LoveBrownSugar Chic: Black & White & Green All Over

I mentioned in my post about the Rachel Roy x FEED India initiative that the RR team sent me one of the bags from the collection to style in my own way. I paired the bag with an easy breezy look - jean cutoffs, a sheer oxford, my favorite vintage leather jacket and sneaker wedges. Super simple and comfortable.

 I found this army fatigue fitted cap at the Goodwill in my neighborhood. It was only $2 - I love it!

 You might remember these sneaker wedges from this post and this post. I always get asked where I snagged these - H&M believe it or not.

The Rachel Roy x FEED India bag not only supports a great cause, but it's really beautifully made. I love the bright colored tassels and how roomy it is. It's a great bag for day - also serves double as a reusable shopping bag.

Had way too much fun shooting this in my backyard. Something about being surrounded by greenery makes me giddy. Reminds me of childhood.

Jacket: Vintage | Top: H&M | Cutoffs: Forever 21 Plus | Sneakers: H&M | Bag c/o Rachel Roy x FEED India | Hat: Goodwill | Bangles: Forever 21 + Street Vendor 

Get The Look:

Exclusive: Rachel Roy's FEED India Initiative

Rachel Roy is always up to something amazing. As one of my favorite designers, I admire her not just for her keen fashion aesthetic but also because she really makes an effort to encourage social change with many of her collections and collaborations. You guys remember her VOTE tee that I so adamantly supported last year before the election. Now, she's partnering up with the FEEDProjects initiative to show that Kindness Is Always Fashionable.

Last year during Rachel’s travels to India to pay homage to her heritage, she worked with local artisans to create this two amazing FEED India handbags ($78.00), which officially launched yesterday. Each FEED India bag sold will provide 100 meals to hungry children in India.

Aside from going towards a great cause, the handbags are really unique and also very functional. The RR team sent me one to style for an outfit post and I wore mine with jean cutoffs and a leather jacket.

For those of you based in NYC, Rachel is co-hosting a special shopping event at Bloomingdales 59th St on May 9th to celebrate the collection. Deets below:

Check out RachelRoy.com for more information on purchasing the FEED India bag.

Instaweek 4.1.13

Happy April everyone! The beginning of the month always feels like a fresh new start for me. A chance to take on new challenges and push myself further. We're now in the second quarter of the year. Is this real? 2013 is breezing by! Here's some of the fun I got into last week:

Mondrian Inspired

I've never been a huge art buff, but there are a few historic pieces that I can call my faves. Last week, myself and the LBS resident nail aficianado Gracie were inspired by artist Piet Mondrian. My absolute favorite ring from Yumnah Najah is inspired by his work. Tomorrow's Style Play Polish will be the Mondrian nails you see on the left above. Looks difficult, but I promise it's easier than it looks!

Now imagine my delight when 3 days after shooting the tutorial, I went to the MoMA for a date and ran into Piet Mondrian's pieces up close. Clearly, it was meant to be.

Raving for Rachel Roy

You guys know how obsessed I am with Rachel Roy. This season, Rachel didn't have a traditional presentation but instead showcased her collection with a digital runway show that broadcast on Facebook during NYFW. So this season, the Rachel Roy team invited me to their showroom for a nice preview of her fall collections and boy was I in heaven. A review of the entire collection - including Rachel Roy, RACHEL Rachel Roy and accessories coming later this week!

Travel & Leisure

I have big travel news coming soon! I can't go into detail yet, but your girl will be vibing to indie tunes and snapping festival street style this month at the Coachella Music Festival! I'm beyond excited. More deets to come!

The Curl Update

Cece's Curls are doing well. They were starting to get on my nerves last week, so I had to calm them down with a little TLC. I've been experimenting with puffs & twistouts and using different products. I've announced the winner of the Karen's Body Beautiful giveaway so take a look and see if you won! This Friday, stay tuned for a giveaway with new natural haircare brand Anu Essentials.

Have an awesome week!

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals 2012

Last year during Black Friday, I had an unfortunate experience at the mall. Someone took one of my shopping bags while I wasn't looking and I nearly flipped ALL the way out. And that was the end of my in-store Black Friday shopping. Ever.

