Hi!
So as promised, I’ll give you the best of what I saw at Brooklyn Fashion Weekend! Several designers showed, but I only saw a handful…out of those only two caught my eye.
First designer that you should know is Joan Vaccianna (www.vaccianna.com), who says on her website that, “lights from hard core steel buildings [and] the pulse of trains underground,” inspired this contemporary collection tailored for the young woman with edge.
The collection featured sheer knits and ruffled satin tops worn with pencil skirts…

Evening and cocktail dresses fashioned out of everything from skin clinging leather to more forgiving chiffon and satin…
..and sultry frocks with short hemlines and tailored bodices.
The final walk…

The ample fabric allows one to pull the scarf over the head to fashion a hood…
…colors like coral and cream pop against more demure backdrops. And boys…don’t sleep! This works for you as well…
I caught the final walk:

Fun!
It’s always great to discover new talent; and an event like Brooklyn Fashion Weekend allows us to see the next big thing. Next stop, the Tents of Bryant Park!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Miss Bruno’s designs are available on their website! A few of my favorites:
Top Row: Peze Cafe, $50; Delancey Blues, $110.

Bottom Row: Rupees & Yen, $60; U-Carmen, $40.
All at www.missbruno.com. No lie, I’m thinking of getting a coral creation. $40 is a steal for unique style!
*The Wall Street Journal on the business of selling…
…Lauren Conrad. Am I the only one slightly annoyed by her? She’s super cute, but talent? Questionable. My two cents! [WSJ]
*Should I get a reality show too? Just askin… (rhetorically, of course)
*One of our favorite bad girls, Eve…
…is set to help design Cartier’s ‘love’ bangles. [Fashionista]

Hey!
So on Saturday I attended Brooklyn Fashion Weekend. It was in my backyard, so I figured I could hobble over and see what it was all about.
I made my way to Northside Pier, a gallery/showroom in Williamsburg….

Brooklyn’s chic set came out in their spring best, and I of course had to snap a few pictures of Real Style:
These chic chicks were representing Clutch Magazine (www.clutchmagonline.com). They welcomed spring in cropped jackets and skinny jeans, accented with floral scarves, sunglasses, and slick hairstyles.
Ladies from the blog ‘In a Word Fab’ ( www.inawordfab.com) wore a mixture of booties with stockings and light jackets.
More scarves in full effect, whether worn for warmth or style. I loved this group’s quirky style (peep the chic nerd glasses!)…
More colorful scarves care of Alex Magazine (www.alexthemagazine.com).  The young lady in the middle wears a bold fedora and leather jacket, while her friends represent for male fashion with a striped cardigan and t worn under a blazer, and a sporty jacket and baseball cap on the right.
Trace Mag in the house! I had to snap this group–the lady is the center looked striking in nerd glasses and a bold high top fade.
And diva on the left is spring ready in a floral 3/4 length shift, while young lady on the right holds on to the vestiges of winter in a fur vest and high waisted pants.
After the show (more on that tomorrow), I caught a bit more men’s style:
Guys, are you taking notes? The outfit is simple, but what sets it off is his slick jacket, blinged out belt, and dark sunglasses. Lastly…
These ladies (friends of the designer Miss Bruno) were working all kinds of trends: Floral tops with matching pumps, belted tunics, fluttery tie neck tops with high waisted button front jeans, and billowing skirts.

*Monday fun just because…

Thanks BMWK! Hmmm…which early 90’s styles have already made a comeback?
*Botkier is coming to Target. Yippee! [In a Word Fab]
*Stay tuned tomorrow for my Brooklyn Fashion Weekend Favorites!
*Donatella Versace…
…on her matching purple luggage. Seems a bit silly to me. [NY Times]
*Heatherette…
…teams with MAC Cosmetics. [MyItThings]

Happy Thursday Fashion Bombers!
Next in our ‘Breaking into Fashion‘ series is none other than eBay Style Director…

…Constance White!
In charge of forecasting trends, promoting eBay’s Fashion offerings to consumers and advising eBay on fashion-related strategy, Constance is one of the country’s most respected fashion experts and frequently appears as a commentator on the ‘Today‘ show and ‘Entertainment Tonight.‘
You might not know this, but Constance actually started her career in publishing, holding posts as a style reporter at The New York Times, executive fashion editor at Elle, and associate sportswear editor at Women’s Wear Daily. She also wrote “Style Noir,”(1998) arguably the most comprehensive fashion book on the history of black designers, models, and trends (secret, I used it as a source for my Black History Month series–it’s a must read!).
She was kind enough to interview with The Fashion Bomb and tell all you aspiring journalists how to get your Manolo Blahnik in the door!
She says, “The advice starts off the same for everyone: get a degree, read everything you can about fashion, and intern! Interning is learning and networking and it is an unbeatable combination! This may include working with a designer, working at a newspaper or magazine or working in retail.“
Can’t afford to take on a non-paying internship? “Look around for college programs that will help you afford a non-paying internship,” she advises, ” If your’e older, work at a retail fashion store or work for money at night or on the weekends to allow you to work for free during the day (even if it’s just for a summer).“
If you want to distinguish yourself, “Working at Women’s Wear Daily and doing well there is one way,” she says, ” Some others include breaking stories at a newspaper…you can also embrace and make a name in celebrity style, which is a relatively new route, and also work for someone or somewhere that is well regarded.“
For women of color, she has this pointed piece of advice, “Get out of your comfort zone or discomfort zone and meet all kinds of people. Don’t allow yourself to be defined in a straight jacket.” She added, “ be aware of how you dress, how you wear your hair. What’s fashionable to your friends or immediate circle may not be ‘fashionable’ in the job you aspire to.”

If you want to keep track of Constance, check out her blog on E-Bay ( http://blogs.ebay.com/constance.white). And I had to ask. Any plans on updating ‘Style Noir‘? “I may write another book,” she says, “only when I can pause and scratch my nose.“
Looking forward to it!
Smootches!

*I’m working on ‘Breaking into Fashion‘ requests for event planners, photographers, makeup artists, and hair stylists. Anything missing? And if you’re looking to become a buyer, stylist, publicist, and more read the Breaking into Fashion Archive here.
*Thanks to Muse Magazine and Steal Style for pics!
*So the cover of Vogue’s April issue already has tongues wagging. Can you tell why?
Click to EnlargeI can see the point, but are we going to take issue with everything? Robin Givhan of the Washington Post says, “The whole LeBron thing really comes down to maybe Vogue should have more people of color on their cover, male and female…Maybe then they won’t be so scrutinized when they do put a person of color on their cover.” Good point, but devil’s advocate: Can we deny the blatant consistency with historical images? Did Vogue consult anyone before going with this cover? Should we assume that they really don’t know better? If not, why? These are intelligent people here. Read more in this article. [ABC News]
*Thanks to Coutorture for the shout out!

So…
I don’t know about you, but I’ve had it with my winter coat!
It’s a hot coat–don’t get me wrong–but I’m ready to throw on a brighter color, lighter fabric, and more shaping silhouette.
While you can always go the traditional route with a khaki or black trench coat (as I discussed in my first trench coat post), newer versions offer variations on the conventional, adding bows, luster, ruffles, shortened sleeves, and eye catching colors.
Celebrities know what’s up:
Beyonce…

…steps out in a slick green number for a night on the town.
Alicia Keys opts for a black trench with white contrast stitching…
Mel B wilds out with a belted leopard jacket…
And Amerie shines in a satin trench…
…accented with bright gold buttons.
If you want to update your outerwear wardrobe, try these well priced options:
Top Row: Three Season Trench Coat, $75, www.edressme.com; Soia & Kyo Asymmetrical Trench Coat, $265, www.nordstrom.com; Belted Trench Coat, $37.80, www.forever21.com.

Hey!
So the International Fashion Weeks have finally wound down, and if you’ve been paying attention, you might’ve noticed that there’s a new supermodel in town…

...Jourdan Dunn.
While beauty Chanel Iman has been getting lots of attention with her one of a kind look, 18 year old Jourdan is now joining the ranks, helping to diversify catwalks.
First spotted shopping in London clothing store Primark, Dunn has skyrocketed to the top, walking in hot ticket shows like Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Zac Posen, Tommy Hilfiger, Alexander McQueen, and Hermes.
She made history recently, appearing in the Prada show during Milan Fashion Week…
… Prada using Jourdan was notable for many reasons: Prada is known for having a homogenous cast (and has been accused of starting the colorless model trend); Milan has a reputation for abhorring the brown; and apparently Jourdan was the first black model to walk a Prada show since Naomi Campbell 15 years ago.
…She better work! Style.com recently included Jourdan in its list of Top Models, praising her ‘endless legs‘ and admitting that this Fall was her ‘breakthrough season.’
On top of being gorgeous, she’s also smart, recently speaking out about the lack of diversity in fashion, asking, “Why should our catwalks be so white? [I go] to shows… there’s just me and maybe one other coloured face…” Preach!
The Fashion Bomb has attended every single ‘Blacks in Fashion’ talk initiated by Bethann Hardison, and maybe just maybe, will be around to record a serious change in the industry.

