The Good Girl Gone Blog: Fashion

G3B's pro guide to (stylish and comfy) travel

Sep 2, 2010

I don't think you have to sacrifice comfort for style...or style for comfort, when traveling. After four years of traveling for holidays, family events, work trips and gallavanting around Europe, I think I've got this travel thing figured out. Here are my tips for stylish and comfortable travel...plus some photos of my outfit for today's flight to Boston. Enjoy:

Tip 1: When possible, leave the luggage at home. For short trips, travel sans-heavy luggage and fill up a nice sized carry on. I love my Betseyville Wheelie Suitcase, it's a great conversation starter and people are always more than happy to help lift it into the overhead bin. Plus, you don't have to worry about luggage getting lost, waiting in line at baggage claim, or extra fees. Oh, and I look ridiculous trying to lug a big suitcase on public transportation- it's no easy feat, trust me.

Tip 2: Choose the right shoes. Although not all airports require you to take off your shoes at security, many do. As a result, you need to wear shoes that are easy to pull off and put on quickly. No one likes that person in line that's spending 20 minutes lacing their shoes...or the person who can't get their baby stuff figured out, but that's another story. I don't recommend wearing flip flops, only because your toes might get cold on the flight. Personally, I like wearing pull-on boots like Uggs (sorry!) in the winter, but today, I'm wearing heels. Why? I find flats uncomfortable, and I like looking nice when I travel. This pair has a pretty thick heel and a platform for extra support- I'd call them "comfy heels."

Tip 3: Dress for a cold plane. No matter what the weather is outside, airplanes always seem to be about -50 degrees. As a result, I've learned not to travel with bare legs (think dresses) and ALWAYS bring some sort of sweater or jacket in case I get cold. Bonus: if you're not cold, you can use that sweater/jacket as a pillow.

Tip 4: Leave most of your toiletries at home. Because I typically carry on my luggage, I always run into the issue of liquid toiletries going over the 1 oz limit (although to be honest, I don't always separate my liquids or stay under the limit and have never gotten in trouble). Think about it this way- if you're going to a hotel, they'll have shampoo, conditioner and soap...and if you're visiting friends or family, they'll have all of that plus toothpaste. I really hate having to go into my stuff to pull out a clear plastic bag of toiletries- it takes too much time in line, and I sort of resent the slow people who waste time doing it.

Tip 5: Choose a seat in the front. I'm sure many of you have been doing this for a while, but it's a new concept for me. Not having to wait in your seat for everyone else to board? Great! Deplaning before you have time to get antsy? Fabulous!

Tip 6: Don't travel in jeans. I don't care what anyone says, jeans are not comfortable unless they're stretchy. Yes, I'm going there. I don't particularly enjoy wearing jeans, especially when I have to be sitting for a long period of time. Go for leggings or a pair of stretchy (but not frumpy) pants...or better yet, wear a dress and tights!

A strategic breakdown of my travel outfit:

Jacket: tailored and fun, but made out of comfy sweatshirt material. PERFECT for keeping warm and acting as a substitute pillow.

Headband: great for keeping hair out of your eyes when putting your hair up isn't an option (because it's uncomfortable in airplane chairs).

Soft, stretchy pants: see my rant on jeans.

Sleeveless top: because it's hot outside

Comfy heels: easy to remove in the security line or on the plane.

I need a little luck this weekend, so cross your fingers for me. Hopefully Hurricane Earl won't affect my travel plans. Boston, here I come! Expect some FABULOUS photos and a big giveaway announcement!

Outfit details: Jacket,shoes and pants- Loehmann's, tank- Target, belt- H&M, necklace- gift from Megan, headband- c/o Embelle Boutique

OTK Riding Boot, I think I love you

Aug 31, 2010

via www.anntaylorloft.com

Sigh. I want these. They're gorgeous and brown, have cute buckles and are extremely sexy without looking promiscuous.

