Drop The Dryer: 5 Tips For Natural Hair

This week Nikita of My 12 Month Natural Hair Challenge reflects on her 3 years as a natural and the top 5 lessons she's learned:

Last Press & Curl (April 2012)

I have reached the 3 month mark of 12 month challenge! In addition, I am celebrating 3 years as a natural haired gal! I wanted to share some of my reflections after 3 years of the natural life because I think that they will be helpful to those of you who are starting and continuing the journey...

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NEWS: Solange Knowles Is The New Face of Madewell

Congratulations to my fave fashion girl and style muse Solange Knowles! In her first major fashion collaboration, she's been announced as the Fall 2012 face of Madewell. Madewell, J.Crew's hipster counterpart, focuses on cool separates that can be mixed and matched for luxe appeal. Hence, the campaign theme "Mix Well. Madewell." Considering her downtown chic steaze, this collaboration seems like the perfect fit for her, no?

Personally, I'm so incredibly happy to see her face in more amazing campaigns like this. I adored her as a spokesbeauty of Carol's Daughter, and her beauty campaign with Rimmel London. Madewell just makes perfect sense. I can't wait to see the rest of her lookbook shots!

Check out the campaign video below:



Source: Fashionista

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Denim Ballerina

I hadn't worn this denim shirt in over a year, so I decided to dust it off and put it back into rotation with some of my faves from this season.

This lace A-line skirt is one of my favorite purchases this summer. I'm pear-shaped so this silhouette is really flattering for me. And you guys know I adore white lace.

I topped off the look with my tried & true summer standout accessories - my Cambridge Satchel and my gold gladiator flats from Marais USA.

You guys know I'm obsessed with chainlink jewelry. And of course, obscenely large cocktail rings.

Top: H&M (similar here) | Locket: Vintage (similar here) | Skirt: H&M (similar under $25 here) | Gladiator Sandals: Marais USA (similar here) | Bag: Cambridge Satchel Company (Buy Here) | Chainlink Bracelet: H&M (similar here) | Ring: Forever 21

Photos by Sharifa S. Daniels

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My Insta-Week: 8.6.12

Last week I had a blast prepping and participating in the BlogHer 2012 conference and it's subsequent Style & MC'd Fashion Show. Here's what I got into:

- I met The Lorax! Yes, I'm 4 years old at heart. And yes, I went to see that movie when it came out....without any kids in tow. I love Disney. And I'm so happy I met The Lorax at the BlogHer12 conference. He was quite friendly. Full recap on the BlogHer12 conference coming tomorrow!

- I'm so honored to have participated in the BlogHer Styl'd & MCed Fashion Show, sponsored by 6PM.com and PetSmart. The clothes were absolutely amazing! Special thanks also to Elizabeth Arden for beating my face something serious! And to Paul Mitchell for the amazing hair look (check out my faux bob on the top left). Shoutout to some of my favorite bloggers Cece from The Big Girl Blog, Alissa from Stylish Curves, Claire from The Fashion Bomb, Jenni from ISPyDIY, Erin from Scandalous Beauty, and more for sharing in the fun with me. Had such an awesome time!

Photo Credit: ISpyDIY on Instagram

Pictured above: Me, Alyssa of Stylish Curves, Reagan of Hairdresser on Fire, Claire of The Fashion Bomb, Jenni of ISpyDIY

- I did tons of shopping this weekend. Went to this jewelry market and found that awesome gold bangle trio above. I'm in prep & go mode for my new baby Citizen Jade. I'll be telling you all more about it as the plot develops. In the mean time, Sign Up HERE to be the first to know about it.

- Do you guys like that peach top above center? Saw it at American Apparel and I'm contemplating on whether or not I should go back for it...

Congratulations to Gabby Douglas!

Source: The Washington Post

Ok this isn't fashion or beauty related, but I know you're all watching the Olympics like I am and I'm sure you guys are just as excited to share in this news. Congratulations to Gabby Douglas of the USA Women's Gymnastics team! Not only did the USA Women's Gymnastics team win gold the other day, but Gabby herself just won Gold in the Women's Gymnastics All-Around. As a 16-year old young woman of color representing the USA over in London, I'm incredibly proud. I just had to share!

