So last week, New York Times fashion writer Guy Trebay intimated that the dress might be over…

… he quoted Anne Slowey of Elle Magazine who proclaimed, “The eye is looking for something new, and so is the psyche…The dress has been done to death...”
Hmmm, fashion magazines might be a wee bit out of touch because I personally love to throw on a dress virtually any time of year! They’re easy, one stop outfits, supremely flirty, colorful, and feminine: basically perfect wardrobe staples and ideal go-to’s for spring/summer.
The fashion powers that be may want you to spend money on the ‘new’ silhouette (pants? ugh!), but here at The Fashion Bomb, we’re all about feeding your current obsessions while saving money!
So, just for you frock lovers: 20 summer dresses for $100 or less.
First, one of my favorite silhouettes: strapless dresses…

For busty girls, they offer the option to show some skin, while still wearing supportive undergarments (if you don’t know, check out my past post on one of my obsessions, Fantasie’s Smoothing Strapless Bra). Throw on a cardigan for the office, then take it off for post work drinks:

Top Row: Smocked Waist Strapless Dress, $69, www.bebe.com; Strapless Smocked Dress, $59, www.victoriassecret.com; Bonita Chiquita Dress in Yellow, $48, www.lulus.com.

Bottom Row: Printed Swiss Dot Alexa Dress, $75, www.jcrew.com; Cindy Dress, $75, www.calypso-celle.com; Abigail Gray and Yellow Dress, $33, www.lulus.com.
Dresses with dainty straps always look cute:
…and are perfect for a picnic or day at the beach:
Top Row: Dallas Dress, $79, www.guess.com; Scarf Print Sundress, $58, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Abbey Dress, $39.50, www.delias.com.
Bottom Row: Single Dress Francesca Spaghetti Stap Dress, $68, www.macys.com; After the Storm Dress, $55, www.modcloth.com; Ameerah Baby Doll Dress, $27.80, www.forever21.com.
Shirtdresses are simple choices for a summer job (interns, listen up!)
…they look crisp, polished, and sophisticated:
Top Row: Shirtdress, $69, www.victoriassecret.com; Rebecca & Drew Swiss Dot Shirtdress, $84, www.neimanmarcus.com.
Bottom Row:Robbie Bee Circles Shirtdress (Plus), $88, www.nordstrom.com; Ben Sherman Shirtdress, $55, www.urbanoutfitters.com.
Lastly, halters:
Reserve these for the weekend:
Top Row: Erin Halter Dress, $89, www.guess.com; Design History Marilyn Dress, $60, www.bluefly.com.
Bottom Row: Twisted Grecian Halter Dress, $77, www.asos.com; Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Mini Halter Dress, $100, shopbop.com
Dresses for all!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*My silk shirtdress (with static cling!) from yesterday was by a company called Bilingual. I swear they had a website when I bought it, but I searched and couldn’t find it! I found a few Bilingual dresses here at www.pinksaloon.com. Good luck!

*One Day Special: Fashion Bomb T’s are $24 + S&H. Click here to get yours!
*Glamour Magazine is having yet another panel on Women, Race, and Friendship:
Notable panelists include Bethann Hardison and Aisha Tyler.
It’s next Friday, May 9th from 8:30-10:30am. That’s a wee bit early for my taste (I like my sleep!), but it might worth it! At least it’s before work… E-mail nora_flaherty@condenast.com to RSVP. Seats are limited!
Don’t know why there’s a panel? Read here.
*If you want neon nails like Rihanna…
…you’re in luck!
Fab blog Chic & Untroubled reports that Essie will be releasing these juicy neon colors…
…on June 1st. Get ’em for $7 a pop at Essie.com.

Hey!
So as you know, last weekend, I was chillin in the ATL. My girls and I went out to Piedmont Park…

..and came across this lovely young lady…
…who looked summer ready in a form fitting white shirt dress, gold platform Mary Janes and a colorful bag.
Simply chic!
Smootches!

