MAY 2022 $141 RETAIL VALUE
WHICH TRAVEL
s Girl P TRI S VIBYEL I S T
Friend
PL A
ARE YOU?
THE BLACK GIRLS TRAVEL CODE
TRAVEL IN STYLE WITH IZZY & LIV
Girl Trippin'
Edition
INSIDE THE
Girl Trippin’ EDITION
The time to travel is now! We’ve been cooped up for the last two years but say less sis. The world belongs to the traveling aunties, the single and ready to mingle, the baecationers, and the girls with no strings attached. Fun is the connective tissue for work-life balance. The Girl Trippin’ Edition of the Brown Sugar Box is bringing back the carefree travel vibes! Find your inner childlike spirit of adventure and plan unforgettable trips. The PTO has been approved, see you outside!
MONEY MOVES ZIP AROUND WALLET $26 (1 OF 3) Put all your cards securely away in this sassy wallet designed with Black girl luxury in mind. You have plenty of spots to hit up, and the travel budget is ready for you. Run it up, sis! You’ll receive
1 of 3 prints: Aquatic Goddess, Melanin Girl Talk, or Hey Sis!
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| May 2022
FINDING ME: A MEMOIR BY VIOLA DAVIS $30
We Promise You: 5-6 Items at an $85 value
This month’s value:
$141
We’ve got the perfect travel read for you. Finding Me: A Memoir
by Viola Davis is a must-read inspirational journey that highlights Viola's ascension from poverty to our leading lady. Spoiler alert: You'll have a hard time putting it down!
BLACK GIRL ILLUSTRATED ALL OVER PRINT BLOUSE $35 (1 OF 2) It’s travel season and leisure is a must. Throw this on over a crop top, tank, or bralette. Buttoned or unbuttoned, twisted in the front, wear it with jeans or shorts. Lightweight for carefree days and spontaneous nights, its drop shoulder short sleeves, button front, and notched collar are waiting for you to style and profile in. You’ll receive 1 of 2 prints:
Melanin Faces or Vibrant Queens.
GIRLFRIENDS SQUAD GOALS TEE $25 Hello vacation,
ART DECO LUGGAGE PACKING CUBES SET $25
season! This is your
You've watched that one TikTok 15
time to keep it
times, and you're following all the travel
cute at the airport
gurus, but your packing skills are still
and during quick store runs for last-minute
awful. It's okay, girl. Help is on the way!
personal items. You never know who you'll run
This super functional travel organizer
into. We have a shirt for that. The Girlfriends
will take the stress out of packing for
Squad Goals tee is a melanated representation
your trip and help you stay organized
of our camaraderie.
when you arrive.
May 2022 |
3
TRAVEL IN STYLE WITH
IZZY&LIV BY MALLORY GREER & RACQUEL PARKER
Travel season is upon us and putting looks together is the best part of getting ready! We don’t know about you, but we’re ready for some much-needed R&R! All the vacations are calling our names and we mean girls' trips, family trips, and baecations! When it comes to looking fly on the go, tapping in with Izzy & Liv is a no-brainer.
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| May 2022
Accessories Having the right accessories and keeping your skin protected while traveling is key to setting off your look. Sun hats are your best friend when you’re spending all day at the beach -- and they’re fashionable. Our Throwing Shade Hat pairs well if you’re going for a classic black and white aesthetic. Add a pop of color while rocking our Must be the Melanin Sun Hat. When in doubt, think pink with our Queen Things Sun Hat. If neutrals are your thing, then our Brown Skin Beauty Sun Hat is perfect for you. Keep your eyes protected with a pair of our Coral/Yellow Ankara Print Sunglasses and don’t leave home without your African Seed Bead Drop Earrings and Queen Bling Charm Bracelets because a lil’ bling bling ain’t never hurt nobody!
Beauty & Wellness Keeping your skin glowing and moisturized while traveling is a must so don’t forget to pack the sunscreen sis! Your Island Citrus Creamy Dreamy Whipped Soap and your Glow and Moisturize Dry Body Brush are the perfect duo to keep your skin looking flawless at all times. Our Ginger Peach Body Butter will keep your skin nourished with a combination of feelgood ingredients such as shea butter, avocado oil and more. Now that your skin is glowing, it’s time to beat your face with our Pretty Brown Eyeshadow Pencil Set and Issa Vibe! 12 Piece Lipstick Set.
