Brown Girl Gumbo

Ravishing Ruffles!

September 25, 2008

Want to look sexy, ladylike and chic all at the same time? Well, the key to achieving this look is easy when you drape yourself in ruffles! Of course ruffles have ripped the runway for a few seasons now, but this fall they have never looked so pretty! Whether you opt for chiffon or even tweed, this wearable trend allows you to explore your super girly side, while still maintaining a sleek and sophisticated style.

Would you wear ruffles?

Check out these lovely pieces:

I actually received this adorable, yet practical tank during Fashion Week. I absolutely love it! Plus, it’s only $24. I’ve worn it twice under a cropped jacket already. Available at www.express.com

Herringbone Fiona Jacket available at www.jcrew.com for $150

Wrap Ruffled Dress available at www.standardstyle.com for $117

Ruffled Silk Wrap available at www.gap.com for $39.99

Phoebe Couture Ruffled V-Neck Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $288

Max Studio Ruffle Sweater Dress available at www.maxstudio.com for $88

William Rast Ruffle Broken Twill Jacket available at www.nordstrom.com for $398

Arden B. Long Sleeve Ruffle Top available at www.ardenb.com for $48

Brown Graphic Tweed Ruffle Coat available at www.bluefly.com for $270

BCBG Max Azria Ruffle Shirt Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $87.90

Black Poly-Taffeta Ruffle Dress available at www.bluefly.com for $209

Bebe Ruffle Soft Leather Bomber Jacket available at www.bebe.com for $249

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Category: Fashion | 30 Comments

Fresh Fragrances for Fall

September 24, 2008

With the onset of the fall season, many things begin to change and fragrances are no exception. During the colder months, many people often switch up their scents. This fall there are plenty of new perfumes that are worthy of a whiff. From Usher’s new fragrance for women to Ralph Lauren’s latest addition. Whether you prefer fruity, floral smells or earthy aromas, this fall there’s a fragrance that you’ll fancy!

Do you use the same perfume year-round or do you change it with the seasons?

Usher Raymond for Women 3.4oz fruity floral fragrance available at department stores nationwide for $68

Lolita Lempick 1oz. Eau De Parfum Spray is a warm exotic scent of granginpani blossoms available at www.sephora.com for $46

Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker 3.4oz exudes creamy musks along with sandalwood and orris smells available at www.sephora.com for $68

Salvatore Ferragamo Incanto Collection 0.17 oz comes in Heaven, Shine and Charms available at www.sephora.com for $30

Viva La Juicy 1.7oz Eau De Parfum is a blend of mixed berries, vanilla, jasmine, gardenia and caramel available at www.sephora.com for $65

Ralph Lauren’s Notorious for Women 1 oz. Eau De Parfum has an alluring lay of spicy oriental scents available at www.sephora.com for $42

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Category: Beauty, Fragrance | 28 Comments

Shopper’s Delight

September 23, 2008

When it comes to shopping, there are usually only a few stores I frequent. I am all about hunting for fabulous fashions that don’t cost a fortune. That’s why some of my favorite places to buy clothes are Daffy’s, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Century 21 and Filene’s Basement. These chain discount stores are the best for finding designer bargains for less, especially during these uncertain economic times. I’ve found some of the cutest dresses, shoes and handbags that would ordinarily be out of my budget, but got them at affordable prices at these stores. It’s funny because none of my friends or family enjoy going to any of these stores because they’re usually disorganized with too much merchandise to sift through, but for me that’s part of the thrill and allure. To me, visiting bargain basement stores are akin to going on a treasure hunt!

Oh and of course you guys know how much I love to shop online (Macys.com, Nordstrom.com and Shopstyle.com)!!

Where are your favorite places to get fabulous fashions?

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Category: Fashion | 29 Comments

And the Winner Is…

September 22, 2008

Thanks to all who left a comment every day last week in honor of BGG’s 1-year anniversary. As promised, one lucky reader has won the gift bag filled with fabulous goodies worth over $300!

And the winner is…

Congratulations MakeupbyRenRen!!

