Rock Black on the Boardwalk During Hot Summer Evenings!

(Visual created on www.polyvore.com)

I loooove color. I mean, like really. But in my book, black is a universal tone that looks great on everyone and can embody different personalities. Most chic, edgy, sophisticated, mod, über industrial, and sexy looks are often developed with black pieces.

So, with summer inching closer (hurry up!!), I'm looking forward to investing in a few black bikini tops and halter styles that can take me from day to night. In other words, items that I can lay out in and then dress up for a nighttime stroll on the boardwalk with my BF. As you can see with this visual, I included a pair of grunge-y jeans (Rag & Bone Women's Boyfriend Jean - Rebel Wash) to offset the sexiness of the tops and heels. I'm all about comfort and still maintaining a casual toughness to an evening look!

Basically, what I'm pretty much saying is this: I'm so ready to kick off sandy flip-flops as the sun sets before throwing on a pair of jeans and heels to accompany my skin-baring top (yummy earrings already on!).

What about you? Think you'll rock black on the boardwalk during summer evenings? 

Save 45% Off Luxury, Grecian-Inspired Sandals from the 'Corinna Saias Collection' (You're Welcome!)

(Photo Credit: Courtesy of Corinna Saias Collection)

The first day of spring is gonna arrive before we know it! And for fashionistas who are preparing their wardrobe for the warmer, more sunshine-y days even before March 20th hits (official start of the new season), you're in luck.

Corinna Saias, founder of the Grecian-inspired, luxury sandal brand Corinna Saias Collection, recently reached out to me with an exciting sales promotion: an exclusive 45% off discount for GGGS readers on ALL online merchandise! Considering spring is right around the corner, marking the beginning of international travels, resort stays, skin-baring fashion trends, and cutesy-pie pedicures, tons of you are looking into practical (and sexy!) footwear to accent your fierce ensembles. Yup - myself included.

(Photo Credit: Courtesy of Corinna Saias Collection)

As you browse the brand's site, you'll notice a detail that's pretty special: Each sandal is stamped with the name of exemplary women who have left their "stamp" on Greek history. According to Saias, "The designs are inspired from ancient Greece, but the classic silhouettes are reworked with ultra-luxe and glamorous touches for the modern woman." Regarding the beauty of each genuine leather sandal, which are handmade in Greece, she continues, "Swarovski crystals are used to embellish the sandals and to revive the du jour, jet-set lifestyle led by Jackie Onassis in Capri and Princess Grace of Monaco."

Although the price point may not easily fit into the common budget-conscious shopper -- regularly priced from $150 - $288 -- I love being able to offer you an exclusive 45% off discount. Here are the details: Merchandise coupon is valid from today, Sunday, February 22nd, through Wednesday, March 4th. Use coupon code "goodgirl" during checkout on www.corinnasaias.com, which can be used on an unlimited basis within this period.

....Happy Shopping! 

The 'Himalayan' Sneaker: An Iconic Collabo Between Camper and Bernhard Willhelm!

(Photo Credit: www.fashionmodeldirectory.com)

Four weeks ago, I welcomed a great, new sneaker to my shoe collection.

Wait - that's such an understatement. The real truth is this: Four weeks ago, my shoe game reached a new height of coolness, creativity, and comfort with the addition of an artistic "sneaker."

Thanks to being introduced to this Mediterranean brand by my boyfriend ("Babe, there is this line of cool sneaks I want us to both try!"), I couldn't imagine my wardrobe without my Camper Himalayan kicks now! And as a journalist by nature (and degree), I immediately knew that I had to get the ins about this awesome brand firsthand.

Turned out the original pair my boyfriend chose for me were a bit snug on my wide 'ol feet (and the line runs slightly small), so my visit to the Camper store at The Grove in LA was the perfect opportunity to chat with one of its team members. And to my delight, Dachelle Boehm (retail area manager for the west coast of the US and Canada) was there to give me the goods!

"Romain Kremer just became our creative director, and the styles are shifting and becoming more fashion-forward, which is really cool," said Boehm. "We're known for having comfortable, quality walking shoes. So everything is meant to be very comfortable and look very premium."

(Capturing the beauty of the "Himalayan" shoe...)

Not only did I also learn that Camper is a family-owned company based in Majorca, Spain and began making shoes 130 years ago (!!!), I learned that my particular shoe is a product of the creative collabo between Camper and innovative German designer Bernhard Willhelm.

Per Boehm, "The Bernhard Willhelm's have a huge cult following."

Nope - not surprised in the least. As you can see, the unusual features of this shoe are waaaay fashion-forward, epitomizing the designer's unique and edgy style. Willhelm's career in fashion is one that is internationally notable (launched his first women's collection during Paris Fashion Week in 1999, just after college, and designed his first menswear outfits in 2000).