Swimsuits + Apparel The weather is getting warmer and it’s time to pull out those swimsuits that pair oh so well with our kimonos, and pajama pants. No one has to know they’re pj’s sis! We’ve got tons of classic prints for you to mix and match to create endless looks. If you’re a diva who loves blue on melanated skin, you’ll love our Soul Sisters print. Our Patchwork Queen print is a combination of feminine and abstract prints that create a beautiful patchwork effect that’s also available in a scarf and satin pj's. The Animal Instinct print is for the ladies living on the wild side who want to serve up some snakeskin vibes. Finish your day
with our Safari Queens Satin Cami + Shorts 2-Piece Set. Whether you’re hopping into bed or having dinner, this lightweight set is perfect for any vibe.
At the end of the day, you deserve a vacation, so book that vacation and show us how you coordinate as you rock your Izzy & Liv, sis! Tag us @izzyandliv, use our hashtag #izzyandliv, or share your photos in the Brown Sugar Lounge Facebook Group.
May 2022 |
5
THE BLACK GIRLS
When girls trippin’ is on the agenda, the squad will absolutely keep the SHE-nanigans going. That’s why it’s so important to have a Girls Trip Code in place. While it has been scientifically proven that Black women can have full conversations without saying a word, there are a few housekeeping reminders that every sista-set needs to know for their safety and enjoyment. Everybody’s gonna be on the same page from the jump! This Izzy & Liv
Travel Code
Girls Trip Code is an (un)official playbook that will keep you united and 100% in sync at ALL times. Here are the rules of the game sis!
STAY SLAYING
BY SAEEDA RUFFIN
This trip is NOT the time to dress like you’re
Packed, money stacked, and itinerary mapped…
running to the local grocery store for toilet
you KNOW what time it is! Can you say, “Black girls
paper. Everybody’s outfits must be on point, at all times. Yes, you will be expected to be
gonna travel!?!” The idea of planning an adventure
absolutely fabulous regardless of the activity.
with your closest crew can be so exhilarating. As
Yes, it’s going to take a little bit of effort.
soon as the squad assembles, the magic starts to happen. It’s an automatic bond that makes everyone in the group love and appreciate what they have together. There’s just something super special about being sista-friends, and when you’ve been friends for so long you’ve forgotten how you even met -- well that’s sista-hood at its finest.
Hey, it just is what it is.
KEEP THE FAMILY TIGHT When queens travel together, you are all royalty and, therefore, related by default. Be committed to each other throughout the trip. Misunderstandings can and will happen but squash any squabbles with a quickness. Keep the “family” tight. In the words of Jay Z, “Nobody wins when the family feuds.”
LEAVE YOUR COMFORT ZONE AT HOME
COORDINATE
Ain’t nobody got time for you sittin’ around,
to have on the same outfit, same pajamas,
not wanting to try new stuff, or do fun things.
same hairstyle, same something. Why not
Uh, this is not just your trip, it’s the Girls’ Trip,
level up and even coordinate your dances?!
and doing the most is to be expected – no
Have at least one group dance routine for
questions asked.
Instagram or TikTok. Coordination takes
HIT LISTS, NOT SIT LISTS
At some point on the trip everybody is going
time, so have that stuff already set up.
You know we’re talking about those playlists!
SHARING IS CARING
The music has got to be bumpin’ and mood
Surely you want everyone to look, smell,
appropriate. Give the queens what they like.
and feel her best, right? Play nice and don’t
If you can’t do it, step aside and let someone
hold back. Let your girl have a spritz of that
else control the tunes. If you need ideas,
perfume or wear that cute hat that matches
check out Izzy & Liv’s channel on Spotify
her fit. Love lends!
for inspiration.
NEVER ALONE
BE IN IT TO WIN IT When it comes to playing games or
Love your girls, but trust no one outside
participating in dance competitions and
your circle. No sis left behind or rolling
such, winning is always the objective. Yes,
alone. No drinks left unattended. Act like you
it is about the fun, but…it’s also about the win.
know! Nobody traveling alone. None of that.
Sis, just know that everybody in the crew must
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED Uh, there are times when you just need to send a discreet message to each other.
go ALL IN. That trophy, title, and maybe even that money, has your squad’s name written all over it!
Get your signals together BEFORE the trip.
BE YOUR SISTA’S KEEPER
Whatever your squad decides, it needs to
Keep each other fixed, adjusted, and looking
be universally understood.
fly. Wig not straight? Edges not laid? Curls need fluffing? Tighten it up for your sis. Lips looking ashy? Pass the gloss, the lipstick, or even the Carmex. You don’t want to be the one who let your sis get caught out there lacking. Look checks are essential, but absolutely no body shaming. Let your sista break free and be great!
LOOSE LIPS SINK TRIPS Ok, so that’s not exactly how the saying goes, but it’s still the truth. Don’t talk too much or tell all your business while you’re on the trip. Everybody doesn’t need to know your life story or mine! Some of the sistas may even want to be incognito, so do your best to respect that – and MOST DEFINITELY do not spill the tea afterward! This adventure is about fun, friendship, and tomfoolery… for the GIRLS. No data leaks allowed.
May 2022 |
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WHICH TRAVEL FRIEND ARE YOU? BY GIRL TYLER
There comes a time in your life when you must face a harsh truth: you can't travel with everybody. Whew. Let's unpack this. Remember the box office hit Girls Trip? The comedy starring Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Tiffany Haddish, and Regina Hall, could easily have passed as a documentary. Although the girls survived the weekend getaway in one piece, there were some bumps and bruises along the way and their bond was tested. Vacations can make or break a relationship.
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| May 2022
You like your friends for various reasons, but there are times when it is evident that you each approach life differently. You have
Believe me, that word has a different meaning for different people. Then, there's the mixing of friend groups.
the ride or die types, and then there’s the
In short, plan your getaways wisely with the
"I'm not in it" girls. You need to know who’ll
peacemakers and the peacekeepers. That's
have your back if something pops off while
what vacationing should be all about, the
you’re thousands of miles away from home,
ruthless pursuit of peace in a new environ-
so choose wisely. If you want to truly know
ment. To be fair, you may be someone's
someone, take them out of their natural
"can't take her nowhere" friend. Yeah, you
habitat. You'll find out everything you need
think you have it all together, but some of
to know, like how they problem solve,
your friends think you could loosen up a bit.
how they interact with people from other
Review this list and see if any of these feel
cultures, and their definition of a vacation.
familiar. If so, adjust accordingly!
THE "I'M READY TO GO" FRIEND This girl turns into a whiny six-year-old in the
THE "I DON'T WANT TO GO ANYWHERE" FRIEND
blink of an eye. She gets all fidgety in the
This person just wants to relax and get away
car, complaining about every little thing. She
from her current reality—no harm in that.
doesn't like to try new restaurants. Outdoor
Unplugging from the day-to-day hustle
excursions make her queasy. She's ready to
and bustle is essential, but she didn't tell
go home by the end of day one.
you that upfront. She was down for the
THE "CAN I PAY YOU BACK LATER?" FRIEND
cause until it was time to execute the travel plans. Her idea of a vacation is staying in
Most people are forced to pinch pennies in
the room watching TV, which is all well and
this economy, while others just live beyond
good for solo travel, but it doesn’t work for
their means. This person is always down for
group travel. She's also the expert napper
whatever, but never seems to have the funds.
who may or may not cause everyone to
You've covered her many times when she was
miss a reservation.
short a few dollars because she’s your girl, but at times she’s ducked and dodged with no intention of repaying what she owes.
THE "LET ME SEND ONE MORE EMAIL" FRIEND This person is always in grind mode.
THE "I FOUND SOMEWHERE REALLY CHEAP, Y'ALL" FRIEND
Whether they're building a new company
Everyone is looking for a deal. An all-inclusive
you can always expect them to be glued
trip is always a bonus for any vacation, but
to their devices. Problems arise when
the goal is to be comfortable. Sometimes you
she expects the group to wait until she's
need to be willing to pay a little extra for com-
finished working, or when she gets upset
fort. Not this girl. She'll find a janky Airbnb in
because the group made decisions without
a sketchy part of town to save a few dollars or
her (even though she was too busy to make
opt for the complimentary breakfast buffet at
her wishes known). This situation is most
a spot with bed bugs and negative reviews.
of us, especially when we're trying to
She’s cool but never trust her with planning
low-key vacation and still work remotely.
because you might get got!
