Claire’s Life + You Should Know: The Smahrt Girl Foundation + Their “Dress the Dream” Prom Dress Program

Happy Thursday, folks!
Last weekend, I had the distinct pleasure of flying down to Houston for the Smahrt Girl Foundation’s annual “Dress the Dream” Prom Dress Giveaway.


Smahrt Girl is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the development of teen girls through mentoring and other developmental programs. According to their mission statement, “The [goal] of the Foundation is to provide girls the opportunity to live the life of their dreams by offering positive support through character building, career planning/workplace training, and leadership programs.” Smahrt Girl Foundation also helps underserved teens get dressed for Prom at no cost with a program called “Dress the Dream.” The community donates dresses, shoes, and services so the girls can feel and look bomb for Prom.


The foundation kindly flew me down to Houston to speak to the girls about my story and also help them shop! I encouraged them to go for their dreams and not let anyone’s low expectations of them dictate their destiny!

After my talk, it was all about shopping. I helped a few young ladies find the perfect dress for the big night!

For the day, I wore a look from Mod Chic Boutique in Houston (6125 Kirby Dr, West University Place, TX 77005).

Then I was back to New York!
I LOVED working with Smahrt Girl! We often forget how hard it was to be a teen trying to figure out our lives and personal style. I enjoyed connecting with everyone in the room, and am looking forward to continuing to help Smahrt Girl inspire teens and give them the tools they need to succeed.


Learn more about Smahrt Girl here. The head of Smahrt Girl, Pamela Ellis, and I were talking about bringing the prom dress giveaway to New York, Atlanta, and more. Sounds like a great idea, no? Stay tuned for details.

What do you think?
See more pix in the gallery above.
*Later that night, I had a book signing at Mod Chic Boutique.


See more details + reflections on TheBombLife.com.

Throwback Thursdays #TBT: The Style Evolution of Tia Mowry-Hardrict

Many of us thought we were seeing double when Sister Sister dominated the airwaves of the nineties. The Mowry twins have grown up right before our eyes, transitioning seamlessly from child stars to having thriving careers today. Tamera Mowry-Houseley has a blast as a co-host on The Real, and looks amazing doing so. But today, we’re shining the spotlight on Tia Mowry-Hardrict to take a peek at how her style has changed over the years.

 Every pair of twins has, at some point or another, had matching outfits; Tia and Tamera being no exception. But they eventually grew out of that trend, especially when Sister, Sister ended.   Tia landed a huge role on hit TV show, The Game, as medical student Melanie Barnett, so press and red carpet appearances became a thing of normalcy for her. Back then, a cute cocktail dress and a pair of platform pumps or strappy sandals were usually her go to’s for nights out.

   

 Her pregnancy with son, Cree, didn’t slow her down, as she continued to bring sparkle and shine with fun maternity dresses and heels.

  Tia also updated her wardrobe with gorgeous embellished, floor-length gowns in pastels like pink and light green and even black lace.

  

As of late, Tia’s been loving separates as she’s been sporting some pretty chic pant suits. Slightly oversized blazers with sleek cigarette pants offer a modern silhouette and an overall clean look.


  Tia still loves a good dress, nonetheless, especially ones with eye-catching prints.  From Stella McCartney to Peter Pilotto, she definitely isn’t afraid to take a risk and cause a few double-takes.     Aside from bringing the fever to the red carpet, Tia stays busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen for her show Tia Mowry At Home on The Cooking Channel.  She recently authored a new cook book, Whole New You, filled with easy recipes to get you back to eating healthy again…or to start.

Seriously, is there anything she can’t do?

Here’s to Tia Mowry-Hardrict, who, along with her twin, helped paved the way for many young Hollywood stars. A doting wife, mother, author, culinary badass and stylestar…need we say more?

For more pics of this week’s selection, take a look through a gallery above.

What do you think of this week’s choice?

Steal: Millie Mackintosh’s Madeleine Shaw Book Launch $70 Zara Light Blue Printed Pleated Bow Blouse

Millie Mackintosh attended Madeleine Shaw’s Book Launch in a $70 Zara Light Blue Printed Pleated Bow Blouse:

Her v-neck blouse features long, puffy, pleated sleeves and a matching tie belt with a bow accent.

Great look!

Get Millie’s top for a steal here.

Would you wear it?

Beauty Crush Wednesday: Tina Knowles-Lawson

If you have’t noticed by now, we have somewhat of an undying love for all things Destiny’s Child related. From the hairstyles to the red carpet outfits, we’ve been with Beyoncé, Kelly and Michelle since the beginning. Without one person in particular, though, the hairstyles and matching outfits would never have graced a magazine, since she was the one creating and sewing looks for DC3 before designers sought to dress them.  Today, we pay homage to the elegant and talented matriarch, Tina Knowles-Lawson.

The hazel-eyed beauty was once the owner and hairstylist of her own salon in Houston, Texas, Headliners. This probably explains why looking as amazing as she does is so paramount.  Typically seen sporting her golden locks, whether straight or full of curls…

…she’s been bitten by the brunette bug before, and dark colored hair does her so much justice.

As for makeup, Mrs. Lawson doesn’t need much. A little mascara and her signature red lip is usually all that’s required.

But every now and then she likes to keep things a little pared down with nudes to frame her pout. 

These days, we live vicariously through her Instagram page (@mstinalawson) as one of her 1.1 million followers, while she vacations, shares pictures of her beautiful children and grandkids, and shares her corny joke of the day. As corny as they may be, she simply lives to bring light to those who love her. 

 So here’s to Mrs. Lawson!  We love her spirit, her work ethic, and how much of an example she and her daughters set for mothers and black women in general. 

For more, spy our gallery above!

What say you?

On the Scene: The TIME 100 Gala with Viola Davis in Armani, Ashley Graham in Cami NYC and Fleur du Mal, Naomi Campbell in Alaia, and More!

The TIME 100 Gala was star-studded! Our favorite actresses, supermodels, TV personalities, and icons were all in attendance.

Let’s get into the night’s looks!

Viola Davis was regal in a purple, asymmetric shoulder Armani gown. Gorgeous!

Ashley Graham sizzled in a crystal choker, Cami NYC duster languidly falling off her shoulders, and a Fleur du Mal lace slip dress, and lace-up, waist cinching belt for the night. This was fab.

Naomi Campbell + Azzedine Alaîa = a sartorial match made in heaven. Thus, we weren’t surprised to see her decked out in a red and black ensemble from the iconic designer.

Margot Robbie shimmered and sparkled in a colorful, embellished Prada gown. Cute, no?

Padma Lakshmi was a floral dream in a strapless design, covered with the classic print. So pretty!

Leslie Jones showed off toned gams in a Tadashi Shoji lace LBD. I live for her.

Trevor Noah and Colin Kaepernick caught up inside the gala. Loving the former’s timeless tux and the latter’s all-black ‘fit. Handsome gentlemen!

Janet Mock served up hair and a stunning look in a black lace Jonathan Simkhai confection. She has been slaying on the red carpet—I have my eye on her!

Fan Bingbing never disappoints in the style department! This time was no exception, with her choosing a red and blush, floral-embroidered Marchesa design with fringe detailing.

A red carpet just isn’t right without a Zuhair Murad sighting. Demi Lovato was clad in a cobalt Fall 2016 Couture gown from the brand, fully equipped with a plunging neckline, embellished bodice, and double slits. Hot!

A colorful, fringe-accented Marchesa number was also on the agenda for Blake Lively. Not for the faint of heart, but I think she did it justice.

Before taking to the stage to perform, John Legend walked the red carpet in a tried-and-true tux. So dapper!

Riz Ahmed make a khaki suit look oh so hot!

Ibtihaj Muhammad easily had one of my favorite looks of the night, glimmering in a long-sleeve, crystal embellished gown.

Ava Duvernay layered a black blazer over a cobalt, full skirt dress. She’s always flawless!

RuPaul and his husband Georges LeBar were suited up. I loved his plaid duo.

