Fabulous Brown Girl

Love What You've Got on Top!!

2010-10-26T12:30:00.004-04:00

The tide is beginning to change and a lot of Fabulous Brown Girls are beginning to change the way they see themselves and the way they see their hair.

A Sesame Street producer has a young adopted African American daughter and when he saw how she was beginning to have a negative view of her hair he

took to his profession and did something about it.

Here is a clip of his story and why he did it.

Locally in Houston, Fabulous Brown Girl, Ashley Small, President of Medley Inc. went on ABC 13 to talk about her views on her hair and how she loves what she has on top!!

It is great to see that as African American women, we have the option of wearing our hair any way we want. We should not let our racial counterparts dictate what looks good on us, especially when it is not how our hair is naturally. Even though transitioning out of relaxed hair can be mentally challenging, the results are immensely rewarding to those who are willing to do so.

If you have gone natural or love wearing your hair however you want and do not care what others think because you know you were created wonderfully then share your comment below!

Oh and Just in case you have yet to see this example of viral self love check it out and make sure you share with everyone young and old!!

First Lady Does Flag Football

2010-10-25T20:43:00.003-04:00

Well lookie here! As if being graceful and effervescent wasn't enough for Fabulous Brown Girl, First Lady Michelle Obama, she can play football too!

Check out some photos of her getting sweaty and roughing it with the boys!

FBG MUSIC BREAK: ASTON MARTIN MUSIC

2010-10-14T15:04:00.003-04:00

It's something about this track that makes you love it! Kudos to Fabulous Brown Girl, Chrissette Michelle for holding her own and letting her beautiful voice shine through! She takes this song to the next level! Love her!

Check out the video and imagine your self "cruisin down the freeway, just you and your bay-bay" --lol

NEW Show to Watch: House of Glam

2010-10-12T14:44:00.007-04:00

House of Glam, the new show which premiered October 5th on the Oxygen network immediately caught my eye. The show follows the very hip and fashion forward, B. Lynn Group, which is a New York based image agency headed up by Brandi Simpkins that styles the top urban celebrities for everything from music videos, fashion shows, and photo shoots for ad campaigns.

The stylists are all young and seem to be a very tight knit group of uber talented individuals that know the craft of image consultancy. They work with the biggest names in hip hop and love their job and the agency.

If you are into fashion and enjoy styling and branding through image then this show is for you! It is very a Young, Black and Fabulous sort of show and reminds me of a young black answer to the Rachel Zoe Project which is on the Bravo network.

Follow the B. Lynn Group on Twitter @TheBLynnGroup

So will you be tuning in?

House of Glam airs on Tuesdays 9c/10 est! Catch a sneak peak to this very FABULOUS show !!

Monica Speaks about her Relationship, Children, and Friendship with Brandy

2010-09-22T15:02:00.005-04:00

If you don't know by know that Monica has moved on and started dating the LA Laker's own, Shannon Brown, then you must be living under a rock.

We love MONICA for her realness and inner and outer bueaty. She is a mother and role model to so many women out there who aspire to bring positivity to their lives and the lives of their children.

Watch her interview with RAP-UP.com to see her dish about her new boyfriend, having more children in the future and supporting her childhood rival who is now like her sister, Brandy.

For Colored Girl's Trailer and What Ntozake Shange Thinks

2010-09-20T19:37:00.005-04:00

Tyler Perry, notorious for keeping our black actors working but also infamous for providing sub-par story lines and perpetuating negative and unsual stereotypes, has decided to take his appeal and approach to what has been deemed a literary classic for many Fabulous Brown Girls.

For Colored Girls Who have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is not Enuf written by Ntozake Shange, is a literary gem that we as women all remember being exposed to and treasuring after our first time reading or seeing the play. Written in the late '70s and being produced on stage for decades, Perry has now decided he wants to put his spin on it.

Many people have no problem voicing their concerns and are automatically going the defensive route with this choice-- with good reason I am sure. Even though it is hard for me not to join the mob on this one, I will not doom this project before giving it a shot. I am sure he is well aware of the masterpiece he is dealing with and how he is already on the bad side of many of the literary and film geniuses that he must know the he absolutely, positively BETTER not screw this up.

