Beauty Chat is Among the "100 Great Advice Blogs"

As head of Beauty Chat, I am delighted to announce that Live Better University has listed our site in the list of "100 Great Advice Blogs."

A little background: My involvement with our Beauty Chat Blog naturally stemmed from my position with PlasticSurgery.com (and its affiliate sites) -- I am the editorial manager and senior editor of the this SEO online marketing company. Those who enjoy aesthetically enhancing their face, body, and/or breasts with surgery typically fancy learning about other ways to look and feel beautiful (Beauty Chat's philosophy). So Beauty Chat was born -- June 2007.

After a year and a half of working with an amazing staff of writers and editors, Beauty Chat has become an authority in the industry. How fabulous is that! And of course, I give my take on fashion and styling in my posts. See my recent advice to one gal who wanted to spark up her wardrobe!

*Please also check out PlasticSurgery.com's newest section "New year, new You." I think you will enjoy the writers and editors' take on what's hot in 2009. My thoughts included!

Photo Credit: PlasticSurgery.com/ me in awe of Beauty Chat's development only a few months after it launched in '07, during our holiday dinner. Denice is holding the plaque and Brook is among the gals who signed our original design. What an accomplishment!

I am off to Chicago...

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. When tragedy hits, the family unites. So, I am leaving for Chicago in a few hours, and will return Tuesday night. While this is in no way a vacation, I look forward to gaining clarity and moving forward.

Chat with you after Tuesday, and cross your fingers that I make it there and back safely! I have that yucky fear of flying.

Hugs,
Elana

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.

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/

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

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)