Show Your Personality with Pics on Pinterest!

After seeing many of my Facebook friends and Twitter peeps linking to pics on their Pinterest boards like...all the time, I finally decided to get the ball rollin' and see what all the hype is about. After all, I grew up with my bedroom walls plastered with my favorite rock stars, actresses, singers, models, and iconic magazine covers. And today, fast forward more than 15 years, I still love to be amongst this type of wall art. Currently, I have a collage of beauty ads that I've ripped out of mags, overlapping one another on my bathroom wall. From shots of Halle Berry to Gwen, it inspires me to embrace my own unique beauty as I get ready each morning for work! I am absolutely inspired by various types of visuals.

...Such as with this pic, which features Heather Petry, a Los Angeles/Inland Empire fashion designer and blogger (who I met over a year ago at a private Kevan Hall showing in downtown LA). I repinned this pic of her and added it to my "Fashion is Art" board recently. Wearing a strikingly colorful, nod-to-the-60s vintage dress, Heather consistently embodies true, unique style.

And when it comes to true, unique style, that is exactly what I'm enjoying about Pinterest -- it's a community space where you can share an image and let it speak for itself. From fashion to food, and everything somewhere in between, Pinterest is just what I need when my fingers need a rest from typing and brain can't form a simple sentence anymore. I love pretty pictures!

So, two thumbs up! As a Pinterest newbie, I am here to stay! Follow me and be sure to follow Heather.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Heather's Pinterest "My Style" board

GIVEAWAY: Win TWO 'Cutey' Charm Bracelets!

So I was recently contacted by cutey, a new, European-based, jewelry company (founded in 2011). After introducing me to cutey, the lovely rep Ashley offered an exclusive giveaway for my Good Girl Gone Shopping readers. She didn't just offer one reader the chance to win one of their exclusive charm bracelets, she offered the winner the opportunity to win TWO charm bracelets. How generous! After I checked out the cutey site, I knew this was a match made in heaven. And here's why I'm sorta falling in love with this company:

- The charm bracelets definitely epitomize the name of the company, as each is unique and adorable. Shows they definitely know their product (and marketing!)

- Affordability factor!!! In USD, each bracelet is under 25 bucks ($20.99 to be exact).

- FREE DELIVERY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

- Their "About" section is thorough and really shows cutey's ethics and personality. (.i.e, Principles, Goals)

-  An easy-to-navigate site. Just as it is important for a store to be neat and tidy, an online boutique site should allow for enjoyable browsing and a no-hassle experience.

Below are the two cutey charm bracelets I specifically selected for the special winner (with a brief description as to why I chose each piece):

(The "Typhon" charm bracelet: The pefect, colorful, playful new accent for your Spring wardrobe!)



(The "Oizys" charm bracelet: Chic and sophisticated. Perfect for an evening out!)

Here are my rules for this giveaway. All you gotta do is:

(1) Follow me on Twitter
(2) Tweet about this contest, which must include a link to this article
(3) Leave a comment at the end of this post, linking to your Twitter page

I will choose the winner based on the most creative tweet, which I will retweet on Monday, March 5, 2012.

*Contest is open to everyone throughout the world, and you can tweet about the contest as often as you'd like. However, just leave one comment at the end of this post with a link to your Twitter page. Note: Just because these charm bracelets are designed for women, you don't have to be a woman to win! (You may have a girlfriend, wife, sister, mama, or BFF who loves charm bracelets! What a perfect opportunity to get them a gift without spending a dime.)

GOOD LUCK lovelies!

Photo Credits: Courtesy of http://www.cutey.co.uk/

Tacky Alert: Wearing PJs in Public?!

 

(Pajamas can be chic, comfy, and fun to wear....at HOME!)

 
I know how hard it can be to gather energy to simply go to the grocery store. I know how it feels to be down on a drab day. And I get the "I don't care what anyone thinks of me" mentality.

But none of these reasons justifies wearing pajamas in public! Since November, because I've become more health-conscious, I head to my favorite local grocery often. ('Super King' in Claremont, Calif. has amazing prices on produce, by the way. Ummm...two avocados for 99 cents! Whaaaat...) This means that I see a plethora of people -- those of all ages and ethnicities. And amongst my annoyance that most people don't believe in personal space or have enough manners to apologize when slamming their carts into mine (ugh), I am continuously seeing teens to 30-something year old women wearing flannel PJ bottoms and hoodies, adorned with ratty hair and slippers (or UGG-ish boots, whatever..). Casual styles are cool, but laziness is a whole different story. Wearing designer-studded shades or having a fabulous handbag just doesn't make up for the fact that you walked out of the house in digs that don't belong in the grocery store.

Those of you who follow my Good Girl Gone Shopping blog know that I am very rarely, if at all, judgmental about personal style. But this time, I must put my foot down and shout out at the top of my lungs: "No more pjs in public!" And most of you also know that if I make a claim of any sort, I typically provide reasoning and insight to my perspective. Well, my friends, this topic is no different.

Here are my top 5 reasons why you should avoid wearing pjs in public:

(1) You're wasting money: What about all of the new leggings you just bought? Remember when you  couldn't afford to get gas because you chose to buy another black pair to add to your 10+ collection? Well, those are waaay more passable than flannel bottoms with pictures of coffee mugs all over them.. Your leggings shouldn't just be sitting there at home, where your pjs should be. What a waste of your money!

(2) A poor image could get you poor customer service: Not saying that it will, but books are definitely judged by their cover. Unfortunately, customers are judged by store employees. You don't have to go to the grocery store dressed to impress, but you do deserve a positive experience everywhere you go.

(3) You could run into your ex: This might be trivial, but is it? Do you really want the person who meant everything to you see you at your worst? Or, on a different note, you could see a really cute guy or girl next to you in line. Ummm...bets are, your dazzling smile isn't bright enough to overpower the fact that you wore pjs out in public.

(4) You could ruin your chance in future employment: Bet you didn't think of this, did ya? What if you're on the hunt for a fashion position, and the gals in front of you are talking about the latest this and that from the new issue of InStyle. And what if you try to contribute to their conversation, only to find out that they are the editors at that publication!? Would this be the best time to try and shake their hands and introduce yourself? At that moment, your outfit is not expressing your true style, so that may not be the best decision.

(5) You might need to go somewhere else afterwards: So you're planning on just running to the store for milk and eggs. But as you hurry along in order to make it for your BFF's birthday party in an hour, you realize you forgot to get her a gift! So, to the mall it is. But in your pjs? Making an extra trip to go home will make you run even later than you hoped.

As a fashion professional, whether I'm helping a person shop for clothes or writing about clothes, I feel it is my duty to really put this topic out there and help you understand something: Image is not everything, but it does communicate your personality. If you're not a lazy human being, then don't pretend you are!

So preserve your self-image, hold your head high, and be proud of your wardrobe. And don't forget: What may be perfect for one environment is not always appropriate for another. Would you wear a bikini to the office? Exactly! I didn't think so...


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

I'll Be Back Mi Amigas!

Good evening my lovelies!! Hope your 2012 is starting off on the right foot. If it hasn't, remember: Tomorrow is always a new day to start fresh!

...And I know, not posting for more than a month is NO BUENO. But my wheels are always turning in regards to providing you unique articles. I even had a fabulous, insightful discussion with a social media wiz today about "quality vs. quantity" when it comes to blogging, which was quite inspirational. Please understand that I want to connect with you as often as possible, but in my book, quality always surpasses quantity. That said, I appreciate your patience as I let my ideas marinate...

So until I return, please keep up with my sudden bursts of thoughts (budget-conscious shopping tips, shout-outs to fabulous news stories and professionals, how this or that song on Pandora brings me back to a fave memory, etc.). You can do so "liking" my Good Girl Gone Shopping Facebook Page and following me on Twitter.

If you are interested in any of my professional services, would like to learn about advertising or partnership opportunities, or simply want to just say hello to your favorite personal shopper (EVER!), please feel free to contact me. I personally respond to each and every email.

xoxo,
Elana


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

Delivering Cuteness to Target: 'Harajuku Mini' in Time for the Holidays

Gwen Stefani does it again. Her incessant climb to the top of the fashion industry is as unwavering as her climb to the top of the music charts. I use the word "incessant" despite her (likely) having several hiccups along the way in both industries, 'cause look how far she's come. Gwen most definitely didn't quit even when the road got slippery. We all know she started off as "Just a Girl" from Orange County who made you wanna buy black and white, steel toe Doc Martens, wear saggy men's slacks from the thrift-store, and jump around with bright red lipstick on. Now, this 40-something, platinum blonde icon of "cuteness" is more Dior than Docs, as her high-end, increasingly profitable fashion line, L.A.M.B. (2004) , wows the world with its punk-chic-rasta taste.

