Britney Spears Reflects on Her Dark Days Tonight on MTV!

I remember the day when my sister sent me a text message that said "Britney shaved her head BALD like Sinead O' Connor!" At that time, I was still living at the condo in Rancho Cucamonga, so I ran up the stairs to my room, and turned on the TV -- that's right, this was major news around the country.

Never truly calling myself a Britney Spears fan, even though I will hit the dance floors and turn up the volume in the car when her songs come on, I was shocked and saddened. But now I'm totally delighted about her "coming out" on MTV tonight in an exclusive feature that reflects on her dark days. Truth is, Britney taking steps outside of the pop world could have taken her out for good. So I am happy to see this young mom and entertainer speak to millions no matter what the consequences are, even if if it is staged.

As for her past bizarre bald head move; while all of us realized that Britney shaving her head was probably part of an internal struggle she was experiencing, I may have been one of the only ones who became an even bigger fan at that point.

Reposted here for you, my Spring 2007 "Talking Chic" column in Agenda Magazine shows what was going on in my mind during that time:

The "F" in Fashion is for Fun

...Let's step back a sec and pretend that Britney's sole reason for shaving her head was because she was eager to spark a young Hollywood trend in baldness. Did that ever cross anyone's mind? Well, it crossed mine—I am a firm believer in having fun with fashion.

Just as award show season has occupied much of the E! Network with pre-show coverage, post-show coverage, and Fashion Police disses, my few hours between sleep and work consist of watching beautiful hosts talk to beautiful people time and time again. In doing so, I have come to the conclusion that not only "hair" has become the "ultimate accessory" in A-list credo, but so is a star's stylist. And from what I've heard, I have gathered that there are many celebrities out there with really bad taste; however, thanks to the professional stylists, America can barely pick out who is clueless and who wishes they could have more spunk in their swang. So bringing it back to Britney, couldn't one say that she is simply being herself but just getting ridiculed for it? Or desperately daring to be herself despite the commotion she has stirred?

So with a stylist as a sidekick, are other celebs misleading the public into thinking that they actually know a thing or two about real style? Truth is, we care...but we really don't. All in all, we just want a celebrity to look good and maintain the holier-than-thou status that society continues to hold them to. Yet when a star—a person—steps out of the grips of Hollywood and dares to take a chance on the raw emotion she is feeling at the moment, we point, laugh, exploit, make fun of, and chastise them because they are defying what and who a celebrity is supposed to be.

Since when did fashion get so serious that a girl can't shave her head and not make it on every gossip magazine at the grocery store? It's just hair, people, really. But Britney's move was definitely shocking...for me to watch, at least. I'll admit it. I myself enjoy playing around with braids, weaves, and scarfs; how my hair looks is nearly as important, if not more, than the jeans on my butt and the shoes on my feet.

I understand the symbol of femininity engrained in the look of a woman's hairstyle. And for me, I gotta feel confident before I step out the door. So for many of us who watched actual news coverage over Britney's lock chop, which in itself is sad—(Hello? Aren't there troops in Iraq to cover? What about the burglar down the street to show on the 10 o'clock news?)—it seems like the real issue is that without her hair, she has lost any sort of sex appeal that may have made boys twist in their seats and girls buy her music to feel as empowered as they may have believed her to feel.

Maybe the real empowerment was in Britney's forgetting about what her stylist, her family, and her management team wanted for her. Despite any sickness or help she might need, I actually felt a sort of envy in the fact that she let all of her inhibitions go and lived for the moment. Whatever that moment held for her, Britney is still the Mickey Mouse Club tyke and the I-kissed-Madonna chick—but possibly for one of the first times in her life, she became the I-think-for-myself Britney.

So with the insistence of our dear friend, I am actually going to extend the "F" for fun to the "F" for "F&#% you." Now, that's what I call a role model.

Anyone out there agree with me?

Photo Credits: Bald Britney (http://www.celebrific.com/) and Britney with awards (http://www.huffingtonpost.com)

A Memorable Birthday Pre-Party with My Niece

Last Saturday night, I enjoyed celebrating my semi-surprise 28th birthday with my friends, my love Steve, and my transformed apartment (he brought Hollywood to our place with a red carpet-themed party). And because I had to be out of the place at 4 p.m. for he and everyone to set up, I headed to my sister's place to get ready there.

...And hangin' out with my niece Neria "pre-partying" was one of the best birthday gifts I could have received (along with the big pink cupcake with "frinkles" on top she made me). So as I get primped for the party, Ri is enjoying herself in my blue suede Marc Fisher heels. I didn't tell her to pose for the picture; this little 2 year-old just knows how to look fierce.

For another lovely pic of me and Neria, check out Chic Galleria where I tell you how to turn your pennies into quarters with a personal shopper...like moi!

(party pics coming soon...)

On this Thanksgiving, I am Thankful For Fashion...

In honor of Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday of the season, I will go out on a (superficial?) limb and say that I am thankful for fashion. Even though you are probably a style junkie like me, you may be a sort of person who does not focus on the materialistic side of life during Thanksgiving. I am the same way...HOWEVER, fashion is what has helped me come out on top during rough patches in my family life, my love life, my friendships, and my career balancing acts. These, my stylista friends, ARE the important areas in my life. So with fashion as my therapist, day in and day out, I say thank you. (Cheers with my morning coffee!)

Designers, boutique owners, stylists, magazine editors, retail buyers, visual merchandisers, and the good 'ol retail associates who open and close the stores (and hope that one day it help them move up the management ladder), continue doing what you do. All of your work is so very important in this industry.

And I, myself, strive to be a positive guide in an individual's life. I will work to continue to provide a person with assistance in shopping on a budget and helping him or her realize that fashion is not just for the rich and the skinny. When you focus on what looks good, what feels good, and what creatively and artistically expresses who you are....Well, that is when you will feel the same joy I do. There is nothing like turning to fashion for a release and a sense of sanity.

Here are two of the ways I began achieving clarity as a kid, which I believe has greatly contributed to who I am today:

Collages: After bookcasing all of my favorite magazines (I still have the very first issues of Nylon and Lucky!), I would rip them open and create collages! From covering my school binder to covering the walls in my room, pictures of Gwen, the trends I wanted to try out, the bands I loved, and the awkward-yet-beautiful poses of models always made me feel secure. No matter the type of "drama" high school presented to me, I loved knowing that in my room -- in my world -- my energy was committed elsewhere. I would even tell people that I would be friends one day with this person and hang out with that celeb, and in more ways than one, I am still experiencing such greatness.

Thrift Stores: Although now, at 28, I have a difficult time truly finding what I'm looking for at a thrift store or vintage boutique; I will always appreciate second or third-hand fashion. While most people I know, and KNEW during my days as a "thrift-store junkie," it was all about finding unique masculine and feminine pieces that you couldn't buy in a "regular" store. While I always swore that I would never pay more than 5 bucks on jeans (my mom still reminds me to this day), I took on the same mentality. But what I love the most about hand-me-downs is the stories that exist with the pieces. I always wondered what the guy looked like who owned these jeans or the type of woman who may have walked miles in these sandals...at 15, my approach towards shopping at thift stores was "whatever catches my eye." And that can be very therapeutic, because it allows you take your time and take in the fabric, quality, style, and color of a piece. I am thankful that my mom would drop me off for 2 hours at the "Quality Thrift Store," while I shopped with 2 to 3 bucks to spare. I knew that I needed time to soak it all in. I am thankful that I appreciated the merchandise in a special way.

So I ask you: How has fashion influenced your life? These are just two areas that are very dear to me, to which I am happy to share with you. (As for my start in writing about fashion -- that's a whole new blog post!) I am sure these ring a bell with you and your own growth in an industry that may just very well judge a book by it's cover. But we all have a story inside those books -- no matter what anyone says.

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

Send me a Tweet! This is one Twitter Addict Who Wants to Chat With Ya!

When I am not browsing Google images of my favorite celebrity fashion picks, checking myspace bulletins and approving comments, proofing news articles and marketing pages for my full-time gig at PlasticSurgery.com (and Beauty Chat), rating cool looks and uploading pics on Lucky Style Spotter, brainstorming and developing a topic revolved around 'Good Girl Gone Shopping' for Chic Galleria, putting together my "100 Bucks or Less Column" (and apologizing for missing my deadlines!) for Fashion Chicago Magazine, communicating about events with my editor at Agenda Magazine, and (phew!) of course, not blogging here with y'all...I'm on Twitter!

Feel free to send me a tweet. I talk about it all on there -- and then some.

'Gossip Girl' Fashion -- The Actors Talk About Their Characters' Styles

I tune into Gossip Girl on Monday nights at 8 p.m. because of what else, the fashion! The storylines are very 90210 and The O.C. (throw in Manhattan money), and yes I'm sucked into the drama...But really, I love Blaire, Serena , and Jenny's styles. The guys' looks are pretty trendy and sometimes quite outrageously awesome (think: bow ties, sweater vests, and blazers).

Eric Damon, the costume designer of Gossip Girl, also gives his insight on the how and why of dressing the actors in this YouTube clip:

Chic Galleria Hits New York City for the Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser!