Guilty as charged.
or holding down several hustles at once,
May 2022 |
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VEL TRA NOW!
T he World Needs To See Your Beautiful Blackness BY SAEEDA RUFFIN
Outside is calling! Yes, Sis, it’s time to put on your traveling shoes and get gone. Most of the world has been cooped up for far too long because of the pandemic, but thankfully, that is changing and a world full of adventure awaits. Your Afrocentric representation has been absent for far too long! Black queen, your essence attracts, and your enthusiasm and allure are infectious. Plus, you know you serve looks wherever you go! The world is your runway, sis! It may have been a few minutes since you
Travel provides you with educational
stepped foot outside your local area, and
experiences you simply cannot get other-
you may be a little hesitant to venture
wise. You will create life-long memories.
beyond your new norm. We can’t have that. You are inquisitive, exciting, and a true
The reality is, whether you go 200 miles
vision of loveliness. Keep all that melanin
away or 2,000 miles away, there will be
goodness to yourself? No way! Time to
things for you to enjoy that you normally
make tracks, make your presence felt,
wouldn’t have access to or have time to
and explore.
enjoy. Do it all and have fun!
The world absolutely needs to see your
You can strengthen your friendships or even
beautiful Blackness. It needs to know that
make new friends. If you are traveling with a
there are melanated, educated, and success-
squad, getting away can bring you together
ful Black goddesses out there who enjoy all
and reinforce the positive aspects of your
the things that traveling affords them.
friendship, but travel also opens your life up
Embark on your journey with the confidence
to a world of new people! You may make
of a queen. You need to boldly appear in
a connection with someone or even start
places that may have, only rarely, been
a new relationship.
blessed to see a Black woman. Truth is, the world may not be ready for you, but don’t
You will surely experience feelings of
let that stop you. The time is now for you to
happiness, contentment, and accomplish-
stretch your comfort zone and travel.
ment when you travel. Remember, travel is supposed to be a respite from the daily
You can learn a lot about who you are when
grind so take time to unwind, reflect, and
you travel. Coordinating travel can be very
relish in what you have accomplished. You
exciting, but it can also be challenging.
create your own happiness, so go ahead,
There are many things to consider when
set your travel goals, and take the world by
planning your trip and while traveling.
storm. You deserve all the special moments
Being exposed to new cultures, languages,
life has to offer!
foods, and different ways of life is priceless.
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| May 2022
Embark on your journey with the confidence of a queen. You need to boldly appear in places that may have, only rarely, been blessed to see a Black woman.
May 2022 |
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beauties Izzy & Liv customers truly are THE BEST! We LOVE seeing your social media posts sharing your boxes each month. Here are a few highlights from March 2022.
WINNER
Congratulations to our March WINNER! Maria O. was randomly selected from sharing Brown Sugar love on social media to WIN her free box. Thank you to everyone who shared! Stay in it to win it and don’t forget to share this box using hashtags #brownsugarbox #izzyandliv for your chance to win next month’s giveaway.
BONUS: Join our Facebook Group: The Brown Sugar Lounge, for a SECOND CHANCE to win a free box.
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| May 2022
Hey Brown Sugar Babes! Throughout this year, we plan to highlight members of the Sisterhood in a new series: “Brown Sugar Babes: Her Story”. Interested? Tell us a little about yourself, for a chance to be interviewed and featured in the future.
SCAN THIS CODE TO LET US KNOW THAT YOU’RE INTERESTED
May 2022 |
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Girls’ TRIP VIBES Playlist BY RACQUEL PARKER
One thing every girls’ trip needs is a bomb playlist! If you don’t have all the hits on your phone, no need to worry, we’ve got you covered, sis. Girls' trips are about fun, sisterhood, and singing songs at the top of your lungs with your best girlfriends. Whether you and your girls are road tripping, playing music while getting ready, or catching flights, you need music to get the party started. Adding a soundtrack to your trip is an unforgettable way to capture all the good vibes. Let your hair down and get ready to have fun with your girls as you blast this Girls’ Trip Vibes Playlist.
