“Break to ya crib change your clothes once more/Cause you’re invited to a barbeque starting at 4/Sitting with your friends cause y’all remincise/About the days growing up and the first person you kissed/And as I think back makes me wonder how the smell from a grill could spark up nostalgia…”DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince, “Summertime.”

Happy Monday Guys!
I had a wonderful weekend:)
So reader Nina wrote me last week with an urgent query: “What should you wear to a cook-out/BBQ? My sister reads your blog and I am so sick of her going to a cookout looking like Mariah Carey (i.e. too much cleavage, short shorts and high heels!!!).”
I thought this was an excellent idea…and since I planned to go to a huge BBQ in Prospect Park this weekend (the Annual MIH BBQ to be exact), I thought…what better place to look for inspiration?!? So on Sunday I went, and patrolled the beautiful, colorful crowd….

… for some great examples.

This duo was the epitome of casual fab in long flowing skirts and skin baring tops…

Homegirl wanted to lay out, so wore her hot bikini, but kept it chic in a knit cover up and a status bag…

This young lady captured the essence of summer in a skin baring kelly green tube dress and matching bold accessories…

…These hotties showed you can have options, whether you don a wife beater, spaghetti strapped top, or body flattering long dress…

These two looked summery and cool in a yellow top and ethnic inspired bikini top and skirt…

…This diva went for a more chic, sophisticated look with a white tunic and crisp khaki shorts…

…and these young ladies showed a range of choices, from a long flowy white dress to cut offs, tank top, and head scarf.
Of course I couldn’t forget the guys!

These men came prepared in Louis loafers, graphic print tops, and designer shades…

…nothing says ‘cookout’ better than t-shirts and plaid shorts…

…show a bit of your quirky side in a striped polo, fatigue shorts, and kangol…

…or pop on a polo with or without…

…a wide brimmed straw hat.
Need more ideas?
Try these items for ladies…

Top Row: Cotton Spandex Jersey Strapless Ruched Dress, $36, www.americanapparel.net; Embroidered Knit Top, $14.80, www.forever21.com.
Bottom Row: Double Face Suit Shorts, $38, www.maxstudio.com; Sparkle & Fade Sunburst Cami, $24, www.urbn.com.
…and men, here are a few ideas…

Top Row:Classic Vintage Big Pony Polo, $90, www.polo.com; Le Tigre Purple Cotton Pique Polo, $29, www.bluefly.com.
Bottom Row: Louis Vuitton Monte Carlo Initials Loafer, $590, www.eluxury.com; Standard Brighton Plaid Shorts, $15, www.urbn.com.
Get your grill on.
Smootches!
PS The hot blog Fly was also in the house! Check out her pix here.
And if you want to reminisce…

Enjoy!

Hey, hey!
It’s Friday, and time for a few mail bombs.

I’m on a summer Friday today, so I’m gonna make it short and sweet….then go enjoy the day (it’s sooo gorgeous out!)
Let’s get to it!
Reader Nicole says, “Halle Berry looks great in this dress…”

“….Can you tell me who made it?”
It seems that on top of being a Versace model, Halle rocks their frocks on the red carpet. She ripped this fishscaled stunner off the runway…

…off its Spring 2007 show.
Next up reader TLCRules asks, “Do you know what dress Beyonce is wearing here?”

“…I LOVE IT!”
Well alright Ms. TLC! It seems Beyonce is a Versace fan as well, as the print for her dress was also seen on the runway…

…of their Spring ’07 show.
Next up Remilekin says, “I love the dress Kerry is wearing…and I can’t find it anywhere!”

“..Since I’m ballin’ on a budget…can you give me a couple of look- a -likes in different price ranges?”
Sure! Kerry has great style as intern Suzie detailed in an earlier a post. If you want a similar grey dress, you can try this $352 Alexa Dress in Grey from CoutureCandy

But since you’re on a budget, this $242 Rachel Pally Short Caftan Dress might be more reasonable…

Still too much? Try this $88 Jersey Cotton Dress in Heather Grey…

…also from CoutureCandy
Next, Chella says, “I need your help! I keep seeing all these celebs rocking these cute sequin berets…”

“…Can you help me find some??”
I can’t say I support this trend, but I found sequined berets for $24 at www.urbn.com…

