The Best of NYFW: Tracy Reese & Rachel Roy

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012 has finally come to a close, but not without leaving fashion lovers with their bi-annual dose of fierce style both on and off the catwalk.

The fashionistas that descended on Lincoln Center were just as captivating as the professional models who they’d come to see walk the runway. From avant garde getups to prim and proper conservative looks, everyone knows that nothing’s off-limits when it comes to fashion week in the city that never sleeps.

While inside the coveted shows, it came as no surprise that the collections that wowed me the most came from my two make-believe besties: Tracy Reese and Rachel Roy. Even though they’re not on my speed dial, I have had the pleasure of interviewing both sought-after BG designers.

Their bold, colorful, audacious collections were akin to watching a fashion fantasy come to life by way of exquisitely beautiful beings. Not only were their designs mind-blowingly gorgeous, but their ability to use makeup to further convey their stories was nothing less than a job well-done.  The lovely Mally Rancol worked her magic for the TR show, while makeup legend Bobbi Brown brought out the best in the RR models.

Although spring is near, the fashions shown this week have me anxious for autumn already.

Check out some of the highlights:

Model wearing Rachel Roy

 Model wearing Rachel Roy
 Model wearing Rachel Roy

Model wearing Rachel Roy

Model wearing Rachel Roy

Bobbi Brown’s makeup chart for the Rachel Roy show.

Model wearing Tracy Reese
Model wearing Tracy Reese

Model wearing Tracy Reese

Model wearing Tracy Reese
Mally Roncal’s makeup chart for the Tracy Reese show

What’s your favorite look from these two collections?

Red-Hot Looks for Valentine’s Day

Whether you plan to have an intimate dinner with your significant other or have a fun-filled night out on the town with your girls, celebrate Valentine’s Day by incorporating the sexiest shade of all — red, into your look.

From fire-engine red lips to sexy, scarlet-colored stilettos, adding a bit of crimson can instantly create festive flair for the lovey-dovey “holiday.”

Check out some of these picks:

Maybelline ColorSenstational Lipstick in “Red Revival” available at www.drugstore.com for $7.50

Deena Ozzy Faux Snakeskin Envelope Clutch available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $10

Enzo Angiolini Red Bow Heels available at www.6pm.com for $54.99

Ginger and Liz “Draw Blood” nail lacquer available at www.gingerandliz.com for $12

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Modern Straight Leg Jeans available at www.lordandtaylor.com for $100

L’Oreal Color Rich Red Ravishing Lipstick available at www.drugstore.com for $8

Eight Sixty Tie Dress in “Chili Red” available at www.piperlime.com for $89

P.S Since red lips can sometimes make your pearly whites look well, less than pearly; preserve your camera-ready smile by applying the Listerine on-the-go teeth whitener pen, as well as gargling with mouthwash for clean and fresh breath. So when your sweetie comes in for a kiss, you’ll be confident.

Check them out:

Listerine Whitening Pen available at www.drugstore.com for $12

Listerine Whitening Plus Restoring Mouthwash available at www.drugstore.com for $6.29

Are you incorporating red into your look today?

And the Ri-Ri Perfume Winner Is…

The winner of the Rebelle by Rihanna perfume is Dada Chiku!! Congratulations!! Please email me your mailing address at karla@browngirlgumbo.com. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Stay tuned for more giveaways!

Coo-Coo for Carol’s Daughter Coconut Mist

I have yet to try anything from Carol’s Daughter that I didn’t absolutely love. I’ll admit, my beauty closet is packed with products from the lovely BG entrepreneur. That said, when I heard that there was a new Coconut Dry Oil Mist, I couldn’t wait to try it.

Not surprisingly, I was not disappointed. Made with coconut and açai berry extracts, aloe leaf juice, and shea butter the light oil spray hydrates skin leaving behind a flattering glow. Ideal during the winter months when our skin is in major need of moisture, this mist provides just the right layer to help keep skin glistening.

Plus, it softens and makes skin smell downright delightful.

Do you use body oil sprays?

NEW: Covergirl Queen Collection Launches Eye-Catching Liners

Rimming my dark brown peepers with eye-liner is a part of my daily beauty routine. Honestly, without eye-liner I’d look like I haven’t slept in years. Actually since becoming a mom, that wouldn’t be an exaggeration, but I digress. 
While I typically stick with very, very, VERY black kohl liners, Covergirl Queen Collection’s new Vivid Impact Eye Liners has me reconsidering. The collection includes 6 eye-catching shades: Midnight, Cabernet, Jade, Amethyst, Gilt, and Truffle. The green hue is my favorite because it’s vibrant and ideal for spring. Also, they go on effortlessly and have a smudging tip to create a dramatic look. Plus, they’re waterproof! 

Available at www.drugstore.com for $7.99

If you dare to stray from the tried-and-true black liners, definitely check out the Queen Collection. 
Would you wear colored eye-liners?

Giveaway Alert: Red-Hot Must-Haves for Valentine’s Day

Now that the Super Bowl is over, it’s time to shift gears and focus on the next big occasion – Valentine’s Day. From chocolate-flavored lip balms to mouthwatering red velvet cupcakes this list of sweet and sexy items will help make this romantic day one to remember.

However, if you don’t have a special someone to spend the day, these products also make great gifts to buy for the most important person in your life – you!

**Rebelle by Rihanna Eau de Parfum 3.4 oz: The singer’s follow-up fragrance is a scentsational mix of tantalizing notes of ginger, vanilla, strawberry, plum, and other tropical splendor. Plus the underlying creamy musk makes this the perfect scent for the sweet and sassy rebel at heart. 
Available at www.macys.com for $59
Crumbs Bake Shop Valentine Gourmet Taste 12-Pack available at www.crumbs.com for $24
Palmer’s Dark Chocolate & Peppermint Lip Butter available at www.drugstore.com for $2.39
Victoria’s Secret Super Soft Babydoll Set available at www.victoriassecret.com for $50
The Body Shop Chocomania Body Scrub available at www.thebodyshop-usa.com for $18

Tiffany Lock Heart Ring in Sterling Silver and 18K Rose Gold available at www.tiffany.com for $325
Baby-G Shock Women’s Red Resin Watch available at www.amazon.com for $79
Victoria’s Secret Mini Gift Set (includes: body mist and lotion) available at www.victoriassecret.com for $18
**One lucky winner will win a bottle of Rihanna’s Rebelle. Simply leave a V-day related comment and/or retweet this giveaway on Twitter. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday. Thanks in advance for participating. 

Natural Hair Files: Go-To Transitioning Styles

With so many of us women of color embracing our natural hair textures, it’s no surprise that many of us grappling with finding styles that work well with our newfound curls, kinks, and coils. While I didn’t go for the BC (big chop), I found styles that would camouflage my chemically-straightened strands with my newly grown thicker texture.

Throughout my journey, roller sets and two-strand twists were my go-to styles while I learned how to care for my natural hair. Those styles made my mane manageable while still looking chic and polished. In addition to those common transitioning styles, I also opted for top-knots and buns (with a scarf or simple headband), which I still wear if I’m too lazy to style it after a wash.

What styles did you or do you currently wear as you transitioned to natural hair?