Beyond Express-tations

I must admit, I haven’t shopped at EXPRESS since I was in high school. Back in the day it was the place to get all of the hottest fashions for reasonable prices. I don’t know why, but for some reason my love for the store’s clothing diminished over the years. That was until I received this super cute ruffle tank from EXPRESS during Fashion Week. This simple, yet stylish shirt can be paired with a skinny belt and a pair of dark denims for a sexy rock & roll look or easily be worn under a fitted blazer for a more chic and sophisticated style. This universal top has tempted me to check out my former favorite store again. Who knows what else I may find? You guys know I don’t stray too far from my discount stores!

Have you received something from a store that you to

BGG Goes to Fashion Week!

Fashion Week is in full swing here in New York City. That means designers are showing their Spring 2009 line at the Bryant Park tents, as well as at various venues throughout the city. I had the privilege of covering my absolute favorite designer (who happens to be a BG); Tracy Reese’s show yesterday and what a show it was! My feet were sliding all day in those shoes! I really need to get some cushy shoe pads. 🙂

Stunning models gracefully strolled the catwalk while donning pretty pastels and flowy silhouettes, which complemented her signature feminine style. As expected, she showcased several breathtakingly beautiful flirty frocks and elegant blouses. Overall, her fashion forecast for spring is simple chic with a girly edge. What’s not to love?


Photo by New York Post


Photo by New York Post

I came across this board backstage that showed all the looks of the collection.

I also had the privilege of chatting with actress Sanaa Lathan VERY briefly before the show started. Because I’m still a novice at videotaping, the audio isn’t that good and my hand wasn’t that steady! LOL!

In case you couldn’t decipher what was said, here is the text:

BGG: What beauty products do you use to stay looking so beautiful?

Sanaa: I love Bobbi Brown! I also love MAC lipsticks, Stila lipglosses, and there are some Iman products that I use. I use a lot of different ones.

BGG: What shows have you seen so far?

Sanaa: This is my first show. When did it (Fashion Week) start?

BGG: It started on Friday.

Sanaa: Ok, well I’m going to see Diane Von Furstenberg and Reem Acra.

BGG: When will your new movie, The Family That Preys Together be in theaters?

Sanaa: It comes out this Friday!

Stay tuned for more Fashion Week coverage!

Bootielicious!

There are many reasons why I love the fall, but I think the main reason is because it’s the time when I can finally wear my favorite footwear – boots! This season it’s all about the booties. Ranging in a myriad of styles, colors and materials, booties are a definite must-have for the fall. These funky crosses between shoes and boots are a fashionable, yet practical choice because they can be worn with just about anything. From a cute dress paired with tights to with a pair of skinny jeans, booties will instantly add flavor to all of your fall fashions.

Check out some of these:

Will you be wearing a pair of booties this season?


Steven by Steve Madden Midory Bootie available at www.nordstrom.com for $148.95


Bebe Morgan Leather Buckly Leather Bootie available at www.bebe.com for $199


Steve Madden Cognac Le available at www.stevemadden.com for $129.95


Bobbie Suede Faux Croc Bootie available at www.bananarepublic.com for $160


Mossimo Valentina available at www.target.com for $26.99


Diane Von Furstenberg Rae Tie Bootie available at www.shopbop.com for $475


Camden Scallop Open-Toe Bootie available at www.shopbop.com for $430


Michael by Michael Kors Fulton available at www.bootie.com $178.95


Sam Edelman Melanie Peep-Toe Booties available at www.bloomingdales.com for $139


Softt Freeda Bootie available at www.nordstrom.com for $139.95


Twelth Street by Cynthia Vincent Allison Zip Front Platform Bootie available at www.shopbop.com for $350


Unlisted by Kenneth Cole available at www.piperlime.com for $50

**By the way, click here to check out my Clutch Magazine! 🙂

Purple Reigns

Although I enjoy warm weather, I’m anxiously anticipating the onset of the cooler months. To me, nothing epitomizes chic fashions like the fall. This season’s styles are going to be a purple paradise. Variations of plum hues will be seen everywhere from purple polishes to festive frocks.

Whether you prefer a lovely lavender or a vibrant violet, these seasonal shades will definitely add a lot of punch to your look.

Do you think you’ll incorporate a bit of purple into your fall wardrobe?

