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]
Hey! So today interns Adriana and Natalie collaborated for a piece highlighting trends on the London scene. By scouring hot fashion sites GlamCanyon, Style Slicker, and Hoy Photo Blog, they came up with some great examples. Thanks, interns, for kicking off one of the Fashion Bomb’s first international posts! Enjoy! ************************************************************************* Hey FB’ers! Adriana here to give you a super quick rundown of some of London’s most popular fashion trends! The First: Ladylike looks influenced by the styles of the 1940s: …this look is characterized by pencil skirts, bows, Betty Grable-esque shorts, peep-toe shoes, and clutches. Natalie confirms, “This summer, sophisticated with sass seems to be the rule.†Alright! Second Trend: world fashion and ethnic prints: …Natalie says, “To experiment with shapes we go for a more Asian look with sari patterns and pop on belts to add some structure.†Chunky jewelry and flat leather sandals also complement the look. Trend # 3: Two-toned hair, neon colors, throwback shades, and funky earrings: …this look is a combination of the styles of rapper MIA and singer Kelis who enjoys tremendous UK popularity. Lastly, a look at London fashion would be incomplete without mentioning one of England’s grandest traditions: women’s hats. …The annual Ladies Day at the Royal Ascot races (one of England’s most touted social events) is also a showcase for some of Europe’s hottest millinery designers, including Philip Treacy, VV Rouleaux, and Cherry Chau. That does it for my quick rundown! Many special thanks to my fellow intern Natalie for her valuable input and assistance! Cheers, Adriana ********************************************************************** Looks cool! Hey you London readers: Did Adriana and Natalie get it right? Let me know! Smootches!
Ever have one of those days when nothing seems to look right? And no matter how many accessories you pile on, nothing ‘works‘? I’m having one of those days. But hopefully the info below will brighten my (and your spirits)…
*Tracy Reese is taking an additional 10 percent off merchandise already marked down 40 to 60 percent off. Where: 641 Hudson St., nr. Gansevoort St. (212-807-0505)
*Speaking of Madame Reese, her company announced this week that it will be collaborating with Keds for a shoe line of ballet flats and peep toe wedges scheduled to drop this spring. Tracey says: “I am thrilled to collaborate with such an iconic brand and excited about fusing the Plenty by Tracy Reese eclectic and wordly designs with casual footwear.“
*The New York Times deems metallic sneaks all the rage: The article says, “Picking up on the silver and gold tones recently trotted out by Supra, Nike, Converse and others, fashion houses like Dior, Lanvin, Pierre Hardy and Gucci have come out with metallic sneakers, slip-ons and even low-heeled jazz shoes.” One of my better dressed male friends also likes Yohji Yamamoto’s worn with a fitted t and creased jeans. Hot! [NYTimes]
*Guy Trebay gives men the pass to wear short shorts in the summer… The Fashion Bomb photographed this trend at the JC Report Launch Party in May... But I wonder: once the trend is written about in a major paper, does that mean the wave has passed? Or does it give the fashion feeble the green light to go?
*NY mag reports that Solange will be the new ambassador for Armani Jeans… They say, “Solange has been hitting up the red carpet with her sister for some time now, but since she was with Beyonce, no one really cared what she did all day aside from stand next to Beyonce. But now that she’s ridden her sister’s fame train all the way to Armani campaign-dom (Beyonce signed on as the face of Armani’s Diamonds fragrance last year) and she’s got Giorgio in her court, that could change.” The mag’s blog goes on to say that this is all strategic positioning for her new album. Clever, but none of this will make me buy that. Just sayin’…[NYMag]
*Hmm, yeah ok, none of that brightened my day, but this did:
Hey!
So today, I’m going to introduce a new feature: Style Verdict.
While most stars hit the chic quotient out of the park, others, you’re not too sure. Instead of profiling them in a typical Style File, I’m leaving it up to you guys as to whether this celeb is Fashion Bomb material. You decide: Does this star have style? Or are they still a work in progress?
Today’s subject is Beyonce’s little sis…
…Solange.
Admittedly, it must be hard playing second fiddle to the force that is Beyonce, but perhaps Solange holds her own on the fashion front? Let’s take a look:
Knowles # 2 seems to favor flattering hour glass silhouettes comprised of dresses with seriously accentuated waists: …and tops with short frilly skirts… …worn with cute stilettos.
