Happy Friday, Bombers and Bombshells! Did you hear? I was on the Tom Joyner morning show today with Jacque Reid discussing Awards show style!

Jacque wanted to discuss the politics of red carpet dressing, and more specifically the difficulties women of color might face finding gowns for awards season. The subject arose after actress and comedian Leslie Jones famously couldn’t find anyone to dress her for the Ghostbusters premiere. She voiced her frustrations on Twitter, and Christian Siriano came to the rescue with a red, off the shoulder stunner.

Can it be hard for anyone who isn’t Beyonce to find a dress? Definitely. Most showrooms only carry sample size i.e. a size 4 or 6, so if you’re curvy, you’re most likely out of luck. And then a designer has to think: does this actress align with our brand identity? Is this someone we would choose to market our garments? If you look at most high end designers and see the type of women they include in their advertising campaigns, you’d see that most times they are not touting chocolate or curvy sisters. So what’s one to do?
Below, 4 solutions:
1. Request from a Designer Who is Known to be Kind to Brown and/or Curvy Women

Aside from Leslie Jones, Christian Siriano has dressed Janelle Monae, Queen Latifah, Zendaya, and First Lady Michelle Obama! He even outfitted Viola Davis yesterday as she accepted her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Siriano dresses women of any shape, color, age, or size, and does so beautifully. Ditto for Michael Costello, Brandon Maxwell, Tracy Reese, Cushnie et Ochs, and more. Seek and find out who those designers are. Work with someone who ‘gets it’ (i.e. gets that you’re beautiful, valuable, and worthy and why in the world wouldn’t they jump at the opportunity to dress you?!?)

2. Go with a Smaller Designer

If you don’t need a ‘runway’ piece per se, there are loads of young designers ready to dress you for the next red carpet. LaQuan Smith, Marquette 21, Shades of Shea, and Mychael Knight all spring to mind as designers who are super talented, but not necessarily putting on high wattage runway productions during international fashion weeks. It’s a win-win for both parties: you get a dress, and they get exposure.

3. Invest in a Stylist Who is Super Connected

Some stylists have a roster of A-list clientele, and can get you a dress based off of their relationships with designers and showrooms. But be warned, stylists are not cheap (some have a day rate of $6,500!), and because they’re poppin, they might not have time nor need to work with you. Still, it won’t hurt to ask! The right stylist can change your life, so they’re definitely worth the investment should you find the right one (cue Micaela Erlanger and Lupita Nyong’o; Law Roach and Zendaya).

4. Buy or Borrow

Yes, these dresses can be expensive, but if you want that look, perhaps make that investment. Otherwise, there is always Rent the Runway.

What do you think?

*For updates on where I’ll be, like the Claire Sulmers Facebook page here. Also, be sure to get my book! It’s available on Amazon.com here.

Camouflage is a wardrobe essential that brings an unexpected yet gritty feel to our favorite outfits. The military print can be paired with basic colors, stripes, frisky florals and a myriad of other contrasting patterns; however, the popularity behind its timeless appeal also hinges on its undeniable versatility.

We’ve spotted camouflage popping up everywhere via social media and style stars can’t seem to get enough. So, of course, we’ve compiled our own list of bomb finds under $100.

Keep scrolling to check out the featured picks!

1) Zara’s Camouflage Embroidered Bomber Jacket, $49

Stay warm with oversized outerwear that makes a statement! With faux fur and embroidered appliques, rock this piece with jeans and chunky heeled booties. Get it now!

2) Topshop’s Camouflage Beanie Hat, $12

Printed beanies are sure fire way to add a casual touch to any ensemble.

3) Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren’s Open-Back Camo Slip Dress, $34

Showcase your flirty side with Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren’s Open-Back Camo Slip Dress which features a fit-and-flare silhouette, a scoop neckline and a concealed zipper. Cop it here!

4) ASOS’s Top with Cold Shoulder Print and High Neck in Camo Print, $28

Step outside of the style box and uplift camouflage in a softer hue. If olive green isn’t your color, try a muted pink or blue palette.

5) Charlotte Russe’s Plus Size Camo Bodycon Jumpsuit, $15

Jumpsuits are excellent options for those breezy days where piecing together an outfit can seem like a daunting task. With an on-trend army print and a body hugging silhouette, Charlotte Russe’s sultry pick is sure to turn heads. Add a denim jacket and strappy heels to complete your look!

6) Nasty Gal’s On a Warpath Camo Cardigan, $68

Pair this weekend essential with leather pants, distressed jeans or, take a cue from the model, and slay in a plunging cream bodysuit. Purchase your version here!

7) Storets’s Code Name Camo Jacket Shorts Set, $98

To all my fashionistas who aren’t afraid to pile on the prints, Storets just made life a little easier! It doesn’t get much better than a hot pink camoflauge jacket and short combination. Not only is this ensemble cutting-edge and innovative, it’s also fun to style. Hey, over-the-knee boots!

8) Go Jane’s Socialite Life Strappy Camo Heels, $31

If you’re a bombshell who wants to rock camoflauge in a more subtle way, why not nab these strappy camo stunners from Go Jane? At $31, they’re quite the steal!

9) Urban Outfitters’s BDG Sara Slouchy Camo Pant, $34

Embrace your inner street style star and incorporate “tomboy chic” accents into your winter wardrobe. Style these cropped trousers with a graphic print sweatshirt or a bomb pair of combat boots. Get them here!

10) Missguided’s Petite Camo Mini Skirt, $14

Flaunt your gorgeous legs with Missguided’s Petite Camo Mini Skirt. Want to add a touch of comfort? Try rocking sneakers!

What do you think? See anything worth purchasing?

Signing Out — Esmesha

Bryce Dallas Howard celebrated at a Pre-Golden Globes Party in a $497 Alexis Burgundy Lace Evie Dress:

Her lace dress features contrast crocheted trim, ruffled cutout shoulders, a sheer inset, and form-fitting silhouette.

She’s slowly, but surely becoming one of my fashion faves!

If you’re up for the splurge, get Bryce’s dress here.

Thoughts?

Another night, another high-fashion event in Hollywood! Stars continued their Golden Globes warm-up at The 2016 National Board of Review Gala.

Let’s get into the stars’ looks, shall we?

Brandon Maxwell is a red carpet go-to for all of our favorite stylish celebrities now! Naomie Harris’s simple and chic neutral look from the brand was stunning.

All-black was on the agenda for Octavia Spencer, who beamed in a Laura Basci top and Tadashi Shoji skirt. I cannot wait to see Hidden Figures y’all!

Mahershala Ali’s textured, button-front shirt uplifted his classic black suit. I cannot get over how handsome he is.

Aldis Hodge kept warm in a plaid textured coat, over his expertly-tailored tux. Another dapper look from the actor!

What’s a gala without Marchesa? Amy Adams wore one of the brand’s lace LBDs for the night.

Greta Gerwig was Winter-perfect in Prada.

Riley Keough’s Dolce & Gabbana, bow-accented stunner was an unexpected take on the timeless LBD. Cute, no?

Quvenzhane Wallis has grown up right before our very eyes! Her embellished dress was the epitome of elegance.

Who had your favorite look at the gala?

Gorgeous actress Deepika Padukone brought a little more heat to Mexico City today during a photocall for xXx: The Return of Xander Cage.  She has a starring role in the action packed flick, but also dazzled like a star in a $1,019 Prabal Gurung Resort 2017 Graphic Striped Knit Dress.

But, it seems we have a style showdown on our hands as supermodel Karlie Kloss donned the same frock in June of 2016 for the NYC premiere of Serena Williams’s EPIX documentary, Serena.

Tricolor panels in green, black, and white bring bold contrast to this formfitting Prabal Gurung dress. Mixed stitch patterns, a scoop neckline, and unlined, slinky fabric add even more appeal.

Both ladies sported the optional silk chiffon skirt, Deepika choosing green to offset her black Charlotte Olympia sandals and Karlie opting for black with Miu Miu flats adorning her feet.  While the colors and fit suit them both, Deepika get s gets my vote this go ’round.  Given the dress’s sporty aesthetic, sexy sandals were definitely the right choice. If you feel the need to splurge, you can cop the dress here.

