The Good Girl Gone Blog

LuLu*s Little Red Dress May 01, 2013

Dress, shoes, necklace c/o LuLu*s | Purse- Kate Spade Outlet (similar) | Sweater- Gap (swapped!)

Here's what I wore to the Blog Better Boston: Style Summit. Everything except the bag and sweater were gifted to me by one of our conference sponsors, LuLu*s! 

If you haven't checked them out yet, I highly recommend it. There are tons of options to fit almost anyone's style, whether you're boho, girly, edgy or a little bit of everything. I would pay special attention to the shoe selection- these babies are Kelsi Dagger and they were so comfy. I was running around all day at the conference and never once felt the need to take them off, and that's saying something.

The dress is super fun and very lightweight, but it definitely requires a slip to combat static. Though the dress was a good fit overall, it drooped a little in the shoulder/chest area, so in a pinch I pinned it with safety pins. I'll be taking it to the tailor soon for a more professional solution. You coudn't tell though, could you?

So...do you like?

* Thanks to LuLu*s for providing my outfit for the Style Summit. All opinions are my own.

The Perfect Bikini for your Curves April 23, 2013

Ever since watching Gidget as a teenager, I've been slightly obsessed with retro bathing suits. Not only are they extremely cute, but they're also great for us gals with curves. Enter Albion fit, a brand that truly gets it.

In addition to selling tons of cute workout clothes, they also offer a wide selection of retro-esque swimsuits that accentuate the good and hide the bad. I was immediately drawn to their high waisted bikini bottom and matching Cha-Cha-Cha ruffled bikini top in papaya. Though I typically go for most any color except orange when it comes to swimsuits, I don't actually have anything against it- if my memory serves me correctly, my current suits are black, red, purple and pink. Well, it's time to make way for orange!

When the suit arrived, it was definitely a darker/shinier orange than I had expected- it sort of reminded me of a gymnastics or dance costume, but it actually looks great on. I loved the bikini top's adjustable straps (you can change them from criss-cross to halter!) and girly ruffles, and was thrilled that upon putting the suit on, I didn't feel the least bit self concious. 

The high waisted bikini prefectly covers some problematic areas, and I'm excited to say I'm no longer dreading swimsuit season.

I'd show you pictures- but my skin is ghostly pale and I wouldn't want to scare you! I think the images from their site are a good represntation of what these suits look like on real girls. That girl in the picture above, she might as well be me.

I can't wait for the warm weather so I can bust out this brand new suit. Want to win your own? Good news, Albion Fit wants you to as well! Simply enter the rafflecopter below for your chance to be my bikini twin!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, you can use code goodgirl15 for $15 off purchases $50 or more through 4/27!

*Thank you Albion Fit for providing me with this adorable bikini. I was not compensated for my review and opinions are entirely my own.

Spring Accessories from 'Gina Made It' March 17, 2013

Greetings! I know it's been a while. Truth be told, the last few weeks have been filled with unpacking and getting settled in the new apartment. We moved in on March 1st, but still have so much left to do.

Just wanted to share a few quick photos of these adorable headbands gifted to me by Gina Made It. I love the bright colors and the simple yet elegant knot detailing. The headbands come in tons more colors and patterns and are available for purchase online and in boutiques across the country.

If you're a Boston gal, you may have spotted them at In The Pink or Flat of the Hill. They look like the quintessential Boston accessory, which makes sense, because Gina was inspired by her New England school days!

A bit more about the brand:

"As a curly haired girl, I always kept an eye out for comfortable headbands to help with those unruly hair days, or to keep the beach breeze from creating a wispy mess! My own line of headbands started after years of creating decorative party headbands for birthday girls and brides-to-be. My younger sister, who at the time was a senior at Marymount School of NY started wearing them to class and girlfriends began asking her where she got her headband.

Mimi’s response: “Gina Made It!”

Will I be wearing my headbands post-review? Sadly, I can't really handle a "hard" headband. I've attempted wearing hard headbands many times thinking "maybe it won't hurt" or "I'll just suck it up," but I know myself pretty well and don't typically choose fashion over comfort. Well, unless we're talking about shoes, and even then I'm trying to be more sensible.

I hope Gina Made It will come out with some soft, stretchy headbands because I really love the designs and the story behind the brand. I might just have to try some of her bun bows for a hint of preppy new England style.

PS- how awesome is the natural light in my new home office? I see a lot of  photo shoots in its future. Well, after I finish unpacking.

