Hoop Dreams

December 14, 2011

Trends come and go, that’s why I try stick to classic pieces that will endure season after season. No one wants to look back at photos and immediately identify the year it was taken based on what you’re wearing.

However, after a recent chit-chat with a couple of friends, I’m starting to question whether one of my most beloved “quintessential” accessories is as  “timeless” as I thought.

As I reached to adorn my ears with a pair of thin, 14K gold medium-size hoops, a couple of my fashionista friends quickly quipped, “Please tell me you’re not wearing those ‘J. Lo’ earrings circa 2001.”

Never one to take people’s fashion opinions too seriously, I defended my accessorizing decision and went on my way. While I’m a fan of studs too, I will never give up the occasional hoop.

Check out a few BGs who apparently like jumping through hoops too:

Tracee Ellis Ross & Lauren London

Jada Pinkett-Smith

Gabrielle Union

Rihana

Oprah Winfrey 

 Halle Berry

What do you guys think? Are hoops timeless or have their run their course? Do you opt for more subdued styles such as studs? What are some of your favorite classic pieces? 

Category: Fashion | 8 Comments

All That Glitters: Cute Clutches for the Holidays

December 13, 2011

Now that the holiday soiree season is in full swing, it’s time to grab a sparkly clutch and head to your Yuletide shindig in style.

Whether sequined or satin, a sleek and chic handbag will ensure that holiday decor won’t be the only thing lighting up the night.

Alexander McQueen Classic Skull Clutch available at www.zapposcouture.com for $1,379

BCBG Max Azria Crystal Mesh Disco Wristlet $98

Top Choice Sequin Clutch available at www.nordstrom.com $20

Celuch Clutch available at www.aldo.com for $35

Elena Clutch available at www.anthropologie.com for $98

Kate Landry Glitter Case Jeweled Push-Lock Clutch available at www.dillards.com for $55

Women’s Sparkle Clutch available at www.uggaustralia.com for $170

La Regale Clutch available at www.amazon.com for $266

Lu Lu Townsend Stone Clutch available at www.dsw.com for $59.95

Santi Audrina Clutch available at www.amazon.com for $99
Do you have any holiday party plans?
Category: Fashion | 3 Comments

And The Winner Is…Plus Another Giveaway!

December 9, 2011

The winner of the Mally Roncal, “My Favorite Things Collection,” is Areeba!! Congratulations, please email me your mailing address.

Since we’re feeling a bit in the holiday gifting spirit, my good friends at Aveeno would love for you to try their haircare line – Nourish + Collection with Active Naturals Wheat Complex below.

They’re the kings of moisturizing and use the same technique and quality approach to nourishing consumers’ strands.

Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next week!

Category: Beauty, Giveaway | 5 Comments

News: Brandy Set to Join the Cast of ‘The Game’

December 6, 2011

Brandy fans will be happy to hear that the R&B superstar is making a comeback to scripted television. The former Moesha star is set to join the cast of The Game as Jason’s (Coby Bell) sassy, bar-tending love interest, Chardonnay, when the new season premieres in January.

The new season of The Game begins Tuesday, January 10, at 10pm ET/PT.

Looks like there’s even more reason to watch the top-rated series!

Will you be tuning into The Game when it returns to BET next month?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 3 Comments

Get Beyonce’s Glow

December 5, 2011

Did you catch our favorite BG mom-to-be, Beyoncé, on Friday’s episode of 20/20? If not, you missed her dishing about how she’s curbing her pregnancy cravings and why she’s keeping her due date secret. While her growing bump was the focus of the interview, the singer’s glowing skin stole the show.

Famed makeup artist, Mally Roncal “beat” Beyoncé’s face into perfection with the beauty essentials found in her “My Favorite Things Collection,” ($59.50) which will be available December 9th on QVC.

Since Mally is busy building her makeup empire and beautifying R&B beauties like Beyoncé’, she can’t personally give us that flawless, camera-ready look, but she can share her tips (see below). Plus, all of the products she used are complementary to all skin tones so you can recreate the makeup magic in the comfort of your home.

Check out Mally’s simple steps:

− Start by using my concealer to brighten under the eyes or any other place that needs help.

− Next, use my subtle highlighter and contour powder to really bring out your inner beauty! The highlighter lifts the face and even illuminates the eye area. The contour powder instantly makes you look like you lost five pounds.

− For eyes, I opted for my creamy, shimmery eye shadow, bulletproof Eyeliner and my secret: Volumizing Mascara.

− To create glossy, Beyoncé worthy lips, I used my High Shine Liquid Lipstick.

ONE LUCKY READER will win the kit ($59.50 value) before its debut. Simply leave a comment telling me if you’re going to incorporate shimmer into your holiday looks this season and a winner will be randomly selected and announced on Thursday.

Category: Beauty | 24 Comments

Iman Launches New Powder

December 2, 2011

No other brand knows how to speak to our makeup needs like IMAN Cosmetics. The regal Somalian beauty is back with a brand-new translucent powder that leaves skin flawless. Just in time for the holiday shopping season, this oil-absorbing, silky, light-weight powder makes for the perfect stocking stuffer.

Plus, it has skin-enhancing agents that work to improve and even one’s skin tone.

IMAN – Luxury Translucent Powder, available at www.drugstore.com for $20

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?
Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

NEWS: World AIDS Day

December 1, 2011

There’s a startling statistic that was featured in a recent article in PARADE that states: AIDS as being the third leading cause of death among African-American women in their 30s and 40s, and the number of new infections among gay and bisexual black men under 30 increased 48 percent between 2006 and 2009 (the latest U.S. figures available). This epidemic’s epicenter falls in the South, where poverty and lack of affordable health care are thwarting education, testing, and treatment.

The fact that we’re the largest part of the demographic that’s disproportionately suffering from this preventable epidemic, speaks volumes. That’s why it’s so important that we BGs educate ourselves and spread that knowledge to our loved ones near and far so that our mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, and friends can stop dying from this deadly disease.

Have you been tested? If not, do so TODAY.

Category: Travel & Lifestyle | Leave a Comment