Features

BGG Featured on Style31 Mag!

September 23, 2013

Today I am so honored to be featured on Style31mag.com!

Launched earlier this year, the site is dedicated to the encouragement of faith-centered women and is a reliable media source on the subjects of relationships, fashion, beauty, travel, health and business. The name “Style 31″stems from Proverbs 31, which focuses on Christian women’s ministries.

The day I got the request for an interview I was debating whether or not I should continue BGG. I took the extremely timely email from Style31’s editor as a form of confirmation that I should not give up. Like many women, I struggle with not giving myself enough credit and falling into the trap of comparing myself to others (in my case to other bloggers). I’ve since come to the realization that there is only one Brown Girl Gumbo and I can’t be anyone else!

That said, please check out the Q&A and bookmark Style31:

In this day of social media, do you ever fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others?

Category: Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix | 4 Comments

6 Cute Moto Jackets Perfect for Fall

September 18, 2013

Fall, my favorite season, is finally upon us (although not officially) and I couldn’t be happier!

That means it’s time to break out our cute jackets and brave the cool air in style. While I’m usually a leather blazer kind of girl, this season I’m excited to give moto jackets a try. They’re edgy, yet versatile enough to be worn with dresses for a fun vibe or with jeans for a laid-back casual look.

Check out some of my fave picks in a variety of fabrics and styles:

Free People Cutwork Moto Jacket available here, $118

Gap 1969 Moto Jacket available here, $89.95

BB Dakota Johs Faux Leather Moto Jacket available here, $118

BCBGMAXAZRIA Asymmetrical Ponte & Leather Moto Jacket available here, $348

Forever 21 Street-Chic Faux Leather Moto Jacket available here, $24.80

Coffee Shop Faux Leather Moto Jacket available here, $55

Are you a fan of moto jackets?

Category: Fashion, Featured, Features, Style, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Must-See TV: Queen Latifah’s New Daytime Talk Show Premieres Today!

September 16, 2013

Back in 2011 when I interviewed Queen Latifah, I didn’ think it was humanly possible for the her to add one more job to her resume. Boy was I wrong!

The multi-talented entertainer, 43, is not only back with a brand new daytime talk show debuting today (check your local listings for times), but she’s also recently been named the new face of Pantene’s popular Relaxed & Natural haircare brand. Already a Grammy-award winning rapper/singer, Oscar-nominated actress, host, author, film/TV/web producer, and CoverGirl, Latifah is quickly becoming the queen of all entertainment.

Photo: QueenLatifahShow.com

Although this isn’t her first ride on the daytime talk show rodeo, Latifah will surely bring a fresh perspective to the new “Queen Latifah Show,” that gained fans back in the 90s.

Check out a clip here:

Will you tune in today? Did you watch “The Queen Latifah Show” back in the day?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features | Leave a Comment

Special Delivery! Top 3 Beauty Box Subscriptions for Brown Girls

September 12, 2013

There’s no mistaking that this year has been all about beauty boxes! Thankfully, the surge of those catering to us brown girls is on the rise.

Prior to these specially curated boxes filled with full-size and sample size quality hair, skincare and beauty buys being sent directly to our doorsteps each month, consumers had to navigate the daunting market to find products that worked for them. Not only was this process tedious and wasteful, but also very expensive.

Now subscribing to beauty box clubs make discovering new products with our skin tones and hair textures in mind much easier. Plus, you won’t break the bank testing and trying brands that aren’t complementary.

If you’re looking to join a beauty box club, be sure to check out these 3!

MyBrownBox

For only $20 per month, consumers can receive monthly samples from some of the top and up-and-coming beauty and lifestyle brands such as The Lip Bar.

Cocotique

This new beauty box on the block is packed with fab finds from brands such as, CoverFx and Curls. Plus, this particular service offers 4 different subscriptions levels including: monthly, 3 month, 6 month and 12 month offerings.

CurlBox

While this subscription service is currently sold-out, you’ll have to get on the waiting list to treat your tresses to some of the hottest brands for curly hair including: Hair Rules, Karen’s Body Beautiful and more!

Are you a member of any of these beauty box clubs? If not, would you be open for joining one?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features | Leave a Comment

Get Brows that Wow!

April 15, 2013

This season it’s all about thicker, bushier brows to frame our faces.

That’s right, step away from the wax and tweezers and embrace a fuller shape that will not only make you appear a younger, but the fresher look is also easy to achieve and maintain.

