So reader Marci from Edinburgh, Scotland UK wrote in with the following:

“My work place has a casual smart dress code. I am not keen to wear jeans (except on the odd Friday when I know I’ll be meeting my mates for a drink after work). I prefer to wear pretty shirts with formal, tailored trousers. I’ve probably worn a skirt twice since December. Shorts are a personal no no. Please do a feature on casual-smart work wear for the summer?“

Sure!
Intern Adriana stepped in to spearhead Part 1 of The Fashion Bomb’s Guide to a Stylish Summer Work Wardrobe. Read on for suggestions for cool, breezy dresses, sophisticated jackets, and even office ready accessories! Stay tuned next week for tips on coordinating separates, bag options, and skirts!
********************************************************************
Hey Fashion Bombers!!
It’s finally warm, so you want to throw off those layers you’ve been wrapping yourself in and after surviving winter. Here, a few suggestions for how to dress fabulously for work while maintaining comfort, sophistication, and style:
1. Dresses (sorry, Guy Trebay):

There’s not an article of clothing that is equal parts comfortable for summer, flattering to so many shapes and sizes, and comes in such diverse fabrics! Knee-length dresses with capped sleeves work very well—they’re comfortable and sexy, yet cover enough to still be appropriate for work. Wrap dresses are always a great choice, and shirtwaist styles are also a cool way to maintain a preppy chic look:
1. Maggy London Cap Sleeve Chiffon Dress, $138, www.nordstrom.com. 2. Bebe Silk Sash Waist Dress, $129, www.bebe.com. 3. Diane von Furstnberg Tie-Dye Wrap Dress, $398, shopbop.com 4. Phoebe Couture Ruffled Shirtdress, $260, www.bloomingdales.com. 5. Tadashi Silk Dance Dress, $330, www.bloomingdales.com.
2. Light Jackets:
A blazer can work wonders for an outfit. Donning one instantly pulls your look together and, given cut and fabric, can add anything from professionalism to edge. Bonus: it’ll save you from the chills of the office air conditioner! J. Crew has a fantastic selection of light jackets for the summer, as do Trina Turk, Michael Kors, and Loeffler Randall:
1. Trina Turk Burke Jacket, $228, www.searlenyc.com. 2. Brushstroke Print Chessy Jacket, $148, www.jcrew.com. 3. Michael Kors Ponte Jacket, $84, www.lordandtaylor.com. 4. Loeffler Randal Silk Ruffle Jacket, $565, www.eluxury.com.
A structured light cardigan is also a great summer piece as it has the look of a blazer yet a much lighter weight for a casual feel:
Vince Tie Front Cardigan, $235, shopbop.com
3. Shoes:
Ideally, you want a pair of shoes that will carry you from day through night. Tempting as they are, try to avoid flip-flops in the office. If you crave a flat shoe with the airiness of a sandal and that also shows off your pedi, go for an open-toed skimmer. A lower heeled sandal between 2” and 2.5” is also a great work-fashion compromise: short enough to be appropriate for work yet high enough to give you your heel fix:

1. Stuart Weitzman Specchio Shoes, $188, zappos.com 2. Fendi Satin Ruffle Flat, $450, www.eluxury.com. 3. Christian Michael Ahmed Sandal, $240, zappos.com 4. Loeffler Randal May Open Ruffle Pump, $430, shopbop.com 5. Michael Kors Magic Sandals, $188, zappos.com 6. Coclico Shoes Keyhole Sandal, $320, shopbop.com 7. Irregular Choice Sexy Vixen Shoes, $129, zappos.com 8. Chloe Patent Crisscross Buckle Sandals, $645, wwwintermixonline.com. 9. Naughty Monkey Button Up, $69, zappos.com
4. Accessories:
Summer is the season to show off great necklaces. Use them to complement the lower necklines of summer tops and dresses:
1. Bubble Necklace, $150, www.jcrew.com. 2. Just Cavalli Zebra Heart Necklace, $273, www.eluxury.com. 3. Concentric Glass Bead Necklace, $28, www.urbanoutfitters.com. 4. Kenneth Jay Lane Snake Pendant Necklace, $77, shopbop.com 5. Women’s Multi Stone Necklace, $10, oldnavy.com
****************************************************************
Snaps for a great post including amazing shoe suggestions! I’m self admittedly a bit conservative when it comes to shoes, but I almost lost my breathe over the Chloe and Coclico sandals.
Great job, Adriana!
Stay tuned next week for Part 2 of the Fashionable Work Wardrobe Series. And maybe I’ll do a little something for the men?
Smootches!

