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Great Tips for Shopping Online

April 23, 2008

As you can probably guess, I do a lot of online shopping. I’m one step away from being an bonafide online shopping adddict! I can spend hours browsing through the endless photos of tops, dresses, jackets, accessories, jewelry, beauty products, linens and everything in between.

What’s better than shopping in your PJs in the comfort of your own home? Plus, online stores never close – they’re always open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Thanks Kitty Vodka for inspiring me to write this piece. 🙂

Do you shop online? If so, how often?

Check out some of my tips for an awesome online experience:

1. When you’re ready to buy something from a seller, make sure that the site is safe and legit. When you’re asked to provide payment information, the beginning of the website’s URL address should change from http to shttp or https, indicating that the purchase is encrypted or secured.

2. Google the words “promo codes” and the online store of your choice. There are bound to be great discounts on certain items, shipping, etc. found on websites such as: www.retailmenot.com and www.cashbaq.com.

3. Visit www.shopstyle.com if you’re looking for a particular item. For instance, if you’re on the hunt for a black, sleeveless, satin dress, this site will show all dresses fitting that description that’s available on the web. It’s a one-stop shop for all things fashion.

4. Be sure to read the online store’s return, refund and shipping policy. Most are very accommodating and even come with prepaid return labels in case that “must-have” Alice & Olivia dress doesn’t look quite as chic in-person.

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Category: Fashion, Online Shopping, Tips | 17 Comments

Today is Earth Day!

April 22, 2008

Today is Earth Day and from the looks of things, green is the new chic. From environmentally-friendly beauty products to organic t-shirts, the whole “go green” mantra is being enforced in just about every aspect of our lives. Today I decided to list a few eco-friendly products that I think will help us preserve our precious Earth.

What are you doing to help the Earth?

Check out some these eco-friendly goodies:

Shaklee’s Get Clean Starter Kit, includes home cleansers that are completely green! Available at www.shaklee.com for $167.15

Victoria’s Secret Organic Totes available at www.victoriassecret.com for $19.50

“Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style,” by Christie Matheson is a quick and easy read filled with great green tips. Available at bookstores nationwide.

Origins Organic Smileage Plus Lip Tint available at www.origins.com for $10

Organic Cotton T-Shirt available at www.delias.com for $26.50

Maksha Organic Gold Earrings available at www.bluefly.com for $55

Lumia Organic’s Wax candle available at www.lumiaorganic.com for $9.99

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Category: Earth Day, Eco-Friendly Goodies | 17 Comments

Oh-so Shady

April 21, 2008

Now that the sun is starting to shine brighter, it’s time to pull out your favorite shades! No other accessory can instantly transform you into a chic, pulled-together BG like a stunning pair of sunglasses. You can throw on a pair of shades and a little gloss and be ready to go! Not only will you look polished and fashionable, you’ll also be protecting your eyes from harmful exposure to UV rays.

Also, be sure to find a pair that works for your face type because contrary to what manufacturers say about shades, one size does not fit all. So bring an honest friend along when you go sunglass shopping to get their feedback.

Although the paparazzi may not be documenting your every move, you’ll definitely look like a star!

What’s the most you’d pay for a pair of sunglasses?

Check out some of these stylish shades:

Michael Kors “Corsica” Bamboo Sunglasses available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $260

Return to Tiffany’s Rectangular Sunglasses available at www.tiffanys.com for $650

Forever 21 Sunglasses available at www.forever21.com for $6.80

Oliver Peoples “Paramour” Sunglasses available at www.netaporter.com for $390

Marc Jacobs Aviators available at www.shopkitson.com for $290

Christian Dior Sunglasses available at www.bluefly.com for $165

New Frontier Sunglasses available at www.delias.com for $9.50

Classic Ray Bans available at www.saks.com for $150

Banana Republic “Sofia” Sunglasses available at www.bananarepublic.com for $98

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Category: Fashion, Sunglasses | 23 Comments

In the Clutch

April 17, 2008

We BGs love our handbags and this season’s crop of clutches will certainly satisfy our fashion fetish. The latest trends are actually comprised of a variety of styles. You can find everything from opulently oversized to sleek & small envelope clutches in stores and boutiques around the country.

They are the perfect accessory to a pretty sun dress or a sexy ensemble for a night out on the town. The best part is that you won’t have to fish for your favorite lip-gloss at the bottom of your purse like with big, bulky bags. It’s the perfect excuse to go out and grab a chic clutch!

Check out some of these!

Tory Burch Rattan Clutch available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $275

CL by Laundry Large Buckle Clutch available at www.target.com for $16.09

Elaine Turner “Lux Safari Alice” Envelope available at www.nordstrom.com for $325

Coach Legacy Bridgit Clutch available at www.coach.com for $398

Lodis Soft Patent Leather Clutch available at www.nordstrom.com for $142

Nine West “Feeling Exotic” Foldover Medium Clutch available at www.macys.com for $59

NYC by Perlina Patent Flap Clutch available at www.target.com for $9.99

Kooba “Kayla” Clutch available at www.kooba.com for $295

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Category: Fashion, Handbags | 22 Comments

Skintastic Body Scrubs

April 17, 2008

Want to get baby-soft skin? Well, the key is to exfoliate your entire body with body scrubs! Just like with our faces, our bodies need to have dead skin removed from the surface by gently scrubbing with microbeads, sugars and other exfoliants to get rid of dull-looking skin.

Using body scrubs in the shower or bath at least once a week will help replenish skin cells and leave skin feeling silky smooth! Remember, don’t over do it because using them too often can cause skin irritation.