Eventually, upon receiving accolades, becoming the creative director for Roberto Capucci fashion house (2002-2004), and opening his first boutique in Japan in 2006 (his women's line is licensed under the Japanese company, Bus Stop), Willhelm joined forces with Camper seven years ago, according to the designer's website. The "Bernhard Willhelm-Camper-Together" special lines of shoes began in 2008, providing both men and women interesting options in footwear.

(His and hers!)

I loooove that my Himalayan shoes turn heads anywhere I go. From the grocery store to the mall, it's now odd not to hear, "Hey girl, cool shoes!" Often pairing them with all black or a black-and-white ensemble, I let my Himalayans take center stage with each outfit.

While the cost of the Himalayan shoe costs sorta an arm and a leg for the common fashion lover, the details are worth the purchase ($275 regular price).

Awesome features of this shoe: padded tongue, thick laces that wrap around the entire shoe, anatomic insole that gives extra comfort on the heel (and a little bounce!), rubber layer for a good grip, and striking contrasts of color.

If you're in the LA area, I suggest stopping by The Grove to inhale the artistry of the "Together with Camper" line. I also just noticed that Willhelm is currently presenting a solo exhibition at MOCO Pacific Design Center in LA, which will last through May 17, 2015 ("When Fashion Shows the Danger Then Fashion is the Danger"). That's definitely on my radar and making its way to my calendar as we speak.

So what else can I say about my favorite new shoe? Just that I'm officially one "Happy Camper."

Give Your Feet a ‘Lil Rest with Fashionable Flats!

(LOVE these: Reef Winter Wall mid-top sneaker!)

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but I’d say a great pair of heels makes for a fabulous BFF. The way your legs appear elongated and how your profile gets that extra oomph in just the right spot…heels are, like, a MUST in every woman’s wardrobe.

…But so are flats! For functional purposes, such as running errands and shopping ‘til you drop, a flat shoe keeps your motor running longer. (Walking the mall in stilettos will last you about an hour, max.). The health benefits of skipping out on your heels here and there for a flat shoe are also extremely important. I know that my toesies and heels need breathing room here and there, definitely.

So when was the last time you shopped around for a non-heel that’s stylish, simple, and totally comfortable? If it’s been way too long – so long that you can’t even remember – get to it, lovelies. Not saying you have to abandon your fave pair of heels for good (that’s crazy talk), but working in casual comfort is worth considering. Style, after all, is about versatility and switching up your wardrobe while showing off your personality. Heels don’t always make the cut with every outfit.

…Which brings me to Reef – a popular, 30-year old brand that provides an awesome range of styles. Founded by two brothers from Argentina whose inspiration for surfing helped to fuel its inception, Reef offers both men and women high quality, comfortable shoes.

After perusing its site recently, I quickly realized that I gotta bring my readers’ attention to this line as well. Considering it’s reputation in retail (my personal customers at Nordstrom used to request that I run to the BP Department for a pair of Reef flip-flops!), I’m sure you’re familiar with this brand. Scratch that – you probably already own a pair. But if you’ve yet had a chance to check out its latest, seasonal selection…go get your Reef on!

Currently, I’m in love with the Reef Winter Wall mid-top sneaker ($60). So cute and edgy, and would definitely make mall-walking an enjoyable affair.

Yup – Reef is hot and heavy in social media. Check out its Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages and get your shopping on.

Lounge Around in...Linge Shoes!

(Photo Credit: www.lingeshoes.com)

Linge shoes are these cutesy and comfy (and high quality!) ballet flats you can pretty much pair up with any outfit. Tons of colors to choose from. Tons of versatility.

I recently recently received a pair of bright red Linge shoes, which nicely add to my lounge wear. While these shoes have sufficient sole coverage for a basic narrow shape, my feet (which are weird, wide, and just well, not my fave body part) need a thicker and wider sole to support my feet when outside. That said, however, they are so perfect for me indoors, especially when having guests over...and especially when I don't have time to get a pedicure. So I've chosen my Linge shoes as my staple to lounge around in. Because they can roll up nicely in a bag, I also look forward to taking them with me on my next trip. What a perfect, space-saving item to pack!

To learn more about Linge shoes, which are designed for women ($59) and babies/kids ($39), be sure to visit its website! You can also connect with 'em on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

New York Fashion Designer Byron Lars is "More About the Clothes, Less About the 'Hype'"

(Photo Credit: Courtesy of www.agendamag.com)

If you missed my latest news article in Agenda Magazine, noooooo biggie. When you get a few minutes, please check out "Byron Lars Beauty Mark: More About the Clothes, Less About the 'Hype'" in the July/August issue.

Byron Lars, the New York fashion designer who has dressed First Lady Michelle Obama more than once, believes you can look like a million buck without having to spend that. Yes, that is MY kind of designer!

Thanks for reading. Comments are always welcome!