Pink Cherie Fashion Contest!

Today, we have yet another giveaway from Fashion Bomb Contest Sponsor Pink Cherie!
The first person to tell me the month and year of Naomi Campbell's first Vogue UK Cover...
...will win this Premier Bracelet:
E-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com with your answer!
No clue? Take heart. Pink Cherie is offering 15% off all orders by simply entering the code NEWPINK15!
And we have a winner!
May from Cambridge, Massachussets...
...was the first to find that Naomi's first Vogue cover in December 1987. The cover, by Patrick Demarchelier, featured a 17 year old Naomi clad in Chanel lamé, velvet, and brocade.
Congrats!

Plus Sized Style Spotlight: Toccara

So I've been getting lots of e-mails lately imploring me to represent more plus sized fashionistas.
While I've profiled plus sized sirens Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah in past Style Files, there's a new voluptuous vixen in town, representing for the girls with a bit more curve:
Toccara Jones.
This former ANTMer parlayed her bubbly personality and undeniable charm into stints at BET and the pages of Italian Vogue and Essence. Her style has evolved accordingly, by focusing on fits that show off her best assets.
For Toccara, the rule is black, black, and more black...

...as the dark color is slimming and its monochromatic look creates a vertical line, making the body seem sleak. Toccara also favors plunging necklines...

...that bring the eye downward, and the focus more towards the center of the body. When she diverts from black, she stunts in dresses in eggplant or turquoise...
...or pops on a belt on other occasions to highlight her smallest part:
Chic!
For more casual events, she opts for a v neck vest or t-shirt....
..worn with jeans in straight or boot cut styles to balance out her hips.
Want a chic plus size look? Try these options:

1. Monif C Marilyn Convertible Dress 26, $75. 2. Torrid White Purple Zebra Head V-Neck Tee, $28. 3. London Times Woman Crepe Belted Dress, $90. 4. Sutton Studio Exclusive Bi-Stretch Cap Sleeve Dress - Plus Sizes, $150. 5. Womens Rise Boot Cut Sweetheart Gray Jeans, $20. 6.Camilla Wraparound Dress in Red, $135. 7. Rachel Pally White Label Short Caftan Dress, $248. 8. Black Lola Ruched Dresses by Kiyonna, $126. 9. Robbie Bee Crisscross Silk Chiffon Dress, $88.
Smootches!
See more Fashion Bomb Plus Sized Posts here.

Video Fun

I'm probably dating myself with this video, but ah well:

What ever happened to them?

Usher to Launch Lingerie Line

While taking in Dutch lingerie designer Marlies Dekkers's show in Paris, Usher revealed to WWD that he plans on launching a lingerie line:
He said, "You may have heard that I might be launching a lingerie line for men and women." Now when it comes to draws for the men, he might know a thing or two...
...as for his skill in the ladies department...well we'll have to see about that.

Shop Old Navy Sweaters!

For your fall sweater fix, pop into oldnavy.com

Revive your wardrobe with cozy knits starting at $24.50!

Cool Online Find: Editor's Closet

Check out the great sample sale website Editors’ Closet, which hosts various designer sales at up to 75% off retail each week.
Recent sales have included: Betsey Johnson, Nicole Miller, Calvin Klein watches, Badgley Mischka belts, LeSportSac, BE & D, Moschino and many, many more.
On October 1st and 2nd, check out Editors’ Closet for a sale on Tom Ford sunglasses!
Membership to the site is free, but in order to sign-up, you must be invited by an already established member. Lucky you: the site decided to create a private referral link especially for Fashion Bombers! Click here to sign up care of the Fashion Bomb!

Real Style: Rocking for Barack

So on November 4th we will vote for the next President of the United States.

While the candidates debate on issues of national security and the economy, it's clear only one candidate is the front-runner in bridging the gap between politics and fashion:

Barack Obama

I asked all you fabulous readers to send me examples of you 'Rocking for Barack', and hey, you didn't disappoint!
Check it:
And of course I had to get in there:

Smootches!

A few words About Voting This Year:

*Rocking for Barack is cool for the weekend, but word on the street is that if you wear your t-shirt to the polls, you will be blocked from voting. Apparently this is considered campaigning, and wearing a pin, t-shirt, or hat is grounds for a polling official to turn you away. Don't risk it: Make sure your vote counts!
*Are you registered to vote? If not, go to www.rockthevote.org, and register in your state. If you're not sure, click here. The last day to register to vote varies by state (for Florida it's October 6th!). Find out your state's deadline here.
*If you need an absentee ballot, contact your Secretary of State here to request one. Hurry! You must mail in your letter no later than 7 days before the election.
*Tomorrow is Obama Blue Day. Wear Blue, and encourage two people to vote!
*Donate to the cause here.

The Fashion Bomb in the News!!

*Check out an interview with yours truly on Canadian Blog What Women Want (ilovewhatwomenwant.blogspot.com)...
Ahem, "I came across The Fashion Bomb a few years back and I've been hooked ever since, but after digging further (cuz you know I'm like the Po-po - lol) I was pleasantly surprised to find that behind this wonderful blog is an impressive young woman with an impressive story..." Thanks!!! Click here to read the rest.
*Also check out Uptown Magazine's Style Issue...
...featuring me on the Contributor's Page with June Ambrose!!!
Pick up Uptown on your local newsstand, or subscribe here.
PS If you're already in the Fashion Bomb Group on facebook, be sure to become a fan of the Fashion Bomb as well!
Go to the new page for even more facebook updates, notes, and video!

$350 Dress: Comme Des Garcons for H&M

The fashion blogosphere is literally in a tizzy over the Comme des Garcons for H&M Collection. Why? Exorbitant Prices:
Now $350 for a dress is a lot for H&M, but apparently a low ball price for Comme des Garcons. On the bright side, this might calm down all the fighting endemic to H&M designer sales. Remember this?

No more Project Runway?

Seems Project Runway is on hiatus for the time being...
According to an NBC Press Release, "NBC Universal is pleased that the court granted our motion for a preliminary injunction against The Weinstein Company. The overwhelming evidence demonstrated that The Weinstein Company violated NBC Universal's right of first refusal to future cycles of Project Runway. After hearing all of the evidence, the court issued an order prohibiting The Weinstein Company from taking the show or any spin-off to Lifetime."
Hm, sad news, though I must say that I'm kind've over these reality shows that are great for TV, but don't produce any real stars in their industry. Remember this NY Magazine article on the stars of Bravo?
From the article, "With shows like Project Runway and Top Chef, the Bravo cable channel skillfully packages the fantasy that gifted amateurs can break into the big time. But make no mistake: It is a fantasy." Read the article here.

Friday Video Fun!!

Here's a video for your rainy Friday:

Have great weekends!

Mail Bombs: Rihanna's Glam Punk Look + Black Booties!

It's a rainy, fall friday. Booooooo!
Hopefully these Mail Bombs will lift your spirits!
First Edonna says, "I love the shoes that Sanaa is wearing!"
"...Can you please assist???"
Sanaa is wearing the look of the season: open toe boots. Try these for a similar look:
1. Jeffrey Campbell Half Boot with Open Toe, $190. 2. L.A.M.B. Portman Open Toe Bootie, $320. 3. Kors Michael Kors Open Toe Ankle Bootie, $320. 4. Steven by Steve Madden Midory Ankle Boot, $150.
Next Fattina says, "Can you PLEASE let me know who designed the studded booties that Kim Kardashian wore while shopping at H&M?"
Kim might like affordable fashion, but she loves expensive shoes! She's rocking these $1,075 Guiseppe Zanotti Crystal Stud Suede Booties...
...get 'em from Intermix.
Mona Lisa says, "I really do love the “Glam Punk Rock”look (which Rihanna pulls off very well)..."
"...I want to give it a try but I don’t know where to begin! Can you help me??"
Adriana says, "What's great about the glam rock look is that it's easy to piece together with a few basic things (boots, graphic tees, skinny jeans) that are probably sitting in your closet right now. Here's a head-to-toe look that's fall-ready, easy to mix and match with other pieces in your wardrobe, and just a fraction of the cost of what Rihanna probably spends:"
1. Sequined Vest from Forever 21, $16. 2. MTV Zebra T from Delia's, $26.50. 3. Leather Cuff Bracelet from Urban Outfitters, $20. 4.Marciano Liquid Skinny Pant, $128. 5. Steve Madden Grind Boots in Black Suede, $200. 6. Axcess Medallion Necklace, $13.
In another Rihanna Mail Bomb, Kimmoy says, "I know people are probably tired of seeing Rihanna, but this fall look is fabulous!"
"How can I look as fly, but not hurt the pocket like Rihanna in this red, white, and black number?"
Adriana found these fall ready yet affordable items:
1.525 America High-Collar Long Military Jacket, $118.50. 2. Gap Wool-blend Shirred Yoke Skirt, $36.99. 3. Forever 21 Checker Plaid Scarf, $6.50. 4. Forever 21 Gradated Sunglasses, $6.80. 5. Old Navy Women's Opaque Black Tights, $6.50
Lastly, in a Male Mail Bomb Ololade says, "I wanted to know where I could get Gold Rope chains like the ones Nas has been rocking lately..."
Adriana found that Patricia Field has what you need! Get this Dookie Rope Chain for $120...
...at www.patriciafield.com.
With that I'm off!
Try to stay dry this weekend!
Smootches!

Rihanna to Launch her own Clothing Line

In even more Rihanna news, seems the material girl is launching her own clothing line...
She told WWD in Milan, "I’m not one to rush into anything. I want to take my time...I can’t say when it will be released, but it’s definitely going to happen." Hmh. There's a big line between knowing how to wear designer clothes well and making your own. I'll have to see how I feel about this one. Would you wear Rihanna's label? [WWD]

Do you Rock for Barack?

Don't forget to send in pix of you rocking for Barack!
Send your political and fashion statements to thefashionbomb@gmail.com.

Puma Partners with Sergio Rossi

Puma is partnering with Sergio Rossi to create a collection...
WWD reports, “A design team at Sergio Rossi reinterpreted Puma's iconic Clyde sneaker, which originally made its debut in 1973, including a high-heeled mary jane model with Velcro straps and a lace-up pump in a range of colors.” Um, pass. [WWD]

Fall Fashion: 9 Blazers under $200

So the weather has decidedly dipped south, but it's still not time to totally shelve all of your summer dresses and t-shirts.
The answer: an eye catching tailored blazer, short enough to flatter a dress, and chic enough to dress up a t-shirt and jeans:
With these economic times, there's no need to spend a ton! Peep these 9 of-the-moment options under $200:

1. Rails Zoe Fleece Jacket, $84. 2. Anthropologie Dressage Jacket, $128. 3. Mike & Chris Dean 3/4 Sleeve Captain Jacket, $127. 4. Priorities Ann-Ponte Blazer in Navy, $170.5. J.Crew Velvet Ecole Jacket, $168. 6. Nelson Double Zipper Sheen Jacket in Grey, $130. 7. 0815LovesPeace Prefect Blazer, $60.8. Domino Jacquard Cropped Jacket, $60. 9. Mango El Gabi Jacket, $99.
Smootches!

Cushnie & Ochs in NY Mag + Chanel First Black Model to Stomp in Gucci Since 2005

*New York Magazine interviewed Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs, recent Parson's graduates and winners of its Designer of the Year award:
Labeled the 'next Proenza Schouler', their line called Cushnie & Ochs is characterized by, "super-sleek, razor-sharp minimalist designs and neon brights..." They're ones to watch. Read their interview here. [NYMag]
*Chanel Iman strutted in the Gucci show in Milan yesterday...
Apparently she was the first black model to walk for Gucci in 3 years (the last black models were in the Tom Ford era in 2005). What took them so long?
*Fashion Bomb friend Kesh shows that she's ready for fall in a shawl collared sweater:
Get her look with the $78 BDG Intarsia Shawl Collar Cardigan from Urban Outfitters.
*Check out looks from Bixby, Andre Benjamin's new line:
Now. I love Andre, been down for Outkast since "Get Up Get Out" (I'm from Atlanta, I was raised on them). But...would your man rock this??