Friday Mail Bombs

Happy Friday!
You know what time it is...

....let's work.
First up readers Liyah and Giselle from Trinidad and Tobago fell in love with Rihanna's look from a recent shopping trip...

Giselle says, "I saw this picture of Rihanna and I fell in love with her choice of clothing –the simplicity and 'chic-ness' rub me the right way. Can you make suggestions for this look?"
I must admit, Rihanna does look fly! This style shouldn't be hard to achieve.
Start with a deep v neck sweater dress like these....

Left to right: IRO Bird Intarsia Sweater Dress, $132, shopbop.com
Zzara V Neck Knit Dress, $55, www.yesstylecom.
Or these...

Left to Right: 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent Knit Tunic Mini Dress, $230, www.net-a-porter.com; Benny B Dress, $398, www.searlenyc.com.
Layer on some necklaces:

Left to Right: Juicy Couture 'Juicy Hearts' Layered Necklaces, $95, www.nordstrom.com; Layered Snake Necklace, $34, www.urbanout.com; Nola Singer Triple Strand Necklace, $322, www.lisakline.com.
And tie on a pair of gladiator flats. They're a bit out of season, so I found these Tyler by Richard Tyler Willing Sandals...

....for only $27 at www.piperlime.com!
Next, we have a boy reader! We have a boy reader! Dontal from ATL says, "The holiday season is approaching very fast and I can't wait to see my family for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. I live in Atlanta now and my family lives in Chicago and I know I'll need a sweater for my return home. Could you PLEASE help me find the sweater that David Beckham has on?"
The terns and I searched, and ultimately found that Mr. Posh is wearing this Yves Saint Laurent sweater...
...from the Spring 2006 collection.
I assume it's no longer available in stores, so I found a few options for you.
This Chunky Zip Sweater by Brunelo Cucinelli has the same effect and a similar light color....
...but at $1,585, the sweater is in a word, ridiculous!
This $375 Vince Chunky Intarsia Cardigan is a bit more affordable, and I think it captures the essence of the Beckham sweater...
...if you don't mind the color difference, it could work.
This Diesel sweater could also work....
...and is a wee bit more affordable at $290.
Good luck braving that Chicago weather!
Next up reader Latrice says, "Can you tell me where I can get the boots Kelis is wearing..."
"...or a pair similar?"
Hey Latrice! They're a bit hard to see, but I think you're going for a gray patent or gray leather boot. Try these on for size:

Left to Right: Juicy Couture Ezra Tall Boot, $450, www.neimanmarcus.com; Without a Cause Cross Strap Boot, $80, www.urbanout.com; Bottega Veneta Patent Knee Boot, $990, www.barneys.com.
Next up, Britney Spears doesn't quite fit with the Fashion Bomb, which is why I paused when reader Lindsay wrote, "I so need this dress in my life..."
"...can you tell me who makes it?"
Ok, ok, I figured that Ms. Spears is going through it right now with her babies, mama, and life drama, so I'd show her a little love. I found a very 'Britney-esque' dress...
....and surprisingly (or not) this sheer matte jersery number is a very affordable $64 at Rampage.com.
Next, reader Jennifer wrote me an e-mail, subject "Big girl's need skinny jeans too!" She says, "I really need to find some skinny jeans in a size 16, and I'm a college student so sadly money is an issue (LOL)! But I have seen in the past that you look out for us big girls so please pretty please let me know if you find anything!!"
Of course!
These Calvin Klein Skinny Stretch Jeans...
...are $79.50 at www.nordstrom.com.
These Gap skinny jeans...
...come in several washes and go up to a size 20. They're only $59.50 at www.gap.com.
And Elita also found that these Levis Skinny Jeans come in a size 16....
...and they're also an affordable $58 at www.levis.com.
Lastly, reader Sonia wrote in saying "So I have fallen head over heels with none other than a pair of Christian Louboutin's...the Mesh Mary Jane!"...

"...Have you seen any shoe that is similar in look and less threatening to my wallet? I have been calculating how to get this shoe...it's not adding up!"
You have great taste, Sonia! That shoe is fierce, but I agree, at $820, the price is a bit exorbitant. While you can't find such exquisite craftmanship at a lower price point, intern Elita did find a few options for you that'll give you a Mary Jane feel:

Left to Right: Steven Vyxen Mary Janes, $123, www.zappos.com; Manolo Blahnik Satin Mary Jane, $545, www.neimanmarcus.com; Charles by Charles David Brava Peep Toe Mary Jane, $135, www.endless.com.
If anything those can hold you over while you save for the real deal.
There were a ton more Mail Bombs that I have answers for, but I just couldn't find time to write 'em up! Stay tuned next week...if I haven't answered yet, know that the interns and I are working on it!
Have great weekends...
Smootches!
PS In NYC? Cool reader Neah passed along this coupon for 25% off Tracy Reese's hot ready to wear items...

Click and Print
...it all goes down at her flagship store, 641 Hudson Street. I'm feeling brokish, but I may go to just peruse...we'll see how that goes...
PSS Check out my new 'topics' section in my left hand sidebar! Now you can find anything you want--Style Files, Real Style, or Cool Online Finds--just by clicking on the topic. Now all my plus sized posts are one click away...