LoveBrownSugar

Rachel Roy Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:36:00 +0000

On Monday, I had the pleasure of attending Rachel Roy's Fall/Winter 2012 collection presentation at the Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center. Not only was the collection absolutely amazing (when is it NOT amazing?), I also bumped into some awesome VIPs. Here's a recap:

Rachel's collection was dominated by a rich color palette of greens, plums and grays with subtle pops of jewel tones like cobalt blue and mustard.

She showed some chic and tailored must-haves for fall like fur vests, chunky knit cropped sweaters and ready-to-wear dresses. Also loved the accessories; wide brimmed felt hats wee definitely a recurring trend this season.

Designer Rachel Roy was on hand giving interviews, sporting her signature smoky eye and red lip.

Socialite Olivia Palermo showed up to support her friend Rachel. Was anyone else addicted to MTV's The City? I kinda want them to revive that show.

Rachel chatted it up with runway extraordinaire Miss Jay Alexander.

Beyonce's stylist Ty Hunter was in the building taking a look at the collection. Queen Bey may be sporting one of these looks sometime next fall. If she does, you saw it first here!

I bumped into Ebony.com Style editor Geneva Thomas sporting her signature red lip.

Angela Simmons was in the building rocking a body-conscious Rachel Roy dress, which looked amazing on her.

Angela and I snapped a pic before I headed off to my next show.

Rachel's presentation was amazing. Can't wait to see what she has in store next season!

For more pics from the Rachel Roy F/W 2012 presentation, check the LoveBrownSugar Facebook page HERE.

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Fur & Neon

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:29:00 +0000

Forgot to post this little outfit I wore on Monday! I rocked my favorite vintage faux fur coat, H&M black pants, H&M ring and snake cuff, ALDO lace-up boots and my Cambridge Satchel.

Took this pic right after the Rachel Roy F/W 2012 collection presentation. Read all about that HERE.

Kickin' It: Texture on the Runway Recap

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:27:00 +0000

If you guys follow me on Twitter you probably saw me yapping away last Saturday about #texturerunway - the event hosted by NaturallyCurly.com to celebrate curls for New York Fashion Week. I was chosen as one of the digital influencers to recap the event via Twitter for the livestream hosted on TextureontheRunway.com

Taren Guy of Youtube, Natasha Betty of Asili Glam, Dickey of Hair Rules

Some of my favorite curl brands sponsored the event held at City Winery in downtown NYC. Dickey of Hair Rules was there - love him! See HERE for my blowout video with him last year. Also sponsoring the event was Arrojo Salon, new curl brand Curls Unleashed, Minardi Color Care and Matrix.

I bumped into quite a few of my favorite bloggers/vloggers. Taren Guy of Youtube channel Taren916 was a co-host along with Naturally Curly founder Michelle Breyer.

Fran of natural hair blog Hey Fran Hey

Don't you love Fran of Hey Fran Hey's curls? And her maxi dress was so amazing.

Special appearances by natural celeb Kim Coles and blogger extraordinaire Afrobella.

Social media addicts were everywhere! Curly girls Natasha Betty of Asili Glam and Alicia of Beauty Champagne love them some Twitter.

Amber of Brown Bombshell Beauty, Sharontina of The Runway Times and SanTara of The Gorgeous Ingredient rock their curls at Texture on the Runway.

Michelle Breyer, Taren Guy

All in all, I had an absolute blast. From the fierce hair do's represented in the building to the merging of fashion & fros, I'm truly looking forward to the next Texture on the Runway event!

Check out more photos in my Texture on the Runway Photo Album on Facebook!

