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BGG Hosts Blog Anniversary Brunch

September 19, 2012

In celebration of BGG’s 5-year anniversary, I decided to throw an intimate brunch with my close friends and family. I thought about throwing a bigger bash here in New York City, but due to my party-planning procrastination it didn’t happen. Thankfully, my sister was gracious enough to host the afternoon soirée at her lovely home.

We had a great time having girl talk, chatting about the craziness that is “Love & Hip-Hop,” and course noshing on delicious brunch nibbles.

Life’s too short not to celebrate the small and big things in our lives. Whether it’s a job promotion, anniversary, or simply because you managed to make it through the work-week, try to make time to celebrate!

**Special thanks to my friends at Aveeno for providing their awesome products for my gift bags.

Check out a few pics:

What have you celebrated lately?

Category: Uncategorized | 2 Comments

BGG Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary!

September 17, 2012

Five years ago, the White House had yet to be historically revolutionized, I was 3 years shy of motherhood, and Twitter was still in its early stages of taking over the way in which we communicate. Yep, a lot has changed since 2007!

That’s why for my 5-year blogoversary, I thought that I should follow suit and celebrate this milestone with a much-needed BGG facelift.

I can’t believe it’s been half a decade since my husband convinced me to create my own editorial outlet. Prior to starting BGG, I wasn’t aware of many blogs that catered to everything that I loved: beauty, style, hair, celebrity photos, interviews, health/fitness, and entertainment. At the time, most of them focused strictly on either beauty, hair, fashion or celebrity. Hence, BGG was launched!

Since then, you guys (special shout-out to T, Sherita, Miss Mika, Shawnta, Antithesis, Kittyvodka and Kwana, a few of my BGG VIPs) have been with me through my pregnancy, bronzer obsession, and more!

I hope that you’ll join me as I embark upon this new chapter for BGG!

P.S I’m still working out the site kinks so please bear with me. 🙂

Thanks so much for reading,

Karla aka BGG

Category: Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

September 14, 2012

Tika Sumpter

Kevin Hart

Tyra Banks

Elle Varner

Shaniece & Flex Alexander

Larenz Tate

What’s your fave twit/instapic of the bunch?

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Category: Celebrity Photos | 2 Comments

Issa Rae of ‘Awkward Black Girl’ Makes ‘Totally Biased’ Debut Tonight

September 13, 2012

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of Issa Rae’s “The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl,” be sure to tune in tonight to catch the web series star/creator on FX’s pop culture/media/political talk show, “Totally Biased.”

She’ll chat with host W. Kamau Bell about her viral hit series and recently teaming up with Pharrell Williams’ i am OTHER family.

Issa Rae and cast of “The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl”

Also, with Season 2 already underway, don’t miss the premiere of episode 4 tonight!

If you’re one of the few who isn’t already hip to the series, you need to click here and catch up STAT, you won’t be disappointed!

“Totally Biased” with Issa Rae debuts tonight on FX at 11pm EST.

Are you a fan of the “AGB” series?

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Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured | 2 Comments

Designers ‘Nail It’ at NYFW

September 13, 2012

Despite having different styles aesthetics and visions, there’s one thing that all the designers used consistently during New York Fashion Week—gorgeous nails as accessories!

Whether a high-fashion couture show or ready-to-wear presentation, nail art was the premiere accessory to complement the designers’ looks.

From press-on manicures to easy-to apply appliqués to spotlight-stealing shades and textures, nail creativity seems to have hit a high note this season.

Check out a few of my fave looks:

Celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards applying ImPress Nails backstage at Betsey Johnson.

Model walking in Betsey Johnson show.

Close-up of the nails at Betsey Johnson.

butter LONDON 3-Free Lacquer Colours: Toff, Sloane Ranger, Knackered, Union Jack Black at the Veda presentation.

“Take a Bite” ColorFX Appliqué moon manicure at the Naeem Khan presentation,

What nail trends or colors are you looking forward to rocking this fall?

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Backstage Beauty: Rolando Santana S/S 13

September 12, 2012

When it comes to making models look super-human and runway-ready, hair stylists play a huge role.

At the Rolando Santana S/S 13 presentation on Wednesday, Aveeno Celebrity Stylist Patrick Melville transformed models’ lackluster tresses into perfectly tousled masterpieces.

Patrick Melville styling backstage at the Rolando Santana S/S 13 presentation.

He created volume and texture to strands with the help of Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo to complement Santana’s water-inspired designs. “I chose this subtle, 70’s inspired style that gently swept tresses around the face to give a wispy, natural look,” commented Patrick. “The dry shampoo literally transforms the hair texture for more a more dramatic look.”

Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo available here, $8

If my fellow naturalistas and relaxed BGs are wondering if dry shampoo is for us, you’d be pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s a great go-to for those in-between washings. It doesn’t completely strip away our natural oils, which is key to keeping our curly coifs cute and healthy. I’ve used this product before and it served as a wonderful and quick alternative to washing. That said, I obviously wouldn’t recommend using it too frequently to substitute standard shampooing.

Former “America’s Next Top Model” winner, Jaslene Gonzalez, backstage.

A model getting styled backstage.

Aside from the gorgeous hair on the runway, Santana’s designs were stunning! His aquatic inspiration was brought to life with sheer, flowing dresses in pretty pastels like sea foam green and powder blue. Embellished trousers, feathery blouses, pretty peplums, and metallic high-waisted skirts rounded out the ultra-feminine collection.

Overall, I spied several pieces that I’d warmly welcome into my spring/summer wardrobe!

Rolando Santana S/S 13 presentation

SPOTTED: Dania Ramirez and Jessica White

Have you ever used dry shampoo? If so, what are your thoughts?

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Category: Beauty, Fashion, Fashion Week | 1 Comment

Recap: Harlem’s Fashion Row Presentation

September 10, 2012

We all know that when it comes to fashion, far too many of our BG and guy designers aren’t given the adequate exposure to showcase their talents.

That’s why I made it a point to head over to Harlem’s Fashion Row’s annual show last Friday at the Jazz at Lincoln Center to celebrate our creations taking center-stage.

Harlem’s Fashion Row 9/2012

The amazingly talented Dark & Lovely lead stylist, Keith Campbell, was on hand making sure the models were runway ready.

Founded by Brandice Henderson in 2007, this year’s HFR featured designers: Latisha Daring, Nzinga Knight, Omar Salam, Bethune Brothers, and fashion favorite Kevan Hall.

Structured, eye-catching prints and colors dominated Latisha Daring’s presentation.

Nzinga Knight showed that she has a knock for creating flowy feminine looks.

The Bethune Brothers featured tailored styles such as pencil skirts and textured trenches.

The uber-statuesque model and reality TV star, Nicole Murphy, graced the catwalk in an all-black, show-stopping jumpsuit during Omar Salam’s presentation.

For the finale, Kevan Hall’s models looked red-carpet ready cocktail frocks and flow-skimming gowns in an array of candy-colored and sherbet shades.

SPOTTED: Vanessa Williams, Tasha Smith and Natalie Cole

I actually didn’t notice Natalie Cole during the show, but managed to snap some paparazzi-esque pics of her entering her car after the show.

Natalie Cole

Who are your favorite BG/guy designers?

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Take a Look: Jennifer Hudson’s New Clothing Line

September 10, 2012

It’s safe to say that Jennifer Hudson has blossomed into a bonafide fashionista right before our eyes. Since claiming those coveted front row seats at Fashion Week for several years, she’s apparently been taking notes.

Photo courtesy: QVC

The slimmed-down actress/singer, 30, is now taking her love of fashion to the masses. During last week’s Fashion’s Night Out, she debuted the Jennifer Hudson Collection, a collaboration with QVC. From figure-flattering wrap dresses to flouncy tops to outerwear, the collection includes contemporary pieces for women of all body types.

Check out some of the pieces from her line:

Leopard Print Twist Front Dress, $68.28

Dolman Sleeve Top with Waist Detail, $53.50

Slim Leg Pants with Stitch Detail, $49.24

Maxi Skirt with Pocket Detail, $74

If yo u like what you see, be sure to tune in to QVC tonight (11pm EST to midnight) to purchase!

What do you think of the Jennifer Hudson collection?

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Rihanna Debuts New Pixie Cut at VMAs

September 7, 2012

Between Fashion’s Night Out, President Barack Obama’s speech, and Rihanna’s super cute pixie ‘do, last night’s Twitter feed was all abuzz.

While the R&B pop diva could never steal the president’s shine, her newly shorn strands undeniably caught the attention of style and beauty fans around the world.

Rihanna at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.

I, too, was smitten by her cropped coif. It gives her a sweet, yet sassy and sophisticated look that she totally pulls off. When I spoke to her stylist Ursula Stephen a few years ago, she spoke to me about being responsible for styling Rihanna’s original short ‘do.

“We’ve been talking about going short for a little while now. And we actually planned to cut it next week but, I just felt like – why wait?? Let’s do it today! She was ready for her short hair again,” Stephens, told reporters of Rihanna’s current cropped look.

Are you loving Rihanna’s pixie cut?

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Category: Hair | 2 Comments

5 Fashion Emergency Must-Haves

September 7, 2012

If there were ever a time that I was in need of a fashion emergency kit it was yesterday. After attending the enlightening Dark & Lovely/Harlem Fashion Row Blogger Breakfast (more on that later), the strap broke on my wedge sandals! Granted, they were over 10 years old; but they still looked good and were super comfy.

That said, I found myself unexpectedly at Nine West purchasing a pair of leopard print ballet flats to foil my shoe disaster. However, after a few hours, I realized that they were the shoes from hell! My feet were on fire from the pain of the patent leather incessantly rubbing against my big toe.

The shoe strap that started it all!

I have endured pain for pumps or sky-high heels, but that doesn’t fly with flats! I exchanged them lickety-split without a hitch only to buy a pair of pretty impractical snakeskin peep toe ankle-strap stilettos. Of course, by the time I walked around the block my feet were still in pain from being tortured in the ballet flats. Long story short, I ended up buying yet another pair of pointy toe flats by evening’s end.

Whether you’re an on-the-go woman covering New York Fashion Week or busy working mom, here are five style emergency staples to keep on-hand in the event that your ensemble (or you) goes awry: