Mail Bombs: Beyonce's St. Barths Look, Rihanna's Black Wedge Boots, and Lauren London's Sean John Jacket!

It's Friday! Time to do what we do best...
Let's go!
First, Alicia says, "I love this dress Beyonce wore while on vacation in St. Barths..."
"...can you tell me who designed it?"
Sure! Bey is wearing this cute and colorful Catherine Malandrino Jeweled Tank Dress:
...get it for $525 at www.net-a-porter.com.
Next Brittney says, "I'm looking for a dress to wear to an upcoming cabaret next month, and I found this dress that I like worn by Ashanti..."
"...Can you help me find a dress like this but more affordable? PPPLLLEEEAAAASSSEEE!!!!!!!!"
Of course! Try these red hot options:
1. BCBG Tiered Satin Halter Dress, $200. 2. Sexy Ruched Halter Dress by Atria, $150.
Chanel says, "Rihanna has been photographed wearing some Black Wedge leather boots..."
"...Do you know who makes the ones she is wearing and where I can find them (and a similar inexpensive pair)?"
An anonymous Fashion Bomb tipster indicated that Rihanna is undoubtedly wearing these Balenciaga Black Wedge Boots...
...hot, but they're currently going on Ebay for about $880. Eek!
If you're watching your pennies, Adriana found these affordable alternatives:

1. 8020 Jackie Pebble Leather Wedge Boot, $132. 2. Aldo Schacht Boots, $90.

Paula from London asks, "I was wondering where I can get the jacket Lauren London is wearing in this photo."
"... I'm from the UK so I'm finding it difficult to track down!"
Adriana found that Lauren is wearing this Sean John Quilted Bomber with Detachable Hood:
Buy it here for $55.50
Now we have a few wardrobe queries!
First MK from DC says, "Help !! What can I wear with this skirt??"
Take a style cue from Julisa...
...and wear your bow skirt with a tight black top and opaque tights. Pop on a blazer for a chic finish!
And finally Jazsi says, "My name is Jaz and I LOVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEE FASHION. I am a senior in high school, and I am from Detroit, MI. My question is: Can you give me a few suggestions on prom dresses for the more curvy girl? I must show everyone that no matter what your size, you can still be fashionable."
You got it. Try these plus sized prom appropriate options:

1. JS Boutique Beaded Ombre Dress, $198. 2. Robbie Bee Metallic Lattice Dress (Plus), $98. 3. Daisy Silk Colorblock Maxi Dress, $415.
These dresses stand out, yet are plain enough for you to add your own funky jewelry and accessories. You better shut it down (and send pictures)!
That does it!
Any big plans for the weekend? I planned a trip to Rome, but pushed it to the spring...too much traveling lately, and I'm feeling sick:(
Stay tuned later today for a contest and much more fashion fabulosity!
Bisous!

Mail Bombs: Tyra's Top, Chic Raincoats, Raven's Boots, Baby Shower Style

Cheries,
I'm piloting just for today as Mademoiselle Sulmers makes her debut in Paris. She sends virtual "Smootches!" along with a few Mail Bombs, below. Let's get to it!

Fashion Bomber Tonia asks, "I must cop this top Tyra is wearing. Can you tell me who makes it?"

Claire investigated and found that Tyra is actually wearing this modified Mara Hoffman dress from the designer's Fall 2008 line:

Next, reader India writes, "How can I find a dress like Kelis's???"

Claire recommends any one of these options:

1. Chaiken Mini Dress, $130 2. Tibi Shift Dress, $200 3. Taylor Eyelet Shift, $55
From Tolu we have: "I'm a college student looking for a rain coat (preferably hooded) that's cute and inexpensive. Any suggestions?"
Fall's a good time to get your rain gear on point. Here are a few ideas that hopefully fit your budget:

1. Andrew Marc Silver Hooded Rain Jacket, $135, 2. Aqua Cropped Waterproof Jacket (with hood), $42 3. Hilary Radley Belted Rain Coat, $90,
FB'er Tyi e-mails, "I would kill for the boots Raven is rocking! It's harder to find knee and thigh boots for thick chicks. Can you please help me out?!"

One of the go-to places online to find stylish specialty shoes is Zappos. Not only can you search by size, style, width, and color (all at once), but their inventory is endless and shipping is free (even if you decide to return your shoes). Check out these fabulous boot selections that accommodate fuller legs:

1. Bouquets Wide Calf Boots, $94 2. Stuart Weitzman Best Boots, $263 3. RSVP Elana Boot, $154
FB Mom-to-be Cleona writes, "My baby shower is in November and I have nothing to wear. I want a look that's cute and sexy that will still compliment my growing belly and figure. Any ideas?"
Congrats! As for baby shower outfits, I really like these pieces from Liz Lange Maternity for Target and Gap Maternity:

1. Gap Tie-Front Dress, $58 2. Liz Lange for Target Ribbed Empire Dress, $30 3. Liz Lange for Target 3/4 Sleeve Wrap Dress, $30 4. Gap Ruffle-Neck Dress, $78
Finally, Nicole asks, "I want to inquire about the sunglasses that Will Smith wore to the Secret Life of Bees premiere. I've looked everywhere and can't find out who makes them."

We couldn't find the designer, either, but here are some shades similar to the ones Will sported:

1. Yves Saint Laurent 2218S Sunglasses, $205 2.D&G 6016 Sunglasses, $139
That's a wrap for Mail Bombs!
bon weekend,
Adriana

Plus Sized Style Spotlight: Toccara

So I've been getting lots of e-mails lately imploring me to represent more plus sized fashionistas.
While I've profiled plus sized sirens Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah in past Style Files, there's a new voluptuous vixen in town, representing for the girls with a bit more curve:
Toccara Jones.
This former ANTMer parlayed her bubbly personality and undeniable charm into stints at BET and the pages of Italian Vogue and Essence. Her style has evolved accordingly, by focusing on fits that show off her best assets.
For Toccara, the rule is black, black, and more black...

...as the dark color is slimming and its monochromatic look creates a vertical line, making the body seem sleak. Toccara also favors plunging necklines...

...that bring the eye downward, and the focus more towards the center of the body. When she diverts from black, she stunts in dresses in eggplant or turquoise...
...or pops on a belt on other occasions to highlight her smallest part:
Chic!
For more casual events, she opts for a v neck vest or t-shirt....
..worn with jeans in straight or boot cut styles to balance out her hips.
Want a chic plus size look? Try these options:

1. Monif C Marilyn Convertible Dress 26, $75. 2. Torrid White Purple Zebra Head V-Neck Tee, $28. 3. London Times Woman Crepe Belted Dress, $90. 4. Sutton Studio Exclusive Bi-Stretch Cap Sleeve Dress - Plus Sizes, $150. 5. Womens Rise Boot Cut Sweetheart Gray Jeans, $20. 6.Camilla Wraparound Dress in Red, $135. 7. Rachel Pally White Label Short Caftan Dress, $248. 8. Black Lola Ruched Dresses by Kiyonna, $126. 9. Robbie Bee Crisscross Silk Chiffon Dress, $88.
Smootches!
See more Fashion Bomb Plus Sized Posts here.

Trend: Maxi Dress

Hey!
So the new silhouette for the summer months is the long, flowing maxi dress. The look is supremely sophisticated, and works in a myriad of situations.
Meagan Good and Ashanti opt for printed styles in casual cuts...
Joy Bryant goes for a floor sweeping frock in solid royal blue...
And Alicia Keys dons an uber elegant strapless version for the red carpet...
Ever democratic, maxi dresses work on varying body types including everyone from the very petite Nicole Richie...
..to the more voluptuous Jill Scott...
Hot!
Get the look with these affordable options:
1. Silence & Noise Printed Maxi Dress, $68; 2. Arden B Peacock Print Maxi Dress, $128; 3. Lily Strapless Maxi Dress, $98; 4. T-Bags Printed Maxi Dress, $132; 5. Curvy Jersey Maxi Dress, $95.
Splurge with these beauts:
1. Patrizia Pepe Tie Dye Bandeau Dress, $408; 2. Tibi Riviera Paisley Maxi Dress, $300. 3. Marciano Genova Maxi Dress, $198.
And for my plus sized sistas, I've got ya covered:
1. Lily Strapless Maxi Dress (Plus), $98. 2. Monif C Sunner Colorblock Maxi Dress, $235. 3. Orange and Pink Geometric Print Dress, $68.
Smootches!

Mail Bombs

Hey!
It's Friday! Yippee! And it seems the weather is finally improving. I'm gonna go out and try to catch some sun...
Let's not delay.
First reader Fatema loved Rihanna's look recently...
She says, "I was hoping you could help me locate her hooded dress or something similar."
Rihanna's wearing this Long Terry Jacket from Armani Exchange...
...and lucky you, it's on sale for $59! Hurry up and buy!
Nina wrote in gushing over Meagan Good's look...
...she says, "Do you know where I can get the same Nike top?"
You'll have to use a bit of ingenuity. It looks like Meagan got busy with a pair of scissors on vintage Nike tops like these...

Nike Cropped Tee, $42, www.urbn.com; Nike Blazing Bundle Tee, $25, www.nike.com.
To get an off the shoulders look, you'll have to cut out the neckline. Good luck!

Dawn from Michigan was feeling Christine Tegan (John Legend's boo's) look... She says, "My birthday's coming up and I need something similar!"
I felt that this BCBG Silk Organza Strapless Dress came close...

...get it for $360 at www.macys.com.
Next a reader who calls herself "Mamita es Buena" e-mailed me the following request:
"I'M LOVING THIS CALVIN KLEIN BLACK SATIN JUMPSUIT, BUT SINCE IT WAS BACK IN 2005, I KNOW MY CHANCES OF FINDING THEM ARE SLIM TO NONE ..."
"I WAS WONDERING IF YOU KNEW OF ANYTHING SIMILAR LOOKING OUT THERE ... THANK YOU :-)"
Alright, well I did a quick search and found this Orthodox Christine Jumper...
...get it for $244 at www.revolveclothing.com.
Now for just a few wardrobe queries:
Reader Alisha says, "I am a plus sized diva going to the Bahamas this summer. I was wondering if you could help me with some fun looks for my days in the sun."
No problem!
Go with the following to get started:
Top Row: Jones New York Signature Woman Zebra Print Tunic, $75, www.macys.com; Marilyn Convertible Dress, $195, www.monifc.com; Black and White Geo Print Halter Swim Top, $48, www.torrid.com.
Bottom Row: Merona Swim Dress, $40, www.target.com; Maiya Salon Z Cybil Silk Dress, $440, www.saks.com; Black Yellow and Purple Floral Smocked Tube Dress, $68, www.torrid.com.
There are plenty of plus sized websites out there carrying very cute clothes, perfect for the Bahamian weather. For pointers, check out my Archived Posts on Plus Sized Items.
Lastly Erin says, "I recently landed my dream internship of interning for my congressman in Washington DC this summer(!!!!!) and have no idea what to wear. I'm not sure, but I know I am on a budget. Can you help me?"
Of course! And congrats!

On Capitol Hill conservative is the rule, so go for pieces in muted colors. Buy a few sheath dresses, and a skirt and pantsuit...mix and match the rest with inexpensive tops:
Top Row: Belted Sheath Dress, $79, www.anntaylorloft.com; Calvin Klein Classic Crepe Suit, $224, www.macys.com; Ben Sherman Dunnaway Dress, $100, www.urbn.com.
Bottom Row: Poplin Ruffle Blouse, $58, www.ardenb.com; Belted Pencil Skirt, $20, www.forever21.com; Bella Polka Dot Blouse, $32, www.fredflare.com.
For more tips on what to wear in work situations, check out my Work Wardrobe Posts.
Think that does it.
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Check me out in Marc Jacob's MySpace Album!!! Ha!
*Also, an article about the Fashion Bomb in Howard University's Hilltop Newspaper. [The Hilltop Online]