28 Fashionable Travel Essentials under $200

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)…

house_of_parliament2

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

With days filled with walking, it helps to pack a few graphic tees to showcase your fun side. I plan on repping Barack and bringing along some Fashion Bomb Swag:
1. Barack The Vote Sunshine T, $25. 2. Fashion Bomb T-Shirt, $21. 3. Natural Woman T, $25.
5. Tote Bag:
Use a large handbag to carry around all your essentials–reading, maps, your passport, and lipgloss!
1. Gianni Bini Addison Shopper, $142. 2. Melie Banco Double Handle Rouche, $95. 3. Armani Exchange Quilted Patent Tote Bag, $150.
6. Comfy Shoes
For pounding the pavement, nothing is better than a pair of chic flats or fashionable sneaks:
1. London Sole Metallic Flat with Patent Trim, $90. 2.Puma by Miharayasuhiro Patent Leather Sneaker, $160. 3. Dolce Vita Adam Flat Thong Bootie, $138. 4. J.Crew Penelope Ballet Flats, $120.
7. & 8. One Pair of Heels + Wrinkle Free Dress
As Beyonce shows, once you touch down it’s not all about comfort! For nights out, pack one or two wrinkle free dresses and one sensible pair of heels in neutral colors so you can mix and match:
1. Holly Ruche Jersey Dress in Light Olive, $84. 2. Riller & Fount Boatneck Jersey Dress, $135. 3. Imagine Keely High Heel Wedge Sandal, $91. 4. Charles by Charles David Spin Wedge, $110.
9. Oversized Sunglasses
Hide those tired eyes upon touchdown, then flaunt your specs for sightseeing. I love my Gucci shades, but you can still look hot in non designer brands:
1. D& G Dolce & Gabbana Oversized Logo Wrap Sunglasses, $150. 2. Max Studio Harlow Sunglasses, $90. 3. Armani Exchange Large Round Sunglasses, $70.
10. Oh so chic Carry On
Put everything in one bag if you can. You don’t want to deal with possible luggage lost (or extra fees for checking too much!). Go with something like these…
1. Diane Von Furstenberg Scallop Collection Expandable Bag, $180. 2.Liz Claiborne Escapade 21″ Suitcase, $130. 3. International Traveler Lightweight Wheeled Suitcase, $119.
Besides, you don’t want to be stuck like some people…
Ha!
The interns will be taking over for me next week (and I’ll be checking in from across the pond!)
Until then…
Smootches!

Trace Magazine’s Black Girls Rule! Party

Last night super stellar intern Adriana came out with me to check out Trace Magazine’s Annual Black Girls Rule! Party:

claireryanleslieadriana

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.

Designer Spotlight: Melody Ehsani

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:

Melody Ehsani Fashion Bomb

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!

Barack Obama Gets His Own Clothing Line+ Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Collection

*Robin Givhan of the Washington Post reveals that Barack Obama is getting his own clothing line!

ph2008081600111

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]

Real Style 2.0: Vibe Magazine Party

Hey!
So as I mentioned last week, I took my Flip Video with me to capture some Real Style at the Vibe Magazine Party.
Here it is: Enjoy!

I think I’m getting a little better with the editing and what nots. You be the judge.
Smootches!
*Thanks to Sophie, Lila, and Prince!
*Check out www.completetechnique.com for more information on the boombox three finger ring and cassette tape necklace. I want one!!!

The Fashion Bomb is a Finalist for the Black Weblog Awards!!!!! + Fashion News

Oh Wow guys.

So I’ve been super busy all day, haven’t checked much online (my bad) but was juiced when my friend told me that the Fashion Bomb was a finalist for the Black Weblog Awards!!!!

Yeah!!!!

I took a look at the roster. Seems The Fashion Bomb is a finalist for Best Style and Fashion Blog…and Blog of the Year?!?!

What???

I’m so happy to be in the finals!!! But you know what would be sweeter? A win! Ha!
Please do click here and cast your votes yet again. Seems they’ll have a winner by September 4th: Just in time for Fashion Week! Eek! With that said…

Love you guys, thanks for all your votes:)
Pssst: For this round, you actually can’t vote for me without voting in other categories. Stumped? I highly recommend voting for What Would Thembi Do for ‘Blog to Watch‘ and Young, Black, and Fabulous for ‘Best Gossip Blog‘.
*Will you be in line for Comme des Garcons for H&M???
I don’t think I’ll be braving the crowds for this one.

Mail Bombs: Lauren London’s Obama T-Shirt, Chanel Iman’s Christian Louboutin Forever Tina Boots, and Cassie’s YSL Tribal Sandals!