Kickin' It: Robert Verdi's Luxe Lounge

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:33:00 +0000

This past Saturday, I was invited up to stylist Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab to experience his biannual Fashion Week Retreat. He invites editors, bloggers, stylists and influencers into his amazing suite in midtown Manhattan to experience an array of his favorite picks from beauty must-haves to fashion's newest apparel and accessories collections. Here's a quick snapshot of my time there:

Upon walking in, I was drawn to Robert's new sunglasses collection for HSN (Home Shopping Network). These shades are to die for! What's even cuter is they're named after some of Robert's besties. The style on the top left, for example, are called "June" after Robert's good friend and celebrity stylist June Ambrose. I picked up a pair of those in green and I fell in love. See my instagram pic below:

Fierce! Makes me feel like Ms. Ambrose herself. Guess what guys - these shades are all under $30 a pop! Get them HERE!

After gagging over Robert's new collection of shades, I picked up one of these Pop Phones. Have you guys ever seen these? They connect to your iPod, iPad, laptop or iPhone and you use them as a receiver, just like an old school phone! Aside from being absolutely adorable, they also help protect you from damaging radiation that comes from traditional phones.

You can also use them for Skype! Adorbs, right?

Next, I wandered over to the jewels at the Bamboo Pink table. Bamboo Pink is an afforable luxury jewel company that allows for direct sales. In other words, you could host a jewelry "party" and sell your own set of jewels on behalf of the company, similar to Avon or Tupperware. Not a bad idea, considering how chic the jewels are.

Sinful Colors was on-site giving out bright colored manicures. Love the blue at the top!

And yes, although editors don't normally have time to eat during fashion week, there was food! Weight loss system SENSA provided lite bites for the suite, with their product - a powdered substance you sprinkle on your food that apparently acts as an appetite suppresant. I've decided I need some of that in my life. One bite of Mac-n-cheese and I'm full? Yes m'aam.

I ran into these two lovelies at the lounge - Sarah Conley of StyleIT Online and Patrice Yursik of Afrobella.com. Both bloggers I admire!

Patrice of Afrobella, stylist Robert Verdi

And we luckily ran into Robert on our way out! Love him! Make sure you're following him on Twitter @RobertVerdi - he's awesome.

LoveBrownSugar Chic: NYFW Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:28:00 +0000

Here's the outfit I rocked on Saturday for New York Fashion Week. I went to countless events rocking this outfit on Saturday, so you'll be seeing alot of this dress in upcoming posts about my fashion week festivities:

Leather Jacket: Vintage. Dress: Forever 21. Necklace: Street Vendor. Bag: H&M. Boots: ALDO. Bracelets: Street Vendor. Watch: Michael Kors. Ring: H&M.

I went with Urban Decay eyeshadow in Half Baked for a golden glow on my eyes. For the lips, I opted for MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo.

The dress was a big hit on Saturday. Can you believe I paid $29.80 for it at Forever 21? Best purchase all February!

More fashion week posts to come. Keep up with my live NYFW updates on Twitter. Follow me @LoveBrownSugar

Valentine's Day Giveaway & Sales

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:46:00 +0000

Happy V-day lovelies! I hope this day is filled with love & amazingness. Whether you're going on a sexy date, hosting an "I Hate V-Day" party with your besties, or cuddling up with a glass of champagne and a hot bath to celebrate, be happy in knowing that LBS loves ya! Below find some info on amazing sales happening from some of my favorite retailers, as well as an exclusive giveaway. Read on to find out more!

Beija Flor Naturals 1 Day Sweetheart Sale

Remember I posted about two of my new beauty must-haves? One of them was Beija Flor Naturals Creme Brulee. Well you guys are in luck. All V-Day, Beija Flor is doing a 1 Day Sweetheart Sale featuring 20% off all order until midnight. Run, don't walk, to BeijaFlorNaturals.com and grab some all-natural hair goodies.

ASOS Loves You

ASOS has a super cute microsite set up called ASOS Loves You, and they're offering 10% off if you "share" the love with your friends. Love love love ASOS!

Indique Loves You

Premium hair company Indique is giving 10% off their collections if you 'Like' their page. As someone who's worn Indique in my permie days, I can vouch. They're amaze.

