Brown Girl Gumbo

Stylish Shows for the Fall Season

August 26, 2008

Besides the fashions that only fall can bring, new TV lineups are the second best thing that happens during this time of year. Although I haven’t been watching much TV lately, this past weekend I found myself glued to the tube watching all of last season’s Gossip Girl as if I were an Upper East Side rich teenage girl with a Sidekick in hand! There’s something about that show that is simply addictive. Perhaps, it’s the fashion and constant pop culture references. Whatever it is that makes it a must-see show, I am now hooked and can’t wait until next week when it returns for a second season.

Although I wish there were more shows that featured BGs and guys in the lineup, I am looking forward to watching Tyra’s antics on her popular reality series, America’s Next Top Model; Vivica Fox’s new style competition show, Glam God; fashion journalism reality show Stylista; The Game; as well as the new season of Making the Band, which started last week.

Speaking of TV, wasn’t Michelle Obama’s speech last night at the DNC outstanding?!

Anyway, what are you planning on watching this upcoming fall TV season?

Gossip Girl on The CW

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 11 on The CW

Glam God with Vivica A. Fox on VH1

Stylista on The CW

Making the Band Season 4 on MTV

The Game on The CW

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Arts and Entertainment, TV | 31 Comments

Purple Reigns

August 25, 2008

Although I enjoy warm weather, I’m anxiously anticipating the onset of the cooler months. To me, nothing epitomizes chic fashions like the fall. This season’s styles are going to be a purple paradise. Variations of plum hues will be seen everywhere from purple polishes to festive frocks.

Whether you prefer a lovely lavender or a vibrant violet, these seasonal shades will definitely add a lot of punch to your look.

Do you think you’ll incorporate a bit of purple into your fall wardrobe?

Check out some of these purple pieces:

Chiffon Ruffle Halter available at www.ardenb.com for $58

Dolce Vita Cocoon Dress available at www.shopbop.com for $198

Karina Grimaldi Ruffle Silk Mini Dress available at www.couturecandy.com for $216

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Grace Bag available at www.eluxury.com for $428

Double V-Neck Crochet Dress available at www.bebe.com for $98

Madison Marcus Kimono Tunic available at www.pinkmascara.com for $304

Nine west Osterige Purple Suede Sandals available at www.zappos.com for $93

Petite Silk Cap Sleeve Lady Dress available at www.bananarepublic.com for $150

Raisa Knit Cowl-Neck Top available at www.forever21.com for $17.80

Rock & Republic Button-up Blouse available at www.revolveclothing.com for $198

Sheer Scarf available at www.forever21.com for $9.80

Splendid Jersey Peasant Top available at www.pinkmascara.com for $64

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Fashion | 24 Comments

Fail-Proof Fashions!

August 21, 2008

We BGs love dressing up and looking as pretty as possible, but let’s admit, sometimes our ensembles just don’t quite come together the way in which we’d like. That’s why it’s important to have that one or two absolute fail-proof outfit(s) for those days when we know we’ll feel confident and look our best no matter what.

This summer, my fail-proof outfit was a wrinkle-free red, cotton mini dress. It was summery and a bit playful, but could easily be transformed into a more conservative look with a light-weight sweater. I mix and matched it with various accessories and shoes – it was really a great find, plus it was only $23!

I took this photo back in June when my friend AZ came to visit.

Here are a few of my other favorite fail-proof pieces. Hey, bet on black!

Basic Tee – Black (or white) tank available at www.forever21.com for $6.99

Skinny Jeans – J Brand Jeans available at www.shopbop.com for $161

Little Black Dress – Sonia Dress available at www.guess.com

What is your all-time fail-proof outfit/piece? Please share!

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Fashion | 29 Comments

Rapid Lashes?

August 20, 2008

I think it’s pretty safe to say that I’m completely obsessed with eye lashes! I’ve tried just about every popular mascara brand on the market on a quest to create enviable long, luscious lashes. Since I’ve tried so many mascaras, I decided to take my lash obsession up a notch – I tried RapidLash.

RapidLash is a popular brand of eye lash renewal serum that’s applied like eyeliner to your top lashes. It’s supposed to increase the darkness, thickness and length of your lashes within 4 weeks. I used it every night for about 2 weeks and believe it or not, I saw a huge change in my lashes; they seemed longer than ever! However, I read an article about how these formulas in the long-run could result in major eye trauma, which of course scared me to death so I have since stopped using it. But while I did use it, I was pleased with the results.

**UPDATE** I’ve been informed that contrary to other brands’ potential health concerns, RapidLash is paraben-free, with vital proteins and vitamins, including pumpkin seed and licorice extracts that help replenish and fortify lashes. So perhaps, I’ll give it another go!

Would you ever try a lash-lengthening formula?

RapidLash available at www.rapidlash.com for $49.95

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Beauty, Lashes | 30 Comments

Skinny in a Cinch!

August 19, 2008

When it comes to clothes or accessories that accentuate my waist, I’m all for it. What woman doesn’t like to highlight her smallest part? That’s why this upcoming fall season, it’s all about the skinny belt!

From faux crocodile to luxurious suede, skinny belts are all the rage. They can easily add a splash of color to an otherwise, bland black frock while instantly create a stunning silouhette. Whether worn with a pair of slacks, over a long cardigan or with a high-waisted pencil skirt, skinny belts will update your wardrobe in a cinch!

Do you prefer the skinny belt or the wide?

Check out some of these:

WCM Skinny Croc-Embossed Patent Leather Belt available at www.bloomingdales.com for $68

Nicole Miller Skinny Snakeskin Belt available at www.bloomingdales.com for $85

Chain Reaction Belt available at www.anthropologie.com for $35

Renee Braided Belt available at www.delias.com for $14.50

Diesel Glamglim Belt in Gold and Black available at www.revolveclothing.com for $65

Skinny Belt with Rectangular Buckle available at www.anntaylor.com for $36

Claudio Orciani available at www.yoox.com for $128

Linea Pelle Skinny Studded Belt available at www.lisakelin.com for $138

Oval Buckle Belt available at www.forever21.com for $6.80

Streets Ahead Silver Buckle Snakeskin Belt available at www.kitson.com for $145 (each)

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Fall, Fashion | 26 Comments

Color-Correcting Concealers!

August 18, 2008

Many BGs suffer from hyper-pigmentation (when patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin) due to old blemishes or acne scars and I’m no exception. I usually have at least one blemish that I try to hide with concealer. I dab a bit on the dark spot and then cover it with a bit of foundation and the unsightly blemish is virtually gone!

For years I’ve used Dermablend’s cover creme to conceal dark circles or dark spots, but just last week I tried Susan Posnick’s color corrector stick and was incredibly pleased with the easy application and overall results.

Do you use concealer? If so, what’s your favorite brand?

Check out some of these:

Susan Posnick Color Correct Pencil available at www.susanposnick.com for $22

Benefit Erase Paste available at www.bloomingdales.com for $26

Dermablend Cover Creme available at www.ulta.com for $31

Murad Acne Treatment Concealer available at www.sephora.com for $20

MAC Select Coverup Concealer available at www.maccosmetics.com for $15

Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer available at www.drugstore.com for $3.99

Smashbox Camera-Ready Full-Coverage Concealer available at www.beauty.com $18

Philosophy Supernatural Airbrushed Concealer available at www.beauty.com for $25

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Beauty | 18 Comments

Gadgets & Gizmos

August 14, 2008

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not exactly a gadget girl. Don’t get me wrong, I do own an iPod, in fact, I just had to purchase another one since I accidentally left my old one on a plane on my way back for L.A., but that’s another story. Although I’m all for things that enhance our lives and make it more enjoyable, I’m just not a tech-obsessed person who has to have the latest gizmo, but there are some things that a girl just can’t live without. Thanks PBW for the inspiration!

Check out some of these fabulous female-friendly gadgets! (Note: Most of these items are available pretty in pink if that’s your preference!)

Apple Macbook starting at $1099.00 at www.apple.com