Intern Post: The Fembot Look

Happy Monday everyone!
My interns are back this week to represent in a serious way! I'm going on vacay soon, so keep your eyes peeled for 'tern posts. First up for the week is the ever fierce intern Rachel. Enjoy!
Hi everyone, Fashion Bomb intern Rachel checking in!

When you think of fembots - robots of the female persuasion, do you think of fashion? Probably not! You might remember the famous figure from Star Wars:

And the maid from the hilarious flick Spaceballs:

Quite possibly, you have seen this high-tech vodka ad:

And while it may seem that these futuristic, walking, talking machines have little to do with the world of style, recent showings by A-list stars Victoria Beckham and Beyonce reveal that the fembot is a creative inspiration.
This look is characterized by either the presence or combination of metallic shades of gold, black, and silver; sharp, tight angles; or shiny surfaces that give the impression of a rock-hard, solid exterior.

Beyonce's recent performance on the B.E.T. awards looked like something out of Star Wars.

The highlight of the robotic performance was her pair of Balenciaga tights, from their Spring/Summer 2007 collection. Although their website no longer features this collection, these tights were rumored to cost a whopping 100K.


Source: www.frillr.com

Victoria Beckham, who is known for her fierce, ice-cold, and chilly fashion choices, is the poster child for the fembot look. The ensemble she donned recently showcases the robotic essence.

The tube top has sharp, tight lines and stiffly supports Posh's upper-bod, reminiscent of the knife-sharp edges of a robot's exterior. The shiny tights she wears have a machine-like gleam.

Another star donning this look is Rihanna. Although some may be experiencing Rihanna overload, there is no denying her trailblazing looks. In the recent (and probably one of the last) issues of Vibe Vixen, Rihanna flaunts metallic outfits that embrace the fembot influence.

Source: www.thatgrapejuice.net

For a real-life fembot swagger, try these looks for now:

Forever21 Striped Sequin Tank, $29.50, www.forever21.com


Forever21 Sequined Tank, $17.80, www.forever21.com


Lord and Taylor, JS Boutique Halter Top, $105.00; Sequin Skirt, $115.00, www.lordandtaylor.com


Mary L Couture Sequin Sheath, $268.00, www.nordstrom.com


Adrianna Papell Cutaway Tank Top, $140.00, www.lordandtaylor.com


Nine West Chardin Pumps, $99.00, www.ninewest.com

And just for a heads-up on some Fall looks, here are some fembot-esque pieces:

Calvin Klein Patent Leather Trench, $119.99, www.lordandtaylor.com


Burberry Prorsum Dress, from the Fall 2007 Ready-to-Wear Collection
Source: www.style.com


Dolce and Gabbana Quilted Metallic Leather Bomber Jacket, $3,995 www.eluxury.com
While some of these fall and winter pieces are outrageously priced, they do give a great idea of the metallic flavor coming up in the near season. Look for a post from me in the future about Fall '07 trends!
~Rachel
OK Rachel! She might've gone underground for a while, but when she emerged, she came out blazin!
Smootches!
PS Today's the last day for Bluefly's shoe sale...

Go to www.bluefly.com and check it out!

Mail Bombs + Herve Leger

Hey Guys!
So I have another Summer Friday, which means Mail Bombs today...

....will be short and sweet:)
Let's get to it!
First up, Lindsay asks, "Who makes those dresses that many celebrities such as Rihanna, Solange, Ciara, and Kim Kardashian have been wearing? Ciara has one on in her new video...

"... and I saw a picture of Solange wearing a fuschia one....

"...Rihanna wore a pink one..."

...and Kim has one in like every color of the rainbow..."

Very observative! Intern Elita found that every single one of those dresses is a vintage Herve Leger. Since all these hip hip honies are donning his threads, I'd figure I'd give y'all a bit of history care of a great article by Laird Borrelli on style.com.
Herve Leger rose to prominance in the 80's and 90's...

...after working at Fendi working with Karl Lagerfeld, designing for Lanvin Haute Couture, and designing pret-a-porter for Diane von Furstenberg. He started his line in 1985, and launched his signature 'bandage' dresses years later.

About his dresses, he said, "One day in a factory I found some bands that were headed for the garbage. They gave me the idea of taking those bands and putting them next to one another as one does making a hat."

Hollywood hotties have discovered his vintage threads and are now rocking them on every red carpet!
Newer designers have been inspired by his designs, and some, such as Proenza Schouler, borrowed the bandaged look for their Spring 2007 shows...

Rihanna's a fan!

If you need a Leger in your closet, Elita found that Intermix is the only place online where you can find his pieces (for ridiculous prices)!
This iconic Diamond Halter Dress worn by Lindsay Lohan...

