Style Crutch? Toccara

I recently happened upon this picture of bomb beauty Toccara...
...and had a nagging feeling I had seen that dress before!
Digging a little deeper, I realized that Toccara hadn't worn that specific dress, but relied on a similar silhouette for a few red carpet events...

...Fitted bust, knee length skirt with a bit of flutter.
Everyone has a style crutch, a silhouette to which they are always drawn. I personally have a thing for strapless dresses; no matter the length or the color, I have to have it! But then I stop myself....too predictable!
What's your style crutch?

This Week in Chic: Keyshia, Taraji, and En Vogue!

An Assemblage of this Week in Fashion Bomb Chic:

Keyshia Cole's dress is hot! She wins this week's chic award in my opinion.
What do you think?

My Favorite Things: Nina Sky

Hey Fashion Bombers!
Adriana here!
I recently had a chance to catch up with the girls from Nina Sky to chitchat about their style evolution, favorite fashionable things, and which trends they think are tired and need to be fired!

Not familiar? The ladies of NINA SKY (Natalie (above, left) and Nicole (right)) took the music scene by storm in 2004 with their breakout hit "Move Ya Body." Lately, they've been working on their second album, "THE MUSICAL," dabbling in clothing and sneaker design, and developing a distinct, edgy-chic style that's thrust them squarely into the fashion spotlight.
Nicole shares, "Natalie and I were 18 and straight out of high school when we debuted. Our style reflected that: we didn't wear makeup and probably owned 2 pairs of heels between us both--it was strictly FLY kicks and comfort all dayyyyy! We've grown a lot, and have developed a broader taste for clothing. It's a natural progression; over the years, you just begin to like different things and experiment more. " Too true for all of us...For Natalie, "It's NEVER about what designer I'm wearing: I don't really follow 'what's in' so I rock what I think is hot. I love to mix designer pieces with vintage and other stuff I find at spots like Forever 21." Adds Nicole, "Even when we work with stylists, it's a collaboration. Everything we do has to reflect us as individuals as well as the group NINA SKY." I think that's the ideal stylist-client relationship, don't you?As for style icons, the ladies cite Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and Gwen Stefani as some of their favorites (Natalie: "They own that ish!"). Designer-wise, Nicole's a fan of Boy by Band of Outsiders and Chanel shoes, while Natalie's an admitted Alexander Wang and Matthew Williamson lover who prefers Betsey Johnson and Louboutins on her feet.Like yours truly, though, these divas are still devoted sneaker heads, and have now formed a cool partnership with FILA. "If you know about NINA SKY, then you're familiar with our sneaker collection," says Nicole. "FILA was launching a young women's line and wanted to use artists that made sense to market the shoe. Our next step: design a sneaker with them!" I think they have what it takes to create something dope! Natalie has also designed for a young women's line, MADEME, and a hair salon, cookbook, and acting are also in the works for both.Now, about those tired trends...ladies, in your opinion, what are people wearing way too much of these days? Natalie: "Keffiyeh scarves!" Nicole: "Headbands!" And what are some of your favorite things from your own personal closet? Natalie: "I love necklaces with gun charms. I have a Cubannie Links Tupac Rosary and an AK-47 Complete Technique chain that I take turns rockin' daily." Nicole: "It changes every season but RIGHT NOW it's this coyote fur trooper hat I bought in Luxembourg." Jet-setter style--loves it!

Left to Right: Cubannie Links Tupac Rosary, $34; Complete Technique AK 47 Fun Pendant, $340; Muskrat Trapper Hat, $399.
Thank you, NINA SKY!
Check out the ladies's real talk new single, "On Some Bulls***", and other goodies at the NINA SKY Myspace page and tell 'em the FB sent ya...
~Adri

This Week in Chic: Laila Ali, Joy Bryant, and Tyrese!

Between the Golden Globes and other red carpet events, there were only a few occasions for stars to strut their chic:

Zoe wins this week's award in my humble opinion. Who do you think takes the cake?

This Week in Chic: Rachel, Ciara, Rosario, and more!

This week brought out a slew of chic outfits:

I think it's a tie between Ciara and Rachel Roy for this week's chic award. What do you think?
PS I love the Fresh Prince Reunion at the Seven Pounds premiere!