Thanks so much for sending these along, Gina Made It!

Disclaimer: I was provided 2 headbands in exchange for  a review. Opinions are my own.

Treat Yourself at MiniLuxe January 28, 2013

This past week, I had the pleasure of going to MiniLuxe to try out some of their fabulous services. I must say, I was very impressed.

As soon as I entered the Wellesley location, I was greeted by the receptionist and the manager, who found a way to squeeze me in for some unscheduled services. The receptionist added my information to the computer and I immediately received a text confirming my appointment- how cool is that?

Kathy, the manager, gave me a tour of the salon and pointed out a few things that are special to MiniLuxe: the flip flop wall, the clean lab and the nail polish wall!

An awesome selection of Havaianas for purchase, perfect for the gal that doesn't want to wear the paper option (which is also available and totally an acceptable option which is free of charge).

I'm happy to report that MiniLuxe is perfect, even for germaphobes. The technicians use new files/buffers every time (which you can take home at the end because they won't reuse them) and everything else gets super-duper cleaned and disinfected in the clean lab (above).

Plus, apparently the jets in normal foot baths can retain disease causing bacteria (eww), which is why the foot baths at MiniLuxe don't have them! I'll never look at a whirpool foot bath the same...

MiniLuxe offers tons of polish options including OPI, Essie and even their own brand! The bottles marked with white bands are to be used at the salon (they say "try me, don't buy me") and the rest are for sale. MiniLuxe also sells beauty products (some their own line), cute jewelry and fun, girly accessories.

MiniLuxe treated me to a paraffin hand treatment (so luxurious!) a manicure and a pedicure. Unlike in many other nail salons, the atmosphere was extremely relaxing. My nail technician, Christina, was so sweet. She even offered to run out to my car to add another quarter to the meter. (Pro tip: if you're going to the Wellesley location, be sure to bring quarters for parking.)

I highly recommend you check out one of the seven MiniLuxe locations in MA, including their newest location in Hingham.

If you're ever in Wellesley (which is the location I visited), you should definitely stop in. They're running a fun mini facial promotion (call for details) that you won't want to miss-$75 value for $30 and you go home with a full sized cleanser! 

Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary paraffin hand treatment, manicure + pedicure in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

Win It: Lupine Dog Collar from Wayfair January 21, 2013

Hey everyone! I'm writing this post as a 25 year old! I can't believe I'm now a quarter of a century old. How crazy is that? In honor of my birthday (when I got lots of presents), I'm giving away 2 fun dog collars from Wayfair. Not only do the collars come in lots of awesome patterns, they're also guaranteed to last, even if chewed. If you've ever owned a puppy, you've probably gone through a few not-as-durable collars, so this one's a winner.

Maggie looks super cute in hers (thanks Wayfair!), and I know your dog will too :)

Here are your options:

This one is a combination collar in size small. It can be used as a regular collar or a training collar.

This one is a regular collar in size medium.

To enter, simply leave a comment below stating which you'd like to win. Open to US residents only. Giveaway closes January 28th.

*Keep in mind the sizes available are those I listed above  (pink = small, blue = medium).We got Maggie a medium (she is a medium sized dog) that just fits her on the smallest setting. Be sure to measure your dog's current collar to choose the best size and click through on each of the collars above for specifics.*

Good luck!

A Healthier 2013 with Just Dance 4 December 23, 2012

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective #UbiChamps.

I'm just going to come out and say it- I hate exercising. I tried joining the gym last year, and even though it was only a few minutes from my apartment, I ended up canceling my membership after just a few months. I simply lack the motivation to work out, especially if it involves leaving the apartment in bad weather. The temperature is below 50? I don't want to go. It's raining? Not happening. It's windy out? I'm staying in bed.

What I really need is to find a way to burn calories and feel healthy that is fun, inexpensive and doesn't involve going to the gym. Enter Just Dance 4, a fun dance game that helps you stay in shape while dancing to your favorite songs.

If I'm going to be completely honest in this post, I should let you know that I'm not the best at picking up on dance moves. Sure, I'll get them eventually, but it just takes me a little longer than I would like and it's kind of embarassing. With Just Dance 4, there's no reason to feel embarrassed because I'm the only one in the room. Plus, I figure if I repeat the same songs over and over, I'll be able to get the dance moves down.

The Just Sweat mode is a perfect gym replacement because it turns the game into a workout routine complete with warm up, intense workout mode and a cool down. The music selection is another stand out feature, with everything from Carly Rae Jepson's "Call Me Maybe" to "Rock Lobster" by the B52's to some great latin music.

