These Bibs Aren't for Babies!

This spring it's all about opulent, over-sized necklaces that will add oomph to your outfits. Although bib necklaces have been around for a few seasons, it doesn't look like they're going anywhere anytime soon. At first glance they may seem a bit gaudy, but when worn with the right attire can instantly add drama and sophistication. Plus, these bold pieces aren't reserved for red carpet moments, they can also be worn with a simple scoop or square-neck dress or even over a t-shirt for a fashion-forward, yet casual flair.

Would you wear a bib necklace?

Bold Bib  Necklace available at www.bananarepublic.com for $69


Beaded Bib Necklace available at www.ardenb.com for $24


Luxe Spider-web Necklace available at www.bananarepublic.com for $150


Ben Amun Link Bib Necklace available at www.intermix.com for $345


Bauble Necklace available at www.bananarepublic.com for $49.99


Gerard Yosca Bib Necklace available at www.maxandchloe.com for $450


Xhilaration Bib Coil Black Necklace available at www.target.com for $6.49


Cooled Crescent Necklace available at www.anthropologie.com for $38

Timeless Tunes for Lovers

There's nothing more romantic than listening to a great love song. From Stevie Wonder to Mariah Carey, there are an abundance of great slow jams to get you in the mood for love. A classic love song speaks to your heart and soul while making you long for your significant other or dream of finding that one true love. I'm sure this Valentine's Day many of you will be listening to timeless romantic tunes.

I'm a die-hard R&B music fan, but what's your favorite love song or ballad singer?

Here are a few of my top picks:


"Amazing Love" by Luther Vandross.


"Dangerously in Love" by Beyonce


"Angel" by Anita Baker


"We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey


"Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder

Romantic Reel Picks

In case you don’t want to go out and brave the love-filled crowds on Valentine’s Day, why not curl up on the couch with your cutie and watch an oldie, but goodie love story? I’m a huge fan of nostalgia so popping in one of my favorite romantic DVDs is always a treat. The only problem is trying to convince my hubby to turn off ESPN and join me!

What’s your favorite big screen love story? Here are a few of my favorites starring us BGs and guys:


Love & Basketball (2000) starring Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan.


Brown Sugar (2002) starring Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan.


Boomerang (1992) starring Eddie Murphy, Robin Givens and Halle Berry.


Love Jones (1997) starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long.

BTW, the winner of the Wei East Natural Beauty Perfector Hand & Body Treatment is Wes! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address.

Sweet Beauty Treats for You!

Since my husband doesn't particularly participate in the hoopla of Valentine's Day, I don't anticipate receiving anything. That's perfectly fine because I don't have a problem picking up pretty packaged products for myself in the spirit of the lover's holiday. If you don't have a sweetie who will get you a gift, why not buy yourself a nice treat?

Check out some of these V-Day inspired gifts:


Wei East Natural Beauty Perfector Hand & Body Treatment available at www.weieast.com for $36.25


Philosophy Candy Hearts Lip Duo Lipgloss available at www.sephora.com for $20


Dust-Up Kissable Body Shimmer available at www.victoriassecret.com for $28


Clinique Happy In Bloom Perfume Spray available at www.nordstrom.com for $52


Perscriptives Duo Limited Edition In Bloom Cheek Color available at www.nordstrom.com for $24


Philosophy Pink Frosted Layer Cake Shower Gel, Shampoo & Bubble Bath available at www.sephora.com for $16


Aquolina Pink Sugar Luxury Gift Set available at www.sephora.com for $95


Lilly Pulitzer Candle available at www.sephora.com for $34


Twice Blushed Cinnamon & Cotton Candy Blush available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $46

**One lucky reader will win the Wei East Natural Beauty Perfector Hand & Body Treatment, which is a triple body cream that treats hands, body and cuticles by evening out skin tone while softening, moisturizing and illuminating (a $36 value). Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

Love-Inspired Lingerie

With Valentine's Day on Saturday, it's the perfect time to stock up on lingerie. Many stores offer great deals on pretty undergarments and sexy sets that aren't always available during the rest of the year. Whether you want to slip into a seductive slip for your significant other or something frilly just to make you feel good, buying intimate apparel is always fun!

Do you acknowledge Valentine's Day or do you see it as being a pointless Hallmark holiday?

Check out some of these lovely lingerie items:


Freya Bella Plunge Bra ($58) & Thong ($36) available at www.nordstrom.com


Silk Chiffon Ruffle Thong available at www.victoriassecret.com 3 for $30


DKNY Lace Allure Underwire Bra ($35) and Lace Thong ($29) available at www.macys.com


Avril Chemise available at www.gigiscloset.com for $49


Honey Dew Intimates Print Boy Shorts available at www.nordstrom.com for $14


Satin Slip available at www.victoriassecret.com for $42


Plunge Demi Bra and Skirt Thong available at www.victoriassecret.com (check website for pricing)

Grammy Time!

Even when we are going through incredibly trying times, nothing can work as an instant pick-me up like the universal language - music! With the 51st Annual Grammy's airing live on CBS on Sunday, I wanted to know what you guys thought of the nominations.

Do you agree with the list of nominees? What is your favorite? Do you feel like someone was overlooked? I personally felt as though Mariah Carey should've been nominated in at least one category because I loved every last song on her CD, E=MC2. Well, maybe not every single song, but most of them.


Ne-Yo's Year of the Gentleman is nominated for Album of the Year.


Estelle's "American Boy" is nominated for Record of Year.


Leona Lewis is nominated for several awards, including Best Pop Vocal for "Bleeding Love."


Jazmine Sullivan is nominated for Best New Artist. Click here to read my interview with her.


Lil' Wayne is nominated for several awards including, Album of the Year for Tha Carter III.


M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" is being nominated for Record of the Year.

Click here for the full list of nominations.
Btw, the winner of the $50 Home Depot gift card is Rebee! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address.

Keeping the Dream Alive Giveaway

The fact that we now have an African-American president can be attributed to the struggles and sacrifices made by countless men and women who believed in the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

That's why The Home Depot has created a special card in an effort to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King. They're working to build a permanent exhibition home for the personal writings and papers of Dr. King at at the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

You can purchase a "Dream" gift card now until February 28th and The Home Depot will donate 5% of all sales to the center, up to one million dollars. To learn more about King's papers, click here.

One lucky winner will win a $50 gift card to The Home Depot. I know it's not fashion/beauty related, but I'm sure it could come in handy for some. Simply leave a comment about what Black History Month means to you or a black history fact and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

The winners of the Colossal Volume Mascara are: Antithesis and Melissa L. Please email me your mailing address! Congrats!

Create Flawless Fringe!

I know I'm a bit late boarding the Maybelline Colossal Volume Express mascara bandwagon, but writing about a great product never gets old!

After reading several glowing reviews of the popular mascara, I was anxious to try it; but could never justify purchasing it since I already had so many brands of mascaras that were still unopened.

I finally got my chance to indulge in lash-lengthening heaven when I found it on sale at Target - 2 tubes for only $3! This much-hyped mascara definitely lived up to all the reviews. The bristles seemed to gently comb through my lashes perfectly giving them instant length and fullness. It's like false lashes in a bottle!

Have you ever tried this mascara? If so, what are your thoughts?

Since I picked up several tubes during my Target visit, I'd love to give away a tube to 2 lucky readers. Just leave a comment and the winners will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

Fur: Fabulous or Faux Pas?

When it comes to the world of fashion, there are several hot topics that are sure to ruffle the feathers of die-hard fashionistas - fur is one of them. To wear it or not to wear it is the question for many. I have a fashion fanatic friend who swears by fur. She'll wear everything from mink to faux chinchilla. She believes that it's a timeless way to instantly add glamour and drama to any ensemble. While I, on the other-hand have never purchased a single fur item, neither faux or the real deal. It's not that I'm an adamant PETA activist, it's just that it doesn't fit into my personal style. **Pictured above: Ashanti, Beyonce and Mary J. Blige.

So I'm wondering what's your take on fur? Would you wear it either real or fake? Please share your thoughts.

For those of you who would wear fur, check out these affordable faux jackets and vests:


Marvin Richards Faux Fur Jacket available at www.nordstrom.com for $79.90


Development Brown Faux Fur Button Vest available at www.bluefly.com for $195.29


Faux Fur Hoodie available at www.expressfashion.com for $168


Juicy Couture Hooded Faux Fur Swing Coat available at www.shopbop.com for $250.60


Juicy Couture Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat available at www.nordstrom.com for $294


Seaton Joplin Faux Fur Vest available at www.shopbop.com for $70.50 (orig. $250)


Wendy Katlen Faux Chinchilla Fur Jacket available at www.shopgoldyn.com for $262

Words of Wisdom Contest

With Black History Month around the corner, I wanted to let my historically black college and university (HBCU) readers know about a fabulous contest. Alltel Wireless has asked bloggers to help spread the word about their "Words of Wisdom" contest where ten students will have the chance to receive a $10,000 scholarship to a participating black college or university by writing an essay.

Plus, all 10 winners will be honored at an awards luncheon to be held Thursday, March 12th, 2009 in Little Rock, Arkansas. "Words of Wisdom" spokesperson and esteemed poet and author, Dr. Maya Angelou, will personally present each winner with their scholarship. Click here for more information.


In these tough economic times scholarships are more important than ever.

Speaking of "Words of Wisdom," when it comes to beauty and fashion, it's always fun to play around with fads and trends, but being yourself is always in style!

What words of wisdom do you live by? Please share! Are you an HBCU alum or current student?