GTG's Staple Items

Ladies--welcome back!

Every day that I have to get up and get dressed, I whine about the same thing: "I have nothing to wear," even though my closet is full of clothes.

Do this sound like you, too?

If so, it's probably because we are having a major wardrobe dysfunction. We don't have the basic staple items that our wardrobe should have. Staple items are classic items that never go out of style.

You're probably asking yourself: "What can you possibly buy that will never go out of style?"

Well read on to find out what classic items you need to have in your closet year round that will give your wardrobe a serious boost and keep you from ever thinking you have nothing to wear.
Earlier this year, I decided to I'd hold off on any "trendy shopping," because I wanted to create the perfect wardrobe by incorporating staple items of high quality into my closet. Chances are you might already own some of these items or at least read about them. I've also put my own spin on some of these classic items because I personally don't rock kitten heels and some other looks that are really out dated.

Articles of Clothing:

The black business suit: Every woman should own a  classic black suit that's perfectly tailored to fit your body (and yes, it can be a pant suit or a skirt suit.) The suit should fit you well, but by no means should it be sexy or too form fitting because it's a professional look. Remember that this is the outfit you will wear on the interview when you land your dream job and in that very important meeting that will get you a promotion and a raise. What's even better is that when you break the suit apart--you get an additional two staple items: the black blazer, which you can wear with jeans or a dress and the pencil skirt or the black pants--both of which are very important to own. Make sure that regardless of the suit that you buy that you also purchase the pencil skirt or the pair of black pants. The suit is exemplary of how having it in your closet can help you achieve a minimum of 3 looks.

The white blouse: You can do so much with a white blouse, despite it's bad rep for being too boring or too manly. The white blouse can be worn under your business suit or with jeans on the weekends. Trust me when I say it can easily become your most basic item. Also buy a few basic tees or tank tops in white, black and gray because they too are essential. And don't forget to take good care of your white blouse by having  it dry cleaned and avoiding any perfume gets on it to keep it from turning yellow.

The Little Black Dress or LBD: This is the ultimate staple item! And dare I say it? Please keep more than one in your closet. We all have different body shapes and we also have parts of our bodies that we like to show off, so make sure your LBD highlights your best body parts.

A flattering pair of jeans- Jeans are the epitome of versatility. There are also many trends in jeans that come and go; for those trends I say buy a pair at Forever 21, but I believe we should all own a nice pair of designer jeans in a dark blue wash and in a flared style because it's one of the few things that never go out of style.

The cardigan sweater: A great investment that is always comfortable and wearable even on hot summer days; also, great for the office to wear with your black slacks or on the weekend. If you feel like donning on something a little more posh, you can also try a cardigan sweater in  cashmere, or a just a plain cashmere sweater.  

The A-line skirt: is probably the only article of clothing that is flattering to every woman's figure, so why not keep one in your closet for those days when nothing seems to look good-this skirt definitely will. I also happen to love pencil skirts, which is flattering to a lot of body shapes.

The trench coat- is about as iconic as the LBD. Even though, it appears as a heavy article of clothing; it's actually very light and was invented as an alternative to heavier cold weather gear. A great trench coat can be worn in cold or rainy weather to the office or over a dress at night time.  Invest in a neutral colored one that can be worn with a belt to cinch you at the waist.

Accessories:

• A great fitting bra in at least three colors: black, nude and one in a wild print or color
• A pair of black heels; usually I always read about kitten heels, but I don't do kitten heels, so I say you own a nice pair of black pumps or a pair of black peep toe platforms (the higher the better because height can never go out of style.)
• A classic handbag in a neutral color that is big enough to serve the purpose of a briefcase without having to have a briefcase. I believe for work you sould either carry a handbag or a briefcase--not both.
• A pair of red flats to add some color to any of the aforementioned items.
• A scarf, preferably in an animal print such as leopard because every woman should own something sexy and wild.
• A pair of diamond stud earrings- diamonds are the one thing you don't need a special occasion to wear. (Cubic zirconias will do, until you can afford real diamonds.)
• A strand of pearl necklace--pearls define a lady and can be worn with anything on this list.

And there you have it-- a list of all the things every girl should own. If there's something you think is a staple item that didn't make it please let me know-- I love to hear back from all my readers.

One more note- these are all the items that you should invest money on because they will last you over 10 years. I'm sure you can buy the same items on sale or of lesser quality, but wear and tear will make them expire sooner than you'd hope for.

And remember to wear any and all of these items with confidence; it's the most important item to own all year round.

" Fashion is always of the time in which you live. It is not something standing alone. But the grand problem, the most important problem, is to rejeuvenate women. To make women look young." Coco Chanel

Spring Trends 2011 Alert

So it's that time of the year again when flowers are blossoming and birds are chirping away, and we finally get to don our cute spring sandals. (Ladies-- please don't forget to get your feet done before stepping into your new footwear.)

There are so many amazing trends going on this seson that honestly it feels as though you'd have to buy an entire new wardrobe in order to look "fashionable"--but I'm here to tell you that with some older pieces that you might have in your closet from last season and some new accessories you will be ready and in style for this spring.

