My Instaweek 5.13.13

Happy Monday loves! I hope you guys all enjoyed your Mother's Day weekend and kept up with all things fabulous here on LoveBrownSugar.com. In case you haven't, here's the scoop on LBS and in my crazy life (all via Instagram):

The Makeup Show (NYC)

Last Monday, I attended The Makeup Show here in NYC and got my entire life getting information on the latest & greatest in cosmetics, learning about social media from fab panelists and fellow bloggers Ty Alexander of Gorgeous in Grey, Lianne Farbes of The Makeup Girl and Felicia Walker Benson of ThisThatBeauty. Among my favorite discoveries? OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) launched a new collection called LIP TAR: STAINED GLOSS, available for purchase May 23rd. Danielle of The Style & Beauty Doctor has a detailed review of the line. Also, one of my fave celebrity makeup artists AJ Crimson has launched a new line of BB Creams which I cannot WAIT to give a try. I've been trying to find a BB cream for my skin tone for ages! Review coming soon. The Makeup Show is coming to a city near you soon - check the website for more info.

Brown Girls Giving Life

Congrats to Ms Kerry Washington on her very first ELLE Magazine cover. If you haven't already, check out her spread here. Also, the streets are going wild for Ciara's new hair look. Her latest haircut is causing quite a stir and prompting spontaneous haircuts round the country. Check it out here!

Motherly Love

I saw so many cute Instagram and Facebook pics of you guys and your moms yesterday! Mother's Day always makes me feel warm & fuzzy inside. I absolutely love my Mom. She's my shero. She taught me to follow my dreams and not to wait for anyone to give me permission to be great. I'm beyond grateful for her.

New Product Obsessions

I mentioned this service in my Last Minute Mother's Day gift guide, but I am absolutely obsessed with Original Scent. I went to see the perfumers behind the brand last week and they handcrafted a scent for me based on questions about my likes/dislikes, my lifestyle and personality. It is such a great gift - full review coming soon

RiRi Woo for MAC is my newest lipstick obsession. I don't care if it looks like Ruby Woo. RiRi's signature is on it and that's enough for me (true fan status, no?). Anyway, I'll be posting a review on the differences between the two later this week so stay tuned!

Sun & Sand in San Juan

This week I'm blogging live from the sunny shores of San Juan, Puerto Rico. I decided to take a last minute biz trip here and while I'm here I'll be doing reviews of some of my favorite places and trying out new hotspots and getting the scoop on all things amazing in San Juan for you lovelies who may be planning Caribbean getaways for the coming season. I'm being hosted by the beautiful & super chic boutique San Juan Water & Beach Club Hotel. Puerto Rico is such a great destination for a last minute getaway and there are some really chic yet affordable options if you're planning a trip here. Stay tuned for more updates!

Have Instagram? Follow me boo! Instagram.com/LoveBrownSugar

Fierce or Foolish: Ciara's New Haircut

The seasons are changing and so are the looks of many of our favorite girls. Gearing up for the release of her forthcoming album Ciara, we’ve noticed that Ciara has been changing up her crown more frequently than she has in the past, but this look is by far our favorite!

Yesterday the singer debuted a short blended blonde bob at the Tate Americas Foundation Artists Dinner she attended here in New York City. Wearing a nude floor length dress that hugged her to-die-for body in all the right places, this time her hair is what really has us talking. 

Photos via Ciara on Instagram

There’s something really edgy, yet sophisticated about this look and Cici looks simply beautiful!

Thoughts? What do you think of her new cut?

- Kisha Timothy

Source: TheYBF & Instagram

Red Carpet Fashion: Black Girls Rock Awards 2012

Tonight BET Networks premiered the annual Black Girls Rock Awards and in true red-carpet fashion, our favorite females showed their support as well as their impeccable sense of style. Black Girls Rock is always one of my absolute favorite award shows, not just for the fashions but because these celebrities are supporting such an amazing cause. Empowerment of young females of color is so incredibly important so I make it a point to watch and support the show every year. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the red carpet:

Roc Nation songstress Bridget Kelly served it up on the carpet in a body-conscious black dress, statement jewels and her signature blunt bangs (done by celebrity hairstylist Keith Campbell)

Black was definitely the theme of the night. Lala Vasquez-Anthony showed up in a body-hugging Balmain black velvet number, a sophisticated updo and classic Louboutin black pumps.

Marsha Ambrosius was glowing in a fitted black blazer and statement belt, luscious curls, and rhinestone hoops.

Janelle Monae (who's a new spokesperson for Covergirl) looked amazing in her signature tuxedo "uniform" with a little diamond embellishment.

