OOTD 157 'RED HOT, CUFFED & CRYSTALLIZED'

Hi! Labor Day is kind of a big deal in NY. In Brooklyn, you'll see every flag represented this weekend for the Labor Day Parade. I'm Panamanian and inspired to wear a little red. Almost every flag has red so here goes. Also, if you have cute sneaker wedges, show them off by cuffing your jeans. I just purchased this new tank with lots of crystals and a racer back. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

Tank: Express

Grey Jeans: Zara (straight leg, cuffed)

Belt: Kenneth Cole

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelet: Unknown (a gift)

Sneakers: Nike Sky Dunk (Fashion Week NY edition)

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

OOTD 156 'REP YOUR CITY'

Hi! Some people are infatuated with a city. If you think you'll like it, visit. If you fall in love with it, move. If you have a bad experience, try once more. If you want to be there, go. We are moving this weekend but within the same city because we love it. In honor of that, I feel like representing. Here's a little NYC love. What paraphernalia do you love from your town? Post it and tag me @greenshareen.

T-Shirt: VS Pink

Shorts: Express

Belt, Bag & Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelets: Various

Rings: Various Black/White Diamonds

Earrings: Asscher cut diamonds (JCP)

NYC diamond necklace: Zales

Sneakers: Nike Luna Light

Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana

On Lips: Chanel gloss #157

On Nails: Essie's 'For the Twill of It'

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

Frugal Friday: Poshmark

Hi! Always looking for ways to save, this season I've been telling you about donating items. Some things aren't worth the trouble and could easily be sold. I discovered this new website to set up an online store. Free to join, free to list items! Check out my listings at: poshmark.com/greenshareen 

I will send a link out immediately following this post.

Start your own account, follow me and I will follow back. Let's make our wardrobe work for us a bit. In order to keep the looks fresh, I will be cycling through them every 30 days and taking down old items and donating some. (There are some my sister will steal away with for free, I'm sure). 

BONUS: For reading the blog, if you make a purchase on poshmark from my closet, I will send you a free Shareen International, Inc. polo shirt. Simply mention: blogreader when checking out.

Struggling with what to sell? Revisit my post last Frugal Friday about what to donate. 

Oh and did I mention? There is an app for that? Second row, second app.

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

OOTD 155 'POP OF PRADA'

Hi! Bright colors are another summer staple. Next week I'm discussing what are good colors to buy handbags in and which to stray from. One of my favorite Prada bags are a bright pop of blue. It's a summer staple. Speaking of other summer staples- white bottoms! Winter white is a bit of an off-white almost ivory shade. Today, I'm wearing my favorite shorts from this summer. Also, mixed metals are big this season so my necklace features white, yellow, and rose gold. Here's the look:

Navy draped shirt: Zara

White asymmetric skort: Zara

Sandals: DolceVita

Bag: Prada

Sunglasses & Watch: Michael Kors

Necklace: Banana Republic

Earrings: C. Wonder

Ring: Henri Bendel

Gold Buckle cuff: Juicy Couture

On lips: Mac 'Bronze Shimmer'

On nails: Essie 'For the Twill of It'

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

Weekly Favorite: Bethenny Frankel

Hi! If you aren't a fan of @bethennyfrankel yet- you should be. She started as a chef and one of the original Housewives of New York but what I love about her is she is honest, and real, and tells the truth of the situation. She had a rough upbringing, failed business ventures and has still been able to make a huge success out of her life. She has a new talk show on Fox premiering Sept 9th titled, 'Bethenny'. I will be in full attendance in her audience. (Yes, I'm serious about being a fan!)  I've met her once and read and adore all of her nonfiction books. I also wore her Skinnygirl lingerie once on the blog. Enough about me, read the book and watch the show. Let me know if you spot me in the audience! 

Skinnygirl Solutions is available in the iBookstore and in paperback for about $11.99 and is my favorite thing this week. If you need a little pick me up, start out by reading her other book, 'A Place of Yes!' It's also available in the iBookstore.

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

Tech Tuesday: iPad Magazine Subscriptions

Hi! The September Issue is out. Ever wonder why that's such a big deal? It's the largest issue for each fashions gazing every year including both Fall & Winter fashion. There is even a film about the making of Vogue's titled, September Issue. I get mine inexpensive and early by subscribing through iTunes. It's less expensive, greener and a lot more interactive with extra videos and tips.

I highly recommend them.

Search for your favorite mag in the iTunes Store and if you subscribe, it's much less than purchasing each issue. There are also samples so you can see if you like it. It's fun on an iPad. (And for you NY'ers, you can read offline, in the subway.)

