The Oscars BGG Style!

February 21, 2008

With the 80th Annual Academy Awards taking place on Sunday, I thought that I’d dedicate this post to all of the movies starring BGs and guys that I feel deserved to win or at least be nominated for an Oscar, but were never recognized by the powers that be in Hollywood.

Sure Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Hudson have all fairly recently won the gold and shiny statuette, but there are many other actors and actresses in movies with predominately ethnic casts that have been overlooked throughout the years.

Hollywood seems to be making small strides toward acknowledging and honoring the talents of all actresses and actors who do great work in film, but they still have a long way to go.

This year I’m rooting for Ruby Dee to take home the award for Best Supporting Actress for her outstanding performance in “American Gangster.”

Take a trip down memory lane and check out my list of should’ve-been-winners to see if you agree or can add to it:

Best Picture
“The Color Purple” in 1985

Best Supporting Actor
Laurence Fishburne in “Boyz in the Hood” in 1991

Best Actress
Angela Bassett in “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” in 1993

Best Actress
Jennifer Lopez in “Selena” in 1995

Best Musical Drama (I know that’s not a category! LOL)
“The Five Heartbeats” in 1991

Best Documentary
“Hoop Dreams” in 1994

Best Direction
Spike Lee for “Malcolm X” in 1992

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 26 Comments

Sudsy Scents

February 20, 2008

Nothing gets my day started like a rejuvenating shower. There’s absolutely nothing better than having that precious alone time to think while lathering up your favorite scented body wash. The warm water cascading over your body gets your blood pumping and energized for the day ahead.

I tend to come up with some of the best ideas while in the shower, plus it’s the only time I can belt out the Alicia Keys’ feel-good song, “No One,” without my husband begging me to be quiet.

As opposed to bar soaps, shower gels always leave my skin feeling clean and smooth. For some reason, bar soaps tend to make my skin feel dull and dry.

Whatever soaps or gels you use, showers are necessary luxuries that I look forward to every single day and I hope you do too!

Here are a few of my favorite soapy suds:


Victoria’s Secret Secret Garden Shower & Bath Washes available at www.victoriassecret.com 5 for $30


Philosophy Pomegranate Shower & Bath Gelee available at www.sephora.com for $20


Bath & Body Works Apple Shower Gel available at www.bathandbodyworks.com for $9.50


Suave Cucumber Melon Shower Gel available at www.drugstore.com or nationwide drugstores for $1.99 to $2.99 (depending on store and location) I buy mine from Target for $1.99, but they retail for $2.99 at Duane Reade in NYC.


Dove Body Wash Cream Oil Cherry Blossom & Almond Scent available at www.drugstore.com or drugstores nationwide for $7.59


Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Body Wash available at www.carolsdaughter.com or www.sephora.com for $13.50


Suave Cocoa & Shea Butter Shower Gel available at www.drugstore.com or nationwide drugstores for $1.99 to $2.99 (depending on store and location) I buy mine from Target for $1.99, but they retail for $2.99 at Duane Reade in NYC.

Category: Beauty | 14 Comments

Buckle Up!

February 19, 2008

Even though belts have been prevalent on the runways for the last couple of seasons, it doesn’t seem like the trend is going anywhere anytime soon. Belts are must-have accessories for all women for the spring. Whether you’re plus size or a size 0, a belt can instantly add polish to an outfit. Belts can accentuate and cinch a small waist on curvy women or help create an illusion of a waist for women who have boyish shapes.

Wide belts look best when worn with flowing dresses, pencil skirts and even with tops worn with jeans. While skinny belts worn with the popular high-waisted wide-legged trousers add a sophisticated balance.

Also, be sure to pick up a few in bold primary colors like red, blue and yellow, which are the “it” colors for spring. Belts in these eye-catching hues can bring an ordinary, dull black dress to life!

Whatever your fashion taste happens to be, a stylish belt will definitely spice up your wardrobe. Check out some of these for fashion inspiration!


Leather Woven belt available at www.bebe.com for $49.00


Xhilaration yellow belt available at www.target.com for $15.29


Corset belt availalbe at www.bebe.com for $49.00


Lauren by Ralph Lauren Croc-Embossed Belt available at www.macys.com for $74.00


Skinny Metallic Embossed Belt available at www.bananarepublic.com for $26.60


Deco Quilt Sash Belt available at www.ninewest.com for $36.00


Patent Leather Cobalt Belt available at www.target.com for $8.99

Category: Fashion | 14 Comments

Happy Presidents’ Day

February 18, 2008

With most of us being out of school and work in honor of President’s Day, I decided to take the day off from BGG. In the meantime, you can check out a Q&A I did with with Glam about Brown Girl Gumbo. I’ll be back tomorrow stirring up everything that chic brown girls (and guys) love!

Category: Uncategorized | 9 Comments

Last Minute V-Day Ideas for Your Guy

February 14, 2008

We all know that guys don’t really care about Valentine’s Day as much as we ladies do. However, everybody enjoys feeling appreciated and treated well so why not make his Valentine’s Day special? In case you didn’t buy your beau anything yet, don’t fret — I’ve compiled a list of easy and simple things that you can do that will make him swoon!

Prepare his favorite meal. Every man loves a good meal. You don’t have to be Rachael Ray to pull off a quick and easy meal that will make his taste buds jump for joy. Of course add some champagne and candlelight to set the mood just right.

Add a playlist of love songs to his iPod that say all of the things you want to say to him. For example: Beyonce’s “Dangeroulsy In Love.”

Give him a manicure. Most men don’t get their hands manicured as much as they should, tonight will be the perfect opportunity to get cozy with his cuticles!

Write him a note saying that you’ll pre-order “The Wire” and “The Boondocks” full box sets as soon as they come out. What guy doesn’t love these two shows?

Write a heart-felt poem that expresses the passion and love you have for him. Men appreciate loving words even if they claim to be tough.

Slip on your sexiest piece of lingerie. This will get his attention immediately and you won’t have to do anything else!

Category: Gifts | 8 Comments

BGG Speaks with eBay Style Director Constance White

February 13, 2008

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview eBay Style Director, Constance White. In that role she educates consumers about the #1 fashion site on the Internet — ebay. She also authors a blog on eBay called “Fashion is My Life,” where fashionistas can read about her take on the collections shown in NYC and L.A.

The prominent journalist’s impeccable fashion sense and style expertise has landed her various appearances on TV shows such as “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “E! Fashion File,” “Project Runway,” “Today,” and many others.

White has held posts as a style reporter for the renowned New York Times, executive fashion editor at Elle, as well as a position at Women’s Wear Daily. Her work has also appeared in British Vogue, People, Essence, and The Chicago Tribune. She is also the author of “Stylenoir,” a groundbreaking book on black style.

Check out our Q&A:

BGG:What were some of the most surprising fashion trends that you saw during NYC Fashion Week Fall 08?
Constance: I was really surprised that belts and fur are still so strong. The fur trend is more than four years old and belts have been around now for a year but they’re both still hot.

BGG:What would you say is eBay’s greatest advantage in the fashion marketplace right now?
Constance: Ebay’s greatest advantage is the ability for buyers to find great bargains – fabulous fashion items at a great price. With people being cautious about spending and the real estate market at a low, eBay’s a great place to save money and still get what you want.


One of the vintage gowns on display at the eBay Style Suite.

BGG:What has been the most searched eBay fashion item for the upcoming spring season so far?
Constance: Out of the fall 2008 trends seen on the runways last week, Booties are one of the most searched for trends on eBay.

BGG: I know that you’ve spoken out against the scarcity of black models on the runway before, how do you as a fashion expert plan to help bring more awareness to this problem?
Constance: Continuing to speak out about it in public, talking to designers, and booking models of all races are actions I will continue to take to help alleviate the problem, hopefully.

BGG: Being a fashion mogul, I’m sure you’ve come across many fantastic and one-of-a-kind pieces, but what is your most coveted fashion piece? Why?
Constance: My most coveted item is almost anything fabulous from Commes des Garcons. Something artistic and ingenious, but wearable.

