And the Ri-Ri Perfume Winner Is...

The winner of the Rebelle by Rihanna perfume is Dada Chiku!! Congratulations!! Please email me your mailing address at karla@browngirlgumbo.com. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Stay tuned for more giveaways!

R.I.P Whitney Houston: We Will Always Love You

As a child born in the 80s, I like so many other young girls danced and pranced to the songs of Whitney Houston. Her megawatt smile captivated us as we fell in love with her incomparable voice. Throughout the years we saw the pop superstar soar to chart-topping highs and we unfortunately witnessed her ultimate demise.

While she publicly struggled with substance abuse for years, we loved her unconditionally and hoped that she'd recover and make a solid comeback. We imagined her wowing us once again with her powerful pipes, but due to various speculated reasons she was never able to reclaim her vocal prowess.

Whitney Houston 1963-2012

Even though she's sadly no longer physically present, her music movies, and fun-loving spirit will live on forever. She's now singing with the angels along with our beloved Michael Jackson and guest starring on Don Cornelius' Soul Train: The Heaven Edition. May she rest in peace.

What is your favorite Whitney Houston song/movie?

Event Recap: AmberMag's Survival Secrets of Game Changers

Although New York Fashion Week didn't officially start until two days after AmberMag's Survival Secrets of Game Changers event with stylist to the stars Rachel Johnson and style expert and author Daisy Lewellyn, it was a great way to kick off the fashionable festivities.

Hosted by Marcia Cole, founder of AmberMag, the event was packed with over 100 beautiful and like-minded women eager to learn the secrets from the night's industry pros: Johnson and Lewellyn. Held at the UniWorld offices here in New York City, Johnson and Lewellyn dished about the do's and the don'ts of making it in the fickle fashion business.

Daisy Lewellyn and Rachel Johnson

Having helped transform athletes such as Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony into rising fashion figures, Johnson was completely candid and transparent in divulging what it took for her to become the authority on styling some of the most prominent professional athletes in sports.

Attendees enjoying delicious nibbles.

While Lewellyn who has worked at various fashion glossies served as the moderator throughout the evening,  she also shared personal stories and informational tidbits on how to make it in fashion journalism.

Super stylish attendees

From how to land a coveted internship to how to act professionally at industry fetes to the importance of staying humble, they spilled the beans on everything that any aspiring celebrity fashion stylist or editor would need to know to make it in the oftentimes cut-throat industry.

If you'd like to learn from seasoned pros in the beauty, fashion, media, and non-profit sectors, AmberMag's Survival Secret speaker series is an event that you won't want to miss.

*Photos by Cali York Photograph

Click here to learn more.

Do you frequent networking events and mixers in your area?

Coo-Coo for Carol's Daughter Coconut Mist

I have yet to try anything from Carol's Daughter that I didn't absolutely love. I'll admit, my beauty closet is packed with products from the lovely BG entrepreneur. That said, when I heard that there was a new Coconut Dry Oil Mist, I couldn't wait to try it.

Available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $21 (4.0 fl oz)

Not surprisingly, I was not disappointed. Made with coconut and açai berry extracts, aloe leaf juice, and shea butter the light oil spray hydrates skin leaving behind a flattering glow. Ideal during the winter months when our skin is in major need of moisture, this mist provides just the right layer to help keep skin glistening.

Plus, it softens and makes skin smell downright delightful.

Do you use body oil sprays?

NEW: Covergirl Queen Collection Launches Eye-Catching Liners

Rimming my dark brown peepers with eye-liner is a part of my daily beauty routine. Honestly, without eye-liner I'd look like I haven't slept in years. Actually since becoming a mom, that wouldn't be an exaggeration, but I digress. 

While I typically stick with very, very, VERY black kohl liners, Covergirl Queen Collection's new Vivid Impact Eye Liners has me reconsidering. The collection includes 6 eye-catching shades: Midnight, Cabernet, Jade, Amethyst, Gilt, and Truffle. The green hue is my favorite because it's vibrant and ideal for spring. Also, they go on effortlessly and have a smudging tip to create a dramatic look. Plus, they're waterproof! 

Available at www.drugstore.com for $7.99

If you dare to stray from the tried-and-true black liners, definitely check out the Queen Collection. 

Would you wear colored eye-liners?

She's Baaack...Beyonce Shows of Post-Baby Body

Looks like Beyonce will continue to be the envy of onlookers. The slim, superstar singer stepped out publicly in New York City for the first time since giving birth to her daughter, Blue Ivy, to celebrate her husband Jay-Z's upcoming concert dates at Carnegie Hall.

Merely a month after welcoming her new bundle of joy, Beyonce's body looks as if it's already bounced back into shape. Last night the new mom was spotted at the 40/40 club wearing a reddish-orange, Alice Temperly dress that accentuated her curves and of course a pair of embellished Christian Louboutin heels to top off her pulled-together look.

Beyonce at her first public appearance since giving birth at the 40/40 Club in New York City.

I must admit, I didn't have a hard time dropping my baby weight after having my daughter in 2010, but I credit it genetics and breastfeeding. Not sure what Mrs. Carter's secret is, but I'm sure we'll here about it in due time.

If you're a mother, how long did it take you to flaunt your pre-baby body again? How did you drop the weight?

Listen: Brandy & Monica's New Duet

As I mentioned last month, Brandy and Monica are back with a brand-new sure-to-be hit, "It All Belongs to Me," 14 years after their first Grammy-winning duet, "The Boy Is Mine."

The single will be on both Brandy and Monica's upcoming projects, and will be available for purchase  February 14.

From the sound of it, the former teen songstresses are proving that they still have what it takes to top the charts.

Take a listen below:


What do you think? Do you like it?

Giveaway Alert: Red-Hot Must-Haves for Valentine's Day

Now that the Super Bowl is over, it's time to shift gears and focus on the next big occasion - Valentine's Day. From chocolate-flavored lip balms to mouthwatering red velvet cupcakes this list of sweet and sexy items will help make this romantic day one to remember.

However, if you don't have a special someone to spend the day, these products also make great gifts to buy for the most important person in your life - you!

**Rebelle by Rihanna Eau de Parfum 3.4 oz: The singer's follow-up fragrance is a scentsational mix of tantalizing notes of ginger, vanilla, strawberry, plum, and other tropical splendor. Plus the underlying creamy musk makes this the perfect scent for the sweet and sassy rebel at heart. 

Available at www.macys.com for $59

Crumbs Bake Shop Valentine Gourmet Taste 12-Pack available at www.crumbs.com for $24

Palmer's Dark Chocolate & Peppermint Lip Butter available at www.drugstore.com for $2.39

Victoria's Secret Super Soft Babydoll Set available at www.victoriassecret.com for $50

The Body Shop Chocomania Body Scrub available at www.thebodyshop-usa.com for $18

Tiffany Lock Heart Ring in Sterling Silver and 18K Rose Gold available at www.tiffany.com for $325

Baby-G Shock Women's Red Resin Watch available at www.amazon.com for $79

Victoria's Secret Mini Gift Set (includes: body mist and lotion) available at www.victoriassecret.com for $18

**One lucky winner will win a bottle of Rihanna's Rebelle. Simply leave a V-day related comment and/or retweet this giveaway on Twitter. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday. Thanks in advance for participating. 

EVENT: Celebrate Romare Bearden's 100th Birthday w/Macy's

Between New York Fashion Week and events commemorating our history, February is shaping up to be a month chock full of fetes.  

In conjunction with Black History Month and the late Romare Bearden's 100th birthday, Macy's is celebrating the famed African-American artist and author's work. 

A series of Macy's stores across the country will highlight and pay tribute to the North Carolina native's artistic contributions by showcasing his renowned masterpieces. In addition to displaying his remarkable paintings, reception attendees' ears will also be treated to the delightful sounds of live jazz by artists performing Bearden's music.

Whether you're heading to Macy's this month to pick up a Rachel Roy frock for Valentine's Day or a new compact from the MAC counter, be sure to check out this don't-miss-event at a store near you. 

If you're in the New York City area and plan to attend the reception you'll get a perk! With any purchase of $50 or more, you'll receive a complimentary scarf printed with Bearden's most lauded piece, "The Lamp."

Check out the details:

What: Macy's Celebrates Romare Bearden's 100th Birthday

When: February 9, 2012 at 6pm (Exhibit runs 2/9 - 2/12)

Where: Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th Street

Who's your favorite artist?

*This was a sponsored post by BeEverywhere

Ring Around the Collar

Move over blingy notice-me necklaces and make room for more refined designs. Sleek gold collar statement pieces are popping up on celebrities and fashionistas for a chic, bold look.

Whether hammered or hard-studded, these necklaces are an easy way to instantly add polish to any ensemble.

From L-R: Christina Milian, Angela Simmons, and Kelis rocking eye-catching gold collars.

Check out these picks:

Allen Schwartz Canary Coast Gold Tone Collar Necklace available at www.endless.com for $85

Alexis Bittar Liquid Gold Collar available at www.bloomingdales.com for $375

Kenneth Jay Lane Satin Gold Hinged Collar available at www.shopbop.com for $215

Hard-Studded Collar Necklace available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $24

Hive and Honey Hammered Collar Necklace available at www.piperlime.com for $26

Are you a fan of statement necklaces?

President Barack Obama Loves Black People

In an effort to ensure that we BGs and guys get out and re-elect President Barack Obama into office, he announced via video the 2012 launch of African-Americans for Obama campaign to rally African-American voters.

In the video, the president says, "I don't think there's a better time than African-American history month to consider the tremendous progress that we've made through the sacrifices of so many, or a better time to commit to meeting the very real challenges we face right now."

He added that he wants us "to continue making history," by using our voting power at the polls.

Watch the entire video below:

Do you think President Barack Obama will be re-elected?

Must-See TV: Black History Month

It's hard to believe it's February since we're experiencing such a mild winter, but it's here, which means it's our month to celebrate and recognize our contributions to the country. PBS has several programs that highlight African-American history and showcase our stories.

From a documentary on the abolition of slavery to an exploration of our communities in the 60s and 70s through film and music, PBS will air a slew of programs that will enlighten and inform during Black History Month.

Check out my must-see choices:

Slavery By Another Name: Wall Street Journal senior writer Douglas A. Blackmon, explores the little-known story of the post-Emancipation era and the labor practices and laws that effectively created a new form of slavery in the South that persisted well into the 20th century.
Airing Monday, February 13 at 9PM, EST

Independent Lens: The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975: Audio and visual interviews from African-American artists, activists, musicians, and scholars. Pictured: Angela Davis.
Airing Thursday, February 9 at 10pm, EST

Independent Lens "Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock": This program tells the story of Daisy Bates' life and public support of nine black students who registered to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, which culminated in a constitutional crisis — pitting a president against a governor and a community against itself.
Airing Thursday, February 2 at 10 pm, EST

How will you celebrate Black History Month? Will you be watching these programs?

Thank You, Don Cornelius

The news of Soul Train founder, Don Cornelius's death leaves me with a heavy heart. Like so many little young brown girls and guys, I made it a point to catch Soul Train every Saturday morning for years.

I remember tuning in to see my favorite acts at the time, Bell Biv Devoe, Another Bad Creation, and En Vogue perform on that famous Los Angeles soundstage. Just thinking about those music-filled mornings brings back such fond memories.

Music is the universal language and Mr. Cornelius showcased it on a weekly basis for decades. His contributions to our rich, cultural history is unprecedented and he will live on forever in our hearts and as we stroll down the next "Soul Train," line at a wedding. :-)

May he rest in love, peace and soul!

Natural Hair Files: Go-To Transitioning Styles

With so many of us women of color embracing our natural hair textures, it's no surprise that many of us grappling with finding styles that work well with our newfound curls, kinks, and coils. While I didn't go for the BC (big chop), I found styles that would camouflage my chemically-straightened strands with my newly grown thicker texture.

Throughout my journey, roller sets and two-strand twists were my go-to styles while I learned how to care for my natural hair. Those styles made my mane manageable while still looking chic and polished. In addition to those common transitioning styles, I also opted for top-knots and buns (with a scarf or simple headband), which I still wear if I'm too lazy to style it after a wash.

Me embracing the top-knot bun. 

What styles did you or do you currently wear as you transitioned to natural hair?

Must See TV: UNCF's An Evening of Stars

We all know that a mind is a terrible thing to waste thanks to UNCF's powerful motto. It's true - education truly is the key to success. Tune in to BET this Sunday to watch the 33rd Annual United Negro College Fund's An Evening of Stars showcase highlighting some of our brightest future leaders.

Each year UNCF makes it possible for more than 60,000 African-American students to attend college and equip them with the essential educational tools to make them successful citizens.

The night will be full of inspirational performances by Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Musiq Soulchild, and more while raising funds to continue making students' dreams come true.

The event will air January 29, at 11PM on BET.

Were you a college scholarship recipient?