Get Sleek and Shiny (Just in Time for the Holidays) with True Religion!

("Halle Mid Rise Super Skinny" pant - sleek!)

When most women think of their ideal jean, certain attributes like “sleek” and “sexy” often come to mind. That jean you can dress up or down is typically a coveted item that we all long for. But sometimes, all a girl wants is that fabulous pair of denim jeans that make a bold statement for a special occasion – the pair that you delicately pull out of your closet because it’s the perfect choice for date night. Or…to head to a lounge with the girls. Or…to make your ex eat dirt when you show up to a place you know he’ll be at (just saying, ladies).

And I’m soooo down with these “Halle Mid Rise Super Skinny” women’s jean by True Religion. This leather-like pant is HOT, and because it is made of 75% cotton, 24% poly, and 2% elastane…my curvaceous bod will be happy. Finding jeans when you have curves is a challenge for most women with junk in their trunks, so I thank True Religion for considering this!

The perfect holiday pant – consider it with tons of metallic and a bright, red lip – this jean appears to give you some holiday shine….and the edge your wardrobe may need! Black is always the new black in my book. It’s slimming, can be paired with any color, and allow you a bit more versatility. Again, this pair of designer jeans for women is likely not going to be your everyday, go-to jean. No biggie! We all want a little something special to turn to for that distinct moment. (Can I get an AMEN?!)  

(...And a sexy, shiny view from the back!)

But if this style isn’t your cup of tea, True Religion offers an extensive assortment of looks to check out. While leading, lush department stores, such as Nordstrom, Saks, and Neiman Marcus, are some of the top retailers to sell True Religion jeans, you can also get your shop on while sipping coffee and enjoying a lazy Sunday at home – online shopping has saved the sanity of many (no lines to stand it, no sales people to ruin your day)! If you’re a True Religion lover, be sure to visit its site: www.truereligion.com. Believe me – the sale section is out of this world.

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My Top 5 Unisex Gift Ideas (Practical Picks for Under 20 Bucks!)

One time, I heard my younger brother say to my mother, “Mom, you always give practical gifts, not the things we really want.” I remember we all sorta giggled at that thought, including her. Whether it was more socks, new pjs, or some sort of fix-it kit to keep by our nightstand or in the car, this is so very true.

And even though these things were never on our holiday or birthday lists, us kids have always been appreciative for getting things we really need. My family and I value our together time over giving gifts, but when we do, it’s still a special moment. This year, on the first night of Chanukah, I received my first pair of Betseyville pjs (Yesss!), some of those ultra-soft sock/slippers with Aloe Vera (personally chosen by my 6-year old niece), a Subway gift card (to keep my healthy lifestyle on track), and a candle with an inspirational quote (to enhance my spirituality and keep my room smelling lovely). Being my family, they knew me...knowing that I needed these things and probably wouldn't buy them for myself. Yup, they were so right on!

So when I woke up today, I thought about gift-giving, and how we all want to find (or create) the most unique gifts for one another. I definitely value this; being creative around the holiday season is so very important. But giving gifts that someone else needs and could really benefit from are also very special. That said, I decided to put together a brief, basic list of affordable unisex gift ideas: 

(Photo Credit: www.richardbarron.net)

(1)  Eyeglass Cleaner Kit – Whether you are blind without your specs (ME) or have adopted the “geek chic” hipster trend of wearing non-prescription glasses, it’s extremely annoying when lenses get smudgy or the sides get loose around your ears. So believe me, an eyeglass cleaner kit is a perfect gift for anyone who wears glasses. And considering it is perfect to keep in a handbag, glove compartment, desk drawer, kitchen junk drawer, you can never have too many! I bought one for myself recently at The Sunglass Hut. For $12.99, the Premium Care Kit came with a 2-sided screwdriver on a keychain, cleaning cloth, and a mini-liquid spray. It is officially the most valuable item in my handbag now.

(2) A $20 Gift card – I don’t care what anyone says, a gift card is awesome! Critics of gift cards believe it’s impersonal and a "cop out." Hmmm…I get that. But I know, from being on the receiving end of a gift card, it's a great feeling getting an iced Americano (w/ soy and vanilla, of course!) from Starbucks for FREE. Or, finding a cute pair of jeans on sale at Forever 21 and having a gift card to cover its entirety or to put toward the overall cost. If you know the person’s favorite store, coffee shop, restaurant…Believe me, it’s a treat for them! They were bound to spend money there anyway, if you think about it. And also speaking from personal experience, a gift card is also wonderful when you’re downright broke, and really want/need a cup of coffee, something to eat, or a new pair of jeans to replace yours that have ripped in the inner thighs (whoops).

