LBS Feature: Black Enterprise's Black Blogger Month

Guys, today is such a proud moment for me. Since Black Enterprise first began their annual Black Blogger Month series, I've been a close follower as some of my absolute favorite blogs were featured and highlighted. I never thought that just 4 short years after starting my own site, I would be one of the faces gracing this series. I am SO humbled and honored. This has to be one of my proudest moments to date.

Below is a snippet of the intro to the article. They made your girl tear up! Reading this was like hearing "You iz kind, you iz smart, you iz important..." over and over again a la "The Help". Deep sigh.

Fashion has always pumped through the veins of Queens, New York native Christina Brown. It’s that passion for all things style and beauty that led the now 26-year-old editor in chic to serve as senior fashion editor of the widely recognizable campus glossy, The WALK, during her undergraduate days at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. Brown didn’t stop there, she spent her summers learning the ins and outs of the fashion industry, interning at luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue, and the ropes of the digital marketing field at BET.

After finding issue with the lack of diversity in fashion and media, the style maven took to the Internet, starting her blog, LoveBrownSugar.com, in July 2009. From high-end designers to mass retailers, Brown’s real-girl approach to covering the highly lucrative and competitive field of fashion has earned her recognition as one of Essence’s Fab 40 Fashion Bloggers, The Root’s 2012 Black Bloggers To Know, Huffington Post’s Top Fashion and Beauty Insiders on Instagram and Sparkah’s Top 100 Beauty Bloggers, among others. Brown has landed editorial positions at Honeyand Uptown magazines, and her insights have appeared on various media sites including The New York Times,Refinery 29 and Elle.com. And if you thought her empire only existed online, think again! Brown joined forces withLiSi Cosmetics to create her own nail lacquer, appropriately titled LoveBrownSugar.

As part of Black Blogger Month, BlackEnterprise.com caught up with the style aficionado to discuss her blooming brand, lessons learned from four years of blogging and why LoveBrownSugar is a sweet online destination.

Please click HERE for the full article: http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/black-blogger-month-lovebrownsugar-christina-brown/

I would LOVE if you guys showed your support and left comments on my Black Enterprise feature. I really wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. Thank you SO much for your continued support!

LoveBrownSugar Feature: Glamour.com

Guys! One more bucket list item checked off my list! Yesterday, I was featured on GLAMOUR Magazine's website. Beyond elated that the editors at Glamour saw it fit to include me in their roundup of "Cold Weather Outfit Ideas You'll Want To Steal" from their favorite bloggers.

They featured my LoveBrownSugar Chic: Sneak Peek outfit - my fave H&M leather dress and a vintage red blazer. 

Check me out in Slot # 4 HERE. Whoop whoop! *tootsie rolls*

LoveBrownSugar x LiSi Cosmetics Nail Polish

Hi everyone! As today is Thanksgiving, I thought it only fitting to introduce you guys to something that I'm incredibly thankful for this year. Aside from being thankful to have all of you as faithful readers of my site, I'm BEYOND ecstatic to announce my latest accomplishment. I can't even express in words how honored I am to announce this....

I have my own nail polish color yall! One of my favorite new brands LiSi Cosmetics has honored me with privilege of having a glossy bronze nail color in my honor - called "LoveBrownSugar". You guys may remember my post about their digital launch party a few months ago, as well as my trip to the store to prep for the BET Awards.

What I love about LiSi Cosmetics is that all of their makeup products are so effective and so well-priced. The store resembles a high-priced luxury cosmetics store complete with makeup artists on hand and product trials, but EVERYTHING retails below $20! Can you believe it? So when the Creative Director told me they wanted to name a nail lacquer in my honor, I almost fainted.

This is literally a dream come true. Words can't express how appreciative I am that all of you follow me, read my posts and actually care about my crazy life. Thanks to you, I've been granted amazing opportunities like this. I couldn't have done this without you. I really and truly appreciate you.

LoveBrownSugar x LiSi Cosmetics nail lacquer is currently available for PRESALE exclusively through SHOP LoveBrownSugar as well as in-store at the LiSi Cosmetics flagship store in NYC (741 Broadway, New York, NY 10003). In December, it will have be on sale on LiSiCosmetics.com as well.

