Cover Girls: Kelly Rowland for Essence Magazine

Kelly Rowland looks absolutely stunning on the cover of Essence Magazine's September issue! In it, the starlet & R&B songstress talks about her past battles with self-confidence and the untold stories she alluded to on her single "Dirty Laundry". About the Beyonce-jealousy controversy, she explained to Essence:

“For a long time I wasn’t happy, but that had nothing to do with Beyoncé,” Rowland says. “That had to do with me trying to get my life in order and make better decisions for myself. I’m seeing all these wonderful things happen for her and I am happy for her. But I want a path. I want things to pop off for me, too. Not on her level but whatever my level is supposed to be.”

I'm beyond happy for Kelly Rowland. I've been an avid follower of hers since her Destiny's Child days, and I'm glad she's finally come into her own and happy with who she is and what she's accomplished. There's nothing better than feeling happy regardless of how people look at you or try to judge you. Don't you agree?

I must say I'm also INCREDIBLY excited for the Essence September issue because I make a brief cameo in it! Once I have an issue on hand, I'll share my feature with you guys. Stay tuned!

For more about the exclusive Kelly Rowland cover story, check out Essence.com here: http://www.essence.com/2013/07/31/kelly-rowland-graces-september-issue-essence

Cover Girls: Serena Williams Covers Essence Magazine

On the topic of healthy living (and perfect motivation given our current LBS Beauty Detox), tennis star and sports mogul Serena Williams covers the July issue of Essence Magazine. The July issue is Essence's Body Issue themed around loving your shape and Miss Serena is serving curvy athletic realness!


In the issue, Serena talks with Essence about her fight against a devastating pulmonary embolism over two years ago, and how at 31 she's in the best shape of her life. About her body and age, she says “I feel lighter, I feel healthier, and even though I’m 31—which really isn’t old, but for an athlete, particularly a tennis player, it’s old—I promise you, my body has never felt better. Considering how much I’ve played and how much I’ve done, I feel fine. I’m strong."

I don't know about you, but this cover shot is going right up on my inspiration board. Who's with me?

Cover Girls: Janelle Monae for Essence Magazine

My favorite ATLien songbird Janelle Monae graces the cover of Essence Magazine's May 2013 issue. In her feature, the flawless beauty discusses her decision to be unique, why she refuses to flaunt too much skin, and her definition of true beauty.

About her unique style:

“I made a decision to be unique [...] I like skirts and dresses just like everyone else, but I had a message I needed to put out there. It was up to me to show people and young girls there was another way.”

[I wanted to] “…redefine what it means to be sexy and what it means to be a woman. Showing my skin is not what makes me sexy [...] People don’t ask Jay-Z to take his shirt off when he rhymes.”

Related: NEWS: Janelle Monae is the New COVERGIRL

About what she considers beautiful:

“I love givers. I love when I find out that someone's given. I think people who give and give their time are some of the most beautiful people that I know.”


Take a look at the behind-the-scenes video over at Essence.com for more quotes and a sneak peek at her glam outfits.

What do you think about Janelle Monae's stance on not showing skin? Do you agree?

Source: Essence.com

LBS in LA: Essence Black Women in Music Event

 "I'm going going back back to Cali Cali...."

Yes yes y'all. Biggie-style, I'm headed back to LA! As you're reading this, I'm probably boarding the plane with a turban on and my overnight bag in tow. I had to get this announcement out before daybreak though - I couldn't hold back my excitement!

The Essence Black Women in Music event, taking place tonight, Wednesday February 6th will honor new musicians and style stars Solange Knowles and Lianne La Havas. Hosted by Grammy winner Kelly Rowland and Essence Editor-at-Large Emil Wilbekin, the two honorees will perform live sets for the occasion.

I'm beyond excited to attend as a special guest of Lincoln, who is the presenting sponsor of the event. Lincoln's all-new luxury midsize sedan, the 2013 MKZ, and the luxury full-size sedan, the 2013 MKS, are the official vehicles for Black Women in Music and will chauffer both songstresses to the red carpet. This is the fourth consecutive year that Lincoln and ESSENCE have collaborated for this chic invitation-only affair. I can't BELIEVE I'm getting the opportunity to attend!

Follow me at @LoveBrownSugar on Twitter and Instagram for up-to-the minute updates about the event. I'll be live-tweeting my entire trip including snaps of the red carpet, interviews, celebrity run-ins and last minute fashion & beauty choices before the big night. As of now, I'm still undecided on a dress! Got my shoes though, whoop whoop!

Join me on my second adventure to LA! I'll be tweeting live updates with hashtag #LincolnRedCarpet - wish me luck! (praying I don't hyperventilate when I run into my girl Solange)

Cover Girls: Alicia Keys for Essence January

Alicia Keys is getting her WHOLE life on the cover of ESSENCE Magazine's January 2013 issue. She's serving a red strapless peplum moment and I'm living.

