Lite-Brite Looks

We all know that bold color-blocking is the go-to trend for a fresh look this spring. However, how many of you will actually brave the mismatched bright shades? I personally love orange and pink together, as well as kelly green and turquoise. Although I like the idea of bright basics, getting out of my black and neutral rut can be a bit of a challenge. But, this season I'm going to step outside of the box and give some of these cool color combos a try!



Would you mix-and-match with colors like these?

Cool Canvas Kicks for a Cause

During my trip to L.A (thanks again, Aveeno!) I was given a pair of TOMS shoes. Prior, to receiving the shoes I was fairly familiar with the company's story and admired the American founder's charitable efforts of matching every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need.

However, I had never owned nor worn a pair of TOMS before receiving the gift. Quite honestly, they never struck me as stylish. But after being in L.A without having packed any flats, these canvas kicks came in handy - quick.

They are incredibly comfy and support my feet better than some of my other non-heeled footwear. Plus, they're a great alternative to dressier flats for casual weekends or quick strolls to the store.

Available in a wide variety of styles and colors, they're a fabulous and fashionable way to give back!


Pictured: Olive Canvas Women's Classic available at www.toms.com for$44 (the pair I received)

Would you wear a pair of TOMS?

Lip Lock

You guys know how much I love lip products whether it's a gloss, balm or on the rare occasion, a lipstick. So when I tried Covergirl's newest creation, Natureluxe Gloss Balm, my lips couldn't be happier.

This fabulous fusion of gloss and balm is the best of both worlds. It goes on as smoothly like a sheer gloss, but without the stickiness. It leaves behind a hint of shine coupled with a nice pop of color, but not as heavy as a lipstick.

My favorite hue is Peony - a shade that looks fire-engine red in the tube, but once applied, appears as a perfect pink. Plus, the blend of mango, shea and other natural butters protects lips while making them moist and kissable. It's by far one of my best buys for spring.


Lipgloss NatureLuxe Gloss Balm available at drugstores nationwide for about $6

What do you prefer? A balm or gloss?

Whoop Ash Giveaway!

Leaving the house with ashy skin is never a good look, that's why BG entrepreneur, Sheree Fletcher (former Mrs. Will Smith) wants to make sure that you whoop that ash before you go out.

Her company, Whoop Ash, is a natural skin care line that promises to transform, dry, cracked, weather-worn skin - immediately. Made with white honey, mango & shea butter, organic coconut and grape seed oil, the non-greasy body butter will leave your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. Plus, it doesn't contain any preservatives or artificial colors.

The rich, creamy texture will definitely whoop that ash!


Whoop Ash Body Butter


Whoop Ash gift bag!

One lucky reader will win a Whoop Ash "Bag with Swag" which contains a "fantASHtic" gift: Whoop Ash Body Butter Cream (Whipped) 8 0z, Whoop Ash Body Butter Travel Size (Whipped) 2.6 oz, SMACK your LIPS (lip balm) and a Whoop Ash t-shirt.

Since Whoop Ash is committed to helping women find their glow, inside and out. What is it about your personality that makes YOU shine?

Fabulous Photos of the Week & RumbaTime Watch Winner Announced!

Tyra Banks at the New York Stock Exchange in NYC.


Rashida Jones at an event in L.A.


Keisha Knight-Pulliam at an event in Atlanta.


Tocarra and Lance Goss at an event in Atlanta.


Common at an event in Las Vegas.


Raven Symone at an event in L.A.


Ray J at an event in Las Vegas.

Have a great weekend!

**The FIVE winners of the RumbaTime watches are: T, Carmesha, Tamar, Sherita, MissMika! Congrats and please send me your mailing addresses.

Move Over BFFs and Make Room for GFFs!

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending an event with TV personality Vanessa Minnillo to get the word out about GFF, which stands for Girlfriends for Folate. Yep, it's sure to be the hottest acronym to hit Twitterland and the blogosphere! On a serious note, Girlfriends for Folate is a national campaign that aims to educate women about the importance of daily folate or folic acid intake among women of reproductive age.



I will admit, I never paid much attention to the importance of folic acid until I was pregnant. Unfortunately, too many women are just like me - we wait until we're already pregnant to start taking it. While it's crucial for pregnant women to take, it's important for all women between 18-45 to take at least 400 mcg daily of the B Vitamin.

Folate helps produce and maintain new cells, which reduces the risk of serious birth defects (neural tube defects/NTDs). Since nearly half of pregnancies are unplanned, it's imperative that we all take the supplement. If popping pills isn't your thing, opt for natural sources of folate like those found in leafy greens such as broccoli. Also, as superficial as it sounds, the vitamin also promotes healthier, skin hair and nails. Ever wonder why pregnant women have that gorgeous "glow," it's probably due to the folic acid in her prenatal vitamins! We BGs need to take the time to take this supplement - we are one of the groups who are more at risk for NTDs.

It's Vanessa's hope and the March of Dimes/Bayer to get as many women involved in the GFF campaign by having a competition to identify the U.S. region with the most "GFFs." For every woman who becomes a GFF, Bayer will contribute $1, up to $25,000, to support 2011 March of Dimes for Babies. So tell your BFF all about GFF and join the movement by registering here.

Do you take a daily dose of folic acid? Do you take vitamins?

Crazy for Coral

After recently attending a sneak preview of Nordstrom's spring/summer beauty trends, one thing's for sure - coral is the color of the moment. From glosses to nail polishes, the pinky/orangey/peachy shade is shaking things up on makeup shelves this season.


Kerry Washington wearing a beautiful array of coral shades.


At first, I was apprehensive about trying the salmony shade, but soon realized that the color complemented my skin-tone. However, I probably wouldn't wear this hue on my lips, but for cheeks and nails I'm definitely going to give this beauty trend a try!

Will you be joining in the coral craze? If so, check out these orangey options:


Lancome Blush Subtil Gentle & Long-Lasting Powder Blusher in Coral Sun available at www.dillards.com for $29.50


Covergirl Queen Collection Gloss in Caribbean Coral available at www.drugstore.com for $5.49


Coral Reef Nail Polish available at www.forever21.com for $2.80


Napoleon Perdis Set available at www.beauty.com for $39


Estee Lauder Pure Color Long-Lasting Lipstick in Sunstone available at www.nordstrom.com for $24


Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Nectar available at www.nordstrom.com for $38


Maybelline ColorSensational Pearl Lip Color in Coral Gleam available at www.drugstore.com for $7.49


OPI Nail Polish in Congo-line Coral available at www.drugstore.com for $8

Giveaway: Let's Get Ready to Rumba!

Want to give your wrist a rest from heavy metals? If so, you're in luck with the latest rage to hit the Hollywood (Willow Smith and Regina King are fans) set - RumbaTime watches. Perfect for spring, these light-weight, water-resistant unisex timepieces come in over 16 styles and 32 colors.

Whether stacked as bangles or worn singularly, these stylish watches will ensure that you never arrive fashionably late.



Check out some of these colors and styles starting at $14!


Cotton Candy (Original), $14


Lights Out (Essex), $20


Snow Patrol (Lafayette), $35


Sky High (Original), $16


Lemon Drop (VanDam), $16

All are available at www.rumbatime.com!

**A few lucky readers will win a watch. Simply leave a comment and the winners will be randomly selected and announced next week.

BGG News Brief: Queen Latifah Takes on the Web

We all know that our girl Queen Latifah stays busy. Now the unstoppable entrepreneur is taking on the worldwide web. Last week, it was announced that she and AOL are partnering to produce online video content.

Latifah will produce and star in a variety of original video web series to be featured across AOL's network of sites. AOL's Blackvoices.com will showcase the series in a specially created hub designed to enhance the sites current video offerings.

Her production company, Flava Unit Entertainment will serve as the main producer of the short form talk show project, which will cover various topics ranging from entertainment and sports to social issues and entrepreneurialism.

First a rapper, then Oscar-nominated actress, Covergirl, author, perfumer, and now Internet guru - the Queen's goals are limitless!

Will you watch the Queen Latifah-produced web series?

Get Glee-Inspired Glamour!

The gorgeous Glee actress, Amber Riley, graced the 42nd Annual NAACP Image Awards' stage last week in a stunning blue gown complemented by a flawless complexion.

Celebrity Makeup Artist, Mylah Morales, created a beautiful COVERGIRL inspired look for the actress. Here's a breakdown of the look if you'd like to replicate her glamourous glow.

Mylah started with COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation for a creamy, even finish and set it with Natural Hue Minerals Pressed Powder for staying power.

For an all over glow, Mylah used Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Brown Bronze and to add a touch of color, Mylah blended a pinky blush on the apples of Amber’s cheeks.

For Amber’s eyes Mylah went for a silver shadow to complement the slate blue dress. She kept the eye look sophisticated by using a neutral brown in the crease and defined the eyes with COVERGIRLLiquiLineBlast in Black Fire. Amber’s lashes were coated with several swipes of COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara to make Amber’s eyes pop.

To complete the red carpet look, Mylah used Queen Collection Lip Color in Au Naturale with ShineBlast Lip Gloss in Glow; for dimensional shine.

Are you a fan of Amber's look? Do you watch Glee?

Follow Me on Twitter!

Hello my lovely BG beauties, if you're not already following BGG on Twitter, what are you waiting for!? A little birdie told me that it's the place to be to hear all about cool contests, exclusive giveaways and more that will only be privy to my pretty Twitter followers.



Join me now @BrownGirlGumbo. :-)

Happy Tweeting!

News: Constance White Named New EIC of Essence

In case you guys didn't hear the news, Essence has named Constance C. R. White as the new editor-in-chief of the 40-year old magazine. White is an expert fashion editor, commentator, author and journalist. Seems like Essence has made an excellent choice. My loyal readers may remember I spoke with the veteran style maven a little over 3 years ago.


Courtesy of Essence.com


Click here for the fun, fashion-focused Q&A!

Do you feel as though Essence speaks to you?

Sheer Cheer

From the runways in France to the racks of Forever 21, this spring it's all about sheer, flouncy blouses. For a peek-a-boo sexy look, opt for a black bra to wear underneath. If bra-baring isn't your style, stick to more opaque options to conceal your chest area or simply slip on a cami.

From florals to neck-bows, finding a sheer blouse to fit your fashion taste will be easy with the endless options offered.

Check these out:

Oscar De La Renta Sheer Ascot Blouse available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $750


Pins & Needles Linen Chiffon Blouse available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $49


MinkPink Sheer 3/4 Sleeve Blouse available at www.nordstrom.com for $68




Sheer Floral Top available at www.forever21.com for $19.80


McGinn Claudia Polka Dot Blouse available at www.nordstrom.com for $190


Pins & Needles Scalloped Placket Chiffon Blouse available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $59


See by Chloe Sheer Pocket Blouse available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $295


Sheer Bow Blouse by Wal G. available at www.topshop.com for $56


Twist Front Blouse available at www.asos.com for $34.07

Will you be wearing a sheer blouse this spring?

New York Event: Whoop Ash Launch at Georgia

For all of my BG beauties here in New York, there's a fabulous event taking place at the popular natural product and hair care haven - Georgia.

See flyer for all of the details!

Sheer Cover Event Recap

On Monday night, I had the pleasure of attending a Sheer Cover beauty event in the Marchesa showroom. Although I was supposed to be learning about the benefits of using the beauty brand, I couldn't keep my eyes off of the gorgeous gowns surrounding the room. Since I was completely unfamiliar with Sheer Cover, I quickly regained focus to get the scoop about the mineral makeup.


Beautiful Marchesa cocktail dresses surrounded the showroom.


A peek at the Sheer Cover cosmetics.

I learned that not only does this makeup provide coverage, but it's also good for your skin. It contains skin-protecting antioxidants, which is always a plus. It's also formulated with light-reflecting minerals which blends with your skin's natural oils making for a seamless finish. I was worried that they wouldn't have complementary shades for us BGs, but I was wrong. They have mixable shades that will blend well with our varying skintones.

Do you use mineral makeup?

*Alison Brod Public Relations and Guthy-Renker, LLC contacted me on behalf of Sheer Cover and provided me with the products for review in addition to gifting me for my attendance.