My goal is to do short bursts of Just Dance 4 workouts a few times a week to get myself used to "working out", and once I'm more comfortable with it, I'm hoping to start a more intense routine. 

Anyone want to come over for a dance off?

Guest Post: Craft Coffee Review December 12, 2012

Editor's Note: Hey everyone- my very own coffee snob boyfriend, Eric, is guest blogging today about Craft Coffee, a cool company that was kind enough to send us a curated coffee box to review. Read on and enjoy! Plus, if you want to get your own Craft Coffee (or give it as a gift to the coffee snob in your life), here's a special 10% off code just for you: alanaholiday. Code can be used through 12/23!

My office has five different ways of making coffee:

• Automatic, all-in-one grinder + espresso machine
• French press
• Aero press
• Single cup pour-over
• Chemex

All of these devices get used at least once a day, and not a single one of them accepts a small plastic cup containing powdery brown stuff of unknown origin. They all work a little differently, but they each have one thing in common: whole beans, freshly roasted, freshly ground.

We’re fond of subscription coffee programs that brings awesome beans directly to our door. Craft Coffee has been kind enough to treat us to a sampling of some of their beans for the last week.

For around $20/month, they send you 12 oz. of truly the world’s best coffee curated by some insane coffee professionals. What sets them apart is you receive three 4-oz. bags each from different roasters, each with tasting notes and true coffee nerd stats: country and producer of origin, varietal, elevation and wash process.

But even if the role of amateur coffee connoisseur isn’t for you, Craft Coffee is still offering you better-tasting coffee than the over-roasted stuff you’re already paying $2/day for, but at less than half the price, in your own home (or office!), effortlessly delivered to your door.

I’ll sip to that.

C&C California Girl: Coast to Coast Cool November 30, 2012

While at Lucky FABB, bloggers had the chance to choose 3 items from C&C California's collection to style and create a "Coast to Coast Cool" look. I almost forgot that I'd signed up until I received the package a few weeks ago containing the top above, another top (that doesn't work on me) and a pair of faux leather leggings that I'm obsessed with.

I think California girls definitely have a unique style- it's laid back, comfortable and cool- but so do us east coast gals. We need to stay warm in the winter months and try our best to still look cute doing it.

The top pictured is super soft and ultra flattering. Paired with similarly colored jeans, I thought the whole look elongated my frame, something that's always a plus for those of us on the petite side!

Top- c/o C&C California|Jeans- swapped Paige Denim|Belt- Primark|Booties-MIA|Necklace- Kate Spade|Sunglasses-Gifted Armani

Homemaker Happy Hour- Holiday Shopping! November 26, 2012

Hey everyone- what are you doing this Wednesday at 1pm EST? If you're not working (or are extra good at being sneaky), I'd love for you to join me in Wayfair's bi-weekly #HomemakerHappyHr chat on twitter. We'll be giving away $25 gift cards every 10 minutes- woohoo! Wayfair is a great place to shop for gifts, whether you're kitchen gadgets, home decor items or even pet products!

Be sure to follow @goodgrlgoneblog and @wayfair and tweet with #HomemakerHappyHr!

Hope to see you there :)

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated to host this chat, but I am partnering with Wayfair on a future blog project. I love the brand so much, I just couldn't say no!

BeauCoo: An Essential App for Fashionistas November 20, 2012

Have you heard of BeauCoo? No? Well, it's an awesome fashion app that helps you find clothes that fit your body by matching you with women who have similar body types. All you have to do is create a profile and input your measurements- the app will add users with similar proportions to a special feed so you'll be able to see which pieces work best on women  just like you!

When you're shopping, you can snap pictures as you try on clothes and upload them to the app with store, size and fit information. Easy peasy :)

Some screen shots from the app:

I found the BeauCoo easy to use and could definitely see myself using it again in the future, especially as more people who match my body type sign up. The app is still in beta, so I didn't find any fit matches just yet. I'll give it a little time thoug-I'm hoping some other curvy petite ladies sign up soon.

There are definitely a few features I'd like them to alter/add, but the team of BeaCoo has been very responsive to any feedback I send their way, which is great!

From BeaCoo:

Pics on someone your own size! Discover a social style network of women your shape and size for looks, brands and stores you’ll love. 

Want to try it out for yourself? You can request an invite here!

Disclaimer: I will be receiving a gift card in exchange for my review, but opinions are my own.