Hi Guys!
So it’s been a while since we’ve had a Breaking into Fashion post. For those new to the blog, I’ll clue you in: from time to time, I interview insiders to give readers the scoop on how to break into Fashion Industry jobs.
For today’s post, I’m answering a question from reader Brittany of Arkansas State University:

She says, “I am majoring in Journalism with an emphasis in Advertising and a Minor in Marketing…whew…lol! Because I’m in Arkansas, I know that it’s going to be that much more difficult to break into the world of fashion. My dream job is to become a Fashion Buyer. I don’t have much time since I’ll be graduating in less than a year…any advice, pleaseeeee!! Thanks!!!“

So cute!
To help you out, I got in touch with Krista Land…
…a buyer for Macy’s in New York! A 2004 graduate of Howard University, Krista has been working at Macy’s for three years.
Krista got her start with Inroads Inc, an internship program for minority students (inroads.org). She says, “I interned at a bank for 2 summers and then interned at Macy’s for 2 summers. When I graduated, I was offered a spot in the Executive Training Program for the Macy’s East Buying Office. I finished the few months of training in the program and became an Assistant Buyer. I was an Assistant Buyer for about 2 years. I am currently an Associate Buyer.”
Buyers, who select and purchase apparel and accessories from designers, manufacturers or wholesalers, “need to have a good eye for fashion, be organized, and easily able to adapt to change,” she says, “They should also be pretty good with numbers since those things play a big part in the job.”
Being a buyer includes understanding customer likes and dislikes, keeping in touch with retail staffers to see if product is moving, and seeing if the company should buy more or less of an item. Krista, who has a Bachelors in Marketing, says the key to getting your foot in the door is an internship. “I would advise college students to intern in retail to get a feel for the business and have a better idea if it’s something that they want to pursue,” she says. For someone mid career, she encourages reading up on the profession, then contacting industry representatives for exploratory interviews.
Fashion buyers have a pretty fast paced lifestyle. “Day to day, I manage several departments (a few responsilbilites are maximizing sales performance, coming up with pricing strategies, reordering product that’s selling well). There’s a lot of analysis involved,” she admits.
But as with any industry job, it seems you must start at the bottom before you climb to the top!
So Brittany (and anyone else out there), hope that was helpful!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Want to be a stylist? Check out my interview with June Ambrose. Keen on being a magazine editor? Look up my interview with Pam Edwards. Want to be a publicist? You must read about Bonnie Morrison. And if there’s any other aspect of the industry you’d like to learn more about, e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com and let me know!
*A hot preview of Oscar de la Renta’s Fall 2008 Collection…
…Absolutey Fabulous.[Coutorture]
*Our favorite cell phone chucking model was hospitalized in Brazil. [Bossip]

Hey!
So unfortunately a patched up foot and crutches don’t allow me much time to hit the streets for Real Style. Thankfully, you fabulous readers have been sending me submissions. Yippee!
Aja from Illinois submitted a photo of ‘Chicago Office Fashion‘:

…saucy! Aftin, Aftin, Aja, Cory, Alysia and Angel look chic and sleek in all black outfits accented with stilettos, hose, and pops of leather and plum.

…for Andre 3000’s Benjamin Bixby line. Should be tres interessant given this young man’s style…

…will your man be rockin Benjamin Bixby??? [NYMag]
*The most interesting trends…
…from Italy [Fashiontribes]
*This cool website has pix of peeps on the street from around the world. Watch out Sartorialist! [Streetpeeper]
*Trouble Finding Foundation? You’re not alone. [NYMag]

Hey!
It’s a wintry Friday in New York, but on the Fashion Bomb it’s…

…time for Mail Bombs!
First, Tina from Atlanta, Georgia says, “PLEASE HELP ME FIND BEYONCE’S SHOES”
“…I AM IN DIRE NEED OF THEM”
She sounds serious, huh?

Well, it seems as if Beyonce’s wearing these one-of-a-kind Chanel earth grippers…
…from its Resort 2007 collection. Visit chanel.com for store locations.
Next longtime reader TK says, “For once Rihanna really really impressed me.. “

“.…I love the shape of this dress! Where can I find a budget friendly version?“

Try these low cost look a likes:
Left to Right: Velvet Metallic Jersey Strapless Dress, $123, www.revolveclothing.com; Graham and Spencer Metallic Keyhole Dress, $129, shopbop.com
Fashionista Melody says, “Hello! I just loooove this off-the-shoulder little black dress Vanessa Williams is rocking…“
” …Can you find where I can get this dress or something close to it? Thank-you!”

Of course! Get a sexy Vanessa essence with the following:
Try these: Top Row: Juicy Couture Off Shoulder Dress, $205, www.asos.com; Fine Jersey T Dress, $26, www.americanapparel.net.

Bottom Row: Vivienne Westwood Aglomania Dolman Sleeve Dress, $229, www.djpremium.com.
Next Reader Tanya loved Rihanna’s Trench coat…
She says, “I love this coat…could you help me find out where I can buy something similar?“
London intern Natalie stepped in with the scoop. She says, “Rihanna’s coveted trench is by YSL which guarantees a hefty price tag, but luckily trench coats aren’t hard to come by! Here, a few that still look great but won’t burn a hole in your purse:”
Left to Right: London Fog Pleated Trench with Roll-Sleeves, $190, www.macys.com; Riverbay Trench Coat, $178, www.whitehouseblackmarket.com.
Left to Right: Premise Phina City Trench Coat, $610, www.bloomingdales.com; Jessica Simpson Double-Breasted Trench Coat, $160.00, www.macys.com.
Reminds me of my old dear trench coat! Seems I’ll have to start looking for its replacement:(

I’ve gotten lots of questions on how to get a Herve Leger creation…
…without spending $1,000.
Of Meagan Good’s dress, Tabatha says, “I would like to know where can I find a dress similar to this one. I believe this is Herve Leger and I can’t afford it right now but I would love something similar.”
Since Herve Leger is owned by BCBG, I’ve started to see a few BCBG ‘looks close to me’ dresses:
Left to Right: BCBG Centurion Dress, $300, www.saks.com; BCBG Satin Tiered Dress, $200, www.macys.com; BCBG Max Azria Laser Cut Dress, $288, www.nordstrom.com.
They’re still a bit steep, so if you want a cheaper, saucier substitute, you can go with this $89 dress from Bebe…

Those will have to do until Forever 21 and H&M start manufacturing lesser priced versions.

Malwina writes in with a wardrobe query. She says, “Hi! So I’m really sensitive about my look and I have to look good anywhere, in any situation. I’m looking forward to step my activity game up. How can I look good, kind of sexy 😉 on P.E. lessons or during fitness? You know, like Juicy Couture makes some fashionable tracksuits. Maybe you could help me find a fashionable set for sports?“
Girl, I can relate. Gotta look fly at all times! Go for the following jackets, and throw in their matching bottoms for a cute workout steeze:

Left to Right: Adidas Soft Touch Jacket, $64, Zappos.com
Net Knit Cover Up, $75, www.nike.com.
Left to Right: Juicy Couture Vicki Velour Track Jacket, $94, FashionChateau.com
L.A.M.B Patch Hooded Track Jacket, $155, www.nordstrom.com.

Left to Right: Trunk Track Jacket, $138, www.revolveclothing.com; Unisex California Fleece Track Jacket, $45, www.americanapparel.net.
Also, take a look at my Work out in Style Post from earlier this year.

Lastly, a question for everyone!

Susan from Tucson, AZ, “Do you think high-waisted skinny jeans and pumps will work for Spring? If they are not too Fall 07, what kind of top do you think would look cute with them? Here in Tucson it is too hot for long sleeves!“

I think the style is still chic, and would work with anything from a batwing top to a wife beater. What do you guys think?

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

Deal of the Day:
…Ankle Wrap Sandal, $19, www.newport-news.com.
Splurge of the Day:

…a Rihanna-esque $214 Debra Rodman Silver Dress…

..and this $307 Christian Audigier Overnight bag from www.djpremium.com.
Lucky you, Fashion Bomb Readers get 15% off at DJ. Premium.com by entering the code NU30Y. Get your shop on!

