May 2018 Mini Magazine by Izzy & Liv LLC

Brown Sugar

Box

Signs Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re 5 An Around The Way Girl

Spring FashionInspired by Lisa Bonet

Underated Black Films You Should See

MAY 2018

5 Black

Beauty Gurus You Should Follow Down Memory Lane with

Xscape

$120 BOX VALUE

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INSIDE YOUR MAY BOX

This month’s box has a $120 retail value!

THE 90’S

05 TENDERONI NECKLACE (RETAIL VALUE $14) Before bae, shorty, boo, or ma, there was tenderoni. Paying homage to the original name for fine women with this tenderoni necklace. Gold plated with grafffiti style lettering for a classic 90s vibe. Nickle Free, lead free.

ROUND THE WAY GIRL TEE(RETAIL VALUE $28) “I need that around the way girl!” For all the neighborhood jewels this tee is for you. Shouting out all the ladies that inspired fashion, beauty, and magical black girl vibes before it was cool. We love you. You’re from around the way!

Edition

It’s nearly impossible to talk about the 90’s and not think about all of the dope music and clothing trends we were immersed in some sort shape or fashion. We are not the only ones exited about the 90’s because most of the trends that were out then have circled back around again. From the TV screen to your phone screen popular fashions such as denim on denim, bamboo earrings, clear sandals, baseball hats, and fashions inspired by TV shows are having a moment right now.

FLIP-UP SUNGLASSES(RETAIL VALUE $15) Is there a spring/summer accessory that is more 90s than flip up sunglasses? If you’re looking to make a stylish statement this season, finish off your look with these black and gold trimmed shades. Leave em down or flip em up for a throwback feel.

PRETTY YOUNG THING HAT(RETAIL VALUE $23) Pretty Young Thing! No matter how many years young we might be, we’ll always consider ourselves on team PYT. Say it loud and rock your team with a distressed denim hat that just as cute as you.

03 04

HOOP EARRINGS: 1 ROPE STYLE, 1 BAMBOO(RETAIL VALUE $18) It ain’t really wearing earrings unless you got at least two pair. Listen, we didn’t make the rules but, we got your back. Rock these classic hoops, rope style and bamboo, to perfect your 90s style. Nickle Free, lead free.

If you haven’t started rounding up the latest trends from the 90’s this months box will get you started. From LL Cool J’s hit 90’s song Around The Way Girl featured on your tee, to your new Dewayne Wayne

IZZY & LIV BEAUTY FLY GIRL COLLECTION NAIL POLISH (RETAIL VALUE $16) Are we the only ones who had hood dreams of becoming a Fly Girl in our past lives? While we had to tuck those away, we’re still In Living Color with a nail polish collection inspired by our favorite Fly Girls.

inspired flip sunglasses, to your bamboo earrings (at least two pair!) and your tenderoni necklaceyou will be set. Take a moment to reminisce about how simple things were back then. Saturdays were spent catching up on all of the latest videos on MTV or checking out the newest artist to hit the stage on Soul Train pretending you were one of the dancers, or staying up late to catch In Living Color. Those were truly the days! While nail salons stay packed these days, we ac-

tually enjoyed the convenience of polishing our own nails back in the day - it was sort of relaxing. So enjoy your colors in this months box, they were

KOILS BY NATURE 2OZ BODY BUTTER- MARVELOUS MANGO OR SUGARY SWEET (RETAIL VALUE $6) A butter that smells good, is all natural, and can be used on your body AND hair? Yes, ma’am! This Koils by Nature Nourishing Hair & Body Butter is all that and more. Enjoy one of two intoxicating scents just in time for summer. Find more scents

picked for fly girls like yourself. Last but certainly not least, as the warmer weather approaches and more skin starts to make an appearance you gotta make sure your skin is nice, smooth and moisturized. Enjoy your body butters by Koils By Nature, a black owned beauty and skincare line that is now available in select Target and Rite-Aid stores. Until next time stay fly!

and other fabulous all

natural products at www.koilsbynature.com www.izzyandliv.com

social: @koilsbynature

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SIGNS YOU WERE AN By Tyshia Ingram

Around T he Way Girl I don’t know what it is about the warm weather that has me adding all my favorite 90’s songs to multiple playlists but it happens every year. At any given moment you’re likely to hear The Fresh Prince, En Vogue, or LL Cool J blasting through my speakers. And it was my latest road trip that inspired this post. Listening to LL and singing in my best high pitch voice “you got me shook up, shook down, shook out, onnnnn your loving” got me thinking…who else was an around the way girl “back in the day”? Raises hand and don’t judge me. Here are 5 signs you were too.

