Happy Monday!
Christmas is so close, I can taste it. Cannot wait for vacay!
So I’ve been making my holiday party rounds, and went to a hot one this past Friday. I couldn’t help but snap a picture of this young lady….
…who was seriously working a pair of shiny gold lamé tights.
She was bold enough to take a trend straight off the runway…. …and make it hers with the addition of a bright blue H&M top, neon nails, and booties. I applaud her courage, but what do you think: Does she have great style?
Smootches!
Fashion, New and What Nots
*Could Kerry Washington win a ‘Fashionista of the Year’ Award??? It seems like every week she’s wearing some amazing cocktail, fierce shoes, and looking fabulous! She wore this sparkly number to the 7th annual Hollywood Life Breakthrough of the Year Awards. It’s a bit daring, but it works, no? I love the rainbow sequins and the pop of blue shoes. Fire!
*Turns out our Real Style subject today is an accomplished filmmaker. Check out her site, www.nikyatu.com.
*Get her tights from good ol American Apparel…. This pair is $40.
* For my NYC Fashionista’s, Diane Von Furstenberg’s epic Sample Sale starts today!!! I’d normally be the first in line, but my credit cards might spontaneously combust if I charge another thing! So you’ll have to hit it up…tell me how it is. I seriously do live vicariously through others (even with shopping)…
Let’s mail bomb it up!
So readers loved Beyonce’s bold red and purple ensemble from this picture posted yesterday…. …Najah said, “Do you know where I can get this look?”
With Beyonce’s couture it’s hard to find an exact copy, but I felt the following high and low items could help you channel Beyonce’s essence:
Top Row: Calypso Christian Celle Edie Dress, $45, www.calyso-celle.com; Enzo Angiolini Women’s Vikky Ankle Strap Sandal, $70, www.endless.com.
Middle: Keep Together Belt, $68, www.kennethcole.com
Bottom Row: Giambatista Valli Velvet Platform Ankle-Wrap Heels, $775, www.ronherman.com; Portolano Aubergine Leather Suede Inset Gloves, $78, www.bluefly.com. Update! Reader Kristin from Chicago found a dress that is almost an exact match! She says, “I just so happened to be web-shopping and found a dress that is very similar for under $50. It can be found on Chadwicks and comes in cinnamon and aubergine (purple). It’s on sale for $39.99.”
That works! Get it here.
Next, Shekeidra says, “I am desparately searching for a gold sequin mini dress or tunic to wear on New Year’s Eve. This dress...” “….is perfect but I don’t know where to find it. Plus, I’m trying to stay away from spaghetti straps. Considering I’ll only be wearing this once, I really don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. Your help would be graciously appreciated…”
Hey Shekeidra! Finding a great sequined dress with wide straps or sleeves shouldn’t be hard. Try these affordable options:
Reader Khalilah comes to us with a men’s fashion query. She says, “My boyfriend recently started experimenting with wearing scarves and I’d like to encourage his new found fashion fearlessness. However, I don’t know what type of scarves are male friendly or where to get really fashionable ones (that are also affordable). Any ideas?”
For how to rock the male scarf, one need look no further than super stylish GQ man of the year Kanye West.
Whether he’s wearing Louis Vuitton logo scarves in black or white… …experimenting with skulls…. …or playing with more traditional patterns… He always manages to look super chic and masculine rocking a neck tie.
If your man isn’t quite as bold, he can go the route of Jay-Z or Swizz Beatz… …wearing a plain black and white design.
If you’re looking for a few well priced options, I’ve got you covered:
Top Row: Diesel Piramyd Scarf, $50, www.urbn.com; Libertines Check Scarf, $22, www.asos.com.
Bottom Row: Checkerboard Scarf, $15, www.asos.com; Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf, $295, www.barneys.com.
Sounds like a great holiday gift!
Fatimah from Toronto says, “I recently bought a very serious vintage mink stole and I’m dying to wear it sometime this holiday season…“ “… What’s the best way to rock it?”
Fur–whether it’s a jacket, vest, or full length coat–is surprisingly versatile and looks great with virtually anything.
Throw your fur over a short or long dress like Nicole Richie or Eve…. Or go a bit more casual like Kimora… Honestly, anyway you slice it, you’ll look luxurious.
