Spring Break Fashion Checklist

Hey!
So I've been getting lots of e-mails from lucky bunnies preparing for Spring Break. I myself am saving all my pesos for a huge trip this summer, but totally support breaking out in search of more tropical locales.

For those about to pack your bags, here's a checklist for five Spring Break Wardbrode Fundamentals:

1. A Hot Suit

The newest silhouette is a maillot, a 50's inspired one piece with lots of punch.

Try these sassy one pieces:

Left to Right: Zimmerman Luxe Spliced One Piece, $175, shopbop.com
Nylon Tricot Maillot V-Swimwear, $45, www.americanapparel.net; Milly Mirabella Maillot, $220, www.neimanmarcus.com.

Of course, don't forget about traditional tank and bikinis:

My Picks:

Left to Right: Kenneth Cole Reaction Ruched Bikini, $74, www.victoriassecret.com; Diesel Highwaisted Bikini, $98, www.urbn.com.

Left to Right: Ralph Lauren Striped Tankini Top, $73, www.macys.com; Shiny Tankini Top, $39.50, Gap.com
2. Cute Cover Up

Whether you're lounging on the beach, or indulging in a sun kissed dinner by the pool, a cute cover up is an easy vacation must, and a lot less work then a dress. Invest in a hot option so you can wear it all day, then throw on some jewels at night:

Left to Right: Datia Sarong, $55, www.calypso-celle.com; Hermanny by Vix Snakeskin Cover Up, $132, www.saks.com.

Left to Right: Adam Deep V Sweater Dress, $185, shopbop.com
Echo Butterfly Cover Up, $40, www.ravinstyle.com.

3. The Right Shoes

I'd recommend bringing three pairs of shoes: flip flops for the sand, flat sandals for walking around, and no nonsense wedges that can look casual with a cover up or more dressy with a cocktail. You don't want to break your back in stilettos!

Some Flip Flop Ideas:

Left to Right: Women's Toe-Strap Flip Flops, $5, oldnavy.com
Paul Frank Straw Stripe Flip Flops, $18, www.fredflare.com; Tory Burch Flip Flops, $45, www.madisonlosangeles.com.

No fail flats (I love metallics):

Left to Right: Michael Kors Black Leather Sandals, $90, www.bluefly.com; K Jacques Sandals, Price Upon Request, www.kjacques.fr; Isaac Mizrahi for Target Liz Sandals, $25, www.target.com.

Comfortable yet cute wedges:

Left to Right: Victoria Beckham Wedge Gladiator Sandals, $87, www.asos.com; Charles by Charles David Spiral Wedge, $105, www.endless.com; Amelia Silk Faille Espadrilles, $78, www.jcrew.com.

4. Wrinkle Free Dresses

For those dress up nights, you want options, but you also don't want to deal with a frock that looks like a trash bag when you take it out of your suitcase! Pack dresses in jersey fabrics that can look fresh after a quick shower steam:

Left to Right: Seaton Elle Dress, $189, www.revolveclothing.com; Sleeveless Wrap Dress, $69, www.victoriassecret.com.

Left to Right: Kara Janx Bubble Mini, $116 , www.activeendeavors.com; Norma Kamali Grey Bandeau Mini Dress, $135, www.bluefly.com.

5. Hold Everything Bags

You don't want to cart get your Gucci Hobo full of sand! Go for a patterned or metallic bag with lots of room for a book, sunscreen and water:

Top Row: Scallop Pond Tote, $279, www.meadowmerelane.com; Provence Large Straw Bag, $78, www.jcrew.com.

Middle Row: Virginia Johnson Giant Tote, $175, shopbop.com

Bottom Row: Women's Raffia Beach Tote, $10, oldnavy.com
Echo Ethnic Stripe Tote, $53, www.ravinstyle.com.

You're all set!

Oh wait...throw in a few scarves...
... if you actually plan on swimming:

Left to Right: Coach Spring Sunburst Scarf, $48, www.coach.com; Echo Cheetah Print Scarf, $42, www.shopintuition.com; Silk Twill Sunflower Scarf, $38 , www.bananarepublic.com.

...ha!

Have fun in the sun!

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Don't forget sunglasses!
...Check out my post on stunner shades here.

*I've added a new search sidebar to the upper right hand side. It'll take a while to iron out kinks, but soon, you can search to your heart's content, subscribe to my RSS feed, or e-mail me!

*I'm aware the Milan and London Fashion Weeks have come and gone, but I just can't do them justice quite like Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune and Robin Givhan of the Washington Post. Check out Suzy here and Robin here.

Mail Bombs + Contest!!

Hey Hey!
So sigh of relief: Today's the last day of Fashion Week! To be honest, the excitement level has been on a slow decline since the first weekend. I plan on hitting up Sean John tonight. That one should definitely be interesting!
In the meantime, I've gotten a record number of Mail Bombs (seems there are a few new readers...) and have a contest up my sleeve, so...
...Let's get started!
Newcomer Elizabeth says, "I've been trying to find this dress..."
"... Can you help me find something similar?!"
Hey! I couldn't find the exact dress, but these certainly could give you the Kim K essence:
Left to Right: Alice + Olivia Sequined Sweater Dress, $330, www.neimanmarcus.com; Michael Kors Runway Cashmere Turtleneck Dress, $627, www.eluxury.com; Mock Neck Bell Sleeve Dress, $84, CoutureCandy
Reader Ryan also had a sweater dress query, and says, "I am desperately trying to find out who made Christina Milian's sweater dress for the GM fashion show..."
"...Trying to suprise my girlfriend...any help would greatly be appreciated!"
How cute! Could this be for Valentine's day?
Anyway, since the GM event was a year ago, Christina's exact dress is most likely not in stores. But lucky you, I found a few substitutes:
Left to Right: Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $29, www.spiegel.com; Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $89, www.victoriassecret.com; Cable Babydoll Sweaterdress, $65, www.victoriassecret.com.
Hope she likes it!
Next, lots of people seem to have their sights set on the beach! Mimi says, "Okay so I know it's winter and about 30 degrees outside, but I really need a swimsuit. I'm kind of shy to show off my thighs, so I've been looking all over for a cute skirted swimsuit. Could you help me find one?"
Reader Kristen is also looking, and says, "I'm desperately trying to work on a budget for spring break. I want to find a cute bikini, preferably animal print and keep it under 100. I'm not trying to splurge on a swimsuit this year. PANAMA CITY HERE I COME!"
You guys are hilarious! Here are a few options, skirted or not, for less than $100:
Top Row: Diane von Furstenberg Chocolate Zebra Striped Halter, $96, www.bluefly.com; W Swim Exotic Paisley Halter and Skirted Bottom, $69, www.macys.com.

Bottom Row: Kenneth Cole Reaction Skirted Bottom with Ruffled Hem, $60, www.macys.com; Vix Savana Swimsuit, $78, www.neimanmarcus.com.

Reader Brittiny has a wardrobe question for a different type of weather. She says, "I was wondering if you could find some cute rain boots? Yesterday it stormed all day and there I was in the rain getting soaked. I realized I didn’t have rain boots; I need some. Do you have any ideas? I’m a student in college so I’m on a budget."
Everyone has to deal with the elements, but not everyone weathers it all in style. There are plenty of products out there under $100 that'll help you survive while looking chic:

Top Row: Matte Wedge Rain Boots, $20, www.target.com; Sperry Top-Sider 'Sadie' Rain Boot, $70, www.nordstrom.com.

Middle Row: Hunter Original Rain Boot, $98, www.nordstrom.com.
Bottom Row: Showers Grey Multi, $50, www.stevemadden.com; Roxy 'Puddles' Rain Boot, $49, www.nordstrom.com.

Lastly, Erica says, "I have an inquiry about a fabulous dress that a fellow Fashion Bomber was sporting back in November...
"...I loved it! I've searched and searched, but could not find anything similar for the spring or summer in that color, perhaps you would know where I could find something that looks that great that I could rock?"

Hi Erica! The closest thing I could find to Bre's dress was this $148 Palm Burnout Dress...
...from www.ardenb.com. If that doesn't work, perhaps Bre can divulge where she found her frock?
Update: Bre’s dress is from Banana Republic, but it's last season! Lucky you, my sister Teri has the dress, and is totally cool selling hers. Erica, if you’re interested, e-mail her at terilili@aol.com.

That does it for Mail Bombs!

