“It moisturizes my situation…preserves my sexy.” Diddy, Proactive Infommercial.

Hey Guys,
So for my ‘Men’s Week’ Style File fashion profile, I could think of no man other than producer, rapper, style icon, and entrepreneur extraordinaire…

…Diddy.
He never fails to look freshed, dressed like a million bucks whether he’s rocking a sporty look at an awards show, walking the red carpet in a spiffy tux, or knocking around on the French Riviera in thin shirts and short pants.
Diddy does it best in his signature suits…

…but unlike most guys who stick to typical black or navy, Puffy mixes it up by wearing unexpected colors, donning variable neckwear, and playing with small details like lapel color, pocketsquares and vests.
When Puffy takes it down a notch, he still looks super sharp…

…in buttery leather jackets, dark jeans, darker sunglasses, and leather boots. He has an uncanny ability to make chunky toggle sweaters look masculine and shearling look sexy.
He kicks back a bit for vacations in St. Tropez and Monaco…

…but still exudes fly-ness in skin skimming shirts and fedoras.
Even at his most casual…

…his t-shirts are pressed, caps fitted, shoes sparkled, and jeans pressed. And his Yankees caps and Harlem World t’s show that he’s unequivocally New York.
Fab.
If you want your guy to try this look, gently steer him towards the following items:

Top Row: Sean John Grey Sharkskin Suit Separates, $125-$350, www.macys.com; Diesel Large Oval Sunglasses, $140, www.nordstrom.com; Theory Black leather ‘Falcon.Cervocow Gran’ Zip Jacket, $537, www.bluefly.com.
Middle Row: Adidas Court Piping Track Jacket, $75, www.urbn.com; New York Yankees Fitted Game Cap, $28, www.shop.mlb.com; Polo Ralph Lauren Spencer Bow Tie, $65, www.saks.com.
Bottom Row: Calvin Klein Jeans Polo, $39.50, www.lordandtaylor.com; Hickey Camel Wool Toggle Cardigan Sweater, $152, www.bluefly.com; Country Gentleman Seersucker Principle, $50, www.lordandtaylor.com.
Now go ahead..preserve your sexy.

So since I’ve received zero submissions so far for women who have fashionable guys in their lives (I know there are some out there!), I want to give you a bit of an incentive. Nautica is debuting their new N Series Straight Leg Jeans for Spring 2007…

…and they offered to send a pair of cool new jeans to a man of my choosing. For the third TFB fashionable contest, I want you to send me pictures of the stylish men in your life. If I think your guy is the most fashionable of the bunch, I’ll send him a pair of Nautica Live N jeans. So get your submissions going! E-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
Happy snapping!
Smootches!
PS Girls, if you’re feening for your fashion fix, check out the new blog ‘Making the Diva’ (www.makingthediva.blogspot.com) The lovely blogger, Leslie, even featured me in her most recent post! All the more reason to check it out:)

Happy Wednesday!
So today’s Stylefile superstar is none other than the beautiful model and actress…

Zoe Saldana!
Zoe is gorgeous, and has a sophisticated personal style that’ll never land her on the ‘What was She Thinking?” pages. Let’s take a look:
For the red carpet, she keeps ’em guessin with both short and long hem lengths. She sticks with traditional styles, however, like flattering black dresses…

…saucy, shiny wrap dresses…

…elegant floor length gowns with a touch of lace….

…and pretty, age appropriate strapless numbers.

Her red carpet style is fly, but she really shines when dressed casually. She rocks status bags with a purpose…

…loves to throw on a pair of skinny jeans…

…and tops everything off with unexpected ‘make a statement’ jackets.
Fierce.
I know you want her her look! Try these items:

Top Row: Gsus Convertible Jacket/Vest, $190, www.urbn.com; Studs and Rings Tote, $29.50, www.wetseal.com; Calvin Klein Black Dress, $149, The Fashion Bomb and ValStyle’s Shop & Mingle.
Middle Row: James Cured by Seun 5 Pocket Bootleg in Dublin, $176, CoutureCandy
Jill Stuart Palais Rouge Constance Dress, $598, shopbop.com
Triple 5 Soul Surplus Trench Coat, $160, www.urbn.com.
Bottom Row: Laundry by Shelli Segal Python Print Tote, $228, www.bloomingdales.com; Baby Rib Basic Short Sleeve T, $15, www.americanapparel.net; Jones New York Tossed Cube Print Wrap Dress, $134, www.macys.com.
Smootches!
PS Don’t forget to RSVP for Shop & Mingle Vol. II at thefashionbomb@gmail.com.