The movie has an all star cast with most of the "IT" black actresses from past and present who all have a solid resume. Veteran actresses like Loretta Divine, Whoopi Goldberg, and Phylicia Rashad will join the younger but respected actresses such as Kerry Washington, Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, and last but not least multi talented Janet Jackson.

Simply because BROWN girls are my passion, I can not downplay my natural excitement of this film due out November 5th... so needless to say.. I will be there to support.

Here is what Shange had to say about the film:

“I think it’s very good,” was Ms. Shange’s unhesitant verdict on Mr. Perry’s adaptation. “He kept a lot of my language, that’s what I liked most.”

Here is the emotionally charged trailer released last week

Lauryn Hill Speaks!

2010-09-06T02:56:00.003-04:00

As we all know, Lauryn Hill has spent the last couple of weeks on the Rock The Bells Hip Hop Tour. Receiving praises from the masses, Lauryn teases the audience with glimpses of a comeback. Entertainment journalist Toure got a chance to interview her and the interview alone makes me thirsty for new material, but I totally respect her decision to control her own life and destiny for the sake of her sanity and her children. She is a true role model to all those who are musically gifted on how NOT to sell your soul for fame.

Like Solange Knowles says "F-ck the Industry..."

Watch Lauryn now!

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FAB Friday: 10 Things I Want to Say to a Black Women

2010-09-03T07:07:00.005-04:00

JUST WATCH AND ENJOY!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Fabulous Brown Girl: It's Our One Year Anniversary!

2010-09-01T12:05:00.007-04:00

Today is a milestone for FBG!!!

WE ARE ONE YEAR OLD TODAY!!

A year ago today I started this blog to express something that had been brewing inside of me for a long time- my love for positive black women, fashion, career development, and girl talk. All of these things embody who I am personally as a twenty-something, young professional. At the time I started FBG, I was really into reading other people blogs and decided that why not start my own. So I did. I am so grateful to myself and others who have supported the idea of being a Fabulous Brown Girl! This blog has turned into a brand that I want to follows me where ever I go.

Here's a little back story. When I moved to Atlanta from DC in august of 2009, it was a whole new life for me. I needed something that I could say I was in control of, something I was passionate about, and I needed something to jump start my career goals. Fabulous Brown Girl has done all of that and more for me.

So if you want to start your own blog, company, go back to school, or change careers I say go for it!!! Better yet.... GO HARD FOR IT!! Your dreams are your own and nobody can tell you that you can not do something you are passionate about. There are positive examples of this everywhere you turn. And as my mother always told me ... nobody on this earth is better than you.

"If there is at least one person on this earth that has accomplished what you want than it can be done and it is NOT impossible"

One day I know my dreams will turn into reality and as I will have this blog to thank as the catalyst.

As I transition onto bigger things, I will continue to blog and I will continue to connect with other Fabulous Brown Girl bloggers like myself. I want to do a lot of new things with this blog that I will continue pursue this along with whatever else I am passionate about.

Thank you for your continued support and don't forget to follow @FabBrownGirl on Twitter.

Remembering Aaliyah: 1979-2001

2010-08-25T17:37:00.007-04:00

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born on January 16 1979 in Brooklyn, NY but was raised in Detroit, Michigan. At an early age she began her singing career and appeared on the famous weekly televised talent show, Star Search. She was signed to Jive Records and was mentored by R. Kelly. He helped produce her debut album called AGE AINT NOTHING BUT A NUMBER, which sold 3 million copies in the US.

As her career blossomed she began working closely with Missy Elliot and Timbaland for her second album: ONE IN A MILLION. She was also a successful actress in movies like ROMEO MUST DIE and also played a role in QUEEN OF THE DAMNED.

After releasing her third and self titled album AALIYAH, the talented singer, dancer, and actress died tragically Sunday August 25, 2001.

Aaliyah was a Fabulous Brown Girl that was cherished and adored by her fans and anyone who graced her presence. Many of my peers remember where they were when the news of her and her team's passing was made known.

It was one of the most shocking things that happened that year in the urban music community, especially since Aaliyah's career was skyrocketing full force and died right after working and filming her video for ROCK THE BOAT.

This tragic loss, even though nine years ago, still hits a fresh spot with anyone who loved her and her music. Her natural beauty, sweet image, and killer dance moves will never be forgotten.

