Fashion’s Night Out Round-Up

If you’re still planning your Fashion’s Night Out (NYC) itinerary for tomorrow (Sept 6), be sure to add these sure-to-be stylish festivities to your list.

Whether you’re looking to score mini-makeovers, manicures or sweet endings to the night, these FNO events won’t disappoint! The verdict is still out whether I’ll be partaking in the partying, but if I do there are plenty of options!

Who: Bobbi Brown and Leandra, founder of The Man Repeller Fashion Blog 
Where: Bobbi Brown’s Pop-Up Store at Grand Central Terminal (87 E. 42nd Street)
When: 7pm to 8pm
What to expect: Bobbi Brown greeting customers, complimentary makeovers, and beauty talk

Who: American Ballet Theater’s Misty Copeland & Hair Rules’ Anthony Dickey (hosts)

What: 108 Stitches Harriett Cole Collection Presentationn
Where: Hair Rules 829 9th Ave, 2nd Fl (btwn 54/55th Streets)
When: 6pm to 11pm
What to expect: Being able to purchase handmade crocheted accessories made by former EBONY editor, Harriette Cole, hair styling advice, and  refreshments

Who: Celebrity Makeup Artist Mally Roncal
Where: Henri Bendel (712 Fifth Avenue)
When: 7pm to 8pm
What to expect: Makeup and fashion tips, plus if consumers make a $75 purchase or more, they’ll receive a gift (Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara in Black and an Evercolor Waterproof Eyeliner)

Who: jane iredale – The Skincare Makeup
Where: Talbot’s 525 Madison Avenue
When: 6pm
What to expect: Beauty tutorials, sneak peeks of the upcoming collection, and free gifts with purchase

Who: Georgetown Cupcakes
Where: All Georgetown Cupcakes locations (Georgetown, Bethesda, SoHo and Newbury)
When: Open to 11pm (click here for store hours)
What to expect: CUPCAKES!! Each customer will receive a free cupcake, including their special FNO “Runway Red Velvet” option

Check out the official Fashion’s Night Out site for more events!

Will you join in on the fashion frenzied festivities tomorrow?

Steal Zoe Saldana’s Sexy Pony Look

At last night’s The Words premiere, actress Zoe Saldana sported a show-stopping back-plunging gold, Ellie Saab dress, but all eyes were on her gorgeous low-hung pony.

Celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak created this messy, yet polished pony in three simple steps that can be easily replicated with John Frieda products. Perfect for BGs who rock straight strands, this look is definitely a head-turner!

Get the deets below:

Step 1 – Prep and Texturize
“Achieving the undone quality of Zoe’s hair relies on creating texture while preventing flyaways. Start by evenly applying John Frieda Frizz-Ease Curl Reviver Styling Mousse ($5.99 at drugstores) through towel-dried hair to tame frizz, boost shine and build texture. For added volume, spray roots with a texturizing spray and rough dry.”

Step 2 – Secure the Style 
“To create the perfect natural wavy texture, loosely braid hair and let it dry. Once hair is completely dry, take out the braid and break up the waves by running your fingers through your hair. Gently tease the crown for a bit of height. Next, pull hair from each side of the face to the back of the head, allowing one section of hair to overlap the other and pin in place with bobby pins. Continue this all the way down the back until all the hair is wrapped into a pony tail shape. Allow the pieces around the face to naturally fall out for a soft feminine look.”

Step 3 – Polish and Perfect 
“To finish the look, mist a thin coat of John Frieda Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm-Hold Hair Spray ($5.99 at drugstores) in an even, all-around motion.”

How do you make your pony standout?

FLOTUS Rocks a Tracy Reese Frock at DNC

Our First Lady Michelle Obama looked nothing less than stunning at the 2012 Democratic National Convention last night in Charlotte, NC.

Her bouncy bobbed tresses, sophisticated silk Tracy Reese dress, and pretty pink J.Crew pumps surely wowed viewers no matter their political stance.

Getty Images

Her chic, budget-friendly ensemble was only upstaged by her ever-eloquent speech. Obama’s message always hits home for me and fellow Americans because they come straight from her heart.

Now that the presidential campaign is shifting into high gear, we can look forward to seeing more knock-out styles and speeches from our ultimate fave FLOTUS.

In case you missed it, check it out below:


Did you watch Michelle Obama’s speech last night? Did you love her look? 

Must-See: 5 Fab New TV Shows to Watch This Fall

While many of us are gearing up for New York Fashion Week, fellow TV buffs are equally excited that the unofficial start of fall is now in full effect.

This month serves as the kick-off for a variety of brand new network and cable shows of the season. Luckily, for us who love to watch BGs and guys on the small screen, the fall TV lineup looks promising. From reality to talk shows to sitcoms, this season seems to have a bit of something for everyone.

Check out these new fall shows:

Eva Marcille and friends star in the reality show, “Girlfriend Confidential,” which premiered yesterday (Sept. 3) on Oxygen.
“Guys with Kids” starring Anthony Anderson and co-starring Tempestt Bledsoe premieres Sept. 26 on NBC.
666 Park Avenue” co-starring Vanessa Williams premieres Sept. 30 on ABC.
Steve Harvey’s self-titled daytime talk show premieres today (Sept. 4) on NBC networks.
 Iyanla Vanzant stars in “Iyanla, Fix My Life“premiering Sept. 15 on OWN.
BONUS: Mindy Kaling stars in “The Mindy Project” premiering Sept. 25 on Fox.
Will you be tuning in for any of these shows? If not, what are your fave shows? 

