Brown Girl Gumbo

Fail-Proof Fashions!

August 21, 2008

We BGs love dressing up and looking as pretty as possible, but let’s admit, sometimes our ensembles just don’t quite come together the way in which we’d like. That’s why it’s important to have that one or two absolute fail-proof outfit(s) for those days when we know we’ll feel confident and look our best no matter what.

This summer, my fail-proof outfit was a wrinkle-free red, cotton mini dress. It was summery and a bit playful, but could easily be transformed into a more conservative look with a light-weight sweater. I mix and matched it with various accessories and shoes – it was really a great find, plus it was only $23!

I took this photo back in June when my friend AZ came to visit.

Here are a few of my other favorite fail-proof pieces. Hey, bet on black!

Basic Tee – Black (or white) tank available at www.forever21.com for $6.99

Skinny Jeans – J Brand Jeans available at www.shopbop.com for $161

Little Black Dress – Sonia Dress available at www.guess.com

What is your all-time fail-proof outfit/piece? Please share!

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Category: Fashion | 29 Comments

Rapid Lashes?

August 20, 2008

I think it’s pretty safe to say that I’m completely obsessed with eye lashes! I’ve tried just about every popular mascara brand on the market on a quest to create enviable long, luscious lashes. Since I’ve tried so many mascaras, I decided to take my lash obsession up a notch – I tried RapidLash.

RapidLash is a popular brand of eye lash renewal serum that’s applied like eyeliner to your top lashes. It’s supposed to increase the darkness, thickness and length of your lashes within 4 weeks. I used it every night for about 2 weeks and believe it or not, I saw a huge change in my lashes; they seemed longer than ever! However, I read an article about how these formulas in the long-run could result in major eye trauma, which of course scared me to death so I have since stopped using it. But while I did use it, I was pleased with the results.

**UPDATE** I’ve been informed that contrary to other brands’ potential health concerns, RapidLash is paraben-free, with vital proteins and vitamins, including pumpkin seed and licorice extracts that help replenish and fortify lashes. So perhaps, I’ll give it another go!

Would you ever try a lash-lengthening formula?

RapidLash available at www.rapidlash.com for $49.95

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Category: Beauty, Lashes | 30 Comments

Skinny in a Cinch!

August 19, 2008

When it comes to clothes or accessories that accentuate my waist, I’m all for it. What woman doesn’t like to highlight her smallest part? That’s why this upcoming fall season, it’s all about the skinny belt!

From faux crocodile to luxurious suede, skinny belts are all the rage. They can easily add a splash of color to an otherwise, bland black frock while instantly create a stunning silouhette. Whether worn with a pair of slacks, over a long cardigan or with a high-waisted pencil skirt, skinny belts will update your wardrobe in a cinch!

Do you prefer the skinny belt or the wide?

Check out some of these:

WCM Skinny Croc-Embossed Patent Leather Belt available at www.bloomingdales.com for $68

Nicole Miller Skinny Snakeskin Belt available at www.bloomingdales.com for $85

Chain Reaction Belt available at www.anthropologie.com for $35

Renee Braided Belt available at www.delias.com for $14.50

Diesel Glamglim Belt in Gold and Black available at www.revolveclothing.com for $65

Skinny Belt with Rectangular Buckle available at www.anntaylor.com for $36

Claudio Orciani available at www.yoox.com for $128

Linea Pelle Skinny Studded Belt available at www.lisakelin.com for $138

Oval Buckle Belt available at www.forever21.com for $6.80

Streets Ahead Silver Buckle Snakeskin Belt available at www.kitson.com for $145 (each)

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Category: Fall, Fashion | 26 Comments

Color-Correcting Concealers!

August 18, 2008

Many BGs suffer from hyper-pigmentation (when patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin) due to old blemishes or acne scars and I’m no exception. I usually have at least one blemish that I try to hide with concealer. I dab a bit on the dark spot and then cover it with a bit of foundation and the unsightly blemish is virtually gone!

For years I’ve used Dermablend’s cover creme to conceal dark circles or dark spots, but just last week I tried Susan Posnick’s color corrector stick and was incredibly pleased with the easy application and overall results.

