Get Leggy in Lace!

October 8, 2009

If you’re a fan of leggings and tights, the latest twist on these legwear staples is that they’re popping up everywhere in lace! This season designers have taken a cue from the lace-crazy 80s a la Madonna style.

This retro, sexy yet sweet look is perfect for those who like to have a little fun with fashion. The key is to wear them with something simple like a chic LBD or stylish mini to guarantee that your gams get all the attention!

Would you wear this trend?


Autumn Floral Lace Tights available at www.barenecessities.com for $18


Betsey Johnson Lace Tights available at www.nordstrom.com for $20


Free People Lace Ankle Tights available at www.revolveclothing.com for $38


Jonathan Aston Purple Poetic Lace Tights available at www.my-wardrobe.com for $16.50


Lace Ankle Length Leggings available at www.ellamoss.com for $72


LnA Lace Zipper Leggings available at www.revolveclothing.com for $110


Moa Moa Lace Leggings available at www.dillards.com for $19.00


Sugar Lips Lace Leggings available at www.dillards.com for $29


Tattered Lace Print Tights available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $14

Category: Fashion | 17 Comments

BGG Reviews “Good Hair”

October 7, 2009

Last night, I had the opportunity to catch a private screening of Chris Rock’s new docu-comedy, “Good Hair.” After much publicity and online buzz, I must say it didn’t live up to my expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it was ok, but after seeing so many clips on TV, it was as if I had seen the entire movie already. I thought that there would be something more that wasn’t shown in the clips, but there wasn’t. Perhaps, he could have included a few African-American women who were proud of their natural hair to give the documentary a bit more balance.

If you’ve seen the trailer, you know that he takes viewers on a journey through African-American women and our hair plight. He delves into the obsession that some of us have with chemical relaxers and weaves. He goes behind-the-scenes to enlighten moviegoers on how both products are made. Rock even travels to India to find out how the most popular weaves are produced.

He also speaks with several celebrities including Nia Long, Raven-Symone, Dr. Maya Angelou amongst others to get their opinions on the aforementioned topics. These snippets are sprinkled throughout the film, which provide occasional funny anecdotes. In addition, there is an underlying story about a celebrated hair show that takes place in Atlanta. Throughout the film, Rock follows four of the hair show contestants around as they prepare for the big show.

All in all, “Good Hair” raises many great points about how we perceive ourselves, the lack of black-owned haircare products, and the lengths we’ll go in order to “look good.”

So I ask, “What’s the most you’ve ever paid to have your hair done?” This includes, weaves, relaxers, cut, color, etc. Are you planning on seeing the movie when it opens this Friday (in select cities) and nationwide on Oct. 23rd? Please share!

Category: Hair | 25 Comments

Think Pink

October 5, 2009

Although pink is a pretty and playful color, during the month of October, it helps bring awareness to an ugly disease – breast cancer. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I will showcase different products throughout the month whose proceeds go toward helping find a cure for this disease that has affected so many families, including my own.


Diptyque Pink Roses Candle available at www.beautyhabit.com for $68. Proceeds from the sale of the limited-edition Pink Roses Candle will aid The Pink Agenda’s mission to raise money and heighten awareness of Breast Cancer among young professionals, hoping to cultivate the next generation of philanthropists.

Have you ever bought products that help raise money for breast cancer research? Have you been personally affected by this disease?

Category: Uncategorized | 14 Comments

Fall Flat into Style!

October 1, 2009

I’ve said it many times before, fall is my favorite season. The crisp air allows me to wear my absolute favorite footwear – boots! I’ve always been a fan of flat boots, but now that I’m walking for two, it makes sense that I choose a more practical boot that will be comfortable without compromising style.

Flat boots are perfect for pounding the pavement while wearing a pair of tucked-in skinny pants or jeans. If the tucked-in jean style isn’t for you, wearing flats with a turtleneck dress or knee-length skirt can also work, but I prefer to wear them with jeans.

From studded suede to classic black leather, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a pair that suits your taste this fall season.

Are you a fan of flat boots? If so, check out some of these boots all under $300!


