BGs & the Big Screen

September 18, 2008

Ever wonder why movies like, Love Jones, The Best Man, Brown Sugar and other similar films are rarely found in theaters? Well, the answer is complex and is often a result of racism, but there are a couple of obvious ways that we can reverse this disparity so that our stories are shown on the big screen too.

Last Friday, I attended an interesting panel discussion about the state of black women in Hollywood hosted by Essence during the Urbanworld Film Festival here in NYC. The panel consisted of famed TV producer Suzanne de Passe (Zane: The Sex Chronicles, Sister, Sister, etc.), director/writer Gina Prince-Bythewood (Secret Life of Bees, Love & Basketball, etc.), actress Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda) and SVP, Production for Fox Searchlight Zola Mashariki (Notorious B.I.G). They spoke about the difficulties of breaking into the world of film for African-Americans, particularly African-American women, as well as solutions that could possibly make a difference.


From left, Suzanne De Passe, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Sophie Okonedo.

According to these esteemed panelists, the following two actions can help us get quality movies that we want to see in the theaters:

*Stop buying boot-legged DVDs!!
*Support films that star a predominately ethnic cast during the opening weekend!!

So go out and see the Secret Life of Bees starring, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys when it comes out in theaters on October 17th. Click here to view the trailer.

If we support films featuring us BGs and guys, perhaps more will be made for all of us to enjoy!

What is your favorite film starring an African-American cast? What are your thoughts on this subject? Are you guilty of partaking in movie piracy? Come on, BGG won’t tell on you! 🙂

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 34 Comments

Best Beauty Buys For Under 5 Bucks!

September 17, 2008

I know that BGG oftentimes encourages you to run out and buy a luxurious lipstick, or a pricey compact, but I know that times are hard. With the stressful economic struggles that we’re currently facing it can be unwise to make unnecessary expensive purchases; that’s why I’ve found these great beauty buys for under $5. Drugstore brands are usually just as good as the department store kind. Being beautiful doesn’t always have to break the bank.

Do you prefer purchasing drugstore brand cosmetics or higher-end makeup lines?

Check these out:


Covergirl Wetslicks Lipstick available at www.drugstore.com for $4.74


Jane Blushing Cheeks available at www.drugstore.com for $3.32


Max Factor Eyelash Curler available at www.drugstore.com for $4.29


Maybelline Shine Free Foundation with H20 available at www.drugstore.com for $4.49


Milani Lipsticks available at www.drugstores.com for $3.49


Physicians Formula Mineral Eyeliner Pencil available at www.drugstore.com for $4.17


Revlon Fabulash Mascara available at www.drugstore.com for $4.93


Say Yes to Carrots Lip Butter available at www.drugstore.com for $3.69

Category: Beauty | 32 Comments

Get Cuffed!

September 16, 2008

Accessories are a must for those who want to create a chic, polished look. This fall season it’s all about cute cuff bracelets to add that extra dose of glamour. Cuffs come in an array of styles, sizes, textures and materials. Find one that suits your style and get cuffed!

Would you wear cuff bracelets?

Check out some of these:


Kara Ross Small Python Gold Cuff available at www.vivre.com for $316


Sibillia Concentric Circle Cuff available at www.vivre.com for $185


Marc by Marc Jacobs Faux Bow Solid Crazy Cuff available at www.shopbop.com for $78


Forever 21 Arrow Metal Cuff available at www.forever21.com for $5.80


Lisa Stewart Braided Rope Cuff available at www.vivre.com for $172


Kara Ross Large Oval Cuff available at www.saks.com for $275


Fendi Logo Cuff available at www.netaporter.com for $280


Leaf Recycled Metal Cuff available at www.target.com for $38


Liz Claiborne Fresh Pain Textured Cuff available at www.lizclaiborne.com for $32


Kenneth Jay Lane Snake Cuff available at www.shopbop.com for $110


Textured Layered Cuff available at www.nordstrom.com for $138

Category: Bracelets, Fashions | 32 Comments

BGG Celebrates 1-Year Anniversary!!

September 15, 2008

**First, let me say that my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Texas who have been affected by Hurricane Ike. K-Bear, I hope that you are back on your feet soon. 🙂

I can’t believe it’s been one whole year since I launched Brown Girl Gumbo. It all started last September with me wanting to share my love of writing about fashion, beauty and entertainment with like-minded women via the internet. I had no idea who, if anyone, would find my site and read it. Slowly, but surely I began to find an audience who has been loyal, kind and SUPER supportive. I know it sounds corny, but I really couldn’t have done it without you!! I appreciate every single one of you who reads and enjoys BGG. I especially want to thank those readers who leave comments because it lets me know that there are people out there who are reading, but I love the ones who don’t comment too! 🙂

In celebration of my 1-year anniversary, I want to give one lucky reader a gift bag filled with goodies worth over $300. Starting today (September 15th), all you have to do is leave a comment everyday until September 21st. I will take all of your names and put them in a hat and draw one lucky reader at random on September 22nd. This contest is only eligible for readers living within the United States. The winner will be announced on September 22nd (my actual anniversary). The prize will be delivered within 2 weeks of the announcement.