If you are familiar with L.A.M.B. ("Love.Angel.Music.Baby"), you will admit that collections, season after season, are totally Gwen. She has admitted the collection is based off of her own style. Unfortunately, the general public can't afford L.A.M.B. pieces, unless they are on sale at a chic department store. So when her second line "Harajuku Lovers" was born not too long after, lots of fashionistas were pretty excited. Completely different from the sophistication and culture of L.A.M.B., Harajuku Lovers is sporty, pop, and sells at a more attractive cost, evoking her love for Japanese street fashion.

And now...(drumroll please!!!!)...the Harajuku Mini line is now at Target, recently hitting stores this past November. In addition to selling couture and fun fashion to adults, she has created this line for a very impressionable sect of the population: children. Gwen has publicly said that creating a children's line was largely inspired by her sons. (Yup, among her raging career in both music and fashion, she went and got married and had two kids!) And if you've scanned the gossip mags while in line at the grocery store or over coffee at the bookstore, you'll notice tons of pics of the boys. Zuma and Kingston getting paparrazi attention is not only due to the fact they are Gwen and Gavin's kids, they are Gwen and Gavin's kids with...amazing styles! Just as you see Gwen as the muse for L.A.M.B., her little guys are like the poster kids for Harajuku Mini. But, don't worry --  there are adorable pieces for the girls as well.

So as you figure out what to buy for a young child this Christmas or Chanukah, I'd say check out Harajuku Mini at Target. Think lots of "punker pants," hip blazers, leather jackets, printed cotton hoodies and tees, and flouncy dresses and skirts. All unique, familiar (can feel that this is Gwen's fashion line upon first glance), and affordable. The cost ranges between about $10 and $30, and the line caters to babies, toddlers, and girls and boys. Check out the collection on Target.com.

From a young singer who would sew and design her own pieces for the stage to a fashion icon and business mogul, Gwen inspires us all.

In the past few years, I couldn't help but write a few articles about her on Good Girl Gone Shopping. Feel free to go back and read some of 'em:

You Are Who Your Team Is

Gwen Stefani: My Favorite Fashion 'Switch Hitter'

A YouTube Look at Gwen Stefani from 1992 -- 2007

Gavin Stefani...Er...Gavin Rossdale Makes a Comeback

One Lovely L.A.M.B.


Photo Credits: http://www.idolator.com/, http://www.momfinds.com/

The Glam Fashion of Atlanta and Beverly Hills' Housewives

(The Most Fab Women of Atlanta)

(The Lovely Ladies of Beverly Hills)

So I am sitting at my dining room kitchen table with thoughts galore swimming around my brain. I am listening to Robin Thicke radio on Pandora, with a wine glass full of cold water and a single green tea and cranberry teabag (my fave from Trader Joe's). My organizer is sprawled open and jam-packed with post-it notes reminding me that there is always something to work on (such as contacting the fabulous Ebony Robinson of Nina Fleurina, Sorrelle Ellis of How She Wore It, and Marija Maxfield of Stella & Dot). But the technical side of my brain works best earlier in the day. After 9 p.m., I find myself just googling photos of pretty people. And right now, I keep checkin' out photos of some of my favorite Housewives of Bravo. If you have yet to get in on the spectacular nonsense of the Housewives series, you are missing out on several factors. Think: cattiness, hair pulling, family feuds, Botox, lip fillers, deceitful spouses, as well as air kisses, lazy spa days, lots of bling, and some showstopping fashion.

