Kissing Juicy Couture Bye Bye

I'm sure we can still recall that time in the early 2000s when Juicy Couture velour track suits ruled the streets.

Personally, I was never a fan of the tracksuits. I found them a little on the tacky side and there was no way I was going to put on pants that read "juicy" across my backside. But I fell in love with Juicy fragrances and accessories (everything from their charms to leather handbags.) I even paid $65 for a Juicy umbrella, which I still own because-- well I paid $65 for it.

And even though it's been years since I've rocked anything JC-- I'll always have a special place for the brand in my heart. The first purse that I ever bought that cost over $300 was a green JC leather handbag that I still have in my closet until this day because it brings me so many wonderful memories.

Earlier this month, I read the terribly sad news: Pacific and Fifth (formerly Liz Claiborne) sold Juicy Couture to Authentic Brands Group (ABG) late last year. And now ABG has exclusively sold all product licensing to Kohl's, which will be the exclusive retailer for all JC apparel in the fall. No shade to Kohl's, which I like and frequent quite often, but it's really a stretch to see JC go from being sold at high end department stores like Saks and Nordstrom to being sold only at Kohl's.

While we're not exactly saying goodbye to Juicy Couture forever, we are kissing its original glamour and quality goodbye. I know quality declines a great deal when sold at lower end stores such as Target, H&M and Kohl's. And the truth is it also loses its exclusivity appeal.

After hours of researching this whole "Juicy Couture is closing all its stores and will only be sold at Kohl's stores in the fall", I was able to find pictures of some of the merchandise that will be available at Kohl's and I'm not going to lie the 20 year old that still lives in me and has a flair for all things pizazz finds some of the items to be uber cute, but I can already tell from the pictures that it's just not the same brand I used to love so dearly.

Take a look:

Juicy Couture for Kohl's Fall 2014

Over the years, I have collected a fair amount of Juicy Couture items--some I've given away, but I'm so glad I held on to some of my favorite things especially now that I'm kissing Juicy Couture, the global brand goodbye. 

Check out some of my favorite Juicy items:

I  loved those pink and brown shopping bags.

My first Juicy handbag.

The $65 umbrella

The JC handbag I bought on my first trip to NYC

Are you sad to see Juicy Couture close its doors?

Will you be shopping the line at Kohl's?

Let me know!

XO GTG

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ps-- Who knew I'd be blogging so soon after my recent retirement? But when I found out what was happening with one of my fave brands of yesteryear, inspiration kicked in and here I am.

Update on the JC brand: And just when you thought you couldn't bear to say good bye to the Juicy brand, ABG, who bought the Juicy empire in 2013 announces that new concept stores for Juicy Couture Black Label Collection will start to open in 2015 throughout the U.S., Canada and overseas.

Licensing partners for the global Juicy Couture Black Label Collection include Elizabeth Arden Steve Madden, Movado, and Swimwear Anywhere.

ABG will also re-launch JuicyCouture.com to offer consumers greater access to the Juicy Couture Black Label Collection. But until 2015, we'll have to get our Juicy fix at Kohl's, which I hear will appear under a pink label collection. 

Fabulous, Flirty and Thirty

Today I sit in front of my laptop and I feel like a completely different person than I was two months ago. Maybe it isn't just a feeling. So much has happened.

I have been working on this post for almost three months and was hoping to have it published before my 30th birthday as a present to all my loyal fans, friends and family, who take time out from their hectic schedule to read my posts. Unfortunately I've had to deal with very personal issues and this post ended up in the back burner.

Last month I became an official member of the 30 club, something I had dreaded since I turned 20. Thirty  isn't that bad, although it's been a bumpy ride for me. I'm realizing that with every passing stage in my life I'm becoming stronger, wiser, more confident and getting better with age (I know it's an overused adage, but it's also very true.)

The events in the past two months have tested me, changed me and reinvented me, I'm hoping it's for the better, but really I'm just trying to adjust to all the changes.

One of the most important things I've learned in my 30 years of living is that time moves too fast for us to sit around complaining about the things we have no control over. Here are some other lessons, I've learned in honor of my 30th birthday, and while some are cliche, please keep in mind that cliches are real and honest and, although they only seem like vague words, they take a lifetime to understand their depth and complexion.

•  Life only gets harder and more complicated the older we get.
• Don't make excuses when your loved ones and friends ask to see you. Make time for them because we exist on borrowed time.
• Look for something positive even when the world feels like it's caving in. I know it's not easy, but you have to remember that there's always sunlight after the storm.
• In order to love anyone, you must first learn to love yourself. 
• While on the topic of love, words are never enough you have to show people you love them.
• If you forgive, forget and move on. 
• Start taking care of yourself today. One day you'll realize all the things you should've done, but didn't. Health is one of the most important things that we take for granted on a daily basis.
• Success is perceptual and what one person thinks is success isn't exactly what you might consider successful.
• Respect other people's opinions, even if they differ from yours.  
• Find your passion. It's important for your livelihood.
• Don't compare yourself to anyone else. You are your only competition.
• You'll never have it all figured out, so don't drive yourself crazy trying.
• Don't let the mistakes of your past paralyze you from taking a risk now.
• On that note don't punish the new people in your life for the wrongs other people have committed against you in the past. 
• Don't dwell on the past. Live in the present. Plan for the future.
• Fall 10 times. Get up an 11th time!
• Don't settle. 
• Compromise in relationships.
• Dress for the body you have not the body you wish you had.
• There's no such thing as over accessorizing. 
• The higher the heels the taller you stand.
• Being a woman is a beautiful thing-- dress like a woman, act like a woman and don't let any man tell you you can't do something. 

