Intern Post: London Trends

Hey!
So today interns Adriana and Natalie collaborated for a piece highlighting trends on the London scene. By scouring hot fashion sites GlamCanyon, Style Slicker, and Hoy Photo Blog, they came up with some great examples.
Thanks, interns, for kicking off one of the Fashion Bomb's first international posts!
Enjoy!
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Hey FB’ers!
Adriana here to give you a super quick rundown of some of London's most popular fashion trends!
The First: Ladylike looks influenced by the styles of the 1940s:
...this look is characterized by pencil skirts, bows, Betty Grable-esque shorts, peep-toe shoes, and clutches. Natalie confirms, “This summer, sophisticated with sass seems to be the rule.” Alright!
Second Trend: world fashion and ethnic prints:
...Natalie says, “To experiment with shapes we go for a more Asian look with sari patterns and pop on belts to add some structure.” Chunky jewelry and flat leather sandals also complement the look.
Trend # 3: Two-toned hair, neon colors, throwback shades, and funky earrings:
...this look is a combination of the styles of rapper MIA and singer Kelis who enjoys tremendous UK popularity.
Lastly, a look at London fashion would be incomplete without mentioning one of England’s grandest traditions: women’s hats.
...The annual Ladies Day at the Royal Ascot races (one of England’s most touted social events) is also a showcase for some of Europe’s hottest millinery designers, including Philip Treacy, VV Rouleaux, and Cherry Chau.
That does it for my quick rundown! Many special thanks to my fellow intern Natalie for her valuable input and assistance!
Cheers,
Adriana
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Looks cool! Hey you London readers: Did Adriana and Natalie get it right?
Let me know!
Smootches!

Tracy Reese Sale, Solange for Armani Jeans, and Metallic Sneaks and Shorts for the NY Times

Ever have one of those days when nothing seems to look right? And no matter how many accessories you pile on, nothing 'works'? I'm having one of those days. But hopefully the info below will brighten my (and your spirits)...

*Tracy Reese is taking an additional 10 percent off merchandise already marked down 40 to 60 percent off.
When: Mon.–Wed. (11–7); Thurs. (11–8); Fri.–Sat. (11–7); Sun. (noon–6). Where: 641 Hudson St., nr. Gansevoort St. (212-807-0505)
*Speaking of Madame Reese, her company announced this week that it will be collaborating with Keds for a shoe line of ballet flats and peep toe wedges scheduled to drop this spring.
Tracey says: “I am thrilled to collaborate with such an iconic brand and excited about fusing the Plenty by Tracy Reese eclectic and wordly designs with casual footwear.”
*The New York Times deems metallic sneaks all the rage:
The article says, "Picking up on the silver and gold tones recently trotted out by Supra, Nike, Converse and others, fashion houses like Dior, Lanvin, Pierre Hardy and Gucci have come out with metallic sneakers, slip-ons and even low-heeled jazz shoes." One of my better dressed male friends also likes Yohji Yamamoto's worn with a fitted t and creased jeans. Hot! [NYTimes]
*Guy Trebay gives men the pass to wear short shorts in the summer...
The Fashion Bomb photographed this trend at the JC Report Launch Party in May...
But I wonder: once the trend is written about in a major paper, does that mean the wave has passed? Or does it give the fashion feeble the green light to go?
*NY mag reports that Solange will be the new ambassador for Armani Jeans...
They say, "Solange has been hitting up the red carpet with her sister for some time now, but since she was with Beyoncé, no one really cared what she did all day aside from stand next to Beyoncé. But now that she's ridden her sister's fame train all the way to Armani campaign-dom (Beyoncé signed on as the face of Armani's Diamonds fragrance last year) and she's got Giorgio in her court, that could change." The mag's blog goes on to say that this is all strategic positioning for her new album. Clever, but none of this will make me buy that. Just sayin'...[NYMag]
*Hmm, yeah ok, none of that brightened my day, but this did:

Enjoy! Source

Style Verdict: Solange

Hey!
So today, I'm going to introduce a new feature: Style Verdict.
While most stars hit the chic quotient out of the park, others, you're not too sure. Instead of profiling them in a typical Style File, I'm leaving it up to you guys as to whether this celeb is Fashion Bomb material. You decide: Does this star have style? Or are they still a work in progress?
Today's subject is Beyonce's little sis...
...Solange.
Admittedly, it must be hard playing second fiddle to the force that is Beyonce, but perhaps Solange holds her own on the fashion front? Let's take a look:
Knowles # 2 seems to favor flattering hour glass silhouettes comprised of dresses with seriously accentuated waists:
...and tops with short frilly skirts...
...worn with cute stilettos.
For red carpet events, performances, or nights on the town, she flaunts her form in freekum dresses...
..with more casual outings warranting head to toe black...
...with the neon accessories thrown in to great effect:

Not bad!
While she gets it right on some occasions, at times Solange leaves us scratching our heads:
This bejeweled neck is cute, but white shoes, why?
This Champagne frock won't send her to the fashion police, but it's shapeless design might get her cited...
A flapper dress is always pretty, but this hemline might be too matronly for such a young buck...
...and we all remember these purple tights, which did nothing for her standard black and white ensemble.
So is Solange a certified style star? Or is she still creepin on a come up?

Online Surveys & Market Research

Smootches!

Nine West + New Balance and Marie Claire Internships!

*If you love Solange, check out her first vlog:

I couldn't sit through more than a minute, but maybe you can!
*Enter the code 'thefashionbomb' for 20% off Melanie Auld Jewelry at www.melanieaulddesigns.com. A few offerings:
Top Row: Gold Filigree Earrings, $50. Stackable Rings in Silver, $26.
Bottom Row: Three Chain Gold Necklace, $220. Anchor Necklace, $54.
Check out www.melanieaulddesigns.com for more!
*Apparently Marie Claire Magazine is looking for Fall Interns:
Fashionista.com says, "The massive fashion glossy needs Fall interns for their closet, and if you're in college and willing to work really hard, you might get to enter the Hearst Tower every day until December..." If you've got what it takes, send your resume and a short email to Abby Kalicka (akalicka@hearst.com). Good luck! As an aside, I was looking for women of color for the sample Marie Claire cover and couldn't find any...go in and let 'em know you exist!
*Now, this is interesting. Well, we all know how I love Cole Haan Nike Air Pumps for their chic cushiness...but we also know that those shoes are quite an investment. Well, Nine West took the reigns and decided to partner with New Balance...
...to produce new active fashion wear for Spring 2009. Which means comfort and style for a more affordable price. Can't wait to see!

Boutique Spotlight: Runway

Hey!
So while I was out in LA, I did get a small amount of time to do a little shopping. I ran across a cute, black owned boutique called Runway ...
...located at 807 S. La Brea Avenue.
Owned by former fashion stylist Fatima Dodson, Runway provides a mixture of contemporary, vintage, and local designs for affordable prices:
The colorful, laidback, artistic store has fashionable jeans, tops, dresses, and accessories with prices ranging from $25-$85 (Note: someone in LA called it 'expensive.' I was like, try coming to New York!!). At any rate, I looked around and quickly found a few Fashion Bomb worthy items:
This deconstructed dress by local designer Tawni Marie Lucero is affordable at $85...
..this patterned skirt is $55 and the $45 black top and $22 belt complete the look...
...a tie-neck dress for $65...
...and this spaghetti strapped summer ready dress is $68.
I chatted with Fatima, who told me that Runway hosts monthly fashion shows featuring makeup application, shopping, and mingling. If you're ever in LA, it seems that the blog Look Book LA (www.lookbookla.blogspot.com) always has the scoop!
Unfortunately Runway doesn't have a website, but drop into 805 S. La Brea Avenue if you're ever in Los Angeles. For more info, you can also e-mail runwayboutique1@yahoo.com or call 323-965-1877. Tell 'em I sent ya!
Smootches!

