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!
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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
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Looks cool! Hey you London readers: Did Adriana and Natalie get it right?
Let me know!
Smootches!

*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:

Enjoy! Source

*If you love Solange, check out her first vlog:

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!

*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]

So I had quite the trip yesterday.
My flight was super duper delayed, and I got in to LA about 8 hours after schedule (note, always fly direct, and go with a big carrier)…Anyway I am sooooo tired! Thankfully Bomb interns Adriana and Elita pitched in a bunch this week for Mail Bombs…
….what would I do without them?? Let’s see how they did!
First up, Corinne says, “I saw that Rihanna was on the cover of the month and I was wondering if you could help me find this romper she is wearing…“
“...or something similar? Thanks!”
Intern Adriana couldn’t find the exact designer, but found the following similar looks:
1. Charlotte Ronson Tie Back Romper, $104. 2. American Apparel Tri Blend Halter Romper, $28. 3. Crossover Romper, $12.
Next, Tola says, “I need these glasses Claire!!”
“….Can you find puh leaseeeeeeeeeeee!“
Adriana says, “I’m 100% certain that Amerie’s glasses are by Cazal, a label popular in the 80s. Find similar looks with these:”
1. Cazal 865 Sunglasses, $237. 2. Gold Topped Aviators, $18.
D says, “I would like to know where I could get Teyana’s ice cream sweater for a reasonable price…”
“...Can you help?“
Adriana says, “Unfortunately, you’re not going to get Ice Cream for a reasonable price unless the shirt goes on sale at their store or on their site. If you want affordable alternatives, try these:“
1. Two Scoops Sweatshirt, $36. 2. Akiko Bunny Crewneck, $150.
D was also interested in Lil Mama’s sneakers, shown here:
Adriana found that Lil Ma is wearing these Yo! MTV Raps Puma Sneakers:
Visit www.puma.com for retail locations.
Last but not least, Tracy hits us asking to recreate this vintage Beyonce outfit:
She says, “ I’m going on my honeymoon and I really need this outfit to look fly in Barbados with my hubby. Please help!! “
Elita to the rescue! She found the following similar items:
1. Catherine Malandrino top, $109. 2. Drawstring Linen Short, $17.80. 3. Dolce Vita Abbie Sandals, $40.
Have fun!
As for me, I’m going to try to salvage the remnants of my LA vacay…get some shopping done and get ready for my Meet & Greet tomorrow!
If you have any friends in the area, tell them to swing by tomorrow and say ‘hey.’ Can’t wait to meet ya!
Smootches!

Hey!
So out of all prints, I must admit that one of my favorites is paisley. Psychadelic and swirly, this retro stamp can pop with lots of color, or play more demure with a subtle hue. Worn as a full on ‘fit or an accent, celebrities know how to use the print to a fun, funky effect:
Nicole Richie is cute in a subtle paisley top with black shorts:
Dania Ramirez jumps to the other end of the color spectrum with a bright print top and matching popsicle orange bottoms…
Joy Bryant plays coy in a simple gray patterned dress with tights…
…and English actress Sara Jane Crawford goes for the goal with this black and white shirtdress…
Surprisingly men have taken more to this trend, with rappers like Lil Scrappy donning an all print vest with a more casual paisley bandana…
Fonzworth Bentley throwing on a richly colored scarf with a blazer and t-shirt…
And everyone from JD to Jay-Z wearing it as their accessory of choice with suits…
Official!
Women, get your paisley on with these lovely looks:
1. Tibi Riviera Paisley Mini Dress, $210. 2. Forever 21 Neon Paisley Tunic, $20. 3. J.Crew Coppelle Paisley Alessia Blouse, $20. 4. Milly Marabella Maillot, $225. 5. Oversized Paisley Print Scarf, $69. 6. French Connection Poppin Paisley Maxi Dress, $178.
Guys, keep it simple with a few well plucked paisley accessories:
1. BOSS Black Yellow Paisley Tie, $66.50. 2. Ralph Lauren Paisley Pocket Square, $70. 3. Marina D’este Men’s Large Paisley Twill Long Scarf, $72. 4. Dior Homme Paisley Weekend Tie, $245.
Smootches!