(Photo Credit: www.amerain.com)

   (3) A sturdy umbrella – My friend Jessica actually gave me this idea, as she recently had to find a unisex gift for a holiday gift exchange at work. When she showed me that she bought a gray umbrella, I thought it was brilliant! The one she bought was from Coach and, yes, was more than 20 bucks, but the idea was amazing. Wherever you live, there are bound to be raindrops at some point, and there is bound to be a time when you can’t find one of your umbrellas (so annoying). I believe an umbrella is also an item that you can never have too many of. If you know the person you’re giving it to, you can find exciting patterns and colors to fit his or her personality. But if it’s a gift exchange, stick to basic colors like black, gray, or navy. Great deals on umbrellas can be found at such stores as Target, Ross, and JCPenney.

(4) A coffee/tea mug – As a loyal, die-hard coffee drinker, a mug is pretty much one of my cherished possessions in life. My favorite mug is one I received from sister about 10 years ago; it is a pic of a brown-skinned girl running with a cute outfit and headphones with the appropriate caption: “Exercise Girl.” I have a personal connection to this mug for several reasons, and I could never part with it. There are so many exciting mugs out there for coffee drinkers as well as tea drinkers. There are fun sayings, symbols, and characters now on uniquely shaped and sized mugs.

(5) A magazine subscription – This gift can be a little tricky if you don’t know the person you’re giving the gift to very well. So I would keep this gift for someone close to you, such as a friend or a loved one. I have not accepted, nor do I want to accept that “print is dead.” I know the online world is where it’s at, and will eventually be the number one place for information and news (if it’s not already)...blah, blah, blah. But reading from a publication, something you can hold in your hand and flip through, is like no other! Many people forget that there are magazines out there that are specifically geared toward their niche. 

(Photo Credit: www.mediatransparent.com)

Sports car lovers, tattoo enthusiasts, health and fitness nuts, fashioniastas, scrapbookers, rock music fanatics…There are magazines for everyone. And the special thing about a mag subscription is that it is cheap, with some starting as low as $12. Your friend or loved one will receive a magazine every month, for a full year! (TIP: Just make sure he or she doesn’t already have a subscription to that mag! Ask a mutual friend or loved one for some insight.) 

Need some more suggestions? Feel free to contact me and I'll be sure to respond to you! Happy Shopping! 

Top 10 Random Tips from a Personal Shopper

I'll be honest, it's been quite some time since I have had an influx of new clients. While I get e-mails frequently asking about my services, there are very few who hire me to help them shop and stylize their wardrobe. The number one reason: their budget. Although my services are affordable -- really affordable -- I definitely understand that hiring a personal shopper is extra. It's a luxury service. But I won't stop providing solid information to you, my readers (and potential clients), because I am passionate about helping people find what they are looking for at a reasonable amount in a reasonable amount of time, with a healthy mindset.

So here are my top 10 random shopping tips, in no particular order. I hope these come in useful! (I have explored some of these areas in previous blog posts, so you're not trippin' if you feel you've heard some of these before! I am just reitterating some of the important factors to consider regarding shopping and your wardrobe.)

(1) Do your research before you shop: If you are looking for the perfect winter coat, you may not want to simply walk in a store and just buy one for, say, 50 bucks. Yes, a good price for a coat, but what if there is a place that sells one nearly identical for 30 bucks! I suggest that you browse online, check out different shops at the mall, take notice of radio and television commercials advertising sales at your favorite stores, and/or ask a friend where she finds good deals. Not only will doing your research save you time; it will help to preserve the funds in your bank account.

(2) Out with the old, in with the new: If you find your closet cluttered with items that haven't been worn for years, don't fit correctly, and should just never have been purchased in the first place...donate them, give them to a loved one, and/or sell on ebay! De-cluttering your closet will not only give you a peace of mind -- you will now have more room in your closet for new. fabulous digs!

(3) Have a piggy bank just for your shopping trips: The last thing you want to do is accidentally (or consciously) spend your cable bill money or car payment on a fabulous pair of heels. Sometimes it's easy to get carried away when you have cash stashed in your wallet and not properly accounting for it. So get a cute piggy bank or make one out of an old coffee can, and start dropping them coins or dolla bills in. Before you know it, you will have enough to go shopping and feel quite proud of yourself for saving a little away at a time.

(4) Make shopping lists: You make a shopping list when you go grocery shopping right? Well, if you do the same for fashion, then you will be right on track with your purchases. Here and there, venturing away from the list to purchase extras, well that's your perogative. But I guarantee, you will feel more satisfied knowing that you went on a structured shopping trip. Random buys of what you don't need can get you in big trouble, in more ways than one.

(5) Make friends with sales associates: Those who greet you when you walk in a store aren't your enemies! Even if you find annoyance in someone asking how you are doing, this person can help you out in the long run. If a store is out of a certain item that you desire, a sales rep can call another store to see if they have it in stock. If you have a coupon that expired the day before, he or she may feel for you and honor it. Remember, being nice and responsive can take you a long way...and work in your favor!