*Kate Moss’ High Summer ’08 Collection…
…is now available at Topshop. Check out the offerings at www.katmosstopshop.com.
*These are so dope!!!
…Chic and Untroubled discusses these ‘glock’ shoes, which made their debut during Chanel’s Cruise collection. [Chic and Untroubled]
*In more Chanel news, look at another one of Karl’s new designs:
…it’s a Chanel sunglasses sporting Lego lady. Fashionista reasoned that paying $6,000 for something like this (the going price) might be worth a whole year of shopping abstinence. Not too sure about that! [Fashionista]
*Seems Angelina Jolie stays comfy in Cannes thanks to Cole Haan Nike Air Pumps. Great minds think alike. [MyItThings]
*Apparently Iman isn’t too jazzed about the Italian Vogue July issue. According to Make Fetch Happen, “Iman recently expressed concern that the highly anticipated “all-black” July issue of Italian Vogue will just be a gimmick and may not change anything about the lack of models of color in fashion magazines…“
… “I still don’t like us to be a caricature…They’ll think, ‘Okay, we did it.’ And then they’re done with it, and we’ll have to wait till next year.” [MakeFetchHappen]

Hey!
It’s been a while since my last Style File!
This week, I wanted to bring it back with actress and model…

Joy Bryant!
Pretty, tall, and lean, she’s been blessing many the red carpet lately in supremely flattering outfits perfectly suited for occasions both casual and formal.
With her statuesque frame, Joy seems to prefer floor grazing maxi dresses…
…whether in off the shoulder cascading frocks with pops of blue or strapless dresses in neutrals like white or brown.
For club nights, she opts for the occasional cocktail……sticking to ‘can’t go wrong’ silver, black, or white.
For down days, she kicks it in jeans and a T…
…worn under a comfy sweater or bright jacket.
Simply Chic!
Get her maxi dress game with the following:
1.Mediterranean Maxi Dress, $188, www.marciano.com. 2. Nicole Miller Gold Rose Maxi Dress, $378, www.bluefly.com. 3. Twisted Strap Maxi Dress, $76, www.asos.com. 4. Embroidered Tiered Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress, $149, www.bebe.com. 5. T-Bags Twisted Strap Maxi Dress, $215, www.net-a-porter.com.
Get her cocktail steeze with these:
1.Uptown Girl Dress, $54, www.lulus.com. 2. Lola Dress, $138, www.marciano.com. 3. David Meister Drape Neck Minidress, $147, www.neimanmarcus.com.
Go with these for a casual look:
1. Autumn Cashmere Black Cashmere Sweater, $190, www.bluefly.com. 2.Hellz Bellz Siouxie Jean in Black, $140, www.revolveclothing.com. 3. Great Plains Southwold Jacket, $118, www.nordstrom.com.
Smootches!

*Geeks crash House of Fashion. [NYTimes]
*Marc Jacobs poses as Andy Warhol for Interview Magazine’s August issue…
“…Even though the editorial shoot took 12-hours to shoot in Paris with Mikael Jansson, Marc thought it was well worth it. In the shoot he appears in a Rellik dress, Louis Vuitton platforms, tights and even shows off his Spongebob love. The story focuses on “the way he runs his business, his artlike advertising, stores that feel like clubs and collaborations with Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince”.” Anyone who loves Spongebob is near and dear to my heart! Team Marc! [WWD]
*Online Luxury Cyber Store Net-a-Porter is having a huge sale!
…Louboutin, McQueen, Veneta, oh my! Click here to get your shop on.

Hey!
So this weekend, my fashion plate was literally brimming over with yummy events! It seems like everyone I knew was having something to celebrate summer, style, and design.
My first stop was at my favorite store, Pieces, for the launch of their children’s and mens’ store…

I arrived at Pieces at 6pm on the dot, and the store quickly filled with Brooklyn’s fashionable set:
…of course I had to snap a few pictures of the lovely people who came out to shop, sip, and strut:
Young lady on the right stopped me in my tracks with her pretty bright coral patterned tunic worn with skinny jeans and flat metallic sandals. Her pop of lipstick brought it all together. Diva on the left looked fly in a form fitting black dress and sky high stilettos.
Shannon from Parlour Magazine (www.parlourmagazine.com) was in the house with a plum clutch worn with skinny jeans, a blue frilly top, and an army green jacket. If you haven’t heard of Parlour, check it out! It’s a webzine focused on global news, culture, and music.
Of course some guys swung by for the celebration of the men’s store! These young men represented the online mag YRB (www.yrbmagazine.com) and came thru sporting a Pieces collection hoodie on the right, and a vest, jacket and jeans accessorized with a hat and glasses on the left.
Look at this fly couple! Homegirl’s Louis Vuitton Damier Speedy and large earrings stood against a backdrop of wide legged dark jeans, a simple tee, and leather jacket. On top of being super chic, she’s also a jewelry designer (e-mail her here) and a Fashion Bomb fan! Y’all are so cute! Her boyfriend stood out in a green jacket, plaid scarf and straight legged jeans.
I loved the guy on the right’s Guccisima murse, which went well with his scarf and hat. His boo looked summer ready in a white top and flats.
The creator of the children’s clothing line Brycewear (www.brycewear.com) came with her son Bryce, and represented for fashionable mothers in high waisted jodhpur capris, gold wedges, and a cropped jean jacket.
And lastly, Gwyneth, designer of Gwyneth Shoes (www.gwynethshoes.com) looked sweetly sophisticated in a red patterned jacket with a ribbon tie, wide legged jeans, and amazing jewelry.
Even on my way out I caught some style from Daoud from the company Coup D’Etat Brooklyn (www.cdtbk.com):

*Look out for more in depth posts about some of the designers, artists, and lines mentioned above. There were so many talented people in that room!!
*Stop into Pieces at 671 Vandberlit Avenue at Park Place in Brooklyn for your fashion fix. Not in NYC? Visit their site, www.piecesofbklyn.com and shop online!
*Check out Essence Magazine’s gorgeous Collector’s Edition June Issue…
…with three covers featuring songstresses Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, and Mary J. [ Essence]
*Have y’all heard of this girl, Arlenis?
…apparently she’s the new girl in town. Hmmm. I’ll keep an eye out. [Fashionista]
*The urban line Parish Nation brought it’s clothes and a fashion show to a troubled high school in Camden New Jersey…
…”[Parish Nation] said their main goal was to provide an unusual, creative outlet and build self-esteem for young people with few such opportunities.” Great story. Read it here. [NYTimes]
*And this spread in the New York Times Magazine was positively stunning. [NYTimes]
*In random fashion news, this guy won some sort of world record with 23 popped collars…
…I went to a preppy school, but this is the first time I’ve seen this. Thanks Kelly!
*Deal of the Day:
Farrah Black Romper, $40, www.lulus.com. Enter ‘thefashionbomb’ for an extra 15% off!
*Just for Monday Fun, this viddy melds fashion, music, and politics:

We hood, we votin, and throwin it up!

Hey!
So for this week’s Mail Bombs the new Fashion Bomb’s interns represented like no other!

