Contest: Kohl’s Spring Trends Sweepstakes

April 2, 2012

Is your closet screaming for some of the hottest spring and summer trends, but your budget isn’t exactly cooperating with those demands? If so, Kohl’s has a cool contest that you don’t want to miss. Simply click here to upload a photo of yourself in Kohl’s-inspired trends and fill out the entry form for a chance to win a $1000 gift card for a shopping spree!

With brands like Jennifer Lopez and Rock and Republic, Kohl’s has fashionable finds that will give your wardrobe a bold boost.

From color-blocking to knock-out neon trends, you’ll find various pieces to suit your style. Be sure to submit your entry today for a chance to win!

What fashion trends are you loving this season?

Category: Giveaways | 1 Comment

Get Beyoncé’s Vibrant Boho Chic Look

March 30, 2012

 Beyoncé stepped out yesterday in New York City donning a fitted neon pink tee paired with a pretty, floor-skimming print maxi skirt. While some may think the new mom may have gone a bit color overboard with her get-up, but I’m personally OBSESSED with this look!

Beyoncé out and about in NYC.

I have a tendency to purchase anything pink and if it’s bright, even better! If you’re like me and think the Queen Bee rocked this vibrant, boho ensemble check out a few pieces to replicate the electrifying look (warning: most of these maxi skirts come with a hefty price tag!):

       

Do you like Beyoncé’s boho chic look? Are you a fan of maxi skirts?

Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

Partying for a Cause with Petals-N-Belles

March 30, 2012

We BGs know that the only way to move forward in life is to give back. That’s why I was so excited to attend the Petals-N-Belles’ Limitless 2012 one-year anniversary event at Greenhouse here in New York City earlier this week. Founded by Damali Elliott last year, Petals-n-Belles is a New York-based mentoring  organization created to empower and inspire young girls.

Hosted by 106 & Park TV personality, Rocsi Diaz, the fabulous fundraiser was co-chaired by ESSENCE’s Editor-at-Large, Emil Wilbekin and social media maven and founder of Dinner with Bevy, LLC, Bevy Smith. With over 300 attendees, Petals-N-Belles raised over $10,000 to help support its spring and summer mentorship programs.

Not only did guests give back, but they also mingled and partied to the tunes of DJ Kiss. Plus, some of the mentees were present and spoke positively about the powerful influence of Petals-n-Belles. Having only been established for a year, Elliott is well on her way to improving and impacting the lives of countless young girls one mentee at a time.

Check out these pics from the event:

From (L toR): Petals-N-Belle founder, Damali Elliott, Shantelle (singer), and Rocsi Diaz
Event co-chairs: Essence Editor-at-Large Emil Wilbekin and social media maven/Dinner with Bevy LLC founder, Bevy Smith
Chrisette Michelle

Petals-N-Belles partner Isis Adewale and Board member Larry Ossei-Mensah

All photos Hannan/Selah/Essence.com

For more information on Petals-N-Belles, please click here.

Do you mentor? Were you or are you currently being mentored? 

Category: Misc. | 2 Comments

VIDEO: How to Diagnose Rosacea

March 30, 2012

Remember last year when I went to the Emmy’s on behalf of Galderma? Well, in between soaking up the sun and stargazing in L.A, I had the pleasure of speaking with celebrity dermatologist Dr. Deborah Luftman about how rosacea affects us BGs and guys. Although we aren’t as susceptible to the skincare ailment as our fairer-skinned counterparts, some of us do suffer from the condition.

Watch Dr. Luftman describe how to diagnose rosacea:

Do you suffer from any skin conditions?
Category: Beauty | 1 Comment

Event Alert: IMAN Cosmetics Spring In-Store Makeovers

March 29, 2012

If you’re a Georgia peach looking to spruce up your spring beauty routine, there’s a super sweet event taking place in your neck of the woods this weekend. IMAN Cosmetics, the quintessential makeup line for women of color will be hosting mini-makeovers and one-on-one consultations at select Wal-Mart stores throughout Georgia, March 31st.

These in-store events will showcase IMAN’s new Spring 2012 Collection, “Sweet Temptations,” featuring bold pops of colors and irresistible shades to enliven your look. This collection of complementary hues for women of color is the perfect palette to usher in the spring season.

Click here for more details.

Have you ever worn IMAN Cosmetics? If so, what are your thoughts?

Category: Beauty | 1 Comment

Over the Moon in Cancun

March 28, 2012

A few weeks ago I shared with you that I was taking a mini-vacation. Well, that much-needed break involved a ton of sun, great food, and even better music in Cancun, Mexico! I know what you’re thinking, “Isn’t BGG well beyond her wild partying college days?”

You’re correct, my college years are behind me (I still can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I graduated – yikes!), but you’re wrong if you think Cancun is solely the hotspot synonymous with rowdy college spring breaks and nonstop partying.

Granted, you will have a good time in Cancun if co-ed crowds are what you’re looking for, but the city has so much more to offer if you’re not. The city is becoming the go-to-spot for luxurious lounging, exquisite dining, and even music.

