Brown Girl Gumbo

Cool Gadget Cases Plus GIVEAWAY!

September 26, 2012

Now that the iPhone 5 has arrived, I’m sure Apple fans are on now on the hunt for the coolest cases to store their new phones.

In fact, cases have become the ultimate accessory where tech and gadget gurus can infuse a bit of personality to their devices. From customizable iPad cases to sleek MacBook sleeves to easy-to-grip Android shells, storing phones, tablets and other gadgets can be stylish and functional!

**GIVEAWAY!! Caseable Customizable Hand-Crafted iPad Case available here, $49.90

Kate Spade New York ‘Crossword Puzzle’ iPhone 5 Case available, here $40

MICHAEL Michael Kors Exclusive Shoulder-Strap Macbook Pro Sleeve in Black Python-Embossed Leather available here, $149.95

Hard Candy Bubble Sleeve for iPad 1&2 available here, $49.95

Milly Scallop Lace iPhone Case available here, $40

Cul-De-Sac ‘Zig-Zag’ E-Reader Holder available here, $18

‘Mike” Droid Creature Case for HTC One X available here, $25

Do you have cute holders for your devices?

**One lucky reader will win a Caseable Customizable iPad (1,2, or 3) Case (a $50 value)! In order to be entered for this contest, you must be a U.S resident. Simply leave a comment, Tweet this contest link with the hastag #BGGcaseable or “Like” BGG on Facebook and leave a comment under the FB post. The winner will be announced next Friday, October 5th.

Category: Gumbo Mix | 9 Comments

Knock-out Nylons

September 25, 2012

Fall is officially here and I couldn’t be happier!

Now’s the time to store summer ensembles and make room for new fashionable finds. I’ve already stocked up on the quintessential fall must-have—tights!

Last week, I scored three pairs for under $15 at the newly-opened Burlington Coat Factory in Union Square here in New York City. Two pairs were footed and the other was a footless fleece pair. I had never seen a fleece-lined pair of tights so I had to have them! Plus, tights are like panties, you can NEVER have too many!

From funky patterns to sexy fishnets, tights are the perfect way to keep gams warm while exuding cool, seasonal style.

Check out a few of these knock-out nylons:

Hue Layered Net Tights available here, $17

Wolford ‘Mona’ Tights available here, $72

Nordstrom Ribbed Tights available here, $9.90

Pretty Polly ‘Pretty Sqiggly’ Tights available here, $17

MAJOR SPLURGE: Missoni Printed Tights available here, $205

Emilio Cavallini Tights available here, $30

Pretty Polly ‘House of Holland’ Zig-Zag Tights available here, $34

What’s your fave tights style? Basic opaque, ribbed, or unique designs?

Category: Fashion | 4 Comments

BGG Dines w/Carol’s Daughter’s Lisa Price

September 24, 2012

Last week, I had the privilege of attending an intimate dinner with Carol’s Daughter founder, Lisa Price.

Held at the swanky French-Vietnamese restaurant, Indochine, here in New York City, fellow beauty bloggers/editors and I had a chance to dine with the natural beauty businesswoman. Over an exquisitely delicious meal, (I was obsessed with the stuffed shrimp!) we chatted and learned about new products while getting to know the incredibly down-to-earth entrepreneur.

Since I’m a huge CD fan, I was already pretty familiar with most of the products of topic, but was thrilled to learn about her new split-end preventing-product—Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer ($25). Since going natural a few years ago, I tend to suffer from split-ends, but not as much as I did when I wore my hair relaxed. Until now, I hadn’t come across a product that solely focused on combatting the annoying hair occurrence of split ends.

Monoi Repairing Split-End Sealer available here, $25

Infused with coconut oil and formulated to seal and bind ends, this product also moisturizes and conditions in an effort to maintain strong, healthy hair. I’m excited to give it a go in hopes of cutting down on occasional trims. Stay tuned for a full review!

In addition to learning about new CD products, I also got the scoop on her line of luxurious Candy Paint lip glosses. Unfortunately, if you loved them like me, you’re out of luck. She doesn’t plan on taking on the makeup arena again anytime soon.

After talking products, Price and I also chatted about the wonderful world of motherhood. She gave me great advice about balancing work and family, which is never an easy feat!

Thanks to this lovely dinner, I can definitely attest that her personality is as warm and inviting as her products!

Are you a fan of Carol’s Daughter products?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Hair | 3 Comments

Get Inspired: Kerry Washington’s Emmys Look

September 24, 2012

Rose gold seems to be having a bit of a moment. Last night at the 2012 Emmys, “Scandal” actress Kerry Washington beamed in the exquisitely feminine color.

Her rose-gold sequined Vivienne Westwood gown lit up the red carpet thanks to its complementary, shimmery shade. Ultra-flattering against many BGs’ skin, gilded rose is a great alternative to traditional yellow-toned gold.

Kerry Washington at the 2012 Emmys in Los Angeles. Photo: Strauss/Invision/AP

Whether I purchase a subtle pair of studs or an eye-catching top, I hope to somehow incorporate the soft hue into my fall wardrobe.

Get inspired:

CC Skye, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Kotur, Asos

Shortsleeve Tops
Clutches

Are you a fan of rose gold? Did you watch the Emmys?

Category: Fashion | 1 Comment

7 Pretty Peplum Tops For Fall

September 21, 2012

Peplum tops were cropping up everywhere this summer and now that fall has arrived, it doesn’t look like the trend is going away.

While I didn’t rock any pretty peplums this past season, I’m definitely picking up a few for my fall wardrobe. The ultra-feminine style creates instant sophistication thanks to the fitted-waist and flirty silhouette. Plus, they have a retro feel reminiscent of the 40s and 50s that exudes old-school glamour.

Paired with a killer pair of jeans or pencil skirt, peplum tops can be the perfect fail-proof closet essential for fall!

Check out a few:

Alice & Olivia Betty Peplum Top available here, $198

Bobeau Lace Peplum Top available, here, $58

Elizabeth and James ‘Yumi’ Peplum Top available here, $365

Scuba Sequin Peplum Top available here, $21.99

Warehouse Embellished Peplum Top available here, $68

The Row Striped Peplum Top available here, $390

Sleeveless Crinkle Peplum Top available here, $74

Will you rock a peplum top this fall?

Category: Style | Leave a Comment

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

September 21, 2012

Check out this week’s best twitpics! What’s your favorite shot from the bunch?

Iman

Jaleel White (R)

Terry Crews and his wife, Rebecca.

Christina Milian

Gabrielle Union and friends.

Teyana Taylor

Vanessa Williams and her son, Devin.

Category: Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Swarovski Debuts New Fall Fragrance

September 20, 2012

Nicki Minaj’s unique perfume bottle isn’t the only stylishly designed scent making a fall debut.

Swarovski’s Limited Edition fragrance, Swarovski Edition, (released earlier this month) is shaped like an elegant clutch that could be worn for a night out on the town instead of sitting pretty on your vanity.

A combination of metalized leather and golden crystals, the bottle is the perfect complement to the ultra-feminine fragrance. The mix of wild rose blossom and gardenia coupled with notes of white musk and cedar wood make this super sexy scent ideal for the fall season.

Honestly, I enjoy collecting cute and interesting perfume bottles more than I like the actual fragrances, but this gem is a win-win!