Mail Bombs! Yay!

Hey,
It's Friday!

You know what time it is.
It seems these Mail Bombs are getting harder and harder to crack. I did my best:)
Let's get to it!
First up, Olamide from London is totally in love with Beyonce's look:
She says, "Please can you find where Beyonce got this outfit???"
I did a bit of detective work and found the following:

Slouchy Knit Beret, $10.80, www.forever21.com; Max Studio Silk Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, $98, www.maxstudio.com; Tribeca by Kenneth Cole Rock Candy Flats, $40, www.piperlime.com; Women's Beaded Hoop Earrings, $7.50, www.oldnavy.com; ASOS Paperbag Stripe Trouser, $47, www.asos.com.

Next, Ingrid says, "I love this coat that Rihanna is wearing and have also been looking around for a great belted houndstooth coat."

"Any advice on where I should start looking? ( I just graduated college so i can't spend a ton)"
Rihanna's $398 coat from Ron Herman might be a bit out of reach, but that doesn't mean you can't get a similar look. Try these lower priced black and white options:
Left to Right: Belted Houndstooth Coat, $178, www.talbots.com; Soia & Kyo Belted Houndstooth Wool Coat, $330, www.nordstrom.com; Paper, Denim & Cloth Jackie O Jacket in Houndstooth, $149, www.revolveclothing.com.

Next, reader Julia says, "I do not have the traditional crave of shoes/clothes/purses. Don't get me wrong...if I see some hot shoes, purse, or outfit I will definitely buy it. What makes me go crazy for fashion is outerwear style...like coats/jackets/vest/sweaters. So I come to you asking: Can you please find where I can get this coat Alicia has on???"
"...Your help is truly appreciated."
Julia! So that coat, with the leather detailing, really reminded me of a Mackage Coat. Mackage coats are made in Canada, have great cuts and shapes, cute leather accents, and also cost a grip! I checked their stock, and couldn't find anything...though I did do a search and found this $258 Kenneth Cole Reaction Trench Coat....
...that I felt fit the bill.
If that doesn't cure your coat jones, let me introduce you to a few Mackage creations:
Top Row: Joanie Prince of Whales Zip, $748; Zipper Coat with Puffy Sleeves, $550.
Bottom Row: Noemie Coat in Fog, $660; Valeria Trench Coat in Black, $627.
Get 'em all at www.revolveclothing.com.
And if anyone knows who made Alicia's coat...let me know!
Next, Natalie says, "Hi Claire, I love these boots..."
"...edgy but sexy. By chance do you know who makes them?'
Hey there. Kristen's boots look similar to these boots by Fitzwell...

Get 'em for $180 a zappos.com
Next, Shari says, "Hey Claire! What kind of shoe do you think I can wear with this dress?

"...And do you think I can wear panty hose? Thanks!"
Um, Shari. That dress is fire. And a fire dress deserves some fire shoes. I'd say keep it simple in a neutral black, but make sure that these aren't any regular old black shoes (as the model is wearing). Strappy, tall, wedged, or spiky, make sure your heels stand out!
Try these:

Left to Right: Jessica Simpson Hidi Platform Maryjane, $63, www.endless.com; Report Signature Guarda T-Strap Pump, $195, www.revolveclothing.com; Alessandro Dell'Acqua Suede Bondage Stilettos, $670, shopbop.com
Oh and yes, wear sheer hose. It's cold out there!

Lastly, we have a question for everyone.
It's getting colder, so Keenda asks, "What is your take on UGGs??
".... are they worth it? Are they fashionable or just an Uggly trend soon to be forgotten??"
Thoughts?
Smootches!

Fashion News and What Nots

*Does Rihanna read the Fashion Bomb?
Madame Umbrella goes exotic in a hip hugging leopard print dress at the Bambi awards in Germany. Are we feeling her look?