Old Navy

Old Navy is hosting a 1-day sale as well. I always try to stock up on separates like tanks and leggings during their sales. Never fails! They also have great jean sizing for curvy girls.

Last but not least, to show my love this V-Day, I'm partnering up with Creme de la Creme Hair for an exclusive giveaway. I gave away bundle of their hair during Day 7 of my 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar giveaway blitz. And I'm giving away a bundle yet again. For all you divas who want a little extra hang time this winter, just leave a comment below with your V-Day plans for a chance to win a free bundle of hair from Creme de la Creme.

Winner will be chosen at random. Contest ends Friday, February 17th at 11:59PM EST.

Happy Valentine's Day! Tell me your V-day plans below.

NYFW Fall 2012 Day 1: Sightings, Shows, Soirees, Street Style

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:15:00 +0000

Hey all! Here in NYC, we're in the thick of New York Fashion Week and my head hasn't stopped spinning yet. Below is a brief recap of what I got into on Friday, and Here goes:

Sightings

At the Nicole Miller F/W 2012 show, I spotted legendary model Beverly Johnson front row. What an honor to meet her!

Backstage, I got a snap of designer Nicole Miller who showed some awesome 70's-inspired pieces for her Fall/Winter 2012 collection.

Also spotted Wendy Lam of Nitrolicious backstage.

Shows

I was giddy for Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca Minkoff, and Nicole Miller on Friday. All three shows gave me life. stay tuned for the full show reviews soon.

Street Style

I didn't have my camera with me on Friday but thankfully Essence Street Style snapped a shot of me on my way out of the tents. I was rocking my new fave Zara cape, a Damn You Alexis dress, Steve Madden pumps, and my Elliot Luca bag. Check it out HERE at Essence.com

Soirees

On Friday evening, LuLus.com hosted a really cute Blogger Style party at the Openhouse Gallery in Soho. Filled with Hypnotiq Harmonie-sponsored cocktails, free beauty giveaways, raffles and items, each guest went home with a FREE fashion piece courtesy Lulus.com. I was too hyped!

Annika Harris, Carmen Blakely

Some of my blogger besties were in attendance for the festivities.

Danielle Young, Kai-Lee Parker

More elaborate posts are to come - promise! Also, check out my write-up on the Heart's Truth Red Dress Collection over at VIBE Vixen HERE.

Follow me on Twitter @LoveBrownSugar for more updates!

Kickin' It: NYFW BlogHer Style Luncheon

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:46:00 +0000

On Thursday, February 9th, I was invited by Kathryn Finney of The Budget Fashionista to take part in the very first BlogHer Style Luncheon. Kathryn invited a group of bloggers to take part in an intimate luncheon so that we could network, celebrate the kickoff to NY Fashion Week and also preview The Strand Hotel's newest Fashion as Food menu offering. I had an absolute blast. Here's a brief recap of the festivities:

Upon arriving, we were all greeted with individual place settings and the menu of the day which included The Strand's newest lunch offering; a Food as Fashion Menu. The specialized menu curated by chef Kelvin Fernandez features different courses inspired by fashion icons like Karl Lagerfeld for example. Each course had a special dish and a cocktail to accompany.

I sat next to the lovely Claire Sulmers of The Fashion Bomb. Don't you love her bright purple top? Tres chic. Make sure you guys are checking her site for NYFW content, she's everywhere!

Nikki Ogun of InStyle, Claire Sulmers of TheFashionBomb & Me

Kathryn Finney of The Budget Fashionista, Patrice Yursik of Afrobella

I was so incredibly happy to be in the company of bloggers like Kathryn of TheBudgetFashionista and Patrice of Afrobella! These are two ladies I look up to and adore. They are the epitome of blogger stars and they always stay true to who they are. Definitely something I strive for.

For the occasion, I chose to don a black dress with leather detailing from Damn You Alexis. One of my hidden gems, they have some amazing classic pieces for curvy girls. Be sure to check them out!

