Confessions of a Shopaholic: Memorial Day Sales

Happy Memorial Day everyone! This weekend is such a special time. It's a time for expressing appreciation for the fallen soldiers that have fought for our beautiful country. And it also marks the official beginning of summer - woot! Whether you're spending it with friends & family, away on vacay or poolside for a BBQ, I hope you all are enjoying yourselves.

Memorial Day weekend also means MAJOR summer sales. So you'll either love me or hate me for this, but here are some Memorial Day sales you just can't pass up:

ASOS (20% OFF)

Click above for ASOS.com

You guys know how obsessed I am with ASOS. They have sales that roll out literally every other week and Memorial Day is no exception. Scoop up an additional 20% off their low prices with code TAKE20 at checkout!

Macy's (Storewide SALE plus 15% OFF)

Click for Macys.com

If all else fails, we all know Macy's will be having a sale, no matter what holiday it is. For Memorial Day, they've slashed prices storewide and are giving an additional 15% OFF all merchandise using promo code SAVE at checkout.

Old Navy (Summer Sale + 15% OFF Everything)

Click above for OldNavy.com

I'm a huge fan of Old Navy for their staples. I head there for plain tees and jeans I know will fit (love their Diva cut jeans, they fit me like a glove!) For the holiday, they're giving 15% OFF everything with code ONSUMMER

Nine West (Buy One Get One 50% OFF)

Click above for NineWest.com

 Who doesn't want two pairs of shoes for the price of one and a half?

Nine West is hosting their annual BOGO sale - perfect time to stock up on comfortable summer sandals at affordable prices!

Topshop (20% OFF Select Merchandise)

Click above for Topshop.com

Topshop brings London chic, stateside with cute and trendy items like denim jumpers and killer heels.

They're giving 20% OFF for the holiday - head there now and stock up!

Forever 21 (FREE Shipping)

Click above for Forever21.com

Forever21 is doing FREE shipping for the holiday! Not only can you stock up on cheap summer essentials, but you don't have to pay a dime to have them dropped off on your doorstep.

J.Crew (30% OFF Sale Items)

Click above for JCrew.com

 I'm obsessed with J.Crew baubles. They have the best staple work-to-play pieces and amazing statement jewelry. Save an extra 30% off their sale items this weekend.

Happy Shopping!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Dressed to Impress

Last week, before heading downtown to have dinner with Gabifresh and a few other bloggers, I decided to shoot this new dress ASOS was gracious enough to send me from the ASOS Curve preview back in April.

 I really love the shape of this dress. It's the ASOS Curve Exclusive Skater Dress in Mono Art Decor Print ($74.81). Again, as an A-line silhouette it flatters my curves really well.

 I'm obsessed with patterns and black/white is a huge trend this season.

I decided to pair the look with my favorite red strappy heels and a black leather bag from Zara.

 Per usual, I rocked a red lip - MAC Ruby Woo, my fave!

Dress c/o ASOS Curve [buy it here] | Shoes: Zara [similar here] | Bag: Zara [similar here] | Cuff c/o Stella & Dot | Bangles: Street Vendor | Lips: MAC Ruby Woo [buy it here]

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On the Market: ASOS Curve Spring/Summer 2013

Last week I had the pleasure of enjoying afternoon tea with the folks over at ASOS Curve. You guys know how obsessed I am with ASOS. I've been shopping the site since college. Back then, shipping from the UK to the US took nearly 3 weeks and my college roommates and I used to group our orders together to alleviate shipping costs. We used to wait for our ASOS shipments with bated breathe. Ahh, the good ole days.

Anyway, I'm beyond amazed at how much the ASOS site has grown. Back then, ASOS Curve didn't even exist so it makes me so happy to see that a growing trendy site like ASOS really cares about providing great fashion to us curvy girls. And when I say great, I mean GREAT. I mean not just some flimsy A-line black dresses but trends you've seen on the runway...in YOUR size. Check out my afternoon tea visit to the showroom:

My favorite curvy bloggers were in attendance, everyone from Gabi of Gabifresh, Nicolette Mason, Sarah of StyleIT and Alissa of Stylish Curves.

