Friday Mail Bombs + Anniversary Stuff

Happy Friday!
So as you may or may not know, the Fashion Bomb’s one year anniversary is coming up tres soon! Yes, it’s been a year of me pontificating, observing, and blabbing about urban fashion. And what a good year it’s been!!! In celebration I’m doing a ton on the old blog...but before I get into all that, I’ll give you what you came for:

That’s right, Mail Bombs.
Let’s get it crackilackin.
First up reader Melody says, "This shirt and hat that Ri-Ri is wearing is super cute!!! "

"...Can you find her hat & shirt or offer some buget-friendly versions?"
Hey Melody. I think Rihanna's wearing this $198 Cullen Bib Ruffle Blouse by Diane von Furstenberg...

...but if $198 is too much to spend on a white blouse, you can get something similar in this $49 Pixie Hopkins Tuxedo Shirt...

...from Victoria's Secret.
If the shirt stretches you wallet, you can save a bit with this 21 Newsboy Cap...

...only $10 at www.forever21.com.
Next up reader Truestarisha says, "I was watching BET's the 5ive on Wednesday when they highlighted a fashion line by the name of Alcapony or something as their number one spot. I was wondering if you could find out the correct name of the line and highlight it. I think their clothes are amazing and I would love to know where I could find them."
Intern Elita to the rescue!
She says, "The line is called AquaPoni. It's been worn by some celebs (Scar, Michael Knight from Project Runway, Common) and is made up of mostly hoodies and items that have been repurposed. Very boho chic."
A few of their looks, care of their myspace page:

Create Your Own
Cute, cute stuff! And apparently they're based out of Atlanta?? How come I haven't heard of them? Anyway, you can purchase the items at Atlanta boutiques like P Valentine (www.pvalentine.com) or Pieces of Adrene (www.piecesofadrene.com). Neither of those stores have online commerce, so your best bet would be to try to contact them through myspace.
Fashion Bomb Fan Christina from Baltimore, Maryland says, “I have been searching high and low for the designer of the dress that Jennifer Hudson wore to the Golden Globe awards….”

“… I even hit her up on myspace and the diva that she is, would not tell me. I notice that a lot of dresses that she wears have the ruffle effect or that extra fabric around the midsection and as a curvy woman myself that’s what I like. I’m getting married and a lot of my girlfriends are extra curvy and that look would be great. If you could be of any help and letting me know who the designer was for that dress is, I would be so grateful. You just don’t understand how much that would mean to me. Thank you in advance for your attention to my request!”
Intern Elita hit me up again (yay!) and found that according to this article, the dress is Vera Wang.
Elita went on a search for a similar VW dress, and came upon this $380 black satin pleated flutter v-neck dress...

...at www.bluefly.com. Close, but I personally think that this $220 T-Bags Flutter Sleeve Dress has a more Golden Globes effect...

...it's navy, has the sleeves, and an empire waist so that the fabric skims over the belly. If you're set on having Vera Wang dresses at your wedding, however, visit her website www.verawang.com and find a store or retailer near you.
Hope that helps!
So a *ton* of readers fell in love with Alicia Keys denim jumpsuit...

I searched and searched, but couldn't find an exact match.
This $84 Wood Sprite bootcut jumpsuit by Dereon has a similar zipper, but is clearly a capri...

And this $280 Jumpsuit in Carbon by Deener is full length...

...but the buttons are a bit different.
I couldn't find an exact match. Can y'all help? Let me know!
Update!!! Reader Tina from ATL, GA found out who makes the jumper!
The $140 Elephant Bell Jumper...

...is available online at a e-store call Good, Bad, and Ugly NYC. The jumper comes in 6 colors...including the one Ms. Keys wore on TRL!
Thanks Tina!
Lastly Lady P says, "Hi Claire! You recently discussed Spectator Booties. I have a pair of Manolo Blahnik booties like these..."

"...and I would like some suggestions on how to wear these with jeans and skirts. Do you think I'll be able to wear these booties with a pencil skirt?"
Great Shoes! I definitely think you can rock them with jeans. I think spectators would go really well with the new wide leg trend. For cues on how to wear them with skirts, I looked to Burberry Prorsum's Fall 2007 show:

Create Your Own
...every model is sporting spectators with black, opaque tights under mini's, trenches, even bubble skirts. I think a pencil could work too, just be mindful of the hem. Since the shoe comes higher than a regular pump, it cuts your leg off a bit at the ankle. So make sure you hem line goes higher to reveal more leg.
Wheeww! That does it!
So as I mentioned...stay tuned next week for the Fashion Bomb's Anniversary! There will be a giveaway contest (test your knowledge of The Fashion Bomb), a fun Fashion Week party announcement, and hot, fresh new look.
You're gonna love it!
Until then...
Smootches!
Fashion news, sales, what nots:
*WWD reports that Russell Simmons has stepped down as chief executive officer of Phat Fashions. He’s going on to pursue his other business ventures, namely his new Argyle Culture Menswear brand and his high end Atman brand. Kimora Lee will continue as Baby Phat’s creative head.
*Check out Seasoned to Perfection’s sale…

Click to Enlarge.
For more info or to RSVP, e-mail s2pvintage@yahoo.com
*Don’t forget Boutique Finesse’ sidewalk sale.

Click to enlarge
Have great weekends!

Poiret Party: Picks and Pans

"I refuse to make a model which will sell in quantity. I do not want all women to look and dress exactly alike. I want them to be as different in their dress as they are in their personalities."--Paul Poiret.

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, last night was the Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The celebration was for Paul Poiret...

...a revolutionary Parisian designer who rose to prominence in the early 20th century.

Sketches of Paul Poiret designs
Poiret called himself "The King of Fashion" (kinda like T.I. called himself the King of the South). Poiret's most noted for eschewing what was then traditional boning, corsets, and petticoats in favor of long flowing Greek and Eastern inspired gowns characterized by lots of embellishments, sequins, trimmings, and vibrant colors. He was the antithesis to Coco Chanel at the time (whose more simple designs were all the rage). He apparently once said about Chanel, "What has she created? Poverty de luxe," and also called her 'garconne' look, "Sterile and Muttonish." We always like a great fashion catfight, don't we?
Anyway last night, celebrities, socialites, and the fashionable upper crust came out to the Met to christen the opening of Poiret's exhibit.
I like to think that all dressed to pay homage to Poiret's legacy. But while some got it right, others failed miserably.
First the 'misses':

Naomi Campbell's fur and feather embellished knee grazer pays due respect to Poiret, but the ankle boots take this frock from glamorous to ghetto in one quick once over.

There's a difference between sexy in a sophisticated way, and sexy in a...'wrong side of the tracks' way. Jessica Simpson tread that line, but unfortunately fell on the side of skid row in this plunging Marilyn Monroe-esque dress.

Kirsten Dunst needs to hire a stylist. This midnight blue and tulle mish mosh looks clownish...

I wouldn't even wear this outfit to work...
And lastly, Ms. Mary Kate Olsen...

...I honestly have mixed feelings about this dress. I had to suppress my gag reflex when I first saw it, but I must say that she is in line with the Poiret philosophy (feathers accented his signature styles). There's a difference between feather accents and a feather dress, though...and she seems to be channeling some morbid version of Big Bird. Even though this frock isn't my favorite, I've gotta give it to Mary Kate. It takes a fierce woman to rock this concoction with confidence.
Now for my favorite looks of the night:

Rihanna looks great in this Grecian halter ivory gown, and the sheer black gloves are unexpected accents...

Camilla Belle also uses the Grecian aesthetic to her benefit in this flowing ice blue number. The color complements her skin tone, and the silhouette is simple yet elegant...

Kate Bosworth's updated shift and short, slick hairdo are reminiscent of Madame Chanel. Kate looks stunning...perhaps her presence shows that two powerhouse design ideals can prevail at the same time. No need for nasty competition!

Jennifer Hudson plays it safe in this one shoulder gown...
And my absolute favorite look was a shocker:

...Cameron Diaz! The color on this dress is searingly beautiful, and the juxtaposition of the raspberry of the dress and the turquoise jewelry is sick. The gown is embellished yet not overdone, and she allows her style to speak through vibrant colors and well plucked jewels.
What do y'all think?
Smootches!
PS The Poiret: King of Fashion exhibit runs from May 9th to August 5th. Find out more information by visiting the Met's website here.
PSS Want to know more about Paul P? There's a great article on him in this Month's Vogue...

...written by Hamish Bowles. The spread features modern designer interpretations of Poiret's ideas. Pick up a copy and get your learn on.
PSSS I didn't do my monthly review of Vogue this month (no scanner access), but aren't we glad one of the world's next top models is a sister? But then again aren't we kinda mad she was on the inside flap?

Chic Styles for Voluptuous Vixens: Jennifer Hudson

"I don't think you ready for this jelly/I don't think you ready for this jelly/I don't think you ready for this/Cause my body too bootylicious for ya babe." Destiny's Child, 'Bootylicious'

Hey!
So reader Iguerri wrote me the following:

"I am a plus size girl who is tired of shopping at Old Navy or having to order offline for specialty sizes only to have to return them because they don’t fit. I feel there is hope for us 14-18 size girls. Can you profile lines or even websites that offer plus size designer jeans, cute dresses, JACKETS, and tops for us ultra curvy, top-heavy, thick hip and thighs, too much junk in the truck fashionistas???"

Great request, huh? Full figured women are always given the shaft in terms of fashionable finds. I decided to do a search, but first I needed a bit of style inspiration. I thought to myself...
Who better to look to than the award winning, cover gracing Jennifer Hudson??

She always makes plus sized friendly fashion choices. Let's take a look:
Jennifer wears mostly dark colors...

