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!
So I’m finally home! Sorry for the delay; I got in late last night and slept in (naturally) this morning. As I type, I’m watching an afternoon potpourri of the Finest Television (Maury, Judge Mathis, Judge Judy). It’s divine.
But enough about me. Another huge highlight for the Fashion Bomb’s past year: YOU!
In 2007 you guys really came out to represent like never before, showing me your style for The Fashion Bomb’s various contests, and also displaying your fierce sense of chic just because. We’ve had readers from NYC… …to the Chi… From New Orleans… …to Toronto…. From College Students… …To Mothers… And everyone in between! You may not know it, but you guys motivate ME to update this blog with fresh content every day. When I’m having a bad day and it seems that all is going down, down, down…I open my e-mail and see a positive comment or someone who has a question for me, and it clears away all the doldrums.
In sum, this blog exists largely because of… YOU! Thanks for reading! You’re the bomb! Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*Only one more day of the year recap before I ship off to the motherland (aka the Bahamas) for next week. Don’t know if you know, but my mom’s family is straight from Nassau…so we’re all going down to enjoy the fabulous weather and Junkanoo (carnival on Christmas Day). I couldn’t find my camera charger (no annoying), but I’m gonna really try to capture the moment for y’all–true authentic Bahamian style. Buck!
So when I was thinking of who should be The Fashion Bomb’s pick for Fashionista Extraordinaire 2007 (aka the Diva with the Flyest Style), I knew there were a lot of contenders.
Would it be Beyonce, whose name makes it to Mail Bombs almost every week….
….with style scouts yearning to duplicate her look?
Kerry Washington…. …who seems to live on the party circuit with a bevy of hot frocks in her quiver?
Or someone a little bit subdued, like socialite Genevieve Jones…
….who makes it to all the see-and-be-seen events, but tends to escape your typical gossip blogs?
After some serious thought, and looking at who you guys request the absolute *most* for Mail Bombs, I must say that this years Fashionista Extraordinaire is….
…Rihanna!
Yep it is. Why?
This Caribbean Queen has been working everything from glamazon frocks…
…to more casual yet super cute sweater dresses…
…and the hottest winter coats…
…with undeniable style since the beginning of the year.
She truly mixes it up and manages to do it all, from rocker chic….
…to more classic items with a twist….
…while looking absolutely flawless.
While she might shop straight off the runway on some occasions in favorites like Gucci and Zac Posen…
…in other situations, you can tell that she takes the stylistic reins and works it out on her own.
Also, the true test of an Uber Fashionista: Style doesn’t even stop…
…with a boot on her foot.
So Kudos to you, Rihanna…
…for rocking it out Fashion Bomb style for the ’07.
Do you agree?
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*I leave on a jet plane tonight for Atlanta. I’m bringing my black lappy, and will try to update, but…no promises!
*Mary J. Blige and Patti Labelle don’t care a stitch about Peta, do they? …they rocked floor length furs at Mary’s album release party last night in NYC.
I’ll confess: I’m looking to rock a cute, short fur for New Years and My Birthday (Mark your calendars, January 12th!). But I’m thinking of getting something vintage…somehow a used fur seems more ethical? Or perhaps I’m delusional…
*Calling All Designers!
The Uptown Emerging Designers Market (UEDM) is a monthly market that will take place at the Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem starting in February 2008. The UEDM will allow up-and-coming designers a fun and profitable environment to display their talents and sell their creations to the general public. Whether you’re a designer of clothing, jewelry, bags, interior decor or more, the UEDM offers you a unique opportunity to showcase your designs! In addition to a selection of exclusive clothing & accessories, the UEDM will include great music, cocktails, and an engaging exhibit provided by the Hip Hop Culture Center.
For more information about vending opportunities or to be added to the UEDM mailing list, please contact UptownEDM@gmail.com .
*Deal of the Day: Frye Sunny Pleated Short Boots, $124, shopbop.com
Hey!
So another weekly ritual I enjoy: Style Files.
For the most part, I keep it positive, exalting the unparalleled chic of fashionistas like Tracee Ellis Ross….