Check out some of these purple pieces:


Chiffon Ruffle Halter available at www.ardenb.com for $58


Dolce Vita Cocoon Dress available at www.shopbop.com for $198


Karina Grimaldi Ruffle Silk Mini Dress available at www.couturecandy.com for $216


Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Grace Bag available at www.eluxury.com for $428


Double V-Neck Crochet Dress available at www.bebe.com for $98


Madison Marcus Kimono Tunic available at www.pinkmascara.com for $304


Nine west Osterige Purple Suede Sandals available at www.zappos.com for $93


Petite Silk Cap Sleeve Lady Dress available at www.bananarepublic.com for $150


Raisa Knit Cowl-Neck Top available at www.forever21.com for $17.80


Rock & Republic Button-up Blouse available at www.revolveclothing.com for $198


Sheer Scarf available at www.forever21.com for $9.80


Splendid Jersey Peasant Top available at www.pinkmascara.com for $64

Fail-Proof Fashions!

We BGs love dressing up and looking as pretty as possible, but let’s admit, sometimes our ensembles just don’t quite come together the way in which we’d like. That’s why it’s important to have that one or two absolute fail-proof outfit(s) for those days when we know we’ll feel confident and look our best no matter what.

This summer, my fail-proof outfit was a wrinkle-free red, cotton mini dress. It was summery and a bit playful, but could easily be transformed into a more conservative look with a light-weight sweater. I mix and matched it with various accessories and shoes – it was really a great find, plus it was only $23!


I took this photo back in June when my friend AZ came to visit.

Here are a few of my other favorite fail-proof pieces. Hey, bet on black!

Basic Tee – Black (or white) tank available at www.forever21.com for $6.99


Skinny Jeans – J Brand Jeans available at www.shopbop.com for $161


Little Black Dress – Sonia Dress available at www.guess.com

What is your all-time fail-proof outfit/piece? Please share!

Skinny in a Cinch!

When it comes to clothes or accessories that accentuate my waist, I’m all for it. What woman doesn’t like to highlight her smallest part? That’s why this upcoming fall season, it’s all about the skinny belt!

From faux crocodile to luxurious suede, skinny belts are all the rage. They can easily add a splash of color to an otherwise, bland black frock while instantly create a stunning silouhette. Whether worn with a pair of slacks, over a long cardigan or with a high-waisted pencil skirt, skinny belts will update your wardrobe in a cinch!

Do you prefer the skinny belt or the wide?

Check out some of these:


WCM Skinny Croc-Embossed Patent Leather Belt available at www.bloomingdales.com for $68


Nicole Miller Skinny Snakeskin Belt available at www.bloomingdales.com for $85


Chain Reaction Belt available at www.anthropologie.com for $35


Renee Braided Belt available at www.delias.com for $14.50


Diesel Glamglim Belt in Gold and Black available at www.revolveclothing.com for $65


Skinny Belt with Rectangular Buckle available at www.anntaylor.com for $36


Claudio Orciani available at www.yoox.com for $128


Linea Pelle Skinny Studded Belt available at www.lisakelin.com for $138


Oval Buckle Belt available at www.forever21.com for $6.80


Streets Ahead Silver Buckle Snakeskin Belt available at www.kitson.com for $145 (each)

Summer Deals That will Take You into Fall!

All true fashionistas and die-hard shoppers know that August is the absolute best month to shop for end-of-the-season clothes! Granted, most of your finds probably won’t be able to be worn until next summer, but there are definitely pieces out there that can be layered and incorporated into your fall wardrobe.

Check out some of these end-of-summer deals that will also work during the cooler months ahead!


Michael by Michael Kors Cotton Stretch Safari Shirt $35 originally $70 available at www.vivre.com. This classic piece will look fresh and chic under a chunky knit cardigan.


Michael by Michael Kors Tank Dress $98.90 was originally $149.50 available at www.nordstrom.com. This adorable frock can be instantly updated for the fall with a tailored blazer and opaque or textured tights.


Conspicuous Mini Doll Double-Breasted Jacket $97.90 was originally $247 available at www.nordstrom.com. This light-weight jacket will suit you better than a light-weight sweater during the upcoming cooler season.


Aldo Leather Peep-toe Platforms $69.99 was $295 available at www.aldo.com. You know I love a sexy peep-toe shoe and this pair will definitely take you into the fall in style if worn with black tights; perfect for a cool night out on the town.

Have you found any great end-of-season deals lately? What’s is your best sale item ever?