What is your favorite Aaliyah song?

This is ours:

Fantasia Burrino Talks on GMA

2010-08-24T12:45:00.009-04:00

Even though a lot of trauma is happening conveniently around the release date of her album, which is out today by the way. It is obvious that Fantaisia Burrino has honestly been through a lot and this suicide mishap was not necessarily a stunt.

All that has happened to the young 26 year old from Charlotte,NC has come to a head. The industry is rarely ever your friend and unless you look like Alicia Keys, it might even be the middle school bully that won't let you eat your lunch in peace.

Here is a clip Fanny talking to Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. Fanny's calm and genuine tone makes me think that she is not doing this solely for whatever press she can get to promote her album. Hopefully she can share her story and inspire other women who are going through the same thing.

For her performance of her single Bittersweet on GMA

Powerful Fab Brown Girls on Twitter

2010-08-24T12:21:00.004-04:00

Recently, BlackWeb2.0 released a list of the most Powerful Black women on Twitter! It is great to see the majority of women that made the list are some of our favorite FBGs who try to use their celeb influence to do positive things and uplift other women.

Check out the List!

Young Hollywood is FEARLESS, FANCY, and FAB!!

2010-08-12T00:33:00.011-04:00

Recently, some of Hollywood's Fabulous Brown Girls all got together to do the cover shoot of a new magazine, FEARLESS. Upon seeing this shot, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted to see everything that Fabulous Brown Girl represents (sophistication, sassy, smart and fly) all in one shot!

According to MTV.com, this shoot is the FBG answer to Vanity Fair's Young Hollywood cover which ironically, did not include any one women of color. Last time I checked, Hollywood is not monochromatic and only having one color on your cover is not only disheartening, but totally unacceptable. But it seems Vanity Fair must have missed that memo..Their Bad...

The cover features Tia Mowry, Naturi Naughton, Monique Coleman, Jennifer Freeman, Kyla Pratt, Tiffany Hines, Chyna Layne, and Lauren London.

Kudos to FEARLESS magazine for recognizing that there is void of spotlight our FBG working actress and do their part to uplift them by putting them on their inaugural cover.

Keep up the good work Ladies!

Check out some behind the scenes video of the shoot!

FBG Summer Fun with Mom: Michelle Obama and Sasha

2010-08-09T20:09:00.009-04:00

Over the past few days, the FLOTUS and her precious one, Sasha traveled to Spain for a summer vacay!

Don't you love how the Obama's don't shy away of living their lives to the fullest and showing their young daughters the world! It doesn't hurt that they can meet Kings and Queens along the way either! I love how anytime you see Sasha, she seems to always be having fun and enjoying her childhood!

Just a disclaimer: Malia was not on punishment or anything.. lol.. she was actually away at a summer sleep away camp! I am sure she will be having her own time with her Mommy or even her Pops!

We can NOT say it enough!! WE LOVE THE OBAMA'S!!

Savannah Brinson: LeBron Isn't the Only One Who Loves Her!

2010-08-09T19:07:00.015-04:00

As the world focuses on LeBron James and his new start in Miami to chase his dream of winning his first championship title, we at FBG can't help but take notice of his girlfirend and mother of his two sons, Savannah Brinson!

She stays behind the scenes for the most part, but we can't help but start to see her as a Fabulous Brown Girl to love! Anyone can see that the love between her and LeBron is strong and he rarely goes anywhere without her... including Miami!We think she screams FBG because of the way she always stays classy and makes FABULOUS statements with her style!

Savannah recently did a feature with FBG friendly magazine Harper's Baazar that did a great job of incorporating her love for her boyfriend LeBron and being the mother to his rambunctious boys.

Check out the interview and video from the photo shoot!

Click Here for the Full Savannah Brinson interview

Don't forget to let us know what you think of Savannah!

NIKE'S New Ad: What Are Your Thoughts?

2010-07-29T14:22:00.005-04:00

What are your thoughts on this new NIKE Women ad?

Wale - Ambitious Girl

2010-07-29T00:53:00.006-04:00

Ambitious Girl Your Drive Drives Me Crazy...

Yesterday Wale released a special spoken word/poem track called "Ambitious Girl". I don't care what anyone says, Wale wrote this piece for us Fabulous Brown Girls.