Let’s take a gander at their handy work:
First, Khalilah says, “I’m in the Midwest and our weather is finally turning into Spring! I need help locating a cute waist-length trench like the one Tyra is sporting…“
“…Help me please!“
Adriana offered these options:
1. Juicy Couture Mini Trench, $298, www.bloomingdales.com. 2. Drama Satin Short Trench, $35, www.bloomingdales.com. 3. Vince Funnel Neck Jacket, $295, www.bloomingdales.com.
Next, 19 year old Jessica wrote in saying, “I’m in need of some help now!”
“…It’s safe to say that I have a pretty good sense of fashion, but I was wondering if you could help me find these bracelets that Rihanna has on…….”
“…(I L.O.V.E. her by the way) I guess you could say she is my style idol….we both love edgy things!!!!! Thanks a billion!“
No problem! Rihanna stacked and mixed and matched different types of Kenneth Jay Lane Geometric Bangles...
…get the silver and black version for $100 a pop at www.madisonlosangeles.com. The white version is available for $57 at www.net-a-porter.com.
Next, Juanita says, “I am feeling the shoes that the Sugababe in the sequined dress (far right) wore to the Sex and the City World Premiere…”
“…Who designed them and where can I get an affordable approximation? Thanks so much!“
Adriana found that that Sugarbabe is wearing these $1,000 Jimmy Choo Apple Metallic Suede Sandals…
…but if you don’t have an extra G lying around, you can get the look with these lower priced options:
1. Martinez Valero Class Sandals, $182, www.zappos.com. 2. Nine West Jewellite Sandal, $88, www.piperlime.com. 3. Stuart Weitzman Submit Sandals, $280, www.zappos.com.
Carol says, “I was surfing the ‘net and came across this picture of Jordin Sparks…“
“…I absolutely love the belt she’s wearing! I checked on eBay but no luck. I just got a simple jersey “Little Black Dress” by Willi Smith and this belt would be perfect. Can you tell me if you’ve seen anything similar or your recommendations.“
Aramide from Chi town solved this one!
Check out these fabulous finds for something similar:
1. Cynthia Rowley Soft Leather Sash Belt, $98, www.nordstrom.com. 2. Patent Curve Cummerbund Belt, $192.50, www.shopbop.com. 3. Stitched Obi Wrap Belt, $26.17, www.asos.com.
Elizabeth from Memphis, Tennessee says, “I was wondering where I could find a dress like the green one Audrina Patridge wore at “Live from the Hills Season Finale”?”
“…It is hott! Help me find it or something similar!!“
New intern Victoria from Carolina maintains that Audrina’s dress from the finale is by Alvin Valley.
I aim to please, so I found a few close approximations for you Hills fans:
1. Nicole Miller Matte Jersey Bubble Hem Dress, $220, www.nordstrom.com. 2. Christopher Dean Luna Dress, $335, www.singer22.com. 3. Vince Oragami Matte Jersey Dress, $240, www.bloomgindales.com.
Lastly, Fashion Bomb reader Diva says, “Could you tell me who SJP was wearing when the girls of SATC were on Oprah promoting their movie a few weeks ago? “
Adriana steps in again! She says, “The dress appears to be from the Oscar de la Renta 2008 Pre-Fall collection. I say “appears” because while the exact dress is not in the collection, the print fabric of it appears in other garments, and the cut, use of the leather high-waist belt, and fabric are all very much de la Renta.”
Sounds good to me!
I found a few close floral approximations:
1. See by Chloe Printed Shift Dress, $520, www.tobi.com. 2. Ginny H Printed Shift, $690, www.neimanmarcus.com. 3. Floral Print Lady Dress, $150, www.bananarepublic.com.
That does it!
The interns helped out a ton, didn’t they? How did they do?
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Some of our favorite celebs were spotted last night at the Rogan for Target Debut at Barneys. [Bossip]

*Be sure to stop by Pieces Boutique on Saturday from 6-9 for the grand opening of their men’s store!!!
Click to Enlarge
…It promises to be a fun event! Make your way down to 671 Vanderbilt Avenue in the BK. I’ll be there!
*Also, drop into the first Uptown Emerging Designers Market in Harlem:

Click to Enlarge
Taking place on both Saturday and Sunday from 11am-7pm, the event will feature up to 50 cutting edge designers of men’s and women’s apparel/accessories, complimentary cocktails, gift bags, guest DJ’s and more! Go on down to the Hip Hop Cultural Center at 2309 Frederick Douglass Boulevard at 124th street. Tell ’em I sent ya!

