The Beauty of No Doubt's B-Sides

I am so excited that I found my Boom Box CD set from No Doubt! As I prepare to move into my loft (downtown Pomona, Calif.), I am cleaning out cabinets like crazy. So when I came across it, I was so ecstatic. The Boom Box set has a DVD of their top videos, a DVD of one of the concerts during the Tragic Kingdom tour, a CD of their "The Singles" CD, and a B-sides CD that features songs that didn't make it on their Rock Steady or Return of Saturn CD.

Their B-sides album has always been my favorite as it features some of No Doubt's amazing, raw lyrics. I love Gwen's voice, and hearing her spill out her emotions always delights me.

So here is one of my favorite songs on the B-sides album. It's called "Under Construction." 'Cause aren't we all? Enjoy!

"Success serenades me
And pressures at the door
Broken promise debris
Lie around from my mind war
And my accomplishments interrogating me
Today's become tomorrow before I wanted it to be

Desperate discussions
Disturb the destruction
I assigned in my mind
I'll be find, I'll be fine

'Cause I'm under construction everyone
so you'll have to mind the mess
I'm under some construction

I always had to try harder
I never really could keep up
Sitting in the corner
With my illness and bad luck
But in this humble place
I'm feeling like red wine
And I hope to get better with some time
I'll be fine, in some time I'll be fine

'Cause I'm under construction everyone
So you'll have to mind the mess
I'm under some construction

Correction
Modification
Alteration
Construction

And the rituals that soothe and disgust me
Will be gone in some time, I'll be fine
In some time I'll be fine, I'll be fine

'Cause I'm under construction everyone
So you'll have to mind the mess
I'm under some construction

Construction
Feel better with some construction"


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

No Money to Shop? Do Your Laundry.

Although I loathe doing laundry, it's one of my favorite things to do when I feel like I don't have much to wear.

I have so many clothes, I tend to forget what I have sometimes! So when I wash my stuff, I feel like I just went shopping. "OMG! I forgot I had that top!" and "Yes, I was looking for those jeans!" are my common exclamations as I turn my hamper over and I start to organize hots and colds.

Because when it comes down to it, there are many times when shopping for the latest this and the latest that is just not feasible with your budget. Believe me, I get that. I've been there. I feel ya. Just as cleaning out your closet and organizing what you like, what doesn't fit anymore, and what is plain obnoxious is important in revitalizing your wardrobe, washing clothes as well is an important part of maintaining your fashionable lifestyle.

One time I let almost a month go by without washing clothes, and while I wasn't hurting by being without certain items (yes, my drawers and closet are pretty packed), I couldn't wait to wash clothes! I knew that I would find some of my favorite gems among the piles. Sometimes, I let a lot of time go by on purpose just because I know that when I do finally get around to doing this chore, it will make me so happy seeing all that I have. It is also around this time that I realize what I don't need to buy. Talk about saving money as well -- doing your laundry is just another way to remind yourself that shopping the mall can wait. You probably have more than you realize!

And after you get the clothes all nice and warm out of the dryer, start playing with your outfits. Throw on that favorite white tank of yours and see how you can change it up. Have you worn it with that blazer? Did you think of wearing a scarf with it? Could it be layered under that blouse?

Laundry can be yes, a loathed affair in my book, due to the time it takes to actually get my butt away from the computer and just do it. But it also can be quite spiritual. It's a time to say thank you for all that you do have.


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

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One-Piece Bathing Suits: Subtle Sexiness

One-Piece Bathing Suits Still Sexy! by GoodGirl featuring Michael Kors swimwear

Belted Swimsuit
$276 - bergdorfgoodman.com
More Michael Kors swimwear »

Bandeau Bodysuit by Annie Greenabelle**
$52 - topshop.com
More TopShop swimwear »

Heart Cinched Bandeau One-Piece
$15 - delias.com
More swimwear »

CHERIE'S FLAKES LEO LEOPARD POLYESTER -
134 GBP - farfetch.com
More swimwear »

This summer (which starts tomorrow!), I am ready to venture away from my typical two-piece bathing suits and try a one-piece. Because I am smaller on top, I always felt like a bikini gave me more support and the illusion that I had more volume in the bust area. But now, I am not as concerned about that. I am more interested in the creativity and artism of a bathing suit, and what is the most flattering for my body overall. There are so many options these days, based on an individual's body type, and I can't wait to hit Target and Old Navy for affordable buys. The bathing suits featured here are gorgeous; however, some of them are more costly than I would prefer for a seasonal item. Still, they are fabulous inspirations!

