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?
Hey!
So the holiday was soooo relaxing, but somehow it didn’t seem long enough!
Anyway ever since the most Fashionable Fashion Bomber contest, I’ve been getting some great submissions from loyal readers who want to showcase their style. Today, I present Alexis…
….a law student at Syracuse University.
She says ” Most that know me call me Miss. Bre. Kinda like Beyonce’s alter ego Sasha, my fashion abilities have shown through my alter ego Miss. Bre…” “.. I describe Miss Bre as fly, young, and flashy when it comes to fashion–wearing what I feel is hot at the moment but yet putting my own little quirks and twist to it. Right now I’m really into Indian inspired fashion because of a recent trip I took there…” “….I love that everything over there is embellished with massive stones and bling. I definitely don’t consider myself a fashion guru who knows the do’s and don’ts, but I do consider myself a person who has appropriated a style that fits my personality and most importantly me…” Cute!
So what do you think? Does Ms. Bre have great style?
Smootches!
Fashion, News, and What Nots
*I was indulging in my favorite Sunday treat, the New York Times Style Section, when what should I stumble upon, but a feature article on Fashion Bomb Friend…. ….Andre J! Someone told me to stop posting pix of him, but I just can’t resist!
The article, by Guy Trebay, was on Andre’s fortuitous ascent to the French Vogue cover. A great quote from Andre J, “Anything you love you can sell, honey, and I sold it. Andre J. is a part of history.†Preach! Catch the rest of the article here.
* Nina Garcia (of Project Runway and Elle fame) will be having a reading and signing for her book, “The Little Black Book of Style”… …tonight at 7pm at the Barnes and Noble at 6th and 22nd in Chelsea. I’m torn between going or taking this hot class at my gym (must work off those turkey calories)…but then again, how could I pass up the chance to meet the Fashion Director of the great Elle Magazine?!?! Ok, I might see y’all there…
*Roll out (if you can) to this panel discussion tomorrow: Click to Enlarge
It’s from 3-5 at Conde Nast. Don’t ask me why they’re having this epic panel discussion in the middle of a workday! Do they want people to come???
Anyway, I’m sure you all heard about the whole Glamour ‘debacle’. If not, read this great article.
This panel should be a good, frank discussion on perceptions of race and beauty (and why one Glamour staffer said dreads and Afro’s were an office ‘don’t). It’s a huge chunk of time, but I must go. Definitely see you there!
*What’d you get on Black Friday??? My favorite splurge was this pair of Miss Sixty Boots (love them!)
…and my favorite ‘save’ (if you can call it that) was this pair of shiny leggings from American Apparel… ..for $40.
Yes, I bought the shiny leggings. Though Rihanna rocked them well… … I’m still kinda having questions as to how I should wear them. I’m thinking just a long sweater and pumps will do…
Hey, hey,
So gift and sale season is fast approaching, and while I plan on procrastinating heavily, I know that some of you are getting a leg up during those Thanksgiving sales.
In the spirit of ‘Oprah’s favorite things,’ I decided, why not give you Claire’s Favorite Things? Below, the Fashion Bomb’s Guide to Stylish Gifts.
First up, celeb inspired presents:
1. Bold Clutches
7. Journals Left to Right: Iris Journal, $10,www.mfashop.com; Cavallini Notebook, $15-$16, www.katespaperie.com; Blackberry Journal, $13, www.broadwaypaper.com.
I’ve kept journals since I was 12…there’s nothing like looking back at how far you’ve come. Get one for personal use, and another to take notes during fashion shows!
8. Fashion DVD’s
Left to Right: America’s Next Top Model Season 1, $30; Zoolander, $11; Project Runway Complete Third Season, $20; all at www.amazon.com
Don’t want to watch another rerun of I Love New York? These DVD’s are a bit tongue and cheek, but fashion learning nonetheless.
9. Fuzzy Slippers
…I love high shoes, but my feet definitely don’t! There’s nothing like giving my tired dogs a rest in a pair of cozy ones. Get this pair for $29.50 at www.gap.com
10. Digital Camera
I got my dope camera 3 years ago as a birthday present. It still works, but with the proliferation of cute cameras at affordable prices, it only makes sense to upgrade this year (all the better to snap Real Style). You can get the the Kodak option on the left for a reasonable $90 or the Fujifilm Finepix on the right for $180 at www.bestbuy.com.
