“Summer is the time when one sheds one’s tensions with one’s clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit.”–Ada Louise Huxtable.
And because I love you and care about your summer style, The Fashion Bomb readers get 15% off everything! Just enter the code thefashionbomb at checkout. Happy Shopping! Smootches! PS The code’s valid until June 15th. PSS The Costume Institute Party at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is tonight. Haven’t heard of it? It’s basically a gathering of all the socialites, celebrities, editors and other glamorous people in NYC. It’s a significant fashion event…everyone there will be wearing their absolute finest, donning ridiculous gowns and accessories from the best designers. Can’t wait to see those pictures!
Hey, hey, it’s Friday! Do the weeks seem longer now that it’s warm out??? Anyway, I’ve got some mail bombs… …plus a contest for those queries I couldn’t figure out. Let’s get to it: Reader Tavoya says: “I know you covered Halle’s black peep-toe Mary Janes… …but I’m in love with the green ones… …My student budget is quite obviously not conducive to a $700 shoe purchase. Do you know of any other shoes that closely resemble them but are a more reasonable price?” Doing a quick search, I found shoes that came close. If you want to stick to the ‘Green Mary Jane’ rule, Charles David makes this pair… …for $219 at zappos.com If you’re more enticed by the ‘green patent’ aspect of the shoe, these D&G Dolce & Gabbana Patent Leather Peep-Toe Pumps… ..are $395 at www.eluxury.com. Still out of your price range? These Lusta Cover Pumps… are a more affordable $99.95 at www.stevemadden.com. Good Luck! Next up, reader Renee from North Carolina says: I love the spring dresses that I’m seeing everywhere but I’m having a hard time finding some that don’t look like a big sack on me. I’m petite (5’3”) and I’m slender but curvy with hips and thighs. The other problem is that I feel like some of the patterns on the dresses are a little overwhelming for me. Do you have any advice for us shorties that want to rock a cute patterned non-sacklike dress?
Renee, you can definitely rock the spring frocks with purpose if you dress to flatter your figure. If you’re curvy, look for dresses that cinch in at the waist to show off your shape. Being on the petite side, you should stick to small patterns that won’t overwhelm your frame. And the shorter your hem, the more leggy (read taller) you’ll look. A few suggestions: This $220 Alice & Olivia Polka Dot Poof Dress would work for you. The small pattern matches your stature, and the empire waist is great for hourglass figures. Plus it’s a great length: wear it with heels and you’ll look long and lean. Get it at shopbop.com Next, this Alyssa Dress from Forever 21… …would be a good choice. The belt will cinch in your waist and flaunt your curves. And what do you have to lose? It’s only $19.80! Lastly this $158 BCBG Printed Jersey Halter Dress from www.macys.com… … shows the perfect amount of skin, and again, ties at the waist. Throw on some stilettos or wedges for a boost and you’ll be spring ready. Now for the contest. A few reader questions have had me stumped for weeks, so I’m turning the power to you. And I’ve got some good prizes this time! The Essence music festival is taking place in New Orleans from July 5th-7th… …and in celebration, Essence wants to send The Fashion Bomb contest winners music from featured festival artists. Sound fun? Let’s go: Reader Linda says: “I am searching for this fringe trimmed dress that the girl in Ne-yo’s new video “Because of You” is wearing…
…You can’t miss it. It is golden colored and the girl plays Ne-yo’s girlfriend. I just watch the video for that dress! I would really appreciate your help in this search.” Can you help Linda? If you find the maker of the dress (or a close approximation), you’ll receive Ne-yo’s new CD… “Because of You.” Next up reader Jawelle says: “I would like to know if you can tell me where I can get the silver platform pumps that Solange wore in the Get Me Bodied Video…
…or a pair that is very close. Can you help?” Whoever cracks the case will get Beyonce’s CD… “B-Day.” And lastly, Aja from Chicago asks: “Who are these sandals by?” The winner of this one gets Ciara’s new “Evolution” CD. What can I say? Not quite Amerie but close (perhaps better?):) Anyway e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com with your guesses. And don’t worry about exact answers. If you get close, it’s just as good. Smootches! PS Fashion blogger StyleChile had the wonderful opportunity to meet Barack Obama (and Gayle King, Phylicia Rashad, and Iman) at a recent event! I’m jealous! Anyway, check out her post here. PSS Have wonderful weekends!
