Fierce or Foolish: Tia Mowry's New Cut

The crown on a woman's head is her pride and joy. We do everything in our power to make sure that our hair always looks as if we just walked out the salon. For many of us, hair length can sometimes be an emotional shield for us. Ever see a lady in the chair at a salon start crying once she sees her hair dropping to the floor? It all ties back to to our hair being a security blanket. So when women are bold enough to do the 'big chop', it's a demonstration of fearlessness and an embracing of change. Well look who just took a walk on the wild side:

Ladies and gents, if you ever had problems distinguishing actress and mother Tia Mowry from her twin sister Tamera, not anymore. She is now the twin with the fierce short cut! Tia Mowry's once long, curly, and thick hair has been transformed into a face-framing pixie. Yesterday the actress tweeted a simple, "loving my new cut," and since it's officially the Fall season, anyone would have guessed that perhaps she colored her hair and snipped a few inches off. Just a few. 

Tia was pretty bold in sharing her new look on twitter, but in a follow up tweet, it seems as though she's getting a lot of love for this shocking move.

Thoughts? Fierce or Foolish? Would you ever chop it all off?

VIDEO: Solange is Back! Behind-the-Scenes of “Losing You”

 Three words: Solange is back. Four years after “Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams,” which served as an ode to all things life when I was coming into womanhood, Solo is returning to the music world with her third studio effort. And she’s bringing DVF and mixed prints with her.

I am über-ecstatic! We’ve drooled over her incredible fashion sense (Am I only one that anxiously awaits for her to step on the red carpet?) and nabbing of huge endorsements with Rimmel London and other brands. But we tend to forget that Solo is a musician before she’s a fashionista/DJ/spokesmodel.

Now I know we’ve watched Solange stumble to fill the enormous stilettos that King Bey leaves beside the stage. But somehow, Solo has found a way to establish herself as an icon in her own right. And I love it.

Our gals at Glamazons snatched some amazing deets on the release of Solo’s first single, “Losing You,” which was shot in both Brooklyn and South Africa. Lovelies, couture is everywhere in this one! She kills trend after trend. Go Solo!

Peep the behind-the-scenes and teaser vids below:

Behind-the-Scenes

MTV Style

Teaser

Are you excited for Solange’s new music?


- Evette Dionne

NEWS: Condé Nast Appoints First Black EIC Keija Minor

This past weekend, I found out some jaw-dropping news that really set my week off right. Condé Nast has just named the newest Editor in Chief of BRIDES Magazine. And she's a woman of color. Her name is Keija Minor and I had the sincere pleasure of working under her as an editor at UPTOWN Magazine. She was the Editor-in-Chief at UPTOWN and helped grow the brand immensely during her tenure from 2008 to 2011.

While working at the magazine, I admired Keija as an intelligent, creative and strategic force in the industry. She landed UPTOWN some really amazing cover artists and feature stories and always maintained the aesthetic of the publication as a luxury lifestyle brand for people of color.  Just working under someone with a spirit of excellence like hers was enough to fuel my drive and ambitions. Women like her who I’ve had the sincere pleasure to work under and learn from are the reason I’ve always felt empowered to make a mark and not settle. Beyond her recent EIC appointment being a victory that hits close to home because I know Keija, it’s a victory for all aspiring magazine editors and publishing hopefuls of color just because of what it means.

Believe it or not, this is the very first time Condé Nast has appointed an African-American EIC, for any of their publications. And a black female at that. Yes, read that again. It’s the first time! I mean, this might not be as major as Obama for President in 2008 but this is HUGE guys. Huge.

As someone who has always been incredibly vocal about my disappointment with the fashion/beauty industry relying so heavily on stereotypes, it brings me great joy to see that one of us will sit in the EIC seat at a national magazine, and not just one for women of color. This is such a huge step and one that shouldn’t be overlooked. Be inspired ladies and gents.

Thoughts on this? Soundoff below!

Shoe Candy: Sergio Rossi Spring 2013

So, I’m a shoe fiend prone to unexpected shoegasms at the mere sight of a bold pair of wedges or killer platform stilettos. I believe that no outfit is complete without a flawless shoe. Now that I’ve got that admission out of the way, let’s move on to the Sergio Rossi S/S 2013 Collection, shall we?

These strutters are fun, bold and wild, which makes them perfect for the Spring and Summer. If I had to sum up the collection in one word, it would be vibrant. Lovelies, there are fringes, straps that will kill a pinky toe and even zebra prints. Metallic and leather is blended together, making the shoes edgier than those from past collections.

To highlight their inspiration for the Spring 2013 collection, Francesco Russo, the creative director, joined forces with super-director Drake Doremus to produce a mini-film about a woman using the summer sun to guide her out of a forest. I need to get myself to a locale where summer is still happening. These cold fronts are not the business! Anyhoo, check out the vid below and leave some feedback in the comment box.

Tell us - are you feeling these wild stilettos?

- Evette Dionne

Fierce or Foolish: Tamar Braxton at Tamar & Vince Premiere

If you've been watching WEtv's Braxton Family Values, you know all about Tamar Braxton and her overthetop.com self. On Wednesday night the Mega Diva and her Mega Mogul husband, Vince Herbert, hosted a premiere party at The Caulfeild in New York for their Wetv's spinoff show Tamar & Vince. The show which premiered last night at 10pm after Braxton Family Values, will take us inside of the relationship between the married couple as Vince works on managing Tamar's music career.

Related: LoveBrownSugar Interviews The Braxtons

I promise you Jesus was not in the flesh at the Caulfield, but the shoulder to shoulder, jam packed crowd could have fooled anyone. The duo stepped off in, get this, a party bus to walk the red carpet! Guests of the couple such as, Jennifer Williams of Basketball Wives, Po and Dice of La La's Full Court Life and even Beyonce's stylist Ty Hunter was there to celebrate. Signature cocktails were flowing and everyone grabbed treats from the candy bar, plus DJ Fadelf spun tunes that kept the party going. The night truly was a celebration.

Tamar wore a blue printed dress, black booties and a two toned bun to the premiere, while Vince wore a tan suit, a red checkered shirt and a bow tie. 

Thoughts on Tamar's look? Did you guys watch the premiere episode? Soundoff below!

- Makisha Timothy

5 Under $75: Backpacks for Fall

So in yesterday's outfit post Back to Cool, I gushed over my childhood obsession with getting a new backpack every fall. For those of you who want to dip into the obsession without dipping too deep into your wallets, here are 5 Backpacks Under $75 for you to choose from. I've picked from every trend from neon to floral and denim. Happy shopping!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Back to Cool

Seeing as the weather has already started to change up here in NYC, it's about that time for me to retire these summer dresses and ease into my Fall wardrobe...

The "Back to School" season used to be my absolute favorite time of the year. New teachers, new classes, new clothes. I would get SO excited. And every year, my Mom bought me a new backpack. Fall just didn't feel real without a new backpack.

I wore this one on the first day of NYFW and through Fashion's Night Out. Best decision I ever made. It's okay to pull from retro classics every once in a while to update your look.

Another thing I love about the season's changing is how nature responds. Obsessed with leaves and trees - can you tell?

Dress: Zara | Backpack: Forever 21 | Shoes: Steve Madden | Cuff & Ring: c/o Stella & Dot | Necklace: Street Vendor | Watch: Michael Kors

What were your Fall staples as a child? Would you ever bring them back?

Get The Look:

My Instaweek: 9.17.12

New York Fashion Week has finally come to a close and as such, I spent this entire weekend doing absolutely nothing. And it felt great! I went for a hot stone massage, had brunch and slept. Yes, quite the uneventful weekend but here's a snapshot of all I got into last week:

- Huge shoutout to the folks at Birchbox and the manicurist from Color Club for starting my week off right last Monday. LOVED my manicure and all the special treats I went home with from the Birchbox Sample Stop lounge

- Three shows I adored last week: Rachel Roy (which I gushed about here), Gerlan Jeans (Minnie Mouse theme? I'm all in), and Rachel Zoe (gotta love the Zoe)

- I had the outstanding pleasure of attending the NY screening dinner for Iyanla Vanzant's new show on OWN called "Fix My Life". Hostess Demetria Lucas of A Belle In Brooklyn interviewed Iyanla all about the premiere episode featuring Evelyn Lozada and it was a night I will never forget. I even got the opportunity to meet and chat with Iyanla - I LOVE her! If you' haven't already, lock the show times into your calendar. Iyanla "Fix My Life" airs on Saturdays at 10/9c.

How was your weekend? Fill me in!

Follow me on Instagram! Username: LoveBrownSugar

LBS Runway Report: J. Crew Spring 2013

J. Crew nabbed the ultimate stamp of approval when First Lady Michelle Obama endorsed the retail giant several seasons ago. We’re reminded of the spunkiness of J. Crew every time Michelle O. steps onto the White House lawn in one of their designs. But even without the paparazzi snapping MO in J. Crew, the commercially-viable brand is still a couture fashion contender.

There’s so much love to give here. J. Crew nailed their Spring 2013 collection, honey! I am still geeked with excitement over how “sophisticated-chic” these digs are. The clothing is fresh, upbeat and funky with a signature quirkiness that separates the brand from all the imitators.

I’ve been asking where traditional spring and summer colors are in these unveilings. There have been tons of darker hues that are common in the fall and winter. With their psychic-like intuition, J. Crew effectively balanced the fashion closet with their preppy blazers, pastels and pajama-esque prints. Pinks, greens, festive yellows and royal blues ruled this collection.

Lovelies, there were neon-green Peter Pan dresses with an undeniable 1960s vibe, large thick-rimmed glasses, printed ties and even paint-splattered jeans with baseball hats. It was signature J. Crew – vibrant, fun and youthful – with a retro aura.

There was no traditional catwalk. Instead the models, with their light makeup, sleek ponytails, and orange lips stood stoic as photographers and celebs, including our beloved Solange, fawned over their looks.

Solange Knowles, Jenna Lyons

Tom Mora, the head womenswear designer, referred to the collection as an “Instagram-like palette.” She’s right. I’ll be purchasing some of these pieces and snapping photo after photo of my gorg outfits.

So, here’s what I know. We need to be bold in our spring and summer wardrobes! Invest in lots of contrasting, but flattering prints that can accent one another. And neon accessories are still the rage. When will April be here again? We cannot wait.

Thoughts? Did J. Crew nail this collection?

- Evette Dionne

LBS Backstage Beauty: MAC for SUNO Spring 2013

For the SUNO Spring 2013 collection, MAC Cosmetics partnered up with Suno for the collection's makeup look. Makeup artists channeled dusty desert chic with beiges, taupes and just a hint of tint. The makeup was definitely focused on fresh faces with a light bronze. 

"The face is fresh, with moist lips, no strong brows and no exaggerated eye. We wanted the look to give a feeling of freedom," said head Makeup Artist Carole Colombani. Artists used MAC Cosmetics Face and Body Foundation, Studio Finish Concealer, and Shaping Powder on the face. 

For cheeks, artists used Paint Pot in Groundwork to contoured the cheeks, and Quite Natural was used to add depth.

Fawntastic and Shell Cream Colour Bases were mixed to add highlights on cheekbones.

For eyes, artists mixed Emphasize and Accentuate Shaping Powder on the lid. 

This girl was so gorgeous. Love the soft, desert-kissed glow they gave her.

Thoughts on this beauty look? Would you try this at home?

LBS Runway Review: Fotini Spring 2013

The Fotini Spring 2013 show focused on the decadence of the rococo. The designer overindulged in Swarovski, silk, lace, and organza to bring you a watercolor spring. The collection sprang from the watercolors of Watteau and the boudoir of Madame Pompadour and trust us, the collection did not disappoint. 

The pieces spoke to a time of decadence, and the setup of the show gave a museum feel. The models stood in the middle of “the box” and we moved around them. After all, paintings do not move, art admirers do. The garments were of a different time.

The trend to watch happens to also be one of my favorite RTW pieces of the collection, the printed dress with Swarovski Crystal buttons. 

I love how Fotini’s inspiration led to her use of organza and lace. In one of my other favorite looks, which I am hoping to see on the red carpet this season, she added a lightness to a high slit gown by accenting it with wisps of organza at the shoulders.

I really adored the accents of this collection. The 3-D effect on all the pieces allowed the dresses to come to life with light and movement.

One thing that dawned on me as a I nibbled on the multi colored macaroons severed at the show and watched as her models stood atop a white platform as easels for Fotini’s masterpieces was that the collection brought me to Wisteria Lane. You Desperate Housewives stans know that I could instantly imagine Brie Hodge wearing the beautiful embellished white gown, the centerpiece of the show, as a wedding dress for her third or fourth marriage. It had a sensuous, reminiscent elegance.

Are you in as much love with this collection as I am?

- Chrislande Dorcilus

LBS Runway Report: Michael Kors Spring 2013

A ticket to a Michael Kors show is one of the most coveted invites in the business. He’s a go-to designer for celebs (and me, since I’ve spotted a few of his bags and pumps in TJ Maxx. Hallelujah!) So the stars aligned – as usual – for his Spring 2013 reveal. We spotted Catherine Zeta-Jones and her hubby, Michael Douglas, Katharine McPhee (who I adore!) and Olivia Munn in the front row.

The who's who packed into the Theatre to gauge trends for their spring and summer wardrobes. With this elegant, classic collection, there are tons of pieces to choose from and be inspired by!

Kors offered up a signature blend of sophistication, modern aesthetics and simplicity that are his earmarks as a designer. He relied on primary colors paired with bolder accents to continue the stripes  and color-blocking fashions of past seasons. There was a chic punch packed into the solid blacks, reds, yellows and blues that were present in almost every piece on his runway, from bodysuits to light sweaters.

It wasn’t flashy or overtly sexy. Instead, the sexiness was subliminal. Elegant swag is attractive, after all. The whimsical 60s have been on constant display this week. Michael Kors relished in that era. He offered up mod silhouettes in sexy separates for the office, late nights with the gals or even a business casual dinner with colleagues.

One of the looks I’m most fond of is the white trench coat with the gold-buckled waist. It screams retro chic! I know these are spring and summer collections, but I want this now! Let’s hope he releases a similar piece to the TJ Maxx racks soon. Lovelies, if I stumble on one during my deep bargain dives, I’ll be sure to share it with you first!

 I’ll also be picking up a few inspired pieces for my hip-hop meets prepster boo. 

Overall, I’ll give Michael Kors an "A" for maintaining his signature, while also giving us something to look forward to in the spring. Bravo, Michael!

What do you think of this collection?

- Evette Dionne