I'm also including some of my favorite trends for the season. Hope you enjoy it! And don't forget to stay tuned for more blogs coming this month and the cable television debut of yours truly!

Oldies that are still around this season:

The Maxi Dress-- has been around for the past two seasons and continues to dominate the everyday runways for its simplicity and versatility.  It's easy to wear and also easy to dress up for day or night.

If you don't already own one, and you want to invest in one, purchase one with stripes or floral prints or one in an electrifying color, as this spring it's all about pops of colors. If you want something completely new: go for a maxi skirt--it's this season's update on the maxi dress.

The Jumpsuit--this is a staple item that comes and goes, but I'd personally go as far as labeling it a classic. Invest in one that is a simple cut and style and that's made of quality material, and keep it in your closet because you will use it for years to come.

The Wedge: This is another staple item that I think every woman should own for it's timelessness and simplicity. I always advise all my gal pals to buy a new pair every spring because you can essentially wear it with just about anything in your closet during the spring and summer seasons. This year nude color is still a huge trend, so make sure you buy this year's wedges in this shade. And remember, the color nude will always make your legs appear longer and slimmer than they truly are when you're wearing shorts, skirts or dresses. Fabulous! An update on this trend is the "flatform"," which is a hybrid of a flat and a platform. It's not very cute and definitely not for me, but some girls are more about comfort than looks, so if that's you the flatform is the perfect shoe for you.

The Satchel is the perfect handbag to go from working in the day to playing at night. We are seeing so much pops of color everywhere and if color intimidates you, buying a handbag in a bright orange or yellow is the perfect way to stay on top with this trend.

2011 Trends:

• Bright colors/ pops of color: This is such a great trend for Miami because in the Magic City we have always been about loud colors, even when such a thing is not in season. And I know not everyone feels comfortable in colors, which is why you can inject color to your wardrobe in forms of handbags, shoes and jewelry.
• Stripes- vertical stripes or horizontal stripes are very much "in" this season. And ladies, don't fear stripes; when worn properly stripes can actually make you look good. For example wear a horizontal striped top with a pair of white trousers or jeans or pair vertically striped pants or skirts with a solid top for a taller appearance. Proceed cautiously with horizontal stripes in a dress because that can actually make you appear wider than you really are.
• Whites- is the red hot color of the season. The only thing you really need to look great in white is a tan, so dress in this color from head to toe for a simple, chic and effortless look every time. Also, look for items that have details such as crochet or embroidery.
• Longer hems-made a debut last fall and remained on designers' runways for the spring/summer seasons. Longer hems are breezy and figure flattering to every body shape.
• '70s' Boho Chic- simply means peasant tops and wide leg pants, and I couldn't be anymore ecstatic. I think wide leg jeans are very flaterring to just about any body type. If you're not totally sold on rocking a complete look, alternate between tops or jeans and add a floppy hat for that perfect '70s feel.
•  Jewelry-Go with jewelry in golds, rosegolds, beads, textures or colors. Gold is a huge trend and you will see a lot of handbags and shoes with gold accented hardware.Wear statement necklaces and rings. Pile on bracelets on both of your arms! Rock big earrings with feathers or stones. Whatever you choose --make it your own. I personally would not over do it, but if you want to over do it then go for it.

Lastly, the biggest trend that never goes out of style is confidence. My job is to bring you the latest in fashion, beauty and anything else, but it's your confidence that will make you look sensational year round.

"The finest clothing made is a person's skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this." -Mark Twain



Find the perfect pair of jeans for your body type

Greetings dolls!

Pants, shorts, skirts and even capris are some, if not among my favorite articles of clothing -- IF and only if they're denim!

Denim is so easy to dress up or down according to your mood. It's the versatility of them that I love most. And if you own the perfect fitting pair of denim then it can also be super comfy!

And what girl doesn't like to look sexy and feel comfortable?

This week's topic is finding the perfect pair of jeans for your body type. According to my extensive research, there are 5 body types women possess (it might seem like more because each type is addressed under different names.)


My mission today is to help all of my lady friends find the perfect pair of jeans by first helping you identify your body type and second to get you in the styles of jeans that best suit your body.

Below each body type you will find a picture of a celebrities who fits each description so you can visualize each type. 
The Body Types :

- Rectangular shape is also known as the banana and straight  shapes- Rectangular shaped women simply have the same measurements in their bust and hips, with little or no definition of a waist, which is what creates that straight look. The lack of a defined waist can make you look top heavy, even if you aren't.
The best thing about having a rectangular shaped body is that weight is evenly distributed throughout your enitre body!

Recommended style of jeans for rectangular shapes: boot cut, flared or wide leg jeans-- the width of these jeans give off the illusion of fuller hips.

Recommended brands: Rich & Skinny, 7 for All Mankind and J Brand

TIP: Layer your jeans with low cut tops that break up your torso from the rest of your body.

-Women with a pear shape have a greater hip measurement than their bust, which means all focus is on the lower half of your body. You also have a well defined wasist with narrow shoulders. This shape is also known as a triangle, bell and spoon.

