So while my Style Files typically focus on salacious celebrities whose bevy of stylists and unlimited amount of funds help them to look their hottest, today I thought I’d switch it up and take a look at potential future first lady…
….Michelle Obama. With all that’s going on in politics, I’d figure what better time to take a look at this impressive half of the Obama team? And celebs aren’t the only ones with style! Michelle received a degree in Sociology and African-American studies from Princeton before moving on to attain a law degree from Harvard in 1988. She met Barack while working at Chicago Law Firm Sidley and Austin as an attorney. Barack showed up as a summer associate, and Michelle was tapped as his mentor. When Barack showed interest, she was reluctant to date the only other African-American at the firm (and her mentee!), but with persistence, the two started dating. Three years later they were married, and in a matter of years gave birth to their children Malia, 9, and Sasha, 6. Being a part of a hot duo didn’t stop her professional drive, as she quickly became a high six figure earner working in public service. At 43, this 5-foot-11 stunner is currently the Vice President of Community Affairs for University of Chicago Hospitals. Michelle’s Style can best be described as conservative chic. On most occasions, she favors knee length sheath dresses… ….and classic tailored suits… …with the occasional Chanel inspired nubby tweed accents thrown in… …for good measure.
While her position calls her to cover it up, Michelle isn’t always buttoned to the hilt! When she goes glam, she does so in floor length strapless gowns in colors that favor her skin tone…
And on more casual stumping days, you can catch her in anything from a simple black tee and cotton skirt… ….to more colorful, almost hippie-esque dresses… …almost always accented with a row of pearls.
Have aspirations to help rule the White House? Want a few ideas for a conservatively chic work look? Try these Michelle inspired pieces:
Happy Monday!
So one of my coworkers always throws these great mixers…
They’re great opportunities to meet professionals in the industry and network, network, network.
Beautiful people are typically in attendance, so I took my handy dandy Canon with me to capture a bit of Real Style:
I stopped this young lady first… …who revealed that she’s already a Fashion Bomber! Yay! She was blog bound in a cute, exotic print blouse, dark skinny jeans, and boots, all topped off with a Louis Vuitton Damier Speedy.
This fashionista… …looked cool in this teal silk tunic accented with a metallic belt and brown accessories.
These three stunners… …were super stylish in a mixture of high waisted pencil skirts, metallic and patent accessories, sharp jackets, and bold colors.
And this last duo… …captured my heart with their berets! Oh yeah, and everything from their colored boots to skinny jeans and unique sweaters were cute as well. Homegirl on the right just started a blog of her own called the Next Fashionista. Check it out!
So what do you think: do New York Mixer Goers have Real Style?
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*Yay! I was quoted this Sunday in the New York Post! But Boo! The site name, once again, is alllll kinds of wrong. Check me out here.
Any publicity is good publicity, right?
Yippee!
Welcome to the first mail bombs post of the New Year!
Believe it or not, people have been getting pretty agitated that Mail Bombs have been out of their lives for the past few weeks.
Christmas, Holidays, and Vacation, they say: Bahumbug! Bring me my Mail Bombs!
Thankfully, today, I’m finally back on the prowl…
…let’s see if I still got it!
First up, Melyssa from Toronto says “These boots are oh-so HOT!!!” …”Who makes them??? And where can a Toronto fashionsta such as myself could cop a close match for a more reasonable price?”
Well, Melyssa. Your taste is oh-so expensive! Those hot studded beauties are none other than Christian Louboutin’s Donjon Over the Knee Boots… ..available at www.net-a-porter.com for $2,350! I think that’s how much my whole wardrobe costs!
Anyway, with that level of craftsmanship, it’s hard to find something similar, but I thought these Quai D’orsay Snap Flower Trim Boots gave off a similar effect…
…for $299 at www.forzieri.com. Not quite Louboutins, but close enough (and almost 100 times cheaper!)
