Fierce or Foolish: Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress

So I couldn't resist! If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I had been buzzing about how I didn't care much about the royal wedding. But low & behold Kate Middleton's dress was way too buzz-worthy for me to resist posting for you all. By now, you've probably seen the dress but, per usual, I want to get your take on it. 

Kate Middleton donned an Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton gown. You can't get anymore classic and British than that right? I absolutely loved the delicate v-neck lace and the strapless detailing just subtly peeking out from underneath. 

This is actually the perfect dress for a royal bride. In my opinion, it mixes posh classic chic with slight sultry appeal.

What did you all think? Fierce or foolish?

Fit Room Flicks: H&M Spring 2011

So I took my usual weekly trip to H&M to see what was in store. April is probably my favorite month for in-store shopping (I lied, September is). It's when all the amazing Spring/Summer pieces for the year are in and ready to find their respective homes.

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Black Butterfly

Who says curvy girls can't wear cropped tops? Slide a hig-waisted maxi skirt underneath and achieve the same look sans the apprehension.

Found this butterfly top at H&M a few months ago and I have been dying to wear it ever since.

Funky nails to accompany my funky 'fit. I've fallen in love with these Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail appliques. They're the bees knees, seriously. Look out for my "How-To" post on that coming soon!

Finally got a chance to break out my Julian Louie for Aldo wedges! See my post [HERE] about the launch party. These make me melt. They're the Deanna style. I'm wearing them with everything I can this summer...

Butterfly Top: H&M. Maxi Skirt: Vintage. Wedges: Julian Louie for Aldo. Bag: Vintage Coach. Watch: Michael Kors. Ring: Forever 21. Wooden Bangles: Street Vendor.

Photography by Justified Photos

Jennifer Hudson Reveals Hollywood Discrimination

Source

 So I don't normally report gossip/news but I thought this recent story via Necole Bitchie was pertinent enough to share with you all. I also thought it was the perfect follow-up to my January post "The Great Debate: Do Skinny Girls Have More Fun" about Amber Riley and Hollywood's standards for body image. It appears we as outsiders aren't the only ones who notice that discrimination happens against plus-sized divas in the industry. Jennifer Hudson told Grazia Magazine:

“Last week I saw some footage of myself as I was five years ago and I was surprised. It was like I recognized myself but I didn’t. It seemed another world away. But in this slim world I do now realize I was being discriminated against. I’m offered more parts. There is much more excitement about me now.”

She also spoke to AOL stating:

People Magazine, April 2011

"...everything is worlds-apart different and it’s like being introduced to a whole new world in every single way you can imagine. What I mean is from being on the other side as a plus-size girl versus now you would never know what you’re being discriminated against until you cross to the other side. So now being on this side — people are different. There’s a whole lot more opportunities, people are more friendly."

What do you guys think about J.Hud's commentary? Furthermore, should she be proud that the media is treating her differently or disappointed? (Read the full article at Necole Bitchie)

 Personally, I would feel some kinda way if I knew the people around me were treating me better because of my shape and not my talents. What's your take?

Special Message From Lisa Price

The folks over at Carol's Daughter asked me to share the following letter with you. Lisa Price, founder of Carol's Daughter talks to the new spokeswomen of the brand - Solange, Cassie & Selita Ebanks - about their hair journeys. Check out the video below!

SHOP LoveBrownSugar: Retro Printed Blouses

 SHOP LoveBrownSugar has been restocked! This week's specialty boutique features ladylike printed blouses in unique prints with a mix of florals, chainlink and 70's style. Check it out:

Carol's Daughter Premieres Monoi Collection

Last night at the Carol's Daughter flagship store in Harlem, I had the opportunity to join Lisa Price and a small group of editors and bloggers to celebrate the upcoming release of their Monoi Collection.

The Monoi Collection is a Tahitian-inspired line of hair products that will premiere nationally on May 1st. Made from floral-infused virgin coconut oil, the products have been clinically proven to reduce hair breakage by 92%. Isn't that crazy? Of course upon hearing this, I knew I had to get my hands on it.

Fierce or Foolish: Beyonce's Easter Look

Source

Beyonce and Jay-Z were spotted trotting off to Easter brunch in Paris this weekend. What do you guys think of Beyonce's Easter look? I might need that snakeskin bag in my life.

Fierce or Foolish? Soundoff below!

Kickin' It: Jill Scott Listening Session

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to hear one of my favorite artists Jill Scott live in NYC during her first East Coast listening session for new album "Light of The Sun". Let's just say, I can't wait for this album release. The songs are sassy, fearless and honest. Love seeing growth in an artist I hold dear to my heart.

