Morning Quickie: Vans by Marisa Miller and Micah Jesse

So last night I hit the town to attend a few fashionable events.
The first took place at the Cabana at the Maritime Hotel…

marisa-miller-vans

Supermodel Marisa Miller was there to celebrate her redesign of Vans…
…and there were a few fashionable folks in the house.
I had to stop and say “Hey Girl” to my buddy Robert Verdi…
…chatted it up with Anya Kop, runner up of ANTM Cycle 10…
..and met Isa, one of the few black male models to stomp in shows during New York Fashion Week…
…I’ll keep an eye peeled for him!
Afterwards, I hit up my fellow blogger Micah Jesse’s (www.micahjesse.com) Birthday Jam…
…he was there looking absolutely gorgeous…
…and I was juiced to run into my boy Indashio…
…yes those are golds in his mouth. He’s hilarious.
If you don’t know about Indashio, you need to ask somebody!!! I did a post on him here, he’s fabulous!!!
Anyway, the night was fun, fun times. Off to work…

Toronto Boutique Spotlight: Arm Candy Casa

Hey!
So it’s been a while since the Fashion Bomb Spotlighted a cool Boutique, and thankfully readers from around the globe have been writing in with some fab recommendations! Today’s spotlight shines on Arm Candy Casa of Toronto, Canada:

img_0118

Launched by Fashion Bomb reader Adwoa Adu (pictured left):
Arm Candy Casa is located in the heart of downtown Toronto (4 Elm Street and Yonge) and opened its doors on May 31st:
Adwoa says, “I opened the store because I looooooooove bags and accessories! I’ve always been driven to be independent and support independents artisans. I am also very passionate about development and women’s issues.
Arm Candy Casa currently carries brands like Naana B, Mad Imports, Global Ego, and a Toronto Brand called Chocolate Delusions.
A few offerings:
Alice leather clutch, $95
Metro Bag, $199
Global Ego Beach Bag, $45
Chocolate Delusions clutch, $75
NOMAD clutch, $ 90
Loving that Metro Bag!!
Adwoa also hopes to adds designers like Nicacelly, Sisters of Harlem, and Brooklyn’s own Harriet’s Alter Ego to their roster.
Not in Toronto? Keep your eyes peeled for Arm Candy’s Online Store at www.armcandycasa.com. I’ll let you know when it launches!
Until then, Adwoa says…
Smootches!
For more Shopping recommendations, check out the Fashion Bomb’s Shopping Topic.

Botkier Bags for Target + Splurge of the Day

*Botkier’s Bags for Target are now available!
Purhase your own online here.
*Y’all, I walked all around NYC today looking for copies of Italian Vogue. Most are totally sold out (boo!), but the guy I’ve been harrassing for the past 2+ weeks promises them in by Friday (yeah, he said that last week, but I want to believe him this time). It’s frustrating, yes, but you’ll be the very first to know when I (and you by extension) get my hands on one.
*Pssst, WWD says the issue is the hotness for Fashionistas:
While tech heads on Friday lined up at the Apple store to buy the latest iPhone, fashionistas evidently hurried to newsstands across New York City to get their hands on the July Italian Vogue featuring all black models. By 10 a.m., Universal News on 58th Street and Eighth Avenue, near the Hearst Tower, had already sold 50 copies, with 50 more left in stock. Hudson News in Grand Central Station sold 20 copies by 11 a.m., with another 30 left to sell. By noon, Universal News on 56th Street and Lexington Avenue had sold its last issue, and the one on 14th Street near Sixth Avenue had sold over 100 copies, with a few more left to move.
“Condé Nast prepped accordingly for the increased consumer curiosity surrounding the themed issue, where Steven Meisel shot the likes of Naomi Campbell, Alek Wek, Jourdan Dunn, Liya Kebede, Veronica Webb and upcoming names like Sessilee Lopez and Toccara Jones. A spokeswoman for Conde said the company increased newsstand distribution of the special issue by 40 percent in the U.S., and will reallocate Italian copies earmarked for returns to the U.S. The company will also print another 10,000 copies to meet the demand for the issue.” [WWD]
*NY mag reports that Kitson dropped Lauren Conrad’s and Victoria Beckham’s lines…
“Sales were lackluster,” Kitson owner Fraser Ross says,”Initially it was great.” It’s hard out there for a pimp, eh? [New York ]
*Check out the site’s new Google Search Box (Top Left Corner). Search the archives of the Fashion Bomb for endless fashion fun:)
*Fall is a ways away, but I almost started drooling when I saw this splurge worthy dress:
It’s the D& G Dolce & Gabbana Plaid Shirt Dress, $545 at www.net-a-porter.com. Maybe by September it’ll be 90% off??