Your fashion sense was always trendy and extra bold

You Were A Delicate Mix of ratchet and classy

You loved Hip Hop

You were the original beauty guru

You weren’t afraid to be yourself

At least two packs of extensions? Yes girl. And they had to come down to the waist at least. Janet Jackson in Poetic Justice style. If your hairstyles were always extra and bamboo earrings were the only earrings you acknowledged, you were with me in the around the way girl crew.

Kay so I know ratchet wasn’t technically a phrase back then but you know what I mean. “She can walk with a switch and talk with street slang”. And don’t forget “she” had the designer bag in tow. Whether you were the girl who could quote Maya in the same sentence as the Queen (Latifah of course) or you were the best dressed girl at the bus stop, we definitely could have been friends.

That sounds real Brown Sugar “when did you fall in love with hip hop”-like but it’s true. You heard LL, “she likes to dance to the rap jams”. Around the way girls grew up on Hip Hop and we’re fully aware that the 90’s was still the best decade for music hands down. No debates!

Oh if YouTube was out when we were slicking down our baby hair and our lip gloss was popping. The tutorials would have been everything! Around the way girls were the original trendsetters. Why else do you think every other season one of our styles is “the hot new trend” (side eye). But if you were switching your hairstyles like outfits, rocking brown lips topped with gloss before it was “cool” well…you might have been an around the way girl.

One of my favorite lyrics is right in the beginning. “I love it when a woman ain’t scared to do her thing”. There’s something to be said for a woman who isn’t afraid to be her. Whether you can relate to any other number on this or not, if you weren’t afraid to “do you boo” you’re a part of the around the way girl club. Welcome sis. “Lisa, Angela, Pamela, Renee, I love you. You’re from around the way.”

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By Jouviane Alexandre

Photo via Ellarie

6 Black Beauty Gurus to Follow

@ELLARIE If you’re looking for fun and downto-earth, Ellarie is a beauty guru who should be on your list! Not only does she have flawless skin, but she has that perfect Cupid’s bow to match! If you’re a fan of the indie brand, Colourpop, you’ve definitely heard of Ellarie. In 2014, she launched a lipstick with the brand. Just recently, she just released her latest collection with the brand that includes matte and satin lipsticks as well as lip glosses!

Photo via ItsMyRayeRaye

@ITSMYRAYERAYE For those who are new to makeup, you probably need to follow someone like Raye Boyce. While she definitely has skills with a makeup brush, she makes her looks extremely easy to follow. Unafraid to make mistakes, she’s okay with laughing at herself! She recently launched a makeup collection with BH Cosmetics, that includes 15 eyeshadows, six highlighters, and a collection of brushes.

LACK GIRLS ROCK. In the beauty industry, there’s a clear imbalance when it comes to women of color. Tons of brands are coming out with 50 shades of beige and their one or two ideal shades for women of color. Beauty gurus are stepping out from everywhere to show that yes, the black population wears makeup and yes, we’d like to find our correct shade. For beauty and realness that travels from Instagram to Youtube, check out these 6 black beauty gurus to follow!

Photo via MakeUpShayla

Photo via Aysha Harun

@AYSHAHARUN Aysha is definitely a growing name in the beauty guru community! A young 22 year old, she is a first-generation Ethiopian woman living in Toronto. A proud Muslim, Aysha’s page is a hub for makeup looks perfect for the Eid holiday. While she is a clear fan of neutral, bronzed looks, she likes to switch it up for her following with the occasional pop of color.

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Photo via MonicaStyleMuse

@MONICASTYLEMUSE Be your own muse! MonicaStyle Muse is a bold New Yorker who isn’t afraid to be herself. An Afro-Latina, she drops some knowledge on the haters who always have something to say. She claims that she isn’t a “professional,” but her realness and relatability are what keeps her viewers coming back! If you also want to learn a little Spanish while she covers up those “manchas,” she’s a must have on your list! Vamos a comenzar!

