Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 21, 2008

Even though he left this earth 40 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory and legacy are still alive today. We BGs and guys should be especially grateful for his contribution toward making our lives better in this country. His unyielding desire for all people to be treated equally despite the color of their skin was remarkable. If it weren’t for his courage and others civil rights activists like him, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Take a moment out of your day to stop and reflect and honor this outstanding man’s legacy. Be sure to check out your local newpapers or go online to find MLK-related events taking place in your area today.

Also, be sure to watch Oprah’s special show today (check your local listings) in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

He may be gone physically, but his dream will live forever!

Category: Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Pull Your Card

January 17, 2008

We BGs are always networking and mingling. With professional socializing comes the task of exchanging business cards. Whether you hand out your company-issued business card or your side hustle card, pulling this pertinent piece of information from a chic card holder will always add that extra polish to your professional swagger.

Even though we live in an ever-increasing technological world, handing out your contact information on a rectangular piece of good card stock is still relevant. I’m not saying that you won’t immediately take the data you get from the business card and transmit it into your latest cutting-edge PDA, but you have to get the card first.

From a graduate student to a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, exchanging business cards is a must. You never know where your card or someone else’s may lead!

Check out some of these fabulous business card holders:


Available at www.giftsforprofessionals.com for $10.95


Available at www.giftsforprofessionals.com for $12.95


Available at www.redenvelope.com from $45-$50


Available at www.executivegiftshoppe.com for $31


Available at www.macys.com for $14


Available at www.giftsforprofessionals.com for $17.95


Available at www.redenvelope.com from $45-50

Category: Career, Gifts | 7 Comments

The Honeymoon is Over!

January 16, 2008


According to People magazine, it looks like the union between Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds has reached it’s end. The couple has allegedly separated after a mere 2 weeks. Although the union in Bora, Bora wasn’t completely official since it took place outside of the U.S., the couple was supposed to get married legally in the states, which is not going to happen now.

Is anyone shocked by this? I’m not, but I will say that I didn’t expect them to call it quits this quickly. Was it all for publicity? Who knows? There have been rumors and speculation about Eddie’s sexual preference. Perhaps there’s some truth to his “suspicious” relationship with his best friend who was also his best man, R&B singer Johnny Gill.

In this situation, I feel sorry for all parties involved, especially their children.

BTW…thanks for the heads-up K-Bear!

What do you guys think about it?

Category: News | 16 Comments

Brush Stroke

January 16, 2008

Any professional makeup artist will tell you that the most important tool to achieving a flawless look is a makeup brush. Neither the top of the line concealer, foundation, eye shadow or blush/bronzer will successfully produce your desired look without being applied and blended with a proper makeup brush.

Brushes help you apply your makeup smoothly with accuracy and precision, which enhances your overall look. Also, you need to be sure to use the right brush for specific areas of your face. To cover all bases, invest in a good set that includes a variety of brushes.

Remember, you don’t have to be a professional to use brushes! MAC brushes happen to be my favorite brand, but check out some of these:


Sephora brushes available at www.sephora.com for $150


Smashbox brushes available at www.sephora.com $84


Too Faced brushes available at www.sephora.com for $72


Pop-up brush canister set available at www.sephora.com for $45


Sephora brushes available at www.sephora.com for $44


Sephora brushes available at www.sephora.com for $32


MAC brushes available at www.maccosmetics.com $132.50

Category: Beauty, Fashion | 4 Comments

Ms. Winfrey Gets Her “O”wn TV Network

January 15, 2008


Just when you thought that Oprah’s empire couldn’t get any bigger, it just has. The veteran TV talk show host and mogul announced a deal today where the Discovery Health network will be turned over to her next year, becoming OWN — the Oprah Winfrey Network.

The cash-free transaction involved Winfrey turning over her Web site to Discovery, while the communications company makes her chairman of the network.

David Zaslav, the Discovery Communications chief says, “The focus of the channel will be the focus of Oprah’s brand, which is to educate and inspire people to live the best life they can.’’

“For me, the launch of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Network’ is the evolution of the work I’ve been doing on television all these years and a natural extension of my show,” says Winfrey.

There’s just no stopping the power of O!

One thing’s for sure, I will definitely be tuning in!

Additional reporting by Chicago Sun-Times

Category: News | 12 Comments

In the Trenches

January 15, 2008

Recently, I caught a fabulous sale at one of my favorite stores – Macy’s. Even though the Macy’s located at 34th Street Herald Square here in New York can be packed with thousands of tourists, sale-seekers and slow-walking shoppers, I decided to brave the fashion jungle anyway.

For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to visit “the largest department store in the world,” it isn’t for the faint of heart; it takes a die-hard shopper like myself to tackle such a fashion frenzy feat. But boy am I glad I did!!! That day I found a super cute, yet classic black Calvin Klein trench coat for only $106! I was thrilled because the trench was originally priced at $265. Plus, a trench can instantly add sophistication to your look.

As I fought my way in front of a mirror amongst the scores of frantic shoppers to see my reflection, it was love at first sight! I’ve always had a special place in my heart for coats. I don’t know what it is, but a fabulous coat is my fashion weakness. Once I whipped out my Visa gift card (a Christmas gift) to pay the cashier, I anxiously pondered when I’d be able to wear it since it was freezing when I purchased it.

Thanks to the undeniable effects of global warming last week, I was able to rock my new fashion find months earlier than expected. With this unpredictable weird weather, you too might find yourself pulling out your favorite trench before spring officiallly starts. So be prepared!

