SHOP LoveBrownSugar: Ladylike Accordion Skirts

From left: Chloe Spring 2011, Derek Lam Spring 2011, Derek Lam Spring 2011

 One of the biggest trends for Spring 2011 is the return of the ladylike skirt in mid-calf length. Showing up on runways from Marc by Marc Jacobs to Chloe to Derek Lam, you won’t be able to avoid this retro silhouette in trendy stores this season. This week in SHOP LoveBrownSugar, I’m featuring five different Ladylike Accordion Skirts you'll love. Here's a sample of what's in store:

Grand Opening: SHOP LoveBrownSugar

 So by now you guys know that I absolutely love the cyclical nature of fashion. I’m a self-proclaimed vintage addict and I’m not ashamed. Considering I can't seem to do an outfit post without having one item of vintage in the mix, it's pretty obvious I'm obsessed.

Two questions I get very often about my thrifting adventures are “How do you pick such great items?!” and “Next time you go, can you find something for me?” Well, I’ve listened to your questions and I finally have an answer! Welcome SHOP LoveBrownSugar.

 Those of you who have been following my blog since the beginning (July 2009) know that I used to have an online Etsy store with all my vintage collectibles available for purchase. I’ve decided to relaunch my vintage store but this time with a different concept.

 SHOP LoveBrownSugar will be an extension of my overflowing vintage “closet”. Not items I’ve ever worn, but items I’ve sifted through vintage racks for, and have fallen in love with. All the items will be in good condition and reasonably priced! The only catch? At this boutique, the items you see will only be on SALE for 10 days after which they will go back into the vintage vault. Each week or so I’ll be featuring a new themed trend. All the items in the shop during that particular week will be under the chosen theme. Once the week is over, that themed shop is closed, the items are cleared out of the store and it’s on to the next! My items will be curvy-girl-friendly (as the curvy silhouette is my expertise) but I will try my best to find items for everyone from XS-XL.

So let’s get right into it. Click HERE to see this week's trend - Ladylike Accordion Skirts!

Behind The Scenes: Video Shoot for Frenzy TV

 Last week I had the pleasure of meeting up with Franny of TheFrenzyTV; a soon-to-be-launched video portal with interviews from artists to bloggers and more. While the site hasn't launched yet, I thought I would give you guys a sneak peek at what she's working on. 

Flavor of Friday: Solange & Julez for Japan Tees

 

 Yesterday Solange took to Twitter to announce the brainchild of her own baby boy Juelz. He was hard at work designing a collection of painted tees of which 100% of proceeds will support disaster relief in Japan via Peace Winds Japan.

Whoop Ash Giveaway

 

If you follow me on Twitter you know that a few weeks back, I had the pleasure of attending the retail launch of beauty brand Whoop Ash. That's right, you read it correct the first time - Whoop Ash! How clever is that? Whoop Ash, a new beauty brand that happens to be the brainchild of entrepreneur (and ex-wife of Will Smith) Sheree Fletcher, debuted their body butters and lip balm at the acclaimed black-owned Georgia NY Spa in lower Manhattan on March 3rd.

Sam Fine, Sheree Fletcher

 I had an intimate chit-chat with founder Sheree Fletcher for UPTOWN Magazine and she told me all about the brand and the inspiration behind it. You can read all about that HERE.

Soft skin after using Whoop Ash body butter

 Well let me tell you, after using this product for a matter of 3 weeks, I am absolutely in LOVE. And with all honesty, as an editor I get tons of products on a regular basis from event invites, samples sent to the office and more. You guys know, if I write about it I truly LOVE it and this product lives up to its word. It leaves my skin super soft, it has a light (not overpowering) scent and it's all-natural. Can't beat that.

Because I love the product so much, I've partnered up with Whoop Ash for a special reader giveaway! One lucky reader will receive the Whoop Ash "Bag with Swag" which contains: Whoop Ash Body Butter Cream (Whipped) 8 0z, Whoop Ash Body Butter Travel Size (Whipped) 2.6 oz, SMACK your LIPS (lip balm) and a Whoop Ash t-shirt!

 Rules for Entry:
1. You MUST be following @LoveBrownSugar on Twitter OR Facebook
2. Comment below with the answer to this question:

The season for shedding layers is just around the corner! Whoop Ash is here to get your dry skin glowing again just in time for the highly-anticipated warmer months. What are you looking forward to most this Spring?

Visit www.whoopash.com to learn more about the brand and shop online. Follow Sheree Fletcher’s ash-whoopin' adventures on Twitter and Facebook.

Can't wait to see your responses! Contest ends March 31st, 2011 at 11:59PM EST.

In Memory Of: Elizabeth Taylor

The English-American actress and style icon Elizabeth Taylor, known for her roles in classic Hollywood flicks like Cat On a Hot Tin Roof and Cleopatra, has passed away at the age of 79. 

 A pillar in Tinseltown from her early days as a child star all the way up to her later days as a dear friend to the late Michael Jackson, Liz Taylor will forever be revered. 

R.I.P Elizabeth Taylor (February 27, 1932 - March 23, 2011)

Cece's Curls: The Fold & Tuck

Happy Spring everyone! I'm overjoyed that the weather has started to warm up. And I think my curls are happier than I am. Now that it isn't frosty anymore, I'm back to acquainting myself with my new natural 'do and trying out styles that are chic and generally fool-proof. I saw this new style called the "Fold & Tuck" over at Miss Riot's blog back in December and I had been dying to try it. 

Photo courtesy MISSRIOT.com

Absolutely love her hair and I thought it looked fab, so I finally tried it out last week! Mine was a modified version because I didn't blow out my hair. I just let it air dry in braids and then attempted to fold the hair and tuck under with pins using Oyin Handmade's Shine & Define and Oyin Greg Juice.

It went pretty well for the first attempt. A little messy, but overall I liked the final result. Just an FYI, I'm the youngest girl in my family and I grew up in a household full of females who knew how to style hair really well. So if my mom wasn't doing my hair then one of my older sisters was. And since I didn't have anyone to "practice" on growing up (Barbie didn't cut it), I've never been into doing my own hair. This year I'm really making an extra effort to be hands on and learn, so bare with me! There might be a few kinks out of place from time to time.

 Here's a shot of the back. I did three folds overall. This hairstyle will definitely be part of the rotation. It was pretty simple to do and didn't require much maintenance. I wore it like this for a few days.

Any other natural girls out there try this style before? What were your results and what products did you use? Soundoff below.

Fierce or Foolish: Jordin Sparks' New Figure

 So it seems every curvy girl in Tinseltown these days is taking to the gym and reemerging to the public with a newly slimmed down figure. American Idol Jordin Sparks is the newest specimen for observation. She showed up to the Muhammed Ali Celebrity Fight Night this past weekend in a little black dress with a slim & trim new figure.

What do you guys think about her new look? Furthermore, do you think curvy girls in the entertainment industry (ex: Jennifer Hudson) are lauded or frowned upon when they drastically slim down? Comment below and give me your honest opinion! I'll be using your commentary for a piece I'm writing. More details soon...

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