LoveBrownSugar Picks: Summer Reading List

One tidbit about me you may not know: although fashion & beauty are my pride & joy, reading is really my first love. I can remember being in preschool and my mom nearly taking me out of my then-preschool, because I went home crying one day that my teacher took my Dr. Seuss books from me and gave me toys instead. Books were my everything.

Anyway, despite my passion for reading, I often get so bogged down with my work responsibilities & social life, that I don't leave enough time to feed my mind with literary works. When I do find the time, I really delve deep. Here are a few pieces in different categories I've enjoyed flipping through this summer. Whether you're into beauty how-to, self-help or relationships, there's something for everyone in my list...

LoveBrownSugar's Christmas Wishlist

It's Monday and I'm sad that the weekend is over, so I'm giving myself permission to be a little selfish today. Instead of posting a Holiday Gift Guide, which I will most likely have for you later this week, I've decided to indulge you all on what I personally want this holiday season. Holla if you agree! Here's my 2nd Annual Top 10 Christmas Wishlist:

10. Polaroid Instant Camera

I think it’s so great that Polaroid has relaunched the classic instant cameras and made them better than ever. This Polaroid Two version is super sleek but still offers the same functionality we know and love. 

9. Pink 4 Friday

 Call me corny, but I'm jumping on the Pink Friday bandwagon. Aside from my love/hate relationship with Nicki Minaj, which this week happens to be on '"love", I think it's so clever that she's managed to capitalize on her overuse of the color pink in the form of this new MAC lipstick. I'm also determined to get my hand out because it's been SOLD OUT for the past two Fridays.

8. Oyin Handmade Beauty Products

So I’ve been all over Youtube and natural hair sites combing through product reviews for the natural-haired gals and this brand seems to be a favorite. Based in Baltimore, Oyin Handmade has a collection of all-natural hair products that apparently smell amazing and do wonders for dry curls. Can’t wait to get my hands on these…

7. Chrisette Michele Album 

Love this girl, need I say more? She’s beautiful, sassy and classy; three things every lady should be. Plus she represents for us curvy girls in such a positive light. Definitely need this album before the year is up…

6. ASOS poncho

 I've been on the hunt for the perfect printed knit poncho. ASOS has a really great selection. Love this Aztec printed one in camel. 

5. Turban Prints

 Because I've become obsessed with turbans (Youtube tutorial coming soon), I've learned the funkier the print the cooler the look. Hence, I'm on the hunt for great fabrics sorta like the one Solange is pictured in above.

4. Boxing Kitten Dress

  I’ve been an avid Boxing Kitten fan for a few years now. I love how they’ve taken traditional fabrics and shaped them to today’s trendy silhouettes. Plus the owner Maya Lake is super cool and so down to earth.Oh, and random fact: that lovely lady above happens to be Liz of Ginger & Liz. Just to put a face to a name since I'm always raving about them.

3. Flipcam 

 Aside from my current obsession with Youtube, these flipcams are just perfect for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments. And celebrity interviews for you lovelies to see! 

2. Jeffrey Campbell Litas

This shoe might be my most lusted-after item the entire season. They’re amazing and everything I love in a trendy shoe. Show-stopping, platform, and comfy! Sigh, Jeff Campbell, how I love thee…

1. Michael Kors Watch

So I’ve been feigning over these Michael Kors watches for about a year now. IT was even on my Christmas Wishlist last year! I still haven’t gotten my hands on one, but hopefully this year I’ll find it under the Christmas tree. It’s just…perfect. Love it!

What’s on your Christmas Wishlist? Soundoff below!

LoveBrownSugar's Top 10 Winter Beauty Essentials

Though I’m not a complete beauty guru, working for a women’s magazine has definitely turned me into somewhat of a PJ (product junkie). Considering all the samples and products I’ve come across in my time as an editor, you would think I knew all the answers to my own beauty questions. Well I don’t. What I do know are the products that have come to be my faves this season. When I find something amazing I stick with it, and I rave about it to everyone who cares to listen. I’m also a huge proponent of staying on budget, so products that promote my inner beauty without demoting my bank account are always a win! The following are my Top 10 Winter Beauty Essentials this season…

1. Hair Crème: Tea & Honey Blends Curl Definer, $14.99

As I'm transitioning back to my curls and growing out my relaxer, I'm using extensions to help protect and maintain my hair until it gets to a length I can deal with. In the mean time, I was sent this amazing product from new hair care line Tea & Honey Blends. They boast a great line of Tea & Honey shampoo, leave-in conditioners and styling products. I've fallen in love with their Curl Definer! I apply it after I deep condition and it really helps soften my natural hair before and after styling. And in the harsh winter weather, my tresses need all the moisture they can get.

Runner-up: Mixed Chicks Leave-In. Great moisturizer for thirsty curls.

