Spring Trend: Turquoise

Hey!
So the color turquoise has been popping up as of late on many the red carpet whether blessing full on frocks or popping with accessories. The cool color is perfect for warm weather, reflecting the clear sky and flattering most skin tones.
Let's take a look at how some of our favorites rock it:
Selita Ebanks looks stunning yet simple in a cool blue thigh length cocktail...
Serena has a similar look, yet jazzes up her ensemble with an embellished neckline and matching shoes...
Beauty Cassie shimmers in an ice blue frock and adds a belt for emphasis...
Angela Simmons, not a fan of full on blue, just adds a pop with a pair of patent turquoise pumps...
...And Ms. Fox follows suit with simple jewelry...
...worn with a neutral outfit.
Get a turquoise look with the following:
Top Row: Silky Knit Banded Dress, $58, www.rampage.com; Miranda Pendant, $148, www.coach.com; Karoo Mark Eisen Empire Tank Dress, $98, www.nordstrom.com.
Middle Row: Enamel Bamboo Hoop Earrings, $17.61, www.asos.com; Sam Edelman Gillian Sandals, $69, www.tobi.com; Cousin Claudine Stretch Bracelets, $125, www. intermixonline.com;
Bottom Row: Fausta Moretti Closed Toe Slip Ons, $139, www.yoox.com; Set Stone Turquoise Ring, $32, www.luckybrandjeans.com; RSVP Yvette Sandals, $65, www.zappos.com.
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*W Magazine is looking for interns!!

Fashionista reports, "W Magazine needs full time and part time interns for Fall '08. You should be prepared to work 2-5 days a week, for 8 - 12 hours a day. You will be working in the W fashion closet, calling in clothes, helping to pack for fashion shoots, and occasionally assisting on sets. You will be really bored and really stressed unless the only thing you have ever wanted to do is work at a fashion magazine."
So many of you write in asking me how to break into fashion...this is how!
If interested, e-mail garrett_munce@condenast.com with a short explanation of why you'd be perfect for the job (oh and your Fall '08 schedule). Do it!!

20 Summer Dresses under $100

So last week, New York Times fashion writer Guy Trebay intimated that the dress might be over...
... he quoted Anne Slowey of Elle Magazine who proclaimed, "The eye is looking for something new, and so is the psyche...The dress has been done to death..."
Hmmm, fashion magazines might be a wee bit out of touch because I personally love to throw on a dress virtually any time of year! They're easy, one stop outfits, supremely flirty, colorful, and feminine: basically perfect wardrobe staples and ideal go-to's for spring/summer.
The fashion powers that be may want you to spend money on the 'new' silhouette (pants? ugh!), but here at The Fashion Bomb, we're all about feeding your current obsessions while saving money!
So, just for you frock lovers: 20 summer dresses for $100 or less.
First, one of my favorite silhouettes: strapless dresses...

For busty girls, they offer the option to show some skin, while still wearing supportive undergarments (if you don't know, check out my past post on one of my obsessions, Fantasie's Smoothing Strapless Bra). Throw on a cardigan for the office, then take it off for post work drinks:

Top Row: Smocked Waist Strapless Dress, $69, www.bebe.com; Strapless Smocked Dress, $59, www.victoriassecret.com; Bonita Chiquita Dress in Yellow, $48, www.lulus.com.

Bottom Row: Printed Swiss Dot Alexa Dress, $75, www.jcrew.com; Cindy Dress, $75, www.calypso-celle.com; Abigail Gray and Yellow Dress, $33, www.lulus.com.
Dresses with dainty straps always look cute:
...and are perfect for a picnic or day at the beach:
Top Row: Dallas Dress, $79, www.guess.com; Scarf Print Sundress, $58, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Abbey Dress, $39.50, www.delias.com.
Bottom Row: Single Dress Francesca Spaghetti Stap Dress, $68, www.macys.com; After the Storm Dress, $55, www.modcloth.com; Ameerah Baby Doll Dress, $27.80, www.forever21.com.
Shirtdresses are simple choices for a summer job (interns, listen up!)
...they look crisp, polished, and sophisticated:
Top Row: Shirtdress, $69, www.victoriassecret.com; Rebecca & Drew Swiss Dot Shirtdress, $84, www.neimanmarcus.com.
Bottom Row:Robbie Bee Circles Shirtdress (Plus), $88, www.nordstrom.com; Ben Sherman Shirtdress, $55, www.urbanoutfitters.com.
Lastly, halters:
Reserve these for the weekend:
Top Row: Erin Halter Dress, $89, www.guess.com; Design History Marilyn Dress, $60, www.bluefly.com.
Bottom Row: Twisted Grecian Halter Dress, $77, www.asos.com; Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Mini Halter Dress, $100, shopbop.com
Dresses for all!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*My silk shirtdress (with static cling!) from yesterday was by a company called Bilingual. I swear they had a website when I bought it, but I searched and couldn't find it! I found a few Bilingual dresses here at www.pinksaloon.com. Good luck!

*One Day Special: Fashion Bomb T's are $24 + S&H. Click here to get yours!
*Glamour Magazine is having yet another panel on Women, Race, and Friendship:
Notable panelists include Bethann Hardison and Aisha Tyler.
It's next Friday, May 9th from 8:30-10:30am. That's a wee bit early for my taste (I like my sleep!), but it might worth it! At least it's before work... E-mail nora_flaherty@condenast.com to RSVP. Seats are limited!
Don't know why there's a panel? Read here.
*If you want neon nails like Rihanna...
...you're in luck!
Fab blog Chic & Untroubled reports that Essie will be releasing these juicy neon colors...
...on June 1st. Get 'em for $7 a pop at Essie.com.

Real Style: Piedmont Park + Real Talk: Getting Rid of Static Cling

Hey!
So as you know, last weekend, I was chillin in the ATL. My girls and I went out to Piedmont Park...
..and came across this lovely young lady...
...who looked summer ready in a form fitting white shirt dress, gold platform Mary Janes and a colorful bag.
Simply chic!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Here's a Real Talk quickie.
Last week the weather was beautiful, so I decided to pull out one of my fave silk shirtdresses to bless the day. I steamed it up, threw it on, but was dismayed when this happened:
...that's right! SERIOUS static cling. The men were loving the look...but the cling was so bad it was almost comical (well I thought so)! No amount of tugging could stop the dress from sticking to my legs.
I asked around and one of my coworkers recommended rubbing a dryer sheet on the inside of my dress and on my legs. Voila le resultat:
...problem solved!
My colleague also told me that hairspray sprayed on the legs can work as well.
You might've already known this trick, but I was clueless!
A dryer sheet totally saved my day:)
* Pharrell talks to the International Herald Tribune about his Blason collection for Louis Vuitton. [IHT]
*In other Louis Vuitton news, the house is suing an artist for creating this image:
"Artist Nadia Plesner created this image to satirize the lack of media attention a genocide like Darfur gathers compared with the relative overexposure of skinny women with little dogs and designer bags." Read more here. [Make Fetch Happen]
*It's confirmed! The Independent reports that Vogue Italia's July issue will contain almost exclusively black models!
Regarding a possible backlash in Italy, Franca Sozzani, Italian Vogue's Editor in Chief says, "Maybe in our country it is not the best idea. But I don't care. I think it is not my problem if they don't like it – it's their problem." Amen! When oh when will American Vogue follow suit? [The Independent]
*If anyone lives in an area without access to foreign magazine editions, I'd be happy to pick up a few copies of Vogue Italia's July issue! I'll make them available in the Fashion Bomb Shop...just pay shipping and handling. If interested, e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
*Eva's Jenny Dayco earrings mentioned in Friday's Mail Bombs retail for $101. Purchase by calling 310-621-0680.
*Glamour Mag on Plus Sized Style. [Glamour]
*Blogger Yuli channels Mary Kate for Nylon Mag in a hot Fashion Bomb Tee:
Check her out at My It Things. And get your T here. [My It Things]

Mail Bombs!

