Mail Bombs: Beyonce's Grey Pumps, Gabrielle's Reem Acra Gown, and Victoria Beckham's Posh Look!

It's Friday!
Let's do what we do best!
First Marchelle says, "I was wondering if you can tell me who designed the grey platforms Beyonce's wearing here..."
"...I would so loooove to get my hands on them!"
Adriana says, "Beyonce's rocking a version of these suede Casadei heels with a crocodile skin-covered platform, part of Casadei's Crocodile Shock collection from Fall/Winter 08-09:"
"...Visit www.cassadei.com for store locations."
Next, Camille says, "Could you help me find the name of the designer of the black dress Gabrielle Union wore to the BET Honors?"
"...Luv it!"
Gabby's wearing the black version of this Reem Acra Pre Fall 2009 gown...
Get a similar look with this $250 ABS Allen Schwartz Black Jersey One Shouldered Gown:
...from www.bluefly.com.
Anne says, "I really need your help replicating this outfit worn by Victoria Beckham..."
"...The skirt doesn't necessarily have to be leather, I just want it to be the same color. Thanks so much!"
Adriana says, "Here's how to get the look of the may-jah one herself:"

1. Marc Jacobs Brown Square Sunglasses, $98. 2. Banana Republic Stretch Cotton Blouse, $59. 3. Steve Madden Dionne Sandal, $113. 4. Linea Pelle Women's Leather Belt, $113. 5. Charlotte Russe Twill Salmon Skirt, $23.
And in a male mail bomb, Cornelius says, "I try extremely hard to be as diverse as possible--I would rather stand out than blend in with the crowd! Can you help me find this thing that Chris Brown has around his neck?"
"...I'm not sure what it's called but I think it's awesome."
Hmmm, looks like Chris is wearing a Snood, an accessory that is both a scarf and a hood. If you want to spend, Barney's has this Elder Stateman version for $1,138:
If that's too much, try this Fair Isle Knit Snood for $15 from Urban Outfitters:
Good luck!
Now for wardrobe queries!
Cynthia says, "Are sequined outfits going out of style? I saw this cute sequined skirt..."
"...and was wondering what it could be worn with? Would you suggest that I buy it (or will it be out of style?)"
Cynthia, sequins *never* go out of style. They're the go to outfit adornment for any high wattage event:

For your skirt, I'd say let it shine on its own, and balance out the sparkle with a low key black jacket or blazer with an eye catching clutch (go for a saucy tux aura):

Left to Right: Guess Diamond Blazer, $90. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Waistcoat, $69. Forever 21 Glitter Clutch, $17.

Lastly, Lisandra says, "I'm a 21-year-old college student and I am looking to put a few pairs of cute sneakers in my wardrobe. Something cute but still affordable, I don't want to spend more than $100 unless they are just super cute. Please help me step my sneaker game up!"
Sure. Try these affordable options:

1. Creative Recreation 'Cesario Lo' Sneaker, $80. 2. Converse Silver Sneaker, $67. 3. Alexander McQueen Puma Shoes, $92. 4. Puma Mostro Perf Sneaker, $100. 5. Diesel Women's Live Rush Sneaker, $40. 6. Adidas Adi Hoop Mid, $50. 7. Nike Track Racer Women's Shoe, $75. 8. Creative Recreation 'Dicoco' Sneaker, $100.
Pssst, check out this vintage FB post on cute, fashionable sneakers (I wrote it right after I had foot surgery!)
That does it for today:)
Have fabulous weekends! Countdown to Fashion Week begins today!
Bisous!

Get the Look: Beyonce's Samburu Hope T-Shirt

Fabsugar has the scoop on the t-shirt Beyonce was spotted wearing recently at LAX airport:
...it's a $38 Public Library's Samburu Hope T from www.boutiquetoyou.com. Proceeds of t-shirt sales benefit The Samburu Project, which works with communities in Northern Kenya to bring clean drinking water to the region.
Work it out Beyonce!

Take It or Leave It: 2008

Hey Bombshells!
Adriana here, and besides checking out all the crazy post-holiday sales, I've been thinking about which 2008 fashion trends we should leave firmly behind and which should follow us into the new year. 2008 gave us quite a few fads. Let's take a look:
Statement Bags on Red Carpets:

I love a statement bag but think they speak best when toted on the way to work or during a weekend afternoon of errands--not at an awards show. Leave it in '08!
Nerd Glasses on Dudes:

I might be one of the very few to say this: personally, I dug this trend (though will admit it did get slightly played out) and admire when guys step away from the BAPE t-shirt and retro Air Jordans uniform. Take the trend to '09!
Rihanna's Vamp Swagger:

It's true: imitation is one of the highest forms of flattery. But you know it's bad when even superstars like Beyoncé start to copy pop's reigning fashion queen. Stars and stylists have enough fabulousness of their own (that's why they do what they do!) to come up with more original and personalized looks. Let's leave it in '08 and hopefully find other ways to be edgy in '09. Which leads us to Emerging Stylistas:

