Archives for November 2010

Reader Chantel asked if I could create a fall appropriate look with over the knee socks. The weather has been unusally warm and so over the knee socks are great for the weather that we have been having. This is the look that I created for Chantel. 

J.Crew Pack of two cotton V-neck T-shirts, $46
Striped Cardigan, 25 GBP
Black Cupro Shorts, 32 GBP
A Leg Up Socks in Stone, $18
Black Lorraine wedge ankle boot, 36 GBP
Pilar Abril Sari Wallet, $33
Ethnic-style necklace Black, 28 GBP
Black Round Faceted Acrylic Stud Earrings – 3cm Diameter, 5 GBP
Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow, $58
Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss, $32
butter LONDON ‘3 Free’ Nail Lacquer, $14

Having a wardrobe problem? Send all inquiries to Janique@hergoodybag.com

Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year and it is quickly approaching.  Some of the deals are available online but the real steals are only available in-store, hence the name “door buster deals.” So here is a guide to help you shop efficiently and effectively on Black Friday.

  1. Research! Check your favorite stores to find out what time the doors open and what deals they have. Get together all the sale papers so that you know what is on sale and where to find it. You do not want to waste any time browsing for items only to discover that they’re not on sale. If you’re shopping in one store, construct an informal map that leads you from floor to floor or department to department. Your organization will give you an advantage over other shoppers.
  2. Set a budget and stick to it!
  3. Make a list. Know what you want to shop for and go get it.
  4. Arrive early. You will still have to face a line on Black Friday but it won’t be nearly as long as it would be a couple of hours into the sale. If you arrive later, you also risk having the items you want to buy being sold out.
  5. Continually consult your list of items so that if you see a long line for one product, you can go to another department that might be less crowded and buy something else.
  6. Monitor your cart closely. Desperate people may snag sold-out items from your cart.
  7. Wear comfortable clothing. Heels are not needed for the occassion.
  8. Shop with a group of people. If you shop in groups you all can split up and grab items for each other.
  9. Shop online. At least there’s no pushing, shoving or fighting and you can dress however you please.
  10. Relax, don’t get overwhelemed if you do not get your purchases.

Here are a list of websites that have a list of stores for Black Friday

So its one of my favorite times of the year again: THANKSGIVING! I love the meaning of the holiday because it is all about giving. The spirit of generosity should not be confined to one day, it should be year round, but for some it is so lets just make the best of it.

Besides this time being about the spirit of giving, it is also about spending time with family, friends, and eating great food! I told my cousin who is the family chef that I’m looking forward to some fried turkey, mac and cheese, potato salad, collard greens, sweet potato pie…I’ll stop there lol. So here are my suggestions for looking stylish, feeling comfortable, and camoflaging the thanksgiving food belly

1. Comfort is key! Wear things that stretch

  • Leggings
  • Tights

Choose a funky design or pattern or stick with the basic colors

Republic $27

Mod Cloth Stripe for Success Tights $35

2. So now that we are in our comfort zone with leggings/tights we need to pair them with something that is roomy to hide the bulge

  • Oversized or belted cardigans and sweaters
  • Ruffled Tunics

Anything large that gives your midsection enough room for expansion is key

Yes Style $42

Old Navy Jet Sweater Cardigan $45

Dorothy Perkins Animal Print Ruffled Tunic $50

This thanksgiving I’ll probably wear one of my many sweater dresses (I have more than enough to choose from) So here are some options for the all-in-one look

Alloy Megan Dolman Sweater Dress $42

Yes Style Knit Sweater Dress $44

Jane Norman Sweater Dress $42

As for the footwear, take it simple 5-inch pumps is a bit much for grandma’s kitchen. Try a cute pair of embellished ballet flats, riding boots, flat over the knee boots, or a cute lace up or wedge bootie. Anything over 3 inches may cause a serious side-eye.

Happy Eating!

I saw this link on twitter from O.M.O. Writes and I didn’t know what to expect. Read through the entire how-to guide and check my response below

I think Refinery 29 just showed one of the biggest problems with fashion/style blogging: lack of creativity. Based on their observations on what the popular style bloggers do everyone else who claims to be a style blogger just mimics and is a part of this bad mold. I could not stop laughing when I saw this post becasue I’m thinking people are brainwashed to think that what people like Bryanboy, Delmy from Fashion Bananas, Karla from Karla’s Closet, Susie Bubble from Style Bubble do and wear are the only ways to become stylish. People have let the few successful fashion bloggers dictate what they see as style and confined everyone else to a very, very small box.

People see the success of the bloggers mentioned above and want that success and are willing to conform and change their own personal style and what they really know and believe is stylish just to get free stuff and invited to fashion shows. Is it really that serious? If it is, then you need to re-evaluate your reasons for being a blogger. Why be held to a certain set of standards when you can set your own. My success does not depend on anyone else and what they feel I should look like or be. Who said that was the mold for a style blogger? Why do I have to take pics in driveways or act like I’m trying to catch a cab?

I know many people will read the Refinery how-to guide and go out and do exactly what they say. There are hundreds of bloggers who have followed the above guide to a t and where are they *chirp, chirp.* Instead of staying in a lane that does not reflect who you are create your own lane. Don’t change who you are for superficial success. Like Heidi Klum says during the elimination of Project Runway “One day you’re in, the next day you’re out.”

Today is probably one of the most anticipated days for hip hop music. Nicki Minaj the most loved and hated female rapper’s debut album “Pink Friday” is available today. Despite my early perceptions of Ms. Minaj, she has grown on me. I am not sure if it is the consistent radio play but I actually enjoy some of her music. She has been turning heads for her creative delivery but also for her interesting fashion sense.

With this album being one of the most anticipated albums of the year Nicki Minaj continues to find success in areas other than music. She has partnered with cosmetic line MAC to create a limited edition lipstick called “Pink Friday 4.”

Will you be purchasing the Pink Friday lipstick and album?