Brown Girl Gumbo

Denim Delights

June 25, 2012

Forget basic blues and even those eye-catching bright hues while jean shopping this summer. Instead, switch things up with fun patterned pairs.

From florals to polka-dots to ikat designs, dive right into sexy yet playful denim duds this season for an unexpected alternative.

Check out a few chic choices:

7 For All Mankind Ikat Print Jeans available here, $110

Paige Verdugo Polka Dot Jeans available here, $189

Current/Elliott The Stiletto Cropped Printed Jeans available here, $170

Alice & Olivia 5-Pocket Printed Skinny Jeans available here, $118

Guess Brittney Ankle Skinny Leopard Jean available here, $29.95

7 for All Mankind Garden Party Skinny Jeans available here, $109

Will you wear printed jeans this summer?

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

GIVEAWAY: Mixed Chicks Prize Pack

June 22, 2012

Like many BGs, I have various hair textures. For instance, the hair in the front of my head has a looser curl pattern, while the back tends to be a bit coarser, tighter curl. Having combination hair can make finding one product to speak to all of my strands difficult. That’s why I’ve been tempted to try Mixed Chicks to treat my “mixed-up” hair, but haven’t had the chance.

Now that the cruelty-free, vegan natural hair care line is launching its full adult line in over 700 Target stores, I just might get that opportunity (check back for a full review). I’m curious to see how well the products work for a non-“mixed chick.”

Ideal for multicultural women seeking a one-stop shop for all of their hair care needs, Mixed Chicks boasts a bevy of products for curly, kinky, wavy-haired, or somewhere in-between BGs.

Mixed Chicks founders Kim Etheredge (L) and Wendi Levy (R).

In celebration of their Target partnership, I’m giving away the following products: Mixed Chicks Sulfate Free Shampoo, Mixed Chicks Detangling Deep Conditioner, and the Mixed Chicks Straightening Serum.

Mixed Chicks line available here.

To learn more about the products and the BGs behind the brand, click here for an exclusive Q&A with founders, Kim Etheredge and Wendi Levy.

Who’s your celebrity hair icon? Simply leave a comment and one winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, July 9th. Again, the prize pack includes a shampoo, conditioner, and serum.

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Giveaways, Hair | 23 Comments

Carol’s Daughter Site Caters to Naturalistas

June 21, 2012

In case you haven’t already check out Carol’s Daughter relatively new site, TransitioningMovement.com, it’s a wonderful online destination for women going through various transitions in their lives.

While the site’s focus is mainly on transitioning from chemically-treated to natural hair (tips, products, etc.), it also features beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and mind & body write-ups. The site’s aim is to be the resource for your journey.

Yours truly penned a piece about combatting those bad-hairs. Check it out here!

Are you currently in the midst of a transition? Hair? Relationship? Weight? Job?

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Beauty | 1 Comment

Correct Your Complexion with Rx for Brown Skin

June 20, 2012

June is Acne Awareness Month and unfortunately, my skin seems to be “celebrating.” For the past few months, my skin has been sprinkled with breakouts. Seriously, my skin is starting to resemble a tween’s instead of a 32-year-old’s!

I’m not sure if it’s the stress of potty-training a toddler (I recently accomplished that huge feat) or simply hormonal. Whatever the culprit, I’ve been giving Rx for Brown Skin’s new acne products a go in hopes that they will halt my newfound skin horrors.

Founded by a BG dermatologist, Dr. Susan Taylor, the line speaks to our specific skin needs.

Rx for Brown Skin Clear Luminosity Hydrating Acne Lotion ($32.95) and Precise Clarity Acne Spot Treatment ($39.95) available at rxforbrownskin.com

So far, the Precise Clarity spot treatment has been successful at shrinking my zits overnight. The salicylic acid-based formula soaks up the gunk leaving behind a much more presentable pimple (if such a thing exists). Plus, once applied it gives a slight tingle, which makes me feel like it’s really working! But, wait what’s worse than unsightly blemishes? Dark spots aka hyper-pigmentation that’s what. Luckily, the Clear Luminosity hydrating cne lotion tackles the post-pimple plight by evening skin tone.

If your skin seems to be taking you on a roller-coaster ride hop off and get some stability with this amazing BG brand.

Have you ever tried Rx for Brown Skin products?

**The winner of the Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Ultra Shea product line is: Tiffany Victoria. Congrats! Please send me your mailing address.

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Beauty | 4 Comments

Arsenio Hall to Return to Late Night TV

June 19, 2012

If you grew up in the late 80s and early 90s , then you’re probably just as excited as I am to learn that our king of late-night, Arsenio Hall, is coming back to TV.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the recently appointed winner of Celebrity Apprentice, 56, is partnering with CBS to host a new late-night talk show set to air 2013.

After watching him battle it out in Donald Trump’s boardroom, I was reminded of just how much I missed seeing him on TV. I stayed up countless nights to catch him “woof” it up with his “dog pound” audience.

At the time, The Arsenio Hall Show was the only television outlet to showcase the majority of our stars and give us a glimpse into their glamorous lives, which would’ve otherwise gone undocumented in mainstream media.

Trust me, Johnny Carson was not featuring Bell Biv Devoe or Jodeci, but Arsenio always celebrated our musicians, actors, and more. He’s a trailblazer whose shoes haven’t been filled since his show ended in 1994.

Arsenio, it’s been a long time so let’s get busy!

Were you a fan of The Arsenio Hall Show back in the day? Will you watch his new show?

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 5 Comments

REVIEW: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous False Fibers Mascara

June 18, 2012

I’ll admit it, I’m a bit late to board the L’Oreal Paris Voluminous False Fibers mascara bandwagon. I’m not exactly sure why I hadn’t heard about this lash-loving product before now, but thanks to last month’s Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Beauty Awards I got the memo.

This is the mother of all mascaras, which is why it was named by CEW as one of the best beauty products of 2012.

Available at drugstore.com for $8.95

The tiny bristles allow for ultra-fine fibers to cling to every lash making them appear longer and thicker. Plus, the application is super easy and the intensifying formula eliminates the need of double coats (I still apply two coats because Tammy Faye Baker is my role model when it comes to lashes). Forget about clumps, flakes, or gooey lashes with this mascara must-have.

Oh and it’s called “false” lashes for a reason. It will make your eyes pop and look as if you’re wearing falsies because of the full, volumized effect. Nothing makes me look more alive than a swipe of mascara and this one rises to the occasion.

If you envy long, luscious lashes look no further than this “liquid falsies” mascara.

*I was provided product for this post, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.”

What’s your favorite mascara brand?

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Beauty | 5 Comments

Daddy’s Little Girl

June 15, 2012

There’s no denying that dads don’t get as much attention as us moms when it comes to their special day – Father’s Day. Hallmark commercials aren’t exactly flooding the airwaves with sentimental ads nor is there nonstop chatter about the best brunch spots to take dad for his reserved “holiday.” Honestly, I never thought much of the day either until my husband became a father.

The moment I gave birth to our daughter, Ava, I’ve watched him blossom into the absolute best father that any child could ever have. His attentiveness, love, and care for her is simply beautiful to witness. Despite me doing most of the spoiling, Ava is still a true blue daddy’s girl. From play-dates in the park to watching basketball, their bond is special and strong.

Hats off to well-deserving dads like him who exemplify what it truly means to be a father. As my gift this Sunday, I just might let him watch the Miami vs. Oklahoma City game completely uninterrupted. Maybe.