Event Recap: Essence Magazine’s 24/7 Style Breakfast

February 16, 2012
One of the highlights of New York Fashion Week for me so far was attending Essence’s “24/7 Style” breakfast at Strand Hotel on Monday. The intimate gathering hosted by Essence Editor-in-Chief, Constance C.R. White, was the perfect way to kick-off and celebrate the beauty of black women in fashion. 
Designer Mimi Plange showcased her Fall 2012 collection, which featured breathtakingly beautiful, modern, and sophisticated silhouettes. Three stunning models strutted their stuff in camel-colored, cream, magenta, and burgundy ensembles throughout the venue for up-close viewing. Plange, known for her luxury, chic and sleek womenswear definitely delivered. 
Pictured L to R: Editor Constance C.R White, models, and Mimi Plange. 
Not only were attendees treated to the lovely Plange designs, but were also pampered with manicures from our favorite BG nail polish pioneers – Ginger + Liz Colour Collection. Plus, we were also gifted with crystal bracelets provided by Swarovski Elements.

Pictured L to R: T. Bernie (CocoaChic Beauty), Kathryn Finney (The Budget Fashionista) and me (I think I was just about to blink).
The morning was filled with food, fashion, and friendly networking, which is always great! Be sure to check out Essence.com for all your FW needs, including street styles, photo diaries, and more. 
Have you been attending any Fall 2012 New York Fashion Week festivities? 
Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

Red-Hot Looks for Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2012

Whether you plan to have an intimate dinner with your significant other or have a fun-filled night out on the town with your girls, celebrate Valentine’s Day by incorporating the sexiest shade of all — red, into your look.

From fire-engine red lips to sexy, scarlet-colored stilettos, adding a bit of crimson can instantly create festive flair for the lovey-dovey “holiday.”

Check out some of these picks:

Maybelline ColorSenstational Lipstick in “Red Revival” available at www.drugstore.com for $7.50

Deena Ozzy Faux Snakeskin Envelope Clutch available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $10

Enzo Angiolini Red Bow Heels available at www.6pm.com for $54.99

Ginger and Liz “Draw Blood” nail lacquer available at www.gingerandliz.com for $12

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Modern Straight Leg Jeans available at www.lordandtaylor.com for $100

L’Oreal Color Rich Red Ravishing Lipstick available at www.drugstore.com for $8

Eight Sixty Tie Dress in “Chili Red” available at www.piperlime.com for $89

P.S Since red lips can sometimes make your pearly whites look well, less than pearly; preserve your camera-ready smile by applying the Listerine on-the-go teeth whitener pen, as well as gargling with mouthwash for clean and fresh breath. So when your sweetie comes in for a kiss, you’ll be confident.

Check them out:

Listerine Whitening Pen available at www.drugstore.com for $12

Listerine Whitening Plus Restoring Mouthwash available at www.drugstore.com for $6.29

Are you incorporating red into your look today?

Category: Beauty, Fashion | 4 Comments

Grammy’s Red Carpet Looks

February 13, 2012

Although Grammy weekend got off to a somber start, the stars still managed to shine brightly for the biggest night in music. From Nicki Minaj’s head-scratching red habit getup to Kelly Rowland’s blush-toned embellished dress, BGs definitely rocked the red carpet.

Check out the night’s looks:

Kelly Rowland wearing Alerta Ferretti

Alicia Keys wearing Alexandre Vauthier Couture with her husband Swizz Beatz.

LL Cool J 

Nicki Minaj 

Rihanna in Armani. 

Taraji P. Henson 
Evan Ross with his mom Diana Ross. 

Who was your best and worst dressed celebrity of the night? 
Category: Fashion | 6 Comments

And the Ri-Ri Perfume Winner Is…

February 13, 2012

The winner of the Rebelle by Rihanna perfume is Dada Chiku!! Congratulations!! Please email me your mailing address at karla@browngirlgumbo.com. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Stay tuned for more giveaways!

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

R.I.P Whitney Houston: We Will Always Love You

February 12, 2012

As a child born in the 80s, I like so many other young girls danced and pranced to the songs of Whitney Houston. Her megawatt smile captivated us as we fell in love with her incomparable voice. Throughout the years we saw the pop superstar soar to chart-topping highs and we unfortunately witnessed her ultimate demise.

While she publicly struggled with substance abuse for years, we loved her unconditionally and hoped that she’d recover and make a solid comeback. We imagined her wowing us once again with her powerful pipes, but due to various speculated reasons she was never able to reclaim her vocal prowess.

Whitney Houston 1963-2012

Even though she’s sadly no longer physically present, her music movies, and fun-loving spirit will live on forever. She’s now singing with the angels along with our beloved Michael Jackson and guest starring on Don Cornelius’ Soul Train: The Heaven Edition. May she rest in peace.

What is your favorite Whitney Houston song/movie?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 5 Comments

Event Recap: AmberMag’s Survival Secrets of Game Changers

February 11, 2012

Although New York Fashion Week didn’t officially start until two days after AmberMag’s Survival Secrets of Game Changers event with stylist to the stars Rachel Johnson and style expert and author Daisy Lewellyn, it was a great way to kick off the fashionable festivities.

Hosted by Marcia Cole, founder of AmberMag, the event was packed with over 100 beautiful and like-minded women eager to learn the secrets from the night’s industry pros: Johnson and Lewellyn. Held at the UniWorld offices here in New York City, Johnson and Lewellyn dished about the do’s and the don’ts of making it in the fickle fashion business.

Daisy Lewellyn and Rachel Johnson

Having helped transform athletes such as Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony into rising fashion figures, Johnson was completely candid and transparent in divulging what it took for her to become the authority on styling some of the most prominent professional athletes in sports.

Attendees enjoying delicious nibbles.

While Lewellyn who has worked at various fashion glossies served as the moderator throughout the evening,  she also shared personal stories and informational tidbits on how to make it in fashion journalism.

Super stylish attendees

From how to land a coveted internship to how to act professionally at industry fetes to the importance of staying humble, they spilled the beans on everything that any aspiring celebrity fashion stylist or editor would need to know to make it in the oftentimes cut-throat industry.

If you’d like to learn from seasoned pros in the beauty, fashion, media, and non-profit sectors, AmberMag’s Survival Secret speaker series is an event that you won’t want to miss.

*Photos by Cali York Photograph


Click here to learn more.

Do you frequent networking events and mixers in your area?

Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

Coo-Coo for Carol’s Daughter Coconut Mist

February 9, 2012

I have yet to try anything from Carol’s Daughter that I didn’t absolutely love. I’ll admit, my beauty closet is packed with products from the lovely BG entrepreneur. That said, when I heard that there was a new Coconut Dry Oil Mist, I couldn’t wait to try it.

Not surprisingly, I was not disappointed. Made with coconut and açai berry extracts, aloe leaf juice, and shea butter the light oil spray hydrates skin leaving behind a flattering glow. Ideal during the winter months when our skin is in major need of moisture, this mist provides just the right layer to help keep skin glistening.

Plus, it softens and makes skin smell downright delightful.

Do you use body oil sprays?

Category: Beauty | 3 Comments