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

OOTD 154 'GEOMETRY MEETS FASHION'

Hi! Graphic print pants are big for this season. It's especially cute with slip on loafers. Today, I'm transitioning pieces. This early adopter graphical print jumpsuit will go with loafers later but since I have to rock my sandals, here is today's look:

Jumpsuit: H&M (read my Frugal Friday 8/23 post to learn how to get it 15% off).

Sandals: DolceVita

Watch & Bag: MK

Star Necklace: Swarovski

Bracelets: Various tennis bracelets, Tiffany & Co.

Rings: BaubleBar & Various black/white diamonds

On toes: Essie 'For the twill of it'

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

Bonus: 10 things to wear before summer is over.

Hi! I know I keep discussing the end of summer and it is not because I'm in a rush to end it. It's because I still have a lot of clothes to get through! You probably do to. If you read my post about what to donate, you know that you have to wear season appropriate items each season otherwise they are in danger of donation! Here are 10 things you need to wear before fall gets here and why:

10. Statement necklaces that are super intricate. Read: the ones you can't wear over a turtleneck because it would shred up the neckline! Also, the ones that catch on your scarves and pull on your cashmere sweaters. Those are made for the bare neck! Wear them now with a tank or with a strong sheath dress later under a coat, that it hopefully won't play chop shop with.

9. Swimwear cover-up's and sheer clothing. My hope is, you've been wearing your sheer and cover up items responsibly. Swim suit cover ups are not dressed for parties, they are cover ups for swimsuits. (You'd be surprised at the fashion don't's that I've seen this summer). Anyway, get you swim cover up's, swim suits and sheer gear out one last time before it is time to lock all of that skin down.

8. Sandals: DolceVita favs, jellies, flip flops, reefs, whatever your choice is- get your last few wears out of these. After this they get stowed for pedicure days. Be honest, how many 'pedicure days' do you have in the winter?

7. Neon! This was fun this summer. Some of us bought some fun colored nail polish and won't feel the pain that much. I got a few crop tops in neon which is appropriate budgeting for something trendy. Some may have bought pricey neon handbags- we will get into appropriate handbag colors to maximize your collection another day! Either way, rock it now because time is not on your side.

6. Maxi dresses. I absolutely live in these during the summer. There are a *few* that still look great under a Moto jacket during fall. There are some that are in such a thin material, it can only be worn in the high heat. Filter and rock accordingly.

5. Summer dresses. These are cris cross, back out (or back less) spaghetti strap (or strapless) pieces that are for the summer. A dress that you can't wear under a coat in line for a party in 40 degree weather without visibly freezing. That's not cute. Some dresses are summer dresses, dig deep in the closet and wear them all now.

4. Crop Tops. Let's set the record straight. This style is for women or young ladies with flat stomachs. Enough said. If you are still in the running, these could transition into fall but not well. They would probably be covered by a cardi-wrap or Moto jacket. They can be pulled off in a chic way with a high waisted pencil skirt or high waisted jeans. For the most part, wear then now and store for next summer.

3. Sun hats. Not all hats but sun hats. The point is to wear them when it's sunny. L.A. Followers disregard, lucky girls!

2. Denim cut off's. Shorts can still work in the summer, leather shorts with tights, dress shorts with leggings, not denim cut off's. Pack those up for next summer.

1. Glossy stuff. Hate to say it but this fall we are going into matte season. Get yourself a matte topcoat and some matte lipstick. Calm down the shine and the glittery body powder, etc.

Summer is ending quickly so get it in!

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

OOTD 153 'FRINGE SUMMER FRIDAY'

Hi! So...you all know that I'm moving!  I'm going to miss our home. This is my husband and my first home together. Anyway, here a few pics of the outside. Closet tour is coming from our new place when we get settled. In the meantime, thanks for hanging out on the porch with me at home.

Fringe tank: Banana Republic

Linen Shorts: BCBG

Fringe wedges: Kenneth Cole

Bag: Steve Madden

Bracelet & Necklace: Banana Republic

Rings: Various (email me for specifics)

Notice the mixed metal bracelet. Mixed metals are hot for fall!

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

Frugal Friday: H&M 15% savings & good deed

Hi! You know how H&M is very inexpensive? What if I told you it could be even less expensive? They have a new promotion called, 'fashion-conscious'. In each store, there is a bin to donate gently used clothing. Something we should all do regularly. Seeing as we are changing seasons, it's a good time. If you do it at H&M, you'll get 15% off.

