Fashion

Lip Balm Buff

March 6, 2008

I don’t know about you, but I have to apply several products in order to achieve the perfect pout. The first and most important component to my lip regimen is lip balm.

I use balm, butter, jelly or whatever it may be called as a base to get my kisser nice and moist. With so many flavors, textures, tubes and jars, it’s easy to find one that’s right for you. No matter what your product preference, this process is crucial to applying liners, lipsticks and glosses easily and smoothly.

For me, skipping this simple step is a no-no. If for some reason I forget to apply my lip treatment first, it screws up the whole look and feel of my lips. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m obsessed with getting my pucker just right!

Here are a few of my favorite lip moisturizers:

Hershey’s Lip Balm Trio available at www.sephora.com for $16

Vaseline Intensive Care Lip Treatment available at www.drugstore.com for $1.69

Tarte Slide Lip Balm available at www.sephora.com for $12

Rosebud Salve available at www.sephora.com for $5.59

Palmer’s Lip Butter available at www.drugstore.com for $1.99

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner available at www.maccosmetics.com for $14.50

L’Occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm available at www.sephora.com for $10

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Category: Fashion | 19 Comments

Who’s Your Style Icon?

March 4, 2008

My die-hard, fashionista friend (AZ) once asked me, “Who’s your style icon past or present?” I had to think about it for a moment, but I came to the conclusion that that person would have to be the beautiful and talented Dorothy Dandridge. Even though she died decades before I was born, she exuded style, grace and class.

A style icon is someone who sets trends and doesn’t follow them. Perhaps you admire Jennifer Lopez’s sexy street-glam style or the simple chicness of the late Jackie-O? Maybe she isn’t someone who’s known around the world. She could be your fabulously fierce mother or super stylish cousin. Or better yet, maybe you march to the beat of your own drum and don’t follow anybody’s flair for fashion because your personal style is so fresh and unique that there’s no need to look to others for style adoration other than yourself!

Here are a few fashion icons from yesteryear and today that I think are pretty noteworthy. So I ask, who is your style icon?

Legendary actress Dorothy Dandrige always looked polished and pulled-together.

India.Arie taught us all to love ourselves and she exemplifies her mantra with earthy, yet sexy styles.

Our favorite girlfriend, Tracee Ellis Ross has a feminine eclectic style that always demands attention.

New mom Jennifer Lopez effortlessly mixes urban street style with glam.

Jackie Kennedy-Onassis is the quintessential style icon that trancends all demographics. I think we can all agree that her style was timeless.

Beyonce’s fashion sense has evolved from ill-fitted fringe fiascos into a sleek and stylish silhouettes.

Halle Berry even looks fashion forward while pregnant. Can this beauty ever look bad?

Audrey Hepburn’s style epitomized classic chic.

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Category: Fashion | 23 Comments

Banging Bangles!

March 3, 2008

Nothing adds sass and pizazz to an outfit like a unique bangle. I usually like to wear this accessory with a cute dress or tank top and jeans during the spring and summer months for a pulled together, yet carefree look.

They instantly add punch to an otherwise boring outfit. Plus, they work well for both day and night. Depending on your mood, you can throw on a whimsical bold, multi-colored bangle or if you’re feeling a bit more on the conversative side, opt for a more solid subtle shade. The designs, styles and materials of bangles are endless.

Whether you pile them on a la 80s style or wear them individually, a bangle bracelet is the perfect arm candy!

Jessica Kagan Cushman Colored Bangles available at www.ravinstyle.com for $74 (each)

Jessicia Kagan Cushman Bangles available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $125 (each)

Set of 20 Gold Finished Bangles available at www.nordstrom.com for $78

Curved Black Bangle available at www.rampage.com for $8

Pinstripe Wooden Bangle available at www.bananarepublic.com for $24

Beanpye Bracelets available at www.beanpye.com for $25 (each)

Retro Wooden Bangle available at www.forever21.com for $6.80

Tasha Faceted Bangle Bracelet available at www.nordstrom.com for $48 (each)

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Category: Fashion | 14 Comments

Gorgeous Graphic Garb!

February 26, 2008

Anyone who knows me knows that I love a pretty patterned dress! Nothing makes me feel more flirty or feminine than a beautiful frock. That’s why I am thrilled that there are tons of graphic-heavy dresses on the market right now.

This season’s crop of spring dresses are bursting with bold and colorful prints that will instantly command attention. Wearing stunning graphic-style garb will not only make you stand out in a crowd, but it just might lift your spirits in the process. Who doesn’t get happy when they see brightly-hued patterns?

So this spring, brighten someone’s day while looking good in a pretty printed dress!

Check out some of these:

Muse Silk Trapeze Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $178

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Bodice Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $138

Julie Brown Printed Halter Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $258

Express Drop Waist Wrap Dress available at www.expressfashion.com for $69

Kensie Square Printed Silk Dress available at www.macys.com for $98

Double Printed Sleeveless Dress available at www.rampage.com for $39.99

Maggy London Printed Silk Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $151

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Category: Fashion | 8 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

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Category: Fashion | 14 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

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Category: Fashion, Interviews | 15 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.