Its the new year, so ladies it is time we take our style to the next level. Before we elevate, we must make sure we have the key pieces that are the foundation of any woman’s wardrobe. With these basics you will have the essentials for the following:

• A job interview
• Lunch/Brunch with friends
• A black tie affair
• A date
• A job interview or business meeting

Wardrobe Basics by Her Goody Bag featuring anne michelle shoes

So here are the basics (in no specific order)

1. A sharp white shirt that suits your figure
2. Light weight cardigan
3. A jacket or blazer that can be paired with pants or a skirt to form a suit
4. Pants/Trousers: denim, tailored for the day time, and a pair of black trousers that can go from day to night
5. LBD- Little Black Dress
6. A skirt that suits your figure (pencil skirts are not for everyone, try an a-line skirt if you are a full-figured diva)
7. A round-neck top which is a dressy alternative to a t-shirt
8. Selection of t-shirts or tanks that can be dressed up or dressed down. (Go for tops with slight embellishment)
9. Essential shoes: a good boot, ballet flats, black pumps, an evening shoe
10. A good quality handbag

Once you have these basic items, you have the foundation of a stylish wardrobe. Until next time, happy shopping and happy styling.

If you and your friends still have not solidified any plans for New Year’s Eve, here are a few suggestions from Glamour that will not break your pockets. As we all know, this is the one time of year when clubs and restaurants charge outrageous prices to bring in the new year at their establishment. I don’t think paying $100 per person to bring in the New Year is necessary. You can still have a great time and get ahead start on that savings plan for 2011. Here are the suggestions for a great New Year’s Eve date that won’t break the bank.

This is the last week of 2010 and this is also the last chance to buy those perfect shoes for the New Year’s Eve festivities. As we all know, your shoes can either make or break your outfit. So I have created a guide featuring some of our favorite shoe designers like Rachel Roy, Sam Edelman, and Jessica Simpson. You can’t go wrong with any of these…check them out

New Year’s Eve Shoe Guide by Her Goody Bag featuring high heels shoes

Rachel Roy: Give Shine > Kimi
$99 - rachelroy.com
Rachel Roy »

Nine West Women’s Escher Pump: Shoes
$70 - amazon.com
Nine west shoes »

Product: Sam Edelman “Novato” Glitter Pump
$99 - dillards.com
Glitter heels »

Luichiny Kir Sten – Gold Rock Glitter
$90 - heels.com
Platform shoes »

Enzo Angiolini ‘Smiles’ Platform Pump
$95 - nordstrom.com
Enzo angiolini pumps »

Luichiny Kir Sten – Multi Rock Glitter
$90 - heels.com
Peeptoe shoes »

Chinese Laundry Hot Hot – Glitter Silver
$70 - heels.com
Peeptoe shoes »

Sam Edelman Niland Heel – Black Merino
$100 - heels.com
Platform shoes »

Paris Hilton Blair Pump – Burgundy
$95 - heels.com
Paris hilton shoes »

Paris Hilton Sarina Pump – Magenta
$95 - heels.com
High heels shoes »

Paris Hilton Keysha – Black Zebra
$90 - heels.com
Platform shoes »

Paris Hilton Keysha – Black Leopard
$90 - heels.com
Leopard pumps »

My little sis Whitney recently purchased these Jessica Simpson heels and they are definitely New Year’s Eve appropriate

Jessica Simpson Satino Black

Hopefully the snow in NYC doesn’t ruin anyone’s New Year’s Eve plans. Be safe and stay fly!

 Yes I am back in action and I appreciate all of your patience. So this post is for people who want a little inspiration for their look for Christmas dinner. So here are a few looks for you guys! Tell me what you think. 

This look was created for the host. If Christmas dinner is being held at your house, you must dress the part of the elegant host. The dresses are chic and very comfortable. 

Christmas Dinner by Her Goody Bag featuring draped dresses

Some people may not be going to a fancy/formal dinner. Maybe they just hang around the house with family and friends playing games, watching sports, and eating food. Well these looks are casual yet stylish.

Casual Christmas by Her Goody Bag featuring a bow cardigan

The last set includes looks that are not too dressy or casual. They are the perfect balance. These looks are great if you are going to dinner with your significant other and his family especially. You show that you have style and class at the same time. Some women do not know how to achieve that balance and end up looking a little trashy for grandma, so these looks are definitely appropriate.

Chic Christmas by Her Goody Bag featuring tall heels

CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR A LISTING OF THE ITEMS USED IN EACH SET

Holiday parties are quickly approaching and if you are anything like me, you will wait til the very last minute to begin looking for that perfect holiday look. Well time is winding down so I created a few looks for inspiration.

The first look is a classic holiday look. It is very sophisticated and elegant. The bold color and intricate oragami style detailing makes this dress  a definite show stopper. Pink with teal is the perfect way to mix and match color with looking like something out of the 80s. Natural make up and turquoise jewelry completes the look

Pretty in Pink: Cocktail Party by Her Goody Bag featuring chain jewelry

Strapless Bow Party Dress, $48
Paris Hilton Blair Pump – Navy, $95
ASOS Faux Croc Clutch, $31
Designer Style Aqua Blue CZ Cable Design Stud Earrings, $45
The Aqua Candy CZ Solitaire Ring, $22
Jeweled Necklace, $28
Bobbi Brown Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick, $38
Pucci Miss Pucci 2.5 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, $89
BM4 | Black Magic Metal Picture Frames | Picture Frames.com, $9.60
Neutral Colored Lip Stick [[harpers bazaar]]

The next look is very rocker chic. This little black dress is sophisticated yet sexy. You will feel glamorous, sexy, and edgy with the studded shoulder detailing and the gathered v-style split. I can definitely see Ciara in a similar dress. Pair with either gravity-defying pumps or over-the-knee boots and a bold red lip to complete the look.

Ciara Inspired Holiday Party Look by Her Goody Bag featuring cocktail party dresses

Miso Slinky Party Dress, 30 GBP
Steve Madden ‘Fabulus’ Over the Knee Boot, $150
Rachel Roy: Shoes > Kaytee, Ships 8/9., $99
Rachel Roy: Shoes, $118
ASOS Faux Croc Clutch, $31
Leann’s Black Stretch Silver Spike Bracelet, $50
Maxine’s Jet Black Crystal Square Stud Earrings, $29
Givenchy – Lip Lip Lip! Lipstick #313 Blushing Red ( Extreme ), $25
O.P.I. – Nail Lacquer – Yule Love This Silver Glitter – Christmas…, $8.50
Props
Rhymes With Snitch: Ciara Gimme Dat

This last look is menswear inspired with a touch of glam. If the temperature is frigid and you do not want to face the blistering cold, go with a pair of black skinny pants, a sequins tank top, and tuxedo jacket. You will definitely turn heads because you are going against “holiday tradition” from wearing a cocktail dress to a sexy tuxedo. A smokey eye and nude lip completes the look.

Menswear Inspired Holiday Look by Her Goody Bag featuring camis tops

Felicity sequin top Gold, 49 GBP
Black Tuxedo Jacket, 50 GBP
Skinny Riding Pants, $100
RAYLA – Dress Pumps – Bakers Footwear, $80
Urban Expressions 5317, $48
Rhinestone Triple Hoop Earrings, $28
MAC Lipstick, $15
Frame 34 : Silver Leaf 2 inch wide by in Silver Frames, $60
ROBERT INDIANA LOVE Paper Weight, 90 EUR
Christian Dior Eye Color 5 Color Eyeshadow Misty Mauve No. 844, $60
beyonce,i am… sasha fierce

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

• www.black-friday.net
• www.blackfriday.info
• www.2010blackfridayads.com
• www.theblackfriday.com

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!

Because this collection is so high in demand, H&M has instituted specific rules for shopping the Lanvin collection this weekend. There has been chaos in the past before and so they finally wised up and came to a solution. The rules are pretty specific, so if you are shopping this collection please pay close attention:

How To Shop

H&M is launching Lanvin for H&M November 20th. Since the collection is in very high demand, we’re expecting a crowd.