*BET’s Rip the Runway show was last night. A few red carpet pics:

Jaslene, Lil Mama

Lauren London, Cheri Dennis

….guess my invitation got lost in the mail! No matter, the bum foot is still in full effect!

*Have Great weekends.

*Visit Harriet’s Alter Ego (293 Flatbush Avenue) this Saturday from 10pm-1am…

…for a Girls Night In! The whole store (including new Spring Stock) is $30, they’ll be serving yummy cocktails, and you’ll get to meet musical artist Ayo! Sign me up!

*Seems like the search box is up and running! Type in anything from Meagan Good to Beyonce, and Technorati will show you relevant posts from my archives. Do a quick search for your Mail Bomb question…you might be pleasantly surprised:)

Left to Right: Zimmerman Luxe Spliced One Piece, $175, shopbop.com
Nylon Tricot Maillot V-Swimwear, $45, www.americanapparel.net; Milly Mirabella Maillot, $220, www.neimanmarcus.com.

Left to Right: Ralph Lauren Striped Tankini Top, $73, www.macys.com; Shiny Tankini Top, $39.50, Gap.com
2. Cute Cover Up

Left to Right: Adam Deep V Sweater Dress, $185, shopbop.com
Echo Butterfly Cover Up, $40, www.ravinstyle.com.

Left to Right: Women’s Toe-Strap Flip Flops, $5, oldnavy.com
Paul Frank Straw Stripe Flip Flops, $18, www.fredflare.com; Tory Burch Flip Flops, $45, www.madisonlosangeles.com.

Bottom Row: Women’s Raffia Beach Tote, $10, oldnavy.com
Echo Ethnic Stripe Tote, $53, www.ravinstyle.com.

Oh wait…throw in a few scarves…
… if you actually plan on swimming:

*Don’t forget sunglasses!
…Check out my post on stunner shades here.

*I’m aware the Milan and London Fashion Weeks have come and gone, but I just can’t do them justice quite like Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune and Robin Givhan of the Washington Post. Check out Suzy here and Robin here.

Hey!
So you might remember me taking a picture of a dashing young man at the Sean John show a few weeks ago…

…little did I know that this Real Style subject was none other than Indashio….
…an urban fashion stylist, designer, and entrepreneur that any fashionista worth her salt should know about!

Starting his own line at the young age of 19, Indashio has shown collections in LA, Miami, and New York, and outfitted the likes of Kim Kardashian, Nicky Hilton, Lil Kim, and Christina Milian.
Indashio, which means, “Living the dream,” started styling clothes for his friends in high school. “I never wanted to be a famous designer, “he says, “But I always liked to look good, I always had to have the name brand Filas.”
When his parents moved from Massachussets to Florida, a new city and few friends left him with lots of time on his hands. He learned how to sew, and soon had a room full of his own creations.
He allowed his persistence to take take hold. “I started calling people,” he says, ” I called the Fashion Director for Vibe Magazine everyday. I got the contact information of stylists at MTV and BET, and sent my clothes to them.“
Used to having his samples returned, Indashio was confused one day when he found one of his red chiffon shirts missing. He called his contacts, only to find that Amerie was wearing his shirt for a midday broadcast on BET.

His clothes, he says, have an unfinished look and are inspired by anything from cities to movies. He explains, “Beauty is in imprefection. My motto is all about exclusivity, originality. Something nobody else has..”
For aspiring fashion designers, he says, “Make opportunities for yourself…that’s the only way you’re really going to do it.“
“…If there’s a will there’s a way. Never give up. It’s not gonna happen overnight. Just ask yourself, ‘How bad do you want it?’ I worked for 5 years for free doing whatever I could do. Any money I received, I put right back into my company. Be passionate. Love it and have your eye on the prize and just think about it everyday and manifest it.”
Want more? Visit Indashio’s website at www.indashio.com or befriend him on myspace (www.myspace.com/indashio). Also be on the lookout for his new VH1 Show, Sew Good, hosted by Kelis!

*Love Sample Sales? This new website is a must see.
*Visit online boutique Spring Cart Designs…
…it features beautiful necklaces, earrings, and personalized stationary. And lucky you! Enter bomb15 for 15% off your purchases!

