Hey!
So this weekend I was hangin’ tough as per usual in BK, and happened across an event sponsored by Fashion Bomb friend Harriet’s Alter Ego…

Every month they have a ‘Block Party’ featuring independent designers, and anyone interested is invited to come eat, shop, mingle, and listen to music.
I had to take a picture of this lovely young attendee…
…who was wearing a cute shirtdress along with a fedora, straw bag and bejeweled flat sandals.
When asked about her outfit, she admitted that she had stayed the night with her boo, and decided to pop on one of his shirts, belt it, and go.
Quite creative, no?
What do you think of this edition of BK Real Style?
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Jezebel picked up on my Vogue July issue review:

Read the story here.
*Want to read how people really felt about the Vogue Lebron cover? The comments on Jezebel are interesting and a lot more well rounded than the two letters published in Vogue. [Jezebel]

*A cool new blog, No Fear, Just DIVA, interviewed the Fashion Bomb on its ‘Breaking into Fashion Series‘! Check it out here. [No Fear, Just Diva].
*Industry veteran/Cell Phone Chucker Naomi Campbell stomps for the Dolce & Gabbana Menswear Show in Milan….

*Michelle Obama’s a trendsetter!

The store White House/Black Market quickly sold out of the $148 Donna Ricco dress….

…she wore at her ‘The View’ Appearance.

So I was pleased to receive the July issue of Vogue Magazine in my mailbox.

Why?
I knew that this was the issue where they would publish letters regarding the whole Lebron/Giselle/King Kong snafu.
I knew there had to be at least a handful of reader letters, and I was ready to delve in…and I was reading to see if perhaps the magazine would issue an apology.
I looked at the Editor’s Note…no sign.
Then I looked in the letters section:
And saw two letters.
One was from Christine Fox, who says plaintitively, “I‘m an African-American woman who sees nothing wrong with the cover…I know there has been a lot of buzz about it, and folks are outraged, but it’s ridiculous! It is just fashion…dahling…don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” A voice, true, but one that was a minority, right? When I blogged about it briefly here, only a couple of you said “What’s the big deal?” And mind you, this was a cover written about in the Chicago Tribune, Women’s Wear Daily, and ABC News.
The second letter published in Vogue was from Stephanie Jackson. She says, “The April cover bothers me…More devastating than the perpetuation of stereotypes in mainstream culture is the dismissal of the counterargument as if it doesn’t make sense. If controversial imagery rubs a minority group the wrong way, shouldn’t the appropriate response be an apology?“
She brings up a good point: shouldn’t there have been an apology??
Then I kept flipping, and found it. Sort’ve. There’s an article in there called “Is Fashion Racist?“
Basically it profiles Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, and rising star Arlenis.
It talks about their fortuitious careers, then basically recaps the past three “Blacks in Fashion” talks that The Fashion Bomb has been covering since last September.
It also has a beautiful spread profiling all the instances in Vogue history with black models (maybe taking a cue from Italian Vogue).
Was that the apology? To be like…here, we see you, we know the issues, we get it??
I guess so.
But something just seemed very lame about it all.
I applaud their effort to quell the fire, and do see that PR powerhouse Bonnie Morrison is pictured in the Index Section…
…Jourdan Dunn makes another appearance in Andre Leon Talley’s ‘Life with Andre‘ section…
And our favorite African-American socialite Genevieve Jones is sprinkled into the Society pictures…
Good job?
Keep it up, I guess.
An apology would’ve been admitting guilt, right?
What do you think?

Happy Friday!

Let’s go!
Jay says, “I came across these cute shoes that Dania Ramirez is wearing...”

“…Could you please tell me who makes these shoes, and where I could get them?“
Sure! Dania is wearing these $645 Moschino T-Strap Peep Toe Sandals…
They used to be available at www.nordstrom.com, but seems they’re sold out!
If you want, try hitting up www.moschino.com for stores, or slip these Betseyville Women’s Valentin Sandals on for a similar look…
…Bonus, they’re only $90 at www.endless.com.
Next up Nicky says, “I came across this picture of Rihanna on 106 & Park sporting the flyest shoes I’ve seen this year…“
“...Please tell me that you know the designer of these shoes and where they can be purchased! And if they’re expensive, maybe you can find something similar? I really need them in my life!“
Well, I can tell you they’re expensive! Rihanna’s wearing these straight off the catwalk Balenciaga Spring 2008 Warrior Sandals…
…unless you’re Rihanna, they may be a little out of budget. It’s hard to find something exact, but you can get a similar gladiator look with these $130 Jeffrey Campbell Liza Sandals...
…get this pair at www.nordstrom.com.
Subira says, “I saw a pic of Beyonce in this splendiferous yellow dress while out with her boo this weekend, and I MUST have something like it! Like Beyonce, I am curvy but am not a fan of draping myself in all black…“
“I’m a small on top but large on the bottom, 5’10…can you help??“
Try these for a Beyonce like look:
1. Max Studio Dip Dyed Cotton Voile Tank Dress, $48. 2. Aqua Women’s Jersey & Eyelet Dress, $88. 3. Milly Sun Embroidery Valetta Dress, $311.
Now for some wardrobe queries!

