Pregnant & Chic: Halle Berry

Hey!
So for most women, pregnancy is a time when they feel less than their best. Their waistline has expanded wildly, everything is a bit swollen, and let's be honest: it's usually not prime time for cuteness. The ever beautiful Halle Berry, however...

...bunks tradition and manages to make pregnancy look chic by wearing outfits that complement her body while maintaining her sexy.

Let's take a look:

For casual outings, Halle opts for empire waist tops that hug her bosom while skimming over her belly...

..worn with jeans in a dark rinse and sunglasses that hide weary eyes.

When she dresses up a bit, she goes with jersey wrap dresses that highlight her ample curves....

...accessorized with simple necklaces and no nonsense flats.

For red carpet events, she doesn't hide, wearing everything from dresses with plunging necklines and draped bodices...

...to more understated short dresses in black that conceal while still showing off her legs...

...accented with stiletto's or boots in black leather.

Dowdiness is not the rule for expecting moms! Channel Halle and step out in dresses in bold prints, and shirts that flaunt your body. And don't spend a ton: it's only 9 months! A few affordable outfit options:

Click to Enlarge

Top Row:Notice Maternity Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress, $52, www.nordstrom.com; Marc by Marc Jacobs Two Toned Sunglasses, $95, shopbop.com
Empire Waist Tank Dress, $49.50, www.gap.com.

Middle Row: Pleated Lace Bustier, $30, www.mimimaternity.com; Weston Wear Beaded Dress, $60, www.apeainthepod.com; Pleated Knit Dress with Charmeuse Trim, $45, www.motherhood.com.

Bottom Row: Lantern Sleeved Shirt, $125, www.apeainthepod.com; Silk Plaid Ruffle Shirt, $50, www.mimimaternity.com; Tocca Silk Blouse, $60, www.apeainthepod.com.

Here's to Momma and Baby!

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*The blog Fashionising wonders...
...is the Sex and the City movie trying too hard?

Style File: Halle Berry

"What's scary to me is Henny makes girls look like Halle Berry to me/So excuse me miss, I forgot your name/Thank you, God bless you, good night I came..." Kanye West, "Workout Plan."

Hey Guys!!
So for today's post, I decided to profile Versace model, Oscar award winning actress, and birthday girl...

...Halle Berry!
She's been in the game for a long time and her style is unique and effortlessly chic. Let's take a look:
For the red carpet she prefers frocks in skin flattering purples, fuchsias, and pinks...


...sophisticated dresses in classic greys and blacks accented by ribbons and lace...



...and seductive metallics whether floor or thigh skimming...



When she's chillin, she keeps it casual in menswear inspired vests...

...cowl neck tops...

...and tailored blazers with jeans.

Hot.
Want her look? Try the following:

Top Row: Dylan Vest, $69, www.guess.com; Laundry by Design Foil Jersey Sheath Dress, $225, www.nordstrom.com.
Bottom Row: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Purple Slip Dress, $117, www.fashionchateau.com; Chiffon Necklace Halter Dress, $148, www.whitehouseblackmarket.com
Smootches!
PS Can you believe Halle's 41!?!?! As 'they' say, "Black don't crack!"
PSS This is kinda funny.

Mail Bombs

Hey, hey!
It's Friday, and time for a few mail bombs.

I'm on a summer Friday today, so I'm gonna make it short and sweet....then go enjoy the day (it's sooo gorgeous out!)
Let's get to it!
Reader Nicole says, "Halle Berry looks great in this dress..."

"....Can you tell me who made it?"
It seems that on top of being a Versace model, Halle rocks their frocks on the red carpet. She ripped this fishscaled stunner off the runway...

...off its Spring 2007 show.
Next up reader TLCRules asks, "Do you know what dress Beyonce is wearing here?"

"...I LOVE IT!"
Well alright Ms. TLC! It seems Beyonce is a Versace fan as well, as the print for her dress was also seen on the runway...

...of their Spring '07 show.
Next up Remilekin says, "I love the dress Kerry is wearing…and I can’t find it anywhere!"

"..Since I’m ballin’ on a budget…can you give me a couple of look- a -likes in different price ranges?"
Sure! Kerry has great style as intern Suzie detailed in an earlier a post. If you want a similar grey dress, you can try this $352 Alexa Dress in Grey from CoutureCandy

But since you're on a budget, this $242 Rachel Pally Short Caftan Dress might be more reasonable...

Still too much? Try this $88 Jersey Cotton Dress in Heather Grey...

...also from CoutureCandy
Next, Chella says, "I need your help! I keep seeing all these celebs rocking these cute sequin berets..."

"...Can you help me find some??"
I can't say I support this trend, but I found sequined berets for $24 at www.urbn.com...

This version comes in black, red, and multi.
Our last celeb request for the week comes on the tail of yesterday's Nicole Richie Style File. A lot of readers thought she looked fierce in this jumper...

...and wanted her look. I actually did a post not too long ago on jumpers, and a lot of these options should still be available...

