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.

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]

Our favorite fashion maven, Rihanna, was spotted outside of Fred Segal (in LA!) last week getting her shop on…
…I’m not too sure I’d wear heels to shop, but I would wear this outfit for a day at the office, or with flats to chill with friends.
Get her LA look with the following low and high priced items:
1. Ray Ban Two Tone Wayfarer Sunglasses, $139. 2. Mimi & Coco White Cotton Rib Tank, $29. 3. Fendi Fever Long Necklace, $285. 4. Jeffrey Campbell Maze Sandal, $93. 5. Moschino Polka Dot Skirt, $187. 6. Xhilaration Pyramid Stud Clutch, $15.
If you want Rihanna’s jewelry game, check out this vintage Mail Bombs post, or referance this recent post on studs.
Smootches!
*Fashion Bomb Flash: Get an extra 15% of those Jeffrey Campbell Maze Sandals at Lulus.com by entering coupon code thefashionbomb

*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.

*The Countdown begins for my LA Excursion!!!
Tell all your West Coast Fashion Heads to roll out to Pinky Rose Boutique (5571 W Pico Blvd) for cocktails, shopping, and performances…I can’t wait!
*There’s a huge article on media giant Conde Nast in the New York Times. If you don’t know, Conde Nast owns a lot of the glossy magazines: Glamour, Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, and the New Yorker. Speaking of which, I’m sure a lot of you heard the buzz about that controversial Obama cover.
I decided to keep mum on the issue because I’ve gotten a bit tired of complaining. But the NY Times article reveals something interesting about Condé, its owner Si Newhouse, and the company’s decision to use that cover: “More than almost anything else, acquaintances say, Mr. Newhouse delights in the buzz his magazines routinely create. He welcomes controversies, like the recent brouhaha about the Obamas-as-terrorists cover of The New Yorker. What tickles him often challenges convention, often embraces the new or novel, and often sells.”
You see, people, they’re just trying to sell magazines. Times are tough out there for print pubs (blame the internet)…I think the Vogue Lebron cover and the New Yorker cover were purposefully controversial because they just want a little attention. Pay no attention people. Though I must admit, the New Yorker, cover aside, is my absolute favorite magazine. [NYTimes]
*Speaking of magazines using ‘novel’ ideas to sell, yes, it’s true: The Fashion Bomb Shop completely sold out of July Issues of Italian Vogues within 12 hours of posting their arrival….
I know!!! I’m going to check back today to see if I find any more copies, but I’m keeping my expectations low. When I went in (moments after the shipment arrived), I saw another fellow fashionista in there buying 5 copies for herself! But you never know…I will post all progress here. Don’t worry, I got you.
*Wow, that NYTimes article about Conde Nast just keeps getting better! An interesting tidbit that might make you think differently about your purchase of Italian Vogue:
“Almost half of Conde’s revenue last year was generated overseas, according to several executives…The luxury approach has worked even better overseas, where Conde has found untapped markets for versions of Vogue, Vanity Fair and other titles. The Italian Vanity Fair, introduced just five years ago, had more than 6,000 ad pages last year” far more than any magazine published in the United States ” and more than $100 million in revenue, according to Jonathan Newhouse.” Hmmm, I wonder about Italian Vogue? Is Conde Nast using race as a fulcrum to generate sales? This and more to ponder. [NYTimes]

Hey Fashionistas!!
So the moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. You can now order your very own Historical All Black July Issue of Italian Vogue from the Fashion Bomb Shop!!!!
So it seems my Newsstand Guy got it right this time!
I bought as many as I could carry ( a couple dozen). If that’s not enough, I’ll run back and see if there are any more. But you’ve heard the buzz–this issue has been sold out all over the place. So hurry up and get your copy!!!
Click here to purchase.
Smootches!
PS See what all the buzz is about here.

It’s Friday…
Yippee!
First up Edrei says, “Any idea who designed the maxi dress Gabby wore to the premiere of Meet Dave??“
“… I have a function next week and this would be perfect.“
Intern Elita stepped in and said, “The dress is by Issa according to many sources, but there’s no way to prove it as the dress isn’t on their site. It’s a pretty typical Issa shape, though. Try this $291 Issa Silk Jersey Dress for a similar silhouette...”
I also found that this Donna Karen Fuchsia Ruched Jersey Dress gave off a similar essence…
…get it for $2,495 at www.net-a-porter.com.
Next, STW says, “I have a little favor to ask. Can you recreate this outfit worn by Vanessa Simmons at the BET 2008 AWARDS...?”
“...I will greatly appreciate it..I’m on a budget and I love her purple and white combo!“
Get her look by combining the following high and low priced items:
1. Milly Ruffled Silk Top, $172. 2. Michael Kors Gold Logo Engraved Chain Belt, $48. 3. Polyester Micro-Fiber Tulip Skirt, $28. 4. Felix Rey Gold Quilted Gabby Clutch, $180.
Next, Samona says, “Can u please tell me where I can find this dress?? “
I couldn’t find the exact dress, but felt these came close:

1. Tocca Cream Floral Silk Dress, $213. 2. Faith Flower Dress, $22.80. 3. Jill Stuart Lindsay Cherry Print Dress, $325.50. 4. Monochromatic Halter Dress, $29.80.
Tana says, “I have a dress that these Gold Chains Madonna’s wearing would look perfect with…”
“… I’m not sure where to start looking for them…. any ideas???“
Seems Madonna took a cue from Givenchy’s Fall 2008 RTW Runway…
…and went for layered look.
In your case, try throwing on a few of these $125 Six Strand Mix Chain Necklaces…
…from www.intermixonline.com.
Lastly, Bella says, “I have been looking for a quality big but tastefully cute, eye-catching but non expensive, goes with just about everything Crystal ring similar to what Alicia Keys has on in her “Superwoman” video...”
“... Can you help?“
Sure!
Try these reasonably priced baubles:

1. Noir Rectangle Stone Cocktail Ring, $60. 2. Kenneth Jay Lane Roud Gold Pave Ring, $145. 3. Royalty Ring, $4.80.
Smootches!