7 Stylish Tights to Keep Legs Cozy & Comfy for Fall

It’s that time of year again—tights and leggings season!

As soon as fall arrives, one of the first things I do to update my wardrobe is buy new hosiery. Whether ribbed, patterned, denim or classic opaque, eye-catching tights and leggings can instantly add warmth and style to ensembles. For those super cold days, I double-up on black tights to keep my gams covered, as well as provide a less sheer, more saturated look.

Tights and leggings are such a fun and cost-effective way to relish in fall fashion without breaking the bank. Plus, they’re incredibly comfy!

Back in the summer, I got a sneak peek of No nonsense’s fabulous autumn offerings. They have a great selection of colors and styles to suit your taste.

Check them out below:

corduroy-leggings

No nonsense Corduroy Leggings available here, $18

diamond-tights

No nonsense Bold Diamond Tights are available here, $7

opaque-tights

No nonsense Opaque Tights available here, $6.59

textured

No nonsense Textured Basketweave Openwork Tights available here, $7

fashion-cotton--animalNo nonsense Animal Print Tights available here, $14

super-opaque

No nonsense Super Opaque Control Top Tights available here, $6.59

Have you stocked up on tights this season?

 

Get Rid of Grays with Black Opal’s Retouch Root Concealer Spray

There might be a gray hair movement taking place amongst celebrities, bloggers and fashionistas alike, but that’s one trend I won’t be partaking in.

I’ve been plagued with premature graying in one spot since I was 5 and have never liked my silver streaks. So, as soon as I was old enough to dye them, I did just that. However, since giving birth last year, I’ve steered clear of dyeing my hair to give it time to replenish and get back to normal.

In the meantime, I’ve been using Black Opal’s Gray Root Retouch Concealer Spray.  I didn’t know they offered products beyond their lovely cosmetic line, but was pleasantly surprised. I simply spray it 2-3 inches from the pesky patch and it instantly covers my unruly grays! Plus, it dries almost instantly (give or take a minute or two).

Black Opal Gray Retouch Root Concealer Spray available here, $9

Black Opal Gray Retouch Root Concealer Spray available here, $9. It comes in two shades: Medium Light Brown and Black/Dark Brown

Thanks to the illusion of thicker hair that the darkening formula creates, the spray also helps conceal the post-partum hair loss I’ve been experiencing around my edges (where my  problem gray area happens to be).

kb-gray

Before (left) and After (right) – Black Opal Retouch Root Concealer Spray helps hide my grays, as well as camouflage my post-partum hair loss. 

An added bonus is it doesn’t come off until you wash it out; no worrying about it smearing or smudging onto pillowcases, scarves or satin bonnets! It’s been my go-to for months and I will continue using it in between my dye touch-ups once I go back to permanently coloring my hair and when my post-partum hair loss ceases.

If you’re looking to cover up unwanted grays, this spray is a great buy!

Do you dye your hair to hide grays or do you embrace your pigment-free strands? Did you suffer from post-partum hair loss?

Book Buy: ‘Vintage Black Glamour’ Showcases Stunning Rarely Seen Photographs of African-American Female Entertainers, Poets, Actors and More!

If there’s one quirky thing about me that most people don’t know, it’s that I LOVE looking at old photos. I can get lost for hours poring over vintage photos from my family and friends or even historical shots of my beloved hometown Chicago. Heck, I was even a photo editor for a national magazine once upon a time!

That’s why I’m so excited that the highly anticipated book (of the same name) as the popular blog, “Vintage Black Glamour,” by Nichelle Gainer is finally available for purchase. The sleek, hard-cover book features dozens of fabulous rarely accessed photos from some of our most acclaimed female African-American socialites, actors, writers, dancers and entertainers who worked during the 20th century.

VINTAGE BLACK GLAMOUR will be published on October 14, 2014 and is available from Rocket 88 Books, only at vintageblackglamourbook.com.

