History!

I’m taking the day off to celebrate the win of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America!! THE first African-American to win the highest office in the land!! Change has come…finally!!! Plus, I need to get some much needed rest since I’ve been under the weather for nearly a week.


Courtesy www.patrickmoberg.com

YES WE DID!!!!!

Election Day is Finally Here!!


Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for! Yes, today we will cast our votes to elect the the 44th president of the United States of America (if you haven’t already)!! This has been the most exciting election that many of us have ever witnessed. From the down-and-dirty debates to the satirical Saturday Night Live sketches, this presidential race has been one for the history books!

Oh how I wish I was in my hometown of Chicago to attend the Obama rally at Grant Park. Oh well, I’ll be cheering him on from NYC!!

Will you be attending an election party tonight? What has this election meant to you?

**THE WINNER OF THE COMBS/BRUSHES SET IS BETHY!!! Congrats!!! PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR MAILING INFO SINCE YOU DON’T HAVE A BLOG.

Styling Tools for Our ‘Dos

When it comes to styling our hair, the tools that we use are important. I prefer using wide-tooth combs and paddle brushes to smooth my relaxed strands, but there are myriad tools that suit all hair types. From boar-bristle brushes to plastic fine-toothed combs, there are styling tools that will keep our ‘dos in place at all times!

I recently came across a great brand of ceramic and tourmaline combs and brushes called Studio IM. One lucky reader will win the following combs and brushes valued at $49.50 from this line. Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly. The winner will be announced on Tuesday.

What kinds of combs/brushes do you prefer? Wide-tooth, plastic, etc?


Nylon Paddle Brush available at www.studioim.com for $22


3-in-1 Combo comb available at www.studioim.com for $6


25mm Thermal Round Brush available at www.studioim.com for $16.50


Teasing Comb available at www.studioim.com for $5.00

**I KNOW YOU WON’T FORGET, BUT PLEASE LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD TOMORROW AT THE POLLS!!!!

Ghoulishly Gorgeous!

Tomorrow is Halloween and that means that many beauty addicts will have a field’s day! It’s the perfect excuse to act like a child again and play in makeup. Whether you’re planning to dress up as a sexy nurse wearing fire engine red lipstick or the ugly, green-faced Wicked Witch of the West, it’s a great time to experiment with all of those crazy eye shadows and freaky glitter lashes that have been collecting dust in your makeup kit. Even if you aren’t dressing up, you can always use your makeup magic by assisting the little goblins in your life!

Here are a few items that will get you ready for Halloween!

Are you dressing up tomorrow? If so, what will you be? If not, can you recall your favorite Halloween costume as a child?


Makeup Forver Lashes available at www.sephora.com for $14


CoverGirl Continous Lip Color in Red available at www.drugstore.com for $5.29


NYX Nail Polish in Black available at www.drugstores.com for $2.99


Urban Decay Glitter Liner available at www.sephora.com for $18


Streak & Tips Temporary Hair Color available at www.drugstore.com for $4.29


Here I am from last year. Not very creative, but easy! For some reason you can’t see my whiskers…
If you’d like to share your past Halloween pics, simply email them to me and I’ll post them here!

Designer Dreams

After writing last week’s post about celebrity closets, it got me thinking about the renowned fashion designers of the world. Have you dreamed of wearing a gorgeous one-of-a-kind Oscar de la Renta evening gown or perhaps a custom-made party dress designed by fellow BG, Tracy Reese? There are so many wonderful designers who create beautiful garments from everyday wear to extravagant couture pieces.

If you could chose a famous designer (Project Runway contestants included LOL!), living or dead to design an outfit of your dreams, who would it be and for what occasion? While you’re pondering, check out one of my first BGG interviews with fashion designer Joan Vaccianna, maybe you’d like her to design for you one day!

Please share!

Timeless Turtleneck Dresses!

As I’ve said many times, I absolutely love the fall for one thing – the fashions. To me, it just isn’t the fall until I slip on a cute and cozy turtleneck dress! This classic item is easy to wear and is extremely versatile. Not only are these dresses comfortable, but are also the perfect backdrops for jewelry and accessories. For a sexy mod-inspired look, pair with tall boots or toss on tights to create a sophisticated chic style on those super chilly days. Plus, they can be worn at work and easily transformed for nights. Either way, a turtleneck dress is a key piece to have during the fall/winter months!

Do you own a turtleneck dress? If not, would you buy one this season for the right price?