Worine says, “I just bought these fierce platform peep toes and I need an oversized red clutch to finish the look. However, I cant seem to find one…can you help??“
Try these:
1. Cynthia Rowley Lydia Oversized Patent Clutch, $195. 2. Linea Pelle Crimson Leather Angie Clutch, $72. 3. Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, $325. 4. Lacroix Red Suede Handbag, $192.
Next, Bukky says, “My birthday is in a week and I’ve yet to get a dress. I’m a HUGE lover of animal prints and I found this beauty on Forever 21:“
“I’m planning to get it, BUT I don’t know what shoes/accesory to wear with it…Can you help me achieve my dream outfit?“

Sure! As superstar intern Charlé said in this post, it’s safest to rock animal prints with either black or red:
Take a cue from Worine above, and pop on an oversized clutch in those colors. Complete the look with these sandals:
1. Stuart Weitzman Exciting Shoes in Red Patent, $149. 2. Guess Ollioule Evening Sandal, $99. 3. Pleaser Women’s Chic Sandals, $90.

Those Stuart Weitzman’s are fierce by the way. I might have to get those!
Lastly, Cass says, “I need help! I’m going to an amusement park with my boyfriend and his teenage girls.”
I dont know what to wear! How can I keep cool yet avoid looking like a teeny-bopper?“
When dressing for an amusement park, it’s better to focus on what not to wear. Don’t rock a skirt unless you want to flash the crowds below on the roller coaster. Don’t wear heels or uncomfortable shoes–those lines are brutal!! Lastly, don’t wear jeans or anything too hot. Comfort is key, so do wear a t-shirt, tank, or polo with capris or shorts. If you’re not a sneaker girl, go for stylish options. And try to wear something bright and photogenic for those cute pictures! A few suggestions:
1. Ultimate Tank in Stretch Solids, $12. 2. Ralph Lauren Country Club Polo, $80. 3. Fashion Bomb T-Shirt, $21. 4. Forever 21 Three Button Denim Short, $20. 5. Morgan Low Rise Skinny Short White, $29.50. 6. Charmer Knee Short in Denim, $111. 7. Puma Sabadella Sneaker, $65. 8. Adidas Gold Sneakers, $98.
Have fun!
I’m going to NJ for the wknd…maybe I can convince my cousins to hit up Six Flags as well!
Have great weekends!
Smootches!

For this week’s Style File, I decided to do a bit of a throwback on one of the decade’s most beautiful women…

…Lauryn Hill.
She might be a little sad today…
…but don’t front, in 1998, she was the hottest for her talent, beauty, and cool neo soul style that’s still relevant today.
For red carpets she wore signature jackets in bold colors and prints:
…balanced out by tops and bottoms in solid standard colors.
She kept it casual in very subtle long dresses in neutral colors:
…worn with or without glasses.
For photo shoots, she stayed polished in one shoulder tops or halters worn with bold jewelry:
See, one shoulder tops are timeless!
Want to replicate her throwback look?
Start with some cool jackets:
1.Fashionista Brown Cropped Jacket, $180. 2. Soia & Kyo Cotton Belle Empire Jacket, $235.
Throw in a few maxi dresses:
1. Day Birger et Mikkelsen Maxi Dress, $240. 2. Alice + Olivia Double Strap Maxi Dress, $276.50. 3. Armani Exchange Dip Dyed Max Dress, $98.
And don’t forget accessories:
1. Les Prairies de Paris L’impromptu Choker, $210. 2. Argento Vivo 6 Hammered Sterling Bangles, $72. 3. ASOS Sterling Silver Diamond Cut Hoops, $25.
Smootches!