Michael Kors Bromley Flat Boots available at www.macys.com for $250


Matiko Women’s Susy Boot available at www.endless.com for $156.72


BCBGeneration Women’s Frank Knee High Flat Boot available at www.endless.com for $169.95


Sam Edelman Berlin Flat Boot available at www.revolveclothing.com for $200


Kelsi Dagger Women’s Rianna Gathered Shaft Flat Boot available at www.endless.com for $189.95


Modern Vintage Women’s Janet Knee High Flat Riding Boot available at www.endless.com for $211.72


Sam Edelman Jackson Flat Over-the-Knee Boots available at www.bloomingdales.com for $199


Seychelles Women’s Broadway Boot available at www.endless.com for $169.95


Via Spiga Women’s Brook Boot available at www.endless.com for $131.97

**The four winners of one of the Maybelline purplish lipsticks are: Katrina, Carmesha, Dejoi and ThummyB! Congrats and please email me your mailing addresses! 🙂

Category: Fashion | 15 Comments

Pucker Up in Purplish Hues!

September 30, 2009

Everything old is new again and makeup is no exception. During my high school and early college days, dark, muted lips were all the rage and it looks like it’s making a strong comeback this season. Celebrities such as Rihanna, Kelly Rowland and Chanel Iman all have been seen out and about sporting dark plums and berry-colored lips.

Lip color is definitely a fun and easy way to switch up your look without the commitment. I’ve been taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting this lovely look with Maybelline’s Color Sensational’s incredibly pigmented purplish hue called, Madison Mauve, ever since I tried it during a Fashion Week promotion. Not only does it provide a rich color, it moisturizers your lips too.


Maybelline’s Color Sensational lip colors in Plum-Perfect, Madison Mauve, Plum-tastic, and Yummy Plummy (not pictured) available at drugstores nationwide for $7.49.

Would you rock this vampy lip look this fall?

Four lucky readers will get a chance to try one of Maybelline’s Color Sensational purple shades! Just leave a comment and the winners will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

Category: Beauty | 25 Comments

BGG Anniversary Giveaway!

September 24, 2009

As most of you know, I celebrated my 2nd anniversary of Brown Girl Gumbo earlier this week. As promised, to show my appreciation for reading BGG, one lucky reader will win a box of goodies filled with a few of my favorite products (a value over $250) listed below.

Just leave a comment today and tomorrow and the winner will be selected randomly and announced on Monday. Thanks again for all of your support – it’s truly appreciated!! 🙂


Bio Oil available at www.walgreens.com for $9.99


Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion available at www.cetaphil.com for $11.49


Iman Luxury Eye Defining Powder available at www.walgreens.com for $10.99


jane iredale Cream Blush in Confidence available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $26


Maybelline Great Lash BIG available at www.drugstore.com for $5.99


Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $12-$18


Queen by Queen Latifah Eau De Parfum available at www.macys.com for $59.99


Rx for Brown Skin Virtual Pell Ultra Gentle Mask and Booster Kit available at www.rxforbrownskin.com for $50


Schick Quattro for Women Trim Style Razor & Bikini Trimmer available at www.drugstore.com for $12.99


Revlon Fantasy Lashes available at www.drugstore.com for $5.99


Sedu Revolution Pro Shortie Mini Flat Iron available at www.folica.com for $50


Serena William’s “On The Line,” book available at www.amazon.com for $17.81

Category: Giveaway | 78 Comments

BGG Turns 2!

September 22, 2009


Today marks my 2nd year anniversary for Brown Girl Gumbo! I am truly grateful for all of the readers that frequent my site every day. There are a few readers who have been there with me from the very beginning and I’d like to thank them personally, they probably already know how much I love them!! I want to thank: K-Bear, Rebee, Kwana, B, T, Antithesis, Nerd Girl, PJD, and Kittyvodka for all of your support. You always leave comments and give feedback and it’s greatly appreciated. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for all of my readers – new and old, but I must express my gratitude to those who have been there consistently since day one.

Anyway, I am going to take the day off just to reflect on how far BGG has come. I never imagined that I’d have anyone read my blog and now it seems like it’s slowly but surely growing and I owe it all to you guys!!

In celebration, I’m in the process of putting together the ultimate BGG goodie bag for one lucky reader, so stay tuned!!! 🙂

Category: Uncategorized | 28 Comments