With that said, I can say that there's something different about telling people I'm 30. I'm not sure if that difference stems from actually admitting I'm 30 (I honestly thought I would be one of those women who goes around telling people I'm 29 for another five to six years) or that turning 30 signifies that I'm now a more mature and responsible woman who has gathered enough wisdom to make important life decisions on my own terms without consulting anyone.

Indeed turning 30 is truly special. It's something we have to embrace.

XO GTG

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Your Go-to-Gal has been nominated for The Versatile Blogger Award

Although I've been blogging for three years, this is my first award nomination ever, which is why I have to thank the lovely Casey of Veggies and Glitter. Thank you, Casey!

As many of you know by now I started my blog three years ago, right after I finished my broadcasting journalism degree and realized that I no longer wanted to pursuit a career in that field. I've had an undefinable love for fashion since I was a tot and that along with the fact that I was my friends' go to gal was how I brought life to this little blog. I may not always post because I do have a very demanding job, but when I do I write enthusiastically and with a kind of love that resonates in my posts.


Now I have the privilege to nominate a group of my fave bloggers whose blogs I follow:

Toni from Girl's Best friend & Co.

Brittany from Suburb Chic

Dee from The Haute Frugalista

Donah from Sweet Jelly Bean

Jessica from My Life Styled Blog

Kajsa from KJ Andersen

Angie from The Charmed Cupcake

Cari from Fatgirl Hedonist

Raphael from Da Mouse.com

Astor & Sutton from Sobbing on Fifth

Ashley from Beauty Flawed

Meredith from Create That Outfit

Lori from Shortcuts to Fabulous

Dionne from Thrift in the City

Jewel from Jewel's Fab Life

Seven Interesting Facts About ME:

1. I'm obsessed with nail polish (which I know comes as no surprise, but I'm now the proud  (maybe not so proud) owner of 82 bottles of lacquer!
2. As a child, I dreamt of working for the FBI (profiling has and will always fascinate me.)
3. I love to read books. Who doesn't? But I love to read them late at night and will lose sleep in order to finish them in a couple of nights with no interruption.
4. Yes, I'm also uh-bsessed with shoes, but did you know that I barely wear any of them? I'm an avid shoe collector ok maybe I'm more of a hoarder.
5. I'm really not that tech savvy, but I've always been the go to techy at all of my jobs.
6. My palate is discriminatory. I know children under the age of 5 who have a more tolerant taste palate than I do. 
7. I've always wanted a tattoo something small and significant, but I have an issue with something that is permanent. 

If you were nominated, here are the rules for the Versatile Blogger Award:

1. Display the Award Certificate on your blog.

2. Announce your win with a post and thank the blogger who nominated you.

3. Present 15 deserving bloggers with the award.

4. Link your nominees in the post and let them know of their nomination with a comment.

5. Post 7 interesting facts about yourself.

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GTG's Fall 2013 Trend Report

Welcome back my fab fashionistas and fashion lovers!

It's my favorite time of the year again: fall! And although here in Miami, we still have some killer heat waves, I think the worst is finally over.

Today I want to share with you the must have items you have to have in your closet for this season!


Emerald Green:

If you haven't donned any emerald (the color of the year) yet, this is the perfect time of the year to try it. It's classic, sophisticated and there are so many different ways of trying it out without feeling like you look like a Christmas tree.

Leather:

Head to toe leather looks can be a little biker babe-ish, but picking out feminine tailored pieces will make you look and feel sophisticated.

Midi Skirts:

The secret to finding the perfect midi skirt is to experiment with skirt lengths that range from  below the knee to above the ankle until you find the hemline that flatters your legs the most.

Punk:

I'm loving this punk trend reminds me of the '90s, though the looks are more polished and pulled together this time around. Think spikes, plaid and rocker chic accessories to bring out your punk princess. And don't forget to add some serious attitude!

Winter Whites:

I want to scream every year after the Labor Day holiday when the fashion world, who by the way knows better than anyone else how stupid and antiquated the no white after Labor Day rule is.  So go ahead and wear white whenever you'd like to or until the rule is reinstated.

What trends are you looking forward to wearing this fall/winter season?

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When I Fell in Love

With summer behind us and the weather changing, I can't seem to stop thinking about fashion. So today I thought we could have a fun conversation about when we fell in love with fashion.

I'm convinced I was born with a love for fashion that I wouldn't begin to understand until I was a tween. As a mischievous tot, my mom would put me in cute little outfits that I took pride in not getting dirty and showing off to our neighbors.

When I was five, I encountered my first fashion obsession: a pair of white cowboy boots with a patch of rhinestones that I wore everywhere I went until they broke. Twice. My poor mom replaced them, but after the third pair she just wasn't able to find them again. But I also went through a short tomboy stage for a few years during my elementary school, however by the time I transferred to middle school I was back in love with fashion.

And then came that fashion moment that made me look at fashion from an artistic point of view:

Toni Braxton's white cutout dress from her 1996 video: Un-Break My Heart.

The only thing more amazing in 1996 than this song was this dress.

I'm not exactly sure who made it though I think it was during Tom Ford's stint at Gucci from the limited details the Internet provided. This was the dress that solidified my obsession with fashion and would forever make me excited to watch red carpet season during awards season (which is also just around the corner again.)

Here's the entire video so you can revel in the glory of that dress:

Here's a look at some of my other red carpet fave gowns:

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford.

Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga.

Hilary Swank in Guy LaRoche.

Michelle Williams in Vera Wang.

Penelope Cruz in Atelier Versace.

Jennifer Lopez in Valentino.

Sharon Stone in a black seemingly backless Vera Wang.

When did you fall in love with fashion? Was it a moment? A dress on the red carpet? A fashion show? A music video? A store window?

Sound off!

P.S. How chic is the white dress Toni Braxton wore that we can totally rock in 2013 because cutouts are so on trend :)

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