Happy Friday!
The summer is winding down:(
But hopefully these Mail Bombs will set a cheerful tone.
First Tasia asks, “Can you please tell me where I can find the shirt Lauren London has on?
Elita found that Lauren is wearing this Public Library Obama T
…get it for $25 at www.trendystars.com.
Next Tawanda says, “Three Words: Chanel Iman’s Shoes!
I love the look Chanel has going on in this pic. Any idea who made these fabulous creations or a similar pair?
Chanel has great style, and Elita found she’s wearing these $1,575 Christian Louboutin Forever Tina Platform Suede Boots
…models have all the great accessories!
Right now the closest cheaper alternative available are these $310 Betsey Johnson Tisha Booties
…but wait for the brisk to weather to see whether Steve Madden or Aldo offers other options.
Charmayne from NYC says, “I soooo heart Cassie’s sandals!
“...Am dying to know who the heck they’re designed by?
In my humble opinion, Cassie’s style rivals Rihanna. I’m just sayin’. We found that Cassie is rocking these Yves Saint Laurent Tribal Sandals
…from their fall 2008/09 collection. The site where they’re sold has them for 640 Euros, which translates to roughly $940.
Tamandra was interested in Cassie’s skirt. Homegirl is wearing this $595 Herve Leger Bandage Skirt in Grey
Get the look for a little less with this $265 Mara Hoffman Seamed Double Knit Mini Skirt..
..or try this $49.50 Victoria’s Secret Pencil Skirt in Seasonless Stretch
Lastly, Elisha asks, “I was wondering if you could recommend some stylish fanny packs. I can’t find any online that I like.
Fanny packs are a trend that I’m sure will take a bit of time to catch on; it’s reflected in the paltry online offerings. Try these:
1. Gucci Belt Bag, $455. 2. American Apparel Vinyl Fanny Pack, $17. 3. Spano Fannypack, Price Upon Request.
That does it!
Have great weekends!
Smootches!

Fashion Bomb Deals + Rihanna does Essence

A few Fashion Deals to start your weekend in style

*Get free Shipping on all orders of $25 or more at designer swimwear site www.TheOrchidBoutique.com
…enter offer code AUG08.
*Get 10% off any order at www.givingtreejewelry.com
…by entering the code ‘fashionbomb’ at checkout!
*A few scans of Rihanna’s spread in Essence’s September issue:
Fierce and Fab!

Get her Look: Rihanna

Hey!
So I know some of you think I cover too much Rihanna, but I’m getting her look today for Two Reasons:

1. Homegirl is consistently FIERCE!
2. I received no less than 20 e-mails asking for this look:

rihanna-duffy

You asked, so intern Charlé and I delivered!

Get her exact look with these splurge worthy items:
1. Mike & Chris Dallas Leather Vest, $656. 2. Ivy Ruffle Front Shirt, $195. 3.Nameplate Necklace in Gold, $70. 4. Gucci Marion High Heels, $995. 5. Unknown Factory Skinny Jeans, $187. 6. Gucci Black Leather Peggy Tote, $1,400.
Can’t afford a $200 shirt? Get the look for less with these options:
1. Dash Striped Vest, $20. 2. America Living Ruffle Front Shirt, $48.75. 3. Nylon Muse Necklace, $30. 4. Steve Madden Madalynn Pumps, $110. 5. Side Zip Skinny Jean, $78. 6. Chinese Laundry Double Handle Large Tote, $80.
A few more vest and top options:
1. Logo Corset Vest, $78. 2. Ruffled Plaid Blouse (Remove the Belt), $19.80. 3. Literature Noir Vest, $83.
Smootches!

Tyra Banks Celebrates All Black Issue + Thakoon for Target + Reader Submissions!

*Tyra Banks joined with Chanel Iman, Stacey McKenzie, Selita Banks, Veronica Webb, Toccara, Beverly Johnson, and other notable models to tape a celebratory show for Vogue Italia’s All Black issue…
…just too much beauty and fabulousness in that pic! The actual show is set to air September 11th. Can’t wait! [Dlisted]
*Glamour mag reports that Thakoon will be the next Go Designer for Target…
…get those checkbooks ready! It will be released late December, available through January. [Nitrolicious]
*My absolute favorite boutique Pieces is now blogging it up!
…check out the latest fashions at www.piecesofbklyn.blogspot.com.
*Reader/Aspiring model Kimyshka sent me her pic and asked me to put it up…
She says, “I am a model looking for work, trying to get started.” Does she have what it takes?
*Also, reader Sydrena (and former Fashion Bomb T-shirt contestant) wants your opinions on the following design…
…would you rock this?
*There are officially two days left to nominate the Fashion Bomb for the 2008 Black Weblog Awards:

Click here to nominate me!!! It would mean the world:)