Lorrae Turtleneck Sweater Dress available at www.forever21.com for $32.80


Turtleneck Sweater Dress available at www.victoriassecret.com for $78


Fashionista Brown Jersey Belted “Sandy” Turtleneck Dress available at www.bluefly.com at $109


Adriana Papel Knit Turtleneck Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $158


Cotton & Cashmere Turtleneck Dress available at www.victoriassecret.com for $78


Interlock Turtleneck Tent Dress available at www.americanapparel.com for $40


La Made T-Shirt Turtleneck Dress available at www.revolveclothing.com for $61


Petunia Turtleneck Dress available at www.edressme.com for $172


Jones New York Turtleneck Dress available at www.bloomingdales.com for $130


Women’s Turtleneck Sweater Dress available at www.oldnavy.com for $34.50

**The winner for the Rx for Brown Skin products is Dominican Enigma!! Congrats!!

Skincare for Brown Skin!


As you guys know, I enjoy trying new skincare products; but if there’s one brand that I recommend for us brown-skinned beauties, it has to be Rx for Brown Skin by Dr. Susan Taylor. This line of products ranging from toner to body lotion was especially formulated for Asian, Latin and African-American skin tones. Since we often suffer from hyper-pigmentation and other skin conditions, it is necessary to have products with ingredients that won’t irritate our skin or exacerbate the problem, but combat our unique skin afflictions.

Have you ever tried any of the Rx for Brown Skin products? If not, would you? One lucky winner will win the following products, valued at $75! Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected.


Rx for Brown Skin Peel Kit available at www.sephora.com for $50


Skin Evening Body Citrus Body Lotion available at www.sephora.com for $25

**Sidenote, BGG extends condolences to my fellow Chicagoan, Jennifer Hudson and her family. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. My hope is that her nephew returns to them soon.

In the Closet!

In the celebrity-obsessed world that we live in, we see what the stars are wearing from their glamorous red-carpet moments to their mundane visits to the 7-Eleven.

Ever find yourself saying, “Ooh I want those shoes” or “She always looks so pulled together?” If you had to choose, what celebrity’s closet would you love to raid? Do you dream of rocking Mariah Carey’s incessant sky-high stilettos, snatching Kimora Lee’s luxe Louis Vuitton collection or donning Tracee Ellis Ross’ eclectic retro wardrobe?

For me, I’d have to raid Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon’s closet. She has an enviable sophisticated chic style with just the right balance of trends.

Share your closet coveting confessions!


Kimora Lee surrounded by her precious possessions.


A glimpse into Mimi’s enormous shoe collection.


Eva Longoria-Parker in her gorgeous and glamorous closet.

photo credit: InStyle (celebrity closets)

Walking Tall

Yes, booties are the “it” footwear for the fall, but who can go the entire season without a good pair of tall boots too? I may not be a “shoe” person, but when it comes to boots I can’t get enough! Although recently I’ve put myself on a super strict budget so I won’t be able to go crazy this time around. Luckily, I’ve invested in a few quality pairs over the years that will get me through this season. Even though I won’t be buying any boots anytime soon, a girl can still look!

From leather flats, to slouchy suede stilettos, there’s always a boot that will complement your style! Check out these that are all under $150!

Have you bought a pair of boots for the fall/winter yet? Do you prefer flats or heels?


Victoria Secret Cuffed Stiletto Boots available at www.victoriassecret.com for $145


Cuffed Leather Flat Boots available at www.victoriassecret.com for $129


BCBG “Maisha” Boots available at www.piperlime.com for $140.50


Simply Vera by Vera Wang Tumbled Leather Boots available at www.kohls.com for $89


Rampage “Berylnn” Boots (synthetic materials) available at www.piperlime.com for $80


Camlin Leather Boots available at www.delias.com for $99.50


“Nina” Women’s Rodeo Boots (synthetic materials) available at www.famousfootwear.com for $69.99


Slouchy Suede Foldover Boots available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $88


Lace-up Leather Knee Boots available at www.victoriassecret.com for $148


Nine West “Cheryl” Leather Boots available at www.ninewest.com for $149

**By the way, K-Bear was randomly selected as the winner of the Flabuless shapewear! Congrats!

Flabuless Arms!

Most of us have all heard of Spanx, but have you heard of “Flabuless?” Probably not, right? Well, “Flabuless” is the first-ever arm shapewear that claims to slim, conceal and re-shape. It was created by a fellow BG in an effort to help women who were frustrated by tops “not fitting right” as a result of sagging skin or flabby arms. Although I am rather content with the size of my arms, I know a few people who always complain about the appearance of theirs.

Whether worn to tone down tummies or reshape arms, shapewear can make women feel more confident and sexy, which is always good!

Would you ever try “Flabuless” shapewear? Do you know someone who would benefit from this innovative garment? One lucky winner will get a chance! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected at random.


De Quart Sleeve available at www.flabulessu.com for $27.95


The Veston available at www.flabulessu.com for $61.25-$69.25

Sizes range from Small to 3XL. Visit www.flabulessu.com for more information.