'08 saw lots of stars come out of the fashion closet and step their game up fiercely. Keyshia Cole, Cassie, Keri Hilson, and Solange are just some of the divas who put themselves on the style map with fresh looks that were fashionable and distinct. We need more originals: let's take it with us to '09!
Also in '08: celebrity clothing lines, Herve Leger dresses, stars. vs. models on fashion magazine covers. Which could you take or leave?
~Adri

Would you Rock? Funky Sunglasses

Rihanna was spied with Chris Brown in LaGuardia airport after this weekend's Z100 Jingle Ball wearing a pair of one-of-a-kind retro specs:
In attempts to further distinguish themselves from the masses, it seems stars are popping on increasingly more out-the-box sunglasses, even if the pair fails to block the sun and encumbers their vision:

Since we typically take fashion cues from our fave celebs, I must ask: would you rock super funky sunglasses?
*Apparently Kanye borrowed the idea for his sunglasses from Sho'nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, in 'Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon' [via Gawker]:
Does anyone else remember that movie? Ha!
In case you don't:

lol

Breaking into Fashion: Celebrity Makeup Artist Jackie Gomez

If you've coveted Beyoncé's, Zoe Saldana's, or Kelly Rowland's makeup lately, chances are Jackie Gomez's talented brush created that fabu look!Jackie, whose clients have also included Jennifer Lopez, Ciara, and R&B ingenue Natasha, took a sec from her hectic schedule (she was prepping for none other than Bee when we connected) to share makeup tips and how she rose in the biz.Jackie began at 19 by assisting as many established makeup artists as she could, and credits her "drive and ambition" as motivation to start booking her own jobs. "As a Latina, I know the importance of loving one's exotic features and use that, along with makeup, to make women feel and look amazing."Jackie recommends that you "practice makeup all the time--the more you do it the better it becomes." She also stresses the importance of apprenticing, keeping an eye towards striking out on your own, and being confident enough to develop your own style!
She also brought it with a few makeup pointers! Here are her Top 5 Makeup Tips:
1. Eyes should be flirtatious and gorgeous, so have fun! Lashes look best when they're darker than eyebrows, and several coats of mascara will give you a false lash effect.2. Keep eyebrows in their place: your eyes need a frame to appear balanced. Tip: use a stencil for a perfect brow.
3. Blush is very important! It sculpts the face and gives it life. Go for a bronzer with a peachy blush for a sexy glow.4. Foundations are meant to even out your skin, and they should be a little more yellow than pink for a flawless tone.
5. To prevent eyeliner from running, go over it with a cotton swab dipped in dark eyeshadow.
Did I mention that she's also a favorite of the guys? John Legend, Marc Anthony, the Clipse, and Hurricane Chris are fans!
And you know I had to get the 411 on her favorite makeup things:1. Tarte Park Avenue Princess Bronzer, $28 2. Korres "Guava" Lip Butter, $9 3. Makeup Forever High Definition Foundation, $40 4. Christian Dior Diorshow Mascara, $24 5. NARS "Crazed" Blush, $25 6. M.A.C Lashes #35, $12
Check out more on Jackie at her site, http://www.jgmakeup.com/!
Adri
Much thanks to Nikki P. ;-)

Random Thoughts: Beyoncé & Rihanna Swap Styles, Grace Jones, Robin Givhan on Sarah Palin, Next Throwback?

Remember when people accused Rihanna’s style of being too much like Beyoncé’s?

Now some people are saying Bee is looking quite similar to Ri:

Does this mean we’ve come full-circle?
Off-topic, I would love to see them do a song together on some “The Boy is Mine 2009.” Not just for the song—can you imagine the video wardrobe??

Ever since Fashion Bomber Erica sent in that Grace Jones album cover, I've been obsessively watching GJ videos on the 'Tube. Especially "My Jamaican Guy":

So avant-garde and fashion-forward--GJ is underappreciated as a style icon, I think. BTW, recognize this song as the sample for another icon's sexy hip-hop classic?
I’m thinking about my next Throwback post and can’t decide what to do: Guess Jeans, Triple Fat Goose coats, or Re-Run Style?

Kidding! (on the last). But wait...hmm...Fred Berry's red, white, and green are giving me a crazy idea. Hmm! OK, I'm hyped. Off to start work on it now...
P.S. If you haven't already read it, I highly, highly recommend Robin Givhan's piece on Sarah Palin's style. As usual, Ms. Givhan is right on point (and funny) with her analysis.
~A

Hot! or Hmm..: Keyshia Cole, Mel. B., The Simmons Sisters

Quite a few Hot or Hmms this Thursday morning:

Keyshia Cole celebrated her birthday the other night in this zippered, cap-sleeved, pink Herve Leger mini-dress. Crystal studded jewelry and a sleek hairdo set off her sexy, feminine look. But not sure about that peek-a-boo bra, hmm...