BGG: What classic piece should every woman have in her closet?
Constance: Must have wardrobe items include: a white shirt, a few layering camisoles or T-shirts, a pinstripe pants suit, a pair of jeans, a black dress that goes from day into evening, a black skirt, diamond studs, a good watch or cellphone!, and a good hairstyle.

BGG: If you could choose your favorite fashion icon past or present, who would it be? Why?
Constance: My favorite fashion icon is Diana Ross. She’s so over the top and glamorous and always cares about how she looks. She’s worked with what she has. She’s not the most beautiful woman in the world, but she has made herself into one of the most intriguing (not including her present hairstyle of course!).

BGG: What’s the most exciting new fashion-related feature available to eBay users?
Constance: I really love the countdown feature : it
counts down auctions in real time. This way you don’t have to keep refreshing your browser to see if you are winning an auction. It’s perfect for helping you win that coveted fashion item on eBay.


Vintage Halston gown on display at the eBay Style Suite.

BGG: What key piece of advice could you give a woman of color who wants to break into the world of fashion journalism/commentary?
Constance: Most of the advice is the same I’d give to anyone of any color EXCEPT to women of color I particularly say – network! Get out of your own comfortable world, if you have not already. Insert yourself into the conversation (in a respectful way), invite someone out for drinks who is not your color, ask someone for advice who is white, hang out in the Hamptons, and not just with Puffy. You need the broadest possible network of contacts, if you are going to reach your goals- and they are reachable.

Advice for everyone: Get educated (preferably get a degree). Read magazines, books, the Internet. Intern. Research the career paths of achievers in the industry want to be in. Don’t be discouraged.

For more inside fashion tips, visit Constance’s eBay blog called, “My Fashion Life” at https://blogs.ebay.com/constance.white

Category: Fashion, Interviews | 15 Comments

Miracle Mineral Makeup

February 12, 2008

Last week during Fashion Week I was invited to a blogger meet-and-greet event hosted by Glam Media at the Libary Hotel in Midtown. At the very laid-back, yet somewhat posh event, I had the opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow bloggers while sipping wine and nibbling fancy finger foods. Being that I am an incessant makeup and beauty enthusiast, I was super excited that there was a professional makeup artist on hand from Jane Iredale – The Skin Care Makeup to give us willing participants mini-makeovers.

Even though I had gone to the event with my usual makeup already applied, I was excited to get it redone by a professional. Prior to the makeover, Kevin (the makeup artist) told us all about the benefits of Jane Iredale. I listened, but didn’t really think that the products’ “mineral benefits” would be any different from all of the other cosmetic sales pitches you hear all the time.

To my pleasant surprise, all of the seemingly false beauty banter lived up to the hype. Kevin told us that the mineral foundations and concealers included acne-fighting agents while creating an anti-pancake barely-there feel and he was right.

I had a hideous pimple that appeared to have dissipated after the makeup application. Plus, it felt like I wasn’t wearing any makeup although I had on foundation, concealer, eye shadow, blush and lip gloss (I could feel the gloss of course)! I must say, after looking in the mirror all I could think was, “Why couldn’t I have known him 3 years ago so I could’ve hired him for my wedding!” I looked amazing and have never felt prettier.

If you have never used or heard of Jane Iredale’s products, definitely check them out at www.janeiredaledirect.com. Trust me, they have a wide range of products capable of complementing every BG’s skin tone!


Base loose powder


Blush (he used golden apricot on me)


Lash-lengthening mascara


Lip Gloss

Category: Beauty | 12 Comments

BGs & Guys Take on the Grammys!

February 11, 2008

From Rihanna to Aretha Franklin, the Grammys last night brought out the best of the best in music. The wonderful world of technology made it possible for R&B heavy-hitter Alicia Keys to start the show with a sweet duet with “Old Blue Eyes” himself — the late great Frank Sinatra. The night was packed with performances by some of our favorite artists.

Although I was a bit confused by the coupling of the 80s group, The Time with R&B pop sensation, Rihanna, their performance was entertaining nonetheless.

The absolute most entertaining act for me was Kanye West, who is the most talented hip-hop artist out right now. His powerful rendition of “Stronger” was a soul-stirring glow-in-the-dark punk party while his tear-jerking tribute to his late mother, Donda West, was compelling and sincere. He also took home the Best Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the the Year award.

