Hey Fashionistas!
So the other day one of my friends suggested I blog about Gerren Taylor…
I had to admit I didn’t know who she was (or why I should); he quickly shamed me. Gerren Taylor was a fashion model who made headlines when she walked New York runways at the young age of 12… …Labeled ‘Baby Naomi’ for her similar look and strut, you could see her statuesque frame dominating shows like Tracy Reese, Catherine Malandrino, DKNY, B. Michaels, Betsey Johnson, Carlos Miele, Esteban Cortezar, Heatherette, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nicole Miller, and Nanette Lepore in 2004 and 2005… Fast forward two years later, and Gerren found herself out of work and labeled obese by industry standards. Standing 5’11”, Gerren weighed 130 lbs and was a size 4… She told the LA Times last year, “When I first got into the business I was 12. I didn’t know anything about what was happening … anorexia, bulimia and all that stuff..I have my own mind, but it’s hard not to fall into that trap and be one of them … [but] I just said, ‘It’s not worth my life…“ Gerren’s been in the news lately, as her story dominates a new documenary called “America the Beautiful,” which debuted last Friday… …the movie criticizes America’s obsession with physical perfection. Gerren’s story, from being queen of the runway to out of work, fits in perfectly.
I’m going to check it out!
Also, look out for Gerren as a recurring cast member on BET’s Baldwin Hills.
Smootches!
*Fashion Bomb friend Unvogue.com is mentioned in a NYTimes article today by Ruth La Ferla called, “Where Fashionistas go for a Quick Fix…” The article talks about fashion webzines, “publications [that] exist exclusively online, updating weekly or even daily, and offering a sense of community that conventional monthlies cannot replicate.” Where do you go for your quick fashion fix? [NYTimes] *The September issue of Elle Magazine features a new collection by jewelry company De Beers… …The collection, called the Amulets, is comprised of diamond pendants fashioned in the shape and likeness of African masks. Blood Diamonds indeed. [AOL BV] *Dope website My It Things (www.myitthings.com) has just announced the winners of their ‘It’ Designer Competition: View the 25 semi-finalists’ work by visiting the contest page myitthings.com/itdesigner. *Fashionista.com always seems to have the scoop on WHO’s looking for interns! Well today, they report that Nylon Mag is looking for help in the fashion closet… You know the drill. Cover letter + resume to nylonintern@gmail.com. *Site Daily Candy was recently purchased for $125 million. Wow. [WWD] *I’m sure all of you heard how Tyra poses as Michelle Obama for Harper’s Bazaar’s September issue… If you’re intrigued, peep this behind the scenes video:
*Check out the cool blog Model Liberation, written by Nikia Phoenix (pictured below rocking the runway): Log on to read about model issues from an informed point of view. [Model Liberation]
Hey!
So today I wanted to put you onto a hot collection called Boxing Kitten…
Created by Maya Lake (pictured above), the line is inspired by Josephine Baker, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Marion Lake, and is rooted in the political and cultural elements that women faced during the Civil Rights movement… Maya says, “If you take the patterns and very feminine silhouettes of women from the Civil Rights and then put those dresses in African inspired prints and fabric, then you have the Boxing Kitten aesthetic...” Each garment is comprised of bold and fearless print combinations, and cut in charming and demure silhouettes. Unique and pretty, Maya calls Boxing Kitten “ethnic rockability.” A graduate of Wesleyan University, Maya began designing clothing at the age of 10 with the help of her mother, and by 15 she was sewing clothing for family and friends. The demand for her clothing steadily increased and she soon began to think about sharing her art with a larger base. After a few years, Alife, Prohibit and Patricia Fields began selling her clothes, and stars like Me’shell Ndgeocello, Erykah Badu, Cristina Milian, DJ Rashida and Jack of J*Davey became customers and fans… If you want to know more about the line, visit Boxing Kitten at www.myspace.com/boxingkitten. I need to have one of those dresses!
Smootches! Thanks Kim!
This week has been so full!
Last night made it out to a runway presentation sponsored by www.freshpair.com…
…the show had tons of hot models in skivvies by Sean John, Wacoal, Diesel, and DKNY among others.
Had to say ‘hey’ to a few of my peeps… …Phillip Bloch (who is always so sweet)… ..twins and shoe designers Shane & Shawn…. …and Tyson! How happy do I look? Just cheesin!
Anyway the event was lots of fun. Check out the final walk to get an idea of the show:
…and get your underwear at www.freshpair.com! *Thanks Genevieve
*Like my dress? I got it at Pieces of course! Are you convinced yet???
How did I do?
I was a little worried I’d be eaten alive, but I think all went well. Hopefully I can bring YBF some fashion fabulousness on a regular basis.
