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!
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. Â 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. Â 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!
*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!!!
For a woman, le smoking is an indispensable garment with which she finds herself continually in fashion, because it is about style, not fashion. Fashion’s come and go, but style is forever.“–Yves Saint Laurent
After hearing the news of Yves Saint Laurent’s passing, I decided to pay homage to his memory by writing about one of his major contributions to fashion:
Le Smoking.
A feminized version of the male tuxedo, le smoking debuted in 1966 and was reinvented and redone every season as Yves’s signature silhouette. He revolutionized the industry by being the first to put women in masculine tailoring… And contemporary women continue to pay honor to his legacy in sleek, form fitting pantsuits: Iman where’s a black sequined version with ribbon tie belt… Amerie modernizes the look with a decolette vest, sans shirt… And J.Lo and Mary J Blige wear all white pantsuits on the most formal of red carpets in both double breasted and single breasted jackets.
Chic!
If you want the look, splurge with the following options: 1. Just Cavalli Suit, $944. 2. Gucci Women’s Suit, $2,650. 3. Fabrizio Lenzi Suit, $720.
Save with these: 1. Nanette Lepore Beloved Suit Jacket and Pants, $196. 2. Pique Pant Suit, $60. 3. Neiman Marcus Two-Piece Pantsuit, $295.
Smootches!
Hey Guys!
So, you went, you saw…did you love???
Apparently a lot of you were super juiced about the flick. Tanasia writes, “I thought it would be cool to show you how “Carried Away” fans got for Sex and the City….”
“…Attached is a flick of me on opening night of the movie. Â Xoxo.“
You look amazing! Lovin the white vest pantsuit, heels, and sequined bag!
So what do you think: Did Tanasia get carried away?
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*New York Magazine’s David Edelstein had a good review of the movie, but brought up an interesting point (that I didn’t quite realize while watching).  He says, “Sex and the City’s nod to the nonwhite is scary. Jennifer Hudson plays Carrie’s personal assistant, and Oh my God, it’s Hattie McDaniel for the new millennium…“ “… Instead of cleaning Carrie’s house, she cleans up her computer files (although she does help declutter the apartment, too). She admires her mistress in those beautiful outfits. And check out that smile when you give her a Louis Vuitton handbag! Please, Sex and the City, do not pretend you exist in the real multiracial world. White will always be your new black.” Meow!!! While I was watching, I didn’t really have a problem with JHud’s character (save the marbles in her mouth accent). But what did y’all think? Were you happy with the ‘sister’ representation???
*In other sad fashion news, legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent passed away this Sunday… “From the first YSL tuxedo and his trim pantsuits to see-through blouses, safari jackets and glamorous gowns, Saint Laurent created instant classics that remain stylish decades later.” [AP]
Hey! Sex and the City is in theaters today…do you have your ticket?? Even though I saw it last night, I think I might go again with my girlfriends! In celebration, I’m going to answer a few Sex and the City queries. Let’s get started! Tawanda from Greenville, North Carolina writes, “Carrie Bradshaw wears these Christian Dior sandals in the Sex & the City Movie.” “Where can I find a similar pair for less?“ Girl, I loved those shoes!! Thankfully intern Aramide stepped in and found the following lower priced options: 1. Bakers Shoes Gladys WP Sandals, $74. 2. Bakers Shoes Candice Sandal, $65. 3. ASOS Heavy Gladiator Sandals, $120. 4. Steve Madden Madalynn Black Multi Sandal, $110. Note: Of course the Steve Madden ones are already backordered till June 24th…! Next Bambi wanted to recreate this lovely look… She says, “When I saw this picture, I knew I had to have it. Please please please tell me how I can get it!“ It is super cute (and great for the office!). Get her look for less with these: 1. Asos Safari Waistcoat, $61. 2. Asos Chambray Bow Mini Skirt, $51. 3.  Spiegel Criss Cross Strap Sandal, $15.  4. L.A.M.B.  Dominic Striped Sandal, $320.  5. Kenneth Cole New York Keyhole Tote, $239. A few readers got in touch with requests from the actual series.  RC says, “I’ve been looking for a skirt similar to this can you help me at all please.“ “I absolutely love how it fits and it is a necessity and I must have it.” It’s been a while since Carrie wore this on the show, so the exact silhouettes are hard to find. You can get a similar look, however, with these: 1. J.Crew Stripe Twisted Placket Shirt, $60. 2. Max Mara Skirt, $209. 3. Urban Outfitters Straw Clutch, $28. In another throwback question, Anisha says, “I loved her accessories in this picture!“ “Can you help me get her look?“ Channel a city cute Carrie with these: 1. Disney Couture Bambi Hoops, $40. 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Blue Floral Dress, $178. 3. Enamel Heart Necklace with Crystals, $75.4. Banana Republic Flat Iron Embossed Shoulder Bag, $125. That does it for SATC Mail Bombs! We had just a couple non Sex and the City related questions. Edrei says, “I MUST have this jumper.“ “...Any idea where I can find something similar?“ Adriana searched and found these: 1. Sea Pleated Front Strapless Jumper, $393. 2. Asos Shirred Cotton Jumpsuit, $48. 3. Asos Lurex All in One Harem Jumper, $61. Lastly, Sally says, “So I was doing my usual blog browsing last night and I saw this bag Beyonce was rocking. VERY HOT!“ “If you know me then you would know that I adore handbags. If you can find something similar, you’ll put a smile on my face.“ I felt this $55 Kathy Van Zeeland Satchel came close… …get it from www.macys.com. That does it for today! Have great fun. And tell me what you thought of the movie! Smootches!