(6) Get your shopping on early in the day: Especially during the holiday season, it is best that you arrive when the store first opens. Not only will you avoid the craziest of lines and have more of a chance finding what you need, everything is so much neater and organized. Doesn't it feel good to shop when everything is where it should be? Plus, there is a magical feeling in the air when the store opens. It's as if it opened just for you, with open arms.

(7) Wear comfy shoes:  I know this might seem like a "duh" point to make, but it's amazing how the wrong shoes can make that much of a difference in your shopping experience. 'Cause you've probably been there: You're miles away from home, ready to take on the day with cash to put down, and the back of your heels are killing you because you decided to wear tight, buckled sandals or heels instead of flip flops or your UGG boots. Then you have to either drive all the way back home to change or buy something comfy to wear (which will never be comfortable the first day you wear them anyway), and your day is pretty much ruined.

(8) Only bring what you want to spend: If your budget is 100 bucks, then have only 100 bucks in your wallet. If you plan to only use one credit card, don't bring your five other ones. Sticking to a budget is always an important part of shopping -- it saves you from having regret. And the last thing you want is to leave a shop feeling horrible about the purchase, and too embarassed to admit that you made a mistake and return the item. You should always walk out the door with a smile on your face because you are proud of your purchase and your smarts.

(9) Go through your wardrobe before your shop: I have 36 scarves. Recently, however, I added a 37th scarf to my collection. This is because I didn't go through them before I went shopping for a black one. Now I have two black scarves. Because they have different textures, I decided to keep the new one. But, had I taken my own advice, I would have saved money and a shopping trip. We all have pieces that we forget we have. So go through your wardrobe and take stock of what's there. It's fun to find gems that you already own!

(10) Take pics of your items and send to a friend: I get a lot of photos sent to my phone, showing items that my friends are thinking about purchasing. They are literally in the store, and took a quick pic of a pair of shoes or a dress or a pair of jeans to show me. I am honest with my opinion, and give my advice on whether they should buy or not. I, in turn, have sent pics to my friends as well. (Yes, I tend to need assistance as well.) Take advantage of technology these days and use it as a tool to help make your shopping experience worthwhile. I don't believe that you are technically allowed to take pics in a store without the company's permission...so be quick about it!

Hope these tips helped! I'd love to know your thoughts. Please provide feedback in your comment. If you have your own tips, please share with everyone! Contact me with any of your questions or concerns. I am available for commentary, interviews, and/or personal shopping services.

What are YOU Wearing for Thanksgiving?

I enjoy getting a little jazzed up for Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday of the year. I love giving thanks for all of the blessings in my life.

And with great delight, I have already received gratitude from women who needed some ideas on what to wear to the big feast. One gal was meeting her in-laws for the first time, and another wanted to show off her weight loss in a respectable and fashionable manner. For both of these women, I largely stressed the importance of comfort. 'Cause getting full at the dinner table shouldn't pop a button or loosen a clasp.

If you need some assisance for this big day, please fill out my contact form, and I will respond to your shortly thereafter (With my new phone, it's now just a matter of minutes!) I am based in Upland, Calif.


Photo Credit: http://www.shop.nordstrom.com (Tracy Reese coat!)

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/

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/

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

Purple Earrings - A Staple for Every Girl

Besides the fact that this picture is dated 2004 (it was last Friday), and that I appear like a deer in healights, I LOVE seeing Stephanie so happy with her new purple danglies.

When I saw them at Macy's at Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, I just knew! Steph tends to wear a slew of colors, from neutrals such as white and black to reds and chocolates. So in the mind of this Good Girl Gone Shopping, purple danglies are a must-have for any season. For the record, the sale price was unbeatable. Yay for holiday prices! I won't tell you exactly how much these ran, but let's just I bought 5 pairs for $30...I KNOW! My time for all 5 pairs of earrings: 45 minutes. This actually took longer than I expected because there were so many to choose from (clients were absent from this trip).

With Stephanie all smiles: mission accomplished.

My "Happy Holidays" Outfit for 50 Bucks!

I'm a Bebe lover, but a Forever 21 fanatic. This is because I don't like to fork over the majority of my income to pieces that I may want to donate or sell in a few years. My holiday outfit posted here, minus my heels, were an exclusive Forever 21 pick of mine. Round about cost: $50. Should I have purchased my outfit from Bebe, I would have been lucky to have scored a beautiful blouse and maybe a pair of earrings for that price.





So as the holiday season remains a playing ground for sales galore, remember to pick up a few classic pieces for yourself. You know, the stuff that you may even be able to pass down to your kids. That said, check out my thoughts on buying for yourself while buying for others, as featured in Agenda Magazine. (I don't think that there is anything wrong with treating yourself to a gift while shopping for your friends and family.)

But if you beg to stick to strictly the "trendy" look, like I did here, all I can say is: Be smart!

FYI: My boyfriend is a jokester....and could the stains on my carpet be any more grotesque!? Yikes!