@MAKEUPSHAYLA MakeUpShayla is beauty and realness delivered in one package! She gained a massive following through Instagram and that translated over to her Youtube channel. For a variety of makeup looks, battles between brands, and product reviews, you’d find everything you need. And if her face looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen her associated with Maybelline. In 2017, she collaborated with the brand on their Big Shot mascara.

Photo via JackieAina

JACKIEAINA Jackie, Jackie, Jackie, Jackie. If you want beauty, laughs, and a bit of shade throwing in one person, you need to follow Jackie Aina. She is unafraid to tell it like it is, but is always rooting for others to succeed. She showcases black owned brands as well as women owned brands. Hold on tight to those wigs because she’s always ready to snatch them.

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By Tyshia Ingram

Spring Fashion Inspired By

Lisa bonet

By Alexandria Daniels

e love Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable in The Cosby Show and A Different World. We are also screaming “YAS!” over Bonet’s has incredible fashion sense. Ever since the 80s, Bonet been rocking a pure boho chic meets rock n’ roll style that matches beautifully with her free spirit. Since spring is officially here and we’re all in the midst of updating our wardrobes, we look toward one of the coolest actresses of the 90s for some fashion inspiration.

1.) A Patterned Headband– As Denise Huxtable, one of Bonet’s signature looks was wearing a headband, usually with a tribal or floral pattern. A unique headband would be a great starter piece for a boho-chic springtime look. 2.) Earth Tone Colors– Who said spring is meant for pastels? Leave the pinks at home and pull out those greens, browns, and navy blues. Most of Bonet’s style consists of colors that feel grounded to the earth. Add a bit of white to the mix to brighten things up. 3.) A Leather or Denim Jacket– Whether it’s a leather or jean jacket, they are perfect for any season and it’s one of Lisa Bonet’s signature staples. To go the extra mile, wear combat boots, one of Bonet’s favorites! 4.) Frills– Nothing shows more individuality and openness than a blouse with frills. Bonet is often spotted wearing pieces of clothing that have some kind of fringe or ruffles, even if its simple. 5.) 70s Style Dresses– Lisa Bonet’s look always combines femininity with a slight hardcore edge. Wear your favorite hippy inspired dress, combined with the suggestions above, and you’ll be ready to slay this spring! www.izzyandliv.com

DOWN MEMORY

LANE WITH XSCAPE

ho else has been keeping up with one of our favorite 90’s girl groups every Sunday night? If you haven’t been watching Still Kickin It on Bravo, you might want to start. Our girls are making a comeback and we are HYPE. Kandi, Tiny, Tamika, and LaTocha, also known as Xscape, have been touring, performing, and they released NEW music (without Kandi unfortunately) under their new name Xscape3. So it’s only right we take a quick trip down memory lane and reminisce on some of the best songs, fashion, and moments that we loved the ladies of Xscape for. Just Kickin’ It! Their debut 1991 single and the moment we fell in love. From the first line “kick off your shoes and relax your feet” we were all grooving to the dope beats and the smooth harmonies these ladies were serving. Even though they had some R&B girl group competition, Xscape was like a breath of fresh air. Real girls we could relate to.

The 90’s Fashion We had to dedicate this one to Xscape’s fashion. They had that perfect 90’s style down to a tee. From baggy jeans, baseball tees, all “leather” everything, and all the shades hunny! Xscape was definitely the epitome of black girl fashion in the 90’s. My Little Secret My Little Secret was the last single from their 90’s album and they went out with a bang. It was a risque track for its time that talked about a side relationship. I’m not saying we could all relate but we sure were singing along to “you’re my little secret. And that’s how we should keep it.” And they’re back! We all took it personally when Xscape broke up and though we’ve had some cute groups over the years, none were quite like these ladies. Regardless of what may come from the group moving forward, we’ll be soaking up every minute they let us in to share what’s going and what’s next with us. www.izzyandliv.com

8 UNDERATED 90’S BLACK Films YOU NEED TO See

By Alexandria Daniels

The 90s was a wonderful decade for movies. We had our timeless dramatic classics like Titanic and sci-fi thrillers such as Jurassic Park. It was also a good time for talented actors to showcase their chops. With every classic, however, there are those hidden gems that never quite received the acclaim they deserved. To be fair, not every film of the 90s that got sidelined was great but there are many films (independent films, especially) whom people considered underrated. So let’s check out some black films from the 90s that deserve some more love today.

The inkwell

This indie film is a coming of age story about a young Drew Tate set in the summer of ‘76’ about love, culture, and family relationships.

Fresh

Another beloved indie film. This one is by Boaz Yakin, set during the “crack epidemic” in New York City. When the film debuted barely anyone paid attention, but it has since received acclaim from critics. It has also won awards from the Sundance Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards.

Devil In A Blue Dress

The film stars Denzel Washington as a WWII Vet who becomes an investigator to help pay the bills after he loses his job at an aircraft manufacturing company. Though it received praise during its initial release, it appears the film has garnered more attention over time thanks to fans of the film. It’s considered to be one of the best neo-noir mystery films of the 90s.

crooklyn

Crooklyn is a film directed by Spike Lee that is slightly based on Lee’s life. It’s about a young girl named Troy and her complicated family living in NYC during the 70s. The film is highly recognized for its 70s soundtrack.

Clockers

One of Spike Lee’s awesome crime dramas. A murder has taken place in New York City and a drug dealer finds himself caught in the middle of the investigation. It stars John Turturro, Harvey Keitel, and Mekhi Phifer. The film is an adaptation of the novel Clockers by Richard Price, which also served as the inspiration for “The Wire”.

Hav Plenty

Directed and written by Christopher Cherot, the film is based on autobiographical events about love and a fun filled weekend. Some critics and fans compared this film to the styling of Woody Allen films for its quirky writing , a relatable love story, and loveable original characters.

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bebe’s kids

This is an interesting feature as it was panned by critics and still is loved by various audiences. The animated film, based on late comedian Robin Harris’s comedy act, follows Harris recollection of a first date with a woman Jamika to “fun world”. They bring Jamika’s friend Bebe’s three troubling kids along and stuff hits the fan.

hoodlum

Hoodlum is considered one of the most unappreciated crime dramas. It is based on the gangster wars in Harlem in between the 1920s and 1930s. Even though the dramatic events in the film are fictionalized, the stellar performances by its lead stars, Laurence Fishburne and Tim Roth, did not go unnoticed by fans.

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The remix songs we want to make a

Can I change my size preference for future boxes?

Comeback

Yes, you can do so inside your Brown Sugar Box account on izzyandliv.com, or you can email us at support@izzyandliv.com to update your preferences for you.

By Alexandria Daniels

ey ladies! Ever wondered about a song you loved from years back and wish you

can hear it again? There are times where I catch myself on youtube playing some of my favorite 90s and early 00s tracks just for nostalgia. Whenever I hear a sample of a song I use to be wild for in another artist’s song I feel a little bit of glee. With Remy Ma’s new track “Melanin Magic (Pretty Brown Eyes)” feat. Chris Brown, which contains a sample of “Pretty Brown Eyes” by Mint Condition, I was thinking what other tracks need to make a comeback. Here’s a few we came up with:

Mo Money Mo Problems- Notorious B.I.G. This song is one of the best tracks in hip-hop history. It received what seemed like an endless play on the radio years back. I wouldn’t mind hearing this track again these days as a sample. My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)- En Vogue En Vogue’s influence never went away since they were one of the best girl groups of the 90s. I can imagine hearing its funky notes and guitar riffs (which are a sample off of James Brown’s “The Payback”) with contemporary R& B artists like Bruno Mars. www.izzyandliv.com

Independent Women Pt. 1Destiny’s Child Either Beyonce can sample an old school Destiny’s Child track or some other artist could! Not sure about you but I miss Beyonce, Michelle Williams, and Kelly Rowland singing harmonies together. Seeing them reunite on stage at Cochella gave us life! In these times where this new wave of feminism not going away anytime soon, we need to hear Independent Women Pt. 1 on the airwaves one more time.

Scrubs- TLC Not sure how anyone can disagree here? “No Scrubs” was pretty much every girl’s anthem of 1999. It would be great to hear this song again resampled in some fashion. I’m Every Woman- Whitney Houston Whitney Houston made tons of memorable hits from “I Will Always Love You” to “Million Dollar Baby”. Personally, “I Am Every Woman” is one of my favorites. It leaves me feeling empowered every time I hit “play”. Hearing this song making a comeback would be amazing!

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//TH ANK YOU\ \ 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 last month’s box.

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