Brown Girl Gumbo

Keep the Post-4th Fireworks Going with White-Hot Jeans

July 5, 2011

When it comes to style, nothing says summer like a pair of curve-hugging white jeans. Now’s the time to ditch the dark denims for a lighter, brighter look. Remember, rocking white jeans isn’t for the faint of heart since they tend to accentuate our “assets,” whether that’s the aim or not. Whether you favor flares, skinnies, boot cuts, or wide-legged, finding a pair that suits your style will be easy.

Just be sure to take an honest friend with you to get necessary feedback on whether your finds are figure-flattering or a denim defeat.

Celebrity Pink Jean Skinny Fit available at www.macys.com for $34

Cropped Ankle Zip Jeans available at www.bergdorfgoogman.com for $97

Flare Leg Stellar Regular Fit Jean available at www.express.com for $39.99

Front Seam White Bell-Bottom Jean available at www.shopadam.com for $225

Hudsons Signature Boot Cut White available www.hudsonjeans.com for $165

Paige Denim Lou Lou Flare available at www.revolveclothing.com for $179

Modern Crop White Jean available www.loft.com for $54.50

White Denim Trouser available at www.bananarepublic.com for $89.50

Do you wear white jeans during the summer?

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Category: Fashion | 5 Comments

Heading to the Essence Music Festival?

July 1, 2011

If you’re one of the thousands making their way to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this weekend, be sure to check out Carol’s Daughter Pop-Up Store! From today through the 3rd, the natural beauty company will open its doors for a weekend-only boutique in New Orleans.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll be able to get a sneak sniff of Mary J. Blige’s newest fragrance, My Life Blossom, as well as see a few our favorite celebrities including the faces of Carol’s Daughter (Solange Knowles, Cassie, and Selita Ebanks), as well as Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, The Braxtons and more!

How will you be celebrating the holiday? The hubby and I will be attending the Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks media event compliments of my friends over at Macy’s. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to see Beyonce perform. Should be an interesting evening! Will report back on Tuesday if it’s good.

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Category: Uncategorized | 2 Comments

More Bang for Your Beauty

June 29, 2011

Betcha didn’t know that you can buy more than beautifying products on the popular Beauty.com website. That’s right, now the cosmetics online retailer boasts a boatload of fashionable finds including bags, shades, shapewear, and jewelry. With brands like Spanx, Ray-Ban, Nicole Miller and more, you’re sure to find the perfect piece to complement your pretty.

Check out a few of my favorite items from Beauty.com:

Christopher Kon “Corie” Tomato Red Clutch, $178

Dogeared 16″ Good Luck Necklace, $54

Spanx “Power Panties,” $30

Ray-Ban Sunglasses, $139.95

Do you find it interesting that an online beauty retailer is branching out to include fashion on its site?

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Category: Fashion | 1 Comment

My Summer Reading Picks

June 23, 2011

Nothing says summer like hitting the beach and curling up with a good read. I’ve always been a fan of self-help books and biographies and the following books don’t disappoint. Whether you download them on your e-Reader, iPad or simply find joy in turning actual paper pages, there are countless books to keep you occupied this summer!

Check out my picks:

“A Belle in Brooklyn,” by Demetria Lucas

Oprah’s Farewell Celebration: Inside 25 Extraordinary Years of the “The Oprah Winfrey Show” bookazine.

“Black Woman Redefined,” by Sophia Nelson

“Starting Over,” by LaToya Jackson

What’s on your reading list for the summer? One lucky reader will win a copy of “A Belle in Brooklyn,” by Demetria Lucas. Simply leave a comment telling me your favorite book genre (non-fiction, fiction, short stories, cookbooks, etc.) and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next week. **UPDATE** This contest has been extended until July 8th, so please submit your comments!

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Category: Books | 13 Comments

“Pint-Sized” Travel Sets

June 21, 2011

Since it’s been several years since the TSA deemed it unsafe to tote toiletries and other liquids and gels in quantities exceeding 3.4 oz on commercial airplanes, finding your favorite “pint-sized” products has never been easier. Companies caught on quick by making convenient travel sets of everything from body lotions to shampoos that comply with the security restrictions.

I plan on doing quite a bit of traveling this summer so packing my small-sized essentials should be a cinch with these six sets:

Bliss Lemon & Sage Sinkside Six-Pack Travel Set available at www.macys.com for $25

Fresh Brown Sugar Escape available at www.cusp.com for $75

L’Occitane Nourish & Protect Shea Body Care Set available at www.sephora.com for $29

Ole Henriksen Starter Set available at www.sephora.com for $68

Philosophy The Travel Agent available at www.sephora.com for $35

Somme Institute Mobile Travel Kit available at www.nordstrom.com for $85

Are you planning a getaway this summer?

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Category: Beauty, Travel | 2 Comments

My Summer Beauty Basics

June 16, 2011

Even though the mercury’s been rising consistently for several weeks now, summer doesn’t officially start until next week. So in order to endure the balmy season, you’ll need to have a few few basic summer beauty essentials.

For me, that includes the following:

Bold nail polish is my absolute favorite accessory during the summer. A pop of color adds a bit of whimsy to any ensemble. Essie always has a wide variety of eye-catching colors ideal for summer.

Instead of blotting, using a mattifying spritz like Skindinavia’s No More Shine is a refreshing alternative for tackling oily skin.

My new obsession has been the combination of a gloss and balm like Topshop’s Gloss Stick. It’s not too sticky, but gives just the right amount of shine.

We all know the importance of sunscreen, but unfortunately not enough of us actually use products that protect our skin from the sun’s rays. When I recently ran out of my tried-and-true Olay, I decided to give Aveeno’s Ultra-Calming Moisturizing Cream with SPF a try and I’ve been pleased with the results.

Nothing says summer like beautifully bronzed skin. Iman’s Afterglow Bronzer does the trick. The mix of pinks and gold makes your skin look sun-kissed.

What are your beauty must-haves of the season?

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Category: Beauty | 5 Comments

21 Drops of Heaven

June 10, 2011

After a busy week, unwinding is the first goal on my long list of to-do’s this weekend. Luckily, I’ll have some help getting a little R&R thanks to my newfound love of aromatherapy.

21 Drops, a modern line of therapeutic grade essential oils has a trio kit aptly called, “The Weekender,” that includes “passion,” “sleep,” and “hangover” oils. Collectively blended from jasmine flower, sandalwood, and juniper fruit oil, this senses-stimulating set will have you bringing your sexy back, slumbering soundly, and detoxing from excess.