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!

I’d had several horrid experiences with broken heels and the like. There was my black stiletto that snapped while walking down 5th Avenue; my Nine West pumps that sprung a leak by my pinky toe; and countless other tales of woe and pain.
Thankfully I invested in Cole Haan Nike Air pumps as I mentioned here…
…And the pain, broken heels, and cracks are over!
Hallelujah!
The second…
2. Chill on Chinatown!

I’d been caught in the past with a few fake items from my trip to China. Tired of the ridicule, I decided to take Kimora’s advice:

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!

When I first started blogging, I was lucky if I had an invite to one show. Thanks to the Fashion Bomb I’ve been able to go to shows large and small from Baby Phat to BCBG. And I plan on going to even more this coming February!

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!

*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!

Hey Guys,

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:

Hey!

….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?

…with undeniable style since the beginning of the year.

Also, the true test of an Uber Fashionista: Style doesn’t even stop…

*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!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Really want to reminisce? Check out my Real Style File, and see pix from the beginning!
*The Fashion Bomb is now blogging for the cool website GakCity. Check me out at www.gakcity.com!
*I really like Alicia Keys’ look in this picture…
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.

Hey hey!

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…

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.

Honestly, this rule goes for everyone: nip in the waist to give you some shape.
A few options:

Top Row: Thalia Leopard Print Dress, $129, www.monifc.com; Maggie London Empire Waist Dress, $158, www.nordstrom.com.

Bottom Row: Robbie Bee Metallic Lattice Dress, $98, www.nordstrom.com; Marilyn Convertible Dress, $98, www.monifc.com.

Next, Penne says, “First of all, Kerry is KILLING and I am SO not a fan of hers but I need that blue pump in my life .…”

“…Please help me.“
No problem!
Try the following:

Top Row: Sergio Rossi Patent Pump, $395, www.footcandy.com; Jessica Simpson Paiva Pump, $69, www.macys.com.
Bottom Row: Jean-Michel Cazabat Clarissa Peep Toe Shoes, $495, www.pinkmascara.com; Guess Women’s Arden Stiletto Pump, $110, www.endless.com.

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.