Beth Anderson, the founder and bubbly brilliance behind Chic Galleria, was recently invited by Project Runway's Jack Mackenroth to the Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser.This event was presented by Bank of America benefiting Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC). Getting the ins from Beth's trip to the Big Apple excites me so, that I asked to interview her for a change. (She is the queen bee of interviewing Project Runway designers on Chic Galleria.)

So enjoy some of her insight and thoughts right here, on Diary of a Personal Shopper. Be sure, of course, to visit Chic Galleria for the rundown and details of the fundraising event. Beth was able to chat with Tim Gunn, watch a Betsey Johnson runway show, and listen to Jack speak about his campaign, "Living Positive By Design" -- just three of the jaw-dropping moments tha gained my pure envy. But make that pure, PROUD, envy.

You are now part of Jack Mackenroth's media team! Very cool. How did that develop?

Jack and I originally started corresponding through MySpace. We did an interview for ChicGalleria.com and then he started sending me updates on what was happening with his career. He invited me to attend the GMHC Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser as his guest and I accepted immediately!

And your recent trip to NYC for the "Fashion Forward" show...amazing! What was your number one lesson you took with you from that experience?

Something Jack said when we were chatting at Starbucks, "We are normal people who happened to have been on a reality TV show." Let me just say "normal" people like Jack are extraordinary! His voice is touching the lives of so many people through his Living Positive by Design campaign. One person can make a difference.

On Chic Galleria, you have this awesome trend in interviews running, where you pick the brains of past Project Runway contestants? What made you decide to do that?

It started with an e-mail I received from Christian Siriano, winner of Project Runway Series 5. I thought, "I love Project Runway and I always wonder what happens to the contestants when the show is over." I sent e-mails out to many former Project Runway alums. The interviews are still coming back to me. So far I have had the pleasure to interview Jack, Kevin Christiana, Sweet P, Rami, and Suede. I would like to do the same with Top Chef alums soon.

Tell me about your fashion sense. I've helped you pick out a few items last year, and I remember thinking that you have a great fashion personality: you are open to trying out new styles!

I'm turning 46 on Monday and I'm all about dressing appropriately for my age. I don't fall into trends or wear anything that my daughter would want to share with me. I love to invest my money in gorgeous pieces that I feel good wearing. The Alberto Makali blouse that I wore to Fashion Forward was something I had my eye on for several weeks. I was so excited when Tim Gunn asked me who I was wearing when we were having our picture taken on the red carpet. He loved it!

What are your goals with Chic Galleria? It's not even a year old, and already, you are attracting how many visitors a month?

I would love Chic Galleria.com to be a website that people visit every day. We just added a "Living" section today. We have twelve contributing editors who are experts in their fields and I'm just thrilled with the articles that are publishing each day. I want to offer something for everyone. We offer women crisp style pics and personal development advice; the latest fashion trends for men with a flair for extravagance; recipes and culinary products to tempt your taste buds; education, health and the latest trends for readers with children; healthy tips for living the spa lifestyle and creative ways to treat yourself well and ideas for making your home the perfect sanctuary. I've interviewed jewelers, authors, artists, cartoonists, designers...the list goes on and on.

Well, Beth, from My Chic Things to Chic Galleria, how the heck do you fit in time for yourself and your family?

I don't sleep! Seriously, I have a wonderful team of writers who help me, a fabulous web designer who handles all the tech stuff including our amazing newsletter and a fantastic ad manager. Most of all, I have my business partner (my son) who keeps me sane. I couldn't do it without you, Elana, and our ChicGalleria.com family!

Well, I'm sure I speak for all of us, when I say: Happy Birthday! May all your blessings continue. Now catch up on your zzzzzz's....You deserve it.

Visit Chic Galleria to read Jack's speech!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Beth Anderson (From top to bottom, Beth is posed with Jack Mackenroth, Tim Gunn, and Suede.)

A YouTube Look At Gwen Stefani from 1992 -2007

One day, I would love to have coffee with one of my biggest fashion inspirations...

Fun Footwear: To Brighten Fall's Drab Days!

We can't stop the clouds from looming nor the wind from blowing our hair out of place, but we CAN continue to explore color and creativity with fashion during the Fall.

In fact, I think the best designer collections come forth during this time. While couture booties, boots, and heels are pictured here, which I hand selected from Polyvore, remember that Fall fashion doesn't have to break the bank. Think Forever 21, Target, Payless, JCPenney, and Kohl's for great styles under 50 bucks.

My favorite pictured here, are the Betsey Johnson leopard button-strap pumps! Oooh la la honey. Ooooh la la.


Fabulous Fall Fashion Styles (click here to see designers) by GoodGirl


Photo Credits: http://www.polyvore.com/

15 Stylish Sites That Continue to Blow My Mind

TAKE A BOW! (applause)

Lucky Style Spotter -- Want to see how other stylistas wear their jeans? Care to share your thoughts in a fabulous forum with tons of fashion topics? Brought to you by the one and only Lucky Magazine, this site gives me daily fixes of all that makes my world go 'round.

Chic Galleria -- Can't we all just get along? Working alongside the most amazing entrepeneurs, designers, and health experts; on Chic Galleria, I can proudly shout "Yes we can." Women's Fashion, Men's Fashion, Parenting, Gourmet, Wellness, and Fitness are just some of the areas that make up this "Go-to Magazine for all personal care, beauty, and fashion-related must-haves!"

iCiNG -- When Gala Darling shares her thoughts with you, she makes you feel like her best friend. Unique tips, insight, event coverages, interviews, goal setting, and sincerity is what you get when the this tattooed beauty blogs away.

My Fashion Frenzy -- Turn up your speakers when you arrive at writer and editor Nikki Maria's style blog. If you follow the trends of Beyonce, are addicted to America's Next Top Model, get psyched to see which celebrity is displaying the most cutting edge in fashion -- My Fashion Frenzy will do just that. Get you all crazy and stuff.

Join the Gossip -- Dig those hair accessories that Kenley of Project Runway Season 5 wore? Leeann Morrissey of Join the Gossip is one of those bloggers who doesn't just tell you about a new trend, she shows you! From pics of her new feather headbands to before and after pictures of her going from blonde to dark brown, this is an up close and personal look into the life of a journalist with style.

Ideeli -- A "members-only shopping community for trendsetting women" is exploding with couture designer giveaways and deals at a rapid rate. A small fare even gets you front row! Want an invitation? Contact me and I would be happy to send you a code to get in.

Ash Magazine -- Because she's good enough, she's smart enough, and doggonnit, people like her. Ashley-Nicole is endearing, up on the fashion trends, and totally in tune to what is going on the world. I heart Ash Magazine.

Shop It To Me -- I am among the "Trendsetters" listed on Shop It To Me - a site that offers you virtual personal shopping assistance, with a blog that is dy-no-mite! Natalie and Tamra keep the comments coming, while spotlighting their Trendsetters, shopping events, and what's hot in the world of runway.

Chic Kiddie Boutique -- What are the kids wearing these days? Accordng to the cute giggly Monique Frausto, the options of dressing tykes in the latest fashion apparel is massive! This is one U.S. Army vet-gone-blogger who keeps it real.

Fashion, Love & Martinits -- Oh, how do I love thee? Mandy Applebum redefines what it means to be yourself. A self-proclaimed "fabulous and fat female trying to lose the love handles and make it in the fashion industry" is making it my new BFF list.

Shoe Smitten -- What do you get when you combine shoes, a budget-concious shopping flowchart, a college student....and more shoes? Her name is Anna Basham, and loves to pour her heart out in blog posts that touch upon her love of all that is footwear.

Agenda Magazine -- My "Talking Chic" column has graciously been a part of this online fashion publication for nearly five years. Thanks to Kaylene Peoples, my eyes have been exposed to some of the most amazing runway shows in LA. Want to read, watch, AND listen to her interviews with local designers? Agenda Magazine has your back.

Luxe Tips -- From one fashion junkie to the next, I tell ya that Luxe Tips is a lifestyle site for everyone. Because my interests revolve around more than leggings, heels, and cute jackets (What? They do!), this site gives me what I need. I first learned of this sitewhen I stumbled upon the blogger's post on Gwen's L.A.M.B. perfume. Enough said.

Beauty Chat -- Familiar with this blog? Yup, it's one of my babies that I don't think I can ever part with. Amazing contributors and a fabulous designer keep this site running and attracting fellow "Beauty Chatters." From plastic surgery and skincare to fashion and self-help tips, you gotta give it to Beauty Chat for having a diverse appeal.

Eye 4 Style -- "Deals & Steals" is just some of what you will get when you take part in the Eye 4 Style experience. A recent favorite post of mine is on the blogger's rundown of the Lucky Shops event in NY. Was I jealous? That was only the half of it.

Photo Credit: Me!

Michelle Obama Models a Narciso Rodriguez Dress on Election Night

Barack Obama is the new president elect. My family, friends, and I were text messaging each other throughout his acceptance speech, because we are beyond elated. I believe we are all pleasantly shocked and excited to have hope again.

Then his family joined him on stage, and my mouth dropped to the floor.

Yes she did (create a distraction).

Sitting on the couch together proudly watching a moment of history, I turned to Steve and we both gave each other a look that said, "What is she wearing?" (OK, well I might have shouted that out myself...)

Wearing a Narciso Rodriguez Spring 2009 design, Michelle Obama and her daughters joined her husband on stage as the multi-ethnic crowd continued to cheer. But with such an eccentric and bold contrast of black and red; the dress stole my attention away from the gravity and words of Barack Obama. So much to the effect that thoughts were racing through my mind, such as:

- OMG, did a stylist actually choose this for her on election night?

- Did the designer himself give the dress to her as a gift and ASK that she wear it on election night?

- This must be her celebration dress or her "It's going to be OK" dress if Obama lost

- Is she inadvertantly telling America that there's a new fashionable First Lady in 'da house'?

- I just know the media, bloggers everywhere, and E! News is going to be all over this dress!

- I would have worn something more subdued because I don't want to take away attention from my husband's win...

- Who am I kidding, she does look pretty fabulous!

- There's a time and place for every style, and election night wasn't the time to focus on fashion...OMG, what I really saying?

- She and her famly all blend nicely -- the red and black theme.

But overall, I summed it up in my mind as this: Michelle Obama's style that evening told me that just as politics is risky, so is fashion. While many people enjoy blandness, sameness, and lack of substance; shaking the boat once in awhile creates change. And whether people boo or cheer for a certain style or a belief -- change is necessary to make a difference.

...But just maybe, if I were her stylist that evening, I would have asked her to "change" that look and save it for a concert!

Do YOU think the Narciso Rodriguez dress was the right choice for election night?

Photo Credits: http://www.nydailynews.com/

MINT Jodi Arnold Fall Sample Sale (up to 60% off savings!)

The next best thing to shopping in a New York showroom? Being able to view the same sample collections of a top designer in the comfort of your own home. AND to receive 60% off while doing so -- pretty lucky.

If you can't make it to 39th St., get your sneak peak of the MINT Jodi Arnold Fall collection online. "An art-inspired, ready to wear, women's contempary line" has some of the cutest prints and styles. It is sold in over 300 stores worldwide.

So with a Barneys New York price point, getting more than half off of a luxurious collection is quite something -- especially if you need to update your wardrobe and/or want to get going on holiday shopping for your best girlfriend, sister, or mother. (FYI: MINTJodi Arnold T-shirt dresses, like the one I have featured here, are too fabulous. Its original price is $407, as it is 55% silk and pssst...it will be one of the sale items!)

Starting November 11th through the end of the month, enjoy your VIP treatment and shop (smart) til you drop! And tell me what you end up purchasing or salivating over...Just go to http://buy.jodiarnoldnyc.com/samplesale.html.

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

The Lucky Denim Challenge Could Make My Dream Come True!!!

Do you dig it? This look of mine - "Chic with a Rocker Edge" - could be my winning ticket! As a contestant in the Lucky Denim Challenge, I am competing against nearly 200 gals of all styles.

If you wanna see the 'Good Girl Gone Shopping' in the pages of Lucky Magazine, rate me and leave me a comment. The winner gets to stylize a professional photoshoot while 3 runner-ups get to be featured IN the mag.

Wish me luck!!!

A Forever 21 Brooch is a Girl's Best Friend!

I love Forever 21 -- decent quality items for really cheap, the latest runway trends for an affordable cost, and easily accessible locations throughout the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, and Orange County regions; the areas that my clients and I reside, work, or frequently visit.

Now as you admire these brooches, which are all from Forever 21 and range between $3 - $8, I hope you are imagining how many ways you can incorporate brooches in your wardrobes. Remember, versatility is an important factor to always consider when shopping -- especially when the economy seems to raining on everyone's parade these days. So to make your (literally) few bucks last when it comes to purchasing a vintage-inspired brooch, here are Top 5 ways you can play with this must-have Fall/ Winter accessory:

(1) Pin it on your scarf at the knot or at the end of a hanging piece

(2) Use it for practicality purposes by clasping together an open sweater, turning it into a chic cardigan-like third piece

(3) Wear it on your handbag for some added sass

(4) Fancy up a button-up top by wearing it on the collar

(5) Attach it to a plain thick belt so it appears as a glamorous buckle

Can you think of another way to wear a brooch? Tell me, I'm all ears! For another type of cutesy accessory, turn to Join the Gossip featuring Leeann's new Kenley-inspired favorite item. (Leeann also wears brooches for some flair!)

*Before and after styling pictures of my clients coming soon, where I will be using their existing pieces for fresh, new looks. Be sure to notice the brooch as a key piece in some of the photos.

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