Each guest was gifted an amazing vintage powder compact handpicked by Kathryn herself. Vintage is my fave, so you know I was hyped.

More to come from New York Fashion Week events! Today, I'm live-tweeting for NaturallyCurly.com and they're Texture on the Runway event, so be sure to follow me @LoveBrownSugar and check out www.TextureOnTheRunway.com for live updates!

Kickin' It: Glam Fashion Week Kickoff Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:13:00 +0000

On Wednesday night, I had the opportunity to attend Glam.com's NYFW Kickoff dinner. Each fashion week, they gather together Glam Style publishers to mix, mingle and kickoff the week with cocktails.

Photo Credit: BFA Images/BFAnyc.com

Sponsored by American Express, they hosted a few giveaways and gave us all a chance to unwind and catch up before NYFW madness kicked in.

Eileen from MissWhoeverYouAre & I

Here are a few of my lovely tablemates. Amber from Brown Bombshell Beauty, Alex, EIC of Kenton Magazine, Eileen of MissWhoeverYouAre, and Wendy Lam of Nitrolicious.

Had a blast! Stay tuned for more updates from NY Fashion Week. And if you're not following me on Twitter yet @LoveBrownSugar - what are you waiting for? Tweet me!

Silver Jeans Co Style Wars: Last Stretch & I Need Your Help

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:29:00 +0000

Hey everyone! If you've been keeping up with my blog this week, you probably know I'm at the tail end of a Style Wars competition with Silver Jeans Co. I really need your help to take home the win!

As a curvy blogger, I unfortunately don't get as many opportunities to compete in style competitions like this. I'm so honored and humbled that Silver Jeans Co chose me to be the East Coast representative for this competition and I really want to help prove that women with curves are just as fierce! Help me out by clicking 'Like' on ALL THREE of my Style Wars posts. I've included the links below!

Vote for Day 1: Click 'Like' HERE

Vote for Day 2: Click 'Like' HERE

Vote for Day 3: Click 'Like' HERE

I need you to share share share those links with your friends and networks so that they vote! I'm also giving away THREE PAIRS of Silver Jeans for FREE if you leave a comment on any of my Facebook posts.

The competition closes at 11:59 PM EST so it's the final stretch! Love you guys and I appreciate all your help! We find out Monday who wins so updates coming soon!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Silver Jeans Co Style Wars Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:28:00 +0000

So this is it! This is my final Silver Jeans Co Style Wars post for the week! If you haven't voted yet for my Day 1 and Day 2 looks there's still time, just click this link here for Day 1 and click this link here for Day 2.

Here's my Day 3 look with the Suki Straight from Silver Jeans Co:

I found this amazing wool poncho at Forever 21 the other day. It was the last one on the rack! I decided to pair it with the Suki Straight jeans for a nice, casual weekend look.

I piled on the accessories for this one. Arm party anyone?

Cape: Forever 21. Jeans: c/o Silver Jeans Co. Shirt: H&M. Boots: Forever 21. Bag: Elliot Luca. Watch: Michael Kors. Bracelets: Street Vendors.

This competition closes on Friday so I NEED you to spread the word! If you love my blog, head to Facebook.com/SilverJeansCo and click 'Like' underneath my looks all week! And if you leave a comment on any of my Facebook posts, you'll be entered to win a FREE pair of jeans!

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

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:14:00 +0000

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

Essence Fab 40 Fashion Bloggers - February 2012

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

The Root: 7 Black Blogs To Read During Fashion Week

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

Cover Girls: Meagan Good For VIBE Vixen

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:54:00 +0000

Red is clearly the color of the month. Makes sense, it's the color of love, right? We went from gushing over Beyonce post-preggers in a red Alice By Temperley dress to Meagan Good on the cover of VIBE Vixen. This picture of the new Californication star is amaze. She looks absolutely stunning.

That red dress? Mama is proud!

