LoveBrownSugar

LBS Beauty: 3 Easy DIY Natural Hair Styles

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:14:00 +0000

So one of my daily favorites Refinery 29 posted a lovely slideshow featuring 3 super-easy and chic hairstyles for natural hair. Instructed by stylist Alana Williams of the Mirror Salon at Carol's Daughter in Harlem and modeled by natural stunner Natasha Gaspard of Mane Moves TV, there's a style in here for everyone from the easy, breezy classic puff to the vintage-style Victory roll, which gives me Janelle Monae vibes.

The trick to pulling off the three styles is to start with an old yet defined twist-out. It's the perfect foundation.

Aside from your favorite styling products, to achieve hese various looks you'll need sturdy hair pins to hold everything in place.

Check out the full story here at Refinery29

Would you try any of these styles?

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Parking Lot Pocahontas

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:27:00 +0000

The weather's been unbelievably beautiful in NYC this week. So I decided to celebrate with a mini dress and fun accessories.

Most people think graffiti is dirty, but I actually think it gives the city character. Graffiti-covered walls are my favorite backdrop for shoots.

I paired this LOFT Tiered Lace Dress ($98) with my favorite bright-colored accessories for a fun spring/summer look.

This Bongo Neon pink crossbody bag I scored at the Kmart Fashion Remix Challenge. I paired the outfit with my new turquoise Minnetonka flats (similar here).

I'm obsessed with super long finger rings. I scored the one above at H&M for only $9.95.

My nails are Color Club in "Tweet Me" ($8.00).

This statement necklace is from H&M as well. RiRi Woo is on the lips!

Get The Look

Steal Her Chic: Solange in White Jumpsuit at Cannes Film Festival

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:33:00 +0000

Solange did it again, y’all. She has single handedly shut Cannes fashion down in a Stephane Rolland Fall 2013 White Ruffled Jumpsuit. The chanteuse/actor/fashion goddess donned a fresh, milky white jumpsuit to her performance at the Vanity Fair party at Tetu Restaurant in Cannes. She served it up, and they ate it.

Photo Credit: Spread Pictures

Looking like a tall glass of milk, our favorite, fashionable Knowles went for a simple and classic beauty look by pairing a bold red lip with a fresh face. The suit was accented with a simple clutch and demure nude sandals. The fact that the intricate details of the jumpsuit didn't overshadow her shape or her skin’s radiance proves just how fierce Solange is. Is there anything she doesn't look good in?

Want to get the look? Here is how: Buy yourself a wide legged white jumpsuit like the (1) Reiss Francesca Wide Legged Jumpsuit, pair with one of LBS’s favorite (5) red lipsticks; Ruby Woo or Riri Woo, and this nice pair of nude (3) Zara Leather Sandals to show off and elongate those legs. Accessorize with this (4) Nine West Le Club Metallic Clutch, and prep the 'fro with (2) Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie and VOILA! You’re white hot heat; ready for a summer of dates and festivals.

What do you think of Solange’s look? Stealin’ it?

Get The Look:

- Chrislande Dorcilus

Kickin' It: Kmart Fashion Remix Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:54:00 +0000

A few weeks back, the lovely folks at Kmart invited me to their Tribeca studio to take part in the Kmart Fashion #MoneyCantBuyStyle Remix Challenge. Hosted by fashion expert and Fashion Police co-host George Kotsiopoulos, each blogger invited was asked to create a head-to-toe look using the Jaclyn Smith utility shirt and either pieces from the Kmart wardrobe or pieces of your own.

We were allowed to pick from any of the colors above. Given my obsession with turquoise, I opted for the solid one!

There were alot of really fun options to choose from. Everything from patterned pants to bright-colored skinny jeans. To truly display my personal style, I decided to stick with the leather mini-dress I wore to the event and layer that with the Jaclyn Smith utility shirt and a fun neon pink Bongo crossbody bag.

The photos for the event were taken by famed photographer Chris Heads. He's awesome, I felt like a superstar!

Me being silly! He told me to show off my cool henna forearm tattoo. So much fun!

I had a blast at Kmart's Remix Challenge. Considering I've never been a fan of Kmart's style selections, I have to say that going to the Remix Challenge really opened up my eyes to all the cool pieces they have to offer these days. Everything from staples like oxfords and denim skinnies, to patterned tops and stylish mini-dresses. Kudos to them for upping the style factor and keeping it affordable for budget fashionistas nationwide.

To take the #MoneyCantBuyStyle challenge yourself (and for the chance to win a $500 shopping spree or Grand Prize trip to NYC) enter HERE at Kmart's Facebook Page.

Shop Kmart Fashion | Follow Kmart updates

Have you shopped at Kmart lately? What was your experience?

LoveBrownSugar Chic: One Dress From Work to Play

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:18:00 +0000

For the fashionista who lives a professional lifestyle from 9-5, and an active social life after hours, finding the perfect piece to make the transition from work to happy hour seamless is no easy feat. If this sounds like you, a tailored dress in a a great color and a figure-flattering shape will do the trick. Check out how I take this Casey Peplum Dress ($178.00) from Ivy & Blu Maggy Boutique, from work to play:

The Work Look

Depending on how corporate your office is, a simple well-tailored peplum dress is a great option for girls with curves. What's great about a dress like this is its versatility. You can wear it under a suit jacket or just by itself. The ruffle detailing on the front makes it unique and the v-shaped neckline is flattering without being too revealing for the office.

Pair the look with simple, yet functional accessories like black pumps (Steve Madden, similar here for only $42) and a leather carryall (Zara, similar here). Makeup is minimal with a lined eye and a neutral lip!

