Trendproof Item: Trench Coats

It's about time for April showers...and a classic trench is the perfect outerwear piece for the cold to mild temp transition. Timeless, chic, and utterly sophisticated, a trench coat is a must-have.
The most fashionable of women have been rocking fierce trenches for decades.
Style icons like Jackie Kennedy...

and Audrey Hepburn...

...wore their trenches in the 50's and 60's with large sunglasses and scarves.
Modern fashionistas have adapted the look to be their own...

...with non-khaki colors....

...and variable lengths

Chic.
These days trenches come in many different styles and at very affordable prices. My trench choices:

Top Row: Double Breasted Belted Trench, $49.50, www.wetseal.com; Soia & Kyo Plaid Asymmetrical Trench Coat, $195, www.nordstrom.com;Women's Short Belted Trench, $20, www.oldnavy.com.
Middle Row: Nine West Piped Trench Coat (Plus), $169, www.nordstrom.com; Coffee Shop Fit & Flare Trench Coat, $68, www.nordstrom.com; Triple 5 Soul Surplus Trench Coat, $160, www.urbn.com.
Bottom Row: Kibikibi Ruffle Collar Trench Coat, $105, www.yesstyle.com; Patent Leather Double-Breasted Trench Coat with Belt, $40, www.target.com; Trench Coat/Dress in Black, $139, www.igigi.com.
Smootches!
Fun Trench Fact:
Trench coats were invented by Thomas Burberry in 1901 and were first used by British and French soldiers in World War I...

Burberry Double Breasted Trench, $945, www.burberry.com.
Hence Burberry trenches indeed stand the test of time. Definitely a worthy investment!
Smootches!

Rebirth! 2007

"Dressing in purples and pinks and greens/ Exotic as rum and Cokes/Living our lives with flash and style/Ain't we colorful folks?"--Maya Angelou

So last night I attended an event called Rebirth! 2007...

...sponsored by the New York Urban League of Young Professionals. The event was advertised as an,"evening of visual art, music and culture inspired by the young African-Americans that gave birth to the Harlem Renaissance, as well as the celebration of this cultural revival that continues to appear in New York City today." I'm all for celebrating cultural revivals...plus the event promised a fashion show by emerging designers, so I hopped in a cab after work and made my way over to the Mereces Benz dealership...

...where the event was held.
I reported on time at 7pm, but as with any 'urban' event, things didn't really get crackin until say...8ish. I had a lot of time to kill, so I decided to scope the crowd for fashionable folks. A few pix:

Straight from work, yet stylish. The girl on the left looks cute in her sassy shoes and bow-detailed light pink blouse. The young lady on the right rocks a sweater dress in daring white with demure flat boots.

I was immediately drawn to this group of friends because of the colorful yet conservative saffron dressed lady in the middle. The other girls took a few trends--footless tights, sequins, wide belts--and made them their own.

The graphic print mini dress is the look for spring, but this young lady adapted her frock to the cooler temps by slipping on tights with pumps. The red scarf on her white bag adds an unexpected yet pretty burst of color.

And lastly these girls, who work in creative fields, exemplified casual chic. The girl on the left's purple perfection dress is flattering and complementary to her amazing makeup. The girl on the right's boots were capital-f Fierce, and provided an exclamation point to her neutral outfit.
Lots of fashionistas in the house.
So after waiting and waiting, the crowd started to fill out...

...and it was finally time for the show.
First up was House of Osun, an African inspired line of one-of-a-kind wearable art. A few looks:

Click to enlarge
I loved the bright, bold colors, varied hems, and ethnic designs. I can just imagine one of their dresses under a cute jean jacket.
Next up was Harriet's Alter Ego, a line whose boutique I wrote about here. They create saucy, form fitting knits and African inspired pieces:

Click to enlarge
Once again, the bright colors held my heart, and the ruched dresses are on my list of 'must haves' for warmer temps.
Zulema Griffin, contestant on the second season of Project Runway, showed her collection last. This girl rocked the runway:

Click to enlarge
The construction was flawless. She stuck to a somber color palette of blacks, grays, and whites, but jazzed it up with gathered hems and unexpected cuts. Zulema is so talented, I can't wait to see what she does next.
To keep track of Zulema Griffin, visit her official site, www.zulemagriffin.com.
For more info on House of Osun, visit their website www.osundesigns.com.
For Harriet's Alter Ego, visit their website at www.harrietsalteregoonline.com, or visit their Brooklyn Boutique at 293 Flatbush Ave, tel 718.783.2074.
I really enjoyed the event. Now I'm wondering how I can become a member of the Urban League...
Smootches!
PS I'm quoted in a New York Post story today about minis called 'Thigh Anxiety'!!

