Kickin' It: Anu Essentials Launch Event

Last Thursday evening, we had the pleasure of attending the Anu Essentials launch event at chic Brooklyn-base natural hair salon Khamit Kinks. Despite the frigid weather outside, the venue was filled with warm smiles and chic 'dos.

Anu Prestonia is "the" go to natural hair guru with a clientele roster beyond anyone's wildest imagination. From the one and only queen of daytime television Oprah Winfrey, to Stevie Wonder, and talented triple threat Solange Knowles, she has tended to some very famous tresses. The event was hosted by Ms. Anu herself and some very familiar faces from the natural hair community, the ladies of Curly Girl Collective. and Renae Bluitt of In Her Shoes.

Anu Essentials are an array of organic natural hair products made paraben & sulfate free ranging from shampoos, conditioners and so far our favorite is the Soft Set Gel ($22.00). Did we mention she has a natural perfume line as well?! Chemical free!

As her mother kindly put it "A little goes a long way, a dab on the neck, your inner elbows, and on your knees if you got a man". With words of wisdom from her natural hair journey and all the gratitude expressed, Anu Prestonia is indeed an inspiration to all the ethnic beauties out there.

Rock your fro loud, rock your fro proud! Keep on the look out for a product review on Anu Essentials right here on LBS.

To find out more about Khamit Kinks and how you can purchase your very own Anu Essentials products, follow the link HERE

- Gracie J

My Instaweek 12.10.12

Happy Monday y'all! Hoping you guys had fab weekends filled with holiday cheer, shopping sprees and cupcakes. No? Me either lol. See below for my weekly recap:

Holiday Fetes

'Tis the season for festive cocktails & chic attire. I party-hopped to quite a few holiday parties last week.  One was the Miss Jessie's annual holiday party. Love me some Miss Jessie's. Founders and fab sisters Titi and Miko were both in attendance.

Miko of Miss Jessie's & I (Photo c/o Glamazons Blog)

DJ DimePiece (who's gorgeous by the way) was on the 1's & 2's, and my fave bloggers and editors were in attendance shimmying down to the tunes. The Miss Jessie's salon in Soho is absolutely gorgeous. Any shindig that has me surrounded by curly hair products from wall to wall is a helluva party in my book.

Me & Gia of Curly Girl Collective

I opted for a sheer blouse, a plum lip and a top knot for the occasion. 

I also sashayed up and through the Nylon Pop-Up Shop launch event at 72 Gansevoort St, NYC. They're hosting their pop-up shop all month. They had everything from mini manicures courtesy Essie, beauty makeovers by Smashbox, cupcakes by Georgetown Cupcakes (why are these SO good??), to cocktails by Svedka and Suntory Whisky. Nylon did an amazing job of vetting out some amazing brands for their shop. You should totally check it out!

Sugar & Spice

So you guys already know I'm obsessed with my new "LoveBrownSugar" nail lacquer for LiSi Cosmetics. I've been finding cool ways of mixing. the polish with fun holiday trends like glitter polish  and nail appliques, and so have other folks. Coming up this week will be a Style.Play.Polish post about how to create the glitter-tipped look so stay tuned.

Left: My nails | Middle: LBS Assistant Grace | Right: Danielle Young of Hello Beautiful

Speaking of "mixing", I been cooking! Yes, your girl is finally embracing the pot & pan. I guess now that I'm getting older, I feel like I need to pick up the torch and start contributing more than just brownies and sugar cookies at the family holiday parties. So this weekend I made a southern meal for myself and my roomies. Fried chicken, macaroni & cheese and green beans. (*pats self on back*). And now I'll proceed to the gym to burn off those calories. Deep sigh. (It was good though y'all. Real good.)

What did you guys get into this weekend? Do tell!

Join Me! CURL Crush: A Speed Hair Event

Calling all my NYC gals! Next Tuesday, December 6th, the ladies of Curly Girl Collective (I blogged about their last event HERE) are hosting a faboosh soiree at Taj Lounge. Not only is it a meet-up & networking mixer, but it's actually a "speed hair" event. Isn't that cute? Think speed dating. But without the nerdy weirdos with pocket protectors and awkward pauses. Think big beautiful hair, super chic naturally curly women, and expert advice! Check out the deets below:

Myself and other amazing folks like Renae Bluitt of In Her Shoes and Dickey of Hair Rules (yall know I love him! Look what he did to my hair!) will be there to mix & mingle. So be there or be square!

WHEN: TUES, DECEMBER 6, 2011, 7-10 PM

WHERE: TAJ LOUNGE • 48 W 21st Street NYC. RSVP REQUIRED

Unplug from the internet overload and reconnect with the community of women that inspired you to go natural in the first place. In a playful series of quick "dates" you'll make dozens of new curlfriends and meet celebrity stylists, bloggers and experts who can help you along your hair journey. Bring your camera, rock your best hairstyle and get ready to fall in love with natural hair all over again!

Click here to RSVP

Flavor of Friday: Curly Girls Collective Event

 Hey loves! If you're in the NYC area this weekend, you should definitely head out to the Curly Girl Collective event this Sunday, May 22nd. A few of my good friends are part of the collective and they have some amazing things in store for the event. Curlies and non-curlies alike are welcome, so email RSVP@curlygirlcollective.com, grab your girlfriends and head over to the Brian Farrell's Art Studio at Chelsea Modern for cocktails, manicures, giveaways, hair talk & more.

Sadly, I'll be out of town but I'm sure this event will be one for the books. Anyone plan on attending? If so, tell them LoveBrownSugar sent you!

You can follow Curly Girl Collective on Twitter & Facebook for updates!