VINTAGE BLACK GLAMOUR will be published on October 14, 2014 and is available from Rocket 88 Books, only at vintageblackglamourbook.com, $70

Greats such  such as Eartha Kitt (who’s the book’s cover girl), Dorothy Dandridge, Diana Ross and a host of others grace the pages. While some of the women featured are nothing short of iconic, the book also boasts a bevy of lesser-known beauties as well.

Opera singer Margaret Tyne, who performed with Duke Ellington in the 1950s. Photo Courtesy: Vintage Black Glamour

In fact, the author, whom I’ve chatted with throughout the years was inspired to create the blog-turned-book by her great aunt and opera singer, Margaret Tyne, who performed with the legendary Duke Ellington during the 1950s. Gainer curated the book (and blog) by visiting libraries and combing through countless archives and photographs of glamourous black women.

Dancer Adelaide Hall

Dancer Adelaide Hall. Photo Courtesy: Vintage Black Glamour

Actress and singer Lena Horne

Actress and singer Lena Horne. Photo Courtesy: Vintage Black Glamour

Poet and singer, Nina Simone

Jazz singer, songwriter Nina Simone. Photo Courtesy: Vintage Black Glamour

The stunning photographs are each accompanied with enlightening profiles providing readers a glimpse into the lives of these talented women.

If you admire old school style and sophistication that only we BGs can bring, then this coffee table book is a must-have! It will make the perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season for all the BGs on your list.

Who’s your favorite “vintage black glamour” star or is she someone in your very own family?

Event Recap: Dark & Lovely and Everyday People Brunch

A couple of weeks ago I was invited by Dark & Lovely to attend the Everyday People brunch here in New York City.

If you’re unfamiliar with the popular brunch series, it’s held monthly at trendy The DL on the lower east side and hosted by stylish girl-about-town, Saada Ahmed and Bravo TV’s Chef Roblé.

Prior to brunch, we bloggers/editors were seated in a comfy “style suite” area of the restaurant where we learned about the haircare brand’s Au Naturale Anti-Breakagé and Au Naturalé Anti-Shrinkage lines (I love the Anti-Breakage line, but still haven’t tried the latter) from Soft-Sheen Carson’s Artistic Director Mezel Jefferson.

kp-everydayppl

Me taking a selfie at the Everyday People brunch held in conjunction with Dark & Lovely at The DL in New York City on Sunday, September 21, 2014.

After we received the rundown on the various products, we were encouraged to move into the main room for a lovely brunch buffet of eggs, french toast, fried chicken, biscuits, potatoes, bacon and other yummy offerings.

everdayppl

Soft-Sheen Carson’s Artistic Director Mezel Jefferson, guest, Saada Ahmed and Chef Roble. Photo By: Pete Monsanto of Fly Life Images/Dark and Lovely

Photo By: Pete Monsanto of Fly Life Images/Dark and Lovely

Photo By: Pete Monsanto of Fly Life Images/Dark and Lovely

It was a fun afternoon of mingling with fellow bloggers, editors and trendsetters (aka “the cool kids”) with awesome hair and eye-catching fashions. The food, networking and people watching was good, but the music made the event! I’m a true ’80’s baby, so listening to the hits of the 90s was a treat. Hearing old school Usher and Mase songs made me feel nostalgic and provided such a cool vibe. There was also a performance by R&B duo and neo-soul pioneers, Les Nubians, but I left  (mommy duties called) before their set started.

Les Nubians performing at the Dark & Lovely and Everyday People Brunch at DL in New York City on Saturday, September 21, 2014.

Les Nubians performing at the Dark & Lovely and Everyday People Brunch at DL in New York City on Saturday, September 21, 2014.

If you’re ever able to attend (not sure if it’s ticketed or invite-only since I was invited by Dark & Lovely), I highly recommend it because the mix of food, people and music makes for an unforgettable brunch!

Have you ever attended an Everyday People brunch? If not, do you get together for monthly brunch dates with your friends?