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Jourdann recently appeared in a Dazed & Confused Editorial photographed by David Slijper…

…snaps for exposure, but something bothers me about this…
*Just received my two ton Vogue in the mail, and was tickled to see a spread featuring Liya Kebede photographed by Norman Jean Roy…

Click to Enlarge
…this Vogue is seriously a monster, but worth a weekend read. Flip through for a short piece on the marriage of Thelma Golden to designer Duru Olowu, an article on Michelle Obama by Fashion Bomb favorite Andre Leon Talley, and a feature on CNN reporter Gwen Ifill. I see you Vogue! [Thanks MakeFetchHappen for scans]
*Get a Beyonce look…
…with this $235 Michelle Jonas Dress from Pink Mascara.
*The New York Times on the business…
…of Sex and the City. How many of y’all knew about Manolo Blahniks before the show?? [NYTimes]

Reader Maryam aka ‘Classic’ says, “As a fashion merchandising student I must say that I love your blog!!!“
“…Here are pics of me hopefully I’ll see myself on there!”
Today’s your lucky day, Maryam. Thanks for reading!

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Only a few more weeks in a soft cast before I can bust out the stilettos! Of course I’m having a party. Stay tuned for details on the Fashion Bomb’s next meet and greet in NYC. I want to meet and greet y’all!
*Get a Kimora red carpet look…
…with this $139 Sexy Strapless Dress from www.bebe.com.
*Hey! You can vote for the Fashion Bomb everyday for the Glam Awards…
…let’s represent for urban fashion! Go to Glam.com to vote and look for the Fashion Bomb in the Fashion Publishers Category.
*Become a fan of the Fashion Bomb on Facebook!
*Steal Tichina Arnold’s look…
…with this $67 Rachel Pally Batwing Mini from shopbop.com

Hey!
So today’s the big day!

I’m announcing the winners of the T-Shirt contest at the end of this post…which means I’m going to keep Mail Bombs super short…

Let’s get to it!
Reader Linsay loved the dress Raven Simone wore to the “College Road Trip” premiere…
…she says, “Can you tell me who designed it?”
I couldn’t find the exact dress, but did find this $310 Kay Unger creation…
…the color is brighter, but the silhouette is there. Get it at www.neimanmarcus.com.
Asia loved Dania Ramirez’s flat sandals…
She says, “I love her shoes, can you please help me find them or something similar?“
Try these high and medium priced options:

Bottom Row: Chie Mihara Ankle Wrap Flat Sandals, $350, www.saks.com; Charlotte Ronson Amelie Buckle Flat Sandal, $136, www.shopbop.com

Now for a wardrobe query:
I frequently get questions asking: “Claire, how do I wear these shoes?“
Most of the times, these shoes are some wild card, crazy purchase that the buyer just had to have…before they realized they didn’t have anything to wear with them.
Juanita says, “I recently bought these shoes. I couldn’t pass them up! They were on sale…“
“… However, I need some ideas on how to wear them.“
Lola from St. Maarten wrote in with a similar query. She said, ” These two pairs of shoes have been sitting in my closet forever…problem is I have no idea what to wear them with! (They are colours and styles that I don’t usually wear)…“
“… You may ask…why did you buy them…I am such a compulsive shopper, I buy stuff just because its pretty besides my friends think I need more colours in my closet 🙂“
Lola also found these beauts..
She says, “So, I was browsing Forever 21 online when I came across these very cute and very cheap (might I add) purple and grey pumps ….They are wonderful!!! Any advice how to dress these babies up or down?“
It’s an epidemic!

But don’t fret.
The answer all the time is very simple: If you purchased a pair of hard to match shoes, wear them with a neutral, run of the mill outfit. Make the shoes the exclamation point to a subdued ensemble.
Wear your red shoes with a classic t and jeans combo…
Pop on purple with a neutral cream dress…
Or pair orange with all black…
If you must wear color, you can always try to go for matchy matchy…
…but I personally think that can look tacky tacky.
That does it!

