3 Shopping Don'ts That DO!

(Photo Credit: www.seventeen.com) 

When I first began giving shopping tips back in '07-ish, my thoughts and theories were a bit more simple. A tad more black and white, if you will. I've always done my best to provide helpful information for y'all, which developed out of my own trial-and-error experiences and shopping outcries I would receive from friends, coworkers, and previous personal customers (past "Nordy" employee talking). Sometimes, however, you just grow. And in some cases, the don'ts that you once lived by, become dos. Here are 3 that could help you out:

(1) DON'T make a shopping list every time you shop. If you just feel like treating yourself and you're not obsessing over a certain item at the moment, don't limit yourself. Try a new store. Try a new fit. Try a new trend! Sometimes, allowing yourself to wind up somewhere new - or trying on something new - will open your eyes to new possibilities. This often happens to me at the Melrose flea market.)

(2) DON'T walk straight to the clearance racks. This used to be a must for me no matter what retail outlet, boutique, or department store I was in. But after doing this for so long, I realized that you skip out on the overall experience and aura of an awesome shop. Also, just because something isn't on clearance doesn't mean it isn't affordable...and just because you score a great clearance item doesn't mean it's of great quality. Readjust your thinking and you may try on an outfit that is full price and still fits within your budget. 

(3) DON'T remember where you parked. This one is tricky if you're on a time limit and/or you're wearing uncomfortable shoes. But if not, use the walking time to analyze what you bought -- hopefully with excitement! Get a good walk in, and enjoy the accomplishment of finding great new pieces to add to your wardrobe. Consider it meditational mall exiting. 

As always, I welcome your tips and feedback! Please feel free to comment below. 

Top 10 Tips for Shopping 'Black Friday'

Happy Thanksgiving lovelies!! 

Tomorrow is my birthday (32!!). Tomorrow is also the single most insane shopping day of the year -- 'Black Friday.' And for those who hit stores at midnight or at 6 a.m., I wish you the best of luck. Being that I may wanna be out and about among the crowds of shopaholics (What kind of birthday would it be if I didn't hit up my fave stores?), I am here to help you survive 'Black Friday' -- the day that is known to most as the official start of the holiday shopping season.

I care about you and your social (and psychological) well-being, so please check out my 2009 Good Girl Gone Shopping article featuring my top 10 tips for shopping Black Friday. It's nearly 2013, but I do believe that these tips are still helpful.

So happy shopping, and may you strike some amazing deals...while maintaining some sense of sanity!

Photo Credit: www.usatoday.com 

'Splurge' -- The Shopping App You're Likely to Obsess Over!

Happy Wednesday lovelies! I gotta give you a heads-up on what I'm currently writing about for Agenda Magazine. It may very well be taking over fashionistas' mobile devices everywhere! Enter "Splurge" -- a shopping/fashion app that offers you the unique experience of browsing dynamic sales with ease. You will not be thrown pages and pages of the same brand, leaving you totally turned-off and ready to log out. From small designers to couture designers, the merchandise selection is specially curated by a team of specialists at Splurge.

I learned about this new app during my morning meeting with co-founder Albert Dahan (CEO, Joe’s Jeans kids, Da-Nang, Stitch, American Vintage) at the relaxing, bohemian-style Petit Ermitage hotel in West Hollywood, Sunday morning. His passion really sparked my interest, and I really wanna tell you so much more about the development of Splurge, how it looks to be revolutionizing the ability of online shopping, as well as introduce two of the brains behind such a product (Eric Dahan and Zach Crosner). But before you know it, my Agenda article will be out for you to check out.

Until then, feel free to read some of the resourceful articles that have shed light on Splurge:

- "Splurge App Touts Retail Sales" by Women's Wear Daily (Rachel Brown)
- "Go Ahead and SPLURGE!" by The Los Angeles Fashion Magazine (Julianna Maranon)

Now available to download on iTunes! Happy Shopping! xo

(Trying To) Make Friends With Flats!

Straight up: My feet are kinda killing me these days. Maybe I need to schedule more foot massages at Glen Ivy or Massage Envy. Maybe I need to speed walk less while wearing heels. Or maybe, just maybe, I need to wear flats more often when I'm not out on the town or dancing the night away.

I remember years ago reading the "editor's letter" from Kim France, while she was still head of Lucky Magazine (the awesome founding editor, actually), in which she talked about the plethora of cute flats available and how the comfort of a shoe is important. But I don't remember much else about that particular editor's letter, because I didn't want to think about (the horror!) the day when I may rarely want to wear heels. Or that my feet may finally have enough one day, and I feel forced to donate my dear heels to the Goodwill.

So before it gets to a point where flats are a necessity in my closet, I have decided to give my lil 'ol feet a rest  here and there. And just when I was really pondering the idea of wearing flats more often while at work, I came across the most cutesy, Betsey Johnson-ish, Tarina Tarantino-ish, Barbie Doll-ish peep-toe flats. So girly and cartoon-y with the plastic pink bow I could not resist. And ummm, they were like $13 on sale at Ross. After slipping them both on with ease, and trying to scuffle along with that plastic sensor thingy holding them together as a pair -- it was a no-brainer. I needed me a pair of these flats by Poetic Licence, a London-based shoe company.

In order to be, or at least appear, authentic, it's important to purchase items that feel as though they were designed specifically for you. And with these flats, I believe this to be true about me. The combo of pink and green, with little red cherries all over, naturally epitomize the happy-go-lucky side of my quirky personality.

I love a pop of color with all black, so the first time I wore these shoes, I paired 'em up with a black sundress at work. Tons of the gals in the office, at Plastic Surgery Studios, were even drooling over them. OK, I'm exaggerating a little, but Virginia and Emma, two rad Internet marketing specialists, admitted to really liking them. I never make purchases based on my hopes for compliments (and I would hope that you don't either!). But sure, it felt good knowing that this shoe was attention-worthy as it became a fun point of discussion. Virginia and I even checked out the Poetic License website together really quick...oooohing and aaahhing.

Now that I'm loving my new pair of shoes, I think I'm really going to try and make friends with flats. I mean, they aren't my enemies, and my friendship circle can most definitely widen up to include them. So tell me, which designers do you think make the best pair of stylish flats? Please comment!! Like seriously, I may take you up on some of your recommendations and feel inspired to write about chic footwear that won't kill your feet. We'll see...

*Please ignore the steroid-vein-like quality to my feet. I'm not sure what's goin' on...They're just muscular. Yeah, that's it...

"Style a Shape" Competition: Win $1,000 in Amazing Prizes from 365Hangers.com!

I am a big fan and supporter of 365Hangers.com -- a fabulous shopping site for women of all sizes and shapes. The always-70 percent off designer wear is affordable, hot fashion! And because I appreciate the fact that this site celebrates the differences in women's bodies by providing an extensive, vast range  of merchandise, I am excited to tell you about their new contest.

If you've ever dreamt of showing off your styling skills, listen up: The hardworking crew behind 365Hangers.com has come up with a genius opportunity for you to take advantage of. To enter, use your talent to style a particular shape -- straight, hourglass, pear, or full -- on a friend or yourself, and upload the picture to 365Hangers.com. Click here to learn more about, and enter, the "Style a Shape" competition. 


Good luck!!! Contest ends August 5th.


Photo Credit: Courtesy of 365 Hangers

African Wax Prints and Bright Organic Silks by Kristinit

Kristina Lenss, the Los Angeles-based designer of the ultra-chic line 'Kristinit,' recently spoke about her new collection of African Wax Prints and Bright Organic Silks: "This collection is about complementing the beauty of women with the beauty of sustainability — without sacrificing style."

As a lover of her line (with a Kristinit blouse of my own!), I am proud to show off her new pieces. Whether you have a wedding coming up, plan to enjoy a Valentine's Day evening celebration, or simply want to add in some sleek fashion to your wardrobe; Kristinit offers versatile style that may very well be what you need.

Here is some additional background "wow" information about Kristina:

Sold Nation Wide at boutiques like Fred Segal and Petro Zilia, Kristinit has been named "One to Watch" by Lucky Magazine and has been featured in Teen Vogue, OK Magazine, Style.com, Nylon, Agenda Mag and Apparel News. Celebrity clients include Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson, Zoe Deshanel, Bobbie Thomas, Finola Hughes, and Julia Anderson. A key tenet of Kristinit’s mission has always been to design with more than just style in mind: The line uses innovative organic fabrics, local manufacturing, and fair trade practices. Kristinit continues to donate a percentage of each sale to One Percent for the Planet and the Pachamama Alliance. Visit www.kristinit.com to learn more about Kristinit.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions about the Kristinit line. I will be happy to forward them directly to Kristina.

Oh and FYI: Treat yourself to more fashion trends by checking out exclusive NY Fashion Week coverage at ELLE.com!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kristina Lenss

So the Economy IS Affecting Your Shopping Habits: Part 1 (Handbags)

The results are in! My recent poll proved three truths: some of your will still shop designer, some of you shop glam for less, and some don't shop at all anymore. For those who don't shop anymore, now is the time to wholeheartedly stylize your existing clothes with versatility in mind. Can your basic black tee be worn under a vest, with a chic scarf, layered over a long-sleeve tee, and/or take on a classier personality with a thick belt hanging loosely from it? I am passionate about helping men and women save money by helping them approach their closet with fresh eyes. (I know, you already get my personal shopping and styling philosophy, right?)

For y'all who still shop designer and those who shop glam for less can now meet in the middle! Brand name shopaholics can save money without really trying, and glam for less fashionistas can save money on designer wear with a little research and faith. The majority of top online boutiques and retail mass producers have their sale section highlighted for your attention, or simply provide a mixture of affordable and high-end collections. After all, retailers and boutique owners are quite aware that the economy is affecting everyone's spending habits. So reaching out to everyone, both the budget-conscious and the splurgers, e-commerce sites are featuring quality, affordability, and trendy styles. With special attention to where your dollar is going, everyone can truly turn the pennies into quarters.

So because you probably spend your free time on the Internet writing, blogging, tweeting, etc. (of course in between shopping, working, enjoying nightlife in the city, and taking vacations), I present you with a list of top sites that are full of fun collections.

And FYI: this "So the Economy IS Affecting Your Shopping Habits" will be a series. As the Good Girl Gone Shopping, I will bring you lists of sites that cater to your particular fashion needs.

First up, it's Part 1: HANDBAGS (inspired by the Louis V., handbag-alicious Amanda Allison of "Fashion, Love, and Martinis")

So here are 5 fabulous online stores that you can count on for a $100-or-less handbag splurge:

Nordstrom.com: A candy-colored hue, such as this hot pink handbag from MAXX NEW YORK, will brighten up your wardrobe! A magnetic closure, studded belts at the side, and zebra-printed lining? Helloooo! The details of this "Monte Carlo" shopper bag is so worth the $96.90 sale price. Originally retailing at $145, this MAXX NEW YORK purse also comes in saffron (yellow) and teal. All three colors are fun shades to add to not just your spring wardrobe; go ahead and turn a bleak winter in a fashionable wonderland.

Bluefly.com: You can still be fabulous when running errands, with or without your own Rebecca Minkoff canvas and leather "Bread and Wine" tote. But with it, you will definitely stand out as a domestic diva! A retail value of $185 is definitely on the pricey side, when it comes to a running-around purse. So with Bluefly.com's marked down sale price of $99.90 (with a current additional 10% off!), this fun tote is all yours. If royal blue ain't your thing, this bag also comes in chocolate with gold lettering.

BagTrends.com: Of the oversized hobos and clutches in my closet, I don't have a cute lil in-between purse for afternoon dates with my boyfriend or coffee house chatting with my mom. This pink suede bag is selling for $99 on BagTrends.com (originally priced at $199) is also available in blue, and it is said that "The JISU small pink rotunda drawstring embodies the phrase 'Good things come in small packages.'" Honestly, I think it's quite adorable and feminine.

Macys.com: Marked down from $115, this Guess "Obsession" Satchel is now $85.99. Speaking of getting use our of your purchases, this faux crocodile patent leather handbag can be worn with anything and EVERYTHING. Whether you want to make it pop with an all-black ensemble, or allow it to naturally complement a pastel-patterned dress, a cream, medium-sized handbag is a good staple (unless you are likely to spill your coffee on everything, like me). This classy, structured handbag is also available in grey and coral.

eluxury.com: The insanely popular Juicy Couture line is pretty costly for such trendy designs, wouldn't you agree? Well, this cute $95 Velour Classic Beatric Bag is, well, pretty good for such a sought-after collection. My favorite part of this (makeup, phone, and keys) bag is the gold metal satchel; it adds a nice toughness to such a youthful purse. The jewel encrusted flower ornament is also a nice detail. Marked down from $155, not bad at all. For designer-coveted shopaholics, eluxury is also a HUGE Louis Vuitton retailer and full of beautiful Marc Jacobs designs.

Photo Credits: All images from their corresponding Web sites

MINT Jodi Arnold Fall Sample Sale (up to 60% off savings!)

The next best thing to shopping in a New York showroom? Being able to view the same sample collections of a top designer in the comfort of your own home. AND to receive 60% off while doing so -- pretty lucky.

If you can't make it to 39th St., get your sneak peak of the MINT Jodi Arnold Fall collection online. "An art-inspired, ready to wear, women's contempary line" has some of the cutest prints and styles. It is sold in over 300 stores worldwide.

