Hey!
So surprise, surprise. I’m pretty blind.
Believe it or not, yours truly sported painfully nerdy coke bottles with plastic frames for most of adolescence. As far as I was concerned, it was definitely not a good look…I was more than happy to trade in my specs for contacts in junior high.
Interestingly, a nerdy glasses trend has been blooming amongst fashionistas of note–with surprising results:
Fashion Bomb friend Kesh actually looks hot rocking black specs with a strapless tube dress, doorknockers, and gold chain…

Neo-Soul Queen Erykah Badu has taken to wearing large librarian glasses, but makes it sexy with a deep cut button down, scarf, and beret…
And trendsetter Kelis rocks a turtoise shell pair…
…with a striped turtleneck.
This trend is even transcending gender, with Style Czars like Kanye West…
…and Damon Dash…
…unabashedly sporting glasses at the most fashionable events.
Could lame be the new cool?
If so, try these:
Top Row: Risky Readers, $14, www.urbn.com; Editrix Readers, $58, www.anthropologie.com.
Bottom Row: Cazal Glasses, $300, www.filthydripped.com.
For Guys:

Johnston & Murphy Readers, $60, www.johnstonmurphy.com.

*Deal of the Day:
Boombox Bling Necklace, $14, www.lulus.com.
*Splurge of the Day:
Get a Kelly Rowland airport look…
…with this $1,445 Miu Miu Matelasse Large Hobo…
…from Bergdorf Goodman. (Thanks AosGrl!)

Wow,
It’s March already! Where or where do the days go?
Huh?
So after I mentioned that my hurt foot prevented me from snapping Real Style on the streets, you guys came through like allstars with tons of pictures!
This week, we have Niesha from Memphis, Tennessee…

She brought out her flyest for Allstar Weekend in New Orleans.
She says, “I’m usually more plain, I don’t take many risks as far as mixing patterns and colors. I stick to the basics but I think that I still have some style.”
I think so too!
What do you think?
Smootches!

…the company produces hand painted canvases, women’s clothing, and men’s shirts. Check ’em out at www.nosajauthentics.com.
*Gossip hotspot Concrete Loop has exlusive pics…
….of the new Sean John ads. [Concrete Loop]
*Get an Alexis Phifer acessories look…
…by layering these $68 Yochi Lucite Long Necklaces…
…from www.ravinstyle.com.

Hey Guys!
Sorry for the late post!
My internet was down last night–a veritable nightmare for a blogger!
London intern Natalie thankfully stepped in today with a hot Style File on a Fashion Bomb-esque actress to watch: Jurnee Smollett.
Enjoy!
***********************************************************************
Hi Guys!
Today’s Style File is dedicated to Jurnee Smollett, a star on the rise.
Jurnee has been on the small screen since she was around the age of 5 and has recently been popping onto the silver screen, with heart stealing performances (Great Debaters Anyone?). As a young woman of color in Hollywood, Jurnee has recently pulled out the stops when it comes to style.
She wasn’t always a fashionista…

…dowdy used to be the rule, not the exception for this beauty.
Thankfully, at recent events she’s been coming a little more correct in laidback belted striped frocks…
……and in dresses and gowns accented with embroidery, flower accents, feathers and collars in a delicate color palette of white, light pink, gold or cream…
She also turns on the drama with neutral colors like black and white with ruffles to add a little extra…
…and rocks out from time to time in brighter colors like fuchsia or pale green….
…topped off with peep or open toe heels in neutral or metallic colors, to keep it simple yet cute.
Feeling the fuchsia look? Try these:
Left to right: Tube Bra Top Dress, $38, www.victoriassecret.com; Theory Pavia Blitz Strapless Belted Dress, $255, www.bloomingdales.com
Like her whole style? How about these:
Top Row: Cracked Leather Retro Bomber, $151.69, www.asos.com; Stuart Weitzman black velvet bow ‘Por Favor’ sandals, $95.99, www.bluefly.com; Jacinda Leather Shoulder Tote, $595, www.neimanmarcus.com
Bottom Row: Skinny Lizard Belt, $24.50, Gap.com
Noir Crystal Classic Large Stone Round Ring, $48.99, www.bloomingdales.com; Marc by Marc Jacobs Shoes Two Piece Pump with Ankle Strap, $450,shopbop.com

