Throwback Thursday: That's One Colorful CSUF Student!

I don't know about you, but I enjoy "Throwback Thursday" pics on fave social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I enjoy checking out a snapshot of someone from "back in the day." It's a great way to connect to friends and followers, a fun time to see how well you styled your outfits, and then a perfect time to giggle at yourself when you didn't do so well in the fashion department. This pic is from 2002 (I believe), which is posted on a few of my profiles. I was 22 in Vegas with some girlfriends for no particular reason except to have fun and escape reality! I was not a slave to wearing glasses as my eyesight was way better, having worked at Nordstrom at the time and didn't live behind the computer, and I was obsessed with wearing long braids and a hot, red lip.

This is also a picture of me from my college days when I was the editor-in-chief of TUSK Magazine at CSUF! That experience changed my life and helped me focus on what I wanted to do with myself. So this particular photo makes me smile because yes, makeup overload (Yikes!), but also because it depicts me at a point when I was figuring myself out. I'm sure at that very moment I was more excited about the vodka and soda water in my hand and the cute boys around me versus the article deadlines looming in the newsroom on campus...but you get my message! 

If we're not connected already, let's do so on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram (@goodgirlshops).

Enjoy your day! xo

Delivering Cuteness to Target: 'Harajuku Mini' in Time for the Holidays

Gwen Stefani does it again. Her incessant climb to the top of the fashion industry is as unwavering as her climb to the top of the music charts. I use the word "incessant" despite her (likely) having several hiccups along the way in both industries, 'cause look how far she's come. Gwen most definitely didn't quit even when the road got slippery. We all know she started off as "Just a Girl" from Orange County who made you wanna buy black and white, steel toe Doc Martens, wear saggy men's slacks from the thrift-store, and jump around with bright red lipstick on. Now, this 40-something, platinum blonde icon of "cuteness" is more Dior than Docs, as her high-end, increasingly profitable fashion line, L.A.M.B. (2004) , wows the world with its punk-chic-rasta taste.

If you are familiar with L.A.M.B. ("Love.Angel.Music.Baby"), you will admit that collections, season after season, are totally Gwen. She has admitted the collection is based off of her own style. Unfortunately, the general public can't afford L.A.M.B. pieces, unless they are on sale at a chic department store. So when her second line "Harajuku Lovers" was born not too long after, lots of fashionistas were pretty excited. Completely different from the sophistication and culture of L.A.M.B., Harajuku Lovers is sporty, pop, and sells at a more attractive cost, evoking her love for Japanese street fashion.

And now...(drumroll please!!!!)...the Harajuku Mini line is now at Target, recently hitting stores this past November. In addition to selling couture and fun fashion to adults, she has created this line for a very impressionable sect of the population: children. Gwen has publicly said that creating a children's line was largely inspired by her sons. (Yup, among her raging career in both music and fashion, she went and got married and had two kids!) And if you've scanned the gossip mags while in line at the grocery store or over coffee at the bookstore, you'll notice tons of pics of the boys. Zuma and Kingston getting paparrazi attention is not only due to the fact they are Gwen and Gavin's kids, they are Gwen and Gavin's kids with...amazing styles! Just as you see Gwen as the muse for L.A.M.B., her little guys are like the poster kids for Harajuku Mini. But, don't worry --  there are adorable pieces for the girls as well.

So as you figure out what to buy for a young child this Christmas or Chanukah, I'd say check out Harajuku Mini at Target. Think lots of "punker pants," hip blazers, leather jackets, printed cotton hoodies and tees, and flouncy dresses and skirts. All unique, familiar (can feel that this is Gwen's fashion line upon first glance), and affordable. The cost ranges between about $10 and $30, and the line caters to babies, toddlers, and girls and boys. Check out the collection on Target.com.

From a young singer who would sew and design her own pieces for the stage to a fashion icon and business mogul, Gwen inspires us all.

In the past few years, I couldn't help but write a few articles about her on Good Girl Gone Shopping. Feel free to go back and read some of 'em:

You Are Who Your Team Is

Gwen Stefani: My Favorite Fashion 'Switch Hitter'

A YouTube Look at Gwen Stefani from 1992 -- 2007

Gavin Stefani...Er...Gavin Rossdale Makes a Comeback

One Lovely L.A.M.B.


Photo Credits: http://www.idolator.com/, http://www.momfinds.com/

Inspiration Comes From Within

Helping men and women find affordable clothing is a joy for me. As an Inland Empire and Los Angeles personal shopper it is something that I always have energy for, whether I'm in a funk or feel a lack of energy to do so. I thrive in the excitement!

Writing, on the other hand, is more complicated than this. My journalism professor told me years ago that a real writer knows how to write even without inspiration; he said the old men who sit in coffee shops waiting for inspiration to come to them are not true writers. A true writer, he explained, was someone who knows how to break through mental boundaries and put their thoughts into words with all their might. I have grown to believe him. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean it's always easy. In fact, I am writing this right now, because I am struggling with the right words for other projects.

But, I suppose I am doing what he has taught me. I'm still writing this post. Even though it isn't the projects (designer interviews and articles on LA boutiques) that I woke up to do, I am pushing through my writer's block.

Drinking hot coffee, putting on some soft music, and opening the blinds so the sunshine can peek in always help me to get inspired. Sometimes, I call my mom or dad just to get some encouraging words, watch Bravo or E! for ideas about fashion and entertainment, listen to old voicemails where my niece is saying goodnight, and sometimes I just play Pac Man to get my motor skills going...

The most important thing is to know how to persist even when it feels impossible! Never easy, but do-able. Making a to-do list (as written about on Where Business and Media Meet) is also a great ways to make sure that you accomplish your goals. Staci, from Handbag Report, once contacted me giving me praise for being a multitasker and being able to devote my time to various projects. I appreciated that it didn't go unnoticed, but I made it clear that it isn't easy. (Her blog is awesome, and I, of course, returned the compliments.)

What do you think of my professor's philosophy? And, how do you find inspiration with your own craft?


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

My Dior Sunglasses for Sale On Ebay!

I know that there is someone out there who could totally rock this look! I think that they are definitely a head-turner, but just don't jive with my style anymore. I also need prescriptive sunglasses, so I don't feel like heading to the optometrist and yada, yada, yada.

So I just put them up for bidding yesterday, which gives you 9 days to check them out. Any way that I can be a 'Good Girl' and help a fashionista purchase an item for less, I will!

* Click here to see the ad on ebay! Please contact me via ebay with any questions.

The (Editorial) Faces of Fashion

The faces of fashion are not just the models who strut the runway, the designers who create masterpieces, nor the Hollywood celebs who attend runway shows and wear their designer clothes. The faces of fashion are also those who write about all that is style.

Here are just some of the faces of fashion who inspire me everyday:

Amanda Valdez: "Fashion, Love, and Martinis":



Tracey Brown: "Blinging Beauty"



Leeann Morrissey: "Join the Gossip"



Michael Godinez: "Closet Mouse"



Kaylene Peoples: "Agenda Magazine"



Staci Rutherford: "Style and Trend Report"



Monique Frausto: "Urbanista Magazine"



Photo Credits: Their Facebook Accounts! ;-)

"I'm Just a Girl...What's My Destiny?"

I can't get "Just a Girl" by No Doubt out of my head, specifically the line that includes "What's My Destiny?"

Even as migraines develop, my anxiety increases, and my keyboards become ruined due to my klutzy spills of water, I am fulfilling my lifelong goals of being a writer, editor, and a figure in the fashion community.

Some of the highlights/accomplishments of my week (Friday --> Friday):

1) Dotscelebritytv.com: Brought on to a new celebrity website developed by the founder of E!, who yes, I have been directly communicating with (his assistant Drew is also extremely friendly). Articles coming soon with its launch.

2) AliveMagazineOnline.com: Corresponded with the head of Alive Magazine, which is an entrepeneurial publication for women of color. I was offered a fashion editor position. Accepted!

3) Developed an ad for an intern and communicated with the career center at my alma mater, CSUF. (How did it get to the point that this eager journalism grad now needs a writer on HER team at Plastic Surgery Studios?)

4) Hit Sunset last Friday for the Li Cari show and the following Thursday, for the grand opening of "P" -- a quaint boutique that features chic, urban-ish attire.

