Stylist Goo Goo Atkins Gives Tips on Underwear, Fashion and More in the African Pride Pop Up Beauty Suite

By lipstickfashionmascara — July 12, 2012

During the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans I attended a couple of events hosted by African Pride. Stylist Goo Goo Atkins (sister of gospel duo Mary Mary) was one of the guests I had the opportunity to see at the African Pride Dream Kids Olive Miracle event. The Dream Kids line for African Pride includes a no lye cream relaxer system, conditioners, shampoo and styling aids for children. African Pride took the opportunity this past weekend to promote healthy hair care choices to thousands of women.

Goo Goo, who I ran into a couple times before this event, mingled with guests and smiled for photos before she was formally introduced.

She talked to us about how she got her start in styling, then she delved into tips on accessorizing and dressing. She went for the ‘less is more approach’ when she put jewelry on a model– too many things competing can get a little nuts.

When is comes to dressing her sisters Tina and Erica, she goes for modest yet stylish when they perform, keeping them covered in all the right places without dressing them like they are going to church everyday of their life; (I loved that she said this- they are real people too).

GooGoo didn’t forget to mention proper undergarment– the whole room, me included, were all ears. She is not a fan of spanx- yes they suck and tuck you in but you can see the evidence through your clothes. She prefers shapewear by L’eggs, they are seamless and you can actually move in them. For bras, one of her favorites is the Ahh Bra. She said it provides comfort, support and smoothes any lumps and bumps.

To top off the great advice, she discussed buying high and low; a way of mixing lower priced items in with higher end pieces to create an outfit that simply works! She ultimately feels that you should buy what you like- not because of a name. Buy what works for you; we know everything aint for everybody! Perhaps Goo will get a spin off show? Not sure, but we can catch her on a new season of Mary Mary due to air in early 2013. Check out some of the other celebrities that made their way to the beauty suite.