Live From The Oscars 2013 Red Carpet

Similar to the 2013 Grammy's, we live-blogged our favorite looks from the 2013 Oscars red carpet as they came out. We had a blast chatting celeb red carpet looks with you guys last night on Facebook and Twitter. Here's a recap of some of our favorite looks. Let us know if you agree!

Kelly Rowland 

Kelly Rowland looks stunning in a Donna Karan Atelier black & white gown. Following the thigh-high split trend, she's rocking a gown that shows off her amazing legs and her toned arms. This look is a win in my book!

Robin Roberts

Can I say how happy I am to see Robin Roberts back on the red carpet? She's a Cancer survivor, she's back and she looks better than ever. Kudos to her. How awesome does she look in this blue velvet gown?

Jessica Chastain

I love how Jessica Chastain exudes Old Hollywood glamour in this Armani Prive gown. It would seem like the color would wash out her pale skin but her vibrant hair color and the red lip makes it all come together for me.

Overall I'm a fan of this dress silhouette for Zoe Saldana. I think it really accentuates her figure. My only qualm with this look is that there's quite alot going on. From the embellishment up top, to the belt to the colored tiers down below. I think she should've chose one embellishment and stuck with it.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer looked absolutely elegant in a Tadashi Shoji dress. I love how loyal she is to the brand. And she always looks phenomenal! You guys already know I love Tadashi Shoji. I rocked one of his looks for the Essence Black Women in Music event.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence rocked a Dior Haute Couture dress for the big night. I do think this look is a little...bridal. I think the silhouette is beautiful but she might have benefited from a different color. Congrats to Jennifer on winning an Oscar for Best Actress!

Charlize Theron

Another gorgeous Dior gown on the red carpet. In my eyes Charlize Theron can do no wrong. She always looks absolutely flawless. She wore a strapless peplum gown in white, and her brand new pixie cut which flatters her beautiful features so well. Absolutely my favorite look of the night!

Naomi Watts

This assymetrical look on Naomi Watts was really breathtaking. Gunmetal sequins is not something you see often on the red carpet. This dress is by Armani and it fits her to a tee.

Sandra Bullock

See-through and mesh looks were another big trend this red carpet season. I think Sandra looks so sophisticated in this Elie Saab scalloped gown. I wish she had sprung for a bright-colored lip to compliment the look.

Halle Berry

"Halle Berrrryyyyy, Halle Berry!" Everybody sing along now. My jaw dropped to the ground when I saw Miss Halle in this gorgeous look. She's 40+??? I can't take. Somebody find out what she's doing. Because I need to know. This Versace gown is everything!

Jennifer Hudson

Following the thigh-high slit trend, JHud rocked a Roberto Cavalli brocade gown. I really love this dress I just think it's a little too snug around the waist. Either she needed a good pair of spanx or she needed a dress that had a little more room in the midsection. Other than that, she looks great!

Kerry Washington

Everyone's favorite Scandal girl, Olivia Po....I mean Kerry Washington...wore a super chic Miu Miu embellished gown. I love the bright color against her skin and the subtle detailing at the top.

Salma Hayek

I'm normally not a huge fan of velvet but Salma has me with a new frame of mind. She looks simply stunning in an embellished Alexander McQueen halter dress in black velvet. Beautiful.

Who were your favorites from the red carpet? Did we miss anyone? Soundoff below!

Photo Credits: E! Online

Cover Girls: Jennifer Hudson for Lucky Magazine

The lovely and talented actress/songstress Jennifer Hudson covers Lucky Magazine's January 2013 issue. I'm beyond excited to see a woman of color gracing their cover to start off the 2013 year. I think Jennifer looks amazing in her 7 For All Mankind denim jacket, DKNY top, and H&M skirt. See below for a few quick snippets from her cover story with Lucky Magazine:

On her personal style: "My style has always been … odd," she says. “I call it being free, expressing myself. You know, creative people? We like to express ourselves. When I was a little girl, I liked to cut up my clothes—we called it Jenniferizing. Or a J. Original! Just because it came that way doesn’t mean you have to wear it that way.” Hudson designed her own prom dress, her own Easter dress, dress after dress. “I would sketch it, and my mom and I would pick out the fabric and we’d have it made! I love to sketch! Everybody else was about the name brands—I’d go to Payless and get something nobody else had!”

On her biggest fashion inspiration, her grandfather: “The most stylish person in my family was definitely him—he’d take you into his closet and be like, ‘Hey! You need to wear this, Jenny!’ ” She laughs at the memory. “He was dressed down, honey, his closet, his clothes, they were sharp. He would pick things out of his for me to wear, and they were always perfect. That’s why I love menswear.”

On how her friends in Chicago think of her style: “I am the strangest thing—my style is utterly weird to them. They’ll be like, ‘Is that a witch hat, why are you wearing that witch hat? What is that hat? I mean, leather shorts? With boots? In the winter??’ They do not understand.”

On her favorite shopping destinations: “I leave the red-carpet stuff to the stylists,” she says. “For everyday, my two favorites are Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. And Nasty Gal! I love that place! Every time I go there, I want everything new that they have. All Saints, too, I love. Then there’s Michael Kors, Givenchy, Rick Owens—I like things that are dramatic in a subtle way. “When Jennifer has free time, I am shopping! I go through every rack because I might’ve missed a piece! Where I live I can walk right out onto Michigan Avenue and shop—walk, not drive—I’ve got to walk! Plus, you forget about eating when you’re shopping.”

The January issue of Lucky magazine is on nationwide newsstands December 11th.

Thoughts on this cover?

Photo Credit: Ruven Afanador for Lucky Magazine

Road to BET Awards: Day 2

It's Day 2 and my head is already spinning! Today I'm solidifying a few details for my weekend in LA. I still need to find the perfect red carpet look and I'm all about having multiple options. Take a peek at what I got into yesterday:

The Shoes

So if you follow me on Instagram (I'm @LoveBrownSugar), you might have seen me shoe shopping last night. I needed to grab a few options quickly so I went over to ALDO and started browsing for killer yet comfortable styles.

By popular demand (and by my own), I went with these ALDO Bloise shoes on the top right. They were on sale too! (here's a similar style online for $67). I figured since they're neutral they would be perfect because I still don't have a dress picked out. AND they were comfy! Win/win. I may be shelling out for another pair if one strikes my fancy before i head to LA but we'll see.


The Makeup Look

So I'm heading to the Lisi Cosmetics store in downtown Manhattan for a makeup consultation today. I've narrowed it down to three main makeup looks. Give me your honest opinion on these:

I could either go with June Ambrose's smoky eyes, The heavy color eyelids and red lip or a more neutral/understated look like Jennifer Hudson's. What do you think?

The Dress

So I ordered the above options from ASOS.com yesterday and got them express shipped. I may not be going with either of these dresses for any part of the weekend, but I figured better safe than sorry.

I'm also headed to plus size designer Monif C's showroom to try on a few cool pieces. I'm gagging over this neon dress:

So perhaps I'll end up rocking that one? Still in limbo. In the mean time, weigh in! 

Tell me your preference for my makeup and dress in the comments section! 

Follow me on Instagram (LoveBrownSugar) and on Twitter @LoveBrownSugar for up to the minute updates on my Road to BET Awards!

Flavor of Friday: Angela Simmons Launch, Jennifer Hudson for QVC, Kohls & Narciso

Lots going in the world of fashion & beauty this week. Check out the scoop from some of my favorite places around the web:

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Cover Girls: Jennifer Hudson for Self Magazine

Jennifer Hudson covers this month's SELF Magazine. Inside she dishes on the secrets to her weight loss and her struggle with coming into her own post-baby. She also told SELF Magazine "I'm prouder of my weight loss than my Oscar!" 

Check out more deets over at PEOPLE.com

What do you think of her statement? 

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Cover Girls: Jennifer Hudson for Daily Mail UK

The lovely and newly-svelte Jennifer Hudson posed for Daily Mail in the UK recently and had a few things to say about her career, her family and discrimination against plus-sized women in the entertainment industry. I found this particular tidbit of her interview interesting:

On if the industry discriminates againt plus-sized women:

‘No, because I was doing OK before,’ Jennifer says. ‘But the truth is, so many more opportunities open up when you’re on the other side, as I am now. I’d no idea what I was missing out on. It’s like a whole other world. Suddenly every designer wants to dress you. It’s like, “You look amazing! Please, choose a dress. Have a bag. And what about shoes?” I mean, wow!’

Like I mentioned when she was placed on People's Most Beautiful list, I find it a little unsettling that she had to drop weight to suddenly become the center of attention. I think she was beautiful then, and still beautiful now. It's an issue I first addressed in my "Do Skinny Girls Have More Fun" piece but I think it definitely merits evaluation. Does it send the wrong message to curvy girls when celebs like this drastically change size and suddenly get more press?

Aside from the plus-sized issue, these pics are fab! Check out the rest of her Q&A over at TheYBF.

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.

Jennifer Hudson Reveals Hollywood Discrimination

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 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?

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!

Fierce or Foolish: Celebs at Alicia Keys' Black Ball

Alicia Keys & husband Swizz Beats

 Clicking around over at TheYBF, I stumbled on these pics of some of my fave celebs all dolled up for Alicia Keys' "Keep A Child Alive Black Ball" at the Hammerstein Ballroom last night. Of course, some of these people get more kudos than others. I have to give props to A. Keys. She looked absolutely stunning in this gray strapless lace number. It grazes over her baby bumb beautifully and the jeweled headpiece is really becoming a signature look for her...

Beyonce showed up to the ball wearing a hot pink sating strapless gown from Andrew GN. I honestly can't say she was the belle of the ball. Though I love the ruching and details on the gown, her hair was all wrong for me. I really wanted her in a slightly messy bun, slicked back with just a few tendrils undone around the neckline. But that's just me...

Jennifer Hudson showed off her banging new body in a black velvet mid-length cocktail dress. Hmm. She's gorgeous, per usual. But this velvet dress is quite un-amazing for me. I wish it were floor length, in a jewel toned color, and I wish she had statement jewelry accompanying it. 

I'm not a fan of this look on Ursh. I don't know about you guys, but Usher looks two kinds of crazy to me in this getup. Not a fan of the pants tucked into the military boot (for a black tie ball nonetheless) and I'm also not a fan of the hair...everywhere. But again, that's just me.

Fierce or Foolish? You decide. Soundoff below!

Cover Girls: Jennifer Hudson for Michigan Avenue

 Jennifer Hudson looks absolutely stunning on the cover of Michigan Avenue magazine. As the newest spokeswoman for Weight Watchers, she's clearly representing the brand to the fullest. Now I know most of us are skeptics about celbrity weight loss. I am, given their access to the proper resources and well...their money. However, there's something so real and attainable about J. Hud's weight loss that it's truly inspiring. She did it the right way - eating right and exercising - and Weight Watchers is really something anyone can do. Anyone reading this have a goal that became more attainable for them once they saw a celebrity do it? Weight loss, hair cuts, new lipstick color? 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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