5) Wrote a new "Talking Chic" column for Agenda Magazine: "My Winter Wardrobe."

6) Southern California Life: Prepared for my second appearance as a fashion consultant for this local television show (NewsNetCa.com), in which I am taping tomorrow afternoon.

7) Carla Reiter: Created and sent interview questions to this innovative jewelry designer. This will be featured on ClosetMouse.com.

To my delight, opportunities are coming my way -- people are seeking ME out. It's a wonderful feeling, I must say, as I consider my destiny and who I am (and who I am becoming).

But nothing has been handed to me. You're reading the blog of a girl who took a bus her first two years to college, lived at home until she was 24, and eventually fulfilled two non-paying internships driving a car that broke down every week and had a cracked windshield (imagine how it felt to drive in the parking lot of Epic Records like that!).

My college years made me grow up and understand the importance and essential part of becoming successful: paying your dues. And I am still paying my due to this day: the key to networking and growing as an editorial and fashion professional.

I will keep you updated as to how these projects pan out, as I always do. This is my life. I wouldn't have it any other way.

* Fortunately, I found time to still have a heart to heart with my mom, have a sushi dinner with Steve, phone and text chats with my friends, and my me time in bubbly baths.

I Talk Shopping on a Budget and Versatility!

If you are in the Los Angeles and Inland Empire region, try to wake up early tomorrow, Sept. 28th, and check out your favorite personal shopper and wardrobe consultant on News Net television -- channel 23. I will be on at 6 a.m. It will also be online at http://www.newsnetca.com shortly thereafter. This will be my first segment of possibly more to come on News Net, which is based in Murrieta, Calif.

I was interviewed by the fabulous Allie Myers, and talked shopping on a budget, top 5 fall fashion must-haves, and versatility. Tuka, the center gal in the 2nd pic, was my model. I stylized this "business casual" look.

*Remember, the camera adds pounds. Just an FYI.... ;-)

Photo Credit: My camera!

Win a "French Tip Dip" Manicure Set on 'Join the Gossip'

Leeann of Join the Gossip is always so innovative and right on! She is currently having a contest where you can win a "French Tip Dip" manicure set. All you have to do is comment on her post. AND if you do a write-up on your own blog, you get counted for two entries. So that's what I'm doing!

A little background on Leeann: she is a CSUF journalism grad (we are both Titans!), is a former Beauty Chat and PlasticSurgery.com writer (I hired her about two years ago), a traveler (she is always going on some kind of vacation to clear her mind!), she recently got her own LA pad (around the corner from Kat Von D's tattoo shop), and pours her fashion and beauty heart out in Join the Gossip. Oh yes, and she would give an arm and a leg to spend an evening chatting with 311. She is their #1 fan.

Sooooo...you gotta enter! I love this chick. Plus, she shows you a YouTube video about the application steps. Cool, right?

Photo Credit: My past birthday photo!

I Chat With the Inland Empire Vintage Designer of 'Sweet Audrey'!

Recently, I met Ebony Robinson of The Shabby Atelier -- "a girlfriend with an amazing closet, and an inside dish to all things amazing." And during an enjoyable coffee chat last week with Ebony, which was a nice hook-up of sorts from my dad, the two of us discussed everything under the sun when it comes to fashion. From designers and budgeting to local shops and LA events, no topic went untouched. Especially when one of us is a vintage designer and a former boutique owner. And I love that she shares my philosophy that shopping without breaking your bank is totally attainable if you use your smarts. Think purchasing couture inspirations versus the real deal (unless it is an on-sale designer item, of course!).

So until our next Coffee Bean meeting this week or next, in which we are working on a fab projects (We are both fashion writers, personal shoppers, and stylists! So you can figure how many ideas were bounced back and forth between us), I decided to bring some of her flair to y'all -- my loyal Good Girl Gone Shopping readers.

Here is my interview with the brains behind her indie designer label, Sweet Audrey:

So tell me when you had your epiphany of “I am going to design vintage wear!”

I’ve always wanted to be a designer since I was about 9 years old. Upon graduation from HS I wanted to attend FIDM. Long story short, it didn’t happen. And from there I never imagined I could actually do it, let alone doing it 20-something years later. After closing my bath and body boutique in 2005, I decided to just try it. Upon designing my first pieces I was inspired by old black and white movies, pin-up girls and vintage glam goddesses. From there I created cute cocktail dresses under my brand label, Sweet Audrey, and showed my first collection at the Black Business Expo. The rest is history!

Do you also plan to design men’s clothes at some point?

No, I love everything girlie, ultra feminine...my favorite color is pink for goodness sake. So for now, I’m sticking to women’s apparel.

Who and/or what influences your designs?

My personal style is described as California Chic to the T. I’m a very Southern California, shabby-chic kind of gal. I’m an effortless dresser and I don’t follow trends. I wear what I think looks good for the day and the occasion. My personal style is a rainbow of skinny jeans, tailored denim jeans, tees, dresses, scarves, flip flops, stilettos, boots etc. What you won’t see me in is mini skirts -- they're just not my thing.

Tell me about your own personal style. How would you describe your fashion sense?

My personal style is described as California Chic to the T. I’m a very southern California shabby chic kind of gal. I’m an effortless dresser and I don’t follow trends. I wear what I think looks good for the day and the occasion. My personal style is a rainbow of skinny jeans, tailored denim jeans, tees, dresses, scarves, flip flops, stilettos, boots etc. What you won’t see me in is mini skirts, there just not my thing.

What do you think are fashion must-haves for every woman?

A fresh tube of mascara, an off-the-shoulder blouse, a great pair of jeans, a cardigan sweater, and also lipgloss. Nuff said.

So you were a boutique owner, now a designer, and you are also a stylist and personal shopper…How do you find time for all of your ventures?

I love the beauty of being a woman, so I embody anything than can assist in the lives of women to help them look better. I am ultimately a boutique owner who provides a well- rounded sense of service and business. I feel more boutiques should provide, personal styling services, personal shopping services, and special events, and create a private label that helps with marketing their investment, which is your business. Women are loyal, and if you provided them with options, I have to make time for all my creative ventures.
What do you have up your sleeves for ’09? What can fashionistas expect from “The Shabby Atelier” going forward?

The Shabby Atelier is my new baby. It’s a mix of eclectic women’s apparel from recycled, new, vintage and indie fashions. I’m looking forward to selling bath and body, candles, fun gift items, and plus-size fashions for my full-figured fashionistas, as well as the resurrection of my Sweet Audrey label. I’m hosting my first trunk show, and planning a full calender of events for the spring and summer. I’ve also made plans for opening a boutique/studio in the works. If the fashasionistas are looking for something that’s not cookie cutter and something different, then they can look me up on facebook, twitter, and my blog, http://www.theshabbyatelier.blogspot.com/. There’s so many exciting things happening in 09’!

* Ebony is based in Fontana of Southern California. Contact her via her blog regarding her vintage designs for purchase.


Photo Credits: Courtesy of Ebony/ pictures of her wearing Sweet Audrey exclusive designs.

It's Amanda of "Fashion, Love, and Martinis!"

I was the first person to comment on Amanda Allison Valdez's blog, Fashion, Love, and Martinis. And I love to remind her about that!

When I originally came across her site months ago, I was immediately drawn to how candid she was (and is!) about her goals with fashion, her personal style, and how fabulous she feels in her own skin. She is completely open and honest, and I completely respect her for that. So, since then, we became friends through tons of networks. You know, myspace, facebook, blogcatalog, Twitter, etc., while now moving onto actual text messages. After getting to know what she is made of, I decided to invite her to ClosetMouse.com after I was personally approached from CM's Ali Costello regarding my own personal shopping, wardrobe consulting, and styling services. Truth be told: it was quite obvious how a talented image consultant and stylist such as Amanda would do their site good. Shortly after that, Ali and Amanda made contact, began building a working relationship, and voila....

Now, we are both CM "Featured Pros!" This is truly a great opportunity to meet other fashion professionals, while also reaching out to those need of our assistance.

And what makes this really special, is that Amanda and I interviewed one another and wrote bios for each other. In the process, we learned how similar we both are (journalism majors, fashion bloggers, AND stylists) and agree how important it is for a client to work confidence in his or her wardrobe. (Amen to that, right?!)

Be sure to watch and listen to Amanda' latest "vlog" post on Fashion, Love, and Martinis! Just as I am, she is delighted to be a "Featured Pro." Her squeals are the cutest!

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

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/

Swimsuit Shopping in the Fall? Check Out My Top 5 Affordable Web Sites!

Visit Fashion Chicago Magazine to see my Top 5 Web Sites for Affordable Swimwear! In my monthly column, I give you reasons why shopping for swimwear now will save you money in the summer.


Photo Credit: http://www.myspace.com/fashionchicago

Join the Good Girl Gone Shopping!

Such Thing as Customer Service in Upscale Boutiques?

My sister had a recent run-in with poor customer service at a local boutique pouring with Ed Hardy stuff in Claremont, CA (to my neighbor fashion junkies -- it's in the newly built area of the Village), and I reacted in a distinct way that made me proud. Yet, being a week later since the incident happened, I'm not so sure if I did more of a disservice than actually helping the situation.

So I'd like for you to take this personal quiz to see how YOU would react. And then I will tell you which route I took, and which store actually turned my sister's mood around. They definitely deserve a shout-out. Here we go:

If your sister sent you a text message saying that she just spent time in an empty store with her daughter in a stroller (unfolding jeans and holding them up to look at over and over without assistance), and was so disappointed that the two women at the counter did not even say a "Good morning!" to her, that she walked out offended and embarassed...what would you do?

A. Nothing

B. Nothing, but never step inside that store again

C. Encourage your sister to go back and complain about the store's lack of customer service

D. Meet up with your sister, go back to the store and YOU do the fussing

E. Call up the store, ask to speak to the manager and share your sister's experience and disappointment with him or her

F. Visit the shop by yourself and do a test run -- see if they talk to you -- in order to see it was how they really are with just one person or if it is based on other factors. But either way, you never go back.,

G. You jump online and write a Google or Yahoo review about that boutique's poor customer service

H. You judge the store for yourself and make your own judgement. What happened to your sister could have been her fault -- it has nothing to do with you...

I. Other

Good customer service is near and dear to me, so I am extremely interested in how you would have reacted. Be open, and feel free to let the juices flow!!!

Photo Credits: My camera capturing the fabulousness of my sissy and niece hittin' the sidewalk.

OK, OK My Friends!!! The Winner of the Bejeweled Contest Goes To....

Leeann Morrisey -- the fashion blogger for Beauty Chat and founder of Join the Gossip!

Steve and I read everyone's answers and took them all to heart. I love the fact that everyone wanted that extra pop! and "bling." Many of you even talked up my personal shopping business (I REALLY liked those answers...).

But Leeann (pictured on the left) was the only person to fully answer the question! Not only did I want to know how 3 Bejeweled tanks would benefit your wardrobe, I wanted to know how would they do so in the winter.

Here was Leeann's response:

"Well, I would use the Bejewled tanks to bring that needed "shine" to my wardrobe! I tend to wear a lot of black, and in the winter it isn't so fabulous...in fact, it's boring!Because these shirts contain such fabulous embellishments, I feel that they would help bring life into my dreary outfits! =)..."

So THANK YOU for entering! Really, I loved seeing everyone so excited about this giveaway. And let me tell you, having those cute tanks -- 2 black and 1 white -- boxed up on my dining room table was torture. I wanted them too!!

But there are many more giveaways to come -- so please be sure to check back.

The Good Girl's feeling Generous!!!

Ballet Flats to Stay Chic and Comfy all at Once!

I love Nine West for various reasons affordability, quality, and versatility.

Whether you practically live at the office, are a business owner at home, or love to go on shopping trips with the kids, ballet flats are totally worth investing in.

I love to keep a pair in the car, because after walking stairs all day in heels, I like to give my feet a rest after work. I like to do my grocery shopping in style! (Plus as a Southern California girl who has flip-flops in nearly every color; I know that sandals in 50 degree weather is not too smart.)

Hey Elaine, imagine cheetah flats with your black coat! Ooh la la....

Photo Credit: http://daily.stylebakery.com/