For red carpet events, performances, or nights on the town, she flaunts her form in freekum dresses… ..with more casual outings warranting head to toe black… …with the neon accessories thrown in to great effect:
Not bad!
While she gets it right on some occasions, at times Solange leaves us scratching our heads: This bejeweled neck is cute, but white shoes, why? This Champagne frock won’t send her to the fashion police, but it’s shapeless design might get her cited… A flapper dress is always pretty, but this hemline might be too matronly for such a young buck… …and we all remember these purple tights, which did nothing for her standard black and white ensemble.
So is Solange a certified style star? Or is she still creepin on a come up?
I couldn’t sit through more than a minute, but maybe you can! *Enter the code ‘thefashionbomb’ for 20% off Melanie Auld Jewelry at www.melanieaulddesigns.com. A few offerings: Top Row: Gold Filigree Earrings, $50. Stackable Rings in Silver, $26. Bottom Row: Three Chain Gold Necklace, $220. Anchor Necklace, $54. Check out www.melanieaulddesigns.com for more! *Apparently Marie Claire Magazine is looking for Fall Interns: Fashionista.com says, “The massive fashion glossy needs Fall interns for their closet, and if you’re in college and willing to work really hard, you might get to enter the Hearst Tower every day until December…” If you’ve got what it takes, send your resume and a short email to Abby Kalicka (akalicka@hearst.com). Good luck! As an aside, I was looking for women of color for the sample Marie Claire cover and couldn’t find any…go in and let ’em know you exist! *Now, this is interesting. Well, we all know how I love Cole Haan Nike Air Pumps for their chic cushiness…but we also know that those shoes are quite an investment. Well, Nine West took the reigns and decided to partner with New Balance… …to produce new active fashion wear for Spring 2009. Which means comfort and style for a more affordable price. Can’t wait to see!
Hey!
So while I was out in LA, I did get a small amount of time to do a little shopping. I ran across a cute, black owned boutique called Runway …
…located at 807 S. La Brea Avenue.
Owned by former fashion stylist Fatima Dodson, Runway provides a mixture of contemporary, vintage, and local designs for affordable prices: The colorful, laidback, artistic store has fashionable jeans, tops, dresses, and accessories with prices ranging from $25-$85 (Note: someone in LA called it ‘expensive.’ I was like, try coming to New York!!). At any rate, I looked around and quickly found a few Fashion Bomb worthy items: This deconstructed dress by local designer Tawni Marie Lucero is affordable at $85… ..this patterned skirt is $55 and the $45 black top and $22 belt complete the look… …a tie-neck dress for $65… …and this spaghetti strapped summer ready dress is $68.
I chatted with Fatima, who told me that Runway hosts monthly fashion shows featuring makeup application, shopping, and mingling. If you’re ever in LA, it seems that the blog Look Book LA (www.lookbookla.blogspot.com) always has the scoop!
Unfortunately Runway doesn’t have a website, but drop into 805 S. La Brea Avenue if you’re ever in Los Angeles. For more info, you can also e-mail runwayboutique1@yahoo.com or call 323-965-1877. Tell ’em I sent ya!
Smootches!
*Diddy reveals that his new Sean John underwear model is none other than… …Nelly. Hm, gimme a sec, let me wipe up that drool. Diddy explains, “[Nelly] has the attitude, the swagger, and most of all the physique that our customers can both aspire and relate to. And let’s be honest, all of the ladies out there are going to be thanking us for this campaign.” THANK YOU!!! *WWD reports that Karl Lagerfeld plans to debut a 52 minute documentary… …directed by Thierry Demaizire and Alban Teurlai. “…Featuring in-depth interviews with Lagerfeld, as well as footage of the designer in action, the film explores his life story, starting with his childhood in Germanyand “sharing memories of his mother”. Hmh. I’m not quite sure how I feel about Karl anymore. After I read on Cut, Sew, and Blog that Chanel shows have only featured two African-Americans over the past 17 collections, I’m tempted to cry foul! Karl is a genius, but something about Karl is now seeming a bit crotchety and old fashioned. Read this post on Cut, Sew, and Blog, and let me know what you think. *The Blog Chic and Untrobled wonders where the models are after viewing Carla Bruni on the cover of Vanity Fair… …Good question. The First Lady of France gracing a mag cover, rapper Nelly in an ad campaign. I’m not complaining, I’m just saying. [Chic & Untrobled ] *Perez sez that magazine sales are way down: ..including lots of fashion pubs. Uh oh. [Perez Hilton]