Related: Alicia Keys Cuts Her Hair

With her fifth studio album officially on the market and a worldwide tour on the horizon, the 14-time Grammy Award-winning artist, AIDS activist, wife and mom talks to ESSENCE about spiritual makeovers—and how she learned to say no in order to create a more balanced approach to her world.

Thoughts on her cover look?

The January issue of ESSENCE hits stands on December 7th. For more on this issue, visit ESSENCE.com.

Cover Girls: Jada Pinkett Smith For Essence September Issue

 August is one of my favorite months. Why? Because that's when September issues hit stands! I was strolling through my local grocery store last night when I stumbled on Essence Magazine's September 2012 issue. The fall fashion glossy features actress, mother (of pop phenom's Jaden & Willow) and devoted wife Jada Pinkett Smith! I absolutely love this little lady.

I died when she was featured in UPTOWN last year as well. She's faboosh! What's even better is she's promoting her latest philanthropic cause - ending human trafficking in the States.  Can you believe that happens here in the US? That's cray, right? Jada also outright squashes the ongoing rumors that her and longtime hubby Will Smith are divorcing anytime soon. Make sure you pick up the issue to read more about it.

Thoughts on her cover look?

Fall Fashion: Five Curvy Girl Must-Haves

Happy Thursday! Today I'm featured on Essence.com with my girl - friend & fellow fashionista Gabi Gregg of Gabifresh.com - sporting our favorite trends for Fall 2011. Huge shoutout to our photographer Brandon Haynes of B Haynes Photo for these amazing shots. Here are a few items we think are must-haves for the season...

LoveBrownSugar Feature: ESSENCE October Issue

Happy Monday loves! I'm back after a quick posting hiatus (needed a break after the NYFW madness). I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. I want to give a great big hug and THANK YOU to all the lovely folks who have been tweeting me and posting to my Facebook wall about my big news! In case you haven't seen it, here it is!

I had the honor of contributing a fashion piece to the October issue of Essence Magazine! (Yes! The Power Issue with Michelle Obama on the cover!) 

 This is such a huge accomplishment for me and I have to thank you all, my loyal followers (old & new) for your continued support. I've always dreamed that my face would grace the print pages of Essence and now they have! And close to Michelle Obama's at that! *faints*

In my advertorial, I wrote about how to pull off fall's trends in style if you're full figured.

For the full spread, please go out and pick up a copy on newsstands now! I would so appreciate the support! And if you see me, feel free to give me a shout @LoveBrownSugar on Twitter!

Before I end this post, I must say that having attainable goals in mind and putting them down on paper is one of the best things you can do to be successful. I wrote a post about this ("My Resolution: Not To Have Any") at the beginning of the year, and also created a vision board for my bedroom, and that was the best thing I could've ever done. I have a post brewing up about my process and what I've learned from all this so far. Coming soon!

What are some goals you have left for 2011?

Kickin' It: Essence Blogger Breakfast

Yesterday, ESSENCE Online invited a small group of bloggers for breakfast at their offices as a kickoff to New York Fashion Week! We chatted with Editor-in-Chief Emil Wilbekin, fashion & beauty editors Zandile Blay and Tia Williams, and found out all they have in store for this week's fashion coverage! They have a specialty landing page Essence.com/FashionWeek with all their weekly goodies. Here's what I got into at the breakfast:

LoveBrownSugar Feature: Essence Top 40 Fashion Blogs

I'm beyond excited and overjoyed to be featured in ESSENCE Top 40 Fashion Blogs! I woke up this morning to find tweets and Facebook mentions about the feature and I nearly died! Shoutout to Jared of Lowefactor.com for being the first to let me know I was included.

Again, I give all props and e-hugs to you guys for making this blog what it is. If it wasn't for you all reading my rants & raves, day after day, LoveBrownSugar wouldn't be what it is. Love you and thanks!

Please take a sec to check out the complete list HERE. Some of my absolute favorite blogs are featured!

LoveBrownSugar Feature: Essence.com

Hey lovelies! I'm super hype and proud to announce that I'm featured on Essence.com today as a curvy girl with style! They asked me to submit pictures of my favorite looks this season and talk about why they work for curvy figures. It's called Curvy Girl's Guide To Chic with LoveBrownSugar.

Would love if you guys showed your support and checked it out over at ESSENCE! Let me know if I did a good job with my tips. As always, I love you all for your support and encouragement. If it wasn't for you faithful readers, LoveBrownSugar wouldn't be what it is. Love you guys!

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Cover Girls: Tracee Ellis Ross Covers Essence Magazine

One of my fave fashionistas and former Girlfriends leading actress Tracee Ellis Ross, covers Essence Magazine for their September Issue. It's only fitting they would put this lovely on the September Issue as it's a celebration of fashion.Who doesn't love her boho-chic style? Ms. Ross stars in the upcoming BET sitcom Reed Between The Lines along with Malcolm Jamal Warner (which I'm dying to see...praying to the TV gods it will be a sexier 2011 version of The Cosby's)

Can't wait to dive into this issue! Will you be picking up a copy? Soundoff below!

