Fashion Rocks Red Carpet

So Black Fashion Rocks wasn't the only red carpet poppin this past Friday!
Fashion Bomb worthy celebs also stepped out for the annual Fashion Rocks concert at Radio City Music Hall.
My favorites of the night would have to be Ashanti and Ciara...
...who literally sparkled in flattering sequined gowns.
Mary J. Blige and Keyshia Cole looked great...
...though I'm scratching my head at Ms. Cole's inventive pose.
And Leona Lewis and Beyonce kept it cute and simple...
...if not also a tad underdressed (relatively speaking).
While most looked red carpet appropriate, there were some 'misses':
Vivica Fox didn't channel any Glam Gods in her demure, matronly frock, and Lil Mama stepped out in her usual off the wall steeze...
...and it seems Solange is trying to win the 'Fashion Police' Award! Rihanna looks fine, but we've all seen her look much, much better.
What do you think?

Get her Look: Amerie

Amerie stepped out last week for a Converse/Target event in West Hollywood...
...looking super chic!
A lot of you ask me in Mail Bombs what to wear to a concert or to a slightly casual fashion event. Amerie's look would work because it's simple--everything from her cool light blue blazer to gray skinny jeans and white top are somewhat classic. She steps it up, however, with *hot* accessories--retro sunglasses, python clutch, and those shoes? Killer.
Get an Amerie look the next time you hit the town with the following high and low priced items:
1. Sterling Silver Agate Pendant Necklace, $28. 2. Da-Nang Light Blue Pinstripe Blazer, $135. 3. Lilla Pima Ruched Long Tank, $31. 4. Calvin Klein Gathered Clutch, $148. 5. Ksubi Old Sunglasses in Purple, $225. 6. Paige Denim Pico Skinny Jeans in Birch, $198 7. Chloe Strappy Shoe Boots, $558. 8. Wooden Bangle, $5. 9. Dimpled Hoop Earrings, $5.
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Yes We Can!!!
If you want to show your support for your favorite presidential candidate, Cafe Press has tons of options for the political gal or guy with style:
1. Vintage Women's Shirt, $27. 2. I love Barack Obama Shirt, $27. 3. Team Obama Ringer Tee, $21. 4. BarackStar T, $23. 5. Barack Obama Women's Light T, $19. 6. Obama Shops Women's V-Neck T, $19.

For more options (there are plenty), click here.
*Deal of the Day:
Yves Saint Laurent Stella Star Sandal, $446 from $595, www.neimanmarcus.com.

*For all you handbag lovers of the world, Botkier is coming to Target July 20th!
...The bags look cute and saucy, and I'm sure the prices are right! Mark your calendars...
*Nitrolicious gives you NYC girls the scoop on sample sales next week. I must drop into Mara Hoffman (June 12-15th) and Tibi (June 11th-13th)! Click here for the rest. [Nitrolicious]

Mail Bombs + Fashion Week

Happy Friday!
Today marks the beginning of Fashion Week and also the first day Black History month! I'm planning on doing it up again this Black History Month, with even more fashion info from people of color in the industry. Stay tuned this Monday for the series.
In the meantime, I figured I could give you a few Mail Bombs...
...Let's get started!
First, Holly says, "Please help me identify J Lo's bag!"
"... I LOVE it!"
I took one look at the Ombre print and immediately knew J. Lo was carrying a Prada bag, as witnessed in these ads...
..for Spring 2008. Get your own ombre bag....
...starting at $1500 at Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman.
Next, readers Leanne and Bluet fell in love with Meagan Good's Boots...
...Leanne said, "They are too cute!"
They look comfy too! Anyway, it looks like she's wearing these Love from Australia Vixen Boots...
...get them for $400 at shopbop.com
Brandy asks, "I was wondering who made this dress Eva Longoria Parker wore?"
"...Or something similar? I'm a big pattern and sparkle fan and I love this look!"

