Get the Look: Brandy’s Hair at the 2015 BET Awards

Last night’s BET’s Awards was one to remember. From the Bad Boy to the Janet Jackson dance tribute, the night was filled with moving speeches and memorable performances.

But, being the hair and beauty buff that I am, I couldn’t help but notice Brandy’s gorgeous blow-out! Since joining the cast of “The Game,” it seems like the former teen pop star/actress has been more daring with her hairstyles. Perhaps her character, Chardonnay, has inspired her to step outside the box and rock looks beyond the braids that she made famous in the ’90s.

Hair stylist Tymothe Wallace for Motions Hair Care created her eye-catching ‘do. Inspired by Barbie, Wallace put a natural spin on the typically long and straight look. “Brandy is an icon—she can do no wrong! Tonight she wanted to look like Barbie in her metallic party dress so we went for the natural version,” he said. Plus, Wallace gave it an ultra-modern edge so it didn’t look too retro.

I’m a huge fan of celebrities and fashionistas wearing natural and textured hairstyles on the red carpet. Just a few years ago (in the era of relaxers) this would not have been as acceptable or deemed as beautiful as it is today. Kudos to Brandy for embracing this statement-making style!

brandy-betPhoto via Brandy’s Instagram

To get her lovely look, check out the following steps:

How to:

Prep hair with Motions Natural Textures Pre-Wash Detangling Butter to tame hair and reduce breakage. Next, wash hair with Motions Natural Textures Moisturizing Cleanser and Smoothing Conditioner to add moisture and improve manageability. Lock in moisture with Motions Active Moisture Leave-In Detangler to enhance natural texture. Finish with Motions Light Hold Working Spritz for hold and Motions Indulgent Oil Spray for shine

Products Used:

*Motions Natural Textures Pre-Wash Detangling Butter

*Motions Natural Textures Moisturizing Cleanser

*Motions Natural Textures Smoothing Conditioner

*Motions Active Moisture Leave-in Detangler

*Motions Light Hold Working Spritz

*Motions Indulgent Oil Spray

Did you like Brandy’s hair? Whose style did you like the most last night? 

Must-See TV: TLC’s ‘Dare to Wear’ Hosted by Tai Beauchamp Premieres TONIGHT!

If you’re into beauty and fashion, chances are you’re very familiar with Tai Beauchamp.

The super savvy former editor and style influencer is now the host of TLC’s brand new series, “Dare to Wear.” The makeover show premieres tonight and won’t be your typical transformative style series. Each show will feature two participants with opposite fashion tastes who will be forced to swap wardrobes. Once they realize that they have to wear the other person’s “out there” clothes, they’ll discover a sense of self-worth and learn to embrace change…in a good way.

Tai Beauchamp Photo Credit: Courtesy of TLC

Tai Beauchamp Photo Credit: Courtesy of TLC

Tai has most recently been a regular on “The View’s” “Must-Have Mondays” segment, but I’ve been following her work since I was in college. She’s worked as a writer/editor at some of the most prominent magazines in the industry, including Seventeen, O, The Oprah Magazine and Vibe Vixen. In fact, when I first moved to NYC over 12 years ago, I reached out to Tai in hopes of getting some insight into the magazine publishing industry. She graciously obliged and treated me to a lovely lunch at the now closed, posh brunch hotspot—Mayrose. I valued her sage advice about the business and have admired and rooted for her success ever since!

So, please tune in tonight to catch Tai doing what she does best, helping individuals realize their beauty (and style) from the inside out.

Check a clip from the show below:

Style Expert Tai Beauchamp’s “Dare to Wear” airs on TLC, Fridays at 10Pm, EST

Are you a fan of makeover shows? Will you be tuning in tonight?

The Perfect Slip Shorts for Summer

Now that the weather calls for sundresses and short skirts, it’s time to shop for undergarments that will keep us cool and secure.

No Nonsense has a pair of slip shorts that are short enough so they won’t peek from under our summer ensembles, but still provide a sense of security while creating a smooth silhouette.  But, don’t mistake these incredibly breathable underpants with a brand that rhymes with “thanks”—these lightweight shorts aren’t constricting.

Made with nylon and spandex, these seamless slip shorts aren’t designed to suck in, tuck, hide or redefine. Instead, they’re made to complement our natural shapes. Plus, you won’t have to worry about them rolling down at the top because the large band isn’t unbearably tight unlike most brands.

nononsense-shorts

If you’re like me and live in flowy dresses and leg-baring outfits during the summer, be sure to stock up on a couple pairs of these super comfortable  undershorts—you won’t be sorry.

Slip-Short

NO™ Seamless Slip Short available here, $10

Do you wear undershorts during the summer? If so, what’s your go-to brand?

Celebrate Earth Day: Recycle Old Pantyhose with No Nonsense

Since spring has sprung, it’s almost time to toss or store your tights and stockings for the season.

If you’re like me and have loads of hosiery that are holey, uncomfortable or just plain unsightly, you’re in luck. Our friends at No nonsense has developed a recycling program that will take those unwanted pantyhose off your hands!

The first of its kind, this eco-conscious program is the only recycling initiative dedicated to repurposing nylon/Spandex and other materials used in pantyhose and transforming them into various things. From park benches to playgrounds, your old pantyhose can now live beyond your legs and not in a stagnant landfill!

