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.
“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…
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:)
“Your white tee, well, to me looks like a nightgown/Make Ya Mama proud take that thing two sizes down/Then you look like the man that you are or what you could be…”Andre 3000, DJ Unk ‘Walk it Out’ Remix.
Hey Y’all! So I’ve surprisingly been getting a few requests from gals asking how to dress their guys, and from guys looking for fashion advice. So I figured, why not give it a shot? This week will be men’s week on the Fashion Bomb, and the benefits are two fold: ladies, you’ll get to salivate over dozens of well dressed, beautiful men..and fellas, you can get your wardrobe right for summertime. So a few looks–mod, sporty, and grown & sexy–have become trendy as of late…and who better to look to than sultry celebs? Read on for how to wear it, and where to get it. First up, finie Derek Luke champions the mod trend in this GQ spread… …by donning cardigans, straight legged pants, and colorful shirts. The look seems very 1970’s, but you can bring it to the ’07 with sporty sneakers and untucked shirt tails (cardigan mandatory). Try these items to get the look: Top Row: Converse John Varvatos, $99, zappos.com Triple Five Soul Back Stage Cardigan, $89, www.urbn.com. Bottom Row: Gap Straight Fit Chinos, $49.50, www.gap.com; Marc by Marc Jacobs Navy Striped Cotton V-Neck Cardigan, $106, www.bluefly.com.
Guys, take note. Your girl will thank you:) Smootches! PS Stay tuned for more celebrity male style and a special guest blogger! PSS Is there a look you love to see on a man? Does your boo, good friend, or buddy have great style? Let me know! Send me an e-mail at thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
“It takes two to make a thing go right/It takes two to make it outta sight”–Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, “It Takes Two.”
Hey Guys, So Shop & Mingle Vol II… …was twice as nice as the first one! Val did an excellent job of laying out many fashionable sample sale finds like Hudson, Seven, and Habitual jeans… Botkier bags… …and top, dresses, and skirts by brands like Proenza Schouler, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Marc Jacobs. Fashion Bomb readers and friends streamed in during the day to browse… …and socialize! But you know these shopaholics did more than just mingle! Friends Shirley and AC took a liking to a few fabulous silk Bilingual dresses… My girl Kristin looked ruffle ready in a Walter Blouse… Shopper Valerie looked cute in Vince… And reader Lisa looked smashing in Bilingual and Barney’s New York… Fun! Though I said I’d abstain this time around, I couldn’t leave empty handed! I picked up this Zachary’s Smile for Barney’s Co-op Red Shift dress with Paisley detail… ..for only $40 (marked down from $158). Once it stops raining, I’m gonna rock it with some sky scraping, calf raising wedges. Can’t wait! Shop & Mingle was a veritable success. For those who came, thanks so much! And if I missed you, so sorry… I’ll catch you at the next one:) Smootches! PS Stay tuned for more Fashion Bomb events including a jewelry expo with Boutique Finesse towards the end of the month.
PSS I’ve been getting a lot of mail from men lately asking for fashion advice! Of course they’d like to know how to develop their styles, and who better to tell them than a group of women??? All this week, I’m going to focus on male style, celebrity fashion, and will even feature a special guest blogger. In the meantime, if you think your man, good friend, or buddy has great style, or want me to profile a particular fashionable male celebrity, send me a picture, note, or e-mail to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Stay tuned, it’s about to be hot!
PSSS Does anyone else love the song quoted in this post??? It was the first rap song I ever heard, memorized, anything! If you want to reminisce (my fellow 80’s babies), the video is below:
Happy Friday! So no time for mail bombs today (busy, busy, busy!), but I had to write in and relay a few tidbits. First up, I’m sure you’d like to know the winner of the Fashion Bomb’s Second Fashionable Contest! It’s none other than Brooklyn, NY reader Danielle, who was the first to find that Nia Long’s smashing shoes…
…available for purchase at www.net-a-porter.com Congrats Danielle! Next up, I’ve received some questions regarding this weekend’s Shop & Mingle…
…so here are a few FAQ’s: 1. Is it cash only? No. Cash, Credit, Debit & Paypal (Visa/Mastercard/Amex via Paypal) are accepted. 2. Can I bring my friends?? Of course! The more the merrier. 3. What’s the Fashion Bomb discount? To commemorate the second Shop & Mingle, each Fashion Bomb reader gets $2 off per item. When you RSVP, I’ll send you a Fashion Bomb Coupon. Print it out and bring it with you to get your discount. 4. Where is it? If you RSVP to me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com, I’ll send you all the juicy details. 5.Are the clothes new or used? Everything’s brand spanking new. 6. What if I can’t make it? No worries! There are many more Shop & Mingle’s on the horizon.
Hey Guys, So I was surfing the web (as always), and came upon a very Fashion Bomb-worthy cyber shop called Sui Generis Boutique. The owner, Philly native Halimah, started Sui Generis because she loved, “fashion, style, and mixing styles and eras.” Of her e-boutique, she says, “it speaks to the everyday fashionistas with fierce style – the ones who you pass on the subway or the supermarket. She may or may not be elaborate or flashy but she embraces her own personal steeze whatever that may be.” Cocktail Gown, $85 Sui Generis’ inventory combines vintage articles with new pieces by up and coming designers because, Halimah says, “Up and coming designers have an uninhibited, fresh approach to fashion which speaks well for the sui generis boutique approach.” Ghanaian Sun Hat, $12 I took a look, and quickly found many bold, ecclectic fashionable finds for $50 or less! Crazy, I know. Take a look: Top Row: Chrissy Handbag, $26; Cutout Circle Top, $40; Paint me Pretty Wallet Case, $25. Middle Row: Denise Bangle, $15; Boombox Hoody, $40; Itsy Bitsy Mini Skirt, $45. Bottom Row: Vintage Stop Traffic Dress, $50; Silver Cuff, $12; Flirt Halter Top, $45, all available at www.suigenerisboutique.com The name Sui Generis is Latin for unique…and from what I see, the offerings definitely live up to the name. Another interesting tidbit: Everything on the website is one of a kind, so once someone purchases it, it’s as good as gone. So run, don’t walk! Check out Sui Generis at www.suigenerisboutique.com Smootches! PS *Noone* has been able to figure out the Nia Long dress question… …so I’m assuming it was custom made? I still want the contest to go on, so the Shop & Mingle Marc Jacobs mirror… … will go to the first person who e-mails me with the make of Ms. Long’s sky scraping stilettos. E-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Good Luck! PSS Don’t forget to RSVP for Shop & Mingle! PSSS If you’re in NYC, check out the cool blog Style Chile for this week’s sample sales.
“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:
…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…