Now when it comes to the fashion -- be it "good" or "bad" (I never like to label) -- I will tell you that it always sparks my interest. The Housewives have become such a staple to my television schedule, that it is never complete if I miss out on an episode. (Thank you for showing re-run after re-run Bravo, because I do watch them over and over and over...) I become so amazed with the drama that my friend Jessica and I make it a point to meet up and recap the shows and analyze characters to their core ("Girl, you bring the chips, I'll bring the cheese!"). I mean, shoot, there should be a reality show just on her and I being avid fans of really bad TV...and proud of it! But that's another story in itself...

OK, I'm getting off topic. (Ahem) Currently, "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" and "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" are on this season -- Bravo keeps the various cities in rotation throughout the year. And I gotta say, the Atlanta and Beverly Hills Housewives really do believe in glam style. (Both casts make me wanna wear my Sunday bests even at the gym!) As featured above, I decided to show you only what the Atlanta and Beverly Hills women are working with, 'cause there are Housewives of Orange County, New Jersey, New York, DC, and Miami (and my eyes are getting sleepy right now, to be honest). And these "Housewives" really do appear this dolled up in episodes, versus just for these promo photos.

So in conclusion, in Andy Cohen's excited voice, I ask: Who is your favorite housewife and why? Elana and Jessica want to know!


Photo Credits: http://www.ew.com/ and http://www.tvguide.com/

The Renee Prudhomme 2012 "INDIGO" Spring/Summer Collection: An Ocean Front Presentation

Hello everyone! After about a two-month stretch away from y'all (yup, still working on my first book), I must reach out to the most fabulous readers EVER and send good wishes your way. So hello, my dear Good Girl Gone Shopping readers! I'm also here to give you a glimpse into the recent event I attended during this season's LA Fashion Week.

With my friend Sabrina as my +1, I was able to get a firsthand gaze at the Renee Prudhomme's 2012 "INDIGO" spring/summer collection at a private showing this past Sunday. Held in a quaint, oceanfront studio space right along the Venice Beach boardwalk, the vibe was definitely right on. Personally invited to the Renee Prudhomme first solo fashion event, I was quite impressed with the designer's INDIGO collection. Jennifer Renee Prudhomme's use of black, chocolate, turquoise/teal, green, and yellow were so delightful when combined as solids or when prints collided with each other. Statement pieces for sure! I really loved the drapey, tunic-like blouses and youthful, girly dresses in leg-baring lengths. The feather earrings and accessories really supported the theme of her spring/summer collection. And might I add...a sexy collection at that!

Sabrina and I stopped chatting to pose before making our way to watch the models.

The models were on point!

Feeling pretty cool next to fashion designer Jennifer Renee Prudhomme

Although the INDIGO collection was not featured in a typical runway show, the Renee Prudhomne line was still out and about for attendees to study up close and personal. Models did their thing during a photoshoot, while everyone gathered around, sipped wine, enjoyed music from an in-house DJ on the turntable, and discussed the beauty of what the models were wearing.

A kind, endearing fashion designer, Jennifer Renee Prudhomme personally greeted all of her guests and ensured everyone's comfort. It was a pleasure observing a talented professional introduce her passion to those who either already respect her work or were eager to witness it for the first time. This being my second time seeing Jennifer's work (first time was during a Project Ethos fashion event), it was a unique experience as it was up close and personal.

After the event, Sabrina and I then enjoyed ourselves walking along Venice Beach, wearing skirts, heels, enjoying the chill breeze, and feeling fab! (I won't go into how frizzy my hair got by the beach, 'cause I wouldn't have traded that Sunday for anything!)

After the event, turning Venice Beach boardwalk into my own runway!

The designers' eclectic, colorful garments have been featured in various press publications, including Apparel News, US Weekly Magazine, 360 Magazine, Caribbean Press, and 944 Magazine. In addition to participating in Project Ethos, she has also taken part in DC Fashion Week. Please visit her website to learn more about the Renee Prudhomme line.


Photo Credits: Invite image courtesy of Renee Prudhomme

Dear Friends...I'll Be Writing While Away

Dear Friends,

I have not forgotten about you. In fact, you remain on my mind constantly. But the truth is, I've been working on a very important project -- my first book. So yes, it takes time, energy, and a unique level of focus.

What's also happening: I remain committed to writing my regular "Talking Chic" column for Agenda Magazine and maintaining my Good Girl Gone Shopping Facebook page. In addition, I just hired a personal assistant who is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. (With her help in keeping me organized, I hope to get back to blogging sooner than later!)