Taraji P. Henson broke the mold in a glittering gold DVF number. Super classy and well-fitted. Loved it!

Ciara went with an architectural silhouette and slicked back hair. Not gonna lie, I was a little confused by this look, but I'll let her live.

Meagan Good served a glowing post-wedding glow with tapered layers, a red lip and a full on black ensemble. She rocked a cropped turtleneck top and a flowing maxi skirt.

The hostesses of Black Girls Rock - Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King pose with performer Keyshia Cole on the red carpet.

Per usual, Tracee Ellis Ross served a fierce face and a luscious head of curls. That berry lip is everything! Definitely doing a "Get The Look" for this one soon.

Who doesn't LIVE for Kerry Washington? I am here for her. Love this beauty look. She's giving a sophisticated updo, a red lip and a dainty beaded Marchesa cocktail dress.

For more pictures from the Black Girls Rock red carpet, head on over to LoveBrownSugar on Facebook. There are tons more. Leave comments and let me know your thoughts over there.

Photos by Shade Freeland of ShadedBlaque Photography

Which red carpet look was your fave? Soundoff below!

Cover Girls: Beyonce for W Magazine

Queen Bey covers W Magazine's July Issue and she looks fierce. I'm always a fan of W Magazine's sexy, sultry shoots (see Rihanna's February 2010 cover). This might be my favorite shoot of her's this summer. We already knew with her 4 album releasing that she would be on everyone's cover this month!

Top 10 Fashion Countdown: 2011 Met Gala

 The jaw-dropping fashions at the Costume Institute Gala never cease to amaze. Year after year, celebutantes and red carpet royalty grace the front steps at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for their benefit gala. This year's festivities were in honor of the late, great Alexander McQueen. And boy, did they pay him homage. This year I split my fashion posts up between singles and couples. It was too much of a fashion feast! Had to split it up into meals.

Fierce or Foolish: Ciara in NYC

Over at TheYBF I spotted this pic of Ciara strolling the streets of NYC in a fur-collared sweater, skinny jeans, and utility boots. I personally like the entire look. I think she was smart to keep the hair simple and chic. the Birkin is luxe, but I might've appreciated an edgier bag with gold hardware. Anyway, I'd give it a fierce. What do you guys think?

LBS Fashion Countdown: Lala & Carmelo's Wedding

 So some of you may know celebrity VJ Lala Vasquez and super star baller Carmelo Anthony got hitched this past weekend. They got married at Cipriani's on 42nd St in New York City and the event was jam packed with celebs so of course I have to voice my critique on the fashions. Let's start with the yacht pre-party:

 Carmelo and Lala had a yacht pre-wedding party in NYC the night before the wedding. The bride-to-be showed up in a black party dress with exposed seams and gold neckline...

I will say I like the neckline and the cutout at the shoulder, but I wasn't really impressed with this look on Lala. I thought, given it's a summer wedding, a brighter colored dress would've suited her well. On the contrary, Carmelo looked amazing!

 The celebs were out and about on the yacht cruise. Kim Kardashian in particular catches my eye. I love the assymetrical dress she chose for the boat ride. So, did they just give everyone a sailor hat? Cute!

Next, we're on to the wedding arrivals. First up, Kim K...

Of course upon first glance you think - wow, her body looks amazing! But what's new? I was really hoing Kim would give me a fashion moment outside of her usual body conscious Herve Leger look. But again, she defaults to the skin tight. If it ain't broke don't fix it,I guess. On another note, the shoes are FIERCE. Louboutin strikes again...

 I have to say I love this classy look on Kelly Rowland but I'm also yearning for a pop of color and a little more skin. I know it's an evening wedding, but it's still summer! For Kelly's look, I might have cut off the sleeves and added a bright coral statement necklace to the ensemble. I also would've gone for jeweled heels instead of leopard. It's a little too heavy for me...

So I was truly disappointed by Ciara's look for the wedding. I thought this look was giving more of a night on the town with the girls, instead of summer wedding chic. I'm not a fan of the color or the print unfortunately. I'm gonna have to give this look a foolish vote.

And last but not least, the lovely couple: Lala & Carmelo. Lala wore a strapless Vera Wang bridal gown with delicate layered chiffon. I thought it was a classy timeless piece. I actually got tipped off before the wedding that Lala would be wearing Vera. I met Carmelo's fashion stylist Khalilah Williams-Webb for a Honey Mag interview 2 weeks ago and she dished on what it's like styling for Carmelo, as well as a sneak peek at what Lala would be wearing. Peep the video below...

Fierce or Foolish: Lala & Ciara

 Gearing up for Lala and Carmelo's wedding, BFF Ciara threw her bachelorette party at Lux nightclub in Miami the other night.

 Donned in a denim dress and neutral heels, Ciara rocked out with Lala in a body conscious color blocked dress. I actually really like Ciara's outfit choice. I mean, she has the body to rock it out clearly.

What do you guys think of both? Fierce or Foolish?

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Fierce or Foolish: Ciara at MoMa

Ciara showed up to the Museum of Modern Art last night for an art gallery closing hosted by the fashion company she's a muse for - Givenchy...

I'm assuming this lovely floor length gown is Givenchy as well. What do you guys think about her dress? 

Of course it's glam, but do you think it fits her? Soundoff below!

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52nd Annual Grammy Awards: Fashion Countdown

In case you missed out on the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards last night, it was definitely a show to remember. LoveBrownSugar's twitter was on fire last night with commentary and debate over the star's Red Carpet looks. There were some we loved and others we hated. Here's the LoveBrownSugar Grammy Awards Fashion Countdown:

10. Best - Beyonce

Although I wasn't a fan of her nude Stephane Rolland red carpet look to the right, she redeemed herself during her Grammy acceptance speech with this deep-V metallic number. I know Queen Bey is curvy and all, but I'm not a fan of playing up those curves with that overly-structured silhouette. The fabric doesn't do it for me, nor does the light color against her fair skin and light hair. Agreed?

9. Worst - Snooki?

 

You guys might be wondering why I placed a question mark next to her name? Well, that's because I have no idea how she got invited. All I need to do is fake tan, get a reality show, some fake extensions and learn how to fist pump to get a Grammy invite?? I'll pass...

8. Best - Lady Gaga

As outlandish as Queen Gaga can be, somehow we all understand her. She's outlandish, fanatical, freakish and foolish to some. But above all, she's creative genius. By the way, her opening performance with Elton John was EPIC! Clap it up for Gaga...

7. Worst - The Situation?

Same rules apply here as for Snooki....WTF is he doing at the Grammy's? Let's forget about the fact that his nickname is "The Situation" and focus on the fact that he took his shirt off on the red carpet. Gotta love the Jersey Shore crew...

6. Best - Miley Cyrus

 

Although I'm not a huge fan of the teen star, I loved her Red Carpet look for the Grammys. Her minidress was chic, fitted and youn. I thought it suited her well and was age-appropriate. Showling a little leg, but not too much skin. Thumbs up, Miley...

5. Worst - Ne-Yo

So Ne-Yo's placement on my "worst" list has nothing to do with his outfit, but everything to do with the fact that he thought it was cute to bring two dates? Whaaa? I'm also not a huge fan of Jessica White's dress (on the right). Oh, Ne-Yo...it's ok, we know you're gay smh.

4. Best - Jennifer Hudson

Despite the fact that the sister can blow, she just had a baby boy and she looks absolutely gorge! She's trim, in shape and absolutely divine in all black everything. Her stylists really stepped up their game this time around, because we've seen J.Hud looking sub-par on previous occasions. Kudos, many kudos!

3. Worst - Katy Perry

This light golden color and the dark hair just don't match on this one Katy. The color completely washes her out. And she looks like a mermaid...not in a good way. Better luck next time!

2. Best - Keri Hilson

Keri looks like a dream in this gown. I love the fitted shape on her and how it elongates her already-long shape. The whole look (beauty, dress and jewels) is giving me Old Hollywood glam and I'm loving it!

1. Worst - Ciara

I'm sorry Ciara. I know you just got back from the Haute Couture shows in Paris and you must've been inspired, but this Givenchy is NOT doing it for me. Are those loose lace pants you're wearing? You need to 1,2 Step with all that...

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Cover Girls: Ciara for L'Officiel Magazine

Ciara looks absolutely stunning in this spread for L'Officiel Magazine. She's greased up, buffed and sporting some hot trendy pieces. Work honey!

The beauty shots are gorgeous.I need these eyeshadow colors in my life. And the bronzer? I die....

 So this needs to be my motivation pic for 2010. Her body is no joke. And this stance is giving me "fit and fearless"...love the overall vibe of the shoot.

Gotta love this ponytail moment they're giving us. I definitely had a slicked-back "down to my booty" ponytail on New Year's Eve this year, just because it was raining. I see the long ponytail is coming back!

Thoughts on Ciara's shoot? I adore the styling, hair and makeup - epitome of a hot fashion spread. 

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