Flavor of Friday: Holiday 2012 Edition

 Whoop! It's the last Friday before Christmas so I'm dubbing this "Flavor of Friday" our official Holiday 2012 edition. Lots of good information in store for you guys this week including some of my favorite holiday gift guides from across the web, New Year's Eve dress ideas and a few after-Christmas shindigs for my NYC gals to RSVP to. Check it out:

The Ultimate Vixen Gift Guide

Once upon a time, somebody on Instagram called me a"Vixen". And I liked it. Mmmhmm. Aside from being a VIBE Vixen contributor and having been featured as their Vixen of the Day, the ladies over there know what they're talking about! They have great taste. Hence, you should check out their "Ultimate VIXEN Holiday Gift Guide" and get some inspiration before the last weekend of holiday shopping ensues.

Click on over to VIBE Vixen for news, style stories & more!

 

The Beauty Girl's Holiday Gift Guide

I don't trust everyone's opinions when it comes to my beauty product recommendations. But one girl I do trust is beauty blogger Eileen from Miss Whoever You Are. Aside from her being a super fly chick, she's tapped into what's hot & new in the realm of beauty, especially for dark & lovely ladies like myself. Eileen was nice enough to include my LoveBrownSugar x LiSi Cosmetics nail lacquer in her roundup this year. For that I'm eternally thankful!

Check out Holiday Gift Gude: For The Beauty Girl on MissWhoeverYouAre.com

New Year's Eve Dress Roundup

It's creeping up! Before you know it, it will be here. Yup, New Year's Eve is around the corner. Have you bought a dress yet? Didn't think so.  If you're at a loss for ideas, hop on over to The Style & Beauty Doctor and get you some inspiration. She has a complete list of NYE dresses that won't break the bank, for all sizes from petite to curvy. No excuses!

Check out New Year’s Eve Dresses That Won’t Break the Bank for All Sizes

Blake Von D Celebrates 4 Years

Happy Blogaversary to my good friend Blake Von D. For those of you who will be in the NYC area, Blake will be celebrating her 4 year blog anniversary on December 27th 7-10pm. RSVP info is above - don't say I never told ya!

Have a great weekend yall! Don't get trampled at the mall holiday shopping this weekend or anything, I need your pageviews to survive. (Hah! I kid! Well, maybe not really)

Flavor of Friday: MAC Viva Glam, Miu Miu Jewels & More

Happy Friday folks! Here's the tea with fashion, beauty & lifestyle this week:

Everyone's favorite barbie Nicki Minaj has partnered up with MAC once again to support their Viva Glam collection. All proceeds of the collection go toward supporting HIV/AIDS research. The lipstick and lipglass are available from February 9, 2013 to August 2013 and retail at $15 each.

Get the full story here at Glamazons Blog

It's officially the Holidays. The notorious time of the year when physical, mental and emotional health are incredibly important. Whether you're chowing down on Mama's mac & cheese or reminscing about loved ones who aren't with you during this holiday season, make sure your health is in a good place. New website Black Health Matters targets relevant issues about health & wellness.

Get into Black Health Matters HERE!

I'll never forget my first pair of high-end designer shoes. It was a pair of Miu Miu patent leather Mary Janes and I purchased them using my employee discount as intern at Saks 5th Avenue. Sigh...the good old days. Anyway, it's safe to say I'm a STAN of Miu Miu and I hava been for years. The line, a trendier younger sister to Prada, has just recently explanded to included glitzy jewels and baubles. I'm living and dying.

Get the full scoop on the new collection at The Fashion Bomb.

NYC-based divas, one of my curly-haired staple brands SheaMoisture is back for a second year hosting a Bryant Park Holiday Shop. They're offering personalized hair and skin consultations, expert styling and grooming services, specials, giveaways and fun events from now until December 16th. 3 products for $25 (products regularly $9.99 each) and bar soap: 3 for $10 (soaps regularly $4.99).

My girl Jenell Stewart from KinkyCurlyCoilyMe.com will be there on December 15th 3PM-7PM hosting the shop, so make sure you stop by!