Now, since you guys love contests, I figure, what better time to have one?
I haven't really been focused so much on the runway in my posts, figuring that my hardcore fashionistas can go to sites like nymag.com and style.com for pictures and reviews available almost minutes after the show. But if you've been paying attention, you'd see that there's a lot more color on the runways--bravo!

In celebration, I'm going to give the first person to tell me the name of the model AND designer of the following looks (three separate answers)...
Click to enlarge

... a style consultation plus gift certificate to Fashion Bomb Fashion Week Sponsor:
...Pieces Boutique! As witnessed by a few of my Fashion Week wardrobe choices, Pieces stocks well-edited, chic items for the fashionista with discerning taste. Carrying brands like Marie Marie, Tibi, Vivienne Westwood, and LAMB, you're always bound to find something fresh to add to your repertoire. And owner Latisha Daring (shown here with husband Colin)...

...truly has a unique eye for style and will get your wardrobe ready for spring! Check out a bit of her work:

View more here.
That said, e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com with your answers. Good luck!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

* I understand there are a lot of newcomers to the blog, so here are a few tips for Mail Bombs:
~ Look under the Mail Bombs topic on the left hand side to make sure I haven't already found the answer to your question. If the dress/item you're looking for is 2 months old or more, you might get lucky. If not, e-mail away!
~Try to attach a picture of what you're looking for.
~If I haven't gotten around to your question, I'm really sorry! It's basically just me doing all the sleuthing (believe it or not), so I can only get a handful done every week. Be patient!
~If I haven't found an answer, and it's been a while, the reasons most likely are: 1. The item you seek isn't available online, 2. The item is custom made, or 3. I have no idea. But I try!
Thanks:)

*Have great weekends!

*More contests to come!

*Shop Pieces online store at www.piecesofbklyn.com or pay 'em a visit at 671 Vanderbuilt Avenue (at Park Place) in Brooklyn.

Mail Bombs!

Yippee!
Welcome to the first mail bombs post of the New Year!
Believe it or not, people have been getting pretty agitated that Mail Bombs have been out of their lives for the past few weeks.
Christmas, Holidays, and Vacation, they say: Bahumbug! Bring me my Mail Bombs!
Thankfully, today, I'm finally back on the prowl...

...let's see if I still got it!
First up, Melyssa from Toronto says "These boots are oh-so HOT!!!"
..."Who makes them??? And where can a Toronto fashionsta such as myself could cop a close match for a more reasonable price?"
Well, Melyssa. Your taste is oh-so expensive! Those hot studded beauties are none other than Christian Louboutin's Donjon Over the Knee Boots...
..available at www.net-a-porter.com for $2,350! I think that's how much my whole wardrobe costs!
Anyway, with that level of craftsmanship, it's hard to find something similar, but I thought these Quai D'orsay Snap Flower Trim Boots gave off a similar effect...

...for $299 at www.forzieri.com. Not quite Louboutins, but close enough (and almost 100 times cheaper!)

Next, we have another Toronto reader (who's spreading the Fashion Bomb Bug up there??)
Tiff Says, "I'm pretty tall and as a result I wear size 11 shoes. I can't find a hot pair of leather boots in my size ANYWHERE! I'm sick of tall stores and their "trust me these are in " now fashions. I'm desperate for a pair of flat knee high leather boots. can you recommend any sites I can try online? I'm in Toronto so online is usually my only option."
I did a quick search and found the following flat styles, all available in size 11:
Top Row: Sudini Adjustable Waterproof Flat Boot, $200, www.nordstrom.com; Frye Women's Paige Boot, $347, www.endless.com.

Bottom Row: Corso Como Dame Boots, $260, www.piperlime.com; RSVP Billie Boots, $140, zappos.com
I'm on the fence about this next Mail Bomb's style quotient, but.... Shanaya from Oakland, CA wanted to know where to get a look like baby sis Solange:
She says, "I just love the patterned tights under her tunic!"

Do you? Well, if you want a Solange boudoir-esque style, simply match the following with a black patent handbag and shoes:
Left to Right:Paul & Joe DouxReve Dress, $598, www.madisonlosangeles.com; Corset Belt, $58, www.ardenb.com; Wolford Streamline Tights, $52, www.barneys.com.
Next, Audrey says, "I NEED Rihanna’s bathing suit here!"
"...It’s so vintage sexy. I love it! Where can I find it???"
Rihanna's bathing suit in Louis Vuitton, but you can cop her swimsuit game with the following high and low priced items:
Top Row: Lenny Deep V-Neck Maillot, $235, www.saks.com; Badgley Mischka Glitter Girl Swimsuit, $250, www.neimanmarcus.com.

