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.

Hey!
So starting today, The Fashion Bomb will debut a new feature called: My Favorite Things. Ever wonder what a stylist demands in their closet? Or even what your fellow readers can’t live without? This feature will tell you just that.
To bless the first installment, I decided: Why not start with me?
I’ve already revealed a few of my obsessions—Cole Haan Nike Air shoes, Oh Deer shoes, and Fantasie’s Smoothing Strapless–but my summer wardrobe invites a whole new slew of items:

Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses are a must for a day at work or a night on the town, accessorized with colorful bangles, cascading necklaces, and hoop earrings. For the weekend, j’adore my James Perse Tees for their amazing fit (nevermind the pricetag) or throwing on a breezy American Apparel Jersey dress for a day in the park. With my recent foot surgery, flats are still necessary, so I stick to saucy gladiator styles. With bags, I go with neutrals, but spice it up with metallics or a pop of yellow. And can’t forget my Gucci shades!!
My picks: Gucci Oversize Square Sunglasses, $270; Enamel Bamboo Hoop Earrings, $18; J.Crew Cashmere Shrunken Shawl Cardigan, $120; Diane Von Furstenberg Justin Wrap Dress, $243; Exotic Bangles, $12; Elliott Lucca Carvela Shopper, $328; James Perse Vintage V-Neck Tee, $55; Tory Burch Suzi Straw Croco Clutch, $300; American Apparel Fine Jersey T Dress, $26; Katie Costello “Lauren” Necklace, $270; Jeffrey Campbell Jaya Sandal, $98.

This isn’t a beauty blog, but I still have my summer makeup picks! A short list:
I’m a Caribbean Girl so I like to keep it colorful with pops of unexpected shades like Maybelline’s Blue Royal Great Lash mascara, a neutral eye with a hint of Nars Colored Eyeliner on the lower lid, or even a fun MAC eyeshadow. I favor a neutral lip with lipglass like MAC’s Nymphette, and also keep the sweat and shine at bay with Shue Uemera blotting papers. Gucci Rush’s top notes of Gardenia, Fressia, and Patchouli provide a sensual burst of fragrance.
My picks: Gucci Rush Eau de Toilette Spray, $60; Nars Colored Eyeliner in Turquoise Blue, $20; Maybelline Royal Blue Great Lash Mascara, $5; MAC Eyeshadow, $14 each; Shu Uemura Blotting Papers, $12; MAC Lipglass in Nymphette, $14.
What are some of your favorite things?
Smootches!

Amerie stepped out last week for a Converse/Target event in West Hollywood…

…looking super chic!
A lot of you ask me in Mail Bombs what to wear to a concert or to a slightly casual fashion event. Amerie’s look would work because it’s simple–everything from her cool light blue blazer to gray skinny jeans and white top are somewhat classic. She steps it up, however, with *hot* accessories–retro sunglasses, python clutch, and those shoes? Killer.
Get an Amerie look the next time you hit the town with the following high and low priced items:
1. Sterling Silver Agate Pendant Necklace, $28. 2. Da-Nang Light Blue Pinstripe Blazer, $135. 3. Lilla Pima Ruched Long Tank, $31. 4. Calvin Klein Gathered Clutch, $148. 5. Ksubi Old Sunglasses in Purple, $225. 6. Paige Denim Pico Skinny Jeans in Birch, $198 7. Chloe Strappy Shoe Boots, $558. 8. Wooden Bangle, $5. 9. Dimpled Hoop Earrings, $5.
Smootches!

*Yes We Can!!!
If you want to show your support for your favorite presidential candidate, Cafe Press has tons of options for the political gal or guy with style:
1. Vintage Women’s Shirt, $27. 2. I love Barack Obama Shirt, $27. 3. Team Obama Ringer Tee, $21. 4. BarackStar T, $23. 5. Barack Obama Women’s Light T, $19. 6. Obama Shops Women’s V-Neck T, $19.

For more options (there are plenty), click here.
*Deal of the Day:
Yves Saint Laurent Stella Star Sandal, $446 from $595, www.neimanmarcus.com.

*For all you handbag lovers of the world, Botkier is coming to Target July 20th!
…The bags look cute and saucy, and I’m sure the prices are right! Mark your calendars…
*Nitrolicious gives you NYC girls the scoop on sample sales next week. I must drop into Mara Hoffman (June 12-15th) and Tibi (June 11th-13th)! Click here for the rest. [Nitrolicious]