Enjoy your weekend guys!

Flavor of Friday: Books, Biker Jackets & Beauty

Happy Friday y'all! As the month of "Thanks" is officially closing, I must say I'm thankful and proud to be part of a community of bloggers who go beyond the "blogger" title and truly inspire with their power moves. They're multi-talented, entrepreneurial, smart, and beautiful. An amazing representation of what women of color can do and who we can be. So, this "Flavor of Friday" is dedicated to them.

You Go, Girl

HUGE Congratulations to my girl Curly Nikki on the launch of her newest endeavor. Ms. Nikki Walton is now officially an author! Her new book "Better Than Good Hair" is now available for Presale HERE. She's also running an amazing giveaway for those who show their support - a Nook Color each week for 8 weeks and 2 iPad Minis. Find out more deets about that HERE. I put in my entry. (Who doesn't want an iPad Mini in life??). Congrats to Nikki - can't wait to check out her book!

Showing my support for Nikki's new book

She Can Transform Ya

You know those friends you constantly look to for inspiration? Everything they wear just seems to flow so eloquently and they're talented beyond words? Yep, that's my blogger boo Jessie Adore. Get into her. Aside from the fact that we're West Harlem neighbors, Jessie has the flyest style and the most amazing pieces in her closet. But wait...there's more! She actually designs - jewelry and now clothes. The latest of Jessie's creations is this 6-in-1 Transformer Jacket ($385) that is a convertible biker jacket that just...rocks.

There are no words. I'm putting in my pre-order asap. She's making these babies by hand and only in limited quantities so run, don't walk, to her inbox to place your order.

Place your order HERE!

Beauty & Brains

If you're in the NYC area on December 5th, you MUST check out an amazing event being hosted by my girl Renae Bluitt of In Her Shoes Blog called "The Beauties & Brains Behind The Brands". Some of my favorite female entrepreneurs will be in attendance - Lisa Price of Carol's Daughter, Ginger & Liz of the eponymous nail lacquer line, Tia Williams of TheFlyCut, Tricia-Lee of Polish Bar Brooklyn and more. Alot of power in one fab place.

To purchase tickets, click here!

Go Glamazon, Go

Huge kudos to one of my fave bloggers Jessica Andrews of Glamazons Blog. We'll be seeing her pretty face on the blog more often now that she's opening up the site to include more outfit posts. I remember back when LoveBrownSugar first started and I was petrified of posting outfits and beauty tutorials for the world to see, but I really think it has enhanced my site overall despite my anxiety and fear of judgment. So happy to see more of us bloggers with different body types and styles embracing our style and showcasing it for the world to see.

Click over and leave a comment on her "Maxi Skirt in the Winter" look. (Tell her I sent you!)

Shop "LoveBrownSugar" Nail Lacquer

My LoveBrownSugar for LiSi Cosmetics Lacquer is still available on PRESALE guys! I started shipments this week and I'm quickly blowing through inventory (as in, I'll be sold out by next week and awaiting a new shipment!).

Get your BOTTLE HERE before they sell out! I appreciate your support!

I hope you guys had a faboosh November! I know posts on the site have slowed down a tad, but I promise it's for good reason. Next month and the impending year of 2013 are going to be amazing for LBS. Can't wait to show you guys all that's in store. 

In the meantime, what bloggers/blogs are you guys thankful for? Need to add a few more to my reader so put me on in the comments section below... 

Flavor of Friday: Angela Simmons Launch, Jennifer Hudson for QVC, Kohls & Narciso

Lots going in the world of fashion & beauty this week. Check out the scoop from some of my favorite places around the web:

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Flavor of Friday: Met Gala Style, Tamu's Threads & Events

Happy friday folks! Here's the rundown of this week's news, events & fab stuff to discuss:

Red Carpet Haute

My lovely companions at Glamazons Blog gathered up a haute rundown of the best fashions at the Met Gala. In case you missed the livestream of the red carpet, check out their picks for Best Dressed. They hit the nail on the head with their post featuring Solange, Beyonce, Chanel Iman & more.