I hope you are enjoying your summer and finding time to relax as needed. If you have any questions regarding personal shopping and/or freelance writing services, advertising, or sponsoring a giveaway, please contact me.

xoxo,
Elana


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

Jersey Barely-There Fashion NOT For Everybody!

The new season of MTV's fabulous disaster "Jersey Shore" starts next Thursday, Aug. 4th. Not only does this probably mean more Snooki "Is my cuka showing?" cartwheels, glowing orange tans, and "DTF" girls in and out of the kids' house (this time in Italy!), I am anticipating even more outrageous stereotypical Jersey fashion. And if you embrace the LA nightlife, or actually nightlife anywhere in the country, you will notice that the tight, mini skirts, cheek-hugging denim shorts, and ultra-low, cleavage baring tops are continuing to be hot, trendsetting styles among club-going ladies these days. But I will say again what I always say: Not.All.Trends.Are.For.Everyone.

If you haven't read my latest "Talking Chic" column in Agenda Magazine, please check it out: "Should What's Worn in Jersey...Stay in Jersey?" Enjoy, and thank you for reading!

Have a fabulous week!

(Affordable) Strappy Heels for a Sexy Summer Look!

Pretty pedicures in the summer a MUST, and wearing sexy summer footwear will help to properly show off your groomed toes!

I practically live in flip-flops, but there are times that call for something more sophisticated. And while all trends are not meant for everyone, the style of strappy wedges or strappy heels should be a staple in every woman's closet. Whether worn with shorts, an A-line skirt, a jumper, or your favorite fitting jeans, a strappy heel can add some serious flair to your wardrobe. And nope, you don't have to save and save for a great style. Your local favorite stores offer some affordable footwear that will still allow you to buy your morning coffees on a regular basis ('cause sometimes you gotta cut back where necessary when you overspend on fashion).

So check out some of my faves, each found online under $50. Hope this inspires you to play with your summer look! 'Cause the "F" in "Fashion" stands for what? That's right mi amigas = FUN.

OldNavy.com -- Women's Crochet Cross-Front Wedges -- $32.94

Forever21.com -- Strappy Leatherette Cone Heels -- $24.80



Zappos.com -- Michael Antonio Gunner -- On Sale for $45



Macys.com -- Kenneth Cole "One 2 Know" Sandals -- On Sale for $20.73 (!!!!!) 



cathyjeanshoes.com -- Strappy Stiletto Sandal -- $45

Photo Credits: Courtesy of the store's respective website

"Style a Shape" Competition: Win $1,000 in Amazing Prizes from 365Hangers.com!

I am a big fan and supporter of 365Hangers.com -- a fabulous shopping site for women of all sizes and shapes. The always-70 percent off designer wear is affordable, hot fashion! And because I appreciate the fact that this site celebrates the differences in women's bodies by providing an extensive, vast range  of merchandise, I am excited to tell you about their new contest.

If you've ever dreamt of showing off your styling skills, listen up: The hardworking crew behind 365Hangers.com has come up with a genius opportunity for you to take advantage of. To enter, use your talent to style a particular shape -- straight, hourglass, pear, or full -- on a friend or yourself, and upload the picture to 365Hangers.com. Click here to learn more about, and enter, the "Style a Shape" competition. 


Good luck!!! Contest ends August 5th.


Photo Credit: Courtesy of 365 Hangers

Top 7 Tips to Surviving a Solo Shopping Journey at the Mall

If you're similar to me, you have many happy places -- be it a happy mental place or a certain environment or activity that arouses happiness. Over time, I have come to realize where and what my happy places are. When I close my eyes and see the smiles of my grandma Shirley and grandpa Phillip, I feel peace. When I lay on the sand at the beach, the sounds of kids playing combined with the sounds of the ocean waves crashing practically rocks me to sleep. And when I step foot in a mall, be it an outdoor shopping center like Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga or an indoor hotspot like the Brea mall in Orange County, I can barely walk without skipping.

