Hello Lovelies,
So new Fashion Bomb intern, Charlé, is gracing us with her very first post today. Enjoy!
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Hey Readers!
Intern Charlé reporting on a tried and true trend: Leopard Print. While we saw it all over the Fall ’06 runways, Roberto Cavalli’s success at H&M proves that the exotic trend has reached classic status.
Check how the following celebs elevated their printed pieces with their own style, all the while taming this bold pattern with dope (yes, dope) yet elegant silohuettes. They somehow manage to keep it looking fresh and young:
Mary J. Blige breathes life into a basic LBD in this Just Cavalli top…

…while the super Spicy Spice Girl Mel B…
….flavors her little black dress with just a dash of leopard print on the wrist.
Taraji Henson literally shines in this satine number….
…while Eve…
…tackles quite a few trends at once in this sequined cap.
Thankfully, she redeemed herself this summer at the BET awards…
…in Dolce & Gabanna’s skin tight mini.
Beyonce accessorizes with these wildly sexy Christian Louboutin t-straps…
And dog-toting Rihanna as well as the stylish starlet Kelis…
…tone down the glam factor by pairing their prints with wide-legged and colored denim, respectively.
To perfect the look, don’t run the risk of looking like Mrs. Tarzan with clashing prints and textures like sweetheart here…
Instead, accent your ensemble with unexpected flashes of leopard or cheetah print:
My picks:

Left to Right:
Printed Calf hair Gloves, $165, www.jcrew.com; Betsey Johnson Watch, $65, www.urbn.com; Knit Hat, $16.50, www.delias.com.
For the Fall and Winter months, pop on an exotic print frock with black tights and booties:

Top Row: Nanette Lepore Lucky Leopard Silk Dress, $209, www.eluxury.com; Tory Burch ‘Nicole’ Dress, $425, www.nordstrom.com.
Bottom Row: Victoria’s Secret’s Dress, $65,www.victoriassecret.com; C&C Design, $98, shopbop.com
For more affordable alternatives try a separate like this Forever 21 cardigan…
…pair it with a black turtleneck and high-waisted trousers or a solid waist skirt with faintly textured tights and platform heels for a complete look.
You’re good to go!
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Wow, Charlé, what a great post!
My interns make me so proud:)
And, I must say, I’ve definitely gone loco with the exotic print accessories, from ballet flats to clutches. Pair a leopard flat with some skinny jeans and a cashmere turtleneck– instant classic!
So last night, I ended up going to see Nina Garcia speak at Barnes and Noble…
…yes, I skipped the gym, but it was worth it!
The place was packed…
…with fashionistas and Project Runway fans. Though I came a bit late, I managed to squeeze into a seat up front, next to a 12 year old super fan who claimed to have watched every episode of Project Runway 7 times. She was so cute!
A few nuggets from Nina’s talk:
*Intern if you want to be involved in magazines. She started off thinking she wanted to be a designer, and enrolled at FIT. After figuring out she couldn’t quite master the technical stuff, she decided to go another route. She took classes in Fashion merchandising and even interned at Perry Ellis in the Marc Jacobs days before interning at Mirabella and then joining the staff of Elle Magazine.
*In terms of your wardrobe, invest in the boring basics–white button down, trench coat, cardigan–then amp them up with accessories.
Solid advice.
I bought her book, and started reading on the train…
…it’s really good!
There’s tons of great of fashion advice, large doses of fashion history, and amazing quotes!
Pick it up for $12 at www.amazon.com
Smootches!
* My fave boutique Pieces is having a huge sale!
Log onto www.piecesofbklyn.com for locations and hot deals.

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!

*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

A bold clutch can brighten up any outfit, and looks smashingly dressy against the darker colors of winter.
My picks:
Top Row: Alfani Mercer Patent Clutch, $68,www.macys.com; Mint Handbags Madison, $53, www.ebags.com.
Bottom Row: Alfani Greenwich Croco Clutch, $98,www.macys.com; Silk Satin Claire Clutch, $60, www.jcrew.com.
2. Bangles & Long Necklaces
Long necklaces or bangles are a go-to gift: they’re one size fits all, affordable, and upgrade any outfit:

Top Row: Tortoise Link Necklace, $68,www.oohboutique.com; Everday Bangles, $9, www.boutiquefinesse.com.
Bottom Row: Galaxy Starbust, $50,www.starletaccessories.com; Kenneth Jay Lane Coral Stone Long Necklace, $60, www.bluefly.com.
If you already have enough, you can always organize!

Left to Right: Little Burch Jewelry Stand, $28; Chirp Bracelet Stand, $18, both at www.urbn.com.
3. Berets
As you probably know, I love berets for their warm, stylish qualities. Plus, if you’re having a bad hair day, they’ve got you covered! Pop on a traditional black or get bold with sequins. Either way, effortless chic:

Left to Right: Cableknit Beret, $38,www.anthropologie.com; Ready & Cable Beret, $38, www.kennethcole.com; Kokin Orchiila Beret, $125,www.bloomingdales.com.
4. Ray Bans
Aviators never go out of style, flatter most face shapes, and at about $100, won’t break the bank:
Pop ’em on for a sunny winter day as the perfect finish to a sophisticated look. Get this pair at www.saks.com.
5. Black Wrap
Black wraps are a wardrobe staple for a good reason: they’re a great topper for a chilly office, work well as a re-purposed scarf on a cold day, and provide oh so necessary warmth when donning backless numbers for club nights.
Get this one by Kashmere…

… for $100 at www.bluefly.com.
That does it for celeb inspired gifts! Now for Claire’s more personal recommendations:
6. Fashion Books

Top Row:The End of Fashion by Teri Agins, $11; In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World’s Most Famous Fashion Magazine, $47.25.
Bottom Row:The Complete History of Costume & Fashion: From Ancient Egypt to the Present Day by Bronwyn Cosgrave, $25; Fashion (Oxford History of Art) by Christopher Breward, $15.
All at www.amazon.com
Need to brush up on your fashion history? Want to know who Claire McCardell is (or who pioneered the ‘New Look’)? Check out these books for reference. Begin your fashion education now!

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”:

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.

Hey!
For Today’s Style File, I decided to profile up and coming actress…

…Lauren London.
She’s been getting a a good amount of press lately for her role in the upcoming movie This Christmas as well as her new spokesmodel gig for Sean Jean. She keeps it cute in casual and formal situations. Let’s take a look:
For red carpet events, she rocks anything from plunging mini dresses in neutrals like white or black….
…to more demure babydoll dresses in pretty peach…
… accessorized with hot ankle boots or stilettos.
She’s her cutest with her casual carpet look: a dressy top and jean combination…
…topped off with crystal encrusted sandals or peep toe pumps. She sometimes sasses it up with a pair of leather pants…
…or a menswear inspired fedora…
Cute!
Want her dressy red carpet look?
Try the following:
Left to Right: BCBG Tie Front Tunic Dress, $135, www.macys.com; Tiered Satin Bubble Dress, $295, www.neimanmarcus.com.
More interested in casual LL? Try these high and low priced items:
Top Row: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Chain Neck Top, $275, www.activeendeavors.com; INC International Concepts® Printed Smocked-Waist Silk Blouse, $51.75.
Bottom Row: Citizens of Humanity Ava Straight Leg in Blue Grass, $163, www.pinkmascara.com; www.macys.com; Metallic Sleeveless Enya Tunic, $22.80, www.forever21.com
Smootches!

Hey Bellas!
Happy Monday!
So yesterday I was delighted to attend my buddy Malcolm’s Forum on Breaking into Fashion.
Around 5pm, I made my way over to Runway at 4 East 28th street, and took a seat amongst the crowd…

…the room was filled with aspiring and established models, designers, bloggers, and writers of color.
After Malcolm introduced the panel (and everyone introduced themselves), we got down to advice hour. Want to know how to break in?
The following tips:

For Models/Actors: Be prepared to specifically talk about who you are and what you want to do. Be able to sell yourself in 30,60, 90, or 120 seconds. Practice! For models, have your portfolio ready–your portfolio should have 5 good pictures and 10 wonderful pictures. Also always have it on you: you’ll never know who you could run into! Ms. Jay and Malcolm stressed that portfolio pictures must be professional–no back shots from the club or pictures from your sister’s wedding! Also, models, Ms. Jay stressed to show up to castings with clean hair, clean makeup, a nice wax, and nails and toes done. Got it?

For writers: Intern, intern, intern at magazines you love. If you can’t work for free, find ones that pay (I know of a few, e-mail me if you want details). Also network your booty off (this goes for everyone), because most times it’s not what you know, but who you know.

For Designers: To get your line going, don’t wait for a golden egg: get your products out there! Malcolm started his line with $500! Make what you can, then go online and sell them on myspace; make your friends cart them around; create a buzz and get blogs to write about it. E-mail me!

Great advice, no?
After the forum, I went around to meet and greet:
These two Fashion Bombers readers, Ashley and Alanna…
…are currently in school for Journalism and Fashion Marketing respectively. They came to network, network, network.
Lakisha and Fatiya…
…are aspiring models, and came for advice on portfolios and presentation.
Julia…
…is also a model and muse to Malcolm. Check her out in Malcolm’s Spring/Summer Collection video on his blog www.cutsewandblog.com.
Diana..
…is an aspiring stylist (and Fashion Bomb Reader)!
Jewrel (left) and Marco Hall…
…are just fabulous, no? Love the colors and decolletage! Anyway Marco (www.myspace.com/marcofh) designs all of Andre J’s clothes, and Jewrel is a Makeup Artist.
This aspiring designer, Nia, calls herself Suppamodel….
…She works for Blackplanet.com (and is apparently featured on the homepage). She’s also in the works to create a line called Suppamodel for women sizes 14-34. Check her out on blackplanet.com…I’ll keep an eye out!
Last but not least, I ran into Yannize and Lauren…
….bloggers from the hot blog Style Ammo! Always great to meet fellow bloggers in person.
I, of course, had to take pictures with a few of the Fashion glitterati:
I caught Andre J in all his fabulousness…
….I loved his coat, turban, and infectious energy! One thing he said that stuck with me, “Live your life. It’s yours, noone elses.”
Also, had to take a picture with Ms. Jay….
….who had so much to say about the industry. I learned that he lived in Paris for 20 years, and Japan for 3. He also speaks four languages outside of English. He’s a fashion veteran…I’d love to pick his brain one day. He’s a super smart dude, and I was honestly in awe.
Ran into Memsor Kamarake, Fashion Director at Vibe…
…who promised to read the blog today! Turns out he started off as a fashion assistant at Vibe and just worked his way up! That’s the way to do it.
And of course couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to buddy Malcolm…
…who put it all together!
It was a great event, and won’t be the last. To sign up for updates, visit the forum’s myspace page: www.myspace.com/breakingintofashion. Post ideas, ask for advice, and stay apprised of upcoming panels. Also, of course, continue to read the Fashion Bomb…I’ll keep you posted.

A group shop of the illustrious panel members. From left: Malcolm Harris, Memsor Kamarake, Tia Williams, Tyson, model Jaizen. In back: Andre J. Image care of Tia’s Blog Shake your Beauty
Smootches!
*The event’s proceeds went to the organization Save Darfur. If you don’t know what’s going on over there, google Darfur and give/do all you can to alleviate the situation over there. Also, I read a great book that delivers the story in a gripping, searing way….
….What is the What by Dave Eggers. It’s a must read…and now it’s in paperback, so there’s no excuse! Get it for $11 at www.amazon.com. It tells the story of refugee Valentino Achak Deng; how he lost his family, joined thousands of other orphaned children in refugee camps, and moved to America. Great reading!
*RIP Donda West

Story and image via Style Ammo