Win a $50 Marshalls Gift Card (and Vote For My Finds!)

I talk budgeting, promote budgeting, and shop with budgeting on my brain. So as one of 10 bloggers who had the opportunity to shop with a Marshalls' $100 gift card (in order to show how far we can stretch it while scoring hot finds), I am totally ecstatic to show you what I found. And yay -- my pieces are also featured on Marshalls' "Ten Best Finds" site, where you can vote for me (Just click on "Diary of a Personal Shopper" below, and then click on "vote for this blogger.")

Cost info about each item:

“Madden Girl” shoes – grey peep-toe heels (combination of leather and patent leather)

Marshalls price: $24.99

Regular price: $45

“Kenar” Blue blouse – spaghetti straps, frilled, with long strands to be tied in back

Marshalls price: $15

Regular price: $42

“Max Studio” Embroidered sun dress – dark and light grey combination of colors/ spaghetti straps and criss-cross back

Marshalls price: $29.99

Regular price: $98

“Jones New York” green scarf/shawl – 100% viscose/fringes

Marshalls price: $12.99

Regular price: $36

Total cost (w/tax – 8.75%): $90.91

Total cost of prices if regular priced (w/ tax – 8.75%): $240.34

Total savings: $149.43!!!!

My three-hour shopping trip was definitely an adventure, considering Marshalls carries many one-of-a-kind pieces. Because I was in search of versatile clothing, shoes, and/or accessories, I took my time and shopped smart, predominantly browsing through sale and clearance racks. I hit two locations actually -- both the Upland La Verne, CA shops. If I had a list of exactly what I needed, I would have saved some time, yes, but this experience was about exploring and seeing all that Marshalls has to offer. And my goodness, there are FABULOUS items worth trying on. I tried on about 20 pieces before I decided that these four were good to go. Each being comfortable, versatile, and unique, they naturally fit into the style of my wardrobe.

And guess what? I am proud to open up a contest to you as well! Please comment here and let me know which of my items is your favorite and what you would wear with that piece. I will choose the winner based on who offers the most creative idea! The prize: a $50 Marshalls gift card so YOU can get your shop on!

My contest will run through March 16th, the same day that the "10 Best Finds" contest I am in ends. (You can vote for me every day if you'd like! Please spread the word to your friends!)


xoxoxo,
Elana

Get Preggers Chic with a Rebecca Minkoff Leopard Baby Bag

One of my favorite websites is The Handbag Report. It's fabulous! Editor-in-chief Staci Rutherford works hard to bring the latest haute handbags to the forefront, and I definitely take notice.

Now I'm not pregnant and I typically shop -- and promote shopping -- on a budget. But when it's time to splurge, it's time to splurge! Pictured here is an adorable Rebecca Minkoff Leopard Baby Bag. It is so hot, and will definitely add some dramatic appeal to your outfit. For more details about this bag and TONS of other insanely beautiful handbags, be sure to visit The Handbag Report.

(On Sunday, the 18th, Staci wrote that there was only one left at shopbop.com, retailing for $395. Hurry, hurry if you're hot for this. Maybe it's still available!)


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

Top 5 Reasons Why I Blog

I have been blogging since February '07. And I must say that creating this blog, which was originally titled "Diary of a Personal Shopper," has been life-changing. I have met some of the most fabulous fashion, health, and beauty bloggers, while building solid friendships in the process. So as I sit back now, three years later, I can't help but think about why I enjoy blogging.

Here are the top 5 reasons why I blog:

1. I love to share what I know. With experience as a personal shopper, both on my own and for a major retail establishment, I enjoy providing information, tips, quizzes, contests, and interviews regarding all that I deem important in fashion.

2. You -- my readers! I love receiving comments and getting your feedback on my posts. It shows that you care and that you share my passions.

3. It takes away a dull day. Ever have those days when nothing seems right? When I sit at my computer and stare at my blank page, I become giddy with the idea that I can fill it up with my words. My words. Before, I know it, joy has filled the room and no matter what, I feel pride knowing that I decided to make it a productive day.

4. It helps to define who I am. Those who regularly visit my blog have gotten to know me. You have learned that I whole-heartedly believe in shopping on a budget, adore Gwen Stefani, and try to find balance in my life as a workaholic. My blog is a place where I can be upfront and honest. This is my diary (hence, the original idea behind "Diary of a Personal Shopper").

5. It's fun! When a reader wins a contest, I think I am more excited than they are! I love making a person's day. In between showing my styling skills using Polyvore and giving tips about shopping sales during the holidays, I like to shake things up a bit and throw in entertaining blog posts, such as "Who is Your Favorite Housewife?" Once blogging stops becoming fun, you may as well just stop doing it. This passion of mine brings me great rewards -- mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually.

So...why do YOU blog?


Photo Credit: http://www.zazzle.co.uk

Get Personal With Leeann of 'Join the Gossip'

I am the number one fan of Join the Gossip. I say this with pride because I have witnessed it's growth from the very beginning. Leeann Morrissey, the brain behind this popular blog, is not only my friend; she and I worked closely together on numerous projects at Plastic Surgery Studios. It was there that I actually hired her on as a writer, appointed her as managing editor of Beauty Chat, discovered that we shared a love for Gwen, and learned that we were both journalism majors from California State University, Fullerton. When she decided to finally leave and transplant to Los Angeles, I was bummed, to say the least. But I always knew that Leeann had fabulous opportunities awaiting her.