...is a cool $1,485.
Good luck!
Reader HoneySuckle Brown says, " I love the dress that Hayden Paniettiere is wearing in the attached photograph..."

"Any idea as to who designed this one and where I can get this (or a similar) frock?"
So a few readers wrote in telling me this dress is from Club Monaco...I'm an idiot for not realizing that because I actually own this dress! It's $99 and comes in red and black. Not sure if it's still in stores.
If it's not, you can go with this Ecoganik Bamboo Tube dress in red...

...for $118 at CoutureCandy
Or you can get this Lux Smocked Tube Dress for $48...

...from www.urbn.com
Lastly reader Melody asks, "I love this off-the-one-shoulder top Posh is rocking, but I'm sure she paid a pretty penny for it..."

"... I was wondering if you could please post up some look-a-likes that don't break the bank. I really love the off-the-one-shoulder look!"
Elita found that this T-Bags top fit the bill...

...and it's only $77 at shopbop.com
Smootches!

Style File: Victoria Beckham

"It's Friday/And I'm ready to swang/Pick up my girls/And hit the party scene/Tonight/Ohh, it's alright/Hmm" Aaliyah, 'Back and Forth'

Hey Guys,
Happy Friday!
Today I decided to do a style profile on Victoria Beckham.

Ok, ok...I know my blog focuses on people of color. But for Ms. Beckham, I had to make an exception. Her style is exquisite, elegant, and chic. In short, she has a wardrobe any fashionista worth her salt should swoon over.
Beckham has come a long way since her days as Posh Spice…

…but even back then she was the sophisticated lady of the bunch.
Victoria manages to look supremely polished by sporting large shades...

menswear inspired pieces...

And perfectly pretty dresses and skirts...

Also take note of her plain color pallette. She doesn't steer far away from neutral beiges, whites, blacks, and navy's...but sometimes she'll throw in a bright red shoe or yellow scarf for fun. Impeccable!
Want her look?
Try these high and low priced pieces:

Clockwise from left: Thomas Pink White Story Nicola French Cuff Shirt, $99, www.thomaspink.com; Ruby Rox Princess Lace Dress, $78, www.nordstrom.com; J. Crew Glen Plaid Shawl-Collar Halter Vest, $98, www.jcrew.com; Dita Supa Dupa Sunglasses, $175, www.eye5ive.com; Max Studio Marais Patent Pumps, $138, www.bloomingdales.com; Elie Tahari Sorina Dress, Mocha, $398, www.elietahari.com; Leather plaited square buckle belt, $58, www.bananarepublic.com; Theory fitted jacket and flared pant, $230-$360, www.neimanmarcus.com. Center: Kenneth Cole Reaction Pencil Skirt, $74, www.macys.com.
Get your shop on!
Happy Friday:)
Smootches!
PS My fellow blogger over at the B-Life celebrated Black Style last night with Bombay Sapphire. Check out pictures here. Wish I was there!
PSS Find me on myspace:)

Vesting Matters

"See... my... Vest. See my vest. / Made from real gorilla chest. / See this sweater, there's no better, than authentic Irish Setter."--Mr. Burns from the Simpsons

Vests like these...



and this $98 one from J.Crew...



have made a comeback.

I don't really know how I feel about this trend...the masculine look doesn't really work for me. Still, ever the fashion/shopping addict, I decided to do a small search/investigation for feminine and flirty versions.

I popped into Anthropologie, a store that has great, French-inspired, well made clothes, but very very high prices:



I didn't even bother looking at the full priced $200+ offerings..I made a bee-line for the Sales section:





At first glance it seemed as if everything down there were leftovers from the summer, but I did manage to find and quickly fall in love with this wool, cashmere, and lycra blend green vest by Velvet:



Here's a picture from the Anthro website:



This is how it looked on:



It was $70 marked down from $158.

This vest is great for so many reasons: It's different and fashionable, the color is rich...and the shape of it is absolutely perfect. The vertical lines the vest makes down the middle are apparently slimming (according to many experts I've spoken to), and the draping by the tummy would be a perfect pudge concealer after a big meal. You can wear it over anything, but I think it'd look best over a simple long sleeved top or turtleneck; the website suggests wearing it over a collared shirt, but I'd have to see it on.

I left my credit card at home, so I couldn't run to the cashier and scream 'Charge it!' as I normally would. But, I'm pretty sure I'm going to go back in there when I have some extra cash and pick it up...and maybe it'll be on sale for less!

Check out Anthro's items on their website www.anthropologie.com, and pop in their stores in the next few weeks for first dibs on fall sale items.

Smootches!