Little Black Dresses & More at Kelly Rowland Album Release

Last night at the Standard Hotel, Kelly Rowland celebrated her album release for her newly released project Here I Am.  Kelly and her Destiny's Child former bandmates Beyonce and Michelle Williams showed up decked in little black outfits for the Moet-sponsored event. Kelly wore a Cushnie et Ochs Fall 2011 cutout dress with metallic platforms.

Queen Bey was in attendance as well in a belted Lanvin jumper.

Michelle Williams went a little more conservative in a tailored v-neck little black dress with Louboutin studded heels.

Overall, Kelly Rowland has my vote for best dressed. She looked stunning!

Her makeup was gorge as well! Love the blue liner under the eye, it gives her look such a nice pop of color.

It-girl Tika Sumpter was in the building as well, breaking away from the "little black dress" mold in a firey hot pink Myne LA dress!

Which look was your fave? Soundoff below!

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Cover Girls: Kelly Rowland for VIBE Magazine

Kelly Rowland bares all on the cover of the latest VIBE August/September 2011 issue. In the Juice issue, Kelly dishes on her new album in stores now entitled Here I Am, and her sexier side. Here's a snippet of what she told VIBE:

Speaking of this road we’re going on… Let’s talk about the song “Motivation.” I have to admit, the song went completely over my head. I thought you were talking about working out.
[Laughs] No, honey.


When you heard the song, did you think, This may be too racy for my image?
Not at all. Every woman knows what that feels like—hopefully. But everyone doesn’t expect Kelly to sing about it. This is true. But I just loved the song so much. And yes, I can relate to it. I came into my sexuality while I was recording this album. I can walk into a sex shop now and not worry about what people would say if they saw me in there.

What do you guys think? Is she going overboard with the topless pics? Will you be picking up her album?

Check out the rest of her interview over at VIBE

LBS Giveaway: Curly Girl Handbook

Noted as one of my fave summer reads this season, I'm excited to have the opportunity to give away three copies of the Curly Girl: The Handbook by Lorraine Massey. The founder of Devachan Salon and DevaCurl hair care products created this book to dispel myths about curls and to educate on important techniques for taking care of your hair type. Like I discussed in LBS Picks: Summer Reads, the Curly Girl: The Handbook is for us natural hair divas who need a little guidance and direction about properly caring for our curls.

Comment below for your chance to win a copy! 

Last day to comment is Friday, July 29th. Three winners will be announced on Monday, August 1st. Restricted to US residents only.

LoveBrownSugar Picks: Summer Reading List

One tidbit about me you may not know: although fashion & beauty are my pride & joy, reading is really my first love. I can remember being in preschool and my mom nearly taking me out of my then-preschool, because I went home crying one day that my teacher took my Dr. Seuss books from me and gave me toys instead. Books were my everything.

Anyway, despite my passion for reading, I often get so bogged down with my work responsibilities & social life, that I don't leave enough time to feed my mind with literary works. When I do find the time, I really delve deep. Here are a few pieces in different categories I've enjoyed flipping through this summer. Whether you're into beauty how-to, self-help or relationships, there's something for everyone in my list...

Kickin' It: Qream NYC Launch with Pharrell Williams

 Last night I had the pleasure of attending the official NYC launch of the newest liqueur to hit the scene - Pharell's Qream liqueur. Targeted towards females who enjoy the finer things in life, mega-producer and hip-hop extraordinaire Pharrell Williams presented his new liquer brand to an exclusive group of tastemakers at the New York Public Library.

Cover Girls: Beyonce for Complex Magazine

 In case you didn't get enough of King B in all her other magazine covers like Essence and W Mag this summer, here's another one to add to the collection. Beyonce Knowles sizzles on the cover of Complex Magazine's August issue.

What are your thoughts on the cover?

BONUS: Vibe Vixen posted an interesting piece this week on the Kelly Rowland vs. Beyonce debate/controversy. Check it out, it's quite interesting.

Fierce or Foolish: Jill Marie Jones at Dinner Party

 

Jill Marie-Jones of Girlfriends fame was spotted partying up in West Hollywood at a self-hosted dinner party last night. She rocked out in a mesh front mini dress, belted at the waist with leopard print peeptoe pumps.

First off, she looks amazing. Clearly, I need to know who her trainer is. Second, though I'm over this American Apparel mesh look, she managed to make it fresh with her accessories.