So, in celebration of Earth Day, do your part in preserving and honoring our planet by gathering your old pantyhose and sending them to No nonsense. Don’t worry, it’s super easy. Simply download a mailing label, round up your nylons, ship them off and you’re all set! Plus, this campaign isn’t just for Earth Day—we’re pretty stoked that the program is ongoing.

tights-tree

 

Fast Fact: It takes 30-40 years for tights, pantyhose and knee-high nylons to decompose!

Click here for more information.

How are you celebrating Earth Day? Do you have old tights or stockings? If so, would you participate in this innovative recycling program?

Get Spring & Easter Styles for Less at The Children’s Place

If you’re looking for stylish Easter and spring fashions, look no further than The Children’s Place.

This season the store is stocked with plenty of trendy apparel perfect for school, play dates and weekends. I’ve been shopping at the fashionable and affordable store for just about every occasion since my daughter’s birth five years ago. It’s been my go-to for everything from dresses to headbands (she collects them!) and everything in between. So of course when my son was born, I continued to go there for cute and comfy teesjeans and outfits for him as well.

BGG-Easter-TCP

My daughter, Ava, wearing one of her favorite dresses from The Children’s Place spring offerings.

Right now I’m completely obsessed with the retailer’s cheery animal motif dresses.  They’re so adorable for little girls—especially for those with pets. They’re playful and whimsical just as kids’ clothing should be.

With Easter rapidly approaching next Sunday, be sure to drop by your local TCP—I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Check out some of these look-at-me styles:

Photo-Real-Skater-Dress-17.47

Photo-Real Skater Dress available here, $17.50

Gingham-Bow-Tie

Gingham Bow Tie available here, $4.20

Oxford-Shirt-11

Oxford Shirt available here, $13

Dotted-Jeggings

Dotted Jeggings available here, $10

Dotted-Flare-Dress-29

Dotted Flared Dress available here, $30

Argyle-Sweater-13

Argyle Sweater available here, $13

Chambray-Vest-

Chambray Vest available here, $9.50

Photo-Real-Donut-Stack

Photo-Real Donut Stack Socks available here, $4.20

Where do you stock up on kids’ clothing? Have you bought your kids Easter outfits?

Little League Superstar Mo’ne Davis Launches Sneaker Collection To Help Impoverished Girls

If you haven’t heard of Mo’ne Davis, clearly you’ve been living under a rock.

The 13-year-old Little League World Series star has been making headlines since grabbing America’s attention with her ground-breaking stats in the outfield last summer with the Taney Dragons—landing her the cover of Sports Illustrated Kids.  The baseball prodigy already has a Spike Lee directed documentary (I Throw Like A Girl) out based on her life, a new book (just released last week) and even has a Disney Channel biopic in the works. Now the Philadelphia native is teaming up with M4D3 (Make A Difference Everyday) to create a fun and colorful limited collection of sneakers specifically designed to benefit impoverished girls.

Mo'ne Davis

Mo’ne Davis

M4D3’s social mission is to help raise funds for various charities. With Mo’ne’s sneakers, proceeds will support Plan’s Because I am a Girl initiative to help lift 4 million girls in the developing world out of poverty.

“I never thought at the age of 13 I’d be a role model, but having young girls look up to me is pretty cool. If I can inspire them to reach their goals, that would be even cooler,” says Davis in a release. “Designing shoes with M4D3 is exciting and I wanted them to support Because I am a Girl to help girls and give them a chance at a better future.”

If her accomplishments thus far are any indication of what’s to come, we can bet that this bright and beautiful history-making athlete will continue to knock things out of the park!

Check out a few kicks from her super cute sneaker collection:

 

Mo'ne David Women's Pink Lace Up Canvas Sneaker

Mo’ne Davis Women’s Pink Lace Up Canvas Sneaker

 

Mo'ne Davis Women's White Lace Up Canvas Sneakers

Mo’ne Davis Women’s White Lace Up Canvas Sneakers

 

Mo'ne Davis Women's Blue Lace Up Canvas Sneaker

Mo’ne Davis Women’s Blue Lace Up Canvas Sneaker

All of the sneakers from the Mo’ne Davis collection are $75. Click here for more information.

Do you make an effort to support celebrities, athletes and retailers that give back? 

Jump for Joy: 6 Jumpsuits Perfect for Spring

I’ve never worn a jumpsuit (overalls don’t count, right?), but that’s all about to change.

This spring I plan on rocking the popular one-piece style with confidence. Being a busy working mom, I’m all about wearing clothes that are comfortable and fashionable, so I’m not sure what took me so long to jump on this trend. Plus, they can be dressed up or down depending on accessories.

From flirty florals to chic muted palettes, jumpsuits are a great way to showcase your playful or sexy side.

Check out these eye-catching all-in-one looks:

bar-111-jumpsuitBar III Strapless Smocked Printed Jumpsuit available here, $33

tracy-reese-jumpsuit

Tracy Reese Jumpsuit available here, $348

forever-21-chevron-jumpsuit

Forever 21 Chevron Print Surplice Jumpsuit available here, $25

crisscross-back-jumpsuitCrisscross-Back Jumpsuit available here, $28

material-girl-printed-jumpsuit

Material Girl Printed Skinny Leg Jumpsuit available here, $44

tracy-reese-plenty-jumpsuit

Tracy Reese Plenty Jumpsuit available here, $198

 Do you wear jumpsuits?