Hey My Damies!
So believe it or not it took me all weekend to recover from the excitement of the Murakami Gala opening! It was absolutely amazing to meet and mingle with the fashionable set right in my backyard. I was *thrilled*. I didn’t get much time to go out and capture Real Style, but you guys always come through! Today, check out Shariba from Silver Spring, Maryland…

She says, “Here’s an example of my personal style. Please tell me what you think honestly!!“
I love the shirtdress mixed with your designer clutch, and your bold white boots are quite the chic choice. The dark sunglasses only amplify your outfit.
Two snaps!
What do y’all think?
Smootches!

*A lot of you were like, “Claire how was the rest of the Murakami event? Did you go to the exhibit?” Yes, of course, aside from chatting with Marc Jacobs, I took a twirl around the exhibit itself!
The night started off with a press junket, and the backyard of the museum was set to look like typical Chinatown street stalls selling fake Louis V bags…
…while the bags were made to look fake, everyone working there insisted they were real. Honestly, at first glance, I couldn’t tell the difference! As we’ve discussed, I’m no stranger to China, Chinatown, or fakes (though I’ve reformed!), but when I first took a look around, I said to myself, “If you can get a great looking fake, why shell out the dough???” Chairman and chief executive of Louis Vutton Yves Carcelle spoke a bit about the display…
…he talked about the importance of protecting intellectual property. To be honest, I sympathize. Once you’re in the creative realm and start working hard to maintain a product, it really sucks when someone comes around and straight up steals your work, words, or designs. Can you imagine if someone launched a site called “The Fashion Explosion” and basically did the same thing I did?!? Or reproduced my posts (it’s happened before).  It’s infuriating! But then again, if I were loony enough to charge y’all $1,000 to log on, wouldn’t I be asking to get ‘knocked off?’

The debate rages on.

Moving to the exhibit…
…it’s pretty dope.  Not sure if you know this, but Murakami designed Kanye West’s album cover…
..and a lot of his artistry reflects the same kind of space age, cartoon feel, but with a funny edge:
…lots of emphasis on eyes, mushrooms, and flowers, all painted in almost psychadelic pastel colors. It’s grown up art for the kids at heart.
A must see! Check out more pictures (including my dress!) on the Fashion Bomb’s Facebook group. And join if ya haven’t already! If you have extra click time, also become a fan of the Fashion Bomb’s less maintained facebook fansite🙂
*Reminisce on my post about fake bags. Hilarity indeed!

*Yo, Guy Trebay of the New York Times was also in the house…
…click here to read his take. [NYTimes]

 So last night I made my way to the Murakami opening gala at the Brooklyn Museum. I live *really* close to the venue, so basically there’s no way it was going to happen without yours truly in the house….

It was a pretty cool event, full to the brim with Francophiles and the requisite Japanese socialites. I had to snippy snap a few pix:
Marc Jacobs loves the Fashion Bomb…
So does Kanye (who performed!)….he was the sweetest man, even though this picture makes him look sad…
And I had to take a picture with man of the hour, Takashi Murakami. We know of him for his rainbow colored Louis Vuitton bags, but he’s so much more than that. I hope all of you check out his exhibit in my backyard, the Brooklyn Museum. He’s so so so dope.
Um. That does it!
I’m gonna rest up for the weekend:) I’m a mess.
Smootches!

Hey!
So today, I bring you guys yet another ‘Breaking into Fashion‘ post!
A few weeks ago, reader Kori wrote in saying, “Can you elaborate more on finding out about Fashion Event Planning or Promotions?“
Immediately, I thought of my good friend, Joresa Blount:

…a UNC graduate who does event planning and management for Tribeca Grand and Soho Grand Hotels in NYC…
Working behind the scenes in a pair of fresh to death sky high stilettos, Joresa speaks to clients, draws floorplans, schedules staff, buys supplies, and sets up spaces for events ranging from movie premieres studded with stars like Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Marc Jacobs to screenings of the finales of Project Runway.
She took a quick moment out of her busy schedule to tell all your aspiring event planners how to break into the system.
She says, “ I became involved in event planning/management when I took an internship at the Soho/Tribeca Grand Hotels. You need hands on experience to get a job in this industry, so an internship is key….”
Agness Deyn at Tribeca Grand Event
On a day to day basis, Joresa juggles quite a bit. “For fashion events, I have to deal with florists, lighting, sound, and event producers who help you come up with a concept and execute. It’s a huge production for something that can last about 20 minutes. That means the pressure is up for everything to be perfect!“
Rachel Roy, Damon Dash, Madonna, and Guy Ritchie at screening at Tribeca Grand
While partying with Marc Jacobs is cool, she admits, “The hours vary week to week, and can be extremely long.” Still, she says, “I get instant satisfaction from a job well done. It’s nice to know when your guest has had an amazing time because their event was flawless.” She adds, “Plus the gift bags are always great!“
Zoe Kravitz at recent Tribeca Grand Event
To be an event planner, you must be, “ detail oriented, a good listener, and someone who can make quick, sound decisions under pressure. Creativity doesn’t hurt!”
Also, “Make sure you look fabulous. It’s definitely an industry where looks are important!” she says, “Yes, it gets hard to run around in 4″ heels, but you got to do it. This is what makes things look glamorous!“
Alright! Any future event planners in the house?
Smootches!

*Oh no, not again! Naomi Campbell was arrested at Heathrow airport today for allegedly spitting at an officer. Will this girl ever learn??? [Breitbart]
*H&M announces Commme des Garcons as their next designer line. [NYMag]
*Even in fashion, noone’s job is safe. [NYTimes]
*Have you taken time today….

Hey!
So striped garments have been around since the first French sailor donned a navy blue and white combo on the seas of the Riviera. The nautical look is still de rigeur these days, popping up in multicolored variations on some of our favorite celebrities:
Keyshia Cole looks patriotic in a red, white, and blue striped top with jeans…

Amerie goes sassy in a green striped summer ready dress….
Pre baby J.Lo shines in a chevron striped trapeze dress worn with boots…
And around the way girl Mary J goes traditional with a horizontal striped turtleneck with jeans and fur trimmed boots…
While you can’t go wrong in most occasions, I’d advise against wearing striped tops and bottoms together…
…though with enough pinache, you can pull anything off!
Gain your stripes with the following tops:
Top Row: Sailor Sweater, $18, www.laredoute.com; Wesc Pia Drawstring T, $95, www.urbn.com.
Bottom Row: Tommy Hilfiger Striped Crewneck Sweater, $54.50, www.macys.com; Butterfly Tee in Pearl, $79, CoutureCandy
Go flirty in these affordable dresses:

If you’re a bit more tame, go with these accessories…
Top Row: Metallic Stripe Scarf, $9, www.forever21.com; LAMB Trenchtown Manchester Clutch, $395, www.nordstrom.com.
Bottom Row: Carlos by Carlos Santana Casino Pump, $99, www.macys.com; Million of Smiles Striped Scarf, $125, shopbop.com
Smootches!

So Danity Kane has been blowing up lately with their album release and the finale of ‘Making the Band.’ With tons of recent group appearances, I figured….what better time to take a look at their style?

The girls go for seasonal orange and cream cocktails for their album release party in Las Vegas…

…then worked the short hems yet again in rainbow colored dresses of frothy pink, yellow, black and coral for their NYC album release…
…they shine in all white for a TRL appearance….
…and stick with the monochromatic look with S&M inspired black gear for another appearance at TRL…
While most occasions call for a club appropriate look, these girls can mix it up, opting for more casual duds of leather jackets, floral print tops, denim, and track jackets for a signing at Best Buy…

Get Super Saucy in these all black beauts:
Top Row: Crisscross Dress, $91, www.bebe.com; La Befana Black Jersey Tie Neck Top, $80, www.bluefly.com.

Hey!
So every year I try to make it out to New York Urban League Young Professional’s Rebirth event…