The Play Look

To spice things up for nighttime, pack a change of shoes and your favorite statement clutch.

Adding in a bright-colored clutch and printed peep-toe heels takes the look from corporate to cocktail.

As for makeup, I added a matching pink lip - MAC's Girl About Town ($15), to complete the look.

How do YOU take your work look from day to night? Leave a style tip in the comments section.

Get The Look:

Steal Her Chic: Model Nazanin Mandi at Billboard Music Awards

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:37:00 +0000

The first step to overcoming an addiction is admitting to having a problem, and Nazanin Mandi stylishly contributing to our leather obsession is SO not helping. Spotted at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas with her long time love & musical sensation Miguel Jontel Pimentel (we just had to put his full government in there, has a ring to it) she was rocking a simple leather tube top and Saint Laurent chain-trimmed leather mini skirt complimenting her shape and personal edgy style.

Showing so much skin has never looked so minimal and tasteful. She topped her look off with silver ankle strapped heels. We loved this look because it was edgy, yet appropriate. Not to mention her flawless natural make-up. 2 snaps and a twirl! The skirt alone was over $2,000, but you all know how we do it here, ballin' on a fab LBS budget. Steal her chic? Why not if you can get it for less and still feel good about your pockets. Hover over the links below to shop the look:

Would you wear this look for a night out?

- Gracie J

Instaweek 5.21.13

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:57:00 +0000

Back In Action

I'm back guys! After spending the good part of last week in San Juan, I was pleasantly surprised to return to beautiful sunny weather here in NYC. I had such a great time relaxing (and working!) beachside. San Juan is a beautiful city. This week, look out for a full review of places to eat, sleep & play in San Juan.

All About Hair

First off, can we talk about how Solange SLAYED her Complex Magazine shoot. That girl looks flawless!

Speaking of hair, I'm still going strong with my Indique Mix & Match curly look! I posted a video back when I was prepping for LBS at Coachella, and these curls seem to get better with every wash. I'm currently planning my summer look. Contemplating box braids once again. We'll see!

New Products I Love

I was invited to Brush Salon in NYC last week for a launch event featuring John Frieda Styling Tools by Conair. When it comes to styling your hair, the tools can really make or break your look. John Frieda by Conair has a new line of styling tools including a flat-iron, a hairdryer and a hot air brush that use advance ionic technology to prevent frizzies, especially good for curly-haired gals like myself. I used the blowdryer to on my curls with the diffuser attachement and it revealed the beautiful head of hair you see above. I'm sold!

Ann Taylor LOFT invited me to their Summer Fridays launch party last week and revealed the newest pieces from their summer collection - amazing stuff! I scored the lace minidress above, and I'm also obsessed with a tribal print jumpsuit that isn't coming out until July. I don't normally shop at LOFT but their new collection definitely gives me a reason to make a faithful return.

Like I promised in last week's Instaweek, I finally did a review of MAC RiRi Woo and compared it side by side with my fave Ruby Woo. Check out the results here.

I hope you lovelies have a wonderful week! Any plans for Memorial Day weekend?

LBS Beauty Review: MAC RiRi Woo vs. Ruby Woo

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

You guys remember how hyped I was for the release of bad gyal Rihanna's very first lipstick collaboration with MAC Cosmetics, right? I practically had my shopping cart ready to go 24 hours before the grand premiere. I was one of the lucky hopefuls who scored a stick of Rihanna's MAC RiRi Woo greatness before it sold out online only hours before going on sale.

As a red lipstick fanatic, I'm obsessed with finding new ones to try and obsess over. And now that I have RiRi Woo in my beauty arsenal, here's a snapshot of the main differences I see between RiRi Woo and my absolute fave MAC Ruby Woo. Check out the review below:

So upon first glance, RiRi Woo looks VERY similar to MAC's classic Ruby Woo. It's a matte, highly pigmented red that works for a myriad of skin complexions. That's what drew me to the color originally - so many recommendations from women of different shades.

Looking at them side by side from afar they look basically identical. On the left is MAC RiRi Woo and on the right is my highly-used (I literally wear it almost daily) Ruby Woo stick.

Upon closer inspection though, you'll notice that RiRi Woo has a deeper tint with more bluish undertones. This works perfect for skin shades that are deeper because the color really comes through with a bold finish. Here's a swatch of the two on my skin:

Top: RiRi Woo, Bottom: Ruby Woo

Here you can see against my skin that RiRi Woo (top) is a little deeper with a bluish base. It has more of a sultry night-time feel to it.

Next up, I took pictures in both colors. Here's how they look on (don't mind me coloring outside the lines lol):

Very subtle difference between the two that's barely noticeable but there's a difference for sure. So for those of you wondering which one works best for you (or whether to splurge on RiRi Woo once it comes back out later this summer), here's a snapshot of what they look like.

Wearing MAC Ruby Woo

I'm still obsessed with my Ruby Woo. I don't think anything can separate me from my first love.

Wearing MAC RiRi Woo

But I'll be rocking out with Rihanna's namesake this summer as well. I'll probably alternate between the two. For you lovelies of different skin complexions, here are links to some of my favorite fellow bloggers doing reviews of Ruby Woo vs. RiRi Woo debate:

For deeper-skinned beauties, check out Danielle of Style & Beauty Doctor

The Glamazons also have a review featuring Glamazons Jessica and Margo

Caramel-skinned beauties, check out Melanie of OSoChic's review

Olive-skinned ladies, check out Marisa of You Had Me at Makeup

Would you purchase RiRi Woo? What are your red lip faves? Soundoff below!

LBS Salon Review: Mirror Salon at Carol's Daughter in Harlem

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:17:00 +0000

I first stepped into the Mirror Salon at the Carol's Daughter flagship in Harlem, NY with the expectation that it would be wildly similar to many other hair salons I'd been to. You know how it is - salon chairs, hooded dryers and stylists. Very simple. Upon walking into the Mirror Salon however, you quickly come to realize there's way more to this salon than meets the eye.

From the attentive salon hostess to the stylists that not only make it a point to know your hair goals and challenges but actually educate you on the condition of your hair and the steps necessary to get it at its best. Oh, and don't forget about the enchanting mirrors above and below that reassure you that stylists are focusing on your hair's health and doing it in a transparent way.

Check out my experience at the Mirror Salon:

Walking into the Carol's Daughter flagship in Harlem has always been an enchanting experience for me. What makes it even more beautiful now is the hair oasis that is waiting for you towards the back of the location, now equipped with hair stylists who specialize in curls and kinks.

Your treatment at the Mirror Salon starts off with a thorough consultation. Before they even touch your hair, they make it their mission to find out as much about your hair as possible. They have you fill out a questionnaire about your hair challenges, your hair goals and your hair type. They focus on finding out your hair's porosity as well as texture before recommending a hair treatment and regimen for you. I found out I have high porosity curls with a cotton texture.

My wonderful stylist Tlisha did a thorough evaluation of my scalp and hair and then told me what she planned to do for my hair including a cleansing, deep conditioning treatment and a twist set using Carol's Daughter products.

I love that they have mirrors in the ceiling right above the wash/treatment chairs so you can see everything your stylist is doing, from the products they use to the techniques they implement.

After my shampoo, Tlisha had me sit under the steamer for a deep moisturizing treatment. She explained the benefits of steam treatments to me in locking in essential moisturizing properties for the hair.

After my steam treatment, Tlisha went to work detangling my hair from root to tip in sections.

Next up, she twisted my hair (both my natural curls and my Indique extensions) using the Macadamia Heat Setting Foam ($18.00). She sat me under the hooded dryer for about 30 minutes but since I had to skip out to run some errands, I just allowed the rest of the hair to air dry out and about. See my results below:

Here are my two-strand twists before unraveling!

They are flat twists at the crown and then two-strand twisted at the ends. This really helped with curl definition!

Love how defined the curls came out!

Overall I'm thoroughly pleased with my Mirror Salon experience. It was by far one of the best salon experiences I've ever had. From the warm atmosphere, to the seasoned stylists and the personalized service, I would recommend this for anyone who wants a really educating and luxurious hair pampering session.

Here's a snapshot of the services offered & prices:

If you're in the NYC area, head on over to the Mirror Salon and tell 'em LoveBrownSugar sent you! Also, for those of you in other major cities in the US, stay tuned for announcements as Carol's Daughter has plans to open up a few more locations nationwide before the end of the year!

Mirror Salon at Carol's Daughter

24 West 125th St (between 5th & Lenox Ave)

New York, NY 10027

212-828-6757

Disclosure: The Mirror 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.

5 Ways to Protect Curls from Sun & Heat Damage

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:08:00 +0000

Aren't you guys extremely excited about how warm the weather has been?! On a scale of 1 to 10 we're at 20 right now - that is until it gets too unbearable to part from the AC. As the temperature rises, we are continuously reminded of how important it is to protect our skin and sunscreen becomes a top priority.

While putting all the focus on our skin, we tend to overlook protecting one of our most valued assets - our hair! The sun can cause just as much damage to your tresses as excessive ironing and blow-drying.

Here are 5 ways to protect your hair from sun and heat damage while stylishly weathering the elements:

1. Turban It Up: Take advantage of the turban trend. It will keep the sun from deep frying your hair. Just wear a silk bonnet underneath and you're set! There are no limits to which colors and patterns you can rock. Need a little inspiration? Stylists June Ambrose & Joy Adaeze are known for their turban-wear.

2. Hats Off To Ya: As curly girls we tend to make excuses as to why we aren't able to wear hats. Newsflash ladies! Natural hair artist Janelle Monae knows how to rock a hat or two. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. A cute bowler hat or any hat of your choice will shade your hair and prevent any unwanted crispy split ends.

3. That's A Wrap: You don't have to completely tuck it all in. Head wraps are hassle free, cute, and simple. This method keeps your hair out of the way and can also serve as an alternative to sprucing up an old hairdo. Just make sure the exposed hair is well moisturized and sealed with a natural sunscreen.

4. Betcha didn't know! Avocado, Sesame, Jojoba, Coconut and Macadamia Nut oils are all natural sunscreens. Stumped?! Yeah, we were too. If you're not into the whole head-wear shabang, this little piece of info will go a long way.

5. Gimme Moisture: Natural Hair Care 101: Moisture is your hair's best friend. Keeping your hair moisturized is crucial, especially in hotter & drier weather. It's simple, use your favorite H2O-based leave-in or moisturizer and seal in with one of the oils listed above.

Snag our cheatsheet below so you don't forget!

How do you protect your curls? Soundoff below!

- Gracie J

Cover Girls: Solange for Complex Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:58:00 +0000

My favorite Knowles and fashion icon Solange Knowles is radiant and oh-so-fly on the cover of Complex Magazine this month.

Beyond her stunning looks and covet-worthy 'fro, she sheds light on embracing her individuality and following her dreams in the cover story for Complex's June/July issue:

On being stylish since childhood:

“I had my own little quirks as a child,” Solange says. “I had a very vivid imagination, mostly through my style and fashion choices. The kids had a lot to say.”