Speaking of red dresses, I'm super excited to be kicking off my New York Fashion Week schedule with The Heart Truth's Red Dress collection show tonight! The Heart Truth is an organization founded to create awareness for women's heart health, backed by the National Heart Lung and Blood Association. Each February they host a show and have notable celebs walk the runways in designer donated red dresses.

Last season, Taraji P. Henson walked the show (Read that NYFW post here) and she looked stunning in a Naeem Khan dress. This season I'm looking forward to seeing Chaka Khan and LaLa Vazquez Anthony walk the show among other notable celebs. Make sure you follow me on Twitter @LoveBrownSugar to get the tea on what's happening this fashion week.

Stop right there! Have you voted for me on the Silver Jeans Co Facebook page yet? Click 'Like' on my style post! I'm the chosen representative for the East Coast! And if you comment, you'll be entered to win a free pair of jeans!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Silver Jeans Co Style Wars Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:19:00 +0000

Hey everyone! E-hugs and kisses to everyone who voted for me yesterday! If you haven't yet, there's still time, just click this link here and press 'Like'. This competition is close and I would love to take the win home for the East Coast. If you love me, head to Facebook.com/SilverJeansCo and click 'Like' underneath my looks all week! And if you leave a comment on any of my Facebook posts, you'll be entered to win a FREE pair of jeans!

Here's my Style Wars Day 2 Look wearing the Suki Capri:

I decided to do a mix of uptown meets downtown by pairing the Suki Capri jeans with black suede pumps, a cropped silk top and my new Cambridge Satchel.

Really love the dark wash of these jeans and the cropped cut.

I also just got this awesome new polish from NCLA called Santa Monica Shore Thing. Love an eggshell blue, even in the winter.

Top: Forever 21. Jeans: c/o Silver Jeans Co. Bag: Cambridge Satchel. Watch: Michael Kors. Ring: Versace x H&M. Cuff: Stella & Dot

Make sure you VOTE FOR LoveBrownSugar! Leave a comment on the Facebook post to win the jeans!

Fierce or Foolish: Beyonce Post-Baby For The Win

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:46:00 +0000

Beyonce hit the scene last night at Carnegie Hall for Jay Z's concert rocking a red hot rouched Alice By Temperley dress and bejeweled Louboutins. Queen Bey didn't miss a beat did she?

Dear God, please give me an ounce of this flyness post child-bearing. If you do, I'll give up cupcakes....for a month.

What's your vote folks? Fierce or Foolish?

P.S. Have you voted for me on the Silver Jeans Co Facebook page yet? Please do! I'm representing the East Coast! And if you comment, you'll be entered to win a free pair of jeans!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Silver Jeans Co Style Wars Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:51:00 +0000

So this week I've been commissioned by Silver Jeans Co. to take on a style challenge! I've been given three amazing pairs of jeans from the Silver Jeans Co Spring/Summer 2012 Extended collection to style and make my own. The line highlights the latest denim trends, which are sold in Torrid, and select Macy's as well as the Silver Jeans online store, in sizes 14-28.

I've been chosen as the East Coast blogger to take on the Silver Jeans Co style challenge and I NEED YOUR VOTES TO WIN! I'm competing with Tiffany of Fat Shopaholic and Chase of Sample Size Sixteen. Each day, I'll be posting a new outfit. My outfit post will then be featured on the Silver Jeans Co Facebook page among the other contestants' posts, and I'll need all of you lovelies to vote for my look by clicking the 'Like' button under my post. If I take the win home for the East Coast, I'll be featured on the Silver Jeans Co website as the winning blogger for the month!

As an added bonus (and a thank you), I'll be giving away one of each pair of jeans I feature during the challenge to one of you! *Oprah voice* "You get jeans and YOU get jeans and YOU get jeans!" Just leave a comment on the Silver Jeans Facebook page under my post for your chance to win. And don't forget to 'Like' my post so I'll win!