Over at Tuesday night's MOBO (Music of Black Origins) awards in London, Mel B. and Estelle rocked two eye-catching looks. Mel B. rocks a futuristic pink silk dress with crystal accents and silver pumps, while Estelle sports a strapless, bubble-hem frock from Giles's Spring 2009 collection with black ankle boots. There are some elements of Hot but quite a bit of Hmm going on here. I do like that both these ladies frequently take fashion risks, though.

And Vanessa and Angela Simmons, seen here attending Crispin & Basilo's Spring 2009 runway show in L.A. earlier this week, are rep'ing their usual casual-chic style: Angela in a red satin number with a sweetheart bustline and a tutu skirt, Vanessa in simple leggings with a white tunic and cinched black leather belt. I feel more Hot than Hmm here but maybe I'm biased because I usually enjoy the Simmons sisters's young and fresh style.
Thoughts, FB'ers?
P.S. For those of you who asked which designer yesterday's Hot or Hmm (Beyoncé) was wearing, we're pleased to report that La Knowles-Carter was wearing a bodysuit from Etro's Fall 2008 RTW line.
~A

Hot! or Hmm..: Beyonce at TRL

One of our favorite trendsetters, Beyonce, hit up TRL yesterday to promote her upcoming double-disc album I Am:

Wearing slouchy, patent leather platform boots and a strapless black catsuit with a tutu-like beaded skirt, Mrs. Knowles-Carter looks both sexy and cute in an outfit that made me go a little "Hmm..." at first but the more I look at it, the more I think "Hot!"
Agree or disagree?
Adriana

Morning Quickie: The Met Ball

Fashionistas and Celebutantes of every stripe converged last night for the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A few pictures of Fashion Bomb esque celebs:
...snaps to Thandie Newton for going with a mid thigh lingerie inspired dress along with sexy gladiator sandals! She really pushed the envelope (as you can see, most people wore floor length Princess gowns).
And I've got to give it to Kimora for also thinking outside the box in her colorful creation.
Beyonce looks like she's pageant ready in her champagne gown, and J. Lo quite demure in her ice blue frock. Zoe Kravitz stepped it up significantly, and Iman looked radiant, as usual.
If I had to pick a winner, I'd go with Kimora for picking something appropriate yet interesting (I wonder who designed her dress..?).
But what about y'all? Whose outfit fits your fancy?

Spring Must Have: Leather Jacket

Hey!

So I don't know how the weather is in your neck of the woods, but it's certainly a hair above chilly here in NYC!
I've been trying, futilely, to wear my trench coat, but this brisk weather calls for something a little more hefty even though it's officially spring.
A great in between outerwear piece is a leather jacket: it's light enough to peel off if the sun peeks out, yet warm enough for morning chills. Bonus: you can take it out again for transitional weather in the fall.
Celebs already know the deal:
Newlywed Beyonce wears a traditional black leather jacket out with her hubby...
Erykah Badu and Keyshia Cole also go for black, but spice it up with quilted panels...
And Alicia Keys and Rihanna punch up the style in tobacco and red leather options...
...with stunning results.

Guys almost exclusively rock the leather look when out and about:
Best man Jay-Z also goes for black, but with a twist...
John Legend and Andre Benjamin favor brown jackets with aviator elements...
And of course style czar Kanye West pops on a jacket that strikes a balance...
...in neutral grey with an edgy silhouette. Alexis looks pleased!

Want a leather look?

Ladies, try these high and low priced options:

Top Row: Andrew Marc Black Leather Zip Bomber Jacket, $315, www.bluefly.com; Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $198, www.bebe.com.

Bottom Row: Cropped Leather Jacket, $65, www.newport-news.com; Jamison Hendrox Cropped Leather Jacket, $594, www.tobi.com.

And guys, no worries, I've got you covered:

Top Row: INC International Concepts Quilted Leather Jacket, $150, www.macys.com; Leather Moto Jacket, $425, www.armaniexchange.com.

Bottom Row: Leather Bomber Jacket, $209, www.asos.com; Public School Baldwin Jacket in Grey, $668, www.tobi.com.

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*I normally don't do these, but when I saw a recent picture of Porschia Coleman (Russell Simmons' new boo), I swore it was deja vu:

Who wore it better?
* Mel B unveils her new line, Catty Couture. [Perez]
*The New York Times on how some bloggers...
...literally blog 'til they drop. Please note, this IS NOT ME! I'm sure that's obvious, but I'm just sayin'...[NYTimes]
*The Fashion Bomb Meet & Greet is about a week away...
...have you RSVP'd?? It's not too late! RSVP to rsvp@tecasan.com. I'll see you at Te Casan (382 West Broadway) on Wednesday, April 16th!

*Voting for the Glam Awards ends April 10th...

As Mariah would say, let's make it happen!