In the Trenches

Recently, I caught a fabulous sale at one of my favorite stores – Macy’s. Even though the Macy’s located at 34th Street Herald Square here in New York can be packed with thousands of tourists, sale-seekers and slow-walking shoppers, I decided to brave the fashion jungle anyway.

For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to visit “the largest department store in the world,” it isn’t for the faint of heart; it takes a die-hard shopper like myself to tackle such a fashion frenzy feat. But boy am I glad I did!!! That day I found a super cute, yet classic black Calvin Klein trench coat for only $106! I was thrilled because the trench was originally priced at $265. Plus, a trench can instantly add sophistication to your look.

As I fought my way in front of a mirror amongst the scores of frantic shoppers to see my reflection, it was love at first sight! I’ve always had a special place in my heart for coats. I don’t know what it is, but a fabulous coat is my fashion weakness. Once I whipped out my Visa gift card (a Christmas gift) to pay the cashier, I anxiously pondered when I’d be able to wear it since it was freezing when I purchased it.

Thanks to the undeniable effects of global warming last week, I was able to rock my new fashion find months earlier than expected. With this unpredictable weird weather, you too might find yourself pulling out your favorite trench before spring officiallly starts. So be prepared!

In the meantime, check these out:


Rampage Alaya trench available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $68


Lauren Jeans Co. available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $169


Helene Berman trench available at Nordstrom www.nordstrom.com for $328


Bebe trench availale at www.bebe.com for $129


Tommy Hilfiger trench available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $179


BCBG trench available at Nordstrom www.nordstrom for $298


Robert Rodriguez trench available at Eluxury www.eluxury.com for $385


The classic Burberry trench available at Neiman Marcus www.neimanmarcus.com for $995 (this is for the true fashionista with mucho dinero)

Meet Celebrity Fashion Stylist Yaniece Piper Thomas


A few weeks ago, I attended a photo shoot with America’s favorite former top model and talk show host, Tyra Banks (for my regular 9 to 5 job). She was extremely down-to earth and friendly just like you’d expect her to be. Not only was she approachable and genuine, her glam squad was too; especially her wardrobe stylist, Yaniece Piper Thomas.

Immediately, I thought that Yaniece would be a perfect person to interview for BGG! Dressed in a funky pink snood cap, cute jacket and denim jeans, the former model-turned celebrity fashion stylist politely and excitedly accepted my interview offer.

An L.A native, who studied merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and once toured the world as a model, Yaniece now works in New York City as Tyra’s personal fashion stylist on her popular TV talk show, America’s Next Top Model , as well as for special events and appearances.

Check out my Q&A with the style guru:

BGG: How long have you been a fashion stylist?
Yaniece: I have been styling for about 5 years. I modeled for about 10 years and then started a clothing line called Liya Cynamone with a business partner. The line was sold to about 100 boutiques across the country and a couple of specialty stores which included Saks and Henri Bendels.

BGG:I know that you were a model before you became a fashion stylist, do you think that your experience as a model helps you in your career as a stylist?
Yaniece: I believe my experience as a modeling and designer has helped me tremendously with styling. Modeling allowed me to see the world, meet all types of people and experience different cultures. Not knowing at the time, I was making future business contacts. Designing helped me learn the structure of garments, learn about textiles and also taught me business skills.

BGG: Describe your personal style.
Yaniece: My personal style is vintage chic…I’m a little funky… I love flowy tops and a cute dresses. I’m 5′ 10″ but you rarely catch me without high heels. I guess it’s the LA in me.

BGG: Briefly tell me about a typical day as a celebrity/wardrobe stylist.
Yaniece: There isn’t a typical day in celebrity styling. But a normal show day is pretty mellow. Morning phone calls to showrooms and designers. Setting up looks for the day and dressing my client for the show. I usually stay on set making sure my client looks perfect.

But some days are crazy…we can start as early as 3 or 4 am to go to publicity shoots then straight to the talk show, then to a special event. My day could end around 12 am. You have to keep in mind my one booking never starts on the day of the event. Typically one shoot takes two maybe even three days to prep then the day of the shoot and a wrap day. When I say wrap day I mean returning clothing and taking care of the budget.

BGG: I know the fashion industry is a tough business to break into, what was your big break?
Yaniece: My big break was working as an assistant with a stylist who happened to work for Tyra Banks and pretty much worked hard and ended up with her job. It’s all about hard work and relationships.

BGG: As Tyra Banks’ stylist, is there anything that she absolutely won’t wear?
Yaniece: Tyra likes her clothing to accentuate her curves..she never wears shiny clothing.

BGG: What other celebrities have you worked with?
Yaniece: I’ve worked with a few other celebrities – Iman, Carly Wilson, Blu Cantrell, Eric Bennett and a couple of others.

BGG: Working with celebrities can be grueling because of their demanding schedules, what do you do for fun and relaxation?
Yaniece: When I’m not working I love to spend time with my daughter and find out what’s going on in her world. She’s a teenager so I get on her nerves. But when she’s tired of me, I love to veg out, go to spas, hang out and have a few cocktails…you know!!!

BGG: I know that you’re from Los Angeles, how is the fashion here in New York City different from the City of Angels, if at all?
Yaniece: In my eyes, the only difference between LA and NY is – Cali is more laid back…we love flip flops 24/7…even when it rains!

BGG: Who are some of your favorite designers? Why?
Yaniece: I really don’t have a favorite designer. Unfortunately, I’m not a loyal customer. If I like It I buy or pull it.

BGG: If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves that every BG should own, what would they be?
Yaniece: Three fashion must-haves that every BG should own are a pair of big gold earrings, a cute black dress and sexy lingerie.

Gold hoops available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $360 (I bought this same pair 2 years ago for less than half of that price so check them out when they go on sale)
Cute black Nicole Miller dress available at Nordstrom for $385. Again, you can find a cute black dress almost anywhere and at various prices.

Sexy embroidered babydoll nightie from Victoria’s Secret www.victoriassecret.com for $26.99

BGG: What’s a great fashion tip that you can share with BGG readers?
Yaniece: My fashion tip is always dress to impress. Even If you’re going to the grocery store put on a cute sweat suit. You never know who you’ll see. First impressions are lasting impressions.

BGG: What advice would you give to other BGs who’d like to break into the business of celebrity/fashion styling?
Yaniece: The only advice I can give to someone who wants to be in this industry is to work hard and make contacts. And if you’re already doing that keep it up your time will come.

Click here to see Yaniece on The Tyra Banks Show!

White Hot Fashions!

Nothing says, “sophistication,” or “style” like a timeless, white cotton shirt. Rocking a well-fitted white shirt can take you from meetings in the boardroom to a romantic dinner with your significant other. This always-fashionable staple comes in many variations and styles and can be worn throughout the seasons.

Tucked under a sleek, professional blazer or paired with wide-legged jeans, a white shirt has a unique way of always making you feel chic and pulled together.

Whether you favor a traditional crisp button-down or a sexy wrap-around style with ¾ length sleeves, you can never go wrong when wearing this classic article of clothing (especially if it has a little lycra or spandex blended with it).

Like our favorite Project Runway style guru, Tim Gunn, says, “A white shirt is a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe.”

Check out some of these fashionable styles:

Available at Nordstrom for $163 (for those of you who want to splurge) www.nordstrom.com


Available at Bebe for $69 www.bebe.com


Available at Macy’s for $42 www.macys.com


Available at Macy’s for $59 www.macys.com


Available at Target for $17.99 www.target.com


Available at the Gap for $42 www.gap.com


Available at Bloomingdale’s for $79 www.bloomingdales.com

BeanpYe Served Fresh & Hot!!

I know that many of you had a merry holiday season with a fair share of good food and delicious drinks, but I hope you’re not full just yet. There’s always room for dessert and pie is always on point — BeanpYe that is.

As I surfed the web a few weeks ago, I came across fellow BG Sabrina Thompson’s jewelry line, BeanpYe (www.beanpye.com). I was immediately drawn to her beautiful and ornate bracelets, earrings and embellished blazers. The extremely unique name, BeanpYe, which was actually Sabrina’s childhood nickname reflects her creative and cutting-edge designs.

With stylish, one-of-a-kind hand-made jewelry and custom-embellished blazers, BeanpYe is sure to satisfy your fashion appetite. Check out my Q&A with Sabrina:

Prior to officially launching BeanpYe in 2005, were you working in fashion?
Nope. I was a television producer working with several major networks in NYC.

BGG:What inspired/motivated you to start BeanpYe?
Sabrina: Several things…the fact that I knew I had a God given talent of crafting things with my hands and it was literally sitting there going to waste because I wasn’t using it. Also, the fact that I was tired of shopping and finding the same old generic looks. I don’t shop at the Gap or Banana Republic type of stores because they are ordinary. I feel that no one person is ordinary so why look ordinary? We all have a special spark or uniqueness about us. Why not create something for the people that express that?

BGG:What does the BeanpYe brand include?
Sabrina: Bold and ornate custom designed jewelry is what Beanpye is known for. Also, by special requests I will create custom designed blazers for men, women and children.

BGG:What three words best describe BeanpYe?
Sabrina: Fearless, funky and exclusive

BGG:Describe the BeanpYe customer.
Sabrina: A confident and unconventional person who approaches life with an avante garde, confident and multidimensional outlook on life. They range from industry executives to young college and high school students. My customers simply aren’t afraid to go against the grain and express themselves through the medium of art.

BGG:What gets your creative juices flowing when designing a piece?
Sabrina: A hot track with a dope baseline from any artist who doesn’t sound generic…some examples…Outkast, Erykah Badu, John Mayer, Nina Simone and more. Also, anything that is moving…the sounds or sight of water, a washing machine, subway, kids playing…

BGG:Has making clothes and jewelry always been your passion?
Sabrina: No. Actually it’s tied roughly about 4th or 5th on my list. First comes working with kids, 2nd writing/composing songs, 3rd is sports, 4th and 5th is creating eclectic social events and fashion.

BGG:Is all of your jewelry handmade? If so, what materials do you use? Sabrina: Yes it’s all either handmade or hand painted. I use everything ranging from acrylic paint, feathers, brass, turquoise, ivory, oak wood to indigenous stones from West Africa.

BGG:What fabrics do you use to create your blazers?
Sabrina: Wool, tweed, polyester & silk blends. However, let’s be clear…I only embellish blazers. I will take a blazer that has already been crafted and basically revamp it (changing the lining, buttons, outward appearance) to make it a one of a kind.

BGG: Is any of your merchandise sold in stores/boutiques? If so where? Also, do you foresee opening your own boutique in the near future?
Sabrina: Actually, as for now…it is an online boutique. I am looking into a few stores to showcase it in only for a limited time in 2008 in New York City; however, I have no visions of opening up a boutique. We are living in an age of major technology and many things are done in cyberspace. It’s all about keeping overhead low and keeping the product really exclusive. So far the online access and communication has been working out just great!

BGG:What celebrities have worn and/or requested your merchandise?
Sabrina: India.arie, Alicia Keys, Vivica Fox, Anthony Hamilton, Regina King, Nas, and new pop sensation Keri Hilson. Also, countless news anchors and entertainment correspondents on NBC, CBS, ABC, MSNBC, BET, FOX, E!, Court TV, CNN and HGTV.

BGG:What do you want your customers to feel when they buy your jewelry/blazers?
Sabrina: Energized, youthful and daring…like they are the best thing since sliced bread!

BGG:What advice would you give to a fellow BG who wants to start her own jewelry/fashion business?
Sabrina: Keep it simple and don’t over think it. Also, you don’t need a fortune to start your company. I started with roughly $350 and I learned out to be resourceful, yet creative! Don’t get bogged down with tons of business plans. I’ve never been one to write down my goals. I keep them in my head because while I’m busy writing it on paper…someone is busy physically making it happen. Keep your goals high yet obtainable and chip away at it week by week. Also, give yourself a break when you need it and remember if it’s YOUR business…the only pressure you put on yourself is the pressure you create. Be easy and have fun!

BGG:I noticed on your website that you travel to different cities across the country showcasing BeanpYe, do you have any upcoming events where BGs can find your merchandise?
Sabrina: As of now, I am finalizing my summer calendar. Being that I am an educator in the NYC school system, I leave my summers free to travel with BeanpYe. I am looking to do several festivals and private show-casings around the country in 08. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for interviewing me!

Glove Love

For those BGs who live in warm climates and don’t have to worry about the unfavorable cold, wintry weather, be thankful! It’s December so it’s freezing in both of my favorite cities — Chicago and New York.

That means layering and keeping my body as warm as possible is essential to getting anything done outside of my cozy homes during these long, frigid months.

For me, the first thing on my body that gets cold are my hands; that’s why I have several pairs of gloves to keep in the pockets of each of my winter coats.

A nicely lined pair of gloves can keep your fingers toasty and fashionable!

Check out some of these functional, yet fabulous pairs of gloves.

Coach Leather Gloves Available at www.coach.com for $298

Australian Ugg Sheepskin Gloves Available at www.nordstrom.com for $140

Isotoner Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves Available at www.isontoner.com for $40

Chain Leather Gloves Available at www.nordstrom.com for $88

Forzieri White Italian Leather Gloves Available at www.forzieri.com for $79

Isotoner Stretch Leather Fleece-Lined Gloves Available at www.isotoner.com for $35

Cashmere gloves available at www.walmart.com for $12

Iman Launches New Line

This seems like a busy week for our BG fashion entrepreneurs. First the Simmons sisters announce the expansion of their line, Pastry earlier this week and now supermodel and fashion icon, Iman, is launching Iman Global Chic, which will include handbags and accessories on Saturday (Dec. 15th) exclusively on the Home Shopping Network.

Her internationally inspired fashion style will definitely be reflected in this affordable line. As we BGs already know, Iman also has a wonderful cosmetic line which she created with us in mind.

Here are a few of her pieces from Global Chic:

Glamourous day planner $19.95

Vintage inspired handbag $54

Gold-toned cuff $49.95

Saleisha Strikes a Winning Pose!

So our BG Saleisha took the coveted spot as America’s Next Top Model 2007. From the very beginning I had a feeling that she was going to win the fashion-focused reality competition. Her bubbly personality coupled with her unyielding drive to succeed made her the top choice for the spot. Although I didn’t like her Bono-esque hairdo, she did have a killer walk that rivaled Naomi Campbell!

If you watched the show, do you think she deserved the title?