Trina Says Stay P.H.A.T. – “Pretty, Hot and Tempting”

“I'm tired of hearing that big women are not attractive. I feel like sterotypes think the norm is just a size 2, but we women come in all shapes and sizes.”

I agree with Trina of Big Girls Don’t Cry, who expressed this sentiment to me recently regarding stereotypes and plus size women. Her blog and shop is a turn in a refreshing direction for ladies with extra curves, a fabulous sense of fashion, and who refuse trying to fit a size 2 mold. Trina, a super mama of four who credits comedian/actress Mo’Nique as her ultimate inspiration in looking and feeling confident, loves to mix and match outfits from her already existing wardrobe. Yes, she is very talented.

I’m so glad that Trina and I had the chance to meet through our beloved Divapreneur Community, because I understand the difficulty it can be to find fashion that is flattering and looks like it was made with my shape in mind. I might be on the smaller size, but I am still curvalicious (and proud of it!). So with great delight, I present some affordable, trendy dresses by Torrid for Spring and Summer – all which can be found by visiting Big Girls Don’t Cry:



Regular price: $86
SALE price: $63.98



Regular price: $74
SALE price: $54.98




Price: $58



Price: $64





Original Photo Credits: http://www.torrid.com/

One Lovely L.A.M.B.

An oldie but goodie. Gwen Stefani: brunette and a style beyond our time. And yes, my favorite chameleon. 1991, 20 years old.

Photo Credit: found on http://theboombox.wordpress.com/category/gwen-stefani/

BeautyChatBlog.com -- My Baby is Growing Up so Fast!!!

If you had the chance to catch glimpses of our new site, what do you think? (As our amazing designer, Khevna Naik, was making her last-minute adjustments, the site had to go LIVE for a few minutes...)

Look for my editor's note tomorrow on Beauty Chat, the winners to our Diana B and American Rock & Royalty giveaways....and of course, a big 'ol contest in honor of our afternoon relaunch. March 25, 2008 -- mark your calendars.

I hope you enjoy it! (The Beauty Chatters are getting giddy!!!...OK, you got me. So am I!)

Easter Sunday Sale on ShopManhattanite.com!

I'm a Jewish gal on Easter Sunday. That means my Passover is different from those who may have enjoyed their family meal last night or today. So if you find yourself with extra time today, like me, and dying to do a little damage to your AMEX or Visa, don't log off until you've hit ShopManhattanite.com. Today through midnight, you get 30% off everything, including sale items!

You will find a wide selection of:

- Women's apparel (new Lauren Conrad Collection featured!)
- Jewelry
- Lingerie
- Beauty products
- "Haute Mama" tops
- Fun stuff for "Trendy Tots"
- Home and office gifts
- "Puppy Love" products and such

And FYI: If you miss today's sale, you can still enjoy some savings throughout the month of March on ShopManhattanite.com. Just type in "GoodGirl" at checkout, and you will receive 20% off!

You're welcome. :)

Author Marilyn Anderson Says "Never Kiss a Frog"

I'm all for making a fashion statement where it counts, especially when it makes a passerby ponder. For instance, I recently picked up my own BITTEN Sarah Jessica Parker tee that says "Fashion Is Not a Luxury" at Steve and Barry's - a proud $8.98 purchase during a brief San Diego visit with Steve and "Dre."

So of course I'm totally enamored with the ToadBag ™, a fun tote bag that exhibits (er...exribits?) the phrase, " Never Kiss a Frog - Save One Instead!" Marilyn Anderson, an author, relationship expert, and speaker "playfully warns women to stay away from 'men' frogs, but says the endangerment of real frogs is a serious issue" with the launch of these bags.

Marilyn's book Never Kiss a Frog: A Girl's Guide to Creatures from the Dating Swamp is a fashionably sensible "collection of funny stories, savvy advice and comical illustrations that depict the men that women should avoid... as FROGS!" So with the great success that followed the publishing of her book, she (who was educated as a biologist) paired up with Amphibian Ark, an international organization dedicated to saving real frogs.

Each ToadBag ™ purchase results in a contribution to Amphibian Ark, and each read of the book might just very well prevent you from wasting those "If only he could turn into a prince" daydreams...

