Lip Balm Buff

March 6, 2008

I don’t know about you, but I have to apply several products in order to achieve the perfect pout. The first and most important component to my lip regimen is lip balm.

I use balm, butter, jelly or whatever it may be called as a base to get my kisser nice and moist. With so many flavors, textures, tubes and jars, it’s easy to find one that’s right for you. No matter what your product preference, this process is crucial to applying liners, lipsticks and glosses easily and smoothly.

For me, skipping this simple step is a no-no. If for some reason I forget to apply my lip treatment first, it screws up the whole look and feel of my lips. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m obsessed with getting my pucker just right!

Here are a few of my favorite lip moisturizers:


Hershey’s Lip Balm Trio available at www.sephora.com for $16


Vaseline Intensive Care Lip Treatment available at www.drugstore.com for $1.69


Tarte Slide Lip Balm available at www.sephora.com for $12


Rosebud Salve available at www.sephora.com for $5.59


Palmer’s Lip Butter available at www.drugstore.com for $1.99


MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner available at www.maccosmetics.com for $14.50


L’Occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm available at www.sephora.com for $10

Category: Fashion | 19 Comments

BGG Book Review – Love’s Troubadours: Karma: Book One

March 5, 2008

BGG stirs up everything that chic brown girls love – so why not include book reviews! We all love a good read so I’ve decided to occasionally incorporate book reviews into the mix.

First up, Love’s Troubadours: Karma: Book One, by Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke. If you haven’t heard of this extremely talented self-published author yet, trust me you will. Leeke’s debut novel tells the inspiring story of a young woman named Karma who loses her two most prized possessions – her artsy career and her ideal cosmopolitan life in New York City.

Although her broken spirit sends her on a downward spiral of self-doubt, depression and confusion, she is awakened by revelations that allow her to see that jobs and enviable lifestyles do not define her true purpose.

Love’s Troubadours is a well-written journey of introspection sprinkled with musical references that will make you take a closer look at your own life and recognize the importance of accepting one’s self for who you are. The book also demonstrates how the human spirit can prevail over any circumstance with the support and love of confidantes, family and friends.

The next time you’re in the mood to curl up on a comfy couch for a good read, grab Love’s Troubadours, – it will not disappoint.

For more on the author, please visit: www.lovestroubadours.com or www.myspace.com/lovestroubadours

To purchase the book, visit www.amazon.com

If you’re currently reading a great book, please share!

Category: Book Reviews | 12 Comments

Hot Spot: Los Angeles

March 4, 2008

The City of Angels has always been one of my favorite places to visit. I’ve had an affinity toward L.A ever since I made my first trek there to visit family back in 1998. It was beautiful, the

Category: Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Who’s Your Style Icon?

March 4, 2008

My die-hard, fashionista friend (AZ) once asked me, “Who’s your style icon past or present?” I had to think about it for a moment, but I came to the conclusion that that person would have to be the beautiful and talented Dorothy Dandridge. Even though she died decades before I was born, she exuded style, grace and class.

A style icon is someone who sets trends and doesn’t follow them. Perhaps you admire Jennifer Lopez’s sexy street-glam style or the simple chicness of the late Jackie-O? Maybe she isn’t someone who’s known around the world. She could be your fabulously fierce mother or super stylish cousin. Or better yet, maybe you march to the beat of your own drum and don’t follow anybody’s flair for fashion because your personal style is so fresh and unique that there’s no need to look to others for style adoration other than yourself!

Here are a few fashion icons from yesteryear and today that I think are pretty noteworthy. So I ask, who is your style icon?


Legendary actress Dorothy Dandrige always looked polished and pulled-together.


India.Arie taught us all to love ourselves and she exemplifies her mantra with earthy, yet sexy styles.


Our favorite girlfriend, Tracee Ellis Ross has a feminine eclectic style that always demands attention.


New mom Jennifer Lopez effortlessly mixes urban street style with glam.


Jackie Kennedy-Onassis is the quintessential style icon that trancends all demographics. I think we can all agree that her style was timeless.


Beyonce’s fashion sense has evolved from ill-fitted fringe fiascos into a sleek and stylish silhouettes.


Halle Berry even looks fashion forward while pregnant. Can this beauty ever look bad?


Audrey Hepburn’s style epitomized classic chic.

Category: Fashion | 23 Comments

Banging Bangles!

March 3, 2008

Nothing adds sass and pizazz to an outfit like a unique bangle. I usually like to wear this accessory with a cute dress or tank top and jeans during the spring and summer months for a pulled together, yet carefree look.