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

A round-up of some of the best celeb shots on Twitter and Instagram. 
Ciara

Dwyane Wade

Eric Benet and Tamia

LaLa Anthony

Tracee Ellis Ross and family

Ricky Smiley and Trey Songz

Vivica Fox and publicist BJ Coleman
All photos via Twitter/Instagram

What’s your fave photo this week? Are you on Instagram?

Flashback Post: Pucker Up in Purplish Hues!

**This post was originally published on September 30, 2009.

Everything old is new again and makeup is no exception! During my high school and early college days, dark, muted lips were all the rage and it looks like it’s making a strong comeback this season.

Me back in college circa 1998. Try to overlook the Aaliyah-esque swoop ‘do! 

Celebrities such as Chanel Iman, Rihanna and Kelly Rowland have all been seen out and about sporting dark plum and berry-colored lips. The perfect alternative to classic red, purples add a bit of unexpected pizazz to puckers.


And if you’re afraid to try this trend, remember lip color is a fun and easy way to switch up your look without the commitment. I’ve been taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting this lovely look with Maybelline’s Color Sensational’s incredibly pigmented purplish hue, Madison Mauve. Not only does it provide a rich color, it moisturizers lips too!

Maybelline’s Color Sensational lip colors in Plum-Perfect,Madison MauvePlum-tastic, and Yummy Plummy (not pictured) available at drugstores nationwide, $7.49

Did you used to wear this lip color back in the day? If so, would you rock it again this fall for a vampy look?

Sneak Peek: Jennifer Hudson to Talk with Oprah

Jennifer Hudson is one busy woman! Between filming guest appearances on NBC’s Smash and preparing for her debut clothing line launch, the Oscar winner found the time to sit down with the queen of talk — Oprah. 

On an upcoming episode of Oprah’s Next Chapter, she talks about her bourgeoning brand, motherhood, and wedding bells. Also in the interview, she’s joined by her sister, Julia, who will for the first time discuss the horrific family murders that claimed the life of her son four years ago.

The interview is scheduled to air Sunday, September 9th 9PM EST.

Check out a sneak peek below:

Will you tune in to see J.Hud chatting with Oprah?

Tracee Ellis Ross Reveals Her Hair ‘Miracle!’

Last week, Soft-Sheen Carson Optimum Salon Haircare invited me and fellow beauty bloggers and editors to an event introducing their newest product launch — the Miracle Oil Collection, here in New York City.

Hosted by one of our fave “curlfriends,” actress Tracee Ellis Ross, shared her personal experiences using the products (6-in-1 Miracle Oil, Miracle Oil Hair Moisturizer, Miracle Oil Hair Crème) on her coveted curls with the audience.

Tracee Ellis Ross sporting a summery ensemble paired with killer YSL shoes at the event. 

“I love that the 6-in-1 hair oil really goes into the hair and penetrates the cuticles,” she said. “I put it (oil) in a spray bottle and I put it in my hair in the shower when it’s soaking wet. I move my hair around my shoulders,  flip it over and squish it around with the water in my hair, and I don’t need any other products,” she continued.
Attendees were also treated to a funny video clip featuring Ross coming to the realization that she could eliminate several products with just one product — the 6-in-1 Miracle Oil.

Miracle Oil Collection available here ($5.99-$8.99).
After the event, I was most excited to try it to see if the multi-purposed  6-in-1 product would really live up to its claims of being a hot oil treatment, daily leave-in conditioner, scalp oil, heat protector, frizz controller, and dry skin hydrator. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised! I put a few drops of the apricot, argan, avocado, coconut, jojoba, and sunflower-infused oil in my hair and on my daughter’s hair to see if it would provide sheen without feeling weighed down and it did! I then rubbed a little on my arms to see if it would absorb quickly without feeling greasy and it did!

I haven’t tried the other two products, but the Miracle Oilseems to be a great buy. Plus, it doesn’t have an overwhelming scent, which is always good for me. I used it all weekend and so far, it’s well on its way to becoming one of my bathroom staples!

Have you tried any of these products? Are you a fan of Tracee Ellis Ross’ curls? 

Fabulous Photos of the Week Returns!

Back when I first started BGG five years ago, I thought it would be fun to round up the best red carpet pics from our fave BGs and guys from the week. But now, since they’re all on Twitter and Instagram, why not post the best shots from the always camera-ready showbiz shutterbugs? Enjoy!

Tyra Banks striking a bedtime-inspired pose.

Christina Milian and Lil Wayne getting cutesy in a corridor.
Swizz Beatz and his dad channeling champs with Mike Tyson’s heavyweight belt.

Julissa Bermudez, Mashonda and BET’s Stephen Hill at Trey Songz’s album release party in NYC.

Laz Alonso ready to take flight.

Besties Sanaa Lathan, AJ Johnson, and Gabrielle Union hanging out with friends.

Tamar Braxton and her hubby, Vince enjoying a date-night. 
All photos via Twitter/Instagram

What’s your fave photo from the bunch?

Take Note with Chic Stationery!

With back-to-school season in full swing, we post-collegiate BGs can still get in on the school spirit with cool stationery.

From pretty patterned papers to personalized notecards, skip technology and jot down your thoughts or send sentiments with these super chic journals and stationery sets!

Moleskine Volant Notebooks available here, $12.99 (2-pack)

Marimekko Mummolan Marjat Pink & Green Notebook available here, $11
Wood Grain Thank You Cards available here, $15.95
Lime Saffiano Medium Journal available here, $30
Layered Bird Squared Note Cards available here, $30
Watercolor Ranunculus Letter Sheets available here, $17.95
Blue Wrap-Tie Italian Leather Journal available here, $65
Do you write hand-written notes or stick to technology to get your point across?