Style Candy: Je T'aime

Je t'aime by CeCeSoChic featuring ASOS shoes

Hello Spring! I've been waiting for you...

Cover Girls: Zoe Saldana for Nylon Magazine

The lovely Zoe Saldana covers Nylon Magazine's April issue. After the success of her latest film Avatar, Zoe poses for this flirty hipster spread with Nylon. Love this one - it's so fun and Zoe is so gorge!

See more pictures from the spread at Nylon Magazine.

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Cover Girls: Chanel Iman for Allure Magazine

Chanel Iman graces yet another editorial spread. Can't be mad at the girl. She's doing her thing! This Allure spread for their April Issue is so refreshing. I'm loving the citrus colors and the movement in these shots...

Patrick Demarchelier strikes again! He's definitely one of my fave fashion photographers...

So first let's talk about the amazing shoes in this spread. From platforms to pumps and brights to blacks this is definitely an accessory spotlight.

 

One of this spring's big trends: mix & match prints. I love the shape of this dress...so fun!

  

These heels make me greener with envy than this lime-colored frock...not so much feeling the possom tail though - yikes! 

Color blocks at their best. This look is fierce and look at those toned arms! A small part of me hopes those muscles were created in Photoshop.

I love how soft and flirty these two looks (above and below) are. And of course the movement is amazing. Makes me wanna rock a long (Beyonce in Get Me Bodied) ponytail!

So what's the verdict on this Allure spread? Fierce or Foolish?

Confessions of a Shopaholic: H&M $15 Discount

Get it while it's hot! Absolutely love H&M. And I love keeeping you guys informed. So hurry and Get $15 off all jackets at H&M while supplies last! I know I will...

Kickin' It: March Madness

No, I'm not referring to the NCAA Championships. I'm talking about my crazy life! Pardon me, as some of these events are wildly outside of chronological order. Madness doesn't even begin to describe my whirlwind March but hopefully some of these pics will...

Last week I had the pleasure of celebrating the bdays of two of my favorite twins: Natalie and Nicole of Nina Sky.They're good friends of Honey and so we hosted their birthday bash at R. Bar in downtown NYC. Fun!

 For the occasion, I opted for something I thought was a little classy, a little fun, but still cool enough for a bar downtown. This blazer is one of my new fave vintage finds. Black leggings and tank seems to be my uniform lately. Switchin' it up for spring though!

 

Earlier that day I also had the chance to interview Mr. Jas Anderson - an amazing actor, recently in Brooklyn's Finest. We met on the red carpet at the Let's Talk About Pep event and so I invited him down to Honey for an interview. He's awesome - definitely big things in the future for him. Make sure you go see Brooklyn's Finest - he's great in it.

 Last week Honey also shot our cover shoot with DTP playboy Ludacris! We shot at ESPN Zone. It was a crazy time, to say the least but of course lots of fun watching Luda play games and be his wild and crazy self.

 I love this sporty chic look on the model. She was styled by my boy Jason Rembert. He does awesome work. He styled our Model City shoot in February. And this amazing blazer is by Laquan Smith. Get to know him - young, black an doing big things in fashion. His stuff's already been seen on Rihanna and Lady Gaga. Check out the full Ludacris cover story with pics at Honeymag.com!

That's all for now folks...the plot in this whirlwind life of mine is yet still unfolding...

Fierce or Foolish: Mary J. Blige at Jazz in the Gardens

Took a peek over at YBF and stumbled on pics of Mary J. Blige at her Jazz in the Gardens performance in Miami, wearing an off-the-shoulder bodysuit and heels...

I dunno yall....it ain't for everybody. This might have been interesting on Rih Rih but on Mary J? And I might have even given her a free pass if she jazzed this up with banging accessories but alas..thin bangles and peep-toe heels are all we get. Hmm...

Fierce or Foolish?

Fierce or Foolish: Kelis in Oversized Chains

I write a daily column for Honey called Killer Bees, highlighting the sweetest celebrity outfits of the week. I scouted a pic for Killer Bees yesterday and couldn't resist but highlighting it. Are you guys feeling Kelis in the red, black and oversized chains?

As crazy as these chains look, I'm almost in love. What do you guys think? Fierce or Foolish?

 Also, spotted my girls Coco & Breezy over at YBF on site with new BLOND hair - powww!

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Kickin' It: Behind the Scenes at BET's Rip the Runway

 A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending BET's Rip The Runway taping which is actually airing tonight at 9pm. As BET is my former employer (worked there in 2009) I couldn't miss out on covering this one. Some people attend these specials for the celeb spotting or the live performances. With me, it's all about the fashion...

Hosted by the adorable Pooch Hall and everyone's fave black Barbie Nicki Minaj - strange pairing, I know - BET's Rip the Runway was filled with the best in urban fashions and music. I have to say the most entertaining parts of the show were Nicki Minaj's costume changes! She went from typical "tight bodysuit & pink wig" Nicki to....