So here goes Day 1 featuring their Suki Surplus Short:

Since it's winter and the NYC cold is pretty brutal, I decided to rock these shorts for winter by layering them with tights and laceup boots.

I snagged this vintage silk blouse over the summer and found a way to transition into winter by layering sweaters and jackets on top.

I never do shorts & tights, but I figured I would give it a try and I actually loved it. These shorts also just a bit of stretch, which I love.

Jacket & Silk Top: Vintage. Shorts: Silver Jeans Co. Boots: ALDO. Bag: H&M. Watch: Michael Kors. Bracelets: Linea Pelle & Street Vendors.

Comment on my post over at Facebook.com/SilverJeansCo for your chance to win these shorts! And don't forget to vote for me by clicking 'Like' on the same post!

Flavor of Friday: H&M for Marni, Solange on Vogue UK, Simply Be & More

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:37:00 +0000

Happy Friday darlings! What a crazy week it's been. Everyone is in overdrive mode prepping for New York Fashion Week starting this Thursday. I'm getting excited - are you? Though I won't be pumping to as many shows as I'm used to, I'm still thrilled to see all the amazing people who will be in and around the tents for fashion week. Anyway, enough fashion week talk, here's the tea this week:

Marni x H&M Collection Video by Sofia Coppola

If you don't know now you know. Get your tennis shoes ready, because if you stan for H&M designer collections like myself, you'll want to be ready to run once those doors open on March 5th. If Versace x H&M was any indication of how crazy it gets, you already know the deal.

Read the rest at ELLE

My fave red carpet regular and street style extraordinaire Solange Knowles is engaging in a photo diary for Vogue.co.uk. I'm thoroughly enjoying her outfit updates.

Check them out at VOGUE UK!

Simply Be S/S 2012 Collection

Simply Be was kind enough to invite me to their S/S 2012 collection launch this past Wednesday. If you participated in 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar over the holidays, you probably remember that they were one of our sponsors. They have some super cute staples for curvy girls in their arsenal. Check out the new looks at SimplyBe.com.

Read all about the event at Stylish Curves.

MAC x Nicki Minaj & Ricky Martin for VIVA Glam

In beauty news, it looks like MAC has teamed up with Nicki Minaj once again to launch another collection for VIVA Glam, in support of HIV/AIDS research. This time Ricky Martin is in the mix. The two stars are releasing a lipstick & lipgloss duo as part of the collection. My girls over at Glamazons blog have the details on that, so check it out it out at Glamazons Blog.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch, I'm sporting my own pink lips round the office. And a turban too.

Enjoy the weekend!

Ask LBS: How Do I Start A Blog? 5 Easy Steps

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:05:00 +0000

It's the last day of January everyone! Yes, we're officially one month into 2012. Raise your hand if you haven't given up on your New Year's Resolutions yet! Mmhmm...thought so.

So at the beginning of the year, I received quite a few emails from readers who were empowered this new year to start blogs. First of all, I'm so incredibly excited to hear that many of you are embarking on the blog journey in 2012. It's an awesome one. Not easy and not for everyone, but if you do it right, you'll love it. So here are my top 5 tips for starting a blog...

1. Start with a passion.

Finding your niche and sticking to it is one of the absolute best things you can do when starting a blog. I mentioned this one in my Ask LBS: How Do I Get My Blog Noticed post. Considering how congested it is on the internet these days, the only way to attract new followers is to somehow be different. Express your true passions and not only will you love it, but the people who read your site will come to love it as well.

2. Find others + connect.

Me & blogger friends at FNO 2011 (read post here)

The amazing thing about blogging is that you don't have to go it alone. In fact, making friends and connecting with people who have similar interests can help put your blog over the edge. Poll any successful blogger, and you'll undoubtedly find that a large source of their incoming traffic comes from...gasp...other websites! Digital friends are some of the greatest assets you can have. They'll promote your site for you, attend events with you, and even snap pics for you. So don't be shy, get social. Literally. Use social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr and more to meet new people who share interests similar to yours. You might have a broad interest like fashion, for example. But is there something specific you can drill down to? If you're true love is indie fashion under $50, that's much more specific and there are groups and communities dedicated to finding others just like you.

