Trend: One Shoulder Styles

Hey!
So one shoulder items have been popping up on many the red carpet lately, whether in casual or formal styles. Infinitely alluring, this eye catching cut allows women to emphasize an oft overlooked yet sexy feature.
Celebrites show us how to do it well:
Jada Pinkett Smith flaunts her muscle in a black ruffle top with jeans…

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Keyshia Cole takes the look up in a notch in a short black cocktail dress and Alexis Phifer does it well in navy sequins…
… Christina Milian and Amerie go for bright popsicle options in form fitting fabrics…
…and MJB showcases her delts in a sequined Emmauel Ungaro number…
…non plused, J.Lo, Michelle Williams, and Nicole Richie go floor length in evening gowns…
…in anything from pastel pink to metallic sheens.
Go for a casual one shoulder look with these tops:
1. Norma Kamali Lemon Jersey Ruched Top, $114. 2. Rachel Pally Twist Strap Top, $119. 3. Armani Exhange Twisted One Shoulder Tank, $58. 4. Bebe Paisley Ruffle One Shoulder Top, $69.
Step it up in these sophisticated cocktails:

1. Akiko One Shoulder Draped Dress, $198. 2. Mason One Shoulder Dress, $217. 3. Bianca Nero Silk Jersey Dress, $270. 4. ASOS Ruffle One Shoulder Dress, $83. 5. Plenty By Tracy Reese Valerie Diamond Broacde Dress, $200.
Or go formal in these gowns:
1. JS Boutique One Shoulder Matte Jersey Dress, $138. 2. A.B.S Black Jersey Braided One Shoulder Dress, $225. 3. Mary L Couture One Shoulder Jersey Gown, $248.
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*See that guy in the baseball cap?
Unassuming, huh? Well he’s a model scout! Read here on how he chooses the girl with the ‘look’. [NYTimes]
*Men, missing your fashion fix? You can always check out Usher’s blog
Psssst, someone I know helps a bit. Visit and leave comments! [Usher Now]
*Ever wanted to change your look for the day? Surprise people with colored contacts. The website LensShopper (www.lensshopper.com) has introduced a Virtual Color Studio, a function designed to help find the right color contacts for you:
Have questions about lenses? Click here.
*Deal of the Day:
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Wendy Woven Platform Sandals, $167 from $337, shopbop.com

Real Style: Harlem

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:

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…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!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*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!!

Mail Bombs!!!

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

the-fashion-bomb-mail-bombs4

…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!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*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!

Style File: Zoe Kravitz

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

Zoe Kravitz

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!

Morning Quickie: Essence & Toyota If Looks Could Kill Event

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!

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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.

New Feature: My Favorite Things

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 obsessionsCole Haan Nike Air shoes, Oh Deer shoes, and Fantasie’s Smoothing Strapless–but my summer wardrobe invites a whole new slew of items:

clairesfavoritethings

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!

Week in Chic


*Oo la la! A Few Goody Gumdrops is happily giving away a Marilyn Monroe Bracelet!
*Coquette spots the convertible and stylish Cynthia Rowley oversized patent clutch.
*Affordable fashion alert from Fashiontribes: Anya Hindmarch & Sigerson Morrison at Target!
*KRiSTOPHER gets instacheekbones with NARS blush/bronzer duo.
*Second City Style has found 12 pairs of covetable gladiator sandals for under $130!
*The Fashionable Housewife is excited about Long Dresses. They are slimming, comfortable and really sexy!
*The Shoe Goddess is giving away three pair of fabulous Joie sandals, just in time for a beach trip!

Get her Look: Amerie’s Chloe Strappy Boots and Ksubi Sunglasses

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

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…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!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*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]

Real Style: Reader Submission

Happy Monday!
Talk about a heat wave!
I was out of town this past weekend, but as always, you readers come through like champs to showcase your Real Style.
This week we have Jemise….

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She says, “I’ve taken so many of your fashion tips this past season so I just wanted to show you some results!
I absolutely *love* your shoes and matching clutch. And navy is the new black.
What do you guys think, though?
Does Jemise have Real Style?
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Guy Trebay on Michelle Obama
and her power dressing. [NYTimes]
*Like Michelle’s style? Check out my Obama focused January ’08 Style File.

Mail Bombs

Hey!
I’m actually out of town, so I’m going to keep this post super short!!!
Thankfully the interns were helpful, so it’ll go quickly!
First, King says, “Where can I get this dress?
According to the hot site Black Style Central, Tracee is wearing this Prada 2008 Spring Collection Dress:
Go to www.prada.com for store locations. 
Next, Shana says, “I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY love this gold linked choker Rihanna is wearing and I have been looking for the same one for quite sometime.
“... I was wondering if you could find this for me or something similar??”
This one was hard to find, though I think I found a few that came close:
1. Kenneth Jay Lane 16 Gold Twist Tube, $102. 2. Dookie Monster Triple Link Chain, $48.  3. Curb Chain Choker, $450. 
Melody says, “Hey this is a hot outfit Ashanti’s wearing...”
…where could one find this? Thanks!
Get her cute look by combining the following:
1.  Leo & Sage White Pima Cross Banded Tank, $38. 2. Cotton Gauze Tunic, $24. 3. Sailor Shorts, $135. 4. Adam White Stretch Twill Shorts,$111. 
If you don’t want to coordinate two pieces, you can go with this Fremont Romper:
…get it for $264 at www.revolveclothing.com. 
In another Ashanti Mail Bomb, Najah says, “I was on cruising the web and saw this amazing dress Ashanti was wearing when she rang the NYSE Opening Bell...”
I’ve attached the photo to see if you can lock it down or something similar.
These dresses come close:
1. Juicy Couture Trim Smocked One Shoulder Dress, $228. 2. Tracy Reese One Shoulder Frock, $265.  3. Little Joe by Gail Elliott Schiffer One Shoulder Dress, $315. 
Lastly Mataya says, “I ADORE Leighton Meester’s wardrobe for Gossip Girl, particularly this AMAZING blue dress...”
…If you could find these dresses or cheaper similarities that would be great! Thanks!” Adriana searched and found that Leighton is wearing this $150 Bettie Page Dress….
Get a similar look with these:
1. China Towner Vintage Sailor Mini Dress, $40. 2. Navy Blue Sailor Betty Dress, $60. 
I’m off to enjoy my vacay!
Have great weekends!
Smootches!