..."hot mama in a hot pink dress" to "classy and refined" Nicki Minaj. I was pleasantly surprised at her range of attire. Shoutout to her stylist Fatima B. for keeping us interested throughout the show!

Anyway, it was a good time. One of my fave designers Tracy Reese showed her Spring 2010 collection along with an array of other talented designers. Anyway, I had an awesome time. 

Be sure to tune in tonight at 10/9c for the full show. For more information, check BET.com

LoveBrownSugar Etsy Giveaway: Winner!

 We have a winner folks. Congrats to Vivian for winning the LoveBrownSugar Etsy Giveaway!! 

Her inspiration: Tina Turner...

Vivian says: "I must say this is hard to name just one DIVA there are so many great women to choose from. However I have to choose Tina Turner. She is not only a rocking great singer but the confidence that she exudes on stage and in life is so beautiful. Though she is beautiful on the outside her inner strength has been a driving force in my life. After reading her biography some years ago, I was given the strength to continue on in life's journey. I know from her tenacity that if she can do it so can I. And how can you not love a woman who can hold the title for sexiest legs in her 60's. With her kind of fierceosity she should be leaving burn marks at her every step..."

Congratulations again to our five finalists - your responses were so inspiring. Look out for more LBS contests this month and don't forget to check LoveBrownSugar on Etsy if you're into vintage finds!

Get Like Me: Market Editor Amanda Miller

Aspiring to break into the fashion industry or simply intrigued by it? Well LoveBrownSugar has something for ya! Our “Get Like Me” series highlights exclusive interviews with industry insiders from celebrity stylists to new fashion designers, fashion PR heads & more! This week – Junior Market Editor at luxury department store Saks Fifth Avenue - Amanda Miller.

Ever wonder where those sparkly Louboutins in the window on 5th Avenue come from? Amanda Miller might have had something to do with it. As a Junior Market Editor in the Fashion offices at Saks Incorporated, Amanda influences the decisions behind those trendy items that go into the stores on a seasonal basis. Sound interesting? That's only the beginning...

The Fab 5

Name: Amanda Miller

Location: Junior Fashion Market Editor, Saks Fifth Avenue

Personal Style in 3 Words: Bold, Forward, Body-Conscious

Favorite Designer(s): Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, DVF, Altuzarra

Must-Have Accessory: Hoop Earrings

All About Amanda

How did you get started in the industry?

I have worked retail all my life, from store line to corporate. My first job was a sales associate at NINE WEST!!

Did you always know you wanted to work in fashion/retail?

Always, this is what I was born to do.

Describe a day in the fashion office at Saks 5th Ave:

Busy, busy, busy. Traveling to market with the Buyers to select appropriate trend-worthy merchandise for the stores and catalogues, working on advertising for the New York Times and upcoming Saks books, searching the internet and competitive shopping for new and noteworthy designers...

Best part of your job?

Seeing up and coming new designers is very inspiring and that each day I get to come back and do it all over again.

Worst wardrobe malfunction at work?

My belt broke in a meeting with upper management!

Most rewarding experience of your career thus far?

Working on a Fashion Show in conjunction with the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship. I had the opportunity to serve as a representative of Saks on the production committee of the scholarship fund’s annual fashion show. As a former recipient of their scholarship, it was a great opportunity to give back to an organization that helped me along the way.

3 Pieces of advice for aspiring fashionistas?

1. Always have your goal in mind. 
2. Never get discouraged.

3. The fashion industry is a small community so persistence is key!

What's in your purse?

Too much!  I am currently carrying a Treesje bag and I have everything but the kitchen sink in it! MAC Cosmetics - foundation, bronzer, Gleam eyeshadow, clear lip glass - a lock for the gym, Deepak Chopra’s “Ultimate Happiness Prescription”, Tom Ford sunglasses, keys, Gucci wallet, Canon ELPH camera, water and almonds.

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Christian Siriano for Payless

I got a peek at these babies over at Nitrolicious. These are Christian Siriano for Payless Spring 2010 designs. That's right, you read correctly - PAYLESS! All I have to say is wow.

These pair are my absolute fave - the details are impeccable. And again....they're PAYLESS! Grab 'em here before they sell out like his last collection...

LoveBrownSugar Etsy Giveaway: Finalists

You guys remember last week's LoveBrownSugar Etsy Giveaway? To be entered for a chance to win the vintage clutch above, you had to answer the following by March 5th:

"If you could come back as any old school diva, who would you be and why?"

