Bye Bye Babydoll Dress

The babydoll-style dress is just not for me anymore. I am moving on!

Check out my recent "Talking Chic" column in Agenda Magazine: "This Trend is Not For Me." 'Cause let's get real -- not every trend is meant for all shapes and sizes. Once you can accept that, the better off you'll be! As a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant -- I promise you that.

Book Giveaway: The Allegra Biscotti Collection

First off: Please forgive me for letting so much time pass! My computer decided to finally say goodbye. So I am currently using my friend's computer until I get a new one. Thank heavens for good friends. He knows how important it is that I write and communicate with y'all.

So I'm back! And I'm back with a great giveaway. The Allegra Biscotti Collection by Olivia Bennet is a charming tween novel, which I am pleased to present to one lucky winner. It's all about a young fashionista -- an eighth grader -- who makes her own rules and breathes individualism. From wearing discount clothes to sketching on the subway, Emma Rose is anything but ordinary. I have always been about dressing to express who you are, and not what others think you should be -- the philosophy behind this book. Creative expression through fashion is important whether you are 13 or 30, and Bennet has created an exciting story that will bring you back to the hallways of junior high. It brought me back, for sure.

And that's all I'm gonna share with you about The Allegra Biscotti Collection -- not gonna give away too much. Why read it if I give you a play-by-play?

Comment if you're interested in getting your paws on a copy of this book, by answering this question: What was your favorite outfit to wear in junior high, that made you feel oh-so-special. An idea: You may have a teenage daughter, cousin, friend, or sister who would even appreciate this as a holiday gift...Try to win it for her! Contest closes next week, November 1st.

*This new book will be available for purchase mid-November.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sourcebooks, Inc.

Whooga Boots to Keep My Toes Toasty!

UGG boots were never my thing. I used to think (to be honest) that they were dull and silly. The always came across to me as average and boring. Even though many fashionistas can pull them off, showing off their personal styles, I just never took to them.

But then I received a pair of nearly knee-high Whooga UGG-inspired, eco-friendly, weave black boots...I LOVE them! This Australian company definitely understands comfy footwear.

The pair that I am wearing, Whooga weave boots, can be worn straight up, scrunched down, or folded over. Think of leg warmers -- a nearly identical concept. The ribbed cotton style hugs your calves nicely. If you wear them straight up, which I like to do mostly, they may start to scrunch down slightly, but not annoyingly enough that you don't ever want to wear them again.

NOW, I get why UGG boots have become so popular -- they are like slippers with sole support and keep your toes all nice and toasty. I still won't be the kind of SoCalifornian who wears them with skirts on a hot day (no offense if you do). I like them for practical reasons. Pictured above, I wore them with leggings, a flirty floral dress, and my leather rocker jacket. A chilly night downtown Pomona called for my Whoogas!

Check out their site to see their selected styles. Prices are on the high side, typically over $100 per pair. (The boots that I have are on sale right now for $98, down from $170. It appears that black is not available anymore, but there are multiple basic colors to choose from.)  But if you live in a cold region, and really need to keep warm, my bet is you'll be happy with your purchase. Good quality and will add to a seasonally appropriate wardrobe.


Photo Credit (boots): Courtesy of http://www.whooga.com

'Charmed by Ingrid Anne' to Accent Your Style

So my younger brother just got married to his college sweatheart this weekend. So sweet, I know! And throughout the experience of being involved in his wedding, it was such a pleasure to get to know all of the fabulous bridesmaids, groomsmen, and friends. This includes the uber-amazing, talented Ingrid Hergert (girlfriend of Jake, my brother's best man).

We immediately hit it off as chitty-chat girlfriends during the bachelorette party in Lake Tahoe, bonding over shopping and fashion. So when she revealed that she has a jewelry line, Charmed by Ingrid Anne, I fell in love even more! And I speak firsthand when I say that the detail in her designs are phenomenal. Mary Jo, my new sis-in-law, gave all of us bridesmaids her dangly Gold wrapped Rose Quartz Stone Earrings. So sweet! The color beautifully accented the green dresses we wore -- not too big, not too small. Just right. (This pic shows me and my sis Sarah wearing the earrings.)

So it is my delight to share Charmed by Ingrid Anne with you, my lovely Good Girl Gone Shopping readers. You can learn more about Ingrid on her website by checking out her story. Charmed by Ingrid Anne jewelry, which can be purchased online and varies in affordable prices ($28 - $58), is worth keeping an eye on. It is as delightful as she is!


Become a fan of Charmed by Ingrid Anne on Facebook! 


Photo Credit: Courtesy of Charmed by Ingrid Anne