Bottom Row: DKNY black tie tank swimsuit, $60, www.bluefly.com.

Save 'em for the summer!
Next, Tiffany says, "My favorite color is purple and I absolutely heart any shade hue or variation of it!"

"...Can you help me find a few good purple picks?"
Get in a purple haze with the following:
Top Row: Paneled Halter Dress, $159, www.bebe.com; Searle Silk Satin Crystal Dress, $698, www.searlenyc.com.

Bottom Row: Rag& Bone Bubble Dress, $515, www.neimanmarcus.com.
Next we have a mail bomb for the fellas! Shareta wants to dress her boo up like Bow Wow...
...for the New Year.
She says: "My BF is obsessed with Nautica and button up polo type shirts. I am trying to get him to be more stylish. He definitely has the body for this shirt I just don't know where to find it. I know nothing about mens fashion. But I know this shirt is hot! Any help at finding this shirt or one like it will be greatly appreciated!!!"
Get his look with the following military inspired tops:
Left to Right: ASOSMan Military Shirt, $34, www.asos.com; True Religion Brand Jeans Overdyed Poplin Western Shirt, $136, www.nordstrom.com; Ever Korea Double Layer Shirt, $253, www.revolveclothing.com.
Reader Brian is also a Bow Wow fan, and wanted to get his leather hooded look...
...as a Christmas present.
Looks like I missed the deadline, but if you're still looking, I felt this Nevada Jacket by Ever came close...
...get it for $880 at www.activeendeavors.com.
Next, we have our first Facebook query!
Reader Cheryl came upon a picture of a facebook beauty...
....wearing a lovely turquoise, yellow, and pink number in her profile pic.
She says,"I was wondering if you could help me locate this dress. Pretty please! :-)"
Well, the world is indeed small, because the woman in the picture is my friend Chinwe.
She revealed, "The dress is BCBG and I got it on eBay!"
Good luck!
Lastly, Arielle from the Islands says, " I wanted to know if you would do a little feature on winter wear essentials. I'm from the Islands and I need help!!!"
Oh Arielle, I feel your pain. When I was coming up North from Atlanta, I believe I had one lonely poleyester blend sweater to my name! I didn't know any better, so before I came up, I bought a North Face ski jacket, a fleece, and a face mask...the first time it snowed, I remember being bundled up to the hilt with mittens! I so wish I had a picture (I might dig it up)...
In the meantime, you'll need a good coat in wool and down, a few wool or cashmere sweaters, wool socks, and winter accessories--a cute hat, scarf, gloves. And don't forget your feet! Get a pair of leather boots as well as sleet proof snow boots. Want to do it in style? These should get you started:
Top Row: Michael Kors Black Quilted Hooden Down Jacket, $195, www.bluefly.com; Diesel Taupe Wool-Alpaca Cable Knit Sweater, $115, www.bluefly.com; GUESS? Wool Blend Military Coat, $168, www.nordstrom.com.

Middle Row: Hat Attack Hatat-Signature Solid Hat, $40, www.lisakline.com; Love Quotes Scarf, $85, Pink Mascara
Cashmere Lined Gloves, $49, www.talbots.com.
Bottom Row: Jada Boot in Brown Leather, $170,CoutureCandy
Lofty alpaca shawl-collar sweater, $60, www.jcrew.com; Juicy Couture Nylon & Faux Fur Snow Boot, $195, www.neimanmarcus.com

You can spend a lot or a little on winter items (I just wanted to give you some ideas). Either way, good luck--it's cooooold out there!
Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*There were a bunch more Mail Bombs...I'll get to them next week!

*Deals of the Day
Abaete Tricolor Charmeuse Dress, $149, www.saks.com.

Beyonce's Milly Kaleidescope Dress...

...marked down from $405 to $243 at www.net-a-porter.com.
*This isn't a political blog, but...
...Yay!!!!! The deadline to register to vote in New York is January 11th. Register here.
Don't know why I'm excited? Read this.
*This is sad.