During my stay at the Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort, I experienced top-notch service in addition to a full-on concert (it was included in the package) by Latin pop sensation Enrique Iglesias, which was attended by over 10,000. Plus, the mouthwatering cuisine from room-service and the numerous restaurants on site satiated my bottomless pit appetite.
From sipping strawberry margaritas by the pool to visiting an exotic crocodile zoo to dancing the night away at a concert, I found Cancun’s Palace Resorts to be a destination ideal for music-lovers looking for relaxation, good food, and outstanding service. 
Check out some of my pics:
On my way to a cocktail party.
One of several pool areas on the resort.

During my visit to the CrocoCun Zoo.
I LOVED this lime sorbet. It was refreshing and had just the right amount of tang.
A lovely view from my room.
I didn’t realize just how hot Enrique Iglesias was until I saw him in concert!

Do you have any spring break or summer trips on the horizons?

Category: Travel | 3 Comments

BGG Chats with Beverly Johnson

March 27, 2012

Beverly Johnson’s enviable cheekbones, smooth cocoa brown skin, almond-shaped eyes, and megawatt smile defined black beauty in the 70s and beyond. Having graced more than 500 magazine covers throughout her career, including the coveted first Vogue cover featuring an African-American model, Johnson, 59, has staying power that’s proven that she’s by far more than just a pretty face.

The model/actress who can be seen in Tyler Perry’s latest film, Good Deeds, also recently relaunched an eponymous haircare product and ponytail line available at Target and Beverly Johnson. Plus, she’s heading to the small screen with: Beverly’s Full House, an OWN networked-produced docu-series guaranteed to give us a glimpse into the woman behind the magazine covers, movies, and entrepreneurial endeavors.

I recently spoke with the super talented supermodel-turned-mogul about her upcoming projects, being a grandmother, and more. Check it out below:

On getting her reality show on Oprah’s Winfrey’s OWN network.
“The last time I was on her (The Oprah Winfrey Show) show, I told her that I had a couple of great shows that I’d like to pitch to her. I had a pitch meeting with her producers and they were like, “Wow, that’s a great show and wow, that’s a great show.” Then I said that there was one other show that I didn’t have completely fleshed out, but I started telling them about the funny stories about my daughter and her family moving in with me. And they were like, “That’s the television show.”

Sneak Peek: Watch the First 5 Minutes of Beverly’s Full House

On becoming a grandmother.
“Yay, baby Ava! I’m so in love. She’s 8-months old. The name (Ava) is coming back. I chose the name. It’s such a beautiful name and it’s romantic, but it’s strong. It just has so much character. What was so beautiful about Beverly Johnson’s Full House is that Ava’s whole life is recorded since the time she was born. It’s kind of nice because all of that is documented.”

On what she learned from taping Beverly’s Full House.
“I was surprised to learn things about me. I’m an authentic person to begin with meaning I don’t really put on airs, but you really see yourself for who you are and what was so interesting with this show is that you learn so much about yourself. I’m thinking that i know everything about myself, but I realized that I really don’t know anything about myself. I’m watching it and saying, “No, you didn’t just say that or you’re short with someone or being moody.”

One her most cherished magazine cover.
“The Vogue (1974) cover. That’s the one that defined me. That’s the one that defined black beauty in America where they finally said, “Ok, we are beautiful and they acknowledged that in mainstream America.”

Beverly Johnson was the first black model ever to land the cover of Vogue in 1974.

On whom she enjoys seeing grace the runways. 
“I love Joan Smalls, Liya Kebede, Jessica White, and others;  I like keeping up with the girls.”

Advice for aspiring models. 
“Always have a Plan A, B, C, and D! It’s not that kind of career that’s going to last forever. I also insist that they continue with their education. That’s something that no one can ever take away. That’s the same advice I gave my daughter and it’s the same advice I give to all young ladies.”

On what sets her products apart from other brands. 
“I’m doing something that I was always afraid to do and that is to go into business myself. For the last line I had partners and the hair extension company was a royalty licensing agreement. I decided that it’s either now or never so I took the leap of faith.

The new haircare line are my dream products. I always felt that there was always a hole in multicultural haircare market. Everything is not about Shea butter and I love Shea butter! The products that I had before were ok, but now these are my dream products. It’s my direct involvement in the sense that I own my own power. It was time for me to do what I thought was best and that’s what we’re doing.”

Top Model Shampoo available at www.beverlyjohnson.com for $12.95

On her absolute must-haves from the line. 
“‘Top Model’ shampoo and the ‘Work It’ conditioning treatments are just divine products. Also the shine spray can be used on very fine or curly hair because it’s really light-weight. Target only has 7 of our products, but my website Beverly Johnson has all 24. There’s something for everybody on the site. I also just began my introductory skincare products too.


The price-points are a bit higher from the first Beverly Johnson brand, but the new and improved line is reflective of the quality. We also have my all new dream packaging!”

On being an entrepreneur.
“More women are going into business now more than ever before. People shouldn’t be afraid. There’s  certainly room for more women to go into business.”

Beverly Johnson’s Full House premieres Saturday, March 31st at 10PM, EST on OWN. 

Will you tune in to watch Beverly’s Full House?

Category: Beauty, Interviews | 2 Comments