Recommended style of jeans for pear shapes: This is my body type and from experience I can tell you that there isn't a single pair of jeans you can't rock. You can wear straight or bootleg jeans when you want to create more of a vertical line or you can wear flare and wide leg jeans when you want your bottom half to look more proportionate to the rest of your body.

Recommended brands: 7 for All Mankind, Levi's, Citizens of Humanity and True Religion

TIP: Wear slim-fitting tops with wide necklines or tops that have amazing eye catching designs that can draw attention to your top half. Also, invest in dark denim for a slimmer appearance.

-Women with an hourglass body shape are typically thought of as having the perfect body. These women almost have the same size of bust and hip with a narrow waist. 
 
Recommended style of jeans for hourglass shapes: boot cut jeans
Recommended brands: AG Adriano Goldschmied, Diesel and Lucky Brand

TIP: Cinch your waist as much as possible to show off your figure.

-Inverted triangle or V shape simply means you are top heavy. These women have proportionally broad shoulders, large bust and narrow hips. It is thought of as the second best female body shape.
 
Recommended style of jeans for inverted triangle shapes: flare jeans, gaucho denim and cargo style pants

Recommended brands: Calvin Klein, Miss Sixty and 7 for All Mankind Jeans

TIP: Wear pops of colors in form of shoes to draw attention to your amazing lean legs.

-Women with a full rounded or apple shaped bodies have broad shoulders compared to their hips, as well just like women who are an inverted triangle. Apple shaped women tend to have a rounder abdomen that makes them look unproportional to the rest of the body.

Recommended style of jeans for full-rounded shapes: boot cut, flared and wide leg jeans

Recommended brands: Big Star, Not Your Daughter's Jeans, and Levi's

TIP: Wear dark solid colors on top to conceal the roundness, so you can appear you have a slimmer waist line and a longer torso than you actually do.

I believe every girl should own a nice pair of designer jeans in her closet, so with that said I want to share a small secret that I learned from a denim specialist. When we buy a new pair of jeans--we are so eager to just get them on and show them off, that often times we have them altered if they are too long. However, you should try wearing your long jeans with high heels and washing them a few times before you decide on getting a pair altered. Denim shrinks every single time you wash it, so it might be that after some washes the length will fit you just fine and you will get more use out of them.

"I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes." -YSL

Stay tuned later this week for my Spring 2011 Trend Report!

xoxo!

GTG's Guide of Festivals

One of my most favorite things to do when I visit New York in the spring time is to attend all the wonderful festivals they have on any given day. I love the food found at festivals because some of it is from out of town vendors, and the food is just simply yummy.

I wasn't even sure Miami had great festivals of its own, until I got back from one of my NY visits and noticed the number of festivals throughout the year. Now I'm always on the look out for festivals.

Below is a list of some of the best festivals I have attended, so you know they are GTG-approved.

Guide of Festivals:

• The Food Network Sobe Wine & Food Festival- Thursday, February 24-Sunday, February 27 all over South Beach.

This is probably one of the best events that only happens in Miami. I've had a chance to check out the festivals in two years and I'm never disappointed. Last year, I was on assignment at the Burger Bash (which is an awesome event to attend, sadly it's one of the first to sell out) and I was able to meet and interview chefs Bobby Flay and Morimoto. The events do sell out super fast and are pricey, but I think the money is  well-spent and I promise you that you will not leave hungry. If you can only check it out once, do it because it is a neat experience. Want to know a little secret? Although the TV chefs steal the spotlight, this event is completely orchestrated by FIU's School of Hospitality and Tourism. A lot of events have already sold out, but there are still tickets available to some, so hurry and check out http://2011.sobefest.com/

• Miami International Film Festival - March 4-13, 2011 throughout various locations all over Miami.

MIFF is a film festival produced and presented by Miami Dade College. The festival continues to be successful because it showcases Miami as a hot destination for film making. It supports local film directors and it also brings forth a lot of international films to our city. I highly suggest you visit the website:  MIFF in order to see what movies are playing this year and where you can see them.

After the screenings of  films, some of the directors and/or stars are on site for a Q&A session after the movie is over and this is such a great chance to get to ask them questions about the film or tips on how to make movies. Tickets are very affordable and if you're a student with a valid ID, you're eligible for a discount.

*Sidenote: My boyfriend just purchased tickets to the screening of Things Fall Apart starring 50 Cent  and I cannot wait to go see it because I'm a huge fan of director Peebles. Fiddy is definitely the star of this movie, for which he lost 50 lbs. to play a cancer-stricken football player in thisemotionally intense flick about having everything in one moment and losing it all in the next moment.

Both will be in attendance--so this is a huge event for MIFF this year.

• Ultra Music Festival- March 25-27th in Downtown Miami

Ultra is the world's largest electronic music festival and in its 13th year and still 30 days away, all tickets have sold out. So whether you're a "pookie head" or just a fan of this genre of music--this is a must-see event. People from all over the world come to Miami to be part of this festival and it seems like every year Ultra gets bigger and better!  Check out this year's lineup for UMF.

*Sidenote: This year Ultra will not coincide with the Winter Music Conference, which be held form March 8th-12th, so expect a lot of great performances by renowned DJs throughout the month of March.

• Comedy Central's South Beach Comedy Festival March 3-6 in various venues.

The South Beach Comedy Festival returns to the beach on March 3rd for 3 days of  big laughs featuring Comedy Central's most recognized comedians. This year look out for heavyweights like Gabriel Iglesias, Adam Corolla and Kevin Hart. Tickets prices vary by location and artist. Get the full scope on http://southbeachcomedyfestival.com/.

• Coral Gables Wine and Food Festival- March 26th in the streets of Miracle Mile, Coral Gables

If you missed out on the SoBe Wine and Food Festival-- fear not because the Gables is hosting its own festival filled with you guessed it-- wine and food. General admission tickets are $65.00 and the VIP Reception tickets are $150. Be prepared to taste apps from more than 30 local restaurants that are paired with international wines. Want more information-- visit Coral Gables Wine and Food.

There are so many other upcoming festivals, but these are my favorites that I can guarantee you will enjoy the most. Miami is filled with so many neighborhoods and all of them have their own festivals, so keep your eyes open for them and don't forget to enjoy the food, the drinks but most importantly enjoy the overall atmosphere that only a festival can produce.

"The seasons are what a symphony ought to be:  four perfect movements in harmony with each other." -Arthur Rubenstein

Recession Romeos by Michelle Madison

Hi there lovers! Happy Valentine's Day! Or Happy Single Awareness Days! Regardless of the category you fall under, today is a day about celebrating love.

A lot of people argue that Valentine's Day is a commercial holiday, which it is, but we observe it for a reason, much like we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. I mean shouldn't we be thankful all year round? The point is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking one day out of the year to be a little more attentive and loving than usual.

So taking a cue from myself, I'm adding an extra Valentine's Day post that was written by the one of my dear friends and romance expert, Michelle Madison. Michelle has written about a few Valentine's Day budget-friendly ideas.

Boys--take notes!

Enjoy the post and enjoy your day my sweethearts!

The mistletoes have withered and your credit card balance from the holidays is finally on the decline but the gift-giving season hasn’t totally passed. With Valentine’s Day just days away, the real countdown begins. But none to fear for you recession Romeos stressing how to keep her happy without repeating the Great Depression in your wallet.


The first step to a happy Valentine is assessing how genuine your feelings are. Once this is established, it’s cliché but true that, everything else will fall into place. Next up is creativity, your new bff. If executed well, this single factor demonstrates to her that you’re genuine and thoughtful. For some girls, this day of extolment is merely an extension of Christmas or her birthday, so you may hear hints of Gucci’s Spring purse arrival, but for those true to St. Valentine’s purpose, it’s romance she craves. This doesn’t mean not to get her what she wants if you can. Just think, it’s not about the destination but the journey you take her on before presenting the gift. (I’m not standing in the way of a girl and her Gucci!)


Now for the magic! Here are just a few ideas to keep cupid’s arrow pointed your way and the creditors at bay…


1.) Picnic anyone?

Why reinvent the wheel when it has a basket of goodies. Ditch the Yogi Bear and Bobo duo images because the only pairing will be you….Whether its at the park or beach, its about creating intimacy with a view. You can find an economical picnic basket already included with plates and utensils but you may have to pack your own wine glasses. Not Emeril in the kitchen? Opt to for take-out from your favorite restaurant. If your budget is really tight, the produce section of your local grocer is a nice alternative. Remember to check your local weather forecast. If storms are in the forecast, indoors is still a good option and there’s no need to worry about an audience. Make a CD of your favorite slow jams and add dancing to the menu. It’s an intimate and subtle act that’s often an over looked form of foreplay…wink, wink!

2.) A Foreign Feature

Use your flat screen for something besides ESPN. A favorite foreign film among many is “Como Agua Para Chocolate” translation…like water for chocolate. Going off the old adage “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”, this flick is a story of two torn lovers who use food to indulge in their forbidden passion for each other. Luckily, it has just enough adult content to keep a guy interested! Roses and chocolate are a major theme through-out the movie so why not present your starlet with rose petals scattered on a tray of chocolate treats surrounding her gift (if it’s small enough to fit) . A nice tray is inexpensive, but exceptional chocolate is better if its fresh and or from a chocolatier. Godiva is perhaps the most recognized brand but Google for others in your area. Variety is key when choosing and you can never go wrong with strawberries, truffles, and brownies… oh my!


3.) Chocolate:101

Take your love to a lesson in the art of the sweetest confection…chocolate. Check your local chocolateir or culinary school for any dessert making workshops they may offer to the public for a nominal cost. There’s no guarantee how long the relationship will last, but she’ll definitely think of you every time she indulges in the decadent cocoa!

-xO's,

MM and Your GTG!

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day is a day filled with love and romance. Roses and chocolates. Sex and passion.

Yeah it is, but it's even more so about the little gifts we give to our loved ones. And not just any gift will do for this occasion, it has to be the perfect gift that will create the perfect moment that he or she will be talking about for years to come!

I believe all Valentine's Day gifts must possess a very important factor:

♥ It must come from the heart.