So, this year, being the digital savvy fashionista I am, I'm all about the digital deals. Why slave away on long lines when you can click & shop from the comfort of your home? So here are the top 5 cyber deals I'll be taking advantage of this weekend:

1. ASOS: 20% Off Everything (Even SALE Items)

 I must confess, all of my EPIC party dresses of yesteryear have come from ASOS. It's one of my favorite online shopping destinations. And they're giving an extra 20% they're already low prices. No-brainer!

Shop ASOS Here!

2. LiSi Cosmetics: 50% Off Everything

Aside from the fact that LoveBrownSugar has a new nail lacquer with them (on PRESALE at Shop LoveBrownSugar), their prices are ridiculously low ON THE REGULAR. I'm talking nail polish for $4.90! Until Monday, everything in-store and online is an extra 50% off. Run, don't walk to their website.

Shop LiSi Cosmetics HERE

 3. Shop Nasty Gal: 20% Off All Shoes

 I happen to be obsessed with Nasty Gal. I've been a fan of their pieces for quite sometime. They are one of the BEST online retailers for super dope and extremely creative footwear. So it only makes sense that they're discounting shoes this weekend.

Shop Nasty Gal HERE

4. Rachel Roy: 30% Off Everything

She's one of my favorite designers so I couldn't help but share her awesomesauce discount for Black Friday. Super cute frocks for under $100, handbags, jewels and more!

Shop Rachel Roy HERE

5. INGLOT Cosmetics: 20% Off Everything

You guys may recall that I celebrated my blog's 3 Year Anniversary at the INGLOT cosmetics loft in Chelsea. I'm a huge supporter of the brand. And today through Nov. 27th they're giving customers 20% off everything on site.

Shop INGLOT Cosmetics HERE

So, where are you guys shopping this Black Friday - at home or online?

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Rachel Roy "Vote" Tee Giveaway

As the Presidential election is quickly approaching, influencers in every industry are stepping up to the plate to get the word out about the importance of voting. Whether you're voting for one party or another, we all have a responsibility to uphold our civic duty by exercising our right to vote.

One of my favorite designers Rachel Roy is giving me the opportunity to express how important voting is by allowing me to gift one of you lovelies with her exclusive, Limited Edition "Vote" tee ($39.00). Aside from the fact that it's super chic, affordable and goes well with a myriad of style option inside my closet, it does double duty by encouraging a very important message. This November, get out to the polls and voice your opinions by voting. Be the change you want to see.

You can head to RockTheVote.com to find out how to register in your area.

To enter for your chance to win a brand new Rachel Roy "Vote" tee, fill out the information in the widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest ends Monday,  October 15th at 11:59PM EST. Winner will be announced next Tuesday - good luck!

 Stay up to date with the latest RR news by signing up to be a Rachel Roy Insider here.

My Instaweek: 9.17.12

New York Fashion Week has finally come to a close and as such, I spent this entire weekend doing absolutely nothing. And it felt great! I went for a hot stone massage, had brunch and slept. Yes, quite the uneventful weekend but here's a snapshot of all I got into last week:

- Huge shoutout to the folks at Birchbox and the manicurist from Color Club for starting my week off right last Monday. LOVED my manicure and all the special treats I went home with from the Birchbox Sample Stop lounge

- Three shows I adored last week: Rachel Roy (which I gushed about here), Gerlan Jeans (Minnie Mouse theme? I'm all in), and Rachel Zoe (gotta love the Zoe)

- I had the outstanding pleasure of attending the NY screening dinner for Iyanla Vanzant's new show on OWN called "Fix My Life". Hostess Demetria Lucas of A Belle In Brooklyn interviewed Iyanla all about the premiere episode featuring Evelyn Lozada and it was a night I will never forget. I even got the opportunity to meet and chat with Iyanla - I LOVE her! If you' haven't already, lock the show times into your calendar. Iyanla "Fix My Life" airs on Saturdays at 10/9c.

How was your weekend? Fill me in!

Follow me on Instagram! Username: LoveBrownSugar

First Look: Rachel Roy Spring 2013 Presentation

So I just came back from the Rachel Roy Spring 2013 Presentation and although I didn't have my good camera with me, I snapped a few Instagram shots so I could show you guys some of my favorite looks from the collection. I'm OBSESSED with this season's collection. From the bright pops of neon to the mixed prints and and functional silhouettes, Rachel Roy showed a wearable yet standout collection.