“I’m a perfectionist. I’m pretty much insatiable. I feel there’s so many things I can improve on.”–Serena Williams
Hey Guys!
So instead of doing my normal ‘style file’ today, I decided to switch it up and do a ‘style intervention’ on tennis superstar, and athlete extraordinaire…
…Serena Williams.
Now Serena is gorgeous, talented, and has a body I would *kill* for…and as I wrote here, her match style is fly.
But while she dominates the court in bold colors and body skimming dresses…
…her red carpet choices are a bit…suspect. Let’s take a look:
This dress, in a word, is gorgeous, but unfortunately the cut makes her look a little, well…masculine. While sleeveless styles should work for her, the armholes shine a spotlight on her toned, muscular arms…
This shift dress is dull, and unflattering….
…and the cut on the top of this dress makes her look more ‘ironman‘ than superwoman.
She’s worked too hard for her body to cover it up, but there are styles she can adopt to look a tad more feminine. And on rare occasions, she gets it right:
The strapless vs sleeveless looks diverts attention away from her jacked arms, and the bright pink screams girly girl.
And sleeves, sleeves…
…and more sleeves scream sophistication.
Much better, no?
The following dresses could also work for her body type:
Normal Kamali by Everlast Bandeau Mini Dress $225, shopbop.com Venezia Dress in Black and White, $180, CoutureCandy LaROK ‘Billies’ Jersey Dance Dress, $139, www.nordstrom.com; French Connection Leaf-Print Tunic/Dress, $98, www.macys.com
Now she can kill ’em on the carpet and the court. Smootches!
PS Tons of women are walking around with the WRONG bra size (trust me, for years, I was MANY lettters off).
If you’re in NYC, Freya and Fantasie brands (which run from B-HH) are having FREE bra fittings tomorrow and Saturday and offering a special gift with purchase. Click to Enlarge
Check it out!
“The key to style is not following fashion trends. It is about making your style your own and being a leader. Find your style and stick to it.‖Jacqui Stafford
So my friend EJ and I found out about a Robin Thicke concert going on yesterday…
…and decided to make our way over to the Maritime hotel after work to see what was what.
As soon as I walked up to the *long* line, I noticed that it was packed with beautiful, fashionable brown people.
I couldn’t help but snap a few pics:
This brother/sister pair update the 80’s aesthetic in bomber jackets and hot t’s. Homegirls’ sunglasses and green beret are unique and stylish accents.
Straight from the office, these working girls look corporate yet cool with large, hold everything bags, spring ready dresses, and footless tights.
Cheese! These friends are casually chic in skinny jeans and flats.
The young lady on the left adds a personal touch to her classic trench with a cute ribbon belt.
Dude is preppy yet pimpin’ in a smart eggplant sweater, crisp white shirt, and multicolored tie.
Diva on the right shows that a fitted jacket in a bold color can make any outfit pop.
Funky, and fresh dressed, these fashionistas (and fashionisto) were indisputably fierce. They posed like supermodels and looked great doing so. Check out the bright colors, accessories, and gorgeous ‘do’s. Hot!
Warm weather signals unmitigated fabulosity in the city. Hems get shorter, colors brighter, and clothes bolder. And this is just the beginning.
Can’t wait!
Smootches!
PS Want a closer look at Michael Venker’s collection (from the Parson’s Fashion Show)? Check it out:
Click to enlarge
Thanks Paul!
PSS Enter to win a $3,000 shopping spree at ShopBop!
