The Bikini vs. The Tankini

Which one is sexier - the bikini or the tankini? Which one is more comfy? And, which one is appropriate for your body type?

Although the tankini is typically a tank top style top with regular bikini bottoms, I refer to Paris' Carl's Jr. signature swimsuit as the sexy tankini. Whatever the official name is...I mean look at it! It definitely ain't a full suit.

On Chic Galleria, I show you a hot OC Housewife who can actually pull off this look!

How Rihanna Made My Article the Topic of Controversy

As a contributor for Chic Galleria, I do my best to support my articles with photos that best illustrate the focus. Well, in my recent "10 Ways to Add Color Color to Your Wardrobe," I posted this picture of Rihanna wearing a rad pink and black polka dot headband. It is a prime example of how to add color to your style, right?

Well, one reader ("Shauna") decided to comment and insinuate that my story and the picture of Rihanna was supporting domestic violence. Saaay whaaaaat!?!? I understand that frustration can come from seeing a photo that reminds you of a situation, but I was simply showing the fashion statement that this singer was making. I, in no way, condone or support domestic abuse. It is a horrible for any victim involved, and quite honestly, Chris Brown and Rihanna are just ridiculous right now. Seriously.

But I was just writing about fashion, and featuring one of our pop star stylistas!!!

What are your thoughts? Please go on and check out my article, and check out all of the comments. Fortunately, tons of supportive readers understood just why I asked Beth Anderson (the editor-in-chief of Chic Galleria) to post this picture with my article.

And yes, please add your two cents. Comment like crazy after reading that article. I'm sure other Chic Galleria readers would appreciate it! (...and let me know what you think of my responses to it all.)

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

A $40 Jean by Alias Premium Denim...Me Likey!

Check out the Shop section on Chic Galleria, and get the ins on this brand new jean line: Alias Premium Denim. The cost (40 bucks!!!), the fit, the shade...I'm loving it. So much, in fact, I rate it 5 stars.

...And of course, Happy Valentine's Day everyone! (Steve and I watched Forrest Gump this morning, and it was the perfect tear-jerking, heartwarmer flick to cuddle up!)

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

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Rebecca Bloomwood Goes Big Screen!

Happy New Year my frugal fashionistas!

If you have yet to get on board with Sophie Kinsella's fabulous chick lit series, starting with book one called "Confessions of a Shopaholic," then yes, you ARE missing something in your life. The movie hits theaters the day before Valentine's Day this year (February 13th), and my sister and I already have a date to watch our favorite character, Rebecca Bloomwood, do what she does best. Let's just say "frugal" is not in her vocabulary.

READ MORE about why (me) the Good Girl Gone Shopping loves this character so, by visiting Chic Galleria!

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

Don't Forget to Feed Your Fashionable Piggy!

I know what it's like to spend your last dime on someone you love, especially during the holidays. Just remember to always save a little for yourself. Once every other day or so, I look in my wallet and take anything from a penny to a $5 bill, and walk over to my piggy bank in the kitchen and drop it in! One time, Steve and I filled up a piggy bank so much, that when we cashed it, we were able to go on a major grocery shopping spree. I know -- exciting, right? But really, it came at a perfect time.

No matter what your budget level is, EVERYONE could use the extra change! And why not find a little piggy, or some sort of mini bank, that is fun and fashionable? Mine looks like a tzedakah can (Can I hear an Amen from my Jewish sistas?!), with a 1950s style couple saying "Saving Up to Quit My Job!" (My Employer: If you are reading this, I think it's hilarious. Not really my plan, I swear!) And the other bank Steve and I had was a bronze elephant that we found for cheap at the Chino Outdoor Swap Meet.

So what matches your personality? Here are a few cute styles, and options, that I found when I Googled "fashionable piggy banks":

After all, shouldn't saving money be fun? My biggest tips to saving using your bank: Purchase one that you have to actually break in order to open, and only open when you can no longer insert coins and dollars. Because when you DO open it, you will be like "Cha-Ching" and revel in the fact that you had so much self-control.

To read more about savings and fashion, visit Chic Galleria and check out my article, "Turn Your Pennies Into Quarters With a Personal Shopper." Have a budget beauty tip? Visit Beauty Chat and share it with us! If we choose your tip as the winner, you score a spot as a guest blogger!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Stay fabulous.

Photo Credit: (from bottom to top) http://www.lootlady.com/, http://www.piggybankpage.co.uk/, http://www.refinery29.com/, http://www.fashionfling.blogspot.com/, http://www.heregadget.blogspot.com/ http://www.i.dailymail.co.uk/

Your Style Star Interviews the Good Girl!

When Monique of Your Style Star (YSS) tweeted about wanting to interview fashion bloggers, I jumped at the opportunity! And she took me up on it. So do us both a favor, and check it out! I talk personal shopping, styling, Gwen and Tyra, my mother's hippie fashion sense, and my hopes of becoming a one-name wonder.

Read "This Good Girl's Gone Blogging" and if you're a fan of my rambling thoughts, follow me on Twitter.

Is Your Guy Confident Enough to Wear the Fedora?

Here is an excerpt from my first article for the men's section on ChicGalleria.com! Feel free to leave comments either here or there. I am definitel interested if your boyfriend, husband, brother, father, son, or you (being a girl gor a guy) dig the fedora:

"This hat is for the confident, cool, and collected man who wants to add a little pizzazz to his outfit. While Brad Pitt can chic up a plain T-shirt with the hat that reminds us of the silent actor Charlie Chaplin, the late comedian Bernie Mac was known make his sleek suits even more sophisticated with a wider-brimmed style. Are you ready to trade in your Dodgers or Dallas Cowboys cap for more fashionable headwear?

The holidays are great time to make a statement and fancy up your look (or even cover up a bad haircut!). Of course, as you try on the hat, be sure to..." READ MORE

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

The Top 5 Affordable Gifts All for Under 20 Bucks

Still in a shopping slump?

Check out my recent article on Chic Galleria, "The Top 5 Must-Give Gifts of the Season for Under $20." This might be just what you need to gain back some hope as the winter holidays are right around the corner:

"Trends come and go - we know this. So when it comes to gift giving this season, think hard about the style pieces you purchase for others.I firmly believe that gift cards are the best route to go when it comes to holiday gift giving if the person is a) a new friend who you are still getting to know, b) a good friend but who you really have no time to shop for, c) a loved one who has specifically told you that a gift card is what he or she prefers, d) a coworker or colleague whose name you got from a gift exchange.

For the other people on your list, I would suggest..." READ MORE

Photo Credit: http://www.shinystyle.tv

A Memorable Birthday Pre-Party with My Niece

Last Saturday night, I enjoyed celebrating my semi-surprise 28th birthday with my friends, my love Steve, and my transformed apartment (he brought Hollywood to our place with a red carpet-themed party). And because I had to be out of the place at 4 p.m. for he and everyone to set up, I headed to my sister's place to get ready there.

...And hangin' out with my niece Neria "pre-partying" was one of the best birthday gifts I could have received (along with the big pink cupcake with "frinkles" on top she made me). So as I get primped for the party, Ri is enjoying herself in my blue suede Marc Fisher heels. I didn't tell her to pose for the picture; this little 2 year-old just knows how to look fierce.

For another lovely pic of me and Neria, check out Chic Galleria where I tell you how to turn your pennies into quarters with a personal shopper...like moi!

(party pics coming soon...)

Send me a Tweet! This is one Twitter Addict Who Wants to Chat With Ya!

When I am not browsing Google images of my favorite celebrity fashion picks, checking myspace bulletins and approving comments, proofing news articles and marketing pages for my full-time gig at PlasticSurgery.com (and Beauty Chat), rating cool looks and uploading pics on Lucky Style Spotter, brainstorming and developing a topic revolved around 'Good Girl Gone Shopping' for Chic Galleria, putting together my "100 Bucks or Less Column" (and apologizing for missing my deadlines!) for Fashion Chicago Magazine, communicating about events with my editor at Agenda Magazine, and (phew!) of course, not blogging here with y'all...I'm on Twitter!

Feel free to send me a tweet. I talk about it all on there -- and then some.

Chic Galleria Hits New York City for the Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser!

Beth Anderson, the founder and bubbly brilliance behind Chic Galleria, was recently invited by Project Runway's Jack Mackenroth to the Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser.This event was presented by Bank of America benefiting Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC). Getting the ins from Beth's trip to the Big Apple excites me so, that I asked to interview her for a change. (She is the queen bee of interviewing Project Runway designers on Chic Galleria.)

So enjoy some of her insight and thoughts right here, on Diary of a Personal Shopper. Be sure, of course, to visit Chic Galleria for the rundown and details of the fundraising event. Beth was able to chat with Tim Gunn, watch a Betsey Johnson runway show, and listen to Jack speak about his campaign, "Living Positive By Design" -- just three of the jaw-dropping moments tha gained my pure envy. But make that pure, PROUD, envy.

You are now part of Jack Mackenroth's media team! Very cool. How did that develop?

Jack and I originally started corresponding through MySpace. We did an interview for ChicGalleria.com and then he started sending me updates on what was happening with his career. He invited me to attend the GMHC Fashion Forward 2008 Fundraiser as his guest and I accepted immediately!

And your recent trip to NYC for the "Fashion Forward" show...amazing! What was your number one lesson you took with you from that experience?

Something Jack said when we were chatting at Starbucks, "We are normal people who happened to have been on a reality TV show." Let me just say "normal" people like Jack are extraordinary! His voice is touching the lives of so many people through his Living Positive by Design campaign. One person can make a difference.

On Chic Galleria, you have this awesome trend in interviews running, where you pick the brains of past Project Runway contestants? What made you decide to do that?

It started with an e-mail I received from Christian Siriano, winner of Project Runway Series 5. I thought, "I love Project Runway and I always wonder what happens to the contestants when the show is over." I sent e-mails out to many former Project Runway alums. The interviews are still coming back to me. So far I have had the pleasure to interview Jack, Kevin Christiana, Sweet P, Rami, and Suede. I would like to do the same with Top Chef alums soon.

Tell me about your fashion sense. I've helped you pick out a few items last year, and I remember thinking that you have a great fashion personality: you are open to trying out new styles!

I'm turning 46 on Monday and I'm all about dressing appropriately for my age. I don't fall into trends or wear anything that my daughter would want to share with me. I love to invest my money in gorgeous pieces that I feel good wearing. The Alberto Makali blouse that I wore to Fashion Forward was something I had my eye on for several weeks. I was so excited when Tim Gunn asked me who I was wearing when we were having our picture taken on the red carpet. He loved it!

What are your goals with Chic Galleria? It's not even a year old, and already, you are attracting how many visitors a month?

I would love Chic Galleria.com to be a website that people visit every day. We just added a "Living" section today. We have twelve contributing editors who are experts in their fields and I'm just thrilled with the articles that are publishing each day. I want to offer something for everyone. We offer women crisp style pics and personal development advice; the latest fashion trends for men with a flair for extravagance; recipes and culinary products to tempt your taste buds; education, health and the latest trends for readers with children; healthy tips for living the spa lifestyle and creative ways to treat yourself well and ideas for making your home the perfect sanctuary. I've interviewed jewelers, authors, artists, cartoonists, designers...the list goes on and on.

Well, Beth, from My Chic Things to Chic Galleria, how the heck do you fit in time for yourself and your family?

I don't sleep! Seriously, I have a wonderful team of writers who help me, a fabulous web designer who handles all the tech stuff including our amazing newsletter and a fantastic ad manager. Most of all, I have my business partner (my son) who keeps me sane. I couldn't do it without you, Elana, and our ChicGalleria.com family!

Well, I'm sure I speak for all of us, when I say: Happy Birthday! May all your blessings continue. Now catch up on your zzzzzz's....You deserve it.

Visit Chic Galleria to read Jack's speech!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Beth Anderson (From top to bottom, Beth is posed with Jack Mackenroth, Tim Gunn, and Suede.)

15 Stylish Sites That Continue to Blow My Mind

TAKE A BOW! (applause)

Lucky Style Spotter -- Want to see how other stylistas wear their jeans? Care to share your thoughts in a fabulous forum with tons of fashion topics? Brought to you by the one and only Lucky Magazine, this site gives me daily fixes of all that makes my world go 'round.

Chic Galleria -- Can't we all just get along? Working alongside the most amazing entrepeneurs, designers, and health experts; on Chic Galleria, I can proudly shout "Yes we can." Women's Fashion, Men's Fashion, Parenting, Gourmet, Wellness, and Fitness are just some of the areas that make up this "Go-to Magazine for all personal care, beauty, and fashion-related must-haves!"

iCiNG -- When Gala Darling shares her thoughts with you, she makes you feel like her best friend. Unique tips, insight, event coverages, interviews, goal setting, and sincerity is what you get when the this tattooed beauty blogs away.

My Fashion Frenzy -- Turn up your speakers when you arrive at writer and editor Nikki Maria's style blog. If you follow the trends of Beyonce, are addicted to America's Next Top Model, get psyched to see which celebrity is displaying the most cutting edge in fashion -- My Fashion Frenzy will do just that. Get you all crazy and stuff.

Join the Gossip -- Dig those hair accessories that Kenley of Project Runway Season 5 wore? Leeann Morrissey of Join the Gossip is one of those bloggers who doesn't just tell you about a new trend, she shows you! From pics of her new feather headbands to before and after pictures of her going from blonde to dark brown, this is an up close and personal look into the life of a journalist with style.

Ideeli -- A "members-only shopping community for trendsetting women" is exploding with couture designer giveaways and deals at a rapid rate. A small fare even gets you front row! Want an invitation? Contact me and I would be happy to send you a code to get in.

Ash Magazine -- Because she's good enough, she's smart enough, and doggonnit, people like her. Ashley-Nicole is endearing, up on the fashion trends, and totally in tune to what is going on the world. I heart Ash Magazine.

Shop It To Me -- I am among the "Trendsetters" listed on Shop It To Me - a site that offers you virtual personal shopping assistance, with a blog that is dy-no-mite! Natalie and Tamra keep the comments coming, while spotlighting their Trendsetters, shopping events, and what's hot in the world of runway.

Chic Kiddie Boutique -- What are the kids wearing these days? Accordng to the cute giggly Monique Frausto, the options of dressing tykes in the latest fashion apparel is massive! This is one U.S. Army vet-gone-blogger who keeps it real.

Fashion, Love & Martinits -- Oh, how do I love thee? Mandy Applebum redefines what it means to be yourself. A self-proclaimed "fabulous and fat female trying to lose the love handles and make it in the fashion industry" is making it my new BFF list.

Shoe Smitten -- What do you get when you combine shoes, a budget-concious shopping flowchart, a college student....and more shoes? Her name is Anna Basham, and loves to pour her heart out in blog posts that touch upon her love of all that is footwear.

Agenda Magazine -- My "Talking Chic" column has graciously been a part of this online fashion publication for nearly five years. Thanks to Kaylene Peoples, my eyes have been exposed to some of the most amazing runway shows in LA. Want to read, watch, AND listen to her interviews with local designers? Agenda Magazine has your back.

Luxe Tips -- From one fashion junkie to the next, I tell ya that Luxe Tips is a lifestyle site for everyone. Because my interests revolve around more than leggings, heels, and cute jackets (What? They do!), this site gives me what I need. I first learned of this sitewhen I stumbled upon the blogger's post on Gwen's L.A.M.B. perfume. Enough said.

Beauty Chat -- Familiar with this blog? Yup, it's one of my babies that I don't think I can ever part with. Amazing contributors and a fabulous designer keep this site running and attracting fellow "Beauty Chatters." From plastic surgery and skincare to fashion and self-help tips, you gotta give it to Beauty Chat for having a diverse appeal.

Eye 4 Style -- "Deals & Steals" is just some of what you will get when you take part in the Eye 4 Style experience. A recent favorite post of mine is on the blogger's rundown of the Lucky Shops event in NY. Was I jealous? That was only the half of it.

Photo Credit: Me!

Cook in Style with Your Own 'Simply Savvy Aprons'

Can't stand the heat? You don't have to get out of the kitchen. Maybe what you need is a reason for being in there besides the obvious. Think how fabulous you will feel serving yourself, your partner, your family, and your friends if you can do it wearing a piece of the Simply Savvy Aprons collection.

Owner Helen Pham talks about her fashion line and how it all came about on Chic Galleria with the queen bee -- Beth Anderson. A lovely interview!

Photo Credit: www.simplysavvyaprons.com

I Heart 'Good Girl Gone Bad' Rihanna!

Chic Galleria has HOT contests going on! With a special collabo with Lucky Magazine (enter to win a Sephora gift card!), you better believe this magazine is pouring with the latest on beauty, wellness, health, men's fashion, and women's fashion.

Visit Chic Galleria to check out my latest featuring the glorious Rihanna.

Photo Credits: Courtesy of http://www.catwalkqueen.tv, http://people.com, http://z.about.com

My Fall Fashion Reminder -- A Chic Galleria Exclusive

As you review the fall/winter fashion collections from your favorite designers, are you also reviewing your finances? Staying within budget should be a top priority for you when creating your shopping list.

Whether you are an online shopper, a boutique regular, or a department store junkie -- be sure to know where you stand with what is affordable and what is realistically just out of your price range (You're not alone!).

Check out "What Will You Have In Your Closet This Season?" on Chic Galleria -- a Good Girl Gone Shopping exclusive.

FYI: An interview with Chic Galleria's creator Beth Anderson coming soon!

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

'Lipstick Jungle' Fashion in Chic Galleria Magazine

Check out what "Victory Ford" is wearing on set during one of the returning episodes of Lipstick Jungle, by visiting Chic Galleria. Played by Lindsay Price, this character is my favorite among the trio of career multi-tasking moguls. One fabulous designer!

(And speaking of fabulous designers...What do you think of my new layout? Chic Galleria's Beth Anderson offered to play around with the look of my site, and in trusting her style and vision, I was happy to give her 100% creative freedom, while still maintaining my original illustration header from Elaine Biss.)

Sooooo, OK, as for Lipstick Jungle: September 24th - back on NBC.

Katie Holmes Like You've Never Seen Her Before - Wearing "My Boyfriend's Jeans"

Check out Katie Holmes's other take on a new trend, besides the colored pant as pictured here, as she rocks the "My Boyfriend's Jeans" look! On Chic Galleria, I pick a a part her recent new look -- think polka dot scarf, baggy jeans, and flats. Not to criticize, though; I show you how to wear the individual pieces of the outfit in another great style.


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