Have you ever won anything from a contest?

Here are some goodies that will be included:


Barack the Vote 3/4 t-shirt retails for $25 at www.barackawear.com


Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue Hold Styling Cream retails for $38 at www.missjessies.com


Neutrogena Moistureshine Lipsheers Lipstick retails for $9 at drugstores nationwide


Dr. Miracle’s Oil Sheen retails for $8.99 at drugstores nationwide


A Design Brush Set retails for $63 at www.adesignbrushes.com


Tools Science Nano Silver Digital Styling Iron retails for $89 at www.sallysbeauty.com


Smashbox Bionic Mascara retails for $19 at www.nordstrom.com


Bliss Hot Salt Scrub retails for $36 at www.blissworld.com


Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Duo in Iced Coffee retails for $7.64 at drugstores nationwide


Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser retails for $7.99 at drugstores nationwide


Susan Posnick Colorflo Mineral Foundation retails for $64 at www.susanposnick.com

Category: Giveaways | 50 Comments

Beyond Express-tations

September 14, 2008

I must admit, I haven’t shopped at EXPRESS since I was in high school. Back in the day it was the place to get all of the hottest fashions for reasonable prices. I don’t know why, but for some reason my love for the store’s clothing diminished over the years. That was until I received this super cute ruffle tank from EXPRESS during Fashion Week. This simple, yet stylish shirt can be paired with a skinny belt and a pair of dark denims for a sexy rock & roll look or easily be worn under a fitted blazer for a more chic and sophisticated style. This universal top has tempted me to check out my former favorite store again. Who knows what else I may find? You guys know I don’t stray too far from my discount stores!

Have you received something from a store that you to

Category: Fashion | Leave a Comment
September 14, 2008


Mossimo Ultra Soft Ottoman Cowl Neck Sweater available at www.target.com


Women’s Tie Front Wrap Dress available at www.target.com for $12.99

I know that BGG oftentimes encourages you to run out and buy a luxurious lipstick, or a pricey compact, but I know that times are hard. With the stressful economic struggles that we’re currently facing it can be unwise to make unnecessary expensive purchases; that’s why I’ve found these great beauty buys for under $5. Being beautiful doesn’t have to break the bank.

Check these out:

I know that BGG oftentimes encourages you to run out and buy a dazzling dress, or a pricey purse, but I know that times are hard. With the stressful economic struggles that we’re currently facing it can be unwise to make unnecessary purchases that are out of our budgets; that’s why I’ve found these fabulous fashion finds for under $40. Being fashionable doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

FYI – My favorite stores happen to be Daffy’s, Marshall’s and Filene’s Basement. These discount stores house wonderful designer fashions for less. Plus, they typically get new merchandise daily. I see them as being trendy tresure chests, you just never know what you’re going to find!

Check these out:

https://www.browngirlgumbo.com/646/

Category: Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Eye-Opening Shadows

September 11, 2008

I am definitely a self-proclaimed beauty junkie, but there is one product that I rarely use – eyeshadow. I don’t know why, but I never seem to apply it properly so that it actually accentuates or enhances my eyes. After recently viewing the beautiful photos of my fellow beauty bloggers like B, PJD and Yummy411’s eyeshadow applications, I am determined to give my eyes some much needed sparkle and shimmer! I like the smoky eye effect and gold tones the most.

Do you wear eye shadow? If so, what are your favorite brands and color combinations?

Check out these pretty palettes:


Jane Iredale “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” Eyeshadow Kit available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $46


The Balm Shady Lady Eyeshadow Paletter available at www.sephora.com for $38


Lancome Color Design Eye & Face Paletter in “Runway Temptations” available at www.lancome.com for $50


Sephora Colorful 9 Eyeshadow Paletter available at www.sephora.com for $28


Lancome Color Design Artist Palette available at www.lancome.com for $70


Calvin Klein Grey Variation Eyeshadow Quad available at www.sephora.com for $35


Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in “Ludwig” available at www.sephora.com for $34


MAC Cult of Cherry in “Spiced Chocolate” Eyeshadow available at www.maccosmetics.com for $36


Revlon “Copper Spice” available at www.drugstore.com for $6.29


T. LeCler Sunlight Palette available at www.eluxury.com for $60


Stila Backstage Beauty Eyeshadow Paletter in “The Runway Look” available at sephora.com for $40

Category: Beauty | 25 Comments

Eco-Friendly Fashions!

September 10, 2008

We’ve all heard the term, “go green” a million times in the past few years. Although eco-friendly products have become somewhat of a trend, the truth is that purchasing products that are environmentally-safe is a smart choice that ultimately affects us all.