Get Her Look: Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland was out in London recently outside of Nobu restaurant…
.. wearing a cute maxi dress with silver heels.
Get her look with the following:
Matthew WIlliamson Leaf Print Maxi Dress, $1,256. Oh Deer Gelato Silver Sequins, $130. Orla Keily Clutch, $125.  
Don’t have a g to spare? Try this dress and shoe combo for a similar color scheme:
French Connection Women’s Betty Block Dress, $198. Report Footwear Women’s Alanis Pump, $90. CL by Laundry Large Buckle Clutch, $23. 
Smootches!

Rihanna for Gucci + Fashion Bomb LA Excursion

*So after my last NYC Meet & Greet, some of you asked “Claire, when are you doing a Meet & Greet in my town??
Well, Fashion Bomb super fan Vanessa took some major initiative and arranged for the Fashion Bomb to have its own Meet & Greet in Los Angeles!!!!
Woooooooot!
Come around and say ‘hey’ on July 26th from 3-7pm at Pinky Rose Boutique (5571 Pico Boulevard):
How cute is that??? I can’t wait. Give me a shout at thefashionbomb@gmail.com and let me know if you’re coming. Also, if there are a few ‘must see’ LA boutiques, designers, or shopping areas, let me know! Can’t wait for the California sun!!!
*WWD reports that Rihanna will be appearing in Guccis’ first ad campaign highlighting its collaboration with the United Nation’s Children’s Fund, UNICEF.
Shot by photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin in Paris, the ads will appear in December magazines. There are also rumors of her starting her own fashion line!!! Would you buy Rihanna couture?
*I do believe that the July issues of Italian Vogue have touched US shores. Stay tuned for updates; they should be available in the Fashion Bomb shop as early as tomorrow! For now, check out all the scans here.
*Malcolm Harris blogs about a meeting with Arlenis.

Real Style: NYC

Y’all,
My weekend was bananas!!!
No time to take pictures, but thankfully you guys send tons of examples of great style. Today, we have Ayanna from NYC…

n35602969_31080772_8183

She says, “I just wanted a general opinion from the Fashion Bomb community about my personal style…my dress is Nicole Miller and my shoes are from Nine West.
Gold star!
I absolutely love the pop of blue along with your print dress. And your pose is on point!
What do you guys think? Does Ayanna have great style?
Smootches!

Mail Bombs

Hey Hey!
So as you know, my morning was very busy. But I’m back in fighting form!
Let’s get some mail bombs done.
First up, Ehmonie of the blog What Haute (www.whatshauteblog.com) says, “I love this dress that Cassie is wearing…”
“…Can you tell me who the designer is? Thanks!
Cassie is wearing this relatively affordable $190 Pencey Cummerbund Dress…
..it’s totally sold out at Shopbop, but keep checking back, as they replenish their inventory.
Next Tiffany says, “Rihanna was spotted in Atlanta this past weekend in a very fab dress! I think it’s cute and very summer appropriate…
Can you name the designer or give fashion bomb approved substitutes?
Hey Tiffany. Not sure of the designer, but I think these liquid metallic frocks could be apt substitutes:
1. Graham & Spencer Metallic Jersey Dress, $243. 2. Paris Hilton Metallic Draped Back Dress, $55. 3. Miss Sixty Metallic Bikini Halter Dress, $216.
Next, self proclaimed Shoe Fanatic Anickia says, “Where can I find these shoes!?!?!!
“…I can definitely strut in these!
You can find Mary J Blige like lace ups at any price point:
1. Faryl Robin Wendy Lace up Roman Sandal, $95. 2. Corso Como Dutch Sandal, $154. 3. Miu Miu Lace Up Sandal, $195. 4. Acne Jeans Niara Lace up Wedge Sandal, $550.
Mona says, “I really love this dress Nicole is wearing…
… any idea where I can get it or something similar?
Try these grey maxi dresses:
1. Nicole Miller Long Heather Grey Jersey Dress, $245. 2. James Perse Jersey Maxi Dress, $155. 3. Gypsy 05 Ombre Maxi Dress, $125.
I have time for just one wardrobe query!
Sharee says, “I recently saw this piece in the Temperely London Collection and would love to rock this on my 21st Birthday coming up in August...”
“.. Could you please help me find an affordable alternative??
Sure! Here are 3 options under $300:
1. L’Ecole Des Femmes Mini Dress with Lace Contrast, $88. 2. Vanessa Bruno Athe Pintuck Dress, $262. 3. Lace Homecoming Dress, $130.
That does it for today!
Off to enjoy the weekend:)
Smootches!