And the Winners Are...Rihanna & Common for Most Fashionable of 2008

Um, y'all are a hot mess.

Why??
The rules clearly stated that Rihanna was ineligible. But you made your opinions known, and the power of the people prevailed. Who am I to argue?
It looks like Rihanna is yet again Fashionista of the Year, coming in first place with 44.3% of the Fashion Bomb vote:

How did this Chic Queen manage to prevail for both 2007 AND 2008?? You guys said, "It seems that she stepped her game up even MORE in 2008, so I have to give it to her. I will give honorable mention to Cassie though. But RiRi Reigns." "Rihanna hands down, she was better than last year and better than all these girls put together, they need to learn a thing or two from her..."

"...I'm not a fan of Rihanna, but props need to be given where props are due...she definitely held it down fashionably in 2008. She is a trendsetter and I can see her holding down the title of fashionista for a while." "Hands down Rihanna wins. She has so many more hits than misses and everyone is finding themselves "inspired" by her style choices..."

I feel you! This year I wanted to usher in some new fashion royalty, but it was not meant to be. We may not bump her songs, but in the style realm, Rihanna still holds the #1 spot. Whether lunching at Da Silvanos or hitting up a red carpet event, this young popstar exudes style in everything from strapless dresses with accents of animal print to corsets worn with jodhpur pants. It's obvious--this Caribbean Queen wears fashion down to her fingernails.
And we love it!
For the men, there wasn't as much of an upset, and rapper Common took the title home in a landslide with 39.9% of the vote:

Neither of the Fashion Bomb's two male readers gave any insight as to why, but I'm sure it has everything to do with Common's cool aesthetic and mean suit game.
So that does it for the Most Fashionable in '08. Stay tuned for even more end of the year fabulousness!
Bisous!

Style File: Vanessa and Angela Simmons

Hey!
It's been a while since we've had a Style File, so today I decided to highlight budding bombshells Angela and Vanessa Simmons:
Ever since their reality TV debut on Run's House, they've silently yet steadily increased their style quotient:
When the dynamic duo first hit the celebrity circuit in 2006, they favored a 'girls next door' approach comprised of ho hum jeans, lackluster t-shirts and skirts from the juniors department...

In short shrift they either hired a stylist or had Auntie Kimora work her magic, as they started bringing the Fabulosity on a regular basis.
For casual events, they rock tailored jeans, offset by bright colored hoodies with boots...

...or age appropriate dresses, with the younger Angela going for fun patterns, and the older Vanessa favoring more sophisticated neutrals like black and tan topped off with statement bags:

Red carpet events invite a slicker aesthetic, but Angela captures the fun in glittered sequined cocktails while Vanessa keeps it chic in black satin and peep toes:

They both have distinct looks, yet it seems neither is afraid to play with textures...

...color...

...or hot designer shoes...

Cute!
Favor Angela's style? Get it poppin with these cool picks:

1. A.B.S. Black White Zebra Print Dress, $210. 2. Aviator Nation Iroc Hoodie in Grey with contrast sleeves, $99. 3. Tracy Reese Sequined slip dress, $307. 4. Boutique 9 Women's Giganta Mary Jane, $110. 5. Pastry Fab Cookie Sneaker, $70. 6. Report Signature Fillmore Platform Sandal, $107.
Love Vanessa's grown up steeze? Try these:

1. Plastic Island Satin Dress in Black, $145. 2. French Connection Jack Check Dress, $168. 3. Rodnik Ludovico jacquard dress, $429. 4. Jinny Kim Halloween Zipper Bow Pump in Black, $127. 5. Report Signature Women's Clinton Bootie, $225. 6. Moschino Cheap & Chic Pump with Bow, $295.
Bisous!
Psst, the girls have joined the blogosphere! Read their thoughts on gossip, style, and more at www.pastrykicks.com.

Mail Bombs: Tracee Ellis Ross, Malinda Williams' Hot Heels, and Rihanna's Ruffled Look!

