BET Awards: Hits and Misses

So the BET Awards were on last night...
...you know I was out, so I didn't get a chance to watch!
Still, I had to check out the red carpet highlights for Fashion Bomb Hits and Misses.
First the hits:

You can say many things about Cassie, but you can never say the girl is poorly dressed. She stepped out in typical fly fashion in a Pepto Bismol pink mini cocktail and peep toe stilettos. Love it!
Alicia Keys also went for pink in this perfectly fitted strapless dress...
Jordin Sparks shined in a flattering and well tailored crimson number...
And Solange Knowles looked surprisingly chic in this patterned frock...
..I see you Solange!
Another shock (sort've) was Miss Lil Kim...
I actually liked this deep plum halter cocktail. Given her track record, this was an unequivocal 'hit.' It fits, it's flattering, the color is dope.
A snap goes to usual suspect, Rihanna...
...who looked a bit out the box yet beautiful in this floor sweeping neon gown. Initially the color hurt my eyes, but it works for her, and the makeup is simply chic.
Lastly, Gabrielle Union looked gorgeous tapping into the maxi dress trend...
...wearing an all white flowing number with silver accents.
Not everyone showed and proved:
Jennifer Hudson tried, but unfortunately this was a miss for me. As a curvy girl, I know it's hard to find the perfect bust fit, but this dress is too small:
...Fit is everything! A bit more wiggle room would've made all the difference!
Toccara seems to have also missed the 'fit' lesson...
...the top of her dress is gorgeous and sophisticated, but the bottom gets scary with pulling and pleating. Satin is a dangerous fabric: unless it fits perfectly, it can signal fashion suicide!
Keyshia Cole actually suffered from the opposite 'fit' effect...
...her yellow dress is eye catchingly pretty, yet the shoulder section seems to be too big on her. And isn't she hot?
And lastly, the biggest miss had to be...
...Lil Mama. There are no words. But I think we know that Lil Mama doesn't purport to be fashionable, just unique.
My two cents! What were your hits and misses?
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*For past Fashion Bomb awards reviews, click here.

*Check out more BET Awards coverage at Bossip.com.
*A lot of you mentioned Nia Long's dress...
She wasn't on the carpet, but her plum gathered dress was definitely a hit!

White Party+ BET Awards

Hey Babes,
So if you’re like me, you have some sort of all white event to attend next week for 4th of July. And if you’re also like me, you’ve been procrastinating like *crazy* getting your outfit together (Eek!).
The delay, for me, is with good reason. My friends and I were talking…and though all white seems easy to do, you have to consider that you a.) want to stand out, b.) would DIE if anyone else had your outfit on (hello!), and c.) don’t want to look like a 12-year-old or d.) a marshmellow.
In searching for outfit inspiration, I, of course, looked to celebs:
If you're more of a 'dont' want to rock the boat' kind of chick, you can go with a classic, simple spaghetti strap dress like Ms. Selita Ebanks...

...a v-neck knee grazer with a gathered bodice a la Elise Neal...

...or a subtle, sophisticated white suit like Queen Latifah...

... shimmery camisole optional.
If you're more like me, you'll want to wear white with a bit more of a twist.
Kimora Lee shows us how it's done in a long sleeved dress that looks pretty plain in front...

...only to pack quite the punch in back...

...hot!
Tanned to perfection Nia Long also shows us a different way to go blanc in a delicate keyhole belted tunic...

...worn over light gold metallic shorts.
Still need ideas? Try focusing less on the outfit itself, and more on how you can set yourself apart with eye catching accessories. A distinctive shoe, cascading necklace, or light reflecting bauble are guaranteed showstoppers.
Nicole Richie's red pumps add a certain je ne sais quoi to her run of the mill snow white frock...

Tons of gold accessories, including multiple bangles, stiletto sandals, and sequined clutch make J. Lo's jumper more alluring...

...and unique belts spell u-p-g-r-a-d-e for Ciara...

..and Beyonce...

Cute.
Need a few recommendations?? I got you:
First the outfit:

Top Row: LaRok Palm Tree Top in Cream, $187, CoutureCandy
Super Sequins Dress, $198, www.frenchconnection.com; Walter Jacquard Swirl Shirt Dress in White, $275, CoutureCandy
Middle Row: Ella Moss Admiral Dress, $163, www.pinkmascara.com ; Piped Metallic Shorts, $45, www.ardenb.com ; Picqué Pant Suit, $79, www.spiegel.com.
Bottom Row: Metallic Linen Jumpsuit, $24.80, www.forever21.com ; Polished Short Sleeve Jacket, $118, www.whitehouseblackmarket.com; Rachel Roy Layla One Shoulder Top, $445, shopbop.com
And of course, can't forget the accessories!

Top Row:
Michael Michael Kors ivory striped 'Montauk' belt, $29, www.bluefly.com; Kenneth Jay Lane Pyramid Bracelets, $98, www.maxandchloe.com
Bottom Row: Chinese Laundry Brass Sandals, $63, zappos.com
Elissa Bloom Jewel Pouch, $41.60, www.ebags.com
Now you have tons of options. Now go on... wear summer white with style!
Smootches!
Video Throwback:
Whenever I think of all white, I think of Aaliyah's amazingly beautiful video for 'Rock the Boat' (I actually choreographed a dance to this back in the day...didn't know I was a dancer, did ya?)…

…Doesn't it seem like it was just yesterday that Aaliyah was topping the charts?? I still love this song...R.I.P Aaliyah!
PS So the BET awards were on last night…I didn’t watch it (no cable, ack!), but I was able to peep a few pics online. Of course I have a few favorites…
Ms. Keys...

...certainly stepped her game up in the slate colored floor skimming gown with jeweled neck accents.
Ciara...

...looked toned and trim in this trapeze style gray cocktail dress.
Kelly....

...was smoking hot in this beaded number.
And our good girl gone bad, Rihanna...

...showed us again how to rock all white with flair.
Everyone came correct, but my absolute favorite was…

Eva! She looked smashing in this technicolored long gown. The multiple colors played well off of her tanned skin, brown eyes, and dark brown tresses.

Gorgeous.
For more commentary and pictures, visit ybf.blogspot.com.
PSS The website Dlisted reports that uber designer Liz Claiborne...

... passed away today at the age of 78. Rest in Peace!

Winner of TFB's Contest + Shop & Mingle Details

Happy Friday!
So no time for mail bombs today (busy, busy, busy!), but I had to write in and relay a few tidbits.
First up, I'm sure you'd like to know the winner of the Fashion Bomb's Second Fashionable Contest! It's none other than Brooklyn, NY reader Danielle, who was the first to find that Nia Long's smashing shoes...

...were none other than this $625 pair of Sergio Rossi Suede and Patent Leather Sandals...

...available for purchase at www.net-a-porter.com
Congrats Danielle!
Next up, I've received some questions regarding this weekend's Shop & Mingle...

...so here are a few FAQ's:
1. Is it cash only?
No. Cash, Credit, Debit & Paypal (Visa/Mastercard/Amex via Paypal) are accepted.
2. Can I bring my friends??
Of course! The more the merrier.
3. What's the Fashion Bomb discount?
To commemorate the second Shop & Mingle, each Fashion Bomb reader gets $2 off per item. When you RSVP, I'll send you a Fashion Bomb Coupon. Print it out and bring it with you to get your discount.
4. Where is it?
If you RSVP to me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com, I'll send you all the juicy details.
5.Are the clothes new or used?
Everything's brand spanking new.
6. What if I can't make it?
No worries! There are many more Shop & Mingle's on the horizon.

Hope I answered everything. If not, let me know.
Have great, relaxing, refreshing weekends!
Smootches!
PS In case you can't make Shop & Mingle (quelle horreur!), The Art of Shopping is having a sample sale this weekend.
76 Greene Street
April 11-14, 11-7pm; April 15, 12-5pm
TheArtofShop.com
PSS Take $20 off any order over $100 by using code TAXBREAK2007 only at Shopbop.com!

Jumpsuits + TFB's Second Fashionable Contest

"I like to think of Jesus as an Ice Dancer, dressed in an all-white jumpsuit, and doing an interpretive dance of my life."--John Reilly as Cal Naughton Jr, 'Talladega Nights'

Hey Y'all!
So reader Shanita asked:
I was wondering if you can address rompers, jumpsuits, jumpers, one piece items on your blog soon. I see them and sometimes I think they are cute, but I dont want to look like a big baby or a fool wearing one. How does one wear a non-terry romper or jumpsuit?

Great question. For style cues, I looked no further than pretty, petite actress Nia Long. She's been representing with the one pieces lately in sophisticated and stylish ways.
She has no problem taking in a game in a pair of relaxed denim overalls...

...or rocking a black cotton twill jumpsuit with stilettos for the red carpet...

She pulls this off no problem by way of a great body and an even greater pair of legs. She also, unlike Ms. Tisha C...

...sticks to breathable fabrics like cotton twill or denim, and goes with subdued, neutral colors. You can definitely adapt this look to suit your style with the following scene stealers:

Top Row: 7 for All Mankind “Ginger” Jumpsuit, $198, www.adasa.com; Polka Dot Jumpsuit, $20, www.forever21.com; Poplin Belted Romper, $25.50, www.wetseal.com.
Middle Row: Seven Jeans Sweetheart Romper, $185, shopbop.com
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Finch Jumpsuit, $285, shopbop.com
Doty Jumper in Jet, $154, CoutureCandy
Bottom Row: XOXO Twill Button Front Jumper, $25.50, www.macys.com; Kaitlyn Shortall, $34.50, www.delias.com; Serfontaine Jean Jumpsuit, $255, (323) 782-9188.
The Serfontaine jumpsuit was actually featured in the New York Times Style section this Sunday. About the jumpsuit, the author says, "Pair it with stilettos and Pilates-toned legs and you’ve got a look." Sound advice!
Moving on...
Ms. Long has been bringin the fashion fabulosity lately! A ton of readers have e-mailed asking me the designer of the cute off the shoulder dress...

...she wore for the premiere of the movie 'Are we Done Yet?' It's a gorgeous dress, but I'm *stumped*.
Do you know who made it? If so, e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com with the designer, plus proof (a jpeg, link to a designers page). If you're the first to respond, I'll send you this Marc Jacobs mirror...

...one of the many items available this weekend at the Fashion Bomb and Val Style's Shop & Mingle Event! Haven't RSVP'd for Shop & Mingle? What are you waiting for?!?!
Smootches!