Mail Bombs

Yet another fabulous Friday!
Time for some fun!
Several people wrote in inquiring about Alicia Keys' shoes in this picture:
Alero says, "Do you have any idea who makes them or have you seen anything similar?"
Stellar intern Adriana searched, and found that Ms. Keys is wearing these Dior Mary Janes:
...go to www.diorcouture.com for retail locations.
In yet another Alicia Keys request, Jaime wanted to know how to get this hot dress...
...According to this source, she's wearing a Calvin Klein creation. The closest approximation I could find was this Calvin Klein Wool Jersey Dress...
...available for $1,603 at www.net-a-porter.com.
Loads of people were also interested in Alicia's shoes, but the terns and I searched with no luck! If you can find the brand plus a link or picture, I'll send you a Fashion Bomb T! E-mail thefashionbomb@gmail.com with your answer!
Update! You guys are so fast!
Tammi C wrote in saying, "Alicia's shoes are Sergio Rossi..."
"...check them out here." Go to www.sergiorossi.com for price and buying info (warning his shoes average about $700...though one reader wrote in saying, "I will eat Ramen for these!!") Anything for fashion, huh? Anyway, congrats Tammi!
In non Alicia Mail Bombs, Aisha from London says, "I am obsessed with Keyshia Cole's top..."
"...It is fire!! I want it...I need it, I am obsessed with it...lol, where can I find it?? The best feature of the shirt is the ruffled neck line for me."
It looks like Keyshia's wearing this $222 Warhol Factory X Levi's Ruffle Tux Tank...
...from www.barneys.com.
Now for a few wardrobe queries.
Nina from Washington, DC writes, "After getting rained on today while trying to hold my toddler and hold an umbrella, I've come to the conclusion it is high time I got a rain coat with a hood. All the ones I've found are not fashionable in the least! I know they must exist. Can you point me in the right direction? My current budget is around $100...but I'm always interested in seeing the beauty that I can't afford as well!"
Sure! Try these affordable options:
Left to Right: Gallery Short Trench Coat, $118, www.nordstrom.com; Elie Tahari Brenna Hooded Coat, $268, www.saks.com; Hooded Trench, $100, www.freepeople.com.
Next reader Raven says, "I'm a senior in high school and my prom is coming up!! I decided to do it BIG! and go with a white gown! but now I'm clueless on how to make it stand out..what color shoes and accessories should I pair with my dress..if you can please write me back i would greatly appreciate it.."
Hey there! I've done a few posts about white outfits...
...Generally, white looks great with metallic accessories...I personally think gold looks a bit more dressy than silver. For your prom make sure your accessories pop with details like stones, sequins or beads:
Top Row: Knotted Gold Leather Sandals, $30, www.stevemadden.com; Franchi Metallic Flap Clutch, $66, www.bloomingdales.com; Jacqueline Ferrar Krystal Sandal, $50, www.jcpenney.com.
Bottom Row: Elissa Bloom Jewel Pouch, $41, www.ebags.com; Guess Okanarra Evening Sandal, $99, www.macys.com; BJuliet Gold Metal Clutch, $38, www.stevemadden.com.
Next, Deesha writes in saying, "I have a party to go to this coming weekend, and I have a dress that needs some livening up. As you can see I have the shoes and the dress..."
"... but I need help with accessories, what would you recommend?"
Your dress is so simple (and cute), you can go wild with bold accessories: cascading necklaces, cuffs or bangles. Use these for inspiration:
Top Row: AV Max Gold Straight Link Necklace, $36, www.bluefly.com; Cousin Claudine Stretch Bracelets, $85, www.intermixonline.com; Xhileration Gold Toned Multistrand Necklace, $13, www.target.com.
Bottom Row: ASOS Woven Metal Cuff, $13, www.asos.com; Chains and Gem Necklace, $64, www.bebe.com; Kimberly Faith Gold Cuff, $53, Couture Candy.
Lastly, proof that you guys actually follow my advice!
Nique wrote in last week asking for shoes to match this dress:
...I suggested some silver strappy numbers and voila:
Party Perfect!
Deesha, Raven, you have to tell me how it all works out (and send pictures!)
Have amazing, fabulous weekends.
Till Monday...
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Wanna learn how to strut the Runway like a superstar??? Fashion Bomb friend Andre J is offering classes in NYC for men and women, young and old titled "Strut the Catwalk."

Click to Enlarge
According to the press release, "If your desire is to become a runway model or to enhance your current skills, then these classes are for you! Andre J has worked with top name designers, make up artists, and photographers and would love to teach you all there is to know about fashion and walking the runway." For a mere $500, you too can live the dream. E-mail ajrunway@gmail.com ... you better work!
*NY Mag's Fashion Blog imagines the Presidential Candidates in Comme des Garcons, Gaultier, and Lanvin....
...ah the magic of photoshop. [NYmag]
*Project Runway winner Christian Soriano does Puma...
...yup that's him with Fashion Bomb friend Estelle. Only one degree of separation! [MyItThings]

Get her Look: Alicia Keys

Um...have y'all seen Alicia Keys lately? Homegirl has been working it out with the dresses, pumps...everything! I've been flooded with Mail Bombs about how to get her look. I figured I'd start early with an outfit she wore yesterday to TRL:
She's no joke with her stunner shades and Louis V scarf!
If you have baller status, splurge on the following:
Top Row: Mike & Chris Nolan Jacket, $902, www.tobi.com; Calvin Klein Sleeveless T-Shirt, $80, www.yoox.com ; Valentino Swarovski Shield Sunglasses, $389, www.forzieri.com.
Bottom Row: Louis Vuitton Monogram Glitter Stole, $435, www.eluxury.com; J Brand Low Rise Cord in Coco, $158, www.revolveclothing.com; Noir Gold Hoop Earrings, $75, www.madisonlosangeles.com.
Or you could get her look for less:
Top Row: Leather Moto Jacket, $128, www.ardenb.com; Petit Bateau Dark Orange T-Shirt, $21, www.bluefly.com; Spitfire Mendoza Sunglasses, $35, www.tobi.com.
Bottom Row: Refined Silk Cashmere Scarf, $75, www.jcrew.com; BDG 5 Pocket Stretch Skinny Jeans, $49, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Large Gold Hoops, $14.50, www.gbyguess.com.
Stay tuned for more Keys love tomorrow!
Smootches!

Fashion, News and What Nots

*Have y'all heard of Martin & Osa? It's a new upscale brand by American Eagle. I took a look at their site...they have tons of cute work separates at affordable prices. A few picks:
Top Row: Scarf Neck Top, $38; Print Silk Shirt Dress, $78.
Bottom Row: Pintuck Front Shirt, $58; Bootcut Trouser Jean, $88.
Not bad! Check 'em out at www.martinandosa.com. Bonus: Get 30% off your order by entering 32619559.
*Eric Wilson of the New York Times on Steve & Barry...
...he wonders: how are the clothes so cheap? [NY Times]
*Save the Date!!!!
My homies up in Harlem are having an Uptown Emerging Designer's Market May 17th and 18th!!!
The event will feature up to 50 cutting edge designers of men's and women's apparel/accessories, complimentary cocktails, gift bags, guest DJ's and more! Plus it's free!
Wanna go? RSVP to rsvp@uptownedm.com. Also check out their website, www.uptownedm.com.
*Forbes just released the '15 top earning models,' ranking sultry catwalkers based on their yearly income. Gisele Bundchen smashed her competition, taking the first place slot with $35 million.
Fashion Bomb-esque models trail in comparison, with Selita Ebanks in 12th place at $2.7 million and Liya Kebede in 15th place with $1.5 million. See who else made the list here. [Forbes]

Mail Bombs!

Happy Friday!

So today I took the day off from work to celebrate the eve of a very special occasion...  
...My Birthday! Yay! 

So I'm going to keep this short so I can go enjoy the unseasonably warm January weather and the beginning of my self-appointed long weeked.

Let's get to it!
First up, reader Jocelyn wrote in and said, "If you could help me find this dress that Rihanna has on...
"... I would be deeply appreciative and re-committed to my New Years resolution of eating well and working out regularly. :-)"
Alright resolutions! You can get Rihanna's look for little as nothing with this $30 American Apparel Cotton Spandex Double U-Neck Dress...
...get the rest of her look with the following affordable options:

Left to Right: Enzo Angiolini Women's Maylie Peep Toe Pump, $95, www.endless.com; Sag Harbor Mixed Media Valentine Tote, $33.60, www.ebags.com; Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Bamboo Earrings, $65, www.saks.com. 

...now the New Years body, that's up to you!

Next reader Nicholas fell in love with Mary J's look in her 'Just Fine' video.

She says, "Any idea where I can get this dress or a replica???"
It looks like Mary is simply wearing a cowl neck dress with the cowl pulled up to make a hood.
Get a Mary Essence with the following replicas:
Left to Right: Ted Baker Cowl Neck Dress, $123, www.asos.com; White + Warren Cowl Neck Dress, $209, www.neimanmarcus.com; Alice Ritter Fatima Dress in Ivory Grey, $255, www.revolveclothing.com. 