Happy Friday!
So you might notice something a little different...
The weather has been so amazing, I figured I'd switch colors to keep things fresh and reflect the warm season. Whaddya think?
Hopefully the new vibrancy won't distract too much from the business at hand...
Let's get started!
Kim from Orlando wrote in saying, "I was searching the web when I came across Cassie in this outfit..."
"...I fell in love!!!! I have to know where I can get this outfit or something similar."
Hey! I couldn't find Cassie's exact steeze, but you can definitely get her look! Start with the following tops:
Left to Right: Pinko Top, $169, www.yoox.com; Roberto Cavalli Underwear Tank Top, $188, www.yoox.com; Dolce & Gabbana Top, $419, www.yoox.com.
Then throw these relatively affordable pencil skirts in the mix to complete the 'fit:
Left to Right: Italian Glamour Satin Pencil Skirt, $98, www.bebe.com; Victoria Beckham Seam Detail Satin Pencil Skirt, $61.63, www.asos.com.
Next reader Darien says, "My graduation is coming up on May 9th so this Mail Bomb is definitely overdue! I wanted a simple sheath dress in a light color that will accentuate my curves but still be appropriate for a graduation. I fell in love with this dress that Mel B wore recently in Beverly Hills..."
"... If you could help me find it or something similar I would be eternally grateful."
White sheaths aren't hard to come by! Try these stunners for a spicy look:
Left to Right: Donna Rico Satin & Jacquard Sheath, $148, www.nordstrom.com; Magaschoni Collection Square Neck Sheath Dress, $320, www.saks.com; Members Only Scoop Neck Racer Back Dress, $330, www.revolveclothing.com.
Next Giselle says, "I wanted to know who designed the earrings..."
"... that Eva is wearing in this picture?"
According to this site, (thanks Jamie!) Eva is wearing a pair of earrings by designer Jenny Dayco (www.jennydayco.com). I couldn't find the pair to purchase online...if you want something that comes close, you can go with this $10 pair of Casablanca Chandelier Earrings...
...from www.fredflare.com. Can't go wrong for $10! They're cheap as chips as intern Natalie would say:)
Now for a few wardrobe queries!
Jamila from Birmingham, Alabama says, "I have a dilemma. I am attending the annual mother and daughter banquet that is sponsored by our church. My mother, sister, and I always sync colors for the occasion and this year we chose chocolate brown and turquoise. While my mother and sister have already found their outfits and can't seem to have the same luck. So, I need help finding something semi-formal that is brown or turquoise or both and also "church appropriate". I am a college student and I have a very strict budget."
You might have to spend a little, but these frocks fit your criteria:
Left to Right: Nicole Miller Printed Double V-Neck Dress, $200, www.bluefly.com; T-Bags Belted Floral Dress, $148, www.neimanmarcus.com; Carmen Marc Valco Halter Dress, $355, www.neimanmarcus.com.
Nique says, "I was wondering if you could help me find some great affordable shoes to complement this dress from French Connection..."

Cute Dress! Since your outfit has a lot going on with the bright color and embellishments, I 'd say go for very simple sandals. Silver shoes would match the beads, and bonus: you can wear metallic shoes with just about anything!
Try these:
Top Row: Mystique Silver Strappy Sandals, $125, www.shopkitson.com; Chinese Laundry Wesley Silver Sandal, $50, www.zappos.com; Synapse Silver Leather, $70, www.stevemadden.com.
Bottom Row: Stuart Weitzman Tataliz Sandals, $70, www.bluefly.com; Leather Buckle Flat Sandal, $48.42, www.asos.com; T-Strap Sandals with Twisted Thong Detail, $108, www.anntaylor.com.
Lastly, Stephanie from NYC says, "I'm looking for a watch for my man's birthday and I have no idea what to get since my preliminary searches came up with ones that were $1,000+. I'd like a quality piece he can wear out for most occasions and I'm partial to square faces but I'm flexible. Any suggestions?"
I found a lot of low priced, square faced options. Try these on your man:
Top Row: Diesel Three Hand Watch, $140, www.nordstrom.com; Fossil's Men's Square Case Bracelet, $125, www.macys.com; Invested 2Tone Watch, $125, www.guess.com.
Bottom Row: Men's Timex Chrono Square Face Watch, $90, www.target.com; Burberry Men's Square Dial Watch, $325, www.nordstrom.com; Dare to be Square, $105, www.kennethcole.com.

Funny, one of my first Mail Bombs dealt with the subject of cute watches for women. To reminisce on the old days, click here.
Smootches!

Claire's Life

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Went out with my buddies last night and who should I run into but songstress...
...Estelle. Check her Chanel pin, cute scarf and clutch! She better work!

If you don't know, Estelle is the chanteuse behind the smash hit "American Boy" featuring Kanye West.
Still doesn't ring a bell? Check out her viddy:

Dope! Also visit Concrete Loop for pix of her spread in Bleu Magazine.
*Word on the street: Italian Vogue shot an entire issue chock full of black models...
...hoping that other Vogues will follow suit. I'll believe it when I see it! [Fashionista]
*In non fashion news, did you hear? This ish is ridiculous...[NYTimes]
*Some of our favorite YBF's...
...hit up the BAPE store opening.[YBF]
*And, fyi, the hot pink stilettos in the Fashion Bomb's new spring/summer banner are by Jil Sander. Get 'em for $695, at Jil Sander Boutiques, in NYC and Chicago. Visit www.jilsander.com for locations.

