7 Totally Cool Canvas Totes for Summer

July 23, 2012

Canvas totes are the “it” bags of summer. Light-weight and comfortable, they’re perfect for packing  summertime essentials for those lazy days lounging poolside (or beachside!).

From flip-flops to sunscreen to beach reads, totes are the go-to for carrying warm-weather  must-haves in style!

Check out a few of my faves:

Coach Washed Canvas Beach Tote available at coach.com, $348

MZ Wallace “Ava” (gotta love that name!) Sequined Canvas Tote available at nordstrom.com, $185
Kate Spade New York “Daycation” Coated Canvas Tote available at nordstrom.com, $148
Kerrington Printed Canvas Tote available at neimanmarcus.com, $295

Cole Haan “Jitney” Canvas Tote available at nordstrom.com, $98

Neon Motif Shopper, available at topshop.com, $20
Urban Renewal Denim Tote, available at urbanoutfittters.com, $20

Do you have a canvas tote? If so, what’s in your bag?
Category: Fashion | 1 Comment

Calling All Curly Girls: Carol’s Daughter Launches New Hair Milk Collection

July 20, 2012

If you’re a fan of Carol’s Daughter cult-favorite Hair Milk, then you’re in for a true treat! The natural hair and body brand is introducing a new 4-product collection of the curl-perfecting system. While they’ve improved the scent and slightly reformulated the classic moisturizer, they’ve added three additional products to keep our curls clean, conditioned, hydrated and in place.

The collection includes a Co-wash Cleansing Conditioner, Original Leave-in Moisturizer (Hair Milk), Lite Leave-in Moisturizer (Hair Milk) and Pudding (Hair Milk that holds, defines and styles).

Hair Milk 4-Product Collection Starter Kit available here, $24

In celebration of the new launch founder, Lisa Price, is hosting “Curly Parties”across the country. Kicking off the festivities on July 27th at Macy’s (State Street location) in my hometown, Chicago. During the event, attendees will be able to speak with on-site curly hair specialists and mingle with other curly girls. Plus, some who make a qualifying purchase will walk away with a limited edition goodie!

Sounds like a win-win to me!

Are you a fan of the original Hair Milk? 

Category: Beauty, Hair | 1 Comment

Cute Ways to Store Your Jewelry

July 17, 2012

I don’t know about you, but my jewelry box is an embarrassing mess! It’s time for me to clear out the clutter and rediscover a few of my “lost” treasures by properly stashing and storing my rings, necklaces, and of course beloved hoops.

Photo Credit: Shelterness.com

Remember, just like with clothes, you can’t wear what you don’t see so it’s time to toss the old and reorganize the new!

Check out a few of these super cute storage ideas:

Household Essentials Bracelet and Necklace Hanging Jewelry Organizer, Natural Canvas, $18 available at Amazon here.

Expandable Jewelry Tree, $20 available at The Container Store here.

Little Black Dress Jewelry Storage, $20 available at The Container Store here. 

4-Section Acrylic Jewelry Organizer, $10 available at The Container Store here.

Bling HangIt, $10 available at The Container Store here. 

Do you use hanging trees or jewelry boxes to stash your collection?
Category: Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Summer Beauty: Bronzers or Blush?

July 13, 2012

For a gorgeous glow, bronzers are the typical beauty go-to. But so far this summer, I’ve been smitten with M·A·C Cosmetics‘ matte powder blush in Mocha (a soft plum/pink shade).

While it doesn’t make my skin look sun-kissed, it does provide a pretty pop of color that brings out my cheekbones and complements my recent bold lip choices.

I may change my mind and opt for a shimmery, just-left-the-beach look, but for now this matte blush will be a mainstay in my summer makeup bag.

M·A·C Cosmetics Powder Blush available here, $20

Which do you prefer during the summer, bronzers or powder blush?

Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Friendly Accessories

July 10, 2012

Accessories are like the cherry on top when it comes to pulling off killer outfits. This summer I’m all about piling on bright, chunky bracelets for a cool, edgy look. My favorite style is the updated friendship bracelet.

Designers like Holbrooke by S. Berry have reinvented the old school accessory with a fresh twist by interweaving gold links into colorful threads for extra wow factor. The gold and neon color mix makes it easy to wear with just about anything.

Whether you like trying new trends or stick to classic styles, there’s no denying that accessories are a must for amping up any ensemble!

“Miami Vice” Holbrooke by S. Berry bracelet, $100
 Get it here!

What’s your favorite go-to accessory this summer?

Category: Fashion | 4 Comments

Beat Balmy Weather Makeup Woes

July 9, 2012
With temps reaching triple digits, it’s easy to have a makeup meltdown. But with the help of a few beauty basics, you’ll be able to beat balmy weather makeup woes.

From combatting oily skin to runny liners, the following products will keep your face fresh and flawless. 

Check them out: 
These all-natural, oil-absorbing sheets are a must-have for those who suffer from shiny skin syndrome during the summer. Ideal for on-the-go, they won’t alter makeup and will fit perfectly into compact purses and clutches. Tatcha Evening Aburatorigami Sheets (40 count) available here, $15


Forget gooey glosses and stick with a stay-in-place lippy for a polished look. Maybelline 14-Hour Lipstick available here, $8.49

Spritz on a a few squirts of this finishing spray and your makeup will stay marvelous and melt-proof. Skindinavia Finishing Spray available here, $30


Don’t let runny liners leave you looking like a raccoon. Lock down your peepers with a smudge-free formula like Revlon’s ColorStay Eyeliner available here, $7

What’s your summer beauty routine? One lucky reader will win the Tatcha Evening Aburatorigami Sheets (40 count).  Simply leave a comment or Tweet this post and the winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday. 

**The winner of the Mixed Chicks prize pack is Live Love Natural Beauty! Congrats, please email me your mailing address by Monday, July 16th.
Category: Beauty | 4 Comments

Blast from the Past Post: Taking it to the Max!

July 3, 2012

Originally published: June 2, 2008

This season the maxi dress is the perfect piece to add to your summer wardrobe. The popular, Grecian-like style can be worn on cool days at the beach; or if paired with the right accessories can even be ideal for  fun date nights out on the town!

Plus, these fabulous, free-flowing frocks can create long & lean silhouettes, which I’m sure many BGs can appreciate. Who doesn’t want to look chic and elongated?

I haven’t actually bought one of these dresses yet, but I know that I’ll eventually get one before the summer is over.

Will you wear a maxi dress this summer?

Category: Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Get Happy Feet at Old Navy

June 29, 2012

Tomorrow you’ll flip for the highly anticipated flip flop sale at Old Navy. For only a buck, frugal fashionistas will be able to slip their feet into colorful flip flops that are comfy and chic.

Whether worn to the beach or a backyard barbecue, flip flops are the quintessential summer must-have.

Available at www.oldnavy.com for $1 (while supplies last)


For this super low price you’ll be able to stock up on a wide variety of colorful styles!

How many pairs of flip flops do you own?

Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

Alicia Keys is Back with a “New Day”

June 28, 2012

With only a couple days left in June, Black Music Month is going out with a bang.  Singer Alicia Keys treated true R&B/pop music fans to ear candy with the release of her new, slightly anthemic single, “New Day.”

Produced by her husband Swizz Beatz, the track has an infectious, celebratory-feel coupled with a strong drumline that will surely get “party people” on the dance-floor. The single reintroduces the new mom, 31, to the masses since her last CD, Element of Freedom in 2009. 
If this single sets the tone for her upcoming album, I’ll be anticipating its release.
Listen to the song here. 
What’s your favorite Alicia Keys’ song? 
Category: Arts and Entertainment | 2 Comments

MUSIC: Old School vs. New School

June 27, 2012

After attending the launch party for Angela Simmons’ new hair extensions line last week, I realized that my music taste is stuck in the past. During the party, I only heard one song (something by Beyoncé) that I knew and could happily hum along to.

Surely, had I stayed longer, familiar “old school” tracks would’ve trickled in between the current hits, but for my duration “new school” tunes dominated the DJ’s playlist.

It seems like I’m becoming one of those people whom I heard growing up saying, “They don’t make good music anymore.” Well, I’m not sure if that’s completely true, but I do know that I have been left out of the popular music scene ever since I moved to New York nearly a decade ago.

Grammy award-winning artist Nicki Minaj

Maybe it’s because I don’t drive here to hear what’s hot on the radio or perhaps it’s due to the fact that I’d much rather listen to more customized music picks from Pandora or Music Choice (Throwback Jamz). Whatever the case, contemporary music has taken a backseat for me.

While my nieces and nephew are fans of Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Big Sean, I’m still “bank-head bouncing” to R&B and pop hits of the 80s, 90s, and aughts (I know, I’m not sure how the 2000s got coined that either)!

Do you listen to the radio on a daily basis? Who are some of your favorite artists past or present?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 5 Comments