Women’s March Co-Chairs Carmen Perez, Bob Bland, Tamika D. Mallory, and Linda Sarsour showed that activism and the red carpet are the perfect complements.

Moonlight’s Barry Jenkins cut a fine form for the evening.

Who had your favorite look at the gala?

Fashion Bombshell of the Day: Chigi from Houston

We’ve got lots of love for H-town this week!
Behold, Chigi from Houston:

She writes, “My name is Chigi. I’m the Editor of Chigi’s World and Creative Director of 3reeC’s.”

” I describe my style as Afrocentric and Chic, and use my personal style to inspire women to be authentic, bold and fabulous.”

” I also use my platform as the co-founder of Bosses in Heels to empower women in business and leadership roles because I truly believe that we can have it all.”

More here:

Hot! I love all your looks and your sunglasses game is on point! See more @chigisworld.
What say you?

What do you think of Chigi from Houston?

 
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Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.

Bomb Product of the Day + You Should Know: K. Rashaé Contemporary Clothing

Last night I had the pleasure of meeting Kalisha Hall, the designer behind K. Rashae:

The New York Bombshell works to celebrate women and their uniqueness while promoting self-love and self-expression through purpose driven designs.
Behold a few of my favorites below:



Ana Pant, $275

Blake Jacket, $425

The Prettiest Bomber Jacket, $550

Fame Jumpsuit, $450

Robin Jumpsuit, $450

I love!
The neutral colors can meld seamlessly into any wardrobe, and the silhouettes are so forgiving. I absolutely love the Ana Pants and the Blake Jacket. Can’t wait to rock them this Spring!
See more and shop at Krashae.com.

What do you think?

Beyoncé Celebrates Her Lemonade Anniversary with The Formation Scholars

It has been a year since Lemonade was released—can you believe it? The visual album absolutely changed the game and our lives: no hyperbole necessary. Beyoncé will be welcoming two little ones any day now, thus that’s all the celebration she really needs, but she decided to put a cherry on a top with a major move that gives back—aptly titled The Formation Scholars.

She announced the news on her website today. The scholarships will be awarded to four young women from four universities—Berklee College of Music, Howard University, Parsons School of Design, and Spelman College. And through it, the students’ tuition for the 2017 – 2018 academic year will be funded, though we’re not certain if it will be in full or partially paid for. The Formation Scholars goal? “To encourage and support young women who are unafraid to think outside the box and are bold, creative, conscious and confident,” states Beyoncé.

Applications and deadlines have still yet to be determined by each college, but brava to Bey for this amazing effort.

Thoughts on the news?

Spied @ Fashionista

Splurge: Jennifer Lopez’s Miami $238 J Brand Zion Jeans and $750 Monika Chiang Black Leather Zaria Boots

Jennifer Lopez indulged in some retail therapy in Miami, clad in a pair of $238 J Brand Zion Jeans and $750 Monika Chiang Black Leather Zaria Boots:

Her skinnies feature gold metal button embellishment.

Her black leather booties boast 4.7″ heels, a pointed-toe silhouette, silver stud accents, and front zipper detailing.

She’s always flawless!

Get J.Lo’s denim and boots for a splurge here and here.

Thoughts?

Steal: Olivia Palermo’s Instagram Topshop Gingham Mutton Sleeve Top, $30 Gingham Print Leggings, and $38 Banana Republic Floral Grid Silk Small Square Scarf

Olivia Palermo spoke at the Cosmopolitan UK Self Made Summit a few days ago! She layered a splurge-worthy $169 Zara Long Metallic Detail Waistcoat over a $55 Topshop Gingham Mutton Sleeve Top, $30 Gingham Print Leggings, and $38 Banana Republic Floral Grid Silk Small Square Scarf:

Her top features mutton sleeves, ruffle detailing, an allover gingham print, and band collar.

Her matching leggings are crafted from a soft, thick jersey. They boast an elasticated waist.

Her silk scarf features an allover floral print and contrast red trim.

I live for her style!

A post shared by Farrah Storr (@farrahstorr) on

Get Olivia’s top, leggings, and scarf for a steal here, here, and here.

Would you wear it?