*"Claire's sensual, confident beauty and her passionate, independent and strong character embodies today's Gucci woman."

Who, me?? No! It's Frida Giannini on Claire Danes' new role as the face of Gucci's jewelry ad campaign. Don't be silly... [WWD]

Summer Sandals Under $100

So the sun has finally started to peak out in NYC, and all I can think of is airing my toesies in some cute summer sandals.
This time is year is perfect for disposable, of the season fashion--you don't want to spend a ton on something you might not wear next year!
So I've compiled some cute summer sandals--all for under $100:
First, flats:
I'm personally stuck in flats for the next 6 months (foot surgery), so these options are apt:
Top Row: Jeffrey Campbell Natural Python Snake Gladiator Sandal, $65, www.lulus.com; Mackenzie Flat Sandals, $88, www.jcrew.com; Haiku Sandals, $90, www.guess.com.
Middle: Jeffrey Campbell Jaya Sandal, $98, www.urbn.com; BCBGirls Sammie Toe Thong, $80, www.endless.com; Klaris Sandal, $60, www.ninewest.com.
Bottom Row: Matisse Women's Scoop Ankle Open Toe Flat, $85, www.endless.com; Synapse Yellow Leather, $70, www.stevemadden.com; Sam Edelman Gold Snake Gilda Sandal, $78, www.shopkitson.com.
Not all of you are stuck in flat shoe purgatory, so you might want a few well heeled options...
...for a day at the beach:
Top Row: Ollioule, $99, www.guess.com; Michael Kors Pewter Dylan Sandals, $71, www.bluefly.com; Aerosoles Trap Door Sandals, $80, www.endless.com.
Middle Row: Report Women's Hayden Sandal, $80, www.endless.com; BCBGirls Zandra Sandal, $89, www.macys.com; Tie Leg Sandal, $55, www.asos.com.
Bottom Row: Cameron Suede Espadrilles, $99, www.jcrew.com; Enzo Angiolini Women's Looker, $99, www.endless.com; AK Anne Klein Mariah, $79, www.piperlime.com.
Now let your feet catch some sun!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*My homegirl Janet Kim who designs a dope line called Graey (www.graeyny.com) is having a trunk show this Saturday!!!

Click to Enlarge
...go drink wine and preview her Fall Collection! Tell her I sent ya!
*Guy Trebay of the New York Times on...
...the (short) fashion lifespan of the 'dress.' [NYTimes]
*Check out the Museum at FIT's Showcase on Women at the Forefront of Fashion.
*Fashiontribes is all about Eco-Chic.

Style Moratorium: Alexis Phifer

Happy Wednesday!
So when Bossip reported that Alexis Phifer and Kanye were officially over, a part of my fashion heart died.
Sure, their breakup signaled the end of a great duo, but I was more impacted by the death of Hollywood's best dressed couple. C'mon, who rocked it better than those two???
Kanye is clearly a style czar, and Alexis pulled her weight as well is amazingly flattering 'fits. Let's take a look:
Alexis favored head to toe black for everything from red carpet events to Parisian Fashion shows...
...opting for a one shoulder look on occasion...
...worn with exotic skinned clutches and matching stilettos.
When she varied it up, she kept it safe and sophisticated by pairing black with red....
...or black and white...
..providing just a pop on rare occasions whether in outfits of full on color...
...or eye catching jewelry....
...worn with neutral jumpsuits and boots.
Sharp!
Want her look?
Get Alexis' dress game with the following:
Left to Right: Larsen Gray Bouquet Ruffle Sash Dress, $229, shopbop.com
Abaete Black Gabardine Uptown Shift Dress, $150, www.bluefly.com.
Left to Right: BCBGMax Azria Strapless Beaded Taffeta Dress, $240, www.macys.com; Ruffled Shift Dress, $24.81, www.forever21.com.
For get her accessories steeze, go with these:
Left to Right: Oversized Snake Print Clutch, $26.41, www.asos.com; BA Necklace, $15, www.target.com.
Hopefully she won't be disappearing from the scene like Brooke. Homegirl's got style!
Smootches!