Home Is Where the Sun Is

I forgot what it was like to exist day in and day out with no sun. Living in southern California for the last 13 years will do that to a person…among other things. Yet, people are here in the northeast corner of the country functioning, surprisingly, under perpetual gray skies. It was a distant memory for me and one I was happy to leave behind.

Point, CA.

It isn’t all bad being in Pennsylvania though, in fact, being close to my family is very good. As independent as I tend to be, by nature and by choice, it is wonderful to have a support system all around me.

Point, PA. (Maybe that is worth even two points.)

So in this new year where I find myself uprooted from the city and home that I loved, I am certain I will find the next one and it will be everything I crave. Whether it is the east coast, west coast, or somewhere in between (but somewhere cool, of course, like Dallas) remains to be seen. I am very grateful for the unexpected changes of 2020. It propelled me into drastic move making that never would have happened without it. I truly believe a situation as rare as this, is nothing short of a gift. A gift of total freedom and to choose anywhere I feel led to be.

It was also an opportunity of new beginnings as I am now with a new athleisure brand, Savvi. I am blessed to spend my days sharing not only an addictive collection of luxe clothing, but freedom to work from wherever home is. Sun or no sun.

Check out the latest collection from Savvi. New styles drop every Friday!

Care to join me in this Savvi adventure? DM me here.

I’d love to hear how your 2021 looks entirely different from your 2020. Share in comments below and wishing you all the best in the new year!

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Simple Math

Hello Glam & Sassy loves.   I came across an interesting quote online that said “When things aren’t adding up, it’s time to start subtracting”.  I have been giving this a lot of thought lately. As it turns out, I have subtracted a few things from my life, and a few things have been subtracted from my life.  That may sound like the same thing, but I assure you , it is not.  The act of doing the subtracting holds much more power and control than having something taken away.

If you read my last blog, and thank you to the many amazing friends and followers who did , then you know I recently had to say goodbye to my dog. Yes I am still writing about her and no I am not over that yet.  Just as there is an equation that it takes half the time you were with someone to get over them in a breakup,  I am pretty sure the same holds true for pets… and probably even longer because their love is so pure.  Since my dog was almost seventeen, which in human years is over 100, I will no longer be alive by the time I no longer miss her. Simple math.

On the other hand, choosing to subtract something is liberating and puts you in control of purging the unnecessary chaos in life.  It has been helpful to eliminate anything that no longer serves me or my goals.  However, first I needed to define what my  goals are so I can determine what is contributing versus taking away from them. I am going through an awesome challenge called “Life on Fire” . I took a step believing in the power of visualization and made my first vision board. I felt silly at first as I flipped through a stack of fashion and lifestyle magazines , but couldn’t help but notice the congruency of the words and images that resonated with me and how they all fit together into my big picture. It is now clear when I am engaging in something (or someone) that doesn’t fit into one of those buckets and bid it farewell with confidence. The attention that these things require become an energy suck and I don’t know about you, but I do not have any extra energy to be donating. I now reserve my positivity and loving spirit for family, friends, clients, peers, the stranger on the street who returns my smile… anyone who reciprocates and appreciates.

Vision board in the making = goals about to be achieved

In  my personal life, I was scuba diving in the dating pool.  It was fun but now it doesn’t fit my vision of who I am and who I want to share myself with.  I was married young so I was reliving lost years but at what risk? The risk of losing more valuable time? The math is simple. When I decided to be done with all that, it opened up my heart and mind for the right guy when he comes.  In my professional life, I am at a crossroads which I did not see coming and had no control over, but instead of freaking out (which I ABSOLUTELY did at first) , I see it as an exciting opportunity to set new goals and crush them. I have done this before. Twice. I just had to remind myself of that.

Glam and Sassy fashion show team-GOAL CRUSHED

Featured 5 page article in Entrepreneur Magazine-GOAL CRUSHED

 

In summation,  one disenchanted relationship  + one painful goodbye to my pup+one lost business opportunity = zero tolerance for wasted energy.  Math was never my forte. Until now.

 

Do you have a vision board? I’d love to hear how you are achieving your goals.  Let’s connect on Instagram @glamandsassy 

 

 

 

Green With Envy

Hello Glam & Sassy loves! I just wrapped up showing the W by Worth Spring 2017 collection. I had so much fun styling my amazing clients in the hottest trends for the season. We were all ready, myself included, for a fresh start and new adventures. Changing of the seasons will do that to us Glam & Sassy girls and I absolutely embrace it! Once you get stuck in a rut, fashion or otherwise, the bravest thing you can do is decide to break away from it and take a chance on something new. Here are a few ways I suggest to make that happen.