Next, we have another Toronto reader (who’s spreading the Fashion Bomb Bug up there??)
Tiff Says, “I’m pretty tall and as a result I wear size 11 shoes. I can’t find a hot pair of leather boots in my size ANYWHERE! I’m sick of tall stores and their “trust me these are in ” now fashions. I’m desperate for a pair of flat knee high leather boots. can you recommend any sites I can try online? I’m in Toronto so online is usually my only option.“
I did a quick search and found the following flat styles, all available in size 11: Top Row: Sudini Adjustable Waterproof Flat Boot, $200, www.nordstrom.com; Frye Women’s Paige Boot, $347, www.endless.com.
Bottom Row: Corso Como Dame Boots, $260, www.piperlime.com; RSVP Billie Boots, $140, zappos.com I’m on the fence about this next Mail Bomb’s style quotient, but…. Shanaya from Oakland, CA wanted to know where to get a look like baby sis Solange: She says, “I just love the patterned tights under her tunic!“
Bottom Row: Rag& Bone Bubble Dress, $515, www.neimanmarcus.com.
Next we have a mail bomb for the fellas! Shareta wants to dress her boo up like Bow Wow… …for the New Year.
She says: “My BF is obsessed with Nautica and button up polo type shirts. I am trying to get him to be more stylish. He definitely has the body for this shirt I just don’t know where to find it. I know nothing about mens fashion. But I know this shirt is hot! Any help at finding this shirt or one like it will be greatly appreciated!!!“
Get his look with the following military inspired tops: Left to Right: ASOSMan Military Shirt, $34, www.asos.com; True Religion Brand Jeans Overdyed Poplin Western Shirt, $136, www.nordstrom.com; Ever Korea Double Layer Shirt, $253, www.revolveclothing.com.
Reader Brian is also a Bow Wow fan, and wanted to get his leather hooded look… …as a Christmas present.
Looks like I missed the deadline, but if you’re still looking, I felt this Nevada Jacket by Ever came close… …get it for $880 at www.activeendeavors.com.
Next, we have our first Facebook query!
Reader Cheryl came upon a picture of a facebook beauty… ….wearing a lovely turquoise, yellow, and pink number in her profile pic.
She says,”I was wondering if you could help me locate this dress. Pretty please! 🙂“
Well, the world is indeed small, because the woman in the picture is my friend Chinwe.
She revealed, “The dress is BCBG and I got it on eBay!”
Good luck!
Lastly, Arielle from the Islands says, “ I wanted to know if you would do a little feature on winter wear essentials. I’m from the Islands and I need help!!!”
Oh Arielle, I feel your pain. When I was coming up North from Atlanta, I believe I had one lonely poleyester blend sweater to my name! I didn’t know any better, so before I came up, I bought a North Face ski jacket, a fleece, and a face mask…the first time it snowed, I remember being bundled up to the hilt with mittens! I so wish I had a picture (I might dig it up)…
In the meantime, you’ll need a good coat in wool and down, a few wool or cashmere sweaters, wool socks, and winter accessories–a cute hat, scarf, gloves. And don’t forget your feet! Get a pair of leather boots as well as sleet proof snow boots. Want to do it in style? These should get you started: Top Row: Michael Kors Black Quilted Hooden Down Jacket, $195, www.bluefly.com; Diesel Taupe Wool-Alpaca Cable Knit Sweater, $115, www.bluefly.com; GUESS? Wool Blend Military Coat, $168, www.nordstrom.com.
…marked down from $405 to $243 at www.net-a-porter.com.
*This isn’t a political blog, but… …Yay!!!!! The deadline to register to vote in New York is January 11th. Register here.
Don’t know why I’m excited? Read this.
*This is sad.
Happy Thursday!
