My Pink Blackberry...Now I am Sane!

I was the post-it girl. From the desk to my computer monitor, to the floor; I used to leave notes to myself regarding all of my projects, well, everywhere! For years, this drove me insane, because after awhile, my writing got sloppy and I couldn't read them. OR, I forgot which was which, and I was lost.

So, it was time that I FINALLY purchased a new phone. A phone that would allow me to track my tasks, receive e-mails, connect to my dictionary/thesauras app, and naturally, to Facebook. So this Blackberry Curve has saved my sanity. My friend Dan at work, said "You are finally living in 2007." OK, so I'm a little late with my upgrade. But better late than never, right? My old phone was Zack Morris-like and would shut off even when charged. That was another reason why it was time to treat myself to new technology.

This is my new favorite toy, my stylish companion (pink makes me happy), and my lifesavor. So when you fill out my contact form to reach me, you can now expect a response in a matter of minutes. Talk about good customer service.


Photo Credit: http://www.unlocked-mobiles.com

Dotstv! The New Celebrity-Driven Website From the Founder of E!

It's here, and it's clear that celebrity news will never get old.

Check out my first contributing article on dotstv.com -- the fabulous website created by the founder of E!, Alan Mruvka (see link below). Having the pleasure of directly communicating with he and his amazing assistant, Drew Mcanany, I feel honored to write for such a publication.

So of course, one of my first blog posts was about who else....Gwen Stefani! So enjoy, and more to come.


Have a wonderful Wednesday!

"Winter White...Nails?"

Photo Credit: htpp://www.doghousegallery.net

"Coco Before Chanel"

My mother and I saw the subtitled "Coco Before Chanel" this afternoon, which was playing at one of our local independent theaters (the Claremont Village). I don't want to give any of the details away, because it is that good. But I will say that you will walk away saying to yourself, "I CAN live my dream!" or "If she can do it, I can do it!" Played by Audrey Tautou, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel has gained my ultimate respect and fascination. The day that I own a Chanel piece, I will feel completely honored.

Check out the trailer:

Spin Your Way Into Those Skinny Jeans

Just like all of you, I have my own weaknesses when it comes to food. I am definitely a carb queen who desires salty and sweet munchies all the time.

So to combat these cravings, I now exercise and eat healthy(er) on a regular basis, drinking TONS of water. It is time to get my body in gear and achieve my personal weight loss goal. And with the right motivation, I plan to make it a lifestyle change, dropping ALL of my bad habits. I will be 29 years old this month, and my body most certainly doesn't feel the same as it did 10 years ago at 19 -- no way. I was more active back then; I walked miles on CSUF's campus, danced with my friends at late-night house parties, and worked at Nordstrom where I was constantly on my feet moving from department to department.

So how am I slowly but surely making headway, when I sit at the computer for more than 10 hours total every day during the week? Well, I spin two days a week (in addition to kickboxing two days a week)! Spinning is, for me, a meditational form of cardio. You use different levels of resistance to spin your legs and use the strength of your body to stay energized to, typically, good music. This is my thinking time, as I look straight in the mirror at myself. Even as sweat drips down my face and arms and exhaustion settles in, I mentally speak to myself and breathe out the stress and pressure of my everyday life.

One of my goals in this whole process is to be able to wear certain fall and winter fashions that I adore. Sound trivial? I'm sure you all would agree with me: "No way, isn't it what this is all about? Hellooo...fashion!" Most importantly, however, is to feel confident, healthy, and proud of myself.

Writing about this helps to keep me motivated because I know that many of you can relate to the struggle of finding time to exercise when your day is innundated with other responsibilities. But find time for yourself and focus on your body and health...the rest will somehow settle in its place.

Photo Credit: http://www.ehow.com

The (Editorial) Faces of Fashion

The faces of fashion are not just the models who strut the runway, the designers who create masterpieces, nor the Hollywood celebs who attend runway shows and wear their designer clothes. The faces of fashion are also those who write about all that is style.

Here are just some of the faces of fashion who inspire me everyday:

Amanda Valdez: "Fashion, Love, and Martinis":



Tracey Brown: "Blinging Beauty"



Leeann Morrissey: "Join the Gossip"



Michael Godinez: "Closet Mouse"



Kaylene Peoples: "Agenda Magazine"



Staci Rutherford: "Style and Trend Report"



Monique Frausto: "Urbanista Magazine"



Photo Credits: Their Facebook Accounts! ;-)

Happy Halloween...and Brush Your Teeth!

I grew up with a mother who passed out raisins and peanuts (with a little bit of chocolate candy) to the neighborhood kids. She knew that we were gonna get tons of "junk," so she decided to go the healthy route. I always think about that on Halloween.

So I say have fun dressing up, heading to parties, doing your thang...just remember to brush your teeth! Oh yes, and try not to have candy for breakfast too.

Photo Credit: msdianna.blogspot.com

Win a $750 Value 'Lucky Shops' Giftbag!

I am a trendsetter of Shop It To Me -- a fabulous personal shopping online retailer. So when I received an e-mail that they are partnering up with Lucky Magazine in a breathtaking giveaway for 'Lucky Shops,' I knew what I had to do: notify my Good Girl Gone Shopping fans and followers.


So here's the deal: 'Lucky Shops,' a shopaholic event (full of designer deals!) that is held in New York City annually, is coming up on November 6th and 7th. If you become a member of Shop It To Me, then you are eligible to win a $750 Value 'Lucky Shops' Giftbag! Inside of the bag, think such amazing items as Amrita Singh bangles, Kiehl’s products, a Clu tanktop, tons of other fun beauty products and more.