Make a Clean Break:

Routines are nice and even necessary in some instances. However, fashion should never be mundane. You should change things up a bit from time to time. Don’t keep going back to an old standby just because it is what you are comfortable with. Have fun putting together outfits and add a few elements of surprise . A great way to do this is to mix textures and patterns. If you look at your clothes, and all you see are a bunch of solid colors (and I am going to guess mostly black) then there is no better time to add stripes and prints!  Both are very on trend and very Glam & Sassy.

 

The Grass is Absolutely Greener:

Another way to reawaken your wardrobe is to add color to your closet. The palettes right now are as vibrant as the season itself… Heat Red, Malibu Blue and Grass Green. The amazing thing is everyone I styled in these shades could wear them no matter what hair color or skin tone. Not only does that make my job easier, it makes getting dressed so enticing. Discovering you can have something you didn’t think you could is a great euphoria. Go after it and enjoy it.

 

Everything is Replaceable:

Every well planned wardrobe consists of basics. Basic tees, denim and blouses. Take a look at your essentials every spring and decide what needs updating. A tell tale sign something no longer needs to be in your life is if it no longer excites you. I was thrilled to find the perfect button down that was an improved version of what I already had.  Making the switch was a no brainer because I was definitely trading up!  If you worry that you might regret letting something go, I can assure you, you won’t. In fact, you will love your new additions so much, there will be virtually zero memory of what once was. Now go out and flaunt your new looks and make everyone wish they were as Glam & Sassy as you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Perfect Look

Hello Glam & Sassy loves.  How many times how you already heard “New Year, New You” and it is only mid January? I understand why the fresh turn of the calendar year makes us feel like we are embarking on a fresh start, but the truth is, we can reinvent ourselves at anytime. As a personal stylist, my mission is assisting women in achieving this goal. Some clients want me to put together an entire wardrobe and others just want a few improvements to their current style.  Either way, I am passionate about what I do, so here are a few ways I perfect a look.

Enjoy Multiples:

Two is better than one and three is better than…well you get the point. I tell clients all the time, once you find that perfect pant, shoe, basic top, etc. , get one in every color. If you don’t, inevitably you end up searching to  find something else you like just as much. We all know the likelihood of that is slim, so splurge now and save time later.  Here is a great example. I love this basic long sleeve “buy now wear now” top from W by Worth and love it even more that I get 12 times the fun with all these vibrant colors! Bring on the multiples because you are Glam & Sassy and deserve nothing less than the best…over and over again.

Something Special:

Once you are dressed, add one thing that would make it more special. I always add sparkle and bracelets are my accessory of choice. I stack bracelets like arm candy and yes it is totally ok to mix metals.  I am obsessed with this rose gold cuff from Kendra Scott. If you are not into jewelry (gasp!), add a scarf with the colors of your outfit to pull it all together.  When you are headed out for date night or girl’s night, please don’t even think about using your daily driver handbag. Instead, switch it up to a cute clutch or cross body. Nothing says high maintenance like a huge bag filled with useless items.  Don’t forget to spritz perfume in the air and walk into it before walking out the door. By the way, your bathroom vanity doesn’t have to look like the fragrance counter at Saks. Experiment to find one that works best with your body’s natural chemistry and make it your signature scent. When people ask what you’re wearing, feel free to not tell them. Remember, this is your little secret, ladies.

 

Own It:

I am a girly girl. Even though I can hang with the guys and was brought up around cars,  I am not really into sports (although I recently developed an interest for basketball).  I’m a huge fan of pink champagne and I prefer shopping to almost any other activity. I think of it as keeping up with industry trends and if some of them just happen to end up in my closet, then so be it.  However, what I enjoy dressing up (or down) in is not what I think everyone should wear.  The single most important element in perfecting your look is exactly that…make it yours. There is only one you and so many outfit choices, so be sure to choose the one that suits your personality and lifestyle. Then walk into any room and own it like any good Glam & Sassy would.

Will you be looking to change up your style in this new year? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below ! 

