So a few months ago I was contacted by one of my blogging buddies Kimberlee of I Have a Degree in This about BlumeGirl.com- a company that personalizes pretty much anything you can think of. From onesies for babies to shirts for dogs, Blume will have everyone calling your name.

You can personalize lingerie as well. Remember Valentine’s Day is right around the corner so this would be a pleasant surprise for the boo lol.

Celebs like Angelina Jolie, Victoria and David Beckham, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Richie, Mariska Hargitay, Jessica Simpson and many others all love Blume’s creative styles. Blume’s can also be found in stores nationwide and also abroad, so all of my international readers, you can get down with Blume too!

So I was completely lost when I had to come up with something for my patch. I am not too big on random people calling me by my name in the middle of the street so I didn’t get ‘Janique.’ Check out my patches from BlumeGirl.com

I chose “HGB” when I wear his vest people will ask what does it stand for and it will be the perfect time to promote my blog. Genius right? Well maybe not genius, but I think it is a good marketing strategy.

So head over to BlumeGirl.com and design your own personalized patches.

Yes you read correctly! Rock & Republic and Kohl’s are gearing up for New York Fashion Week and the debut of the Rock & Republic collection for Kohl’s. You and a guest have a chance to win

• Rountrip airfare for two to NYC
• 3 nights hotel accommodations at the W Hotel in Times Square
• Ground transportation to/from the airport and to/from shows
• Two tickets to the Rock & Republic fashion show
• Rock & Republic  makeovers for you and your guest. Yes that includes clothes, hair, and makeup
• $300 spending money.

If that isn’t a great offer I don’t know what is! This sweepstake is open to anyone within the 50 States (sorry to all of my international readers) CLICK HERE TO ENTER

To help kick things off, I have created my “Rock Star” Look. I would describe my style as classic with a modern twist and a hint of romance, so this is totally out of my element.

To achieve a rock star look you definitely need something black and something leather. You also need a graphic t-shirt and some skinny jeans or jeans that have been distressed or have that grungy feel. Converses, riding boots, or combat boots are the obvious options for your feet. You can also add accessories like fingerless gloves, spiked vests,  and of course shorts with ripped fishnets. The point of the rock star look is to appear tough and edgy.

So for my version of a rock star look, I paired my burgundy skinny jeans with a graphic tank- yes my tank has pearls lol- with my leather motorcycle jacket. I paired my look with a pair of black heels. I couldn’t get rid of myself totally so I added the heels and tank with the pearls lol. Do you all like my tough face in the first pic? Lol it didn’t last very long because I love smiling!

So to enter the sweepstakes CLICK HERE! The contest ends January 28th at 11:59 pm EST!

Good luck to all those who enter!

Ladies it is back! The 15th Annual Shoe-Inn Warehouse Sale! I try to go to this sale at least once a year and the last time I went, I got a pair of Michael Kors boots and Via Spiga heels for less than $150 together. This is definitely a sale that you don’t want to miss.

Via Top Button:

“The sale that starts everyone’s year on the right foot! Shoe-Inn features over 7,000 pairs of women’s designer shoe and boots by Tory Burch, Rachel Zoe, Cole Haan, Ugg Australia, Kids UGGs, Via Spiga, Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Celine, Donald J. Pliner, Michael Kors,  Stella McCartney, B Attwood, Converse, Frye, Stuart Weitzman, Kate Spade, Pedro Garcia, Zalo, Ralph Lauren, Cynthia Rowley, Calvin Klein, Converse, Lilly Pulitzer, D&G, Charles David, Aquatalia, Moschino, Steve Madden, Fontini, Baker, Andre Assous Minnetonka, Jack Rodgers, Diane von Furstenberg, Elizabeth and James, Sam Edelman, Fitflops, 1000 pair of waterproof boots, and many others.

All boots $39.99-$249.99, all shoes are $19.99-$99.99. New merchandise is added daily. This event has been named “The Ultimate Shoe Sale” by FOX News (2011).”

With only 2-days left in the year it is time to see if I accomplished the goals I set for 2011. In 2010 I declared that I would do the following

Fashion and Beauty (Click here for 2011 goals post)

1. Shop my closet:
2. Create more creative looks
3. Buy more accessories
4. Use my makeup
5. Hair Rules: I want to try different styles.
6. Nails, Nails, Nails do manicures weekly

• I am happy to say that I accomplished 5/6! I began utilizing more of the pieces in my wardrobe. I did a lot more mixing and matching and in the end created more versatile and creative looks. I killed two birds with one stone.
• I did purchase quite a bit of accessories this year. I bought  more statement pieces and included a lot more color
• I wore a full face of make up at least twice a week for the first half of the year and also September-October. I limited my makeup use during the summer for obvious reasons.
• I cut my hair!!! I can’t believe I did such a drastic thing. I went from having hair just below my shoulder to this asymmetrical cropped look. It was such a huge change but I loved it.
• I did not do my nails every week like I wanted. I tried, but this did not happen. Maybe next year.

 Now the goals that I had for the blog were (click here for the full post)

1. A new look/layout for the blog
2. Do more giveaways
3. Exclusive reporting of stores and boutiques
4. Host an event
5. Styling/Wardrobe Consulting
6. Better content

I accomplished 4/6 goals set for HGB!

• The new layout, header, and featured gallery debuted this year!
• I hosted a total of giveaways this year!
• I did not do any exclusive reporting or host an event because I did not manage my time well or utilize all of my resources, but this will change in 2012.
• I began offering personal styling services and have acquired new clients! Book me here for a consultation
• I started new segments on the blog called What to Wear and the Luxe List. I also enlisted the help of a friend/fellow blogger  Rob to do the writing for men’s wear.

This has been a great year for Her Goody Bag so here are my goals for 2012

1. Time management! Manage my time between God, family/friends, work, social life, and the blog of course
2. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! I am a terrible networker. I have a problem striking up conversations with random people. I know in order for the blog to grow and for me to grow as a person I need to break through this ‘shy shell’ and get out there! I need to meet and build relationships with more bloggers, designers, boutiques/stores, and brands.
3. Comment more on blogs/facebook- I visit a lot of blogs but rarely leave comments. I love reading your comments and I am sure other bloggers feel the same. Also share links of posts that I enjoy reading
4. Improve social Her Goody Bag’s media presence- I need to engage my readers more on Facebook and Twitter. So if you haven’t already follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook
5. Host an event. Even if it is something small and only 15 people show up I would be grateful.
6. New look for the blog. It’s that time to revamp again.
7. Better content and I want to focus on developing my YouTube channel more as well.
8. Community Service! I have to start giving back, so I will be looking in to volunteering with women’s shelters and other organizations to help women Look Good. Feel Great. Live Better.
9. Interact more with my readers! I truly appreciate all of you and there will be a new segment added to the blog next week focusing on you! Stay tuned.

Well this will be an interesting ride. My vision board is almost completed. 2011 has been great and I am looking forward to 2012.

What are some of your goals? Have you created a vision board? Share your goals with us by leaving a comment! I will be featuring vision boards on the blog next week so get  yours done to make it on HGB!

Happy New Year!

With the Holiday Season fast approaching I know many of you may be too busy or too overwhelmed to even think about what to wear for your office holiday parties, Christmas dinner, or even New Year’s Eve.

Maybe you have tons of clothes but do not know what to wear or how to put looks together with what’s in your closet.

Well I am offering the following personal styling services

• Wardrobe audit- what to keep, save, giveaway, or throw away. We will also create a list of what to replenish your wardrobe with.  During this process we will get rid of the clutter and organize your life. Find out what you really have so you won’t buy what you don’t need
• Personal Styling-holiday parties, birthdays, meeting the parents, job interview, or if you simply want to reinvent your style I will work with you to identify your wants and your needs to create a functional wardrobe or the perfect look for a special occasion.
• Virtual Styling- get the same benefits of personal styling and personal shopping but via online. I will do the research to find your must have items!

If interested in any of these services or if you have general questions please send me an email so that we can setup a consultation. Janique@hergoodybag.com

My friend Kim (makeup artist) is also offering services so hit her up as well!

*NYC area only for in person consultations.

On November 29th, I had the opportunity to hear from various sponsors and also network with other bloggers at Kitty Bradshaw’s Meet N’ Tweet. Kitty is one of my favorite bloggers because one she has no filters and keeps it all the way real. She is always willing to help those up and coming bloggers and she has been a great help to me and my blog. 

So at the event I got to mingle with some of my favorite bloggers such as my Kim from I Have a Degree in This, Melanie and Melissa of O So Chic, Shanequa from Temple of Glam, Patrick from The World and Mr. Sykes, Chrisitine from Tineey.com and of course my friend Kim from Makeup by Kim Porter. There were about 45 bloggers in attendance so it was great to see familiar faces and meet new bloggers.

The whole purpose of the event was to build new relationships with bloggers and sponsors. The drinks were sponsored by Barefoot Bubbly & Wines which I absolutely love and the event was held at the nRelate offices.

Many of the brands that sponsored the event were new to me so it was great to hear about their products and what they had to say.

Familiar brands like Hanes Hosiery provided all of the female attendants with the Silk Reflection Blackout Coverage opaque tights. I wore mine recently and they are amazing, seriously. Some tights that claim to be opaque are somewhat sheer, but these tights are really opaque and comfortable.

CND provided hand and body lotion from their Vanilla Collection and nail polish from the Plum Truffle Collection. Covergirl Queen Collection provided the female attendnts with lipstick. I received the cool khaki color.

Other brands that were sponsors that I was not familiar with was Squeem Magical Lingerie and Pencil Me in Cosmetics. Squeem provided all attendants with waist cinching body shapers to prevent the muffin top, or souffle top as Kitty calls it. Pencil Me in Cosmetics is a line which features vitamin enriched eye liners. How awesome is that?

One of the most compelling parts of the night came from the Angel Street Thrift/LES Service Center Charity. Kitty Bradshaw has her own line of cookies courtesy of Tasty Morsels, and 10% of the proceeds will benefit the Angel Street Thrift and Lower Eastside Service Center. Check out more information on how you can purchase the cookies and donate to a great cause here.

Other sponsors include: B Braxton for Men, Zebra Pens, Accessories Remix, Modern Courteson by YS (perfume) Emergen-C.

Thank you to all of the sponsors and a special thanks to Kitty Bradshaw for putting on a fabulous event.

Nina

Congratulations Nina! 

You have 24hrs to respond to the email with your contact information.

Thanks to all who entered!

I have an exciting new giveaway and it is perfect for the season. We all know about the miracle worker Spanx by Sara Blakely right? Well she has also created a brand called ASSETS which is an affordable line of comfortable shaping unergarments. They are comfortable, figure flattering and slimming. The line consists of tights, bras, panties, and other body shapers.

I was sent 2 pairs of ASSETS tights and a $50 gift card to jc penney where I purchased a dress to pair with the tights with a season appropriate fall look. Here is the look

I’m wearing a red shawl collar sweater dress from east 5th, a brand sold at jc penney with my ASSETS tights. The dress is currently on sale at 50% for $30. The original price is $60. The dress is extremely comfortable and features a 3/4 length sleeve and hits right above the knee. This look can be worn to work or even to dinner. What I love most is the rich, bold color. You will definitely turn heads in this.

Here are close up shots of the tights

These are the flipside diamond tights and they are shaping tights. They definitely bring EVERYTHING in and shapes your butt pretty nicely might I add.

The tights are a sample size 4 (5’4-6’0 180-220 lbs) but, they fit me (5’4 135lbs) so don’t let the size fool you, they will fit almost any shape.

You can have a chance to win a pair of these tights by following these simple rules

How to Enter

1. Subscribe to my blog via Google Feedburner ——> Right Sidebar

It is that simple! Once you subscribe leave a comment!