You'll be fine!
Reader Naomi loved Alicia Keys' style in this picture: 
She says, "This dress is so cute! Where can I get it?"

Well, it looks like Alicia is wearing a banded Herve Leger dress.  While one of Leger's creations could run you $900, you can get an Alicia Keys like look in this $288 BCBG Tiered Satin Beaded Halter Dress...
...from www.macys.com. Not quite as tight, but close enough!
Lastly, reader Vanessa, who was kind enough to send in a picture...
...says, "I will be going to Miami soon and I have been searching for a dress with hidden pockets. I have seen some LaRok styles but none of them have all the qualities I am looking for. PLEASE HELP ME :o)"
Hey Vanessa! One of my absolute favorite designers, Diane von Furstenberg, has made of science of placing discreet pockets on pretty feminine dresses (perfect for hot Miami).
Check out a few:

Left to Right: Eyelet Wrap Dress, $163, www.neimanmarcus.com; Ayuka Dress, $241, www.pinkmascara.com; 3/4 Length Dress, $232, www.yoox.com.
Of course one needs deep pockets to afford Diane's hidden pockets, so I did a search for a few inexpensive options that are equally chic:
Left to Right: Single Dress 'Francesca' Dress, $137, www.nordstrom.com; Orion Optic Print Dress, $132.30, www.asos.com; Harkham Looking Glass Dress, $141, www.revolveclothing.com.

That's does it! There will be more next week....

Off to enjoy my birthday weekend! Hope you enjoy yours as well...

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*What do you think of these?
...they're Balenciaga's feted 'Masai' inspired earthgrippers, and if you read any fashion magazine, you can't help but be assaulted by their presence. Interesting, but is this fashion better left....
...on the runway?
*If you're not out celebrating my birthday tomorrow, check out Seasoned to Perfection's Trunk Sale...

Click to enlarge
...tell 'em I sent ya!

Best of 2007: Style Evolution

Hey!
So another weekly ritual I enjoy: Style Files.
For the most part, I keep it positive, exalting the unparalleled chic of fashionistas like Tracee Ellis Ross....
Tyra Banks...
..and even Hip Hop Girlfriends...
But sometimes, I have to do a Style Intervention for those women who just can't seem to get it right. I did one in May of this year for tennis pro Serena Williams. Let's recap:
**************************************************************************
...Serena is gorgeous, talented, and has a body I would *kill* for...and as I wrote here, her match style is fly. But while she dominates the court in bold colors and body skimming dresses...

...her red carpet choices are a bit...suspect. Let's take a look:

This dress, in a word, is gorgeous, but unfortunately the cut makes her look a little, well...masculine. While sleeveless styles should work for her, the armholes shine a spotlight on her toned, muscular arms...

This shift dress is dull, and unflattering....

...and the cut on the top of this dress makes her look more 'ironman' than superwoman. She's worked too hard for her body to cover it up, but there are styles she can adopt to look a tad more feminine.
**************************************************************************
Not the harshest criticisms, but I knew that Serena could definitely do better.

Now....I don't know if Serena reads The Fashion Bomb or what, but ever since maybe late July, Serena has been in deliciously chic frocks that work for her body while also playing up her femininity.

She sports the occasional strapless, along with a sleek black cut and strappy shoes...
Looks party perfect in deep plum halter necks that taper in at the knees....
And though she still loves to showcase her arms, she's amped up the girly factor in dresses that are just short enough with hems that pouf out a bit around mid thigh...

Two snaps for style!

Now if only she could help her sister....

Just kidding. But not really.
Anyway, congrats to Serena for the Biggest Style Evolution of 2007!
She's the bomb, y'all.
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*I must also recognize Ms. Alicia Keys, who was a 'Style Evolution' subject of a post dated June 12, 2007.

Her look has changed a bunch over the years....

... But her transformation was definitely more gradual; Serena really turned herself around in a matter of 6 months!

At any rate, kudos to both ladies, and mad props to their fabulous stylists:)

*I'm heading home tomorrow before heading to the motherland this Saturday!!! I am sooooo excited! Can't wait for some Sweet Tea and Chicken Biscuits!
*Visit Modcloth’s blog at blog.modcloth.com, and tell them what Modcloth.com items are on your wishlist! Your comment will enter you into a competition to win a $100 gift certificate! What are you waiting for?
*Even with Cavalli, H&M sales sluggish.
*The Met's new exhibit "blog.mode" is now open.
*Deal of the Day:
Dolce Vita York Lace up Pump.
Get 'em for $41.40 at shopbop.com