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Friday, October 30, 2009

Sick Site Spotlight (Blog Edition): "Vintage is the New Black"

So you guys know how much I love vintage clothing, right? In case you didn't know, I'm obsessed. But anyway, I've decided to put a twist on my Sick Site Spotlight and highlight a blog/Ebay store I really like: NoirOhio Vintage. If you're like me and you love pretty pictures and vintage clothing, get your fix over at "Vintage is the New Black". I go to the site often for inspiration. I particularly love when they feature their Ebay store's new items like in this Thursday's post. They also do a great job styling:



Check out their Ebay store NoirOhioVintage for more great looks and vintage pieces.
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Model Turned Blogger?


Last night over Twitter one of our favorite models, Ms. Chanel Iman, tweeted about her new website www.chaneliman.com:

"**ALERT** NEW FASHION BLOG http://www.chaneliman.com be the first to check it out!!!"

Well, I checked it out. I mean the layout seems pretty nice but not much substantial content yet. We wish Chanel the best of luck as she pursues this fashion blog. I can't wait to see what great things are in store!
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Bootie Calls


One thing I know about online shopping, is that it can quickly become a guilty pleasure. Your favorite shoe stores may be physically closed at night, but when you get that midnight itch for a new pair of shoes...those online shops are always there waiting, soliciting, beckoning your fingers to click your way to shoe heaven (and sometimes debt hell). You've never felt the late night itch? Well, let me tell you, it will leave you feigning. "Bootie Calls"...that's what I call them. Nobody can resist a good pair of boots, not in the daylight and definitely not in the late night.

Well with the Fall season upon us full throttle, I've been tossing around ideas of my dream pair of boots. There are so many trends this season! How dare my bank account tell me to curb my shoe addiction...

Anyway, here are some top contenders for the lucky pair I'll be stomping the NYC pavement in:


I like these from Aldo Shoes. They're funky, they look comfy (soft canvas material) and basic enough to wear with most of my outfits. Only thing is...they're really casual. Even though I work in Soho now, can't roll up to happy hour in midtown with the girlies in these...or can I?

I like the rocker vibe these Aldo boots give off. Rocker chic is definitely "in" right now. Only problem is...they're suede. With all the rain we've been getting in the NYC lately, these might not be an everyday choice. Or am I exaggerating....decisions, decisions...

I think these might be the most practical I've seen. They're riding style, which I love, and they're a nice basic color without being just "black". Sadly, they're also the most expensive - check 'em out here Aldo


Funky! Cute! But their booties :(....I swore I wouldn't buy anymore. Should I reconsider?

And then there's good ol' faithful. The black knee-high leather boot you can wear with absolutely everything. To take risks...or to stick with the classics...this is the question.



I need your help! Vote on the sidebar on the ones you like the best. I'm indecisive :/


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Monday, October 19, 2009

Black Girls Rock! Fashion Countdown

I'm back with another countdown lovelies! I recently ran across some great photos of the 4th Annual Black Girls Rock! Awards and there were of course some notables. In honor of the many positive black female role models, the event is to commemorate entertainers as well as to raise awareness of the influence these women have on the young black female community. Since this is such a positive cause, I'll shy away from the hating just for one day...

Here are my favorite looks of the night:



Naomi lookin' right in this Alexander Wang dress and black fur stole...very Naomi!

Tracee Ellis Ross looks amazing in this blinged-out shoulder

Raven Symone making great wardrobe choices lately...color and silhouette are very flattering

Janelle Monae, one of the few who can pull off this tuxedo without a second glance

Melanie Fiona in an all-black body conscious piece...the sequins are a nice touch

Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige look stunning in "all black everything"


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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Movie Premiere Fashions: Good Hair & Law-Abiding Citizen

There have been a number of notable movie premieres over the past week including Good Hair (which I cannot wait to see tomorrow!) and Law-Abiding Citizen. Along with notable movie premieres come notable celebrity fashions. Here are a few of my faves:

Nia Long, Good Hair Premiere

I thought Nia's hair and makeup were amazing. She was actually glowing. I need to find somebody to teach me how to do this for myself!

And I loved her sparkly blouse, appropriately paired with shorts...very cute.

Eve, Good Hair premiere

I haven't seen Eve out in a while so I was pleasantly surprised to see her in some pics. Although I love the embroidery on this piece, I hate how drab the color is. I would've loved to see the same style in a brighter color or at least a glossier material.

Raven Simone, Good Hair Premiere

Considering Raven's previous fashion choices, I am VERY proud of her for this. She picked a flattering color and cut and she looks trendy.

Melyssa Ford, Good Hair Premiere

I love the color and the cut of this dress. The side draping makes it elegant but still sexy and body-conscious. I think I could've done without the chunky belt though. It takes away from the construction of the dress. I might've opted for a short necklace instead.

Gabrielle Union, Good Hair Premiere

As beautiful as Gabrielle Union is, I was slightly disappointed with her ensenble. Its kinda...regular. I think the jacket is cute. I think the dress is cute too. I think they would've been better off worn separately. That printed dress under there is screaming to be worn alone.

No complaints on the following ensembles from the LawAbiding Citizine Premiere:

Sanaa Lathan, Law-Abiding Citizen Premiere

I really admire the monochramatic look when it's done right. This ensemble looks flawless on Sanaa. Again we see the body-conscious draping in Sanaa's skirt. I like the bell sleeves on her top also.

Regina Hall, Law Abiding Citizen Premiere

I couldn't pull of this micr-mini dress but she looks great in it. I like that it's flapper style without being over the top.

Eva Marcille, Law Abiding Citizen Premiere

Eva is right on trend with these pieces! The military jacket is so unconventional. I love how she's rocking the neutral color when everyone usually flocks to black and navy blue for their military look. And i NEED those over-the-knee WEDGE boots in my life. LOVE!
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Retail is Actually Therapy

Ever have a hard day at school or work and feel the sudden need to buy a new pair of shoes? Boyfriend broke it off with you and you feel the need to "remake" yourself with a brand new wardrobe? I been there girl...and although we love to do it, it's actually not very good for your closet. It makes you feel good temporarily but then you're stuck with the aftermath - an outrageous credit card bill and countless outfits that you don't need. Because you've purchased them in an irrational state of mind, you didn't actually need them. You just wanted them at that moment to ease your pain and these items now simply take up space in your closet.

Well, I read an amazing article over at Clutch Mag that highlights some of the reasons we tend to hold onto unnecessary items in our own closets. I won't spoil the article but I will share with you their 5 Tips for Successfully Cleaning Out Your Closet. It's now officially Fall, so if you haven't done it already, don't let another weekend go by without doing your Closet Cleaning!

1) Place every item into one of four piles: “Keep”, “Trash”, “Donate”, or “Sell”.
Items that are outdated, but still clean and in good condition can be donated to women who really need them, via organizations such as the Women’s Alliance and Dress for Success. Your local Goodwill or Salvation Army are also excellent options.

Items that are still in great condition, but aren’t your size or style anymore might be just the thing that someone else has been looking for! Sell high-ticket items on Ebay, and take others to cash-in-hand consignment shops such as Buffalo Exchange and Plato’s Closet.

2) Invite a friend.
Lord knows we will tell ourselves anything to justify holding on to a favorite piece of clothing. Thus, by having a friend – or chaperone, for that matter – present while you’re cleaning up, there’s always someone there to pluck you in the forehead and bring you back down to reality.

Remember the closet-cleaning scene in Sex & The City Movie? Her girls were there for her!

3) Host a “Shop-n-Swap” Party.
Invite all your girlfriends over to swap gently used clothing, shoes, accessories. Sip on cocktails, laugh it up, and have fun, all while cleaning up and getting some new items! Besides, you know you’ve been eyeing homegirl’s bracelet since she got it last Christmas and she never wears it. Offer her that belt she’s always asking to borrow, and you just might be in luck!

4) Have a garage or yard sale.
If you want to avoid Ebay’s selling fees, or splitting the profits with a consignment shop, do things the old school way. Set up shop in your front lawn or garage and price things as you see fit. Negotiate with your frugal neighbors until the price is right.

5) Rule of thumb: If the item hasn’t seen the light of day in more than a year (or two, only under such extenuating circumstances as pregnancy or illness), let it go! You’re never gonna wear it again. And remember not to throw away duds in good condition! Someone less fortunate could use them. Check here for tips on donating old clothing.


Happy Cleaning!
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Monday, October 5, 2009

Cover Girls: Chanel Iman & Jourdan Dunn Strike Again

This week in the saga of the fabulous young black supermodels, we have Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn on the cover of Teen Vogue's November 2009 Issue. Keep up the good work ladies.

Can I say Miss Chanel Iman is doing her thing? I haven't seen her in this many photoshoots within a single time period ever in her career...do the damn thing honey!


And Miss Jourdan Dunn is currently 6 months preggers with her first child. The fashion industry still adores her, as evidenced last week at the Jean Paul Gaultier show in Paris....

He made her a baby bump cover! Who else does Gaultier do that for??

Anyway props to them both for making inroads for their generation as well as the next. We need more black faces in mainstream fashion.

Pictures via Nitrolicious and The Cut
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Updates: MyAsho.com 15% OFF DISCOUNT


To thank us for giving them such a great review, MyAsho.com has granted all LoveBrownSugar readers a 15% OFF DISCOUNT on all merchandise from today thru November 5th, 2009! Just enter discount code LoveBrownSugar during checkout and enjoy!


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Sick Site Spotlight: MyAsho.com

So I finally got around to reading this copy of Arise Magazine I snagged during Fashion Week. They were giving copies out in the lobby under the tents. Considering I'd blogged about Arise and Africa Fashion Week, you know I couldn't leave without a copy!

While flipping through the glossy pages, I stumbled upon an article about a really great new website. It's called MyAsho.com. MyAsho is actually a Nigerian online fashion emporium that premieres local African designers and makes their designs available to the global market. Asho is the Yoruba word for cloth, and Dolapo Shobanjo (the sites's creator) founded this site with the intent of giving African designers more accesibility to the world outside of Africa.

Screenshot from MyAsho.com

There's something so regal about designs straight from Africa. The rich fabrics, the cultural influence, the amazing prints; they all make each piece that much special. And now us urban fashionistas without family there can stop hounding our African friends to bring back fabric and accessories when they go home for family vacay!

Here are some of my favorites from the site:


Check out MyAsho.com for the more of the latest in African designer fashions.
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Friday, October 2, 2009

Updates: Solange for Honey Magazine

I have more Solange updates for yall! She recently did a spread for HoneyMag.com and she looks amazing. Although I doubted this change at first, I definitely think Solange is starting to grow into the shaved head look. These HoneyMag.com pics are fierce and she seems very confident. She's been loud and proud about her new 'do lately, even making an appearance on Oprah this week to speak about the plight of the Black woman's hair! You can love it or hate it, but when someone is as confident as Solange despite the naysayers and personal attacks, you can't help but somewhat appreciate:

For the full HoneyMag.com interview with Solange click HERE. Enjoy!
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