I've wanted to rock a pair of over-the-knee boots for a while now, but I don't know if that's even possible.

So, here's my question- petite ladies, can we wear OTK boots, or will we look stupid? This girl needs your advice!

My boss is cooler than your boss

Aug 30, 2010

About a month ago, I told my boss that if I achieved a certain goal, she needed to award me a prize. I was joking, but apparently she wasn't. Look what she brought me on my last day of work:

My boss, Sara, wears many hats. She's a head of PR, a shopper, a mother, a teacher, a boss, a traveler, a writer, a dog lover, a foodie, a wife, a cheerleader, a mentor and a friend. She's never shy about her opinions and I truly respect her for that.

So Sara, thanks for wearing so many fabulous hats. I think after today, I might add "fairy godmother." Oh, and thanks for my Betsey Johnsons! Can't wait to wear them :)

...we have a winner!

Aug 24, 2010

Zooey = always a winner

Thanks everyone for participating in my Lucky Brand Earrings giveaway from Designer Apparel and for sending so many sweet blogoversary comments. Unfortunately, I could only choose 1 winner:

Congratulations to the lovely Neira from missneira.com!

Neira is such a sweetheart! I can't wait to hang out with her on my next trip to Boston. I'll be in touch to get your contact info :)

Didn't win? Have no fear, I have another giveaway in the works for early September!

*Special thanks to Stephanie for her AMAZING random number choosing skills.

Win it: Lucky Brand Daisy Chandelier Earrings

Aug 17, 2010

Today marks the 2 year annniversary of this blog and I'm pretty excited. Who knew I could stick with one thing for 2 whole years? That's a pretty big feat for a girl with the attention span of a goldfish...aka 3 seconds.

Coincidentally, I was contacted by Nancy at DesignerApparel.com to do a giveaway, and I thought to myself, what better time to reward my readers for being fabulous?

A little about DesignerApparel.com:

DesignerApparel.com is a shopping search engine that carries hundreds of popular brands. You can find anything from popular labels like Herve Leger and Nicole Miller to smaller labels like Berek.

A little about the Lucky Brand Daisy Chandelier Earrings:

Tiered chandeliers are detailed with glossy cabochons and gold-plated drops.

French wire.
Approx. width: 1 1/4".
Approx. drop: 4".
Base metal/vintaged silver plating/antiqued gold plating/epoxy.
By Lucky Brand Dungarees; imported.

I think they'd look really cute with a white tee, skinny jeans and a killer pair of suede boots.

To enter:

I truly want to make this giveaway as easy as possible to enter, so all I ask you to do is "like" my blog on Facebook. Simply click the "like" button at the top right hand corner of this page (see screen shot below) and you'll be entered to win.

Already a fan? Leave me a comment saying you want to enter the contest, that way I'll know to consider you.

Details:

Contest only available to US residents. Contest begins August 17th at 12:00 PM and will end August 24th at 12:00 PM.

Best of luck everyone!

New Obsession: eBay Fashion Vault

Aug 16, 2010

I think you all know me well enough to have figured out that I love French Connection. I love that I can find basic, tailored pieces in sizes small enough to fit my frame, but most of all, I love how I feel when I wear French Connection.

It's a polished feeling, a little bit sexy, a little bit classy. Only problem? The prices.

Yes, they're a little steep, but here's my secret: never buy anything at full price. I'm almost positive that all of my FCUK pieces were purchased on sale, either at the French Connection store (in Edinburough or Boston) or at some of my favorite discount retailers (Loehmann's, Marshall's, Rue La La, etc).

That's why I was PUMPED to see that eBay Fashion Vault is having a French Connection sale with prices up to 65% off and free shipping! Plus, after signing up to become a member of Fashion Vault, you'll receive an email with an extra 20% off code.