Top Row: Tibi Fancy Faille Belted Dress, $358, www.saks.com; Kay Unger New York Ruffled-Halter Taffeta Dress, $350, www.neimanmarcus.com
Bottom Row: Laundry by Design Twist Front Dress, $91.99, www.bloomingdales.com; Pheobe One Shoulder Silk Dress, $308, www.nordstrom.com
Want to Splurge? Go with this:
Societies Dress in White, $950, www.dvf.com
And don’t forget the shoes!

Left to right: Ash Rubis Open Toe Sling Back Pump, $165, shopbop.com
KORS Beau Metallic Open Toe Platform Pump, $290, shopbop.com
Nine West Womens’ Grimes Slingback Sandal, $80, www.endless.com

So what do you think? Does Jurnee have great style?
*****************************************************************
These interns are lifesavers, aren’t they?
Gotta love ’em!
Smootches!

*Robin Givhan finds a few aspects of Paris Fashion Week…
…a bit absurbd.[Washington Post]
*Looks like New York is no longer a one stop shop…
…for counterfeit bags [NY Times]

Hi Guys!
So it’s been a while since we’ve had a Breaking into Fashion post. For those new to the blog, I’ll clue you in: from time to time, I interview insiders to give readers the scoop on how to break into Fashion Industry jobs.
For today’s post, I’m answering a question from reader Brittany of Arkansas State University:

She says, “I am majoring in Journalism with an emphasis in Advertising and a Minor in Marketing…whew…lol! Because I’m in Arkansas, I know that it’s going to be that much more difficult to break into the world of fashion. My dream job is to become a Fashion Buyer. I don’t have much time since I’ll be graduating in less than a year…any advice, pleaseeeee!! Thanks!!!“

So cute!
To help you out, I got in touch with Krista Land…
…a buyer for Macy’s in New York! A 2004 graduate of Howard University, Krista has been working at Macy’s for three years.
Krista got her start with Inroads Inc, an internship program for minority students (inroads.org). She says, “I interned at a bank for 2 summers and then interned at Macy’s for 2 summers. When I graduated, I was offered a spot in the Executive Training Program for the Macy’s East Buying Office. I finished the few months of training in the program and became an Assistant Buyer. I was an Assistant Buyer for about 2 years. I am currently an Associate Buyer.”
Buyers, who select and purchase apparel and accessories from designers, manufacturers or wholesalers, “need to have a good eye for fashion, be organized, and easily able to adapt to change,” she says, “They should also be pretty good with numbers since those things play a big part in the job.”
Being a buyer includes understanding customer likes and dislikes, keeping in touch with retail staffers to see if product is moving, and seeing if the company should buy more or less of an item. Krista, who has a Bachelors in Marketing, says the key to getting your foot in the door is an internship. “I would advise college students to intern in retail to get a feel for the business and have a better idea if it’s something that they want to pursue,” she says. For someone mid career, she encourages reading up on the profession, then contacting industry representatives for exploratory interviews.
Fashion buyers have a pretty fast paced lifestyle. “Day to day, I manage several departments (a few responsilbilites are maximizing sales performance, coming up with pricing strategies, reordering product that’s selling well). There’s a lot of analysis involved,” she admits.
But as with any industry job, it seems you must start at the bottom before you climb to the top!
So Brittany (and anyone else out there), hope that was helpful!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Want to be a stylist? Check out my interview with June Ambrose. Keen on being a magazine editor? Look up my interview with Pam Edwards. Want to be a publicist? You must read about Bonnie Morrison. And if there’s any other aspect of the industry you’d like to learn more about, e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com and let me know!
*A hot preview of Oscar de la Renta’s Fall 2008 Collection…
…Absolutey Fabulous.[Coutorture]
*Our favorite cell phone chucking model was hospitalized in Brazil. [Bossip]

