More Bang for Your Beauty

Betcha didn't know that you can buy more than beautifying products on the popular Beauty.com website. That's right, now the cosmetics online retailer boasts a boatload of fashionable finds including bags, shades, shapewear, and jewelry. With brands like Spanx, Ray-Ban, Nicole Miller and more, you're sure to find the perfect piece to complement your pretty.

Check out a few of my favorite items from Beauty.com:

Christopher Kon "Corie" Tomato Red Clutch, $178

Dogeared 16" Good Luck Necklace, $54

Spanx "Power Panties," $30

Ray-Ban Sunglasses, $139.95

Do you find it interesting that an online beauty retailer is branching out to include fashion on its site? 

My Summer Reading Picks

Nothing says summer like hitting the beach and curling up with a good read. I've always been a fan of self-help books and biographies and the following books don't disappoint. Whether you download them on your e-Reader, iPad or simply find joy in turning actual paper pages, there are countless books to keep you occupied this summer!

Check out my picks:


"A Belle in Brooklyn," by Demetria Lucas


Oprah's Farewell Celebration: Inside 25 Extraordinary Years of the "The Oprah Winfrey Show" bookazine.


"Black Woman Redefined," by Sophia Nelson


"Starting Over," by LaToya Jackson

What's on your reading list for the summer? One lucky reader will win a copy of "A Belle in Brooklyn," by Demetria Lucas. Simply leave a comment telling me your favorite book genre (non-fiction, fiction, short stories, cookbooks, etc.) and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next week. **UPDATE** This contest has been extended until July 8th, so please submit your comments!

"Pint-Sized" Travel Sets

Since it's been several years since the TSA deemed it unsafe to tote toiletries and other liquids and gels in quantities exceeding 3.4 oz on commercial airplanes, finding your favorite "pint-sized" products has never been easier. Companies caught on quick by making convenient travel sets of everything from body lotions to shampoos that comply with the security restrictions.

I plan on doing quite a bit of traveling this summer so packing my small-sized essentials should be a cinch with these six sets:


Bliss Lemon & Sage Sinkside Six-Pack Travel Set available at www.macys.com for $25


Fresh Brown Sugar Escape available at www.cusp.com for $75


L'Occitane Nourish & Protect Shea Body Care Set available at www.sephora.com for $29


Ole Henriksen Starter Set available at www.sephora.com for $68


Philosophy The Travel Agent available at www.sephora.com for $35


Somme Institute Mobile Travel Kit available at www.nordstrom.com for $85

Are you planning a getaway this summer?

My Summer Beauty Basics

Even though the mercury's been rising consistently for several weeks now, summer doesn't officially start until next week. So in order to endure the balmy season, you'll need to have a few few basic summer beauty essentials.

For me, that includes the following:

Bold nail polish is my absolute favorite accessory during the summer. A pop of color adds a bit of whimsy to any ensemble. Essie always has a wide variety of eye-catching colors ideal for summer.


Instead of blotting, using a mattifying spritz like Skindinavia's No More Shine is a refreshing alternative for tackling oily skin.


My new obsession has been the combination of a gloss and balm like Topshop's Gloss Stick. It's not too sticky, but gives just the right amount of shine.


We all know the importance of sunscreen, but unfortunately not enough of us actually use products that protect our skin from the sun's rays. When I recently ran out of my tried-and-true Olay, I decided to give Aveeno's Ultra-Calming Moisturizing Cream with SPF a try and I've been pleased with the results.


Nothing says summer like beautifully bronzed skin. Iman's Afterglow Bronzer does the trick. The mix of pinks and gold makes your skin look sun-kissed.

What are your beauty must-haves of the season?

21 Drops of Heaven

After a busy week, unwinding is the first goal on my long list of to-do's this weekend. Luckily, I'll have some help getting a little R&R thanks to my newfound love of aromatherapy.

21 Drops, a modern line of therapeutic grade essential oils has a trio kit aptly called, "The Weekender," that includes "passion," "sleep," and "hangover" oils. Collectively blended from jasmine flower, sandalwood, and juniper fruit oil, this senses-stimulating set will have you bringing your sexy back, slumbering soundly, and detoxing from excess.




Available at www.21drops.com for $74.00


Do you use aromatherapy?

**The winner of the Dermablend brush set is: Tiffany, congratulations! Please send me your mailing address no later than Friday, June 17th.

Taking it to the Max!

Wearing long skirts has never been my thing. However, after seeing how lovely my BFF, Azeeza, looked donning a Zara maxi during her recent trip to Italy, I've refocused my fashion lens. Paired with a fitted tank or flowy blouse, maxi skirts can look polished and chic, yet still summery and laid-back.

While I admire the stylish, floor-skimming skirts on others, I'm still "skirting" around the idea of rocking this sure-to-be sizzling trend.


Azeeza wearing a Zara skirt, DVF top, Furla handbag, and Urban Outfitters sandals during her visit to Italy.


Check out this cool mix of maxis:


Free People Ruffle Maxi available at www.macys.com for $88


Asos Chiffon Maxi available at www.asos.com for $60.34


Elizabeth and James Flared Skirt available at www.saks.com for $265


Ella Moss Cali Chevron Maxi available at www.nordstrom.com for $138


Eternal Sunshine Creations Maxi available at www.revolveclothing.com for $149


Gamboling Maxi available at www.anthropologie.com for $228


Jasmine Blue Lable Ralph Lauren Maxi available at www.ralphlauren.com for $169


Maxi Prairie Skirt available at www.forever21.com for $22.80


Jasmine Silk Skirt available at www.ralphlauren.com for $169


Weekend Max Mara Faiti Ikat Maxi available at www.saks.com for $205


Tibi Silk Maxi available at www.saks.com for $297


Melissa Odabash Hannah Split-Leg Maxi available at www.theoutnet.com for $70

Are you a fan of maxi skirts?

Giveaway: Dermablend Celebrates Its 30-Year Anniversary

I've never been a big fan of foundations for everyday use, but I can NOT go a day without wearing concealer. Since my college years, I've worn Dermablend concealers to hide blemishes and diminish the appearance of dark under-eye circles.

Not only does Dermablend conceal minor imperfections, but it is known for its outstanding coverage of unsightly scars, tattoos and various skin ailments. This year the popular makeup brand is celebrating its 30-year anniversary. In honor of making us beautiful for 3 decades, I'm giving away a fabulous professional brush set (includes each of the brushes below) that will help you create a flawless complexion. (a $125 value!)



Concealer Brush, $22


Face & Body Brush, $40


Foundation Brush, $30


Powder Brush, $32

Simply leave a comment telling me what's your favorite makeup trend for the summer season and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later in the week.

Covergirl & LeSportsac Launch Cute Cosmetic Case Collection

Looking for cute cosmetic bags to tote on your summer getaway? If so, Covergirl has you covered! Last week the beloved brand joined forces with LeSportsac and renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath to create incredibly, adorable and durable cosmetics bags for the beauty buff. The eight-piece collection features never-before seen styles, shades and prints from LeSportsac inspired by Covergirl LipPerfection lipcolor. Ranging in size from small "Kiss Case," to the large "Professional Carry All," tote, these makeup cases are a cut above the rest.


Prices range from $25-$120 and will be available at LeSportsac boutiques and on LeSportsac.com.

Do you use makeup bags or toss your goods into your bag loosely?

I'm Not Abandoning BGG!

Don't think I've abandoned you this week, I've just been sick. Will be back on Monday. I missed out on several really cool events that I hope to still give you the deets about next week. Until then, have a wonderful weekend!

P.S Does anyone know of a smart, eager individual who would love to cover some of the coolest beauty & fashion events in New York City on my behalf from time to time? Being a full-time working mom, sometimes I can't attend events that would be great to feature on BGG. If so, please email me!

Black is Beautiful!

Over the holiday weekend I finally got the chance to watch the preview of the documentary, "Dark Girls," directed by Bill Duke. If you're unfamiliar with the video, it explores the deep-seated biases and attitudes about skin color - particularly women of a dark complexion.

The candor of the documentary's participants is why this must-see video has captured the attention of thousands. Being a mom to a little girl, I can only hope that as she grows up she will love herself regardless of people's ignorance.



Have you ever had any internal issues about your skin color? Were you ever teased because you were dark-skinned? Please share your thoughts.

Farewell Oprah...

Courtesy of Harpo

Today marks an end of an era in television. For nearly a quarter of a century, millions of viewers from around the world have tuned in and grown up with The Oprah Winfrey Show. Although I was only 6-years-old when the show first hit the airwaves, like so many other 80s babies, Oprah was THE queen of television in my household.

From shows on domestic violence to unbelievable giveaways, The Oprah Winfrey Show has taught me immensely throughout the years. Plus, being a Chicago native, I feel proud to have lived in the city that built Harpo.

It was always my dream to work for her and a few years ago I came VERY close to fulfilling that goal. However, at the time it was not meant to be. I'm sure that her inspiring and uplifting passion to enlighten the world will continue and ultimately go down in history. Oprah is by far one of America's greatest teachers and I'm forever grateful.

What's your favorite Oprah show/memory?

Cool Carol's Daughter Event for my NYC Beauty Babes

If you're in the New York City area and are a fan of Carol's Daughter, there's an event taking place right now that you won't want to miss. The brand known for their luscious lathers and sweet skin and hair care products is launching their Monoi collection at Sephora 34th Street today. The new spokesbeauties: Solange, Selita Ebanks and Cassie will be on-hand to celebrate the new hair care collection.



Beginning at 9am today, the first 250 customers to make a Monoi Gift Set purchase at the Sephora 34th street location will receive wristbands enabling them to meet Solange, Selita and Cassie in person later that evening (consumers should bring their own cameras to get their photo taken with the Spokesbeauties; one photo per person). Walk-ins will also be welcome during the consumer portion of the event.

Mini BGG Break

Dear Loyal and Lovely BGG Readers,

I'm taking a mini vacation and will be back blogging on Monday. I hope you all have a wonderful and productive week! :-)

Sail into Style with Stripes

We all have our go-to patterns or signature styles that we can never seem to have too much of, right? Well, striped clothing is by far one of my favorite things to buy. I can't even begin to count the number of striped shirts, sweaters, shoes, and dresses that have made a home in my closet throughout the years.

With the vast variations of the classic crisp nautical look, stripes can be sexy, preppy, or just plain fun!

If you want to ride the wave of linear looks with me this summer, check out some of my top picks:


Anne Taylor Tee available at www.anntaylor.com for $36.50


Knitted Navy Stripe Stitch Open Cardigan available at www.topshop.com for $80


J. Crew Maritime Stripe Blazer available at www.jcrew.com for $118


Maloles Zoe Stripe Flats available at www.cultstatus.com.au for $250


Vivienne Westwood Anglo-Mania Dress available at www.netaporter.com for $345


Elizabeth and James Sleeveless Tie-Front Stripe Top available at www.bloomingdales.com for $265


Blu Bijoux Orange Chevron Drop Earrings available at www.maxandchloe.com for $48


Faye Striped Skirt available at www.lastcall.com for $39 (originally $92!)


Diba 'Dance With Me' Red Satin Stripe Wedge Sandal available at www.heels.com for $58


Chevron Stripe Dress available at www.millyny.com for $295


BCBGeneration Stripe Drape Skirt available at www.dillards.com for $88

Are you a fan of stripes?

**The winner of the Vince Camuto shoes is BlessedOne! Please send me your mailing address along with your shoe size. Congrats! Thanks to everyone who left a comment for the contest.