Let’s get social ! Follow me https://www.instagram.com/glamandsassy/

Click it and Get it Guide:

Long sleeve top: http://www.wbyworth.com/gina-morell

Kendra Scott cuff: http://www.kendrascott.com/catalog/product/view/id/20155/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birthday Celebration

Hello Glam & Sassy loves! October is my absolute favorite month. As soon as Starbucks posts Pumpkin Spice everything on the menu board, I am ready to pull out my Uggs, light candles that smell like I baked an apple pie, and pretend it is actually fall weather outside in Southern California. The other and REAL reason I love October, is it is my birthday month!  (Insert whoo hoo!)  This year I had the best birthday ever!  Perhaps one of the most important outfit decisions we make every year is what to wear to the celebration of our special day. To my fellow Libras out there, you know how indecisive we can be at times, needing to weigh all the options, and before you know it, the aftermath is a stack of clothes on the bed. It is well worth it, however,  when you show up to your party looking this Glam & Sassy.

Nothing II Wear:

Isn’t it funny how we complain we need more closet space for our clothes and are also convinced we have nothing to wear?  Interestingly enough, there is a boutique in La Jolla, CA that is named after this phenomenon. Owner and clothing designer, Summer Albertsen, dresses southern California ladies and the fashionistas who visit our coastal town in the best designers, including her own label, Elizabeth Estaire. Don’t worry if you don’t get to La Jolla because you can check her store out online ! It was at her shop that I found my perfect anchor piece for my birthday outfit. These red jacquard lace shorts are a must have! The pop of color was a nice change from all black and were a fun and flirty alternative to my go to jeans or a dress.  They also allowed me to twirl around on the dancefloor without concern of giving any peep shows. Make sure to rock these fabulous shorts with sky high heels for a look that elongates!

My Birthday Suit:

I styled my jacquard shorts with a black bustier that I got at Nordstrom. I love the design detail of a chiffon neckline that shows just the right amount of sexy without being trashy. The fabric stretches and it zips up the back. It is not an ideal top to get out of by yourself so I made sure that wasn’t going to be an issue (wink wink)   Relax!!!  I was staying at my bff’s so I knew I would have assistance at the end of the night…especially when the end of the night is actually the next morning. Party girl problems.

 

Libra Love:

It was such an amazing birthday as I mentioned thanks to my bestie who also happens to be my Social & Digital Media Manager, Robyn Balliet, owner of robynballiet.com . She has done an incredible job in building brand awareness, increasing my followers, thus increasing my sales.  From the moment I arrived at her door in Beverly Hills, she had balloons, flowers, gifts, champs, cake with a sparkler for a candle, dinner plans and dancing with the rest of our crew. And this went on for THREE days! It was so much fun and you can check out more fun pics on my IG account (Instagram.com/glamandsassy ) and follow Robyn at ( Instagram.com/robynballiet).  I was 100% spoiled and I loved every minute of it! So a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all of you lovely, loyal, charming and charismatic Libras! I hope you had a wonderful bday too and let’s make it most Glam & Sassy year ever!

 

 

 

Essentially Perfect

Hello Glam & Sassy loves! I just wrapped up showing the W by Worth Fall collection and styling 6-7 clients a day for 7 days. What I found to be most interesting wasn’t the more outrageous pieces that the ladies loved, but rather, what they all needed. The essentials.  So I started thinking about my own essentials which are, in no particular order, my dog, strong Italian coffee, working out, good music, family, friends who are like family, and anything pink. I add to this list whenever I discover something that makes me as happy as unexpected chance meetings.  For fall fashion, however, the list is a bit more universal and includes clothing every Glam & Sassy girl should have as part of her repertoire.

Staying Skinny:

I am pretty active.  Going to the gym is part of my daily routine and I also strive to hit 10,000 steps a day and dance whenever no one is watching, or even if everyone is, I don’t care. But I am good at it. So maybe that’s why.  The essential wardrobe skinny is actually in the form of a turtleneck. When I moved to beautiful, warm southern California from dreary, cold New Jersey, I was quick to donate any and all winter clothes. Now I realize we DO have a winter here, which happens when it reaches a chilly 60 degrees, so I need to replenish said clothing . This skinny turtleneck is perfect to wear alone and comes in so many yummy colors.  It is also a great layering piece under a jacket, sweater or poncho. Which brings me to my next item…take a guess!

Cuddle Time:

This is not something I want to do if I am trying to fall asleep, but once in a while, like taking a nap in a freezing cold hotel room, I am all about it . Throw on a cozy W by Worth poncho with leggings and look super chic without even trying. Let’s be honest, there are days we all wish we could stay wrapped up under our blanket. When you wear a luxurious poncho, “essentially” you are.

Feel like a Champion:

Just like there’s nothing a little lipstick can’t fix, the same is true of our favorite jeans. Find your right fit and when you slide them on, you will feel like you are on top.  My absolute obsession is Frame denim. Although I currently prefer dark, any wash can be dressed up with a sexy top and heels. You can also just keep things casual until you see how much you really like them. If you find yourself wanting to be in them from day to night, then you may have just found your match.  Which of these essentials are perfect for you this season to be Glam & Sassy?!?  I’d love to hear your comments and also check out https://www.instagram.com/glamandsassy/ for more must have looks!

 

 Click it and Get it Guide:

Skinny Turtleneck

Poncho

Skinny Jeans

Block ‘Em

Hello Glam & Sassy loves! Who agrees that the block feature may be the greatest thing since our cell phones?  If you have utilized it, you probably wonder how you ever got by without it. From an annoying telemarketer to an even more annoying ex, blocking them protects you from the crazy.  The beauty of this feature is that the person on the “block you” end, receives no indication that they have been shunned from your life.  They are just out there trying to feverishly contact you wondering why you are not responding. It would be cruel except they usually deserve it.  I’ve only used it on very rare occasions but the peace that follows makes me very grateful to the techies at Apple who created it. Some people could benefit from a reverse blocking feature that would require a complicated pass code or , I don’t know, maybe a breathalyzer, before being able to send OUTGOING messages. You know who are.  In regards to fashion, color blocking is very on trend for fall. Here are a few ways to block effectively .

Top to Bottom:

Color blocking on the top and bottom gives the eye maximum pleasure. The key is to choose two pieces with coordinating color combinations and sleek shape.  This merino wool long skirt  and pullover makes a power couple with a bold stripe on each. It is a flattering fit and also feels amazing because the fabric is ribbed for our pleasure.

Flatter Yourself:

Hey, if you don’t do it, how you can expect anyone else to?  In color blocking, it is important to choose a pattern that has blocks in all the right places. I love this slightly cropped top  styled with solid black pants or slim skirt for a professional look and it creates the perfect silhouette…not that you don’t already have one.

Bold Girl:

Contrasting colors that are reminiscent of the 80’s are back and better than ever (no neons this time around). This W by Worth ponte dress is a striking combo of black and rhubarb that knows how to tease, tempt and flaunt.  I would rock this dress from the office with pumps to date night with sexy OTK boots and walk home in the morning with zero shame. As long as we keep it classy ladies, we’ll always be Glam & Sassy.

Click it and Get It Guide:

Gray and Black Pullover

Gray and Black Skirt

Multicolor Top

Long Sleeve Dress

 

Blog Repost: Nat Out and About

Hi Glam & Sassy loves! I was so excited when fellow Fashion Blogger, Natalie Neece, came to me to be styled and featured the experience in her blog, Nat Out and About. Check out her post below and her picture looking all Glam & Sassy!

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Hey there San Diego fashionistas! Browsing the mall, boutiques and scrolling on your phone for the latest trends to add to your wardrobe can be time consuming and repetitive. What if you could shop and be personally styled all at the same time by a local fashionista herself?! Glam and Sassy began as a pop up boutique and unique personal shopping experience over 6 years ago.  In that time, it has grown to be so much more. To be Glam & Sassy is to feel confident in a look that is the perfect fit for your lifestyle, body and personal style.

Below is my outfit  by W by Worth that Gina from  Glam & Sassy styled for me. Read on more about this unique shopping experience.

Natalie Neece:  How did you get inspired for Glam & Sassy?

Gina: My mom was always a fashionista and entrepreneur.  I developed a passion for fashion at a young age and my favorite pastime was browsing the stores.  As a result, I chose a career in fashion after I graduated college and one of the most exciting moments was working in the Fashion District in NYC for companies such as DKNY, Liz Claiborne, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

NN: What is W by Worth?

G: It is a unique, intimate approach to shopping. W by Worth is a beautiful luxury clothing collection from NY boasting of quality fabrics, styles and sizes for every woman.  The very personal styling appointments are tailored to each client and their wardrobe needs. I offer style tips and trends, as well as closet edits, so that my customers know how to get the most use out of each and every garment.

NN: What are you favorite fashion trends for 2016?

G: I love fringe and am so glad it is still going strong in 2016.  I also love the Off the Shoulder trend and feel it is a very wearable trend on every BODY.

NN:  What are you fashion must haves?

G: Premium denim is a must for me.  My current fave denim is Frame because it feels amazing and has some much stretch! I also must have fun, flirty tops to wear with them and I am finding some great pieces from W by Worth that I can style with denim for day or evening.  This summer, everyone must have the perfect LWD, which I featured in my Glam & Sassy blog.

NN: What is your fashion inspiration?

G: My fashion sense is definitely east coast inspired with a little Glam and a lot of Sassy!

NN: How can people get in contact with you?

G: Let’s get social! You can find me on IG @glamandsassy, Twitter @ginaglamnsassy and Facebook.  I personally reply to all messages and comments and can also be reached at gina@glamandsassy.com

Take a Bite

Hello Glam & Sassy loves! Anyone who has been to New York knows the endless amount of fun and excitement that it offers.  It is also the fashion capital of the world so that alone makes it one of my favorite cities.  I worked many years in fashion in the Big Apple so I look forward to getting back as much as possible now that I live on the opposite coast. I actually  just returned from a fabulous trip there to preview the W by Worth fall collection and I had no idea I could get so excited over a cool weather season in the middle of summer! As soon as I saw the versatile styles and felt the luxe fabrics, I was ready to come back to the 80 degree heat and start styling my clients for the months ahead.  Since I am all about instant glamification, I thought it best to start with the buy-now-wear-now styles we can rock in July and straight into fall.  Here are the styles you need not wait until September to enjoy.

Tastefully Bare:

During this sizzling season, we want to wear the least amount of clothing as possible…at least in public:)   I found some sexy sleeveless tops that I am having fun with now and also later in the year as layering pieces.  I am all about showing some skin but doing it with class.  A cute little cami or a beautiful drapey cowl neck tank are both perfect picks. The fabrics are as soft as our summer skin and the styles are year round appropriate. I am putting my clients, and myself, in these right away to ensure maximum enjoyment and plenty of room to go back for seconds and thirds!

Yummy Colors:

Summer is the season of color.  The palettes may change every year, but it is always lip smacking and refreshing after a long winter.  If you choose your colors right, you won’t be limited to wearing them just when the sun is out and the temps are high. Looking ahead to fall, we are seeing splashes of bold colors such as Chili and Royal Blue.  I am loving dresses in these color pops because they are easy to style now with a beige heel and later with a black boot. Which one do you crave?

Unwrap and Enjoy:

For all the ladies who hustle in their careers and social lives like me, I found something I have been looking for for a long time.  Check out this blouse that is professional for work, yet flirty enough for date night.  It is a faux wrap so it stays perfectly in place with just the slightest hint of a peek.  This unique combination of sophistication and sexiness is what makes this top, and all of us ladies, Glam & Sassy !

 

Click It and Get It Guide:

Lace Trimmed Camisole

Cowl Neck Tank

Red Dress

Blue Dress

Faux Wrap Blouse

 

 

Summer Love

Hello Glam & Sassy loves! Summer is, without a doubt, my favorite season.  I live in southern California where we enjoy summer almost year round and I purposely landed on the coast when I moved here. Give me sun, give me water, give me seventy degrees every day and I am one happy camper…or “glamper” since these well manicured hands have never pitched a tent. The best thing about summer fashion is one piece dressing. It is easy and effortless the way it should be when something is right.  Here are three of my must have outfits for this season that I love.

A Quick Romp:

The romper is the rebel sister of the sundress. It is bold, fun, flirty and sexy…sounds like the perfect catch to me. And let’s talk summer color, shall we?  Nothing is better than a bright burst of hot pink!  It just seems to scream “let’s party!”As I am writing this, I realized I just described myself, so I think I better buy this one from Adelyn Rae at my happy place, Nordstrom! It is so me and it is so perfect for an afternoon summer soirée !

Hands on Skin:

This wouldn’t be the sexiest season of the year if we didn’t bare our bodies. That’s the reason for hitting the gym on the reg so slip into a sundress that shows off those shoulders, girl.  Lucky for us, Off the Shoulder is trending now and it is trending hard.  I love this dee elle dress and would style it for both day and evening  by changing up the heel and adding some sparkle.  You will stay cool and look chic at the same time. This flowy fabric begs to be touched.  The only thing softer than the material is your skin so expect to be caressed in this dress.

Dress a Mesh on the Floor:

What other time of year can you wear mesh as a dress besides summer? This style from W by Worth is actually two dresses in one.  Here is your Glam & Sassy clothing budget lesson for the day…take the price and divide it by two and you’ll realize that you can’t afford NOT to get it! This shift dress can be worn alone or with the mesh overlay. The mesh dress can also be worn separately as a bathing suit cover up.  I can picture it now and I hope you can too. It is as hot as summer itself…and very Glam & Sassy!

 

Click it and Get It Guide:

Adelyn Rae Romper

dee elle Off the Shoulder Dress

W by Worth Mesh Dress