On her parents inspiring her to make her dreams come true:

“I have a mother who never took no for an answer when it came to her creative pursuits,” Solange says. “She started a hair salon in her spare bedroom and four years later had 30 employees. I have a father who was the first black student at his junior high and high school and had to do a lot to get to that point. So it’s really in my bloodline when it comes to having an idea and making it happen.”

On living her life with no regrets:

“It’s just about putting the music out when it’s ready. When I wake up in the morning, I get dressed for myself, I listen to what I wanna listen to, I make decisions for me. It’s been interesting to navigate that from such a young age so publicly. But life is short and you have to live for you. I would never wanna look back on my life and feel like I missed out on any of that.”

Absolutely stunning! For more pics and to read the entire cover story, head to Complex.com.

Thoughts on Solange's look for this shoot?

3 Ways to Add Vibrancy to Your Beauty Look

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:25:00 +0000

When I first started experimenting with makeup in high school, I was totally a lipgloss & mascara kind of girl. For me, it was easy, neutral and didn’t require much work. Now, as a beauty junkie, my daily look is far from neutral. I love experimenting with color, and beauty is a super easy way to add vibrancy to your overall style.

The folks over at Crystal Light have recently launched a collection of Crystal Light Liquids in fun flavors like Pomtini, Peach Bellini, Mango Passionfruit and more. Inspired by some of the fun vibrant colors in the collection, I’ve compiled three super simple ways to add vibrancy to your beauty look:

So here I’m starting with a fresh face or a “blank canvas”. I’m a fan of adding color to your beauty look but in moderation and making sure that all the elements look good together. What does that mean? If you’re opting for a bold lip look, hold off on the bright-colored eyeshadow! Instead, substitute subtle blush and a nice bright nail look to compliment. So that’s exactly what I did here:

1. Bright Red Lipstick (Inspired by Pomtini)

You guys know that red lipstick is my absolute favorite. I was inspired by the Pomtini flavor and chose a bright and bold red. The key to pulling off a red lip look is to find a shade that compliments your complexion. You’ll also want to line your lips with either a neutral lip liner or a red liner that matched the lipstick you’re applying. Liner will help you color inside the lines.

2. Peachy-Pink Blush (Inspired by Peach Bellini)

I used to be one of those girls who just didn’t understand what the point of blush was. Especially as a woman of color, considering it takes a lot to actually “see” me blush. BUT! One day a makeup artist swiped a peachy-pink blush over my cheeks, and I saw the light! Anyway, since then peachy pink has been my go-to for highlighting my cheeks. Inspired by the Peach Bellini flavor, I went with a peachy-pink blush and then coral nails below.

3. Coral Nails (Inspired by Peach Bellini)

Coral is a nice punchy color to add to your fingertips for the spring season. This color I’m wearing from NCLA called “I’m With The Band” is the same color Beyonce wore during her inauguration performance. I love how bright and opaque it is.

So there you have it folks! Here’s my before & after:

What inspires you to add color to your beauty look? Comment below for a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card!

Rules:

No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the
following unique term in your tweet message: ""#SweepstakesEntry""; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post"
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/14 - 6/4. Be sure to visit the Crystal Light page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Dressed to Impress

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:38:00 +0000

Last week, before heading downtown to have dinner with Gabifresh and a few other bloggers, I decided to shoot this new dress ASOS was gracious enough to send me from the ASOS Curve preview back in April.

I really love the shape of this dress. It's the ASOS Curve Exclusive Skater Dress in Mono Art Decor Print ($74.81). Again, as an A-line silhouette it flatters my curves really well.

I'm obsessed with patterns and black/white is a huge trend this season.

I decided to pair the look with my favorite red strappy heels and a black leather bag from Zara.

Per usual, I rocked a red lip - MAC Ruby Woo, my fave!

Get The Look:

My Instaweek 5.13.13

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:43:00 +0000

Happy Monday loves! I hope you guys all enjoyed your Mother's Day weekend and kept up with all things fabulous here on LoveBrownSugar.com. In case you haven't, here's the scoop on LBS and in my crazy life (all via Instagram):

The Makeup Show (NYC)

Last Monday, I attended The Makeup Show here in NYC and got my entire life getting information on the latest & greatest in cosmetics, learning about social media from fab panelists and fellow bloggers Ty Alexander of Gorgeous in Grey, Lianne Farbes of The Makeup Girl and Felicia Walker Benson of ThisThatBeauty. Among my favorite discoveries? OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) launched a new collection called LIP TAR: STAINED GLOSS, available for purchase May 23rd. Danielle of The Style & Beauty Doctor has a detailed review of the line. Also, one of my fave celebrity makeup artists AJ Crimson has launched a new line of BB Creams which I cannot WAIT to give a try. I've been trying to find a BB cream for my skin tone for ages! Review coming soon. The Makeup Show is coming to a city near you soon - check the website for more info.

Brown Girls Giving Life

Congrats to Ms Kerry Washington on her very first ELLE Magazine cover. If you haven't already, check out her spread here. Also, the streets are going wild for Ciara's new hair look. Her latest haircut is causing quite a stir and prompting spontaneous haircuts round the country. Check it out here!

Motherly Love

I saw so many cute Instagram and Facebook pics of you guys and your moms yesterday! Mother's Day always makes me feel warm & fuzzy inside. I absolutely love my Mom. She's my shero. She taught me to follow my dreams and not to wait for anyone to give me permission to be great. I'm beyond grateful for her.

New Product Obsessions

I mentioned this service in my Last Minute Mother's Day gift guide, but I am absolutely obsessed with Original Scent. I went to see the perfumers behind the brand last week and they handcrafted a scent for me based on questions about my likes/dislikes, my lifestyle and personality. It is such a great gift - full review coming soon

RiRi Woo for MAC is my newest lipstick obsession. I don't care if it looks like Ruby Woo. RiRi's signature is on it and that's enough for me (true fan status, no?). Anyway, I'll be posting a review on the differences between the two later this week so stay tuned!

Sun & Sand in San Juan

This week I'm blogging live from the sunny shores of San Juan, Puerto Rico. I decided to take a last minute biz trip here and while I'm here I'll be doing reviews of some of my favorite places and trying out new hotspots and getting the scoop on all things amazing in San Juan for you lovelies who may be planning Caribbean getaways for the coming season. I'm being hosted by the beautiful & super chic boutique San Juan Water & Beach Club Hotel. Puerto Rico is such a great destination for a last minute getaway and there are some really chic yet affordable options if you're planning a trip here. Stay tuned for more updates!

Have Instagram? Follow me boo! Instagram.com/LoveBrownSugar

Mother's Day Special Edition Glossybox Review

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Sun, 12 May 2013 20:28:00 +0000

Happy Mother's Day everyone! For those of my readers who have children, I salute you today. It can't be easy raising children so you deserve all the love, pampering and special treatment in the world today.

One of my favorite beauty box subscription services, Glossybox, has a special edition Mother's Day box this month featuring a great combo of beauty products any mom would appreciate. In our LBS Gift Guide: Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts post I mentioned that Glossybox was a great option.

Here's what's inside:

I swear the chic packaging is what gets me. Even after crazy shipping & handling, the contents of the box remains neatly in tact.

Dive right into the contents below....

The Mother's Day box comes complete with Essie nail lacquer in Geranium, By Terry Cellularose Brightening Serum, Modelco Cheek + Lip Tint (nice 2-in-1 product for moms on the go), Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Mascara (for those long nights up with the kids when she needs her eyes to look bright the following morning), Biolage Exquisiteoil Replenishing Treatment (for a luxe hair treatment you can leave-in while finishing up house chores), Colorproof Crazysmooth Anti-Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner.

Great collection of products for the busy, beauty-obsessed Mama. Definitely a great gift idea (not just for moms either!)

Click here to buy your very own Glossybox Subscription

What did you lovelies get your Mom for Mother's Day? Mama, what did you receive? Let us know in the comments!

LBS Gift Guide: Last-Minute Mother's Day Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:42:00 +0000

So it's the day before Mother's Day, and like any good child you've had Mom's gift wrapped and ready to go weeks ago. You have absolutely no worries because you always know just what to get the most important woman in your life, right? Mmmhmmm didn't think so!

For those of us with super busy schedules and absolutely no clue what to snag Mom before the big day, here's a great selection of last minute gifts ideas from the luxe and lavish to the quick & easy, that drive home the "I love you and appreciate you" sentiment in a unique way.

The Luxe: A Weekend Getaway

If you're a big-spender and you really want Mom to know how much you love her, book her a fantastic weekend getaway to someplace luxe. Send her to soak up sun and sand in style. This may not be feasible for every destination, but these days getting away to luxe beach destinations on the cheap is as easy as 1-2-3 from major US cities. Airlines like Jet Blue offer quick and affordable non-stop flights to tropical yet domestic destinations that are "no passport required" like San Juan, Puerto Rico and St Thomas, USVI. Check out the Jet Blue Getaways page for vacation packages that take the guesswork out of booking flights & hotels that fit your budget. Mom will love you for it - and you can even pitch in with your siblings to make it a group gift she'll never forget.

The Lavish: A Trip to the Spa

What Mom doesn't enjoy being pampered and taken care of? By far, the most popular gift option for mothers during this time of the year, there are so many ways to gift a spa treatment without breaking the bank. Hit up discount sites like Groupon, Living Social and even Lifebooker for spa packages in your area. If you want to go the traditional route and find a spa your Mom will love, try Spafinder for recommendations and reviews. One of my absolute favorite spas here in NYC is the Tribeca Beauty Spa. I went there for a facial recently and was so impressed I can't wait to return. LBS Spa Reviews coming soon!

The Original: A Custom Fragrance by Original Scent

Get your Mom something she'll be reminded of everyday when she inhales. Make her a custom scent! The folks over at Original Scent make it super simple to compose a custom blend fragrance based on your preferences, your personality and your lifestyle. Their motto is "It's all about you!" Even if you can't physically head to one of their locations, they allow you to Build Your Scent online with an intimate and detailed questionnaire. They then send you 3 samples to try out, and the one you love best you can have them tweak to your heart's desire until you have the perfect "you" scent. At which point they'll send you whichever product you prefer from eau de parfum to scented candles. This is such a unique gift option that any Mom would love.

The Thoughtful: An Edible Arrangement

This one is a classic and one I revisit nearly every year. There's something so special about Edible Arrangements. It's genius. Just as beautiful as a bouquet of flowers...and edible! You can't beat that. The best thing about Edible Arrangements is that they are open for business and shipping their speciality Mother's Day arrangements throughout the weekend. So even if you think it's too late, try them. More than likely they can have a bouquet in front of Mom on Mother's Day, regardless of where she is in the US.

The Social: A Giftbar Certificate

There's a new gifting service in town, and it's by far one of the most unique and genius concepts I've seen as far as gifting goes. A new edition to the digiworld, the Giftbar service is quickly growing but currently only offered in select cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. If you're based in either of these cities, you're in luck! This new online giftcard marketplace is a way to gift Mom with a thoughtful giftcard from a local retailer. From boutiques to restaurants, salons and yoga studios, Giftbar has a little something for every type of Mom. This one is especially great for the social mom who loves to hit the town, whether it be to shop, eat or play.