*Here’s a Real Talk quickie.
Last week the weather was beautiful, so I decided to pull out one of my fave silk shirtdresses to bless the day. I steamed it up, threw it on, but was dismayed when this happened:
…that’s right! SERIOUS static cling. The men were loving the look…but the cling was so bad it was almost comical (well I thought so)! No amount of tugging could stop the dress from sticking to my legs.
I asked around and one of my coworkers recommended rubbing a dryer sheet on the inside of my dress and on my legs. Voila le resultat:
…problem solved!
My colleague also told me that hairspray sprayed on the legs can work as well.
You might’ve already known this trick, but I was clueless!
A dryer sheet totally saved my day:)
* Pharrell talks to the International Herald Tribune about his Blason collection for Louis Vuitton. [IHT]
*In other Louis Vuitton news, the house is suing an artist for creating this image:
“Artist Nadia Plesner created this image to satirize the lack of media attention a genocide like Darfur gathers compared with the relative overexposure of skinny women with little dogs and designer bags.” Read more here. [Make Fetch Happen]
*It’s confirmed! The Independent reports that Vogue Italia’s July issue will contain almost exclusively black models!
Regarding a possible backlash in Italy, Franca Sozzani, Italian Vogue’s Editor in Chief says, “Maybe in our country it is not the best idea. But I don’t care. I think it is not my problem if they don’t like it – it’s their problem.” Amen! When oh when will American Vogue follow suit? [The Independent]
*If anyone lives in an area without access to foreign magazine editions, I’d be happy to pick up a few copies of Vogue Italia’s July issue! I’ll make them available in the Fashion Bomb Shop…just pay shipping and handling. If interested, e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
*Eva’s Jenny Dayco earrings mentioned in Friday’s Mail Bombs retail for $101. Purchase by calling 310-621-0680.
*Glamour Mag on Plus Sized Style. [Glamour]
*Blogger Yuli channels Mary Kate for Nylon Mag in a hot Fashion Bomb Tee:
Check her out at My It Things. And get your T here. [My It Things]

*Went out with my buddies last night and who should I run into but songstress…

…Estelle. Check her Chanel pin, cute scarf and clutch! She better work!

If you don’t know, Estelle is the chanteuse behind the smash hit “American Boy” featuring Kanye West.
Still doesn’t ring a bell? Check out her viddy:

Dope! Also visit Concrete Loop for pix of her spread in Bleu Magazine.
*Word on the street: Italian Vogue shot an entire issue chock full of black models…
…hoping that other Vogues will follow suit. I’ll believe it when I see it! [Fashionista]
*In non fashion news, did you hear? This ish is ridiculous…[NYTimes]
*Some of our favorite YBF’s…
…hit up the BAPE store opening.[YBF]
*And, fyi, the hot pink stilettos in the Fashion Bomb’s new spring/summer banner are by Jil Sander. Get ’em for $695, at Jil Sander Boutiques, in NYC and Chicago. Visit www.jilsander.com for locations.

*“Claire’s sensual, confident beauty and her passionate, independent and strong character embodies today’s Gucci woman.“

Who, me?? No! It’s Frida Giannini on Claire Danes’ new role as the face of Gucci’s jewelry ad campaign. Don’t be silly… [WWD]

So the sun has finally started to peak out in NYC, and all I can think of is airing my toesies in some cute summer sandals.
This time is year is perfect for disposable, of the season fashion–you don’t want to spend a ton on something you might not wear next year!
So I’ve compiled some cute summer sandals–all for under $100:
First, flats:

I’m personally stuck in flats for the next 6 months (foot surgery), so these options are apt:
Top Row: Jeffrey Campbell Natural Python Snake Gladiator Sandal, $65, www.lulus.com; Mackenzie Flat Sandals, $88, www.jcrew.com; Haiku Sandals, $90, www.guess.com.
Middle: Jeffrey Campbell Jaya Sandal, $98, www.urbn.com; BCBGirls Sammie Toe Thong, $80, www.endless.com; Klaris Sandal, $60, www.ninewest.com.
Bottom Row: Matisse Women’s Scoop Ankle Open Toe Flat, $85, www.endless.com; Synapse Yellow Leather, $70, www.stevemadden.com; Sam Edelman Gold Snake Gilda Sandal, $78, www.shopkitson.com.
Not all of you are stuck in flat shoe purgatory, so you might want a few well heeled options…
…for a day at the beach:
Top Row: Ollioule, $99, www.guess.com; Michael Kors Pewter Dylan Sandals, $71, www.bluefly.com; Aerosoles Trap Door Sandals, $80, www.endless.com.
Middle Row: Report Women’s Hayden Sandal, $80, www.endless.com; BCBGirls Zandra Sandal, $89, www.macys.com; Tie Leg Sandal, $55, www.asos.com.
Bottom Row: Cameron Suede Espadrilles, $99, www.jcrew.com; Enzo Angiolini Women’s Looker, $99, www.endless.com; AK Anne Klein Mariah, $79, www.piperlime.com.
Now let your feet catch some sun!
Smootches!

