Beyonce for H&M Summer 2013 Campaign

The rumors have been going around since January, but it's now officially confirmed! Amidst the Beyonce world takeover comes another power play by the songstress and mogul. Beyonce is the face of H&M's summer 2013 campaign. The retailer flew Queen Bey (who apparently, according to a brand rep, gave "personal input on the pieces seen in the campaign") off to the Bahamas to shoot the summer collection.

Related: Beyonce for Vogue March

Once images are released, we can expect to see the star lounging beachside in the latest swimwear and summer attire from H&M's summer collection. "I've always liked H&M's focus on fun affordable fashion. I really loved the concept we collaborated on to explore the different emotions of women represented by the four elements - fire, water, earth and wind," says Beyonce. "It was a beautiful shoot on a tropical island. It felt more like making a video than a commercial."

H&M, the beach and Beyonce - three of my favorite things. Can't wait to see the rest of the campaign!

What do you guys think about Beyonce as the face of H&M?

Source: Vibe Vixen

LBS Backstage Beauty: Rip The Runway 2013

Tonight at 10PM EST, BET will premiere its annual Rip The Runway showcase featuring trendy designer collections from African-American designers, and celebrating the style & beauty of people of color. Hosted by Kelly Rowland and Boris Kodjoe, I must say the 2013 show is by far one of the best. I attended the taping and you guys are in for a treat. Aside from fashion-forward collections, there are guest performances by some of the hottest hip-hop & R&B artists out now including Rick Ross, Omarion, Jaden Smith, Sevyn Streeter, and more.

I remember watching Rip The Runway back in my high school days so I was honored when BET invited me backstage to chat with the glam squad that makes the magic happen. Check out what they told me:

Inspiration: The Hair

Backstage the hair looks were sophisticated and understated. Lead hairstylist for the show, Tracy Balan explained "...everything was about elevating the fashion and taking it to a whole other level. It's more high-end. Think Bryant Park, think Italian Vogue. That's what you're getting for 2013. This year, the hair is really simple. It's all about simplicity and accessorizing your hair to match the clothes."

About achieving the hair look, Tracy notes "One of the looks tonight is the classic low chignon to the back of the head or the low ponytail. You can easily achieve this with some mousse or a bit of dry shampoo in the roots to lay the hair down but the ends will have more of a wild effect. We also have alot of 60's mod buns as well, especially in the Size Sexy section. The models are wearing Vivica Fox's remy extensions line, as one of our biggest sponsors this season."

Inspiration: Fashion Freedom Segment

Beagy Zielinski, stylist for the Fashion Freedom segment noted "My inspiration for the style looks tonight was Alexander McQueen. I really wanted it to be sexy and edgy with a bit of a dark side. The looks we pulled are everywhere from London to Hong Kong to Lebanon. They're literally from around the world. So it's alot of really fun detail."

Inspiration: Size Sexy Segment

Lead stylist for the "Size Sexy" segment, Lindsay Driscoll told us that this year's theme was Vogue meet Rip The Runway. "My goal was to have these girls who are plus size (12-20), wearing the same types of outfits as your typical runway model or celebrity. You don't have to belt everything, you can still wear luxurious furs, and luxe fabrics like leather and lace. It's about finding the right designers that really tailor their pieces well and finding the right fit and fabrics. So this year we really focused on quality materials and great tailoring to make sure everything looked couture."

Get The Look: Size Sexy

When I asked about fashion tips for curvy girls like myself, Lindsay mentioned, "...make sure you accentuate the best part of you. For example, if you have really big thighs, wearing a pencil skirt so you can show off your smaller waist while still covering up problem areas is best. Pick your favorite body part and accentuate it. Also, don't be scared to wear prints or to do color-blocking. If you do it the right way, it works. Not every big girl should have to wear black to look trim. And not every outfit needs a belt."

Fashion producers of the show Carline Balan & Michou St. Jules says the creative direction of the show was bringing NYFW to BET. "With the element of our stylists and high-end segments like Lux Mode, Jaden Smith's clothing line MSFTS, Fashion Freedom and Size Sexy. It's about giving segments for everyone. If you put the entire show together, you could walk through anyone's life at a particular time."

"There are so many amazing African-American designers that don't really get the recognition that they should. So we love mentoring new talent, taking them on and showcasing that. We allow everyone on stage to be their unique selves. That's why this show isn't driven by the designers but by the stylists. The designers don't even know which pieces we chose! They don't get to see it all together until they come see the show," said Carline Balan.

Quite interesting! Well I can tell you for sure that they did an amazing job with the show. I ahd a great time at the taping. Make sure to check it out on BET tonight at 10PM EST. Head to the website for more information.

 Will you guys be tuning in?