Questions to ask when making donating decisions:

• if I gain 5 pounds, does it still fit?

• have I worn it in the past year?

• if I saw this in the store right now, would I buy it?

• does it have sentimental value? (Limit 5 items per wardrobe!)

• is it without spot or wrinkle?

• are you willing to invest in alterations for this piece to fit properly?

If you answered 'no' to 4 or more questions above consider donating it. If you donate to goodwill, get your receipt for tax purposes. If you donate to H&M, check your receipt for 15% off.

I will post some items that I'm donating this year soon, you'll see what I'm deciding against as we move into fall.

I did buy this jeweled sweater for the season with 15% off. It'll be in my fall/winter shoot this weekend. Pictures coming soon. Can't wait to show you how I styled it!

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

OOTD 152 'GREEN & BLUE BEFORE SUMMER ENDS'

Hi! It's almost over. Summer that is. So here goes my attempt to wear every color in my closet. Very soon you'll see me in my tradition NY black digs on the regular. This fall colorful coats are a trend so that and scarves will be the pop of color. Anyway, today I'm out running errands so here's a pick in front of a friends' house.

Shirt & Walking Shorts: Banana Republic

Belt & Sunglasses: Michael Kors

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Sneakers: Converse

Jewelry: C. Wonder, Michael Kors, NY Street Vendor

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

Tech Tuesday 'Closet Organization'

Hi! I've received some requests for a closet tour. I'm in the process of moving so it'll be a while. Today, while packing & sorting, I did think about sharing this tech tip with you. I organize my entire closet in an app. There are various apps that do it but I use Bento. It's a blank database that you create for anything. In this case: I store every shirt, shoe, dress and swimsuit, etc.

Bento is $4.99 and available in the App Store. It syncs with the iPad app and Mac app if you purchase those.

Here are the kinds of things I know about each item:

Design, Circa (year I bought it), cost, size, color, dry clean, rating (1-5 scale of how much I love it), pictures of it, is it in storage? This helps me organize and prevents me from buying ANOTHER pair of black pants. I have 14 pairs of black pants according to my database. It is work the first time but then it's fun, worth it and saves you time trying on clothes when you already know your size by that designer.

Hope this helps you use your technology to be a bit more organized. It's helpful as the season changes and you look for ways to get the most out of your items before it's too cold! Speaking of which, I'll speak more about transitioning on this Frugal Friday BEFORE you start shopping for fall.

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

OOTD 151 'ROCK STAR STUDS'

Hi! I'm hanging out on a yacht with some friends for a little end-of-week decompress. Before we set sail, I wanted to show you how I bring bright lights and big city to the little boat. Enjoy!

See-thru, studded,high/low shirt: Mango

Undershirt: Skinnygirl (Macy*s)

Metallic stud skirt & Stud Necklace: Express

Strappy studded Sandals: BCBG

Watch & Sunglasses & Crossbody iPhone bag: Michael Kors

Bracelets: Henri Bendel & Dash Boutique

Rings: Rubedo Rose Gold by Tiffany & Co., black and white diamond bands, white diamond square ring.

On nails: Chanel 'Quartz'

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

Frugal Friday: Rental Car Savings

Hi! How much do you spend on car insurance? What does gas cost in your area? Here it's about $3.99 a gallon. Have you looked into ZipCar? No seriously, you can rent a car for a day for $70. That includes gas and insurance. If you live in a metropolitan area, it may be worthwhile to sell your car and just stick to this plan. There is a small annual fee that most companies get a discount on and then you only pay when you use the car, by the hour or day. 

On a recent vacation my husband and I stayed at the W and they charge $25/night for parking. Well, we rented Zipcars each day and saved on that fee and had the flexibility of driving when we needed the car and avoiding crazy California gas prices.

Check zipcar.com, there is a ZipCar app available in the App Store and Google Marketplace that's pretty fun also. 

Happy Travels!

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

OOTD 150 'COOL COLORED SUMMER'

Hi! It's chilly in the mornings already and it's not even Sept! Well I have a rebuttle- chambray. Also, any light shirt that you can easily roll up the sleeves to show your stacked wrist. Yes, your wrist should be stacked. Don't buy 50 bracelets, just dig up all of the ones you have in the same color. TA-DA! I'm keeping it minimal today with the stack, only 3. I'm wearing cool colors because its my favorite and because its cooler than I would like outside. I am rocking new shades today from the Dominican Republic.They are Michael Kors but I haven't seen them in the US. Yes, today, I was that girl in the subway station taking selfies- but, I do it for you!

Enjoy!

