Brown Girl Gumbo

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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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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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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