Pixics/Fluer Luxe MAC Cosmetics Giveaway

We're bringing you another giveaway!  A BronzeSparkles commenter put us onto a giveaway that we're sure you'll love.  If you're a fan of MAC then you will definitely want to enter this contest.

Grand Prize: Summer Breeze Tote & 2 MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadows and Lipsticks/Lip Glasses of your choice (permanent collection only)
2nd Prize: 1 MAC Eye Shadow & 1 MAC Lipstick/Lip Glass of your choice (permanent collection)
3rd Prize: 1 MAC Eye Shadow & 1 MAC Lipstick/Lip Glass of your choice (permanent collection)

Click the link for more info. It's so easy! May the best reader win!

Chu-La Couture Contest Giveaway!

I was almost late on this hot new giveaway but thankfully not too late! "What giveaway?", you ask?

Watermoolen and Chu-La Couture have teamed up to sponsor an awesome giveaway that gives her blog readers this adorable sequined clutch.  I checked out the online boutique and fell in love with the selection and you will too. A couple things in particular to look out for are the City Hobo bag and Aim High Revolver ring.

Aim High ring

City Hobo handbag in blue

 













All I can say is - LOVE IT!

The Gap Between Girls and Junior Sizes

Clothing manufacturers should really think about making clothing sizes in between Girls and Juniors. I was taking my sister school shopping today and realized there is quite a jump from children's girl sizes and juniors clothes. The cut of the clothing and styles are pretty different.  There are taller girls who are too big for girl sizes but maybe too small and not mature enough for junior sizes.  If I could make clothing I would totally capitalize on this!  Some of the clothes sold for young girls are too provocative in my opinion, and companies really need to consider that many girls are taller and a bit more developed than the average height.  They aren't plus sized girls but they aren't teenagers either.  What would you do if a child is obviously too old for Garanimals but you won't be having her wear some of the form fitting flirtier styles in the junior's section?

No Justice, No Peace: Stafford County Legal Lynching of Autistic Man

A young autistic man was sentenced 10 years in prison for not having a gun and being at the wrong place at the wrong time.  LITERALLY!  This is not 1954 Selma, Alabama, this is modern times in Stafford County, Virginia.  The police department and "justice" system of Stafford County, Virginia needs to be called out and I'm the one to do it.  How do these ignorant hateful people live with themselves after treating a fellow human being this way?

I hope my blog post inspires change throughout the Universe.  The right person will read this, become aware (if they weren't already), and that person will be the one to really help Reginald "Neli" Latson and his family get the justice they deserve.  Please click the links posted below to learn more about Neli's case and how to help him.  I'm begging you to take a few moments out of your day to learn about his plight. He could have been anyone's brother, uncle, father, or friend; that's frightening. 
-bronzesparkles 










Huffington Post article - Racial Harassment During Arrest of Autistic Teen

A Voice for Neli

If You Don't Like Tyler Perry, You Have No Soul!

All this talk about Tyler Perry's movies being buffoonish and ignorant is starting to piss me off. Yes I said it!! 

This blog may cost BronzeSparkles a few fans but we're willing to risk that to speak on how we feel.  The dialog is going nuts with harsh criticism about our boy and we don't like it!  TP haters may be missing a chip inside them that blocks them from appreciating

People need to stop hating on greatness.  He is one of the few African American major players in the entertainment industry.  People forget that he produces many positive images and uplifting lessons in his storylines and gives work to underrated working actors. 

I believe much of the criticism comes from shame. Yes, I said it.  People are afraid of what society will think of African Americans.  But afraid of what?  Everybody is not the Cosbys and TP films tackle real issues and emphasize the importance of a family structure as well as religion and spirituality. 

There is so much more to TP Productions than Madea.  Madea is not Norbit or Big Mama.  Should all the positive aspects of TP's work be overshadowed by Madea?  If she was thinner would that make some of you happy? If she was played by a real woman would that make some of you happy?  If there was no rambunctious matriarch present at all would that make some of you happy?  Why do some of you expect Tyler Perry to be an accurate representation of all black people? Why put that weight on someone's shoulders when it is impossible?  His films deal with real issues. I know some of you are afraid of the world seeing thugs, crackheads, and overweight black people *gasp* but there are always lessons learned in the end and the family comes together!  Since when is that bad?  People deal with hardships everyday but through the Grace of God they get through it.  Perseverance and togetherness are strong themes in Perry's movies, how can you be mad at that?

And if you don't like Tyler Perry then get your own shit together so you can produce your own plays and movies and spread the message that you want to spread.  You can't fault the man for bringing jobs and employment into the community and paving the way for many more to come after him.

now let that marinate on yo ass!

