Ghoulishly Gorgeous!

Tomorrow is Halloween and that means that many beauty addicts will have a field’s day! It’s the perfect excuse to act like a child again and play in makeup. Whether you’re planning to dress up as a sexy nurse wearing fire engine red lipstick or the ugly, green-faced Wicked Witch of the West, it’s a great time to experiment with all of those crazy eye shadows and freaky glitter lashes that have been collecting dust in your makeup kit. Even if you aren’t dressing up, you can always use your makeup magic by assisting the little goblins in your life!

Here are a few items that will get you ready for Halloween!

Are you dressing up tomorrow? If so, what will you be? If not, can you recall your favorite Halloween costume as a child?


Makeup Forver Lashes available at www.sephora.com for $14


CoverGirl Continous Lip Color in Red available at www.drugstore.com for $5.29


NYX Nail Polish in Black available at www.drugstores.com for $2.99


Urban Decay Glitter Liner available at www.sephora.com for $18


Streak & Tips Temporary Hair Color available at www.drugstore.com for $4.29


Here I am from last year. Not very creative, but easy! For some reason you can't see my whiskers...
If you'd like to share your past Halloween pics, simply email them to me and I'll post them here!

Designer Dreams

After writing last week’s post about celebrity closets, it got me thinking about the renowned fashion designers of the world. Have you dreamed of wearing a gorgeous one-of-a-kind Oscar de la Renta evening gown or perhaps a custom-made party dress designed by fellow BG, Tracy Reese? There are so many wonderful designers who create beautiful garments from everyday wear to extravagant couture pieces.

If you could chose a famous designer (Project Runway contestants included LOL!), living or dead to design an outfit of your dreams, who would it be and for what occasion? While you're pondering, check out one of my first BGG interviews with fashion designer Joan Vaccianna, maybe you'd like her to design for you one day!

Please share!

Timeless Turtleneck Dresses!

As I’ve said many times, I absolutely love the fall for one thing – the fashions. To me, it just isn’t the fall until I slip on a cute and cozy turtleneck dress! This classic item is easy to wear and is extremely versatile. Not only are these dresses comfortable, but are also the perfect backdrops for jewelry and accessories. For a sexy mod-inspired look, pair with tall boots or toss on tights to create a sophisticated chic style on those super chilly days. Plus, they can be worn at work and easily transformed for nights. Either way, a turtleneck dress is a key piece to have during the fall/winter months!

Do you own a turtleneck dress? If not, would you buy one this season for the right price?


Lorrae Turtleneck Sweater Dress available at www.forever21.com for $32.80


Turtleneck Sweater Dress available at www.victoriassecret.com for $78


Fashionista Brown Jersey Belted "Sandy" Turtleneck Dress available at www.bluefly.com at $109


Adriana Papel Knit Turtleneck Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $158


Cotton & Cashmere Turtleneck Dress available at www.victoriassecret.com for $78


Interlock Turtleneck Tent Dress available at www.americanapparel.com for $40


La Made T-Shirt Turtleneck Dress available at www.revolveclothing.com for $61


Petunia Turtleneck Dress available at www.edressme.com for $172


Jones New York Turtleneck Dress available at www.bloomingdales.com for $130


Women's Turtleneck Sweater Dress available at www.oldnavy.com for $34.50

**The winner for the Rx for Brown Skin products is Dominican Enigma!! Congrats!!

Skincare for Brown Skin!

As you guys know, I enjoy trying new skincare products; but if there’s one brand that I recommend for us brown-skinned beauties, it has to be Rx for Brown Skin by Dr. Susan Taylor. This line of products ranging from toner to body lotion was especially formulated for Asian, Latin and African-American skin tones. Since we often suffer from hyper-pigmentation and other skin conditions, it is necessary to have products with ingredients that won’t irritate our skin or exacerbate the problem, but combat our unique skin afflictions.

Have you ever tried any of the Rx for Brown Skin products? If not, would you? One lucky winner will win the following products, valued at $75! Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected.


Rx for Brown Skin Peel Kit available at www.sephora.com for $50


Skin Evening Body Citrus Body Lotion available at www.sephora.com for $25

**Sidenote, BGG extends condolences to my fellow Chicagoan, Jennifer Hudson and her family. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. My hope is that her nephew returns to them soon.

In the Closet!

In the celebrity-obsessed world that we live in, we see what the stars are wearing from their glamorous red-carpet moments to their mundane visits to the 7-Eleven.

Ever find yourself saying, “Ooh I want those shoes” or “She always looks so pulled together?” If you had to choose, what celebrity’s closet would you love to raid? Do you dream of rocking Mariah Carey’s incessant sky-high stilettos, snatching Kimora Lee's luxe Louis Vuitton collection or donning Tracee Ellis Ross’ eclectic retro wardrobe?

For me, I'd have to raid Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon's closet. She has an enviable sophisticated chic style with just the right balance of trends.

Share your closet coveting confessions!


Kimora Lee surrounded by her precious possessions.


A glimpse into Mimi's enormous shoe collection.


Eva Longoria-Parker in her gorgeous and glamorous closet.

photo credit: InStyle (celebrity closets)

Walking Tall

Yes, booties are the “it” footwear for the fall, but who can go the entire season without a good pair of tall boots too? I may not be a “shoe” person, but when it comes to boots I can’t get enough! Although recently I’ve put myself on a super strict budget so I won’t be able to go crazy this time around. Luckily, I’ve invested in a few quality pairs over the years that will get me through this season. Even though I won’t be buying any boots anytime soon, a girl can still look!

From leather flats, to slouchy suede stilettos, there’s always a boot that will complement your style! Check out these that are all under $150!

Have you bought a pair of boots for the fall/winter yet? Do you prefer flats or heels?


Victoria Secret Cuffed Stiletto Boots available at www.victoriassecret.com for $145


Cuffed Leather Flat Boots available at www.victoriassecret.com for $129


BCBG "Maisha" Boots available at www.piperlime.com for $140.50


Simply Vera by Vera Wang Tumbled Leather Boots available at www.kohls.com for $89


Rampage "Berylnn" Boots (synthetic materials) available at www.piperlime.com for $80


Camlin Leather Boots available at www.delias.com for $99.50


"Nina" Women's Rodeo Boots (synthetic materials) available at www.famousfootwear.com for $69.99


Slouchy Suede Foldover Boots available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $88


Lace-up Leather Knee Boots available at www.victoriassecret.com for $148


Nine West "Cheryl" Leather Boots available at www.ninewest.com for $149

**By the way, K-Bear was randomly selected as the winner of the Flabuless shapewear! Congrats!

Flabuless Arms!

Most of us have all heard of Spanx, but have you heard of “Flabuless?” Probably not, right? Well, “Flabuless” is the first-ever arm shapewear that claims to slim, conceal and re-shape. It was created by a fellow BG in an effort to help women who were frustrated by tops “not fitting right” as a result of sagging skin or flabby arms. Although I am rather content with the size of my arms, I know a few people who always complain about the appearance of theirs.

Whether worn to tone down tummies or reshape arms, shapewear can make women feel more confident and sexy, which is always good!

Would you ever try “Flabuless” shapewear? Do you know someone who would benefit from this innovative garment? One lucky winner will get a chance! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected at random.


De Quart Sleeve available at www.flabulessu.com for $27.95


The Veston available at www.flabulessu.com for $61.25-$69.25

Sizes range from Small to 3XL. Visit www.flabulessu.com for more information.

Sensational Stains

Many of us BGs are powder blush and bronzer babes, but cheek stains are a great alternative! For the past two years I've been a huge fan of Tarte's gel-based cheek stain in Flush. It goes on sheer which gives just the right amount of color without looking too overdone. The barely-there tint is ideal for a more natural glow. Plus, it prevents the beauty faux-pas of applying too much with a brush (I apply mine with my fingertips). Don't be afraid of the color it appears to be in the bottle, play around and find the color that suits you best!

Do you use cheek stains? Would you?


Tarte Cheek Stain available at www.sephora.com for $28


Stila Convertible Lip & Cheek Stain available at www.beauty.com for $24


Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel available at www.target.com for $20


The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain available at www.thebodyshop.com for $14


Benefit Cheek Stain available at www.sephora.com for $28


Sephora Lush Flush Wine Lip & Cheek Stain available at www.sephora.com for $10


JK Jemma Kidd Blush Makeup Concentrate in Masquerade available at www.target.com for $17


The Balm Stainiac for Cheeks and Lips available at www.dillards.com for $14

Come On Get Happy!

With these grim economic times and an uncertain upcoming election, it’s easy to catch a case of the blues. Maintaining happiness is a state of mind that requires a conscious effort. We all have to decide whether or not we’re going to wallow in self-pity and despair or take action and seek happiness!

Focusing on the things that bring us joy is truly the only solution to combating the blues, but Oprah’s new book, “O's Big Book of Happiness: The Best of O, The Oprah Magazine: Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration,” just might do the trick too!


Available at www.amazon.com for

No matter how down I may be feeling, a bouquet of pink roses is always a surefire pick-me-up! What do you do to lift your spirits when you’re feeling blue? What ultimately makes you happy in life?

Stylish Sweaters for Less!

Who doesn’t like to wrap themselves in a cozy sweater when the temperature plummets? I know I do; that’s why this season I’m all about finding the perfect sweater that will keep me warm without looking frumpy. From kimono-style cardigans to sexy scarf-influenced wraps, I’ve rounded up a few stylish sweaters that won’t leave your wallet out in the cold because they’re all under $50!

Do you stock up on sweaters in the fall/winter?

Check them out:


Worthington Sweater Wrap available at www.jcpenny.com for $29.99


Forever 21 Shandi Knitted Cardigan available at www.forever21.com for $27.80


Rampage V-Neck Cardigan Sweater available at www.rampage.com for $49


AGB Pleated Jersey Babydoll Cardigan available at www.macys.com for $48


Mango Cardigan available at www.mango.com for $49.90


Forever 21 Open Front Cardigan with Sash available at www.forever21.com for $27.80


NY & Co. City Style Open Hooded Cardigan available at www.nyandcompany.com for $24.97


Silence & Noise Space Dyed Cardigan available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $42