Inspiration Comes From Within

Helping men and women find affordable clothing is a joy for me. As an Inland Empire and Los Angeles personal shopper it is something that I always have energy for, whether I'm in a funk or feel a lack of energy to do so. I thrive in the excitement!

Writing, on the other hand, is more complicated than this. My journalism professor told me years ago that a real writer knows how to write even without inspiration; he said the old men who sit in coffee shops waiting for inspiration to come to them are not true writers. A true writer, he explained, was someone who knows how to break through mental boundaries and put their thoughts into words with all their might. I have grown to believe him. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean it's always easy. In fact, I am writing this right now, because I am struggling with the right words for other projects.

But, I suppose I am doing what he has taught me. I'm still writing this post. Even though it isn't the projects (designer interviews and articles on LA boutiques) that I woke up to do, I am pushing through my writer's block.

Drinking hot coffee, putting on some soft music, and opening the blinds so the sunshine can peek in always help me to get inspired. Sometimes, I call my mom or dad just to get some encouraging words, watch Bravo or E! for ideas about fashion and entertainment, listen to old voicemails where my niece is saying goodnight, and sometimes I just play Pac Man to get my motor skills going...

The most important thing is to know how to persist even when it feels impossible! Never easy, but do-able. Making a to-do list (as written about on Where Business and Media Meet) is also a great ways to make sure that you accomplish your goals. Staci, from Handbag Report, once contacted me giving me praise for being a multitasker and being able to devote my time to various projects. I appreciated that it didn't go unnoticed, but I made it clear that it isn't easy. (Her blog is awesome, and I, of course, returned the compliments.)

What do you think of my professor's philosophy? And, how do you find inspiration with your own craft?


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

My Dior Sunglasses for Sale On Ebay!

I know that there is someone out there who could totally rock this look! I think that they are definitely a head-turner, but just don't jive with my style anymore. I also need prescriptive sunglasses, so I don't feel like heading to the optometrist and yada, yada, yada.

So I just put them up for bidding yesterday, which gives you 9 days to check them out. Any way that I can be a 'Good Girl' and help a fashionista purchase an item for less, I will!

* Click here to see the ad on ebay! Please contact me via ebay with any questions.

How to Prepare for Black Friday

A few tips as you wake up at the crack of dawn (or earlier!). Black Friday is just around the corner!


- Eat breakfast so that you can stay energized

- Wear comfy shoes

- Bring all of your coupons and fliers with you

- Have a shopping list to go by

- Leave some money at home -- this day doesn't have to eat up ALL of your funds

- Grab a coffee or a Rock Star to stay pumped up if you start to run out of gas as you walk the mall

- Don't push or cut in front of lines

- Be nice to the associates -- they deserve your respect too!

- Ask for gift boxes so that you can wrap holiday gifts and be done with that early

- Buy a little something for yourself as you shop for others -- nothing wrong with treating yourself to new perfume, accessories, or a good deal on shoes


How else do you prepare for Black Friday?


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

It's My Birthday and I'll Smile if I Want to!

So, the night at Rock the Keys was a success! Even though my friends had me go up on stage with the piano players as they did a happy birthday number (the Oscar Meyer weiner song...yeah, I know! Huh?). My closest friends went, including my older sister Sarah and my love, Steve. I wouldn't have it any other way!

This is me in a Forever 21 black mini, and this is a pic of my new H&M shoes. Even I was nervous because I hadn't broken the shoes in yet, and the dress was on the short side, I was comfy! That's the most important thing, of course, when you're out for the evening. Now I'm out to do some more shopping with gift cards to these very same stores. It's my birthday and I'll smile if I want to!

(FYI: My carpet isn't green. It's the camera and the shadow from the shoes!)

Rock the Keys

I remember when my family got a piano. We were living in an apartment on Hurlbut street in Pasadena, Calif. It was right next to our dining room table, and closeby our living room. I was immediately enthralled with the idea that I could at some point play this instrument. My mom used to fiddle around, teaching herself how to read the music. She soon suggested to me, my younger brother, and older sister that it would be great if we learned a new skill. So we did -- regular lessons soon began at a local educational institute.