So many different sizes and body types represented at the table - such a beautiful thing!

After stuffing my face with Victoria sponge cake and champagne, I shimmied over to the racks for a closer look at the collection, which blew me away.

My mouth dropped when I saw the selection of clothes. There are cutoff jeans for curvy girls, statement  t-shirt dresses in fun prints, formal dresses, leather skirts. You name it! I was gagging. I died and came back to life.

The dress in the middle stole my heart (only $66.50 on site now!). Like, I wanted one of everything. It was that serious. Luckily, most of the pieces are actually available on site now. Below find a few of my faves:

Do you guys love ASOS as much as I do? What do you love most about it?

Instaweek 3.25.13

Happy Monday guys! It's been a while since I posted my last Instaweek. If you guys are following me (@LoveBrownSugar on Instagram), you've probably noticed I've been super hyped about all the new products and launches for this upcoming spring. Here's what I'm most excited about:

Cece's Curls

Update! I've taken my Indique Hair extensions out and my 'fro is back in full effect. I'm happy to see it's been growing so beautifully, and beyond excited to try out some new curly products. Last week, I did a review of the Karen's Body Beautiful collection (that giveaway is still going till Friday so make sure you enter!). This week I plan on trying out some new products from Eden Bodyworks and Anu Essentials. I'm such a product junkie...

Spring Fashion

I'm super excited to start back my On The Market series. I've been going to a myriad of Spring/Summer as well as Fall 2013 fashion previews over the past few weeks. I love previews because they give you a closer look at the collections, as opposed to the fashion shows. I previewed the ASOS Curve S/S 2013 collection which is to DIE for. And new UK retailer Boohoo.com has finally launched in the US! Super cute fashion at affordable prices, I highly recommend.

Start Saying "I Will"

Last week's Monday Motivation was all about the power of saying "I will." I'm obsessed with nail art, but up until now I assumed if you didn't have nail appliques or an experienced nail artist in tow, you couldn't do it. Well last week I tried out a bit of freehand nail design myself for my Style Play Polish: St. Patrick's Day Edition and it turned out great! Small victory but it definitely empowered me to say "I will" in other areas of life. Take a few risks. The worst that can happen is that you fail. And even then, you just pick yourself up and start again!

Have an amazing week folks!

Steal My Chic: New Year's Eve Glam 2013

Happy New Year guys! It's 2013 and I'm beyond elated to see another year with you all. I had a blast for New Year's Eve this year. I rang in the new year adorned in a fitted peplum dress from ASOS. As you can see above, the front is V-Neck shaped and peplum and the back is cross-back. It was a little more risque than I normally do, but you know NYE - it's go hard or go home! Perfect time to flaunt curves with confidence. I would definitely recreate this party look in the future for other events and special occasions. Here's what I wore, including my accessories which aren't shown above, in case you want to recreate something similar:

 1. ASOS Peplum Cut Out Dress ($61.57)

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2. T+J Designs 18K White Gold Pave Bracelet ($100.00)

3. Handbag Heaven Kourtney Cross-Body Bag ($42.46)

4. MIA Shoes Snakeskin Booties

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What outfit did you rock on New Year's Eve? 

Leave a pic for me on the LoveBrownSugar Facebook Page and you could end up in a recap post next week. Also feel free to tag @LoveBrownSugar in your Instagram pics from NYE. Would love to see what you guys rocked!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Mixed Media

So I'm officially obsessed with this leather dress from H&M (few seasons old). I wore it in an outfit post during NYFW and again earlier this season and I found yet another way to rock it with this outfit. Honestly, it's one of my favorite seasonal pieces because there are so many different ways to work it. This lovers+friends ($166.00) version is very similar. And if you're more of a skirt person, this Urban Outfitters ($99.00) version might strike your fancy.

I had been searching far & wide for a really awesome denim shirt. I found this one at American Apparel ($64.00) back in September and it's been holding me down. ASOS ($43.10) has a super cute version with a studded collar.