He is basically saying that he finds women who handle their business and have crazy drive sexy!

You Would Rather Chase Your Dreams Than Chase These Men...

Wale is definitely a favorite here at Fabulous Brown Girl and we do not see that changing anytime soon. His flow is fresh and his lyrics really talk about something. If you are not familiar with him... don't worry.. check out some of out favorite tracks from his first album. We can't wait until his mixtape drops next week.

Beautiful Bliss - Wale

Shades - Wale

Pretty Girls - Wale

My Sweetie - Wale (NIAJA STAND UP!)

Lauryn Hill Unreleased Track: Repercussions

2010-07-26T11:55:00.007-04:00

Have our prayers answered? Is Fabulous Brown Girl, Lauryn Hill, really releasing new music? By the looks of it, she is.

After hearing on YouTube "Repercussions", I was immediately smitten by Lauryn all over again.

Not really sure if this song is newly recorded or just an unrelased track made during her recording prime, but when ever the track was made it just further increased our favor and excitement for her hopeful return.

Check out her new track! I have been playing this melodic track on REPEAT for a while now.

In the Beginning There Was... Genesis

2010-07-22T00:19:00.009-04:00

After "stumbling on" this story, we just had to share it with you on our own blog.

Fabulous Brown Girl Brittany K Earls, Founder of Genesis Magazine, was featured in Under 30 CEO. She founded her now popular magazine after following her passion of journalism and not landing the job she wanted. She decided that in order to land her dream job she had to create it!

Many women of her caliber are dreaming of starting their own company. Whether it be a magazine, a boutique, a clothing line, or a consulting firm, we as Fabulous Brown Girls have to take our passion and future into our own hands.

Check out Brittany K Earls interview from www.under30ceo.com and get inspired like we were to continue to keep pushing! Always remember every great entrepreneur started off with a small idea that they nurtured in order to capture their dream!

No matter what others say, what is meant for you is definitely ALREADY yours.

Where did you get the idea to start Genesis Magazine?

The thought of Genesis Magazine came from my love of thoughtful journalism. I have never cared about celebrity gossip; however, I was always interested in people who start their own companies, create wealth, have a new talent, new book, or broke barriers and achieved success. So, I created a magazine to cover the above interests and more.

What is your background before Genesis Magazine? Career path? Goals?

Before Genesis Magazine I was fresh out of college and starving for a job in my field. I was a server at a restaurant and a bank teller when I started my business. I also worked other corporate jobs before that I was not passionate about. My dream job was to be a creative writer for a great magazine company! However, I was constantly told by HR reps that they could not even arrange an interview with someone with less than 5 years experience. So, since I could not find my dream job i decided to create one!

Who do you admire in the business world and why?

I really admire Angela Jia Kim, founder of savorthesuccess.com. She is a powerful woman of influence and the perfect example of how to be strong, effective, friendly, and encouraging to others in business.

Why did you choose to have a print version compared to just having an online version?

It would be much easier and cheaper to have an on line version! However, although we are in a digital world these days, advertisers really value print media. They see more value in their advertising dollar when their ad can be physically touched. Also, most people being featured in our magazine have never been in a magazine before and a print issue is a great keepsake!

I’m sure you know the discussion around the print industry lately and also advertising and how so much of it is headed on line or fading all together. What is your take on this debate and how is Genesis staying ahead of the curve?

This is definitely a difficult industry. I think what makes Genesis Magazine a step above the rest is our quality content. When magazines are full of bad news, scandal, or celebrity to gossip, the reader is not attached to the content. The reader may view such media online but as most of us are careful with our money these days, readers would prefer not to pay or subscribe to that type of media. However, we produce tangible media that readers can be a part of and when YOU are the celebrity we feature, of course you and your family want to buy our magazine. As for advertising, our rates our 75% cheaper than any other print magazine or newspaper. Recession or no recession, businesses must advertise to stay alive and thrive, we help them do that for less and it really gives us an edge in this industry.

How do you market Genesis Magazine each time you launch in a new city?