Well it brought about some AMAZING responses.There are 5 finalists and I need your help to choose a winner. Vote using the poll on the right side of the page for the following contestants:

 1. Diana Ross - Birdie says "If I could be any old school diva, it would have to be Ms. Diana Ross! She embodies the word diva. Not only is she one of the most successful female artists of all time, she’s an accomplished actress. Plus she’s a fashion icon...." - read her full response HERE 

2. Angela Davis - Angelique says "If I was an old school diva it would have to be Angela Davis. She embodies strength and perseverance. She stood up for what was right..." - read her full response HERE 

3. Donna Summer - Diane says "Who can forget 'Love to Love You Baby' or 'Last Dance'. Besides the ultimate Diva, Diana Ross, Donna Summer had that exotic, sultry Diva voice..." -  read her full response HERE

 4. Tina Turner - V says "I have to choose Tina Turner. She is not only a rocking great singer but the confidence that she exudes on stage and in life is so beautiful..." -  read her full response HERE

 5. Billie Holiday - Jasmine says "If I could be any old school diva it would be Billie Holiday. She's a perfect example of old school glamour, beauty, and plain old raw, amazing talent..." - read her full response HERE

 Congrats to the 5 finalists and good luck! Remember to enter discount code: "SpringLBS" at LoveBrownSugar's Etsy checkout and get 25% off all LBS vintage pieces.

LoveBrownSugar Spring Beauty Trends

It's March and we're all gearing up for warmer weather and cooler clothes. But before you slip on that maxi dress and those new jeweled flip-flops, get familiar with this spring's new beauty trends for 2010. Compiled and inspired by my bestie and beauty junkie Jasmine, these trends will complete your fab spring look in a matter of minutes:

1. “Blackberry Bling” Nails

"Blackberry Bling" is definitely a nail trend to watch come spring. It’s a manicure to accompany (you guessed it - your blackberry! Like painting your index finger a different color from the rest, this trend gives your blackberry-typing thumb the spotlight with a metallic or glitter touch. I mean we spend all day texting with them, we might as well give them some shine!

2. Hey, Bright Eyes

The resounding eye makeup forecast for spring: Easter egg colors and pastels. Bright colors are a fun exciting way to ring in the season. To make these colors work seamlessly, try doing a lilac or light green smoky eye seen here on Chanel Iman to switch up your normal look.

3. My Lipgloss is Poppin'

 Always a fan of the bright lip, bold hot pink glosses, red lipsticks and even orange and coral lips are definitely making a statement this season. Outside of MAC’s Viva Glam VI, Pink Poodle is an all time favorite, giving me that bubble gum pink pout that I always wanted. Our suggestion: Sephora’s ultra shine gloss in Glitter Fuchsia or YSL’s Rouge Volupte lipstick in No. 27 Rose Paris.

4. Glam & Glowing Skin

Looking dewy and sunkissed all year round is a dream that most of us farther from the equator have. Until you can get to those tropical vacays, you'll have to rock out with beauty tricks. Our suggestion: a peachy blush or a really great bronzer. Both products leave the face looking fresh, glowy and much more natural than a spray-on tan (no offense to the jersey shore crew). Nars just released Orgasm Illuminator (pictured above) which comes in a peachy color that kills two birds with one stone.

There you have it folks - LoveBrownSugar's spring beauty trends forecast. Have fun but don't try them all at once!

Sick Site Spotlight: Couturious.com

 

 Calling all stylistas - get into this new site for styling looks and fashions: Couturious.com. Similar in functionality to my former sick site spotlight Looklet.com, this site lets you choose and compile looks on a virtual girl of your choosing, nipping and tucking for fit....  

 

Peep my LoveBrownSugar girl - decked out in Tibi top, Catherine Malandrino pants, Tory Burch shoes, and Stuart Weitzman bag. Send links of your amazing Couturious.com creations to luvbrownsugar@gmail.com and you could be featured next week on the site!

Fierce or Foolish: Jessica White

 So Jessica White, supermodel, former Terrell Owens playgirl and recent music video co-star to Trey Songz (for "Neighbors Know My Name") was photographed courtside at a Knicks game last night. The girl's pretty and all, but I don't know about this getup honey...

 Police hat, military jacket AND over the knee boots?! Too much for me but you guys decide:

Fierce or Foolish?

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Cover Girls: Chanel Iman in Spanish Vogue

 Chanel Iman strikes again with another banging editorial spotlight! This time she glams it up for Spanish Vogue and these outfits are to DIE for. They spotlighted one outfit from each of the greatest designers of our time. What an honor! As Lyfe Jennings would say, "Must be nice..."

I love that they put her in some of the hottest spring trends of the season. Well, it's Vogue. Did we expect anything less? The Bottega Veneta jumpsuit to the left is so fun and free and I'm gagging over those Givenchy open-toe wedges to the right - one of the styles at the top of my spring shopping list.

It's the age-old rule of fashion: Once Chanel (design house, not Iman) does it, it's in! Picture to the left is proof that clogs are coming back with a vengeance. If you're a trend hopper like me, watch out! You might actually end up in a pair of these by the end of the season...go figure.

 Sequin jumpsuit. Lanvin. Say no more...*gags and passses out*

Those royal blue pants on the left look divine. Cute enough to take from day to night on the weekdays, and cool enough to run errands on the weekends; an unexpected staple piece.

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