So I went to the gym yesterday afternoon to take my regular cardiosculpt class, and was blown away, momentarily, by the sheer volume of newbies sweating away on the ‘mills. Then I realized that (duh) tons of people make ‘Working Out’ one of their first New Years Resolutions. All the holiday goodness is just too…good! As I said in my first post about Work out Gear, looking fly, sporting a new top, or rocking some new kicks motivates me to sweat it out.
Looking at celebs, there really isn’t much to it!
If you’re a casual girl like Nicole Richie or Rihanna, a simple white wife beater, t shirt, and pants will do…
*So Mail Bombs have gotten sort’ve backed up over the past few weeks due to vacation, so I decided to get an early start today!
Michelle from Orlando, Florida loves Kim K’s look in this picture: She says, “I think her outfit is a cute look and I like the bag because it looks like something I’d wear going to and from work...”
Get Kim’s look with the following high and low priced items: Top Row: T-Bags Solid Off Shoulder Top, $114, shopbop.com Harmony Wash Foxy Jean, $79, www.guess.com; Signature Stretch Silk Smocked Top, $40, www.spiegel.com.
Bottom Row: Roberto Cavalli Boots, $418, www.yoox.com; Julie K Jaye Bag in Purple, $242, CoutureCandy ASOS Tie Back Slouch Heeled Boot, $80, www.asos.com.
Kim K’s cool and all, but am I the only one kinda heated that she’s with Reggie Bush?? Why not me????
*Deal of the Day: Add Down Large Collar Puffer Jacket, $211, shopbop.com
Once again, guys, Happy, Happy New Year!
Today is ripe with new possibilities, let’s get it!
So I promised that I’d give you a taste of New Years Style.
I made several stops on Monday night, the first being a house party thrown by a friend.
I had to snap a picture of this party attendee…
…who was celebrating ’08 in a bold way with pink suede booties, an ethnic print halter top, and an emerald green clutch.
Sure, she didn’t have flashy sequins or a short cocktail, but she celebrated stylishly and in her own unique way.
What do you think?
Smootches!
PS I went to a huge party afterwards, and snapped a few pics. Stay tuned!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*Of course celebs represented for New Years. A few looks: Mary J Blige rocks a winter white jacket over knee high boots… Angela Simmons looks sultry in a lace overlay black dress… Kelis is scintillating in citron… Mariah is white hot in this strapless. I can’t lie, I like this look.
Did celebs represent for the New Year?
Hola Chicas! I’m finally back in NYC!!! I can’t lie…going from 70 degrees, beautiful water, and blue skies to 40 degrees and gray is a bit of a bummer. But I’m excited to party it up for New Years in NYC!
So of course with the New Year comes New Years resolutions.
Last year, I had exactly five fashion resolutions. Let’s see how I did! My first was.. 1. No more cheap shoes!
Don’t buy fake luxury-brand pieces–the people you’re trying to impress will know right away you got that Louis Vuitton on Canal Street. Go for unexpected middle pieces from middle-tier brands (the ones other women probably won’t pick)
…the words of a true fashionista! I went ahead and followed Kimora’s counsel when finding a new work bag. I invested in another Cole Haan creation… It’s big, red, and fits everything! My next resolution from last year was to get… 3. One status bag.
For some reason, I stopped lusting after the status bags. While any classic should be a part of a woman’s wardrobe, I haven’t had the extra funds to indulge. Perhaps I can look into this for the New Year….
4. J.Crew in moderation.
My obsession with J. Crew used to be embarrassing. All the people in there knew me or thought I worked there! I’m proud to say that I haven’t purchased one cable knit sweater this year. I did indulge in this jacket… …and a bit of cashmere….but I’m getting better (promise)! Lastly: 5. Fashion Shows, Fashion Shows, Fashion Shows!
So that does it for resolutions from last year. For this year, I only have a few…
1. Take The Fashion Bomb International. I started with the Bahamas… … but I really want to give you guys a taste of urban global fashionista flavor. I’ve got my sights set on Europe, Africa, and even Asia. Let’s get er done!