Tyra Banks… ..and even Hip Hop Girlfriends… But sometimes, I have to do a Style Intervention for those women who just can’t seem to get it right. I did one in May of this year for tennis pro Serena Williams. Let’s recap:
**************************************************************************
...Serena is gorgeous, talented, and has a body I would *kill* for…and as I wrote here, her match style is fly.But while she dominates the court in bold colors and body skimming dresses…
…her red carpet choices are a bit…suspect. Let’s take a look:
This dress, in a word, is gorgeous, but unfortunately the cut makes her look a little, well…masculine. While sleeveless styles should work for her, the armholes shine a spotlight on her toned, muscular arms…
This shift dress is dull, and unflattering….
…and the cut on the top of this dress makes her look more ‘ironman‘ than superwoman.She’s worked too hard for her body to cover it up, but there are styles she can adopt to look a tad more feminine.
**************************************************************************
Not the harshest criticisms, but I knew that Serena could definitely do better.
Now….I don’t know if Serena reads The Fashion Bomb or what, but ever since maybe late July, Serena has been in deliciously chic frocks that work for her body while also playing up her femininity.
She sports the occasional strapless, along with a sleek black cut and strappy shoes… Looks party perfect in deep plum halter necks that taper in at the knees…. And though she still loves to showcase her arms, she’s amped up the girly factor in dresses that are just short enough with hems that pouf out a bit around mid thigh…
Two snaps for style!
Now if only she could help her sister….
Just kidding. But not really.
Anyway, congrats to Serena for the Biggest Style Evolution of 2007!
She’s the bomb, y’all.
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*I must also recognize Ms. Alicia Keys, who was a ‘Style Evolution’ subject of a post dated June 12, 2007.
Her look has changed a bunch over the years….
… But her transformation was definitely more gradual; Serena really turned herself around in a matter of 6 months!
At any rate, kudos to both ladies, and mad props to their fabulous stylists:)
*I’m heading home tomorrow before heading to the motherland this Saturday!!! I am sooooo excited! Can’t wait for some Sweet Tea and Chicken Biscuits!
*Visit Modcloth’s blog at blog.modcloth.com, and tell them what Modcloth.com items are on your wishlist! Your comment will enter you into a competition to win a $100 gift certificate! What are you waiting for?
*Even with Cavalli, H&M sales sluggish.
*The Met’s new exhibit “blog.mode” is now open.
*Deal of the Day: Dolce Vita York Lace up Pump.
Get ’em for $41.40 at shopbop.com
Happy Monday!
So it’s sad but true: 2007 is coming to a close.
Most people will be out of town for the next two weeks, so I decided to dedicate this week to looking at the Best of the Year for the Fashion Bomb!
Today, I’m going to look at one of my favorite Monday rituals: Real Style.
Asking strangers for their pictures used to be totally painstakingly nerveracking for me, but now I’ve gotten into the groove of snapping fashionable women (and men!) in the streets:
The Fashion Bomb has captured chic essence from the groves of Miami to the Bahamas and New York….
Photographed fashionistas in the Tents of Bryant Park for Fashion Week… Stopped everyone from Japanese tourists in midtown…. …to jumper wearing hipsters in the streets of Williamsburg… …and even documented the young beautiful set enjoying Prospect Park BBQ’s… …and white themed 4th of July parties… It’s been fun!
While my humble Kodak goes everywhere from Soho to the South, nowhere have I taken more Real Style pics than at Habana Outpost, one of my favorite summer chill spots… It got so excessive, one reader named ‘Mister’ wrote in, “Have you ever considered trying a place other than Havana Outpost?”
Lol!
I plan on definitely expanding in the New Year and *promise* that the Fashion Bomb will seize its international destiny tres soon.
Keep watching!
Stay tuned this week for The Fashion Bomb’s votes for Best Style, Best Style Evolution, and more!
Smootches!
Last night was my office holiday party. I rocked it out Fashion Bomb style in a J.Crew Tartan skirt, ruffled white shirt, and a Zara jacket that tied at the waist with a cute satin bow (I wouldn’t steer you wrong). Oh yeah, and I was also wearing my Cole Haan Nike Air shoes because I didn’t get the memo that it was going to be RAINING and SLEETING all day in New York. Yuck.
Long story short, around my third glass of wine, I was pretty sure that I wouldn’t be able to give you any update today. But here I am, at 4am, tap tapping away.
Let’s see what I can do….
!
Christina from London says, “I know its been a while since the videos been out but if possible could you please please find out who Lauren Londons playsuit was by…”
“… in Commons – ‘Drivin Me Wild’???”
Lovin’ the international love!
