (scoop neck, v-neck), and switch them up for endless possibilities. Wear one with cute shorts, under a jacket on cool days, or with just about anything! My picks: 1. James Perse Ultra Supima Rib Short Sleeve T, $60. 2. Intuition Wear V-Neck T, $26. 3. Unisex Sheer Jersey Short Sleeve V-Neck, $22. 2. Jeans A pair of jeans is the perfect travel go-to, fitting yet stylish for a plane ride. Versatile, jeans can be dressed up in the city of your choice with flats or heels, and can be your solace on an unexpected chilly night. Bring your old faithful pair, you’re guaranteed to need them at some point! 1. Seven for All Mankind Stretch Skinny Jeans, $155. 2. BDG Vintage Crackle Cigarette Jean, $54. 3. Scarves More than combatting the chill of the airplane, scarves serve as playful accessories to punch up your look. A scarf can instantly transform a ho hum ‘fit into fashion ferocity! Try these (note Rihanna is a fan of the middle option): 1. Silk Jacquard Scarf, $28. 2. Chan Luu Triangular Ethnic Scarf, $175. 3. A Peace Treaty Jhal Jhao Scarf, $99. 4.Graphic T-Shirts
Last night super stellar intern Adriana came out with me to check out Trace Magazine’s Annual Black Girls Rule! Party:
Yeah, we were just chillin with our homie Ryan Leslie.
Anyway, lots of celebs came out to play, including cover girl Keri Hilson (who happened to be wearing Melody Ehsani earrings)… …and MTV’s Julissa Bermudez (co-host of Countdown to America’s Best Dance Crew)… …I love that skirt!
Adriana and I got to work capturing lots of Real Style via video and pictures. We don’t have it all ready for ya, but here’s a bit of a preview… …fashion’s finest truly stepped it up! Not quite sure when we’ll have a video ready of last night’s festivities, but trust me, it’ll be worth the wait.
Smootches!
PS Shout out to Claude and Prince of Trace Mag! And everyone, cop your issue of Trace Magazine’s Black Girls Rule! Issue… … available now on newsstands.
Hey!
This week has been pretty nuts (in the most fabulous way)!
But even with all the madness, I still take time to bring you trend lovers some fashion goodness! Today, I wanted to spotlight designer Melody Ehsani:
A Los Angeles native of Persian descent, her eye catching shoes, earrrings, and rings have been seen on several urban fabulous celebs including Rihanna… Alicia Keys… …Kelis… …Erykah Badu… …and Nas… Originally in law school, Melody followed her heart, leaving her corporate courses to take classes at the Art Center College of Design… She hit the ground designing tour merchandise for Prince, and hasn’t stop running ever since, creating jewelry and accessories for videos, red carpet events, and photo shoots. More than just jewelry, Ehsani designs shoes as well… Hot!
Her designs are surprisingly affordable, with earrings starting at $48 (for Kelis’ earrings), rings starting at $25, and those lovely shoes averaging about $120 a pop. Not bad!
For more info and to purchase, visit her online store at www.melodyehsani.com or at myspace at www.myspace.com/joonlife.
Smootches!
Sketched out by Diane Von Furstenberg, Derek Lam, and Tracy Reese, the line–consisting mostly of totes, tees–will be on sale at Obama.com starting next month. The clothes will also have a launch party at Charles Nolan’s studio on September 9 – during New York Fashion Week. How exciting! I can’t wait. [Washington Post]
*The Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Collection just hit stores for you fabulous men out there… …a revision upon the traditional brown Damier print, the graphite offers a gray and black color combo that can seamlessly meld into your wardrobe. Get yours at www.eluxury.com or Louis Vuitton.
*Mike & Chris (designers of Rihanna’s hot leather vest from last week) are moving into designing shoes as well… …starting at $135, these beauts will be available at shopbop.com
*Friend in my head Wendy Williams’ show will be renewed for Fall 2009!!! Um, can I take a moment to confess how much I love Wendy??? And that I stream her show to my computer during work?? My coworkers are always like, ‘What are you listening to???” I simply respond, “How YOU doin?!?!” [AOL BV]
*New York Magazine on the complex politics of Elle Magazine… …and how reality TV has thrust all the drama into the spotlight. It’s juicy![NYMag]
Turns out my vacation fell during this time, so I had the great opportunity to partake:
I was set on enjoying myself, but knew I had to capture just a tiny bit of Real Style to give you guys a taste of the Carnival!
Hip hop chic was the trend, as this group flaunted their doorknocker earrings, dookie chains, and Adidas jackets…
These young ladies were eye catching in dresses with waist cinching belts, a herringbone patterned skirt with gladiator sandals, and a patterned top with skinny jeans….
This group had a lot going on, but captured trends I saw a lot in London: shorts worn with stockings and lots of plaid…
..and I did find a few guys, who were very fashion forward with hot hairstyles, shorts with suspenders, and English naval inspired jackets.
1. 