Who's That Girl?

I heart Tamu! If you don't know her, get into her. StyleLikeU recently did a video featuring one of my fave street style photographers Tamu McPherson of All The Pretty Birds. Her blog is amazing and she's such a sweetheart (I've run into her many a time during NY Fashion Week and she's absolutely adorbs). Check out the video HERE - props to Huffington Post BV for posting it.

Be There or Be...Lame


Ok folks, some important events you NEED to attend if you're in the NYC area. (Non-NYC folks, I'm working on some cool ways to include national citywide events, so stay tuned!)

I'm speaking! Yes, yours truly will be on a panel of experts for the above young professional conference Rising Affluent. I attended this last year (blogged about it here - a must-read!) and had an amazing time. It's so great being in the company of other young professionals who are driven and connected. It's also awesome to hear all about entrepreneurship, branding, and success from a panel of experts and influencers. I would encourage anyone with hopes and dreams in the NYC area to attend. You won't regret it.

To register for tickets, click here! I'll be speaking on the 9:50AM panel on Branding & Building a Social Media following.

My curly friends Natasha of Asili Glam and the Around the Way Curls crew are hosting a fab natural hair meetup next Thursday, May 17th called Curl Daze! There will be cocktails (by Ciroc, 21+ only, sorry youngin's), there will be goody bags, and there will be lots of natural curls! Curly or not, you don't want to miss it. "It's a party, it's a party it's a partayyy" *Waka Flocka voice*

RSVP for Curl Daze here!

Ok that's it for this week's updates. Have a faboosh weekend y'all. And hit me up in the comments if I missed anything!

Flavor of Friday: Rihanna's Line, DVF for Gap Kids & More

Flavor of Friday: Styled By June, Spring Fashion & More

Happy Friday folks! This week was hectic readjusting to NYC's fast pace. Boy do I miss the sunny, laid back steaze of San Fran. Anyway, here's the tee on style & beauty this week, from some of my favorite sites...

Flavor of Friday: H&M for Marni, Solange on Vogue UK, Simply Be & More

Happy Friday darlings! What a crazy week it's been. Everyone is in overdrive mode prepping for New York Fashion Week starting this Thursday. I'm getting excited - are you? Though I won't be pumping to as many shows as I'm used to, I'm still thrilled to see all the amazing people who will be in and around the tents for fashion week. Anyway, enough fashion week talk, here's the tea this week:

Marni x H&M Collection Video by Sofia Coppola

If you don't know now you know. Get your tennis shoes ready, because if you stan for H&M designer collections like myself, you'll want to be ready to run once those doors open on March 5th. If Versace x H&M was any indication of how crazy it gets, you already know the deal.

Read the rest at ELLE

My fave red carpet regular and street style extraordinaire Solange Knowles is engaging in a photo diary for Vogue.co.uk. I'm thoroughly enjoying her outfit updates. 

Check them out at VOGUE UK!

Simply Be S/S 2012 Collection

Simply Be was kind enough to invite me to their S/S 2012 collection launch this past Wednesday. If you participated in 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar over the holidays, you probably remember that they were one of our sponsors. They have some super cute staples for curvy girls in their arsenal. Check out the new looks at SimplyBe.com.

Read all about the event at Stylish Curves.

MAC x Nicki Minaj & Ricky Martin for VIVA Glam

In beauty news, it looks like MAC has teamed up with Nicki Minaj once again to launch another collection for VIVA Glam, in support of HIV/AIDS research. This time Ricky Martin is in the mix. The two stars are releasing a lipstick & lipgloss duo as part of the collection. My girls over at Glamazons blog have the details on that, so check it out it out at Glamazons Blog.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch, I'm sporting my own pink lips round the office. And a turban too.

Enjoy the weekend!