My sleuthing skills may be sharp, but I couldn't find her exact dress! I'll keep looking, but in the meantime, here are a few similar options:
Left to Right: LaRok Zebra Serengeti Sequin Tunic, $172, www.bloomingdales.com; Foley + Corinna Zebra Sequin Dress, $385, shopbop.com
Next, Nicjac says, "I am searching for a cute, affordable outfit to attend the Jill Scott/Raheem DeVaughn concert in March. It's relatively cold in DC but not as cold at New York. Thanks!"

Hey! Can I come? Just kidding. So for some reason when I saw this question, I felt Zoe Kravitz would be a perfect muse...
...it seems as if she tends towards looking pretty while not trying too hard, the perfect combo for a concert.
I'd recommend wearing a bold printed or colorful top with skinny dark jeans, topped off with lots of bold accessories. Pop on a pair of flat of comfortable boots in case you find yourself standing. And finish everything off with a blazer or wrap sweater for warmth.
A few suggestions:

Top Row: Magic Top, $90, www.fcuk.com; Stripe Trim Military Blazer, $103, www.asos.com; Lotta Stensson Plum Knit Flounce Top, $40, www.bluefly.com.
Middle Row: Juicy Couture Love? Amore! Multilayered Necklace, $82, www.nordstrom.com; Enamel Pyramid Bangles, $68, www.marciano.com; Pieces Private Label Earrings, $65, www.piecesofbklyn.com.
Bottom Row: Velvet Sharon Wrap, $79, www.revolveclothing.com; Corpus Alpha Gray Jeans, $84, www.revolveclothing.com; One of 2 Women's Flat Knee High Boot, $132, www.endless.com.
Now, a question for the group. Audrey says, "I have a dilemma. I can’t find high-quality nude hosiery. My skin is about the same tone as yours. I’ve been buying Hanes’ Brown Sugar in Coffee. The color’s not perfect but it’s adequate. My issue with it is the quality: it tears after 2 wears max. While they are pretty cheap, I’d still rather get something that lasts longer and matches my skin."
Any Insight?
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*I'm so excited for the shows! I might have to *gasp* update on the weekends. Stay tuned!

*Deal of the Day:
If you can't afford Rihanna's Malandrino...
You can get the Valencia Sequin Mini for only $88 at www.marciano.com.

*Indulgence of the Day:

...Basics II Black Dress, $450, www.piecesofbklyn.com.
*WWD reports that Kimora is debuting a new fragrance...
..aptly called 'Fabulosity. Talk about branding at its best!
*Diddy is looking for models...
Open call on Monday February 4th from 9-11 am. Location: 1710 Broadway (at 54th street). Ethnic models, if you need a job, there you go! Showcase your beauty:)

Robin Thicke Concert: Street Style

"The key to style is not following fashion trends. It is about making your style your own and being a leader. Find your style and stick to it.”--Jacqui Stafford

So my friend EJ and I found out about a Robin Thicke concert going on yesterday...

...and decided to make our way over to the Maritime hotel after work to see what was what.
As soon as I walked up to the *long* line, I noticed that it was packed with beautiful, fashionable brown people.
I couldn't help but snap a few pics:

This brother/sister pair update the 80's aesthetic in bomber jackets and hot t's. Homegirls' sunglasses and green beret are unique and stylish accents.

Straight from the office, these working girls look corporate yet cool with large, hold everything bags, spring ready dresses, and footless tights.

Cheese! These friends are casually chic in skinny jeans and flats.

The young lady on the left adds a personal touch to her classic trench with a cute ribbon belt.

Dude is preppy yet pimpin' in a smart eggplant sweater, crisp white shirt, and multicolored tie.

Diva on the right shows that a fitted jacket in a bold color can make any outfit pop.

Funky, and fresh dressed, these fashionistas (and fashionisto) were indisputably fierce. They posed like supermodels and looked great doing so. Check out the bright colors, accessories, and gorgeous 'do's. Hot!

Warm weather signals unmitigated fabulosity in the city. Hems get shorter, colors brighter, and clothes bolder. And this is just the beginning.
Can't wait!
Smootches!
PS Want a closer look at Michael Venker's collection (from the Parson's Fashion Show)? Check it out:

Click to enlarge
Thanks Paul!
PSS Enter to win a $3,000 shopping spree at ShopBop!