This version comes in black, red, and multi.
Our last celeb request for the week comes on the tail of yesterday’s Nicole Richie Style File. A lot of readers thought she looked fierce in this jumper…

…and wanted her look. I actually did a post not too long ago on jumpers, and a lot of these options should still be available…

Top Row: 7 for All Mankind “Ginger” Jumpsuit, $198, www.adasa.com; Polka Dot Jumpsuit, $20, www.forever21.com; Poplin Belted Romper, $25.50, www.wetseal.com.
Middle Row: Seven Jeans Sweetheart Romper, $185, shopbop.com
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Finch Jumpsuit, $285, shopbop.com
Doty Jumper in Jet, $154, CoutureCandy
Bottom Row: XOXO Twill Button Front Jumper, $25.50, www.macys.com; Kaitlyn Shortall, $34.50, www.delias.com; Serfontaine Jean Jumpsuit, $255, (323) 782-9188.
Lastly, reader Lisa says, “I saw these gorgeous earrings in an ad…”

“…and I would like to know who they are made by, their cost, and possibly where I can purchase them.”
Well Lisa, I couldn’t find an exact match, but found a few low priced options.
You can try this $15 pair of Beaded Hoop Earrings…

…from www.victoriassecret.com.
These $24 Diamond Dust Three Hoop Earrings…

…from www.ardenb.com.
Or these $5 Tripple Hoop Earrings…

…from www.forever21.com.
That does it for today! Have fabulous weekends. Off to enjoy the sun:)
Smootches!

“I’m a d-boy they decoy/They money is lighter/Than Nicole Richie/Roll with me/They on a diet, baby…” Jay-Z, “Anything”

So now that this Hollywoord Starlet is allegedly with child and delaying her trial for a DUI charge…I thought it timely (and only right) to take a look at the style of notoriously skinny super socialite…

…Nicole Richie.
She might sport a blonde mane and hang with Paris Hilton, but she’s still a sista! Homegirl has come a long way over the past few years.
Anyone who watched The Simple Life can see a marked improvement in her look.
Ms. Richie went from multicolored ratty tendrils…


…and ill fitting clothes…


….to a certified grade “A” fashionista replete with a chic haircut and hot clothes to boot (I’m sure her former stylist Rachel Zoe had something to do with it, but I digress).
For nights out, Nicole brings it in bold colored, body flattering dresses..


…straight shooting strapless numbers…


…and mod frocks in cute psychadelic prints…


In her downtime, she keeps it super casual in plain t’s, tanks, and skinny jeans, but distinguishes her look with hot accessories like hippie-esque large glasses…


…head and neck scarves…


…large, statement bags…

…with a jumper thrown in for good measure.

Cute!
Want her look? Start with these items:

Top Row: Chloe Sunglasses, $275, www.aloharag.com; Cotton Crinkled Oblong Scarf, $24, www.urbn.com.
Bottom Row: Swirl Print Tie Back Dress, $102, CoutureCandy
Rebecca Minkoff Elisha Bag, $591, shopbop.com
Smootches!
PS Still don’t think she’s cute? Remember the good old days….

…awwwwww!
PSS Thanks to www.dlisted.com for the throwback pic!

“Take me, take me to the water/Summertime, summertime/Maybe, we can fall in love…”–Corina, “Summertime, Summertime.”

Hey hey,
So it’s the height the summer, and you’re probably thinking of hitting the beach, pool, or swimming hole (if you haven’t already). If you’re like me, you’d love to hit the water in a hot ‘kini. And if you’re also like me, you might find that department store size bikini tops don’t necessarily fit your ample bosoms….and that a ‘large’ leaves you looking a tad indecent (I’m talking to you Diane von Furstenberg!!!).
Anyway, in my exhaustive shopping travels, I’ve found a few brands where tops come in bra sizes, leaving the ambiguous S,M,L sizes to those with less to fill their cups:
First up, Freya and Fantasie bikinis come in a host of fun colors with tops that range from a B up to a voluptuous F. Yes they do!
This $43 Singapore Swing Black Halter with Red Detailing comes in D and DD cups…

And the matching $27 Classic Bikini Brief comes in Small, Medium, and Large…

This $70 Fantasie Rumba underwire balcony bikini top comes in 32D-38 F…

And it’s matching $45 Rumba short comes in Small, Medium, Large, and X large…

Cute! Check out more Freya and Fantasie swimsuits at www.figleaves.com.
You can also find ‘bra size’ bikinis at this fab website, www.maliamills.com. The bikini tops are all inclusive–they run from a 30AA to 38DD! The bottoms also correspond to real sizes and run from size 2 to 16.
This cute $125 Lola Bikini comes in 4 colors and is perfect for a C…

And this $125 Dmure suit comes in 3 colors and is made for those with a size D.