Chambray Shirt: Old Navy

Sunglasses & Watch: Michael Kors

Pants: Zara

Necklace: Express

Bracelets: Cartier & Henri Bendel

Sandals: DolceVita

Belt: C.Wonder

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

On Lips: Chanel 'Deauville'

On Nails: Chanel 'Quartz'

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

Weekly Favorite: iPhone Knuckle Case

Hi! Last year for my birthday a dear friend gave me this case- love ensued! This isn't just a weekly favorite, it's one of my favorite things of all times. I use it for nights out and even work when I'm feeling a bit testy. I get tons of compliments and while I don't know where this exact one is from, I can tell you I've seen it online at www.knucklecase.com for different models and in a variety of colors.

Funky & functional!

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

OOTD 149 'MINT CONDITION'

 Hi! Ever have those days where you are not feeling 100%? Here is my advice: snap out of it. When I'm feeling particularly low, I spend more time dressing up and putting my favorite pieces together. I usually book another hair appointment and change it up to snap out of it. Today, I even went with bright colors. Summer is coming to an end fast so wear that bright colored stuff! 

Hopefully, you will be able to break out of the mood. I'm wearing my favorite skort of the summer to help.

 

Mint Chambray Shirt: Banana Republic

Skort: Zara

Shoes: Cole Haan

Bag: Chanel 

Bra Tank: Express

Necklace & Bracelet: Tiffany & Co.

Photo Credit: www.carlpuentes.com

Make-up: Empress Breeze Beauty Bar (@empressbreeze1)

I hope you have a great day! Cheer up and count your blessings.

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

Tech Tuesday: Global Traveling - SkyScanner App

Hi! As a child, I would spin globes with my finger extended to see where it would land. I would then wonder about that place and hope to go there someday. This app helps me do something similar. SkyScanner tells you what the airfare is from your native airport to anywhere on the globe! This could come in handy when you want to figure out the best time to go to Dubai, (God-willing 2014).

When traveling on a budget, which we all are, this helps you figure out what's within reach. It may be cheaper then usual to fly to Greece this year. 

Happy travels and hope to see you abroad.

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

OOTD 148 'SWIM 2013'

Hi! Here is the bikini shot for the year. Hope you enjoy.

Swimsuit: Victoria's Secret

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

OOTD 147 'SUMMER IN PARADISE'

Hi! Private yacht? Yes, please! Here's a shot from my recent vacation at a private yacht club. We sailed and shopped, it was a blast.

I'm not a sailor but I know people who can sail and I have a bag with anchors and navy knots featured here.

Shirt: actually it's a cover-up from VS

Shorts: Express

Sandals: DolceVita

Bag: Michael Kors

Sunglasses: Chanel

Bracelet: J.Crew

Necklace: Starfish - Aldo

Yacht: borrowed! 

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

OOTD 146 'LIONESS TAMED'

Hi! Usually this lioness is a bit more upbeat. The combo of vacation ending and the rainy NYC weather is messing this up for me. Today's tamed outfit still incorporates green, since it is Leo season after all. The necklace is one of my favorite gems and so are my classic green eyeglasses. Here goes the look:

Tank: Ted Baker

Jeans: Seven for all Mankind

Necklace: Banana Republic

Belt & Watch: MK

Flats: BCBG

Bag: Zara

On nails: Chanel 'Peridot'

On iPhone: Pantone 'Jet Black'

Bracelets: BaubleBar & Vintage Gold Bangle

Ring: Vintage yellow gold & white diamonds

Bonus outfit coming tonight for a post birthday celebration!

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

OOTD 145 'COLD SHOULDER'

Hi! Notice that chill in the air? That's the sign that summer is quickly coming to a close. Work to get through your summer wardrobe ASAP. I'm doing so with this one shoulder fav of mine.

Shirt: Michael Kors

Jeans: Seven for all Mankind

Shoes: Tory Burch

Blazer: Theory

Necklace & Bangles: Swarovski

Belt: Kenneth Cole

Bag: Chanel

Watch: Guess

God Bless,

Green

(GBG) 

Tech Tuesday: JetBlue App

Hi! It may seem lame but one of my favorite apps is the JetBlue app. It's cute and has tidbits about the cities that you are visiting. 

Also great food locations...

They even have fun post cards that you can make. Here's one that I did in L.A. 

Not to mention, boarding passes!

Good times in an app. Enjoy. Also I have a frugal Friday tip coming on Friday that's JetBlue related- see you soon.

God Bless,

Green

(GBG)

The JetBlue App is available in the App Store and the Google Marketplace.