Unfortunately the mall is not always the perfect place to attain these gifts that are filled with love and when you wrap them up, they whisper, "I love you more than anything in this world."

Fortunately for you, I am here to come to your rescue with these few gift ideas that work for both men and women and have "I love you," written all over them.

Gift Idea # 1: Commemorate your special date.

Every couple, old or new has their own special little moments like their first kiss, their first date, their proposal or their wedding day, and if you can recall the exact dates these things happened on, you can visit this unique little website called My Day Registry, in which you can buy a day at the county, state or national  levels and make it your own little holiday.

How sweet is that? It's uber sweet actually, the best part of this gift is that you will be the only person with that registered day--so it really is your day and no one else's! You can expect to receive a framed certificate as proof of ownership and an online profile that you can customize to your liking to let everyone in the world know why this is your day.

I think people who own a star are ridiculous, but this is as romantic as you can get because it really shows that you still remember those special moments!

Gift Idea # 2: Start from Scratch Date.

Think romance is dead? Well you can resurrect it for this one day if you go with this idea. Leave your sweetheart a note asking them to take the day off from work (you should also take off the day.) Let him/her relax as you set up for your perfect day together.

Let's take it back to the days when you had no money and the only thing you did have was an imagination.

Start by making your own Valentine's Day card. Use old pictures of the two of you to decorate the inside and outside of the card (if you're not very artsy or crafty ask a talented friend to help you.) Visit Michael's for all of your material  needs:

♥ Construction paper or poster boards
♥ Markers, pens and any other writing instruments
♥ Glitter
♥ Heart-shaped stencils

Write him/her a heartfelt message in your own words, and add a touch of your personality to the entire card.
***Trust me that making your own card is more meaningful than any store bought card because you made it with love.

An example of the finished product!

Chocolates on Valentine's Day are a perfect pairing just like you and your sweetheart. Instead of spending money on cheap chocolates or on one of those atrocious assortment of chocolates, use your imagination and bake your own goodies. You can use that same money to buy the ingredients from places like Party City or your local grocery store.

Here's a list of what you'll need:

♥ High-quality chocolate

♥ Double boiler or microwave

♥ Heart-shaped lollipop molds

♥ Lollipop sticks

♥ Small cellophane candy bags

♥ Ribbon

The instructions on baking/microwaving can usually be found on the bags of the chocolates you're using, but you can always check online for an easy recipe.

An Example of finished product

**These super cute lollipops were made by: Leasy's Litto Bakeshop.

Feel like making your own chocolate lollipops is too much? You can also try making your very own chocolate covered strawberries.

Once you have your homemadeValentine's Day card and chocolates ready, you can move on to the third phase of you're Start From Scratch Date: dinner!

You can make your honey dinner, or you can make dinner together, either way you are guaranteed major points for the romantic gesture. Plan your dinner and make sure you have everything you need. If you're clueless as what to make--simply type a search for "romantic dinner ideas," and choose one from the many that are out there.

Not in the mood for dinner? No problem.

Another great idea is calling up your local winery and asking if you can make your own wine for the day. If it's booked or they don't offer that you can also take some picnic foods and have your very own romantic picnic at the winery.

Finish your perfect night by lighting candles all over the bedroom, maybe add some rose petals to the bed and offer your loved one a nice back rub massage.

**Very important: Enjoy this date. i know it's a big task, but none of it will be worth it, unless you can show him/her that you have enjoyed doing this for them.

Gift Idea # 3: Give the Gift of Experience.

There are so many wonderful things to do in the cities that we live in that we're simply unaware of. This next gift idea is great for those of us who are dating dare devils or just adventure seekers. If your honey has ever talked about wanting to learn how to surf, or go on a helicopter ride, Gifts.com has an incredible array of experiences to choose from that make a great gift.





Gift Idea # 4: Recreate your first date.

If you're half of a couple who have been dating for a few years then this gift idea is right up your alley!

All you have to do is recall the first date you went on with your honey and recreate it. I think this is one of the sweetest gestures anyone can do for their loved one. It's sweet, it's thoughtful and it's unique because a first date is like no other date.

In case, your first date took place somewhere that no longer exists you can always try to recreate the experience in your home.

Thanks to one of my best friends, Prissy for this idea.



As always, I hope that you guys find these gift ideas helpful in planning your very own special Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's from Your Go-to-Gal.

"Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise, and the lips to pucker." -Unknown

Your GTG's Gel Manicure Review

Welcome back my fabulous GTG followers!

I hope you all had a great week.

I'm so excited to be able to bring you today's post. If you're a girly girl like me you're going to love my review on gel manicures.

"So what exactly is a gel manicure," you're probably asking yourselves.

A gel manicure is a manicure performed with a gel based nail polish, which is cured under ultraviolet lights to set in the color.This was started a while back on acrylic nails, but now you can do them on your natural nails.The manicure promises a few things that regular and acrylic manicures don't deliver:

• A chip-free manicure (which lasts for 14 days)
• Smudge-free
• A mirror-like finish (always shiny; never dull)
• No damage to the natural nail
• Promotes growth

All of these things sound great on paper, but I'm a journalist, which simply means I'm skeptical about everything until I see it for myself.
Gel manicures have been all the rage in nail salons and spas for a few months now, and apparently people are responding well to this product because it's growing very fast. Just at my last nail appointment, my salon only had 5 colors to choose from--now, they have about 20 colors.