Check it out!
Finally, if you need a little bit more style, check out Shoshanna swimwear.
This $84 Shoshanna Pink Gingham Halter comes in cup sizes from B-DD (matching bottoms are $70)….

…This cute $42 Paisley Halter comes in B-DD as well (matching bottoms are $35)…

…And this $150 Zig Zag Halter Swimsuit goes from an A up to a DD…

Hot!
Now get your swim on! I’ve got ya covered:)
Smootches!
*Find more swimsuits at www.swimsuitsforall.com!

Rihanna was looking smoking this past Saturday at a press call for the Tokyo Leg of the Live Earth Series…

…and reader Tameka needed to know who made her fly outfit.
Well why wait till Friday?
You can get her hot DSquared Halter Jumpsuit for about $165 (on sale at www.saks.com!)…

…Slip on a pair of two toned pumps, like this $198 pair by Michel Perry…

…then skimp on these big hoop earrings…

…that are only $5.80 at www.forever21.com.
Too pricey? Get a similar look with this $99 Twinkle by Wenlan Jumper…

…and these $102 Steve Madden pumps from zappos.com

You’re good to go!
Smootches!
PS My interns are still around (I think…). Stay tuned for some ‘tern posts, Stylefiles, and more mail bombs!

How come everytime you come around/My London, London bridge, wanna go down like/ London, London, London, wanna go down like/London, London, London, we goin’ down like…” Fergie, “London Bridge”

Hey Guys,
So I was trekking all over NYC this Sunday, and of course was keeping my eyes peeled for Real Style. Hit up a party in Harlem, but saw no signs of style on those concrete streets. Took a short detour to the Manhattan Mall at 34th street and almost thought I was in the midwest (eek!). But when friends and I stopped shortly in Soho, I found these two stylish London divas within minutes…

…what made me pause was the young lady on the right’s singular style. From her multilayered, gathered dress, to summery colors, and two toned, braided tresses, she was fierce! And both ladies have quite serious accessories games.
So what do you think? Do ladies from across the pond bring the Real Style?
Smootches!
PS Big Congrats to four time Wimbledon winner…

…Venus Williams! She’s the bomb y’all.

Hi Guys,
So my super stellar gem of an intern, Elita, stepped in to spearhead today’s Mail Bombs.

Enjoy!
Hey everyone! Intern Elita checking in with this week’s Mail Bombs! I definitely had my work cut out for me this week with a ton of requests. Let’s get to it!
First up, reader Gabrielle says, “The dress that Erykah is wearing is sooooooo hot….

“…I dont know if it’s the doo rag she has added or what but the blue leopard is HOT! and I want it, but I cant find it.”
Hey FabGab! I couldn’t find the exact version, but know that it’s basically a short sleeve version of this Diane von Furstenberg Sisley Dress…

…available for $325 at www.nordstrom.com.
If you want Erykah’s complete look, throw on this super popular Anna Corinna bag in tobacco (I so want one of these!)…

… for $468 at shopbop.com
…and pop on a pair of these $60 handmade brass wire earrings from www.masanidesigns.com…

And you’re good to go!
Next, it seems like everyone was inspired by the BET Awards! Reader Brittny asks, “Eva’s dress at the BET awards was gorgeous!”

…”can u pleease tell me who made it?”
Well turns out Eva didn’t search far for this $420 Laundry Blanket Stripe Wrap Dress…

Available at www.saks.com.
Reader Erica also loved the awards and says, “Please let me know where I can get a skirt or dress like the one Rhianna wore to the BET Awards. I’m totally feeling it. Thanks!!!”

Although I can’t prove it, it’s been widely reported that the dress is by Hervé Léger. He’s been on everyone’s radar recently even though he hasn’t done a runway show in years. Starlets like Ciara and Lindsay Lohan have been showing up to events in his dresses. This is definitely his signature style!
If you’re looking for a reasonable facsimile, there are some options out there.

This BCBG Dress is a cool $440 at www.nordstrom.com…

Although not white, this version by Cache is a close match and a deal at $258.
Good luck!
On to summer’s must-have: swimwear!
Reader Lea says, “I absolutely loved the piece on rocking white during the summer because white is one of my favorite colors to rock. However, I am finding it rather hard to find a nice white bathing suit for this party I am going to next wkend. Please help! I am athletic built like Serena Williams but with a little less muscular features.”
Well, there are lots of options out there.
This monokini Kimora rocked in the Baby Phat ads…

is on sale for a cool $45 over at Baby Phat
This BCBG version is a steal at $88 over at www.bluefly.com




If you’re not on a budget, this super sexy Alison suit by Vix is $140 and has some lovely gold ring detailing:


Otherwise, head on over to Victoria’s Secret where this two-piece…

…is only $19!
And finally reader Angelyca says, ” I have a question about a dress I saw on Kerry Washington a while ago. I love the dress and would like to rock it soon at a formal event. Can you help me out?”

It’s from Luisa Beccaria’s Spring 2007 line.

I didn’t find it available for purchase online, but check her website for a store near you.
Great job Elita! Lastly, there was a bit of a controversy over the make of Lauren London’s dress last week…

Fashion Bomb reader Joy contested Dental Diva’s assertion saying, “I didn’t see Lauren London being able to rock vintage Prada, let alone to the BET Awards. She ain’t that big yet!” And she was right! According to this video she sent…

…Lauren London’s stylist Jason Scott created her dress. As she said, “It’s an original.”
Do you see why Mail Bombs are so hard??? Celebs get stuff custom made all the dern time! Anyway, sorry about that Dental Diva. Perhaps I can work something else out for ya:)

“Happy people (yeah, yeah yeah, yeah)/Keeps the world turnin,turnin,turnin/Oh I believe that,happy people(yeah, yeah yeah, yeah)/Keeps us dancin,dancin,dancin…” R. Kelly, “Happy People.”

Hey Guys!
So the white party was so much fun!!

Drinks were flowing, the wind was blowing, and there were happy, beautiful people as far as the eye could see!
In between dances, I (of course) had to patrol the crowd to look for divas wearing white in fierce, fashionable ways. There were tons of great examples:

I absolutely loved this nautical inspired outift. This fashionista accented her all white top and skirt with a sharp navy jacket whose gold buttons went perfectly with her bold, chunky accessories.

Strike a pose! The green strappy shoes and matching clutch were interesting accents to her strapless frothy dress and pearls. Like Nicole Richie, she slipped on a pair of hot shoes to make her outfit pop in a fabulous way.

Most girls (including myself) wore dresses, so I had to snap a pic of this slim diva who donned high waisted, thigh skimming button front shorts with a boatneck top.

You can never go wrong in a sophisticated white suit! This young lady’s version was tailored to the hilt while its shiny fabric upped the ‘umph’ factor.

These fashionable friends played with proportion to their advantage. The young lady on the right balanced her stomach skimming off the shoulder top with a long, flowing skirt. Diva on the left’s sweetheart necklined dress with a gathered bodice showed off her smoking silhouette.

I had to give it to homegirl for thinking outside the box. Her whole look was menswear inspired down to her black and white striped tie and white fedora with polka dot trim. The hot pink shoes and matching bag showed she put some effort into going against the grain.

And lastly, noone can touch this diva in a slick sequined frock. The light catching embellishments helped her shine in a crowded room.
I couldn’t forget the fellas, who were representing in everything from white suits and fedoras…

…to loose fitting button down linen shirts….

Hot!
Hope you too had an amazing holiday. I’m still recovering:)
Smootches!
PS A big shout out to all my Fashion Bomb readers and friends who came over to say ‘hey’ whilst on the boat!




My buddy Lauren Williams from the fab website www.stereohyped.com
Lurve y’all!

Hey Dudes,
Hope you’re enjoying an amazing 4th of July…

…spark up the grill, throw back some dranks, have a good one!
I’ll be back tomorrow:)
Smootches!
PS The White Party was so much fun. Stay tuned for hot pictures. You’ll love it!