Flavor of Friday: Rachel Roy Supports OrphanAid + Keys To Success

Happy Friday loves! This week has been filled with ups & downs but this morning I was inspired by one of my favorite designers Rachel Roy. Not only is she a designer, entrepreneur and super-mom, she's also a celebrated philanthropist. Read on for inspiration:

New Year + More Risks = New You

For those of you who need that extra boost of confidence before taking risks this year, I highly suggest you read Rachel's recent post for Stylelist. In it, she talks about some of the challenges she faced when starting her line and how empowering it can be to take a risk, even when you're scared you will fail. As someone who struggles with taking risks and leaving my comfort zone, I found this so inspirational.

Rachel Roy Supports OrphanAID

In honor of Rachel's birthday on Jan. 15th, she kicked off this awesome campaign in which she donates $1 to OrphanAid Africa for every new email subscriber on her Facebook page. OrphanAid Africa is a non profit organization dedicated to helping children to grow up in safe, permanent family settings. On top of that, 15 lucky subscribers will receive one of these luxe "Kindness Is Always Fashionable" Ghana clutches, of which 100% proceeds go back to the charity.

Click here to signup: Rachel Roy Facebook

That's the tea on this fine Friday. What motivated you this week? Soundoff below!

Flavor of Friday: TribeCalledCurl + Karen's Body Beautiful

Calling all my NYC ladies! If you're naturally curly and looking for something to get into this Saturday night, I highly suggest you hop on over to Karen's Body Beautiful in Brooklyn for a chic holiday shindig hosted by TribeCalledCurl.com, complete with bites & beverages (my fave!) for your delight. Check out the deets below!

Flavor of Friday: [VIDEO] Rory Becca For Forever 21 Holiday Collection

Photo courtesy RACKED

 The lovely folks over at Forever 21 have sent me an exclusive video sneak peek of Forever 21's holiday collection collaboration with designer Rory Becca. Kicking off her first successful capsule collection with Forever 21 earlier this year, Rory's teamed up with the trendy retailer once again to release an entire collection of 18 pieces launching on October 21st. Here's an inside peek at what to expect!

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:

Flavor of Friday: Ash Shoes NYC Sample Sale

Back in June, I had the pleasure of attending the ASH Flagship store opening (HERE) in downtown NYC. I had a blast, bumped into Solange and came home gushing about the amazing shoes on display. Well lucky for us budget fashionistas, ASH will be hosting their first ever Super Summer Sample Sale at the Ash flagship store (44 Mercer Street) starting today, August 5th and going on for two weeks!

All of their Spring/Summer styles will be 60%-75% off, including all footwear, bags and accessories! If you're in the NYC area, check it out at the back of the Ash Soho flagship location.

Happy shopping!

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.

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!

Flavor of Friday: Natural Hair in the NY Times

The New York Times published an article this week that made me smile. The story, penned by writer Jamila Bey, takes an inside look at the growing resurgence of the fro and the Youtube tutorial trend. She spotlights one of my fave Youtube vloggers Maeling Tapp (also known as NikkiMae2003 or NaturalChica) about the ever-growing natural hair community and her personal influence on up and coming naturals.

“I wanted to contribute to the wealth of information that’s out there,” says Mae about her reasons for joining the online natural community.

Personally I'm super thankful to youtube vloggers like Mae and Kimmaytube, also spotlighted in this article, for taking the painstaking time to document their hair journeys. Also featured was uber popular natural hair blogger CurlyNikki. When I did my big chop, I literally frequented that site 5-7 times a day!

Not only have these women helped me immensely in learning how to properly care for my newly natural hair but they've encouraged countless others to make the switch and embrace their curls. Gotta love that. Check out the full NY Times Article HERE.

What do you think? Have Youtube tutorials helped you embrace something you normally wouldn't? Soundoff below!

Follow LoveBrownSugar | 'Like' LoveBrownSugar | VOTE for LoveBrownSugar (pg. 5) 

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!

Flavor of Friday: Spring Cleaning

Photo Credit

Happy Earth Day everyone! It also happens to be Good Friday, for those of you who celebrate. No matter the religion or denomination, we can all use a good spring cleaning. The weather here in NY is just starting to warm up. I'm stoked. Here are a few posts I found interesting on this fine day:

Flavor of Friday: Links à la Mode

Special thanks to the folks at IFB for posting about my #UPLIFT Challenge this week in their roundup. Check out the other amazing blogs highlighted this week...

Operation #Uplift

Edited by Vahni of Grit & Glamour

Oh  no. It's The-Coveted-gate all over again. As much as I wish I could  start this week's roundup with a glowing review of positivity, the sad  truth is that the blogosphere is rife with accusations of trademark  infringement, side-eye, competition, and bitchiness. Ladies and gents,  it is time for this to stop.

I'll never understand why people  feel the need to tear others down, or pass another's content—or  identity—off as their own. Blogging dynamo Cece of LoveBrownSugar noted this week that she's had enough of the side-eye in fashion, and  frankly, so have I. Last week, Cece issued an #Uplift Challenge: Find at  least one female you don't know personally and tell her something that  makes her feel beautiful. Don't get "#Uplift"? Be sure to read Beautifully Invisible's post—a Twitterless blogger is like Lady Gaga without a mic!

As you explore this week's list and head into the weekend, I leave you with this thought: "Women with wings," Sacramento, of Mis Papelicos,  wrote, "use their wings not only to fly, but to cuddle, to shelter, to  back, to push and to hug." What are you using your wings for?

Links à la Mode: April 14th

• Aquí: Thrifty Threads: Six unique ways to wear a vintage silk scarf.
• Beautifully Invisible: 10 Things about your blog that drive me crazy.
• BonBon Rose Girls: An interview with Kimberly Hendrix, the eco-conscious designer of k. hendrix.
• Consume or Consumed: A detailed account of being fitted by Intimacy bra fit specialists.
• Designed by Ann: What (not) to wear when going shopping.
• Dress With Courage: Anorexia, competition, and the quest for blogger win.
• FashionablyNumb: A tribute to the queen of bohemian chic, Anna Sui.
• Fashioned By Love: The colour of joy, sunshine, and daffodils—there's the right shade of yellow for everyone.
• Grit & Glamour: What V Wore: On the {Bur}berry last day.
• IFB: Coveted Media Intern Search
• LoveBrownSugar: Stilettos & Side Eyes: The UPLIFT Challenge—insights on the reasons we choose to "compete" instead of cooperate.
• Mis Papelicos: One year blogging and women with wings.
• Notes from a Stylist: Ever wondered what a Scotsman wears under his kilt? Kiefer Sutherland and Chris Noth bare all at the Dressed to Kilt show.
• Oh, The Places You'll Go: Plus size gorgeous—catwalk curves and City Chic.
• Shoeperwoman: A warning to all bloggers: A first-hand account of when someone tries to take your brand/trademark.
• StyleLab: Why Blogs are like dogs and other advice on blogging.
• Styling You: Why I need three styling irons. Truly.
• The StyleCave: Long live McQueen.
• The Style Confessions: 10 reasons to love fashion blogs.
• The Taxonomy of My Wardrobe: Our right to wear the trousers—and why we shouldn't take it for granted.
• This Girl's Vintage: Getting that vintage dress to fit you perfectly: its all about the undergarment.

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Dresses: Black, Sundresses, Wrap, Print, Cocktail, White, Work, Jersey, by Lanston, Tucker, Shoshanna, Parker, & Obakki
 

Flavor of Friday: The "Best" Makeup Tutorials

April Fools!

Ok so these aren't exactly the"best" makeup tutorials. They're actually the worst, i.e funniest makeup tutorials I've ever seen. Ever since I went natural late last year, I've been somewhat of a Youtube addict. I can spend upwards of 5 hours in one sitting watching these hair & beauty vids! Anyway, I stumbled across the following videos the other day and laughed out loud for days about them. I hope you do too. Enjoy and happy April Fools Day!

African Beyonce Beauty Tutorial

5 Year Old Beauty Guru