Hey!
So unfortunately a patched up foot and crutches don’t allow me much time to hit the streets for Real Style. Thankfully, you fabulous readers have been sending me submissions. Yippee!
Aja from Illinois submitted a photo of ‘Chicago Office Fashion‘:

…saucy! Aftin, Aftin, Aja, Cory, Alysia and Angel look chic and sleek in all black outfits accented with stilettos, hose, and pops of leather and plum.

…for Andre 3000’s Benjamin Bixby line. Should be tres interessant given this young man’s style…

…will your man be rockin Benjamin Bixby??? [NYMag]
*The most interesting trends…
…from Italy [Fashiontribes]
*This cool website has pix of peeps on the street from around the world. Watch out Sartorialist! [Streetpeeper]
*Trouble Finding Foundation? You’re not alone. [NYMag]

Hey!
It’s a wintry Friday in New York, but on the Fashion Bomb it’s…

…time for Mail Bombs!
First, Tina from Atlanta, Georgia says, “PLEASE HELP ME FIND BEYONCE’S SHOES”
“…I AM IN DIRE NEED OF THEM”
She sounds serious, huh?

Well, it seems as if Beyonce’s wearing these one-of-a-kind Chanel earth grippers…
…from its Resort 2007 collection. Visit chanel.com for store locations.
Next longtime reader TK says, “For once Rihanna really really impressed me.. “

“.…I love the shape of this dress! Where can I find a budget friendly version?“

Try these low cost look a likes:
Left to Right: Velvet Metallic Jersey Strapless Dress, $123, www.revolveclothing.com; Graham and Spencer Metallic Keyhole Dress, $129, shopbop.com
Fashionista Melody says, “Hello! I just loooove this off-the-shoulder little black dress Vanessa Williams is rocking…“
” …Can you find where I can get this dress or something close to it? Thank-you!”

Of course! Get a sexy Vanessa essence with the following:
Try these: Top Row: Juicy Couture Off Shoulder Dress, $205, www.asos.com; Fine Jersey T Dress, $26, www.americanapparel.net.

Bottom Row: Vivienne Westwood Aglomania Dolman Sleeve Dress, $229, www.djpremium.com.
Next Reader Tanya loved Rihanna’s Trench coat…
She says, “I love this coat…could you help me find out where I can buy something similar?“
London intern Natalie stepped in with the scoop. She says, “Rihanna’s coveted trench is by YSL which guarantees a hefty price tag, but luckily trench coats aren’t hard to come by! Here, a few that still look great but won’t burn a hole in your purse:”
Left to Right: London Fog Pleated Trench with Roll-Sleeves, $190, www.macys.com; Riverbay Trench Coat, $178, www.whitehouseblackmarket.com.
Left to Right: Premise Phina City Trench Coat, $610, www.bloomingdales.com; Jessica Simpson Double-Breasted Trench Coat, $160.00, www.macys.com.
Reminds me of my old dear trench coat! Seems I’ll have to start looking for its replacement:(

I’ve gotten lots of questions on how to get a Herve Leger creation…
…without spending $1,000.
Of Meagan Good’s dress, Tabatha says, “I would like to know where can I find a dress similar to this one. I believe this is Herve Leger and I can’t afford it right now but I would love something similar.”
Since Herve Leger is owned by BCBG, I’ve started to see a few BCBG ‘looks close to me’ dresses:
Left to Right: BCBG Centurion Dress, $300, www.saks.com; BCBG Satin Tiered Dress, $200, www.macys.com; BCBG Max Azria Laser Cut Dress, $288, www.nordstrom.com.
They’re still a bit steep, so if you want a cheaper, saucier substitute, you can go with this $89 dress from Bebe…

Those will have to do until Forever 21 and H&M start manufacturing lesser priced versions.