And one of her biggest accomplishments thus far, which I can attest to, is the creation of Join the Gossip. She is completely candid with her readers, which I think is genius. She covers anything and everything under the sun, from fashion and celebrity to weight loss and family vacations. Leeann reaches out to her readers with a casual style that is kind, honest, and intuitive.

There are tons of blogs out in the "blogosphere," but there are few that make you feel like you are sitting right across from the writer and chatting over coffee. That's how this smiley blonde operates. She makes you feel comfortable through relatable topics.

So if you haven't yet visited Join the Gossip, and well...joined in on the gossip, check out what Leeann has to chat about. Her recent post discusses her obsession with cute hair accessories. And yes, she has pics to show off her favorite look!

Leeann, I heart you. Keep rockin' our world. (And see you at your Bunco party!)


Photo Credit: http://www.jointhegossip.blogspot.com

Shop Smart and Stylishly On AniqueMichelle.com!

Shopping smart doesn't have to mean shopping for boring pieces. And on AniqueMichelle.com, you will notice that all of the merchandise is anything but dull. If you are a fan of Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, and H&M, you will go gaga for this online boutique. And the best part of all is that AniqueMichelle.com offers affordable, "stylish, heart-stopping-can’t-live-without" clothing, jewelry, hair accessories, and purses.

So if you are ready to add on to your wardrobe, check out this shop. A few details you should know about AniqueMichelle.com:

- This shop was founded by Anique Michelle, a professional who finished college with a degree in fashion merchandising and a minor in marketing and textiles.

- 2.5 percent of profits is donated to charities, such as Dress for Success, The Hunger Project, and The American Cancer Society.

- Based in Southern California, AniqueMichelle.com caters to international fashionistas as well, shipping to nearly 50 countries.

Remember to make sure you know what you own first before making purchases; you will ultimately save money in the long run, avoid having duplicate items in your closet, and make your time spent shopping well worth it. Organizing and cleaning up your closet is a great time to take inventory of what you have and what you may be missing. I would suggest doing so before you take out your wallet.

The pieces I've featured here are versatile, chic, and perfect add-ons for frugal shoppers! And AniqueMichelle.com is offering Good Girl Gone Shopping readers a 20 percent off discount on your total order! Just enter "woohoo20" at checkout. If you need personal shopping and/or styling assistance, please contact me.

Happy Shopping!



Photo Credits: Courtesy of AniqueMichelle.com (From bottom to top: $25 black dress, $22 floral dress, $20 studded vest, $12 chain bangles, $17 black and gold earrings, $55 handbag, $20 clutch, $12 silky scarf, $7.50 feather hair pin, $9 headband, $25 lime green wallet)

Flaunt It Like These On-Air Personalities

What do all of these television personalities have in common? They all appear confident and comfortable in their own skin wearing any type of fashion on-air.

And I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that at some point, you may have looked at Catt Saddler and thought, "Wow, I wish I was so adorable and smiley as her!" Or maybe you watch The Wendy Williams Show and wish you had her chutzpah.

For some people, having confidence comes easy. But for many other people, conjuring up the strength to say what they feel, walk with an enviable strut, and show off their personality through fashion can be a loathing experience. So, faking it until it becomes real could help. I doubt that Oprah or Chelsea Handler only go on-air when they are feeling giddy. Nope -- these are women who know how to act, understanding when it's time to be on stage.

So maybe you aren't famous enough to have cameras flashing in your face or video rolling as you shop in the city. This doesn't mean that you are any less worthy of standing tall and standing proud of who you are. Make the sidewalk your stage! Does everyone have to know that you feel down and out? Nope. No one needs to know unless you tell them.

And fashion is a voice that you can use without speaking a word. The day you put on those red heels or sport that fedora on a beautiful Spring day just 'cause...Well, you may be amazed in how much higher you hold you head. Adding a new color to your wardrobe or playing with a new trend can help to build your confidence and give you a new perspective.

So in Wendy's famous words, I ask: "How you doin'?"


Photo Credit: Catt Sadler (http://www.gypsy05.com), Jillian Reynolds (http://www.ryanseacrest.com), Tyra Banks (http://www.socialbutterflies.files.wordpress.com), Danielle Fishel (http://www.laist.com), Oprah (http://www.tailsmagazine.files.wordpress.com), Monique (http://www.showingout.com), Chelsea Handler (http://www.fanpop.com),
Wendy Williams (http://www.examiner.com)

Who is Your Favorite Housewife?

I confess: I loooove all of 'em: The Housewives of Orange County, The Housewives of New York City, The Housewives of Atlanta, and The Housewives of New Jersey. Maybe it's the catfights, maybe it's the fashion, or maybe it's the pretentiousness that fascinates me. I may just very well be losing brain cells as I watch each episode (I even watch re-runs), but it's totally entertaining.

So if you've never tuned in, and you are the kind of gal who likes watching drama unfold between so-called friends, while staying the heck out of the way, well, I think you might get a kick out of these shows. Airing on Bravo, this network shuffles between cities each season, and right now The Housewives of New York City is on Thursdays at 10 p.m./pac time. Maybe I'm the Good Girl Gone Lame for keeping up with such antics, but I KNOW that I'm not alone.

So I ask you, who is your favorite housewife? Mine is Bethenny Frankel of the NYC cast. She's an author, a chef, and she ain't afraid to speak her mind. I love this potty mouth!

And who is the biggest train wreck amongst all seasons? Well, that's too hard to point out...


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