Ya feel me?

Hoss Intropia

The wonderful world of looklet has introduced me to a great label called Hoss Intropia.  That Jill Scott playing in the background just sealed the deal for me.  The cult Spanish label was created by Paloma Vázquez de Castro, ex-National Ballet of Spain designer in 1994.  All prints and details are produced, designed and handcrafted by the label.  If Hoss Intropia were its own setting, it would be a relaxed yet invigorating day at the beach.  Their clothes are so beautiful and soft.  Silk, chiffon, pleating, eyelets, and other intricate details combine to give their line an elegant feel

from Hoss Intropia Collection for Spring/Summer 2011

also from Hoss Intropia Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

STANDOUT PIECE on website: lemon chiffon floral off the shoulder dress


click here to view SPRING/SUMMER 2011 LOOKBOOK

How to Go From "Plain Jane" to *Pretty Girl Rock*

Don't you get sick of seeing all the pretty girly girls getting attention?  Do you get frustrated with your boring average look but don't know how to break out of that mold?  Thank us here at BronzeSparkles because we are about to take you from Plain Jane to Pretty Girl Rock.  We're gonna show the tomboys a few easy ways to upgrade your laid back look into something pretty and feminine.  You won't feel fake because this isn't about trying to be something you're not.  And don't worry about looking hoochie either.  A lot of people have this misconception that to be pretty and girlie you have to look like an extra in a Gucci Mane video.  You don't have to show a lot of skin for this.  Instead you're gonna be bringing out your inner pretty girl that you didn't even know you had!

Don't give em the shocker.  Start out by making little changes every week or so, and building on them. You don't have to go on a huge overhaul over night.  You have to crawl before you walk. This is about coming into your own at a comfortable pace.  Don't feel that you have to change, but if you want to this is how you do it.

Start out with a simple outfit that you'd normally wear.  Let's say you typically don a t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers combo.  This is what I'm gonna call "Rock Bottom".  

This is the base in which unless you're wearing men's clothing, you can't get anymore basic and less girly than this.  That means you can only go up from here.

What you can do is improve upon the basic format by adding your own girlie touches.  Jewelry can add some and life to your outfit.  Don't forget to do your nails and add a fragrance.  Exchange tennis shoes for flats and sandals.  Go beyond basic tees to fitted girly tops.  We brought you out of Rock Bottom by accessorizing like so

but making the simple exchanges can lift your style even higher.  It's just as easy to put on a top with feminine detailing as it is to put on a t-shirt.  When buying new tops, look for cute details like ruffles, lace, florals, appliques, etc. have fun with it!  Remember, just as quickly as you can wear denim shorts, you can put on shorts made from a different material.  And if you aren't adept at walking in heels, there's no reason why you can't rock cute sandals.  If you make those changes, you'll have this look:

Take a lesson from my polyvores and start by buying accessories. They can take your look to the max for less money than buying entire outfits.  Hit the sale rack and look for good separates to mix and match with the things you already have.  I went to Kohl's and found a cute floral mini for only $4!!  What treasures could you find if you get out there and look?

Dresses!  Do you know how breezy dresses are?  They can make you look put together and beautiful and all you have to do is slip it on over your head and go on with your routine.  This may take a little getting used to if you don't normally wear dresses, but once you do you'll wonder how you ever managed without them.  Even on a casual day you'll look like you put in more effort than you really did.  I used the same accessories I used in the last look to show you how simple it can be!

Give me face and head.  Make sure those brows are done.  Don't do them yourself unless you really know what you're doing. I recommend getting them arched and then keeping up with the shape at home.  This will open up your face and brighten you up.  Then make sure you have a cute haircut. This will obviously vary depending on your taste, face shape and how high or low maintenance you want to go.  Hair is very important.  Wear a bit of makeup, even if it's nothing but gloss and something to emphasize your eyes.  A little shimmery powder on your lids and you're good to go for the day.


T-shirts → tank tops, fitted shirts, cute fashion tops, blouses
Bottoms = keep them fitted, nothing baggy unless you have a fitted top or showing skin on top.  You want a balance. Experiment with different styles of jeans, skirts, and shorts.
Sneakers → flats, sandals, heels
Accessories = scarves, bags, bracelets/bangles, ring, necklaces, earrings, fashion belts, hats, etc.  Try to wear at least a necklace and earrings everyday.


It's not hard to look girlie at all.  Many women and girls get unnecessarily frustrated because they think this is something they could never achieve.  They might think they have to have a lot of money or the perfect body to pull it off. Well you don't!  All you need are my tips to help push you forward.  I look forward to hearing how my advice helped take you from Plain Jane to Pretty Girl Rock!