Brown Girl Gumbo

Rihanna Debuts New Pixie Cut at VMAs

September 7, 2012

Between Fashion’s Night Out, President Barack Obama’s speech, and Rihanna’s super cute pixie ‘do, last night’s Twitter feed was all abuzz.

While the R&B pop diva could never steal the president’s shine, her newly shorn strands undeniably caught the attention of style and beauty fans around the world.

Rihanna at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.

I, too, was smitten by her cropped coif. It gives her a sweet, yet sassy and sophisticated look that she totally pulls off. When I spoke to her stylist Ursula Stephen a few years ago, she spoke to me about being responsible for styling Rihanna’s original short ‘do.

“We’ve been talking about going short for a little while now. And we actually planned to cut it next week but, I just felt like – why wait?? Let’s do it today! She was ready for her short hair again,” Stephens, told reporters of Rihanna’s current cropped look.

Are you loving Rihanna’s pixie cut?

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Category: Hair | 2 Comments

5 Fashion Emergency Must-Haves

September 7, 2012

If there were ever a time that I was in need of a fashion emergency kit it was yesterday. After attending the enlightening Dark & Lovely/Harlem Fashion Row Blogger Breakfast (more on that later), the strap broke on my wedge sandals! Granted, they were over 10 years old; but they still looked good and were super comfy.

That said, I found myself unexpectedly at Nine West purchasing a pair of leopard print ballet flats to foil my shoe disaster. However, after a few hours, I realized that they were the shoes from hell! My feet were on fire from the pain of the patent leather incessantly rubbing against my big toe.

The shoe strap that started it all!

I have endured pain for pumps or sky-high heels, but that doesn’t fly with flats! I exchanged them lickety-split without a hitch only to buy a pair of pretty impractical snakeskin peep toe ankle-strap stilettos. Of course, by the time I walked around the block my feet were still in pain from being tortured in the ballet flats. Long story short, I ended up buying yet another pair of pointy toe flats by evening’s end.

Whether you’re an on-the-go woman covering New York Fashion Week or busy working mom, here are five style emergency staples to keep on-hand in the event that your ensemble (or you) goes awry:

CitySlips LuxeTravel Leather Flats available here, $58

Hollywood Fashion Secrets Emergency Kit (includes 14 on-the-go essentials such as sewing needles, safety pins, and more) available here, $15

Tide To Go Stain Eraser available here, $3

Atopalm Moisturizing Foot and Heel Balm available here, $18

Cynthia Rowley Assorted Band-Aids available here, $3

Have you ever had a fashion emergency?

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Fashion’s Night Out Round-Up

September 5, 2012

If you’re still planning your Fashion’s Night Out (NYC) itinerary for tomorrow (Sept 6), be sure to add these sure-to-be stylish festivities to your list.

Whether you’re looking to score mini-makeovers, manicures or sweet endings to the night, these FNO events won’t disappoint! The verdict is still out whether I’ll be partaking in the partying, but if I do there are plenty of options!

Who: Bobbi Brown and Leandra, founder of The Man Repeller Fashion Blog
Where: Bobbi Brown’s Pop-Up Store at Grand Central Terminal (87 E. 42nd Street)
When: 7pm to 8pm
What to expect: Bobbi Brown greeting customers, complimentary makeovers, and beauty talk

Who: American Ballet Theater’s Misty Copeland & Hair Rules’ Anthony Dickey (hosts)

What: 108 Stitches Harriett Cole Collection Presentationn
Where: Hair Rules 829 9th Ave, 2nd Fl (btwn 54/55th Streets)
When: 6pm to 11pm
What to expect: Being able to purchase handmade crocheted accessories made by former EBONY editor, Harriette Cole, hair styling advice, and refreshments

Who: Celebrity Makeup Artist Mally Roncal
Where: Henri Bendel (712 Fifth Avenue)
When: 7pm to 8pm
What to expect: Makeup and fashion tips, plus if consumers make a $75 purchase or more, they’ll receive a gift (Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara in Black and an Evercolor Waterproof Eyeliner)

Who: jane iredale – The Skincare Makeup
Where: Talbot’s 525 Madison Avenue
When: 6pm
What to expect: Beauty tutorials, sneak peeks of the upcoming collection, and free gifts with purchase

Who: Georgetown Cupcakes
Where: All Georgetown Cupcakes locations (Georgetown, Bethesda, SoHo and Newbury)
When: Open to 11pm (click here for store hours)
What to expect: CUPCAKES!! Each customer will receive a free cupcake, including their special FNO “Runway Red Velvet” option

Check out the official Fashion’s Night Out site for more events!

Will you join in on the fashion frenzied festivities tomorrow?

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Steal Zoe Saldana’s Sexy Pony Look

September 5, 2012

At last night’s The Words premiere, actress Zoe Saldana sported a show-stopping back-plunging gold, Ellie Saab dress, but all eyes were on her gorgeous low-hung pony.

Celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak created this messy, yet polished pony in three simple steps that can be easily replicated with John Frieda products. Perfect for BGs who rock straight strands, this look is definitely a head-turner!

Get the deets below:

Step 1 – Prep and Texturize
“Achieving the undone quality of Zoe’s hair relies on creating texture while preventing flyaways. Start by evenly applying John Frieda Frizz-Ease Curl Reviver Styling Mousse ($5.99 at drugstores) through towel-dried hair to tame frizz, boost shine and build texture. For added volume, spray roots with a texturizing spray and rough dry.”

Step 2 – Secure the Style
“To create the perfect natural wavy texture, loosely braid hair and let it dry. Once hair is completely dry, take out the braid and break up the waves by running your fingers through your hair. Gently tease the crown for a bit of height. Next, pull hair from each side of the face to the back of the head, allowing one section of hair to overlap the other and pin in place with bobby pins. Continue this all the way down the back until all the hair is wrapped into a pony tail shape. Allow the pieces around the face to naturally fall out for a soft feminine look.”

Step 3 – Polish and Perfect
“To finish the look, mist a thin coat of John Frieda Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm-Hold Hair Spray ($5.99 at drugstores) in an even, all-around motion.”

How do you make your pony standout?

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FLOTUS Rocks a Tracy Reese Frock at DNC

September 5, 2012

Our First Lady Michelle Obama looked nothing less than stunning at the 2012 Democratic National Convention last night in Charlotte, NC.

Her bouncy bobbed tresses, sophisticated silk Tracy Reese dress, and pretty pink J.Crew pumps surely wowed viewers no matter their political stance.

Getty Images

Her chic, budget-friendly ensemble was only upstaged by her ever-eloquent speech. Obama’s message always hits home for me and fellow Americans because they come straight from her heart.

Now that the presidential campaign is shifting into high gear, we can look forward to seeing more knock-out styles and speeches from our ultimate fave FLOTUS.

In case you missed it, check it out below:

Did you watch Michelle Obama’s speech last night? Did you love her look?

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Category: Beauty, Michelle Obama, Style | 2 Comments

Must-See: 5 Fab New TV Shows to Watch This Fall

September 4, 2012

While many of us are gearing up for New York Fashion Week, fellow TV buffs are equally excited that the unofficial start of fall is now in full effect.

This month serves as the kick-off for a variety of brand new network and cable shows of the season. Luckily, for us who love to watch BGs and guys on the small screen, the fall TV lineup looks promising. From reality to talk shows to sitcoms, this season seems to have a bit of something for everyone.

Check out these new fall shows: