KaBoom

Note: this post is number 5 in a series where the Bitches attempt looks from the Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style using clothes from our own closets.


Bombshell is a look that really doesn't require a lot of explanation.

Thanks to Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Sophia Loren, Betty Page, and dozens of other cinematic beauties of mid-20th century, the very word "Bombshell" is synonymous with sexy women. Classic Bombshell is pretty much exactly what you're picturing right now.

Just because the bombshell icons that come to mind were in their glory at least 50 years ago does not mean that there aren't some modern bombshell beauties out there

Witness, Dita Von Teese:

and Scarlett Johansson:

I probably also don't need to tell you that the classic bombshell look is all about boobs and butt: the fashions emphasize a curvy, womanly figure with fitted tailoring, sweetheart necklines, cinched-in, high-waisted skirts and trousers, sparkly things, corsets, leopard print, and high heels. Sexy, girly things.

It used to be that women who dressed sexy or wore snugly fitting clothes were viewed as promiscuous because of the potential for sex-appeal, but that's not the case anymore. Bombshell is a look that's worked its way well into our fashion vernacular. Modern bombshell clothes are empowering, confident.

Let me be clear on this point: I did not start out as a girly girl. I am a feminist. Growing up, I was a tomboy. I am still, in many ways, a tomboy. But for some reason, I seem to have a closet full of this stuff. Oh yes, Bombshell I can do . . .

Leopard? Check.

Michael Kors leopard print booby dress, Jessica Simpson heels in tomato red.
Why, yes, I do feel like Raquel Welch when I wear this dress.

The perfect bombshell jeans? I got 'em!

Karen Millen Corset belt from a blouse that didn't work out, BCBG cropped skinny jeans, Sisley white shirt, Steve Madden leopard print Mexican pole dancer shoes. Yes, I wear the hell out of those shoes.

Pencil skirt and tie-neck blouse? Checkity check!

Tie neck blouse from French Connection, J Crew black pencil skirt, BCBG Ivanka heel.

Naughty secretary outfit? Hells yes.

Zipper embellished top, high-waisted tweed pencil skirt with asymmetrical flounce, and color block court shoes from one of my favorite designers, Karen Millen. She seems to have just the perfect blend of fashion and fetish for me.

Bustier? I have several.

Boot cut Kors jeans, bustier and laser-cut peeptoe heels from Black House/White Market, a clothing store that seems to specialize in Bombshell.

How a tomboy ended up with a closet half-full of clothes designed to emphasize womanly features is obvious when I think about it. The older I've gotten, the more comfortable I've become with my femininity, and the less afraid I am of getting noticed—and these clothes are all about getting noticed. These pieces stay in the closet year after year because they fit and are flattering, no matter the season. The better I look in my clothes, the better I feel about myself, the longer I'll hang on to that bustier . . . and the perfect fitting pencil skirt . . . and those heels that make me feel like my legs are a mile long . . . Many of the bombshell pieces are classic pieces that work with other looks and are timeless to boot.

So, uh, girls? Don't be afraid to show off your girls. It doesn't mean you're a man-stealing trashy so-and-so (unless your job description happens to be "man-stealing trashy so-and-so"). It means you feel good about yourself and you're not afraid to show the world you are comfortable in your skin. As Jessica Rabbit said, "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way."