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]
Good Morning Neighbors!!!
I’m finally functioning after my whirlwind trip to the West Coast. The California weather was absolutely lovely–as were the people! My trip seemed super duper short…I’ll have to go out there again and stay a little longer. But enough about me…I’m sure you’re wondering how the Meet & Greet went…
It was, in a word, fabulous! Check out a few pictures:
Fashion Bomb readers Vanessa and Tearra put together the mother of all Meet & Greets! They coordinated a performance by R& B artist Barsheem, an artistic exhibition highlighting paintings by Synthia Saint James (think Cosby show), and a three part fashion show featuring LA Designers Tracy Grimes, Pinky Rose, and DeliseAna …all for little old me!!
Thankfully, lots of LA urban fashionistas made the trek out to Pinky Rose to enjoy the festivities: Lori of the blog Lipstick, Lace, and Brass Knuckles brought a friend to come and say ‘hey’. They looked California cool in their print dresses and brightly colored shoes… These LA hotties represented the West with a fashion potpourri of mini and maxi dresses worn with metallic flats… These ladies mixed casual and chic with two friends wearing stilettos, while another opted for a more relaxed look… With prints on tops and dresses, these divas look ready for a day at the beach… Exotic prints seemed to be a burgeoning trend, with these friends opting for zebra and leopard print accessories, tights, and shoes… ..and even a few LA guys rolled through, one wearing a Marc Jacobs T-Shirt (featuring Dita Von Teese) with bubble gum pink sneaks, the other sporting stylish red sunglasses and a cute pooch.
Of course I had to jump in a few! (From Left) Designer Delise’ Ana, Fashion Bomb super reader Tearra, moi, and FB Super Reader # 2 Vanessa… We had to take a picture with the delightful Synthia Saint James… Snapped a quick pic with R&B artist Barsheem (check him out at http://www.myspace.com/lovemuszerecordingss) And yours truly with the owner of Pink Rose Boutique, Pinky (note the Synthia Saint James Painting in the background).
It was the bomb!!! There are so many people I want to thank!
Thanks to Pieces Boutique in Brooklyn for providing my Tibi Dress and earrings, Rosario at Oh My Nappy Hair for the crimped ‘do, and Kelly at MAC Cosmetics at the Beverly Center for the makeup. Thanks to Vanessa and Tearra for coordinating such a great event. I’m sincerely touched! Thanks to Barsheem for your amazing performance, designers Tracy Grimes and DeliseAna for providing such great fashion, Synthia St. James for your artistry, and Hint Beverages for refreshments. Thanks to Pinky Rose for providing a venue!!!
And THANKS to all of you, friends (shout out to Jamie, Kelley, Taylor, Caleb, Catarina, Tina) and readers who came out to make the Fashion Bomb’s first non-NYC event such a success!! We’re just getting started…
Stay tuned on Facebook or Myspace for pictures, videos, and more about the designers and artists featured at the Meet & Greet.
Until then… Smootches!
PS Someone asked me if I was on tour (i.e. if I was doing this in other cities). I actually hadn’t thought of it, but why not??? I think my next stop must be my hometown of ATL. We’ll do it big and get crunk (fashionably of course)!
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!
It’s been a little while since we’ve had any fashion fun on the old blog, so today I’m stirring things up! The first person to tell me who this lady is… …and what she contributed to fashion history will win this pair of hanging hearts earrings… …from Fashion Bomb monthly contest sponsor Pink Cherie (www.pinkcherie.com). No hints, and the winner will be at my discretion (so be as detailed as possible). E-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com with the scoop.
That was quick! Y’all are so fast!
So the first person to answer the quiz was Amarja from the Netherlands (people be reading in Europe!) She says, “It’s Beverly Johnson! She was the first African-American cover model of American Vogue in August 1974.“ That’s what I was looking for! Enjoy your chic pair of earrings from Pink Cherie! I also had to give props to Ingrid from Cambridge, MA… …who wrote in seconds later with a mini Beverly Johnson book report! She wrote, “It’s Beverly Johnson! First hired by Glamour in 1971; First African American model on the cover of American Vogue in 1974; She was also on the “American Woman” Vogue cover in June 1975); She was on the the cover of Glamour six times in 2 years; She was the first black model on the cover of Elle Magazine in 1975; She was booked by Ford Models (by Eileen Ford); Has cut two record albums (Beverly Johnson and Don’t Lose the Feeling); Has a line of skincare products; Author of two books (Beverly Johnson’s Guide to a Life of Beauty and True Beauty); Currently has a line of wigs; Recently appeared on She’s Got the Look as a celebrity judge.” OK! Ingrid wasn’t first, but she gave tons of great info! She’ll be getting a Fashion Bomb T. Thanks everyone for participating. Luckily Pink Cherie has offered to sponsor contests every month, so stay tuned for next month’s question!
*Christian Siriano’s line is now available at Bluefly! Visit his Bluefly Store and get the goods! *Intern Adriana sent over this very cool article from CNN on Being Black and Shopping in America (this is part of a CNN Black in America special by Soledad O’Brien airing tonight and tomorrow)… The short piece describes a situation faced by many of us: Being profiled and followed while shopping. It happened to me as recently as this past Saturday when this one guy would not stop following my friends and I around a Sephora in Greenwich, CT. We were dressed fashionably, we didn’t even have big bags! And it happens so often, it doesn’t occur to me to complain about it! Have you been followed around? [CNN]
*Fashion Bomb affiliate Glam.com has launched a new African-American channel called Black Life (www.blacklife.glam.com). Looks like it’s the next big thing on the web for women like us. And guess whose story is gracing the homepage?? Yup, the number one story is sourced from the Fashion Bomb’s July 8th post on Fedoras. Woot! Read more by visiting Blacklife.glam.com *Guess who’s America’s Next Top Male Model? My cousin Kofi! Check him getting his work on shooting for a new Sony Ericsson Campaign: I’m sold! Also, check him at his myspace page, www.myspace.com/ny8store. *If you’re looking to decorate your home with style, check out www.laidbackhome.com. They offer a funkier approach to home decor, providing Duvet sets, sheets, and dec pillows with an edge. A few products: Top Row: You Rock Pillow, $60; Ol Play Luxe Pillow. Bottom Row: Boomin Pillow. She Fly Pillow. See more at www.laidbackhome.com.
…located at 807 S. La Brea Avenue.
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.