GIVEAWAY: Take the Dove Body Wash #OneShowerChallenge

When I think of quality body washes for sensitive skin, Dove is the first to come to mind.

Its signature, creamy formula is now improved to provide an even more luxurious shower experience. The new body washes are infused with a milder cleanser (Glycinate) coupled with super moisturizing components making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin like me.

NEW Dove Body Washes are available at food, drug, mass, value, club and online retailers, $6.99.

NEW Dove Body Washes are available at food, drug, mass, value, club and online retailers, $6.99.

Also, unlike most shower cleansers that boast a gentler formula, the lather I’ve come to love is pretty non-existent. Luckily, that’s not the case with these washes. I can suds up and still leave the shower feeling clean and moisturized all without compromising my easily irritated skin.  Oh and did I mention, I felt an immediate difference after ONE shower! Usually, results aren’t noticed until after a few uses, but my skin was smoother and softer following my first use.

If you like milder body washes and looking for a new one, definitely give Dove a go! Plus, who doesn’t love how the brand uplifts and encourages women to just be our naturally beautiful selves?

Check out their latest video, “Legacy,” that speaks to how we mothers pass our beauty ideals and insecurities on to our daughters:

**GIVEAWAY: Simply tell me how you inspire the little girls or young women in your lives to embrace their natural beauty for your chance to win a Dove Body Wash along with a necklace. One lucky reader will be randomly selected and announced (and contacted) next week, Tuesday, Oct. 7th. 

A ‘Beautiful’ City Night Out with Jane Iredale

Recently I was invited to a lovely evening with Jane Iredale, the founder of  jane iredale—The Skincare Makeup to celebrate the launch of her latest collection for fall, City Nights.

Held at New York City hotspot, Butter, editors and bloggers mingled and ate delicious food while receiving a sneak peek of the stunning collection.

butter-1

Unexpected forest green and deep purple shades replaced ordinary black eyeliners for an updated autumn look. These gel liners (Jelly Jars) are great for days when you want to have a little fun with color without verging too far from basic black. Plus, the chemical-free natural formula won’t irritate eyes.

city-nights

jane iredale-The Skincare Makeup ‘City Nights’ collection available here, starting at $28 (all items are sold separately).

The collection also includes a trio eye shadow palette of dreamy earthy hues to provide the perfect smokey eye. To top off the “city nights” look, there ‘s a sophisticated mahogany matte lip color  (“Katerina”) and a shimmery red plum gloss (“Kir Royale”) for a bold, statement lip.

jane-iredale

As if the evening couldn’t be anymore delightful, Jane personally thanked us for our support and treated us to the Broadway musical, “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” as a token of her appreciation.

It was certainly a beautiful city night that I won’t soon forget!

How will you change up your makeup look for fall? What Broadway shows have you seen recently or looking forward to seeing?  

6 Chic Capes to Rock this Fall

From fresh beginnings to fab new fashions, fall is by far my favorite season. It’s a time to recharge and adjust wardrobes to accommodate chilly temps without compromising style.

So, what better way to usher in the brisk season than with a cool cape?  Yes, this sleek outerwear option has been a staple in fashionistas’ closets for a while, but admittedly—I’m late to the cape party.

This chic alternative to traditional coats and jackets will turn heads while keeping you warm. Plus, there’s just something sophisticated and undeniably ladylike about its free-flowing shape.

Check out these eye-catching buys:

dkny-capeDKNY Pure Wool Knit Cape available here, $235

michael-kors-cape

Michael Kors Pea Coat Cape available here, $295

Cavalleria-Toscana-Cape

Cavalleria Toscana Cape available here, $170

dkny-blythe-cape

DKNY “Blythe” Hooded Wool Blend Cape available here, $158

yoox-back-cape

Yoox Back Cape available here, $95

Nordstrom-Leather-trim-cape

Nordstrom Leather Trim Colorblock Cape available here, $148

Will you be rocking a cape this fall?