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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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!

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Category: Fashion, Interviews, Tracy Reese | 39 Comments

Glossy Girl

September 4, 2008

Just when I was about to toss my gloss, I received a complimentary tube of Smashbox O-Gloss last night. This lipgloss claims to be intuitive and reacts with our personal skin chemistry to transform from clear to our own custom shade of pink. Being the lipgloss addict that you know I am, I was super excited to try it. I really didn’t think that it would work, but I was so wrong. After using it, my lips turned my ideal shade of pink that I usually only achieve by applying a mixture of several glosses. Needless to say, I’m a fan. Although those darker lipstick shades are tempting, it looks like I still won’t be tossing the gloss just yet!

Available at www.nordstrom.com for $22

Have you ever tried this product? I hear that they have a similar formula for cheeks. Would you try either? For one lucky BGG reader, she’ll get the chance. Just shoot me an email and the first reader to tell me the year that my favorite TV show “A Different World,” aired will win her own tube of Smashbox O-Gloss!

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Category: Beauty | 24 Comments

Toss the Gloss

September 3, 2008

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a gloss girl, but this upcoming fall season I want to give my gloss a break and give lipsticks a go! For years I’ve been applying shiny glosses with a barely-there tint on my lips. This time around I want to vamp it up a bit by trying a few deeper berries, browns and burgundies and possibly even some subdued red shades. My husband thinks that red lips are a no-no for women of all shades, but I’m going to try to prove him wrong! It’s going to be hard giving up the gloss, but as I said last week, change is good! If I don’t like it, I can always go back to my favorites.

Do you prefer gloss or lipstick? Are you going to wear darker matte hues this fall and winter?

Check out some of these lush lip colors:

Bobbi Brown Lipstick Color Palette available at www.saks.com for $40

Nars Afghan Red available at www.beauty.com for $24

L’Oreal Colour Rich Lipstick in Chocolate Truffle available at www.drugstore.com for $8.06

MAC Viva Glam available at www.nordstrom.com for $14

Clinique High Impact Colour in Red-y To Wear available at www.saks.com for $14

Wise Lip Paint by Peacekeeper available at www.smallflower.com for $14

CoverGirl Continuous Color in Bistro Burgundy available at www.drugstore.com for $5.13

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Category: Beauty | 25 Comments

Bootielicious!

September 2, 2008

There are many reasons why I love the fall, but I think the main reason is because it’s the time when I can finally wear my favorite footwear – boots! This season it’s all about the booties. Ranging in a myriad of styles, colors and materials, booties are a definite must-have for the fall. These funky crosses between shoes and boots are a fashionable, yet practical choice because they can be worn with just about anything. From a cute dress paired with tights to with a pair of skinny jeans, booties will instantly add flavor to all of your fall fashions.

Check out some of these:

Will you be wearing a pair of booties this season?

Steven by Steve Madden Midory Bootie available at www.nordstrom.com for $148.95