The Pretty: Glossybox Subscription

You guys have seen me review Glossybox on a few different occasions here on LoveBrownSugar (click for My First Glossybox review and here for my 2nd review). I'm a huge fan of this subscription service. They always have the latest and greatest beauty products from around the globe, they often send full size samples (who doesn't love full sizes!) and they offer you the flexibility of purchasing just one box for Mom, a 3-month subscription, 6-month subscription up to a full year. Their inaugural Mother's Day box includes everything from Essie polish to anti-aging By Terry creme and Modelco lipgloss. Definitely check out Glossybox.com for gift options if you're Mom is into beauty and "surprises".

The Tech-Savvy: An iPad Mini

If your Mom is tech-savvy and needs to have her world on the tips of her fingers at all times, the iPad Mini is a great gift option. Offering similar functionality of the full size iPad in a smaller and more affordable package, any tech-crazed mother would be happy to unwrap this bad boy on her special day. And with Apple's technology being so user-friendly, she'll be acquainted in no time.

The Affordable Indulgence: Carol's Daughter Gift Set

You can never go wrong with Carol's Daughter. Not only are they my favorite for body sets and luxe hair products, but they offer a really broad range of gift options for different budgets. You can opt for their Almond Cookie 3-pc set for a mere $30.00 or go all out and get the complete Spa Indulgence package for $60.00. You can also mix and match treats to make your very own sampler. Definitely something a mom would appreciate.

That's all folks. I hope this gets your wheels turning and gives you some great gifting ideas for the special lady in your life!

What do you plan on getting Mom this year? Leave us your gift ideas in the comments section!

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Nasty Gal Shoe Cult Collection

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:11:00 +0000

Could our obsession with Nasty Gal have grown anymore?
The popular clothing company, started by Sophia Amoruso has manifested from a small ebay account into a $1 trillion e-commerce market. But with the introduction of their very own shoe line, our fave website will soon offer Shoe Cult, a line wide range of cute, affordable footwear.

(More info and pictures of the line at VIBE Vixen)

Fierce or Foolish: Ciara's New Haircut

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:43:00 +0000

The seasons are changing and so are the looks of many of our favorite girls. Gearing up for the release of her forthcoming album Ciara, we’ve noticed that Ciara has been changing up her crown more frequently than she has in the past, but this look is by far our favorite!

Yesterday the singer debuted a short blended blonde bob at the Tate Americas Foundation Artists Dinner she attended here in New York City. Wearing a nude floor length dress that hugged her to-die-for body in all the right places, this time her hair is what really has us talking.

Photos via Ciara on Instagram

There’s something really edgy, yet sophisticated about this look and Cici looks simply beautiful!

Thoughts? What do you think of her new cut?

- Kisha Timothy

Source: TheYBF & Instagram

On The Market [London]: Boohoo AW13 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:52:00 +0000

London contributor Kaila Baptiste checks out London's very own Boohoo (now available in the US at Boohoo.com) for a sneak peek at their Autumn/Winter 2013 collection. Check out her recap:

The Boohoo Urban English collection is a combination of grunge meets Highland fling with the tartan pieces, leather, acid wash jeans, fur and relaxed silhouettes.

These tartan trousers are my favourite in the Urban English collection. Print is a must for AW13 and I love that these trousers can be worn casually and dressed up for a late night rendezvous.

The tartan continues in the Rebel collection! Punk meets grunge with the biker jackets, khaki parka and camouflage. The freedom to wear what you want is evident in the name of this collection along with the appearance of tartan which almost seems juxtaposed…punk meets grunge with tartan thrown in. Strangely enough, it works! The tartan shorts suit made my day..not sure if I’m brave enough to pull it off but it still screams amazingness.

The Rebel night time pieces were a medley of textures and prints with leopard, zebra, houndstooth and tartan print.

Boutique is a collection for the girl who has been with Boohoo from the beginning (2006) and is ready for the more sophisticated look. It's definitely for the refined yet glamorous chick who is still prepared to have fun with fashion. The floral skirt and bomber jacket are my fave.

Sports Luxe wins the race! This collection is everything - the block colours, panelling on the midi skirts, prints, flattering silhouettes and fabrics.

The influx of cocoon shapes and neoprene felt like a sea of flattering fashion. If I could have taken the whole collection with me I would have!

There are only two words for the AW13 accessories- statement pieces. Chunky, embellished jewellery, statement footwear and colourful clutches.

We were given a sneak peek of Boohoo’s new Festival collection inspired by Coachella, along with the new Geo-traveller collection. There was an abundance of tassels and denim, aztec print and patchwork hot pants. The collection is actually available on their website now so be sure to check it out.

The pieces for SS13 made me think of candy floss (cotton candy) and all things sweet. Summer is the time to dress cute ladies - embrace the fun colours and flirty separates.

To end the fabulous evening Boohoo made the bloggers feel extra special with a nail station to get their nails spruced up and the opportunity to have their own mini photo shoot with one of the AW13 themes as the backdrop and a box of Boohoo accessories to choose from. Once the chosen shot was printed the picture was tied to the Boohoo fence for display.

I got my ANTM on (in my case BNTM) and had my mini photo-shoot rocking a floral headband (which I fell in love with and must have) and round pearl encrusted sunglasses that are available on the Boohoo website.

I don’t know about you but I’ve got my festival looks in mind and my winter wardrobe will definitely include pieces from Boohoo’s Sports Luxe collection.

