The Fashion Bomb

If you ever wondered exactly what Jill Scott meant when she said that she was “living my life like it’s golden,” then Claire Sulmers might just be the one to give you some insight about that. Who’s Claire Sulmers you ask? Well, she is a writer by occupation, a fashionista for sure, and a risk taker without a doubt. Claire is more importantly the editor of The Fashion Bomb, an online fashion magazine visited by thousands everyday. Add contributing writer to AOL Black Voices to her resume, and you will clearly see that this international beauty is always hard at work and shows no signs of slowing down. But Claire recently took time out to allow A Word For My Sistas to go on a fashion journey with her. Here we go…..

Onetta: You launched The Fashion Bomb back in 2006, how did you come to the decision to embark on such a new venture?

Claire: It really was quite random. I wanted a personal counterpart to my professional website and my webmaster recommended that I start a blog. I didn’t want to do it because I thought it would conflict with my job, but I kept at it and here I am!

Onetta: I know you love all things fashion, but when did your love affair for fashion actually begin?

Claire: It began when I was a lot younger. I would always beg my mom to take me shopping and on the rare occasions when she refused, I would try to sew things myself (unsuccessfully!). I remember that buying clothes and playing dress up was always a ritual for me. When I bought something new, I would always clean my room, try it on with other items in my wardrobe, and put on a mini fashion show. I would obsess over what to wear to school everyday and make sure I was always matching and cute.

Onetta: When it comes to fashion, what is the biggest mistake that you often see women make?

Claire: Not wearing proper undergarments and also not understanding how to dress their body type. Women should always work to accentuate their best assets.

Onetta: If someone took a peak inside your closet, what kind of clothing or what kind of brands would they find?

Claire: They would find lots of preppy things mixed in with more exotic snakeskin prints. I love Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander McQueen, and Rachel Roy. You’ll find lots of Zara, J.Crew, and Tibi in my closet as well.

Onetta: I have to admit that for this fall and winter, there are some “hot” shoes available. If I ask you to pick the hottest shoe for the fall and winter season, which shoe would you pick?

Claire: Anything by Nicholas Kirkwood.

Onetta: For the budget conscious sista, where are the best places to find great bargains?

Claire: H&M and Forever 21! My little sister loves those brands and she dresses super cute.

Onetta: Besides your fashion sense, there is something greater that I admire about you. Last year, you made the transition to move to Paris; a big decision and one that takes a lot of courage to make. How did you come to that life changing decision and how has it been living in the city of lights?

Claire: I’ve always wanted to live or study abroad, but put if off for various fears and reasons when I was younger. I wanted to just do it, regardless of finances or concerns, before I grew roots and started a family! It’s been a life altering experience to say the least, with as many highs as lows. Nothing good comes without sacrifice, so I hope to continue plugging ahead and see what life brings me.

Onetta: So many people are afraid of change and are afraid of taking risk and going after their dreams. What advice would you offer to someone in that situation?

Claire: Be as organized and as prepared as you can. Make sure you have something that anchors you when times get rough (as they will). My best advice is to stop making excuses!! Don’t be the old person who says, “I wish I had.” Understand that you will miss your friends, family, and life, but you can see them again. You have one life: live it!

Onetta: What does the future hold for The Fashion Bomb?

Claire: Hopefully, The Fashion Bomb will continue on an upward path with recognition from larger media brands, papers, and people.

Onetta: Finish the following sentence for me. In 5 years, Claire hopes to be…..

Claire: Fashion Writer at a respected national publication or the Editor in Chief of my own style magazine.

Make sure to check out The Fashion Bomb everyday by visiting www.fashionbombdaily.com.