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]

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….

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!

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

Hey!
So today, we’re going to divert a bit from our usual fare with something for the fellas!!!
Believe it or not, the Fashion Bomb has its fair share of male readers…

And if you look at the typical offerings, we’ve been very unfair to our men!
Jordan, an aspiring fashion buyer wrote in recently, saying, “I have seen your pieces on summer wardrobe for the ladies who are working and interning, and they are lovely. However, as a Big-and-Tall male on a budget, I am kind of pressed for options. So I, as a Fashion Bomber, am begging for some advice. What types of outfits should I wear? Where can I get clothes that are fashion-forward yet timeless, urban-sophisticated-chic yet inexpensive, youthful yet professional???“
The interns and I collaborated to you give you men your summer work wardrobe guide.
Enjoy!
The first wardrobe must:
1. A Hot Suit
Adriana says, “The dress code for buyers can vary. A big part of the job is frequently meeting with either vendors, executives, or the corporate division of your company, so you want to err on the “business” side of the business casual dress code that’s the standard in most places. When looking for a suit, Barneys, for instance, is a very fashion forward retailer and you can probably find more of a Paul Smith or Prada aesthetic there (skinnier pants, more form-fitting shirts, funky turtlenecks). A middle-market company like Macy’s is likely to be more conservative and corporate, so you can find straight-legged (as opposed to skinny) slacks. Hugo Boss suits fit wonderfully on most big and tall men (the drop of the suit is American as opposed to European, which means it’s roomier but Hugo Boss cuts it so that it doesn’t appear boxy). Also, invest in at least one good one.”
Got that? Try these:
1. Hugo Awe/Holl Two Button Suit, $795. 2. Prada Men’s Suit, $808. 3. Baird McNutt Linen Suit, $250. 4. Emporio Armani Two Button Peak Lapel Suit, $555. 5. David Mayer Suit, $268.
If a full on suit blazer is too much, you can always opt for a…
2. Suit Vest:
Suit vests still tread the line of conservative chic and are a lot cooler (temperature wise) than full on blazers. Try these options:
1. Mason Plaid Vest, $44.50. 2.  Year Solid Suiting Vest, $98. 3. Heritage Herringbone Suit Vest, $129.
Another way to punch it up:
3. Bright Colored Shirt
Adriana says, “I have a colleague who dresses mostly very conservatively except that he chooses the most lively dress shirt colors to punch up his outfits. Tangerine, plum, and kelly green are just some of the ones I’ve seen on him. He tends to choose grey or tan trousers and very good quality, simple ties to anchor the outfit so it doesn’t become too garish looking.“
Aramide found these options:
1. Banana Republic Solid Texture Stripe Dress Shirt, $49. 2. Ted Baker MultiStripe Shirt, $75. 3. Hickey Freeman, $96. 4. Gucci Red Striped Point Collar Dress Shirt, $264.
3. Scarves:
As Kanye shows, scarves are simple ways to add a personal touch to an otherwise subdued suit or shirt and tie combo. Tie on an expensive Gucci or play it cool with an eye-catching red stole:
1. Gucci Grey Wool Stripe Scarf, $180. 2. Forzieri Solid Silk Scarf, $64. 9.  3. Emporio Armani Bias Cut Plisse Scarf, $88. 4. Louis Vuitton Celeste Scarf, $160.
4. Zip Front Jacket or Anorak:
You’ll need a cute, easy jacket for more casual office days (or to keep the chill away late at night):
1. Scotch and Soda Nylon Jacket, $132. 2. Shades of Greige Denim Jacket, $143. 3. Gap Military Jacket, $68.
5. Shoes
Adriana says, “You should never skimp on a pair of shoes. With men’s shoes, good ones will last you ages. The best crafters are usually British or Italian. John Lobb (the gold standard of good British men’s shoes), Jeffery-West (a funkier take on the classic British shoe), Bruno Magli, and Bally are all good bets. For affordable, good quality alternatives, try Cole-Haan and Kenneth Cole“:
1. Gucci Lace Up, $595. 2. Kenneth Cole Leather Loafer, $131. 3. Ferragamo Patent Boot, $650. 4. John Lobb Lace Up Oxford, $1,500. 5. Gucci Bamboo Horsebit Mocassins, $316.  6. Cole Haan Air Geoffrey Lace Up, $245.
For the final touch, don’t forget…
6. Sunglasses
Instantly up the style ante for your outfit outdoors with a pair of dark, sexy frames:
1. Tom Ford Black Andre Sunglasses, $398. 2. Boss Hugo Boss Men’s Metal Top Bar Aviators, $145. 3. D&G Large Uni Lens Sunglasses, $266. 4. Triple Bar Fashion Aviator, $70.
Men, take note! And ladies, kindly show this to the men in your lives:)
Smootches!

Hey!
So for yet another Breaking into Fashion post, I decided to chit chat with Wouri Vice…

…stylist to chanteuse Alicia Keys.
A friend of Ms. Keys since high school, Vice used his spectacular and undeniable flair for fashion to take Alicia from her days of braids and fedoras to the sleek sophistication we see today:
Even as he was preparing outfits for Alicia Keys’ next video, he took a moment to talk to The Fashion Bomb on how he got his start.
Wouri always had a fashionable eye. “In high school I was the kid with one green sock and one blue sock because I was wearing blue and green.” He went to college for fashion journalism, but after too many boring lectures on Plato and the philosophy of style, he decided to follow his true passion. “I started making clothes for student groups. When I came home during the summer, I worked as an intern at Giorgio Armani.” He followed his Armani internship with several more with prominent stylists. He came to style for Alicia after reconnecting post high school. He says, “I used to tell Alicia that I would be a huge stylist and she would be a big singer. I told her I would be her stylist, and we laughed. But now you see how things came around…“
A typical week for Wouri involves everything from thinking up concepts to going on market appointments. For a video, he says, “I’m given a treatment and a concept, then call Alicia to see what she wants.” After figuring out the colors, fabrics, and silhouettes Ms. Keys favors, Wouri gets to work. He says, “I do research. I see what’s out there in fashion land that suits what is being requested. I set up market appointments, see what’s available, send out requests, then conclude it all with fittings for her.“
If you haven’t noticed, Alicia’s style has done almost a 180 in recent years. What’s changed? “The evolution you see is my growth a stylist, pushing envelopes and being able to do new things. You’re also seeing her evolution as an artist, someone who is willing to let her hair down. She says, ‘Maybe I’ll wear a mini dress or tight jeans today.” It’s gotten down to her saying, ‘If I like it, I like it, I don’t care what critics have to say.’ As time went on, she became more simplistic. Took off the hat and the beads, and the gloves, and just stayed simple, beautiful Alicia.“
For those aspiring for a similar position, Wouri says, “Don’t give up on yourself. Stay in prayer. Follow your dreams. People are gonna try to knock you down. There’s always someone in the background, so be confident in what you can do.” Apt words.
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Yes We Can!!!

Barack Obama is the first African-American to claim a major party ticket. As I said…Yes we Can!!!! And pssst…Michelle: I love your dress. [NYTimes]

*Don’t have time to read your monthly mags? The website Frisky cuts through all the clutter to tell you the most interesting items. [Frisky]
*It’s that time of year again…
…that’s right, the Diane Von Furstenberg sample sale!!! It’s *mayjah*. I dipped in yesterday and cleaned up. You can too! The sale is on until Saturday. Click the flyer for hours and location info.
*Thanks Bonnita!!!