What do I do if I arrive before opening hours?

If there is a line, please wait in line, and H&M store staff will inform you on how to shop.

How does the queuing system work?

The first 320 in line will receive one of 16 different colored bracelets, 20 people for each bracelet color; on the bracelet you will be given a specific time for shopping in our designated area. The bracelets are only needed for the women’s collection. Customers buying the men’s collection will not require a bracelet.

When your time slot arrives, you will enter the designated area to shop for 15 minutes.  Our goal is to create a better shopping experience for our customers.

If you are not one of the first 320 in line, you will of course have the opportunity to shop from the rest of the collection or within H&M.  When the 16 groups have finished their shopping, we will also open up a designated area for all our customers.

To make sure as many customers as possible are able to buy the collection, we have a shopping limit. Every customer can buy from the entire collection, but with a limit of purchasing two pieces per product i.e. not more than two sizes (shoes/garments) or pieces (accessories) per product per customer. The shopping limit covers the entire Lanvin for H&M collection. Your place in line does not guarantee any items from the Lanvin for H&M collection.

Here are the select locations where the collection will be

• Scottsdale, Arizona: Scottsdale Fashion Square.
• Boston, Massachusetts: 100 Newbury Street.
• Costa Mesa, California: South Coast Plaza
• Glendale, California: Americana at Brand.
• Los Angeles, California: Beverly Center; Westfield Century City.
• San Diego, California: Fashion Valley Mall.
• San Francisco, California: 150 Powell Street.
• West Hollywood, California: 8580 Sunset Boulevard.
• New York, New York: 1328 Broadway; 150 East 86th Street; 435 7th Avenue; 515 Broadway; 640 5th Avenue; 731 Lexington Avenue.
• Columbus, Ohio: 140 Easton Town Center.
• Portland, Oregon: Pioneer Place
• Seattle Washington: 520 Pike Street.
• Washington D.C.: 1025 F Street, NW.
• Orlando, Florida: The Florida Mall.
• Palm Beach Gardens, Florida: The Gardens Mall.
• Atlanta, Georgia : Atlantic Station.
• Chicago, Illinios: 840 North Michigan Avenue.

I am having 2nd and 3rd thoughts about this collection. I thought it would be in all H&Ms but those 6 stores will be in pure chaos! I have to ask myself is it really worth it. I would have to leave my house around 5am to be on line for 6am and I probably won’t even be in the . I have not stood online hours before the store opened in like 10 years when I was in my Jordan phase.

I think these designer collaborations are great for the fashion world, but is this worth it? Most likely I will not partake in these festivities. If the collection was available at more locations I would, but 15 minutes to “shop” that’s ridiculous, I am so not a “grab and go” shopper.

How many of you will be in the trenches, throwing elbows, to get pieces from this collection?

With a new season comes a new set of rules! Take it from Fashion Designer Michael Kors

DO return to classic camel. It’s a chic alternative to black that works around the clock.

DON’T do the same shade head to toe. Mix in other neutral, like Kate Hudson did, to give things some life.

DO wear simple outfits with bright accessories that keep your look versatile.

DON’T skimp on investing in the best quality so what you buy will last for years.

DO get inspired by the look of 50s fashion. (Belt your waist)

DON’T be afraid of curves. It’s all about an hourglass silhouette.

DO invest in a pantsuit like Elle Macpherson’s. It can be worn with everything from a tee to a sequined tank.

DON’T confuse it with a politician’s pantsuit. You still want to look you

Source

In an exclusive interview with Lloyd Boston, Anna Sui reveals the essentials for all women and her best-kept style secret.

What is your best-kept personal style secret?

When you find what works for you, stick with it (bangs, red lipstick, etc.)

What are the three fashion essentials every well-dressed woman should own?

1. A great coat. During the winter, you don’t remove your coat at a lot of places that you go. So the only thing people see is your coat.
2. Great boots. They always make the outfit cooler.
3. A great handbag. It tells so much abouto you

Who is the most stylis woman in existence, in your opinion? And what do you appreciate about her look?

Diana Vreeland and Marilyn Monroe. They both had their looks down.