New Years Fashion Resolutions

Hola Chicas!
I'm finally back in NYC!!!
I can't lie...going from 70 degrees, beautiful water, and blue skies to 40 degrees and gray is a bit of a bummer. But I'm excited to party it up for New Years in NYC!

So of course with the New Year comes New Years resolutions.

Last year, I had exactly five fashion resolutions. Let's see how I did!
My first was..
1. No more cheap shoes!

I'd had several horrid experiences with broken heels and the like. There was my black stiletto that snapped while walking down 5th Avenue; my Nine West pumps that sprung a leak by my pinky toe; and countless other tales of woe and pain.
Thankfully I invested in Cole Haan Nike Air pumps as I mentioned here...
...And the pain, broken heels, and cracks are over!
Hallelujah!
The second...
2. Chill on Chinatown!

I'd been caught in the past with a few fake items from my trip to China. Tired of the ridicule, I decided to take Kimora's advice:

Don't buy fake luxury-brand pieces--the people you're trying to impress will know right away you got that Louis Vuitton on Canal Street. Go for unexpected middle pieces from middle-tier brands (the ones other women probably won't pick)

...the words of a true fashionista! I went ahead and followed Kimora's counsel when finding a new work bag. I invested in another Cole Haan creation...
It's big, red, and fits everything!
My next resolution from last year was to get...
3. One status bag.

For some reason, I stopped lusting after the status bags. While any classic should be a part of a woman's wardrobe, I haven't had the extra funds to indulge. Perhaps I can look into this for the New Year....

4. J.Crew in moderation.

My obsession with J. Crew used to be embarrassing. All the people in there knew me or thought I worked there! I'm proud to say that I haven't purchased one cable knit sweater this year. I did indulge in this jacket...
...and a bit of cashmere....but I'm getting better (promise)!
Lastly:
5. Fashion Shows, Fashion Shows, Fashion Shows!

When I first started blogging, I was lucky if I had an invite to one show. Thanks to the Fashion Bomb I've been able to go to shows large and small from Baby Phat to BCBG. And I plan on going to even more this coming February!

So that does it for resolutions from last year. For this year, I only have a few...

1. Take The Fashion Bomb International.
I started with the Bahamas...
... but I really want to give you guys a taste of urban global fashionista flavor. I've got my sights set on Europe, Africa, and even Asia. Let's get er done!

2. Chill on the big ticket items.
As you can see above, I've made some pretty big wardrobe investments this year. At this point, I no longer need to spend a grip on wardrobe essentials; my focus should be small, inexpensive items to complement what I have. I promise, this year, I'll shop more vintage, more Forever 21, and spend less than $100 on any one item. You don't have to spend a ton to have great style. Remember Kesh??
She said "Nearly everything you see me wearing costs less than a large pizza. I dress so cheap I should be homeless!"
It can be done!

3. Lastly... Take The Fashion Bomb to the stratosphere!
This means more updates, more shows, more cool designers and great picks. Also, more reader participation. Tell me what you'd like to see more so I can give you a better experience!

Think that's all. What are your resolutions?
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Looks like the Fashion Bomb will be partying with the JI Group for New Years!
...bring your flyest, cause I'll be watching (and taking pictures)! Tix are now $175, purchase by clicking here.
*Posts have been a bit sporadic with the holidays and vacation, but I promise to resume normal posting (mail bombs and all) in the New Year!

Junkanoo: Short Recap

Hey Guys,

Don't really have *much* time to update today, so I'm going to give you a few pictures:

To give you the feeling of Junkanoo!

Hope you're enjoying the holiday. This is my last day in the Bahamas. I'm gonna go run and soak up the sun!

Smootches!

Merry Christmas

Almost forgot....

Merry Christmas!

Junkanoo is tonight, and I'm pretty sure my cousin and I are going.

Stay tuned (hopefully) for a full report tomorrow!

Smootches!

Real Style: Nassau

Merry Christmas Eve!
So surprise, surprise. I brought my black lappy with me to the Bahamas! And while I'm on vacation, I knew that I wanted to capture a bit of Bahamian Chic.
My cousins took me to the Carnival...
...which is basically Coney Island on a smaller scale.
I went with my early Christmas gift (a sleek Canon Powershot) determined to find some Real Style for y'all.
To prepare, I asked my cousin what was in style on the Island. She revealed:

1. Even though it averages 70 degrees here, any winter wear, including boots with fur were in.

2. Shoes and bag MUST match.

3. As long as your hair is done, the rest of your outfit can pass. She referred to a '28 piece' which is basically a complicated weave style that involves approximately 28 pieces (or more!).