I know I'm purging, but I found two really great pieces in my size that I know will become huge staples in my fall wardrobe:

I love red, and this LA Story Skirt is absolutely adorable. Who says office attire has to be boring? Plus, it would look really cute with a pair of black stillettos and a sleeveless black top for going out...I know just the shoes and just the top! (Now I just need swanky evening plans.)

This Wimbeldon Cardigan (which is currently sold out, thus the necessity of the BlueFly link) was purchased to replace a very similar sweater from The Limited (last seen here) that is no longer with us. Technically, the laundy lady in London shrunk the sweater and it was still wearable, but in a shorter, tighter, feltier way. This one doesn't have a belt like The Limited version, but I'm sure you'll be seeing it in loads of my outfits.

I definitely recommend joining the Fashion Vault In Crowd so you can get great discounts as well. So go ahead, buy yourself something nice. And hey, I know you want that red skirt, I won't be offended if you buy it too!

*Disclaimer: I am currently interning at PayPal, an eBay company, but the opinions expressed in the post above are completely my own. I promise!

Sunday Confessional: Lessons from an overstuffed closet

Aug 15, 2010

I'm the first to admit I have a lot of clothes. I haven't grown since I was around 14 and I have two younger, bigger sisters who outgrow their clothes and give them to me. I also can't overlook the fact that I have a bit of a shopping problem- I love buying new clothes, especially when they're on sale.

If I didn't sort through my closet a few times a year, it would probably explode. And to be honest with you, my clothes are currently occupying three closets and a small dresser, partially because I like things spread out and partially because of their sheer abundance.

Which got me thinking- I probably don't even wear most of my clothes and when I do, I'm often not happy with the style or fit. In my efforts to be rid of my "unwearable" clothes, I came up with a few cardinal shopping sins that I unfortunately commit repeatedly. Here are some lessons I've learned.

Don't buy things that are too big:
I'm small (duh), so I often have trouble finding clothing that fits properly. Instead of waiting to find something that fits correctly, I often purchase pieces that are just a tad too big. I tell myself I'll hem that pair of pants, shorten the straps on that dress or wear the skirt a little lower on my hips, but those are mere excuses to allow me to purchase things that aren't right for me.

Just because it fits, doesn't mean it works:
I only fully came to understand this today when I went through my closet. I found a bunch of cocktail dresses from high school that technically fit, but just didn't look right. One of the dresses was simply too long, another had an unflatoring shape, while another's pattern was too overwhelming.

Resist the urge to buy something simply because it's designer and on sale:
I love a good bargain, especially when it's on a piece from one of my favorite brands (think Romeo and Juliet Couture, FCUK, Kensie, Loft, etc). I am definitely more likely to buy pieces that either don't fit or aren't exactly my style if they are a) on sale b) a "good" brand.

Not all hand-me-downs fit
This is pretty self explanatory...I'm not the same size as my sisters. Although I can wear some of their rejects, I can't fit into everything.

Don't get sentimental, if you don't wear it, chuck it
I often have trouble getting rid of clothing that I'm emotionally tied to. In high school, for instance, my friends and I all wore long skirts (partially because we liked them, partially because I went to a Jewish school). I had TONS of them, and to be honest, the religious girl look didn't really work for me. Still, it's hard for me to get rid of my long "Jewish" skirts, because they remind me of high school.

My closet is already a lot less cluttered, but I still have a ways to go. I'm going to try harder not to repeat my shopping sins, and purchases pieces that fit well and work with my wardrobe.

So what are your shopping transgressions?

BlogHer in photos

Aug 10, 2010

As you guys know, my summer internship with PayPal brought me to Blogher. I was so lucky to be able to attend and meet so many cool people, especially all the lovely ladies I worked with at the eBay Fashion booth.

I think you'll find my recap is a lot different than those of other bloggers attend, because I was there as a sponsor. Read on, my friends, read on.