Hey,
So last summer, I purchased a cute, functional light leather bag. It was a subdued tan, had fashionable tassles, and went with just about everything!
After a summer of parties and fun, I took a look, and my poor bag was almost embarassing to carry around:

On top of being stained by my excessive cocoa butter use, black jackets, and dirt, it also had gum on it! Don’t ask me how it got there.
I really thought my bag was done for, before I spoke to a friend who told me I could get the problem fixed for a steal.
He directed me to a place called Evelyn & San…
A shoe repair shop nestled away at 400 West 83rd street and 1st avenue.
The shop itself was very unassuming…
…but when I took a closer look, I noticed all the Gucci bags, Manolo Blahnik and Louboutin heels…this place was all business!
I asked if my bag could be fixed, and the friendly Italian owner told me that with two weeks (and $75 cash), he could make it good as new. $75 seemed like a lot, but I decided to trust him…besides $75 is nothing compared to the price of buying a new bag.
Three weeks later, voila:
What do you think? The gum is definitely gone, as are most of the darker stains…it’s definitely much better than it used to be! So instead of succumbing to the allure of purchasing a new tote, it seems I can carry my old purse around for yet another season.
If you, too, have a light colored or white bag in your closet that you think is virtually unwearable…hit up your local shoe repair store. You never know. For a small fee, you may be able to rock your bag like new!
Smootches!

*Calling all designers!

Yaz birth control wants to redesign the iconic birth control case and is looking for aspiring designers for ideas!!

Launched by Nina Garcia, the contest gives designers the chance to redesign a chic, more sophisticated birth control carrying case. Design submissions will be accepted until June 30, 2008. One lucky winner will receive a $10,000 prize to invest in his or her career dreams!! Hey, why not?

For more information, click here or here.
*Ruth la Ferla of the NYTimes…
...on the Rogan for Target/Barney’s Collabo.
*Bossip has scans of Naomi Campbell…
…in next month’s I-D magazine. Check out her spread here. [Bossip]
*A promo image of the new show, Stylista…
….if you haven’t heard of it, it’s where young hopefuls vie for a spot at Elle Mag. Must see TV!!
*Just for fun. I frickin love this song:

It’s even on My Myspace page!

Hey!
New Fashion Bomb intern Aramide steps in for me today with a Boutique Spotlight from her hometown of Chicago.
Enjoy!
************************************************************************
Hey there all you fabulous Fashion Bombers!
If you’re in the Chi Town looking for another great place in the Windy City to spend some cold hard cash, I’d recommend Beta Boutique:

Located in trendy Bucktown a half a block away from busy Damen Ave, Beta Boutique is the go-to place for all you fashion forward shoppers! This slice of heaven contains over 1700 square feet of women’s samples and overstock from designers like A.Cheng, Twinkle by Wenlan, Juicy Couture, and Serfontaine, at eye-popping 40-90% off discounted prices! Not only is Beta the ultimate fashion store, it also hosts Chicago’s first and only permanent sample sale. It just doesn’t get any better than that!
Intrigued? Check out a few Fashion Bomb worthy finds:
Iodice V-Neck Kimono Dress, $126
Silk V-Neck Blouse, $138
Huis Clos Empire Waist Tank, $98
Ya-Ya Kami Dress, $178
Cute!
To feast your eyes on some more great finds, visit Beta Boutique at 2016 W. Concord Pl.
Also, check them out online at www.betaboutique.com–join the Betalist to be notified of in-store fabulous happenings.
Tell ’em I sent ya!
Your Chi Town Chica,
Aramide
**************************************************************************
Gotta love the interns y’all!
And if you have a boutique in your neck of the woods that you’d like to see on the Fashion Bomb, go ahead and e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
Smootches!

*I was looking online, as is my way, and it seems a lot of designers went shopping in African Markets for Spring 2008:
Left to Right: Oscar de La Renta African Print Dress, $2,450; Diane Von Furstenberg Ariki Dress, $1,200; Kevan Hall Dress, price upon request.
But I wonder how much that fabric costs over there…
*Deal of the Day:
Michael Antonio Lilla Black and Pewter Snake Sandal, $46, www. lulus.com. Enter ‘thefashionbomb’ for an extra 15% off.
*In NYC this weekend??