I have been dying to see if all its claims are real and I already love getting my hands and feet, so I was ready. And as much as I love manis and pedis, I equally hate seeing my nails chip on day 3.

So today I went in for my very first gel manicure and this is the real low down.

• For one, this service is substantially more costly. I don't have acrylic nails, so my manicures are typically $10, $ 12-13 if I want to get fancy with french tips. I ended up having to pay $25 for the gel one.I'm still not sure how I feel about the $15 increase--only time will tell. If it indeed lives up to the hype then it really is worth it because it'll be the almost the same amount as two back-to-back manicures.
• This was seriously the longest manicure of my life! It consisted of two coats just like a regular manicure, but they kept putting my hands under the UV lights, which by the way has to be hazardous to your skin. I literally felt discomfort when my skin felt too hot.
• Gel polishes are only for your hands, which means your hands and feet will never match! Even when you do your hands in a standard nail color like red or black--your nails will never be the same color because as we all well know different brands have different colors, so the shades are never the same :/ This might just be an issue for me because I am a stickler for matching nails.

Are you ready to see what the fuss is all about? Here are a few pictures of my gel manicure for you're viewing pleasure.

Day 1: On my way home from the nail salon



*** The manicure is shiny and in tact.

Day 1. Color: Passion

Still Day 1. After I did the dishes.

***still in tact and shiny. Yay!

So on day 1 so far so good. I don't really have anything else bad to say about this experience, but I will be updating this post with new pictures from days 7 and 14 to see if the manicure is chip free and shiny as it promises.

Wait...

Did I mention my hands are in a passion color, while my feet are in a watermelon color? So. not. cute.

Ok back to the review:

I'll also bring you a complete weigh-in analysis if indeed it is worth having to pay more for these manicures and if they are as great for your nails as it claims to be.

A couple of days ago, I had posted on my Facebook wall about how I was going to get my first Shellac gel mani and review it. 

***Sidenote: Shellac is a brand of gel polishes; it was one of the first ones to come forth with this innovation and a lot of salons carry this brand as a result, but with anything this new and powerful there are now many brands available.

A few friends commented on their experiences with this product, and I noticed there was a high concern on how to properly remove gel polishes. So as I waited for my nails to get done, I asked the manicurist how this polish is removed. She told me they had a special solution that removes it instantly and it's at no extra cost, but that you can also do it yourself at home using a nail filer to reduce the layers, and then you need to soak your hands in acetone for about 15 minutes. Sounds easy enough, but..

Later, when I got home I researched how to remove the polish and from what I read from people online, I'd recommend you go back to your salon and have a professional remove the color. I read about people who couldn't get it off and others who in trying to get it off peeled the layers from their own nails.

Another friend asked if the Axxium system, which is OPI's version of the gel system is the same as the gel system and it is-- main difference is that you can buy OPI's system and do your own gel nails at home. I think this is great for the person who has tried this product and loves it because in the long run it will be worth it, rather than going in for a $25 manicure every 14 days, however, you will also need to invest in a UV light set to cure in the gel, which can be pretty costly.

I still don't want to put my final two cents on this product until after the 14 day period, but I will say this much--don't just take my word for it if you want to try it, go for it and you be the judge.

Again, keep an eye out for the updates and complete analysis in another 14 days and as always I'll be back next week with a new topic. Hope you enjoy this post.

"I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in PINK. I believe that loving is the best calorie burner. I believe in french kissing. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."- The Fabulous Ms. A. Hepburn

UPDATE:

Hi dolls, as promised I am back with my update and complete review. 

It's officially day 6 and my index nail has a minor chip on it. In fact, the overall look of the manicure isn't very glamorous anymore.

Day 6: chipped index nail and not so shiny.

Now this is a drastic change from day 5 (just yesterday, Wednesday, February 2, 2011,) when the polish still appeared shiny and in tact, as you will see in the picture below.

Because of the chipping so early in the "14 days period," I guess I'll put this review to rest. I've also found out some salons charge as much as $5 to remove the gel polish.

I did like that the manicure stayed in perfect tact for at least 5 days and from the looks of it it still has a few more days to go before I'm forced to remove it.

Your-Go-to-Gal's Do's for Gel Manicures:

•  Research the salon you plan to get your nails and inquire about which gel polish brand they used. According to my manicure experience not all brands are created equal.
• Engage in inquisitive conversation with your manicurist. Make sure that when you walk away with your hands done that you don't feel confused.
• Apply a light coat of sunscreen on your hands (not on your nails) before the UV light process because regardless of how safe it claims to be, you will actually feel a burn. Better safe than sorry.
• Keep your receipt. In case of chipping before the 14 days, go back to your manicurist with your receipt with the date on it and ask if they can fix it for you at minimal or no charge.
• If you're not satisfied with your first experience with a gel manicure, try going to a different place and give it a second try if you feel it's worth the time and money.
• Enjoy getting pampered.