PR girls are always stylish- all glasses are from eBay, as well as the clutches, denim vest and my AMAZING purple suede skirt...that sadly went back with the rest of the merchandise.
I like to call this my "Ke$ha" outfit- I'm not really sure why. I think it's all the eBay bling. I loved this little leather skirt (from eBay) and am pretty sure I'm the only person that tried it on. Also, note the belt (eBay) worn as necklace bling.

This girl was so cute- she's an inch taller than I am, so we decided to take a stylish short girl photoYou can sort of see the cute Report boots (eBay) Hannah tried on and the fact that I am trying to make a size 8 pair of leopard heels (eBay) fit...I'm a size 6.

These Marni shoes (eBay) were TO DIE FOR. I loved wearing them around the booth and encouraged all of the girls with small feet to try them on. Additionally, I'm wearing one of my favorite skirts. Eric refers to it as my "show choir" skirt, but I think it's quite amazing. Plus, this one lady kept telling me to "work it, girl!" all day.

Sara picked out this outfit and all pieces are from eBay. I pretty much became the official Barbie of the booth, and everyone had a say in what I should wear. I walked around the expo hall giving out promotional materials in this costume. I also pretended I was a celebrity and routinely said "no autographs, please," and wore my sunglasses inside.

Karen Bard, eBay's FABULOUS trend expert, chose the pieces in this outfit. We posed as Mary Kate and Ashley...and Sara continued to call me Mary Kate throughout the weekend.

If you were at BlogHer, did you have a chance to stop by the eBay fashion booth? If so, what did you try on?

Sunday Confessional: I'm Exhausted and loving it!

Aug 8, 2010

The team: Back row- Ali, Sara, Rebecca (SATC stylist!), Hannah, Karen, Ashley. Front row- Kara, some short girl in a pink dress, Kathy and Stephanie. MIA: Daniela and the photo boys

Wooh! What a whirlwind weekend I just had. Working with the eBay Fashion team was so much fun. I loved meeting everyone and playing dress up with some seriously stylish ladies.

I have tons more BlogHer pictures to post and will do it....eventually. For right now, I'm just going to sit in the train station, hopefully find something to eat and make my way home safely.

Tomorrow is for playing with Zooey and hopefully catching up on some sleep. Oh, and maybe doing some shopping on eBay fashion! (Seriously, after you see the photos of the merchandise we had in our eBay Fashion/Bill Me Later booth, you'll want to too!)

My summer essentials

Jul 28, 2010

My summer essentials by Alanadanielle88 featuring Simone Perele bras

Flowy skirt- perfect for layering over tees and tanks. Wear it at the waist to make your outfit appear like a dress, rather than a skirt and top. I trick people all the time ;)
White cardigan- layer over tanks, tees and dresses. Perfect for making an otherwise bare dress more work-appropriate.
Strapless bras- bra straps are NOT stylish (contrary to what I thought as a 13 year old, eager to show the world I had boobs), so go strapless. If you find the right bra, you won't have to worry about slippage. These babies aren't just to wear under strapless tops and dresses, but also beneath any piece of clothing with thin straps. I recommend you get both black and nude.
Bright peep-toe heels- my motto: a great pair of shoes can totally make an outfit. Choose something daring and you'll get tons of compliments. I love pairing crazy shoes with plain outfits- it's a great way to draw attention to your excellent choice in footwear.
Comfy tank tops- wear them under a sweater, beneath a low cut top, with a high wasted skirt or paired with jeans. They're great for layering and adding pops of color to an outfit.
Large sunglasses- you rarely see me outside without my GA sunglasses. Sure, they cover half my face, but they protect it from the sun. Plus, oversized sunglasses are a great way to make an outfit instantly more glamorous.
Wide, stretchy belts- great for making a baggy shirt or dress look more fitted, for breaking up a solid dress or for pairing with a high waisted skirt. Who needs tons of tops, skirts, or dresses when you can make tons of outfits simply by adding a different belt?

What are your summer essentials? Did I miss anything?