So while I exalted exotic accessories at YBF, I’m bringing you guys another runway/red carpet idea to jazz up your wardrobe: Star Patterned Items. Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 2008 RTW show was dominated by star spangled accessories and ‘fits: …and Fashion Bomb celebs aren’t too far behind, wearing their star status on their sleeves.
Beyonce and Solange rock star covered dresses for performances and days at the beach… ..and Solange keeps the trend going with star speckled shoes… Zoe Saldana wears a YSL star collared frock for the red carpet… While more casual celebs like Teyana Taylor prefer a comfy star patterned hoodie… Outfit options aren’t for everyone, so others shine subtly with simple earrings… ..long necklaces… …or a cute star tattoo… Hot!
Guys aren’t far behind, with fashionable ones wearing star sweatshirts… …and the internationally best dressed even rocking stars in their fade… …he’s so cute!
Ladies, shine in the following high and low priced items: 1.Star Chiffon Top, $20. 2. Starry Earrings, $5. 3. Rachel Pally Slouchy Racer Back Dress, $198. 4. Jimmy Choo Star Leather Hobo Bag, $2,185. 5. Betsey Johnson Long Star & Lightning Bolt Necklace, $110. 6. Madden Girl’s Women’s Lucie Pump, $25.7. Cicely Stars Henly Hoodie, $32.50. 8. TIffany Star Earrings, $2,350. 9. Echo White Silk Handkerchief, $48.
Guys, I’ve got you covered: 1. Hard 8 Start Print V-Neck Tee, $88. 2. Trovata Getaway Woven Shirt, $165. 3. Bulzeye Star Skull Trucker Hat, $64.
Smootches!
So nominations are NOW OPEN for the Black Weblog Awards!!!
This year they have a ‘Best Style and Fashion‘ Category!! Yippee!!! Click here to nominate/vote for The Fashion Bomb!!! Put in the url: http://www.the-fashion-bomb.com ~There are lots of New T-shirt lines… *The First is Akumu, Ink, a T-Shirt Company based out of Montreal…. …Akumu means Nightmare in Japanese, so all t’s are inspired by Japanese horror movies. Scary! Get your t for $21 + S&H at www.akumuink.com. *Another cool t-shirt line straight outta the Chi is called Self Made Bitch… …I like the perfume grenade T! Get yours for $25 and up at www.produceaisleclothing.com. *The Blog Nitrolicious interviews Dee & RIcky… …creators of the Marc Jacobs approved Lego belts and brooches. The interview is pretty funny…they describe their aesthetic as, “ Hanna Barbera meets Muppets In Space.” Alllright. Read more here. [Nitrolicious] *Simply Vera Wang is looking for fall interns for their NYC office… …e-mail your impeccably written, spell checked, fabulous cover letter, and formatted, one page resume to svvwpr@gmail.com . *Fashion Week alert: Sean “Diddy” Combs will not show his spring ’09 Sean John collection with a runway show. Sucks!
Hey!
So I’ve been busy this weekend preparing for my Young, Black, and Fabulous guest Blogging Spot. Thankfully, I have some Real Style stored up for Monday’s chic spotlight!
While I was in LA, I took a quick detour to the Beverly Center, which is basically the dopest mall in the area. I stopped this young lady by the Dior store…
….for her cute Cali style. Simple yet chic, she paired a bright yellow and pink t with skinny jeans and matching pink pumps. Everything from her nails to her blinged out accessories and large bag completed the look.
So what do you think. Does LA have Real Style?
Smootches!
PS Visit www.theybf.com for more Fashion Bomb features!
Hey!
Last night, on top of my blogging duties, I made it out to Club Home to celebrate Vanessa Simmons’ 25th Birthday Party:
It was a surprise, and she seemed elated by all the fanfare… …and the cake was delish!
Of course I had to snap a quick pic with the sisters.
Angela was very sweet and looked fresh faced for the club… …And Vanessa kept it super casual in a t and jeans… …The girls were very down to earth and sweet. And they are avid blog readers, loving The Fashion Bomb and Young, Black, and Fabulous. That works!
Anyway, back to my guest blogging duties…
Smootches! *Thanks to Tamar of Alerte, Carter & Associates.
Happy Friday!
Let’s solve some Mail!
First up, Chavonne says, “Can you please tell me who makes the outfit Solange has on?”
“…I must have it ASAP!!!”
Elita found that the ‘Work in Progress’ (your words, not mine!) is wearing this $300 BCBG Max Azria Silk Charmeuse Sheath Dress: It’s super cute!
The dress might be a stretch in these tough economic times, so get the rest of her look with these low priced accessories: 1. Enzo Angiolini Pacifica Strappy High Sandal, $74. 2. Arden B Ruched Leather Clutch, $88. 3. Linea Paolo Braxton Sandal, $120. 4. Forever 21 Patent Skinny Belt, $8. 5. Twined Tie Belt, $20.
Next, Khalilah from Amherst College says, “I just saw this picture of Rihanna over at The YBF and I’m loving her look!“ “… I want to get up on the color block trend, and this skirt would be perfect! Also, can you help me find cute AFFORDABLE alternatives???“
Well, Rihanna is wearing this Herve Leger Bondage Skirt in Pink… ..find it for $552 at www.shopatmilk.com.
Unfortunately, guys, some designer things don’t lend themselves to cheap alternatives. If you want a similar look, I’d say throw on a black tank with a high rise mini like this $180 Rachel Pally Red Stretch Jersey Pencil Skirt... and call it a day! Your other option is to wait for Herve Leger to go on super sale.
Monique loved Mariah Carey’s teeny bopper look in this picture… …She says, “It’s so cute and perfect for back to school!“
I must admit, though it fits with Mimi’s spandex predilections, I do like the colors. Get a Mariah Carey ‘Forever 21’ look with the following: 1. Old Navy Blue Button Down, $20. 2. Blank Ombre Stretch Mini, $69. 3. Chamak by Priya Kkar Resin and Crystal Bangle Set, $58.50.
Next, Sharifia says, “I recently saw these peep-toe booties Kelis was wearing and I HAVE TO HAVE THEM!!!“ “… If anyone can track them down, I know you can 🙂“
And I did!
Kelis is wearing these $895 Chloe Strap Wrap Open Toe Boots… …Get ’em at www.intermixonline.com.
And lastly, Jennifer says, “I was wondering where I could get a dress like Taraji Henson is wearing…“ “… and what kind of shoes and jewelry would go with it? Thanks!“
Intern Adriana stepped in, saying, ” I looked but couldn’t find Taraji’s exact dress.Taraji’s wearing this season’s staple, a maxi dress, with an abstract, citrus-hued print. Here are a few similar pieces:” 1. Elijah Tiana Maxi Dress, $187. 2. French Connection Field of Dreams Maxi Dress, $150.3. Milly Peekaboo Ring Halter Dress, $492.
For jewelry recs, Adriana says, “Citrus colors always go well with gold jewelry, which Taraji herself is wearing with the outfit. With halter necks, you might want to stay away from necklaces as they can make the outfit appear busy. Follow Taraji’s lead with gold cuffs, which accentuate bare arms beautifully, and large hoop or drop earrings that mirror the maxi silhouette.“
The interns are good!
That does it for today! If you’ve sent me a wardrobe query i.e. “What do I wear to my wedding” or ‘What to rock for a first date?” those are coming up soon in the form of posts. Don’t worry, I read everything that comes in, but solving them takes a bit of time!
Smootches!
*So on Monday The Fashion Bomb will be guest blogging for premiere Urban Gossip Site Young, Black and Fabulous! Check out www.theybf.com for exclusive celebrity looks and trend talk with more of a YBF edge. And leave comments! *You might’ve noticed that the old Mail Bomb Icon is missing from today’s post. Honestly, I’m tired of it! Who out there wants to design a new one? If you have a gift for quick design, e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com with your ideas for a new Mail Bomb Icon! The winner will get this $24 Mine Again Charm Bracelet: …from Fashion Bomb giveaway sponsor www.pinkcherie.com. Show me what ya got! *According to WWD, Roberto Cavalli has been chosen by Coca Light to design bottles with his signature exotic prints… The limited edition bottles will be available in Italy from September through December and only 300,000 bottles will be released. Sip in style! [WWD]
Gerren Taylor was a fashion model who made headlines when she walked New York runways at the young age of 12…
…Labeled ‘Baby Naomi’ for her similar look and strut, you could see her statuesque frame dominating shows like Tracy Reese, Catherine Malandrino, DKNY, B. Michaels, Betsey Johnson, Carlos Miele, Esteban Cortezar, Heatherette, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nicole Miller, and Nanette Lepore in 2004 and 2005…
Fast forward two years later, and Gerren found herself out of work and labeled obese by industry standards. Standing 5’11”, Gerren weighed 130 lbs and was a size 4…
She told the LA Times last year, “When I first got into the business I was 12. I didn’t know anything about what was happening … anorexia, bulimia and all that stuff..I have my own mind, but it’s hard not to fall into that trap and be one of them … [but] I just said, ‘It’s not worth my life…“
Gerren’s been in the news lately, as her story dominates a new documenary called “America the Beautiful,” which debuted last Friday…
…the movie criticizes America’s obsession with physical perfection. Gerren’s story, from being queen of the runway to out of work, fits in perfectly.