Either way, both purchases will keep you in great style. Check it out!

* Marilyn is the Travel & Entertainment writer for Agenda Magazine, has appeared as the "Flirting & Kissing" expert on ABC's "Extreme Makeover."

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

Got a "Diva Fever?" 40 Bucks Says You're Not Alone.

I literally can't stop checking out this fabulous "Diva Fever" Tiffany-inspired bracelet by Hija 4 Designs. Raquel Roysdon, a fabulous jewelry designer who makes one-of-a-kind, must-have pieces for such women as chatty and confident cocktail gals, is a new freelance client of mine and amazing business woman.

She pulls off a one-woman, successful company with returning customers wanting more and more....and more!


You can learn more about Hija 4 Designs by listening to an endearing girlfriend-talk podcast with Business Trendista Elaine Biss. (And I'm not just saying this because there's a little somethin' somethin' about me in there!) I truly love learning about a woman's journey while pursuing her passion.

Bracelet is $40, and a treasure forever. It can be ordered on her cutie-pie Web site.

Thanks for the inspiration, Raquel!


Photo Credit: http://www.hija4.com/

My Interview with Kaylene Peoples -- Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Agenda Magazine

She is a publisher. A documentary filmmaker. A jazz singer. Founder of a youth-based foundation. A network queen. And my editor!

Kaylene Peoples offered me the opportunity to be her first fashion columnist for Agenda Magazine (AgendaMag.com) in late 2004, for her second issue (which eventually turned into a staff writing position as well). I remember the day like yesterday -- just out of college and working at Nordstrom. I knew that I wanted to pursue my ideal writing career, but I never knew how to get started. So after contacting the woman I interviewed when I was an intern (really just to say thank you for being so great!), I was blessed with this question: "Do you want to be a fashion columnist for Agenda Magazine, a new online publication I'm starting?"

My life felt worthy after I said yes. Kaylene gave me the chance to set my soul free through personal talk of shopping, designers, materialism, and fashion shows. My column "Talking Chic" was born with her support and encouragement.

So, with great pleasure, I present to you a long-awaited interview with my fabulous editor and friend:

I have known you for almost 4 years now, Kaylene! You asked me to come on board as a fashion columnist, and I have been in love with Agenda Magazine ever since. So tell me how it started...

Agenda Magazine has been percolating in my mind since I was in high school. I used to read all the fashion mags from cover to back and really was just addicted. There was one thing that I found to be missing though, and it was the fact that the articles only went just so deep. I always put them down wanting to read more or learn more. I wanted to create a publication that would pull the reader in even deeper – answer all the questions. Lastly, since I am involved in filmmaking and music, I wanted something that could incorporate multi-media. And it seems that Agendamag.com really fills that niche.

So I know that you attended NY Fashion Week this year (so jealous, which you know already). Which shows were unbelievable?

Zac Posen was incredible. Monique L’Huillier and Joanna Mastroianni stood out in regards to luxury. Jayson Brunsden really exemplified the playful side of a woman. But all the shows were really impressive. The styling, along with the pieces were perfection in their presentation – a lot if wearable garments. And the colors that popped on the runway were interesting. Banana yellow, deep purples and the smoky eyes from the 20’s and 30’s was a big hit. A lot of designers had a taste of old Hollywood in their collection. That was exciting. Of course the veterans like Diane Von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Bill Blass, and Oscar de la Renta, made a huge impression as usual.

How does LA Fashion Week compare to NY?

I have been asked this question so many times, and have really tried to be fair in my comparison, however New York is primed for high fashion and LA is more suited for “Hollywood.” And it seems like that is where the trend is going on the West Coast for fashion. Since I have been attending for over 4 years (I only missed one season a couple of years ago), there have been some talented designers: Sue Wong, Custo Barcelona, Rami Kashou, Kevan Hall, etc… The list is endless. However, within the last 3 or 4 seasons, it seems like LA has been more interested in the celebrity side of things. For example, one season Metro 7 showed. Fashion House cast took up ¼ of the front row and they even showed clips from select episodes. Metro 7 is an in-house line from Wal-Mart. I can’t imagine seeing something like that in Paris, London, or New York. LA designers have a tendency to design their shows with surprise celebrity models: Bai Ling and Paris Hilton were featured in shows.

