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!

*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.

Holiday season is here! And with holidays come holiday parties!
Office parties are every other day and New Years is just around the corner. Having trouble figuring out what to wear? I’ve got you covered!

Office Holiday Party

At your work jammer you’d love to wow your coworkers with your keen fashion sense, but you don’t really need to go overboard in sequins, short hemlines, or spiked heels. I’d suggest keeping it simple: pair a somewhat fancy top (think ruffles, bows, or metallic sheen) with a pencil skirt or black pants, throw on a chic black dress with bold accessories, or wear a holiday inspired item (jacket, skirt) with a white shirt and jacket. A few examples:

If your office is a bit more dressy, you can throw a bit of gold in the mix, or add a jacket with cascading necklaces….
A few work perfect items for less than $100:

Bottom Row: Burlington Tartan Mini, $98, www.jcrew.com; Silk Chiffon Tie Neck Blouse, $48, www.victoriassecret.com.
Pair the satin or tie neck blouse with a black skirt or trouser; match the tartan mini with a white shirt and jacket, and throw the glam cardigan over the strapless dress (or anything really–it’s dressy enough on it’s own!)

New Years

For New Years, all bets are off! Flaunt your sexiest, sweetest frock. But always be mindful that you can only wear it once, so don’t spend a ton. To set yourself apart from the gold sequined flock, try rocking a frock in a bold, bright color, or an embellished look. A few New Years worthy examples:
Try the following low priced options:

Top Row: Sequin Racer Back Dresss, $34.80, www.forever21.com; Salena Shimmer Dress, $98 , www.guess.com.

Middle: Metallic Gathered Dress, $77, www.bebe.com.

Bottom Row: Sequin Bubble Dress, $128, www.ardenb.com; Chiffon Sequin Trim Dress, $85, www.asos.com.

Now toast to the New Year!

Smootches!

*Gabby Union looked party ready at a the ‘The Perfect Holiday’ event last night at Marquee…
…Work this look for an office fete by throwing on a cardigan like the Jeweled Glam Cardigan above.
*The Huffington Post has no love for Marc Jacobs.
*Need shoes to go with everything? Check my post on Oh…Deer shoes

*Omarion visited 106 & Park yesterday…
His scarf gets two snaps, but what do we think of guys with hair…out to there?

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!

*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!

*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)…

Happy Fabulous Friday!

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:

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!

*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?

*Learn more about June at her website, www.juneambrose.com.
*In NYC? Take a styling course at FIT for $280.

Happy Hump Day!

…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:

Want more Kesh? Keep track of her on her blog therealkesh.blogspot.com and take a look at her myspace page, myspace.com/that_girl_kesshia. She sells her wares online at www.kesh.bigcartel.com, but seems all her T’s are sold out! Hopefully she’ll be updating soon!
Smootches!

*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 Tuesday!
For this week’s Style File, I decided to profile the scintillating chanteuse…

… Scary Spice!
She’s been hot on gossip blogs lately for everything from Dancing with the Stars to her Spice Girls Reunion Tour.
Her style factor has evolved exponentially since her former days….
…of bra tops and shiny suits. Let’s take a look:
For red carpets, Scary absolutely favors black frocks…
…in skin tight fabrics and body hugging silhouettes.
From time to time, she shines in satin dresses in pale colors like pink or gray…
And on occasion she might offer a bit of punch…
..in a sleek silver sequined number.
For more casual events, she gravitates towards separates…
…but make no mistake, the silhouette is the same: low cut, bust clinging top, and hip hugging pencil skirt with stilettos.
I can’t hate, this look really works for her.
Want a Spicy dress game? Try these bargain options:
Left to Right: Eliza J Satin Ruched Slip Dress, $129, www.macys.com; Ya Ya Metallic Mini Dress, $81, www.saks.com; Betsey Johnson Shirred Sequin Halter Dress, $114, www.labelspree.com.
Get her separates look with the following…
Top Row: On Gossamer Black Silk Satin Camisole, $32, www.bluefly.com; Bop Basic Tank Top, $34, shopbop.com
Bottom Row: Shape fx® Hold-you-in sculpted pencil skirt, $39, www.newport-news.com; Metallic Tweed Pencil Skirt, $56, www.bebe.com.
…and go super glam spice in a sequined dress like this $145 ASOS LUXE Sequin Scoop Back Dress…
….from www.asos.com.
Smootches!

*There’s so much going on this Wednesday! Tracy Reese’s Trunk Sale, Gen Art’s Sale, and now Malcolm Harris is celebrating the launch of his Designers for Darfur Limited Edition T-Shirt Series.
Venue : Gin Lane, 355 West 14th Street (between 8th & 9th Aves.)
Benefiting Charity : The Save Darfur Coalition / Designers For Darfur
Date : Wednesday, December 5th, 2007
Time : 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
RSVP: rsvp@designersfordarfur.com
I’ll be there!
*Tracy Ellis Ross looked great yesterday at the Kiki De Montparnasse store opening in LA…
Get a similar look with the following:

Top Row: Printed Halter, $48, www.ardenb.com; Joie Black Stretch Cottom Flame Jacket, $162, www.bluefly.com
Middle Row: Quilted Saitn Pochette, $48, www.ardenb.com; Joie Black Stretch Cottom Flame Jacket, $162, www.bebe.com
Bottom Row: Nine West Naso, $109, www.piperlime.com; Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Skinny Stretch Pants, $135, www.bluefly.com.
*Be sure to check out Scary perform with the Spice Girls tonight at Victoria’s Secret’s Fashion Show. 10pm on CBS.

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!

*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!

Hey,
It’s Friday!

You know what time it is.
It seems these Mail Bombs are getting harder and harder to crack. I did my best:)
Let’s get to it!
First up, Olamide from London is totally in love with Beyonce’s look:
She says, “Please can you find where Beyonce got this outfit???”
I did a bit of detective work and found the following:

Slouchy Knit Beret, $10.80, www.forever21.com; Max Studio Silk Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, $98, www.maxstudio.com; Tribeca by Kenneth Cole Rock Candy Flats, $40, www.piperlime.com; Women’s Beaded Hoop Earrings, $7.50, www.oldnavy.com; ASOS Paperbag Stripe Trouser, $47, www.asos.com.

Next, Ingrid says, “I love this coat that Rihanna is wearing and have also been looking around for a great belted houndstooth coat.”

“Any advice on where I should start looking? ( I just graduated college so i can’t spend a ton)”
Rihanna’s $398 coat from Ron Herman might be a bit out of reach, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a similar look. Try these lower priced black and white options:
Left to Right: Belted Houndstooth Coat, $178, www.talbots.com; Soia & Kyo Belted Houndstooth Wool Coat, $330, www.nordstrom.com; Paper, Denim & Cloth Jackie O Jacket in Houndstooth, $149, www.revolveclothing.com.

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!

*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?

*Get cute party dresses for under $50