3. Choose the right host.

So this is the big question plaguing the blogosphere. Which blog host is best? Honestly, there are blogs hosted on Blogger that do equally as well as ones hosted on Wordpress, that do equally as well as ones hosted on Tumblr...and I can go on and on. Use whichever host suits your needs! If your primary concern is monetization of your site, you might consider Wordpress and Blogger hosting better for you. If you just want to express yourself creatively, Tumblr might work best for you. If you're better in front of the camera, consider a YouTube channel. Evaluate the pros & cons of each, then go with the flow!

4. Get the right tools.

Source: MyDamnBlog

If you're a foodie and you're creating a blog about your adventures sipping cappuccinos and trying the latest prime rib in your city, you might want to invest in an amazing camera to document your food journey. If your blog focuses on interviewing really cool people, you might need to have a tape recorder in your arsenal. Think long and hard about the type of content you plan to post, and what tools you'll need to make that content as engaging as possible.

5. Just Do It!

Source: I Have A Degree In This

Don't delay or wait for "just the right timing". Unless your blog is based around a product launch or a huge event, do it now! There are people out there waiting to hear what you have to say. Live, blog and be merry.

So there you have it! My top five recommendations for starting a new blog. Anything to add? Share with the group in the comments section!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Spikes & Stripes

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:58:00 +0000

I'm at it again with another statement cape. What can I say? The post-Xmas sales had me at hello...

I scored both this Pendleton cape and these Deena & Ozzy spiked booties at Urban Outfitters. I love the subtle pops of color the cape adds to any ensemble. And a statement platform is always a plus in my book. Height, style & comfort = win.

Cape: Pendleton via Urban Outfitters (Buy HERE). Shirt: H&M. Tights: Old Navy. Platforms: Deena & Ozzy via Urban Outfitters (Buy HERE). Bag: H&M. Snake Cuff: H&M. Ring: Street Vendor.

Photography by Ugonna Igweatu

Kickin' It: Tiffany & Co Launch Party

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:10:00 +0000

Last night I had the pleasure of attending Tiffany & Co's launch party for their new gallery True Love in Pictures launching on WhatMakesLoveTrue.com. Curated by lovers & street style photographers Garance Dore and Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist, the gallery focuses on capturing true love and celebrating it (so cute).

Source: WhatMakesLoveTrue.com

I'm not gonna lie, I was most hyped about seeing Solange DJ (as I always am - check out this post from Fashion's Night Out, love her!) and taking pics at the photo booth. Solange wore an absolutely stunning Christopher Kane neon dress. She looked amazing, per usual.

I went with one of my blogger besties Jessica of Glamazons Blog.

We had a blast taking pics at the photobooth, and of course being surrounded by jewelry worth more than our own homes...

I rocked my fave new Zara cape, a turban and my new hair! If you follow me on Twitter, you probably know since I tweeted about this on Sunday. The birthday is coming up so I had to turn up the drama. More updates on the new 'do to come!

Be sure to check out the WhatMakesLoveTrue website as well as the Tiffany & Co Facebook page for pics from the event and from the new gallery!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Harlem Daze

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:24:00 +0000

The other night at a friend's house, I sat and watched Eddie Murphy's 1989 film "Harlem Nights". I found myself paying absolutely no attention to the dialogue and being engrossed in the amazing costume design. Sometimes I think in my former life, I was a speakeasy regular during the late 20's. Diamond headpiece and feather boa included.

Living in such a historic neighborhood for black culture like Harlem, I find myself wandering the streets of Striver's Row to marvel at the century-old brownstones and picturing myself at a cocktail with the likes of Zora Neale Hurston or Langston Hughes.

