MAC Cosmetics Taps Bloggers for Collection

Word on the street is, a few of my fave bloggers have been tapped by MAC Cosmetics to launch their own capsule beauty collection. Apparently MAC dwindled 80 blogger submissions (of color concepts for both a lipglass and an eyeshadow) down to10 finalists and these ladies were flown to Toronto to tour the MAC facilities and create their own products. How exciting!

Kickin' It: Dance Africa Festival 2011

Hey loves! Hope you all enjoyed your holiday weekend! So if you follow me on Twitter, you probably heard me yapping about my Memorial Day plans this weekend. Yesterday, I spent the good part of my Memorial Day in Brooklyn (my home away from home on summer weekends) at the Dance Africa festival & bazaar.

Gemstone rings from vendor at Dance Africa

I've been attending the festival for a few years now and it is absolutely the highlight of my Memorial Day Weekend. It's a themed festival and bazaar that's hosted by the Brooklyn Academy of Music each year, in celebration of African culture & heritage. They run African dance shows throughout the weekend, movie screenings, you name it! And for three days, vendors from all over the city come to sell these AMAZING goods i.e food, jewelry, handbags, kente cloth, hair products, you name it!

Here's a peek at my amazing time at the festival:

LoveBrownSugar Feature: Essence.com

Essence.com tapped me last week to help choose their "Top Ten: The Week's Best Dressed" list. Each week, they ask a style blogger to choose the top ten celebs who rocked red carpets around the globe - at awards shows, personal appearances, etc for that particular week. This week's picks come courtesy yours truly! Click here for Top Ten: The Week's Best Dressed With LoveBrownSugar

Carol's Daughter Launch: Solange, Cassie & Selita Ebanks at Sephora

Last night at the Sephora flagship store on 34th Street in NYC, Carol's Daughter officially premiered their brand new Monoi Collection with the help of spokesbeauties Solange Knowles, Cassie, and Selita Ebanks. Longtime spokesceleb Mary J. Blige made an appearance as well. See below for pics from the event.

LoveBrownSugar Feature: Coco + Creme

If you guys haven't already bookmarked Coco + Creme website, hop to it! Love their site, and they keep me up to date on fashion & beauty trends. I'm honored and humbled to have been featured by them today in their Real Life Muse column. Check out a snippet of my Q&A with the editors:

C+C: You inspire a lot of people with your blog but who are your inspirations? Who do you look to as a style icon?

Christina: I have so many! Tracee Ellis Ross is my biggest one. Diana Ross too; I love that old school glam. I’m an old school head; I love the older black stars. I love a Bille Holiday flower behind the ear. I really like the fashion of the ’30s and ’40s too. Currently, I love the Olsen twins and their hobo chic look as well as June Ambrose and of course, Sarah Jessica Parker!

C+C: How would you describe your personal style in 5 words?

Christina: Ugh! This is so hard, but I would say: vintage, bohemian, romantic and downtown chic.

C+C: It’s interesting that you chose those words, how does your personal style reflect your personality?

Christina: I’m really creative and my style reflects that. But I also have a strong business background. I’m very calculating and strategic so that’s a part of my style too. I like to mix business with pleasure. It’s all about balance.

Check out the full article at Coco + Creme! Thanks for your support!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: One Scarf - Two Ways

Hey loves! I'm on vacation in Florida this week, just an FYI if the posts slow down or if i don't answer your lovely emails right away. Thought I'd share about my newfound love - this patterned scarf I found for $12.95 at H&M. Chic, cheap & versatile. Here's how I wear mine, two ways:

Look 1: Wrap Top

For the first look, I folded the scarf into a rectangle, wrapped the ends around and tied it in a knot. fairly simple way to to wear an oversized scarf with a funky pattern.

I paired my new top with a black maxi skirt and gladiator flats.