2. Lip Color: L’Oreal Infallible Stars Collection in Beyonce, $9.99

You guys have heard me rave about this one before. I wore it for THIS post and it is absolutely amazing. Aside from my borderline obsession with Beyonce, this particular color from the collection is really the perfect red for a number of complexions. I’m not as light as Bey, but somehow the shade works for me. And the real kicker: it actually lasts! It will NOT come off. Honestly guys, I tried…

3. Fragrance: Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Natural Spray, $27.00

In the winter, I opt for fragrances with deeper, natural notes like vanilla and cinnamon as opposed to fruity florals for spring. I love the way Carol’s Daughter’s Almond Cookie products smell. They leave me sweet-smelling without being too overpowering. The natural spray adds the perfect touch after the shower. And of course the ingredients are all natural.

4. Mascara: Maybelline Falsies Volum Express, $7.50

This might be my all time favorite product this season. Although I have naturally long lashes, I like to take them to the next level with great mascara. Maybelline is hands down my favorite brand for affordable, trusted mascara. They recently released their Falsies Volum Express product which actually coats your lashes with kerafiber maximizing them in width and length. It’s unbelievable. Seriously.

Runner Up: Maybelline’s Lash Stiletto Voluptuous. Maximizes lash length and adds a little oomph to your wink.

5. Cuticle Crème: Carol’s Daughter Lemon & Jojoba Cuticle Oil

One thing I dread about the onset of cold weather – dry hands and cuticles. It drives me nuts when my winter manicures don’t live up to their fullest potential due to Mother Nature. A dab of this on each cuticle in the morning before you head out makes a huge difference in defending your manicure against harsh conditions.

6. Nail Color: Ginger & Liz "Swagger", $12.00

My gals Ginger & Liz created a gem when they crafted this color. I love it because it’s neutral enough to wear in more professional environments but still has a touch of…well…swag! This light metallic rose gold goes great with everything and never goes out of style. Also their “Blowin' Money Fast” pictured HERE is a great one for fall.

Runner Up: Essie Nail Color in “Chinchilly” pictured HERE. Gray nails are in!

7. Hair Oil: Dr. Miracles Follicle Healer Hydrating Oil, $4.99

Part of their new Follicle Healer line, this Dr.Miracles Hydrating Oil is my go-to for moisturizing my scalp and my edges. It has that same Dr. Miracles "tingly" feeling and comes in an easy to apply bottle with applicator. I also use it as a pre-poo treatment before washing my natural hair. Definitely a mainstay product for winter!

8. Facial Moisturizer: Specific Beauty Daily Hydrating Lotion, $17.99

This new skin care line created by an acclaimed female African-American dermatologist out of Miami, was specifically developed to address hyperpigmentation; discoloration of the skin that can affect many of us sisters, especially in the winter time. Specific Beauty provides an array of great skin products and the Daily Hydrating Lotion happens to be one of my favorites.

Runner Up: OLAY Complete All-Day UV Moisturizer. A great year-round moisturizer.

9. Body Scrub: Shea Moisture Organic Red Bush & Sage

 

In the winter, I make it a point to do a weekly body scrub and pamper my parched skin with moisture. Part of my weekly ritual has been Shea Moisture's Red Bush & Sage scrub. It's luxe, smells amazing and is completely organic. Your skin will literally feel like you've taken a milk bath! Shea Moisture hasn't started sale of this product online so price and availability are TBA. Will update you soon on price and purchase details!

Runner Up: Carol's Daughter Jamaican Punch Sea Salt Scrub. Smells like Jamaica in a bottle.

10. Body Moisturizer: Ambi Soft & Even Creamy Oil Lotion, $8.49

Most people know the AMBI brand for their scar removal products, but recently they've launched a brand of products that cater to the face & body with gentle moisturizing properties. I must confess - I've been using the Creamy Oil Lotion faithfully since the beginning of summer and it hasn't failed me yet! Lightweight so it absorbs quickly, but the perfect amount of oil so I stay moisturized all day.

So, what are your winter beauty essentials? List them below! 

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Confessions of a Shopaholic: ELLE Picks for H&M

Yesterday as I was strolling my neighborhood waiting to have coffee with a friend, I wandered into my local H&M and was pleasantly surprised to find that they've stocked up on most of their Fall line already. Even more surprised was I to find a beautifully merchandised front section of the store littered with little tags reading "Elle Picks".

 The editors at Elle Magazine have teamed up with H&M in a nationwide campaign featuring their absolute favorite Fall items this season. I think it's so great when fashion brands and publications team up like this. I mean who wouldn't take a second look at a fashion editor's favorite things?

I fell in love with this metallic faux leather mini on the racks. Not sure if I could pull it off, but I imagine it would be super cute with a tight bustier, a fitted blazer and some killer platforms.

Can you believe this is faux leather?? Neither could I. That's always a good thing...

Not sure if this was one of the ELLE Picks but it's certainly a LoveBrownSugar pick. Cognac lace-up booties are huge for Fall! Currently scouting my own pair. I'm tempted to add these to my "Bootie Calls" installation. If I can find a size 10 in the tri-state area, I'll tweet about it.