Cute Carry-Ons for Seasonal Getaways

April 5, 2012
With sky-high baggage fees and the overall hassle of traveling by air, getting to your spring and summer destinations can seem more like a dread than a dream.

In an effort to ease my traveling experience, I pack strategically so that I only bring a bright and bold carry-on to avoid standing in those never-ending check-in lines and avoid those ever-increasing baggage fees. 

Opting for a fashionable, roomy bag will make for a more seamless and affordable B-line to your vacation getaway. 
Check out a few of these cute carry-ons:

Samsonite Bright Lite 29″ Hardship Spinner available at www.samsonite.com for $160
Lacoste Gymnasium Roll Bag available at www.zappos.com for $166
Rebecca Minkoff Carry-On Oversized Bag available at www.amazon.com for $795
Kipling USA Brixen Wheeled Luggage available at www.zappos.com for $230

The Crown Edition Crown-X 30″ Hard-sided Spinner Suitcase available at www.sears.com for $399.95

Tumi Super Leger International Carry-On available at www.6pm.com
American Tourister iLite Carry-On-available at www.samsonite.com for $80.99
Do you typically carry-on or check your bags when traveling?
Category: Fashion, Travel | Leave a Comment

Video: Paula Patton Gets Camera-Ready with COVERGIRL

April 3, 2012

Paula Patton seems to be on the fast-track to becoming one of Hollywood’s hottest stars. While there’s no denying her natural beauty, the new mom does get a little help to keep her looking camera-ready.

Celebrity makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff has worked with the starlet to enhance and maintain her gorgeous glow since joining the Covergirl team. Below, she shares a few tips on how to get the Covergirl Queen Collection Brand Ambassador’s lovely look.

From perfecting your pout to dramatizing your gaze, the following beauty tutorials are a terrific way to master specific makeup applications.

Check out the videos below:

Click here for more videos!

Do you frequently visit YouTube for beauty how-tos?

Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Sneak Peek: “Sparkle” Trailer Featuring Whitney Houston

April 2, 2012

This morning Today exclusively revealed the first sneak peek of the much-anticipated Sparkle movie. Scheduled to be released in theaters August 17, the remake of the 1976 film is directed by Mara Brock and Salim Akil (creators of The Game) and stars the late Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks, Tika Sumpter, Derek Luke, and Mike Epps.

Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in the movie, Sparkle.

Watch the trailer below:

Are you looking forward to seeing this film when it’s released in August?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 5 Comments

Sponsored – Aveeno’s Beautiful Change Challenge Part 2

April 2, 2012

We’ve all seen those tabloid spreads, “Stars Without Makeup,” but unlike some who scrutinize and ridicule celebrities who are caught out there without their “game face,” I find it empowering. When these women step out in the midst of paparazzi without a stitch of makeup I think it shows that they’re secure in their own skin, which is admirable. OK, some of them may not exactly intend to be plastered on the cover of these publications, but they still walked outside their homes without the help of a glam squad.


As women we all have days when we’d rather skip our beauty routines and brave the world bare-faced or throw on a baseball cap to cover our unpresentable strands. But, many of us have to take baby steps, namely me!  Once I decided to take part in this Aveeno challenge, I reflected on my daily beauty routine and recognized that I spend an unnecessarily long time getting ready.

In an effort to simplify, switch, and speed up my morning beautifying routine, I decided to give my hair a break and opt for a one-sided braid. It’s super easy to do and it’s a refreshing change from my usual topknot or two-strand twists. I’ve also simplified my daily makeup application. For a few weeks I’ve been using tinted moisturizers with SPF 30 instead of concealers or foundation. Admittedly, I can only do this because I’m not currently suffering from any discolorations or hyper-pigmentation.

Me wearing a side-bun and braid. 

New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®”

Category: Beauty, Health | 2 Comments

Contest: Kohl’s Spring Trends Sweepstakes

April 2, 2012

Is your closet screaming for some of the hottest spring and summer trends, but your budget isn’t exactly cooperating with those demands? If so, Kohl’s has a cool contest that you don’t want to miss. Simply click here to upload a photo of yourself in Kohl’s-inspired trends and fill out the entry form for a chance to win a $1000 gift card for a shopping spree!

With brands like Jennifer Lopez and Rock and Republic, Kohl’s has fashionable finds that will give your wardrobe a bold boost.

From color-blocking to knock-out neon trends, you’ll find various pieces to suit your style. Be sure to submit your entry today for a chance to win!

What fashion trends are you loving this season?

Category: Giveaways | 1 Comment

Get Beyoncé’s Vibrant Boho Chic Look

March 30, 2012

 Beyoncé stepped out yesterday in New York City donning a fitted neon pink tee paired with a pretty, floor-skimming print maxi skirt. While some may think the new mom may have gone a bit color overboard with her get-up, but I’m personally OBSESSED with this look!

Beyoncé out and about in NYC.

I have a tendency to purchase anything pink and if it’s bright, even better! If you’re like me and think the Queen Bee rocked this vibrant, boho ensemble check out a few pieces to replicate the electrifying look (warning: most of these maxi skirts come with a hefty price tag!):

       

Do you like Beyoncé’s boho chic look? Are you a fan of maxi skirts?

Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

Partying for a Cause with Petals-N-Belles

March 30, 2012

We BGs know that the only way to move forward in life is to give back. That’s why I was so excited to attend the Petals-N-Belles’ Limitless 2012 one-year anniversary event at Greenhouse here in New York City earlier this week. Founded by Damali Elliott last year, Petals-n-Belles is a New York-based mentoring  organization created to empower and inspire young girls.

Hosted by 106 & Park TV personality, Rocsi Diaz, the fabulous fundraiser was co-chaired by ESSENCE’s Editor-at-Large, Emil Wilbekin and social media maven and founder of Dinner with Bevy, LLC, Bevy Smith. With over 300 attendees, Petals-N-Belles raised over $10,000 to help support its spring and summer mentorship programs.

Not only did guests give back, but they also mingled and partied to the tunes of DJ Kiss. Plus, some of the mentees were present and spoke positively about the powerful influence of Petals-n-Belles. Having only been established for a year, Elliott is well on her way to improving and impacting the lives of countless young girls one mentee at a time.

Check out these pics from the event:

From (L toR): Petals-N-Belle founder, Damali Elliott, Shantelle (singer), and Rocsi Diaz
Event co-chairs: Essence Editor-at-Large Emil Wilbekin and social media maven/Dinner with Bevy LLC founder, Bevy Smith
Chrisette Michelle

Petals-N-Belles partner Isis Adewale and Board member Larry Ossei-Mensah

All photos Hannan/Selah/Essence.com

For more information on Petals-N-Belles, please click here.

Do you mentor? Were you or are you currently being mentored? 

Category: Misc. | 2 Comments