That does it!
Now get to shopping!
Smootches!
PS Need more ideas? Check out my Gift Guide from last year.
PSSS Happy Holidays! I’ll try to update, but…no promises!
“It’s great to aspire to a profession, and there’s always a demand for good, smart people anywhere — but don’t aspire to a “lifestyle.” I have a good life, but it probably looks very different in person. Everyone should aspire to the life that authentically represents her — that’s the only way to be happy..”–Bonnie Morrison, publicity director of KCD
Hey!
So after the “Breaking into Fashion” forum a few weeks ago, I started to receive *tons* of e-mails from fashion hopefuls looking to make their way into the industry as stylists, journalists, models, and the like.
Note, for example, a real letter I received from a lady whose e-mail identified her as “GaLittleMa”:
“HEY WHATS UP TRYING TO LEARN ABOUT FASHION NEED HELP COULD U PLEZ HELP ME OUT LOVE PEACHES”
Ok… While most of you were a little bit more detailed in your requests, the sentiment was the same: you want to know how to get in the door, and for some of you, you want to know how to stay there.
I decided that in addition to looking at trends, people on the street, and finding celeb looks for less, I’d also do a series of interviews with successful people in the business, so you’ll know how they got their start, what they love about their job, and how you can one day be in their position.
After seeing her spread in Elle Magazine, I thought: who better to get in touch with first than Bonnie Morrison? Despite her busy schedule, she was gracious enough to offer a few words to you aspiring PR girls out there.
Bonnie, who graduated from Brown University, majored in Modern Culture and Media and American Civilization. About college she says, “I’m not sure that your major necessarily determines the career you choose or become successful in…The thing I believe about college is that it teaches you how to ask questions, refine your skills, and develop your references. Work is something entirely different, and most everything else about your actual job you learn by doing your job. I still learn things, and I have been working for 10 years.“ Morrison started off interning in boutique advertising firms before working in magazines, which is what she always thought she wanted to do. Though she didn’t begin her career entrenched in PR, she says, ” I always knew that fashion was the only field I wanted to work in (though I didn’t always know in what capacity), so it was my extra-curricular “study” that really prepared me: I read or watched anything fashion-related and absorbed it completely. I figured out which designers I liked and learned everything I could about the house; which photographers I liked and who they shot for. I studied the work of every editor, makeup artist, hairstylist, model. I learned the names for things — masthead, well story, sittings editor, collection, campaign, contract, run-of-show, casting, atelier, salon — and how to pronounce everything. That was the beginning of my fashion education…“ She knew that she could pursue PR as a career at her first big agency job. She says, “I was working more directly with designers on multiple accounts, dealing with the press one-on-one and traveling regularly–that’s where I really had the chance to develop and grow into the responsibility that was given to me. It happened over the course of an entire year, if not longer, and even then, it was just positioning me for more, bigger responsibilities in the future…” She credits her current success to her insatiable work ethic. She says,” I work really, really hard. And I try to work smart — responsibly, efficiently and ethically. Any of the things I have achieved or am proud of in my professional life have been an extension of those principles. But this is the thing: I work hard because I care about it. So while “work hard” is obvious, the “secret” part is that you should find a job that interests you so much and that you have so much investment in that it’s easy, and fun, to work hard.“To future PR girls, she calls for a bit of self reflection. She says, “Ask yourself: what is it about publicity that you aspire to? How much do you really know about it? What are you willing to do to get there? The press and parties are just a fluke, and probably have less to do with my job than it might appear. For all the shows and parties I go to as a guest, I go to as many as an on-duty employee — working seating, backstage, press lines, and I’m more often than not in Chap-Stick, a messy ponytail and a flat shoe. That’s my real job. If people want that, I bet they’ll be great at it, because a lot of this business is instinct and lack of ego…”Lastly a few fashion tips for an aspiring publicist on a tight budget. She says, “If you have limited resources, seek out very basic things that make you look polished. Too many people think that it’s important to distinguish themselves with a lot of personality in their demeanor or personal appearance, and that’s not really what anyone is looking from an entry-level person! I was always told to keep my head down and do my work — what my friend Phoebe calls “clean your spaces and know your places...” “...It’s not REMOTELY worth going into debt to keep up with people who can afford to absorb all of the trends of the season, so if you can’t pull it off, you’re much smarter to invest in basic, professional separates that fit you well — pencil skirt, white shirts, some black cashmere sweaters, a peacoat, pair of good heels, etc. — than trying to execute too many trends badly. A little goes a very long way.”
Hear that? Just look ‘polished’ as Andre Leon Talley would say. And work hard!
Well, that was amazing, no? And her advice on studying fashion–knowing all the industry lingo, designers, and editors–is something that we all can do, regardless of where we are in life.
Thanks so much to Bonnie for offering her expertise!
Stay tuned in coming weeks for interviews with stylists, editors, publishers….you’re gonna love it!
Smootches!
PS If you’re leaving for Turkey Day today, safe travels!
Hey!
So last week, I was on my way to the Billion Dollar Babes sample sale (where I spent way too much money!), and stopped in my tracks when I saw this young lady…
….she was Fashion Bomb bound! Her look is the epitome of ‘style’ to me. I dug her unique haircut, warm one-of-a-kind jacket, and the artful way she matched her long top to her Nike low tops. After chatting, I found that she’s a student at FIT. Perhaps a future designer? Let’s hope she keeps in touch!
In other news…
I didn’t catch the American Music Awards last night, but just had a chance to look at a few red carpet pics. The verdict: Disappointing!
Alicia Keys looked glamorous in this black seqined number… But from the champagne colored frothy princess frocks…. ….to ill fitting clothes for men…. …and for women…. …and scratch your head 80’s throwback fits… …I was underwhelmed. Very, very much so. I can feel Mary with the embellished trend, but I think perhaps this dress took it too far (multicolored sequins in swirling patterns?). And Rihanna? We’ve all seen her do much better. It seems maybe she didn’t have time to get her dress properly fit? Or was that the look she was going for…?
Thoughts?
Smootches!
PS Andre J’s party last Friday was so much fun! A few pictures: They had an amazing fashion show, a show stopping dance performance, and Beyonce was poppin all night!. I took a few videos…Check ’em out at The Fashion Bomb Group on Facebook.com. Not in the Fashion Bomb group? What are you waiting for?!?!
Hey!
So months after moving in, I’m finally getting my magazines in on time! I was giddy (as per usual) to receive my December issue of Elle the other day…
..and was delighted to flip and find a small spread on Bonnie Morrison… …New York socialite, fashion maven, and publicity director of PR firm KCD. If you don’t know, KCD is a huge firm in New York city and represents high end fashion houses such as Gucci, Alexander McQueen, and Marc Jacobs.
The Elle spread showcases what Ms. Morrison would wear in a typical week–everything from tailored shift dresses by Richard Chai to smart wool Givenchy jackets paired with Earnest Sewn jeans or Yves Saint Laurent skirts, topped off with (of course) a pair of Louboutins.
About her style philosophy, she says, “I feel strongly about being dressed at all times…You never know where the day will take you…” I couldn’t agree more!
Kudos to Bonnie for climbing to the top of the heap in her field, and double snaps to Elle for profiling a woman of color doing her thing! And of course, for being aware of including….
…a dash of diversity.
Smootches!
PSPS The Seventh on Sale Sale starts today on Ebay!
Don’t know what it is? Top designers such as Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Oscar de la Renta have donated items for sale on ebay. You bid, and 100% of the proceeds go towards providing care, housing, and services to those with HIV/AIDS. Check out the sale (and start bidding) at stores.ebay.com/7th-on-Sale-2007. In NYC? You can shop in person! Buy $20 tickets at stores.ebay.com/7th-on-Sale-2007. The actual sale is this weekend at 69th Regiment Armory, 68 Lexington Ave., at 26th St.
…in Grecian Green?
…this Wednesday, December 5th, from 5-8 at 641 Hudson.
Next, Shari says, “