Click to Enlarge
…go drink wine and preview her Fall Collection! Tell her I sent ya!
*Guy Trebay of the New York Times on…
…the (short) fashion lifespan of the ‘dress.‘ [NYTimes]
*Check out the Museum at FIT’s Showcase on Women at the Forefront of Fashion.
*Fashiontribes is all about Eco-Chic.

Happy Wednesday!
So when Bossip reported that Alexis Phifer and Kanye were officially over, a part of my fashion heart died.
Sure, their breakup signaled the end of a great duo, but I was more impacted by the death of Hollywood’s best dressed couple. C’mon, who rocked it better than those two???
Kanye is clearly a style czar, and Alexis pulled her weight as well is amazingly flattering ‘fits. Let’s take a look:
Alexis favored head to toe black for everything from red carpet events to Parisian Fashion shows…

…opting for a one shoulder look on occasion…
…worn with exotic skinned clutches and matching stilettos.
When she varied it up, she kept it safe and sophisticated by pairing black with red….
…or black and white…
..providing just a pop on rare occasions whether in outfits of full on color…
…or eye catching jewelry….
…worn with neutral jumpsuits and boots.
Sharp!
Want her look?
Get Alexis’ dress game with the following:
Left to Right: Larsen Gray Bouquet Ruffle Sash Dress, $229, shopbop.com
Abaete Black Gabardine Uptown Shift Dress, $150, www.bluefly.com.
Left to Right: BCBGMax Azria Strapless Beaded Taffeta Dress, $240, www.macys.com; Ruffled Shift Dress, $24.81, www.forever21.com.
For get her accessories steeze, go with these:
Left to Right: Oversized Snake Print Clutch, $26.41, www.asos.com; BA Necklace, $15, www.target.com.
Hopefully she won’t be disappearing from the scene like Brooke. Homegirl’s got style!
Smootches!

*Guess who’s Teen Vogue’s BLOGGER OF THE MOMENT!?!

ME!!!!

Click here to logon to Teenvogue.com. Leave lots and lots of comments!!
*Last night, I went to an event sponsored by Living Measure to support the charity Edeyo, an independent organization dedicated to improving the future of children in Haiti by rebuilding dilapidated schools, supplying students with learning materials and providing them with nutritional support. I’m half Haitian (sak passe!), so I had to make an appearance!
Aside from meeting Fashion Bomber Fabienne, I also met celeb endorser……Nigel Barker. He was the sweetest! And he told me he’d check out The Fashion Bomb! Nigel blogs as well…check him out at www.nigelbarker.tv. He’s totally behind Edeyo. Learn more about the charity at www.edeyo.org.
*Thanks Bsquared!
*For more on how to dress like a Hip Hop Girlfriend, check this post.

Hey!
So my homegirl Bonnita put me on to the Myspace Page of a young lady, Ashley S (www.myspace.com/ashleysdrapes)…

…who is blowing up the scene in the Midwest with her flirty, bold, look at me earrings:
Ashley studied fashion design at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago after studying fine art at Chicago State…
While at the Illinois Institute of Art, she found her true passion: earring design.
She says, “My inspirations are art, life, people who take chances, color, European fashion, old movies, fruit, and different cultures…“
Alright! You can purchase her lovely creations by contacting her on her myspace page, www.myspace.com/ashleysdrapes or if you’re in the Chi, at the Silver Room (1442 North Milwaukee).
Smootches!

*The Independent…
on how to save money on clothes in hard times. [The Independent UK]
*WWD discusses the flowering of Global Fashion. [WWD]
*The Fashion Bomb loves Teyana Taylor, but this…
…has me scratching my head! Publicity stunt? Or fashion affront?

Click to enlarge
…this young self professed model who only admitted to working ‘around the city’ seemed perfect for Real Style because of her rocker chick steeze.
Her outfit triumphed because of her accessories–skull cap, colorful scarf, pink graffiti inspired bag, and subtle jewelry. Her gold jacket, while neutral, is also a nice bold touch, balanced out by black skinny jeans and flat ankle boots.
Snaps!
Off to catch a plane…back to reality!
Smootches!

*Just for fun, reminisce on archived Real Style posts.
*Fashionista reports that Patrick Robinson (Gap’s Executive Vice President for Design)…
…is featured in Vogue along with his Gap designs. Cool! [Fashionista] In case you don’t know who Patrick Robinson is, you can click here to find out.
*Steve Madden does it again!
You can now pre-order lookalike $4,175 Balenciaga Lego Heels…
…at www.stevemadden.com…
…These obvious rip-offs are a steal at $100. But hey, $100 is a lot more affordable than $4,000…Click here to pre-order.
*Anyone catch Life in the Fab Lane last night?

Looks good!