Flavor of Friday: Spring Cleaning

Photo Credit

Happy Earth Day everyone! It also happens to be Good Friday, for those of you who celebrate. No matter the religion or denomination, we can all use a good spring cleaning. The weather here in NY is just starting to warm up. I'm stoked. Here are a few posts I found interesting on this fine day:

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Snake In The Grass

LoveBrownSugar List: Coachella Street Style

 If you're anything like me, you enjoy having all your goodies in one convenient place. Enter the LoveBrownSugar List. Yesterday I spent a good portion of my day catching up on style pics from the Coachella music festival in California this past weekend. Needless to say, I'm in there like swimwear next year.

Here are my fave comprehensive Coachella Style galleries from around the web. Bookmark these, in case you need some boho chic inspiration for summer outfits:

Fierce or Foolish: Galas, Darling

This past weekend was chock full of galas and celebrity sightings, a sure sign of the spring season. Here are some notable red carpet flicks from the weekend:

Common Ground Foundation Gala

Keke Palmer

It-girl Keke Palmer was honored this weekend at Common's first annual Common Ground Foundation Gala as a "Woman of Excellence". She graced the red carpet in a silk ruffled mini dress and nude heels.

Banana Republic Summer Dress Collection Preview

Last week I had the pleasure of attending Banana Republic's Summer Dress Collection Preview in New York. The folks at Banana Republic invited bloggers down to their Soho, NY location to preview what has come to be their summer dress collection. I'm all about the summer dress, so of course I stopped by to check out the new styles.

Ask LBS: What Is NYLean All About?

So if you follow me on Twitter you've probably seen me incessantly tweeting at a man named Rob Brace aka @NYLean25. He's actually the creator of a new fitness program I've taken on for the month of April.

If these abs aren't convincing enough, please read on...

Flavor of Friday: Links à la Mode

Special thanks to the folks at IFB for posting about my #UPLIFT Challenge this week in their roundup. Check out the other amazing blogs highlighted this week...

Operation #Uplift

Edited by Vahni of Grit & Glamour

Oh  no. It's The-Coveted-gate all over again. As much as I wish I could  start this week's roundup with a glowing review of positivity, the sad  truth is that the blogosphere is rife with accusations of trademark  infringement, side-eye, competition, and bitchiness. Ladies and gents,  it is time for this to stop.

I'll never understand why people  feel the need to tear others down, or pass another's content—or  identity—off as their own. Blogging dynamo Cece of LoveBrownSugar noted this week that she's had enough of the side-eye in fashion, and  frankly, so have I. Last week, Cece issued an #Uplift Challenge: Find at  least one female you don't know personally and tell her something that  makes her feel beautiful. Don't get "#Uplift"? Be sure to read Beautifully Invisible's post—a Twitterless blogger is like Lady Gaga without a mic!

As you explore this week's list and head into the weekend, I leave you with this thought: "Women with wings," Sacramento, of Mis Papelicos,  wrote, "use their wings not only to fly, but to cuddle, to shelter, to  back, to push and to hug." What are you using your wings for?

Links à la Mode: April 14th

• Aquí: Thrifty Threads: Six unique ways to wear a vintage silk scarf.
• Beautifully Invisible: 10 Things about your blog that drive me crazy.
• BonBon Rose Girls: An interview with Kimberly Hendrix, the eco-conscious designer of k. hendrix.
• Consume or Consumed: A detailed account of being fitted by Intimacy bra fit specialists.
• Designed by Ann: What (not) to wear when going shopping.
• Dress With Courage: Anorexia, competition, and the quest for blogger win.
• FashionablyNumb: A tribute to the queen of bohemian chic, Anna Sui.
• Fashioned By Love: The colour of joy, sunshine, and daffodils—there's the right shade of yellow for everyone.
• Grit & Glamour: What V Wore: On the {Bur}berry last day.
• IFB: Coveted Media Intern Search
• LoveBrownSugar: Stilettos & Side Eyes: The UPLIFT Challenge—insights on the reasons we choose to "compete" instead of cooperate.
• Mis Papelicos: One year blogging and women with wings.
• Notes from a Stylist: Ever wondered what a Scotsman wears under his kilt? Kiefer Sutherland and Chris Noth bare all at the Dressed to Kilt show.
• Oh, The Places You'll Go: Plus size gorgeous—catwalk curves and City Chic.
• Shoeperwoman: A warning to all bloggers: A first-hand account of when someone tries to take your brand/trademark.
• StyleLab: Why Blogs are like dogs and other advice on blogging.
• Styling You: Why I need three styling irons. Truly.
• The StyleCave: Long live McQueen.
• The Style Confessions: 10 reasons to love fashion blogs.
• The Taxonomy of My Wardrobe: Our right to wear the trousers—and why we shouldn't take it for granted.
• This Girl's Vintage: Getting that vintage dress to fit you perfectly: its all about the undergarment.

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Dresses: Black, Sundresses, Wrap, Print, Cocktail, White, Work, Jersey, by Lanston, Tucker, Shoshanna, Parker, & Obakki
 

Winners Announced! Whoop Ash + Style Junkie Giveaways

 Special thanks to everyone who commented and submitted entries for both the Whoop Ash giveaway and the Style Junkie Giveaway earlier this month. See below for the winners!

