Hey!
So you might remember me taking a picture of a dashing young man at the Sean John show a few weeks ago…

…little did I know that this Real Style subject was none other than Indashio….
…an urban fashion stylist, designer, and entrepreneur that any fashionista worth her salt should know about!

Starting his own line at the young age of 19, Indashio has shown collections in LA, Miami, and New York, and outfitted the likes of Kim Kardashian, Nicky Hilton, Lil Kim, and Christina Milian.
Indashio, which means, “Living the dream,” started styling clothes for his friends in high school. “I never wanted to be a famous designer, “he says, “But I always liked to look good, I always had to have the name brand Filas.”
When his parents moved from Massachussets to Florida, a new city and few friends left him with lots of time on his hands. He learned how to sew, and soon had a room full of his own creations.
He allowed his persistence to take take hold. “I started calling people,” he says, ” I called the Fashion Director for Vibe Magazine everyday. I got the contact information of stylists at MTV and BET, and sent my clothes to them.“
Used to having his samples returned, Indashio was confused one day when he found one of his red chiffon shirts missing. He called his contacts, only to find that Amerie was wearing his shirt for a midday broadcast on BET.

His clothes, he says, have an unfinished look and are inspired by anything from cities to movies. He explains, “Beauty is in imprefection. My motto is all about exclusivity, originality. Something nobody else has..”
For aspiring fashion designers, he says, “Make opportunities for yourself…that’s the only way you’re really going to do it.“
“…If there’s a will there’s a way. Never give up. It’s not gonna happen overnight. Just ask yourself, ‘How bad do you want it?’ I worked for 5 years for free doing whatever I could do. Any money I received, I put right back into my company. Be passionate. Love it and have your eye on the prize and just think about it everyday and manifest it.”
Want more? Visit Indashio’s website at www.indashio.com or befriend him on myspace (www.myspace.com/indashio). Also be on the lookout for his new VH1 Show, Sew Good, hosted by Kelis!

*Love Sample Sales? This new website is a must see.
*Visit online boutique Spring Cart Designs…
…it features beautiful necklaces, earrings, and personalized stationary. And lucky you! Enter bomb15 for 15% off your purchases!

*Deal of the Day:
…Woven Kimono Dress, $48, www.styleviolet.com.
*Not sure if you heard, but according to YBF…
….Model Jourdan Dunn made history yesterday by walking in the Prada show in Milan–the first black model to do so since Naomi Campbell 15 years ago.

Hey!

I hope you enjoyed your three day weekends! For me, the days are just starting to bleed into each other…being at home is restful, but I’m starting to feel the itch for outside!
Though I’m supposed to be on bedrest for another week, I’m already wondering how I can work a swollen, patched up foot to hot events.
I decided to look no further than 2007’s most Fashionable Diva, Rihanna…

…who kept it moving last August with an injury. She didn’t let a minor setback stop her swagger!
For red carpets she popped on pairs of long wide legged pants that skimmed over her bandages…
…and ditched crutches in favor of a black coordinating cane.

…but smartly found the nearest seat!
When she chose to don a dress, she made sure her boot matched her ensemble…
…and if anything, didn’t forget…
…to rock at least one hot shoe!
If you’re afflicted, a few items to help you maintain your sexy:

Top Row: Jack Trouser, $130, www.fcuk.com; Caroline Poplin Top, $88, www.marciano.com.

*Reader Rufaro says, “Any idea where I can get a pair of shoes like these?“
Hey! You’re in luck. I found this inexpensive pair of  Touch Ups Women’s Alana Sandals…
…Get ’em for $53 at www.endless.com.
*Deal of the Day:

… a Rihanna-esque Strapless Lace Dress with Tulle, $30 at www.rampage.com.
Complete the look with these $99 Luichiny Lovely Pumps…

from Zappos.com
*Splurge of the Day….
…Beyonce like Pura Lopez Pumps, $245 at www.nordstrom.com.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

So I’m back from surgery, with my swollen foot propped up nicely on two pillows. I’m fine now (thank you percoset!), but y’all, you should’ve seen me in the hospital pre surgery! I really turned on the dramatics–crying, asking for my Mom, threatening to leave–but in the end I calmed down. After all my pain, and sitting down at parties…

…I think I made the right decision!

So my newest Fashion Bomb intern, Lisa, was kind enough to step in for me today.

She reports on a hot Spring Trend seen all over the runways: Floral Prints.

Enjoy!

**************************************************************************

Hey readers!

Newest Fashion Bomb intern Lisa checking in.

So even if we’re going to have to deal with a few more weeks of cold, at least your wardrobe can be in full bloom! The Spring 2008 runways were budding with new bouquets of vibrant florals that are a little bit retro, a whole lot sexy, and anything but boring.

Top Row: D & G, Valentino

Bottom Row: Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs

And of course celebs had to jump in on the trend!

Genevieve Jones does retro so well with a boho chic minidress at a Fashion Week after party for Alexander Wang….

At the premiere for Lipstick Jungle, Paula Garces is head to toe flower girl in hot pink…

Actress Ana Ortiz pairs a bright bouquet against a white silk shift at Fashion Week…

And model Roshumba Williams blooms in Bryant Park …

Gorgeous!

For homegrown flower power, try the following:

Left to Right: T-Bags Tie Long Halter Dress, $106, www.revolveclothing.com; Floral Babydoll Bubble Dress, $148, www.ardenb.com.

Left to Right: Lotta Stensson Green Floral Dress, $192, www.bluefly.com; Nu Collective Tiered Print Dress, $295, Pink Mascara

For just a hint of spring, go with these cute accents:

Top Row: Kenneth Jay Lane Cocktail Ring, $85, www.electricladyland.com; Martinez Valero Camille Floral Print Sandal, $55, www.bloomingdales.com.

Bottom Row: Floral Print Cotton Tote, $19.50, www.bananarepublic.com; Celina Jacket, $98, www.guess.com.

Now put a spring in your step!

**********************************************************************

Gotta love my interns y’all!

I’m going to resume my TV watching schedule. The upside to being out of commission is that I have all day to blog! Let’s see what I come up with:)

In the meantime, have amazing, fabulous Valentine’s days…and have a drink (or two) for me!

Smootches!

Hey Hey,
So Valentine’s day is coming up! Whether you’re cupcaking with you boo or hanging with your friends for a girl’s night out, the occasion calls for some saucy sparkle–preferably in red. Let’s look at celebs to see how it’s done:

…or go tea length…
… a la Alicia and Janet.
If you’re not really felling going all out, opt for a layered look…
…throw a wrap sweater or jacket over a dress like Sanaa, or simply wear a red knit with a leather jacket and leggings like Gabrielle.
If you’re feeling more ‘bahumbug’ but still want to show a little spirit, try adding a belt to your ensemble…
..slipping on a sleek shoe…
…rocking a cherry colored bag…
…or really getting adventurous with a turban….
…live a little!
A few Valentine’s worthy items for a steal:

* An Early Mail Bomb for ya:
Reader Maryam loved Rihanana’s look in this picture…
…she says, “I wanted to know if you can help me find this dress Rihanna had on at the Clive Davis Pre- Grammy Party last night. Its so hot!!!!!!!!! “
Rihanna’s wearing a Mara Hoffman dress from the Fall 2008 collection (fresh off the runway!)…

Get a similar look with this Roberto Cavalli Deco Print Dress…
…on sale for $1,566 (from $2,610) at www.net-a-porter.com.

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!