Chock full of people of color, it’s a chance to mix, mingle, drink great wine and engage in a focused cultural event. Last year, the event featured a fashion show; this year, filmmakers of color showed shorts and drummed up interest for their feature films. I attended to catch a bit of Real Urban Professional Style, and was not disappointed!
These young men looked dapper in argyle sweater vests, glasses, and blazers, while the young lady in the middle keeps cool in a belted seafoam tunic worn over footless tights.
It’s spring, but baby it’s cold outside! These girls struck a balance in sleeveless dresses worn with tights and booties.
This talented filmmaker, Pete Chatmon, came to the event in a sophisticated steel pinstripe blazer worn over a pink checkered shirt; his glasses are a nice touch. Chatmon, called the ‘Next Spike Lee,’ recently produced a movie called ‘Premium‘ starring Zoe Saldana, Hill Harper, and Eva Pigford. He’s definitely one to watch. Check him out and catch a preview for Premium at www.double7film.com or www.premiumthemovie.com.
Hello ladies! These two beauties look cool and carefree in strapless dresses in seasonless marigold and cream.
Traditional v-neck sweaters and blazers were the rule for these two young men…
These young urban professionals were corporate yet cool in pencil skirts, pumps, and shift dresses in neutral colors like gray and black…
And check out this showstopper! This young lady showed out in a white tuxedo worn with a ruffled black top. Amazing! I had to ask where she purchased, and she revealed the outfit was top to bottom Roberto Cavalli for H&M. If I had ever become dissuaded with H&M designer series, this outfit renewed my faith! Guess I’ll be back on line for the next one…

Smootches!

*Want to become involved with the New York Urban League Young Professionals? Check out their website (www.nyul.org) here.
*Check out my post from Rebirth 2007. These events are always super fun!
*Want to be hip to the New York Urban Professional Scene? Check out my girl Jen at the B-Life (www.the-b-life.blogspot.com). She always has the rundown of what’s poppin in NYC, plus restaurant reviews and more! Tell her I sent ya:)
*Bossip wonders…
…who looked hotter? [Bossip]
*Yet another story on April’s Vogue Cover. The author wonders about Annie Leibovitz’s’ ‘inspiration‘ and mixes in some history. An interesting read! [Media Assasin]

Hey!
So it’s the end of another great week!

Let’s get to it.
Ramona says, “I need your assistance! I’ve been trying to find some jeans and or pant’s like what Kim Kardashian wore to TRL...”
“…Could you help me please?“
Sure! Looks like Kim is trying to bring the seventies back in some dark wash bell bottoms. It works! Try these:
Left to Right: J Brand The Doll Bell Bottom Jeans, $209, www.saks.com; Grey Ant Welt Jeans, $286, www.tobi.com; J Brand Lovestory Bell Bottom Jean, $178, www.madisonlosangeles.com.
Next up super trendy reader Chiriga asks, “I love turquoise for the spring!“
“…Where can I find the shoes Angela Simmons has on???“
Get a Simmons look with these $128 Fauta Moretti Closed Toe Slip Ons…
…from www.yoox.com.
Teagan says, “I am trying to find this dress that Genevieve Jones wore at New York’s Fashion Week…”
“…I can’t find who the designer is anywhere online. Would you be able to help me? I would really like to wear something like this for my birthday coming up in April.“
Hey there! I couldn’t find the exact dress, but thought you could go with these floral print frocks to get a similar look:
Top Row: Plenty by Tracy Reese Ruffled Shift Dress in Gumdrop Stripes, $339, CoutureCandy
Nicole Miller Aqua Floral Swirl Silk Dress, $153, www.bluefly.com.
Bottom Row: Tibi Coral Reef Dress, $420, www.net-a-porter.com; Single Printed Satin Dress, $325, www.net-a-porter.com.
Just throw on a belt and sandals for a party ready look!
Next, Joi asks, “I was wondering if you could help me find something similar to the dress that Elise Neal is wearing…“

…get it for $363 at www.nordstrom.com.
Reader Stephanie wrote in a while ago asking, “I wanted to hit you up about this dress that one of your readers you posted is rocking …”
“...That black and white striped number is FIERCE!!!! Do you know where I could find it?“
The young lady in the picture admitted to wearing Sass & Bide, but you can get a similar look for less with this $70 Mitred Stripe Dress…
…from www.ardenb.com.
Lastly, reader Sheria has a wardrobe query. She says, “I’m going to a wedding at the end of May and I need to know what to wear. Got any suggestions!?!“
Try these beauts:
Top Row:Milly Margarita Floral Shift Dress, $340, www.neimanmarcus.com; Joolay Cotton Dress, $92, www.bloomingdales.com.
Bottom Row: Chetta B Tunic Dress, $250, www.neimanmarcus.com; French Connection Fit & Flare Mini Dress, $140, www.asos.com.
Oh and several of y’all got in touch asking, ‘When are you having a Meet & Greet LA? Chicago? London?“

Not quite sure, but I’ll try my best to pop in as soon as I can!