Now for the winners of the T-Shirt Contest!!!
Drumroll…

In 1st place with 44.2% of the vote is this colorful, explosive T…
…designed by Shari from Chicago…
About her win, she says, “Much love to all the people who voted for my shirt! It’s very cool to know that people want to wear something I designed!“
In second place with 39.1% of the vote was the Sin City Shirt…
…designed by Canadian student Natasha…
About her win, she says, “All the contestants did such a great job! There are so many talented people out there, it made for such a fierce competition. Thank you to those who voted for me I really appreciate it!”
Lastly, in third place, with 37.3% of the vote was this Bomb T-Shirt…
….designed by the super hot Cranberry Girls (www.cranberryglitz.blogspot.com)…
…they’ll receive a $100 coupon to bag designer Sukari New York and a Fashion Book Bonanza, including copies of Fabulosity by Kimora Lee Simmons, Effortless Style by June Ambrose, and Lloyd Boston’s book, Before You Put That On.
That does it for now. If any of y’all are particularly feeling a design that didn’t make it, leave a comment! I’ll definitely consider making more down the line.
For now…
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*I want to thank Kyle, Jorge, Iulia, Eugene, Mallori, Alia, Eddie, Sydrena, Jennifer, Elle Woods, Victoria, Charle, Paul, Jaja, Yaa, and Juanita for submitting designs. They were all great in my book! I wish I could make them all!

*Congrats to contest winners: Shari, Natasha and Cranberry! You’re the bomb.

*Another special thanks to my contest sponsors: DJPremium.com, Modcloth.com, Lulus.com, SuiGenerisBoutique.com, ElizabethGrant.com, Lifebooker.com, Trace Magazine, SukariNew York, and UrbanBella.com!
*Cathy Horyn says her invitations to some high profile shows…
…aren’t in the mail. But she doesn’t seem to mind. [NYTimes]
*Chic and Untroubled wonders if the Anna vs. Carine feud…

…continues. I’m sure those covers are pure coincidence. [Chic & Untroubled]
*Karl Kani teams with Saks…
…for new clothing line, Kani Kouture. [Allhiphop.com]
*Become a fan of the Fashion Bomb on Facebook.com!

…Mary J. Blige.

With all this time, I can’t believe I’ve never done a Style File on her! She’s been on the scene since I was at least fifteen, bringing the soulful songs and great street chic style:
For red carpets, her signature as of late has been flowing, grecian gowns…
…in solid or ombre colors worn with make-a-statement jewelry and accessories.

From time to time, she opts for something more form fitting, whether long gowns in spandex blends…

…or alluring cocktail length frocks with t-necks…
For more casual events, she flaunts her body in tight tops and skinny pants…
…or goes a bit more prissy in pencil skirts topped off with an eye catching blouse…
…worn with booties or cute stilettos.

Whatever she chooses to wear, one thing she won’t leave home without is a luxurious, lustrous…
..fur coat…
..luxury is the rule, not the exception for this diva, and she flaunts her taste with no apologies.

I wonder what she would do if PETA ‘Anna Wintoured‘ her and threw flour or paint on her??

Pure comedy!!

Ha!
Get a Mary J casual look with the following:

Top Row: Robert Rodriguez Draped Jersey Halter Top, $187, www.nordstrom.com; Maria Animal Top, $98, www.marciano.com.

Bottom Row: High Waist Linen Skirt, $98, www.bebe.com; BCBG MaxAzria Black Bubble Skirt, $70, www.bluefly.com.

Step it up in these cocktails…

Left to Right: Brunya Glitter Neck Dress, $148, www.nordstrom.com; VJC By Versace T-Neck Halter Dress , $428, www.searlenyc.com.

Rock these on the red carpet…

Left to Right: Green Georgette Dress by Nicole Miller, $290, www.edressme.com; ABS by Allen Schwartz Ombre Beaded Dress, $575, www.bloomingdales.com.

And don’t forget…
Left to Right: Knitted Multi Fur Vest, $350, www.bloomingdales.com; Wendy Katlen Faux Fur Jacket, $396, www.revolveclothing.com.

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Tomorrow’s Round Two: Log on to cast your final votes!!!!
*Just for fun, a few Mary J. Blige Oldies but Goodies:

Real Love (Don’t Front, this is still the jam)

I Can Love You (Who you lovin’, who you wanna be huggin?)
And my current ‘feel good jam’…

Just Fine (I ain’t gone let nothing get in my wayyyyy/No matter what nobody has to sayyyy!)
*Marc Jacobs, Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein, and the guys from Proenza Schouler were nominated for the 2008 Womenswear Designer of the Year Award by the CFDA. Is it strange that they’re all men? For womenswear? [WWD]
*Oh junkie junk…
…the Glam Network Awards are open for voting!!! Vote for The Fashion Bomb in the ‘Fashion Publishers’ category. Visit Glam.com for more details. And vote for me!