Real Style: Reader Submission

Hey!
So unfortunately a patched up foot and crutches don't allow me much time to hit the streets for Real Style. Thankfully, you fabulous readers have been sending me submissions. Yippee!
Aja from Illinois submitted a photo of 'Chicago Office Fashion':
...saucy! Aftin, Aftin, Aja, Cory, Alysia and Angel look chic and sleek in all black outfits accented with stilettos, hose, and pops of leather and plum.

Think you've got Real Style? Send your submissions to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. You just might see your smiling face on The Fashion Bomb next week!

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*The Academy Awards were last night, and to be honest, the red carpet was a huge snooze fest color wise. The only two snaps I could give were to Jennifer Hudson....

....whose white wonder was a vast improvement over last year's 'bolero' combo that Andre Leon fashioned for her.

I'm very proud of Jennifer Hudson's unwavering embrace of all white....

...it's a hard color to pull off (think marshmallow effect), but she does so with pinache.

*The guys were also very dapper...

...can I point out how much I love Spike Lee? He looks thoroughly bored and above it all...but didn't forget to rock his Obama pin. Message!

*Check out Amy Larocca's article on Carine Roitfield...

...Editrix of French Vogue. I wonder if Carine is cool with curvy ethnic girls? This and more to ponder. [NYMag]

*Mark your calendars...

...for Andre 3000's Benjamin Bixby line. Should be tres interessant given this young man's style...

...will your man be rockin Benjamin Bixby??? [NYMag]
*The most interesting trends...
...from Italy [Fashiontribes]
*This cool website has pix of peeps on the street from around the world. Watch out Sartorialist! [Streetpeeper]
*Trouble Finding Foundation? You're not alone. [NYMag]

Mail Bombs: Beyonce's Chanel Shoes + Fashionable Workout Ideas

Hey!
It's a wintry Friday in New York, but on the Fashion Bomb it's...
...time for Mail Bombs!
First, Tina from Atlanta, Georgia says, "PLEASE HELP ME FIND BEYONCE'S SHOES"
"...I AM IN DIRE NEED OF THEM"
She sounds serious, huh?

Well, it seems as if Beyonce's wearing these one-of-a-kind Chanel earth grippers...
...from its Resort 2007 collection. Visit chanel.com for store locations.
Next longtime reader TK says, "For once Rihanna really really impressed me.. "

"....I love the shape of this dress! Where can I find a budget friendly version?"

Try these low cost look a likes:
Left to Right: Velvet Metallic Jersey Strapless Dress, $123, www.revolveclothing.com; Graham and Spencer Metallic Keyhole Dress, $129, shopbop.com
Fashionista Melody says, "Hello! I just loooove this off-the-shoulder little black dress Vanessa Williams is rocking..."
" ...Can you find where I can get this dress or something close to it? Thank-you!"

Of course! Get a sexy Vanessa essence with the following:
Try these: Top Row: Juicy Couture Off Shoulder Dress, $205, www.asos.com; Fine Jersey T Dress, $26, www.americanapparel.net.

Bottom Row: Vivienne Westwood Aglomania Dolman Sleeve Dress, $229, www.djpremium.com.
Next Reader Tanya loved Rihanna's Trench coat...
She says, "I love this coat...could you help me find out where I can buy something similar?"
London intern Natalie stepped in with the scoop. She says, "Rihanna's coveted trench is by YSL which guarantees a hefty price tag, but luckily trench coats aren't hard to come by! Here, a few that still look great but won't burn a hole in your purse:"
Left to Right: London Fog Pleated Trench with Roll-Sleeves, $190, www.macys.com; Riverbay Trench Coat, $178, www.whitehouseblackmarket.com.
Left to Right: Premise Phina City Trench Coat, $610, www.bloomingdales.com; Jessica Simpson Double-Breasted Trench Coat, $160.00, www.macys.com.
Reminds me of my old dear trench coat! Seems I'll have to start looking for its replacement:(

I've gotten lots of questions on how to get a Herve Leger creation...
...without spending $1,000.
Of Meagan Good's dress, Tabatha says, "I would like to know where can I find a dress similar to this one. I believe this is Herve Leger and I can't afford it right now but I would love something similar."
Since Herve Leger is owned by BCBG, I've started to see a few BCBG 'looks close to me' dresses:
Left to Right: BCBG Centurion Dress, $300, www.saks.com; BCBG Satin Tiered Dress, $200, www.macys.com; BCBG Max Azria Laser Cut Dress, $288, www.nordstrom.com.
They're still a bit steep, so if you want a cheaper, saucier substitute, you can go with this $89 dress from Bebe...

Those will have to do until Forever 21 and H&M start manufacturing lesser priced versions.

Malwina writes in with a wardrobe query. She says, "Hi! So I'm really sensitive about my look and I have to look good anywhere, in any situation. I'm looking forward to step my activity game up. How can I look good, kind of sexy ;) on P.E. lessons or during fitness? You know, like Juicy Couture makes some fashionable tracksuits. Maybe you could help me find a fashionable set for sports?"
Girl, I can relate. Gotta look fly at all times! Go for the following jackets, and throw in their matching bottoms for a cute workout steeze:

Left to Right: Adidas Soft Touch Jacket, $64, Zappos.com
Net Knit Cover Up, $75, www.nike.com.
Left to Right: Juicy Couture Vicki Velour Track Jacket, $94, FashionChateau.com
L.A.M.B Patch Hooded Track Jacket, $155, www.nordstrom.com.

Left to Right: Trunk Track Jacket, $138, www.revolveclothing.com; Unisex California Fleece Track Jacket, $45, www.americanapparel.net.
Also, take a look at my Work out in Style Post from earlier this year.

Lastly, a question for everyone!

Susan from Tucson, AZ, "Do you think high-waisted skinny jeans and pumps will work for Spring? If they are not too Fall 07, what kind of top do you think would look cute with them? Here in Tucson it is too hot for long sleeves!"

I think the style is still chic, and would work with anything from a batwing top to a wife beater. What do you guys think?

Smootches!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

Deal of the Day:
...Ankle Wrap Sandal, $19, www.newport-news.com.
Splurge of the Day:

...a Rihanna-esque $214 Debra Rodman Silver Dress...

..and this $307 Christian Audigier Overnight bag from www.djpremium.com.
Lucky you, Fashion Bomb Readers get 15% off at DJ. Premium.com by entering the code NU30Y. Get your shop on!

*BET's Rip the Runway show was last night. A few red carpet pics:

Jaslene, Lil Mama

Lauren London, Cheri Dennis

....guess my invitation got lost in the mail! No matter, the bum foot is still in full effect!

*Have Great weekends.

*Visit Harriet's Alter Ego (293 Flatbush Avenue) this Saturday from 10pm-1am...

...for a Girls Night In! The whole store (including new Spring Stock) is $30, they'll be serving yummy cocktails, and you'll get to meet musical artist Ayo! Sign me up!

*Seems like the search box is up and running! Type in anything from Meagan Good to Beyonce, and Technorati will show you relevant posts from my archives. Do a quick search for your Mail Bomb question...you might be pleasantly surprised:)

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.