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.‖Coco Chanel
So yesterday during lunch I made my way over to the Grand Hyatt Ballroom at Grand Central… …to view Parson’s Graduate Fashion Show. While Fashion Week in NYC is great, it’s always a special treat to see the future leaders in the game…the next Tom Fords, Marc Jacobs or Zac Posen’s. So when I reached the ballroom (late!) it was packed to the brim… with parents, friends, and family. I squeezed in a seat in the back and settled in for the show. Tim Gunn opened it up… …saying that the show featured the cream of the crop of the graduating class and represented a diversity of perspective and skill. While 25 students presented, I identified three Fashion Bomb worthy designers…here are a few of their looks. First, I loved student Bora Hong’s designs… Click to Enlarge …for her use of ruffle details and the bold color acid yellow. I can just see those ruffle jackets paired with jeans, over a black dress, or thrown on with a pencil skirt. I thought her designs were very pretty…avant garde yet wearable at the same time. She gets an A+!
My next favorite was Michael Venker… Click to Enlarge …perhaps I was seduced by the black models, but I liked his use of silk charmeuse, ethnic prints, and delicate hand beading. His foreign inspired designs were an unexpected treat…I look forward to tracking his progress.
Finally, there was Rachel Lerro… Click to Enlarge …I instantly fell in love with her back drape cotton and rayon jersey dress in mustard yellow. I also gave her long tops, knit tanks, and jackets a passing grade.
So stay tuned for future stories on these designers… And when you read about them in Elle, remember you heard it here first! Smootches! PS Kate Moss’s new line premiered at TopShop in London today… Kate Moss joins mannequins wearing her design in the window of Topshop in Oxford Circus According to the Age, hundreds of shoppers lined up in the morning, but when doors opened, groups were let in for only 20 minutes at a time, were allowed to try on a maximum of 8 garments, and could only buy 5. The English are so orderly! If H&M did this, we’d avoid all those catfights over clothes!
“The only rule is don’t be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in.‖Paris Hilton
Hey Y’all,
So I received an invite to an event last night called ‘Fashion with Compassion’…
…hosted by fabulous former Vibe, Essence, and Honey mag editor Michaela Angela Davis. The goal of the evening was to mingle with fellow urban fashionistas while shopping for shoes (with a portion of the sale proceeds going towards Black Girls Rock Inc, a non profit mentoring organization for teenage women of color). Shoes? Fashion? Mingling? Sounded right up my alley, so after work, I made my way over to Te Casan in Soho…
…to see what was what.
The gathering was already in full swing with people shopping…
…chatting…
…and socializing….
…with drinks in hand.
Of course I had to scout the room for fashionable folk, and the partygoers did not disappoint! Najwa Moses of the hot blog Styleaholics was in the house looking pretty in pink and black. Graphic prints and footless tights worked for the young lady on the left, while diva on the right exudes class in a smart jacket and updo. The epitome of casual chic? A Yankees fitted, skinny jeans, and Pro-Keds. A tailored jacket and fun t-shirt complement this stylist’s caramel colored boots and matching satchel. The flowy top and ground grazing dress of this pair show that hot graphic prints are the ‘it’ trend this spring. These two mixed urban edge with classic pieces. Check out homegirl’s fierce Chanel bag paired with a t-shirt, jeans, and cap. This young lady’s sophisticated office outfit is instantly sassified with deep blue patent leather peep toes. And these two were dapper, and utterly stylish. Where were they last week??
Anyway, I had a great time meeting a few more of NYC’s finest fashionistas! I also had the distinct pleasure of chatting with Michaela (such a sweetheart!) who told me Honey Magazine…
…is coming back full force. Check out www.honeymag.com for particulars. Now, would you be down for a re-up? Do you miss Honey like you miss Suede?
Let me know!
Smootches!
