Fashion Week Begins!

Yep, it's that time of year again - New York Fashion Week! Last night kicked off the fashion frenzy with the The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection, which happens to be one of my favorite shows. Created in an effort to raise awareness about heart disease, celebrities turn on their inner-model and walk the runway.

Plenty of familiar BG faces were spotted strutting down the catwalk donning sexy, crimson-colored frocks.

Check out some of the pics:

Patti LaBelle


Eve


Camila Alves

Dania Ramirez


Taraji P. Henson


Laila Ali


Garcelle Beauvais

Do you own a red dress?

J. Hud's New Album Art

Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson just unveiled her cover art for her sophomore CD, I Remember Me, which is slated for release on March 22nd. She'll be performing her new single, "Where You At," on The Oprah Winfrey Show this Thursday.



Are you a J. Hud fan? What do you think of her weight loss? Has her new svelte figure inspired you to get fit?

Boots with the Best of Both Worlds

With the relentless winter weather we're having this year, having a pair of practical boots is a must. Believe it or not, trudging in knee-deep snow can be done in STYLE!

From fur-lined footwear to plastic Wellies, the wintry weather can be combated with the right boots. Although spring is on the horizon, we still have weeks of snowy forecasts ahead of us. The good news is that if you haven't already (or if your boots won't make it through the season) copped a pair of fashionable and functional boots to keep your toes toasty, you're sure to find a steal with all of the end-of-season sales that are in full swing!

Check these out:

Hunter High Gloss Boots available at www.zappos.com for $125


Pajar Grip Military Boots available at www.lorisshoes.com for $174


Australian Luxe Charlotte Black Winter Boots available at www.shirise.com for $240


Nike Winter Solstice Boot available at www.nike.com for $100


Kamik Women's Shearling Paige Winter Boots available at www.endless.com for $99.95


Sorellington Boots available at www.sorel.com for $81.90


Spring Pavy Boots available at www.zappos.com for $55.99


Tecnica Women's Sofia TCY Winter Boot available at www.endless.com for $115.20


The North Face Abby III Boots available at www.bloomingdales.com for $165


The North Face Nuptse Knee-High Boots available at www.bloomingdales.com for $170

Do you own a pair of cute, functional, and comfortable boots? How has the weather been in your neck of the woods?

Event Alert: Black History Month in Chicago!

I am proud that NYC and my hometown Chicago are bustling with Black History Month events every year.

One particular event stood out to me this year, since it combines African American history with youth mentoring-- two of my favorite things!

To celebrate Black History Month, youth will partake in a Dance, Music and Theatre workshop at the RAINBOW PUSH headquarters in Chicago this Saturday, February 5th from 12pm - 3pm. Through the arts, youth will explore past and present African American pioneers. The event will feature special prizes and giveaways and is organized by C.Stanback Enterprises & Rainbow Push. More information can be found at www.cstanbackenterprises.org.



What Black History events are you planning to attend this month?

The Best Man Cast Reunites!

It's hard to believe, but it's been 12 years since one of my favorite movies, The Best Man, opened in theaters across the country. Yep, over a decade since we all fell in love with the gorgeous buppie crew. To this day, I can still recite some of my favorite lines from the flick. Oh and every time I hear Cameo's "Candy" song I think of this cinematic gem!



The cast and director Malcolm Lee gathered for dinner last Saturday to catch up and take a stroll down memory lane. Check out the pics:


Monica Callhoun, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut and Terrence Howard, Back Row: Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Sanaa Lathan, Harold Perrineau, Melissa DeSousa and Director Malcolm D. Lee.


Nia Long, Monica Callhoun and Director Malcolm D, Lee


Sanaa Lathan, Terrence Howard and Regina Hall.


Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, and Regina Hall.


Taye Diggs and Terrence Howard.


Taye Diggs, Harold Perrineau and Morris Chestnut.


Left Side of the Table Taye Diigs, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Harold Perrineau, on the Right of the Table Regina Hall, Sanaa Lathan, Director Malcolm D. Lee, Melissa DeSousa, Terrence Howard and Monica Callhoun.

Photos by: Eric Charbonneau
Are you a fan of The Best Man? If so, what's your favorite scene/line? Where have all of the good movies with a predominately African-American cast gone? :-(

New Product Alert: Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System

Looks like the lovely people at Olay have decided to try their hand at an exfoliating skincare system a la Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System. Its toothbrush-esque bristles are supposed to slough away dead skin cells while deep-cleaning pores, leaving behind a clearer complexion.

I have yet to try this latest beauty gadget, but if it's anything like the Clarisonic brand, it's a steal for only $30! I use my Clarisonic Mia several times a week and am always pleased with the results. However, I am tempted to try Olay's simply because I swear by all of their products, especially their tried-and-true daily moisturizer. Hmm...will they convert me...perhaps!


Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System available at www.amazon.com for $27.54

Have you tried this product? It's definitely an affordable alternative to the Clarisonic brand. What do you use to keep your skin looking sensational?

Also, the winners of the Usher VIP cologne are: Angelina and T! Congrats! Please send me your mailing addresses.

Usher Contest & Cologne Giveaway!

Since Valentine's Day is right around the corner, why not score a bottle of Usher's new "VIP" cologne for the guy in your life? Plus, if you're an Usher fan, there's a cool contest that ends tomorrow, Friday, January 28th at 11:59 EST - so you'll have to act fast! Here are the deets:

Usher wants to know about the “VIPs” that have made a difference in your life! Write in a 50 to 250 word essay and share a photo of the person who has made the biggest positive impact in your life for a chance to win a WIN a trip to New York City!! Nine runner-up winners will receive autographed Usher albums and a bottle of Usher VIP!

Click the Facebook link to enter and for additional information:


VIP is a woody fragrance mixed with sensual notes of spices and exotic saffron that will surely have your guy smelling good.

You can win one here at BGG! Simply tell me your favorite song from the R&B heartthrob and 2 winners will be randomly selected and announced next week.

To my fellow New Yorkers - stay warm and safe. This is some winter we're having! ;-)

Birthday Wishes for my Baby!

As some of you know, my daughter Ava turned 1 year old last week! I can't believe how fast the time has gone. It seems just like yesterday I was waddling around with a big, bourgeoning belly and now she's taking her first steps! In honor of her 1st bday, I thought I'd share a funny photo of her with you guys. The happiness she brings me is immeasurable!


She's watching Yo, Gabba Gabba in what looks like utter disbelief!

I'll be back tomorrow with a new, updated post. :-)

Spring for L'Oreal Products!

Last night I had the luxury of attending a sneak peek of L'Oreal's newest spring must-haves. Not only did the event showcase the brand's latest beauty buys in cosmetics, hair care, hair color, and skincare, but delicious desserts inspired by the products were also presented for us makeup mavens to munch on. For example, the new Magic Smooth Souffle Makeup was paired with a scrumptious chocolate mousse prepared by chef Roberto Alicea.

After testing the new serums, lip colors, and more, I'd have to say that the item that impressed me the most was the Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara. The two-step application lengthens and illuminates lashes and eyes. Available in 4 shades, the Black Quartz and Black Crystal are customized for us brown-eyed BGs. You know I've never met a mascara that I didn't love and this one definitely doesn't disappoint.



So this spring, be on the lookout for these low-cost, yet luxurious buys from L'Oreal!

Are you a fan of the brand? If so, what are your favorite L'Oreal products?

Rihanna: Pop Performer Now Perfumer

Rihanna, the R&B singer and burgeoning fashionista is the latest celebrity to add her two "scents" to the fragrance world. Her debut perfume, Reb'l Fleur is a lovely mix of prime fruits and ambrosial florals, as well as a tantalizing mix of vanilla, patchouli and amber. The fragrance, as well as the packaging personifies the pop diva's pretty-as-a-petal beauty, while highlighting her edginess.

You can get your hands on this sure-to-be Valentine's Day must-have once it arrives in stores next month. In fact, BGG will be giving away 3 bottles from our favorite Barbadian beauty.


Available in February at retailers nationwide for $49 (1.7 oz)

Would you try this fragrance? Stay tuned, there will be a giveaway in the next few weeks!

Chicago Event Alert: Stars for Hope Pakistan Flood Relief Fundraiser

As we reflect upon last year's devastating earthquake in Haiti, another natural disaster was nearly overlooked in the media and press - the Pakistan flood. The number of individuals affected by the flooding exceeds the combined total of individuals affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

That's why the organization Stars for Hope, is conducting a fundraising event in Chicago this Sunday, January 16th to help raise funds for the victims. There will be a bevy of BGs and guys in attendance including Top Chef's Malika Ameen and Glee's Iqbal Theba.


Visit www.starsforhope.org for more information.


So if you're in Chicago this weekend, this event is a great opportunity to support a good cause.

Back in "The Game"

Last night I was invited to the exclusive premiere screening of my favorite scripted TV show, "The Game," here in NYC. However, due to my absent-mindedness, I totally forgot about it! It wasn't until about 10pm last night as I was feeding Ava that I remembered. Once you embark upon the journey of motherhood, it's like your memory becomes complete mush! Well, since I missed the sneak peek, I definitely won't be missing the premiere tonight airing on it's new home, BET 10/9c.

Will you be watching?

Are You a Frugalista?

Since the recession went into full-swing back in 2007, most of us have tried to cut back on our expenses. Author and blogger and fellow BG, Natalie P. McNeal took her scaled-back spending efforts a step further and documented her debt online for the world to see with her blog, TheFrugalista.com.

After divulging her $20,000 secret (debt) and having successfully found ways to stay fabulous while being frugal has resulted in a must-read book titled, The Frugalista Files. Formatted as a detailed debt diary, McNeal takes readers along on her journey towards financial freedom.

If you enjoy getting weekly manis and pedis and watching cable TV, but know that it's killing your bottom line, then this book is for you!



How do you cut costs, while staying fabulous? Three lucky readers will win a copy. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

**Congratulations to Product Junkie Diva for winning the Queen Collection lipstick. Please email me your shade of your choice and your mailing address!

Queen Collection Launches New Lip Colors!

Looking for a new lip color to kick-start the New Year? Look no further than our favorite Covergirl, Queen Latifah's, new Queen Collection Lip Color.

Each of the 24 richly pigmented, stand-out shades were made with us BGs in mind; so they're sure to complement our lovely skin-tones. Not only do the colors pop, but they also moisturize giving us a pretty and hydrated pucker. From deep browns and spices to corals and reds hues, you're certain to find your perfect shade!


Available at drugstores nationwide.


Do you plan on switching up your makeup style this year? One lucky reader will win one of the Queen Collection lipsticks (winner will select shade). Simply tell me why you'd like to try this new lip collection. The winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

Great Makeup/Hair YouTube Tutorial Page

If you're ever in the need for a fun, quick, and comprehensible makeup/hair tutorial, please check out one of the best - Bombshell Artistry! Plus, if you're in the Chicagoland area and need to be beautified, check her out for personal bookings!



Do you use YouTube for makeup/hair tutorials?