Brown Girl Gumbo

Fabulous Fall Accessories!

November 12, 2008

You know the saying, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend?” Well, that’s true but the reality is that we’re BFFs with anything that will make us look more fab and nothing does that like a few hot accessories! This season, drape yourself in inexpensive costume jewels, brooches and hair adornments for a dose of instant glam. Now is the time to add decadence to your ensembles with bold statement pieces that don’t cost a fortune.

Check out some of these must-have accessories of the moment:

Kenneth Jay Lane Rounded Square Cocktail Ring available at www.bloomingdales.com for $80

Jeweled Metal Headband available at www.forever21.com for $8.80

New York & Co. City Style Medallion Necklace available at www.nyandcompany.com

Metal Beaded Bracelet available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $24

Egyptian Silver Hoops available at www.girlprops.com for $9.99

Ann Taylor Faceted Stone Spray Brooch available at www.anntaylor.com for $40

Armani Exchange Rhinestone Cluster Necklace available at www.armaniexchange.com for $38

Do you ever wear costume jewelry or other faux accessories to add flair to your outfits?

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Category: Fashion | 25 Comments

Get a Natural Glow with CoverGirl!

November 11, 2008

Recently, I was asked to test a few new mineral-based products from Covergirl’s Queen Latifah’s “Queen Collection.” Since I had never used any of the beauty products from the line, I was excited for the opportunity to try the bronzer and pressed powder. I have tried several mineral makeup lines in the past, but this one is less expensive, but still gets the job done.

Although I don’t typically use pressed powder, I was pleased to see that it successfully absorbed the excess oil from my face leaving it looking camera-ready! Because you guys know how much I love to use blushes, applying the bronzer was an absolute treat. It gave me a gorgeous warm glow, which was a bit of a change from my tried and true Tarte cheek stain. Tip, don’t apply too much!! Be sure to tap your brush to remove excess bronzer!

Have you tried the mineral makeup from Covergirl? Have you ever used products from the “Queen Collection?” Just leave a comment and one lucky winner will receive a bronzer and a pressed powder!

Natural Hue Pressed Powder available at www.drugstore.com for $7.36

Natural Hue Bronzer available at www.drugstore.com for $7.36

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Category: Beauty | 22 Comments

Skirting Around the Holidays!

November 10, 2008

With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s time to get gorgeous for festive gatherings and parties. An easy way to get glam for these events is to slip into an unexpected, yet stylish party skirt! It’s the perfect alternative to the typical party dress. From sexy sequins to tiered taffeta, donning a pretty skirt will separate you from the pack and surely get the party started!

Do you usually wear skirts or dresses for special holiday events? Stay tuned for my festive frocks round-up coming up soon!

Plenty by Tracy Reese Sequin Full Skirt available at www.nordstrom.com for $275

Tiered Tulle Skirt available at www.oldnavy.com for $29.50

Larose Brocade Skirt available at www.fredflare.com for $48

Tiered Mini Skirt available at www.expressfashion.com for $69.50

Conspicuous Satin Skirt available at www.nordstrom.com for $144

Ann Taylor Sequin Overlay Straight Skirt available at www.anntaylor.com for $104.30

Sara Berman Full Pocket Tulip Skirt available at www.nordstrom.com for $330

Ann Taylor Ombre Pleated Skirt available at www.anntaylor.com for $149

Fumblin Foe Party Skirt available at www.dillards.com for $89

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Category: Skirts | 21 Comments

Yes to Tomatoes!

November 6, 2008

If you’ve heard of or tried any Yes to Carrots products, you’ll be happy to learn that they have expanded their family! Yes to Tomatoes is one of the newest additions to the brand. Just like the original, Yes to Tomatoes also boasts a line of paraben-free products that are 99.6% natural. The key ingredients are of course, tomatoes, watermelon, antioxidant rooibos and Vitamin A and C.

Recently, I had the pleasure of trying the thick and rich “Truly Terrific” Body Butter. The title doesn’t do this product justice; it’s more than terrific, it’s fantastic! You guys have read several times about how dry my skin is, so when I’m ecstatic about a new lotion, you know it must be good! The scent is delightful, not too aromatic, but just right. It easily hydrates my super dry skin without feeling overly greasy or gooey; plus, it’s long lasting!!

Available at drugstores nationwide for $12.99

Have you ever tried any Yes to Carrots or Tomatoes products? If so, what are your thoughts?

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Category: Beauty | 20 Comments

History!

November 5, 2008

I’m taking the day off to celebrate the win of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America!! THE first African-American to win the highest office in the land!! Change has come…finally!!! Plus, I need to get some much needed rest since I’ve been under the weather for nearly a week.

Courtesy www.patrickmoberg.com

YES WE DID!!!!!

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Category: Election, News | 22 Comments

Election Day is Finally Here!!

November 4, 2008

Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for! Yes, today we will cast our votes to elect the the 44th president of the United States of America (if you haven’t already)!! This has been the most exciting election that many of us have ever witnessed. From the down-and-dirty debates to the satirical Saturday Night Live sketches, this presidential race has been one for the history books!

Oh how I wish I was in my hometown of Chicago to attend the Obama rally at Grant Park. Oh well, I’ll be cheering him on from NYC!!

Will you be attending an election party tonight? What has this election meant to you?

**THE WINNER OF THE COMBS/BRUSHES SET IS BETHY!!! Congrats!!! PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR MAILING INFO SINCE YOU DON’T HAVE A BLOG.

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Category: Election | 20 Comments

Styling Tools for Our ‘Dos

November 3, 2008

When it comes to styling our hair, the tools that we use are important. I prefer using wide-tooth combs and paddle brushes to smooth my relaxed strands, but there are myriad tools that suit all hair types. From boar-bristle brushes to plastic fine-toothed combs, there are styling tools that will keep our ‘dos in place at all times!

I recently came across a great brand of ceramic and tourmaline combs and brushes called Studio IM. One lucky reader will win the following combs and brushes valued at $49.50 from this line. Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly. The winner will be announced on Tuesday.

What kinds of combs/brushes do you prefer? Wide-tooth, plastic, etc?

Nylon Paddle Brush available at www.studioim.com for $22