PS The Fashion Bomb is sponsoring yet another event! Come out to Loft NYC (505 Columbus Avenue bet 84th and 85th) this Saturday night, April 28th to celebrate jewelry cyberstore Boutique Finesse’s One Year Anniversary! Click to Enlarge
We’re toasting with champagne, 2 for 1 bellinis, and a bit of shopping for the early birds. And if you come dressed in your best ‘fit, you’re instantly entered in a contest to win a $50 glam bag of jewelry (for chicest chick) or a bottle of champagne (for the flyest guy)! I’m roving the crowd and snapping pix with a Polaroid camera in hand…and this time I’ll have the final say as to the winner:)
Anyway, y’all should roll out! To view Boutique Finesse’s hot gems, visit www.boutiquefinesse.com or check out a post I wrote about them here.
“One day we on the Autobahn swervin drivin/ Next day we in the sun on the Virgin Islands/ If you wit me ain’t no time to sleep/ ‘Specially at Wet Willy’s on Miami Beach.”–Ludacris, ‘Pimpin all Over the World.’
Happy Tuesday!
Isn’t the weather just gorgeous!?! Yesterday I spent my lunch break luxuriating outside, feeling the sun. The fabulous weather made me start thinking about my spring and summer travel plans. I only have one trip planned to Abaco, Bahamas…
“Edwin’s style embodies hip-hop chicness to the fullest. He should definitely win the Fashionable Contest for his creative sense of style and eclectic ensembles.”
“Edwin is crazy fly. and the fact that he’s only 16…seals it.”
“I have to go with Edwin. He definitely has a unique sense of self to be 16 and so fly. Plus he’s adorable and I love the Pharell vibe.â€
“I have to vote Edwin because his style is so funky and out there. I like his creativity and the color he brings out.”
“Edwin…You gotta give it up to a young’n doing it up like that!”
Congrats Edwin! E-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com
with your measurements and address.
Have great days!
Smootches!
Hey Guys!
So I’m back from Boston, and totally exhausted! The Fashion Show was a lot more scandalous than I remember it being back when I walked the catwalk. I was so distracted (and my seats so far away), that I couldn’t catch any pictures of the actual show…but I did manage to snap a couple pix from the crowd during intermission. I think what I caught well displayed the do’s and don’ts of summer attire.
DO wear figure flattering dresses….
…in bold, bright graphic prints.
DON’T ever…
…match your hair to your outfit, or wear golds as an accessory. Just Say No!
Moving along…
The Fashionable Male contest solicited many spirited response from readers. And now there seems to be a bit of a tie between…
Mr. Michael Schuler of Skyline Boutique in Austin, Texas (www.skyline360.com)…
And 16 year old stunner…
….Edwin.
Leave comments again to let me know who should win!
And in the meantime, thanks for all the submissions! The Fashion Bomb would be nothing without your participation.
Smootches!
PS My girl Lauren just started a cool blog called Stereohyped (www.stereohyped.com). Check it out for gossip, entertainment, fashion, and music from an African-American point of view.
“It just takes a little bit of this, a little bit of that/It started with a kiss now we’re up to bat/A little bit of laughs, a little bit of pain/I’m tellin’ you my dear, its all in the game of love…”–Santana feat. Michelle Branch, ‘Game of Love’
Happy Friday!
So regarding ‘Men’s Fashion Week,” my friend Thysha remarked, “Good to look at, but I’m a girlie girl. I want to hear about girl stuff!”
I’m pretty sure her sentiments mirror those of others…so for Friday, I decided to do a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. I’m going to answer a few mail bombs for the ladies (just a couple), then delve head on into the Fashionable Male Contest.
First, let’s answer some mail:)
Reader Tiffany says: “I spotted this pic @ YBF & I absolutely LOVE Tracee’s shoes… …and they happen to be my favorite color. I was wondering if you could help me out as to where I could find/buy these shoes!”
Well, a quick search turned up these Alexander McQueen Peep Toe Platforms…
…which are $715 at www.net-a-porter.com. I couldn’t find the purple color anywhere, but I think a short trip to Neiman’s might do the trick. Good luck!