Do you use concealer? If so, what’s your favorite brand?

Check out some of these:

Susan Posnick Color Correct Pencil available at www.susanposnick.com for $22

Benefit Erase Paste available at www.bloomingdales.com for $26

Dermablend Cover Creme available at www.ulta.com for $31

Murad Acne Treatment Concealer available at www.sephora.com for $20

MAC Select Coverup Concealer available at www.maccosmetics.com for $15

Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer available at www.drugstore.com for $3.99

Smashbox Camera-Ready Full-Coverage Concealer available at www.beauty.com $18

Philosophy Supernatural Airbrushed Concealer available at www.beauty.com for $25

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Category: Beauty | 18 Comments

Gadgets & Gizmos

August 14, 2008

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not exactly a gadget girl. Don’t get me wrong, I do own an iPod, in fact, I just had to purchase another one since I accidentally left my old one on a plane on my way back for L.A., but that’s another story. Although I’m all for things that enhance our lives and make it more enjoyable, I’m just not a tech-obsessed person who has to have the latest gizmo, but there are some things that a girl just can’t live without. Thanks PBW for the inspiration!

Check out some of these fabulous female-friendly gadgets! (Note: Most of these items are available pretty in pink if that’s your preference!)

Apple Macbook starting at $1099.00 at www.apple.com

Logitech v220 Cordless Optical Laptop Mouse available at www.bestbuy.com for $34.99

Apple iPod 8GB Nano available at www.apple.com for $199

Verizon Blackberry Curve available at www.bestbuy.com for $579.99

Garmin 200 GPS available at www.bestbuy.com for $152.99

Aiptek 5.0 Megapixel Digital Camcorder available at www.bestbuy.com for $149.99

Canon Powershot 8.0 Megapixel ELPHA Digital Camera available at www.bestbuy.com for $229.99

Are you a gadget guru? What’s your must-have tech item?

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Category: Gadgets, Gifts, Tech | 25 Comments

Summer Deals That will Take You into Fall!

August 13, 2008

All true fashionistas and die-hard shoppers know that August is the absolute best month to shop for end-of-the-season clothes! Granted, most of your finds probably won’t be able to be worn until next summer, but there are definitely pieces out there that can be layered and incorporated into your fall wardrobe.

Check out some of these end-of-summer deals that will also work during the cooler months ahead!

Michael by Michael Kors Cotton Stretch Safari Shirt $35 originally $70 available at www.vivre.com. This classic piece will look fresh and chic under a chunky knit cardigan.

Michael by Michael Kors Tank Dress $98.90 was originally $149.50 available at www.nordstrom.com. This adorable frock can be instantly updated for the fall with a tailored blazer and opaque or textured tights.

Conspicuous Mini Doll Double-Breasted Jacket $97.90 was originally $247 available at www.nordstrom.com. This light-weight jacket will suit you better than a light-weight sweater during the upcoming cooler season.

Aldo Leather Peep-toe Platforms $69.99 was $295 available at www.aldo.com. You know I love a sexy peep-toe shoe and this pair will definitely take you into the fall in style if worn with black tights; perfect for a cool night out on the town.

Have you found any great end-of-season deals lately? What’s is your best sale item ever?

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Category: Fashion | 22 Comments

Breakthrough In Beauty Contest

August 12, 2008

There are so many BGs who aspire to become beauty entrepreneurs. In fact, I used to be one of them! A few years ago I along with a business partner started a beauty and skin-care line. I later decided that it really wasn’t my passion so I left the business and focused on my true love – writing! Perhaps you or someone you know is looking to get a beauty company off the ground and are seeking business funding and distribution. If so, you need to visit Breakthrough in Beauty TODAY!!

This year they’re looking for makeup lines, specifically foundations, or even mineral makeup. Who knows? You just might become the next Bobbi Brown (Girl)! Please hurry because the deadline is Sept. 1st, so go to www.breakthroughinbeauty.com to fill out the application.

In the meantime, click on the links to some of our favorite BG beauty entrepreneurs! Do you have a favorite?

Kimora Lee Simmons check out her cosmetic line www.kimoraleesimmons.com