A few nights ago, I had the pleasure of attending a “Be EcoChic” runway fashion show at the American Museum of Natural History. The goal of the event was to educate consumers about the wide variety of fashions that are both stylish and good for the earth. We can all make a conscious effort to help preserve our world, even fashionistas!

Do you buy eco-friendly fashions? If not, would you consider it?

Here are a few pics from the show:

Celebrity walkers celebrate after the show in the Milstein Hall of Oceans at the American Museum of Natural History.


Alek Wek was a crowd favorite in Chado Ralph Rucci and an eco-bag from her own line, Alek 1933.


Actress Tamara Tunie in a B. Michael recycled and reconstructed quilted cotton ball gown with yarn-embroidered garden motif.

Above photos courtesy of www.beecochic.com. **Thanks so much Laura & the Aveeno team!

Here are some fabulous eco-chic finds for fall:


Ecoganik Criss-Cross Neck Dress in Plum made with 100% organic supima cotton available at www.couturecandy.com for $119


Larsen Gray File Jacket in Black made with 100% organic cotton available at www.revolveclothing.com for $303. For those of you who follow Project Runway, former Season 1 contestant Nora Caliguri is the co-designer of this line.


Stewart & Brown Long-Sleeve Lengthened Shirt made with 100% organic cotton available at www.tobi.com for $73


Levi’s Capital E Eco Swank Jean made with 99% organic cotton available at www.barneys.com for $68 (was $198)


Mock Neck Top by Sworn Virgins made with eco-friendly bamboo knit available at www.spiegel.com for $69


Mac & Jac Wrap Cardigan made with an eco-friendly blend that includes ultrasoft viscose rayon from bamboo available at www.nordstrom.com for $109


Jelica Hoodie Dress in Denim is made with 100% organic supima cotton available at www.couturecandy.com for $114

Category: Eco-Friendly Fashions | 21 Comments

Must-Have Makeup Bags!

September 9, 2008

Now that the summer is slowly, but surely winding down, so are the summery shades of beauty products. That means it’s almost time to ditch the sun-kissed beachy cheeks for a more refined, matte look for fall. So now’s the perfect time and excuse to buy a new cosmetic bag to house your new arsenal of deep hues and lush palettes that only the fall can bring.

Do you use a cosmetic bag or simply toss your must-haves loosely in your purse?


Coach Legacy Stripe Large Cosmetic Bag available at www.coach.com for $128


Sephora Make-up Bags available at www.sephora.com for $16-38


Norina Cosmetic Bag available at www.bebe.com for $32


Michael Kors Malibu Cosmetic Bag available at www.bloomingdales.com for $29.99


I Love My Earth Cosmetic Bag available at www.forever21.com for $12.80


Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Cosmetic Case available at www.bloomingdales.com for $58


Juicy Couture Beauty Jacquard Cosmetic Bags available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $45-$75


Furla Violet Leather 3-in-1 Cosmetic Bag available at www.bluefly.com for $57


Blue & Silver Yves Roche Cosmetic Bag available at www.yvesrocheusa.com for $1.58


Sonia Shuk Double Zip Folder Cosmetic Bag available at www.target.com for $9.99

Category: Beauty | 22 Comments

BGG Goes to Fashion Week!

September 8, 2008

Fashion Week is in full swing here in New York City. That means designers are showing their Spring 2009 line at the Bryant Park tents, as well as at various venues throughout the city. I had the privilege of covering my absolute favorite designer (who happens to be a BG); Tracy Reese’s show yesterday and what a show it was! My feet were sliding all day in those shoes! I really need to get some cushy shoe pads. 🙂

Stunning models gracefully strolled the catwalk while donning pretty pastels and flowy silhouettes, which complemented her signature feminine style. As expected, she showcased several breathtakingly beautiful flirty frocks and elegant blouses. Overall, her fashion forecast for spring is simple chic with a girly edge. What’s not to love?


Photo by New York Post


Photo by New York Post

I came across this board backstage that showed all the looks of the collection.

I also had the privilege of chatting with actress Sanaa Lathan VERY briefly before the show started. Because I’m still a novice at videotaping, the audio isn’t that good and my hand wasn’t that steady! LOL!

In case you couldn’t decipher what was said, here is the text:

BGG: What beauty products do you use to stay looking so beautiful?

Sanaa: I love Bobbi Brown! I also love MAC lipsticks, Stila lipglosses, and there are some Iman products that I use. I use a lot of different ones.

BGG: What shows have you seen so far?

Sanaa: This is my first show. When did it (Fashion Week) start?

BGG: It started on Friday.

Sanaa: Ok, well I’m going to see Diane Von Furstenberg and Reem Acra.

BGG: When will your new movie, The Family That Preys Together be in theaters?

Sanaa: It comes out this Friday!

Stay tuned for more Fashion Week coverage!

Category: Fashion, Interviews, Tracy Reese | 39 Comments