Please feel free to leave me any questions you might have and I'll be more than glad to answer them. Remember I'm not here to tell you what or what not to do, but I do like to share my experiences.

Keep an eye out for my new post coming this weekend!

Have a great day dolls!

-xO's

Cleaning Out Your Closet

Welcome back my fun-loving guys and gals! I'm sorry for the neglect and/or abandonment :/ Work has been keeping me way too occupied and with little or no energy to do much.

I've also been fighting a demonic cold that keeps coming back. TIP of the Day: if you don't have any insurance like myself, and are sick and can't go to a doctor, you can ask for a consultation with a pharmacist at your local drug store or pharmacy (it's usally free.) The pharmacist will ask you about your symptoms and  will recommend the best OTC remedy for your condition. It helps you save time and money and you will be feeling better in no time.

Today, I'm feeling great about all the little things I'm going to start doing for myself. The first task on "my little things to do list" was to clean out my two closets (yes, two because I have one at my current residence and there's my old closet at my parents' house.) It was a daunting task, that took three days, but I'm almost finished.

As I've mentioned before, I'm not happy with my recent weight gain, so in order to give myself the final push to a healthier, leaner me I had to go through every article of clothing to remind myself of what I'd love to be able to wear again or what needs to be tossed out to make room for the new items I'll be purchasing ONLY after I get back into shape. I know this might not work for everyone, but I adore clothes, so it works out perfect for me. It helps me get two things off my list and now I'm super motivated to return to my normal weight size.

Back to the daunting task at hand: cleaning out your closet is no fun. It takes time, patience and organization. I start by separating things into piles: 

• things I want to keep 
• things I want to give away to my family/friends 
• things that can be donated
• things I can sell on Ebay or in a garage sale

You will need boxes, a marker, and plastic bins if you also want more closet space.

I decided to sell the shoes and purses that I have never worn. I know I won't make a lot of money off of them, but at least I'll make a little back that I can use towards my new purchases.
***Sidenote: the shoes and bags I'm selling were gifts that never fit my style, hopefully it's someone else's style.
Remember: one man's trash is another man's treasure.

I'm going directly to Ebay with my stuff, it's faster and easier for me that way than going to a consignment store, which I've never really been to (but you can also go to a consignment store, have a yard sale or even start your own digital yard sale on Craigslist. Truth be told my boyfriend is doing all the hard work for me in terms of putting the items up for auction on Ebay. (Thanks babe!)  I'll let you know how Ebay works for me.

And I really have to thank my mom, who has already taken the items I no longer want right off of my hands. She'll be giving some stuff to my cousins and others to the less fortunate. (Way to go mom!) You can also get together with your girlfriends and have an excahnge party, where you can trade your old clothes. It's a great way to get new clothes without spending any money and get to hang with your girlfriends.

Even I have made some really bad purchases and there are some atrocious things that do not belong on anyone, so those few items have been tossed out.

As for the rest of the stuff, they're now in my newly organized closet and drawers :) And now I can't wait to shed my excess weight off and go shopping.

When deciding what to keep or give away: ask yourself a crucial question: have I worn this in the past year? if the answer is no, give it away. Clothes that are worn out or discolored should either be tossed out or kept to do chores around the house like cleaning, painting or washing you car.

I realized during this entire process that I made a lot of stupid impulsive buys in the past (and in my early 20s I made Guess a whole lot of monies; I must own 30 handbags and 20 pairs of shoes from that brand, which I'd never wear today. YUCK!)

My style has changed so much in a matter of five years and I now know I want to buy more timeless pieces to incoporate into my wardrobe. I also plan to stop shopping at cheap stores like Forever 21. Yes, you save a lot of money at the time, but I also realized you throw out those items a lot faster than the items you invest money in.

P.s. good luck to my wallet, now that i'll only be purchasing top notch brands! :)

Hope you guys find my little tips handy for the next time you're cleaning out your closet.

♥ "I like my money right where I can see it-- hanging in my closet." Carrie Bradshaw ♥

UPDATE:

Since cleaning out my closet, I am happy to report that I have sold two pairs of shoes and my Coach handbag is currently up for bid. Ebay does work! The other two pairs of shoes didnt do so well on Ebay, so I'm thinking of going to Plato's Closet and see what I can get for them.

Ebay is a paradise. If you're very careful and do the right footwork you can walk away with some really great stuff at amazing prices.

I'm currently in search of my first pair of Loubies!

GTG's Best of the Best of 2010

My wonderful gals and guys-- I hope you all had wonderful holidays and a great beginning to 2011.

Before we begin with all the great things that await us in this new year, I wanted to briefly go over the best things that 2010 gave us.

Here are my favorite top 10 things from '10:

Can you believe people are still trying to invent things? I'm glad that they are, cause if not, one my favorite things from 2010 wouldn't been on this list.
10.- LOOXCIE-- is a camera worn over the ear that records everything you see without the use of your hands. It was invented by a parent who couldn't record his children's parties with a regular video cam.  So now you can record just about anything without any of the wobbling. With just one button, you can send a clip to your own Facebook, YouTube or an e-mail address. Cool, huh?