*Get cute party dresses for under $50

Trend Talk: Preppy Plaid

Ok, I'll admit it: I'm a prep at heart! Throw me a blazer and cable knit in any combination, and I'll start to swoon.
While 'prep' usually conjures up images of dorky girls in knee socks, modern takes on preppy staples, like plaid, are adding an air of cool to tradition:
Kat de Luna and Eva Pigford rock plaid in colorful dresses topped off with pretty pumps or ankle boots...
...with or without tights.
Rihanna and Rachel Roy pump up the volume in all plaid coats...
...adding belts to create hourglass silhouettes.
Chanteuse Christina Milian offers just a dash of plaid in a yellow cap...
And Kimora (and kids) go super traditional and super cute in Burberry....
Even men get in on the action....
...in blazers, caps, and simple shirts.
Want a plaid look? Try a coat if you're bold...

Left to Right: Plaid Wool Coat, $180, www.ardenb.com ; Guess? Plaid Wool Coat, $198, www.nordstrom; Coffee Shop Plaid Balloon Hem Coat, $138, www.nordstrom.com.
Pop on a dress for a great work look...

Left to Right: Nine West Belted Plaid Pencil Dress, $65, www.macys.com ; Plaid Belted Dress, $148, www.bananarepublic.com; Semantiks 'New Haven' Plaid Dress, $180, www.nordstrom.com.
Or add an accessory for just a touch...

Left to Right: Eugenia Kim Maggie Wool Paid Equestrian Cap, $187, shopbop.com
Burberry Smock Check Scarf, $180, www.neimanmarcus.com; justsweet Women's Penelope II Open Toe Pump, $100, www.endless.com.
Don't forget the men!

Left to Right: Shades of Greige Plaid Military Jacket in Grey/Black, $184, www.revolveclothing.com ; Hawkings McGill Market Dress Shirt, $49, www.urbn.com; Hats Off, $20, www.kennethcole.com.
Now flaunt your inner prep with pride!
Smootches!
PS Just for fun, a couple great steals:

Left to Right: Lux Western Buttondown Shirt, $48, www.urbn.com ; Roney Plaid Wrap Jacket, $58, www.rampage.com.

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Keyshia Cole showed up to 106th & Park yesterday in this get up:
We love Keyshia, but do we love this look?
*I started salivating when I saw this $670 pair of Alessandro Dell'Acqua Suede Bondage Stiletto’s on shopbop.com

Would you rock these?

Cool Online Find: Luxe Vie

Hey, hey!
So FAITHFUL reader Alex was kind enough to alert me to a hot website!
She says:

Recently I attended a "Clothes & Cocktail" party in Alexandria, VA and an upcoming designer, Kiki, presented some pieces from her newest collection....you should REALLY check her website: Luxevie.com

So of course I had to check it out...and Alex was right! I logged on and quickly found tons of Fashion Bomb material:
I instantly fell in love with the winter ready dresses in a myriad of colors and drapes...
Top Row: Grey Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $65; Printed Kimono Sleeve Dress, $70.
Bottom Row: Burgundy Dress with Silver Detail, $55; Long Sleeve Turtleneck Dress, $50.
Cute separates, perfect for the club or the office....

Top Row: Kimono Sleeved Colorblock Top, $35; Red and Grey Tunic, $50.
Bottom Row: Cold Shoulder Top, $40; Black and White Cape, $45.
And hot accessories, from bags to bracelets and earrings...

Top Row: Glazed and Embossed Satchel, $70; Trapeze Bag, $65.
Bottom Row: Green and Gold Glass Bead Earrings, $15; Silver and Leather Dangle Earrings, $15.
The items look super stylish...and you really can't go wrong when everything on the site is $100 or less!
Check out www.luxevie.com..and tell 'em Claire (and Alex) sent ya!
Smootches!
I went to the Glamour panel yesterday (busy bee...I need to slow down!)
While I always love talking about the relationships between women of color and their hair, and the issues of diversity in the media...I emerged frustrated with the dialogue. After attending the Blacks in Fashion talks of weeks past and now this, I'm just like, "Is anything going to change?" It seems we continue to have this discussion without anything substantive happening.
The Glamour panel was a nice act on the part of the magazine, but it seems to be a simple band aid over a large gash wound called 'lack of diversity.' I honestly think that people of color would be on runways, in magazines, etc and that staffers would be better informed (i.e. won't think it's ok to say that dreads are dreadful) if companies actually made an effort to support multiculturalism behind the scenes.
Talking is futile unless people at magazines, model agencies and the like try their darndest to diversify their ranks....not just throw a person of color on the cover or inside on occasion.
My two pennies. What do you think?

