Show Review: Baby Phat Fall 2009

While Adriana covered Tibi in the tents, I power walked down to the Baby Phat Fall 2009 show:

This time around Kimora ditched her usual Roseland Ballroom venue for the smaller, more recession friendly Gotham Hall. Admittedly, Roseland is usually a zoo, crushed with celebrities, editors, and fans--but it also typically has a vibrant energy that makes the Baby Phat show more of a party than a focused fashion event. As a former bank, Gotham Hall had a much more serious atmosphere, but no matter: without all the distractions we were left to focus on the clothes. Thankfully, Kimora put some work into offering interesting silhouettes and pieces real girls would unflinchingly wear.
For fall Kimora went for frills and lace for a girly flair...

..instead of looking cheap, the pieces offered an updated classic, Victorian sensibility that carried over to her reinterpretations of Chanel quilted bags and layered pearl necklaces:

While the lace and frills were fun, my favorite part of the show had to be the outerwear. Cute capes, wool toppers, plaid jackets, and fur collared tweeds cascaded down the runway in silhouettes that would work for anyone from a college girl on the go to a young professional in a funky creative industry...

While some options still looked like a juniors department nightmare with tie dye jeans and bedazzled t's...

Overall Kimora delivered a solid, wearable collection, upping the quality and ante for the Fall 2009 season.
After the show, I walked over to say hey to a few well known faces:
Teyana Taylor looked retro chic with a cute hat, hairdo, and fitting dress:


I said wassup to Ray J, who was putting his VH1 show on hold for the night:

Chit Chatted with my girl Monica about Atlanta and a few of her upcoming projects (Check out my interview with her here:)


And girl talked with Dwight from the Real Housewives of Atlanta!

He was working it in a fur coat and all white suit! No sightings of Nene or Sheree all fashion week, but Dwight was fab-u-lous, and working his outfit!
Yet again, a fun time at Baby Phat:

And of course, I caught the final walk for ya:

I love how 'My President is Black' was the song for the final walk. Very apropos for a show and a President that are all about business!

What do you think?

Bisous!

*Dress from Pieces Boutique, Necklace and Earrings by Jenny Dayco, Chanel 2.55 Quilted Evening Bag care of Avelle.

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.

Real Style 2.0: Baby Phat Spring 2009 RTW

Hey!
So the Baby Phat show was fun, but of course we had to capture Real Style!

Enjoy!
*Special Thanks to my Fashion Week Sponsors: Jenny Dayco, Melody Ehsani, Pieces Boutique, Tibi, and Bag, Borrow, or Steal! Hair by De Lux Gallery in Brooklyn (91 Hanson Place, 718-522-3324), makeup by Glam DLuxe!

The Fashion Bomb does Baby Phat Spring 2009

So last night intern Adriana and I made our way to our last show of the season, Baby Phat:
...Kimora was celebrating her 10th year of runway shows, and we were pumped to be in the building!
Packed with New York's finest, the show is always exceedingly entertaining, thanks to a bass driven soundtrack, lithe models, and funky clothes. Though the show aimed to start on time, people took a while to get to their seats, so I seized the moment to snap a few pics. Caught up with Lala...
..who was wearing a LaRok skirt and YSL sandals, and finally met Serena Williams!!!
She was in a major rush to get to her seat, but was gracious enough to take a quick picture with me. Had to do it for mom!!!
Finally, the show began, and other notables like Carmelo Anthony, Danity Kane, Alexis Phifer, Ice T, Coco, and Maxwell filled in the front row:
The collection offered a melange of themes, mirrored in thigh skimming belted Safari dresses, Seventies era jumpers, maxi dresses and hippie-esque headscarves, Western style fringed suede vests, and Mideastern turbans:
Eye catching yet simple, Kimora's collection was fashioned to fit her target demographic of around the way girls with a splash of spunk. I myself was drooling over the models' blinged out rings, bangles, and necklaces that glinted in the spotlight:
...I'll take five!
All in all Baby Phat reflected the fun mix of couture and culture that Kimora has been bringing for the past 10 years. No Fashion Week could be complete without it!
After the show was the afterparty, and Adriana was tuckered out so we parted ways...
I went with my buddy to the Plaza Hotel for a continuation of the festivities:
...the celebration was grand, and the Plaza's ballroom was packed with partygoers sipping champagne and snacking on ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery.
Kimora was out of reach, but I was juiced to finally meet Dee + Ricky (creators of the lego pins for Marc Jacobs)...
...and we toasted to the end of Fashion Week. Now it's time to rest up!
Hope you enjoyed Adriana and I's coverage of Fashion Week. Let us know!
Oh and I took my Flip Video with me to the show and caught some Real Style...stay tuned for that on Monday.
Smootches!
*My dress and earrings are from Pieces, medallion necklace by Jenny Dayco.
*Special Thanks to: Carlos, Jerome, Leanne, Stephanie, and Tamar!!!