Me!
Log onto www.ushernow.com for the best in male fashion and Usher looks for less. And check out his album… …I just heard it, and it’s fire! Click here to buy.
Hey!
So…Sex and the City last night was *amazing*! I won’t give anything at all away, but trust me, even if the plot leaves you scratching your head, the fashion makes up for it!!! It was so deep, even I have some “Mail Bombs” for that movie!
Anyway, I hope you all sip some cosmos and enjoy the show with your girlfriends this Friday. It’s a fashion lover’s must see!
So last week intern Adriana tackled Part 1 of the Guide to your Summer Work Wardrobe. She was fab enough to tackle Part 2 today! Enjoy!
****************************************************************** Hey FB’ers!
So last week we nailed down dresses, jackets, shoes, and accessory essentials for your summer work wardrobe.
*If you missed Part 1 of the Summer Work Wardrobe Guide, click here.
*Did y’all hear about Jill Scott’s new bra line? According to the blog Stereohyped, Jill Scott caused chaos in Harlem when she showed off her breasts at her Butterfly Bra launch in the flagship Ashley Stewart store! Good lord! Read the rest here. [Stereohyped].
*Eric Wilson of the New York Times says that while gas and food prices are soarcing, the prices of well plucked classics… …have actually declined. [NYTimes]
Hey!
So as promised, I wanted to give you guys the scoop on the hottest boutique to hit East Hampton….
…Bellhaus.
Owned by Shawn Bell, the boutique is the first high end fashion boutique of its kind in the area, carrying extremely exclusive brands like Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, and Sonia Rykiel… …along with shoes by Manolo Blahnik, Sergio Rossi, Christian Lacroix, Bruno Frissoni, and Courtney Crawford… Fun fact: Bellhaus is the only store in the US offering the red patent leather Walter Steiger shoes Sarah Jessica Parker wears in Sex and the City. Chic!
I took a quick look around a found tons of drool worthy gems, like this deep purple Allesandro Dell’Acqua show shopper… This lovely bright yellow halter maxi dress by Kaufman Franco… A feathered evening cocktail by Carolina Herrera…. And this simple cream and blue Jason Wu top…. The store also had men’s clothes… …sunglasses by Dita… And hot accessories… …I so wanted that Fendi bag, but at $2,200, it was a bit out of reach.
As you can imagine, with all those hot off the runway brands, the prices are in the stratosphere. But, it’s a great place to go experience a bit of couture. And the shoes??? Splurge worthy!
If you’re ever in the Hamtpons, find Bellhaus at 328 Montauk Highway. Visit their site, www.bellhaus.net, for more information.
Smootches!
Thankfully the interns were helpful, so it’ll go quickly!
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. 
“... I was wondering if you could find this for me or something similar??”
1. Kenneth Jay Lane 16 Gold Twist Tube, $102. 2. Dookie Monster Triple Link Chain, $48.  3. Curb Chain Choker, $450. 
“…where could one find this? Thanks!“
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. 
…get it for $264 at www.revolveclothing.com. 
“ I’ve attached the photo to see if you can lock it down or something similar.“
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. 
“…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. 