*Ever wonder what happened to her? This article seems to have all the details. [Let’s Talk]
Just for fun, some throw back viddys:
Ready or Not:

Doo Wop:

Everything is Everything:

And for my old heads, the beginning of it all:

*In this week’s Thursday Styles, Cathy Horyn talks about the all black issue of Italian Vogue, photographed by Steven Meisel…
She says, “In a reverse of the general pattern of fashion magazines, all the faces are black, and all the feature topics are related to black women in the arts and entertainment. Mr. Meisel was given roughly 100 pages for his pictures. The issue will be on European newsstands next Thursday and in the United States soon after.” And it will be in the Fashion Bomb Shop soon after ($20 + s&h Paypal Only). Get ready!
Oh and a few scoops: Toccara (from ANTM) will grace a few pages. And Liya Kebede, Naomi Campbell, Sessilee Lopez, and Jourdan Dunn have been pegged for the cover.
Mr. Meisel is quoted in the conclusion of the piece saying, “Here’s this exquisite girl…What don’t you get? She’s a beautiful woman. There was no trick to it.” EXACTLY! We get it, don’t we??
Read the rest of the article here. [NYTimes]
*Fashion Week Daily says that Michelle Obama is now in fashion.
She’s been in fashion at the Fashion Bomb for quite some time! Check her Style File from January ’08. Yes we can!!!

Hey!
So I was chillin in Harlem this weekend…being a Brooklynite, I honestly never make the trek, so while up there I couldn’t help but scout for fashionable people. I snapped these two young men:

…from their graphic t-shirts to saggy jeans, Jordans, medallions, and hats, they epitomized real street style. I asked a few questions, and turns out they’re actually part of Jim Jones’ Diplomats Skate Team (called Dipskate). I wasn’t too familiar, but sounds cool!
So what do you think of this representation of Harlem’s style?
Smootches!

*I did a bit of research on Dipskate. “In early 2006, Diplomat Records co-CEO Jim Jones announced his sponsorship venture with DipSkate, a Freestyle Rolling team headed by Calvin Sayles and Ramelle Knight…. ” Source.
Watch ’em in action:

*Uh-oh! The Barney’s Sale is on!
Everyone asks me where I shop, and honestly I either dip into J.Crew or hit up bi-annual sales like Barneys. Last year, I left with my first pair of Manolo Sandals! Wait until the very end for the deepest discounts…
*Fashion Bomb sponsor Lulus.com is carrying some very Carrie Sex and the City Gladiator Sandals (I mentioned them in this post)…
…these by Steve Madden are $98. Get 15% off by entering ‘thefashionbomb.’ I might have to indulge…
*I’ve been asking about this new ‘Arlenis’ model…wondering if she’s the next Jourdan Dunn. Well, Fashionista.com found her face gracing the homepage of WWD the other day…
…alright, Alenis, we see you!!

Hey!
This has been a very full week, but the show must go on…

…let’s get started.
First up, Crystal fell in love with the dress Keyshia Cole wore to the ‘If Looks Could Kill” event…
…she says, “It’s so cute! I must have it!!!“
Keyshia is wearing this Tuvallu Dress by Diane von Furstenberg…
…get it for $325 at shopbop.com
Next, Alexis says, “I was reading Essence mag a few days ago and came across this super cute dress Jordin Sparks was wearing…“
“…any way you’d be able to help me locate something similar?“
Couldn’t find a dress just like Jordin’s, but felt these high and low priced options came close:
1. Versace Round Neck Mini Dress, $930. 2. American Apparel Cross Front Poplin Dress, $36.
Next Mandy says, “I’m trying to find the outfit that Rihanna is wearing in this recent picture:“
“I Love It!!!! Can you help me get the look?“
Get her skater chic look with the following:
1. Scee Women’s Tank, $62. 2. Calypso Sandie Tank, $55. 3. Forever 21 Iridescent Scarf, $7.80. 4. Armani Exchange White Lurex Jeans, $115. 5. Gotta Flurt No Lace Sneakers, $26.
Natalie from London says, “I’m wondering if you could help me find a dress similar to this...”
“In cream or gold for my prom in less than three weeks. Also, any suggestions on dresses that would look cute on a petite person (5ft)?”
Adriana says, “For your height, you’re right: strapless and mini are the way to go. But you also might be able to pull off form-fitting and long, especially if you have an hour-glass shape…” She suggested the following:
1. Edressme Strapless Bubble Dress, $94. 2. ABS Ivory Satin Pleated Bubble Dress, $140.
Yetunde comes with a Facebook query, saying, “I was wondering where I could find these pants...”
“… I’ve searched everywhere and I still cant find it….maybe you can help!“
We found these options:
1. LIPS Colette Trouser Jean, $45. 2. 18th Amendment Crawford High Waist Pant, $275. 3. Joe’s Jean High Waist Seam Pant in Lola, $178.
Lastly, a contest! I received so many requests for this look….
…that I decided to make a game of it! Anyone who can tell me the designers of the dress and shoes Solange wore to TRL will win a bottle of Kimora’s New Fragrance, Fabulosity…
…because you’re fab! Get to work and e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com. I’ll reveal the winner as soon as I have an answer!
And we have one! Reader Sheraime from Florida successfully found that Solange is wearing a tailored version of this Spring 2008 Miu Miu dress…
…topped off with these Pierre Hardy heels…
Congrats Sheraime! I’ll be sending you a dose of Fabulosity very soon!
Smootches!

