LoveBrownSugar Chic: Long Walk

I've always been leggy. In elementary school, I was always the last person in line when we arranged ourselves in size order. I was always the girl assigned to shut off the lights when the class left the room and it was very rare that someone else trailed behind me. So growing up, I've always had a love/hate relationship with my legs.

Considering I spent my childhood summers scraping my knees on NYC concrete, and fending off uncontrollable mosquito bites in the bushes of my backyard - it's safe to say you won't catch me in one of those Nair commercials any time soon. But with age comes maturity, and I've learned to accept them - flaws and all.

I'm ok with my cellulite, my stretch marks, my dimples & scars...

"Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, move on." - Henry Rollings

Vest - Urban Outfitters, Shorts - H&M, Belt, Bag, Earrings - Vintage, Shoes - Steve Madden, Silver Ring/Cuff - Street Vendors.

Is there anything about your body you've struggled with? Leave a comment. Your story could inspire someone else...

Photography by Erfu Wang

Cover Girls: La La for VIBE Vixen Digital Edition

MTV VJ, reality star, and basketball wife (the real kind) Lala Vazquez Anthony graces the digital cover of VIBE Vixen! As some of you know, I'm a contributor to VIBE's sister site Vixen so I'm super proud and excited to see La La, an industry gal I consider to be a positive and drama-free figure - being featured. Check out snippets of her interview with Vixen HERE.

What do you think of La La's return to NYC? Soundoff below!

LoveBrownSugar Feature: Essence Top 40 Fashion Blogs

I'm beyond excited and overjoyed to be featured in ESSENCE Top 40 Fashion Blogs! I woke up this morning to find tweets and Facebook mentions about the feature and I nearly died! Shoutout to Jared of Lowefactor.com for being the first to let me know I was included.

Again, I give all props and e-hugs to you guys for making this blog what it is. If it wasn't for you all reading my rants & raves, day after day, LoveBrownSugar wouldn't be what it is. Love you and thanks!

Please take a sec to check out the complete list HERE. Some of my absolute favorite blogs are featured!

Fierce: Beyonce In Lanvin (and Preggers!)

So...words can't even express my excitement over Beyonce being preggers! I found out last night on Twitter right after she made the announcement during the VMA pre-show. I feel like she's family and I've been dying to see something pop out of that womb since her and Jay-Z got together back in 2003! 

The crazy thing is, when I went to see her in concert two weeks ago, I didn't notice a thing! She was gliding across the stage in her stilettos like there wasn't anything growing inside of her. Anyway, I'm overly joyed for her and Jay-Z. Everything seems like perfect timing - new album, new baby, new life. Anyway, I thought she looked absolutely stunning in an orange Lanvin gown on the red carpet at the VMAs last night. How fab? 

What do you think of celebratory Lanvin gown - fierce or foolish? I vote fierce, clearly.

Get Like Me: Blake Scotland

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 fashion designers, editors, fashion PR heads & more!

From Eve's character "Shelly" on Eve to Stacey Dash's protagonist "Val" on Single Ladies, the life of a boutique owner has often been glamorized as one chock full of super chic clothing, celebrity clientele, and being the head chick in charge. But contrary to popular belief, a lot of blood, sweat and tears go into making a boutique successful - especially in the Big Apple. This week's "Get Like Me" feature is young entrepreneur and boutique owner Blake Scotland. Cited as one of Hello Beautiful's 30 under 30, Blake opened her lower east Side storefront in the worst of economic times but found a way to make it work and thrive. Check out what she had to say:

Remembering Aaliyah: 4 Style Lessons She Taught Me

 As many of you may know, today is the 10 year anniversary since R&B superstar (and one of my favorite childhood artists) Aaliyah was tragically taken from this earth. As websites and magazines and celebrity friends pay tribute to the R&B legend, I've decided to share with you all my personal tribute. For as much as she's given the music industry in terms of being one of the greatest artists of her time, she's also taught us alot about personal style and effortless chic. Here are four style lessons straight from the late, great Aaliyah:

Kickin It: Tangled Tales at Hair Rules Salon NYC

“We have to do the work so that our daughters don't have to have this conversation...” 

- Michaela Angela Davis

Last night marked the first of many conversations to come, hosted by the Hair Rules Salon in Upper West Side NYC, about Tangled Tales - a community conversation about hurt, hair and heeling. LBS contributor Desiree was on the scene to capture pics and report on the eye-opening event!

 

LoveBrownSugar Feature: Olive Paperie

A lovely lady by the name of Dana, the owner and founder of Olive Paperie, was nice enough to email me a few weeks ago requesting to make stationary based on my blog. Can I say how dope and talented she is?? Dana is an incredible stationary designer who has drawn inspiration from some of my favorite blogs as well.

Check out this stationary she designed of fashion blogger Delmy of Fashion Bananas:

Love her work? Check out more of her fashion blogger features HERE. Would you purchase stationary like this?

Get Like Me: Julee Wilson

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 fashion designers, editors, fashion PR heads & more!