Shop It To Me gives these instructions on entering:

• Visit www.luckyshops.com to become familiar with the event (you may want to consider buying tickets while you’re at it!)
• Leave a comment on this blog post about what you think is the most exciting part of Lucky Shops
• You must be a Shop It To Me member to win

They will be picking a winner on Friday, October 31st at 5pm PST by conducting a random drawing among all comments left on the Shop It To Me Blog.

Good luck! And if you're as big of a Lucky Magazine reader as I am, you KNOW this is a giveaway worth jumping on. Seriously.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Shop it To Me

My Next Purchase: A Belted Faux Fur Vest

When I see this adorable belted chenille vest from Forever 21 (for only $27.80), I think about my wardrobe and the dramatic turn it would take with this addition. Thank you Rachel Zoe for making the fur look so dang fabulous! You have inspired me to purchase my own snuggly third piece.

I have also noticed great styles at Target for an affordable price, which is a perfect place to purchase a trendy item. Invest wisely if you are a must-have-the-latest kind of gal -- my tip of the day.

Snuggly and cozy...here I come!

Photo Credit: http://www.forever21.com

"I'm Just a Girl...What's My Destiny?"

I can't get "Just a Girl" by No Doubt out of my head, specifically the line that includes "What's My Destiny?"

Even as migraines develop, my anxiety increases, and my keyboards become ruined due to my klutzy spills of water, I am fulfilling my lifelong goals of being a writer, editor, and a figure in the fashion community.

Some of the highlights/accomplishments of my week (Friday --> Friday):

1) Dotscelebritytv.com: Brought on to a new celebrity website developed by the founder of E!, who yes, I have been directly communicating with (his assistant Drew is also extremely friendly). Articles coming soon with its launch.

2) AliveMagazineOnline.com: Corresponded with the head of Alive Magazine, which is an entrepeneurial publication for women of color. I was offered a fashion editor position. Accepted!

3) Developed an ad for an intern and communicated with the career center at my alma mater, CSUF. (How did it get to the point that this eager journalism grad now needs a writer on HER team at Plastic Surgery Studios?)

4) Hit Sunset last Friday for the Li Cari show and the following Thursday, for the grand opening of "P" -- a quaint boutique that features chic, urban-ish attire.

5) Wrote a new "Talking Chic" column for Agenda Magazine: "My Winter Wardrobe."

6) Southern California Life: Prepared for my second appearance as a fashion consultant for this local television show (NewsNetCa.com), in which I am taping tomorrow afternoon.

7) Carla Reiter: Created and sent interview questions to this innovative jewelry designer. This will be featured on ClosetMouse.com.

To my delight, opportunities are coming my way -- people are seeking ME out. It's a wonderful feeling, I must say, as I consider my destiny and who I am (and who I am becoming).

But nothing has been handed to me. You're reading the blog of a girl who took a bus her first two years to college, lived at home until she was 24, and eventually fulfilled two non-paying internships driving a car that broke down every week and had a cracked windshield (imagine how it felt to drive in the parking lot of Epic Records like that!).

My college years made me grow up and understand the importance and essential part of becoming successful: paying your dues. And I am still paying my due to this day: the key to networking and growing as an editorial and fashion professional.

I will keep you updated as to how these projects pan out, as I always do. This is my life. I wouldn't have it any other way.

* Fortunately, I found time to still have a heart to heart with my mom, have a sushi dinner with Steve, phone and text chats with my friends, and my me time in bubbly baths.

Jet-Setting in Style!

"Due to various budgeting reasons, I don’t travel too often. Fortunately, however, my piggy bank is getting fuller as we speak – it is my jet-setting fund...."

READ MORE of my latest Manhattanite Blog post!


Photo Credit: http://www.mirror.co.uk

What You Gotta Say About Fashion?

I know you love fashion, but what you gotta say about it? If you want to share your thoughts about shopping on a budget, your favorite designer, or even your favorite Rachel Zoe saying ("I die" - my fave!), please join my 'Good Girl Gone Shopping' fan page on Facebook.

Men's fashion is also included -- cause the boys love looking good too! If we aren't friends on this network, please add me and send me a message. I'd love to learn more about you.


"Peace, love, and cute shoes!"

Photo Credit: http://www.theinsider.com

Social Networking and Stylish Contacts

I spend a large portion of my time (in between writing, editing, and personal shopping) on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, ClosetMouse, and BlogCatalog. There are tons of really interesting contacts out there! Are you actively involved in networking and meeting those who share your passion? I, myself, have benefitted immensely from spending time on sites such as these.

While I don't believe that networking on the Internet is the only way to grow your inner circle, I do believe that these resources are advantageous and will help to market yourself. These are places where you can discuss what you do, why you do it, and how well you do it.

Please feel free to add me as your friend on these networks (just click on the links above to connect to my profile!):

Get what you want out of life by putting yourself out there. That is my tip of the day! You never know who could be seeking your services, products, and/or expertise.

Have fun and happy networking! Grab some coffee, tea, a cocktail (but just one!) while you communicate. Opportunities await you.


Photo Credit: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

My Must-Have Fashion Piece for Fall!

I love combining sporty with classy, chic with ecclectic. And this fall, I am so jumping on the bomber motorcyle-like, leather jacket trend. Whether worn with ripped jeans for an overall rocker appeal or with black slacks and a button-top blouse for business attire, a bomber leather jacket offers versatility (I prefer black) and a great staple for my closet. See how these celebs stylized their looks with this fabulous item.

What is your fall must-have?


Photo Credits: Lindsay (http://www.zimbio.com), Beyonce (http://www.girlznight.co.uk), Gwen and Jennifer Lopez (http://www.style.com)