The much-hyped duet of Beyonce with her obvious performance inspiration — Tina Turner was quite lackluster, I don’t know what I was expecting exactly, but whatever it was I didn’t get it. The gospel set with Aretha Franklin, Bebe Winans, The Clark Sisters and Trinitee 3-5-7 brought church to the Staples Center.

Alicia Keys made another appearance to sing “No One,” which I never get tired of no matter how many times I hear it. She topped her performance off with a surprise guest guitarist — the strangely sexy John Mayer. Not only did she perform twice, she also took home the trophy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Our favorite nominee for rehab from across the pond, Amy Winehouse, brought down the house in London via satellite while sweeping the show with 5 awards.

The Grammys were good, but not great. I guess it reflects the state of music right now. Thanks to Kanye West and Alicia Keys they really made the show for me. For a complete list of winners go to www.grammys.org.


Alicia Keys


Beyonce


Jay-Z


Rihanna


Ludacris

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 10 Comments

Fashion Week Comes to a Close

February 8, 2008

Now that Fashion Week is coming to a close this evening, it’s time for me to sum it all up! Being that it was my first time being a member of the press invited to various fashion shows and parties, it was an overall good experience. However, waiting in line for 30 minutes or more for a 6-minute show wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, but hey, the things we do for the love of fashion, right?

The most popular trend that I noticed on the catwalks was: non-existent BGs. Don’t get me wrong, there were a few, but definitely not enough. Designer and fellow BG Tracy Reese definitely represented for us on the runway. From the looks of things, it seems like the fashion industry hasn’t changed their ways since the controversy surrounding the lack of color on the catwalks was brought to the forefront last year.

Aside from the model blackout, the most prominent fashion trends I noticed for the upcoming fall season were: rich greens, bold golds, punchy purples, satin, structured silhouettes and the already popular metallic fabrics and black tights.

As for the party scene, I attended a few that were cool, but none that blew me away. So for all of you who wish that you could’ve gone to some of these events, it was fun, but rest assured that it’s not as fabulous and glamorous as you may think. Hopefully, I’ll have a more exciting experience tonight or in September during the Fashion Week Spring 2009 shows. Until then, check out some of these celebrities who attended a few of the fashion festivities!


Saleisha, winner of “America’s Next Top Model” cycle 9.


Djimon Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons


Singer Amerie


Tyra Banks and Russell Simmons


Tyson Beckford


Joy Bryant


Christina Milian


Rihanna


Salt-n-Pepa


Star Jones and Vivica Fox


LisaRaye


Aisha Tyler

Category: Fashion | 10 Comments

Black History Month Events

February 7, 2008

Now that we’re almost a full week into February, I thought that I would share some events that are taking place in honor of Black History Month around the country.

Even though BGG honors African-Americans on a daily basis, it’s great that the nation takes notice of our contributions to the country even if it happens to be the shortest month of the year!

Be sure to check out some of these events if you’re in the area:

The 16th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival: A showcase of Black creative films that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Date: February 7 – 18th 2008
For more information visit: www.paff.org

Black History Showcase: People and Progress: Celebrate Black History Month with a showcase of traditional dance, poetry and singing performances.
Location: Clarendon Park Community Center in Chicago, IL
Date: February 23, 2008
For more information visit: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Resurrection: A unique blend of music, poetry, comedy and drama, RESURRECTION follows six interconnected men, ages 10 through 60—a child scientist, a young man from the projects preparing for college, an ex-convict, an executive, and a Bishop of a mega-church—through an evening that changes their lives forever.
Location: 14th Street Playhouse in Atlanta, GA
Date: February 2-17th 2008
For more information visit: www.woodruffcentertickets.org

Underexposed: The month-long exhibition is an opportunity to experience the artistry of photographers whose work is under-represented in the field—African-American women. Eight compelling photographers, who are based in New York, but hail from as far away as California and Barbados, are represented in underEXPOSED, showing work ranging from travel and nature photography to portraiture and photojournalism.
Location: Lincoln Center in New York, NY
Date: February 1-28th 2008
For more information visit: www.lincolncenter.org

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 7 Comments