Morning Quickie: The Met Ball

Fashionistas and Celebutantes of every stripe converged last night for the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A few pictures of Fashion Bomb esque celebs:
...snaps to Thandie Newton for going with a mid thigh lingerie inspired dress along with sexy gladiator sandals! She really pushed the envelope (as you can see, most people wore floor length Princess gowns).
And I've got to give it to Kimora for also thinking outside the box in her colorful creation.
Beyonce looks like she's pageant ready in her champagne gown, and J. Lo quite demure in her ice blue frock. Zoe Kravitz stepped it up significantly, and Iman looked radiant, as usual.
If I had to pick a winner, I'd go with Kimora for picking something appropriate yet interesting (I wonder who designed her dress..?).
But what about y'all? Whose outfit fits your fancy?

The Fashion Bomb does Baby Phat Fall '08

Hey y'all!
So I just got home from Baby Phat, and I'm exhausted! The first day of Fashion Week has been both exhilarating and tiring. But I'm staying up late because I'm sure you want to know how Baby Phat went:)
The energy was amazing, and the room was, as usual, packed with industry heads and New York's fashionable set...
...once I found my seat, I didn't waste much time before I started snip snapping. I commissioned my girl Stephanie to be my official photographer, and launched a picture assault on the front row.
Lisa Raye was my first victim...
...she was very sweet (and gorgeous!). When I told her about the Fashion Bomb, she said that she'd pass the name onto Vivica (Fox) because apparently Viv loves to surf the 'net. Surf away!
I then sidled up to Christina Milian...
....who was also a super sweetheart. She'd made the circuit earlier at BCBG, and plans to stay till Monday. I told her to google the Fashion Bomb, and she said she would.
Lisa Raye and Christina were cool, but I almost lost my mind when I saw...
...Perez Hilton!!!!! Do y'all read his blog? It's like gossip CNN on crack. He's the biggest blogger in the universe. He was dope, perhaps he'll post our cute picture.
Stephanie and I were quickly shooed to our seats, and the show began. For the most part, I wasn't blown away by the collection design wise, though I did love how Kimora played with color....

...seems like plum, chartreuse and red will be the hot color combos for next fall.

Even Ming and Aoki were rocking chartreuse (more of a greenish yellow) and purple:
Cute!
I caught a video of the final walk, take a look:

If you squint, you can see Russell Simmons chit chatting with Joss Stone..and Joss Stone chit chatting a lot with Damon Dash. Tee-hee! Also notice, the girls hug Russell first, then stop to hug Djimon...and then show some love to Tyra. They're adorable.

So after the show, I continued to capture the magic.

Ran into Keenyah (former ANTM contestant), who is very tall and thin in person...

And struck a quick pose with Ms. Jay...

....he better work!

The show was great fun, and an amazing way to open Fashion Week. This weekend, there's a ton on my plate, but I'm only looking forward to Tracy Reese! Stay tuned!

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Like my dress? It's a brand called Voom, and I got it from Pieces, a boutique in Brooklyn.
If you're ever in New York, Pieces is a must visit. They're at 671 Vanderbilt Avenue at Park Place [B,Q to Seventh Avenue or 2,3 to Grand Army Plaza], and online at www.piecesofbklyn.com. Tell 'em I sent ya!
*I took tons of pictures...

...want to see more? Become a fan on the Fashion Bomb Page on Facebook for all the videos and pictures that don't make the Fashion Bomb cut.

*Thanks Malcolm!

*Oh, I asked Christina where she got this dress...
...and she revealed it was H&M!!! How crazy is that? I thought it was definitely a Diane von Furstenberg! See, I'm not the only budget fashionista:)

*Check Concrete Loop for more pictures.