Also in love with her beauty look. What do you all think? 

Fierce or foolish? Soundoff below!

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Fierce or Foolish: Eva Marcille at Qream NYC Launch

 

Last night mega producer, artist & fashion icon Pharrell Williams launched his brand new liqueur Qream at an exclusive launch party in LA. Eva Marcille showed up to the event wearing a white fringed dress & colorful pumps, and a poppin' red lip.

I'm all about the fringe but I think it definitely takes an Eva-the-diva type of girl to rock something like this with confidence. This might look similar to a potato sack on me.

Eva Marcille, Serena Williams

What are you thoughts on this look? Would you rock it? Soundoff below!

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Check out Kickin' It: Qream NYC Launch for pics of me partying it up with Pharell & friends!

Flavor of Friday: Curly Pool Party NYC

NYC curly gals - this one is for you! Hair blog NaturalSelection.com and mega site NaturallyCurly.com are hosting a super fab Curly Pool Party at the Grace Hotel next Saturday, July 23rd. 

 

 

What: Stylists from Ouidad, Hair Rules, Jane Carter and Shea Moisture will be pool-side to demonstrate styles specific for water and summer fun. Curlies will be invited to swim and mingle while getting product knowledge.  

 

Shea Moisture will be on hand to provide knowledge on summer skin-saving techniques as well as give each guest an exclusive treatment in the steam room and saunas.  Each guest will receive a gift bag worth over $50.  Also, with each ticket purchase, you are entered to win tons of prizes from the brands; and if you show your Curls On The Go mobile app, you are automatically entered to win an iPad!  

When: Saturday, July 23rd 4pm-7pm

Where: Grace Hotel, 125 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036

RSVP: Advance tickets can be purchased through Curl Mart for $25.  Tickets will also be available for $30 at the door. Purchase them here: http://www.curlmart.com/store/product.php?productid=23607

 

Check out Facebook for more info:  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=214610225244825

 

All guests are encouraged to jump in the pool at Grace Hotel, but casual pool-side attire is welcome for those who are there strictly for the styling and mingling.

Cover Girls: Jennifer Hudson for Daily Mail UK

The lovely and newly-svelte Jennifer Hudson posed for Daily Mail in the UK recently and had a few things to say about her career, her family and discrimination against plus-sized women in the entertainment industry. I found this particular tidbit of her interview interesting:

On if the industry discriminates againt plus-sized women:

‘No, because I was doing OK before,’ Jennifer says. ‘But the truth is, so many more opportunities open up when you’re on the other side, as I am now. I’d no idea what I was missing out on. It’s like a whole other world. Suddenly every designer wants to dress you. It’s like, “You look amazing! Please, choose a dress. Have a bag. And what about shoes?” I mean, wow!’

Like I mentioned when she was placed on People's Most Beautiful list, I find it a little unsettling that she had to drop weight to suddenly become the center of attention. I think she was beautiful then, and still beautiful now. It's an issue I first addressed in my "Do Skinny Girls Have More Fun" piece but I think it definitely merits evaluation. Does it send the wrong message to curvy girls when celebs like this drastically change size and suddenly get more press?

Aside from the plus-sized issue, these pics are fab! Check out the rest of her Q&A over at TheYBF.

Kickin' It: LoveBrownSugar 2 Year Anniversary

Last night at Gild Hall at the Thompson Hotel, I celebrated LoveBrownSugar.com's 2 Year Blog Anniversary! I had an absolute blast with good friends & family, loyal blog followers and LBS fans alike. Photos by Chantell Black.

Guests were treated to specialty cocktails courtesy Petiller champagne, yummy cupcakes courtesy DesiLu Sweets and music by DJ Icon.

Tons of my close friends stopped by to wish me a happy two year anniversary! Everyone looked amazing - printed summer dresses were a huge theme of the night.

Annika, Eileen of MissWhoeverYouAre, Misha of TheFabChick, stylist Kai-Lee Parker

I was honored to have some of my closest blogger buddies in attendance!

Blake Von D showed up in a color-blocked fringe look and neutral heels!

 The lovely ladies of BritShar stopped by for the festivities.

Ran into friend & recording artist Lance Drummonds

Event photographer Chantell Black, myself & Jessica of Glamazons Blog

Friend & songstress Elle (LoveTheLetter) and Ozzie Reid

Me & fly guy Rae Holliday of StuffFlyPeopleLike

Me & my Mom

My beautiful mother came out to support - love her! She's my inspiration.