Which type of swimwear do you prefer -- bikini vs. a full bathing suit?

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'Geek Chic' Eyewear by 7 for All Mankind

I got my first pair of glasses at 15 years old. It was during a time when I couldn't read the notes in my piano books very well and the chalkboard at school became blurry to me. Did I want glasses at the time? Sorta...I felt like it would provide me with an intellectual style that would complement my rebellious streak. Thrift stores and rock music ruled my life, and wearing glasses gave me a new sense of confidence. I never resisted the idea of needing glasses. My first pair at the time had plastic frames that were bright red (I had to make a statement!), before I moved onto metal wires as a senior in high school for a classier fashion mode.

My Calvin Klein, black, plastic-framed glasses were my third pair as a young 20-something year old before getting another pair of Calvin's that were thicker on the side and had pink undertones paired up with black. I bought those a few years ago. Now, I sorta have bling glasses -- bold, black plastic frames with a glittery Dolce and Gabbana logo on the side. These are my life now. I wear them always. I figure that my number one accessory is actually a necessity, so why not treat myself to couture. They cost me an arm and a leg, but I love them! They have an over-the-top appeal, but then again, so am I in a sense. They match my personality.

Recently, I've been thinking that, hmmmm, maybe it's time to invest in a new pair so that I have some options; now toying with the idea that 7 for all Mankind eyewear should be my next purchase. I had no idea that this popular line had collections of eyewear, besides clothing (specifically denim). I was surprised and totally excited! Pictured here, are a few styles that may add to your own 'Geek Chic' style. They are each $148 -- not too shabby.

But before I purchase a new pair, I must analyze my finances. Just like most of you, I'm consistently on a budget! Splurging for a new pair of glasses when I actually have two (I kept my Calvin's with the pink) is not always a good idea when it's not the right time. It's great, however, to keep your ideal purchase in the back of your mind. So when you're ready...you're ready to shop!


Photo Credit: http://www.7forallmankind.com

GiVEAWAY: Win a Dress from ShabbyApple.com!

In collaborating with ShabbyApple.com for a fresh, new giveaway, I realize just how fantastic an opportunity this is for y'all! Now is your chance to win a dress, just in time for summer. Out of the several styles featured on ShabbyApple.com, this "Pretty in Pink" dress and black-and-white striped "La Tour Eiffel" dress stood out to me. Both gorgeous and completely unique from one another.



Pretty in Pink: The"whisper-soft tiers of stretch cotton" that descends from the empire waist looks to provide a relaxed and breezy style. I can see how this dress would breathe on a sweaty, groteque day when the sun beats down. This style can fit most shapes; however, it may make you appear a little fuller as it is way roomy. But this could be a good thing -- your bloated days could be covered up! This type of prairie look can also be perfect for a prego chica as it is roomy enough in just the right area. (Current available sizing: XXS --L)



La Tour Eiffel: Uptown fashionistas are most likely falling in love right about now. The top is made of a jersey knit and it's a cotton/spandex blend on the bottom (white side zipper). The A-shaped outline of the dress offers a subtle sense of sexiness. ShabbyApple.com compares this dress to the famous monument in France: "classic construction, fine materials, and unspoken style." There is no doubt that you will make a statement in such an artistic dress. (Current available sizing: XXS -- XL)

*See more pics featuring these women's dresses on ShabbyApple.com.


Now onto the giveaway rules:

(1) One entry per person

(2) Follow the ShabbyApple.com blog and say that you did by commenting here, while also telling me which of these dresses you like the best and why!

(3) You must live in the United States


Contest will runs through June 30th.

Good luck!

Fashion to Dye For

Introducing a fabulous article from Heidi Walker of Adventures of a Juggling Artist. She was the first person to respond to me about blogging on Good Girl Gone Shopping (I sent out a message to members of my Facebook group inviting guest posts.) So with delight, I present her article about creatively transforming fashion pieces with dye. Enjoy!


White it is just not my color. I always get it stained somehow. Frankly, I find it boring. In the past year, however, I have come across some really cute clothes that were in white ONLY.

At first my heart was broken, but one day when milling around the sewing store I walked past dye. I took a CHANCE! It turned out beautiful! Here are the results of two items:



The gold stitching is synthetic, so it stay when I dyed the dress.



As you can see the Greek style of the dress was only emphasized further.

Then a few months later it was vacation time, so I ordered a pair of shorts and thought I would dye them. At this point I thought I was the expert. WRONG!!! I went cheap and easy on the dye. RIT from the grocer. Bad idea, the color came out uneven and the directions were not clear.

So I waited a few months and then decided to try it again. I went back to the sewing store and bought the prettiest blue dye. I read the directions and they were DIFFERENT than the RIT. They clearly instructed you to not only use CLEAN (of course, I did that) but DAMP clothing when dying it.

The dampness distributes the color evenly to prevent streaking. Here are the results from my second SUCCESS story:



Honestly this pick does not do the color justice. It is even brighter.

Lessons learned:

- It takes only three dollars to change the color of a BORING white piece of clothing you have had in your closet forever.

- Getting a good quality dye is important.

- Using GLOVES is necessary and will keep your hands pretty.

- This can only be done with certain fabrics and those are listed on the dye package.

- You will be able to dye two pieces of clothing for each packet of dye you have.

- This is an AWESOME way to update your wardrobe. Each time I wear these pieces of clothing I get compliments and gaping stares at the clothing, because they are beautiful.

You can TRULY be a "Good Girl Gone Shopping" with this project. Elana, thank you for allowing me to share my love for frugal fashion.

Happy weekend everyone! It is SHOPPING time!

Heidi Walker


Photo Credit: Courtesy of Heidi

Sharing the Love: Guest Blog Posts to Come!

This summer, you can look forward to a few fresh voices right here, on Good Girl Gone Shopping. After recently messaging the members of my Good Girl Gone Shopping group on Facebook, opening up the opportunity to guest blog for me, I received quite a response! It is such a pleasure to know that there are those of you out there who value my site and are excited to be a part of it.

So stay tuned as I can't wait to introduce some of the most fabulous fashion industry folks out there! I looooove blogging, but I also love showing off the talent of others through their own writing. If you are interested in writing a piece for Good Girl Gone Shopping, please contact me and share your ideas.

(BTW: A wonderful new contest is coming, sponsored by ShabbyApple.com. You will have the chance to win one of their dresses. As a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant, I am beyond ecstatic to offer you the chance to win something fabulous just in time for summer!!!)

Hugs!


Photo Credit: http://www.speaktopower.org

The 'Jersey Shore' Hype Continues

Tan skin, big hair, tight clothes. That's what the cast of MTV's "Jersey Shore" has become famous for. Their over-the-top personalities are worth taking note of too. Whether we laugh or make fun of their styles and/or antics ("beat the beat"), you gotta give credit to the fact that they are being true to themselves. Fashion rules are not the same for everyone, after all.

Tonight, as I watched the gals being interviewed during MTV's pre-show for the movie awards, as well as their new music video with Enrique Iglesias (yes, really!), I found myself smiling. Who woulda thought that the kids who are all about "GTL" (gym, tanning, laundry) would shake up the world of pop and entertainment. Now, with season two of "Jersey Shore" coming to MTV, showing fashion styles that probably make most industry professionals and critics cringe, we can only wonder if the hype will continue...



Photo Credit: http://www.live.drjays.com

'I Heart Ronson' Affordable at JCPennys

Affordable, stylish, and fun. That is how I describe the amazing 'I Heart Ronson' line at JCPenney. The twin sis of celeb DJ Samantha Ronson (and yes, the on-again-off-again flame of Lindsay Lohan), Charlotte Ronson offers frugal women the chance to shop fashion that evokes effortless flair. Floral skirts and dresses, striped blouses, rocker skinny jeans, and comfy cotton tees are just a few pieces from her collection. Designer wear doesn't have to break you. With pieces on sale for as low as $9.99, 'I Heart Ronson' lets you shop smart. And not to mention, you will totally have money left to buy a cute pair of shoes! After I purchased the gray sweater with the stripes (pictured above), that's exactly what I did.


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