...because they tend to have a slimming effect.
She's not afraid to pop on a print...

...knowing that they can act like camouglage, hiding bumps and bulges. She also does service to her shape by wearing v-necks...

...that draw the eye downward and attract attention to the center of her body.
When she wears lighter colors, she makes sure the waist is empire...

...so that it accentuates the smallest part of her waist, then flows over her tummy. She also wears layers as much as possible to deemphasize her 'cup runneth over' chest.
With t's, she likes 'em long...

...all the better to mask jelly, muffin tops, and other junk in the trunk.
Want her look?
The Fashion Bomb searched high and low for similar styles from websites that carry or specialize in plus sized threads.
Check it out:

Top Row, Left to right: Black Floral Kimono Dress, $68, www.torrid.com; Lucille Cocktail Dress in Black/Silver, $129, www.igigi.com; Marilyn Convertible Dress, $165, www.monifc.com; White Denim Halter Dress, $69.50, www.lanebryant.com.
Bottom Row, Left to right: Short Sleeve Wrap Dress, $36, Fashion To Figure; Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Tummy Tuck Stretch Jeans (Plus), $138, www.nordstrom.com; Baby Phat Batwing Large Cat Top, $49, BabyPhat.com
Nine West Piped Trench (Plus), $169, www.nordstrom.com.
Bonus for Fashion to Figure customers: Spend $75, Get $25 OFF - Promo code FTF7525 - Expires March 31
Smootches!
PS For a daily dose of plus sized fashion, check out the blog www.plussizedfashionistainthecity.blogspot.com!

PSS If you love the Fashion Bomb, tell 10 of your friends *today* to visit and live the Bomb life!

Fashion News:
1. WWD reported today that Iconix Brand Group Inc will acquire the Rocawear brand...

...for $204 million in cash. Alright Jay-Z!

2. Jennifer Hudson (speak of the devil) has signed a deal with Avon to become the face of the company's Imari fragrance brand.

Claudia Poccia, president of Avon U.S. Beauty is quoted saying, "We wanted a spokesperson who embodied a youthful spirit and confidence, and Jennifer speaks to a new generation of passionate women trying to achieve their dreams and goals."
Here we go, Jennifer, here we go!

Momma Fashion Bomb's Awards Review

"Glamour is back, but with a minimalist touch."--Gianni Versace

Hey Y'all!
So I'm home in Stone Mountain, GA (Stone Mount!)...

...snug as a bug in a rug. My mom and I are chillin...and of course we decided to tune in to the Academy Awards.
My mom had some hilarious opinions on red carpet style...and I remembered that she's actually a bit of a fashionista herself. She attended New York City's High School for Fashion Industries (but didn't do so well as a designer because she says, "I couldn't draw to save my life.") She made and designed clothes for me when I was younger...and probably picked the trade up from my grandfather, who owned his own tailoring shop in the Bahamas for close to 50 years.
Long story short: Moms knows a thing or two about fashion.
So I couldn't resist...today we have Momma Fashion Bomb's two cents on the Academy Awards red carpet style.
The dresses she *disliked* were a bit surprising, so I'll go with those first:
About the usually fabulous J. Lo, she wondered, "Who told her to put that on?"

She said there was too much happening up top...and that the whole outfit looked like a costume.
Moms was also not impressed by Beyonce...

...saying her dress, "looked like something I could have put together." She called the strap 'garbage' and concluded that Armani should’ve told Ms. Knowles not to wear it!
My mom almost had a violent reaction to Kirsten Dunst's Chanel frock...

...calling it 'ugly.' When asked for specifics, she said that the Peter Pan collar and feathers were too much. After seeing Ms. Dunst, Mom concluded that, "People don’t know how to dress."
Ma mere also hated on Anika Noni Rose...

...saying her silver sequined number was too low cut and in poor taste.
And while she thought [WINNER!!!] Jennifer Hudson's hair was nice...

...she deemed the jacket dreadful. I quote," She's trying to hide. She doesn’t need all that."
Well alright Momma Bomb.
With such a harsh critic, I'm sure you'd love to hear who she thought looked great...
Well, she loved [WINNER!!!] Helen Mirren's dress...

...succintly stating it was, "Beautiful, pretty, and classy."
She also liked Penelope Cruz's Versace...

...and mused on the intricate details. While she thought there was a bit much going on at the bottom, she declared that Cruz could pull it off because, "she’s European."
Gwyneth in Zac Posen was also a favorite...

She remarked, "That’s pretty. It looks like a designer gown."
Reese Witherspoon's dress...

...also worked for Moms (even though she complained that Reese looked too skinny).
Her last love?

The Queen in Carmen Marc Valvo! Mom stated, "She usually looks put together. She’s got style...She’s got it and she doesn’t have to flaunt it."
Well there you have it. Fashion, care of ma mere. Hope you enjoyed it:)
Smootches!
PS Stay tuned tomorrow for deets on my first ATL fashion excursion!