Mail Bombs

Happy Fabulous Friday!

Let's mail bomb it up!
So readers loved Beyonce's bold red and purple ensemble from this picture posted yesterday....
...Najah said, "Do you know where I can get this look?"
With Beyonce's couture it's hard to find an exact copy, but I felt the following high and low items could help you channel Beyonce's essence:

Top Row: Calypso Christian Celle Edie Dress, $45, www.calyso-celle.com; Enzo Angiolini Women's Vikky Ankle Strap Sandal, $70, www.endless.com.
Middle: Keep Together Belt, $68, www.kennethcole.com
Bottom Row: Giambatista Valli Velvet Platform Ankle-Wrap Heels, $775, www.ronherman.com; Portolano Aubergine Leather Suede Inset Gloves, $78, www.bluefly.com.
Update! Reader Kristin from Chicago found a dress that is almost an exact match!

She says, "I just so happened to be web-shopping and found a dress that is very similar for under $50. It can be found on Chadwicks and comes in cinnamon and aubergine (purple). It’s on sale for $39.99."
That works! Get it here.
Next, Shekeidra says, "I am desparately searching for a gold sequin mini dress or tunic to wear on New Year's Eve. This dress..."
"....is perfect but I don't know where to find it. Plus, I'm trying to stay away from spaghetti straps. Considering I'll only be wearing this once, I really don't want to spend an arm and a leg. Your help would be graciously appreciated..."
Hey Shekeidra! Finding a great sequined dress with wide straps or sleeves shouldn't be hard. Try these affordable options:

Left to Right: Nine West Sleeveless Gold Sequined Dress, $85, www.macys.com; Sequin V-Neck Dress, $198, www.ardenb.com; Scoop Back Scallop Sequin Dress, $85, www.asos.com.

Reader Khalilah comes to us with a men's fashion query. She says, "My boyfriend recently started experimenting with wearing scarves and I'd like to encourage his new found fashion fearlessness. However, I don't know what type of scarves are male friendly or where to get really fashionable ones (that are also affordable). Any ideas?"
For how to rock the male scarf, one need look no further than super stylish GQ man of the year Kanye West.
Whether he's wearing Louis Vuitton logo scarves in black or white...
...experimenting with skulls....
...or playing with more traditional patterns...
He always manages to look super chic and masculine rocking a neck tie.
If your man isn't quite as bold, he can go the route of Jay-Z or Swizz Beatz...
...wearing a plain black and white design.
If you're looking for a few well priced options, I've got you covered:

Top Row: Diesel Piramyd Scarf, $50, www.urbn.com; Libertines Check Scarf, $22, www.asos.com.
Bottom Row: Checkerboard Scarf, $15, www.asos.com; Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf, $295, www.barneys.com.

Sounds like a great holiday gift!

Fatimah from Toronto says, "I recently bought a very serious vintage mink stole and I'm dying to wear it sometime this holiday season..."
"... What's the best way to rock it?"
Fur--whether it's a jacket, vest, or full length coat--is surprisingly versatile and looks great with virtually anything.
Throw your fur over a short or long dress like Nicole Richie or Eve....
Or go a bit more casual like Kimora...
Honestly, anyway you slice it, you'll look luxurious.

Lastly, Fashion Bomb devotee Niesha loved Real Style! She says, "I fell in love with the coat that the young lady was wearing in the picture that was posted on Monday..."
"... I NEED that coat in to my wardrobe right now. Could you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me find THAT COAT!"
I got in touch with the young lady in the picture, and she disclosed, "I got it in a small boutique in the Manhattan Mall on 34th street. The store's on the lower level... I forgot the name of the store but once you're downstairs, you can' t miss it. I am surprised at the fan club, lol!"
You shouldn't be surprised, your coat is hot! Anyway, I searched online and couldn't find anything similar, so, Nieisha find your way to the Manhattan Mall!

Good luck!

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Lil sis Solange Knowles rocked bright purple tights and checkered shoes last night at People's Grammy Kick off Party:
I'll be totally honest with you: I wore bright purple tights (from American Apparel) with my favorite black sweaterdress yesterday. But while I thought I looked pretty fly, Solange looks just a little off, am I right? Or is it the shoes??