I want to give a special thanks to my wonderful sponsors. I have used and love every last one of the products that were included in the gift bag. So a big thanks goes to Cetaphil, Bliss, Miss Jessie’s, Susan Posnick, Neutrogena, Dr. Miracle’s, Sally Beauty, A Design Brushes, Barackawear and Smashbox. I want to especially thank Melissa S. who really helped make this giveaway possible!!

Last but definitely not least, I want to give an extra special thanks to those readers and fellow bloggers who have been with BGG since the beginning: K-Bear, Mimieyes, Kwana, Ondo Lady, T, Anthesis, PCD, PJD, B., Meme, KBL, NerdGirl, Kittyvodka, Soul, Solshine, 12Kyle, Don, and Dominican Enigma!!! 🙂

I’m going to take the day off and reflect on the wonderful year I’ve had with BGG. Stay tuned to for more fun giveaways!!

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Category: Giveaway | 27 Comments

BGs & the Big Screen

September 18, 2008

Ever wonder why movies like, Love Jones, The Best Man, Brown Sugar and other similar films are rarely found in theaters? Well, the answer is complex and is often a result of racism, but there are a couple of obvious ways that we can reverse this disparity so that our stories are shown on the big screen too.

Last Friday, I attended an interesting panel discussion about the state of black women in Hollywood hosted by Essence during the Urbanworld Film Festival here in NYC. The panel consisted of famed TV producer Suzanne de Passe (Zane: The Sex Chronicles, Sister, Sister, etc.), director/writer Gina Prince-Bythewood (Secret Life of Bees, Love & Basketball, etc.), actress Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda) and SVP, Production for Fox Searchlight Zola Mashariki (Notorious B.I.G). They spoke about the difficulties of breaking into the world of film for African-Americans, particularly African-American women, as well as solutions that could possibly make a difference.

From left, Suzanne De Passe, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Sophie Okonedo.

According to these esteemed panelists, the following two actions can help us get quality movies that we want to see in the theaters:

*Stop buying boot-legged DVDs!!
*Support films that star a predominately ethnic cast during the opening weekend!!

So go out and see the Secret Life of Bees starring, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys when it comes out in theaters on October 17th. Click here to view the trailer.

If we support films featuring us BGs and guys, perhaps more will be made for all of us to enjoy!

What is your favorite film starring an African-American cast? What are your thoughts on this subject? Are you guilty of partaking in movie piracy? Come on, BGG won’t tell on you! 🙂

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Category: Arts and Entertainment | 34 Comments

Best Beauty Buys For Under 5 Bucks!

September 17, 2008

I know that BGG oftentimes encourages you to run out and buy a luxurious lipstick, or a pricey compact, but I know that times are hard. With the stressful economic struggles that we’re currently facing it can be unwise to make unnecessary expensive purchases; that’s why I’ve found these great beauty buys for under $5. Drugstore brands are usually just as good as the department store kind. Being beautiful doesn’t always have to break the bank.

Do you prefer purchasing drugstore brand cosmetics or higher-end makeup lines?

Check these out:

Covergirl Wetslicks Lipstick available at www.drugstore.com for $4.74

Jane Blushing Cheeks available at www.drugstore.com for $3.32

Max Factor Eyelash Curler available at www.drugstore.com for $4.29

Maybelline Shine Free Foundation with H20 available at www.drugstore.com for $4.49

Milani Lipsticks available at www.drugstores.com for $3.49

Physicians Formula Mineral Eyeliner Pencil available at www.drugstore.com for $4.17

Revlon Fabulash Mascara available at www.drugstore.com for $4.93

Say Yes to Carrots Lip Butter available at www.drugstore.com for $3.69

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Category: Beauty | 32 Comments

Get Cuffed!

September 16, 2008

Accessories are a must for those who want to create a chic, polished look. This fall season it’s all about cute cuff bracelets to add that extra dose of glamour. Cuffs come in an array of styles, sizes, textures and materials. Find one that suits your style and get cuffed!

Would you wear cuff bracelets?

Check out some of these:

Kara Ross Small Python Gold Cuff available at www.vivre.com for $316