Brown Girl Gumbo

Skirting Around Style!

May 20, 2009

Don’t let spring/summer pass you by without sporting a stylish skirt. Showing off your gams in a gorgeous mini or a sexy, silky skirt will surely get you noticed. Mix and match with fashionable tops, tanks and cardigans for endless options that are sure to please.

What’s your favorite skirt style? A-line, pleated, ruffled, mini, etc?

Check out some of these:

City Stretchy Silky Pleated Wrap Skirt available at www.nyandcompany.com for $34.95

Walter Water Color Plaid Skirt available at www.dillards.com for $112.80

Cotton Sateen Gateau Skirt available at www.jcrew.com for $59.99

Inverted Pleated Skirt available at www.martinandosa.com for $64.95

Pleated Full Skirt available at www.revolveclothing.com for $231

Wes Callie Pencil Skirt available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $69.99

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Category: Fashion | 18 Comments

Must-Have Hair Accessories!

May 19, 2009

With most weddings taking place in the spring/summer months, that means many of us BGs will be donning our ‘dos with pretty hair accessories. Even if you’re not attending a wedding this season, adding a bit of sparkle or a beautiful band to your coif with a hair ornament is a cute way of transforming your tresses during the warmer months.

Would you wear hair accessories? Are you attending any weddings this summer? If so, check out some of these:

Multi-Blossom Adjustable Headband available at www.andreabeau.com for $24 Get 20 % off all accessories when you enter the promo code “BrownGirlGumbo”

Floral Bobby Pin Set available at www.forever21.com for $3.80

Marc by Marc Jacobs Bow Bangle Hair Barrette available www.bloomingdales.com for $98

Jewel Encrusted Clip available at www.forever21.com for $21

Juicy Couture Butterfly Barrette available at www.saks.com for $40

Motteshard available at www.aldoshoes.com for $10

Swarovski Crystal Barrette available at www.saks.com for $65

Rose Headband available at www.charlotte-russe.com for $3.99

Swarovski Hair Pins available at www.swarovski.com for $125

**The winners of the Bio-Oil are Rebee and Coco. Congrats!! Please email me your mailing address info!

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Category: Beauty, Fashion | 25 Comments

Bio-Oil…Magic in a Bottle?

May 18, 2009

You’ve probably seen the commercials or perhaps you’ve even tried it – Bio-Oil, the latest craze in beauty. Produced in South Africa, this popular skin-care remedy is taking American consumers by storm. Packed with Vitamin A and E, Calendula, Lavendar and Rosemary oils, Chamomile extract and PureCellin Oil, Bio-Oil is the fastest growing skin-care product in the world. The oil contains no preservatives and is supposed to minimize the appearance of stretch marks, hyper-pigmentation, scars, as well as treat other skin concerns such as aging and dryness.

Bio-Oil available at www.drugstore.com (as well as Wal-Mart, Duane, Reade, CVS, Target, etc.) for $11.99 (2 oz.) or $19.99 (4.2 oz.)

I’ve only been using it for a few days, but will report back with the results. Would two of you like to try it too? Just leave a comment and two readers will win a 2 oz. bottle (a $11.99 value) and will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

Had you ever heard of Bio-Oil prior to reading this posting? Would you be willing to try it?

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Category: Beauty | 51 Comments

BGG Chats with Chilli!

May 14, 2009

A few weeks ago I had the chance to catch up with Chilli, from the multi-platinum female group TLC. She recently partnered with Dasani (the Coca-Cola water brand) to serve as a spokesperson for their new campaign that celebrates everything that makes women, “refreshingly fabulous.” Although Chilli’s 38-year-old, she doesn’t look a day older than 21 and I needed to find out her secrets!

Check out our quick Q&A chat:
BGG: What made you want to be a part of the Dasani campaign?
Chilli: First of all it was so easy once I was approached by Dasani because it is my favorite water and I drink it anyway. So to be able to represent and endorse something that you love, makes everything a lot easier. I was happy to be a part of it because in the 18 years of being in this industry, I’ve always spoke out for women and tried to uplift us. This (campaign) is just a continuation of that.

BGG: What do you do to keep your skin looking so radiant?
Chilli: Thank you! It’s the water!! I don’t drink soda, I don’t smoke I don’t do any of thsoe kinds of things. I drink 7 bottles of water a day. I know that sounds like a lot, but it’s not a lot to me. We generally drink a lot throughout the day, but it’s usually stuff like soda and juices with tons of sugar in it, which are not good for our bodies. So when you drink a lot of water, it ultimately keeps your skin clear.

BGG: What items are must-haves in your makeup bag?
Chilli: I have to have lip gloss! I really don’t wear anything except when I’m working, but there’s this blush by MAC called “Peaches.” It makes you look like you’re blushing naturally because it gives just a hint of color. I love it!

BGG: I remember at one point, you were designing handbags. Are you still doing that?
Chilli: Yes, I’m still doing it. It’s a website business called “Bags by Chilli.” You can go there to order personalized bags. My son, Tre, inspired me to do it.

BGG: How old is he now?
Chilli: He’s 11-years-old now. They grow fast!

BGG: Are you continuing to pursue your singing career?
Chilli: Oh yeah definitely! T-Boz and I just got back from Japan and honey I didn’t want to leave the stage! It was amazing. It was the adrenaline and the fans singing along…it’s the best feeling in the world. It’s times like those when I know that this is what I’m supposed to be doing because it just feels too good and I don’t want to stop. Not yet!

How many glasses/bottles of water do you drink daily? What was your favorite TLC song from back-in-the-day?

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Category: Interviews | 15 Comments

Pretty Brown Eyes

May 13, 2009

We BGs have always been praised for having gorgeous brown eyes. For those of you old enough, you may even remember Mint Condition’s hit 90s song, “Pretty Brown Eyes,” which was an ode to the beautiful shade of peepers. Now Sephora has taken notice of us brown-eyed beauties with its ten-shade Mono Eye Shadow Kit for Brown Eyes. The array of hues complements the pigment of brown eyes, by making them stand out – what’s not to love?

Sephora Mono Eye Shadow Kit for Brown Eyes available at www.sephora.com for $40 (a $160 value)

If you have brown eyes, would you use this kit? What shades of shadows do you think bring out the best in your eyes?

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Category: Beauty | 18 Comments

No Sweat!

May 12, 2009

With the air getting warmer and the humidity climbing, purchasing a good deodorant is essential. Wearing deodorant is key to staying fresh, dry and smelling good. Whether you apply it through a spray, roll-on or a regular stick, there’s a deodorant that will work perfectly with your body chemistry to help you avoid a sweaty situation.

What kind of deodorant do you prefer? Roll-on, spray or stick? What’s your favorite brand?

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant Spray available at www.target.com for $14.99

Bliss Under Arm-y Antiperspirant Gel available at www.drugstore.com for $18

Burt’s Bees Herbal Deodordant Spray available at www.burtsbee.com for $8

Dove Ultimate Clear Go Fresh Deodorant available at www.drugstore.com for $4.79

Fresh Roll-On Deodorant Antiperspirant www.sephora.com for $18

Coconut Deodorant Powder available at www.lushusa.com for $7.65

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Category: Beauty | 21 Comments

Dresses for the Recessionista!

May 11, 2009

Nothing says spring/summer like a lovely laid-back day dress. Since many of us are no longer splurging on expensive clothes, a frugal flirty frock is just what the financial savvy shoppers ordered. This spring/summer you can be stylish and sensible with affordable dresses that are comfortable and perfect for many occasions, such as picnics in the park or afternoon strolls.

Are you a fan of sundresses?

Check out some of these all under $25!:

Cross-Front Sundress available at www.oldnavy.com for $15