I was cruising YouTube earlier today and ran across this awesome video series from P&G called "Raising An Olympian". Check out Gabby's mom telling her story, and explaining all the sacrifices Gabby had to make in order for this dream to come true. She had to leave her family as a preteen and relocate across the country to train, and ultimately made some MAJOR sacrifices. Major lesson we can all gather from this - white or black, young or old - is if you keep pressing, you WILL accomplish your dreams! Be inspired today:



Source: Washington Post

LoveBrownSugar 3 Year Anniversary Winners Announced

It's finally time! Time to announce the winners of the LBS 3 Year Anniversary giveaways! Thank you ALL for being so amazing and coming back to the site on a weekly basis to enter my contests. I'm so honored that I have the chance to give back to you guys, even a fraction of what you guys give to me each day you come here and share in my experiences (and crazy talk). Love y'all! See below to find out if you won! If you're a winner, scroll to the bottom for instructions on how to claim. Congrats!

Day 1: LiSi Cosmetics Gift Bag

Congratulations to Cindy Aiton!

Day 2: Carol's Daughter Transition 1-2-3 Kit

Congratulations to Gloss & Sticks!

Day 3: No 9 Candle Co Candles

Congratulations to T'Rea, Ashley, and Zadry!

Day 4: Glossybox 3 Month Subscription

Congratulations to Tiffany Rene!

Day 5: POP Phone Giveaway

Congratulations to Leeann Diamond!

Day 6: Simply Be Animal Print Top

Congratulations to Jennifer Jacobssen, Kelleashia Tyus, Cherlyn Miller!

Day 7: Simply Be PU Sleeve Coat

Congratulations to Lasha, Nic, Cherice Allen!

Day 8: Simply Be Anna Sholz Dress

Congratulations to Keyanna, Kourtney Michelle, Danielle JuicyCarter!

Day 9: Carolina Amato Serpent Ring

Congratulations to Delana Murphy! (Updated 8/6 due to lack of former winner response)

Day 10: Debbie Merle Bracelet

Congratulations to Jay!

Day 11: Kera Plus Gift Bag

Congratulations to Mia Hall!

Instructions For Claiming Prize

Winners have 72 hours to claim prizes before new winners are chosen. Email LBS3Year@gmail.com with the following information:

1. Subject Line = Day (#) - whatever day's giveaway you won.
2. First and Last Name
3. Mailing Address

Congratulations to all the winners! 

Cover Girls: Oprah Covers O Magazine With Natural Hair

The blogosphere has been buzzing something crazy today over Oprah's latest O Magazine cover shot. Oprah is said to be wearing her natural curls on the cover of her most recent issue. She looks spectacular (but when doesn't she? besides the few times she goes without makeup...)

So you may be wondering- what's the controversy? Apparently some believe these aren't Oprah's natural strands and that she might be playing for #TeamRelaxed (why are there teams again?) but in all honesty I think whether she's relaxed or not, she still looks flawless.

What do you guys think? Weigh in below!

P.S. Hear me giving my opinion in this article for Fashionista.com by Jihan Forbes. She quoted me!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Navy Fresh

The other week, I told you during my Instaweek recap that I went a little crazy at Joe Fresh. They have these amazing updated classics and really figure-flattering silhouettes. These are a few of the pieces I lusted over and took home.

 I've had this vintage quilted chainlink bag for almost 7 years now and it never fails. The chainlinks on the back strap are actually broken but to me it makes the bag look more unique. I don't ever think I'll get them repaired.

Top: Joe Fresh (similar here) | Jeans: Joe Fresh (similar here under $20!) | Shoes: ALDO (similar here) | Bag: Vintage (similar here) | Necklace: Joe Fresh (similar here and here) | Arm Party: Ann Taylor LOFT (similar here)

Photos by Sharifa S. Daniels

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