“I like to think of Jesus as an Ice Dancer, dressed in an all-white jumpsuit, and doing an interpretive dance of my life.”–John Reilly as Cal Naughton Jr, ‘Talladega Nights’

Hey Y’all!
So reader Shanita asked:
I was wondering if you can address rompers, jumpsuits, jumpers, one piece items on your blog soon. I see them and sometimes I think they are cute, but I dont want to look like a big baby or a fool wearing one. How does one wear a non-terry romper or jumpsuit?

Great question. For style cues, I looked no further than pretty, petite actress Nia Long. She’s been representing with the one pieces lately in sophisticated and stylish ways.
She has no problem taking in a game in a pair of relaxed denim overalls…

…or rocking a black cotton twill jumpsuit with stilettos for the red carpet…

She pulls this off no problem by way of a great body and an even greater pair of legs. She also, unlike Ms. Tisha C…

…sticks to breathable fabrics like cotton twill or denim, and goes with subdued, neutral colors. You can definitely adapt this look to suit your style with the following scene stealers:

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.
The Serfontaine jumpsuit was actually featured in the New York Times Style section this Sunday. About the jumpsuit, the author says, “Pair it with stilettos and Pilates-toned legs and you’ve got a look.” Sound advice!
Moving on…
Ms. Long has been bringin the fashion fabulosity lately! A ton of readers have e-mailed asking me the designer of the cute off the shoulder dress…

…she wore for the premiere of the movie ‘Are we Done Yet?’ It’s a gorgeous dress, but I’m *stumped*.
Do you know who made it? If so, e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com with the designer, plus proof (a jpeg, link to a designers page). If you’re the first to respond, I’ll send you this Marc Jacobs mirror…

…one of the many items available this weekend at the Fashion Bomb and Val Style’s Shop & Mingle Event! Haven’t RSVP’d for Shop & Mingle? What are you waiting for?!?!
Smootches!

“Just around the corner in every woman’s mind – is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her.”–Wilhela Cushman

Hey Y’all,
So back by popular demand…is the Fashion Bomb and ValStyle’s Shop & Mingle event!

Last Shop & Mingle featuring spirits, fashion, and fun.
For two days this weekend (Saturday April 14th and Sunday the 15th), we’re taking over New York apartments in Harlem and Midtown West to bring you the best in discounted designer goods.
A few of our wares…

…The French Connection halter on the top row is $46 vs. its original retail price of $96…And the Walter Ruffle Front Black Stretch Cotton Shirt is now $66 vs. $210.
The brown Jak & Rae top on the bottom row is now $89, marked down from $165, and the sleek Calvin Klein black dress is only $149.
The deals are real y’all.
Plus we’re bringing you other fierce designers like Diane Von Furstenberg, Trovata, Vince, Proenza Schouler, Theory, Botkier, Tory Burch, Cynthia Steffe, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Prada, Miu Miu, Luca Luca, Habitual, Diesel, 7 For All Mankind, Ella Moss, See By Chloe, Michael Kors, Bilingual, Earnest Sewn and more.
So what do you have to do???
RSVP to me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com including if you’d like to attend the Saturday session in Harlem or the Sunday session in Midtown. I’ll get back in touch with time and location deets towards the end of the week. Bonus: If you mention the Fashion Bomb at the sale, you get an additional discount!
So who’s down? Let me know!
Smootches!
PS Stay tuned this week for more Celebrity Stylefiles, Real Style, Mail Bombs, and the Fashion Bomb’s Second Fashionable Contest. It’s gonna be good y’all. You’ll want to log on for that one:)
PSS Did you miss the last Shop and Mingle? Check out my post about it here.

“Please Mister Postman, look and see (Oh yeah)/ If there’s a letter in your bag for me/(Please, Please Mister Postman)/Why’s it takin’ such a long time (Oh yeah)/For me to hear from that boy of mine.”–The Marvelettes, ‘Mr. Postman’

Hey Guys,
It’s Friday, which means that it’s time for more mail bombs!!

They’re really rolling in! Let’s get to it:
Tamika from Chi Town asks:
“Is it possible to find out about Halle Berry’s outfit and shoes from this pic?”