9.-Truth be told my blog is my favorite blog (and no, it's not cause I wrote it--it's the fact that I've been inspired to write and have developed an audience,) but I can't put it on my own list, so I'm giving this slot away to: Post Secret. PostSecret is a community art project, where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. I love it because it's real, honest and hysterical. I dare you to share your secret on this blog.

8.- Sadly, I didn't get to read that many books this past year. I'm a huge fan of Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series, but the latest installment was a big flop.  Tutankhamun: The Book of Shadows by Nick Drake takes this honor. It's a thriller based on real historical events, with a chilling twist based on archaeological finds-- that brings forth a surprising end to what could've happened to the young king. A must-read!

7.- Oh TV- how I missed thee. I went on about a good two or three years of missing prime time TV, but this past year I made sure that I caught up! I discovered the great show that was LOST and well let's just say I was lost watching it, but I loved it. I also fell in love with Spartacus, Pretty Little Liars, Criminal Minds and The Vampire Diaries, but I thought that Boardwalk Empire was perhaps the best new show of 2010. It chronicles the life of notorious gangster and Atlantic City king, Nucky Thompson. And Steve Buscemi's portrayal of Nucky is worthy of Golden Globe glory.

6.- Music. Perhaps, it's one of the only things that can still transcend time, languages, cultures and ages. This year was huge in music. Rihanna and Eminem both dropped their newest albums. Drake nominated the hip hop category, but undoubtedly, Miss Alicia Keys' Unthinkable was my jam of the year for it's amazing emotions and unforgettable lyrics.

5.- My favorite trend of 2010 was prints. Leopard! Leopard! Leopard! It's so stylish, classic and it never goes out of style like the color black.

4.- Movies- we all love them and it truly still is one of the cheapest forms of entertainment. 2010 was filled with big unexpected blockbusters like Inception; kiddie faves such as Despicable Me and Toy Story 3 and documentaries or seemingly-like documentaries like Catfish. The Town receives honorable mentions from Your GTG for its great performances and plot. But my favorite movie in 2010 was Black Swan-- provocative, dark, all around fantastic. Portman better get the Oscar in 2011!

3.-The most talked about beauty product of 2010 was Clinique's Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector. I read all the reviews, before going out to purchase this small bottle that costs $50, and the reviews were about 50/50. It really does even skin tone and what's better is that it reduces the appearances of spots and scars and even freckles!

2.- My favorite hair thing, whether it was a product or service of 2010 was the Keratin hair treatment. Although expensive, it does everything it promises it does. I did mine at the isalon in Aventura with Ilan. This salon rocks. It's professional, friendly and the results speaks for themselves

1.- And my absolute favorite thing in 2010 was... ::drum rolls::  my pair of nude Caryssa pumps by Steve Madden. Comfortable, sexy and high they were truly the most perfect heels that took me from summer into the winter and will carry me onto the spring. Gotta love Steve Madden.

Your GTGs Fantasy Gift Guide

Fantasies. We all have them. They range from sexual to life style fantasies, but during the holidays, when we're struggling to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones, we can't help but to fantasize about the grander and more luxurious things that we'd love to own, but could never afford.

So taking a cue, from Neiman Marcus's Christmas Book, I've compiled my very own list with the most fabulously lush items available for this holiday season.

This list is just for fun, so please don't think I'm suggesting you to ever get these things, unless you can afford them in which case, I say: GO FOR IT!

Santa baby, if you can get us these presents, please, please hurry down the chimney!



Want to feel like a million bucks? How about a cool two million? Well, now you can  with this year's Fantasy Bra by Damiani for Victoria's Secret. The diamond-encrusted bra consists of 3,000 diamonds worth an astounding 60 carats, along with 82 carats worth of topazes and sapphires. This bra would make any woman feel richly beautiful!

Boys, don't think I've forgotten about you. Beyonce just got this amazing piece of art for her hubby, HOVA, as if having Beyonce for a wife isn't enough, (and no fellas, B didn't make it onto my list. Sorry!) she gifted him with the world's most expensive car, the Bugatti Veyron. This car goes from zero to 60 in 2.5 seconds and has a price tag of $1.7 million.

Pablo Picasso is regarded as one of the most famous and best artists of the 20th century, but let's not forget about his youngest daughter, Paloma Picasso, who has been dazzling the fashion industry with her jewelry and perfumes. Her new line of jewelry is not only exquisite, but also has a strong Moroccan flair. This $14,500 egg pendant from Tiffany & Co.will have you falling in love with it every time you wear it.

If you've ever dreamt of living in a castle, well now you can just buy you're own for anywhere between $2 to $20 million and you don't even have to travel over the pond! Long live the king or queen!

I really do hope Santa brings you exactly what your little hearts desire, but if he doesn't, there's always next year.

I had to add this last gift idea because let's face it--this is what dreams are made of. The Ultimate Shoe Subscription from Net-a-Porter.com will excite any shoe lover. For $10,000 you will get a pair of shoes of your choice every month for a year, as well as first dibs on pre-select shoes.

Thanks for reading dolls! ;)

"Christmas is the season when you buy this year's gifts with next year's money."

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