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.

Hey!
So as you know, I fell in love with Kimora Lee’s choice for the Costume Institute Gala a few days ago…

…I thought it was fresh, pretty, and different. You can tell Kimora understands style: she knows how to take risks without falling on her face!
Of course I wondered to myself who designed her multicolored frock, and thankfully several of you e-mailed me to let me know that the designer is in fact Kevan Hall…
…yes! Silly me, I thought I had featured most designers of color on the Fashion Bomb, but there are always others hiding in the folds!
So Kevan Hall was born in Detroit and studied fashion design at Cass Technical High School before attending Los Angeles’ Fashion Institute of Design…
…he struck out on his own throughout the 80’s and 90’s before becoming Design and Creative Director for the legendary Halston in 1998. In 2002, he started his own signature line, the Kevan Hall Collection. Now you can see his sophisticated, tailored frocks on the likes of Vanessa Williams, Felicity Huffman, Vivica A. Fox, Virginia Madsen, Garcelle Beauvais, Debra Messing and Renee Zellweger.
Looks from his Spring 2008 Collection
When asked what he is up to now, he reveals, “One of our recent projects was the wedding gown and reception dress for Tia Mowry. She was adorable and so in love!“
Spring 2008
“…I enjoy the process of design from concept to execution…But the most gratifying part is seeing a design come to life on a beautiful woman.”
Fierce!
Find out more at www.kevanhalldesigns.com, or if you’re in LA, pay him a visit at 8313 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (323-658-7979).
Smootches!

*New York Magazine actually hated on Kimora’s dress saying, “Thank goodness no children with sticks were around because they might have mistaken her for an African piñata and started whacking her. ” Oh my, what clever snark! I, for one, applaud Kimora for wearing an African inspired gown to a very stuffy, traditional event. Represent!
*If you want to understand the motives behind similar hateful comments, be sure to attend Glamour’s panel tomorrow!
Click to Enlarge
I like my sleep, so no promises that I’ll attend.

Here’s a “Claire’s Life” quickie:
Last night I went to Spotlight Live for the Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z concert afterparty. Truth be told, I went to take a picture with Mary, but this is the best I could do:

…So close!!! Cute haircut. (I’m just noticing this now, but is that Kevin Liles in the background???)
Anyway…No matter, I was able to catch up with a few of the other celebs in the house.
The baddest, Trina, was very gracious and sophisticated:
Stephen Baldwin was cool and down to earth (and offered my friend the rest of his Red Bull!):
And highlight of the night had to be meeting some of the boys from Day 26….
…they were super sweet and kept the Ciroc flowing all night:)
Believe it or not, it’s 3am. Sleep time!
*Just for fun, a quick Day 26 viddy:

Cute! Buy their album here.
*This is so funny! I just looked online for pix of MJB from last night. Check out this picture:
Notice anyone in the background?? I guess I did manage to get a pic with her…sort of!
*Thanks to Carine of PDG PR and Dante Simpson of DSA Media Group!

If you’re like me, you’ve developed a bad habit of waiting til the last minute to run to Hallmark to get whatever ‘Mahogany’ card is leftover.
After numerous guilt laced phone calls on the day in question, I decided: No More!
There are plenty of cool items you can give to mom without spending a ton. And hey, it’s Wednesday, so if you order today, it should still reach Mom Dukes in time for the holiday.
I decided to help everyone out a bit, and give you 25 ideas for fashionable Mother’s Day Gifts all under $100:
1. Jewelry: Moms wants to feel like sassy vixens, and nothing does that more than modern, funky jewels. Gift her the following affordable picks for a cool look:

1. Sundiata Design Multiple Hoop Earrings, $45, www.oohboutique.com 2. Diamond Pattern Bangle, $75, www.vivre.com 3. Sassy Earrings, $12, www.boutiquefinesse.com 4. Kenneth Jay Lane Giraffe Print Bangle, $99, shopbop.com
5. Fossil Women’s White Strap Bracelet Watch, $75, www.macys.com 6. Milky Way Silver Necklace, $80, www.starletaccessories.com.
7. Large Enamel Flower Ring, $15, www.oohboutique.com. 8. Life Lines Ring, $95, www.ilovesisu.com 9. Enamel Ribbed Bangle, $58, www.activeendeavors.com
2. Cute Bag. Surprise Mom with an eye catching tote, evening clutch, or a weekend bag she can bring when she comes to visit.
1. Blanca Snake Tote, $79, www.bebe.com. 2. Sondra Roberts Metallic Clutch, $75, www.shopkitson.com. 3. Ombre Tote, $78, www.anthropologie.com. 4. Tignanello Tech Tote, $89, www.macys.com. 5. Melie Blanco Graphic Clutch, $68, www.shopkitson.com. 6. Bombe Tote, $99, www.anntaylor.com.
3. Leisure Looks. My mom favors her tennis track suits plus t-shirts to wear when she goes shopping (trust me, I’ve tried to steer her differently!). Give her a friendly nudge by offering her a few options she can wear to the mall, grocery store, or lunch with friends:
1. Pink Pony Hope Tee, $98, www.ralphlauren.com.2. Cotton Argyle Hoodie, $72, www.jcrew.com. 3. Juicy Couture Heather Long Sleeve Track Jacket, $98, shopbop.com
4. Magazine Subscriptions. They’re affordable, and truly, one of the few gifts that keep on giving:
Check www.essence.com, www.elle.com, www.newyorker.com, and www.heartandsoul.com for subscription details.
5. Beautifying Gift Baskets. Shhhh, I’m getting my mom a gift basket from Carol’s Daughter, but there are plenty sultry treatments you can offer for the mom who likes to look (and feel) good:
1. Best Tressed Hair Set, $58, www.carolsdaughter.com. 2. Bliss Vanilla + Bergamot Set, $84, www.blissworld.com. 3. Philosophy Amazing Grace Gift Set, $68, www.sephora.com.
Show your Mom some love!

*Shout out to one of the greatest TV Moms:
…who happens to have one of the best names ever! Ha!
*Um, have y’all seen the pictures of Rihanna in Elle’s June issue?
Homegirl is so frickin fierce! Check out the rest here.
*Log on to enter my girl Meghan’s Sex & the City Shoe Contest. [Miss Meghan]