Simply let your brows grow in and allow them to take their natural shape. Then, follow your natural arch and pluck wayward strays and fill in any sparse hairs with a brow pencil or powder for a polished finish. I usually opt for a pencil that’s one shade lighter than my hair color and apply in quick, small strokes for a fuller brow.

Check out a few of these must-have brow products:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express for Brows and Eyes available here, $39.50

Benefit Cosmetics ‘Brow Zings’ available here, $30

Sephora Retractable Brow Pencil available here, $12

Lorac ‘Take A Brow’ available here, $22 *I swore by this palette for years!

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil available here, $32

How do you prefer your brows, thick, thin or somewhere in between?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features | 4 Comments

BEAUTY News: Sam Fine Launches Debut Makeup Collection with Fashion Fair

February 7, 2013

Beauty buffs have been anticipating the arrival of Sam Fine’s collaboration with Fashion Fair for a while, and now the wait is finally over!

The two beauty poewrhouses have joined forces to create a luxe line of cosmetics created with us BGs in mind. What could be better: a premier celebrity makeup artist partnering with the pioneer in makeup for women of color? Well, last week I had the pleasure of attending a press event showcasing the Sam Fine for Fashion Fair collection and I’m telling you that it doesn’t get any better than this.

Recently appointed Fashion Fair’s Creative Director of Makeup, Fine brings his innovative, creative and contemporary flair to the historical brand.

Sam Fine “working his magic”on a model.

Although this is Fine’s debut makeup line, his knowledge and years of experience working with cosmetics shows. Inspired by his international travels, the incredibly rich, pigmented collection is beyond striking. I was impressed, but not surprised by the quality of the products, which include: Eight Supreme Lip Color Shades ($22; 8 shades), Two Supreme Eye Color Quads ($38) and Supreme Shine Lip Gloss ($20; one shade). For over a decade, Fine has painted some of the most famous faces in entertainment, while Fashion Fair has mastered the cosmetics business for half a century—that’s bound to be a recipe for success!

The entire collection can be purchased here; $272. Products are sold separately at Macy’s, Dillards and Lord & Taylor.

Although I experimented with various lipstick shades from the line, African Violet is my absolute favorite. The semi-matte deep plum/burgundy shade goes on effortlessly and feels weightless. It provides just a bit of shine to create a vampy look without looking greasy.

Me wearing the ‘African Violet’ lip color.

A few of my other faves (from top): Dynasty Red, Pink Parfait and Moroccan Spice

I haven’t tried the quad shadows yet, but the colors are just as vibrant as the lipsticks. If you’re on the hunt for a collection that complements women of color, these products are must-haves!

For Sam’s lip tips, check out the video below:

Are you excited about this collection? Are you a fan of Sam Fine’s work?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured, Features | 1 Comment

Black History Month: Disney Junior to Air ‘We Are Doc McStuffins’

February 1, 2013

While I try to monitor the amount of television my toddler watches, there’s one show that always gets the green-light in our house—Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins.”

This entertaining and educational cartoon debuted last March and features an adorable young African-American girl named “Doc,” who aspires to be a doctor like her mom. In the series, “Doc,” diagnoses and “finds cures” for her “ailing” toys.

The animated show helps to diminish toddlers’ fears associated with visiting doctors for routine check-ups, while teaching them the importance of being active and healthy. Plus, it promotes positive images for all children, especially those of color.

Disney Junior's "Doc McStuffins," airs weekdays at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm.

Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins,” airs weekdays at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

In honor of Black History Month, Disney Junior is debuting “We Are Doc McStuffins” interstitials that will feature three real-life African-American physicians sharing what their jobs entail, and saluting their heroes. They will begin airing today on Disney Junior (10:25 am and 4:25 pm EST ) followed by a brand new Valentine’s Day episode of “Doc Mcstuffins.” The short segments will run through spring.

Dr. Aletha Maybank, Queen Majesty Ruffin Photo Courtesy: Disney Junior

The interstitials feature three of the founding members of the “We Are Doc McStuffins” movement – Dr. Myiesha Taylor, an emergency doctor based in Dallas; Dr. Aletha Maybank, a pediatrician in New York City; and Dr. Naeemah Ghafur, a family doctor in Los Angeles who provides specialized care for the underserved, including the elderly and patients with high-risk illnesses.

Ava with her favorite toy, “Doc McStuffins.” She sleeps with her every night!

Watch a sneak peek:

If you haven’t seen “Doc McStuffins,” definitely check it out! I enjoy watching it with my daughter because it’s an awesome animated show that encourages children to aspire to greatness!

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 2 Comments