Blushing Beauty

Iman, Rihanna and June Ambrose (celebrity fashion stylist).

Even though we're used to seeing blacks, greys, and creams on the red carpet during the colder months, it seems like a few fashionistas have stepped out of that boring box and have opted for blush tones to add a bit of softness and femininity to the fall/winter color palette. This fleshy shade is flattering on most skin tones and creates a subtle sexiness.

Are you a fan of this shade? Check out some of these items:


Antik Batik Silk Blouse available at www.yoox.com for $185


Antik Batik Dress available at www.yoox.com for $470.25


Charm Ruched Tube Dress available at www.ardenb.com for $54


Crista Dress by Guess by Marciano available at www.marciano.com for $185


Masscob Silk Dress available at www.yoox.com for $208


Steve Madden Women's Regal Pump available at www.endless.com for $89.95


Miu Miu Leather Lambskin Gloves available at www.yoox.com for $128


Sonoma Beanie Hat available at www.kohls.com for $14


Vanessa Bruno Slik Top available at www.yoox.com for $190


Carlos Falchi Metallic Blush Tote available at www.shirise.com for $225

Candy Girl

Carol's Daughter is known for their fantastic bath & body products, but their lip glosses are just as fabulous! I've been on the hunt for the perfect pink lip gloss shade for months, if not years and their All Natural Candy Paint lip gloss in Razz-Berry Beret has been the answer to my pink lipped-prayers. It's a universal pink that will complement all skin tones.


All Natural Candy Paint in Razz-Matazz available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $13.50

Staying true to the au naturel mantra that Carol's Daughter touts, Candy Paint glosses are infused with natural moisturizing ingredients like grape seed oil, shea butter, aloe, etc., which helps repair lips while creating a beautiful shine. Plus, this luxurious gloss isn't sticky like so many others.

Have you ever tried any of Carol's Daughter lip glosses? If not, you should definitely give them a try!

Fine Job

One of my absolute favorite celebrity makeup artists, Sam Fine, has worked his makeup magic again - this time on actress/comedienne Mo'Nique. In preparation for her L.A premiere of the much-buzzed-about movie, Precious, Mr. Fine gave her a gorgeous glow that complemented her beautifully beaded gold gown.


Sam working his magic on Mo'Nique before the premiere of Precious in L.A.


If you'd like to find out how to get Mo'Nique's bronzed and beautiful look, follow these steps provided by Sam Fine himself:

Face: “The key here is to layer [subtle] your bronzer and blush until it looks like a sculpted version of you. After finishing her base, I used a dark hued bronzer from the CoverGirl Queen, and then layered it with the Iman Sheer Finishing Bronzer in Afterglow, which contains a bronzer, blush and highlighter trio.”

Eyes: “This is a bleached brow – and no it doesn’t match her hair! I did this to allow her brows and eyes to really pop and stand out – again this goes back to being part of the ‘carved out’ look, and just allowed her to glow even more. I lined her eyes, and then used a beige liner – not a white liner because that would create too much of a contrast – on the inner rim of her lower lash line. The beige liner is much more subtle than white but still opens up the eye area. I then used golden hues on her lids, like Stila Eyeshadow in Twig ($18), and Nars Eyeshadow in NightsStar ($22). Lashes are a must on the red carpet so of course I used false lashes! I fused her natural lashes and the falsies with L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara ($7.50) I finished the look by adding a touch of gold glitter on the inner corners of her eyes to offset her dress!”

Lips: “ I also used golden hues on the lips but took the same ‘layering’ approach like I did with the rest of the face. This means I used lip liner, lipstick and a golden gloss (try Dior Addict Ultra Gloss) to complete this look.”



For more detailed, step-by-step tips on how to create a winning look, be sure to pick up Sam Fine's DVD, The Basics of Beauty available at www.amazon.com for $24.99

Do you like Mo'Nique's look? Would you try this at home for a special night out/occasion?

Gold Rush

Just like the boyfriend blazer and the boyfriend jeans, sometimes we girls just want to borrow a few fashions from the fellas. Right now, it's all about men's style wristwatches.

This season the gold-tone link bracelet watch is the perfect accessory because it's pretty, yet practical. It adds a bit of an edge to any ensemble, while still providing a subtle feminine flair with a few delicate details.

Would you wear a watch of this style?

Check out some of these:


SEIKO SG788 available at fredmeyerjewelers.com for $188


Betsey Johnson Metallic Link Watch available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $95


AK Anne Klein Ceramic Bracelet Watch available at www.nordstrom.com for $95


Marc by Marc Henry Watch available at www.shopbop.com for $225


Seiko Kinetic SKA401 available at www.jcpenny.com for $318.75


D & G Time Pampelonne 46mm Chrono Watch available at www.bloomingdales.com for $350

**Btw, the winner of the Vaseline Cocoa Butter line is Rebee! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address info. Thanks to all who entered! :-)

Cocoa Butter Delight

Although Vaseline's Cocoa Butter line has been on the market for a couple of years, I'm still a huge fan. As some of you know, I've written about the Vaseline Cocoa Butter Gel Body Oil in the past because I was so pleased with the product. Since I'm constantly on the lookout for the perfect moisturizers, I figured, why not to try some of their other Cocoa Butter products?

Plus, being pregnant, all you hear is "apply cocoa butter" to prevent stretch marks and keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. So for the past week, I've been using the cocoa butter body cream and smoothing butter. I apply it after I get out of the shower and it manages to keep my skin soft and smooth all day. I am still testing a lot of other products, but right now I'm in love with this particular line of the Vaseline brand.


All Vaseline Cocoa Butter products are available at www.drugstore.com

Are you a fan of cocoa butter-based products? One lucky winner will win the entire Vaseline Cocoa Butter Line, which includes the Vitalizing Gel Body, Deep Conditioning Body Lotion, Body Cream and the Smoothing Butter. Just leave a comment today and tomorrow and a winner will be selected randomly and announced on Wednesday.

Pumpkin Power!

Before you toss out your old jack o' lanterns this weekend, be aware that pumpkins pack a powerful punch of beauty benefits. Chock full of Vitamins A & C, pumpkins are ideal for making moisturizing masks. Plus, their flesh contain enzymes and antioxidants that can help dissolve dead skin cells and leave your face feeling refreshed while creating a healthy glow.

Not only are pumpkins good for pies and decorating, they're great for you too!

Have you ever used a pumpkin-based beauty product? As my treat for you, I'm giving away one bottle of Rapid Lash (a $49 value) (it's made with pumpkin seed extracts) to one lucky reader. My friend SWEARS by this product. The reader will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

Check out some of these pumpkin products!


Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel available at www.sephora.com for $44


Desert Essence Hand Repair Cream in Pumpkin available at www.drugstore.com for $8.99


Nesti Dante Horto Botanico Pumpkin Soap available at www.beautyhabit.com for $9


Pumpkin Spice Hand & Body Lotion available at www.avon.com for $6


Pumpkin Spice Muffin Lip Flavored Lip Shine available at www.sephora.com for $12


The Great Pumpkin Soap available at www.lushusa.com for $5.95


Pumpkin Spice Muffin Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath available at www.sephora.com for $16


Rapid Lash Eye Lash Renewal Serum available at www.target.com for $49.99 (it's been proven to lengthen & strengthen eye lashes)


Pumpkin Spice Shower Gel available at www.ulta.com for $8

Noteworthy!

I've always been a huge fan of the written word, so personalized stationery is one of my favorite things. Composing a hand-written note to someone is one of the simplest, yet most charming things you can do. In this age of constant electronic bombardment via instant messaging, emailing and texting, the act of actually writing seems to becoming a lost art form.

Every year I stock up on my stationery and always have a hard time choosing what to get!

P.S A great place to find monogrammed stationery for less is Marshalls!

Are you a fan of personalized stationery? Check out some of these!


Pink Pansies & Stripes Notecards available at www.papyrus.com for $102.80 (for 50)


Folded Notes & Envelopes available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $37 (for 25)


Personalized Damask Printed Cards available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $40 (for 24)


Striped Notes available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $55 (for 25)


Dabney Lee Stationery Personalized Notes available at www.saks.com for $60 (for 100)


Thank You Card Assortment available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $48 (for 8)

Cool & Calming Cream

Now that my skin has been going through so many changes during pregnancy, I haven't been able to use many of my previous go-to products due to their potentially harmful ingredients. Therefore, I've been trying different natural and organic products, but there's one that stands out - California Baby's Calming Botanical Moisturizing Cream.


California Baby's Calming Botanical Moisturizing Cream available at www.californiababy.com for $9.99 (2 oz.)

This rich & creamy moisturizer contains naturally calming ingredients such as French Lavender to soothe the skin. Plus, it's ideal for individuals suffering from eczema and other sensitive skin conditions. Although it can be used all over the body, it's also safe for use on the face, which is where I apply it. It leaves my skin super soft and supple and helps to combat the super dry patches that have popped up around my hairline. In addition, it seems to have tamed my acne flare-ups.

This product is perfect for mommies-to-be and babies, but is actually great for everyone!

Have you ever used this product? Do you use any products that are made for babies, but works wonders for you too?

I Want to Hear from You!

I'm having Blogger issues when it comes to uploading photos. Therefore, I won't be able to upload photos today, but I am working on resolving this issue.

In the meantime, I'd love to hear your opinions on whether or not you'd like to read about fellow BGs who are intelligent, creative, fashion/beauty savvy, giving back to their communities, etc.? I'd like to create an ongoing column/post that will highlight readers who exemplify these characteristics and would like to be featured on Brown Girl Gumbo.

Please let me know your thoughts! Have a great weekend. :-)

Get Preppy in Peacoats this Fall!

There are certain garments that never go out of style and a peacoat is one of them. Just like it's known that a classic trench will take you throughout the spring season year after year, the same came be said for a classic peacoat during fall.

Typically, they're not too heavy, but provide just the right amount of warmth against the crisp, cool autumn air. The double-breasted buttons create a preppy, polished look that will always stand the test of time.

Do you own a peacoat? Are you a fan of this style? Check out some of these:


Stretch Corduroy Double-Breasted Peacoat available at www.lizclaiborne.com for $74.99


American Eagle Plaid Peacoat available at www.ae.com for $129.50


Carla Wool Peacoat available at www.guess.com for $168


Fillmore Short Peacoat available at www.cusp.com for $226


Ambition French Terry Jacket available at www.nordstrom.com for $58


Tory Burch Callum Jacket available at www.toryburch.com for $495


Women's Cropped Wool-Blend Peacoat available at www.oldnavy.com for $59.50

**The winner of the ChocohoLICKS lip glosses is B!! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address. :-)

For Chocolate Lovers...

I'm back from my wonderful trip to my hometown, Chicago. While I was there my family and friends threw me the best baby shower ever! Check out the cake (those are baby Chanel ballet booties!) that my BFF Azeeza had made:



If you're in the Chicago area and need a specialty cake made, definitely give Delush.Bakery a try. Not only was the chocolate cake pretty, it was pretty darned delicious too! People were saying that it was a chocolate lover's dream.

Speaking of chocolate, I had the pleasure of trying jane iredale - The Skincare Makeup's newest lip gloss set, ChocohoLICKS. Not only is the packaging adorable, but the glosses are just as great. These glosses contain extracts of rich cocoa and coffee seed. Plus, they're enriched with avocado and jojoba oils, which helps nourish the lips during the fall season. Although the glosses are primarily sheer, they do provide just a hint of color. What woman doesn't love chocolate and lip gloss? It's like the best of both worlds!


Truffle, Caramel, Strawberry Cream, and Chocolate Orange Glosses available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $44

**One lucky reader will win a box of these super cute glosses (a $44 value) perfect for the chocoholic! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

BGG Mini-Break & Vaseline Sheer Infusion Winner!

Dear BGG Readers,

I'm going to take a few days off because I'm going to Chicago, my hometown, for several days. I haven't been home since I've been pregnant. Anyway, I'll be back next week! Enjoy the rest of your week and have a wonderful weekend. :-)

Btw, the winner of the Vaseline Sheer Infusion is CeCeSoChic. Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address.

Sheer Genius!

You guys know that I'm a huge fan of Vaseline products and their newest body lotion is no exception. Vaseline's Sheer Infusion is like lotion from the moisturizing gods. It not only moisturizes the top layer of skin, it penetrates deep down creating an all-day silky hydration like no other.

It comes in 3 scents: Botanical Blend, Vitamin Burst and Mineral Renewal. Due to my heightened sense of smell (caused during pregnancy), I prefer the Vitamin Burst scent because I find it to be the less fragrant of the three.


Vaseline Sheer Infusion available at www.drugstore.com for $7.99

Have you ever tried this body lotion? If so, what are your thoughts? One lucky reader will win a bottle. Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow. **Winner will be able to choose the scent of their choice.

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

Gabrielle Union and Jill Marie Jones at the premiere of "Good Hair" in L.A.


Ashanti and Tyrese at an event in NYC.


Cedric The Entertainer at an event in L.A.


Regina Hall with Jamie Foxx at an event in L.A.


Eve and Common at an event in NYC.


Nia Long at a NY screening of "Good Hair."


Anthony Mackie at an event in NYC.


Malaak Compton-Rock with husband Chris Rock at the premiere of "Good Hair" in L.A.


Sanaa Lathan at an event in L.A.


Terrance J with Valeisha Butterfield at the Dr. Miracle's/WEEN screening of "Good Hair" in NYC.

What's your favorite shot of the week?