A few of my fabulous friends up in Harlem are having an Uptown Emerging Designer’s Market May 17th and 18th!!!

Click to Enlarge
The event will feature up to 50 cutting edge designers of men’s and women’s apparel/accessories, complimentary cocktails, gift bags, guest DJ’s and more! Plus it’s free!

Wanna go? RSVP to rsvp@uptownedm.com. Also check out their website, www.uptownedm.com for more information.
*Also on tap for this weekend: Pieces Boutique is celebrating the opening of their Brooklyn men’s store this Saturday!
Click to Enlarge
Come down to 671 Vanderbilt Avenue at Park Place May 17th from 6-9 to Sip, Shop, and Strut. I’ll be there!

Happy Tuesday!
So Rihanna stepped out recently wearing an adorable printed tunic dress:

Everything from the color to the length are supremely flattering and perfect for sunny weather.
Awesome intern Adriana chimed in today to help you find the look!
For a splurge, try these hot print pieces:
1. Nicole Miller Printed Shift Dress, $365, www.nordstrom.com. Hale Bob Floral Silk Jersey Dress, $220, www.bloomingdales.com. 3. Tory Burch Voile Dress, $295, www.saks.com.
These cute options are a relative steal:
1. Maggie London Printed Jersey Knit Dress, $128, www.nordstrom.com. 2. Printed Linen Antonia Dress, $165, www.jcrew.com. 3. What Comes around Goes Around Goa Tunic, $187, shopbop.com
Smootches!

*For affordable shoe options…
… check this post on summer sandals under $100.
*Visit Fashion Bomb friend Brand Habit and enter your info to win this Denise Cox necklace!

Click here for details.
*Check out this sale if you’re in NYC:

Hey!
So in commemoration of Mother’s Day yesterday, reader Quaneshia from Memphis, Tennesee wrote in with a bit of ‘Mother Real Style’
She says, “I’m a teacher who definitely believes in beauty on a budget and achieving “the look” for less. I wanted to send you some pics to see what you thought about my style…I call it classic elegance with hints of trendy and color… “

“…My school style may consist of basic pieces with modern trenches to updated suiting to cute dresses paired with cardigans. Also, because teachers nowadays have a life, I can be casual for a day out (notice the coordinating grey on the Chucks :)) or classy on a night out with the girls… “
Since it was Mother’s Day Weekend, she says, ” I thought it fitting for me to send a couple pics of my little man…”
“… Kamrin is 5 years old and has a style ranging from preppy to male urban chic. “
Y’all…how cute is this?????
In sum, Quaneshia says, “Although we’re not not as eclectic as I’ve seen on The Fashion Bomb, do we have style???“
I think they do!
What do you think?
Smootches!

*Fashionista reports that Iman…
…will grace the cover of Italian Vogue’s much anticipated all black July issue. Ooooh, I’m getting excited! [Fashionista]
*The Times online on Jourdan Dunn…
…and on the fabulously homogeneous fashion industry. [Times Online]

It’s the end of a great week!

