Mail Bombs!

Happy Friday!
So you might notice something a little different…
The weather has been so amazing, I figured I’d switch colors to keep things fresh and reflect the warm season. Whaddya think?
Hopefully the new vibrancy won’t distract too much from the business at hand…
Let’s get started!
Kim from Orlando wrote in saying, “I was searching the web when I came across Cassie in this outfit…”
“...I fell in love!!!! I have to know where I can get this outfit or something similar.
Hey! I couldn’t find Cassie’s exact steeze, but you can definitely get her look! Start with the following tops:
Left to Right: Pinko Top, $169, www.yoox.com; Roberto Cavalli Underwear Tank Top, $188, www.yoox.com; Dolce & Gabbana Top, $419, www.yoox.com.
Then throw these relatively affordable pencil skirts in the mix to complete the ‘fit:
Left to Right: Italian Glamour Satin Pencil Skirt, $98, www.bebe.com; Victoria Beckham Seam Detail Satin Pencil Skirt, $61.63, www.asos.com.
Next reader Darien says, “My graduation is coming up on May 9th so this Mail Bomb is definitely overdue! I wanted a simple sheath dress in a light color that will accentuate my curves but still be appropriate for a graduation. I fell in love with this dress that Mel B wore recently in Beverly Hills...”
… If you could help me find it or something similar I would be eternally grateful.
White sheaths aren’t hard to come by! Try these stunners for a spicy look:
Left to Right: Donna Rico Satin & Jacquard Sheath, $148, www.nordstrom.com; Magaschoni Collection Square Neck Sheath Dress, $320, www.saks.com; Members Only Scoop Neck Racer Back Dress, $330, www.revolveclothing.com.
Next Giselle says, “I wanted to know who designed the earrings…
… that Eva is wearing in this picture?
According to this site, (thanks Jamie!) Eva is wearing a pair of earrings by designer Jenny Dayco (www.jennydayco.com). I couldn’t find the pair to purchase online…if you want something that comes close, you can go with this $10 pair of Casablanca Chandelier Earrings
…from www.fredflare.com. Can’t go wrong for $10! They’re cheap as chips as intern Natalie would say:)
Now for a few wardrobe queries!
Jamila from Birmingham, Alabama says, “I have a dilemma. I am attending the annual mother and daughter banquet that is sponsored by our church. My mother, sister, and I always sync colors for the occasion and this year we chose chocolate brown and turquoise. While my mother and sister have already found their outfits and can’t seem to have the same luck. So, I need help finding something semi-formal that is brown or turquoise or both and also “church appropriate”. I am a college student and I have a very strict budget.”
You might have to spend a little, but these frocks fit your criteria:
Left to Right: Nicole Miller Printed Double V-Neck Dress, $200, www.bluefly.com; T-Bags Belted Floral Dress, $148, www.neimanmarcus.com; Carmen Marc Valco Halter Dress, $355, www.neimanmarcus.com.
Nique says, “I was wondering if you could help me find some great affordable shoes to complement this dress from French Connection…

Cute Dress! Since your outfit has a lot going on with the bright color and embellishments, I ‘d say go for very simple sandals. Silver shoes would match the beads, and bonus: you can wear metallic shoes with just about anything!
Try these:
Top Row: Mystique Silver Strappy Sandals, $125, www.shopkitson.com; Chinese Laundry Wesley Silver Sandal, $50, www.zappos.com; Synapse Silver Leather, $70, www.stevemadden.com.
Bottom Row: Stuart Weitzman Tataliz Sandals, $70, www.bluefly.com; Leather Buckle Flat Sandal, $48.42, www.asos.com; T-Strap Sandals with Twisted Thong Detail, $108, www.anntaylor.com.
Lastly, Stephanie from NYC says, “I’m looking for a watch for my man’s birthday and I have no idea what to get since my preliminary searches came up with ones that were $1,000+. I’d like a quality piece he can wear out for most occasions and I’m partial to square faces but I’m flexible. Any suggestions?
I found a lot of low priced, square faced options. Try these on your man:
Top Row: Diesel Three Hand Watch, $140, www.nordstrom.com; Fossil’s Men’s Square Case Bracelet, $125, www.macys.com; Invested 2Tone Watch, $125, www.guess.com.
Bottom Row: Men’s Timex Chrono Square Face Watch, $90, www.target.com; Burberry Men’s Square Dial Watch, $325, www.nordstrom.com; Dare to be Square, $105, www.kennethcole.com.

Funny, one of my first Mail Bombs dealt with the subject of cute watches for women. To reminisce on the old days, click here.
Smootches!

Claire’s Life: Estelle in NYC

Fashion, News, and What Nots

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

estelle

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]

Summer Sandals Under $100

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:

beyonce-cannes-film-festival

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!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*My homegirl Janet Kim who designs a dope line called Graey (www.graeyny.com) is having a trunk show this Saturday!!!

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.

Style Moratorium: Alexis Phifer

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…

Alexis Phifer Kanye

…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!

Claire Sulmers Named Blogger of the Moment by Teen Vogue

Fashion, News, and What Nots

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

claire-teen-vogue

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.

Cool MySpace Find: Ashley Drapes

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

ashley-drapes

…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!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*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?

Real Style: Chelsea

Hey!
I’m still in GA today, jumping on a Northbound flight this afternoon.
I actually caught some ATL Real Style in Piedmont Park (holla!), but like a dum dum forgot my camera cord (along with everything else it seems) in NYC. So, I give you a bit of Real Style I snapped while walking around Chelsea a few weeks ago:

img_0610

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!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*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!

Mail Bombs!

Hey!
So I’m home in Atlanta, typing away. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining–life is good! I’ve gotta run enjoy the day, but first I figured I’d solve a few mail bombs…
…just a few.
Reader Elkie wrote in a while ago loving the earrings Kelis wore for the Grammy awards…
She says, ” I covet them and MUST HAVE THEM!!! Can you PLEASE help identify where I can purchase these FABULOUS earrings? This is a fashion CODE RED!
Thankfully London intern Natalie stepped in! She says, “Design-wise, a very close match I found on asos.com were these Cut out Detail Circle Drop Earrings...”
“…They’re cheap as chips for $13.21, and I trust you’ll rock ’em right…” Cheap as chips! I love that!
Pamela wrote in about Janet Jackson’s cute sunglasses…
She says, “Where can I find those sunglasses or somthing similar?
Square, oversized frames like Janet’s can be found at any price point:
Left to Right: Script Logo Sunglasses, $39.50, www.gbyguess.com; Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Square Sunglasses, $115, http://www.nordstrom.com/; Oliver People’s Bacall Sunglasses, $285, www.net-a-porter.com.
Next Errin from Atlanta says, “So I’m trying to make the most of my long-legged life by getting a jump on my summer jumpsuit game. I just KNOW that if anyone can help me out on this, it’s The Fashion Bomb. Here’s my inspiration, from Preen’s S/S 08 line…
“…Suggestions? I’ve only got two months ’til the first day of summer!”
I did a search and found this Twill Linen Puff Sleeved Jumpsuit from bebe.com
…for only $119, you can flaunt those long legs all summer long!

Reader Posh was also feeling the jumpsuit look, and wanted to know how to get Mena Suvari’s strapless suit:
She says, “Do you know who this is by? Or can you find something similiar??
You can give off a similar essence with these; throw on a belt to complete the look:
Left to Right: Andrea S. Meadow jumpsuit, $303, http://www.revolveclothing.com/; Sea Pleated Front Strapless Jumpsuit, $393, http://www.revolveclothing.com/.
Now for a wardrobe query.
Mona wrote in looking for two very specific items. She says, “I’ve been looking for a Maxi Dress and Light Denim Skinny Jeans in a size 12 for the past month and come up with nothing! Can you help?
Sure. For your Maxi Dress, here are a few options:
Left to Right: Crochet Trim Maxi Dress, $109, http://www.victoriassecret.com/; Diane von Furstenberg Washed Silk Strapless Dress, $398, http://www.bloomingdales.com/; Kate Moss Sleeveless Cowl Front Dress, $77, http://www.asos.com/.
And jeans, you’re covered as well:
Left to Right: BDG 5 Pocket Stretch Skinny Jean, $49, http://www.urbn.com/; Paige Denim Roxbury Jean, $169, shopbop.com
BDG Cigarette Skinny Jean, $54, http://www.urbn.com/.
That does it! I’m off to get some Chick-Fil-A!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Happy Birthday DD!
You da bomb.
*Uh-Oh…

…70% off at www.dvf.com.

Fashion Bomb Meet & Greet!!!