Lastly, Fashion Bomb devotee Niesha loved Real Style! She says, “I fell in love with the coat that the young lady was wearing in the picture that was posted on Monday...” “… I NEED that coat in to my wardrobe right now. Could you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me find THAT COAT!”
I got in touch with the young lady in the picture, and she disclosed, “I got it in a small boutique in the Manhattan Mall on 34th street. The store’s on the lower level… I forgot the name of the store but once you’re downstairs, you can’ t miss it. I am surprised at the fan club, lol!“
You shouldn’t be surprised, your coat is hot! Anyway, I searched online and couldn’t find anything similar, so, Nieisha find your way to the Manhattan Mall!
Good luck!
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*Lil sis Solange Knowles rocked bright purple tights and checkered shoes last night at People’s Grammy Kick off Party: I’ll be totally honest with you: I wore bright purple tights (from American Apparel) with my favorite black sweaterdress yesterday. But while I thought I looked pretty fly, Solange looks just a little off, am I right? Or is it the shoes??
Hi Guys,
Next up in my Breaking into Fashion series is none other than stylist extraordinaire…
…June Ambrose!
If you haven’t heard of June, she’s outfitted the likes of Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Ciara, Mariah Carey, Ne-Yo, and Jay-Z, just to name a few. She worked closely with video director Hype Williams during his Gimme Some Mo days and was the stylistic brains behind a ton of epic hip-hop videos past and present including Big Pimpin, All in my Grill, We Belong Together, and Sexy Love. She even styled Mo Money, Mo Problems (Remember those shiny suits???) She was kind enough to interview with The Fashion Bomb to give you aspiring stylists tips on how to get your foot in the door. June knew from a young age she had a passion for fashion. She says, “I was always interested in clothing. When I was in elementary school, I created our first school fashion show. I got everyone involved, whether we were making pocketbooks out of crepe or skirts out of construction paper.“
“… All those things were a part of my entrepreneurial spirit. I wanted to separate myself from the masses and be an individual. That was always me. “ A marketing major, June’s first job out of college was at an investment bank. Finding that crunching numbers wasn’t her calling, she threw caution to the wind and interned for a short period at Uptown/MCA in their marketing department. Her drive got her noticed by Jive Records, who hired her as a stylist for groups such as Hi-Five, The Backstreet Boys, and R. Kelly. After her stint at Jive, she worked as marketing director for the 90’s uber-brand, Cross Colours. She says, “Cross Colours was the biggest and the only urban brand in the marketplace at the time.” As a marketing director, she placed Cross Colour clothes on the hottest acts of the moment, including TLC and Kriss Kross. She managed to make enough artist connections to become a freelance stylist. For those wanting to break into the business, she says, “The industry is saturated, but if you’re going to go for it, take a course. Get an internship with a credible stylist or a magazine. It’s a business, not an industry. If you’re only interested in meeting celebrities, forget about it!“ She continues, “Build your portfolio. Have a plan as to how you’re going to market yourself to acquire clients. Do a really great internship that will allow you to experience and understand everything that goes into it.“ She credits her success with her insatiable search for fashion knowledge (sound familiar?) She says, “I was a sponge and OK with learning as I went. It was my passion and everything that I did. I wanted to know where clothes came from before they went to stores. I dreamt, lived, and breathed fashion.” Need a bit more fashion knowledge yourself? Lucky you, June compiled all her best style tips and fashion advice in her book, Effortless Style: In it, she discusses everything from the importance of fit and wearing the correct undergarments to buying the right accessories to achieve a celeb glam look. She says, “Effortless Style talks about capturing fashion and interpreting it into your own look…using the right tools to translate celebrity and runway looks into the style of an average person.” Sign me up! Effortless Style is now in paperback (easy to tote around). Get your copy for $11 at www.amazon.com.
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
* Beyonce plays with color in Paris…. …mixing pretty purple with pink and red. Bold, but does it work?
So my buddy Brandon recently sent me the Myspace page of a Fashion Bomb worthy designer…
…Kesh.
In addition to DJ’ing as one half of a group the Coconut Twins, the 21-year-old London fashionista styles and designs her own line of cool graphic T’s… …characterized by fun colors, cartoon characters, robots, and the ubiquitous letter K.
A few magazines have already caught the Kesh Bug.
She’s been featured in Vogue UK… Fader… and Complex… And her fans include Lupe Fiasco…
…and style czar Kanye West. Pretty cool.
Aside from designing shirts, Kesh has great style… On her myspace page, she says, “Nearly everything you see me wearing costs less than a large pizza. I dress so cheap I should be homeless!” Lol. It takes a particular talent to create great outfits out of virtually nothing; and a particular mindset to realize that more money spent doesn’t necessarily equal great style!
Need proof?
Check her make a dress in 30 minutes here:
*I’m anti-fur in theory, but doesn’t SJP just look smashing…. …in this oufit???
*Log onto the New York Times to read about websites where you can design your own shoes.
*Valerie Steele, Director and Chief Curator of New York’s Museum at FIT, discusses the classic Little Black Dress.
*Deal of the day: Marah Hoffman Wire V Dress, $117, shopbop.com *Don’t forget to roll out tonight! Click to Enlarge
See you there!
Happy Monday!
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, no? Where does the time go?
Anyway, I was walking around my old ‘hood this weekend, and ran into this young makeup artist…
…who seemed Fashion Bomb bound.
I had to take her picture–everything from her funnel neck belted tweed coat to her sunglasses, bracelets, and cool dark plum bag screamed STYLE. And her sharp haircut was only the icing on the chic cake.
So what do you think? Is she FAB (Fashion Bomb)?
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*Beautiful emerald dominated the red carpet this weekend at Conde Nast’s Movies Rock event. But who wore it better?
Beyonce…
…in skin tight satin.
Or Mary J… …in Grecian Green?
*Check out Tracy Reese’s Trunk Show… …this Wednesday, December 5th, from 5-8 at 641 Hudson.
*Also this Wednesday: GenArt’s Sale!
WHAT: Shop directly from Gen Art runway designers for clothing and accessories designers for up to 70%, with open bar, free chocolate and beauty product sampling and services
WHEN: Wednesday, December 5th, 2007; 6-10pm
WHERE: Puck Building; 293 Lafayette St. (btw. Prince and Houston)
WHO: 50+ womenswear, accessories & menswear sell current season samples and overstock for up to 70% off at an upscale and stylish shopping event. The event features womenswear, menswear and accessories from hot new emerging NY designers, some recently featured on the Gen Art runway at the Styles and Fresh Faces in Fashion shows including Octopi, Lynne Larson, Mooka Kinney, Sunshine&Shadow, H. Fredriksson, Mel en Stel, Lewis Cho, Made Her Think, Bliss Lau and Thea Grant.
Tickets: Free for Gen Art members, $15 advance purchase
Visit www.genart.org/ for more info!
Next, reader Julia says, “I do not have the traditional crave of shoes/clothes/purses. Don’t get me wrong…if I see some hot shoes, purse, or outfit I will definitely buy it. What makes me go crazy for fashion is outerwear style…like coats/jackets/vest/sweaters. So I come to you asking: Can you please find where I can get this coat Alicia has on???” “…Your help is truly appreciated.”
Julia! So that coat, with the leather detailing, really reminded me of a Mackage Coat. Mackage coats are made in Canada, have great cuts and shapes, cute leather accents, and also cost a grip! I checked their stock, and couldn’t find anything…though I did do a search and found this $258 Kenneth Cole Reaction Trench Coat…. …that I felt fit the bill.
If that doesn’t cure your coat jones, let me introduce you to a few Mackage creations: Top Row: Joanie Prince of Whales Zip, $748; Zipper Coat with Puffy Sleeves, $550.
Bottom Row: Noemie Coat in Fog, $660; Valeria Trench Coat in Black, $627.
Get ’em all at www.revolveclothing.com.
And if anyone knows who made Alicia’s coat…let me know!
Next, Natalie says, “Hi Claire, I love these boots…” “…edgy but sexy. By chance do you know who makes them?’
Hey there. Kristen’s boots look similar to these boots by Fitzwell…
Get ’em for $180 a zappos.com Next, Shari says, “Hey Claire! What kind of shoe do you think I can wear with this dress? “…And do you think I can wear panty hose? Thanks!”
Um, Shari. That dress is fire. And a fire dress deserves some fire shoes. I’d say keep it simple in a neutral black, but make sure that these aren’t any regular old black shoes (as the model is wearing). Strappy, tall, wedged, or spiky, make sure your heels stand out!
Try these:
Left to Right: Jessica Simpson Hidi Platform Maryjane, $63, www.endless.com; Report Signature Guarda T-Strap Pump, $195, www.revolveclothing.com; Alessandro Dell’Acqua Suede Bondage Stilettos, $670, shopbop.com
Oh and yes, wear sheer hose. It’s cold out there!
Lastly, we have a question for everyone.
It’s getting colder, so Keenda asks, “What is your take on UGGs?? “…. are they worth it? Are they fashionable or just an Uggly trend soon to be forgotten??”
Thoughts?
Smootches!
Fashion News and What Nots
*Does Rihanna read the Fashion Bomb? Madame Umbrella goes exotic in a hip hugging leopard print dress at the Bambi awards in Germany. Are we feeling her look?
Ok, I’ll admit it: I’m a prep at heart! Throw me a blazer and cable knit in any combination, and I’ll start to swoon.
While ‘prep’ usually conjures up images of dorky girls in knee socks, modern takes on preppy staples, like plaid, are adding an air of cool to tradition:
Kat de Luna and Eva Pigford rock plaid in colorful dresses topped off with pretty pumps or ankle boots…
*Keyshia Cole showed up to 106th & Park yesterday in this get up: We love Keyshia, but do we love this look?
*I started salivating when I saw this $670 pair of Alessandro Dell’Acqua Suede Bondage Stiletto’s on shopbop.com
Would you rock these?
Hey, hey! So FAITHFUL reader Alex was kind enough to alert me to a hot website! She says:
Recently I attended a “Clothes & Cocktail” party in Alexandria, VA and an upcoming designer, Kiki, presented some pieces from her newest collection….you should REALLY check her website: Luxevie.com
So of course I had to check it out…and Alex was right! I logged on and quickly found tons of Fashion Bomb material: I instantly fell in love with the winter ready dresses in a myriad of colors and drapes… Top Row: Grey Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $65; Printed Kimono Sleeve Dress, $70. Bottom Row: Burgundy Dress with Silver Detail, $55; Long Sleeve Turtleneck Dress, $50. Cute separates, perfect for the club or the office…. Top Row: Kimono Sleeved Colorblock Top, $35; Red and Grey Tunic, $50. Bottom Row: Cold Shoulder Top, $40; Black and White Cape, $45. And hot accessories, from bags to bracelets and earrings… Top Row: Glazed and Embossed Satchel, $70; Trapeze Bag, $65. Bottom Row: Green and Gold Glass Bead Earrings, $15; Silver and Leather Dangle Earrings, $15. The items look super stylish…and you really can’t go wrong when everything on the site is $100 or less! Check out www.luxevie.com..and tell ’em Claire (and Alex) sent ya! Smootches! I went to the Glamour panel yesterday (busy bee…I need to slow down!) While I always love talking about the relationships between women of color and their hair, and the issues of diversity in the media…I emerged frustrated with the dialogue. After attending the Blacks in Fashion talks of weeks past and now this, I’m just like, “Is anything going to change?” It seems we continue to have this discussion without anything substantive happening. The Glamour panel was a nice act on the part of the magazine, but it seems to be a simple band aid over a large gash wound called ‘lack of diversity.’ I honestly think that people of color would be on runways, in magazines, etc and that staffers would be better informed (i.e. won’t think it’s ok to say that dreads are dreadful) if companies actually made an effort to support multiculturalism behind the scenes. Talking is futile unless people at magazines, model agencies and the like try their darndest to diversify their ranks….not just throw a person of color on the cover or inside on occasion. My two pennies. What do you think?
…and make it hers with the addition of a bright blue H&M top, neon nails, and booties. I applaud her courage, but what do you think:
It seems like every week she’s wearing some amazing cocktail, fierce shoes, and looking fabulous! She wore this sparkly number to the 7th annual Hollywood Life Breakthrough of the Year Awards. It’s a bit daring, but it works, no? I love the rainbow sequins and the pop of blue shoes. Fire!
I’d normally be the first in line, but my credit cards might spontaneously combust if I charge another thing! So you’ll have to hit it up…tell me how it is. I seriously do live vicariously through others (even with shopping)…
*Don’t forget to roll out tonight!
Next, Shari says, “
