“There are times for falling apart, and there are times for getting’ funky. This is one of them funky times. So what’s it gonna be?”–Eddie Griffin, Undercover Brother
Happy Friday readers! So I’ve received a *ton* of mail bombs this week, but as you know, haven’t had much downtime to get to it. So instead of answering one mail bomb, I’ve decided that the ‘terns and I will put our noses to the grindstone, and deliver you twice the mail bomb fabulousness next week! In the meantime, I wanted to alert you to a very cool, funky online jewelry find called Wounded Heart Designs… …created by owner Almaz, who says, “I like taking the beauty from ordinary objects and turning them into gems.” Her repertoire includes earrings fashioned out of regular beer, soda, or ice tea cans… Top Row: Mini Heinekens, $12; King of (B)ears, $12. Bottom Row: She’s a Peach, $12; Extra Sweet, $12. And eclectic, colorful earrings made out of fabric… Top Row: Knitty Loops, $14; Yellow Native Red Discs, $14. Bottom Row: Cloud Psychedelia Earrings, $18; Dessert Bird Discs, $16. I love the bright colors, and make a statment sizes. And with everything under $20, you can’t go wrong! Purchase at www.woundedheartdesigns.etsy.com. Smootches! PS In the Chi? Got a flair for fashion? Try out for Urban Fashion Week! PS Have fun at the beach, swimming pool, party, or wherever the weekend takes you:)
Hey Guys,
So third and final TFB intern, Suzie, provided us with the last intern post for the week. Enjoy!
Suzie here! I am a born and bred Brooklynite, always on the lookout for the latest, wildest trends. I work in corporate America, so this post is for all my business chicks trying to add eclectic, wild and fun to conservative and stiff. I am into some really funky designers and lines like Free People, and A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz, Alexander McQueen, Alberta Ferrati, and Luisa Beccaria (such fun colors). I have had a secret passion for fashion since I saw Diana Ross in Mahogany, and now I hope to bring it to the limelight, baby!! While there is nothing wrong with a black suit…
…sometimes a punch of color is very necessary. Tracee Ellis Ross sports a work appropriate look…
…and rocks colors that complement one another without being overpowering. Need more workplace ideas? Take a look at these powerful divas:
These ladies rock a conservative look that still manages to look fierce. Another thing to think about: day to night wear. A club appropriate strapless dress like the one Bre’s wearing here….
… can easily become business attire with a blazer, preferably in the same color and a pair of hot stilettos. And the clutch? Use a cosmetics bag. But not just any old thing! After work I simply take my Louis Vuitton Cosmetic bag, wipe it down, stuff some essentials in, and am ready to go, go, go, go…. Rev up your workplace wardrobe with the following pieces…
3″ Filigree earrings, $12.99, www.girlprops.com.
And remember to always dress to impress! You never know who you’ll meet!
~Suzie
Thanks Suzie!
Alright, so what do you think. Did the interns turn it out? I think they did…
Smootches!
PS Need more workplace wardrobe ideas? I did a post about it here.
PSS Stay tuned for Friday Mail Bombs!
Happy Tuesday!
My social plate has been full, full, full this week and I’m so happy my interns have stepped in to a help a sista out. Today, meet stellar ‘tern Rachel! Greetings fellow fashionistas, Fashion Bomb Intern Rachel here!
Originally from the south, I’m now a college student braving northern winters. Now I still love colorful tanks, sundresses, and skirts, but for last winter, I enjoyed pairing high-waisted skirts, sweaters in rich shades, or dark stretch denim with a patent leather belt. Since my mother designed and sewed everything from clothing to bed comforters, I have an appreciation for brilliant hues and creative patterns. Designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Emilio Pucci are some of my favorites for their varied shades. Although it’s nice to indulge in the latest trends, my fashion creed is to stick with classic styles that best fit your shape and personality. Rachel Roy’s designs appeal to me because of their creative yet understated flavor. Whether you like classic or trendy clothes (or both!), summer is here and it’s time to take Beyonce’s advice on catching eyes at the club:
“Short and backless/ See my silhouette in the moonlight/ Such an attraction, keep telling me how my outfit’s so nice/…Oooh put your freakum dress on/ Oooh put your freakum dress on/Every woman got one/Shut it down when the time comes/So pull out the big guns/and put your freakum dress on,” Beyonce, Freakum Dress
The perfect freakum dress bares enough skin to catch glances, but also conceals your assets, leaving some mystery and intrigue.
