South American Grassroots Brand 'Sundried' Adds to My Casual SoCal Style!

(Bring it on sun! I've been waiting for you!)

The chilly air, snow, rain, and all that wintertime...STUFF...doesn't really excite me. Totally -- there are many ways to incorporate your summer clothing into your winter wardrobe while embracing gorgeous boots, coats, and hats. But naturally, being a SoCal native and an LA resident, I feel at home in flip-flops, leggings, jeans, tees, tanks, and spaghetti-strapped maxi dresses. They all make me happy under the sun!

(My custom-made Sundried tee is totally #unique!)

So my recent connection with the awesome folks at Sundried, a South American grassroots brand, developed at the perfect time. With summertime inching its way back into my life (making the sound of the waves and the sand between my toes more of an upcoming reality versus a fantasy) I was delighted to receive a custom-made Sundried tee. Here are some fun facts about this eco-conscious and community-driven company:

- Sundried products are handmade and hand-screened!

- Sundried was founded in Peru. It was inspired by a memorable observation of a lone surfer who emerged fresh out of the water after an epic surf, who stood and waited for the sun to rise and for its natural warmth to dry his tired body. (Hence, SUN DRIED.)

- Deeply passionate about charity work, Sundried sponsors Surfers Against Sewage, an environment charity protecting UK waves, oceans and beaches. 

- Sundried has evolved to provide products for the beach, the bar, the street, the swell (ocean), and the skatepark.

- Sundried is loved by active people, from triathletes to surfers throughout Peru, the UK, New Zealand, and the US!

How to connect with this awesome company:

website - www.sundried.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Sundried

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JoinSundried

...Tell 'em the Good Girl Gone Shopping says rock on! Happy Shopping!

Spring 2011 L.A.M.B. Fashion Show Favorites!

While I have attended Los Angeles Fashion Week on several occasions, I have yet been able to make it to New York Fashion Week -- a place where I am told the fun REALLY starts. And every time I miss it, I pretty much bum out on this one major thing: missing out on Gwen's L.A.M.B. show at Bryant Park. I adore many other designers that showed, including Charlotte Ronson, Custo Barcelona, Tracey Reese, Betsey Johnson, Vera Wang, Nanette Lepore, and Isaac Mizrahi; however, L.AM.B. is, in my book, like no other. Her consistent combination of edgy, hipster street style meets whimsical boho-yet-classic couture was what made this ready-to-wear collection memorable for me. The rasta factor didn't make it on catwalk this season, but I am fine with that. Too much of a good thing can actually kill it.

So this blog post is basically an homage to Gwen, showing off some of her best designs from this past Spring 2011 show. (For now, I can at least enjoy clear images on style.com.)



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

Ashley's Take on Teen Fashion Versatility

This, here, everyone is my 13 year-old niece, Ashley Gummerson. Off the bat, you can tell that her San Diego teen fashion sense rocks and she is up on the latest trends. After learning that my brother recently bought her a Betsey Johnson dress and that she is in love with Forever 21, well you have to agree: this is DEFINITELY my niece.

Our passion for fashion runs deep, so I excitedly asked her to come on board with me and be the voice of the teen market. And similar to my go-getter personality, "Ash" wastes no time jumping at the opportunity ("OMG Auntie Elana, I would love to!!!). The same day I asked her to become involved, she sent me these two pics of her styling abilities. Um, hello, right? Yes, she's 13 and you better watch out fashion world.

Featured is a yellow Forever 21 dress. See how she played with two different vibes, while utilizing accessories and different shoes to give each a unique personality? In pic #1, the leather bomber jacket toughtens up the dress with the tennies giving it a 1950s "Grease" feel, while the scarf and red flats give the dress a fun spring appeal. THAT is what versatility about.

So if you have any questions that you would like a teen fashionista to answer, please e-mail me at elana@talkingchic.com or DM me on Twitter, and I will make sure Ashley gets the question. All samples and press packages that you would like her to receive, feel free to pitch to me!

(Oh, and did I mention how big of a fan she is of the Jonas brothers?? But that's a whole other story...)

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ashley

Fun Rainboots - With or Without the Rain!

The overcast of Spring AND the recession can definitely make a fashionista feel weighed down. You desire the hottest trends but can't live without your $4-a-day coffee fund. You hope to find everything on sale but don't want cheap quality. The weather is a bit chilly for open-toed pumps but you need some colorful footwear.

Yay for Plueys.com! An independent label of printed rainboots with online distribution in the United State, the UK, Singapore, and Hongkong, Plueys is inspired by the world around us. Audrey of Plueys.com excitedly contacted me after finding me through Independent Fashion Bloggers. I am so glad she told me about this fabulous line, as I know that these boots would make interesting staples in any shopaholic's closet.

Their philosophy: "We believe that having a bit of color in one's wardrobe can brighten up any gloomy day! Fun rainboots can inspire and evoke some cheer to the rainy streetscape!"

The price range of Pluey's rainboots for women are $60, and for the kiddies, the cost is $30. Not too shabby, as long as you make good use out of them and don't let your Plueys collect dust in your closet!

I typically enjoy solid-color, boots -- black, ruby red, camel tones; however, I have always been known for trying out new styles. What do I have to lose? What do YOU have to lose, really? At some point, no matter where you live, you are gonna have to slush around somewhere in the mud or slippery road. These shoes may just bring out the young girl in you, making you EXCITED to jump around and get wet.

But should you wish to make use of these rainboots when the heat hits, here are a few ways to sport Plueys rainboots (in addition to the girls' styles above):

- Denim shorts and a tank! Throw a lightweight scarf around your neck for a warm-and-chilly combo.

- A simple vintage, A-line skirt or dress to mix eras every so delicately.

- Short leggings and tall socks for a funky appeal.

Happy Shopping! Check out "Where to Wear?" on Plueys.com for more inspirations. If you need my assistance with styling, please contact me at elana@talkingchic.com to set up a consultation. I am based in Upland, California -- just an hour east of LA.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Plueys.com

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/

Flavorful Footwear: My Favorite Spring Trend

I love color! So, you can imagine how excited I am with Spring's assortment of shades. I am very excited to hit the shops soon for fancy, fun footwear. (Dear Macys, I know I can count on you!)

Which Spring trend is making you salivate?

Visit Mahagony Butterfly to learn what else hit Spring '09 runways, and how real women can incorporate new fashion trends in their wardrobe.

Photo Credits: http://www.macys.com/ (from bottom to top: Carlos Santana, Bandolino, Marc Fisher, Steve Madden, BCBGirls, Jessica Simpson, Harajuku Lovers, Carlos Santana)