But what say you?  Which one of these beauties takes your vote?

Who Wore It Better?: Deepika Padukone vs. Karlie Kloss in Prabal Gurung Resort 2017 Graphic Striped Knit Dress and Silk Chiffon Skirt

Deepika Padukone

Karlie Kloss

The Both Rocked It!

Neither Look Great To Me

 

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Actress Ashley Tisdale grabbed lunch with a friend in West Hollywood casually dressed in a $298 Free People Golden Quills Military Parka:

The distressed cargo jacket features stud and metallic embroidered embellishment on sleeves, drawstring ties at front of neckline, bottom front, front of waist and at lower back hem with zipper opening in the front and four front zipper pockets.

Ashley’s casual ensemble works perfectly with her parka and I LOVE the detail on the sleeve.  I’d splurge!

You can purchase here for $298.

What do you think?  Would you buy Ashley’s Free People Parka?

Janelle Monae continued her promotional tour for her film Hidden Figures in a Kate Spade $278 Dot Stripe Cardigan and $348 Pleated Skirt:

The stylish cardigan features striped cuffs and a polka-dotted front.

The polka dot and striped hemline skirt is featured in a sharply pleated, midi-length whimsical A-line style.

Monae returned to her ever-famous black and white motif.

Love it!

You can purchase her cardigan here for $278 and her skirt here for $348.

What do you think?

Kylie Jenner enjoyed her first few days of 2017 in Mexico!  The entrepreneur and youngest wild-child of the Kardashian/Jenner clan wore a series of revealing swimsuits throughout her vacation.

 

First she was spied poolside with her best bud Jordyn Woods in a $258 Melissa Odabash Zuma Swimsuit:

The one-piece swimsuit features an exposed front zip, mesh construction and a racer back.

 

She then flaunted her curves in a Marysia Swim Palm Springs $150 Bikini Top and $148 Matching Bottom:

 

The Scallop neck bikini top features thick shoulder straps and matching scallop-trimmed bikini bottoms.

 

Perhaps her most racy swimsuit was the ElleJay Swim $112 Rosa Bikini Top, $92 Daniela Thong Bottom and the $35 Sina Choker.

 

 

The black bikini features a white top stitch detail on the top and has a matching pattern on the bikini bottom.

 

Kylie has definitely been flaunting those curves!

You can splurge on her Marysia Swim Zuma suit here for $258, her Melissa Odabash Palm Springs bikini top here for $150 and bottoms here for $148 and her ElleJay Swim Rosa Top here for $112 and Daniela Bottoms here for $92.

What do you think?  Would you purchase Kylie’s collection of bikinis?

Kenya Moore dazzled brilliantly on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live in the same $2,200 Diane Von Furstenberg DVF Ariel Gold Embellished Armour Wrap Gown that Eudoxie wore this past New Year’s Eve:

Kenya teamed her fab frock with Tom Ford gold open toe sandals while Eudoxie opted for a classic pair of Christian Louboutin pumps.

The floor length embellished gown boasts DVF’s signature wrap-front and intricate beading detail.

Both ladies rocked it.

What do you think? Who wore it better?

Who Wore It Better: Kenya Moore vs. Eudoxie in Diane Von Furstenberg’s DVF Ariel Gold Embellished Armour Wrap Gown

Kenya

Both ladies rocked the dress

Eudoxie

Neither. The dress isn’t flattering.

 

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Another day, another look for Janelle Monae! She took to the Hidden Figures West Hollywood Screening in a Christian Siriano Spring 2017 Bell Sleeve Crop Top and Tome Spring 2017 Black and White Striped Trousers:

Statement-making earrings, a matching high-waist, lace-inset skirt, black and white printed pumps, and a bag in the timeless combo accented her top on the catwalk.

Her trousers were paired with a classic white, button-front shirt on the runway.

Another immaculate look from this beauty.

What do you think? Hot! or Hmm…?

Hot! or Hmm… Janelle Monae’s Hidden Figures West Hollywood Screening Christian Siriano Spring 2017 Bell Sleeve Crop Top and Tome Spring 2017 Black and White Striped Trousers

Hot! Loving this look on Janelle

Hmm…not impressed

 

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