Romantic Blouses in Bloom

During New York’s 7-day fashion-frenzy last week, I noticed that many of the runways were peppered with models donning structured shirts and tops with strong shoulders from designers’ fall collections. However, for spring that will definitely not be the case. This upcoming season stores will be stocked with silky chiffons and sexy sheers. This light-weight, lady-like look adds a bit of romance to any outfit.

Will you be wearing a billowy blouse this spring?

Check out some of these:


Tulip Sleeve Blouse available at www.victoriassecret.com for $78


Amina Chiffon Top available at www.forever21.com for $19.80


M2K Belted Chiffon Blouse available at www.pinkmascara.com for $120


BCBG Max Azria Chiffon Top available at www.bluefly.com for $107.10


Vamp Satin Weave Chiffon Top available at www.ninewest.com $79


Diane Von Furstenberg Lutece Print Chiffon Blouse available at www.tobi.com for $185


Elle Ruffle Chiffon Top available at www.kohls.com for $27.99


DKNY Jeans Chiffon Tuxedo Blouse available www.macys.com for $55.30


Romeo & Juliet Couture Sleeveless Chiffon Tunic available at www.emoda.com for $79


Silk Chiffon Pleated Blouse available at www.victoriassecret.com for $58

An Eye-Opening Product!

When it comes to the best eyeliner, I thought that I had found my tried and true – Revlon Colorstay. That was until my friends AZ and Z came to visit last week and introduced me to Bobbi Brown’s gel eyeliner. Indian women have mastered the technique and beauty of eyeliner application so I was definitely taking notes from my fellow brown girls. This little pot of black goo surprisingly goes on easily and smoothly with a fine-tipped brush creating a sexy, Cleopatra-esque look.


Me wearing the Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in black.


Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $21 (application brush sold separately for $17)

I’m not sure if I’d wear it everyday, but for nights out on the town, I’d definitely give it a whirl. So maybe Revlon Colorstay is still my tried and true for everyday use, while the gel one will be used to rim my peepers for special occasions.

Have you ever tried this product? If not, would you be willing to try it?

Btw, the winners of the Clearasil Pimple Blocker Pen are Product Junkie Diva and Nerd Girl! Congrats! Please send me your mailing address info.

Magic Stick

Each year companies churn out hundreds of new beauty and skincare products made in hopes of landing in our makeup bags or bathroom cabinets. Well, 2009 is shaping up to be a beautiful year! So far, I’ve already come across one great new product that stands out from the bunch – Clearasil’s Pimple Blocker Pen.

Ok, I know you’re thinking Clearasil is for teenagers, but women of all ages are often plagued with pesky pimples still. This lightweight, yet powerful pimple-zapping pen contains 2% salicylic acid, which instantly penetrates the skin and gets right to the problem. Having tried scores of products that claim to treat blemishes, this is by far one of the best.

My favorite part about it is that it’s transparent and applied directly to the skin. Plus, it’s portable making it easy for the girl on the go. Tip: Don’t apply too much; if you do it becomes less transparent!


Available at www.clearasil.us for $9.99

Would you try this new product? Two lucky readers will win one. Just leave a comment and the winners will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

These Bibs Aren’t for Babies!


This spring it’s all about opulent, over-sized necklaces that will add oomph to your outfits. Although bib necklaces have been around for a few seasons, it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere anytime soon. At first glance they may seem a bit gaudy, but when worn with the right attire can instantly add drama and sophistication. Plus, these bold pieces aren’t reserved for red carpet moments, they can also be worn with a simple scoop or square-neck dress or even over a t-shirt for a fashion-forward, yet casual flair.

Would you wear a bib necklace?

Bold Bib  Necklace available at www.bananarepublic.com for $69


Beaded Bib Necklace available at www.ardenb.com for $24


Luxe Spider-web Necklace available at www.bananarepublic.com for $150


Ben Amun Link Bib Necklace available at www.intermix.com for $345


Bauble Necklace available at www.bananarepublic.com for $49.99


Gerard Yosca Bib Necklace available at www.maxandchloe.com for $450


Xhilaration Bib Coil Black Necklace available at www.target.com for $6.49


Cooled Crescent Necklace available at www.anthropologie.com for $38

Timeless Tunes for Lovers

There’s nothing more romantic than listening to a great love song. From Stevie Wonder to Mariah Carey, there are an abundance of great slow jams to get you in the mood for love. A classic love song speaks to your heart and soul while making you long for your significant other or dream of finding that one true love. I’m sure this Valentine’s Day many of you will be listening to timeless romantic tunes.

I’m a die-hard R&B music fan, but what’s your favorite love song or ballad singer?

Here are a few of my top picks:


“Amazing Love” by Luther Vandross.


“Dangerously in Love” by Beyonce


“Angel” by Anita Baker


“We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey


“Ribbon in the Sky” by Stevie Wonder

Romantic Reel Picks

In case you don’t want to go out and brave the love-filled crowds on Valentine’s Day, why not curl up on the couch with your cutie and watch an oldie, but goodie love story? I’m a huge fan of nostalgia so popping in one of my favorite romantic DVDs is always a treat. The only problem is trying to convince my hubby to turn off ESPN and join me!

What’s your favorite big screen love story? Here are a few of my favorites starring us BGs and guys:


Love & Basketball (2000) starring Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan.


Brown Sugar (2002) starring Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan.


Boomerang (1992) starring Eddie Murphy, Robin Givens and Halle Berry.


Love Jones (1997) starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long.

BTW, the winner of the Wei East Natural Beauty Perfector Hand & Body Treatment is Wes! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address.

Sweet Beauty Treats for You!

Since my husband doesn’t particularly participate in the hoopla of Valentine’s Day, I don’t anticipate receiving anything. That’s perfectly fine because I don’t have a problem picking up pretty packaged products for myself in the spirit of the lover’s holiday. If you don’t have a sweetie who will get you a gift, why not buy yourself a nice treat?

Check out some of these V-Day inspired gifts:


Wei East Natural Beauty Perfector Hand & Body Treatment available at www.weieast.com for $36.25


Philosophy Candy Hearts Lip Duo Lipgloss available at www.sephora.com for $20


Dust-Up Kissable Body Shimmer available at www.victoriassecret.com for $28


Clinique Happy In Bloom Perfume Spray available at www.nordstrom.com for $52


Perscriptives Duo Limited Edition In Bloom Cheek Color available at www.nordstrom.com for $24


Philosophy Pink Frosted Layer Cake Shower Gel, Shampoo & Bubble Bath available at www.sephora.com for $16


Aquolina Pink Sugar Luxury Gift Set available at www.sephora.com for $95


Lilly Pulitzer Candle available at www.sephora.com for $34


Twice Blushed Cinnamon & Cotton Candy Blush available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $46

**One lucky reader will win the Wei East Natural Beauty Perfector Hand & Body Treatment, which is a triple body cream that treats hands, body and cuticles by evening out skin tone while softening, moisturizing and illuminating (a $36 value). Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

Love-Inspired Lingerie

With Valentine’s Day on Saturday, it’s the perfect time to stock up on lingerie. Many stores offer great deals on pretty undergarments and sexy sets that aren’t always available during the rest of the year. Whether you want to slip into a seductive slip for your significant other or something frilly just to make you feel good, buying intimate apparel is always fun!

Do you acknowledge Valentine’s Day or do you see it as being a pointless Hallmark holiday?

Check out some of these lovely lingerie items:


Freya Bella Plunge Bra ($58) & Thong ($36) available at www.nordstrom.com


Silk Chiffon Ruffle Thong available at www.victoriassecret.com 3 for $30


DKNY Lace Allure Underwire Bra ($35) and Lace Thong ($29) available at www.macys.com


Avril Chemise available at www.gigiscloset.com for $49


Honey Dew Intimates Print Boy Shorts available at www.nordstrom.com for $14


Satin Slip available at www.victoriassecret.com for $42


Plunge Demi Bra and Skirt Thong available at www.victoriassecret.com (check website for pricing)

Grammy Time!

Even when we are going through incredibly trying times, nothing can work as an instant pick-me up like the universal language – music! With the 51st Annual Grammy’s airing live on CBS on Sunday, I wanted to know what you guys thought of the nominations.

Do you agree with the list of nominees? What is your favorite? Do you feel like someone was overlooked? I personally felt as though Mariah Carey should’ve been nominated in at least one category because I loved every last song on her CD, E=MC2. Well, maybe not every single song, but most of them.


Ne-Yo’s Year of the Gentleman is nominated for Album of the Year.


Estelle’s “American Boy” is nominated for Record of Year.


Leona Lewis is nominated for several awards, including Best Pop Vocal for “Bleeding Love.”


Jazmine Sullivan is nominated for Best New Artist. Click here to read my interview with her.


Lil’ Wayne is nominated for several awards including, Album of the Year for Tha Carter III.


M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” is being nominated for Record of the Year.

Click here for the full list of nominations.
Btw, the winner of the $50 Home Depot gift card is Rebee! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address.

Keeping the Dream Alive Giveaway

The fact that we now have an African-American president can be attributed to the struggles and sacrifices made by countless men and women who believed in the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

That’s why The Home Depot has created a special card in an effort to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King. They’re working to build a permanent exhibition home for the personal writings and papers of Dr. King at at the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

You can purchase a “Dream” gift card now until February 28th and The Home Depot will donate 5% of all sales to the center, up to one million dollars. To learn more about King’s papers, click here.

One lucky winner will win a $50 gift card to The Home Depot. I know it’s not fashion/beauty related, but I’m sure it could come in handy for some. Simply leave a comment about what Black History Month means to you or a black history fact and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

The winners of the Colossal Volume Mascara are: Antithesis and Melissa L. Please email me your mailing address! Congrats!