Greetings Beautiful BrownFaces! I decided to start a newsletter: For Us, By Us (no relation to the real FUBU). I just got a little tired of all the newsletters and magazines that don't represent us (I love InStyle magazine, but where are the brown faces?). Shout outs to the ones that do, but they are still few in comparison. This is the premiere issue of the BrownFace newsletter and it's about anything and everything, that pertains to 'us'. I hope you enjoy! Fashion Do's and Don'ts How many times have you said to yourself "Oh no she didn't!" There are numerous times, I want to tap my fellow sistah on the shoulder and tell her she has committed a fashion faux pas. Here are a few of my fashion dont's. Feel free to pass on to the fashionably challenged. My Top Five Fashion Don'ts Don't #1 If you are no longer in grades 1 thru 8, there should be no reason why you should be wearing opaque white stockings. Ladies, please find stockings that accommodate your skin tone. I personally like the Berkshire. If you want to mix it up a bit, you can opt for colored and patterned stockings (which have been making a comeback on many runways). Don't #2 I am a big lover of make-up and its application. It's like art to me. So it disturbs me when I see women who wear black or dark brown liner, with a light shade (gold perhaps) painted in the middle on their lips. This look went out in the 90's. Now, it's all about blending: Liner on the lips should not be seen! It should closely resemble the shade of lipstick you want to apply. I usually opt for a light brown. Please also stop with the white liner across the eyelid: it's just gross. Stop by Sephora or the MAC counter (my favorite) for free advice on make-up tips, colors and application. Don't #3 A weave is one of a black woman's bestest friends. Yes, I said it! It allows for versatility and resting of our own hair and apparently other nationalities are starting to agree. If you must get a weave, please be mindful that it takes upkeep. Your weave should not be hanging off two inches of new growth. We often pull a few pieces of our hair out to blend with the weave. That being said; make sure that your hair is kept as smooth as the hair you sewed in or is the same texture. You had money to pay for the weave, so save a little for maintenance. Don't #4 This next 'don't' is one most irritating, for me. So, you're rocking your nice suit to work, but why is your suit jacket longer than your coat or outer jacket???? That's where trenches come in. With all the new styles and variations in coats this season, there should be no reason why this should be happening. Loehmans is a great store for bargains on designer labels and they are always having a sale. Don't #5 Last, but not least, panty lines. Okay, now I can be a victim of this one at times, because there are days when I just don't care. But it does irk me when I see a woman with extra tight pants on and panty lines in view. I'm not a big fan of the thong, but I do wear them from time to time. I have discovered seamless panties, which are great!! Another option is boy- shorts, which are my favorites and they work with skirts and pants. Jockey is a great brand for boy- shorts and seamless underwear. NOTE: I would love to hear from you. Please let me know what you consider a Fashion Don't. I will post them in an upcoming issue. In The Next Issue... BrownFace's Top Beauty Picks BROWNFACE NEWSLETTER The Newsletter for Ethnic Women If you would like to subscribe, submit ideas for newsletter topics, submit an article for the BrownFace newsletter or would like to advertise an event, please visit or me at There is no fee for this service. November 2006