It's stretchy so I can wear it long or tie it at the waist and wear it cropped. Goes really well with leggings (my lazy day uniform) and pretty much anything else. It's also great for making dressy outfits a bit more casual.

So remember I told you about my backpack obsession this season? It's still going strong... 

I found this leopard & leather number at Urban Outfitters ($79.00) and we've been inseparable ever since.

The booties! Y'all know I love a good bootie for the fall/winter season. I snatched these up at Bare Feet Shoes, but they're available at a few different retailers. Find a few different colors at Zoo Shoo ($38.90) - super affordable and cute.

For the face, I've been really enjoying my new foundation & powder combo from Cover FX. They were nice enough to gift me a set of products at their last press event and I've been loving them ever since. I use their Total Cover Cream Foundation ($42) and Matte Setting Powder ($32) to get complete coverage that's light and natural-looking. I layered my LiSi Cosmetics Flushed Pressed Powder Blush ($7.90) on the cheeks for a hint of color, and topped it off with my MAC Ruby Woo ($15).

As for the curls, I achieved this look with a braid-out. As promised, later this week I'll be posting about my updated hair regimen including how I achieve this look and the products I used so stay tuned.

Photo Credit: Sandrine Charles (photosbysands)

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Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals 2012

Last year during Black Friday, I had an unfortunate experience at the mall. Someone took one of my shopping bags while I wasn't looking and I nearly flipped ALL the way out. And that was the end of my in-store Black Friday shopping. Ever.

So, this year, being the digital savvy fashionista I am, I'm all about the digital deals. Why slave away on long lines when you can click & shop from the comfort of your home? So here are the top 5 cyber deals I'll be taking advantage of this weekend:

1. ASOS: 20% Off Everything (Even SALE Items)

 I must confess, all of my EPIC party dresses of yesteryear have come from ASOS. It's one of my favorite online shopping destinations. And they're giving an extra 20% they're already low prices. No-brainer!

Shop ASOS Here!

2. LiSi Cosmetics: 50% Off Everything

Aside from the fact that LoveBrownSugar has a new nail lacquer with them (on PRESALE at Shop LoveBrownSugar), their prices are ridiculously low ON THE REGULAR. I'm talking nail polish for $4.90! Until Monday, everything in-store and online is an extra 50% off. Run, don't walk to their website.

Shop LiSi Cosmetics HERE

 3. Shop Nasty Gal: 20% Off All Shoes

 I happen to be obsessed with Nasty Gal. I've been a fan of their pieces for quite sometime. They are one of the BEST online retailers for super dope and extremely creative footwear. So it only makes sense that they're discounting shoes this weekend.

Shop Nasty Gal HERE

4. Rachel Roy: 30% Off Everything

She's one of my favorite designers so I couldn't help but share her awesomesauce discount for Black Friday. Super cute frocks for under $100, handbags, jewels and more!

Shop Rachel Roy HERE

5. INGLOT Cosmetics: 20% Off Everything

You guys may recall that I celebrated my blog's 3 Year Anniversary at the INGLOT cosmetics loft in Chelsea. I'm a huge supporter of the brand. And today through Nov. 27th they're giving customers 20% off everything on site.

Shop INGLOT Cosmetics HERE

So, where are you guys shopping this Black Friday - at home or online?

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Rainbow Dreams & Back Alleys

 Today is a great day for me. This weekend will officially end the summer season. Last night I threw an end-of-summer bash for LoveBrownSugar's 3 Year Anniversary that will go down in the history books. And I'm officially done with my Whole 30 program. I'm on cloud 9 until further notice.

ASOS has been serving me well all summer. That's where I snagged this beauty. It's also where I snagged the dress I wore to my Anniversary party.

The shoes I snatched up as soon as I saw them laying in the clearance isle at TJ Maxx. They're from MIA and they are perfection. Cute and comfortable - best combination ever.

Dress: ASOS (similar here for $32) | Shoes: MIA | Bag: Vintage | Snake Cuff: H&M | Ring: Glitterrings 

Photography by Sharifa S. Daniels

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