Here are a few of my favorite looks:

This Skull and Bird Abstract Spotted Print Crepe de Chine Caftan was one of the first to catch my eyes. From the amazing mix of prints to the flattering silhouette. This one's a spring/summer staple.

It's not a spring collection without a pop of color. Loved this Nectar Knit Cardigan with piping.

So remember on NYFW Day 1 when I gushed about taking the leap into mixing prints? Rachel Roy makes it look so easy! I love this look featuring the Abstract Geo Print Crepe De Chine Blazer, Peony and Champagne Knit Cardigan, and the Geo Tile Print Crepe De Chine Short.

I would LIVE in this Geo Tile Print Crepe De Chine Palazzo Jumpsuit for spring. It's lightweight, and the perfect 70's print to pair with a curly 'fro and wedges. Love, love love. 

 And these are no doubt red carpet stunners for the spring season. I could totally see Solange in the Flax Linen Asymmetric Soft Peplum Dress with Peony Raffia Edge on the right.

Thoughts on the collection? Are you dying for these as much as I am? Soundoff!

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Rachel Roy x Seu George

My favorite designer Rachel Roy is back with yet another collaboration collection. This time she partnered up with Brazilian musician Seu Jorge for a Brazil-inspired collection of fanciful prints, bright colors and intricately crafted jewels.

Related: Rachel Roy Fall/Winter 2012 Collection 

Inspired by casual 70's-era glamour, the RRR x Seu Jorge collection fuses the unbreakable spirit and tradition of the Brazilian people with a free-spirited beach vibe that's perfect for warm weather dressing.

In love with this amazing Brasil Tote, $79

Also loving this colorful Paula Blouse, $89.

Check out the collection's lookbook/inspiration video:

Shop The Collection Here!

NYFW Fall/Winter 2012 Runway Report

Hey loves! I whipped up a Runway Recap for VIBE Vixen featuring all my favorite shows during New York Fashion Week. My favorite collections came from designers like Rachel Roy, Nanette Lepore, Tracy Reese and a slew of others. Here's a snippet from the article:

New York Fashion Week came and went like a winter boo during cuffing season. Though we’re already runway-stalking London Fashion Week, we can’t help but stop and reflect on all the amazing American collections we drooled over for Fall/Winter 2012. In true Vixen fashion, we laughed, we cried, we gagged and we even broke a few stilettos running in and out of the #NYFW tents for a taste of next season’s trends. We saw everything from 70′s retro glam to sultry sophisticated chic. 

Check out my full NYFW Runway Recap at VIBE Vixen! 

Rachel Roy Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

On Monday, I had the pleasure of attending Rachel Roy's Fall/Winter 2012 collection presentation at the Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center. Not only was the collection absolutely amazing (when is it NOT amazing?), I also bumped into some awesome VIPs. Here's a recap:

Rachel's collection was dominated by a rich color palette of greens, plums and grays with subtle pops of jewel tones like cobalt blue and mustard.

She showed some chic and tailored must-haves for fall like fur vests, chunky knit cropped sweaters and ready-to-wear dresses. Also loved the accessories; wide brimmed felt hats wee definitely a recurring trend this season.

Designer Rachel Roy was on hand giving interviews, sporting her signature smoky eye and red lip.

Socialite Olivia Palermo showed up to support her friend Rachel. Was anyone else addicted to MTV's The City? I kinda want them to revive that show.

Rachel chatted it up with runway extraordinaire Miss Jay Alexander.

Beyonce's stylist Ty Hunter was in the building taking a look at the collection. Queen Bey may be sporting one of these looks sometime next fall. If she does, you saw it first here!

 I bumped into Ebony.com Style editor Geneva Thomas sporting her signature red lip.

Angela Simmons was in the building rocking a body-conscious Rachel Roy dress, which looked amazing on her.

Angela and I snapped a pic before I headed off to my next show.

Rachel's presentation was amazing. Can't wait to see what she has in store next season!

For more pics from the Rachel Roy F/W 2012 presentation, check the LoveBrownSugar Facebook page HERE.