From touching and trying on new merchandise to inhaling yummy scents, walking around and discovering can make for a fun afternoon. And from what my clients have expressed to me, it is my excitement that gets them excited to shop! Sometimes I will text a client from a store and share the details of a major sale going on....or call/e-mail another client the next day regarding the new arrivals at their favorite store. Sometimes, my excitement is on overload and I will just go ahead and purchase a really great accessory (if it's a steal!) to complement his/her style. Just 'cause I know it could be gone the next day.

So recently, I was thinking of all of the little things that can negatively affect a shopping journey at the mall. And anything that does not benefit a person's time spent at their happy place is just annoying. So here are my top 7 tips to surviving a solo shopping journey at the mall. These tips can be helpful for both the window shopper as well as the shopaholic, and well, everyone in-between who enjoys spending time on their own being out and about around fashion. These are very basic tips, but surprisingly, they can be overlooked. So take notes, or better yet -- print out and post somewhere!

1. Wear comfortable shoes -- Cramped feet will end your shopping trip before it even starts! You will only have yourself to blame if you do not wear the appropriate footwear before walking the mall.

2. Have a shopping list -- I preach this all the time. You may not end up necessarily buying what's on the list (it's very easy to get side-tracked and make random purchases), but it's smart to have a starting point and something to gauge your progress and how off track you may have gotten!

3. Figure out where the bathrooms are -- Nordstrom restrooms are hands-down my favorite pit stops. The lighting is great for freshening up your makeup and it's nearly alway the cleanest. The public bathrooms are conveniently perfect for when you just gotta go already! But if you are able to walk a few more steps or turn that corner to enter Nordi, I highly suggest it.

4. Take a few breaks and sit down and people watch -- You'll get to see real people wearing clothes that show real style. A perfect time to be a fashion critic, and learn what is not acceptable to wear in public as well as what works great for various sizes, shapes, and heights. (Just be sure to not be toooooo rude and stare if you don't like what you see. Give them credit for at least trying.)

5. Use your social skills to build your confidence -- See an ultra-cute outfit on someone? Tell 'em you like their style! Can't find a certain store? Instead of looking at the map diagram in the middle of the mall, ask an employee at a kiosk or someone walking next to you. Speaking up and talking to a stranger is actually a really good confidence-building exercise.

6. Take some time for a quick nosh or a sit-down meal -- Whether you decide that you just want a quick bite from the food court or want to treat yourself to afternoon dining at a delish restaurant near or at the mall, remember: You can walk off the calories afterwards!

7. Remember WHERE YOU PARKED -- No need to call the police right away. Think for a sec before you let your anxiety get the best of you. Which direction was your car faced? Did you walk in the main doors of the store? It is always best to park in the most familiar area of the lot. Wouldn't it be nice to end your shopping journey with a smile on your face and able to leave right away versus walking for a half an hour almost in tears, 'cause you thought your car was stolen (ummm...yes...this hits a little too close to home for me.)

If you enjoyed these tips and feel that either you or someone you know could benefit from such info, please comment and let me know. Your feedback will inspire me for my next shopping mall-related article.

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

Closet Cleaning Tips!

If you regard yourself as an avid fashion lover, then it is your responsibility to regularly take inventory of what is in your closet. (And if you are a shopaholic -- an individual who non-stop purchases the latest this and that -- then even more of a reason to evaluate what's going on with your wardrobe!) Sure, maintaining good organization and neatness will keep you tidy and less stressed, but knowing what to actually get rid of and what to keep will ultimately allow you to breathe and feel confident styling your outfits.

As an Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles personal shopper, I can attest to the fact that it is very easy to become a clothes hoarder. Many of my clients (as well as myself) have an attachment to their pieces for various reasons. Mostly, it's an emotional thing -- it's rarely easy parting with an item of clothing that has deep-rooted memories. (I have my prom dress hanging next to my college graduation gown in my closet!) But there IS such a thing as holding on for too long, or holding on to too much.

Having recently responded to a MyStyle.com reader's concern about the challenge of Spring closet cleaning, I would be delighted if you check out my tips before deciding on what to give to a friend, donate, or sell on ebay. I'm here to help! In addition, if you have further questions or would like to meet with me in person to discuss your wardrobe and/or learn about my services, please contact me.

*MyStyle.com is the official website of the Style network.

Photo Credit: http://www.money.usnews.com/