One of my absolute favorite scrubs is the Say Yes to Carrots Moisturizing Body Scrub. It’s made with real carrot juice and essential minerals. Plus it smells delightful, yet it isn’t overwhelmingly fragrant.

Do you use body scrubs? What are some of your favorites?

Here are a few popular choices:

Say Yes to Carrots Moisturizing Body Scrub available at www.walgreens.com for $9.99

Ecstasy Sea Salt Scrub available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $28

Bliss Hot Salt Scrub available at www.sephora.com for $36

Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish available at www.fresh.com for $62.50

L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Scrub available at www.loccitane.com for $34

Neutrogena Energizing Sugar Body Scrub available at www.drugstore.com for $9.99

Philosophy Senorita Margarita available at www.drugstore.com $25

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Category: Beauty, Body Scrubs | 20 Comments

Maintaining a Healthy Heart

April 15, 2008

We BGs always find the time to take care of others, but oftentimes neglect ourselves when it comes to health. For example, statistics show that African-American women are at a greater threat of death from heart disease than women of other races. This dismal stat can be reversed if we take better care of our hearts. That’s why it’s imperative that we take control of our cardiovascular health.

It is recommended that we do some form of cardio 3-5 days a week for 30 minutes.

Whether power-walking, biking or rock-climbing, incorporating some type of cardio in our weekly routine is essential to maintaining good health.

Not only does doing cardio exercises get our blood pumping, it also helps shed unwanted pounds.

So if you want to fit into that itsy bitsy bikini this season – go out and get moving!

What’s your cardio workout of choice? Please share!

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Category: Health | 19 Comments

Light-Weight Jackets for Spring

April 14, 2008

The weather during the spring months can be a bit tricky. This time of year it’s too warm for our winter coats, but still too cool to brave the air without some type of outerwear.

That’s why light-weight jackets are ideal for spring and are a great alternative to the classic trench. They come in a wide variety of styles and materials. From leather to linen, there’s always a spring jacket that’s just right for you!

Check out some of these:

Italian Poplin Rain Coat available at www.jcrew.com for $158

High Collar Pea Coat available at www.babyphat.com for $89

Pin-Stripe Cotton Jacket available at www.forever21.com for $32.80

Summer Light-weight Chino Mendocino Jacket available at www.jcrew.com for $98

Leather Safari Jacket available at www.ardenb.com for $198

Denim Swing Jacket available at www.macys.com for $42

Pintuck Bomber Jacket available at www.ardenb.com for $128

Vince Funnel Neck Jacket available at www.shopbop.com for $295

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Category: Fashion, Jackets | 23 Comments

Today Marks My 150th Post!

April 10, 2008

Today I decided to take the day off and celebrate my 150th post! I just want to thank all of you who have enjoyed reading BGG since I started it last September. Writing about fashion, beauty, music, celebrities, etc. is truly my passion! So to know that other people actually enjoy reading my posts is so gratifying. I am so grateful for all of you, especially my loyal readers like K-Bear, Kwana, Ros, Kitty Vodka, Mimieyes, Ondo Lady, Divine Blackness, Ashley-Nicole, Don, Antithesis, 12Kyle, Afrodite, PCD, Product Junkie, KBL, Ananda and T.

If you have questions about ANYTHING or have any suggestions on what you’d like to see more of on BGG, please let me know by leaving a comment!

Thanks again for your support and I’ll be back tomorrow with Fabulous Photos of the Week!

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Category: Misc. | 28 Comments

Enticing Scents

April 9, 2008

They say men are first attracted to a woman’s scent. If that’s the case, I don’t know what attracted my husband to me because I never wear perfume!

As I have stated before on BGG, I love the scents of lotions and potions, but not really fragrance sprays. That’s until I got a whiff of R&B singer, Usher’s scent, SHE. After sampling the celebrity-endorsed perfume, I started to think, “Perhaps, I really can wear a fragrance without it making me nauseous!” I’m not 100% sure just yet if I’d actually purchase a bottle of perfume, but who knows, I just might give it a try! From light, floral scents to more intense aromas, there is something out there for just about everyone.

BGs, what are some of your favorite fragrances? Guys, does a woman’s scent really get your attention? Please share!

Here are a few popular celebrity scents:

Beyonce True Star for Women available at www.walmart.com for $26.58

Still by Jennifer Lopez available at www.walmart.com for $38.44

Mariah Carey’s Eau de Parfum Spray available at www.macys.com for $52.50

SHE by Usher availalbe at www.macys.com for $68

Baby Phat Fabulosity Collection available at www.macys.com for $45

Sean John Unforgivable Woman available at www.macys.com for $55

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Category: Beauty, Fragrance | 23 Comments

Lovely, Luscious Lashes!

April 8, 2008

One of my very first BGG posts was dedicated to my favorite mascara of all time – Maybelline’s Great Lash in Blackest Black. Although it’s still my everyday, go-to mascara, I have tried a few others that are pretty good as well. The way mascara magically lenghthens, highlights and simply beautifies eyes is something that I just can’t do without.

Recently, my favorite cousin, Kelly, challenged me to forgo my routine eye makeup application of eyeliner & mascara for a day. She told me that she had done the same thing and it gave her a more natural, refreshed look. What woman doesn’t want to look refreshed? So the next morning I lost the liner, but couldn’t bring myself to put down that little black wand! I just couldn’t resist having long, dark lashes that only mascara can create! Although I did appear bright-eyed without the liner, I’m convinced that the mascara really made my eyes pop!

If you had to choose, which could you do without, eyeliner or mascara?

Check out some of these marvelous mascara must-haves:

Maybelline Great Last Mascara available at www.walgreens.com for $4.79