So I was walking in Ft. Greene this weekend after a wonderful brunch with my girl, and stumbled upon a super cute boutique called Addy & Ferro:
They carry colorful, unique pieces from designers like Ella Moss, Plenty by Tracy Reese, Nicacelly, as well as a smattering of local designers.
They had a great selection of jeans….
Affordable afrocentric t’s..
…and bold accessories…
I took a look around and quickly found items to put on my long wish list:
This perfect patterned dress was a splurge at $188…
…as was this long flowy silk creation for $198…
…These cute yellow shorts were a more affordable $68…
And these pretty summer ready tops…
…were a cool $88.
For those pinching pennies (like myself), they also had a phat sales section in the back!
You must check it out!
Addy & Ferro is located at 672 Fulton Street between South Eliot and South Portland. Visit their website at www.addyandferro.com or give ’em a ring at 718.246.2900. Tell ’em I sent ya!
Smootches!
PS Love Vintage Wear? Check out Seasoned to Perfection’s Sale this Weekend! Click to enlarge
“When people ask if I have any advice to give about fashion, it’s always the same: Follow your own pace, your own instincts, no matter what. You’ll get it right.”—Andre Leon Talley, “A.L.T. A Memoir”
Happy Rainy Wednesday!
Today’s Style File is almost long overdo! This week’s style spotlight shines on fashion veteran and Editor at Large of Vogue.
…Andre Leon Talley!
As one of the few people of color holding any sort of position at the Bible of Fashion Magazines, Vogue, he needs to be addressed! First a little background…
Andre Leon Talley was raised in Durham, North Carolina by his impeccably stylish, polished, and pressed grandmother Bennie Frances Davis.
After attending North Carolina Central University, he received a Masters in French literature from Brown University.
He was in works to get a PhD in French, but cut his studies short to come to New York and work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where he met Diana Vreeland, Vogue’s former Editor in Chief. Vreeland took him under her wing, and the rest is fashion history!
He started as a writer for Women’s Wear Daily, and joined Vogue in 1983 as a fashion news director. He served as Vogue’s creative director from 1988 to 1995, then moved to Paris from 1995-1998 to serve first as W Magazine’s Parisian fashion editor, then Paris Bureau Chief. He returned to Vogue in 1998 as Editor at Large–he’s been at Vogue for about as long as I’ve been alive!
You can now find him styling, traveling to shows (that you can read about in his monthly “Life with Andre” column in Vogue), and sitting front row next to the Queen of Fashion, Anna Wintour.
About his look, he says in his memoir, “As a young man my style became gradually more outrageous, until it has settled into what it is today: an eclectic mix of the bespoke and the extraordinary.”
“I owe much of my ideal of fashion to the late Duke of Windsor’s outlandish plaid suits“
“Manolo Blahnik custom makes shoes for me, and Karl Lagerfeld designs special clothes for me at Chanel and Fendi.”
He continues, “My propensity of showing up wearing fancy robes has to do with two things: my physical size (if you are six feet seven inches tall, you might as well wear a beaded caftan) and my intense love of glamorous things.“
ALT makes his mark in capes of varying lengths, colors, and hues. And make a statement bags and scarves in patent leather and designer prints.
Monsieur Talley is a highly influential, outspoken fashion maven, and has had a hand in styling artists of color like Jennifer Hudson and supporting designers of color like Rachel Roy and Tracy Reese. Maybe one day soon he’ll have a hand in mentoring a few fashion journalists of color? Like me, perhaps?
Smootches!
PS Need to know more? Pick up his Memoir…
here.
PSS If you’re a real fashion sleuth, there’s a great article by Hilton Als from the New Yorker about Mr. Leon Talley. The article is a great narrative about ALT, and shows a more critical view of him. It’s a must read!!! I tried to find it online, but no such luck:(
Hey guys,
So this trend of high waisted jeans has been around for a minute now…and though it initially seemed atrocious beyond words, it doesn’t seem to be going away. Perhaps I’ve been brainwashed, but a few celebs lately have been able to pull the look off…or do they? Let’s take a look:
Beyonce is gorgeous, yes, but are her jeans? She rocks a high waist with what looks like a House of D t and suspenders…
Ciara also favors suspenders, and balances the high waist with a short shirt…
Ships ahoy! Genevieve Jones prefers the sailor look…
J. Lo keeps it sassy and sexy in sleek skinny high waisted jeans and stilettos…
And Nicole Richie takes a risk in Sass& Bide high waisted cut offs with a tank tucked in.
Interesting.
If you’re brave enough, try these items:
“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…
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 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)…
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.
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:)