*Congrats are in order for uber designer Rachel Roy!
In addition to giving birth to a daughter a month ago, Jones Apparel Group just bought a stake in her clothing brand! What does this mean? More options (footwear, fragrance, accessories) and more affordable clothes! In WWD she says, “There’s a whole world of women who love fashion and it should not be exclusive to women who can afford a $1,500 dress…it’s really important to me to make a line more women can afford.” Yippee! [WWD]
*Tanqueray has a clothing line? Check it out:
If you like the looks, they’re being auctioned off as we speak on ebay!

Hey!
So for this week’s Style File, I decided highlight celebrity offspring and girl around town…

…Zoe Kravitz.
Say what you will, but fortuitous genetics have produced a chic and sultry siren who has definitely found her own style even with the influences of Hollywood.
For red carpet events, young Zoe opts for anything from casual girly frocks…
…to more grown up fare of Chanel ensembles in black or white…
…or floor or knee length frocks in her signature green…
Ever the individualist, sometimes Ms. Kravitz leaves us scratching our heads in threadbare stockings and dusty boots…
…or by throwing on a racy sheer or bra top (that would get me slapped)!
But all in all, she’s growing up into an elegantly graceful lady, with her own take on trends for the tween set.
Want her low key carpet look? Go with these:
1. Jay Godfrey Sequined Chiffon Dress, $261. 2. ABS Yellow Pleated Floral Cotton Dress, $162. 3. Kay Unger New York Satin Shift Dress, $158.
Step it up in these:
1. BCBG Max Azria Satin Strapless Dress, $240. 2. Silk Jersey Dress in Forest Green, $268. 3. Autumn Cashmere Sequin Halter Dress, $260.
Keep it casual rocker babe style in these:
1. Braided Straw Fedora, $28. 2. Orthodox Orly Tunic in Slate, $184. 3. Buffalo Wedge, $10. 4. Siwy Medium Wash Billy Cut off Shorts, $55.
Smootches!

Hey!
So last night I was delighted to attend an event sponsored by Essence and Toyota for a new online series called “If Looks Could Kill.” The night promised a fashion show by Ghita (Alexis Phifer’s line) plus a performance by Keyshia Cole, so you know I was there!

While waiting for everything to get started, I of course had to take pictures of a few fashionable people in the crowd (there were so many!)
Kerry from the clothing line Save Your Vanity (www.saveyourvanity.com) was in the house with a cute YSL belt and vintage Fendi clutch. Sometimes accessories can make your outfit!
Ayoka, who was blogging for Essence that night, looked stunning in a vintage off the shoulder batwing teal dress.
Alanzo of the blog Minority Report (www.theminorityreportnyc.blogspot.com) literally stole my preppy heart in a kelly green big pony polo with madras pants. Love it! His friend worked bold accessories in a fedora, clutch, and wide red belt.
And lastly, this self professed Fashion Bomb Fan worked a very saucy strapless orange dress with mustard shoes and a Louis Vuitton bag.
Y’all are so cute!
Eventually I had to settle in for the show. A few Ghita looks:
Consisting of jersey cocktail length dresses with grecian draping on the shoulders and bodice, the collection was characterized by a muted color palette of white, blue, and beige, with pops of neon color in belts and straps. The final walk:

Ghita’s collection was simple and understated, yet the ruching and draping of fabric was alluring and sexy. I’d wear an off the shoulder Ghita frock for a night out on the town with sky high stilettos (when I can).
So all in all the event was fun! I had the pleasure of sitting with and chatting up Rocsi from 106 & Park..
I literally ate all the food at her table and she was a great sport.
I also had the chance to meet Alexis backstage….

She was absolutely gorgeous and gracious. I had to ask her what some of her favorite summer things were, and she said she loves Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy’s designs for a night on the town. When kicking it, she rocks denim shorts with gladiator sandals (holla!), and pops on Nars Lipgloss in Babe to finish the look.
To view more of Ghita’s fashions, visit www.ghitafashion.com. For pictures from the event and to learn more about the campaign, visit www.iflookscouldkill.com.
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*I caught a snippet of Keyshia Cole’s performance! See it plus more pictures and commentary from the event at The Fashion Bomb on Facebook. Join the group!

*Not familiar with Ms. Phifer? Check out my Alexis centered Style File from April ’08.