2. Chill on the big ticket items. As you can see above, I’ve made some pretty big wardrobe investments this year. At this point, I no longer need to spend a grip on wardrobe essentials; my focus should be small, inexpensive items to complement what I have. I promise, this year, I’ll shop more vintage, more Forever 21, and spend less than $100 on any one item. You don’t have to spend a ton to have great style. Remember Kesh?? She said “Nearly everything you see me wearing costs less than a large pizza. I dress so cheap I should be homeless!” It can be done!
3. Lastly… Take The Fashion Bomb to the stratosphere! This means more updates, more shows, more cool designers and great picks. Also, more reader participation. Tell me what you’d like to see more so I can give you a better experience!
Think that’s all. What are your resolutions? Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*Looks like the Fashion Bomb will be partying with the JI Group for New Years! …bring your flyest, cause I’ll be watching (and taking pictures)! Tix are now $175, purchase by clicking here. *Posts have been a bit sporadic with the holidays and vacation, but I promise to resume normal posting (mail bombs and all) in the New Year!
Merry Christmas Eve!
So surprise, surprise. I brought my black lappy with me to the Bahamas! And while I’m on vacation, I knew that I wanted to capture a bit of Bahamian Chic.
My cousins took me to the Carnival…
…which is basically Coney Island on a smaller scale.
I went with my early Christmas gift (a sleek Canon Powershot) determined to find some Real Style for y’all.
To prepare, I asked my cousin what was in style on the Island. She revealed:
1. Even though it averages 70 degrees here, any winter wear, including boots with fur were in.
2. Shoes and bag MUST match.
3. As long as your hair is done, the rest of your outfit can pass. She referred to a ’28 piece’ which is basically a complicated weave style that involves approximately 28 pieces (or more!).
With that information, I went out to find a few Bahama Mamas:
I snapped this couple first… …they looked fresh and clean in white shirts and jeans. Â I admired how the lady’s mustard shoes matched her mustard and brown bag (and her earrings).
Next, I had to stop this group… …they had great energy, and I took note of the young lady sporting boots with fur trim.
This group… …would’ve won the Real Style award if there was one! Not only were they dressed to kill in satin, pumps, and skinny jeans, but there were so many 28 pieces, I couldn’t count! And check how second from left’s shoes match her purse and her hair. They better work!
I did catch up with some of the guys… …who seemed to keep it pretty simple in polos, t-shirts and jeans.
But then I took a close look at homeboy in the middle’s shoes…. …the tag was still on! I almost died. Perhaps that’ll catch on in New York?
Anyway I’m having a delightful time with my cousins, eating loads of cracked conch, conch salad, Rice & Peas, Guava Duff, and Goombay Punch. I’m literally in heaven.
Hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday!
I’ll be back stateside towards the end of the week.
Until then….
Smootches!
Michelle received a degree in Sociology and African-American studies from Princeton before moving on to attain a law degree from Harvard in 1988. She met Barack while working at Chicago Law Firm Sidley and Austin as an attorney. Barack showed up as a summer associate, and Michelle was tapped as his mentor. When Barack showed interest, she was reluctant to date the only other African-American at the firm (and her mentee!), but with persistence, the two started dating.
Three years later they were married, and in a matter of years gave birth to their children Malia, 9, and Sasha, 6. Being a part of a hot duo didn’t stop her professional drive, as she quickly became a high six figure earner working in public service. At 43, this 5-foot-11 stunner is currently the Vice President of Community Affairs for University of Chicago Hospitals.
Michelle’s Style can best be described as conservative chic. On most occasions, she favors knee length sheath dresses…
….and classic tailored suits…
…with the occasional Chanel inspired nubby tweed accents thrown in…
…for good measure.
….to more colorful, almost hippie-esque dresses…
…almost always accented with a row of pearls.
I’m on the fence about this next Mail Bomb’s style quotient, but…. Shanaya from Oakland, CA wanted to know where to get a look like baby sis Solange:
