Ask GTG

Ask GTG (Looking Like A Million Bucks)
March 29, 2012
Today's "Ask GTG," comes from a Facebook friend: Rob-El. He writes: "So I wanted to know, not only about accessories..how about "dressing the part, without spending much."

I asked Rob-El a little about his personal style and this is what he had to say: "I'm into smooth relaxed stuff...from converses and cool Ts and jackets, ...to more dressed up stuff..ties and jackets and accessories..to even more summery thing with shorts and other things."

I'm putting a budget-friendly look together for the easy going and stylish man who is Rob-El using some of this season's hottest trends.

A Casual Weekend Look:

Jacket: Sons of Intrigue Gingham Blazer
Polo Shirt: Express Modern Fit Polo Shirt
Pant: Tommy Hilfiger Twill Chino Pant
Shoes: The Men's Store at Bloomingdales Suede Penny Loafers

All the pieces in this outfit are versatile and completely interchangeable, so will get plenty of use out of them. Looking for versatile items that you can wear over and over with different pieces is the key to a functional closet.

For example: You can switch the chino pants for a nice pair of jeans and you got a casual evening look.

Wear the polo with a pair of shorts and you've got a relaxed Sunday Brunch look.

Or you can keep the red chinos and add a tie to the mix for night out in the town as Rob-El did.

Check him out:

Red Pants: American Eagle


Ask GTG (Weekend Bag)
March 22, 2012

One of my absolute favorite things about being GTG is when I'm asked for fashion advice. I love that people trust my taste enough to ask for my help, but more than that I just really really enjoy the process of finding the perfect item and putting a smile on my client's face.

Today's "Ask GTG" comes from @hypergraffic via Twitter: Hey @YourGotoGal: I need a weekend/overnight bag. Any recommendations that aren't $500 and made from Italian leather? Thanks! (Can it please be masculine and classic-ish, or masculine and trendy-ish.)

Because @hypergraffic wanted something grown and masculine, I knew exactly where to look. When it comes to shopping for duffel bags or any other type of luggage your best option is to first browse online. Websites typically carry a lot more merchandise than what you would find in person at a store.

After narrowing down the search to a few options, I asked him what was his price range. Here's the thing about helping someone shop, you can't assume they are willing to pay the same amount that you would personally pay for something. People have budgets and as a stylist, you have to find out what it is before you start showing them things.

After he gave me the figure he was comfortable paying, I showed him my top picks that were all of course around his budget. He liked two of the bags, both were Ben Sherman. We both fell in love with the second one, and so he purchased it online and is picking it up at the store later today.

Ben Sherman Iconic Barrel Bag

The bag comes in three colors: black, white and navy. While black is the obvious choice for most, @hypergraffic has quite the sense of style. He likes colors and things that are different. The white one is gorgeous, but white luggage isn't practical for anyone. It just gets dirty too fast. We both felt the navy one worked best for him and he ended up with a bag that was not only classic but trendy as well. I personally love how navy looks against the white and red details of the strap and trims.

Here's @hypergraffic with his weekend bag!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me, facebook me or tweet me and I'll be sure to help you!