But in the same breath, you have designers like Christian Audigier, Louis Verdad, Elsie Katz Couture, St. John, Lords, and Lloyd Klein who have graced Smashbox’s catwalk with their exquisite collections. There is no denying that there is phenomenal talent in LA. But what ends up on the runway during Fashion Week doesn’t always reflect that. The lineup for Fall/Winter 2008 is filled with unknowns and the big ticket names are scarce. It will be interesting to see what Jenna Jameson’s “PETA” and the Robin Antin’s “Pussy Cat Dolls” have to offer the fashion world.

How does Agenda Magazine stand out among the various online publications that also deliver couture fashion coverage?

I really feel that we have tried to spotlight not only couture, but ready-to-wear, eco-friendly designs, and emerging designers. In the past we have shown complete collections of the Fashion Weeks from LA, San Francisco, and New York. I’d like to incorporate international designers too. The format of the webzine is evolving daily, so as we fine tune, you will be seeing even more diversity in fashion. But regarding couture, I feel that we have been successful in showing those collections as well. But the world is diverse and I’d like Agenda to be able to reach out to the luxury side of our readers of all income levels. So those who cannot afford an atelier can still reap the benefits of their version of couture with some of the newer designers we feature.

Our first meeting was when I was still in college in '03, and I actually interviewed you when I was interning at Hollywood Scriptwriter. And over the fabulous breakfast you made me, we discussed the indie film you were producing. How did you jump from filmmaking to a fashion magazine in such a short period of time?

Once an entrepreneur always an entrepreneur, but I saw the need. And I had the resources available to make it happen. It was floating around in my head for quite some time as I mentioned before. If I could incorporate fashion, film, and music in a magazine I’d find a way. And because of the Internet, I was off and running! It provided the audience, and that was all I really needed.

You are one of the busiest, most incredibly talented women I know, tell me about some of your other current projects you're working on...

Well, Agenda Magazine has founded Agenda Foundation. It is an opportunity for foster care youth to be able to learn filmmaking. We are planning our first fundraiser sometime this year. I am producing a couple of film projects, one of them is a documentary and you will be seeing corresponding interviews in the mag once we are ready to release the documentary. Also, you mentioned about my jazz music, which is my passion; I am cultivating my music daily. There are some exciting things in the works, but it’s too soon to mention yet.

Thank you Kaylene! I look forward to growing with AgendaMag.com. If there are writers out there who want to contact you for an internship or for a contributor position, what should they do? Are you currently looking for people?

Thank you Elana, you are a huge asset to Agenda and have been a big part of our developing webzine. Currently we just added a fitness columnist, Anthony Heredia, and we will be incorporating Beth Shaw of YogaFit in that fitness section on a regular basis. At this moment, we aren’t really looking for writers, but that will probably change mid-year, as there are going to be some major changes. We always welcome interns. To intern with us, please send resumes to agendamag@aol.com. However, if somebody would like to contribute, please feel free to contact us, because you just never know and we are always happy to hear from talented journalists.

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Kaylene Peoples (That's her in each pic. Last one also features designer Tracy Reese.)

My Answer to Bad Customer Service

In following up to my original post called "Such Thing as Customer Service in Upscale Boutiques?" which involved my sister, my niece, and my frustrations gone wild, I am ready to share what I did.

I posed a quiz to see how some of you would react to my recent dilemna: getting text messages from my sister about the bad customer service she received at a posh boutique during her weekend shopping trip with my niece. And really there was no wrong answer except doing nothing. At least, that's what I deem the wrong answer to be.

So "Andrea" got it right on the money, saying this:

"...I would probably choose E, and call the manager. I would first encourage my sister to speak up about her experience and if she didn't want to, I would probably take it upon myself to do it.I also know the importance in good customer service, and when a family member or I are not subject to that, it is unacceptable."

