Intern Mail Bombs Pt 1: Kim Kardashian's Grey Coat, Malinda Williams' Floral Jacket, and Mo'Nique's Dolman Sleeve Top!

Hey!
It's Friday..woo hoo!
Today is the last day of the intern contest. The candidates were given 5 Mail Bombs to solve, and each searched for the best answers. Vuitton, Amber, and Ashley answered all questions, and everyone seemed to answer the same questions in different ways. There was so much info that I had to split Mail Bombs in two! Here's part one, where the hopefuls help solve a few celebrity wardrobe questions:
Sabine says, "I really like this coat that Kim has on in this picture..."
"...I'm still looking to buy a coat, especially this color, can you find one just like hers except cheaper because hers is probably really expensive?"
Vuitton says, "We found some great jackets at a fraction of Kim’s cost, minus her fab Balenciaga bag of course!"

1. Delia’s Kelsey Peacoat, $79.50. 2. Faux Fur Collar Tweed trench coat, $119. 3. TFNC wool rich button tie waist coat, $89.
Ashley adds, "Here are some alternatives that will hopefully break necks, not wallets! Hope you likey!"
1. AE Belted Pea Coat, $50 2. GAP Long Wool Blend Pea Coat, $100. 3. Kelsey Belted Pea Coat, $60. 4. Marc New York Double Breasted Cashmere, $261.
Anitra thought this $38 Joelle Wool Coat fit the bill...
Jemise liked these options from Delia's and Nordstrom:
Left to Right: Kelsey Belted Peacoat, $79.50; Coffee Shop Textured Belted Coat, $98.
And Amber found these coats from Victoria's Secret & the GAP:
1. Belted Coat (comes in Heather Grey!), $129. 2. Ruffle Hem Coat, $99. 3. Puff Sleeve Wool Coat, $70., 4. Long Double Breasted Coat, $100.

Next Ericka says, "I spotted this jacket Malinda Williams was wearing on theybf.com and fell in love."
"...Can you find a more affordable version for a recessionista?"
Vuitton says, "Florals and bold prints are the names of the game, and we happened to find a few coats that follow the trend, but are also recession friendly:"

1. Foliage Silhouette Coat, $40. 2. Collage Boutique Floral knee length coat, $95. 3. Pat Field Floral Coat, $100. 4. Susan Lucci Floral Print Trench, $110. 5. Custo Barcelona double button coat, $207.
Anitra felt this $138 Earthly Garden Marvela Jacket from Chico's would do the trick:
Ashley spied these chic options:
1. Nanette Lepore Brocade, $330. 2. Roberto Cavalli Hand Painted Trench, $5433 3. Juicy Couture Belted Trench, $243.
And Amber proposed these cute picks:

1. Oscar de la Renta, $2,490. 2.Moschino Cheap and Chic Damask Coat, $895. 3. Thakoon for Target Canvas Floral Trench, $45.

Lastly, Danica from D.C. says, "I absolutely love Mo’Nique’s blouse in this picture taken recently during the Sundance Film Festival."
"...Where can I find it or something comparable to it?"
Ashley says, "Hey Danica! I thought Mo’nique looked great in her Dolman sleeved blouse! The silhouette is perfect for highlighting assets and, ahem, concealing not so desirable holiday pounds. I hope my offerings are up to your standard!"

1. Dolman Sleeve Henley Tunic, $22. 2. Long Sleeved Knit Peasant Top, $38. 3. Mossimo Dolman, $12. 4. Long Sleeve Pleated Slinky Tunic, $17.
Anitra compiled these colorful tops from Shopbop:
1. Bop Basics, Dolman Top, $45. 2. Lauren Conrad, Milley Top, $120. 3.Haute Hippe, Long Sleeve Modal Jersey Top, $87.
Vuitton spotted these low priced options:

1.Ada Cinched Tunic, $15.80. 2. The Artist’s Tee, $35. 3. Draped Colorblock Top, $19. 4. Victoria Boat Neck Tunic, $22.
And lastly, Amber says, "Achieve her look with these fashion finds:"
1. Satin ¾ Sleeve Top, $9. 2. Dolman Sleeve Jersey Top, $59. 3. Bell Sleeve Twist Front Top, $41. 4. Bell Sleeve Quilted Blouse, $44.

Who Rocked it?
Come back later for part two of Mail Bombs, and, most importantly, to vote for your favorite! Good luck to everyone!
Bisous!