So far we have only launched offices in Atlanta, GA and New York, NY. For those cities we had launch parties and business expos where we encouraged the community to plug in by getting vendor tables or simply networking. Our marketing is 90% digital, we send out email blasts to hundreds of thousands of people, and subscribe to plenty of press release distribution services. We also have subscribers in 18 additional states and overseas in Greece and Australia. That audience has increased mostly from word of mouth from our faithful readers.

What is the best part about running your own company? The Worst?

The best part is controlling my day. I decide when and how I work. I can go in the office, work from Starbucks, or in my jammies at home. I decide when I go to lunch, when I go on vacation, and when I want a raise. This is entrepreneurship at its finest. The worst part is the pressure and responsibility I feel everyday. We are a small staff and I wear a lot of hats. As the owner, if a client is unhappy I have to make then happy, when supplies run out I have to buy more, and as the owner I am 100% mentally invested in this company. When you work for someone else you clock out everyday, it’s over. I never clock out. I am always answering my phone, responding to emails, prospecting new clients, and brainstorming ideas etc. A large part of my personal life is sacrificed for this business and I am ok with that because I am setting Genesis Magazine up for success and it will one day (soon) take care of me.

Where do you see yourself in 5years?

In 5 years Genesis Magazine will be a household name and we would have successfully launched Genesis Magazine Espanol. We will have more team members and I will be working less and spending much more time on my personal life, preparing to start a family of my own. I also plan to get my Master’s and Doctorate degree in Editing and Creative Writing at NYU.

Where can people find you or Genesis magazine on line?

Visit us at www.mygenesismagazine.com

Brandy... Is That You?!!?

2010-07-09T01:49:00.014-04:00

After picking our jaw up from the floor, we definitely want to give a loud SHOUT OUT to Brandy for this beautiful and artistic photo shoot she did for 160 magazine. It is obvious that Brandy is revamping her image and trying to make a strong and sexy comeback.

Brandy, who normally has a girl next door vibe thats nothing-too-fancy, is now coming out full blast with sexy styling and uber glamorous looks. It looks like RayJ and the rest or the Norwoods are not playing games about this Family Business taking off.

We remember jamming to "I Wanna Be Down" and rocking those braids down our back trying our best to be just like Brandy during the 90s! She was our first FBG that we looked up to and now, in her early 30s, Brandy wants us to know she is still here.

We don't know if we are looking at Brandy or her alter-ego "Bran Nu" , but whom ever it is we love this Fabulous Brown Girl!! We are glad to see Brandy reinventing herself and coming back more FABULOUS than ever!!

Check out the rest of the hot looks below!

STAY FAB!

It's Never Too Late: Mary J Blige Declares Howard University is her #1 Choice

2010-07-07T20:46:00.010-04:00

So I am sure by now many of you have heard that multi platinum artist, Mary J Blige has announced that she is going to attend Howard University this upcoming school year.

Well I must say, I am not suprised that this Fabulous Brown Girl wants to join the scholarly ranks as many notable blacks have already done by obtaining a degree from Howard University!

She did meet Sean Combs aka Diddy shortly after he left Howard and joined Uptown Records!

Mary J is not afraid and knows it is never too late to gain a formal education. If this is something that she wants then we commend Ms. Mary for wanting to continue her education at one of the best institutions of higher learning on the planet ;-)

Here is Mary making her announcement on Good Morning America.

However, even though Mary J made her announcement, Howard University recently released a statement about Mary future educational plans. It seems like Howard has not officially accepted her, and if she is serious about entering as a traditional student, they are willing to help her with a successful application process.

'Without question, Ms. Mary J. Blige's resilience and dedication to her craft are largely unmatched. Howard University congratulates Ms. Blige on the recent completion of her high school requirements. We encourage Ms. Blige to continue her studies and welcome her consideration of Howard University in the future. We are happy to work with Ms. Blige on completing the formal process for admission.'

Well let's hope her application process goes a little smoother than many of ours did!

Regardless if Mary J Blige attends Howard University or not, we salute our fellow FBG for recognizing my alma mater as her top choice and wanting to further her education with a college degree!

She is setting the example that even though she may have all the success she could have ever dreamed of with her signing career, none of it has fulfilled her thirst for knowledge and receiving a formal education. I would even go as far as to say that she probably looks at Howard University students and wants to have the experience we were blessed to have-- while we look at her and dream of having her life.

Like I always say, the grass is always greener on the other side!

