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!

Hey Guys,

So reader Amaka contacted me on myspace.com, and asked the following question:

I wanted to know if you could do a lil feature of fashion in the workplace (preferably corporate). I have been looking for a job and i am kind of hesitant…

That’s a great question. Getting a work wardrobe together is difficult, especially when you’re just getting started.
Every workplace is different (I wore pencil skirts, french cuffed oxford shirts, and pumps for a full year at my job before I figured out I could wear jeans and flats everyday!), but you can’t go wrong with the following basics in black, white, or a neutral color:
1. Pencil or A-line skirt
2. Pump
3. Crisp oxford shirt
4. Cardigan
5. Tailored pants
6. Tote bag
7. Structured Jacket
8. Work Appropriate Dress
9. Flats
Most items will have to be pretty traditional so that you can add accents without clashing. Here I compiled a few basics plus a couple of traditional items with a twist (for those who don’t want the typical boring, ho hum fair):

Top Row: Solid Cropped Cardigan, $39.50, www.gap.com; Croc Braided Shoulder Bag, $168, www.anntaylor.com; Martin Chino Trouser, $78, www.bananarepublic.com.
Middle Row: Arturo Chiang Gigi Patent Flat, $98, www.bloomingdales.com; Isaac Mizrahi for Target Georgette Ruffle Dress, $40, www.target.com; Tahari Papi Pumps, $110, www.macys.com.
Bottom Row: INC International Concepts Ruffled-Cuff Trapeze Jacket, $119, www.macys.com; J.Crew Slim Stretch Shirt, $59.50, www.jcrew.com; Michael Michael Kors Pencil Skirt, $79.50, www.nordstrom.com.
For pants, I also personally endorse Express Editor Pants. They fit me well, never need to be altered, and look professional, all for the reasonable price of $70. Visit www.expressfashion.com for an Express near you.

On top of your foundational items, you’ll need a few accents: tops, dresses, jackets, or shoes in bold colors, prints, and saucy fabrics to mix things up. Don’t spend a ton on these if you can: You’ll tire of them easily…and your coworkers will too! My choices:

Top Row: Geometric Silk Top,, $27.80; www.forever21.com; Elizabeth Gillet Ruffle Cardigan, $78, www.lordandtaylor.com; Maestro Embroidered Swing Jacket, $88, www.nordstrom.com.
Middle Row: Lux Summer Cardigan, $48, www.urbn.com; Floral Sleeveless Wrap Dress, $148, www.anntaylor.com; Ruffled Blouse, $24.80, www.forever21.com.
Bottom Row: Seychelles ‘And the Winner Is’ Pumps, $84, zappos.com

Aqua Cross Dye Swing Jacket, $58, www.bloomingdales.com; Marc by Marc Jacobs Shoes, $235, zappos.com

A few caveats for those just starting off. Steer away from sheer shirts and thigh grazing hemlines. Also stick to conservative, neutral colors and silhouettes until you get a feel of the office environment.
Now get to work!
Smootches!
PS Want more outerwear options? Visit my post about Trenches here. Want more bag options? Visit my post about bold bags here.
PSS I’ve heard from a couple readers that my ‘clockwise from top left’ description of items was confusing. I have no idea why I didn’t just do it by row to begin with! But I’ve revised the descriptions of items in the trenches and bags posts so that it’s easier for you to find items…and will go row by row from now on!

” Reporting live from Atlanta, Georgia/Decatur where its GREATER” Lloyd (feat Lil Wayne), ‘You’

Hey Y’all,
So yesterday, off of the recommendation of one of my fabulous readers (Thanks Tyees!), I hopped down to downtown Decatur…

…in search of shopping booty. The area is totally cute, and I’d recommend going there if you ever visit ATL. There are restaurants galore, and decent shopping. I visited every boutique in the area…and think that the following places are worthy of checking out.
Go to Boogaloos (246 West Ponce de Leon Avenue; www.boogaloosboutique.com)…

For frilly, feminine tops and dresses. Boogaloos stocks everything from small labels like Young Essence to mainstream brands like BCBG. The first shirt I looked at was only $40, so they’re definitely affordable. Also, the jean selection is off the chain gang…AG’s, Citizens, Sevens oh my! Only con: The frills, wisps, and bows can be overpowering. Not particularly my steeze, but definitely stop in!
Another must see? Dress Codes (201 West Ponce de Leon #117; www.dresscodesatl.com).

The store carries brands such as Earnest Sewn, Nomad Tribe, and 5EP. Prices range from $50-$300.
I really liked their tanks…

And knits…

The real reason to visit Dress Codes?

The guard dog Napoleon! Look at his little sweater! Awwwww!
Moving on…
My absolute favorite/your trip-would-be-incomplete-if-you-don’t-go-here store would have to be Kaleidescope Boutique (252 West Ponce de Leon Avenue; www.kscopeboutique.com).

This store was *amazing*!

I was salivating over the accessories…

Tops…

And Jeans selection…

Chock full of brands like Joe’s, Habitual, and Rock & Republic.
The staff was soooo nice and helpful, I almost couldn’t help but buy this cu-ute Bonnie heart Clyde top (even tho it was still esspensive at 50% off!). I also tried to walk away from a pair of Hudson skinny jeans, but I’m gonna have to go back and get ’em today (I know that everyone’s saying wide jeans are in now, but I’m still feeling the skinny trend…I’ll keep it going).
Stay tuned tomorrow for my last shopping in ATL installment.
Smootches!
PS I clearly can’t visit every city in the US of A. If your town has great places to shop, diamonds in the rough, and the like, e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com
and tell me about it! Just include jpegs and a short description of why your favorite boutique is a must see in your city.