Jennifer Hudson: PEOPLE Most Beautiful List 2011

Super-star actress and songstress Jennifer Hudson has officially made People's "Most Beautiful" List for 2011. What an honor! While I'm super excited and proud, considering Ms. Hudson was the only African-American diva to make the list, it also saddens me that it took her dropping down to a size 4 to be recognized as being "Most Beautiful". Hasn't she been fab all along? According to People Magazine,

"Now that she's in the 'best shape of my life,' the size 4 Weight Watchers spokesmodel and busy mom (to 20-month-old David) is working on getting her beauty rest. 'Between working and keeping up with my son, I can't say that I get too much sleep,' says Hudson. 'One of the greatest luxuries I am afforded is a solid eight hours every once in a while!'"

 I didn't event realize she was a size 4! People's "Most Beautiful" issue hits newsstands this Friday.

What's your verdict? Soundoff below!

Cover Girls: Amber Riley for Marie Claire

 

I was too excited to hear via Twitter yesterday that my fave Glee girl Amber Riley is one of the featured divas on the cover of Marie Claire. Ever since my Do Skinny Girls Have More Fun? post I've been a steady advocate for this young & fabulous plus-sized actress. She has an amazing sense of style and even won "Best Dressed" on E! Fashion Police earlier this year for her amazing SAG Awards look:

LoveBrownSugar Feature: The Frenzy TV

 Good news! My video segment with Franny of TheFrenzyTV.com (see HERE for Behind-The-Scenes) is finally up on the site! I had such a great time shopping with Franny and the Frenzy TV crew. In this vid, I highlight some really amazing Spring 2011 trend pieces I picked out at Buffalo Exchange as well as a few tips on vintage shopping in general, especially for curvy girls. Check it out!

Head over to TheFrenzyTV for more cool interviews and profiles!

UPDATE: For your thrifting pleasure, ELLEGirl just recently posted a Thrifting 101 piece on bargain shopping at Buffalo Exchange. Check it out HERE!

'Fit Room Flicks: Buffalo Exchange

A few week ago, I took a little trip to thrift and consignment shop Buffalo Exchange (posted about it HERE) and had myself a grand ole time picking out new pieces for spring. Here's a glimpse at some items I tried on for size...

Stilettos & Side Eyes: The UPLIFT Challenge

 If you follow me on Twitter, you might have seen me discussing this topic a few nights ago. I started a conversation with the hashtag #UPLIFT in hopes of generating some commentary about the well-known plight of young and fierce females who can't seem to wrap their heads around the idea that kind words and sincere smiles go much farther than side eyes and snubs.

Spring 2011 Shoe Trend: Nude Shoes + Giveaway

Spring 2011 Trend: In The Nude

It's officially April and Spring 2011 trends are in full effect at all the major retailers. One footwear trend to get excited about this season is the nude shoe. They're versatile, add sex appeal with minimal effort and you can never say you have "nothing to wear" with them!

Trendy

Boutique 9, $190.00

These babies from Boutique 9 are the perfect shape and look super comfortable. These hit on multiple treds, as they're platform, nude and resemble espadrilles a bit.

Edgy

Michael Kors, $850.00

These Michael Kors stilettos come in at a steeper price point but might be worth the splurge. They feature silver military-style buckles on the side. Cute with your favorite denim or a day dress.

Classic

Steve Madden, $109.95

 If you're more of the classic fashionista, keep it simple with these nude Mary Janes via Steve Madden. This style goes well with ladylike skirts (available at SHOP LoveBrownSugar), jeans and even night-on-the-town looks. As a bonus, this shape never goes out of style.

Cheap + Chic

Style Junkie, $42.90

These nude stilettos featuring crossover detail in the front with side buckle, come in at the lowest price point of them at all. You don't have to sacrifice style to stay within your budget. And to prove it, Style Junkie Boutique has teamed up with LoveBrownSugar to offer an exclusive $25 gift card giveaway!

Rules For Entry:

1. You must be following @LoveBrownSugar + @AStyleJunkie on Twitter
2. Register HERE and use code "LBS" in the 'Comments' section of the form.

Contest ends Thursday April 7th 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be announced next week - good luck!

Flavor of Friday: The "Best" Makeup Tutorials

April Fools!

Ok so these aren't exactly the"best" makeup tutorials. They're actually the worst, i.e funniest makeup tutorials I've ever seen. Ever since I went natural late last year, I've been somewhat of a Youtube addict. I can spend upwards of 5 hours in one sitting watching these hair & beauty vids! Anyway, I stumbled across the following videos the other day and laughed out loud for days about them. I hope you do too. Enjoy and happy April Fools Day!

African Beyonce Beauty Tutorial

5 Year Old Beauty Guru