Next up, Kim asks: “Just saw these shoes on Ciara… …and I can’t seem to figure out who they are by. Any ideas? “
Well the herringbone checkered pattern reminded me of Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 2007 Ready to Wear show…
And with a little sleuthing, I found that these shoes are indeed part of that collection…
…and are $795 at Yves Saint Laurent stores. Visit www.ysl.com for more info.
Short and sweet, yes, but that does it for Mail Bombs today. Look out for more next week!
Now on to the main event: The Fashion Bomb’s Third Fashionable Contest!
So I received many great submissions, and while I have my thoughts on who should win, you, faithful readers, get to choose the winner and future recipient of the Nautica N Series Straight Leg Jeans. Place your vote by leaving comments…and feel free to debate if you like!
So our first contestant is dapper gentleman Michael Schuler…
…who works at men’s store Skyline Boutique in Austin, Texas (www.skyline360.com). His boss, who nominated him, says, “He ALWAYS comes to work fly…”
Next up reader Donyetta thought her boo fit the bill…
…because, “He’s not afraid to wear the colors that men aren’t “supposed” to wear. He does his own thing and looks good doing it!”
Reader Leslie nominated her little brother Edwin…
…because “…he is only 16 years old but has such an ecclectic urban fashion sense.”
Fashion Bomb enthusiast Bonnita seems to be surrounded on all sides by fashionable men… she submitted 3 entries!
Her first is Mr. Marcus who, she says, “is one of my “favorite fashion buddies,” “…he stays adorned in labels ranging from Dolce & Gabbana to Fashion Geek Clothing. I love his style!”
Next, she tells us about her best friend Michael Paul…
…who she says, “…is always fly, crisp and avant-garde. Check out how he sports the tweed pageboy cap, which complements the Rusty Orange/Gray/Chocolate argyle sweater, button-down and tie ensemble.”
Lastly, she nominated ‘VIC’ who she refers to as,“Fresh 2 Def material”…
…She says that he’s not “…afraid of wearing color, prints or being ahead of the fashion game (as you can see). As the better half of LEADER 1354 [one of the dopest sneaker/apparel stores in Chicago], he is known as a trendsetter on the fashion streets of Da CHI.” Alright, I’ll check out his myspace page!
You might think that’s all, but I’m not done yet!
I decided to take a look around NYC to see if there were any fashionable males I could enter into the contest! I found two potentials just walking around.
I stopped dude because I admired his ‘urban’ yet ‘dapper’ vibe…
…the bright colors in his sneakers coordinated well with his shirt, yet everything was neutralized by his well cut, dark colored blazer.
Lastly, this young man, Chris…
…was the embodiment of ‘grown & sexy’ in his argyle sweater and camel coat. Polished and classy, he’s all about business and communicates (as my boy said yesterday) that he has important places to go.
Well that was more than a handful. Hope you enjoyed the eye candy!
Now comes the hard part: Who do you think is the most fashionable male??? Is it Edwin? Michael Paul? Chris?
Leave comments and let me know!
Smootches!
PS I’m off to Boston this weekend to check out my alma mater’s super cool (yet sometimes scandalous) fashion show. You’ll hear all about it next week, trust me. Now y’all have great weekends, ya’hear?
PSS In DC? Meet Tim Gunn today! I found out these details via myspace, so I’m not sure if it’s legit…but if you have time to spare, why not? Here are the deets:
Come meet Tim Gunn on Friday, April 20th from 3-5 p.m. at Olsson’s Books in Washington D.C (4187 7th Street NW). Tim will be answering questions and signing his new book Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste, and Style.
PSSS NYC Fashionistas: My friend Gigi and I went to the Girlshop’s ‘going out of business’ sale yesterday, and it was a huge YAWN. The sales weren’t that great, and the selection was worse. Don’t waste your time!
Hey Y’all…
So today I threw caution to the wind and allowed my man to guest blog for the Fashion Bomb. Any views reflected herein to do not necessarily reflect those of Claire! With that said, enjoy….
“This is a man’s world, but it ain’t nothing without a woman” – James Brown
Greetings Fashion Bomb Readers!
My girl Claire has finally sought the advice of a real man, me, for some advice on men’s fashion. Assuming the majority of the people who will be reading this are females, I want to talk to you ladies specifically. A lot of y’all let your man walk out wearing anything, which is fine, but there comes a point when a woman should take a vested interest in her man’s wardrobe.
This is not to say most men can’t dress, but the honest truth is, black men have always been susceptible to keeping their looks at the forefront of whatever trend is hot at the moment, instead of keeping it classic. Perhaps it’s a hip-hop thing. Recently Kanye West…
…in his return column in Complex magazine declared the “grown and sexy” look to be officially over, and I suppose if you’re the kind of guy who doesn’t have to worry about keeping up appearances, it’s okay to take it back to the 80’s look everyone is rocking – gold ropes, letterman jackets, Levi’s, and fitted t-shirts with wisecracks and vintage brands.
But, if your man is anything like me who has an office job to go to everyday, it might be best to keep the grown and sexy look going. Remember, it’s always best to come to an event overdressed rather than underdressed. A suit and tie implies you have more important places to be. Or, if you’d rather not go for the Wall Street look, you can still find a way to dress up a blazer and some dress pants the way Will Smith usually does… The open collar is a great transitional look and works especially well under v-neck sweaters.
But perhaps the most important factor in a man’s wardrobe is fit. A man can have a suit straight off the rack of Men’s Wearhouse, but if he has a good tailor, very few would be able to tell the difference or even care for that matter. For a man, a good tailor is as important as a good barber. After all, these are people who make a living making you look good, so why wouldn’t you want to get to know one?
And for the truly ballerific, drop a few thousand G’s on getting a handmade suit from scratch. It’s one of those investments that will last you a lifetime – as important a purchase as a man can make for himself. Tom Ford Duke of Windsor Three Piece Suit. Referenced in Kate Betts article for Time Magazine
And there you have it, a classic, well-fitted look is more important than any trend happening in men’s fashion. A man can be grown and sexy without looking like a pushover. Most men like to say they’re about business, yet rarely ever dress the part, and to be honest, even they do, ladies, a lot of them could use a woman’s touch. So the next time your man is about to step out with or without you, give him a once-over and brush the lint off his shoulders. He’ll look all the better for it, even if he doesn’t know it.
This week’s Look Book in New York Magazine. Brothas who clearly know how to be individuals about theirs.
Peace. (Smootches!)
PS So the rules have changed slightly for the Fashionable Contest! Tomorrow, YOU get to choose the winner of Nautica’s N Series Straight Leg Jeans…
… So keep your submissions coming (I’ve already got some *great* ones so far, thank you!) E-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com and be sure to log on tomorrow for some eye candy. You’ll be glad you did.
PSS For my voluptuous vixen readers, check out the new supercool blog Plus Sive Divas (www.plussizedivas.blogspot.com).
PSSS You might have heard, but the GAP launched a series of white shirts & dresses designed by designer Doo.Ri Chung, Rodarte and Thakoon…
…Fashionistas are faking the funk, acting like the shirts are sold out everywhere. Well, I visited the GAP at 34th & Broadway, and they had every single item in every single size. I tried on a few and really wanted to participate in this ‘limited edition.’ But something about a $88 short sleeved shirt that didn’t even flatter made me put it right back on the rack.
PSSSS Also, Girlshop is closing its brick & mortar and online stores. Sad, but true. The good news is that Lauren Moffatt, MarieMarie, and Rachel Pally dresses are on sale for $50 to $150; accessories are starting at $15. 819 Washington St., at Gansevoort St. (212-255-4985); 4/19 and 4/20 (noon–8); 4/21 and 4/22 (11–7). Source NYMag.
If you’re more enticed by the ‘green patent’ aspect of the shoe, these 
Next, this 