Last night I rocked this BB Dakota dress that I scored courtesy Buffalo Exchange. You guys saw it in my Fit Room Flicks (HERE). I also wore my Forever 21 wedges and a statement necklace from Banana Republic.

My makeup look was perfected by the one & only Danielle Gray of The Style And Beauty Doctor. She gave me a smokey eye, bronzed cheeks and a subtle pink lip. She did an amazing job!

 Special thanks to all the lovely folks who came out and celebrated with me! Huge shout to my product sponsors including Petiller Champagne, DesiLu Sweets, UPTOWN Magazine, Specific Beauty, Kinky-Curly, Indique and Sally Hansen.

Jessica Berry & Chelsey of ChellyWellzShop

Elle, Sandrine Charles, Me & Jessica Andrews

 Last but not least, I must thank the people who helped me pull all this together, including Chill Marketing, DJ Icon & all my friends & family members who helped out behind the scenes doing everything from stuffing goodie bags to making last minute runs to Staples. You're appreciated!

For more photos from the LoveBrownSugar 2 Year Anniversary, check out the LoveBrownSugar Facebook Page!

LoveBrownSugar's 2 Year Anniversary Event!

Hope you all enjoyed your holiday weekend! Tri-state darlings, please join me in celebration of my two year blog anniversary. This Wednesday, July 6th I'll be hosting an exclusive shindig at Gild Hall at the Thompson Hotel. RSVP at LBS2Year@gmail.com by 6pm today for confirmed entry.

Super shoutout to my luxe sponsors Petiller Champagne, DesiLu Sweets, UPTOWN Magazine, Ginger & Liz Colour Collection, Specific Beauty, Sally Hansen & Indique. Special thanks to DJ ICON.

Looking forward to seeing you there! Don't forget to tweet me @LoveBrownSugar with #LBS2Year! Even if you can't make it, I'd love to hear from you. I know lots of you read the blog but don't comment. I want to know who you are! Drop me a line or leave a post on the Facebook page.

Flavor of Friday: Huetiful Pop-Up Shop at Karen's Body Beautiful

You guys remember when I tried out the Huetiful Steamer (HERE), right? I've been a steady fan since first trial. I literally use it every week when I deep condition my hair. For those of you in the NYC area, the folks at Huetiful will be in town this weekend to demonstrate how to use the product. Head over to Karen's Body Beautiful in Brooklyn and check it out on Saturday, July 2nd!

Hope you all have a lovely holiday weekend. What are your weekend plans (so I can be jealous, since I'm stuck in NY)? Soundoff below!

Kickin' It: Style Scene Exhibit

Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a lovely affair in Union Square called Style Scene Exhibit. I posted about it last week and I want to extend a huge hug to all the amazing folks who came out to Bar 13 last night to support!

A fashion stylist showcase to spotlight the work of some professional creative visionaries including wardrobe stylists Tara Denman, Vivian Gee, styling team Klay Williams & Tara Bedard, Kolby Keene and Angela Victoria Hunte, Bar 13's rooftop was buzzing with an eclectic mix of NYC's creative professionals last night. Check out these flicks I snapped:

Fashion blogger Caprece of CapreceKnowsFresh

Color blocking was definitely a trend last night. The ladies came out decked in bright vibrant colors and standout accessories. Above, Caprece rocks bold purple and red with leopard printed shoes, and below Kai-Lee and Misha rock jeweled toned outfits & accessories. Love it!

Standout accessories were the go-to for the night. 

While I rocked my Julian Louie for Aldo platforms, Caprece took it home with this amazing ASOS oversized leather clutch, and Kai-Lee rocked amazing tortoise shell sunglassed from a store called Made in Brooklyn.

Here I am rocking one of my fave little black dresses from H&M. It's funny, this dress is actually worn backwards. It has a zipper at the back, but I like this peek-a-boo detailing better in the front. Also wore my Julian Louie for Aldo wedges and my handy H&M fringe bag.

The lovely ladies of BritShar came out to support.

I took some time out to check out all the style exhibits on display. 

Such creative folks!

And the lovely Shaunequa of TempleofGlam & Makeda of Glamazon Diaries were there as well!

Overall, I had a great time. Special thanks to the Victoria Agency for asking me & Lowefactor.com to host. For more pics, check LoveBrownSugar's Facebook Page!