Intern Candidate Jemise: Beauty Bomb

Our last intern post for today is from Jemise, repping from Hampton U! She thinks the Fashion Bomb would benefit from more Beauty Posts. Check out her beauty bomb, and, as usual, tell us your thoughts!
"Spring time is right around the corner, and as you update your wardrobe for the season, it’s only right that you update your beauty cabinet and make-up bag too! Warmer weather welcomes bright colors, and it’s the perfect time to experiment with new trends:"

Try these products for a bright, springy look:

Pictured: L’Oreal HIP Metallic Duo Sculpted, OPI Nail Color MonSooner or Later, L’Oreal HIP Metallic Duo Magnetic, Victoria’s Secret Mozaic Bronzer, Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss Cherry Bomb, Essie Nail Polish Shorty Pants, 8. MAC Blushcreme Laid Mac Lipglass Strawberry Blonde, OPI Nail Color I’m India Mood For Love, Iman Blush Duo Posh, KLS Makeup Eyeshadow.
"With all that color, its important to make sure you have the ever chic staple of black. Big bold lashes and the sultry smoky eye are both winners throughout the season. Try these to really make your eyes pop:

Pictured: Cover Girl Lash Blash, NARS Eyeliner Kohl, Maybeline Eyelash Curler, L’Oreal Eyeshadow Quad Smoke.
I'll admit, I know nothing about beauty, so this is definitely welcome!
The comments section is open!
Stay tuned for posts from the rest of our intern contestants tomorrow.

Intern Candidate Suzy: Home Decor Finds Under $100

Candidate Suzy thinks we at the Fashion Bomb could mix in more home decor with our fashion finds. Here's her post:
"Now that it is officially 2009, I have made a New Years Resolution to expand my fabulousity beyond my wardrobe. Let’s face it, most fashionistas have plenty of clothes but shouldn’t our homes reflect the same creativity and style? Here are ten home decor finds for under $100 ( for the recessionista of course):"

1. Ikea Wall Poster, $12. 2. 7 Piece Cookware Set, $49. 3. Glacier Glassware Set of 4, $20. 4. Script Flower Small Round Table, $32. 5. Veiled Jewel Chandelier, $90. 6. Coming and Going Coat Rack, $68. 7. Exotic Retreat Table Lamp, $40. 8. Paulina Pillow, $20. 9. Multicolor Sunburst Wall Clock, $40 10.Large Canopy, $87.
Cool Idea!
Would you guys like to see more fashionable home items?

Intern Candidate Vuitton Bain: Daily Bread

Intern contestant Vuitton suggested we start a new section called Daily Bread. Here's his post!
"Hey Guys!
So of course we're always on the lookout for exciting finds--we’re sure you guys are too! In love with those shoes you just bought? What about that statement clutch that will leave the kids gagging? Show it off here!
"...We’ve come up with a new section of the site where you guys can post pics along with the details of your latest buys. Whether you bought it because you had a rough day, or you just needed something new in your closet, post it here!"
Devon says, "I realized I didn’t have a brown leather watch, so in light of this recession, I didn’t want to go crazy. So I hopped on over to Guess and picked this one up for $125..."
Sheryl says, "After a rough week at work, I thought I could use a little retail therapy, so I bought this cute babydoll dress from Asos.com."
I like.
Would you be down for Daily Bread?

Trend Forecast: Spring 2009

Today, Adriana gives us a rundown of next year's Spring trends.
Stay tuned next week for what you should buy for Fall.
Enjoy!
*******************************************************************
Fashion Week is over and the looks we just saw on the runways won’t be in stores until at least January.
Claire and I noticed several trends that ran throughout the collections, however, that we wanted to share in order to prep FB readers for what’s coming (especially since many of you might be changing over to your fall clothes and wondering what to save from this past season).
Overall, the Spring '09 looks were simple and un-fussy, and referenced quite a few specific eras/cultures. There are some new trends (jodhpurs), old trends (jumpsuits), and trends that hardly ever seem to go away (LBDs)—take a look:
Open-toed shoe boots at Tibi, Miss Sixty, and Iodice: Hippie-chic at Baby Phat, Milly, and Reem Acra:East meets West at Reem Acra, Vivenne Tam, and Tibi:Jodhpur-esque trousers at BCBG Max Azria, Tibi, and Iodice:Jumpsuits at BCBG, Tibi, and Baby Phat:Fresh takes on the LBD from Zac Posen, Nicole Miller, and Vivienne Tam:Which trends you think you'll indulge in (or pass on)?
~A

Style File Throwback: Pam Grier

Hey!
So today, Adriana hits us with a Style File throwback on super sultry actress Pam Grier:

We might've covered a lot of the silver screen's current sirens, but we still may have a bit to learn from the old school.
Enjoy!
**********************************************************************
With the return of Halston and flare legs, among other things, '70s fashion has come back and it's a trend that's going to march right on through Fall 2008. Who else embodies that decade's tough, sexy style more than Ms. Foxy Brown herself, Pam Grier?

Known for her roles in Coffy and the now-legendary Foxy Brown, Ms. Grier's film fashions (and swagger) have inspired legions of designers, models, and fashionistas. Halter-top jumpsuits, tall boots, leather, filmy silk, and what another writer terms "fierce-fitting polyester" are all touchstones of Ms. Grier's trendsetting wardrobe.
Confident and sensual, with a touch of Afro-centric--loves it. And what has Ms. Grier said of her status as a fashion icon? "Me, sexy? I'm just plain ol' beans and rice." We would strongly beg to differ.

Channel Pam Grier's style with these pieces:

Top Row Left to Right: Michael Kors Penelope Boots, $159; Leather Trench Coat, $80; Solid Petal Necklace, $120; Halter Ruched Fitted Jumpsuit, $69.
Bottom Row: Kimono Sleeve Minidress, $209.
~A

Show Review: Milly by Michelle Smith

Adriana took in the Milly by Michelle Smith show last night.
Enjoy!
****************************************************************
When I walked into Milly’s Spring/Summer 2009 show, the first thing I noticed was a tall, dramatic Moorish arch painted at the top of the runway. Subtle orange lighting and moody, Arab-influenced music also set the tone for what I thought would be a sartorial Moroccan adventure. Imagine my surprise, then, when the show began and, instead, the lights went super-bright and the music changed to blaring sixties rock. As models sporting raffia cotton, crocheted beanies, and trippy prints began to stride down the runway, it became clear that the bernous and fezes I expected were not to be.

Milly’s collection carries Barneys’ upcoming holiday theme, “Have a Hippie Holiday,” right on through to spring. Billowy peasant dresses, tie-dye, and seemingly homespun embroidery, among other things, dominated the Moroccan influence, which was certainly present in the caftans, lace patterns, and some of the hues. It was clear, however, that designer Michelle Smith took the bulk of her inspiration from the era of flower power and free love (though I learned that her trip to Marrakesh was indeed the likely inspiration for the stage’s setting).

Smith balanced the sixties hippie look with more conservative, streamlined pieces that took their cue from the non-rebellious part of the population during that decade (think “Mad Men”). Nehru-like jackets, silk chiffon blouses with ruffled neck ties, and A-line skirts were done in über-feminine silks, sateens, and jacquards to satisfy the Milly fans who love the label for its classic feminine tailoring with a vintage feel (like me).

There was nothing really groundbreaking about the collection as the sixties have been done so frequently as to not be much news to anyone. There were some standout pieces, though (a persimmon-colored ruffle sleeve dress, below) and the music itself was so good that I had to ask one of Milly’s reps if they would post the playlist on their Web site when they showcase the collection on it. I saw quite a few heads bopping to it along, too, and while the show’s clothes may not have made waves, it certainly made watching them a lot of fun.
Love, peace, and hair grease,
Adriana

Show Review: Iodice

Adriana does Iodice. Enjoy!
***********************************************************************

New York City dawned gray and wet as the fifth day of Fashion Week rolled in. It was the perfect day to visualize sparkling white sand, clear blue water, and the tranquility of the beach. Luckily, I didn’t have to go farther than Iodice’s Spring/Summer 2009 show to do so, which was not surprising since the label cited their inspiration for this collection as being the lost city of Atlantis.

Iodice is a contemporary Brazilian label known for its denim and simple sophistication, with special attention to easy, feminine silhouettes. The show’s atmosphere was a bustling, excited one as many people new to the Brazilian line seemed to be in attendance. The show was held in the Salon of the Bryant Park tents, the most intimate of the three runway show venues. I could see everything clearly from my seat and, like being up close to a painting in a museum, it made all the difference in observing the clothes’ craftsmanship.The color palette consisted of only five discernable hues: sand, white, deep turquoise, jet black, and a pale mauve. Silk tops with Origami-like folds and ethereal goddess dresses were shown alongside clean-lined trousers, skirts, and dress shorts. The accessories (no jewelry; fingerless gloves; open-toed, strappy, metallic pewter shoe boots) were minimal and added an edge that saved the presentation from being too delicate. Iodice being a Brazilian label there were, of course, several sexy bathing suits and beach ensembles included.

It’s clear that the label would like to replicate its popularity in Brazil here in the States, and likely designed this collection with American consumers in mind (the clothes’ many references to early Halston, Calvin Klein, and Donna Karan seemed to indicate such). Some of the tailoring and draping could have been smarter, and there were a few garments that seemed a bit too derivative, but overall it was a sound collection with pieces that whispered “sophistication” instead of shouting it.

As they say in Brasil, ate logo (until later)…
-Adriana