Have amazing weekends…I’m going to look for sneakers:)

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Random Hotness:
Juliana Jabour Bicolor Tunic Dress, $212, shopbop.com
To the Max Pleated Shirtdress, $118, www.nordstrom.com.
*Check out new store Pink Cherie (www.pinkcherie.com) for low priced look-at-me jewelry. A few picks:
Left to right: Drop Earrings, $21; Diva Earrings, $25; Love Unlimited Necklace, $29.
All at www.pinkcherie.com. Bonus: Use code FashionB10 for 10% off.
*Remember, my damies….

…vote for the Fashion Bomb! You can vote every single day! Let’s put urban fashion on the map.
*Check me out! [DC Goodwill Fashionista]

So,
I went to my podiatrist the other day who informed me that I could stop hobbling around with a bandaged left foot (yay!), and could finally upgrade….to sneakers (boo!).
Horrible, I know.
I had high high hopes that I could at least wear pretty ballet flats after my surgery, but he wouldn’t budge! “Sneakers,” he said, “nothing more, nothing less.” [As an aside the nurses, etc, are probably so fed up with me for always asking for fashionable socks and a cuter boot! But I digress..]
Obviously, as a fashion obsessed chick, I immediately took to looking for chic sneakers…styles that would actually look OK with work outfits or even *gasp* skirts and dresses. High tops are fine for a younger set, but a grown woman can’t walk around the office with pastel sneaks!
I found these neutral options:

Top Row: Diesel Sport Women’s Ballerikah Slip-on Fashion Sneaker, $80, www.endless.com; Vans KVD 46, $46, zappos.com
Lacoste Lyndon Dotty, $80, www.jildor.com.
Bottom Row: Converse by John Varvatos Chuck Taylor Laceless Sneakers, $95, www.saks.com; Puma Mostro Perf Shoes, $100, www.nordstrom.com; Nike Sunyassi, $79, zappos.com
If I wanted to amp up the edge, I could do so in bright colors or metallics:

Top Row: Prada Linea Rossa Buffalo Dance LaceUps, $250, www.saks.com; Onitsuka Tiger by Asics, $84, zappos.com
Bottom Row: Puma by Miharayasuhiro Sneakers, $118, www.yoox.com; Stuart Weitzman Russia Hour, $190, zappos.com

And if I really wanted to stunt, I could of course go with these logo laced lovelies:

Yes you are! And snaps for boldly mixing that purple off the shoulder dress with red accessories.
*The Genevieve kiss mystery has been solved! Reader ‘Courtesy of Moi’ wrote in saying, “The guy with the braids is a twin. Their names are Ricky and Dee Jackson…“
“…They did the lego belts for Marc Jacobs’ collection a while back.”
Ohhh, ok. Anything cool with Marc is cool with me! Seems like they were long overdue for their Fashion Bomb debut! Check out Dee & Ricky on their webbie, www.deeandricky.com.
*The Chicago Tribune on the controversial Vogue cover. [Chicago Tribune]
*Get 20% off Shop Jake Shoes (www.shopjake.com)…

…I can’t wear them, but you can! Just enter the code ‘springshoes‘ for your discount.
*Speaking of Spring Shoes, Mark your Calendars….
…yours truly is having a Meet & Greet/No More Boot/Shopping Celebration on Wednesday, April 16th at Soho’s Te Casan!!! From 6-8:30 come sip champagne, shop, and mingle with your fellow Fashion Bombers! It’s gonna be sooo…much…fun!

Hey!So I’ve been seeing the color purple pop up on on many red carpets in the celeb circuit. Eye catching yet sophisticated, it flatters most skin tones and also complements some of spring’s bright accessories:

Venus Williams wears a cap sleeve shift with a metallic bag to ESPN the magazine’s 10th anniversary celebration…

Kelly Rowland slips on a halter neck cocktail with a gathered skirt for a Prada Cocktail Party…
Angie Martinez goes for a wrap dress for the red carpet of Hot 97’s Full Frontal Fashion Show…
And next top model Jaslene opts for separates in a body clinging tube top for BET’s Rip the Runway…
This trend even crossed the pond to Paris…
…where Rihanna made pretty purple pop against a blue jacket and an electric yellow purse.
Want Rihanna’s look? Go with the following:
Left to Right: French Connection Jack Jersey Jacket, $148, www.bloomingdales.com; Alexander Wang Tank Dress, $253, www.standardstyle.com; Nordstrom Deco Crinkle Patent Tote, $198, www.nordstrom.com.
The best of the rest: