Talking Chic – A Change of Season – A Change of View

Talking Chic

A Change of Season – A Change of View

When does fashion fade from our wardrobe? Should it ever? Are there points in our lives when being stylish is supposed to take a backseat to the big picture? Lately, I can’t help but wonder if my attraction to designer handbags, ornate clutches, and vintage denim will always be an intricate part of my personality….if my bulletin board will always be posted with Nordstrom’s latest eyewear must-have’s…or if my nightlife pleasure will always be about who’s wearing what and who definitely shouldn’t be wearing what.

Whereas “fashion” may be considered a learned concept – a sort of aspiration one can succeed or struggle in, I’m convinced that “style” exists deep in a person’s soul. And when one expresses his or her style through colorful cloth, textured fabrics, and decorative accessories, this sort of big-bang collision creates a beautiful statement about who a person is.

But what happens when old age kicks in and peep-hole pumps are replaced with Easy Spirits, and one’s 2-seater BMW is overridden with Sunday morning white-van pick-ups? When seasons change and aging has gone full force, it seems like the luxurious feeling of fashion will turn into practicality. Simple, boring, and nothing worth discussing.

However, the lingering questions that have drilled themselves into my brain since visiting my grandfather in an Illinois nursing home about two months ago are this: When does the importance of expressing one’s style fade? When an elderly person’s behavior rewinds to the child-like innocence of years passed, where does one’s creativity hide?

Amidst watching a 99-year-old woman barely able to hold her head up while sitting in a wheelchair but sporting long purple acrylic nails, and witnessing my granddad’s shaky hands browse through my portfolio, yet still wearing the cherished bling on his pinky finger I ever-so-fondly know him to flaunt – it hit me!

Just because a person is not adamant in proving his or herself through fashion at 80 years old like he or she may have at 20, doesn’t mean that the respect and admiration for looking good doesn’t exist. I’m learning that while style may stay with us as we age, the excessive materialism and all the stuff that accrues in our closets over the years really do become, well, “stuff.”

And (gasp!) more important things will at some point in our lives take precedent over those favorite jeans and fabulous handbags. Matters like health, happiness, and unfortunately, sadness will hold reign.

But with sorrow there’s joy, and I know that new happiness will develop with being able to pass down my own favorites one day, such as the jewelry – the tiny artifacts – that a grandmother must save for her granddaughters. As the clouds cried those days in Chicago and my thoughts cleared during our runs from hotel room to nursing home and back to hotel room, the few trips to my grandparents’ house in Park Forest gave me more of a positive outlook in growing older. As I peered at my grandmother excitedly watching my sister and I open our envelopes with gold-chained memories inside (whether her thoughts were really on that very moment or the fact that something special lifted her spirits in the midst of waiting for my grandfather to return home), her chunky turquoise necklace on top of a beautiful cream sweater gave me a rush of excitement!

I bet it’s been forever since my grandma browsed through a fashion magazine, but when style runs deep, it runs true. And I can’t wait for my own granddaughters to be patient, sit beside me, and adore their cool G-ma.

Written by Elana Pruitt

Single and Sassy

Talking Chic

Single and Sassy

This past Valentine’s Day I did something I, a single 20-something-year-old, had never done before––I went to a bar. Yes, it was in the middle of the week, and sure, getting up for work at eight is typicallythe plan, but I had just bought the cutest bronze-color shrug and I was ready to hit the dance floor. After borrowing my roommate’s vintage-style Union jeans, her black chandelier danglies to work with my black Trina Turk lace camisole––what can I say? It was on! I was feelin’ hot and figuring why stay home and get down about being date-less, when I can strut my stuff and enjoy my freedom. Needless to say, my friend (who was semi-single at the time) was in tune with my energy and felt the same way.

And it was definitely a night to remember.

Whether it was the Pussycat Dolls or Sean Paul pulling us to the dance floor, or running into other girlfriends who were also standing up for singlehood…the night was mine and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. But then the ridiculous questions started. Wannabe pick-up lines like, “You’re too cute not to have a boyfriend!” or “What are you doing out this way—you don’t look like a typical I.E. girl,” as he peered at my outfit that I had so delicately put together. And during this insulting-slash-desperate attempt to get my phone number… it hit me: Why is it assumed that a fashionable, attractive, and young professional (dare I say so myself) has to be “taken?” It brought me back to the whole idea of “being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely” type of affirmation I’ve read before in self-help books. I also realized that while some girlfriends dress sassy for their boyfriends, or wives keep their husbands’ favorites in mind when getting dressed, many people automatically assume that being single and looking fabulous is well, a waste, as if the idea of dressing for oneself doesn’t exist.

What I took away from that night is that it most definitely does count. Attracting a mate and looking hot in doing so is a wonderful feeling, and having someone to regularly deliver compliments and give kudos to your style is also an indescribable feeling. But loving yourself, especially on Cupid’s day, is also something to be cherished, because this adoration for thyself, my friends, can automatically manifest itself into looking good all the time. “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful” really does make sense to me these days. It has been almost a year that I’ve been without a serious beau. But I’m thinking a revised version of “Don’t hate me because I’m single, beautiful, and wearing hot jeans for no one BUT myself” is due.

Here’s the thing: I believe true style does not mean walking out the door in hopes of getting a catcall when getting into your car, nor about purchasing come-hither-me pieces (like for the cute guy in the office who just happens to stroll by your desk every morning). To me, a sense of fashion is more than that. It means dreaming in color, pretending you’re ransacking your mama’s closet when you were a kid and coming out with creative ensembles. And most importantly, enjoying fashion means owning a wardrobe that includes only those pieces that make you smile every time you imagine slipping them on.

Now I’m not saying that I don’t want cutie over there to ignore me as I walk by, but should he not check me out, well, all I can say is, “I’m single, I’m sassy, and see ya later!” ‘cause I have hot shoes on…na-na-na-na-na!

Written by Elana Pruitt

Should My Wardrobe Change with a New Living Space?

Should My Wardrobe Change with a New Living Space?

I don’t believe in jumping into new trends and styles based simply on the latest fashion featured on E! News, what your colleagues are wearing, or simply because you want to fit in with others at an event. However, I DO believe in the power of these factors. I am always influenced and inspired by what I see in magazines, on television, on fashion blogs, around town, at malls, and while visiting other cities. But I make it a point to acknowledge this very fact: What works for some people will not always work for me.

But this time, my biggest influence in re-wiring my wardrobe is moving from one home to another.

As my boyfriend Steve and I moved from a two-story condo in Rancho Cucamonga, California, to an Upland apartment-although only about 20 minutes away-I felt the need for a wardrobe update. Moving from an affluent area among senior citizens and lots of space to a complex where our friends live and music blares from people’s balconies while baby-daddy drama sometimes fills the air, I knew that it was time for “out with the old, and in with the new.” I enjoy walking up to my place with a little one asking me to pop his water balloon vs. pulling into my garage and having a next-door neighbor barely look at me. We were a bit desperate to move for various reasons, but for the most part, we were seeking a fun environment and a new peace of mind.

And that is exactly what I gain when I incorporate new accessories, shoes, and blouses into my existing wardrobe-a new peace of mind. Since we moved, I have been on a shopping (but affordable!) craze. Now, with a big backyard/back porch and a renovated apartment, including clean walls, beautiful carpet, and wooden kitchen floors, I am in love with the newness. I also feel this same warm fuzzy feeling inside when I tie my new scarves around my neck or strap on my black Betsey Johnson wedged heels. Fresh! Fun! Fabulous!

So what did I do with a lot of old clothes that have just been sitting in bags in my closet? Well, both Steve and I packed my car full of old, and still fashionable, clothes; we headed to the Goodwill, and dropped them all off without a second thought. Yes, my white college graduation skirt was in that bag, and the cute fur shrug I used to wear during my days at Nordstrom was in that bag. But I was OK with that. Not having touched either of those pieces for at least four years, I was more than happy to make them available for those less fortunate who are seeking some cute finds. Doing a good deed (or a “mitzvah” as my mother enjoys saying) matched my newfound peace of mind perfectly.

This time around, cleaning out my closet took less thought and debate, as I am more aware of what my needs are and how quantity doesn’t mean anything. It’s HOW you wear something and what you wear it with. That said, I am perfectly fine keeping my AG jeans, Nomad Tribe jeans, and pointed-flat Michelle K boots, because with new, flattering pieces to wear with each, I have been able to transform a bunch of old pieces into new personalities.

Reinvigorating my wardrobe has also aroused clarity regarding my shopping senses. Cut up are the credit cards, and out comes the checkbook. It’s the new Elana. Nice to meet you.

Visit http://www.diaryofapersonalshopper.blogspot.com andwww.myspace.com/talkingchic.

The Power of Denim: A Love/Hate Relationship

. . . . So I’ve been struggling with this column for some time now because here’s my thinking: the jean craze ain’t goin’ nowhere. And for those wanting in with at least one pair of rocking bottoms to actually sport in public, sitting tall at a Smashbox fashion show, or to wear during fun Fridays at work, please—let’s hold hands, unite as one, and say together: “Jeans are not our enemies.”

The power of denim has not only become a popular trend among the fashion-conscious, but a ridiculously expensive OBSESSION that makes many of us put extra hours in just to afford something fabulous. So in trying to tackle an article about hunting for “the perfect jean,” my focus has become scrambled because not only is there no such thing, but in the past five years or so, since its explosion on American culture, finding the best pair of jeans for your body type is nearly impossible. Wait, I take that back; it’s possible. Just don’t expect to walk into a boutique and expect to be whisked away by your size hanging freely on the rack, hemmed to your height, and when doing squats in the fitting room, you’re able to bend over with nothing hanging out (good luck with that one). So in honor of my editor’s own frustration with the limited selection available for women who have sexy hips, a little bit of junk in the trunk, and who don’t aspire to a size 2, I’m going to attempt to offer ways toward simplifying the hunt for a flattering jean—and hopefully keep you from slashing your wrists in the process!

I know, new styles pop up everywhere, and yes, it can be overwhelming to narrow choices down. We have studded, distressed, high-waisted, low-waisted, barely-there low-waisted, patchwork, pocketed, no-pocketed, cargo, cropped, skinny, flared, bell bottomed, boot cut…. Need I continue? And believe me, I understand. Sometimes you feel as though you should go shopping with handcuffs on because you want to steal every gorgeous pair that feels like a personal tribute to your personality: “Oh my god, they shouldn’t have!” But also believe me when I say this: looks can be deceiving. If you don’t evaluate your expectations, reasoning, and needs before you hit up Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Just Cavalli, Lucky Jeans, or anywhere you head for favorites, don’t be surprised if you feel like jetting the minute you walk into the fitting room with 20 pairs in tow. And speaking from experience as a former salesgirl, a current shopper, and a shopaholic’s sister, filling up your room with too many to count will do no good because all you’ll feel is frustration, panic, and exhaustion from hanging all the jeans back up (unless of course you’re one of those people who let poor salesgirls drop to their knees to clean up your mess). Sometimes what’s worse than not being able to find a pair that fits is, yes, finding too many that do. But that’s a whole other topic we won’t get into at this time.

So as you decide that this weekend is the weekend to make some headway, or some progress, in learning which designers create styles best for your body, don’t expect to find what you’re looking for the minute you get started because whether you’d love to find the right guy (just thought I’d throw that one in) or an awesome-fitting pair of jeans, perfection doesn’t exist, although, perfect for you most definitely is out there. Just don’t expect an overnight score.

Here are my top tips that have helped make my search for great jeans a (ahem) fun experience:

1) Give a girl a compliment… if you see someone wearing a pair you like. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask her where she scored them. But try doing it in a way that’s not so obvious. Ex: “Those are totally hot! Oh my gosh I just saw those at Planetfunk….” Whether you did or not is definitely not the point; what she’ll probably do is brag to you where they REALLY are from. Then voila! That’s one store you can already jot down as a possibility.

2) Invest in magazine subscriptions…Lucky Magazine is a given. I mean with all those cute “maybe,” “no,” and “yes” sticker, they practically hold your hand along the way. Some of my other favorites include Interview, Nylon, Vibe, and Flaunt. You’ll find tons of diverse-sized, ethnic models wearing hot designs, with listings of prices and brands close by, and possibly even 1-800 numbers that give you a scoot in the right direction.

3) Accept your body…be honest with yourself when it comes to your real size. No one said you have to tell anyone, but when it comes to a jean’s availability, the fabric that is designed for you, and the best cut to show off your curves without making you look “fat,” you must know your measurements. And remember for someone who is bottom-heavy or has recently had children, think stretch, stretch, stretch. A little give will do wonders and make you feel oh-so-comfy!

4) Make salesgirls your best friend… yes they can be annoying at times and all up in your business when you’re not ready to be helped––but they can also bring tears to your eyes being so damn good. A salesgirl can call other stores for your size, hunt in the back of stockrooms, ask another customer if she’s done trying on the size because she has another customer who is eager to try them on as well, personally deliver your package to your home, show you exactly which ones are “butt lifters,” which ones may go on sale soon, and even bring you blouses that will snazzy up those jeans even more. Even amidst your frustration, being friendly goes a long way. Letting her see your dynamic personality will definitely prompt her to keep you in mind when something arrives in your size and style.

And to keep you from giving up, remember: each brand seems to size differently, it’s not a personal attack against your self worth, and no, the gods do not have it in for you! What if you never find a pair that works out for you? Well, then you sport that hot black dress or long skirt you know you look good in! Forget about what is supposed to fit your body, and feel proud of what really does.
Besides, rumor has it they’re on the way out anyway… ssshhhhh.

Written by Elana Pruitt

SANJANA JON – Following Her Own Footsteps

SANJANA JON
Following Her Own Footsteps

Sure, Sanjana Jon may be known as the adorable sister of creative couture designer Anand Jon. But take note—this vibrant New York based Indian designer is pouncing on the world of fashion to make her own footsteps. With her recent launch of three indepenrdently driven lines of women’s wear, Sanjana is sprouting to stardom.

She showcased her Spring 2006 debut collection during New York’s Fashion Week early September, and with delight, recalls the standing ovation that closed her big night, citing in attendance “very, very important people.” Sanjana’s spring collection is lifestyle-conscious, offering diverse ideas for women to utilize. Her prêt line consists of daily wear for teenaged girls to the 30-something year-old; the diffusion line includes Western and office wear for women; and her beloved platinum line introduces custom-made high-end bridal wear.

“It’s a passion for me, and I want to share that special day in a girl’s life,” Sanjana says about her platinum line, which embraces a time of new beginnings.

It may have been the “girly” rebellious gifts of halter top-like fashion her mother would bring back from London to a “conservative India” or the years spent creating jewelry with her grandmother and Anand growing up—or both—that has inspired Sanjana’s adoration of art and fashion.

Marketing consultant of the Anand Jon brand since 1998, Sanjana has co-designed his fine jewelry line as well as his upcoming men’s AJ Jeans line, admitting that her brother’s push and encouragement helped her creative fashion ideas come to life. And with adoration from all around, Sanjana acknowledges the support from her family, including her grandparents.

Having designed for Hollywood notables like Paris and Nicky Hilton, as well as for models Ivana Trump, Amanda Hearst, and Devon Aoki, Sanjana is busily meeting with buyers for her collection’s US availability—most likely landing in flagship stores first. Yet overseas, stores in her name have opened this October in Delhi, Bombay, and South India.

Backed by IG International, Sanjana has taken part in the Miss Universe campaign for the last three years, designing chic ensembles for each winner, and accompanying their trips on behalf of charitable causes. This year, she kicks off the “Aids Awareness Tour” to India mid-November with Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova.

From first showing off her brand during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2004, prior to her coming out during New York Fashion Week, to being named the “Vancouver International Rising Star 2006,” and now her gusto toward directing a feature film, “Spirits and Spirituality,” set to show in 2007, Sanjana Jon is as humble as they get.

Yet as impressive as can be!

Written by Elana Pruitt

Make a Loved One’s Closet Turn Chic With the Help of a Personal Shopper!

So what could be worse than having an empty closet with nothing to wear? Having a closet full of fun fashion that you have no ideahow to wear!

Long before my February 2007 launch ofGood Girl Gone Shopping, an affordable personal shopping and wardrobe consultant business, I had noticed how fearful most people are when it comes to trying out new styles, fun trends, and basically, stepping out of the norm. Here are some of the reasons why men and women turn to a professional for assistance:

They can’t get the help they need from a salesperson

They are not aware of which specific cuts and fabrics are right for their body shape and size

They do not know how to stretch their small budgets to still purchase lavish styles

They are unsure of how to stylize what they already own

They want to feel more attractive

They do not have time to shop for themselves (productively) due to a busy schedule

And no time seems fuller of anxiety and apprehension than now, the holiday season. After all, there are family gatherings, employee luncheons, company dinners, and social parties that offer festive times for most of us. But during these events, gift giving is a key focus and typically, a key frustration.

Just what do you give someone?

Maybe you have a friend, coworker, or loved one who adores hot-off-the-runway styles but admits to being clueless on how to put anything together. Sound like someone you know? If you are tired of buying gift cards to his or her favorite stores, especially because you never see that person actually wear the new items, a gift certificate that allows him or her some time to work with a personal shopper for free is a new gift-giving route you may want to explore. Because really, it’s a win-win situation for both of you: You get rewarded for giving the creative gift of the season, while that person can finally find items that will complement his or her wardrobe…while gaining a boost in self-confidence in the process!

And if you are the person needing personal shopping and wardrobe consulting assistance, well, treating yourself to a Christmas or Chanukah gift might be just what you need to alleviate your own stress of the season.

If you would like to contact Elana Pruitt to discuss the many services of Good Girl Gone Shopping, and gather information about holiday gift certificates, please contact her atelana@talkingchic.com or (909) 997-3216. She is based in Upland, Calif., just over an hour east of Los Angeles.

Where in the World Would You Go for Inspiration?

I have never been out of the country. Unfortunately, my fear of flying (well, fear of going down is more like it) has hindered my exploration of the world. About five years ago, I could have traveled with a friend, and a group of other Jewish adults, to the motherland – Israel. For the most part, it was a free ticket because it involved committed studies and group activities. Now, I kick myself. My hairdresser, whose homeland is Jamaica, always reminds me that I am welcome to go with her whenever I want to – she goes at least once a season, and says that she can just see my sitting by the clear, blue water writing in my journal. And that I CAN imagine.

So with 2009 here and incredible opportunities that have been finding me, I must overcome all of my “what ifs” so that I can fully enjoy the twists and turns of life – and be ready for anything and everything.

Having attended several LA Fashion Week shows through Agenda, I can only imagine the beauty and excitement of Milan Fashion Week. I also envision how it would feel to stroll and skip on the streets of Paris, and then maybe make a trip from there to Brazil so that I can bask in the sexiness of babes and beaches.

While I understand that international travel has its own challenges, frustrations, and even dangers, the inspiration from visiting another country would do wonders on my soul; interesting trips and experiences would only inspire me as a writer, a business owner, and as a person who wants to know what it feels like to be a foreigner. I firmly believe that men and women who seek success can only do so by expanding their horizons and creating new friendships and industry relationships at every chance they get.

And what better way to do so than in a new place where you can open your eyes to new styles, new languages, new mannerisms, new senses of humor, a new fashion of politics, and new (tasty!) dishes.

Think I have a thirst to travel? You can bet your Manolos on that.

If you have a great international traveling trip that you would love to share with Elana, please contact her at elana@talkingchic.com. She may even quote you in her next column!

Elana Pruitt

Twitter, Subscriptions, and In-Store Appearances for Amazing Sales

Spring is here and I am gradually stocking up on oversized, costume jewelry, eclectic printed blouses, 80s-inspired skinny jeans, billowy cropped pants, and bright-colored clutches. Yes, my list of must-haves is lengthy. And nope – I don’t pay ridiculous prices. I am not an A-lister, so I don’t have the luxury of scoring hot-off-the-runway pieces at little to no cost. So, I do what all smart shopaholics must do to update their wardrobes: I shop sales.

As a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant, I believe that the biggest way to find exactly what you are looking for is being proactive and actively seeking out the best deals. I spend massive amounts of time social networking with e-commerce businesses, boutique owners, and fashion designers. I also subscribe to the mailing lists of my favorite stores so that I am updated on sales, events, and giveaways. And most importantly, I check in at my local retail stores to see which big-ticketed items have been marked down.

The biggest key to finding the best deals is to create your own strategies. These are mine:

I “Tweet” like crazy: Twitter has become the most powerful and trendiest social networking site to date, simply due to its ease of use and the ability to track what others are doing in real time. This place is perfect to meet people around the world who share your same passion for fashion. I research those that “follow” me, and depending on their niche, ask that they keep me updated on deals, sales, and new merchandise. Not only do I benefit from getting immediate news; I relay the information to my Good Girl Gone Shopping readers, friends, and family. I used to type in such terms as “handbag sales” in Google(TM) to find this, until I realized that I am still stuck at the beginning in finding exactly what I want. Now with Twitter, I receive direct messages regarding this very request. (Facebook and MySpace are other social networking sites that provide bulletins and updates to take notice of if you want to save money and meet stylista shoppers and industry folk that promote savings.)

I receive online mailers from various online and local retail stores. My favorite is from H&M and Urban Outfitters. This is because I love their merchandise and appreciate that the frequency of their messages is bearable. So make sure your subscriptions are to outlets that you TRULY love! Some of the other mailers (which I won’t be crude enough to mention) inundate my inbox. There is such a thing as getting too many, so watch out for that. As much I love getting news regarding sales, deals, and shopping events, I feel bombarded when I get up to three a day. We live in a recession right now, people; and although the deliverance of helpful updates is a positive thing, do businesses think that we all have the tons of money needed to purchase the items promoted in each mailer? Don’t get me wrong, I highly encourage you to subscribe to these. Just be sure to alleviate the pressure that you don’t need!

I show my face often in such retail stores as Macy’s. This is the ultimate shopping spot for shoe sales. I used to believe that I had psychic abilities when it comes to shoes being marked down, until I realized that I have been following a science I created for myself. In order to make sure that you don’t miss the markdown of Betsey Johnson heels (my fave), here are some tips: Ask a salesperson when the shoes went on display and were received; request a call when they get marked down; try them on so you know they fit; and then jot down the date of this visit. These days, customer service is not always that, so don’t 100 percent depend on the salespeople calling you to give you the heads up. (If they do, then treasure that and make nice with them as you continue to shop there.) I usually predict that in about three to four weeks, these shoes will go on sale if they haven’t sold out, and then another week for the additional 40 percent or half off. THAT is when I hit the racks like crazy. Had I never asked questions, consciously considered seasonal styles and merchandise shipments, I would have missed out on many a deal. Another factor to keep in mind: If you purchase shoes for regular price the day before they go on sale, bring your receipt in as soon as possible and ask for the difference. Most places do this, while others provide a fuss. It doesn’t hurt to try, however. It will only improve your attentive shopping skills.

Budgeting should never be an embarrassing thing to do. It is the smartest thing to do! Even if you have a huge amount to spend with no care in the world, why not take on new practices to save a little? For $200, you can buy a big designer or, for the same amount, you can buy three outfits and two pairs of shoes to match.

Now you tell me: Which one is worth tweeting about?

By Elana Pruitt, ‘Good Girl Gone Shopping’http://www.diaryofapersonalshopper.blogspot.com

I Talk Chic: The Only Way I Know How

I developed my “Talking Chic” column in 2004. This was just after I received my bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in speech communications from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). Yes, I had a lot to say to the world—I mean a lot. So imagine the rush I felt when Kaylene Peoples, the publisher and editor in chief ofAgenda Magazine, offered me the platform to just, well, talk. And talk about fashion; puh-lease add more cherries to that pie!

I worked in the TBD department at Nordstrom when I first started my column. And I clearly recall when I gave my acceptance speech to Kaylene. By myself, standing next to the “holds” in the back office, I felt that this moment was supposed to come my way. I knew that my interest in fashion and style would exceed merchandising racks of new trends and getting sizes for customers (even though I loved it all and still personally shop with women!). I desired the chance to sit with an actual designer and pick his or her brain, asking such as questions, Why this fabric? Why only these sizes? Have you always wanted to do this?

Thanks to Agenda Magazine, those days eventually arrived.

So for the last five years, I have been able to chat about the chic things in life—designer collections, Los Angeles fashion shows, my celebrity fashion inspirations, helping women clean out their closets, social networking, family heirlooms, thrift-store shopping, finding the right jeans—my values of what I consider chic topics to address.

I grew up with this magazine and have gone through numerous life changes! But the one thing that has been constant amongst joyful as well as heartbreaking experiences is my “Talking Chic” column. It has helped me stay strong, become more confident, and accept exactly who I am.

By Elana Pruitt, ‘Good Girl Gone Shopping’http://www.diaryofapersonalshopper.blogspot.com

Elana Pruitt – 5 Years of Talking Chic

“I think having the insight to connect with a woman is built off of how I feel inside. Having a pear-shaped body, it was difficult finding pieces.”—Elana Pruitt—

Since the third issue of Agenda Magazine , Elana Pruitt has been writing the fashion column “Talking Chic.” The column has touched on almost every subject related to fashion with Elana’s perspective and reflects what many of us are thinking. But no one can tell it quite like Elana. Since that Winter 2004 issue, the column, the webzine, and its author have evolved.

“Aaah, the leisurely luxury of online browsing. What was once a pastime for me—you know, like checking a couple of favorite websites to see what’s new—has turned into a scheduled, relaxing activity”

—Elana Pruitt’s first Agenda article, “The Leisurely Luxury of Online Browsing”—

Talking Chic’s topics have ranged from cleaning out your closet to finding the right teeny weeny bikini for every sized woman. Elana has managed to make us feel comfortable about our bodies and think outside the box when it comes to fashion. So after almost five years with Agenda, it was my pleasure to put Elana in front of the camera and ask her a few key questions about “Talking Chic,” and the direction she has taken her career.

Elana is also the owner of “Good Girl Gone Shopping,” which is a personal shopping, wardrobe consulting and styling business. She is also the senior editor of PlasticSurgery.com and Beautychatblog.com. In addition to being a fashion blogger, Elana has a website, which is an extension of “Good Girl Gone Shopping,” formerly known as “Diary of a Personal Shopper.”

How did you get started?

I actually got started with fashion writing . . . you (Kaylene Peoples, editor in chief of Agenda Magazine) invited me on when I was in college. I was at Nordstrom in the TBD and Savvy department. And I started building up a clientele of women who were looking for trendy and modern fashion. So inkeeping contact with her, it just started. So five years I’ve been with Agenda Magazine and that really branched off into other opportunities with various online publications. I felt confident enough to start my own blog, which is an extension of “Good Girl Gone Shopping.” I then moved on to PlasticSurgery.com, where I am the senior editor and writer. I say moved on, but I am still doing various projects at once. So really it started off with Agenda Magazine .

How did you know you had a special eye for fashion?

I don’t know if I ever knew I had a special eye. I just love color! I loved playing dress-up. My mom always tells me that when I was a child, I put a skirt on my head because it was pink and I just wanted to go out in public and feel fabulous, and she let me. I was about five then. Because fashion really expresses your personality, I’ve never seen a limit to that. I never thought there were boundaries and I always believed there shouldn’t be. So it just innately developed.

Tell me about “Good Girl Gone Shopping.”

It’s still a personal venture and is still growing, but it started off by helping girls in the office. At PlasticSurgery.com I always played around with footwear, and gradually girls would come up to me and say, “Elana, I’m going to a wedding. What do you think I should wear?” And I’d throw something out like, “Wear a black dress, wear colored shoes, but throw a clutch on.” Word started to spread, and on our breaks I offered to go with my co-workers to Target and Macy’s. It was then that I started realizing that not only was I helping them, but we did it within an hour, under their budget. Everything we found was on sale. I started to realize that women desired my services. Instead of just helping them in the store, I started going into their rooms and their closets. My biggest focus now is helping them stylize with what they already have, and they don’t need to spend a penny. It’s very exciting now because they now realize that all of their clothes are versatile. Basically go into your closet and play dress up. “Good Girl Gone Shopping” is really to bring out the inner fashionista with no limits.

Let’s say I’m a woman slightly overweight, 185 lbs., and 5’4″. I’m going to a class reunion, haven’t seen my fellow classmates in 10 years. And I’m nervous because I put on this weight. What can I wear that is going to make me look fabulous?

I think for a woman who could be self-conscious about being overweight and she’s going to her reunion, black (to me) is always everyone’s best friend because it is slimming. Of course, it matters what she’s wearing. I would suggest a nice slack and some kind of black blouse and then focus color elsewhere—a fabulous shoe, a fabulous clutch, a cardigan, a necklace—something that can bring the eye elsewhere. So if she’s self-conscious abouther stomach or her arms, play around with other parts of the body. Fancy footwear is so exciting because you can play around with it. And again it brings the eyes elsewhere. I would suggest starting with the basics, a black, maybe a charcoal, a chocolate brown. Once she has her basics, then she can play around with accessories. So I would think a woman who is overweight going to her class reunion should focus on the accessories and the outer aspects of fashion.

You always hear people talking about how you might not be accessorizing an outfit correctly. Would you say that color plays a big role in accessorizing an outfit?

Color and accessories depend on the person’s personality. If a woman lives in black and she loves it, that’s her style. However, a great necklace with some turquoise can really make it pop. I think accessories offer a great opportunity to play with color. It’s trial and error. Someone who doesn’t usually wear accessories shouldn’t just wear a bright pink necklace and just throw anything on. It really takes a lot to find pieces that match who a person really is.

What do you term yourself as?

I call myself a fashion writer because of my perspective of fashion. From that perspective, I have thoughts and opinions, and that’s when I express them.

Highest High

Fashion Week 2006, interviewing a designer backstage. There were a few different situations where I was interviewing Kevan Hall and his closet of clothes before the show started, being on the runway afterwards and speaking to the designer of Single [Galina Sobolev], and when I realized I was among other professionals who are doing what I’ve always wanted to do. I realized it couldn’t get much better than this. I am now speaking to those who also have a passion. Sitting at the shows, sitting in the 2 nd row—I remember there was a time when I was sitting behind Wesley Snipes. He turned around and I gave him my card. I remember thinking to myself, “In college I never would have dreamt that I’d be in a situation where I would be just as important as the A-listers, as the celebrities.” My role was needed there. A writer was needed, and I was there to serve that purpose. I believe Fashion Week during that year was my highest high.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Five years from now I would love to eventually have “Good Girl Gone Shopping” as a corporation. I live in the Inland Empire in Upland, California. I would love to be the “go-to” person for all women’s needs and men’s needs. I have helped some male clients look for suits and look for sweaters. I really want to build that business. That would be my goal to make it thrive. Eventually branch off into the LA and Orange County area. But I’m always going to be a writer. I would like to have a book out where I notate all of my experiences thus far. I have grown quite a lot.

You said you help men with their fashion, too. What’s that like?

Women are a little more self-conscious and a little more insecure with their bodies. One male client I had was leaving for an unexpected trip and told me what he wanted, suits and casual jackets. He gave me the color scheme. I went to JC Penny, found everything within an hour or two. It is an easier purchase because men don’t like to fuss. With women, you have to pay a little more attention to what they’re feeling inside.

What do you do when people are stuck on one color? What advice could you give to help them choose more of a variety?

To really convince a person that a color isn’t that flattering, or maybe they’re always wearing the same color and it’s in all their pictures, I would ask what is it about the color they like? For instance, purple. If someone is wearing that a lot, I’d like to know what is it about that color that appeals to them? How does it make them feel? They can still wear that color by wearing accents of that same color.

You’ve written some really interesting columns for “Talking Chic”: Tattoos, Brittney Spears bald, the teeny-weeny bikini . . . . What has been your inspiration for “Talking Chic”?

At seven years old, I always had a journal. Talking Chic is me talking, but talking about it in a chic manner. That’s where the name came from. I’m assuming everyone’s listening, but it’s more of me getting my thoughts out because I am sure it’s something people can relate to.

Any Lows?

I’ve learned to always do my research before I go to events, interview anyone, or write anything. One time I went to an event and I wasn’t the most appropriately dressed and I actually didn’t know who would be there. I once was interviewing one celebrity and there was a celebrity next to that person and I didn’t know her name. I knew she was a fan of that designer, but I should have researched all the celebs that were fans. Doing your research is number one because you want to show people that you know what you’re doing. You need to make sure that you are doing your all to prove that you deserve to be there. So doing your research is number one.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples