Gabrielle Marie

Thanks to my sister Jarette winning tickets through Bossip, I was able to see Keyshia Cole in concert tonight at the Best Buy Theater and let me just say, she can SANG! I've been a fan of her since her very first album. She speaks to us women in such a passionate way and she is definitely therapy for a broken heart, or a woman who's just going through it with her man. She reminds us that life isn't just about loving a dude, but about loving yourself too. She even stopped to talk to us and cried when talking about some of the personal struggles she's had to deal with. She's just amazing and hearing her sing live is even more amazing. She gave me chills when she sang "Enough of No Love" and "Trust and Believe", two of her latest tracks from her new album, "Woman to Woman". She looked absolutely amazing doing it too. Check her (and my outfit) out!

Jacket : Baby Phat

Scarf : Target

Shirt : H&M

Jeans : H&M

Boots : Rainbow

Bag : Coach

Ladies, I’ve lived like a celebrity this past week all thanks to one of my best friends, Tomecia Blake! She won this years Dark & Lovely 2012 Fashionista Contest! She was given a trip to Manhattan, NY for two in the Tribeca Grand Hotel, a $5,000 shopping spree, and a January spread in Essence Magazine. She also was presented as contest winner at the Harlem Front Row’s Blogger’s Breakfast and walked the runway at Harlem Front Row’s Fashion Show. I was ecstatic when she called and told me the news! I always thought she was beautiful inside and out and I’m so happy that such a renowned company as Dark & Lovely recognized it as well and are telling the world about her! She already has a huge following on YouTube, but this is going to take her fame to the next level! I’m so excited for her! Here’s a recap of our fun-filled week!

Tomecia Gets A Splurge & A Sick Sew-In!

Let me just say, the hotel was BEAUTIFUL. It actually reminded me of a cruise ship, which made it so dope. Tomecia spent our first few hours raiding the fridge! Later, we enjoyed her shopping spree adventure with Celebrity Stylist Carlton Jones. Soon after, Celebrity Hair Stylist Keith Campbell stopped by and installed Tomecia’s weave. She enjoyed that, considering she’s literally a hair addict.

Lights, Camera, Action!

We had so much at this photo-shoot. It was tiring for Tomecia, but she couldn’t deny she enjoyed being pampered and getting her photo’s taken! She was an absolute celebrity, and she loved every minute of it. Outfits were selected by Celebrity Stylist Carlton Jones and hair was colored and styled to perfection by Celebrity Hair Stylist Keith Campbell. Then it was time to beat that face! She got a very natural look with a pop of purple eye shadow. She looked flawless. Say cheese, Tomecia!

Be sure to check out her spread in the January 2013 Essence Magazine!

Blogger’s Breakfast!

Phones on silent and notepads out, Dark & Lovely supplied us humble bloggers with some dope panelists! We sat in the presence of the beautiful Model Sessilee Lopez, Celebrity Hair Stylist Keith Campbell and Fashion Designer Samantha Black (from left to right). I really love the fact that Dark & Lovely took out the time to show their appreciation for us bloggers and give us an opportunity to ask all that we desired. We also got an inside look at what was to be featured at the next days fashion show “Harlem Front Row” who is sponsored by Dark & Lovely as well as Essence.

Work It Girl, Give Us A Swirl!

The HFR Fashion Show was held at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The show featured four dope up and coming designers as well as HFR’s designer of the year: Latisha Daring of Ashtyn, Nzinga Knight of Nzinga Knight, Joseph Bethune of Bethune Brothers, Omar Salam of Sukeina, and Kevan Hall of Kevan Hall. The set up was beautiful. I loved every single designer, but my favorite was Salam of Sukeina, and I think anyone else who was in attendance had the same sentiments. And OMG, his handbags are to DIE for. The best part, however, was watching my best friend, Miss Tomecia Blake walk…no…RIP the runway!

All in all, it was such an emotional and fun week, especially for Tomecia! I’m still so happy for her. Check out the official Dark & Lovely recap of her week, as well as all of Tomecia’s info. Make sure you check out her blog!