NAACP Image Awards + Upgrade U Update

"We on Award Tour with Muhammad my man/Goin each and every place with the mic in their hand/New York, NJ, N.C., VA.../We on Award Tour with Muhammad my man/Goin each and every place with the mic in their hand/Oaktown, L.A., San Fran, St. John." Tribe Called Quest, 'Award Tour.'

Good Morning!
So I'm back from my whirlwind trip to DC...and while I *totally* intended to drop in on DC Fashion Week and shopping, I was sooo busy that I couldn't get around to it! We got in late Friday, were booked Saturday, left early Sunday...you know the deal.
I *did*, however, find time to tune in to the NAACP Image Awards on Friday...and I must say that I was super impressed with the red carpet representations. Most stars came with it, but only a select few stood out (in good and bad ways).
Behold, TFB's Awards Tour fashion hits and misses.
First the hits.
The Cheetah Girls...

...looked cute in their coordinated cocktail dresses. I loved the mixture of shiny fabrics, metallic colors, and traditional black.
Ms. Tyra...

....could do no wrong in this navy strapless number.
Aisha Tyler...

...looked flawless in her spring ready gown. The lemony tone complemented her skin and brightened her complexion.
Jada...

...was stunning in her gathered powder blue dress, and Mary J...

...also rocked the pastel with purpose.
Perfection.
The misses were few and far between, but when they happened, it was hard to look away.
Camille Winbush...

...missed the mark in this velvet trainwreck. Velvet is a winter fabric, and there's no place for it in spring months when lighter fabrics like silk and chiffon proliferate. She's forgiven because of her young age, but let's hope her style philosophy ripens like fine wine. Moving along...
India Arie...

...looked great at the Grammies, but dropped the ball here. Fit is of prime importance, and it's obvious that this shift is struggling over them hips. It also doesn't help that her black pumps are categorically unglam. Cool for the office, totally terrible for the carpet.
Sheryl Underwood...

...tried to pull off the Grecian goddess look, but fell short. The top might be more flattering with straps, and a more structured bottom would slim her down and avoid the 'marshmellow' effect.
Lastly Keesha Sharp's satin number...

...could be mistaken for a Vicky's Secret nighty. And a strap shortening would've done her girls some good.
My two cents. What do y'all think?
Smootches!
PS The Beyonce 'Upgrade U' Sunglasses Mystery...

...has been solved (Thanks Jenn)!
The specs are by a company called Cazal. This similar pair...

...is $290, at www.decormyeyes.com and this pair...

...is $254 at www.sunglasses.go-optic.com.
Let them upgrade you.
PSS Visit the end of season sale at shopbop.com

Click here...


...and take a look.
Happy Shopping!

Reader Day on the Fashion Bomb

"Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style.”--John Fairchild.

Today is Reader Day on The Fashion Bomb, so I'm going to post a reader submission and a reader question for everyone to enjoy!
First up, the Fashion Bomb's very first 'Real Casual Style' picture...

...submitted by 'Shaks Khan.'
The pop of purple under her white top has potential...and her embroidered boots show that she put some thought into her 'fit.
What do you think? Can you do better?
If so, e-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com
Moving on...
A reader wrote in and asked me the following:
"I'm sure you've seen Beyonce's new video, "Upgrade You." I simply love the shades she's wearing in the video. Can you help me find those shades?"
The video's below...

Can anyone crack the code???
I'm sure you will.
In the meantime, keep writing!
Smootches!
PS I was doing my daily web browsing and came upon a cute online store called PlasticLand. They have cool, retro clothes, accessories, and gifts for *great* prices. I took a look and quickly found favorites, all for under $100.

Clockwise from left: Seychelles At your Fingertips Flats, $69; Mulberry Ruffle Hoodie Sweater by Tulle, $53; Paris Wallet by Fawn Gehweiler, $19; Gentle Fawn White Player Tee, $6; Ivory Wool Peacoat by Tulle, $95; Foxy Originals Orchid Necklace, $34; Gentle Fawn "Blush" Tunic Top, $47; Black 50's Style Carmen Dress, $69. Center: Icecream Castles Journal Sketchbook, $12.
Everything's available at www.shopplasticland.com. Bonus: Free Shipping!

PSS My boy and I are going to DC this weekend...and just my luck, I found out it's also DC Fashion Week (www.dcfashionweek.org)! I rsvp'd for shows on Friday and Saturday...I'll try to make em, and of course you'll be the first to know. In the meantime, have any ideas for great shopping in DC???

Shopping ATL 3: Virginia Highlands + YBF Fashion Fab

Happy March!
So for my last day in the A, I decided to check out Virginia Highlands...



...a strip of cute stores located off West Ponce de Leon on North Highland Avenue.
The area has a lot to offer(including a Ben & Jerry's and Starbucks!), but I'll of course relay the shopping lowdown.
Visit Alternative (774 North Highland Avenue):

For light and fun tops and hoodies that are slightly more inspired than American Apparel Ware. The prices are also very affordable. Everything I touched seemed to be $24...
Take a little walk and stop into sister stores Mitzi & Romano (1038 North Highland Avenue)...

Mitzi's Shoe Box (1104 North Highland Avenue)

And M III (996 Virginia Avenue)

The main store, Mitzi, carried a large selection of contemporary brands like Ella Moss, Velvet, and Susana Monaco. The leather bags in Mitzi's shoes had me dealing with a cocktail of emotions: longing, confusion, elation. I seriously contemplated how I would pay for a $600 Botkier bag (It was a beaut!). Mitzi's shoes also carried shoe brands like Seychelles and JC. And lastly, drop into MIII for men's clothes, and a huge selection of women's t-shirts and jeans by Rock & Republic, Paige, and Habitual.
My favorite store of the strip would have to be Melrose (772 North Highland):


Take a look:






Cute, huh? They stocked shoes by Carlos, and unique tops and dresses by labels like Splendid, Love by Ya-Ya, and T-Bags. Plus the sales staff is super nice.
Definitely check it out!
And that does it for my shopping in ATL review. Now I'm thinking that I have a lot more shopping investigations to do once I get back home to NY.
Smootches!

PS. I did a 'Fashion Fab' for celeb blog Young, Black, and Fabulous. If ya missed it, here it is in all it's Fashion Bomb glory. Get a jump start on spring trends with colors and bold prints for girls, and preppy looks for guys. Take a look:
For ladies, bright, vibrant colors are the rule.
Nic from ANTM...

rocks a bright yellow top under a jacket.
Mary J. doesn't mess around...

And bathes herself in blue.
Naomi C...

...channels the trend with a bright orange bag.
And Jennifer Hudson...

looks sultry in her lemon shrug.
Bright colors look smashing on dark skin tones, but if you wear them...

Make sure they don't clash with your hair. Yes, I'm talking to you Kelis!
The Fashion Bomb's bright ideas?

Clockwise from left: Mossimo Flap Pocket Tote, $27, www.target.com; Baby Phat Flutter Sleeve Crochet Dress, $64, BabyPhat.com
; Color Block Tunic Dress, $58, www.ardenb.com; BCBGirls Library Pump, $98, www.nordstrom.com; Lux Short Sleeve Swing Jacket, $68, www.urbn.com; French Connection Swift Suede Flats, $98, www.frenchconnection.com; Cole Haan 'Village Soft' Ruched Satchel, $395, www.nordstrom.com; Susana Monaco Gather String Halter, $91, shopbop.com
Center: Color block Babydoll Cami, $17.50, www.wetseal.com.

Next? Up your wow factor with graphic prints.
Put on a little bit with a scarf like Mary J.

Or go all out like Venus in black and white...

Or Mya in a colorfully bold print...

Prints are all good, as long as they're in a soft fabric...

... not pleather/leather!
Also, try to keep in classy...

...and leave your disco boots at home!
My print picks?

Clockwise from left: Emilio Pucci Cupola Satin Ballerina, $169, www.eluxury.com; Cap Sleeve Large Swirl Printed Tunic Top, $20, Fashion To Figure; O Della Foil Top in Purple Zebra, $174, CoutureCandy ; Catherine Malandrino Printed Shirt Dress, $295, shopbop.com
; T-Bags Printed V-Neck Long Sleeve Dress, $172, shopbop.com
; Nautical Print Scarf, $20, www.urbn.com; BCBG Matte Jersey Floral Print Dress, $152, www.macys.com; Loop Printed Hobo, $48,www.urbn.com. Center: Francesca Giobbia Glitterblock Sandals, $528, www.anthropologie.com.
Now on to the fellas...
For guys, the classic preppy look always works for me.
Pop on a polo like Kanye and Pharrell...

A bright v-neck like Luda...

Or even a striped rugby like Andre 3000...

Wanna be a super stunna? Top it all off with a Fedora a la Diddy:

Hot.
My Preppy Picks:

Clockwise from left: Rocawear Basic Stripe Polo, $52, www.drjays.com; Nike Men's Court Force Premium Low, $85, www.footlocker.com; Lacoste Pique Polo, $72, www.saks.com; Gap Straight Fit Khakis, $50, www.gap.com; Thompson Oxford Sport Coat, $225, www.polo.com; Rock & Republic 'Floyd' Low Rise Jeans, $207, www.nordstrom.com; Atlantic Argyle cotton-cashmere sweater, $78, www.jcrew.com; Phat Farm Gallery Prep Shoes, $50, www.phatfarm.com. Happy Spring!