Will you be sporting Boohoo’s Sports Luxe collection or did another collection grab your attention?

- Kaila Baptiste, London Contributor

Check out some of our current favorites from Boohoo:

Kickin' It: Night On The Town with Motions

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Thu, 09 May 2013 01:06:00 +0000

Last night I hit the town with the Motions team and a group of my favorite style bloggers for a fun night out. In celebration of the new Motions Straight Finish collection (which I blogged about here) as well as Motions Global Ambassador and celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen opening her new salon in Brooklyn, we took a fun ride along a party bus from Manhattan to Brooklyn to wish Ursula a huge congrats and then to party like a rockstar at the Rihanna concert. Here's all we got into:

So first off, the Motions team asked us to take our hair from curly to straight in honor of the new Straight Finish collection. What a task! In last week's post, I simply used the collection to straighten my curly hair that is left out of my extensions. This time around I straightened the entire head and it was not easy but I finished! In the end, I love volume so it was straight but still had tons of va-va-voom.

Jessica of Glamazons Blog, Danielle of The Style & Beauty Doctor, and yours truly

We met up with the Motions crew in midtown Manhattan and boarded a fun party bus. Some of my blogger faves were in attendance, ready to party it up and whine it down.

Ty of GorgeousinGrey, Danielle of HelloBeautiful

Our first stop - Ursula Stephen, The Salon for the launch of Ursula Stephen's first ever salon in Brooklyn!

I've been a secret admirer of Ursula Stephen since Rihanna's first haircut by her. You guys remember when Rih decided to chop it all off and go from good girl to bad? Yep, that was Ursula's work. She's just as sweet as pie, and the girl has skills.

Me, Andrea of Glamazons Blog, Ursula Stephen, Danielle Young of HelloBeautiful

Her new salon is located at 66 Lafayette, Brooklyn, NY 11216 (Between S. Elliot Place & S. Portland Avenue). If you're in town, you should absolutely check it out!

It's a really fab space and the walls are lined with Ursula's celebrity work including countless top tier magazine covers featuring her main client Rihanna.

Cocktails for the evening were sponsored by Courvoisier - thoroughly enjoyed their Rosé and Moscato.

I ran into the lovely Taren Guy, Youtube hair extraordinare. Loved her vintage top, neon skirt and neon nails! I rocked my new Beyonce for H&M collection maxi dress for the night. I love anything that's printed, flowy and form-fitting in all the right places.

Next up, we headed to the Barclay's Center for the Rihanna concert of a lifetime. This was my first time seeing her perform live, and she was amazing. Nothing like hearing your favorite songs live.

While there, we each got our own stick of Rihanna's new lipstick shade for MAC Cosmetics - RiRi Woo. I'll be doing a review post of that shortly. Honestly, it looks very similar to my favorite Ruby Woo. I'll do a comparison of the two when I try it out.

Pics courtesy @Rhapsodani on Instagram

Rihanna slayyyyed on stage! I swooned over everyone on of her outfits. And I dutty whined to all of her jams. I had such an incredible time. Big huge thanks to Motions Hair for such a great experience. If you haven't already, check out my review of the Straight Finish Collection HERE.

Giveaway Winner: Congratulations to Makeda Saggau-Sackey for winning the Motions Instagram giveaway! Please send us an email so we can get you your goodie bag of Motions Straight Finish + a flat-iron!

Follow Motions on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Check out their Website

Steal Her Chic: Rihanna in Leather & Denim Cutoffs

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:07:00 +0000

Rihanna is forever slaying. The Barbadian-crooner was spotted at a NBA playoff game giving life in cutoff mini shorts, a Givenchy Nappa Leather Top and Brian Atwood Isabeli gladiator pumps. Riri – who has finally wrapped up her Diamonds world tour – is the epitome of rockstar chic with this trendy, casual fit.

I especially love Rihanna’s decision to don tons of gold jewels to amp this look. She’s decked in bangles, rings and a thin necklace. Ri is her own best marketer. She added a pop of color to the look by sporting her sold-out RiRi Woo lipstick by MAC and a gorg red Céline clutch. I couldn’t even afford the clutch, but we can all steal Rihanna’s chic for much less:

- Evette Dionne

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Confessions of a Shopaholic: Urban Outfitters NEW Fly Girl Inspired Collection

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:06:00 +0000

Even though they were around only 15 measly years ago, the 90’s are back in fashion. Trendy favorites from the Pac and Biggie era—like the dark plum lip— are seen on street fashion blogs and on actually streets. The “Poetic Justice” braids, stretchy acid washed jeans, combat boots, see through neon accessories, and black maxi dresses are here to stay. But, you can’t revisit 90’s fashion without remembering the Fly Girls.

The leading ladies of In Living Color are re-making fashion history thanks to Urban Outfitters. They have inspired a collection of the best fashion that the 90’s had to offer including zany prints, rompers, the classic baby doll dress, lots of crop tops, hats and acid washed everything.

My favorite pieces from Urban's hip, young and flirty collection include: the Sparkle & Fade High-Rise Faux Leather Pinup Short, the Silence & Noise Illusion Mesh Tee, and the Silence & Noise Silky Zip-front Dress.

And, no lie; I am a sucker for that Sparkle & Fade Mesh Inset Maxi Skirt. I’m a 90’s baby. I have a thing for mesh and leather shorts.

The accessories are the coolest part of the collection. The five panel hats, platform sandals, cool jangly bib necklaces would bring an interesting touch to a still modern leaning sense of style. I particularly loved the Mel By Melissa Shoes Macadamia Sandal since it's wearable through spring and into summer. The jelly sandals comes many cute colors like pink, green and nude. So you can forget about Snapbacks and Tattoos, this spring it’s all about crop tops and cut outs.

Feel free to check out the collection here and tell us what your favorites are below!

- Chrislande Dorcilus

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Cover Girls: Kerry Washington Covers ELLE Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:56:00 +0000

Finally the cover we've all been waiting for Ms. Kerry to do! Everyone's favorite Scandal star Kerry Washington (aka Olivia Pope on Thursdays) has landed the coveted slot as cover star of ELLE Magazine's June issue.

The starlet looks absolutely flawless and is flaunting her body and her regal stance on the pages of the premiere US fashion glossy.

Aside from being obsessed with her on and off-camera style, I love some of the nuggets she drops in her interview with ELLE about her career and rise to fame.

On her recent Scandal success:

"I'm the luckiest broad in Hollywood now. To be the lead actor on Scandal and to be in the highest-earning Tarantino movie- I don't get to ask for more."

On prepping for red-carpet appearances:

"I found out I enjoy the process. All these people show up at my house, they all have kits, someone has dresses. And it's like, Let's have fun. It's not all about me. We're able to create stories on the red carpet."

Sister girl looks super glam - I'm beyond proud of her. Aren't you?

Source: ELLE Magazine

Fashion Countdown: 2013 Met Gala Top 10 Best Dressed

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:47:00 +0000

This year's Met Gala theme was punk inspired. Despite having an out-of-the box theme to adhere to, celebrities showed up to the red carpet clad in everything from baroque to bazarre last night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Check out my top 10 favorites below:

10. Taylor Swift in J. Mendel

There wasn't much chat about Taylor Swift's look but upon e-browsing I stumbled on her Met gala look and thought it was absolutely stunning. I love that the dress is dark but the clever mesh detailing makes it lighter. I'm also a fan of her smokey eye look and slightly messy hair. Punk yet chic.

9. Solange in Kenzo

Solange was her regular classy, elegant yet fun & eclectic self. Of course I'm OBSESSED with her oversized afro. The bigger the hair, the better in my book. And I love how her dress leaves a bit to the imagination with the thigh-high detailing and keyhole.

8. Nicole Richie in Topshop

I have to applaud Nicole Richie for fully committing to the punk theme and for becoming a style muse with this Met Gala look. Although silver strands are not typical, she somehow managed to pull it off without a hitch. Even bolder? Gracing the red carpet in Topshop. Straight bad-a** and I love it.

7. Beyonce in Givenchy

So Queen Bey is no stranger to Givenchy. She donned the design house at last year's Met Gala as well. Contrary to popular disapproval, I actually was a slight fan of this look on Beyonce. There are two things she must lose for me to love it though. The belt and the boots. It's overwhelming the look.

6. Rooney Mara in Givenchy

Rooney Mara slayed in this custom Givenchy gown. She looks like a dark angel with the scalloped gown in stark white and her bold purple lip. The makeup, the hair, everything was just right.

5. Cameron Diaz in Stella McCartney

Cameron Diaz is another celeb that was under the radar at the gala but I thought looked absolutely beautiful. Her Stella McCatrtney looks was an eye-catching cobalt blue with a structured cape and a metallic studded belts for punk effect.

4. Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles & Philip Treacy Headpiece

Oh Carrie, how I love thee. In case you forgot how glamourous Sarah Jessica Parker can be, she reemerged on the red carpet at the Met last night to remind you. SJP was glowing in a Giles printed gown and a Phillip Treacy head piece. I thought this was not only a beautiful gown but that she really committed to the the punk theme as well. And anyone willing to don a headpiece that massive, gets extra cool points.

3. Kerry Washington in Vera Wang

You guys know I stan for Kerry Washington. Olivia Pope can do no wrong. I thought this Vera Wang dress was a beautiful selection and her smokey eye and neutral lip were a perfect compliment. She accessorized with long leather gloves and sleek straight hair.

2. Anne Hathaway in vintage Valentino

Now THIS is punk glamour at it's finest. Anne Hathaway normally floors me with her red carpet choices and last night's Met Gala look was no exception. I loved the subtle mesh detailing of this gown and the fact that it's a 1992 vintage piece makes it all the more fitting. Anne fully committed to the look, even dying her tresses bright blonde for the occasion. She hit the nail on the head with this look.

1. Jennifer Lopez in Michael Kors

I was so blown away by Jennifer Lopez look last night! The #1 spot for me was pretty close between J. Lo and Anne Hathaway. Lopez looked amazing in a body-hugging Michael Kors gown. I love the pattern and how it coincides with the punk theme and I LOVE her mohawk-inspired hair. She always manages to kill it on the red carpet.

Did I miss anyone? Who were your Met Gala faves?

Photo Credits: Fabsugar

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Black & White & Green All Over

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:16:00 +0000

I mentioned in my post about the Rachel Roy x FEED India initiative that the RR team sent me one of the bags from the collection to style in my own way. I paired the bag with an easy breezy look - jean cutoffs, a sheer oxford, my favorite vintage leather jacket and sneaker wedges. Super simple and comfortable.

I found this army fatigue fitted cap at the Goodwill in my neighborhood. It was only $2 - I love it!

You might remember these sneaker wedges from this post and this post. I always get asked where I snagged these - H&M believe it or not.

The Rachel Roy x FEED India bag not only supports a great cause, but it's really beautifully made. I love the bright colored tassels and how roomy it is. It's a great bag for day - also serves double as a reusable shopping bag.

Had way too much fun shooting this in my backyard. Something about being surrounded by greenery makes me giddy. Reminds me of childhood.

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