Brown Girl Gumbo

Barack the Vote!

February 4, 2008

Super Tuesday is tomorrow and it’s super important for those of us who are living in one of the 24 states where primary elections are taking place to exercise our right to vote. This presidential race has been one of the most exciting and historical in recent memory. To have an African-American and a woman representing the Democratic Party is nothing less than spectacular!

In honor of my choice for the Democratic candidate – Barack Obama, I came across some cute tees and hoodies that support his campaign. A play on words from the successful Rock the Vote campaign made popular on MTV in the 1990s, these Barack the Vote shirts make a statement both fashion-wise and politically. Not only do they promote Obama, 25% of each purchase is donated to his campaign.

Even if you don’t plan to “Barack the Vote,” please go out and let your voice be heard through your ballot. We can make a difference!

$20

$40

All shirts (they have guys’ apparel too) are available at www.barackawear.com

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Category: Fashion | 14 Comments

Frenzied Fashion Week Amost Here

January 31, 2008

Yes, that time of the year is upon us New Yorkers yet again – Fashion Week! The crazy hustle and bustle of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week officially starts tomorrow and I’m so excited. This is my first year being invited to cover several fashion shows. I’m looking forward to seeing all the fashionistas and fashionistos from around the world clamor to see what designers like Tracy Reese, Diane Von Furstenberg, Nicole Miller and tons of other talented fashion designers have in store for Fall 2008.

I will bring you guys with me as I attend the shows, parties and all the craziness that goes hand in hand with Fashion Week. Hopefully, after receiving bad press for not using enough BGs as models in the past, leading designers will take notice and include more of us on the runways. If not, you’ll read about it from me and my fellow bloggers.

Stay tuned for the Fashion Week round-up!

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Category: Fashion | 9 Comments

Tyra Takes on Magazines!

January 31, 2008

TV talk show host, producer and former supermodel, Tyra Banks, just solidified a deal with the CW to produce a fashion magazine based reality series for the network. Banks will team up with veteran “America’s Next Top Model” producer Ken Mok along with several other producers who make Bravo’s “Project Runway,” a runaway reality hit.

The new series has been described as “The Assistant” meets “The Devil Wears Prada.” The show will also serve as a potential companion to “America’s Next Top Model.”

“It will be a competition show about aspiring assistants looking to become assistant editors at a fashion magazine,” says Mok.

Like with most reality shows, experts are needed. The producers are currently negotiating with a popular fashion magazine to host the contestants. The editors from the chosen magazine will judge, as well as lend their expertise to the competing future journalists.

All magazine and fashion loving reality TV junkies will definitely tune in. I know I’ll be watching!

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Category: News | 8 Comments

Sweet & Sexy Treats

January 30, 2008

With Valentine’s Day a mere 2 weeks away, it’s time to tell your beau to check out BGG for great gift ideas! I know that many men and some women feel that it’s the quintessential pointless Hallmark holiday, but what’s wrong with having a day of receiving sweet treats from your significant other?

It’s the perfect excuse to slip into new sexy lingerie and eat deliciously decadent chocolates — what’s not to love? Tell him to start shopping now to beat the mad rush that’s certain to ensue days prior to the romantic day.

Here are a few of my pretty gift picks:

Pink roses from 1-800-FLOWERS www.1800flowers.com for $69

Mesh Halter Babydoll Nightie available at Victoria’s Secret www.victoriassecret.com for $34

Sterling silver diamond accented bracelets available at Macy’s www.macys.com $34 each

Burberry Brit “Sheer” Eau De Toilette Available at Nordstrom www.nordstrom.com $52-$72

Godiva Chocolates $85 www.godiva.com

Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Treatment available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $15

Tiffany’s sterling silver heart necklace available at www.tiffanys.com for $405

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Category: Gifts | 9 Comments

Little Sheba Comes Back!

January 29, 2008

Photo Courtesy of The New York Times

Recently, I saw another Broadway play, this time it was “Come Back Little Sheba,” starring S. Epatha Merkerson. Known for her role on NBC’s Law and Order, Merkerson plays a faded beauty queen named Lola in this dramatic revival first made popular back in 1950.

Set in a fictional Midwestern town over half a century ago, the show revolves around the character, Lola, who is a frumpy, middle-aged, yet childlike wife of a recovering alcoholic. The play explores the depths of her insecurity, regret and loneliness. Lola is a needy and sometimes annoying woman who desperately yearns to feel loved and wanted by her husband.

Merkerson’s strength as a theater actor is truly exemplified in this role. Her expressions and spellbinding intensity successfully conveys to the audience her sorrow and dismay as if it were their own. Her co-star and veteran Broadway actor, Kevin Anderson’s portrayal of Lola’s alcoholic husband is also quite riveting. He sets the tone for this emotional rollercoaster with his subtle, yet perfectly executed gestures and speech that are akin to real alcoholics and substance abusers. The supporting cast also gives commendable performances and provides humorous spurts throughout the otherwise very serious show.

Even though this domestic drama boasts outstanding performances by seasoned actors, the overall plot couldn’t hold my attention throughout the 2-hour show. If “Little Sheba” comes back to Broadway years from now, I’m not so sure I’d come back to see it.

“Come Back Little Sheba” is currently showing at the Biltmore Theater, 261 W. 47th Street in New York City. For ticket information call Telecharge at (212) 239-6200.

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Category: Arts and Entertainment | 9 Comments

Meet Fashion Photographer: Piper Carter

January 28, 2008

Photo courtesy of Ward/VH-1

Being that I am a die-hard reality TV fan, I tuned in to watch VH-1’s photography-based reality show, The Shot a few months ago. I knew I was going to be hooked since it combined my love of photography with addictive reality TV. The show featured the super talented BG fashion photographer, Piper Carter, competing with 9 other up-and-coming lensmen for a chance at photographic excellence!

Her intense passion for her craft and abundant charisma made her an ideal person to interview for BGG. I was lucky enough to speak with her recently. Check out the Q&A!

BGG: Where are you from?
Piper: I’m from Detroit. Actually the exact street of the original Motown!

BGG:Do you currently live in NYC?
Piper: Yes, I currently live in New York City.

BGG: How long have you been a photographer?
Piper: I have been a photographer since 1992!

BGG: What made you decide to become a professional photographer?
Piper: I became a professional photographer because I wanted to make beautiful images of women.

BGG: What kinds of images do you enjoy photographing?
Piper: I am a fashion photographer, so I enjoy working with interesting lighting, locations & situations. I enjoy coming up with cool ideas based on film imagery and sort of recreating the atmosphere or psychological state.

BGG: Describe your photography style.
Piper: My style is a combination of raw, earthy, cinematic, strong, beautiful, simple and fresh.

BGG: What inspires you as a photographer?
Piper: As a photographer, I am inspired by beautiful cinematography in films. Great lighting I see on the street and in the paintings of the masters from the northern renaissance.

BGG: What made you audition for the VH-1 reality TV show, The Shot?
Piper: Actually, I got a call from VH-1’s producers in NYC asking me to come in and audition.

BGG: Do you have any regrets about appearing on the show?
Piper: I am happy I did the show. It was a great learning experience and I received lots of exposure and recognition for my work.

BGG: In three words describe your personality.
Piper: My personality is so vast; I am not sure if I can capture myself in three words or I may give the wrong impression if you catch me on a different day. But here goes: friendly, humorous and inspiring (lots of people tell me I inspire them).

BGG: What was your most enjoyable shoot on the show?
Piper: My most enjoyable shoot was the underwater of course because I won! Plus my image was amazing! I loved the dress, the girl, the lighting. Everything was just gorgeous! I was hoping to capture an image that was breathtaking and I did. I saw my shot in my head as we discussed the plan of action; and I executed it precisely as I saw it. The model took direction extremely well. It was very successful and it felt good shooting it.

BGG: The least enjoyable?
Piper: My least enjoyable shoot on the show was the kids because children are not my aesthetic.

BGG: Why?
Piper: I like to shoot women. I will shoot what the client wants of course, but my aesthetic is women. I like to create images based on the silhouette and structure of a woman’s body, life, etc…I am always thinking about romance when I shoot. For my taste children do not offer what I am hoping to achieve with my images: confident, strong and sexy women living an awesome life filled with romance and beauty. It was difficult for me to “see” children in my images.

BGG: Name a few publications where your work has been featured?
Piper: I’ve had work published in British Elle, Trace, SPIN, Essence and my videos on French Vogue’s website.

BGG: If you could choose one celebrity BG (brown girl/woman) to photograph, who would she be if you haven’t already photographed her?
Piper: Jurnee Smollett, she is amazing! I’ve loved her as an actress since Eve’s Bayou and I had been looking for her in film roles ever since. I love her talent and think she’s absolutely beautiful! She’s very passionate and comes across well on film. I have so many ideas for her. I would love to do collaborations with her and do my fashion film series. I have so many ideas for her. I’ve started doing fashion films: they’re anywhere from 15 seconds to 2 minutes and are purely visual candy). I could shoot her again and again in a studio with the fan blowing her hair and just one light or on location walking on 125th Street in Harlem wearing legwarmers and a leather jacket. I’m just thinking off the top of my head. She’s incredible!

BGG: Is there a tip that you can give BGG readers to help them take their best shot while being photographed?
Piper: Be confident! Don’t think too much. Practice in front of the mirror and take lots of self-portraits so you can learn your best angles.

BGG: What advice can you tell other aspiring and younger BGs who want to make it in the male-dominated photography world?
Piper: I can say be true to your image. Learn as much as you can, drink lots of water & get rest because it’s a hectic field. Have faith and shoot everyday! Meet as many people as you can. Daydream a lot! Reach out to companies and let them know you exist. Read trade publications like PDN and get yourself listed in LeBook. Test as often as possible. Always tell yourself yes and practice yoga. Not only does the heavy breathing alleviate stress, but constant stretching helps you get into awkward positions so you can get the best shot!

All photos were taken by Piper. For more information check out her website: www.pipercarter.com

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Category: Interviews | 10 Comments

Silky Smooth Skin!

January 24, 2008

During the winter months, our skin gets extra dry, which is always annoying. There’s nothing worse than having rough and scaly hands, especially if you’re going on an interview or on a hot date. Not to mention it’s flu season, which requires us to wash our hands even more in an attempt to ward off pesky germs, leaves our hands super dry.

That’s why we BGs should always keep a travel size hand lotion in our purses. With so many different brands on the market, it’s hard to tell which creams work the best. Being the product junkie that I am, I’ve probably tried and applied them all for you! From the fresia scented dollar store brands to shea butters at L’Occitane, I’ve slathered and lathered them all!

Remember all hand lotions are not created equal! Here are a few of my picks:

Vaseline Intensive Care Hand Lotion $3.99 www.drugstores.com