Let’s solve some Mail Bombs!
Lisa fell in love with Nicole Richie’s dress here…
She says, “Where can I get it?“
We searched and found that she’s wearing a variation upon this $425 Diane Von Furstenberg Novesa Dress…
…from shopbop.com
Next, Jonilee from Brooklyn NY says, “I was wondering if you can tell me where can I purchase this shirt that Ashanti is sporting….”
“…I love the character and I’m late for everything; might as well warn people first!“
Y’all are hilarious! Lucky for you, stellar intern Adriana searched and found the yellow version of the shirt…
…for $26 at www.80stees.com.
Next Lola asks, “I love the dress Rihanna is wearing on the cover of Elle Magazine and I HAVE HAVE HAVE to have it!!!”
“…I know its Donna Karan and out of my price range. Where can I find a similar dress??“
Try these low priced lovelies for a similar look:
1. Red Summer Dress by Paradyz, $215, www.edressme.com. 2. Tart Jersey Sharon V-Neck Dress, $73, www.bluefly.com3. Aqua Women’s Sleeveless Racerback Dress, $78, www.bloomingdales.com.
In a men’s Mail Bomb, Cake from Savannah says, “I wanna know what kind of sunglasses Usher was wearing in the Love in this Club video....”
Try these for an Usher steeze:
1. Italia Independent Sunglasses, $395, www.barneys.com. 2. John Varvatos Navigator Sunglasses, $325, www.neimanmarcus.com. 3. Plastic Aviator Frames, $70, www.kennethcole.com.
Now for a few wardrobe solutions.
Shanae says, “Ok so I’ve been looking all over for a pair of the high waisted jeans but I havent found a cute pair yet, PLEASE HELP!”
“…Also what could I wear with it, like as far as shirts?!“
With high waisted jeans, I think it’s best to wear them with a plain shirt–whether it’s a white t-shirt, button down or tie-neck blouse…
…for more examples of how to wear high waisted pants, check out my post about it here. If you want to add a few pairs to your wardrobe, try these:
1. Whiskered High Waist Jeans, $29.80, www.forever21.com. 2. Seven for all Mankind High Waisted Bootcut Jeans, $172, www.shopbop.com. 3. Jenny Jen Gold Stitch Jeans, $129, www.blaec.com. 4. Seven for all Mankind Sophie High Waisted Skinny Jeans, $119, www.eluxury.com.
Lastly, Aija asks, “Quick question for you – once in a while someone pulls together a sort of shopping how-to guide that tells you the best time to purchase designer bags, coats, jewelry, etc. Have you seen anything like this, or do you have any pointers on the best time to make some of these major purchases?“
I actually wrote an article about this a long time ago for an online magazine called Beauty Addict. Yes, I wrote for other sites before starting The Fashion Bomb!
According to me, “Summer apparel, like flirty dresses, swimsuits, and colorful skirts, start lining the shelves in March when it’s still a bit chilly. Though it’s tempting to buy everything you see the moment it arrives in stores, June and July are the sales months for summer clothes, with July being the clearance month…So if you can make it through May showing off your newly svelte bod in last year’s digs, you can stock up on almost all the polo shirts, flip-flops, and Capris your heart desires later on.” What great advice!
Read the rest here. It’s fun to reminisce!

If anyone can tell me the significance of this cover….
…along with the name of the model, month and year, you’ll win a Fashion Bomb T-Shirt! E-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com with your response.
*Update: You guys are super duper fast! Denise from Illinois responded within a half an hour saying, “The cover is from March 1966. It featured Donyale Luna, the first cover model of ethnic origin for Vogue.” You are correct! Look out for your T!
For the rest of you, enter the code ‘friendsandfamily’ for $10 off your Fashion Bomb Shop Purchase. Offer expires 5/16!
Smootches!

*These guys were on the front page of yesterday’s NY Times Style Section:
Click here to find out why. [NYTimes]
*Donyale Luna actually had a very, very sad story.
Reader Janay sent me this website (which also has great pictures of Donyale). According to the site, “Her unprofessional behavior signaled the end of Luna’s career. Beverly Johnson recalled that Luna “[didn’t] wear shoes winter or summer. Ask her where she’s from ‘Mars?’ She went up and down the runways on her hands and knees. She didn’t show up for bookings. She didn’t have a hard time, she made it hard for herself.” In 1979, Luna died of a drug overdose in Rome.” Read the rest here.
*If you want to read Time Magazine’s piece on her, titled, “Luna Year,” you can do so here.
*If you don’t read the New Yorker…start! It is simply the best magazine ever. Check this article in this week’s issue on Pascal Dangin, the premier retoucher of photographs for basically every fashion magazine under the sun. Just to give you an idea of how dope he is, “In the March issue of Vogue Dangin tweaked a hundred and forty-four images: a hundred and seven advertisements (Estée Lauder, Gucci, Dior, etc.), thirty-six fashion pictures, and the cover, featuring Drew Barrymore.” It’s pretty cool.