Leather Dress: H&M. Wool Cape: Zara (On sale $39.99, Zara.com). Bag: Elliot Luca (similar look here for $128). Watch: Michael Kors. Shoes: Steve Madden (buy here - only $41.98). Necklace: Street Vendor (similar Modcloth version, $14.98). Ring: Versace for H&M (similar).

Photography by Ugonna Igweatu

Flavor of Friday: Rachel Roy Supports OrphanAid + Keys To Success

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:01:00 +0000

Happy Friday loves! This week has been filled with ups & downs but this morning I was inspired by one of my favorite designers Rachel Roy. Not only is she a designer, entrepreneur and super-mom, she's also a celebrated philanthropist. Read on for inspiration:

New Year + More Risks = New You

For those of you who need that extra boost of confidence before taking risks this year, I highly suggest you read Rachel's recent post for Stylelist. In it, she talks about some of the challenges she faced when starting her line and how empowering it can be to take a risk, even when you're scared you will fail. As someone who struggles with taking risks and leaving my comfort zone, I found this so inspirational.

Rachel Roy Supports OrphanAID

In honor of Rachel's birthday on Jan. 15th, she kicked off this awesome campaign in which she donates $1 to OrphanAid Africa for every new email subscriber on her Facebook page. OrphanAid Africa is a non profit organization dedicated to helping children to grow up in safe, permanent family settings. On top of that, 15 lucky subscribers will receive one of these luxe "Kindness Is Always Fashionable" Ghana clutches, of which 100% proceeds go back to the charity.

Click here to signup: Rachel Roy Facebook

That's the tea on this fine Friday. What motivated you this week? Soundoff below!

A Tale of Two Must-Haves: Hair & Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:18:00 +0000

So a few of you lovelies have been asking which lip color I rocked in my last outfit post "Cosby Steaze". Then it dawned on me that I haven't done a review of it although I've been rocking it faithfully for about a month now. I've also been getting tons of questions about the hair products I used to do my natural up-do. Alas, a tale of two must-haves...

So my new red lip, ladies, is none other than Covergirl Lip Perfection in Hot Passion. It was gifted to me by Robert Verdi at his annual Holiday Twitter Party and I've been hooked ever since!

With my complexion, it gives off an orangey-red that I'm not really used to but I love. It's a bright, look-at-me red that works really well for weekends and special occasions when you want to be the center of attention. And it works for multiple complexions - Shyema of Beauty and the Feast reviewed it also and it looks great on her.

As for the hair, I'm head over heels for Beija Flor Naturals Creme Brulee for Kinks, Coils & Curls. Beija Flor was nice enough to send over a jar for my review, and it is the first styler I've found that actually hydrates my hair while shaping it!

It's 100% all-natural, it doesn't leave an oily residue, and I can use it for twist-outs, braid-outs, smoothing down my edges, and everything in between.

Huge shoutout to Natural Chica for recommending this product - I'm officially a stan. You can buy it HERE, for only $12.95 a jar. Look out for a full video review of the product coming soon to LoveBrownSugarTV.

Ladies, what are two of your latest hair & beauty must-haves? Do tell!

LBS Beauty Review: Essie Aruba Blue

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:33:00 +0000

My new favorite blue. It's that happy middle ground between navy and royal blue. Loves it.

Ring: H&M, Nail Color: Aruba Blue by Essie, $8.00

(Purchase HERE)

You guys have any favorite blue polishes? Feel free to share!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Cosby Steaze

noreply@blogger.com (CeCe) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:19:00 +0000

My favorite vintage sweater this season. When I wear it, I feel like Cliff. With the heels I feel like Claire. No Rudy required.

Sweater: Vintage, Tights: Old Navy, Shoes: Bare Feet Shoes (similar), Bag: Vintage Coach Willis Bag (buy here), Watch: Michael Kors, Bracelet: Linea Pelle, Ring: RACHEL Rachel Roy