So that is exactly what I did. Once Sarah told me the store that did her and my niece wrong by not even greeting them or helping her (especially when they were the only ones in the store!), I took it upon myself and called. My phone call went a little something like this:

"Hello, my sister...well, wait a minute -- I need to speak to the manager (the woman replies she is the owner). Well, I'm a bit disturbed to hear that my sister and niece were just in your store checking out Ed Hardy stuff and was completely ignored by the two ladies that were working (she says that she was the one standing there, acknowledging she recalls seeing them come in, but before she knew it, they were gone, and she couldn't get a word in edgewise...). Now, let me explain something to you: I have worked in high-end retail, and good customer service starts with just saying hello. And unfortunately for your store, you won't be receiving my sister's purchase, 'cause BOY can she shop! (she says she hopes my sister comes back, but I reassure that she never would.) In addition, I am a personal shopper and work in the fashion industry, and this is very disappointing for me to hear. I will make sure that none of my clients walk in your store and I, myself, will not be visiting you anytime soon. (she then excuses herself when we're talking to greet the customers walking in...it's like gimme a break -- you're trying to show me NOW that you're all about good customer service?!) Well, I just want to bring this to your attention because it's really a shame to ignore a potentially valuable customer (and then while she tried to speak again, I hung up.).

So that's how it went down! This happened just over a month ago, and I'm still proud that I contacted the store. However, now I wish I would have gone in there to test my sister's experience out. WAS my sister a really fast shopper that day, and exaggerated to me. Or, did she barely describe the lack of friendliness in the store. Either way, I felt empowered to give her a piece of my mind.

And you got me, I don't work IN the fashion industry, I write about it. But it doesn't hurt to scare her, right?

Isabella Dee turned her experience around completely -- a popularly chic boutique in the Claremont Village. Currently, I am trying to score an interview with the owner about turning my sister's frown upside down. Wish me luck! ;)

Photo Credit: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/online/article264775.ece (at least my sister left Isabella Dee as happy as Lily Allen looks! Maybe Sarah's original experience was meant to lead her to the righteous land of retail therapy in such abfabulous shop).

White Iris Designs...Wins Handbag Giveaway!

Thank you ladies for entering my recent contest -- a random drawing to win the Trina Duffle Bag, courtesy of ShopManhattanite.com!

With the amazing comments regarding the big primary trend this season, it seems safe to say that it ain't goin anywhere! That said, I hope you enter this Spring and Summer with yellow shoes, red tops, blue bags, and green hoodies (you can always consult me on why it may be best to avoid wearing each item together, however....).

Tammy of White Iris Designs won the Trina Duffle Bag, after I picked her name from my coffee mug (sans the coffee). And even though chance played a big part, her response is deserving and quite interesting:

"What a nice trend change to get away from the pastels. I love this bright blue I am seeing all over. It has even made it's way into my business, with a lot of bridesmaids, prom & semi formal dresses. Fun challenge for my floral designs!! I say...Bring it on!"

Photo Credit: http://whiteirisdesigns.blogspot.com/

NEW Trendy Handbag Giveaway in Time for Spring!

I love pinks, reds, and purples - some of the most obvious, stereotypical shades of femininity. But with the surge of the primary color trend, I can't get enough of royal blue (hence, my blue sude shoes I can't stop talking about!). Various shades of turquoise sprouting up all over are also getting me extremely excited about Spring and Summer.

So, guess what? ShopManhattanite.com is doing something really cool for y'all. This adorable online couture-driven shop is offering Diary of a Personal Shopper readers 20% off of their purchase (just type in "GoodGirl") at checkout through all of March.

In addition, I am giving away one Trina Duffle Bag in Terry Green! Its gorgeous blue, white, and green floral print is soooo perfect for warm weather fashion. And if you love, love, love the purse; there are matching pieces to create a whole collection!

So are you into the primary color trend? By answering this question, I will enter you in a random drawing held this Friday, March 7th.

Here are some of Manhattanite's ultra-feminine featured blouses-slash-dresses in atypical "girly" colors (and remember, you get 20% off! Plus, free shipping over 150 bucks):

Amanda Uprichard Flutter Sleeve Dress
$198.00

Yumi Kim Audrey Blouse
$140.00

Betsey Johnson Washed Habotai Dress

$325.00

Betsey Johnson Paisley Halter Top
$195.00

Good luck, and happy shopping. Manhattanite has such cute, modern sketches. Promise you'll have a great time hangin' out while browsing!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of http://www.shopmanhattanite.com/