Behind some of your favorite national glossies about fashion & beauty are hardworking and dedicated editors who devote their time and energy to scoping out what's hot, what's fresh and what's "in". Julee Wilson is one of them.

As the former (and first African-American) Fashion Editor at Real Simple Magazine, Julee Wilson has recently stepped out into the world of digital and now holds the title of Style & Beauty Editor at Huffington Post Black Voices. Now at the helm of a career switch with a fab September wedding in the works, I sat down to chat with Julee about her industry experience, her fashion & beauty faves, and what it takes to work in the world of fashion editorial...

Flavor of Friday: Blog Love + Beyonce Behind The Scenes

Happy Friday folks! Hope you're just excited for the weekend as I am. In case you're not, here are a few things to get excited about:

Steal Her Chic: June Ambrose at INC Launch Event

Celebrity stylist June Ambrose stepped out last night to the Macy's x INC launch event in NYC wearing a tailored white shift dress, and an amazing array of accessories like gold caged heels and her classic turban. Here's how to steal her chic:

1. Warehouse Luxe Tunic Dress, ASOS, $155. 2. MAC Ruby Woo, MAC Cosmetics, $14.50. 3. Cage Effect Cuff, ASOS, $7.60. 4. Square Sunglasses, Forever 21, $5.80. 5. Macadamia Finishing Shine Mist, Carol's Daughter, $18.00. 6. Quilted Bag, Ivanka Trump, $112.50. 7. The Highest Heel Women's Gladiator Platform, Endless, $51.27.

Love it! Would you rock this look?

Fierce or Foolish: Solange Attends INC International Concepts Event

Solange Knowles and her adorbs son Julez stepped out last night to partake in the INC International Concepts announcement event at Open House Gallery. I am LIVING for this color-block moment she's giving us. I mean, really! And the leopard print peeptoe heels and colored leather satchel put the icing on the cake. Plus, those curls are growing out so beautifully. Fierce!

What do you think? Would you rock this look?

LoveBrownSugar Feature: Essence.com

Hey lovelies! I'm super hype and proud to announce that I'm featured on Essence.com today as a curvy girl with style! They asked me to submit pictures of my favorite looks this season and talk about why they work for curvy figures. It's called Curvy Girl's Guide To Chic with LoveBrownSugar.

Would love if you guys showed your support and checked it out over at ESSENCE! Let me know if I did a good job with my tips. As always, I love you all for your support and encouragement. If it wasn't for you faithful readers, LoveBrownSugar wouldn't be what it is. Love you guys!

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Sick Site Spotlight: Esther Woo Vintage

Those of you who know me, know I'm a vintage addict! I've been shopping thrift since my junior high school days. It's something that intrigues me and my favorite statement pieces have been found at the thrift. Hence, I'm a huge fan and supporter of online vintage shops. Enter Esther Woo Vintage.

Though I love the hunt, many folks new to vintage/thrift might not be comfortable with spending hours scouring vintage racks for one or two peices.Sites like Esther Woo Vintage offer the best of the best in thrift minus the hassle of sifting for hours. Best part of the store? The clothes and accessories are affordable!

The brainchild of retail veteran and entrepreneur Beverly Edmonds, Ester Woo is a "vintage clothing company dedicated to modern fashion and classic style." Check out a few of my fave pieces below:

If you don't know by now, I have a thing for prints. I love bold prints, and florals are my fave. So instantly I was drawn to this Floral Top Blazer, $20.00.

 Oxfords have been a steady trend for the past few seasons. Get the real old school style with these Etienne Aigner Oxfords, $32.00.

These make perfect gifts! Why? Because every girl can use a new handbag, regardless of size. This one's sophisticated with a downtown edge. Appropriately named the Crocodile Dundee bag, $24.00.

 Be sure to check them out at Esther Woo Vintage and let them know LoveBrownSugar sent you!

For those of you based in NYC, Ester Woo Vintage will be selling this Saturday, August 20th at the Artists & Fleas market in Williambsburg from 10am-7pm. Check out the website for more deets on location!

Sponsored by Esther Woo Vintage

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Cover Girls: Jennifer Hudson for Self Magazine

Jennifer Hudson covers this month's SELF Magazine. Inside she dishes on the secrets to her weight loss and her struggle with coming into her own post-baby. She also told SELF Magazine "I'm prouder of my weight loss than my Oscar!" 

Check out more deets over at PEOPLE.com

What do you think of her statement? 

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Kickin' It: Beyonce LIVE at the Roseland Ballroom

 If you follow me on Twitter, I'm sure you saw me freaking out last night on my way to see Beyonce live in concert. As someone who has literally been following her career since I was a preteen, I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to see her perform LIVE last night at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC.

My friends and I lined up super early to get good spaces and (thanks to a few good friends in Beyonce's camp) we were able to get up close for her performance. Considering it was my first time seeing the star live, I was overwhelmed with excitement. 