Not too sure who makes her exact ‘fit, but it seems you can achieve the Lauren Look with the following high and low priced items:
Top Row: Skirted Tankini, $39, www.newport-news.com; Temperley London Zebra Knit Dress, $550, www.net-a-porter.com.
If you’re going for a similar pattern and don’t care for the color, ASOS also has this Libertine Check Scarf that captures the Omarion essence…
…for about $20.
Next up La La Victoria from DC says, “I am a 25 year old aspiring plus size model. I will be hosting a small VIP New Years event at a Major DC club to some what show case my self and I want to look AMAZING!!!! I am quite busty and want to wear a dress but all the styles I am finding make you look prego!!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!!!! 🙂“
For an idea of types of dresses you can rock, why not look to a few plus sized divas?
Ex ANTM contestant Toccara works a fierce electric yellow dress with a belt and booties… J Hud wears a similar look in dark gold with strappy sandals… And the Queen wows ’em in a leopard print number….
…topped off with peep toes.
If you don’t want to look “prego”, I’d recommend wearing anything cinched in at the waist that creates an hourglass silhouette and accentuates your thinnest part. Rock a wrap or empire waist dress; add a belt for extra umph.
Lastly, just for fun, reader Shannon was juiced to see a gold sequin dress from Macy’s featured on the old blog last week.
She says, “I wore it to the after-party of the Chicago Urban League’s 46th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner which marks the beginning of the fall social season for Black Chicago.“
“…I had been looking for a gold trapeze style dress for the afterparty for some time and was pretty darn ecstatic when I found this one on Macys.com. I paired it with a pair of Nine West fuschia and gold t-strap sandals and a gold clutch.“
Work it girl. I love it.
It’s 6am. I’m going to sleep.
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*So I hit up the Diane Von Furstenberg sale yesterday (read pay day), and I was NOT disappointed. As I said, I’m usually first in line at these things, but now I’m starting to think that all the waiting, pushing, and squeezing on the opening days is sooo not worth it. Not only did they still have *tons* of wrap dresses left, but all the prices were slashed! Dresses that retail for $345+ were $100 instead of their typical sample price sale of $150; shoes were $70 and cute sweaters were $80! Needless to say, I cleaned up! Hit it up today! You have until the 15th!
*One of my fave blogs, Oh Joy has a cool entry about AB Sutton Ipod and Iphone Cases… They come in a plethora of colors, and offer lots of customizable options. Very cute. Check ’em out at www.absutton.com.
Hi y’all! So today I want to tell you about another one of my obsessions:
Cole Haan Nike Air Shoes
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’re well aware of my foot issues. Everything from stilettos to flip flops hurt my feet. I walk around at work in my socks (just ask my coworkers), and I typically find a seat as soon as possible at parties. In short, with shoes, comfort is key. I’d seen the designer for Cole Haan Nike Air shoes come on Oprah one day, exalting their comfort, and I thought: really? But I tucked my reservations away and bought my first pair of slingbacks (on sale of course!)…
…and I’ve been a devotee ever since. By no means can you play basketball in them (remember those Easy Spirit commercials?), but in terms of comfort, they are by far the cushiest, bounciest, most comfortable shoes I own! Extra bonus: they’re cute.
2. A few hundred dollars is a small investment for a comfortable, chic shoe. I invested in this patent leather pump for work… ….I wear them almost everyday with pleasure.
3. Manolo’s and Jimmy Choos (my old obsession) cost $500 a pop–and they’re not even comfortable!
So if you spend on anything, go with these. As Pam said yesterday, scrimp on clothes, spend on shoes (even if it’s just two pairs)!
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*I’m going to get my foot looked at today at the Hospital for Special Surgery. One of my New Years goals: no more unnecessary foot pain!
Next up in the Fashion Bomb’s Breaking into Fashion Series is none other than Pamela Edwards…
….the Beauty and Fashion Features Editor for Essence Magazine. She was kind enough to offer a bit of advice to all you aspiring fashion editors and journalists.
An Africana Studies/English major at Vassar University, Pam tried her hand at teaching before moving to New York. She says, “I moved to New York without a job…I always wanted to live here. My sister, who wasn’t the biggest New York fan, got a job at NBC so she had to move here. I couldn’t believe she was moving to the Big Apple and not I! So, even though she’s younger, I tagged along. I did a lot of odd jobs, worked on music videos as a wardrobe shopper, as a production assistant, and worked in a boutique in Brooklyn. I did this for a year before meeting Monique Greenwood, the then Editor-In-Chief of Essence.”