Note: Just want to take the time out really quickly to thank all of the FABULOUS BROWN GIRLS out there for continuing to check out the blog! Our sincerest apologies for not blogging as often as I would like! We know there are so many FABULOUS and great things happening and we will try to cover and talk about them more often.

Stay Fab!

Rest in Power to the Fabulous Legend: Lena Horne

2010-05-10T18:05:00.005-04:00

Last night legendary actress, jazz singer, and civil rights activist, Lena Horne passed away at age 92.

Horne was a beautiful woman who broke many barriers for our race. She was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1917 and by the age of 16 years old could be found singing in nightclubs such as the Cotton Club during the Harlem Renaissance.

Horne was a phenomenal actress, but during the 1930's and 1940's she was blacklisted in Hollywood because she was black. Of course, being a Fabulous Brown Girl, she did not let that stop her. She has appeared in many films and won many Grammy awards for her remarkable voice. She even was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award Grammy in 1989.

Horne was also a civil rights activist. She worked very hard along side Dr. Martin Luther King and with the NAACP.

Horne will always be remembered and loved by many generations. Its saddens us that in less than a month we have lost two wonderful and captivating African American women. One being Dr. Dorothy Height and the other Mrs. Lena Horne.

Both of these women were the epitome of class, elegance and grace. If we have just an ounce of their traits, we most certainly will be content.

REST IN PEACE AND POWER MS LENA HORNE! Your legacy will live on in us!!

Fabulous Brown Girls at the Costume Institute Gala

2010-05-04T11:31:00.013-04:00

Janet Jackson

Last night many Fabulous Brown Girls showed up in the designer's best at the MET Costume Institute Gala.

Take a look at some of the fashions our famous FBG's were photographed in!

Cassie

Mama Oprah with Oscar de la Renta

Mary J. Blige in a gorgeous peach gown

Supermodel Iman

Keri Washington

Zoe Saldana in a beautiful Calvin Klein gown

Rest in Peace to the National Treasure: Dorothy Height

2010-04-20T12:22:00.005-04:00

As many already know, last night the beautiful and righteous, Dr. Dorothy Height passed away of natural causes. She was a champion for Civil rights and Gender equality

Ms. Height was born in Richmond, VA in 1912. After being denied entrance into Barnard College in 1929, she attended NYU and earned a master's degree in educational psychology in 1932.

While in her 20s, Ms. Height became a social worker and civil rights activist. She joined the National Council of Negro Women and found her passion in the cause for equality for all, especially for women and African Americans. During the 1960s, the height of the civil rights movement, she started Wednesday Mississippi, that brought black and white women together to encourage discussion and understand of the racial plight and convince other women to do the same.

Ms. Height has so many other accomplishes under her belt such as leading the sorority of Delta Sigma Theta by serving as their 10th national president, as well as being an avid attendee of the National Black Family Reunion in Washington, DC.

She passed away in Howard University Hospital at the age of 98.

Fabulous Brown Girl is thankful to Dorothy Height for doing what we all aspire to do. She was always graceful but always aggressive about what she believed was right. May her soul rest in peace.

THE GAME is BACK!!

2010-04-15T12:34:00.001-04:00

If anyone knows this FABULOUS BROWN GIRL, then you know I love love love the television show 'THE GAME"! And I know many of you all love it too! In May 2009, the CW took the show off of its lineup because "it no longer fit in" ... Yea,yea yea.. we are not dumb, we know EXACTLY what that meant! So many loyal fans petitioned long and hard to bring it back because we felt like it was the ONLY decent black show on the air. Fans wanted to bring it back on a network that appreciates it target audience.. so naturally the top contender was BET.

Finally after a year long battle of negotiations, BET Network finally announced that are bringing the beloved show back with original episodes appearing during the final quarter of 2010! Here is the official press release distributed by BET.

Now me and BET have a love/hate relationship.. and even though this network wasn't my first choice for bringing my fav show back on the scene (HBO or Showtime would have been perfect in my opinion). But I am proud that they are finally listening to what their viewers want to see.. Hopefully they [BET] don't mess it up! If they do, I am officially going to be done with them because they are already hanging on by a thread..

Countdown to the new THE GAME episodes start..... NOW! Make sure you continue to look out for updates