*Deal of the Day:
…Woven Kimono Dress, $48, www.styleviolet.com.
*Not sure if you heard, but according to YBF…
….Model Jourdan Dunn made history yesterday by walking in the Prada show in Milan–the first black model to do so since Naomi Campbell 15 years ago.

Hey!

I hope you enjoyed your three day weekends! For me, the days are just starting to bleed into each other…being at home is restful, but I’m starting to feel the itch for outside!
Though I’m supposed to be on bedrest for another week, I’m already wondering how I can work a swollen, patched up foot to hot events.
I decided to look no further than 2007’s most Fashionable Diva, Rihanna…

…who kept it moving last August with an injury. She didn’t let a minor setback stop her swagger!
For red carpets she popped on pairs of long wide legged pants that skimmed over her bandages…
…and ditched crutches in favor of a black coordinating cane.

…but smartly found the nearest seat!
When she chose to don a dress, she made sure her boot matched her ensemble…
…and if anything, didn’t forget…
…to rock at least one hot shoe!
If you’re afflicted, a few items to help you maintain your sexy:

Top Row: Jack Trouser, $130, www.fcuk.com; Caroline Poplin Top, $88, www.marciano.com.

*Reader Rufaro says, “Any idea where I can get a pair of shoes like these?“
Hey! You’re in luck. I found this inexpensive pair of  Touch Ups Women’s Alana Sandals…
…Get ’em for $53 at www.endless.com.
*Deal of the Day:

… a Rihanna-esque Strapless Lace Dress with Tulle, $30 at www.rampage.com.
Complete the look with these $99 Luichiny Lovely Pumps…

from Zappos.com
*Splurge of the Day….
…Beyonce like Pura Lopez Pumps, $245 at www.nordstrom.com.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

So I’m back from surgery, with my swollen foot propped up nicely on two pillows. I’m fine now (thank you percoset!), but y’all, you should’ve seen me in the hospital pre surgery! I really turned on the dramatics–crying, asking for my Mom, threatening to leave–but in the end I calmed down. After all my pain, and sitting down at parties…

…I think I made the right decision!

So my newest Fashion Bomb intern, Lisa, was kind enough to step in for me today.

She reports on a hot Spring Trend seen all over the runways: Floral Prints.

Enjoy!

**************************************************************************

Hey readers!

Newest Fashion Bomb intern Lisa checking in.

So even if we’re going to have to deal with a few more weeks of cold, at least your wardrobe can be in full bloom! The Spring 2008 runways were budding with new bouquets of vibrant florals that are a little bit retro, a whole lot sexy, and anything but boring.

Top Row: D & G, Valentino

Bottom Row: Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs

And of course celebs had to jump in on the trend!

Genevieve Jones does retro so well with a boho chic minidress at a Fashion Week after party for Alexander Wang….

At the premiere for Lipstick Jungle, Paula Garces is head to toe flower girl in hot pink…

Actress Ana Ortiz pairs a bright bouquet against a white silk shift at Fashion Week…

And model Roshumba Williams blooms in Bryant Park …

Gorgeous!

For homegrown flower power, try the following:

Left to Right: T-Bags Tie Long Halter Dress, $106, www.revolveclothing.com; Floral Babydoll Bubble Dress, $148, www.ardenb.com.

Left to Right: Lotta Stensson Green Floral Dress, $192, www.bluefly.com; Nu Collective Tiered Print Dress, $295, Pink Mascara

For just a hint of spring, go with these cute accents:

Top Row: Kenneth Jay Lane Cocktail Ring, $85, www.electricladyland.com; Martinez Valero Camille Floral Print Sandal, $55, www.bloomingdales.com.

Bottom Row: Floral Print Cotton Tote, $19.50, www.bananarepublic.com; Celina Jacket, $98, www.guess.com.

Now put a spring in your step!

**********************************************************************

Gotta love my interns y’all!

I’m going to resume my TV watching schedule. The upside to being out of commission is that I have all day to blog! Let’s see what I come up with:)

In the meantime, have amazing, fabulous Valentine’s days…and have a drink (or two) for me!

Smootches!