Malwina writes in with a wardrobe query. She says, “Hi! So I’m really sensitive about my look and I have to look good anywhere, in any situation. I’m looking forward to step my activity game up. How can I look good, kind of sexy 😉 on P.E. lessons or during fitness? You know, like Juicy Couture makes some fashionable tracksuits. Maybe you could help me find a fashionable set for sports?“
Girl, I can relate. Gotta look fly at all times! Go for the following jackets, and throw in their matching bottoms for a cute workout steeze:

Left to Right: Adidas Soft Touch Jacket, $64, Zappos.com
Net Knit Cover Up, $75, www.nike.com.
Left to Right: Juicy Couture Vicki Velour Track Jacket, $94, FashionChateau.com
L.A.M.B Patch Hooded Track Jacket, $155, www.nordstrom.com.

Left to Right: Trunk Track Jacket, $138, www.revolveclothing.com; Unisex California Fleece Track Jacket, $45, www.americanapparel.net.
Also, take a look at my Work out in Style Post from earlier this year.

Lastly, a question for everyone!

Susan from Tucson, AZ, “Do you think high-waisted skinny jeans and pumps will work for Spring? If they are not too Fall 07, what kind of top do you think would look cute with them? Here in Tucson it is too hot for long sleeves!“

I think the style is still chic, and would work with anything from a batwing top to a wife beater. What do you guys think?

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

Deal of the Day:
…Ankle Wrap Sandal, $19, www.newport-news.com.
Splurge of the Day:

…a Rihanna-esque $214 Debra Rodman Silver Dress…

..and this $307 Christian Audigier Overnight bag from www.djpremium.com.
Lucky you, Fashion Bomb Readers get 15% off at DJ. Premium.com by entering the code NU30Y. Get your shop on!

*BET’s Rip the Runway show was last night. A few red carpet pics:

Jaslene, Lil Mama

Lauren London, Cheri Dennis

….guess my invitation got lost in the mail! No matter, the bum foot is still in full effect!

*Have Great weekends.

*Visit Harriet’s Alter Ego (293 Flatbush Avenue) this Saturday from 10pm-1am…

…for a Girls Night In! The whole store (including new Spring Stock) is $30, they’ll be serving yummy cocktails, and you’ll get to meet musical artist Ayo! Sign me up!

*Seems like the search box is up and running! Type in anything from Meagan Good to Beyonce, and Technorati will show you relevant posts from my archives. Do a quick search for your Mail Bomb question…you might be pleasantly surprised:)

Left to Right: Zimmerman Luxe Spliced One Piece, $175, shopbop.com
Nylon Tricot Maillot V-Swimwear, $45, www.americanapparel.net; Milly Mirabella Maillot, $220, www.neimanmarcus.com.

Left to Right: Ralph Lauren Striped Tankini Top, $73, www.macys.com; Shiny Tankini Top, $39.50, Gap.com
2. Cute Cover Up

Left to Right: Adam Deep V Sweater Dress, $185, shopbop.com
Echo Butterfly Cover Up, $40, www.ravinstyle.com.

Left to Right: Women’s Toe-Strap Flip Flops, $5, oldnavy.com
Paul Frank Straw Stripe Flip Flops, $18, www.fredflare.com; Tory Burch Flip Flops, $45, www.madisonlosangeles.com.

Bottom Row: Women’s Raffia Beach Tote, $10, oldnavy.com
Echo Ethnic Stripe Tote, $53, www.ravinstyle.com.

Oh wait…throw in a few scarves…
… if you actually plan on swimming:

*Don’t forget sunglasses!
…Check out my post on stunner shades here.

*I’m aware the Milan and London Fashion Weeks have come and gone, but I just can’t do them justice quite like Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune and Robin Givhan of the Washington Post. Check out Suzy here and Robin here.