Battle Your Cellulite...and Win!

Sara of Beauty Chat and PlasticSurgery.com (an excellent reporter!) is all about battling the most annoying problem most women have: cellulite. 'Cause don't you want to sport that bikini without being self-conscious about your "cottage cheese" thighs? But don't worry! We all have it.

(I know I do...which is why I am addicted to squats and kickboxing. Fortunately, it has improved this condition a bit.)

Check out her recent post in PS.com's New year, new You section. Although cellulite will never go away completely, here are some products -- and information on Endermologie -- you might be able to come out on top and win that pesky battle you've been suffering from for years: "Your At-Home Guide to Cellulite Treatments."

Photo Credit: Featuring Sharon Stone in http://www.thecelebritycondition.com

Follow me on Twitter and Enter to Win "City Chic" by Nina Willdorf!

Want to win City Chic: The Modern Girl's Guide to Living Large on Less? Of course you do! To win your very own copy, just follow me on Twitter and DM me this keyword: "Budget." If you are already tweet and are a friend of mine, still please do the same!

Please note that if I don't follow you back right away, it has to do with technical requirements -- not that I don't think you a righteous fashionista. (I need the same amount of people to follow me before I follow more back. I follow 2,000 and 1,778 follow me...Make sense?). Should you be unable to DM me, just send a mass response with the "@" symbol OR e-mail me with the keyword at elana@talkingchic.com.

I will then take the top names and post them here, before I do a random contest! It's an AMAZING book by Nina Willdorf, the editor-in-chief of Budget Travel Magazine.

This is all about how to "live the luxe life on less" -- a philosophy that I couldn't say "Right on!" to more. And Willdorf doesn't just stick to wardrobe tips. Check out some of these chapter titles and categories:

- Furnish for Less

- Free Finds You Can Pick Up on the Street

- Makeup Myths

- Shop n' Save

- Price-Saving Pantries

- Weeding in Your Closets

I HIGHLY recommend this book -- advice from a personal shopper! Good luck everyone, xoxoxo... Contest Ends: Friday, May 1st.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Nina Willdorf's people!

My First Pair of Payless Heels!

I love color. I love heels. Put the two together, and I'm pretty much head over heels. So when my friend Stephanie asked if I wanted to go to Payless Shoe Source on our lunch break -- I didn't have to think twice! I have heard that this store has some great deals and amazing trends, but I haven't gone since I was 11 year-old. Whenever I would think of Payless, my mind went way back to when I chose two pairs of Pro-Wings for my back to school wardrobe instead of one pair of L.A. Gears (My youthul budget-conscious psyche, then, told me that getting two for the price of one was genius. Who cared about the brand? See, even then...).

So like a shoeaholic does in a store full of, well, shoes... I loosened up my heels and roamed the aisles of colorful size 9s, with one foot bare. And then I spotted them! A simple, patent-leather fuschia pump was staring right at me. It was love, I tell ya. I yelled over the aisles to my friend Steph, and my other friend Dre: "O.M.G.! I found them. I am so wearing these tomorrow with my skinny jeans for casual Friday!" I have been feaning for a pair of affordable, brightly colored, patent-leather heels, and these are my new staple addition.

And that is how we found one another. I typically stick to Nine West, Betsey Johnson, Chinese Laundry, Carlos Santana, BCBGirls, or Steve Madden....but c'mon. These were less than $25 and pretty adorable. I will just have to test the quality of Payless shoes. I hope we won't have to split ways....

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

Tyra Banks -- Your Favorite Fashionable Talk Show Host

You voted, and according to majority, Tyra Banks is the most fashionable talk show host! The runner-up was Chelsea Handler. Oprah, Ellen, and Bonnie Hunt trailed in the votes. Because the majority of you range between ages 18 - 35, I believe that age does play a role in how you view what is trendy and fashion fashionable, however. (My 60-year old mom adores Bonnie Hunt and loves how she casually wears hoodies on camera.)

So here are some fun pics featuring the winner, also "America's Next Top Model" queen creator and former Victoria's Secret model, from tidbits of her daytime talk show, "Tyra."

Which would YOU feel most comfortable wearing on camera?

Photo Credit (from top to bottom): http://www.gossiponthis.com/, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ (Dave Navarro and Obama), http://www.people.com/, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/, http://www.missxpose.com/, http://www.eonline.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

The 'Virtually Invisible' Accessory to Always Have Handy

I haven't worn my True Religion jeans (pictured here) for awhile now. Not only does the light to medium wash emphasize my thighs, they are SO low. I used to really enjoy this combo of masculinity and femininity rolled into one until I lost some weight and they started to look sloppy. So, naturally, one's heart goes elsewhere; I began to fall in love with other lines that are more flattering to my lower half, much more affordable, and do not give me "plumber's crack" when sitting in my chair or sitting on a barstool.

Because I don't wear these True Religions for very reason, I decided to try the IsABelt out with these jeans. Check out my before and afters! What do you think? With this trusty little "virtually invisible belt," I may bust these jeans out more often. Very durable, yet very thin and delicate, be sure to watch the IsABelt YouTube video on how to adjust it and put it on correctly. The rubber-like material is nice and stretchy, but I can see someone getting frustrated and being too rough and yanking it to snap.

Tip on how and where to store it: Rolled up in its adorable mini box and stashed in your purse! Just remember which purse you left it in. (Yes, I'm talking to you handbag-aholics!)

If you notice in the afters, there is no bulkiness like typically from a regular belt, even with my fitting vest. Me likey.

Without the IsABelt:

WITH the IsABelt:

Excellent Price Point: $16.95 - $19.95, depending on sizing. (There is a "HisABelt" too!!)

More about this fashion must-have on Beauty Chat, coming up! I will be chattin' more about the media and celeb buzz on IsABelt.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Steve walking away from his Playstation to take pics of me!

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

Hang Out With the 'Good Girl' in a New Fashion Forum!

I am the forum administator of Mavens of Fashion Magazine (formerly Closet Mouse)! So, I've started a bunch of topics that may arouse your inner style chatter, and would love to hang out with you there as well.

Here are some of the threads I developed:

- My Favorite Designer Is...

- One of the Most Prized Possesions in My Closet Are...

- International Fashion

- Fashion TV

- Poor Retail Customer Service Bad for the Economy

Reminder: If you are a fashion writer/ blogger, stylist, personal shopper, boutique owner, buyer, sample maker, sales rep, image consultant, model, photographer, wholesaler, manufacturer, concierge, or thrive in makeup and hair: MOF Magazine is a great place to promote your business for...FREE!

Contact me at: elana@talkingchic.com if you have questions!

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

Gwen Stefani: My Favorite Fashion 'Switch Hitter'

If anyone studies the fashion hits and misses of Gwen Stefani, it is moi. I used to be obsessed with this rocker and designer's many eras of fashion, now let's call it...hmmm..."admiration." So when it comes to celebs whose style makes it on both the good and bad lists, my numero uno choice is Gwen. Period. But for me, she ultimately proves that her switch hitting sense of fashion rocks no matter who or what categorizes her. Plus, her looks are totally attainable when shopping on a budget. Helloooo Forever 21!

So, if you will, please visit Chic Galleria and review the photos I chose of Ms. Thang. Can you tell which ones most likely got a thumbs down and which images were praised by thy fashion gods?

Better yet...can you guess my favorite image? (My friend Leeann of Join the Gossip shows the "Ever-changing fashions of Gwen Stefani" as well!)

Photo Credit: http://www.thestyleeditor.com/ (that magazine cover looks awesome in person!)