She continues, “I met her through a mutual friend over brunch at her restaurant, Akwaaba. As we all chatted, Monique mentioned that Essence needed a fashion and beauty writer. My friend replied, “Pam can do that.” I sent Monique my resume without giving it much thought. I got a call a few months later to come in for an interview. As a test, I was asked to write three stories. I think I wrote eight, and even laid them out in Quark.“ Pam’s ‘above and beyond’ dedication secured her the writing position, which has now evolved into a more senior editorial role, packed to the brim with appointments and shoots. She says, “A typical day includes a few meetings in house to discuss the various stages of stories–“ we work on 3-4 issues at a time so not a day goes by without some sort of concept, art or shoot meeting. I have between 3-5 beauty desksides or market appointments weekly. I also have to make time to write, edit and assign stories. “ If you aspire to be a fashion editor one day, Pam says, “Nail an internship in any fashion department or showroom. Understanding the history of fashion and being familiar with current designers is obviously a must. Thank God for style.com and net-a-porter.com! Good readers make good writers, so you’ve got to keep up with what’s going on in the industry. If you’re already in the industry and want to move ahead, mimic the behavior of the roles/titles of the fashion insiders that you aspire to be. Get to know your industry peers and be present for as many hot events as possible, so you have the opportunity to speak to those with the power to assist your career movement.“ In terms of dressing the part, Pam says, “With H&M, Forever 21, Zara, Target, Kohl’s, budding fashionistas have access to current and affordable trends. Don’t ever skimp on the shoes. Cheap shoes can ruin even the most perfect Prada dress. Better to have two good pair, then 20 cheapies. As far as fitting in is concerned, there is some truth to dressing the part of your future role. In this industry, people expect stylists to look like stylists. They expect fashion directors to look like fashion directors. If you have a strong sense of style it won’t be a problem to merge your personality into your future status look. If you don’t have a strong sense of style then develop one. Look at your style role models. Study them and figure out what it is that sets their looks apart from the rest. Start incorporating these attributes into your wardrobe. One last thing, clothes look so much better when they fit. Perfect your wardrobe by investing in a solid tailor.” In general, she says, ” Keep yourself inspired. Whatever it is that inspires you, do it. Visit museums, travel, read,“-everything. By feeding your head, heart and soul, you’ll bring even more beauty and style to your work.”
Well said!
So, just to recap
If you want to be a Fashion Editor:
*Go above and beyond what is asked of you. Get articles in before deadline. Taking a test? Give twice as much.
*Network! Pam was considered for her first position based on a contact through a mutual friend! Get out there and meet people.
*Read as much about fashion as you can. Can’t afford that subscription to Vogue? Go online! And hit up your local library.
*Intern at a Fashion Magazine. Visit websites like mediabistro.com and ed2010.com to find out when positions are open. And trust me, magazines are always looking for interns!
*Dress the part. I hope I’ve shown you fashionable options and websites that will allow you to look the chic without breaking the bank. But try (if you can) to invest in some great shoes!
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*Want to know more about Pam? Read her blog, Pamela’s Style Diary, on www.essence.com.
*Can’t afford to do anything unpaid? New York Magazine, Newsweek, and the Nation offer paid internships. Also check with the big publishing houses like Conde Nast, Time, or Hearst for internship opportunities.
…which is basically Coney Island on a smaller scale.
…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).
…they had great energy, and I took note of the young lady sporting boots with fur trim.
…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!
…who seemed to keep it pretty simple in polos, t-shirts and jeans.
…the tag was still on! I almost died. Perhaps that’ll catch on in New York?
…to the Chi…
From New Orleans…
…to Toronto….
From College Students…
…To Mothers…
And everyone in between!
…to the Chi…
From New Orleans…
…to Toronto….
From College Students…
…To Mothers…
And everyone in between!
YOU!
YOU!
…who seems to live on the party circuit with a bevy of hot frocks in her quiver?
…who seems to live on the party circuit with a bevy of hot frocks in her quiver?
…with undeniable style since the beginning of the year.
Also, the true test of an Uber Fashionista: Style doesn’t even stop…
…they rocked floor length furs at Mary’s album release party last night in NYC.
Frye Sunny Pleated Short Boots, $124, shopbop.com
…they rocked floor length furs at Mary’s album release party last night in NYC.
