SHOP LoveBrownSugar: Leather Shoulder Bags

Thanks to everyone who stopped by SHOP LoveBrownSugar last week for our "Retro Printed Blouse" pop-up shop. Seems like you guys are really loving the merchandise, so I'm gonna keep it coming! This week's boutique features some amazing leather shoulder bags you won't want to miss.

There are only a few styles available this week, so catch them while you can. No sizes necessary - accessories are one size fits all!

This leather gem is a vintage girl's dream. Color blocking, long shoulder strap and just the right size for day trips around town.

It can also be worn as a clutch with the straps tucked in. Cute huh? Get it HERE.

If cognac is your thing, check out this cutesy distressed leather shoulder bag. I love the scaled detailing at the bottom and on the clasp. Just the right size to make a statement without being overbearing. Get it HERE.

I love a good drawstring bag. So when I saw this two-toned shoulder bag, I knew I had to bring it home. There's so much character in the details. Take it off my hands HERE.

More in-store, so check SHOP LoveBrownSugar and see for yourself!

The Leather Shoulder Bag boutique at SHOP LoveBrownSugar closes on May 16th at 11:59PM EST.

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Business-Savvy Chic

 Working in the world of editorial, I often forget that most people have to get dressed to the tee in suits and business-ready attire to head out to work. For the most part, editorial folks dress down in the office. Depending on the publication, you might not even be required to don heels! So it's a very rare occasion these days that I'm required to dress up in business or even business casual attire.

This weekend, I'll be participating in an amazing business conference in NYC called the Rising Affluent Advancement & Achievement Conference. If you follow me on Twitter, you know I've been raving about it for the past 6 weeks and it's finally here. It's a premier event for young professionals to network, grow, and develop themselves for professional advancement and personal achievement.There are some amazing panelists coming through to speak including Essence relationships editor and blogger Demetria Lucas of A Belle in Brooklyn, Ericka Pittman PR guru of Blue Flame PR (Diddy's publicist) and many more.

Anyway, aside from my excitement about the actual conference itself, I'm contemplating what fab outfit I'll be donning for the festivities. Here are a few chic options for the business-savvy look.

Try layering a basic black blazer over a colorful dress like these styles above via ASOS.com. Color will undoubtedly make you stand out, so keep your accessories neutral and let your business savvy do the talking.

If you're more of a classic girl, try some updated classics like an off-white blazer instead of black (Topshop), a cropped black pant (Gap) with your ensemble or a muted rose frock (ASOS.com).

If you're limited with the wardrobe, you can always add some flavor to your business attire with chic accessories. Mary Janes (Steve Madden) are the perfect compliment to tailored dresses and skirts. Never leave home without a watch for interviews and business meetings - wearing a timepiece shows you care about being on time. I'm obsessed with all (MKors) time pieces. Finally a statement necklace (J.Crew) can be a great topper if you work in a more creative industry. It's also a great way to take your look from day to night instantly.


LBS EXCLUSIVE! Ok lovelies, so I have the pleasure of extending a specialty DISCOUNT to all my NYC readers that would like to attend the conference tomorrow. Use CODE: n0m0reth3n50 to get tix to Rising Afluent for only $50 (full price is $75). Tell them LoveBrownSugar sent you. Hope to see you all there!

REGISTRATION LINK

LoveBrownSugar Chic: New Kid On The Block

I nearly screamed when I found this color-block blazer at a local vintage store. One of the few pieces I'm sure I'll never part with.

Haven't worn a "doctor bag" in a while. To me, they're never out of style...

Color Block Blazer: Vintage. Lace Top: H&M. Skirt: American Apparel. Shoes: Forever 21. Doctor Bag: Jimmy Choo. Watch: Michael Kors. Chains: both Vintage. Ring: Street Vendor [HERE]. BMW: Stylists Own (haha j/k it's my sister's).

Photography by Justified Photos

Missoni For Target Collaboration Coming This Fall

Missoni S/S 2009 Campaign

 Wow! Had to report this to you lovelies once I heard about it. According to VOGUE.com, iconic Italian fashion house Missoni is next on the roster to partner up with Target and offer designer duds on a discount. Ladies, you don't know how long I've been DYING to randomly "stumble" on a vintage Missoni piece at a thrift store in the Upper East Side I could call my own.

Well come September 13 - October 22, all of us will have the opportunity to snag one of their 400 plus designs  that won't break the bank. It’s been a fantastic experience...one we are eager to share with families across the United States." says Angela Missoni. And I'm sure US fashionistas will be eager to drop dollars on the line as well.

Will you be lining up at the store like me?

Find out more at VOGUE.com

Fashion Review: 2011 Met Gala (Couples Edition)

Who doesn't love a fab duo? The great thing about the Met Gala is that it's pretty easy for stars to find a partner-in-crime for the anticipated fete. Most celebs head to the gala with their favorite designer in tow. Others (a la Queen Bey) opt to bring along their superstar hubby. Either way, nothing warms my heart more than a stunning couple on the red carpet.

Jay-Z and Beyonce

Beyonce and Jay-Z are definitely on my "Best Dressed Couple" list. They both looked stunning and uber glamorous. Jay- Z dressed to the tee in his white Tom Ford tuxedo and Beyonce in her Pucci gown. Power couple indeed.

Karl Lagerfeld & Blake Lively

Chanel muse Blake Lively sported a grecian-style Chanel gown in a muted gray. Her soft waves and neutral makeup completed the fresh look. And of course Karl was dressed in his usual, all black and motorcycle gloves. Has anyone ever seen his real hands?

Diane von Furstenberg & Barry Diller

I adore DVF. She's such a classy lady. Always sophisticated and always dressed appropriately for someone of her status. Love it.

Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson

I swooned when I saw Diane Kruger in this jaw-dropping Jason Wu frock. I'm in love with the intricate beading u top and the seductive slit takes it to a whole new level.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony

JLo rocked the red carpet in a deep fuschia Gucci gown with floral detailing around the shoulder. I thought this was a great look for a gala focused on the art of attire.

Amar'e Stoudemire and Rachel Roy

How cute are Amar'e Stoudemire and Rachel Roy together? They both look classic but stunning. Can't wait for their clothing line collabo to kick off in September.

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats

I'm normally not a fan of brown dresses but Alicia Keys manages to pull off this Givenchy couture look flawlessly. My only wish is that she topped off the look with a bright red lip. Swizz looks cool too.

Tory Burch and Kanye West

How cute are these two on the red carpet? Kanye West donned a Tory Burch suit for the occasion. I heard through the grapevine, Tory Burch is a major Kanye stan.

Zoe Saldana and Francisco Costa

The canary yellow looks really great against Zoe's skin. I wish there was a bit more to the design, but honestly you could throw a potato sack on this girl and she'd look good.

What do you think of the couples? Any faves?

Click HERE to see my Top 10 Fashion Countdown

Images Source

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.

Monoi Mondays: Week 1 - Monoi Repairing Conditioner

So as you guys know, last week I had the pleasure of attending the Carol's Daughter Monoi Collection Premiere at the flagship store in Harlem. Each of the attendees were gifted a bag of the Monoi goodies to take home and try out. One thing I like to do with new products is incorporate them into my hair regimen, one by one, to really get a feel for whether or not they're working. So for the first week, I kicked things off with the Repairing Conditioner.

Fierce or Foolish: Celebs at the 2nd Annual MJB Honors Concert

 Last night at the Hammerstein Ballroom, celebs came out to support Mary J. Blige during her 2nd Annual Mary J. Blige Honors Concert. I saw celebs like Lala and Brad Goreski tweeting about last night's festivities. Well, the looks of the night are in! Soundoff and tell me who was "fierce" or "foolish"...