Nelly for Sean Jean + Slowing Mag Sales

*Diddy reveals that his new Sean John underwear model is none other than...
...Nelly. Hm, gimme a sec, let me wipe up that drool. Diddy explains, "[Nelly] has the attitude, the swagger, and most of all the physique that our customers can both aspire and relate to … And let's be honest, all of the ladies out there are going to be thanking us for this campaign." THANK YOU!!!
*WWD reports that Karl Lagerfeld plans to debut a 52 minute documentary...
...directed by Thierry Demaizière and Alban Teurlai. “...Featuring in-depth interviews with Lagerfeld, as well as footage of the designer in action, the film explores his life story, starting with his childhood in Germany” and “sharing memories of his mother”. Hmh. I'm not quite sure how I feel about Karl anymore. After I read on Cut, Sew, and Blog that Chanel shows have only featured two African-Americans over the past 17 collections, I'm tempted to cry foul! Karl is a genius, but something about Karl is now seeming a bit crotchety and old fashioned. Read this post on Cut, Sew, and Blog, and let me know what you think.
*The Blog Chic and Untrobled wonders where the models are after viewing Carla Bruni on the cover of Vanity Fair...
...Good question. The First Lady of France gracing a mag cover, rapper Nelly in an ad campaign. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying. [Chic & Untrobled ]
*Perez sez that magazine sales are way down:
..including lots of fashion pubs. Uh oh. [Perez Hilton]

The Fashion Bomb's LA Meet & Greet!!!

Good Morning Neighbors!!!
I'm finally functioning after my whirlwind trip to the West Coast. The California weather was absolutely lovely--as were the people! My trip seemed super duper short...I'll have to go out there again and stay a little longer. But enough about me...I'm sure you're wondering how the Meet & Greet went...
It was, in a word, fabulous! Check out a few pictures:
Fashion Bomb readers Vanessa and Tearra put together the mother of all Meet & Greets! They coordinated a performance by R& B artist Barsheem, an artistic exhibition highlighting paintings by Synthia Saint James (think Cosby show), and a three part fashion show featuring LA Designers Tracy Grimes, Pinky Rose, and DeliseAna ...all for little old me!!
Thankfully, lots of LA urban fashionistas made the trek out to Pinky Rose to enjoy the festivities:
Lori of the blog Lipstick, Lace, and Brass Knuckles brought a friend to come and say 'hey'. They looked California cool in their print dresses and brightly colored shoes...
These LA hotties represented the West with a fashion potpourri of mini and maxi dresses worn with metallic flats...
These ladies mixed casual and chic with two friends wearing stilettos, while another opted for a more relaxed look...
With prints on tops and dresses, these divas look ready for a day at the beach...
Exotic prints seemed to be a burgeoning trend, with these friends opting for zebra and leopard print accessories, tights, and shoes...
..and even a few LA guys rolled through, one wearing a Marc Jacobs T-Shirt (featuring Dita Von Teese) with bubble gum pink sneaks, the other sporting stylish red sunglasses and a cute pooch.
Of course I had to jump in a few!
(From Left) Designer Delise' Ana, Fashion Bomb super reader Tearra, moi, and FB Super Reader # 2 Vanessa...
We had to take a picture with the delightful Synthia Saint James...
Snapped a quick pic with R&B artist Barsheem (check him out at http://www.myspace.com/lovemuszerecordingss)
And yours truly with the owner of Pink Rose Boutique, Pinky (note the Synthia Saint James Painting in the background).
It was the bomb!!!
There are so many people I want to thank!
Thanks to Pieces Boutique in Brooklyn for providing my Tibi Dress and earrings, Rosario at Oh My Nappy Hair for the crimped 'do, and Kelly at MAC Cosmetics at the Beverly Center for the makeup.
Thanks to Vanessa and Tearra for coordinating such a great event. I'm sincerely touched! Thanks to Barsheem for your amazing performance, designers Tracy Grimes and DeliseAna for providing such great fashion, Synthia St. James for your artistry, and Hint Beverages for refreshments. Thanks to Pinky Rose for providing a venue!!!
And THANKS to all of you, friends (shout out to Jamie, Kelley, Taylor, Caleb, Catarina, Tina) and readers who came out to make the Fashion Bomb's first non-NYC event such a success!! We're just getting started...
Stay tuned on Facebook or Myspace for pictures, videos, and more about the designers and artists featured at the Meet & Greet.
Until then...
Smootches!
PS Someone asked me if I was on tour (i.e. if I was doing this in other cities). I actually hadn't thought of it, but why not??? I think my next stop must be my hometown of ATL. We'll do it big and get crunk (fashionably of course)!