Skirt: Vintage, Sandals: H&M (S/S 2010), Chain: Vintage, Watch: Michael Kors, Shades: Vintage (Buffalo Exchange)

Photography by Brandon Haynes

Look 2: Turban

 If you'd rather put the emphasis on on your face, try wrapping a printed scarf into a turban. I did mine June Ambrose style, by bringing the fabric to the front of my head and wrapping it in a knot.

I used MUD (Makeup Designory) eyeshadow in Moss, IMAN Cosmetics blush and Carol's Daughter Candy Paint lipgloss in Natural Sexy Shine.

And there it is! Tell me what you think!

Flavor of Friday: Curly Girls Collective Event

 Hey loves! If you're in the NYC area this weekend, you should definitely head out to the Curly Girl Collective event this Sunday, May 22nd. A few of my good friends are part of the collective and they have some amazing things in store for the event. Curlies and non-curlies alike are welcome, so email RSVP@curlygirlcollective.com, grab your girlfriends and head over to the Brian Farrell's Art Studio at Chelsea Modern for cocktails, manicures, giveaways, hair talk & more.

Sadly, I'll be out of town but I'm sure this event will be one for the books. Anyone plan on attending? If so, tell them LoveBrownSugar sent you!

You can follow Curly Girl Collective on Twitter & Facebook for updates!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Backyardigan

There's something about a floral romper that makes me giddy. You may have seen me sporting one here and in one of my very first street style posts ever - here.

I'm Nominated! Black Weblog Awards 2011

As you can see from the picture above, I'm ecstatic guys! Super HUGE thanks to all of you lovely folks who follow me on Twitter and Facebook and NOMINATED me for Best Plus Sized Fashion Blog on the Black Weblog Awards!

I'm truly honored and humbled by all your efforts. Now that I've been nominated, I need you lovely folks and LBS readers to go VOTE for LoveBrownSugar! I've been trying, for a few years now, to get myself nominated for a Black Weblog Award and now I'm overwhelmed by the reality that I might actually come close to WINNING! So I definitely need your help now more than ever.

 The process is pretty straightforward, you just head to the voting page (HERE), type in your email address and submit your vote for LoveBrownSugar.com on the 5th page of the ballot. (Note: There are some pretty awesome bloggers nominated in other categories so feel free to scroll through for new blogs to check out). You'll find LoveBrownSugar under the Best Plus Sized Fashion Blog category.

Pic from "Black Butterfly" post

 Although I don't consider myself strictly a "plus-sized" fashion blogger, I absolutely love celebrating the curves I've been blessed with, and I hope you do too. Thanks in advance and I love you all for your support!

VOTE FOR ME HERE 

(Page 5 of the Ballot!)

Kickin' It: Layla Joy Press Luncheon

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a press luncheon for new shoe line Layla Joy. A line of shoes focused on providing style mixed with timeless appeal and affordability, I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity to check it out. Chic + Affordable = My Life Philosophy so I was in there like swimwear.

Cover Girls: Jill Scott for Ebony Magazine

 I'm on the cover of Ebony Magazine! Hah, not really. My twin, the lovely R&B songstress everyone conveniently mistakes me for is though. Doesn't Jill Scott look gorgeous? Ever since I saw her perform hits LIVE from her new album a few weeks ago, I've been anxiously awaiting her new album slated to release in June.

Ebony Magazine's June Music Issue takes a look at some of the hottest artists in 2011 and also includes a full photoshoot with the lovely Jill Scott. When I ran into Amy DuBois Barnett at the Ebony "For The Love of Color" event, she mentioned Ebony's revamp. I think they're doing a great job. Can't wait to unwrap the new issue.

Will you be picking up a copy?

Kickin' It: Rising Affluent Conference

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the 1st Annual Rising Affluent conference in NYC. If you follow me on Twitter or if you saw my Confessions of a Shopaholic: Business-Savvy Chic post, you know I've been raving about attending the conference for a while now. What an amazing time! I was so inspired by the entrepreneurs and successful folks who came out to give their gems of advice. I was overwhelmed by the amazing group of peers that came out to learn and grow. And of course I snapped street style pics! Below find some of my favorite quotes, and some of my fave looks.

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