Fashion News and What Nots:

* Sarah Jessica Parker says Manolo's ruined her knees. Oh, and no more Cosmos!
*Nina Garcia Blogs for Fashion Blog Fashionista.
* Style Chile looks at the Bright Tight Trend.

Intern Post: It's a Jungle out There!

Hello Lovelies,
So new Fashion Bomb intern, Charlé, is gracing us with her very first post today. Enjoy!
**************************************************************************
Hey Readers!
Intern Charlé reporting on a tried and true trend: Leopard Print. While we saw it all over the Fall '06 runways, Roberto Cavalli's success at H&M proves that the exotic trend has reached classic status.
Check how the following celebs elevated their printed pieces with their own style, all the while taming this bold pattern with dope (yes, dope) yet elegant silohuettes. They somehow manage to keep it looking fresh and young:
Mary J. Blige breathes life into a basic LBD in this Just Cavalli top...
...while the super Spicy Spice Girl Mel B...
....flavors her little black dress with just a dash of leopard print on the wrist.
Taraji Henson literally shines in this satine number....
...while Eve...
...tackles quite a few trends at once in this sequined cap.
Thankfully, she redeemed herself this summer at the BET awards...
...in Dolce & Gabanna's skin tight mini.
Beyonce accessorizes with these wildly sexy Christian Louboutin t-straps...
And dog-toting Rihanna as well as the stylish starlet Kelis...
...tone down the glam factor by pairing their prints with wide-legged and colored denim, respectively.
To perfect the look, don't run the risk of looking like Mrs. Tarzan with clashing prints and textures like sweetheart here...
Instead, accent your ensemble with unexpected flashes of leopard or cheetah print:
My picks:

Left to Right:
Printed Calf hair Gloves, $165, www.jcrew.com; Betsey Johnson Watch, $65, www.urbn.com; Knit Hat, $16.50, www.delias.com.
For the Fall and Winter months, pop on an exotic print frock with black tights and booties:

Top Row: Nanette Lepore Lucky Leopard Silk Dress, $209, www.eluxury.com; Tory Burch 'Nicole' Dress, $425, www.nordstrom.com.
Bottom Row: Victoria's Secret's Dress, $65,www.victoriassecret.com; C&C Design, $98, shopbop.com
For more affordable alternatives try a separate like this Forever 21 cardigan...
...pair it with a black turtleneck and high-waisted trousers or a solid waist skirt with faintly textured tights and platform heels for a complete look.
You're good to go!
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Wow, Charlé, what a great post!
My interns make me so proud:)
And, I must say, I've definitely gone loco with the exotic print accessories, from ballet flats to clutches. Pair a leopard flat with some skinny jeans and a cashmere turtleneck-- instant classic!
So last night, I ended up going to see Nina Garcia speak at Barnes and Noble...
...yes, I skipped the gym, but it was worth it!
The place was packed...
...with fashionistas and Project Runway fans. Though I came a bit late, I managed to squeeze into a seat up front, next to a 12 year old super fan who claimed to have watched every episode of Project Runway 7 times. She was so cute!
A few nuggets from Nina's talk:
*Intern if you want to be involved in magazines. She started off thinking she wanted to be a designer, and enrolled at FIT. After figuring out she couldn't quite master the technical stuff, she decided to go another route. She took classes in Fashion merchandising and even interned at Perry Ellis in the Marc Jacobs days before interning at Mirabella and then joining the staff of Elle Magazine.
*In terms of your wardrobe, invest in the boring basics--white button down, trench coat, cardigan--then amp them up with accessories.
Solid advice.
I bought her book, and started reading on the train...
...it's really good!
There's tons of great of fashion advice, large doses of fashion history, and amazing quotes!
Pick it up for $12 at www.amazon.com
Smootches!
* My fave boutique Pieces is having a huge sale!
Log onto www.piecesofbklyn.com for locations and hot deals.