I so appreciate your support guys. First shipments of the polish will go out on 11/26/12 so make sure to order your stock and tell your friends!

LBS Feature: Elle Magazine

So yesterday I got my LIFE when I saw I was featured on Elle Magazine's online beauty section for my participation in the BlogHer 12 fashion show! I had such an amazing time (as noted in my Instaweek 8.7.12 post) and in the process I was interviewed by ELLE about my blog and my beauty look. Elizabeth Arden was the makeup sponsor and Paul Mitchell was the hair sponsor - loved working with both!

Click HERE for the full story!

LBS Feature: The New York Times

I'm elated! I've been quoted by The New York Times within an article about the natural hair community. The lovely Jessica Andrews of Glamazons Blog contributed a beauty piece to the New York Times around the idea of natural-haired women and whether the obsession with "stretched" curls is the newest definition of "good hair". Remember when I did a post about the idea of a"curlism"? It's an interesting debate. [CONTINUE]

LBS Feature: Blogworld & New Media Expo

Hey folks! For those of you who are really into social media, digital marketing and blogging I would highly suggest you make your way over to the Blogworld & New Media Expo taking place in NYC this week!

Yours truly will be speaking on the importance of Social Media Marketing to Multicultural "It" Girls. I'm super excited that I was invited to participate so please please send me your positive vibes this week! My presentation is Wednesday, June 6th at 2:30PM. If you're interested in registering, head on over to the www.blogworldexpo.com and feel free to use my discount code: SCBrown10 for 10% off your registration. Tweet me @LoveBrownSugar if you're attending so I can stop by and say hi!

LoveBrownSugar Feature: HuffPost Black Voices Top Instagrammer

Hey folks! If you guys already follow me on Facebook and on Twitter, there's another social network you should be stalking me on - Instagram! According to HuffPo Black Voices Style & Beauty editor Julee Wilson, I'm a top fashion & beauty Instagrammer!

I'm so proud that my random nail art snaps and Fit Room Flicks are getting me somewhere in life. Whoop! Check out the full list of amazing folks featured on HuffPo Black Voices HERE. And check out a few of my recent style snaps below:

My Sally Hansen Salon Effects manicure in Tri-bal It On

My travel story in this month's UPTOWN Magazine

My fave new bag from Handbag Heaven

Are you guys on Instagram? What's your username? List it below so we can be BFFs!

LoveBrownSugar Feature: Essence Fab 40 & The Root 7 Black Blogs

Hey loves! Just an update on some recent articles I've had the pleasure of being featured in. New York Fashion Week is about to kick into high gear and I can't think of a better way to start everything off. I'm so honored and humbled to be recognized by the following media outlets. And I thank you guys (my readers) for your continued support. I couldn't have made these lists without you!

Essence Fab 40 Fashion Bloggers - February 2012

You may remember that I was featured as an Essence Fab 40 blogger last August. Well, they've revamped the list and I'm proud to announce that I'm still on the list! Check me out HERE!

The Root: 7 Black Blogs To Read During Fashion Week

Of the numerous online outlets catering to people of color, I truly appreciate outlets like The Root. They offer up amazing daily content with honest and intriguing perspective on a number of different issues. So it comes as no surprise that I gagged and did a cartwheel when I saw that they featured me in this season's edition of their Black Blogs To Read During Fashion Week! I can't stop smiling from ear to ear. Such an honor. Check me out HERE! 

LoveBrownSugar Feature: Vixen of the Day

Special thanks to VIBE Vixen for featuring me as their Vixen of the Day today! I'm super excited and I'll actually be contributing as a VBlog contributor for them starting next week! Of course, you guys will be first to know when my stories are posted. In the mean time, feel free to check out my story on Vixen!

Photo Credit: Brandon Haynes

Dress: H&M, Shoes: Steve Madden, Bag: Elliot Luca, Ring: H&M

Check out my Vixen of the Day interview here!

Listen In Tonight! My First Radio Interview

Hey lovelies! Tonight at 8PM EST I'll be a featured guest on The Frenzy Radio Show with fashion bloggers Leslie of FashionDuJourDaily.com and Claire of The Fashion Bomb. I would LOVE if you all listened in & called us up to ask questions! All the info is in the flyer above. Call in to 347-884-9651 to listen in. If you want to talk to us, just press “1″ at anytime during the interview. Also, you can listen online through www.GXMedia.biz

See you then!

Fall Fashion: Five Curvy Girl Must-Haves

Happy Thursday! Today I'm featured on Essence.com with my girl - friend & fellow fashionista Gabi Gregg of Gabifresh.com - sporting our favorite trends for Fall 2011. Huge shoutout to our photographer Brandon Haynes of B Haynes Photo for these amazing shots. Here are a few items we think are must-haves for the season...

LoveBrownSugar Feature: ESSENCE October Issue

Happy Monday loves! I'm back after a quick posting hiatus (needed a break after the NYFW madness). I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. I want to give a great big hug and THANK YOU to all the lovely folks who have been tweeting me and posting to my Facebook wall about my big news! In case you haven't seen it, here it is!

I had the honor of contributing a fashion piece to the October issue of Essence Magazine! (Yes! The Power Issue with Michelle Obama on the cover!) 

 This is such a huge accomplishment for me and I have to thank you all, my loyal followers (old & new) for your continued support. I've always dreamed that my face would grace the print pages of Essence and now they have! And close to Michelle Obama's at that! *faints*

In my advertorial, I wrote about how to pull off fall's trends in style if you're full figured.

For the full spread, please go out and pick up a copy on newsstands now! I would so appreciate the support! And if you see me, feel free to give me a shout @LoveBrownSugar on Twitter!

Before I end this post, I must say that having attainable goals in mind and putting them down on paper is one of the best things you can do to be successful. I wrote a post about this ("My Resolution: Not To Have Any") at the beginning of the year, and also created a vision board for my bedroom, and that was the best thing I could've ever done. I have a post brewing up about my process and what I've learned from all this so far. Coming soon!

What are some goals you have left for 2011?

Follow Me @Style369 for NY Fashion Week

If you don't know about my intense love for Style369 already, you should get familiar. Style369 is an amazing online shopping destination  for curvy girls with style & class. I've been a huge fan since they launched and I'm honored to announce I'll be one of their New York Fashion Week correspondents!

As a result, I'll be tweeting from @Style369 on Twitter when I'm not on @LoveBrownSugar and bringing you the latest in NY street style, fashion shows, celeb sightings and more! Can't wait!

Click over to Style369's blog to see my Q&A feature. So excited!

Will you be following? Be sure to hit me up @Style369 staring Thursday, September 8th so I can give you a shoutout!

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!

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?

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!

Find LoveBrownSugar on Facebook | Follow LoveBrownSugar on Twitter

Flavor of Friday: Curvy Girl Swimwear

It's officially summer! I don't know about you, but this summer I don't plan on hiding behind a mumu. Curvy girls don't have to settle for that. At least I never have. You can rock a vintage style high-waist two piece like the one Queen Bey is rocking above. Or, one of my personal favorites, a fitted one-piece with a deep V-neck. It plays up my best features.

Beachside in Puerto Rico, 2010

Curvy girls, if you're looking for inspiration regarding great bathing suits to rock for your body type, you're in luck! I made my debut on Essence.com on Wednesday featuring a special Curvy Girls Guide to Swimwear report with tons of bathing suit options for plus-sized divas like me. Check it out and tell me what you think!

 Check out my feature on Essence.com!

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

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 Feature: The Frenzy TV

 Good news! My video segment with Franny of TheFrenzyTV.com (see HERE for Behind-The-Scenes) is finally up on the site! I had such a great time shopping with Franny and the Frenzy TV crew. In this vid, I highlight some really amazing Spring 2011 trend pieces I picked out at Buffalo Exchange as well as a few tips on vintage shopping in general, especially for curvy girls. Check it out!

Head over to TheFrenzyTV for more cool interviews and profiles!

UPDATE: For your thrifting pleasure, ELLEGirl just recently posted a Thrifting 101 piece on bargain shopping at Buffalo Exchange. Check it out HERE!