LoveBrownSugar Chic: Westside Safari

I took a trip to my local H&M recently and stumbled on this tunic for $4.95. At first I thought it was too good to be true. Nothing worth having is $4.95 anymore. But upon trying it on, I fell in love.

I really love the high-low construction of it, as well as the waist tie. That was thoughtful, considering without the waste tie it can turn into a boxy piece of fabric that won't give me any shape.

The tie helps accentuate my waist, and turns it into a mini-dress as opposed to a simple tunic. 

The pattern is really what caught my eye. Once I tried it on, I realized how versatile a piece like this can be. You can take it casual with a pair of flats, or a little dressier with heels.

And for chilly evenings, you can easily slap a sweater or a leather jacket on top.

I paired this look with my red Zara heels (wore them here). They look good with everything, seriously.

My crochet cross-body bag is from H&M as well. It was my go-to when I went to Cali for Coachella.

Tunic: H&M | Jacket: Vintage | Necklace: Forever 21 | Shoes: Zara (similar here) | Bag: H&M (similar here)

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LoveBrownSugar Chic: One Dress From Work to Play

For the fashionista who lives a professional lifestyle from 9-5, and an active social life after hours, finding the perfect piece to make the transition from work to happy hour seamless is no easy feat. If this sounds like you, a tailored dress in a a great color and a figure-flattering shape will do the trick. Check out how I take this Casey Peplum Dress ($178.00) from Ivy & Blu Maggy Boutique, from work to play:

The Work Look

Depending on how corporate your office is, a simple well-tailored peplum dress is a great option for girls with curves. What's great about a dress like this is its versatility. You can wear it under a suit jacket or just by itself. The ruffle detailing on the front makes it unique and the v-shaped neckline is flattering without being too revealing for the office.

Pair the look with simple, yet functional accessories like black pumps (Steve Madden, similar here for only $42) and a leather carryall (Zara, similar here). Makeup is minimal with a lined eye and a neutral lip!

The Play Look

To spice things up for nighttime, pack a change of shoes and your favorite statement clutch.

Adding in a bright-colored clutch and printed peep-toe heels takes the look from corporate to cocktail.

As for makeup, I added a matching pink lip - MAC's Girl About Town ($15), to complete the look.

Dress c/o Ivy & Blu Maggy Boutique ($178.00) | Shoes: Nine West (similar here) | Clutch: Nordstrom Rack (similar here) | Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova | Cuff c/o Stella & Dot | Lips: MAC "Girl About Town"

How do YOU take your work look from day to night? Leave a style tip in the comments section.

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LoveBrownSugar Chic: Polka Player

The weather is warming up - time to show a little leg! 

My personal style rule is only to flaunt one asset at a time. So when the limbs are on display, the arms and cleavage are tucked away.

I've really grown to appreciate my legs. I used to hate them. In this outfit post "Long Walk", I talked a little about how self-conscious I used to be about wearing shorts.

Now that I've grown more confident in my body type, you can't tell me anything. *flips hair*

I mixed prints for this look rocking a polka dotted pair of shorts and an ankara fabric clutch.

This is the same Della x Urban Outfitters clutch/wallet that was gifted to me in celebration of the collection launch. You can read more about the collection HERE.

The fitted cap and army fatigue jacket make this look a little less girly.

Always sporting a colorful arm party.

Jacket: Vintage | Top: H&M | Shorts: Forever 21 Plus | Shoes: Zara | Clutch c/o Urban Outfitters | Cap: Buffalo Exchange | Cuff c/o Stella & Dot | Bangles: Street Vendor | Necklace: Forever 21 | Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova

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LoveBrownSugar Chic: Old & New

I gushed about my undying love for this Laundry by Shelli Segal coat back in January in my Airing the Laundry post. This time I decided to mix it up with an old top that I normally reserve for spring/summer months, and a few new accessories.

The green top adds a pop of color. It's hard sometimes to break out of the dark neutrals that this great city is known for.

I did a silver arm party this time around, including my favorite cuff and my old school nameplate bracelet. Flashback to my high school days...

I wore my Kelsi Dagger 'Acalia' wedges (purchase here) that I scored from a Rue La La sale last year.

And I topped off the look with my new favorite faux leather bag from Zara. I scored this at the Zara sale for only $20! *hits my dougie*

One of the few things I like about winter is the ability to wear a statement coat. Nothing like a luxe fur collar to make you feel chic.