The freakum dress queen herself, Beyonce, looks stunning in this short black dress with thin straps. This little number exposes a hint of cleavage in the front, and a tasteful flash of her thighs. The dress clings to her hips in a flattering way, creating a shapely figure. If you’re going to pull off Beyonce’s look with the peek-a-boo cleavage, make sure that… …you have the proper support. Your chest should appear naturally lifted with glee, and not disdainfully hanging in woe. This dress makes ‘Lil Kim’s curvy figure appear flabby. The idea is to look shapely, and not plump. Strapless tube dresses like the one Alexis Phifer is wearing… …accentuate the collarbone, showing off a great upper body. Tube dresses are perfect for highlighting a strong neckline, but steer clear of a tube dress that suffocates the bosom. While Meagan Good may have been shooting for the pin-up girl look in this outfit, the dress squeezes her assets too tightly, making them appear almost cartoonish. While the tube dress shouldn’t be too tight, make sure that it isn’t too loose. When shopping for a tube dress, look for something that covers and accentuates the bust, without applying too much pressure or leaving too much loose material.
If cleavage-baring isn’t your style, take some cues from Kimora Lee Simmons. This dress has a high neckline, and a plunging back. Kimora’s golden dress shows a daring expanse of skin in the back, but stays classy by covering in front. This outfit is best paired with a high updo, to show off the back. If you want to find the perfect freakum dress to show off the upper-body, try these sexy yet sophisticated picks in brown, perfect for all skin shades. From left: Forever 21 Halter Ring Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Tadashi Leopard Ruched Strapless Dress, $171.00, www.bluefly.com
And for a more grown, sexy, and classic approach, check out black pieces, like this… Above: Victoria’s Secret Bustle-Back Little Black Dress, $69.00, www.victoriassecret.com.
…or, like this flattering choice here: Above: Geren Ford Keyhole Cocktail Mini Dress, $357.00,shopbop.com Now, it’s time to find that freakum dress!
~Rachel
Well alright then, Rachel! The ‘terns are tearing it up, huh?
I absolutely love it!
Smootches!
Hey Hey Hey!
Today I’m so excited for the very first The Fashion Bomb Intern post. First up is Elita, who brings us a Style File on top model Chanel Iman. Read on…
Fashion Bomb intern Elita checking in! I’m a Chicago-born, Miami-bred girl who also did time in NYC (shout out to all my peoples in Queens).I’m a librarian by trade, fashionista by birth.My grandmother was a seamstress and my mom passed along her eclectic taste to me. Living in a climate where it’s scorching hot 90% of the year makes me partial to vibrant prints, embellished sandals and short shift dresses, but I love classic pieces that can carry you from season to season as well. Some of my favorite designers are Zac Posen, Catherine Malandrino, John Galliano for Dior and Max Azria (BGBG). For this week’s Style File, I chose to profile up-and-coming model Chanel Iman.
You may have noticed her as the only black woman gracing Vogue’s May 2007 cover, an ode to fashion’s 10 new superstars, poised to become one of the world’s next top models. You probably also spotted her strutting her stuff down the runways in Paris for the likes of Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino. All in her first season of shows!