They instantly add punch to an otherwise boring outfit. Plus, they work well for both day and night. Depending on your mood, you can throw on a whimsical bold, multi-colored bangle or if you’re feeling a bit more on the conversative side, opt for a more solid subtle shade. The designs, styles and materials of bangles are endless.

Whether you pile them on a la 80s style or wear them individually, a bangle bracelet is the perfect arm candy!


Jessica Kagan Cushman Colored Bangles available at www.ravinstyle.com for $74 (each)


Jessicia Kagan Cushman Bangles available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $125 (each)


Set of 20 Gold Finished Bangles available at www.nordstrom.com for $78


Curved Black Bangle available at www.rampage.com for $8


Pinstripe Wooden Bangle available at www.bananarepublic.com for $24


Beanpye Bracelets available at www.beanpye.com for $25 (each)


Retro Wooden Bangle available at www.forever21.com for $6.80


Tasha Faceted Bangle Bracelet available at www.nordstrom.com for $48 (each)

Category: Fashion | 14 Comments

Breathtaking Bronzers

February 28, 2008

With spring around the corner, it’s time to pick up the hottest bronzers that will make your dull, winter-ridden skin glow and beam with radiance.

I recently tried a Wet n’ Wild mosaic bronzer and have been hooked ever since. The mixture of bronzes, golds, pinks and peaches make mosaic bronzers a must-have to achieve a semi-dewy, skin-kissed look.

The combination of colors create a sultry shimmer that will make your skin look as if you’ve spent weeks vacationing in the Caribbean!

Check out some of these!


Jane Iredale – The Skincare Makeup Moonglow Bronzer available at www.janeiredale.com for $48


MAC Mineral Shimmer available at www.maccosmetics.com for $24.50


Too-Faced Caribbean in a Compact Snow Bunny Bronzer available at www.sephora.com for $28


Sephora Trio Bronzer available at www.sephora.com for $15


Revlon Floral Affair Bronzer available at www.drugstore.com for $11.69


Laura Gellar Bronze and Bronzer available at www.sephora.com for $28

Category: Beauty | 12 Comments

Pop Princess of All Time: Miss Jackson

February 27, 2008


When I think of a timeless pop icon, only one name comes to mind – Miss Janet Damita Jo Jackson. Often referred to as the sole “sane” sibling of the Jackson bunch, Janet has been making chart-topping pop hits since many of us were born. What BGs and probably some guys didn’t dance in front of the mirror to “Control” or “Pleasure Principle” back in the day? I know I’m not the only one!

Janet always has sing-along, catchy hooks and enviable dance moves that consistently separate her from the cookie-cutter masses. Granted, her voice may not be as strong or intense as some of her counterparts, but she definitely holds her own.

Her latest CD, Discipline (Island Def Jam), which was released yesterday is her 10th studio album to date. It has a funky futuristic sound sprinkled with synthesizers and up-tempo beats. There are several good tracks on the album, my favorite being – “Luv.”

The downside of Discipline is that there are too many unnecessary interludes that add nothing to the project. Janet might be in her 40s, but most of these young pop/R&B girls still don’t have anything on Miss Jackson!

What’s your favorite Janet song or CD?


Janet Jackson, 1982


Dream Street, 1984


Control, 1986


Rhythm Nation, 1989


Janet, 2003


The Velvet Rope, 1997


All For You, 2001


Damita Jo, 2006


20 Y.O, 2006


Discipline, 2008

Category: Classic BGs, Music | 20 Comments

Gorgeous Graphic Garb!

February 26, 2008

Anyone who knows me knows that I love a pretty patterned dress! Nothing makes me feel more flirty or feminine than a beautiful frock. That’s why I am thrilled that there are tons of graphic-heavy dresses on the market right now.

This season’s crop of spring dresses are bursting with bold and colorful prints that will instantly command attention. Wearing stunning graphic-style garb will not only make you stand out in a crowd, but it just might lift your spirits in the process. Who doesn’t get happy when they see brightly-hued patterns?

So this spring, brighten someone’s day while looking good in a pretty printed dress!

Check out some of these:


Muse Silk Trapeze Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $178


Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Bodice Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $138


Julie Brown Printed Halter Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $258


Express Drop Waist Wrap Dress available at www.expressfashion.com for $69


Kensie Square Printed Silk Dress available at www.macys.com for $98


Double Printed Sleeveless Dress available at www.rampage.com for $39.99


Maggy London Printed Silk Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $151

Category: Fashion | 8 Comments

Must See TV: “A Raisin in the Sun”

February 25, 2008


Photo Courtesy of ABC

By now you all probably know that tonight is a must-see TV night because ABC is airing, “A Raisin in the Sun,” this evening at 8:00 p.m EST.