Frye Sunny Pleated Short Boots, $124, shopbop.com
..and even Hip Hop Girlfriends…
But sometimes, I have to do a Style Intervention for those women who just can’t seem to get it right. I did one in May of this year for tennis pro Serena Williams. Let’s recap:
Looks party perfect in deep plum halter necks that taper in at the knees….
And though she still loves to showcase her arms, she’s amped up the girly factor in dresses that are just short enough with hems that pouf out a bit around mid thigh…
Looks party perfect in deep plum halter necks that taper in at the knees….
And though she still loves to showcase her arms, she’s amped up the girly factor in dresses that are just short enough with hems that pouf out a bit around mid thigh…
Dolce Vita York Lace up Pump.
Dolce Vita York Lace up Pump.
Photographed fashionistas in the Tents of Bryant Park for Fashion Week…
Stopped everyone from Japanese tourists in midtown….
…to jumper wearing hipsters in the streets of Williamsburg…
…and even documented the young beautiful set enjoying Prospect Park BBQ’s…
…and white themed 4th of July parties…
It’s been fun!
It got so excessive, one reader named ‘Mister’ wrote in, “Have you ever considered trying a place other than Havana Outpost?”
It got so excessive, one reader named ‘Mister’ wrote in, “Have you ever considered trying a place other than Havana Outpost?”
Get something similar for a steal by pairing the following:
Left to Right:Nylon Taffeta Wind Breaker, $42, www.americanapparel.net; City Style Tank, $19, www.nyandcompany.com; Cheap Monday Ewing Black Jeans, $65, www.ronherman.com.
J Hud wears a similar look in dark gold with strappy sandals…
And the Queen wows ’em in a leopard print number….
…topped off with peep toes.
J Hud wears a similar look in dark gold with strappy sandals…
And the Queen wows ’em in a leopard print number….
…topped off with peep toes.
They come in a plethora of colors, and offer lots of customizable options. Very cute. Check ’em out at www.absutton.com.
She was kind enough to offer a bit of advice to all you aspiring fashion editors and journalists.
She continues, “I met her through a mutual friend over brunch at her restaurant, Akwaaba. As we all chatted, Monique mentioned that Essence needed a fashion and beauty writer. My friend replied, “Pam can do that.” I sent Monique my resume without giving it much thought. I got a call a few months later to come in for an interview. As a test, I was asked to write three stories. I think I wrote eight, and even laid them out in Quark.“
Pam’s ‘above and beyond’ dedication secured her the writing position, which has now evolved into a more senior editorial role, packed to the brim with appointments and shoots. She says, “A typical day includes a few meetings in house to discuss the various stages of stories–“ we work on 3-4 issues at a time so not a day goes by without some sort of concept, art or shoot meeting. I have between 3-5 beauty desksides or market appointments weekly. I also have to make time to write, edit and assign stories. “
If you aspire to be a fashion editor one day, Pam says, “Nail an internship in any fashion department or showroom. Understanding the history of fashion and being familiar with current designers is obviously a must. Thank God for style.com and net-a-porter.com! Good readers make good writers, so you’ve got to keep up with what’s going on in the industry. If you’re already in the industry and want to move ahead, mimic the behavior of the roles/titles of the fashion insiders that you aspire to be. Get to know your industry peers and be present for as many hot events as possible, so you have the opportunity to speak to those with the power to assist your career movement.“
In terms of dressing the part, Pam says, “With H&M, Forever 21, Zara, Target, Kohl’s, budding fashionistas have access to current and affordable trends. Don’t ever skimp on the shoes. Cheap shoes can ruin even the most perfect Prada dress. Better to have two good pair, then 20 cheapies. As far as fitting in is concerned, there is some truth to dressing the part of your future role. In this industry, people expect stylists to look like stylists. They expect fashion directors to look like fashion directors. If you have a strong sense of style it won’t be a problem to merge your personality into your future status look. If you don’t have a strong sense of style then develop one. Look at your style role models. Study them and figure out what it is that sets their looks apart from the rest. Start incorporating these attributes into your wardrobe. One last thing, clothes look so much better when they fit. Perfect your wardrobe by investing in a solid tailor.”
In general, she says, ” Keep yourself inspired. Whatever it is that inspires you, do it. Visit museums, travel, read,“-everything. By feeding your head, heart and soul, you’ll bring even more beauty and style to your work.”