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:
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…
Hot!
A mixture of saucy and sultry, the girls are apt style ambassadors. They’re on point with all the trends for our set: short shorts, skinny jeans, stilettos, and alluring thigh skimming dresses.
Want their look?
Get an Orange Crush Danity Kane Essence with the following:
*So I’ll admit, I’m a huge fan of Danity Kane! My favorite songs are ‘Hold me Down,’ ‘One Shot,’ and ‘Take it Further.’
Their new song, ‘Damaged’….
…is growing on me.
*Do y’all remember Diddy’s first girl group, Dream? I liked them too (Their song “This is Me (Remix)” is still on my ipod). Wonder whatever happened to them….maybe they could’ve used a reality show???
A blast from the past, just for fun:
Seems they have a Donnie look a like rapping. I smell a formula!
Oh, and anyone else confused why Diddy is all up in the video…dancing in the video…rapping in the video? Guess that was a long time ago.
*Get Nia Long’s red carpet look…
..with this $348 Marc by Marc Jacobs Night Blossom Dress from www.net-a-porter.com.
*WWD reports that Fashion Bomb favorite Kimora Lee Simmons (or is that Honsou?) will debut a teen targeted line in JC Penney stores. Guess the name? You got it, Fabulosity. She says, “Fabulosity is all about celebrating who you are and your individual greatness–living your dream and being whatever you want to be.” All hail, Queen Kiki. [WWD]
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…
With that said, does Rebirth 2008 have Real Style?
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…“
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….
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:
At any rate, I’ll have to find something to tide me over until I can wear ‘normal’ shoes.
It’ll be good to have a pair in my arsenal for the weekends…must keep it fresh at all times!
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*Reader Chiriga is too chic! In response to yesterday’s Purple Haze Post, she says, “I loooooove purple!“
“…I’m up on my trends!“
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!
RSVP to rsvp@tecasan.com. Can’t wait to meet y’all. Did I mention you get 20% off the Spring Collection?? A celebration indeed, indeed. Go to www.tecasan.com to pre-shop.
*There’s a pretty huge entry in today’s Women’s Wear Daily Memopad section on the Vogue cover controversy. Fashion Bomb favorite Bethann Hardison weighed in on the conversation, saying, “Every photograph that they’ve put of a dark person in recent years has never been good. Jennifer Hudson has her mouth wide open. LeBron James had his mouth wide open. We have other expressions.” Another great quote is from Helena Andrews, a culture editor for the website www.Politico.com who says, “It brings up the question of whether people are asking these questions in the editorial meeting of doing the sorts of images that conjure up those sorts of [feelings]. It’s clear no one raised their hand during the editorial meeting and said, ‘Wait a minute.‘” Good point. If you have something to say, why not write a letter to Vogue? They publish them every month. Put pen to paper and mail to 4 Times Square, New York, NY 10036. OR e-mail them at talkingback@vogue.com (include your daytime phone number). Put all those college degrees to good use. [WWD]
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:
…starring model Nina Keita [Make Fetch Happen]
*Uhhh… Who’s this guy? Our favorite fashionable socialite Genevieve Jones was spotted swatting spit with this mysterious man March 20th at Radar Entertainment’s new fashion division party. His pigtails are raised in approval!
*Fashiontribes on how to get… …a Global Chic look. [Fashiontribes]
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…
…not quite avant garde, but very promising. And her work with leather is in fact different–I look forward to seeing more! Keep posted on Vaccianna by going to www.vaccianna.com or its Myspace page, www.myspace.com/dezinez4u.
I also enjoyed designer’s Miss Bruno’s presentation (www.missbruno.com). The collection consisted exclusively of overwhelming, eye catching scarves, perfect for spring weather.
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.
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). Â 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.
Magazines are great, but sometimes the best fashion is found in Real People.
So what do you think. Did Brooklyn Fashion Weekend bring the Real Style?
Sigh…finally Friday… Thank goodness! Let’s get started. Reader Latasha from Detroit, Michigan loved Eva Longoria’s dress: She says, “It’s so cute! Any idea who made it???“ Latasha, you have great taste! As soon as I saw that dress, I knew it was from Gucci’s Spring 2008 collection… ..one of my favorites! The prints, bursts of yellow, and feminine silhouettes–to die for! Check out the rest of the Gucci Spring 2008 collection here. I love, love, love it. Next, Anickia says, “Where can I find these boots!?!?!?“ ” I love them want them, gotta have them!!!!”“ I’m not exactly sure, but from the dagger like heel to the pointed platform toe box, I think those boots are Alexander McQueen. Take a look at a few detail shoe shots from his Fall 2007 collection: I couldn’t find Lauren’s exact boots online, but you can come close with these $482 Alexander McQueen Boots… …from www.yoox.com. An anonymous reader fell in love with Rihanna’s shoes saying,”Could you please tell me the brand of shoes she’s wearing PLEASE!“ “...an alternative will do.“ An alternative will have to do, and I found a pretty good one in these $79 Nine West Lucero Pumps… Get the rest of Rihanna’s look with the following:
Now for wardrobe queries: Amber writes in with a pretty complicated request. She says, “My graduation is soon and they are very strict about what we can wear. It has to be a tea length or longer white dress, and it cannot be strapless, bare shoulders, spaghetti straps, or halter top! With all that, it still has to be somewhat formal. I’ve been looking and I cannot find anything, and I’m on a budget (I have to pay for college after this, lol), so can you possibly find me some ideas?“ Talk about strict requirements! I searched and could only find this Philosophy di Alberta Firetti dress to fit your style criteria… …but at $459, I think it’s way out of your budget. Plus it’s not that cute. Perhaps you can get around the rule by wearing a long dress that comes with its own shawl… …like this $248 JS Collection Brocade Bodice Gown. You can get really creative by simply buying a cute, long strapless gown, then wearing a cardigan or shrug to cover the whole ‘sleeve’ requirement: Top Row: Sandy Starkman Smocked Dress, $149, www.bloomingdales.com. Ruffle Cropped Cardigan, $49.50 www.gap.com. Bottom Row: Signature Washed Linen Collection Long Bias Cut Dress, $69, www.spiegel.com; Women’s Shrug Cardigan, $24.50, www.oldnavy.com. Throw some hot accessories in there to dress it up. Good luck! Lastly, Jewel says, “I am attending a party this Sunday (yes, Easter Sunday). It will be an after-8pm affair, mix and mingle and the host requests that we all wear linen. Could you please suggest some items that scream: classy, fabulous, and sexy!“ I hope I’m not too late! Try these:
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.”
Sound advice!
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!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*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!
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!
Top Row: Sailor Sweater, $18, www.laredoute.com; Wesc Pia Drawstring T, $95, www.urbn.com.
Go flirty in these affordable dresses:
Top Row: Metallic Stripe Scarf, $9, www.forever21.com; LAMB Trenchtown Manchester Clutch, $395, www.nordstrom.com.
Smootches!