With that information, I went out to find a few Bahama Mamas:
I snapped this couple first...
...they looked fresh and clean in white shirts and jeans.  I admired how the lady's mustard shoes matched her mustard and brown bag (and her earrings).
Next, I had to stop this group...
...they had great energy, and I took note of the young lady sporting boots with fur trim.  
This group...
...would've won the Real Style award if there was one! Not only were they dressed to kill in satin, pumps, and skinny jeans, but there were so many 28 pieces, I couldn't count! And check how second from left's shoes match her purse and her hair. They better work!
I did catch up with some of the guys...
...who seemed to keep it pretty simple in polos, t-shirts and jeans.
But then I took a close look at homeboy in the middle's shoes....
...the tag was still on! I almost died. Perhaps that'll catch on in New York?
Anyway I'm having a delightful time with my cousins, eating loads of cracked conch, conch salad, Rice & Peas, Guava Duff, and Goombay Punch. I'm literally in heaven.
Hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday!
I'll be back stateside towards the end of the week.
Until then....
Smootches!

Best of 2007: Fashion Bomb Readers

Hey Y'all,

So I'm finally home! Sorry for the delay; I got in late last night and slept in (naturally) this morning. As I type, I'm watching an afternoon poutpourri of the Finest Television (Maury, Judge Mathis, Judge Judy). It's divine. 

But enough about me. Another huge highlight for the Fashion Bomb's past year: YOU!

In 2007 you guys really came out to represent like never before, showing me your style for The Fashion Bomb's various contests, and also displaying your fierce sense of chic just because. We've had readers from NYC...
...to the Chi...
From New Orleans...
...to Toronto....
From College Students...
...To Mothers...
And everyone in between!
You may not know it, but you guys motivate ME to update this blog with fresh content every day. When I'm having a bad day and it seems that all is going down, down, down...I open my e-mail and see a positive comment or someone who has a question for me, and it clears away all the doldrums.

In sum, this blog exists largely because of...
YOU!
Thanks for reading! You're the bomb!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Only one more day of the year recap before I ship off to the motherland (aka the Bahamas) for next week. Don't know if you know, but my mom's family is straight from Nassau...so we're all going down to enjoy the fabulous weather and Junkanoo (carnival on Christmas Day). I couldn't find my camera charger (no annoying), but I'm gonna really try to capture the moment for y'all--true authentic Bahamian style. Buck! 

Best of 2007: Fashionista Extraordinaire

Hey!

So when I was thinking of who should be The Fashion Bomb's pick for Fashionista Extraordinaire 2007 (aka the Diva with the Flyest Style), I knew there were a lot of contenders.

Would it be Beyonce, whose name makes it to Mail Bombs almost every week....

....with style scouts yearning to duplicate her look?

Kerry Washington....
...who seems to live on the party circuit with a bevy of hot frocks in her quiver?

Or someone a little bit subdued, like socialite Genevieve Jones...

....who makes it to all the see-and-be-seen events, but tends to escape your typical gossip blogs?

After some serious thought, and looking at who you guys request the absolute *most* for Mail Bombs, I must say that this years Fashionista Extraordinaire is....

...Rihanna!

Yep it is. Why?

This Caribbean Queen has been working everything from glamazon frocks...

...to more casual yet super cute sweater dresses...

...and the hottest winter coats...

...with undeniable style since the beginning of the year.

She truly mixes it up and manages to do it all, from rocker chic....

...to more classic items with a twist....

...while looking absolutely flawless.

While she might shop straight off the runway on some occasions in favorites like Gucci and Zac Posen...

...in other situations, you can tell that she takes the stylistic reins and works it out on her own.

Also, the true test of an Uber Fashionista: Style doesn't even stop...

...with a boot on her foot.

So Kudos to you, Rihanna...

...for rocking it out Fashion Bomb style for the '07.

Do you agree?

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*I leave on a jet plane tonight for Atlanta. I'm bringing my black lappy, and will try to update, but...no promises!
*Mary J. Blige and Patti Labelle don't care a stitch about Peta, do they?
...they rocked floor length furs at Mary's album release party last night in NYC.
I'll confess: I'm looking to rock a cute, short fur for New Years and My Birthday (Mark your calendars, January 12th!). But I'm thinking of getting something vintage...somehow a used fur seems more ethical? Or perhaps I'm delusional...
*Calling All Designers!
The Uptown Emerging Designers Market (UEDM) is a monthly market that will take place at the Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem starting in February 2008. The UEDM will allow up-and-coming designers a fun and profitable environment to display their talents and sell their creations to the general public. Whether you're a designer of clothing, jewelry, bags, interior decor or more, the UEDM offers you a unique opportunity to showcase your designs! In addition to a selection of exclusive clothing & accessories, the UEDM will include great music, cocktails, and an engaging exhibit provided by the Hip Hop Culture Center.
For more information about vending opportunities or to be added to the UEDM mailing list, please contact UptownEDM@gmail.com .
*Deal of the Day:
Frye Sunny Pleated Short Boots, $124, shopbop.com