Morning Quickie: Caffeine TV

Hey Everyone!!
So today’s Mail Bombs post will be a bit delayed. Why? Well, this morning, I had a video shoot for a new online TV show called CaffeineTV. Caffeine is a hip, aspirational, inspirational show showcasing young professionals in New York City, specifically women of color. Perf!
I went to my fave boutique Pieces this AM and talked ‘Fashion Bomb’ with Caffeine beauty/style correspondent Dre Brown:

claire-caffeine-tv

We chit chatted, did a bit of shopping…
..and just had a very fly fabulous time. I’ll let you know when my segment goes live…it’ll be worth the wait!
Now off to solve Mail Bombs. Stay tuned…
Smootches!
PS My new fave accessory is my Casio Baby G Shock Watch. I’m wearing their $99 Atomic Watch in White. It’s a great summer accessory!

Trend: Sheer Delight

Hey!
So this summer has been super busy for me! Thankfully The Fashion Bomb’s awesome interns have stepped in to provide informative posts. Today new mommy Elita talks about a runway and red carpet trend: Sheer.
Enjoy!
**************************************************************************
Hey Fashion Bombers!
So one of the biggest trends on the Fall/Spring 2008 runways was sheer fabrics. From Christian Dior to Marc Jacobs, sheer tops, skirts, hemlines and cut-outs were prominent in the collections.

sheer2

Sheer pieces are ethereal and can be sexy without showing off too much skin. The look is tricky to pull off, so be careful to avoid anything too see-through or that exposes too many body parts. If your undergarments are going to show, make sure they’re just as stylish (and supportive) as the rest of your outfit!
Lots of celebrities have rocked this look on the red carpet…
Kim Kardashian shows off her curves in this sheer-hemmed mermaid dress…

Alicia Keys dazzled in a similar green dress at the Grammy’s…
Thandie Newton is a big fan of sheer styles, straight from the runway…
Naomi Campbell shows off her gams in black and white Dolce & Gabbana….
Trend setter Rihanna goes for a sheer layered look in grape frock and offers a hint of abs in this detailed sheer blouse…
And Keyshia Cole goes for subtle sheer in this striped top….
Saucy!
Want to get in on the translucent trend? Try these look-for-less pieces:

1. Nanette Lepore bustier, $160. 2. “Ditsy” dress by Top Shop, approximately $100. 3. Sine blouse, $117. 4. Millions of Smiles Sheer Boatneck Sweater, $139.  5. T-Bags Belted Jersey Dress, $175. 6. Sheer Cropped Top, $17.80.

**************************************************************************
Loving your sheer choices Elita! Great job!
Smootches!

WWD Internships + Italian Vogue Scans

*According to Fashionista.com, WWD and its sister title W are looking for Fall 2008 interns!
Fashionista says, “You must be available two to five days a week, from 10am to 6pm. You must be getting school credit for the internship and you must be a “highly motivated, organized, self-starter”. And, obviously, you must be both knowledgeable and interested in fashion.
Responsibilities include keeping track of clothing samples in the fashion closet, administrative tasks, assisting with location scouting, model casting and assisting fashion editors on NYC photo shoots.
If you want to break in, this is how!!! Send resumes and cover letters in the body of your e-mail to WWDInterns@gmail.com . It’s unpaid, yes, but you should DO THIS.
*What a surprise! Even more scans of the Italian Vogue issue. Here are your scans for today:
See more here. Everyone in NYC is saying the issue is sold out, but according to my local newsguy, the issues haven’t arrived yet. AND he told me that 500 would be coming in to just his little shop…so I don’t foresee them being sold out…but ya never know. Could this be their best selling issue ever? (Ever ever?? EVER ever???)