An excerpt:

Claire Sulmers, a 26-year-old fashion blogger for The Fashion Bomb, votes "Yay" on the mini, as well.
"To me, minis exemplify youth, courage and sexiness," she says. "But I'd definitely recommend wearing footless tights with them, so your business isn't flying in the wind."

I'm an idiot.
To read the whole article, go here.

Naomi Sweeps Floors with Flair

"Naomi hit me...and I loved it."--T-shirt worn by Naomi Campbell

So, as many of you know, supermodel Naomi Campbell...

...was sentenced last week to 5 days of community service for throwing her cell phone at her maid. A slightly comical, yet egregious offense.
Instead of showing up in out of character flimsy fits or dour duds, she reported for duty every day in true model style: over the top furs, dark shades, and flawless hair. She looked so chic, that readers have actually been writing in asking what she's wearing!
For example, reader Shantrell asked :

Do you know where I can get the coat that Naomi Campbell wore for her first day of community service? It was a black trench coat that flared at the bottom (kind of like a dress) that coat was fierce and I have to have it!

Reader Angela also asked:

Have you seen Naomi Campbell doing community service? Where can I get hats like hers?

Really now. So I had to take a look at Naomi's looks to see what all the buzz was about.
On her first day...

I must admit that she looked somber yet sassy in her flared wool coat and lace up boots.
The next day...

...she brought it in a fur, fedora, sunglasses, and stovepipe black jeans.
On March 21st....

...her slick black leather jacket, bucket hat, and smart bag were fierce.
Day 4...

...she might've been tired of upholding her 'glam factor.' The whole 'fit looked a tad clownish to me, but the wine colored boots, purple satin top, and high waisted pants screamed model.
No matter, because on her last day...

...her fabulosity was off the meter with her red carpet appropriate Dolce & Gabbana gown, corset belt, and stiletto sandals. She's a trip.
I figured that if people are interested in her style, I might as well compile items to achieve a 'Naomi C en route to clean' look (just for fun!):

Clockwise from top left: Summer Coat, $248, www.fcuk.com; Nine West Ombré Faux Fur Jacket, $118, www.nordstrom.com; Black Felt Fedora, $25, www.amazon.com; Kenzie Shayla Boots, $152, zappos.com
Kenneth Cole Reaction Black Notched Collar Long Leather Jacket, $255, www.bluefly.com; Marc by Marc Jacobs Plastic Contour Logo Sunglasses, $90, shopbop.com
Felt Bucket Hat with Button, $34, www.urbn.com; The Grant Work Tote, $80, www.wilsonsleather.com. Center: Violet Dress Top, $37.80, www.forever21.com;
Rumor has it that Naomi's auctioning her clothes off for charity...but she might be auctioning her actual work outfit, not her designer digs. Either way, you can channel the essence of the guilty yet glamorous Naomi C.
Smootches!

PS Guy Trebay at the NYTimes talks about Naomi's bratty behavior and wardrobe changes in the Sunday Styles section from this week. Great article. Read it here.
PSS The Styles section also featured flat shoes for its 'On the Street' pictures by Bill Cunningham...

The spread was called 'Comfort and Style.' Ummm, do they read the Fashion Bomb???

PSSS The first jacket in the 'Naomi C en route to clean' box is *so* cute on! It has the flared out style at the bottom, and the tie waist creates a great silhouette. I was *this* close to buying it this weekend, but French Connection seems to discrimihate on women with ample bosoms...their largest jacket size is a 10?!?! Can't I be stylish? Anyway, I still might go back and get it...the salesguy said I could have it let out by a tailor (as I did with another jacket). I'll think about it...for $250, I'd prefer perfection.