Top Row: 7 for All Mankind “Ginger” Jumpsuit, $198, www.adasa.com; Polka Dot Jumpsuit, $20, www.forever21.com; Poplin Belted Romper, $25.50, www.wetseal.com.
Middle Row: Seven Jeans Sweetheart Romper, $185, shopbop.com
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Finch Jumpsuit, $285, shopbop.com
Doty Jumper in Jet, $154, CoutureCandy
Bottom Row: XOXO Twill Button Front Jumper, $25.50, www.macys.com; Kaitlyn Shortall, $34.50, www.delias.com; Serfontaine Jean Jumpsuit, $255, (323) 782-9188.
Lastly, reader Lisa says, "I saw these gorgeous earrings in an ad..."

"...and I would like to know who they are made by, their cost, and possibly where I can purchase them."
Well Lisa, I couldn't find an exact match, but found a few low priced options.
You can try this $15 pair of Beaded Hoop Earrings...

...from www.victoriassecret.com.
These $24 Diamond Dust Three Hoop Earrings...

...from www.ardenb.com.
Or these $5 Tripple Hoop Earrings...

...from www.forever21.com.
That does it for today! Have fabulous weekends. Off to enjoy the sun:)
Smootches!

Mail Bombs + Next Contest

Hey, hey, it's Friday! Do the weeks seem longer now that it's warm out???
Anyway, I've got some mail bombs...

...plus a contest for those queries I couldn't figure out.
Let's get to it:
Reader Tavoya says:
"I know you covered Halle's black peep-toe Mary Janes...

...but I'm in love with the green ones...

...My student budget is quite obviously not conducive to a $700 shoe purchase. Do you know of any other shoes that closely resemble them but are a more reasonable price?"
Doing a quick search, I found shoes that came close.
If you want to stick to the 'Green Mary Jane' rule, Charles David makes this pair...

...for $219 at zappos.com
If you're more enticed by the 'green patent' aspect of the shoe, these D&G Dolce & Gabbana Patent Leather Peep-Toe Pumps...

..are $395 at www.eluxury.com. Still out of your price range? These Lusta Cover Pumps...

are a more affordable $99.95 at www.stevemadden.com.
Good Luck!
Next up, reader Renee from North Carolina says:
I love the spring dresses that I'm seeing everywhere but I'm having a hard time finding some that don't look like a big sack on me. I'm petite (5'3'') and I'm slender but curvy with hips and thighs. The other problem is that I feel like some of the patterns on the dresses are a little overwhelming for me. Do you have any advice for us shorties that want to rock a cute patterned non-sacklike dress?

Renee, you can definitely rock the spring frocks with purpose if you dress to flatter your figure. If you're curvy, look for dresses that cinch in at the waist to show off your shape. Being on the petite side, you should stick to small patterns that won't overwhelm your frame. And the shorter your hem, the more leggy (read taller) you'll look. A few suggestions:

This $220 Alice & Olivia Polka Dot Poof Dress would work for you. The small pattern matches your stature, and the empire waist is great for hourglass figures. Plus it's a great length: wear it with heels and you'll look long and lean. Get it at shopbop.com
Next, this Alyssa Dress from Forever 21...

...would be a good choice. The belt will cinch in your waist and flaunt your curves. And what do you have to lose? It's only $19.80!
Lastly this $158 BCBG Printed Jersey Halter Dress from www.macys.com...

... shows the perfect amount of skin, and again, ties at the waist. Throw on some stilettos or wedges for a boost and you'll be spring ready.
Now for the contest.
A few reader questions have had me stumped for weeks, so I'm turning the power to you. And I've got some good prizes this time!
The Essence music festival is taking place in New Orleans from July 5th-7th...

...and in celebration, Essence wants to send The Fashion Bomb contest winners music from featured festival artists. Sound fun? Let's go:
Reader Linda says:
"I am searching for this fringe trimmed dress that the girl in Ne-yo's new video "Because of You" is wearing...

...You can't miss it. It is golden colored and the girl plays Ne-yo's girlfriend. I just watch the video for that dress! I would really appreciate your help in this search."
Can you help Linda? If you find the maker of the dress (or a close approximation), you'll receive Ne-yo's new CD...

"Because of You."
Next up reader Jawelle says:
"I would like to know if you can tell me where I can get the silver platform pumps that Solange wore in the Get Me Bodied Video...

...or a pair that is very close. Can you help?" Whoever cracks the case will get Beyonce's CD...

"B-Day."
And lastly, Aja from Chicago asks:
"Who are these sandals by?"

The winner of this one gets Ciara's new "Evolution" CD.

What can I say? Not quite Amerie but close (perhaps better?):)
Anyway e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com with your guesses. And don't worry about exact answers. If you get close, it's just as good.
Smootches!
PS Fashion blogger StyleChile had the wonderful opportunity to meet Barack Obama (and Gayle King, Phylicia Rashad, and Iman) at a recent event! I'm jealous! Anyway, check out her post here.
PSS Have wonderful weekends!