Extra Entries

1. Follow me on Twitter :@hergoodybag and tweet the following

Win a pair of ASSETS tights by Sara Blakely from @HerGoodyBag http://bit.ly/uAY7ll

2. Like us on Facebook

Leave a comment each time you tweet with your twitter name and when you like us on Facebook.

A winner will be chosen at random

The contest runs through December 5, 2011 at 11:59pm EST Good Luck!

Uniqlo is having a great sale! Sweaters at $14.90

New  York and Company is offering 50% off of everything plus free shipping and 70% off of red line items

Aldo Shoes are offering 30% off of all shoes and handbags already reduced

Macy’s doors open at 12midnight. Deals

Lane Bryant and Cacique are offering 50% off of all online orders

J. Crew is offering 25% off and free shipping through Sunday November 27. Using the code YOUR GIFT

Gap is offering 60% off the entire store now through Sunday

50% off at Urban Outfitters before 10am

H&M will open its doors at 5am. outerwear from $20, dresses and sweaters starting at $5

jcpenney are having a great deal also

Steve Madden is offering 25% off and free shipping

Bebe 40% off of select new styles in store and online

Sephora Don’t forget Sephora for all of your beauty steals! They have a promotion 10 items for $10

Target is offering great deals in apparel, beauty, and electronics

Bath and Body Works are offering great deals on the perfect stocking stuffers

Arden B. everything up to 50% off

Don’t forget Bloomingdale’s Big Brown Bag Sale 25%-40% off plus $25 off of purchases $200 or more

Check out the deals over at Victoria’s Secret

ASOS is also having a sale so get your holiday party dresses now!

Express has 40% off of everything in store and online

Check out what Kohl’s is offering

Last week Kim and I made our way through SoHo to check out the Pop-Up Gallery for an amazing site called OpenSky. If you have never heard of OpenSky you are in for a treat.

About OpenSky (source)

“At OpenSky, our mission is to give you a better way to shop that’s all about you. We understand that shopping isn’t one-size fits all; each of us is different—different styles, different tastes, different ideas. Your “Yes!” might be another woman’s “Hell, no!” That’s why we’re giving you the power to design your ideal shopping site. To help you shop, we’ve recruited 75 of the best people in food, style, health and design. Fall in love with one or play the field, it’s your choice. Fear commitment? No problem! You can change the people on your team anytime you want. Then relax and be surprised every day as they create a new shop just for you. Whether you’re into kale chips or artisanal chocolates; Missoni knits or tie-dye tanks; sleek mod vases or hand-woven pillows, we’ll deliver daily bolts of inspiration that speak to you, not everyone else.”

So OpenSky has enlisted the help of celebs like Lala Anthony, Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, Stylist and host of “How Do I Look?” Jeannie Mai, Holly Robinson Peete, Molly Sims, Veronica Web, Cynthia Rowley and more.

Celebs pretty much share their favorite items that they actually use and wear with us; so think of Lala or Cake Boss as your very own personal shopper. They post things they love that they think we would love and we can purchase the items through OpenSky.

Take a look at some photos from the event

• Nancy O’Dell from Entertainment Tonight, loves these Restricted Peep-Toe Pumps

“When I’m on the red carpet, I love shimmer and sparkle and these glittery platform pumps are a wardrobe must have for me.”

• Jeannie Mai from “How Do I Look”  loves the Rose Clutch by Sondra Roberts

“I’m completely cray-cray over this Sondra Roberts clutch- it’s like one big giant rose!”

• LaLa Anthony loves the Marlyn Schiff Earrings

“I love the edgy-meets-sophisticated look when I’m getting dressed up for an event!”

• Molly Sims loves the Nicole Messenger Bag by JADEtribe

“The bag I’m offering is crafted by a village of women from Lao Luu tribe in Northern Laos. Everthing, from the organic cotton to the natural bark dyes, is grown in their village.” 

Here I am with Jeannie Mai. I absolutely ADORE her and her style! She was so down to earth and fun! Her outfit was on point, no surprise their.

 Overall, I had a great time at the pop-up gallery and encourage you all to sign up on Open Sky. There are always awesome goodies that you can grab for great prices. Check it out!

Click here to join