Brown Girl Gumbo

No Sweat! 5 Must-Have Sweatshirts

January 30, 2013

Who says sweatshirts should only be reserved for lazy Sundays on the couch?

Gone are the days when they were tossed on as an afterthought for lounging. This season, these back-of-the closet staples are now taking center-stage. While still casual and comfy, the new crop of sweatshirts come in cool designs and unexpected colors, giving a twist to the laid-back fleece favorite. Plus, they’ll keep you warm in the winter and still be suitable well into spring!

Check out these cozy finds:

Victoria’s Secret Lace Fleece Tunic available here; $39.99

Wildfox “My Boyfriend’s A Prince” Fleece available here; $112

Victoria’s Secret Studded Fleece Crewneck available here; $29

Levi’s Sequin Chevron Fleece available here; $45

Zoe Karssen ‘You, Me, Oui’ Long-Sleeve Sweat Top available here; $101

Category: Fashion, Style | 1 Comment

Must-See: Cissy Houston Talks to Oprah About ‘Remembering Whitney’

January 28, 2013

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly a year since Whitney Houston’s passing.

Since the superstar singer’s death, her family hasn’t shied away from the media. In fact, they even allowed cameras into their home to document their grieving process on the Lifetime reality show, “The Houstons.” With the show behind them, Whitney’s mother, Cissy Houston, is now sharing intimate details about her late daughter in the form of a book.

Available here, (starting Jan. 29); $19

In her memoir, “Remembering Whitney,” she opens up about their relationship, as well as the legendary singer’s drug use, marriage and rumored lesbian relationship with a former assistant.

Houston recently spoke with the queen of talk, Oprah Winfrey, to discuss her book and what it’s like a year after her beloved daughter’s death. The interview will air tonight on OWN’s “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” at 10pm EST.

Watch a sneak peek:

Will you read Cissy’s new book? Will you watch the interview tonight on OWN?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Book, Books | 1 Comment

Fabulous Celebrity TwitPics of the Week!

January 25, 2013

Check out this week’s fabulous Twitter and Instagram photos from some of our fave celebs!

Justin Bieber and R. Kelly

Oprah

Chris Rock, Padma Lakshmi and S. Epatha Merkerson

Bruno Mars and friends

Kandi Burress

Terrence J and T.I

Tracee Ellis Ross, Nene Leakes and Jenna Elfman

Have a wonderful weekend!

What’s your favorite photo this week?

Category: Celebrity, Celebrity BGs, Celebrity Photos | 3 Comments

Vanessa Williams Expands ‘ReVitalistic’ Skincare Line

January 25, 2013

Is there anything that Vanessa Williams can’t do?

The stunning multi-talented entertainer, author and mother of four, now has her own anti-aging skincare line. Launched last year, ReVitalistic Skincare, is Williams’ latest endeavor in the cosmetics world. The former Miss America, 49, who has always been vocal about her personal struggle with skin problems, previously worked with Proactive (the popular acne-fighting formula), but is now stepping out on her own.

Designed and developed by Williams, the expanding ginger-scented collection includes premium creams, serums and moisturizers. Her latest release, Three-Piece Anti-Aging System ($68), includes the top-selling Re-Start Skin Serum, along with two new products: Re-Focus Firming Eye Serum and Re-Quench Anti-Age Defense Intensive Moisture Treatment. While there are so many celebrity skincare products on the market, Williams is confident that she has the right stuff.

“With my ReVitalistic Skincare Anti-Aging System, you are able to maintain an effortless and efficient three-step anti-aging regimen at an incredible price,” Williams says in a release. “Once you try my most basic regimen, which is effective and easy to use, you will notice how much better your skin will look and feel.”

Available at www.QVC.com

Although I haven’t tried any of her products, I’m looking forward to catching Williams on QVC tonight to learn more! Be sure to tune in to QVC’s “Friday Night Beauty” tonight 11pm (EST) if you want to buy or learn more about ReVitalistic Skincare products.

Would you check out her products?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | 2 Comments

Get the Look: Beyoncé’s Makeup at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration

January 22, 2013

Beyoncé always looks stunning, but the R&B and pop superstar amped up her natural beauty for her performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” for the 2013 Inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Dressed in a gorgeous Emilio Pucci gown and emerald Lorraine Schwartz earrings, celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal complemented Beyoncé’s eye-catching ensemble with natural-looking makeup for the historic day.

Beyoncé and Mally Roncal

Check out Mally’s tips and tricks to recreate the look using products from her Mally Beauty makeup line:

· To first set the skin, apply my Perfect Prep Poreless Primer all over the face and my Cancellation Concealer directly underneath the eyes.

· To achieve natural-looking coverage, first, apply my Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation. Next, add a sweep of my NEW Diamond Unpowder that will illuminate the skin followed by brushing on my Effortless Airbrush Highlighter and Blush Duo to the cheeks in order to provide a soft, radiant glow to the skin.

· To achieve a rich, smokey eye – try my Evercolor Shadow Stick in Saddle Shimmer. Apply this all over the eyelid and underneath as well. Next, select a few shades from the Mally Beauty In the Buff Palette and sweep that onto the eyelids. Finish the look by applying a small amount of my Age Rebel Shadow Stick in Chocolate Diamond on the bottom lid right under your eyelashes to open up the eye followed by using my Lightwand Eyebrightener to the inner corners to instantly brighten this area. Lastly, to achieve this bold eyeliner at-home, try using the Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Eyeliner in Midnight, layered with the Ultimate Performance Ink Eyeliner (which is exclusive to QVC.com).

· Complement this confident eye by pairing it with a mascara that will enhance the overall look – such as the Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara and/or my NEW Instant Impact Mascara. To create glossy, Beyoncé worthy lips try my High Shine Lip Gloss in Mally’s Look or Mally’s Baby.

· And last but not least, before you leave the house, apply the Mally Beauty Face Defender to lock your makeup in place and Perfect Prep Hydrating Under Eye Brightener to make the eyes pop!

All of the products mentioned can be purchased at QVC.com and MallyBeauty.com!

Check out Beyonce’s performance below:

What did you think of Beyoncé’s look and performance?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Beauty News | 5 Comments

Happy MLK & Inauguration Day!

January 21, 2013

I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. than the second swearing in of the first African-American president of the United States—Barack Obama.

Having a African-American leading the free world is more than Dr. King could’ve ever imagined happening in only two decades after his death.

Martin Luther King Jr.

While I’m not in D.C. this year, I did have the pleasure and honor of attending the inauguration in 2009. Despite the chilly temps, it was an electrifying occasion that I’m proud to have witnessed. My sister will serve as the unofficial BGG correspondent tonight as she’ll be attending the main ball! Hopefully, she can get a few candid shots of the stars in attendance!