Hello Lovelies!!
I am SO tired from yesterday and am running to catch a plane, but wanted to give y’all the scoop on last night’s event.
Well, what can I say? It was, in a word: FABULOUS!
Though I arrived fashionably late (and we had to leave a bit early), I had a great time meeting, mingling, shopping, and sipping with my New York Fashion Bomb contingent.
A few pictures of the scene at Te Casan:

fashionbombtecasan-32

I got my buddy and professional photographer Casey Noel (www.cnoelphotoandtravel.com) to handle all the pictures. He caught amazing portraits, much better than my handy dandy Canon!  Take a look at some of the fabulous, chic peeps who rolled through:
Beautiful!
Of course I couldn’t help but jump in and snap a few pix myself:
Yours truly with Latisha Daring of Pieces Boutique (www.piecesofbklyn.com), my absolute favorite place to shop in Brooklyn! I got my dress and jewels from Pieces, flats from Te Casan.  You like?
Designer Malcolm Harris (www.malsirrah.com) came thru as well along with his partner Tyson of www.unvogue.com
Shout out to my cousin Kofi! He’s an aspiring model. Check him out at www.myspace.com/ny8store.
And I had to put my friends to work modeling the new Fashion Bomb t-shirts:
They’re hot! Pick one up today!!!
With that said, it was a great time. I had a lot of fun.

I want to say THANK YOU to my sponsors: Latisha and Colin from Pieces Boutique (www.piecesofbklyn.com), Bryce at Intencity PR for the Elizabeth Grant (www.elizabethgrant.com) and Lifebooker.com products, Claude from Trace Magazine (www.trace212.com), and Garnell from Halcyon Jets (www.halcyonjets.com)!
Also THANK YOU to Maureen from Step Petal Media for coordinating everything, and thanks to the wonderful people at Te Casan (www.tecasan.com) for hosting me, selling fabulous, amazing shoes, and for all your help last night. Special shouts to Marco and Darien!
Last, but not least: a super huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out–my dear dear amazing splendiforous friends (I can’t name you all), readers (same), and my guy friends who might not always be the target readers for the Fashion Bomb, but rolled out nonetheless.
I heart you all, it was amazing time, and it won’t be the last!
Time to switch out of my Cinderella costume, and put back on my nerd glasses:)
Ummm…if you want me, you can find me in the A!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*There were a ton more pictures, and a lot I snapped myself. Check out the best of the rest in The Fashion Bomb’s Facebook Group and keep an eye peeled for more on Myspace.

*Shout out to the FAM: Andre, Teri, Kofi, and Ayo.
*All my friends and Fashion Bombers…lurrve y’all.
*Double snaps to G of G’s Urban Hair and to Enrique at MAC on Montague for ‘beating my face up.’ Ha!

Trend Talk: Ombre

Hey Guys,
So I’ll be honest: I’m pretty crazed preparing for the Meet & Greet tonight! I can’t wait to ‘say hey‘ to all my tri-city Fashion Bombers! Did I mention I’m also flying home to ATL for my lil sister’s bday tomorrow? Yeah…so with that said, I’ll keep this super short–lots to do!

Ombre items–frocks, bags, and shoes that go from a darker color gradient to light–have been popping up on several celebrities of note. The bold design–done the right way–can look very chic and fashion forward, while maintaining an essential element of fun.
Mary J. Blige looks divine in a floor length ombre gown…

mary-blige

…whose variable brown and tan shades play up her platinum hair.

Beauty Thandie Newton looks like she’s dip dyed in hot pink…
…in a dress that goes from bright to white then black in a snap.
Tia Mowry opts for a more subtle color palette…
…with black fading into stylish steel gray.
And J. Lo adopts the trend, but keeps it safe…
…carrying a bag in lieu of a full on ombre outfit.
To get the look, go with the following dresses:
Left to Right: Jay Godfrey Ombre Tank Dress, $495, www.saks.com; Single Silk Ombre Dress, $290, www.neimanmarcus.com; Ombre Dip Dye Dress, $84, www.asos.com.
For just a splash, slip on these shoes…
Left to Right: AK Anne Klein Women’s Ombre Pump, $89, www.endless.com; Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, $384, www.shopbop.com; Darby Ombre Peep-Toe Pumps, $25, www.target.com.
For ombre bliss, these bags will do the trick:
Left to Right: Shadow Large Frame Bag, $115, www.guess.com; Oasis Padlock and Fob Bag, $77, www.asos.com.
That does it. See some of y’all tonight!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*To Review, deets for tonight’s fiesta:
What: Fashion Bomb Meet & Greet
Where: Te Casan, 382 West Broadway between Broome and Spring.
When: 6 -9pm
Why: Because I love you. No seriously.
See ya there!