“I realized early on that accessories can make two identical outfits look totally different. They are also the easiest way to change your look each season, so you can just go wild expressing yourself.”–Brenda Townsend, founder of Out of Hand Boutique.

Hey Guys,
So taking a cue from the well accessorized lady from yesterday, I decided to cover a new online boutique called ‘Out of Hand’ ( www.oohboutique.com).

The founder, Florida resident Brenda Townsend, says Out of Hand is “for the woman who is too busy to go out and discover unique places to shop or who wouldn’t otherwise have access to anything other than the local mall.” A former Army enlistee, she uses her foreign travels to inspire the one of a kind hand made and independently designed pieces.
Though a total jewelry devotee, she says, “It’s against my religion to spend a lot on accessories!” So she offers items to her customers at reasonable price points.
Surveying the inventory I found unique items from every category for $50 or less!

Her necklaces were fierce…

Top Row: Afire Necklace, $50; Elegantly Twisted Necklace, $30.
Bottom Row: Brass Octopus Necklace, $25; Jet Set Necklace, $20.

…earrings bright and bold…

Top Row: Faceted Drop Earrings, $15; Enamel Wing Earrings, $17.
Bottom Row: Bombay Earrings, $15; Emerald Jade Earrings, $15.

…and bracelets sophisticated…

Top Row: Lapis Cuff Bracelet, $50; Laurel Wreath Bracelet, $12.
Bottom Row: Isis Cuff Bracelet, $40; Bamboo Bangle Bracelet, $12.
All available at www.oohboutique.com

As if the great prices weren’t appealing enough, you can enter the code “FASHBOMB15” at checkout for 15% off your order! The offer lasts until Thursday, May 31st.
Happy Shopping!
Smootches!
PS Want more jewelry options? I did a jewelry week a few months ago. In case you missed it:
*Starlet Accessories by Brown Graduate Christine Chow
*Sisu Jewelry by my girl and classmate Sarah Johnson
*Nature inspired Jewelry by Sandy Hoof designer Amber Cartwright
*Urban chic jewelry from Howard alum Carla Rutledge

“Brown Skin Lady…where ya goin?/Brown Skin Lady…what you doin? Brown Skin Lady…how do you feel?/…Now everybody on the avenue I know/When they see her, say, there she is.”–Mos Def and Talib Kweli, “Brown Skin Lady.”

Hey,
So I was riding the train the other day and caught sight of a young lady who was fashionable in an understated, unconventional way. I had to take a picture:

She’s not wearing the latest trends, but something about her screams ‘style’! Her red bag, shoes, and lipstick match without being overwhelming…and I love her dark aviators specs and head wrap (I’m gonna have to master the ‘head wrap’ steeze this summer for those bad hair days!).
Her wardrobe choices show that one can be stylish without being overdone. Just choose a few cool accessories, throw on some bright lipstick, and you’re set!
Smootches!
PS This is a short post, so I’m compiling a few of my fave links for today:
*Check out the latest celebrity trend of pretty pleated dress [Batch Please]
*Catch an interview with ANTM’s Dionne [Hip Candy]
*Pix of flygirl Rihanna in Essence Magazine [Fashion 4 Da Soul]
*Cool NYC Sample Sales [Style Chile]
*The latest in black news and gossip [Stereohyped]
*Top ten colleges for African-Americans [The B Life]

“I don’t feel I need to exhibit myself like a piece of meat. I want to be sexy but in a Betty Grable 50s-pin-up rather than a raunchy centrefold kind of way. I wouldn’t allow myself to be exploited in that way by anyone. I’ve got very strong ideas about the way I want to look and act.”–Amerie

Hey Y’all,
So for this week’s Style File, I decided to take a look at the singular swagger of R&B crooner…

Amerie!
She’s a master at cherry picking sexy yet sophisticated outfits.
For casual outings she shows off her physique in anything from short shorts accented by heels…

…to skinny jeans and ruffled tops.

When she hits the town, she truly flaunts her $2 million legs in dresses characterized by saucy animal prints…

…demure yet cute gingham…

and modern silhouettes…

Fly.
Want her look? You can start by copping this $242 Alice & Olivia Deco Short Sleeve Knit Dress…

…currently available at shopbop.com
For everything else, try the following low priced substitutes:

Top Row: Ruffle Front Blouse, $20, www.anntaylorloft.com; Retro Gingham Plaid Peasant Dress, $58, www.shopplasticland.com.
Bottom Row: Pleated Short, $24, www.forever21.com; BCBG Exotic-Print Matte Jersey Halter Dress, $110, www.macys.com.
Smootches!
PS Since we’re showing Amerie love, I thought it only fitting to include a few of her oldie but goodie hits.
First up, I absolutely love this song….

…it totally reminds me of summer in the city! And doesn’t that park look like Fort Greene Park? Love it!
And an Amerie tribute would not be complete without this song…

I absolutely *loved* her first CD, from start to finish.
If you did too, enjoy!
PSS From Nymag: Tomorrow through Friday: Tibi and Hollywould clothing as well as Hollywould shoes are 75 percent off. 336 W. 37th St., nr. Ninth Ave., penthouse fifteen; 5/16 (1–8); 5/17–5/18 (10–7).

Hey Guys,
So a few readers have been clamoring for me to cover Brooklyn Boutique, “Pieces”…

So I of course had to oblige!
Pieces is definitely a boutique that has the ‘urban fashionista’ in mind. It carries top designers like Vivienne Westwood, Tibi, La Rok, Sass & Bide, Anna Sui, and Norma Kamali…

…and stocks a surplus of unique, fashion forward clothes, shoes, and accessories. The owners of Pieces, husband and wife team Colin and Latisha Daring, have an exquisite eye. The name Pieces, according to Colin, came about because they chose ‘pieces’ from different collections to stock their store instead of ordering the whole collection. He says, the goal for the shopper is to find or buy, “One piece in your closet that is always relevant.”

I’ve actually been to Pieces before, but hesitated blogging about it because the prices are up in the ‘clutch your pearls’ category. For example:
This cute Vivienne Westwood top was on sale…

..at 30% off $398. This hot top by Sisa..

…was a cool $198, and this Anna Sui show stopper…

..was $269.
Dresses average $300 and up, tops start at $98, and vintage sunglasses are about $200, so…if you ever want to splurge, this is the place to go!
But take heart: if your pocket can’t permit spending on that level, you can always find a sick sale! Since I’ve started shopping at Pieces, I’ve found a few notable steals like a hot Tibi club dress for $75 (marked down from $280) and a Marie Marie tube dress for $150 (marked down from $357). You’ll never know what treasures you’ll find, so I’d definitely recommend checking them out.
Pieces has two New York locations in Harlem and Brooklyn (228 West 135th Street and 671 Vanderbilt Avenue at Park Place), but if you’re not in the city, Pieces is now online at www.piecesofbklyn.com! Check out a few of their offerings:

Top Row: Julie Haus Yacht Dress, $315; Spitfire Sunglasses, $40.
Bottom Row: Tosha Knit Wallet, $133; Tibi Square Strapless Dress, on sale for $280 (from $400).
All available at www.piecesofbklyn.com
Log on and check it out!
Smootches!
PS Stock up on jewelry with accessories cyberstore Boutique Finesse (www.boutiquefinesse.com). They’re offering free shipping all this week.

“Summer, Summer, Summertime. Time to sit back and unwind.”–DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince, Summertime.

Hi Guys,
So the weather’s getting warmer, meaning there are a ton more events to go to during the week. That translates to less time for mail bombs…

…but I’ll do my best! I did get a chance to answer two for today.
Let’s get to it:
Reader Danielle asks:
“What dress is Rihanna wearing during her TRL appearance? I love it!”

I found that she’s wearing this Catherine Malandrino Sequined Mini Dress…

…available for $995 at www.net-a-porter.com. Her shoes are hot too…any guesses?
Update: Reader Larissa say that Rih Rih’s shoes are these $650 Christian Louboutin Satin Sandals from Bergdorf Goodman.

Similar, but her shoes are suede, no?
Reader Crystal also conjectured that Rihanna was wearing these $79 Trenton shoes by Nine West…

That seems like a closer match…and even if they aren’t, they’re surely more affordable than whatever Rihanna is rocking! Moving on…
Next, reader Natalie says:
“I was wondering if you could do a blog on clothes for well endowed women. I am a little skittish about exposing all my goodies. I will do a V- Neck every now and then but I am a professional and can not wear clothes that expose too much. I am 5’6 140 and a 36DD, which is not overweight by far just curvaceous –A man once told me the way God used to make women 🙂 Any ideas or suggestions you have would be great. I’m sick of busting out of my button down tops.”
Hey Natalie, you’re in luck!
My cups runneth over as well, and I have a few tips for those who are similarly well endowed.
One: Make sure you’re wearing the correct size bra!! Without letting all my business in the streets, for years I thought I was one size, and I was about 3 letters off! Once I got fitted with the correct bra, I noticed my bust was perkier and also a wee bit flatter. I recommend Freya Bras…

They’re available in sizes B-HH and come in all sorts of cute colors! Get fitted for a bra, then check out www.figleaves.com for options.
With your undergarments attended to, I’d say for work, steer away from button downs and cardigans to avoid the puckering effect. Try non revealing v-necks that draw the eye to the center of your body. My real trick though is to layer, layer, layer with jackets and vests. Jackets make you look chic and sophisticated, flatter most figures, and disguise a large chest. Try these short sleeved versions for the summer:

Top Row: Solid Ribbon Tie Jacket, $24.50, www.wetseal.com; Short-sleeved military jacket, $59, www.gap.com.
Bottom Row: MICHAEL Michael Kors Eyelet Swing Jacket, $159, www.nordstrom.com; Milena Jacket, $24.80, www.forever21.com.
You can have problems with puckering with jackets, so get a size up with those, and tailor ’em down. An even easier solution? Get a jacket without buttons you don’t have to worry.
Hope that helps!
Smootches!
PS If I didn’t answer you question, be on the lookout for next week. I’m working on it!

“I want to give people a taste of the Caribbean, and show them the fun side of me.”–Rihanna

Hey Boos,
Today’s Style File superstar is none other than my fellow Caribbean Queen (buck, buck!)…

…Rihanna!
Homegirl’s seriously been stepping her style game up lately, and has learned that travesties like this….

…and this….

are wholely unacceptable!
Let’s take a look at her steez:
On the red carpet, she looks absolutely stunning in short, age appropriate dresses characterized by sequins…



Pretty graphic prints…

…and pale yet pretty colors that complement her eyes and skin tone.


For her more casual events, she sticks to skinny jeans and fun tops like cropped vests…

…and long tunic tops…

Cute!
Want her look? Here are a few items that can get ya started:

Top Row: Graham & Spencer Silk Cami Dress, $264, www.nordstrom.com; Tri-color Chiffon Dress, $90, www.ardenb.com.
Bottom Row: Sleeveless Blouson Dress, $98, www.bebe.com; Cropped Cotton Jacket, $22.80, www.forever21.com.
Smootches!
PS I’m almost ashamed to say that Rihanna’s new single “Umbrella” is growing on me…

I hated on it at first, but, something about “Ella, Ella Ay, Ay” is so catchy…boo!
PSS For my London based Fashion Bomb readers, there’s a sample sale tomorrow you simply must attend.
Deets:
Date: Friday, 11th May
Time: 12PM – 8PM
Venue: The Gallery, 125 Charing Cross Road, Soho, London WC2H OEW
RSVP: Strict guest list. Register at http://www.fashionpublic.com
Designers: Gharnai Strok, Alice & Astrid, Meli Milo, Made In Heaven, Belle
and Bunty, Degrees of Freedom, Missoma jewellery, Britt Lintner, Louise
Barthes and many more…..

Hey Guys,
So I met these two fierce and fashionable young ladies a few weeks ago at an event…

…and had to snap a pic.
I love the girl on the left’s skinny jeans, large belt, and cute heels…and the girl on the right looks statuesque in her tights, shiny shirt, and cardigan.
Bold accessories, shimmery items, and stilettos–these are all ways that you can add a touch of glamour to your everyday wardrobe.
Smootches!
PS Stay tuned this week for Stylefiles and Mail Bombs!
PSS Kate Moss’ collection debuted today at Barney’s. StyleChile went and said it was bananas!! Stay tuned for her review!

“I refuse to make a model which will sell in quantity. I do not want all women to look and dress exactly alike. I want them to be as different in their dress as they are in their personalities.”–Paul Poiret.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, last night was the Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The celebration was for Paul Poiret…

…a revolutionary Parisian designer who rose to prominence in the early 20th century.

Sketches of Paul Poiret designs
Poiret called himself “The King of Fashion” (kinda like T.I. called himself the King of the South). Poiret’s most noted for eschewing what was then traditional boning, corsets, and petticoats in favor of long flowing Greek and Eastern inspired gowns characterized by lots of embellishments, sequins, trimmings, and vibrant colors. He was the antithesis to Coco Chanel at the time (whose more simple designs were all the rage). He apparently once said about Chanel, “What has she created? Poverty de luxe,” and also called her ‘garconne’ look, “Sterile and Muttonish.” We always like a great fashion catfight, don’t we?
Anyway last night, celebrities, socialites, and the fashionable upper crust came out to the Met to christen the opening of Poiret’s exhibit.
I like to think that all dressed to pay homage to Poiret’s legacy. But while some got it right, others failed miserably.
First the ‘misses’:

Naomi Campbell’s fur and feather embellished knee grazer pays due respect to Poiret, but the ankle boots take this frock from glamorous to ghetto in one quick once over.

There’s a difference between sexy in a sophisticated way, and sexy in a…’wrong side of the tracks’ way. Jessica Simpson tread that line, but unfortunately fell on the side of skid row in this plunging Marilyn Monroe-esque dress.

Kirsten Dunst needs to hire a stylist. This midnight blue and tulle mish mosh looks clownish…

I wouldn’t even wear this outfit to work…
And lastly, Ms. Mary Kate Olsen…

…I honestly have mixed feelings about this dress. I had to suppress my gag reflex when I first saw it, but I must say that she is in line with the Poiret philosophy (feathers accented his signature styles). There’s a difference between feather accents and a feather dress, though…and she seems to be channeling some morbid version of Big Bird. Even though this frock isn’t my favorite, I’ve gotta give it to Mary Kate. It takes a fierce woman to rock this concoction with confidence.
Now for my favorite looks of the night:

Rihanna looks great in this Grecian halter ivory gown, and the sheer black gloves are unexpected accents…

Camilla Belle also uses the Grecian aesthetic to her benefit in this flowing ice blue number. The color complements her skin tone, and the silhouette is simple yet elegant…

Kate Bosworth’s updated shift and short, slick hairdo are reminiscent of Madame Chanel. Kate looks stunning…perhaps her presence shows that two powerhouse design ideals can prevail at the same time. No need for nasty competition!

Jennifer Hudson plays it safe in this one shoulder gown…
And my absolute favorite look was a shocker:

…Cameron Diaz! The color on this dress is searingly beautiful, and the juxtaposition of the raspberry of the dress and the turquoise jewelry is sick. The gown is embellished yet not overdone, and she allows her style to speak through vibrant colors and well plucked jewels.
What do y’all think?
Smootches!
PS The Poiret: King of Fashion exhibit runs from May 9th to August 5th. Find out more information by visiting the Met’s website here.
PSS Want to know more about Paul P? There’s a great article on him in this Month’s Vogue…

…written by Hamish Bowles. The spread features modern designer interpretations of Poiret’s ideas. Pick up a copy and get your learn on.
PSSS I didn’t do my monthly review of Vogue this month (no scanner access), but aren’t we glad one of the world’s next top models is a sister? But then again aren’t we kinda mad she was on the inside flap?