I am back from my vacation and I must say I had a wonderful time. My friends and I try to take at least one vacation together at least once per year and this year trip is definitely in the Top 3. We had so much fun! Anyway here is a recap of a few of the outfits that I wore. I honestly wasn’t in the mood to take tons of pictures because I just wanted to be laid out on the beach getting a tan, but here are photos of what I did capture

This is day 1 of the trip and this was my traveling outfit: Black Romper, Leopard Crop Top, Flat Sandals

Day 2: Yellow maxi skirt with slit, royal blue racerback tank, sandals, bold jewelry

I got the skirt for $7. It was all lonely on the rack and I just had to get it.

Party time: Black and white striped body con skirt, royal blue tube top, black peep-toe sling back heels

Day 3: Khaki Shorts, Rust crop top, gold sandals, peacock necklace

We couldn’t go to Puerto Rico without visiting the El Yunque Rain Forest. It was such an awesome experience! This waterfall was so beautfiul. I was in awe the entire time. A few of my friends climbed the rocks and got really close for great pictures. I didn’t have on my sneakers yet so I didn’t climb the rocks, but it was still a great view.

Party Time: Orange t-shirt body con dress, red patent leather belt and shoes, red earrings

Every year we go away we try to have theme nights. So this night was “Caliente.”  You had to wear something red, orange, or yellow. A few of my friends didn’t get that memo and wore blue but they still looked amazing.

All White Night: White baby doll dress, jeweled sandals, bold jewelry

Our last night on vacation we always wear all white. It is an amazing sight to see 6 beautiful black women all tanned and bronzed glowing in all white. Since this was our last night we always try to go out with a bang and we most certainly did! We went  to Senor Frogs and if you’ve ever been there, you know what happens there. I wanted to wear something light and flowy so that I won’t be restricted when dancing and so I can catch a cool breeze. 

When we got out of the car everyone in the area were staring at us like we were celebrities. We started waving and asking people how they were doing. I guess I would stare too if I saw a group of friends dressed in all white walking the streets lol. We told the hostess and waiter in Senor Frogs that we were all getting married and this was our last trip before we each tied the knot and then they gave us free drinks. Overall it was an amazing experience and I love my girls to death!

Reader Christina said

“So I’m going to 2 weddings this summer and I don’t know where to start for finding a cute dress + accessories that’s within my tight budget.  Since it’s for weddings I also want something that’s church appropriate but won’t leave me restricted when I hit the dance floor later that night”

Dressing for a summer wedding, well pretty much any wedding, depends on the time of day and location of the wedding and also whatever is on the invitation. Of course you want to do three things

  1. Stay cool
  2. Be comfortable
  3. Avoid wearing white (unwritten rule)

Here are a few tips for dressing for a wedding

  • Avoid wearing white because most likely the bride will be in white and you do not want to try to upstage her
  • Look for a dress in a light weight material. Since the wedding is in the summe you do not want to wear anything that will cling to your body and cause to sweat excessively
  • Make a statement with your accessories. Go for large cocktail rings, bold and bright shoes, or even shoes with a little sparkle. A great evening clutch in an intricate design will surely turn heads and go for those gorgeous hoops you have been dying to wear.
  • Wrap dresses are perfect for just about every body type because of how it cinches the waist.
  • Try a trend like color blocking.
  • If it is a summer wedding but in the evening go for a cocktail dress or a long maxi. This is your time to pull out all of the stops because more than likely it is a semi-black tie affair.
  • If it is a summer wedding during the day on a beach, in a garden etc. a flirty summer dress is a great choice. Go for something off the shoulder or with ruffles
  • Make sure you wear shoes that you can party in. One thing I hate seeing is a woman in a gorgeous dress on the dance floor barefoot or in socks. Wear shoes with comfortable insoles that will allow you to get your party on all night, or bring a pair of foldable ballet flats…not slippers.
  • Carry a light cardigan or pashmina scarf just in case it is chilly.
  • Keep your makeup light. Try a tinted moisturizer and bronzer to achieve a summer glow. You can go all out with a bold lip.

Great places to find accessories on a tight budget are

  • Forever 21
  • H&M
  • Target

I hope these tips help!

Reader Tanisha asked

“Hey I am going to Miami in a few weeks and I have no idea what to pack. Can you please give me some inspiration! I want to look hot, but not over the top. Thanks!”

Well Tanisha Miami is the land of over the top, especially in the summer. You don’t need much to look great in Miami but here are a few looks that will have you ready to hit Collins ave.

Set #1

This look is for the day time when you are just strolling around and not on the beach. A cute pair of flats and a nice flowy dress or a tank/t-shirt and some shorts always do the trick. Go for bright colors since you are in the sunshine state.

Set #2

Ok so now it is night time and hopefully the temperatures and humidity have dropped a little. When hitting the party scene go for a printed jumpsuit or a bright dress and incoporate the color blocking trend.

Set #3

Time to hit the beach! Most people who visit Miami spend most of their time in their swimsuits. So grab your favorite bikini or monokini and super chic coverups and find your way to the nearest beach chair. Don’t forget the sunblock or the bahama mama

Set #4

If you have a busy day and do not have time to change, quickly go from day to night. During the day choose a stylish romper and pair it with a cross body bag, flat sandals and a fedora hat. Later on in the evening before you head to dinner make a quick change of the accessories (bag, jewelry, and shoes) and you are ready to hit the town. Both looks above can be worn during the day or night just make sure you accessorize accordingly!

Other items to pack: tanks, cotton tees, maxi dresses

Tanisha, I hope these looks help. I am sure you are going to look fabulous!

*For customized look books, send all inquiries to Janique@hergoodybag.com*

Independence Day is quickly approaching and I’ve gotten a few requests for outfit ideas. Here we go…
Look 1- Keeping with tradition, white skinny jeans, denim top and red accessories shows your patriotism

Fourth of July Weekend

Fourth of July Weekend by Janique-HGB featuring enamel jewelry

Look 2 is very laid back and casual. This is perfect for backyard bbqs and street festivals.

Fourth of July Outfit Ideas

 Fourth of July Outfit Ideas by Janique-HGB featuring cut off shorts

Look 3 a maxi dress is always appropriate. This is a summer staple

Maxi Dresses

 Maxi Dresses by Janique-HGB featuring an ikat dress

Look 4 protect yourself from the sun with a fedora and keep cool in a romper

Fourth of July Outfit Ideas

 Fourth of July Outfit Ideas by Janique-HGB featuring wedge sandals

Look 5 you can never go wrong with a skirt and a tank top. Throw on a cute pair of sandals and aviators and you are ready to hit the streets.

Fourth of July Outfit Ideas

 

To purchase any of the items above click on the images

Reader Chanell asked

“Hey I’m going to a picnic style luncheon on Saturday and I have no idea what to wear. They would like to have everyone wear all white. So what do I wear to an all white luncheon?”

I came up with three looks that Chanell could possibly choose from. Check them out

Look 1 consists of an off the shoulder dress with jeweled flat sandals and a soft pink bag. The look is sophisticated yet casual for an outdoor park setting.

Look 2 is has a nice punch of color with the comibination of teal and turquoise. I like mixing bright summery colors like the blues and greens in this look with white. This looks shows that a little color goes a long way.

Look 3 is pretty simple. You have a flowy skirt and tank top accented with brown. This color combo never gets old in my opinion. I love the brown for this event because the outdoor feel. The shoes in this look are a stacked heel, so you will have height and comfort.

To purchase any items from the looks above click here