Wow, last night was so much fun!
Even though I'm a bit hungover, Mail Bombs must go on!
Allons-y!
Dawn says, "I'm looking for a pair of boots like the ones Tracee Ellis Ross has on..."
"... I have to have them what ever the cost! Can you find them for me?"
Those are indeed some cute booties! Though it's likely Tracee is rocking Prada, it seems you can get a similar look with either pair of these affordable Jeffrey Campbell joints:
1. Jeffrey Campbell Lace Up Bootie in Black, $124. 2. Jeffrey Campbell Di High Heel Cuff Bootie, $185.
Reader Edonna loved Tracee's seventies inspired specs:
Adriana found she's wearing these $345 Balenciaga Round Lens Degrade Sunglasses:
Don't have $345? Try these:
1. Spitfire Candybar Sunglasses, $35. 2. A.J. Morgan Metradon Sunglasses, $28. 3. Palm Springs Sunglasses, $13.
Next, Keirsten says, "Where did my girl get these shoes?!?!?!"
Adriana found Malinda is wearing these Dolce Vita Viola Stilettos:
Get the hotness for $264 at www.shopdolcevita.com! I might invest!
Next Nesi wanted to find a skirt similar to Rihanna's layered look:
I found these options for a flirty essence:
1. French Connection Women's Vicky Viscose Mini Skirt, $39. 2. Kimchi Blue Outskirts Mini, $20.
And lastly, Nhezi wanted to know where the princess got her cute leggings:
We did our research and found she's wearing these $62 Factory Girl Tights:
Good luck!
That does it for today, unfortunately...more when I wake back up:)
Bisous!

Mail Bombs: Halle Berry's Black Bag, Taraji's Red Carpet Look, and Spectator Inspired Flats!

Happy Friday!
We've finally recovered from the madness of H&M! Besides, a few pushes would never keep us from Mail Bombs:
...obvs!
First reader Merethea asks, "What is the brand name of Halle Berry's handbag??"
According to our friends over at What's Haute, Ms. Berry is rocking this Cartier Marcello Bag:
It comes in varying sizes, averaging $1000 for the small version to $1600 for the large. Find yours at www.cartier.com.
Next Alexandrea saw this picture over at the YBF...
...and says, "Can you help me recreate this look the fabulous Meagan Good is rocking??"
Get her look with these:
1. Express Leather Bomber Jacket, $248. 2. Express Shiny Knit Leggings, $39.50. 3. Guess by Marciano Debbilee Sandals, $81.
Lucky you, Express.com is having a buy 1, get 1 half off sale! Get on it!
Samona says, "Where can I get Taraji's dress..."
"...or a really good knock off?"
We couldn't find the exact designer, so you'll have to settle with this $308 Tadashi Tie Front Jersey Dress:
...it's green, ties in front, and is saucy without the shine. Good luck!
Next Gerri says, "I really love Alicia's shoes! I especially love the pink colors!"
"Could you please let me know if there are more affordable shoes similar to these?"
The closest thing I could find to Alicia's shoes were these Davis By Ruthie Davis Women's Pixel Peep Toe Booties:
At $550 they're not quite affordable, though knowing Alicia's steeze, they're probably less than the originals.
Now we have a few wardrobe queries!
Jaime says, "I was hoping you guys could help me. I refuse to purchase another pair of Uggs..YES they are comfy and warm BUT they are sooooooooo 'played'..."
"Was wondering if my fashion guides (that would be you!!!) could help me in making a fabulous NEW and comfy move into a new pair of boots."
Adriana and I feel your pain! Stay cozy (and cute) in these non Ugg alternatives:
1. Ecco Women's Winter Zone Boot, $180. 2. Cougar Cutie Boot, $58. 3. Michael Kors Altitude Wedge Boot, $440. 4. Juicy Couture Snow Zip Quilted Wedge Boot, $228. 5. Moncler Tall Bubble Boots, $500. 6. The North Face Women's Hailey Boot, $160. 7. Sporto Women's Gojo Boots, $80. 8. Muks Women's Original Mukluks, $336. 9. Burberry Women's Fur Trim Snow Boots, $595.
Lastly, Ella says, "I have a friend that has been looking for wingtip flats for women. I've been diligent about my search but I can't seem to find any wingtips that aren't heels. Any idea where I can find spectator-inspired flats?"
Try these for a chic look:
1. Pour la Victoire Women's Oxfords, $126. 2. Jeffrey Campbell Wing Tip Bootie, $100. 3. Stuart Weitzman Mailcall, $182.
Bisous!