Now bring on the spring weather! I can't wait to wear mini skirts and flirty tanks.

Coat: Laundry by Shelli Segal | Top: Forever 21 | Pants: Old Navy (available for $44.94 here) | Boots: Kelsi Dagger (available here) | Bag: Zara | Bangles: Street Vendor

For the face, I'm sporting LiSi Cosmetics Prime Time All-in-One Face Primer, LiSi Cosmetics Flushed Pressed Powder blush in Aruba, Stila All Day Waterproof Eyeliner, and one of my favorite winter lip shades (blogged about them here) - Laura Mercier Creme Lip Color in Sienna.

Silver Jeans Style Wars: Day 2

It's my second day rocking Silver Jeans as part of the Style Wars challenge, and I could really get used to this! Seriously, these jeans are so comfortable. For my second post I decided to style their Sam Boyfriend Jeans ($85.00) with a few new pieces in my wardrobe.

I had been looking for a mixed leather/cargo jacket since last season but couldn't find one just perfect for me, until I stumbled on this one at H&M a few week ago. I blogged about it here in my LBS in LA post as well. It's my new favorite piece of outerwear.

It goes really well with pretty much anything. I love how it looks with cropped boyfriend jeans and heels.

I scored these heels on sale at Zara about a month ago. Couldn't wait to put them on!

Can't wait to rock these in the spring with a super cute tailored dress. I love that they're neutrals with a pop of color.

For my handbag, I pulled out an oldie but a goodie. My vintage Coach Willis Bag ($298). I wore my street vendor bangles, my Michael Kors watch and Crown Midi Rings by TNEMNRODA ($30).

Ok guys, you know what to do! Head over to the Silver Jeans Facebook Page and vote for Team East Coast (including me!) Just 'like' our photos on the Facebook page to cast your vote. Also, stay tuned! Tomorrow I'm giving away a pair of Silver Jeans to one of you lovelies. Can't wait!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Parkside Layers

You guys probably remember this tweed cape from my Harlem Daze post last year. Yes, this winter it made a reappearance. It's probably one of my absolute favorite Zara purchases. Because it's not as thick, I end up having to do some heavy layering when I wear it.

This Urban Outfitters Deena + Ozzy handbag has been holding me down since October. I picked it up on one of my shopping sprees to Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta when I visited. It was on sale! From $79.99 to $39.99. I wanted to squeal. Y'all know I love a good steal.

I've been more into wine/plum lips for the winter months as opposed to bright red. I'll be putting together a post of my favorites soon. The one I'm wearing above is Makeup Forever Aqua Rouge in Raspberry ($24.00). It's super longwear so I can go out for dinner, drinks and more and not a smudge. It's like magic or something. Also, if you're following me on Instagram (@LoveBrownSugar), you've probably seen me posting pics of my new winter protective style. I have extensions from Indique Hair in Bounce Deep Wavy mixed with Bounce Coil Curl. I love the volume. Feeling like Auntie Diana Ross these days (*3 snaps in a Z formation*).

Cape: Zara (similar here from Macy's) | Blouse: Forever 21 | Pants: Old Navy | Boots: Nine West (similar here) | Bag: Urban Outfitters (similar here) | Cuff: c/o Stella & Dot | Necklace & Ring: Street Vendor | Watch: Michael Kors

Photos by Sharifa S. Daniels

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Harlem Daze

The other night at a friend's house, I sat and watched Eddie Murphy's 1989 film "Harlem Nights". I found myself paying absolutely no attention to the dialogue and being engrossed in the amazing costume design. Sometimes I think in my former life, I was a speakeasy regular during the late 20's. Diamond headpiece and feather boa included.

Living in such a historic neighborhood for black culture like Harlem, I find myself wandering the streets of Striver's Row to marvel at the century-old brownstones and picturing myself at a cocktail with the likes of Zora Neale Hurston or Langston Hughes.

Leather Dress: H&M. Wool Cape: Zara (On sale $39.99, Zara.com). Bag: Elliot Luca (similar look here for $128). Watch: Michael Kors. Shoes: Steve Madden (buy here - only $41.98). Necklace: Street Vendor (similar Modcloth version, $14.98). Ring: Versace for H&M (similar).

Photography by Ugonna Igweatu