In the meantime, check these out:


Rampage Alaya trench available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $68


Lauren Jeans Co. available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $169


Helene Berman trench available at Nordstrom www.nordstrom.com for $328


Bebe trench availale at www.bebe.com for $129


Tommy Hilfiger trench available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $179


BCBG trench available at Nordstrom www.nordstrom for $298


Robert Rodriguez trench available at Eluxury www.eluxury.com for $385


The classic Burberry trench available at Neiman Marcus www.neimanmarcus.com for $995 (this is for the true fashionista with mucho dinero)

Category: Fashion | 8 Comments

Meet Celebrity Fashion Stylist Yaniece Piper Thomas

January 14, 2008


A few weeks ago, I attended a photo shoot with America’s favorite former top model and talk show host, Tyra Banks (for my regular 9 to 5 job). She was extremely down-to earth and friendly just like you’d expect her to be. Not only was she approachable and genuine, her glam squad was too; especially her wardrobe stylist, Yaniece Piper Thomas.

Immediately, I thought that Yaniece would be a perfect person to interview for BGG! Dressed in a funky pink snood cap, cute jacket and denim jeans, the former model-turned celebrity fashion stylist politely and excitedly accepted my interview offer.

An L.A native, who studied merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and once toured the world as a model, Yaniece now works in New York City as Tyra’s personal fashion stylist on her popular TV talk show, America’s Next Top Model , as well as for special events and appearances.

Check out my Q&A with the style guru:

BGG: How long have you been a fashion stylist?
Yaniece: I have been styling for about 5 years. I modeled for about 10 years and then started a clothing line called Liya Cynamone with a business partner. The line was sold to about 100 boutiques across the country and a couple of specialty stores which included Saks and Henri Bendels.

BGG:I know that you were a model before you became a fashion stylist, do you think that your experience as a model helps you in your career as a stylist?
Yaniece: I believe my experience as a modeling and designer has helped me tremendously with styling. Modeling allowed me to see the world, meet all types of people and experience different cultures. Not knowing at the time, I was making future business contacts. Designing helped me learn the structure of garments, learn about textiles and also taught me business skills.

BGG: Describe your personal style.
Yaniece: My personal style is vintage chic…I’m a little funky… I love flowy tops and a cute dresses. I’m 5′ 10″ but you rarely catch me without high heels. I guess it’s the LA in me.

BGG: Briefly tell me about a typical day as a celebrity/wardrobe stylist.
Yaniece: There isn’t a typical day in celebrity styling. But a normal show day is pretty mellow. Morning phone calls to showrooms and designers. Setting up looks for the day and dressing my client for the show. I usually stay on set making sure my client looks perfect.

But some days are crazy…we can start as early as 3 or 4 am to go to publicity shoots then straight to the talk show, then to a special event. My day could end around 12 am. You have to keep in mind my one booking never starts on the day of the event. Typically one shoot takes two maybe even three days to prep then the day of the shoot and a wrap day. When I say wrap day I mean returning clothing and taking care of the budget.

BGG: I know the fashion industry is a tough business to break into, what was your big break?
Yaniece: My big break was working as an assistant with a stylist who happened to work for Tyra Banks and pretty much worked hard and ended up with her job. It’s all about hard work and relationships.

BGG: As Tyra Banks’ stylist, is there anything that she absolutely won’t wear?
Yaniece: Tyra likes her clothing to accentuate her curves..she never wears shiny clothing.

BGG: What other celebrities have you worked with?
Yaniece: I’ve worked with a few other celebrities – Iman, Carly Wilson, Blu Cantrell, Eric Bennett and a couple of others.

BGG: Working with celebrities can be grueling because of their demanding schedules, what do you do for fun and relaxation?
Yaniece: When I’m not working I love to spend time with my daughter and find out what’s going on in her world. She’s a teenager so I get on her nerves. But when she’s tired of me, I love to veg out, go to spas, hang out and have a few cocktails…you know!!!

BGG: I know that you’re from Los Angeles, how is the fashion here in New York City different from the City of Angels, if at all?
Yaniece: In my eyes, the only difference between LA and NY is – Cali is more laid back…we love flip flops 24/7…even when it rains!

BGG: Who are some of your favorite designers? Why?
Yaniece: I really don’t have a favorite designer. Unfortunately, I’m not a loyal customer. If I like It I buy or pull it.

BGG: If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves that every BG should own, what would they be?
Yaniece: Three fashion must-haves that every BG should own are a pair of big gold earrings, a cute black dress and sexy lingerie.

Gold hoops available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $360 (I bought this same pair 2 years ago for less than half of that price so check them out when they go on sale)
Cute black Nicole Miller dress available at Nordstrom for $385. Again, you can find a cute black dress almost anywhere and at various prices.

Sexy embroidered babydoll nightie from Victoria’s Secret www.victoriassecret.com for $26.99

BGG: What’s a great fashion tip that you can share with BGG readers?
Yaniece: My fashion tip is always dress to impress. Even If you’re going to the grocery store put on a cute sweat suit. You never know who you’ll see. First impressions are lasting impressions.

BGG: What advice would you give to other BGs who’d like to break into the business of celebrity/fashion styling?
Yaniece: The only advice I can give to someone who wants to be in this industry is to work hard and make contacts. And if you’re already doing that keep it up your time will come.

Click here to see Yaniece on The Tyra Banks Show!

Category: Fashion, Interviews | 20 Comments