Chanel Iman Robinson, the daughter of a half-Korean mother and an African-American father, was born in ATL and raised in L.A. After begging her mother to take her to an agency, she was signed on the spot to Ford Models at age 12. She was also third runner-up in the Ford Supermodel of the World competition last year, which jump started her career. Now the 5’10” stunner divides her time between NY, L.A. and Paris and is home schooled so she can concentrate on her career full-time.
Ms. Robinson states her favorite store is Zara and her favorite label is, of course, Chanel.
When she’s not ripping the runway, Ms. Robinson opts for cute baby doll dresses
Bold colors and prints
And loves the layered look, mixing high and low end pieces.
Want to cop her look for summer? Try these bold, flirty tops and dresses:
After an hour or so, I found a few dresses including this one…
that Christina Milian wore here…
for $150 (50% off retail)! I rocked it to a party last night, and it was a hit! Anyway check out the DVF sale…
…all current season are in stock, and it’s on until Friday.
Smootches!
PS Shout out to Robin Givhan, fashion editor of the Washington Post, for winning the Eugenia Sheppard Award last night at the CFDA’s. It’s awarded to a writer, photographer, or editor who has used his or her craft to further the profession of fashion reporting and coverage. Congrats!
PSS Need that perfect summer bag? Check out The B Life Blog for a few suggestions.
Happy Monday!
So I was walking in Brooklyn this weekend and peeped this dude….
…who had a seriously cool aesthetic. Though I normally snap pix of women with real style, I felt this young man fit the bill with his 80’s inspired sunglasses and jacket.
What do you think?
Smootches!
PS The ‘terns are comin atcha. Summer schedule goes into effect this week, so be on the lookout for posts from the Fashion Bomb interns. You’ll love it.
Hey Hey!
It’s Friday, and time for more mail bombs!
Yet again, I received help from my fantabulous ‘terns. They’ll all (hopefully) be making their Fashion Bomb debut next week…can’t wait!
Until then, let’s get to some piping hot mail bombs.
First up reader Mataya says: “I’m looking for this bathing suit…” “worn by the beautiful Selita Ebanks. Do you know who makes it or where I could find it?”
Tenacious ‘tern Elita found that the bathing suit is none other than this very affordable and very available… Floral & Dot Two Piece from Victoria’s Secret. The top and bottom are sold separately, and lucky for you they’re both on sale (The skirt is $40 and the top is $75)! Hurry up and buy!
Next, reader Tyneka wanted to know: “I luv the dress that Ciara wore in this picture…” “Do you know who made it??”
I found that she’s sporting this…
…See by Chloe Gingham shirt dress for $495 at www.net-a-porter.com. But heads up: I saw this exact dress on sale for $170 at Bloomingdales!! Don’t waste your money…head to the store and get the sale price!
Next up, Monique contacted me with a wardrobe query: “Hey girl I would really appreciate it if you could help me with a splurge purchase I made this past weekend in Miami! I bought these True Religion Jeans in stretch denim…” “…because I am loving colored jeans for the summer and this color I thought suited my skin tone the best. My only dilemma…what color shoes do I pair?”
Hey Monique, I see you liked my yellow post! Yay! Anyway, that’s a great question. I think the jeans are so playful that you can be a bit adventurous with colors. If you’re brave, I’d suggest wearing a multi colored sandal that picks up on the color of the jeans slightly (but not an exact match!). If you’re feeling more conservative, I think a stiletto sandal in a light neutral—brown, beige, gold, even white—would complement your jeans. My suggestions:
Top Row: Dollhouse Tiby Sandals, $65, zappos.com Blay Sandals, $50, www.stevemadden.com.
Bottom Row: Miss Sixty Christianne, $166.46, zappos.com Tribeca Lookin Grand Sandal, $59.95, www.nordstrom.com.
Get your strut on!