And our move to Pomona, Calif. in 1988 didn't stop my mom's perserverence in wanting us to continue. So we did, and I studied and played the piano for 10 years, from the age of eight to 18. I had private lessons from a world-renowned pianist in Claremont, Calif.

I learned the beauty of the waltz by Chopin, the energy of Mozart, and the classical sound of Beethoven. Every week, I would go to my piano teacher's home and practice, review theory, and listen to her play the songs that I would soon learn. I would then need to practice every day for 30 minutes. Even though there were times that I would have enjoyed going outside to play with my neighborhood pals, I knew the importance of practicing and mastering a challenge.

Every year, I would go to the Claremont Colleges and take tests, sight read for judges, play the songs I chose and adopted (Fur Elise was always my favorite to play), and perform in seasonal recitals. I have 10 "certificates of merit," each reminding me that hard work always pays off.

Now, I don't have a piano as an adult, living in my own apartment. But my parents still have the original. My 3 year-old niece is our up-and-coming pianist, as I sit and play with her when I visit "Yaya" and "Papa." Unfortunately, I am rusty now and have forgotten many songs. But I have never forgotten the beautiful memories of being committed to this craft and, well, my talent.

So in turning 29 next week, I decided that I would love to go with Steve and my friends to a local dueling piano bar, called "Rock the Keys" in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. How exciting to see! I have never been.

With my new Forever 21 mini-dress ready for this Saturday evening, I can't wait to be around my favorite instrument. I hear the pianists can play everything from Van Halen to Snoop Dogg and Sublime to Red Hot Chili Peppers. People can even make requests. Well, you know that I am going to request No Doubt!

Going back to my roots feels amazing, and something that I would love to experience with those who who are important in my life. This article isn't so much fashion-related as it is personal. I am who I am because of my experiences in life, and what I have learned about my growth. My mother misses my practicing and dancing in the kitchen as I would play. And so do I. But we all know that the real benefit of my learnings was discipline. I would even listen to my favorite composers as I did my homework throughout the years.

This outting should be exciting! And will only remind me of the good times when I tickled the ivory and created music that filled up our home.


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

What are YOU Wearing for Thanksgiving?

I enjoy getting a little jazzed up for Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday of the year. I love giving thanks for all of the blessings in my life.

And with great delight, I have already received gratitude from women who needed some ideas on what to wear to the big feast. One gal was meeting her in-laws for the first time, and another wanted to show off her weight loss in a respectable and fashionable manner. For both of these women, I largely stressed the importance of comfort. 'Cause getting full at the dinner table shouldn't pop a button or loosen a clasp.

If you need some assisance for this big day, please fill out my contact form, and I will respond to your shortly thereafter (With my new phone, it's now just a matter of minutes!) I am based in Upland, Calif.


Photo Credit: http://www.shop.nordstrom.com (Tracy Reese coat!)

Win the Perricone MD 'Advanced Eye Area Therapy!'

I will be turning 29 years old in a week, and although that is considerably young, I have already begun seeking wrinkles and lines forming around my eyes. Noooooo...! Considering that aging and the annoying signs thereof are inevitable, I'm guessing that many of you can relate to this.

That said, I am proud to open up a beauty contest. As an Inland Empire and Los Angeles personal shopper, I preach more than just shopping on a budget; I am a firm believer that when you look great, you feel fabulous. In addition to wearing your favorite colors, finding the right fit, and making a trendy statement, your beauty regimen will also benefit your total image.

Here is the deal: Perricone MD (from Dr. Perricone) will be giving one lucky Good Girl Gone Shopping reader the advanced Advanced Eye Area Therapy. Featured on Oprah, as well as in Vanity Fair and Glamour, this product ($95 value) is designed to "minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness, while diminishing dark circles with Vitamin C Ester."

Here are the rules on how to enter:

(1) You must be a U.S. resident

(2) You must leave a comment that discusses the importance of good skincare (Feel free to share other lines that you may have tried but just didn't provide you with the results you wanted!)

(3) You must enter by November 30th, before 5 p.m. pacific time

Good luck! I will choose the winner based on your explanation.


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

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! ;-)