Ravishing Ruffles!

Want to look sexy, ladylike and chic all at the same time? Well, the key to achieving this look is easy when you drape yourself in ruffles! Of course ruffles have ripped the runway for a few seasons now, but this fall they have never looked so pretty! Whether you opt for chiffon or even tweed, this wearable trend allows you to explore your super girly side, while still maintaining a sleek and sophisticated style.

Would you wear ruffles?

Check out these lovely pieces:


I actually received this adorable, yet practical tank during Fashion Week. I absolutely love it! Plus, it's only $24. I've worn it twice under a cropped jacket already. Available at www.express.com


Herringbone Fiona Jacket available at www.jcrew.com for $150


Wrap Ruffled Dress available at www.standardstyle.com for $117


Ruffled Silk Wrap available at www.gap.com for $39.99


Phoebe Couture Ruffled V-Neck Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $288


Max Studio Ruffle Sweater Dress available at www.maxstudio.com for $88


William Rast Ruffle Broken Twill Jacket available at www.nordstrom.com for $398


Arden B. Long Sleeve Ruffle Top available at www.ardenb.com for $48


Brown Graphic Tweed Ruffle Coat available at www.bluefly.com for $270


BCBG Max Azria Ruffle Shirt Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $87.90


Black Poly-Taffeta Ruffle Dress available at www.bluefly.com for $209


Bebe Ruffle Soft Leather Bomber Jacket available at www.bebe.com for $249

Fresh Fragrances for Fall

With the onset of the fall season, many things begin to change and fragrances are no exception. During the colder months, many people often switch up their scents. This fall there are plenty of new perfumes that are worthy of a whiff. From Usher's new fragrance for women to Ralph Lauren's latest addition. Whether you prefer fruity, floral smells or earthy aromas, this fall there's a fragrance that you'll fancy!

Do you use the same perfume year-round or do you change it with the seasons?


Usher Raymond for Women 3.4oz fruity floral fragrance available at department stores nationwide for $68


Lolita Lempick 1oz. Eau De Parfum Spray is a warm exotic scent of granginpani blossoms available at www.sephora.com for $46


Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker 3.4oz exudes creamy musks along with sandalwood and orris smells available at www.sephora.com for $68


Salvatore Ferragamo Incanto Collection 0.17 oz comes in Heaven, Shine and Charms available at www.sephora.com for $30


Viva La Juicy 1.7oz Eau De Parfum is a blend of mixed berries, vanilla, jasmine, gardenia and caramel available at www.sephora.com for $65


Ralph Lauren's Notorious for Women 1 oz. Eau De Parfum has an alluring lay of spicy oriental scents available at www.sephora.com for $42

Shopper's Delight

When it comes to shopping, there are usually only a few stores I frequent. I am all about hunting for fabulous fashions that don’t cost a fortune. That’s why some of my favorite places to buy clothes are Daffy’s, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Century 21 and Filene’s Basement. These chain discount stores are the best for finding designer bargains for less, especially during these uncertain economic times. I’ve found some of the cutest dresses, shoes and handbags that would ordinarily be out of my budget, but got them at affordable prices at these stores. It's funny because none of my friends or family enjoy going to any of these stores because they're usually disorganized with too much merchandise to sift through, but for me that's part of the thrill and allure. To me, visiting bargain basement stores are akin to going on a treasure hunt!

Oh and of course you guys know how much I love to shop online (Macys.com, Nordstrom.com and Shopstyle.com)!!

Where are your favorite places to get fabulous fashions?

And the Winner Is...

Thanks to all who left a comment every day last week in honor of BGG's 1-year anniversary. As promised, one lucky reader has won the gift bag filled with fabulous goodies worth over $300!

And the winner is...

Congratulations MakeupbyRenRen!!



I want to give a special thanks to my wonderful sponsors. I have used and love every last one of the products that were included in the gift bag. So a big thanks goes to Cetaphil, Bliss, Miss Jessie's, Susan Posnick, Neutrogena, Dr. Miracle's, Sally Beauty, A Design Brushes, Barackawear and Smashbox. I want to especially thank Melissa S. who really helped make this giveaway possible!!

Last but definitely not least, I want to give an extra special thanks to those readers and fellow bloggers who have been with BGG since the beginning: K-Bear, Mimieyes, Kwana, Ondo Lady, T, Anthesis, PCD, PJD, B., Meme, KBL, NerdGirl, Kittyvodka, Soul, Solshine, 12Kyle, Don, and Dominican Enigma!!! :-)

I'm going to take the day off and reflect on the wonderful year I've had with BGG. Stay tuned to for more fun giveaways!!

BGs & the Big Screen

Ever wonder why movies like, Love Jones, The Best Man, Brown Sugar and other similar films are rarely found in theaters? Well, the answer is complex and is often a result of racism, but there are a couple of obvious ways that we can reverse this disparity so that our stories are shown on the big screen too.

Last Friday, I attended an interesting panel discussion about the state of black women in Hollywood hosted by Essence during the Urbanworld Film Festival here in NYC. The panel consisted of famed TV producer Suzanne de Passe (Zane: The Sex Chronicles, Sister, Sister, etc.), director/writer Gina Prince-Bythewood (Secret Life of Bees, Love & Basketball, etc.), actress Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda) and SVP, Production for Fox Searchlight Zola Mashariki (Notorious B.I.G). They spoke about the difficulties of breaking into the world of film for African-Americans, particularly African-American women, as well as solutions that could possibly make a difference.


From left, Suzanne De Passe, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Sophie Okonedo.

According to these esteemed panelists, the following two actions can help us get quality movies that we want to see in the theaters:

*Stop buying boot-legged DVDs!!
*Support films that star a predominately ethnic cast during the opening weekend!!



So go out and see the Secret Life of Bees starring, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys when it comes out in theaters on October 17th. Click here to view the trailer.

If we support films featuring us BGs and guys, perhaps more will be made for all of us to enjoy!

What is your favorite film starring an African-American cast? What are your thoughts on this subject? Are you guilty of partaking in movie piracy? Come on, BGG won't tell on you! :-)

Best Beauty Buys For Under 5 Bucks!

I know that BGG oftentimes encourages you to run out and buy a luxurious lipstick, or a pricey compact, but I know that times are hard. With the stressful economic struggles that we’re currently facing it can be unwise to make unnecessary expensive purchases; that’s why I’ve found these great beauty buys for under $5. Drugstore brands are usually just as good as the department store kind. Being beautiful doesn’t always have to break the bank.

Do you prefer purchasing drugstore brand cosmetics or higher-end makeup lines?

Check these out:


Covergirl Wetslicks Lipstick available at www.drugstore.com for $4.74


Jane Blushing Cheeks available at www.drugstore.com for $3.32


Max Factor Eyelash Curler available at www.drugstore.com for $4.29


Maybelline Shine Free Foundation with H20 available at www.drugstore.com for $4.49


Milani Lipsticks available at www.drugstores.com for $3.49


Physicians Formula Mineral Eyeliner Pencil available at www.drugstore.com for $4.17


Revlon Fabulash Mascara available at www.drugstore.com for $4.93


Say Yes to Carrots Lip Butter available at www.drugstore.com for $3.69

Get Cuffed!

Accessories are a must for those who want to create a chic, polished look. This fall season it's all about cute cuff bracelets to add that extra dose of glamour. Cuffs come in an array of styles, sizes, textures and materials. Find one that suits your style and get cuffed!

Would you wear cuff bracelets?

Check out some of these:


Kara Ross Small Python Gold Cuff available at www.vivre.com for $316


Sibillia Concentric Circle Cuff available at www.vivre.com for $185


Marc by Marc Jacobs Faux Bow Solid Crazy Cuff available at www.shopbop.com for $78


Forever 21 Arrow Metal Cuff available at www.forever21.com for $5.80


Lisa Stewart Braided Rope Cuff available at www.vivre.com for $172


Kara Ross Large Oval Cuff available at www.saks.com for $275


Fendi Logo Cuff available at www.netaporter.com for $280


Leaf Recycled Metal Cuff available at www.target.com for $38


Liz Claiborne Fresh Pain Textured Cuff available at www.lizclaiborne.com for $32


Kenneth Jay Lane Snake Cuff available at www.shopbop.com for $110


Textured Layered Cuff available at www.nordstrom.com for $138

BGG Celebrates 1-Year Anniversary!!

**First, let me say that my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Texas who have been affected by Hurricane Ike. K-Bear, I hope that you are back on your feet soon. :-)

I can't believe it's been one whole year since I launched Brown Girl Gumbo. It all started last September with me wanting to share my love of writing about fashion, beauty and entertainment with like-minded women via the internet. I had no idea who, if anyone, would find my site and read it. Slowly, but surely I began to find an audience who has been loyal, kind and SUPER supportive. I know it sounds corny, but I really couldn't have done it without you!! I appreciate every single one of you who reads and enjoys BGG. I especially want to thank those readers who leave comments because it lets me know that there are people out there who are reading, but I love the ones who don't comment too! :-)

In celebration of my 1-year anniversary, I want to give one lucky reader a gift bag filled with goodies worth over $300. Starting today (September 15th), all you have to do is leave a comment everyday until September 21st. I will take all of your names and put them in a hat and draw one lucky reader at random on September 22nd. This contest is only eligible for readers living within the United States. The winner will be announced on September 22nd (my actual anniversary). The prize will be delivered within 2 weeks of the announcement.

Have you ever won anything from a contest?

Here are some goodies that will be included:


Barack the Vote 3/4 t-shirt retails for $25 at www.barackawear.com


Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue Hold Styling Cream retails for $38 at www.missjessies.com


Neutrogena Moistureshine Lipsheers Lipstick retails for $9 at drugstores nationwide


Dr. Miracle's Oil Sheen retails for $8.99 at drugstores nationwide


A Design Brush Set retails for $63 at www.adesignbrushes.com


Tools Science Nano Silver Digital Styling Iron retails for $89 at www.sallysbeauty.com


Smashbox Bionic Mascara retails for $19 at www.nordstrom.com


Bliss Hot Salt Scrub retails for $36 at www.blissworld.com


Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Duo in Iced Coffee retails for $7.64 at drugstores nationwide


Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser retails for $7.99 at drugstores nationwide


Susan Posnick Colorflo Mineral Foundation retails for $64 at www.susanposnick.com