Thursday, March 25, 2010

Are You a Fitness Fashionista?


When I am ready to work out, I am READY. But sometimes, it's hard to get my butt out of the house and hit the gym or the track. I'm sure many of you can relate to this. So, to help combat this dreadful feeling, I make it a point to have my clothes ready to go the night before -- stacked right in front of my closet. This way, when I get home from work, I see them and really make it a point to follow through.

As for what to wear, I regularly add color to my fitness fashion. It gives me an extra pep in my step! Just like I encourage you to add color to your wardrobe, workout digs should be no exception. There is something about putting on a hot pink hair wrap that gets me excited to break a sweat.

So how do you get creative with your fitness fashion? Whether you're into funky Nike running shoes, printed sports bras, or leg warmers, have fun! And FYI: Working out at home can still be an experience. So go ahead: Impress yourself and see what you can come up with!


Photo Credit: http://www.fashioninmotion.wordpress.com

Sunday, March 21, 2010

And the Winner of the SkinCareRx $150 Gift Card Is...


Heather Garland!

Thank you to all who entered. There were tons of entries, and it was very difficult picking someone randomly. So I had Steve help me, as he has an objective eye. We landed on Heather, who not only became a fan of SkinCareRx on Facebook, a follower of SkinCareRx on Twitter, and retweeted my contest on Twitter, she wrote a wonderful blog post on her site, hether78, pointing everyone to the Good Girl Gone Shopping contest.

More giveaways to come! Stay tuned.

(And isn't this a great pic of Heather? She is so excited to shop!)


Photo Credit: Courtesy of Heather

Shiela Hizon: My Favorite Los Angeles and Inland Empire Photographer!





I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Shiela Hizon, an insanely talented editorial photographer. I know her skills firsthand, as she has taken shots of me more than once. It has always been fascinating to work with Shiela, because she always got me, meaning she always understood my vision. And she, of course, had an insightful way of directing me. So here are a few of pics of me that she shot -- photographs that continue to amaze me to this day.

Shiela serves the Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas. She can be contacted directly through her website, Hizon Photography. Please check out her interview on ClosetMouse.com.

Say cheese!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Fancy Footwear: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone




There is always a time to wear black heels and black flats. But what about the occasions that call for fancy footwear? I suggest that you invest in at least one shoe that has flair! Whether you are headed to a party, a night out with your significant other, or heading to a fashion event; wearing a pair of sassy heels or flats can definitely up your confidence level. But this isn't always an easy task, I know. You may be thinking, "What if I can't pull the look off?" or "Will it look like I'm trying to hard?" Don't doubt your ability to be creative with your wardrobe. Stepping outside of your comfort zone at times can feel liberating, because fancy footwear offers you the chance to fully express your personality.

Of course, purchasing a glammed up or funky shoe can be daunting at times. Finding just the right fit, color/print, height, and size may not happen overnight, but if you have the will, you will take the time to find a way. Winter doesn't have to be drab and springtime doesn't always have to mean simple sandals. Take a plunge, have fun, and know that fashion is a matter of trial and error. You can always return shoes or give them away to a friend if they just don't make the cut. But it is important that you don't fear fashion, especially fancy footwear.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

'Vintage Glo' Jewelry: For that Hollywood Sparkle




Kaylene Peoples, the editor-in-chief of Agenda Magazine, recently introduced me to the jewelry designs of Gloria Bass -- Vintage Glo. And I can't take my eyes off of her creations. Her love of antiques (since she was 10 years old) is clear. Gloria's pieces are precious, versatile, and lively, attracting a variety of celeb clientele.

Therefore, her talent inspired me to reach out and ask her a few questions. I HAD to dig deeper to find out some more about Gloria and the amazing Vintage Glo.



Who was your first celebrity client? I can only imagine your rush of excitement!

Anastasia Brown, executive music producer...OMG, she called me on the phone to personally thank me and for me to keep up the great designs and she loved her piece and will wear it...It was sooo surreal.


What an accomplishment to be a vendor at the Golden Globes! How did that come to be?

I got to be part of the Golden Globes with the help of my Publicist Kaylene Peoples.


How have you kept your head up in the competitive industry of fashion?

With my designs being one-of-a-kind, I really never have felt I had to compete. I create what comes to mind and don't ever look at fashion magazines to see what the trend is. I have my own trend and look.


Who inspires your sense of style?

Loving antiques and the love of decorating my home inspires me to decorate my jewelry in my own style.


Your designs offer beautiful, dramatic appeal, but I can imagine many women would feel like they couldn't pull it off. What tips would you give women on how to find the best pieces of jewelry to fit their personalities?

When you see a piece and say OMG.....I HAVE TO HAVE THAT....then you will wear it.


What have you learned thus far?

I have learned that it takes a lot of work getting yourself in the face of the big world of Fashionistas, but as long as I keep loving my work, it's all worth it!!





Photo Credit:
Rings courtesy of GBK, mannequin with necklace by Jeff Linett, Arun Nevader/Getty Images -- From the Gifting Lounge: Top (L) Jordin Sparks, (R) Sara Hyland, Bottom (L) Gloria Bass and Deidre Hall, (R) Shar Jackson)

Thursday, March 4, 2010

A $150 Gift Card from SkinCareRx? You Know You Want One.


Whether providing tips on fashion or giving you insight regarding my experience as a marketing professional, I enjoy sharing what I know thus far. And when it comes to enhancing one's image, beauty products play an essential role in doing so.

So I offer you the chance to win a $150 SkinCareRx.com gift card! Believe me, this amount will allow you to shop with ease and feel pride in doing so. SkinCareRx offers a plethora of affordable products for both men and women. And with a line like SkinCeuticals, this store gives you ultimate selection. (The SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is said to be a great product for those who have dehydrated or aging skin but desire a plump, smoother feel.)

So how do you win this, you ask? Well this will be a random contest, in which I will have Steve select the winner (I like when he gets involved!). But the really cool thing is that you can enter multiple times. Per the fabulous folks at SkinCareRx, here are the entry rules:

1) One entry: become a SkinCareRx fan on Facebook

2) One entry: follow SkinCareRx on Twitter

3) 2 entries: retweet my tweet about the contest


4) 7 entries: write a blog post with a link directed to SkinCeuticals B5 Gel (Must have a minimum of 100 words and use a pre-defined anchor text and link to a specific page.)


And you must comment on this blog post! Yes, I will account for your entry multiple times if you decide to pursue #3 and #4. And yes, if you do all of them, you have a HUGE chance in winning. So I ask that when you comment on this post, you let me know all that you did to enter this contest.

If you have any questions, please contact me! I wish you the best of luck. Contest will run for two weeks, until March 18th.


Photo Credit: Courtesy of SkinCareRx

You Two Have Won 2 FREE Hours of Personal Shopping and Wardrobe Consulting!


Thanks to all who entered to win 2 FREE hours of personal shopping and wardrobe consulting. Because I know the value in this prize, I decided to choose two winners. They both showed their need for my assistance with great energy and honesty!

So congrats to Bryana, who said this:
"I REALLY need help! haha I don't have much of a variety of clothes and usually resort back to jeans and t-shirts. I'm looking to accessorize and add some flair to some outfits. Or just start fresh!"

...And congrats to Rachel Lisa (Los Angeles makeup artist), who said this:

"Oh boy, where do I start? First of all, I work in the fashion industry, but have no idea to dress myself. How a is that? Second of all, I have realized that you cannot dress the same way when you are 24 and a size 4 vs. 34 and a size-not-gonna-say. My wardrobe has been reduced to a basic daily uniform of a black tank top with leggings and boots. Once, I wore a white tank top and my friends freaked out. I'm pretty sure I could look and feel better about myself as I go through my weight loss process, and just look more professional in general. Like someone that people might actually want to hire to do their makeup! :(..."

More contests to come!


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