SCAN HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS PLAYLIST & MORE!
1. Party by Beyoncé ft. J. Cole 2. Hot Girl Summer by Megan Thee Stallion ft. Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla $ign 3. Get It Girl by Saweetie 4. Golden by Jill Scott 5. Act Up by City Girls 6. Wild Thoughts by Dj Khaled ft. Rihanna, Bryson Tiller 7. Good as Hell Remix by Lizzo ft. Ariana Grande 8. Before I Let Go (Homecoming Live) by Beyoncé 9. Party for Me by Jhené Aiko 10. Karaoke by Big Freedia ft. Lizzo 11. Poke It Out by Wale ft. J. Cole 12. Cheers (Drink to That) by Rihanna 13. Nice for What by Drake 14. Friends & Family by The Isley Brothers ft. Ronald Isley, Snoop Dogg 15. Big Energy by Latto, ft. Dj Khaled, Mariah Carey 16. WKND by Ledesi 17. Best Friend by Saweetie ft. Doja Cat 18. Everyday Is a Party by TT The Artist 19. We Outside by 27 Delly, Willie, GAL 20. Back to the Streets by Saweetie ft. Jhené Aiko
Frequently asked questions
1
Can I change my size preference for future boxes?
Yes, you can do so inside your Brown Sugar
5
Can I skip a month without cancelling? Yes, you can skip a future month delivery
and not be billed for it, without having to cancel
Box account on izzyandliv.com, or you can
your entire subscription. Once logged into your
email us at support@izzyandliv.com to
Brown Sugar Box account at izzyandliv.com,
update your preferences for you.
you will need to open the “Delivery Schedule”
2
tab. There you will see all upcoming deliveries When will I be billed for next
for your subscription. To skip a delivery you just
month’s box?
need to click “Skip” to the right of each relevant
You will be rebilled on the 1st of the
delivery. This will only skip that one delivery.
month for the next box. You will not be
To skip multiple deliveries you will need to click
billed for the next box until after the
“Skip” next to each relevant one. Alternatively,
box from the current month has been
you can email to have us skip deliveries for you.
shipped/delivered.
3
What is your cancellation policy? Your subscription can be cancelled
6
How can I share photos or unboxing videos with you?
Yes! We live for customer feedback & reviews!
at any time in your Brown Sugar Box
Just post your pics or video on Instagram,
Account Settings at izzyandliv.com.
Facebook, Twitter, Youtube etc. and hashtag
If you’ve already been billed for the next
#brownsugarbox, #izzyandliv and @izzyandliv.
box (1st of the month), your cancellation
You can also leave a photo review on the Brown
will take affect the next billing cycle.
Sugar Subscription page! If you make a blog
To cancel your subscription, login to your
post email us with the link. If your social media
account and click on the Subscription
is private we will not be able to see your post,
tab, then click “edit” next to your
so feel free to email us to let us know where to
subscription. You can also email us
check it out!
to request that we cancel for you.
4
Can I exchange or return items in my box?
7
Something went wrong with my order/ delivery what should I do?
Should you have an issue with your box
We cannot accept returns at this time for
items (damage, received wrong size, etc) you
Brown Sugar Box items, but we welcome
must notify us at support@izzyandliv.com,
your feedback to improve. Email us at
with photo(s), within 7 days of receipt of your
support@ izzyandliv.com to share your
package. After 7 days, we will not be able to
thoughts. We value your feedback and
process requests related to this month’s box.
our mission is to make every Brown Sugar
If your box was returned due to consumer
Box more than worth your while! Your
error, please reach out to customer service
feedback will help us to make sure we
for reshipment at an additional cost.
make this box amazing and valuable as it can be. As far as the item(s), you can always gift them to a friend, coworker, or family member- these items make GREAT gifts!
8
I have feedback or questions, who do I contact?
We can be reached at support@izzyandliv.com
May 2022 |
15
MAGICAL THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP YOU SHOULD BE THERE... MEMBERS ONLY
SCAN HERE TO JOIN!