[VIDEO] Beyonce for H&M Behind The Scenes

If the campaign photos just weren't enough, H&M is hitting you with another injection of Beyonce as Mrs. Carter for their Summer 2013 Collection but this time in the form of a behind-the-scenes video. Only instead of it being documentary-style, it's actually a mini music video of Queen Bey belting out her newest single "Standing on the Sun" while donning H&M swimwear.

If this isn't the coolest brand partnership this YEAR. Not only is Ms. Carter giving life in a high-waisted patterned bikini, beachside. She's also leaking new music. Win-win!

Check it out below:

LBS at Coachella: The Recap (Part 1)

Whew! California treated me so incredibly well and I'm back on the East Coast with a mini tan and a lifetime of memories from my very first visit to the Coachella Music Festival. As you guys know, I attended on behalf of Indique as their correspondent and I did everything from live tweets and instagrams to interviews and street style.

Coachella was overwhelming but SO much fun. Aside from being excited about the indie artists and live performances, I couldn't wait to snap pics of my favorite fashion and beauty looks. I shot every look imaginable from flower girls to punk rockers. I also got turned UP in the video booth at the H&M tent each day, got my nails done at the DIY bar courtesy Incoco, danced to show tunes at the Red Bull Speakeasy. And I found heaven in a bucket of Crab Garlic Fries. Epic times.

Here's a snapshot of what I got into on Day 1:


The Arrival

Dress: L'Amour by Nanette Lepore | Bag, Sunglasses, Necklace: H&M | Shoes: Minnetonka | Hair: Indique

If you follow me on Instagram @LoveBrownSugar you'd know I was completely undecided about what to wear on the first day and had to put it to a vote. Neon A-line dress or tribal print tunic?

via LoveBrownSugar on Instagram

I opted for the neon look! My favorite L'Amour by Nanette Lepore frock ($30), a gold & turquoise necklace from H&M, a crochet bag and sunglasses from H&M as well, and blue fringe Minnetonka sandals I scored at Marshall's.

We head to our first round of performances. Every stage is packed with festival-oers preparing to see their favorite bands. Preparation includes everything from dancing in circles to hula-hooping. It was intense.

Me & Kamaria (@KamariaLove on Instagram)

Me & DaMonica Boone

In between performances I snap street style shots of festival go-ers. Crop tops, bikinis, tribal print and crochet are the uniform of choice. With graphic tees, cutoffs and flower crowns making regular appearances.

Next up, I stop over at the H&M tent to cool down, refresh, recharge my phone and dance like nobody's watching in their video booth.

 DJ Shiva was on the 1's & 2's playing our favorite tunes.

 Dove Dry Shampoo to refresh your hair in the heat, Kiehls face products to keep the skin toned and hydrated, Aubrey Organics deodorant spray and more!

 This was the most amazing photo/video booth ever. I literally came back everyday for this. Who doesn't love to watch a GIF of themselves acting a ratchet fool? Hilarious.

By this time, it was almost nightfall and the food stands were calling my name. So I beckoned, and I stumbled on a small piece of heaven in a bowl...

Garlic Crab Fries. Garlic fries topped with horseradish aioli and snow crab meat. *swoon*

And that concludes my first day at the festival. Click HERE for Part 2 - all about my favorite performances and the Adidas Originals Do Over Pool Party I'll never forget.

For pics of some of the street style I captured on Day 1, head to the VIBE Vixen "Coachella Street Style" gallery!

LBS at Coachella Style Contest Winners + Festival Survival Kit

I'm finally here guys! I'm in sunny Indio, California for Weekend 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and I am so ready to get my life. Aside from being ecstatic about day 1 of the festival, I'm overjoyed to announce the three winners of my LBS at Coachella Style Contest! I asked you guys to send me fashion inspiration for my trip to Coachella and I received quite a few amazing entries on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. But unfortunately, there can only be three winners. Drumroll please...

Day 1: Boho Chic

Congratulations to Jessica Andrews! She submitted this collage of a super chic bohemian look via her Pinterest page (MsAndrews) and I'm in love with it. From the crochet bag to the navajo/tribal dress, cat eye sunnies and the bold lip. I will be recreating this look - thanks Jessica for inspiring me!

Day 2: Casual Cool

Congratulations to Ashley Williams! She submitted this super cute pic on the LoveBrownSugar Facebook page HERE. I love the simplicity of this look featuring just a pair of cutoff shorts, a graphic tee and a massive arm party. Can't wait to replicate this one at Coachella.

Day 3: Poolside Party

Congratulations to Shelyn Mouton (@standingbystars) who submitted the above inspiration via Instagram. This look is SO me! From the sexy bathing suit to the gladiator flats and printed shorts. I will be doing an exact replica of this look for my pool party on Day 3.

And now for the Summer Festival Survival Kit:

Each winner will receive a special gift package featuring one each of some of my festival faves including: A pair of t-strap Lacoste jellies in a fun bright color (comfy and bright enough to make a statement!), a set of Color by Amber bangles (can't go wrong with mix & match arm party), nail appliques by Jamberry Nails (my new fave!), Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream (light coverage for hot & sweaty occasions when foundation is too much), Archipelago Botanicals travel sized toiletries (they smell amazing and they're perfect for on-the-go), and Pond's Luminous Clean Towelettes and Moisture Day Lotion with SPF 15 (both products I can't stop using - the towelettes are great for keeping my skin fresh on-the-go and the moisturizer is light with SPF protection - win!).

Thank you to everyone who submitted looks! Follow along with me @LoveBrownSugar and @iloveindique for street style shots, instagrams, tweets and more straight from the festival!

LBS Beauty: 5 Beauty Must-Haves for the Jetsetter

Tis the season to travel! Christina's headed to Cali for Coachella and many of us will be planning our spring and summertime destination vacays in the coming months. Seasoned travelers know that easy adjustments can make any trip feel like a first class affair. When I’m away from home I always make sure these five essentials are in tow: 

1. A Moisturizing Mask

Whatever your preference: plane, train, or automobile; the recycled air in compact spaces dries skin at an unflattering rate. A refreshing mask upon arrival will is like a drink of water for your skin. When’s Essence Gel Masks are packaged individually and hydrate and soothe fatigued faces.

2. Makeup Removal Wipes

You don't need to watch an investigative report to know that commonly shared areas--like airplane armrests, hotel remotes, and gas pumps are hotbeds of lingering dirt and bacteria. Use your makeup removal wipes (like the Yes to Cucumber ones above) to clean them up, and save the rest for your face. 

3. Candles

Nothing will keep homesickness at bay and usher familiarity in faster than comforting scents. Store a few of your favorite candles (or try a new fragrance) in travel sizes in your bag. My favorite luxury travel candles are by Trish McEvoy and Tocca. 

4. Tools

Brushes are expensive, so treat them with a little respect in your suitcase. Store them in an easily cleaned, compartmentalized makeup bag. You can also opt for a special Travel Brush Set to throw in your carry-on.

5. Bite Size Beauty

Preparing for a getaway where you can let your hair down a bit? Vacations are excellent opportunities to try new products. Round up some travel samples from your local beauty store and discover a new favorite.

Shop The Products: 

- Ashley Weatherford of August Skin, @sincerelyash on Twitter

Wearing your natural hair on vacay this year? Be sure to check our our Top 5 Natural Hair Tips for Travel too!

Style Play Polish: Summer Festival-Inspired Nails

LBS is going to Coachella (she's actually on her way now)! YAY x100! For those of you who have no idea what that is, no biggie. It's only the biggest art and music festival on the West-Coast! One of the first things that comes to mind when someone says Coachella are bright & vibrant colors, from stage set ups to spectator's sense of fashion. For this week's Style Play Polish segment I decided to paint a little ode to Coachella 2013 in 5 easy steps:

What you will need:

- Base coat (Butter London Nail Foundation)
- 3 bright, pastel, or neon colors of your choice (Sephora's "I Want Candy" 3-piece set)
- A round tip pencil or pen
- Top coat (Butter London Hardware Quick Topcoat)

 Step 1: You can choose to paint your nails different colors, or use the same uniform pattern.

Step 2: Using one of the colors, polish 3 free hand strokes over the first color creating a ruffle like pattern on your nail.

Step 3: After each layer dries, continue with step 2 until you are satisfied with your design.

Step 4: If you want to take your nail design a step further, use the tip of your pen or pencil (or a dotting tool) to create a lace like effect on each ruffle corresponding with the color underneath.

Step 5: As always, let dry, and apply your top coat to seal it in seal it in!

Stay tuned for next week's post! Music video inspiration anyone? Don't forget to share with us your Coachella inspired nail looks @LoveBrownSugar on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook!

And speaking of festivals, click HERE for a chance to win the ultimate LBS Summer Festival Survival Kit. 

- Gracie J

LoveBrownSugar at Coachella: My Mix & Match Style with Indique

Only 2 days away from LBS at Coachella and these past few days I've been in mega PREP mode - from shopping to packing and everything in between. As I mentioned over the past week, I'm taking my talents to the Coachella Music Festival in partnership with Indique Hair and I'll be vibin' to indie tunes while snapping hair & beauty street style, tweeting, and Instagramming on behalf of the @iloveindique account - can't wait!

To prepare for my Cali trip, the stylists at Indique gave me a super chic bohemian hair look, mixing and matching a few of their stellar curl patterns. They used a combination of the Bounce Coil Curl in 14" on top, Bounce Deep Wave in 18" in the middle (the same two textures I had for my 5 Hair Tips for Rocking Extensions post) and the Pure Curly in 18" at the very bottom. 

I never would've thought of mixing and matching the three textures but it came out beautifully because the Pure Curly on the bottom adds length without too much bulk, while the Bounce Deep Wave adds volume and the Coil Curl on top matches my natural hair texture best for blending.

I spent this past Saturday shooting with the stylists at Indique as well as makeup artist Ashley Stewart (@ChinkeyChyna) to bring you guys this exclusive video about my Coachella mix & match look. Here are some snaps from behind-the-scenes:

Upon arrival at the Indique Hair Studio

Me with no makeup and hat hair!

Makeup artist Ashley Stewart @ChinkeyChyna and Indique pro stylist Joyce dolling me up

After hair was complete! Photographer Jerome Shaw (PhotosbyRome) in the background

Watch the video with my finished look below:

Make sure you guys follow me at the @iloveindique Twitter and Instagram accounts starting Friday for live updates from Coachella!

LBS Announcement: New Contributors

This week is full of exciting news for LoveBrownSugar! Aside from being super hyped about my upcoming trip to Coachella, I'm ecstatic to announce that the LoveBrownSugar family is growing once again. I told you guys in my Big Leap of Faith post that I've decided this year to devote my time to building up the LoveBrownSugar site, and with that responsibility comes the need for more dedicated and passionate contributors who will put together more of the fun posts that you guys love. Last September was my first official time introducing the LBS family, so I'm pleased that the family is still growing.

Without further ado, here are our new contributors:

Kaila was born and bred in London, England and loves all things pink, Beyoncé and body art. Graduating with a BA Honours in Public Relations and Management and having experienced the PR and Marketing world she is working towards pursuing a career within the Events and PR industry. A lover of art, fashion and lipstick. She has an ever growing lipstick collection of 15..0once you pop you can't stop. A naturalista who enjoys rocking weave and spending hours watching YouTube videos and reality shows. Was Kaila's love for Beyoncé mentioned already?! Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @fabkooks

Ashley is a self-identified nerd with an affinity for skincare and beauty. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of her own beauty blog, August Skin. Introduced to steam facials and clay masks by her father, Ashley spent her childhood evenings pampering herself while guzzling Nesquik and watching Nickelodeon. When she’s not testing products or writing, Ashley is nose-deep in the work of a twentieth century literary legend or wide-eyed watching a Bravo reality show unfold. (P.S. Ashley was recently selected as a Top 10 finalist in Allure Magazine's Beauty Blogger Awards - Vote for her HERE!)

We're super excited to welcome these ladies into the family. Feel free to leave them hugs & kisses in the comments section, and stay tuned for more fun features right here on LoveBrownSugar.com!

LoveBrownSugar at Coachella 2013 Style Contest

It's almost time! I'm 3 days away from my trip to Coachella Music Festival in California and I'm so hyped for #LBSatCoachella I can nearly breathe! This year is officially my first time attending the Coachella Music Festival, and per usual I have no idea what to wear. I need your help!

I'm going for 3 different looks based on the three different days I'll be there for the weekend. I have a few different activities planned that I'll need attire for. Here are the looks:

Day 1: Boho Chic

This look should have a bohemian vibe to it. Think fringe, maxi-dresses and prints galore.

Day 2: Casual Cool

This look should be simple but chic and incorporate jean cutoff shorts (my faves!) for the hot Coachella Valley sun.

Day 3: Poolside Party

This look should incorporate swimwear and chic beach/pool-ready accessories.

Gather inspiration from across the internet and share it with me via Instagram, Pinterest OR Facebook for a chance to win a custom LoveBrownSugar Summer Festival Survival Kit with special gifts for your own summer festival chic, including nail appliqués, skincare essentials, hair goodies, makeup and more!

Entry Instructions:

1. Pick ONE platform to share your inspiration. You must be following LoveBrownSugar on the platform you share your pictures on (either Instagram, Pinterest OR Facebook)

2. For Facebook: Upload inspirational pictures to the LoveBrownSugar Facebook Page and title each entry with either "Boho Chic", "Casual Chic" OR "Poolside Party".

3. For Instagram: Upload inspirational pictures to your Instagram account, tag @LoveBrownSugar with hashtag #LBSatCoachella and give each entry a title of either "Boho Chic", "Casual Chic" OR "Poolside Party".

4. For Pinterest: Create a Pinterest board titled "LBS at Coachella"with your inspirational images. Once the board is complete, leave a comment on this post with a link to your board so I can take a look!

Three lucky winners will take home a prize. 

Good luck, can't wait to see your submissions!