Well, Tamika, she’s wearing a sheer Dolce & Gabbana Dress with this $596 pair…

..of Christian Louboutin Mary Jane Pumps.
Next, Fashion Bomber Cynthia wrote me in distress saying:
“Help me please. I have an issue with the color of a shoe to go with this Victoria’s Secret suit….

…I don’t want to do a Navy shoe cause I thought that would be too much, and I would be stuck with a pair of shoes that I can only wear with one outfit.”
Great question. You definitely can’t wear your go-to black shoes with this suit, but that doesn’t mean that navy shoes are your only option! Neutral colors like light brown, khaki, and beige work well with navy, and are still versatile enough to match most items in your wardrobe. If you’re feeling saucier, an animal print or metallic shoe could work as well. Try these:

Top Row: Enzo Angiolini ‘Maylie’ Pump, $89, www.nordstrom.com; Lucero Pumps, $79, www.ninewest.com.
Bottom Row: Mia Venice Shoes, $66 and Dolce Vita Putty Patent Pumps, $125, zappos.com
Good Luck!
Next up reader Lamiachulita asks:
“I have two college graduations coming up. the first at the end of May, and the other (Grad school) in June. Any ideas on what to wear? “
I’d say go for a nice yet casual look. Stick with solid colors in flattering, simple cuts. As it’s a family event, I’d err on the conservative side…but if you decide to go strapless or wear spaghetti straps, definitely have a cardigan or jacket handy to cover your shoulders. I think the following dresses, paired with a cardigan, would look perfectly pretty for a spring or summer graduation:

Top Row: Donna Morgan Empire Waist Sundress, $98, www.nordstrom.com; Wai Ching Soleil Dress, $200, www.starsandinfinitedarkness.com.
Bottom Row: Cotton Embroidered Dress, $148, www.bananarepublic.com; Seven Hills Dress, $98, www.anthropologie.com.
Next up, reader Joy asks:
“I know I dress fly, but usually from the ankle up. I’m a sista who has a different foot problem than yours: I have humongous feet. I wear a size 11(maybe 11 1/2?), and I wanted to know if you knew of any stores or designers that cater to women of fashion with my condition.”
Well, Joy, I think your best bet for size 11 shoes would be to look online. Stores like Zappos and Steve Madden carry size 11 shoes in very fashionable styles. A few of my Fashion Bomb certified finds:

Top Row: Lusta Natural Shoes, $100, www.stevemadden.com; Charles by Charles David Minx Pumps, $112, zappos.com
Bottom Row: Bunni Peep Toe Wedges, $70, www.stevemadden.com; Oh!Deer Bette Pumps, $111, zappos.com
And lastly, reader Loran would like to know:
“I wanted to know if you had any info on the dress worn by the young lady in the Louboutin post…

…I am looking for something like it to wear to a wedding for a fashionable yet comfortable look! I would appreciate it if you could find out the designer or where it came from. Im in Atlanta and absolutely love the look–its getting warm here already.”
Kela responded, “I got it from my favorite store, Zara…. but I bought it during their twice annual sale season back in January… but I’m sure they’ll have something else up her alley and right now they have a lot of different shift dresses similar to the one I was wearing.”
There ya go!
Well, that does it for mail bombs today. If I didn’t answer your question this time, don’t despair. Trust, I’m working on it for ya!
Have great weekends!
Smootches!

Hey Guys,
So I recently paid a visit to a super cute boutique in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn called ‘Tessan’…

…it carries *amazing* vintage, French, Japanese, Nigerien, Senegalese and other global and locally-made accessories, clothes, sunglasses, handbags…

…at reasonable prices. The owner, Aissatou, is of French and Senegalese descent, and brings her global sense of chic to everything in the store.

She says “I opened Tessan Boutique because there were so few places in the neighborhood to shop for affordable, stylish accessories…


…I wanted my friends and neighbors to have a place close to home to find funky, unique treasures in a low-key, friendly atmosphere that carries a positive energy.”

The store definitely delivers with the funky accessories. While I was there, my friend bought a cute braided belt, and I actually ended up buying the gold vintage necklace below…

…right off the mannequin!
Didn’t hurt that everything was very well priced: Clothes started at $30, jewelry at $20, cosmetics at $6, and handbags and shoes at $60. Not bad at all.
The store, while quaint, had an amazing vibe. Plus Aissatou and I had a great time speaking French:)
If you’re ever in Brooklyn, NY, Tessan Boutique is located at 280 Clinton Avenue (at the Corner of Dekalb). For more information, check out Tessan’s website at www.tessanboutique.com.

Smootches!