Simple, Sexy Sheaths!

There are few times I can walk in a store without checking out the dress section. That's because my favorite fashions are dresses; just ask my husband! He recently asked me, "How many dresses do you need?" My answer was simple - if it's a sheath, there are NEVER too many. Although I really don't think that any woman could own too many dresses, no matter the style. But there's just something about a sheath that makes me feel confident, sexy and ultra feminine. The design of most sheaths create sleek and flattering silhouettes, which most women seek.

Another great thing about this classic cut is that they work throughout the seasons. For example, now they can be worn with bare legs, but during the colder months they will still look great paired with textured tights. Plus, they work for a wide variety of occasions. From work to after work, sheaths are our fail-proof frocks!

Do you own a sheath dress?

Check out some of these:


ABS by Allen Schwartz Belted Ponte Knit Sheath available at www.nordstrom.com for $228


Nicole Miller Keyhole Sheath available at www.nordstrom.com for $181.90


Denim Sheath available at www.newportnews.com for $49


ECI New York Belted Jacquard Sheath available at www.nordstrom.com for $138


Michael Kors Belted Sheath Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $159.50


Searle Super-Fitted Sheath available at www.searle.com for $174.30


Heather Charcoal Sheath available at www.newportnews.com for $49


Priorities Black Poplin Belted Sheath available at www.bluefly.com for $57.60

Thrilled for Thevi Cosmetics!

I recently had the opportunity to try a few products from a new line, called Thevi Cosmetics. As you guys know, I love trying new products, but oftentimes end up disappointed. That was not the case when I tried these products. Created by a woman of color, Thevi Cosmetics is designed to complement the vast array of skin-tones that we BGs have. I tried the mascara, blush and a lip color and was thoroughly impressed. I'd have to say that my favorite was the mascara. Although it doesn't match my tried and true - Maybelline Great Lash, it was still better than a lot of other brands that I've used on my lashes. Not only were the products of quality, the packaging was sleek and modern.

Have you ever tried Thevi? When was the last time you tried a new product and were pleasantly surprised? Please share!


Mascara available at www.thevicosmetics.com for $18


Automatic Long-Lasting Eyeliner available at www.thevicosmetics.com for $16.50


Blush Brush available at www.thevicosmetics for $30


Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15 available at www.thevicosmetics.com for $32


High Impact Lipstick available at www.thevicosmetics.com for $22

Back from LA!

I’m finally back from my mini-L.A. vacay! I had an absolute blast, but am extremely exhausted. I was supposed to return on Sunday, but due to bad weather here in NYC, my flight was cancelled, which resulted in me staying an extra day. I was there with my BFF so it was just one more day to enjoy the LA sun, laugh and talk on the beach! I have family there too, so it was great seeing them as well. I love LA and always have. There’s nothing like blue skies, palm trees and the ocean. If only I could combine the good aspects of LA, Chicago and NYC into one city, I’d be the happiest BG on earth!


Me at the Santa Monica beach.


It had been so many years since I'd seen the Hollywood Walk of Fame; it was fun seeing the sights again!


Me near a cliff in Santa Monica.

What do you love/hate about your city?

Must See TV: "CNN Presents: Black in America"

Hey BGG readers, please tune in tonight to watch CNN's special report on being black in America. Tonight's airing will focus on the black woman and family. I actually caught the one that aired last week that focused on the issues plaguing black Americans (single parent families, education, etc.) and it was EXTREMELY insightful and informative. Tomorrow's topic will be about the black man.

We BGs love all things pretty and chic, but knowledge and progressiveness is paramount!

Check local listings for channels and times.

PS Thanks Heather/Melay for the reminder! :-)

Pretty Peep-Toe Pumps!

While I was organizing my closet the other day, I realized that I clearly have an adoration for peep-toe pumps! I noticed that the majority of my shoe collection consists of this fun, sexy style.

I confess, unlike many fashion-conscious women, I am not exactly a "shoe person" per se. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy occasional visits to shoe stores, but certainly not as much as some die-hard, shoe-shopping fashionistas! I'd much rather go on the hunt for a flirty frock or a perfect pair of jeans, but apparently when I do go shoe shopping, it's usually for one particular style!

Are you a fan of peep-toes? Do you find that you always buy the same shoe styles? Btw, I know that some of these shoes are pricey, but they're still fun to look at!

Check out some of these (PJD, these are for you!):


L.A.M.B. Georgina Peep Toe Pump available at www.eluxury.com for $395


BCBG Girls Red Patent Leather Peep Toe available at www.endless.com for $88.95


Mossimo Vesta Peep Toe Pumps available at www.target.com for $26.99


Copal Peep Toes available at www.anthropologie.com for $98


Denim Peep Toe Pumps available at www.newportnews.com for $29


Modern Vintage White Leather Zorba Peep Toe Pump avaiable at www.bluefly.com for $177


Black & Red Patent Leather Peep Toe Pumps available at www.endless.com for $395


Christian Louboutin Covered Platform Peep Toe Pump available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $760


Mossimo Movida Copper Snake Peep Toe available at www.target.com for $26.99

The Best Luxurious Lotion for Less!

There are some products that deserve a post all to themselves and today that product is Aveeno's Daily Moisturizing Lotion! I was first introduced to this "luxurious lotion for less," a few months ago by my mom. Let me say that my family has the driest skin on earth. Ok, maybe our skin isn't the DRIEST on earth, but it's pretty bad.

So, when I saw how Aveeno transformed my mother's dry and cracked alligator-looking legs into silky smooth gams, I was sold! When I tried it, I had the same flattering results. The best thing about this particular lotion is that it lasts all day. So many other brands leave you ashy again after about an hour or so. I have yet to find another drugstore brand moisturizing lotion that has come close to this product.

Have you ever tried Aveeno? What is your favorite brand of lotion?

Available at www.drugstore.com for $6.79 (8 oz.)

Good-bye Granny Girdles!

If you like wearing skin-tight dresses a la Mariah Carey or just want to create a nearly perfect silhouette, there’s one garment that you will definitely need – a body-shaper. Women have been wearing body-shaping undergarments for hundreds of years and the technology keeps getting better.

Whether you want to wear something that keeps your tummy tucked away or want to emphasize your tiny waist, body shapers help keep our jiggly parts in place, which ultimately creates a more flattering figure.

From Spanx to a basic thigh slimmer, there is an ultra-slimming body-shaping undergarment that will suit your needs. Trust me, they're not just for grannies anymore!

I've never used a body-shaper, but I've been dying to try Spanx to slim down my thighs in certain dresses. Have you ever used a body-shaper?

Check out some of these:


Spanx Power Panties available at www.nordstrom.com for $30


Curvation Body Shaper available at www.curvation.com for $19.99


Victoria's Secret Waist Shaper available at www.victoriassecret.com for $24


Donna Karan Waist Embrace Body Shaper available at www.nordstrom.com for $30


VIctoria's Secret Seamless Bustier available at www.victoriassecret.com for $78


Spanx Hipnotic Low-Rise Footless Pantyhose available at www.nordstrom.com for $19.50


Hanes Seamless Thigh Slimmer available at www.target.com for $12.99


Angela Bustier available at www.gigiscloset.com for $27.50

Got Ink?

Trends come and go, but one fad seems to have stuck around...literally. I'm talking about tattoos. Ink is the quintessential trend that will probably be around forever.

From Rihanna's itty bitty star cascade to the little old lady down the street with a sagging "hot stuff" on her chest, millions of Americans are "tatted up." I don't have any tattoos, but I know plenty of people who do, men and women. I must admit, I've always thought that tattoos on guys gave them an edge. What do you think?

Would you ever get a tattoo? If so, or if you already have one, have you ever regretted it?

Check out some of these celebrity tattoos:

Rihanna


Kelis


Mary J. Blige


Keyshia Cole


Mel B.

Cute Compacts!

What BG doesn’t carry a small mirror in her purse? Well, I guess that would be me. The other day I found myself fishing around my bottomless pit of a purse in search of a mirror!

Surprisingly, I realized that the only mirror I have is in my MAC powder compact (which I leave at home after I apply my makeup). So I think it's time I pick up a cute compact to add to the rest of the beauty junk in my bag. Or I could just tote along my makeup MAC one!

Do you carry a compact mirror with you at all times?

Check out some of these!


Animal Print Compact available at www.bloomingdales.com for $32.99


Estee Lauder Golden Alligator Compact available at www.bloomingdales.com for $33


Estee Lauder Tuberose Gardenia Mirror Compact available at www.nordstrom.com for $75


Floral Print Fabric Mirror available at www.thebodyshop.com for $8


St. Tropez Makeup Required Brown Snake Print Compact Mirror available at www.sleepyheads.com for $14.95


Jemma Kidd Mirror Compact Duo available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $33


Paris Presents Folding Double Compact Mirror available at www.sallybeauty.com for $2.99


Sephora Black Travel Mirror available at www.sephora.com for $6


Spring Street Design Seahorse Compact available www.saks.com for $26.90


Tapestry Compact Mirror available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $10