Hey!
So I’ve finally recovered from Fashion Week!
As you can see, I’m very snap happy….I took a ton of pictures in the tents that I didn’t get to post, so I figured, what better time than today?

I saw this young lady while waiting in the line for Custo Barcelona.  I loved her gold brocade jacket, and her striped tights were an unexpected touch.
Skinny jeans and pumps are accented with a feminine, cinched waist African print top.
This model’s whole look–from her boots, bag, to her over the top hair—exemplified casual chic.
And lastly this Runway coach is working fitted jeans and a pompadour hairdo on the catwalk of Chris Han.

I couldn’t forget to take a pic at Sean John…

This dope fashion designer and stylist was sporting a skeleton print hoodie, straight legged jeans, a scarf, and plaid hat. He was fierce! He’s doing big things–check in for updates on him soon.

And that does it for Monday Real Style!
Now: The Contest.

After over 30 submissions, our contest winner is…
…Vanessa from New York! Cute dress!
Within 40 minutes of my publishing the post, she correcty answered that the ladies in this picture:
..were (left to right) Liya Kebede in Calvin Klein, Jourdan Dunn in Zac Posen, and Hollis Wakeema in Tracy Reese!
About her win, she says, “I’m a little surprised…I almost never win anything…this is exciting!“
Congrats! Enjoy your styling with Pieces! You’ll love it, promise.
Smootches!

Hey!
I’m up bright and early on Saturday to give you the scoop on the Sean John Show!
Yesterday, I made my way over to Cipriani’s near Grand Central Terminal as early as possible…

..I just had a feeling that the line was going to be nuts.
As predicted, the scene seemed a hair short of mayhem, with a line that stretched halfway down the block…
…full of stylists, publicists, and editors waiting to see Diddy’s first show in five years.
I hopped on the back and settled in for a long wait, but the line moved quite rapidly, check in was a breeze, and I was in in no time!
The seats slowly started to fill in…
… and I had my Canon Power Shot poised to take pictures:
Mama Puff was perched front row in full fur glory…
… next to Spike Lee in a very fashionable Obama ’08 t-shirt. Baby momma Kim Porter was also in the house to show support.
Cassie wasn’t very far away…

…looking svelte in a strapless canary yellow Herve Leger dress.
Crooner Trey Songz was also in attendance…
…as was design czar Roberto Cavalli…
…seated closely to rappers Fabolous and Q-Tip. Apparently K-Fed along with a few other ‘A-listers’: Ellen Pompeo, Helena Christenson, and Wilmer Valderama were there as well.

The show started promptly, and I’ll be honest, I was loving all the male model eye candy!

The suits and wool coats were generally impeccably tailored, and perfectly suited for a CEO…
The sequined shirts were a bit over the top…

…but I could see Puff rocking them for parties in Ibiza or St. Tropez.
And a few other pieces, like motorcycle jackets in gray and cream…
…and nubby sweaters…
…would fit seamlessly into the wardrobe of an adventurously chic man.
So while some items were edgy, Puff brought it back with a few can’t go wrong style staples.  A great balance and a perfect reintroduction to the world of high fashion.
Of course I caught the final walk:

Is ‘Superstar’ the theme of all urban fashion shows these days? I guess everyone’s really feeling Lupe Fiasco.

Bravo.
After the show, I caught a few pictures with resident allstars, including Cassie…

Trey Songz…
Blogger Micah Jesse (www.micahjesse.com)…

..and Chanel Iman!
So that does it for Fashion Week for the Fashion Bomb…
…it started and ended with quite a bang!
Smootches!

*Remember this video?

After seeing it, I totally expected for the show to be a mixture of menswear and womenswear; as you can see, the show was purely men. Turns out a few of my model girlfriends went bright and early to the casting, and were told that Diddy called it all off. Was the viddy purely publicity? I wonder.
* Check out Concrete Loop for more show pictures plus celeb goss.

Hey Hey!
So sigh of relief: Today’s the last day of Fashion Week! To be honest, the excitement level has been on a slow decline since the first weekend. I plan on hitting up Sean John tonight. That one should definitely be interesting!
In the meantime, I’ve gotten a record number of Mail Bombs (seems there are a few new readers…) and have a contest up my sleeve, so…

…Let’s get started!
Newcomer Elizabeth says, “I’ve been trying to find this dress...”
“… Can you help me find something similar?!“
Hey! I couldn’t find the exact dress, but these certainly could give you the Kim K essence:
Left to Right: Alice + Olivia Sequined Sweater Dress, $330, www.neimanmarcus.com; Michael Kors Runway Cashmere Turtleneck Dress, $627, www.eluxury.com; Mock Neck Bell Sleeve Dress, $84, CoutureCandy
Reader Ryan also had a sweater dress query, and says, “I am desperately trying to find out who made Christina Milian’s sweater dress for the GM fashion show…”
“...Trying to suprise my girlfriend…any help would greatly be appreciated!“
How cute! Could this be for Valentine’s day?
Anyway, since the GM event was a year ago, Christina’s exact dress is most likely not in stores. But lucky you, I found a few substitutes:
Left to Right: Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $29, www.spiegel.com; Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $89, www.victoriassecret.com; Cable Babydoll Sweaterdress, $65, www.victoriassecret.com.
Hope she likes it!
Next, lots of people seem to have their sights set on the beach! Mimi says, “Okay so I know it’s winter and about 30 degrees outside, but I really need a swimsuit. I’m kind of shy to show off my thighs, so I’ve been looking all over for a cute skirted swimsuit. Could you help me find one?“
Reader Kristen is also looking, and says, “I‘m desperately trying to work on a budget for spring break. I want to find a cute bikini, preferably animal print and keep it under 100. I’m not trying to splurge on a swimsuit this year. PANAMA CITY HERE I COME!“
You guys are hilarious! Here are a few options, skirted or not, for less than $100:
Top Row: Diane von Furstenberg Chocolate Zebra Striped Halter, $96, www.bluefly.com; W Swim Exotic Paisley Halter and Skirted Bottom, $69, www.macys.com.

Top Row: Matte Wedge Rain Boots, $20, www.target.com; Sperry Top-Sider ‘Sadie’ Rain Boot, $70, www.nordstrom.com.

Middle Row: Hunter Original Rain Boot, $98, www.nordstrom.com.
Bottom Row: Showers Grey Multi, $50, www.stevemadden.com; Roxy ‘Puddles’ Rain Boot, $49, www.nordstrom.com.

Lastly, Erica says, “I have an inquiry about a fabulous dress that a fellow Fashion Bomber was sporting back in November…
“…I loved it! I’ve searched and searched, but could not find anything similar for the spring or summer in that color, perhaps you would know where I could find something that looks that great that I could rock?“

Hi Erica! The closest thing I could find to Bre’s dress was this $148 Palm Burnout Dress…
…from www.ardenb.com. If that doesn’t work, perhaps Bre can divulge where she found her frock?
Update: Bre’s dress is from Banana Republic, but it’s last season! Lucky you, my sister Teri has the dress, and is totally cool selling hers. Erica, if you’re interested, e-mail her at terilili@aol.com.

That does it for Mail Bombs!

Now, since you guys love contests, I figure, what better time to have one?
I haven’t really been focused so much on the runway in my posts, figuring that my hardcore fashionistas can go to sites like nymag.com and style.com for pictures and reviews available almost minutes after the show. But if you’ve been paying attention, you’d see that there’s a lot more color on the runways–bravo!

In celebration, I’m going to give the first person to tell me the name of the model AND designer of the following looks (three separate answers)…
Click to enlarge

… a style consultation plus gift certificate to Fashion Bomb Fashion Week Sponsor:
…Pieces Boutique! As witnessed by a few of my Fashion Week wardrobe choices, Pieces stocks well-edited, chic items for the fashionista with discerning taste. Carrying brands like Marie Marie, Tibi, Vivienne Westwood, and LAMB, you’re always bound to find something fresh to add to your repertoire. And owner Latisha Daring (shown here with husband Colin)…

…truly has a unique eye for style and will get your wardrobe ready for spring! Check out a bit of her work:

View more here.
That said, e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com with your answers. Good luck!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

* I understand there are a lot of newcomers to the blog, so here are a few tips for Mail Bombs:
~ Look under the Mail Bombs topic on the left hand side to make sure I haven’t already found the answer to your question. If the dress/item you’re looking for is 2 months old or more, you might get lucky. If not, e-mail away!
~Try to attach a picture of what you’re looking for.
~If I haven’t gotten around to your question, I’m really sorry! It’s basically just me doing all the sleuthing (believe it or not), so I can only get a handful done every week. Be patient!
~If I haven’t found an answer, and it’s been a while, the reasons most likely are: 1. The item you seek isn’t available online, 2. The item is custom made, or 3. I have no idea. But I try!
Thanks:)

*Have great weekends!

*More contests to come!

Happy Thursday!
So as riveting as it may be for you to attend Fashion Week vicariously through me (riveting I’m sure), celebrities have also been representing in their Fashion Week best, wearing the hottest designer frocks to perch on the front row. Today I decided to take a break from “Claire’s So Called Life” to look at how some of our favorite celeb hotties brought it for the tents.
Songstress Amerie…

…shined in a sleek satin belted trench and pumps for Baby Phat, then went ivory, girly and frilly for BCBG Max Azria.
Fashion Bomb friend Christina Milian…
…works all black ensembles to everything from Herve Leger to Rock & Republic and Baby Phat. Whether a cute top with black lame leggings and boots or a sheath dress with sheer paneling, she seems to understand that black on black is always chic.
Joy Bryant…
…goes from preppy at Michael Kors to seriously saucy at Herve Leger in an icecicle orange signature bandage dress.
And ANTMer Jaslene loves the saucy look as well….
…wearing short, skin clinging dresses in electric colors and glossy tones at both Vivienne Tam and Baby Phat.
Our favorite socialite Genevieve Jones…
…goes for classic black and white combos whether wearing a conservative cardigan or belted tunic dress.
And Rihanna showed off her cute pixie cut in black outfits worn sheer, embellished, sequined, or feathered…
… never forgetting a quick pop of orange pumps.
So, the rule for the front row: Sleek dresses worn sheer or short, concealing cardigan sets with skirts, all the while sticking to a neutral color palette of white and black. Throw in a hot shoe for good measure.
Get a fashion week celeb look for less with the following:

Top Row: Norma Kamali Zebra Jersey Smocked Chemise Dress, $135, www.bluefly.com; Rayanne Jacket, $89.50, www.gbyguess.com; Sexy Sheer Neck Pencil Dress, $139, www.bebe.com.

Middle Row: Soiree Print Merino Cardigan, $70, www.jcrew.com; Guess by Marciano Carrie Orange Patent Pump, $94, zappos.com
Anna Sui Floral Jacquard Skirt, $124, www.net-a-porter.com.

Bottom Row: Sabrina Parka, $128, www.guess.com; Lotta Stennsson Peacock Blue Jersey Mini dress, $45, www.bluefly.com; Little Black Dress, $95, www.victoriassecret.com.

Just a few more days until the madness dies.

Tomorrow, I’ll try to deliver Mail Bombs as normal (I’ve been getting a ton this week!)

Stay tuned!

Smootches!

Today, I give you an update on designer Byron Lars…
To review, Lars trained at the Brooks Fashion Institute in Long Beach and the Fashion Institute of Technology before launching his first collection. His 1991 collection was hugely popular, earning him the title of “Rookie of the Year” by Women’s Wear Daily. In 1996, Mattel asked him to design a collectible Barbie doll, complete with her own wardrobe. His Barbie designs proved so successful Mattel asked Lars in 1997 to develop an entire line of African-American Barbie dolls, all dressed in designer clothes.
In response to “Where are you Now?” Lars replies, “I’m working on my collection, Byron Lars-Beauty Mark, which offers a full range of sportswear.”
Among his career highlights, he says,”When I was first starting out, I attended a fashion function for the Democratic party, and Calvin Klein and Donna Karen were there. They both came up together and told me that they liked what I was doing. I remember running home and calling my parents and telling them about that. It was one of my most memorable moments.”
Byron Lars Polka Dot Mini Dress, $290
In terms of advice for the younger set, he says, “As with anything else, you just have to make sure that you love it love it love it and are willing to sacrifice a great deal for it. I don’t believe the television images really convey how much sweat equity goes into realizing a collection. You have to love it and be willing to work almost tirelessly for it. Love the work for the work’s sake.”
Interested in Byron Lars Beauty Mark? You can find retail locations by calling 212-575-1783. Lars’ collection is also available in New York at the stores New York Look, Runway, and Palma.
If you want to know more, check out this old New York Times article about Mr. Lars.

Hi!
So yesterday, I decided to take a break from the tents and attend the Fall 2008 collection of Stephen Burrows…

…held at Due per Due, a showroom in midtown.
To review, Stephen Burrows is one of the first African American designers to reach international acclaim. He made his name designing for the 1970’s club crowd–think slinky dresses on the long legged Studio 54 set. He laid low in the early eighties, only to revamp and reenergize in 2002. Since, he’s shown Spring 2007 and Spring 2008 collections..
His show on Tuesday opened with a gold shearling jacket with metallic buttons…
… and was followed by a succession of signature matte jersey dresses of varying lengths…
…whether draped in long grecian one shouldered styles, or worn short, accented with long chain necklaces, bags with beaded chain handles and gloves.
I absolutely loved his contemporary wear: fluid frocks in gray, green, and mauve with thigh skimming hems and body flattering silhouettes:
“The storyline is about the culmination of water and earth, and includes elements of matte and shiny, sexiness and body consciousness,” Burrows said, “I used a lot of matte jersey, charmeuse, and hammered satin.”
Sapped from the show, Burrows only plans for the night were, “[putting] the showroom together and going to sleep!“
Of course I snapped a picture with the resident industry heavyweight…
…Bethann Hardison. She did casting for the show. I asked her how she was enjoying fashion week, and she revealed, “Honestly, I haven’t seen much. The tents make me sick! They’re overcrowded, so I only go to shows of friends.” She had been to Diane von Furstenberg and Tracy Reese, and was looking forward to Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors. She plans on having the next “Absence of Color” talk in September. I’ll keep you posted!
I also had to get a picture with the man of the moment:
…Stephen Burrows! He was sweet as pie.
For aspiring designers, he offered the following advice, “Learn the business, and become a master of mixing the creative and the commercial.” Got it?

*I’ve been writing about Stephen Burrows since 2006! Check out my old posts here and here.

Hey!
While viewing collections and celebrities are the main reasons most indulge in Fashion Week, I also go to view how real people adorn themselves for the occasion.

People of color were representing with lots of Real Style, and of course I had to snap a few pictures:
A Gucci purse worn with a navy blue coat, short boots and matching beret signal understated chic.
A straight fit siren pencil skirt and zebra print top are enhanced with a vintage-esque belt and clutch.
Donning an all black ensemble consisting of a cape, scarf, skinny pants and glasses certainly makes a statement.
This young lady flaunts bold colors early, matching purple boots to a purple plaid tie neck top, yet mutes it all with a generous fur.
Haberdasherry at its best, this young man always looks fetching with a top hat, vest, and walking cane.
And an all beige skirt suit and spectator shoes are jazzed up with a cute bowl haircut.
While everyone looked great, the Real Style Award would have to go to this young lady…
…a Hampton University student with a flair for fashion. She stood out by mixing prints like plaid and herringbone with elements that were demure, yet chic (i.e. a black leather pencil skirt and patent leather bag). I had to ask her about her outfit, and she revealed that aside from her Steve Madden shoes, everything was vintage! With a student’s budget, she managed to look like a magazine girl. Great job.

*Check out Zulema Griffin’s Fall 2008 Video Presentation:

Fierce!

Today I’m giving you an update on designer Alvin Bell.

A former illustrator for Anne Klein and Halston, Bell rose to national prominence as a designer of suits for the label P.S.I. A talented illustrator, he traveled throughout Europe attending fashion shows, taking pictures, and sketching designs, and eventually published a trade newsletter called Designer Reports. Later, he was commissioned by Sears to create a line, called Mosaic, of affordable clothes geared towards African American women.
In response to ‘Where are you now?” Mr. Bell says, “I’m writing a book with a new, exciting visual concept– an extraordinarary work of fiction that uses fashion as a landscape.” With about half the book finished, he projects the masterpiece will be on your bookshelves in about a year. Keep an eye peeled!
Alvin Bell was so sweet, he actually invited me over to his studio…
…we had a great time chatting, lunching, and looking through his press book. Cool Fact: he used to sketch for Michael Jackson!

Hi Guys!
So for the beginning of my Black History Month series and also for the rest of Fashion Week, I decided it would be cool to give you guys updates on a few of the designers I covered last year. Today, you’ll get the scoop on menswear designer Jeffrey Banks in my Black History Moment at the bottom of the post.
Until then, I’m sure you’d like to know about the Tracy Reese show, so I’ll indulge.
I went to the venue on Sunday…

…and promptly took my seat–front row!!!
The collection began, and it was refreshing. While most collections I’ve seen have used pretty boring pallettes–khakis, beiges, and browns–Tracy brought a bit of spring into fall with bright floral prints of oversized baby blue roses and rhododendron on dresses of chiffon. She kept it exciting with ethnic patterns of fuchsia, blue, and yellow, and aptly mixed textures, prints, and fabrics–think velvet and lace, satin and wool, and sequins with taffeta. The air was playful, yet proportions of knee length skirts, oversized coats and draped cardigans suggested a certain seriousness:

A few of my favorite looks:
I literally oohed when I saw the tweed bomber and the matching tweed wide legged pants; the strapless dress had great colors and was well constructed; the sheath dress was also alluring and sophisticated with great embellishments. And A + for the berets!
I caught the final walk:

…and of course couldn’t leave without taking a pic with the hot celebs in the house…
..Angela and Vanessa Simmons!!! These girls were extremely nice and graceful, and didn’t care when I asked to retake the picture (Vanessa was looking away in the first one).

*Like my jacket? It’s from Pieces. It’s my new obsession!
*Jovovich-Hawk…
…are the new ‘Go International’ designers for Target [Oh Joy]

First, in my ‘Where are they now?’ series, I wanted to give you an update on menswear designer and two time Coty Award winner, Jeffrey Banks.
Source
To review, the Parson’s graduate was a design assistant to both Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein before opening his own menswear company in 1977. Banks’ two companies, Jeffrey Banks Ltd. and Jeffrey Banks International, amassed $20 million through licensing deals and international sales.
In response to the question, ‘Where are you now?” He says, “I am in the middle of the book tour for my first book, TARTAN: Romancing the Plaid (Rizzoli 2007) which has just gone into it’s second printing, and am in talks about a second book on American Fashion. In addition, I am a consultant on several sportswear lines owned by HMX Sportswear, whose parent company, Hart Schaffner and Marx manufacturers the Jeffrey Banks Collection.”
Among, his career highlights, he cites, “My first Coty Award because I was in my first year of business on my own and I was the youngest person to ever win a Coty Award. Another highlight included the launch of my first book this past October when I had over 750 people on hand at Saks Fifth Avenue.“
To those in the younger generation, especially designers, he urges practicality when entering the industry. He says, “Fashion is a business . . . . Not an art form. I encourage all young people to take business courses if possible, as it will only help them have longer and more viable careers.“
Banks, who admires Ralph Lauren for his “unrelenting perfectionism and his inability to compromise his design integrity,” is a longstanding member of the Executive Board of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Vice Chair of the Board of the Hetrick-Martin Institute, and a Senior Board Member of the Board of Trustees of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
If you don’t know, now you know. Cheers!
*Purchase Jeffrey’s book, Tartan: Romancing the Plaid…

… for $41 at www.amazon.com.