So with a Barneys New York price point, getting more than half off of a luxurious collection is quite something -- especially if you need to update your wardrobe and/or want to get going on holiday shopping for your best girlfriend, sister, or mother. (FYI: MINTJodi Arnold T-shirt dresses, like the one I have featured here, are too fabulous. Its original price is $407, as it is 55% silk and pssst...it will be one of the sale items!)

Starting November 11th through the end of the month, enjoy your VIP treatment and shop (smart) til you drop! And tell me what you end up purchasing or salivating over...Just go to http://buy.jodiarnoldnyc.com/samplesale.html.

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

Fashion Chicago Magazine Features the 'Good Girl'

Check out how you can dress this shoe up and dress it down -- with each outfit under $100 -- by visiting my recent article for Fashion Chicago Magazine (the second page, first article in the issue!)

This "Bobbi" sandal by Chinese Laundry is only now $49.99 - great price and great quality.

The heeled gladiator sandal...are you into it?

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

ShopManhattanite.com Offers 'Sex and the City' Sale this Weekend!

Great promo for Sex and the City: The Movie! (Yes, I am one of those people who reads their myspace bulletins.) Check out the discount you can receive on ShopManhattanite.com:

Fashion Chateau Offers 15% off Couture Fashion for Good Girl Readers

I can't believe I let nearly 5 DAYS go by without posting new goodies for you! Shame on me. But in all due respect, I must add that I've been busy like crazy.

In between working on guest blogging articles, doin' my PlasticSurgery.com/ Beauty Chat 8 to 5-er, and planning my "coming out" shopping boutique party with the brilliant guidance from KDC Events...I have missed posting new thoughts for you [teardrop].

So to make up for abandoning my loyal Good Girl readers, I bring a fabulous site for you to bookmark or add as a favorite. Not only does Fashion Chateau bring you hot lines such as Juicy Couture, Bejeweled, Nanette Lepore, Trina Turk, C &C California, and Morphine Generation, the brains of this Web site are offering Good Girl readers 15% off the rest of February. USE CODE: PS15.

You can also enter their $500 shopping spree, and check out the endearing section from the crew at Fashion Chateau: "Our Obsessions."

FYI: I just discovered that there is also a $25 off "First Order Discount!"

Hugs,

Elana

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Fashion Chateau

Jeans For Your Unique Shape, Size, and Height!

I was recently chatting with a friend-slash-new client during her phone consultation recently, and she turned me onto a fabulous site dedicated to jean shopping: Zafu.com. And let me tell you, this isn't just searching for your size - it a true, fitting room experience. The jeans in the style you want, the size, the length, etc. are brought to YOU after selecting your preferences.

Although I am still a big fan of trying on before purchasing; this seems to be a foolproof way of saving your gas $$ (SoCal - like $3.10/ gallon) and a pretty penny if you're able to! Did I mention you can even browse the jeans selected for you by price?

Check it out, search for jeans, and tell me your thoughts! (The lady who showed me this site recently lost a good amount of weight and is now searching for great-fitting, sexy jeans. She was in love with more than a handful of her selected jeans!)

My question to you is: Do you prefer to shop for fashion online and deal with shipping prices OR in-stores and deal with pushy or not-so-helpful sales associates?

And thanks "Big Sis." You know who you are!!!

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

Cute Shoes Make the World Go 'Round

Thanks to those who took my poll on what they consider affordable for shoes!

Turns out the majority of people who voted consider anywhere between $15 and $60 affordable for shoes. I have to say that I am in aggreeance (is that a word?) with you. For me, buying a hot pair of heels or boots for $100 + means that I'm splurging. And once in awhile, I LOVE splurging even though it can be extremely dangerous. So, for me, when I can score something great for my feet within my budget, I just want to run down the shoe aisle...jump up and click my heels twice. (Not only could I not even do that if I tried, but I would knock over the lady next to me who has too many shoes in her hand to try on and didn't see a big mama coming her way. WOW -- my imagination really took a hold of me for a minute....)

So, ANYWAY, now that I kinda have an idea about my readers' idea of affordability, I'm curious about something else: where do you typically wind up purchasing your shoes?

From the ooh-la-la eluxury.com to -- my buy-back vintage favorite -- Wasteland on Melrose, the options these days are so vast. So tell me, I'm dying to know!

...and tell me that is not the most AWESOME picture of shoes. I found it on a past section of www.newyorkmetro.com. It's like a mirror of my brain.