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Not Quite SXSW

It was one of those days when I didn't think I had anything to wear. But let's be real, we fashionistas always have something to wear, even when we have "nothing" to wear.

So it went from being a need-to-do-laundry-therefore-nothing-to-wear kinda day to a jeans, t-shirt and sneaks moment. I'm bummed I didn't get a chance to head to Austin, Texas this year to participate in South by Southwest. A few months ago while perusing the men's tee section at Buffalo Exchange, I stumbled on this old SXSW tee and decided to purchase it with the intent of wearing it there.

Life got in the way, as it tends to do, but hopefully I'll make it down next year.

My St.Patrick's Day mani is still going strong (DIY tutorial here). Perfect compliment to an arm party.

 Ever heard the phrase "Been there, done that, bought a T-shirt?" Well, I just bought the T-shirt. *shrugs*

Even though I prefer dresses and silky blouses to jeans & tees, every once in a while it's cool to switch it up.

Leather Jacket: Vintage (similar here) | SXSW Tee: Buffalo Exchange | Jeans: Joe Fresh | Sneakers: H&M (similar here) | Beanie: Street Vendor | Bag: Street Vendor | Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova (similar here for $89.99) | Rope Chain: H&M | Nameplate c/o Nameplate Depot

Get The Look:

LBS Salon Review: Idalias Salon in Brooklyn

Last month, I paid the Idalias Salon in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn a visit. I was preparing for my trip to LA and I needed to get my hair washed and conditioned. I also needed to get my Bounce Deep Wavy/Coil Curl Indique Hair extensions sewn in by a professional stylist. One of the first things I look for when heading to a salon is a specialist who knows how to properly care for and maintain natural curls. It's been 2 and a half years now that "Cece's Curls" have been alive and well so I go to great lengths (no pun intended) to make sure they're protected from breakage and heat damage.

The professionals at Idalias took great care of me! Their motto is "Healthy hair first equals stylish hair always," so they place an emphasis on hair health.

As such, salon owner Darlene was very delicate with my curls and gave me a thorough shampoo and deep conditioning treatment before I sat down to be braided up and styled.

They used a great combination of products and made sure that my hair was properly protected. I get the question alot about how I blend my natural hair with the curly extensions so the difference isn't easily detectable. You know I only give my secrets away to y'all so here it is:

Depending on which way you want your hair to lay, you need to leave out just enough of your natural hair to cover the tracks once the styling is done. See below for how much I normally leave out.

I chose a middle part this time around so the stylist at Idalias sewed my hair in a U-shape so that there was an ample amount of my natural hair on all sides to cover the track once she was complete.

Next, she fluffed my hair out and began to apply a light styling cream. My absolute favorite is Jane Carter Curl Defining Cream for this, when I do it at home.

Before I left, the stylist flat-twisted my natural hair along with the extensions so that when I released it the next day, my curls would naturally follow the curl pattern of the extensions.

This process is really easy to replicate at home. You simply retwist each night with the curl product of your choice and wrap your head with a silk scarf or bonnet to maintain.

Needless to say, they did an AWESOME job and my hair was on point for my trip to LA!

 Next week I'll be posting an exclusive Q&A with the salon owner who has some really helpful tips on installing and maintaining extensions while keeping your hair healthy. Stay tuned for that. In the meantime, if you're in the Prospect Heights, Brooklyn area - check out the Idalias Salon and let them know LoveBrownSugar sent you!

Idalias Salon

677 Washington Ave 

New York,  NY 11238

(718) 636-5521

Follow them on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Disclosure: The Idalias Salon provided me with a complimentary hair service for this review. As always, all opinions expressed herein are mine and not reflective of the company.

NEWS: Angela Simmons Releases New Clothing Line

Former reality star and entrepreneur Angela Simmons is back at it again with a new extension of her brand. The fashionista has just released a teaser for her long-awaited clothing line Angela by Angela Simmons. Back in 2011, we blogged about her clothing line which was in the works.

Now, on her newly launched personal website Angela I Am, she's releases a teaser video for the collection, which seems to be a chic line of edgy meets sporty separates.

Check out the video:

Kudos to Angela for getting her collection off the ground!

Thoughts? See anything you guys love?

Style Play Polish: St. Patrick's Day Nail Art Tutorial

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Even though I'm not Irish, nor do I plan on drinking myself into oblivion today, I figured I'd celebrate by decorating my nails for the festivities. I'm actually quite astonished at myself, given this was my first attempt at freehand nail art. Here's how I did it!

What you will need:

• Base Coat (Butter London Nail Foundation)
• Green Nail Polish (Ginger & Liz in Ivy League)
• Nail Art Pens (I used a local beauty supply brand. Try Sally Hansen Pens)
• Quick Dry Topcoat (Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Topcoat)
• Optional: Glitter Polish 

Step 1: Apply a base coat to protect your nails.

I used Butter London Nail Foundation as my base coat of choice.

Step 2: Apply two coats of green nail polish.

I used Ginger & Liz nail polish in Ivy League. 

It's a pastel green that's perfect for spring.

Step 3: Use your nail art pens to apply the art designs. Start off with simple designs first, then get more creative as you get used to it.

I started simple with a 3-leaf clover using my white nail art pen, and polka dots. For the clover, I just drew 3 rounded triangles that intersected in the middle, and extended a line from the middle as the stem. This took all of 2 minutes to apply.

Next I used my black nail art pen to draw a pot, and used my glitter nail polish for the flecks of gold. Voila! A pot of gold. I decided to do another nail of polka dots to keep it simple.

Step 4: Apply one coat of Quick Dry Topcoat.

Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Topcoat was my topcoat of choice for this. It takes less than 30 seconds to dry, and it helps prevent chipping for up to 10 days.

That's all folks! This was my very first attempt at freehand nail art, and it's not half bad. I am NOT the super talented hand design/sketch type at all, so if I can do this I'm sure you can to! Just pick designs that are simple to execute and pick nail supplies that are good quality.

Shop The Products:

How did are you guys celebrating St. Patrick's Day? Hope you enjoy!

Check out some of our other Style Play Polish Tutorials:

Glitter-Dipped Nails

Valentine's Day Guest Post by Get Nailed

OPI Black-Spotted Mani DIY

LBS Exclusive [VIDEO]: Braxton Family Values Season 3 Premiere

On Wednesday night here in NYC, chic downtown venue STK was packed with celebrities, fans and of course, the larger-than-life Braxtons. You guys know from our last interview with the sisters that their our favorite group of reality sisters. Toni, Traci, Tamar, Towanda and Trina along with Mama Evelyn, hosted a party in celebration of their 3rd season of Braxton Family Values that aired last night at 9pm on WEtv.

Check out our exclusive video below:

DJ Kiss, currently our favorite female DJ, didn't let us down one bit. She played all the right tunes as guests sipped on signature cocktails while waiting for The Braxtons and other celebrity guests to arrive.

Related: LoveBrownSugar Interviews The Braxtons

Everyone from Queen B (Lil Kim) to Angela Simmons and even Basketball Wives star Jennifer Williams were in attendance to support the sisters. Once the Braxtons arrived, we wasted no time hoping to get a taste of their spunky, over the top personalities.

Tamar who just the day before revealed that she is pregnant, dished on what we all were wondering. What does her pregnancy means for her music? 

"Let me clear something up. Just because I have a love on top, does not mean my album is not coming out. It’s still coming out this year,” explained Tamar Braxton.

Another bit of juice came from Traci Braxton, who WEtv has confirmed is no longer "the wannabe" but instead the “wildcard.”

She chatted with us about what we will see from her this season and let’s just say, she’s riding two wheelers. She said “You’re gonna see me with my motorcycling club!” Given what we've seen from Traci in the past, she'll have us laughing something serious for sure.

We love the Braxtons because they're so relatable and like any sisters, Towanda says “There are some days we don’t like each other, but we do love each other.”After last night's premiere, it's obvious we’re in for another crazy season.

- Makisha Timothy

Video shot & edited by Sharifa S. Daniels

Did you tune in to the premiere? Do you love the Braxtons? Soundoff below!

For more info on Braxton Family Values, check out their page on WeTV.com 

Cover Girls: Michelle Obama Covers VOGUE April

Our beautiful first lady Michelle Obama graces the cover of next month's VOGUE Magazine. On the cover, she sports her beautiful new bangs in a gorgeous Reed Krakoff dress. In a candid exclusive interview entitled "Leading by Example", VOGUE captures quotables from both First Lady Michelle and President Barack Obama, who both look stunning. My favorite couple! You guys already know from 5 Reasons She's My Style Icon that I'm obsessed with Michelle O's style. Take a peek at some of the looks she sported for the cover story:

They ask her about everything under the sun from her relationship with the President to how she deals with stress and the pressures of being part of the First Family. “I think we are accountable to each other for being who we are,” says First Lady Michelle Obama.

About dealing with unexpected and unwanted changes in life, the First Lady remarks "Oftentimes, it’s the way we react to change that is the thing that determines the overall experience. So I’ve learned to let go and enjoy it and take it in and not take things too personally.”

Is she not stunning in that Michael Kors sweater and ball gown above? I'm gagging. Just the epitome of class. Love me some Michelle O.

What do you guys think of the cover? Will you be snatching this one off the newsstand?

Source: Vogue.com