Source

Flavor of Friday: Curvy Girl Swimwear

It's officially summer! I don't know about you, but this summer I don't plan on hiding behind a mumu. Curvy girls don't have to settle for that. At least I never have. You can rock a vintage style high-waist two piece like the one Queen Bey is rocking above. Or, one of my personal favorites, a fitted one-piece with a deep V-neck. It plays up my best features.

Beachside in Puerto Rico, 2010

Curvy girls, if you're looking for inspiration regarding great bathing suits to rock for your body type, you're in luck! I made my debut on Essence.com on Wednesday featuring a special Curvy Girls Guide to Swimwear report with tons of bathing suit options for plus-sized divas like me. Check it out and tell me what you think!

 Check out my feature on Essence.com!

Kickin' It: Dark & Lovely + Essence Event With Bria Murphy

 Last night LoveBrownSugar contributor Nike of MyModestMouth covered a fab event with Dark & Lovely. I blogged about their Fashionista Model Search with Essence Magazine on Monday. Hopefully some of you lovelies saw it and attended the live casting call in NYC! In case you didn't here's a brief recap:

Dark & Lovely Fashionista Model Search

NYC fashionistas, Dark and Lovely has partnered up with Essence Magazine in a nationwide search for the next “Dark and Lovely” Fashionista Model Search. They plan to kick off the search with a live casting call in NYC at the Metropolitan Pavillion on Wednesday, June 15th from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM and it’s open to the public. Check out the deets below!

Cover Girls: Beyonce for Essence Magazine

Everyone's favorite chart-topping diva Beyonce Knowles is on the cover of Essence Magazine's July 2011 issue. In their summer issue, Essence sits down with Queen Bey for a chit-chat on her year-long hiatus. Don't know about you all, but I can't wait to get into this one. Love how fun and natural she looks on the cover!

Sidebar: Did you all know #feyonce was a trending topic on Twitter yesterday? Some fool spelled fiancé wrong apparently. The Beyonce mania continues...

Thoughts on the cover? Soundoff below!

Source

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LoveBrownSugar Feature: Essence.com

Essence.com tapped me last week to help choose their "Top Ten: The Week's Best Dressed" list. Each week, they ask a style blogger to choose the top ten celebs who rocked red carpets around the globe - at awards shows, personal appearances, etc for that particular week. This week's picks come courtesy yours truly! Click here for Top Ten: The Week's Best Dressed With LoveBrownSugar

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.

Top 5 Looks: Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon

Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Tamera Mowry. Photos courtesy UPTOWNMagazine.com

 Yesterday in Tinseltown, Essence Magazine held their annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon. Featuring the top names in film, television & more, the occasion called for fierce ensembles in a ladies-who-lunch kinda way. Check out some of the highlights featuring my top 5 favorite looks of the event...

Ginger & Liz + Carol's Daughter: Fall Colour Collection Preview

 I had the honor of attending the Ginger & Liz Fall Colour Collection preview last Thursday hosted by the Carol's Daughter BackRoom Hand & Foot Spa in Harlem...

Carol's Daughter Flagship - Harlem, NY

 Ginger & Liz are founders of an amazing line of nail colors that are fun, sassy and rich in color. I featured them in my Top 10 Spring Essentials list in April.

 Fashion and beauty industry insiders enjoyed cocktails sponsored by Ciroc and free Ginger & Liz manicures at the spa. Not to mention amazing company...

Ginger & Liz Nail Bar

 All of their new colors were on display with mini nail bars stationed around the store for guests to try on different colors.

I had a hard time choosing which color I wanted! In the end, I went with the deep green color on the right, appropriately named "Blowing Money Fast" (shoutout to Rick Ross).

Left: Annika of TheFrisky.com, Right: Misha of TheFabChick.com

"Blowing Money Fast" seemed to be the guest favorite of the evening, as I spotted these two lovelies with that same color.

I did my BMF mani with a twist, adding a goldish color to my ring finger. Had to switch it up!

Crystal Streets, celebrity stylist

I spotted Crystal Streets, celebrity stylist of the B.Lynn Group. She'll be making her on-screen debut in this season's new Oxygen reality show "House of Glam". I met her briefly at Honey Mag's photoshoot with The Dream, which she did an awesome job styling.

With Janelle Grimmond - Market Editor, Essence

It's nice seeing old friends and making new ones. Ran into my love Janelle Grimmond aka JMadison. This girl's such an inspiration - market editor at Essence and newfound female emcee.

With Maya A. Lake - Designer, Boxing Kitten

 I ran into another lovely lady I admire. This is Maya, creator of clothing line Boxing Kitten. I've been posting about her pieces for a while now. Solange Knowles is one of their avid fans.

From left: Liz Pickett of Ginger & Liz, Me, Ginger Johnson of Ginger & Liz, Lisa Logan - celebrity manicurist

Towards the end of the event I finally snapped a pic with Ginger & Liz, the lovely ladies behind the brand. On the right is famed celebrity manicurist Lisa Logan, who has minxed nails for big names like Beyonce.

- Photos by Tia Hendricks

Stay tuned for more event coverage as NYFW kicks into full swing this week.