Lastly, Tamika contacted me with a styling question: “I am going to a huge b-day party on June 9th and would like to accessorize this dress…” “…I know its super plain, but I know with all the right accessories, I can hook it up and be a diva that night… I was thinking about turquoise jewelry and I was thinking silver shoes, but I am not sure if that’s a good idea. Please help!! :)”
Hey Tamika. You’re right: go crazy with accessories! First, the way to really set this outfit off : the right clutch and shoes. Silver will look too dull, and gold will be too bright, but a neutral bronze? Just right. Next, since your neck is basically bare, I’d go with a statement necklace in the bronze/gold family. Try a long, multi-stranded number or a chain with a pendant to emphasize your neckline. Feel free to play with color a bit to offset the color of the dress (turquoise is a good option, as it goes well with pink). Because you’re going wild with the necklace, you can opt for a simple hoop earring (touch of green optional to match the necklace). A few options:
Top Row: Emerald Jade Earrings, $15, www.oohboutique.com; J. Lo Fever Sandals, $103, zappos.com Three Inch Hoop, $16, www.urbn.com.
Middle Row: Nine West Cammera6 Sandals, $79, zappos.com Envelope Clutch, $35, www.victoriassecret.com; Charles by Charles David Sonora Sandals, $63, www.bluefly.com.
Bottom Row: Beaded Snake Chain Necklace, $11.80, www.forever21.com; Calvin Klein “Date Bag” Large Clutch, $125.00, www.macys.com; Blossom Necklace, $15, www.boutiquefinesse.com.
Have fun at the party! And hey, send me pictures!
Smootches!
PS Call for Real Style Submissions: As much as I love snapping pix of fashionable peeps on the street, I’d love to see how my readers get down. If you’ve got style, send me a jpeg at thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Show me what ya workin with!
“Hey you girl in a de tight up skirt/Ya make me head swell ’til me blood vessel burst/Hey you girl in a de tight up shorts/Ya speed up ten more beats to me heart.”–Red Rat, “Tight Up Skirt.”
Hey Y’all,
So summertime weather is in full effect, and what better way to keep cool that poppin on a pair of shorts? Worn properly, they epitomize sexy, and can make you look young and fresh.
Let’s take a look at celebs to see how to rock ’em:
Keep it casual like Beyonce in a pair of loose white cotton shorts…
Or channel Nicole Richie’s cool factor in a pair of button cuffs…
For nights out, dress ’em up with stilettos sandals a la Christina Milian…
Or pop on a pair of bold colored pumps a la Kelis…
Too shy for high hems? Take a cue from Amerie and wear a set of bermudas…
…but make it more summer appropriate with a pair of wedges.
For rules as to what NOT to do, one need look no further than songstress Mariah Carey.
Daisy Dukes are OUT…
…as are hoochie-fi-hoochie pum pum shorts.
Keep it respectable with the following:
Top Row: Linen Safari Short, $17.80, www.forever21.com; Tibi Jet Set Bermudas, $75, www.anthropologie.com.
Bottom Row: Sateen Shorts with Piping, $58, www.ardenb.com; Lux Bright Canvas Resort Short, $38.00, www.urbn.com.
Smootches!
“Jones, the latest “It Girl” to burst onto Manhattan’s social scene, may have no regular job but is nonetheless a vital cog in the fashion industry’s marketing machine. Dressing up and having her photograph taken, Jones helps fashion and luxury-goods companies pitch their products simply through being associated with her.”–Teri Agins, ‘How ‘It’ Girl Scaled World of Fashion, One Party at a Time’, Wall Street Journal, Sept 14, 2006.
So for this week’s Style File I switched it up a bit. Instead of profiling a singer, rapper, or America’s Next Top Model, I decided to take a look at one of the few African-American ‘socialites’ (including Bonnie Morrison and Rachel Roy) New York Magazine deemed worth mentioning in a recent article:
…Genevieve Jones.
Teri Agins of the Wall Street Journal did an *amazing* investigative article on Ms. Jones last September. Everyone wanted to know: How did she become a socialite? Teri found that Genevieve made her way into upper crust society by befriending the right people (like Zac Posen) and being bold (for example, jumping in front of Andre Leon Talley and dancing with him at a Donna Karen party). Unlike her colleagues, she didn’t go to college, is a little old ( 31, not 27 as she claims), and lacks a trust fund. Mystere et boule de gomme.
Whoever she is, her style is one of a kind. Let’s take a look:
Ms. Jones updates classic black dresses with fringe details, sequins, and embellished bags…
Remixes summer whites with ruffles, understated baubles, and side swept hairdos…
Accentuates her small waist with belts over both coats and dresses…
And keeps top designers seduced in thigh skimming dresses and shorts…
Classy.
Want the socialite look? Start with these pieces:
Hey Y’all,
So I live in Brooklyn (lighters up!), and make regular trips to an amazing restaurant in Fort Greene called Habana Outpost. Picture this: Outdoor seating, Frozen Mojitos, Sunshine, Old School Hits spun by a DJ, and the most beautiful, eclectic, fashionable mix of brown people in the nation. It’s the bomb.
I dropped in a couple weekends ago, and saw this beauty…
..and knew she had to be on the Fashion Bomb.
I was feeling her retro sunglasses, bouffant hair do, and the contrast of her large sweater with skin hugging top, tights, and belt. So cool. So Brooklyn.
Smootches!
PS Visit Habana Outpost at 757 Fulton Street at South Portland (C to Lafayette). It might be a trek for some, but you’ll love it, I guarantee.
Happy, Happy Friday! I’m sooo excited about Memorial Day! I’m not going anywhere fancy, but the vacay is much needed. Before I ship off, a few mail bombs. This time around a got a little bit of help from my new *fabulous* interns: Suzie, Elita, and Rachel! You’ll meet them in a few weeks. For now, let’s get to it: Reader Madia asks: Do you have any idea where I can find this dress? Reader LongLeggedLife wrote in, and suggested that Beyonce’s Dress was this $50 frock from H&M. The blog Nitrolicious wrote about it here. I initially thought Bey might’ve been wearing the brown version of this $800 Melissa Odabach Elizabeth Lace Kaftan… …but I’m not sure. What do you think? Does Beyonce shop high or low? Next up reader Monica H appreciated my Style File Intervention on Serena Williams, and asked: Do you know who made this dress? She continues, “I love it. I’m so glad that somebody has stepped in and helped Ms. Williams with her fashion choices.” Thanks Monica! Well although Serena’s guns made her look a bit masculine in that particular frock, I’m sure this $475.00 Catherine Malandrino Printed Silk Halter dress … …will look smashing on you! Lastly, readers have been clamouring to know what Mommy Solange… …is wearing in this picture. Reader NicJac said: “Check out the hotness that is Solange’s black/white dress! Can you tell me where I can find it or a cheaper version?” Takisha also exclaimed: “I seriously need to know where I can get the dress that Solange has on in this picture of her and Beyonce shopping in Milan. I really need your help with this one. I LOVE IT!!!” See? This one was a toughie, so I solicited the help of the Fashion Bomb ‘terns. TFB ‘tern Elita didn’t find an exact match, but said that this $1,240 Cotton-silk-elastane dress by Piazza Sempione.. ..was a close match. I personally couldn’t figure out if Solange was wearing a dress or a skirt/shirt combo. At any rate, I found a few items that can get you a similar look for less: Pair this $58 Button Front Bib Top from Arden B… With this $89 Signature Jones New York Floral Skirt… And accent with this $49.99 Kenneth Cole It’s Patent-ed Belt. And you’re good to go. Have great weekends! Smootches! PS The other night my buddy previewed Sarah Jessica Parker’s… …new low priced line, Bitten. Apparently everything in the collection is under $20 and will be sold at Steve & Barry stores. A few of the pieces: Looks pretty cute. The line hits stores next week! Visit Steve & Barry’s site, www.steveandbarrys.com, for a location near you.
Now, it’s time to find that freakum dress!