Written by the prolific Lorraine Hansberry, “A Raisin in the Sun,” was the first play written by an African-American woman to be produced on Broadway. It tells the story of a family living and struggling on Chicago ‘s South Side in the 1950s. A fiercely moving portrait of people whose hopes and dreams are constantly deferred.

I actually saw the play with the same cast back in 2004 when it was on Broadway. I remember being absolutely blown away by the entire cast’s powerful performance, but especially by the surprising acting skills of Mr. Sean “Diddy” Combs. He is the true definition of an entertainer — successful music producer, TV producer, rapper and now actor. Not to mention his clothing empire, Sean is definitely a mogul in every sense of the word. His talents are endless.

Be sure to watch him take on the small screen alongside Sanaa Lathan, Phylicia Rashad and Tony-award-winning actress Audra McDonald in this timeless and compelling story about family.

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 16 Comments

Meet Celebrity Hairstylist: Takisha Sturdivant-Drew

February 25, 2008

If you watched the Oscars last night, you know that there were some beautiful hairdos on the red carpet. Although celebrities’ hair always look gorgeous at events, they don’t get their coifs that way on their own — they have top-notch hairstylists to create eye-catching styles. Pantene’s Celebrity Stylist, Takisha Sturdivant-Drew is one of them.

Takisha is actress Kerry Washington’s current hairstylist and has styled luminaries such as Malinda Williams, Naomi Harris, Brandy, Erika Alexander, Rachel Nick, Cover Girl model Kiara and actor Nick Cannon — to name a few.

This New York native’s work can be seen in films such as the Oscar nominated “Ray,” “She Hate Me,” “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “The Fantastic Four,” among others. Takisha’s styles have also been featured in the print and television commercial ads for clients Pantene, L’Oreal, and Aveda as well as in Vanity Fair, W, InStyle, Essence, Nylon, Hollywood Life, Black Enterprise, and Ebony magazines.

Even though we might not be able to showcase our manes at star-studded events, we BGs take pride in our hair nonetheless. Whether we wear it natural, curly, textured, straight, braided or somewhere in between, our hair is always on point. That’s why I interviewed Takisha to bring you guys the hair 411.

Check out our Q&A!

BGG: When did you know that you wanted to become a professional hairstylist?
Takisha: I knew when I was 14 years old that I wanted to become a hair stylist so I went to a Vocational School in Queens and I was at the top of my class the whole time.

BGG: How did you get your start as a celebrity hairstylist?
Takisha: I got my start six years ago when one of my clients referred Kerry Washington to me. From then on I left the salon I was working at and started working for myself and opened Takisha & Associates in Brooklyn, NY. It’s been five years now and business is great!

BGG: What is Kerry Washington’s favorite hairstyle?
Takisha: Her favorite hairstyle is something that is not to neat. She loves a soft brushed out wavy look.

BGG: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about African-American hair?
Takisha: That it take a lot of heat. Blow drying, and then using a curling iron at the same time is too much heat for our hair.

BGG: What will be the hot looks for the upcoming spring season?
Takisha: Hot looks for this spring will be short cropped hair styles. Some fun colors like blonde, platinum and red as well.

BGG: What single styling beauty tool should every BG (Brown Girl) have in her home salon?
Takisha: Good question! Everyone should have a flat iron to smooth out their hair really quickly when it becomes frizzy and Pantene products to protect the hair from heat and perfect your styles.


FHI Technique Series 1″ Ceramic Flat Iron for $84 available at www.amazon.com.

BGG: What style do you enjoy creating the most for your clients? Why?
Takisha: I love a curly hair style. It is very sexy, messy, and you can sleep on it but still have a great look the next couple of days.

BGG: Are there any products that you recommend for maintaining healthy hair for both relaxed and natural hair?
Takisha: I recommend using Pantene Relaxed and Natural conditioning shampoo, and the Pantene Relaxed and Natural Deep Conditioning Mask. These products restore moisture and keep hair healthy. You can purchase it at any drug store.


Available at drugstores nationwide.

BGG: What advice can you give a young woman who wants to become a celebrity hairstylist?
Takisha: Know your craft, build an amazing portfolio, get an agent, and always be a professional. After that it’s really word of mouth.

BGG: Thanks for taking the time to speak with me!
Takisha: No problem, thank you.

Be sure to check out Takisha’s website: www.takishahair.net Also, please share some of your tips for maintaining strong, healthy hair!

Category: Beauty, Hair, Interviews | 8 Comments