And the anticipation was well worth it. Though we waited about 2 hours from the doors opening until she actually performed, I probably would've waited another two hours if I had to. It was that good. On the scenes for the concert were VIPs like The Dream, Diddy, Russell Simmons, and of course Jay- Z!

I won't go into an entire show review. If you'd like to hear my thoughts on the show, head over to UPTOWN Magazine and read "Beyonce Was Here". All I'll say is that Queen Bey definitely deserves all the hype she gets!

See all my Beyonce pics on the LoveBrownSugar Facebook page

Will you be buying tickets once she goes on tour?

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Cover Girls: Beyonce for InStyle Magazine + Concert Tonight!

Queen Bey graces yet another magazine cover this season, in all her gold shimmering Sasha Fierce glory. This time the Grammy-winning chart topper covers In Style Magazine's September issue. Fitting as well, that she's adorned in glitter and stars. Magazines just can't seem to deny her star power this season. Can't be mad - she sells issues!

Aside from this lovely covering another magazine, I am BEYOND excited to see her perform LIVE in NYC tonight! I was lucky enough to score tickets to her sold out show at the Roseland Ballroom tonight. This will be my first time seeing her perform live, and I absolutely can't wait. (I've been playing "4" on level 10 around my office all day).

Anyway, follow me on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates on tonight's performance. I'll try to get as close to the stage as possible and twitpic. Wish me luck!

Check out this Behind-The-Scenes of Beyonce's cover shoot with In Style:

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Kickin' It: Banana Republic Mad Men Collection Launch

Last Wednesday, the wonderful folks at Banana Republic invited me to the premiere of their limited edition Mad Men Collection.

Designed by super duo Janie Bryant, costume designer of the hit series Mad Men and Banana Republic's own Simon Kneen (who I interviewed here), the collection features mod 60's and retro-inspired clothing and accessories. Ladylike dresses, silk blouses, leopard printed trench coats and super cute pumps! At the event, bloggers and editors were given Mad Men makeovers complete with hair & makeup.

They also gave us time to try on our favorite looks from the collection. Check out a few of the looks I tried on in the 'fit room:

Banana Republic was nice enough to gift each blogger a piece from the collection. In the end, I settled for the navy blue houndstooth dress on the left. It's perfect for Sunday after-church brunches and business meetings. I also love the fit, and the midi length.

Any Mad Men fans out there? Will you be stopping by Banana Republic to check out the collection?

Shop the collection in stores or at BananaRepublic.com

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Kickin' It: Polish Bar Brooklyn Fab 5 Celebration

Last night I was invited to Polish Bar of Brooklyn's 5 Year anniversary celebration. Owned and operated by former beauty executive Tricia Lee, Polish Bar of Brooklyn is BK's first full-service beauty bar, featuring typical mani/pedi salon services as well as beauty consultations and more.

Owner, Tricia Lee, at Polish Bar Brooklyn

Though I had never been to PBB before last night's shindig, I've always heard great things about it. So when Renae Bluitt of In Her Shoes Blog told me she was throwing the shindig, I didn't hesitate to make the trek from Harlem to join in for the festivities. Here's what I got into last night in BK:

 I partied it up with some of my favorite bloggers on the rooftop of Soco Kitchen. The lovely ladies on the top right were a fab bunch to chill with: stylist Kai-Lee Parker, curvy blogger and freelance writer Danielle Young, Style & Beauty Doctor's own Danielle Gray and Blake Von D!

Also spotted Claire of The Fashion Bomb (pic above courtesy her blog), and Jessica of Glamazons Blog!

I wanted to go Brooklyn chic with a pop of color so I donned this vintage sheer animal print top from Buffalo Exchange, my H&M mini skirt, a black camisole, Forever 21 wedges, and my Elliott Luca burnt orange handbag.

After the party, was the (unofficial) after party. We shimmied ourselves downstairs and enjoyed a delicious meal at new restaurant SoCo in Brooklyn. I had a foodgasm. This place is amazing!

While there I sampled a myriad of things (a few of them gracefully given compliments of the chef- thanks Kingsley!)), but my faves are above: Top left: Fried Chicken & Red Velvet Waffles, Top right: Mac & Cheese, Bottom left: Sugar coated donuts, Bottom right: Watermelon Tequila Lemonade. 

I normally don't blog about food (though I'm a foodie at heart) but this place was way too good not to brag about. Brooklyn babes, or those visiting - take note! SoCo is located at 509 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.

Overall I had a faboosh night with good company, good food & good times. Check out the PBB Fab 5 recap over at UPTOWN for more pics from the event!

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Fierce or Foolish: Solange Attends Brooklyn Block Party

You guys know she's one of my faves! Solange Knowles stepped out last night rocking a BK block party in chic patterned pants, a simple tank, nude heels and hipster-appropriate accessories to boot.

Love how fearless she is with her style! Though I probably couldn't rock these pants, Solo makes it work by keeping her top simple and rocking this cropped style with heels to elongate her silhouette.

And the curls are growing out beautifully, aren't they?

Fierce or foolish yall? I vote fierce!