A New Series: {Fashion Fridays}

Given my interest in all things fashionable, I thought I'd launch a new series entitled "Fashion Fridays." From here on out, I will use Fridays to post something having to do with - you guessed it - fashion.

What better way to start off this series than with a posting about new arrivals at Galeana, my store! I promise I won't take advantage of self-promotion every Friday, but given that I got some new stuff in the store yesterday, I thought I'd share it with you, too.

So check out the email that went out to all my store customers announcing our latest arrivals.

Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot

Summer is in full swing here in South Texas and there's no doubt about it:
IT'S HOT.

It's not just any kind of hot, either. No, it's the really bad hot.
The kind of hot where you stare in your closet wondering what you are going to wear,
knowing that by mid-morning, your clothes will be sticking to you.
The kind of hot where you start sweating on your short jaunt from your back door
to your garage. The kind of hot where you have a temporary lapse of better judgment
and allow your 6 year-old to go and see the new "Transformers" movie where the
language and sexual connotations are barely appropriate for a 13 year-old. (Oops.)

Thank goodness Va Va has us covered with their airy and breezy dresses.
Lightweight and cotton, you definitely don't need an occasion to wear these puppies.
Just throw them on with a pair of flip flops for an easy, put together look -
regardless of where your day is taking you. They are perfect for a trip
to the grocery store, your child's playdate with Little George,
or the BBQ/Pool Party on Friday night.

The best part? In Va Va, you'll be feelin' hot (as in hottie)
but still be lookin' cool (as in cucumber).

Only at Galeana.

Happy Fashion Friday, everyone!

The Big Day... What to Wear

On our final day of Birthday Week, I'm delighted to suggest some things that a festive Birthday Girl could wear on her big day. After all, she IS the center of attention and she SHOULD be looking her best. Check out 3 different looks for 3 different types of celebrations!

Look 1:


Look 2:


Look 3:

May you always have the happiest of birthdays!

New Arrivals at Galeana

Here is a rendition of the latest email that was sent out on behalf of my store, Galeana:

Images courtesy of Voom Group, Inc.

Voom was founded in LA in 2002 by Joy Han and her husband, James.
Since then, it’s been a nonstop race of grand (and successful) proportions.
Joy has dubbed her style genre "Twisted Vintage,” no doubt because she uses
vintage styles as inspiration, but adds her own (slightly naughty) twist –
mostly by way of short hems and funky prints.

As you can see from the images above, they are anything but “old era.”
Seeing a need for more diverse product line-up,
Joy introduced, VaVa in 2006. VaVa still maintains the same great style
mantra that Voom was founded on, but it has lower price points.
(And during these economic times, this is something we can ALL appreciate!)

To get a piece of this fashionista’s action,
Vrr-Vrr Voom on over to see our newest summer
arrivals from Voom and VaVa.
Only at Galeana.

My (not oft) dose of shameless self-promotion...

The Hasbeens are Here!

Check out the following email I sent out for the shop today:


What is a hasbeen?

A hasbeen has been inspired by other hasbeens throughout the ages.

Look at the hasbeens of the 1970s, for example. Gender equality took center stage. The Vietnam War prompted deadly demonstrations from anti-war protesters. Mandatory busing to achieve racial school integration threatened our educational process.

Change. Revolution. Evolution.

The designers of Swedish Hasbeens’ have taken note of historic times like these. They know that sometimes you have to move backward to be able to move forward. That’s why they’ve introduced us to their line of toffels (aka clogs).

Today’s designs are based on those original 70’s models that changed and inspired so many. They’ve been updated, though, with ecologically prepared natural grain leather, a material that’s nicer to people, as well as to Mother Earth. They also come in all sorts of funky colors (red and silver are among our favorites). A winning combination, this keeps them relevant for tree huggers and 21st century fashionistas alike. And that can only mean one thing: these Hasbeens are so Must-Haves.

We’re the only ones in town who’ve got ‘em so get ‘em before they are so – uh – has been.

An interesting design note: Swedish Hasbeens were chosen as the trend of the year in Sweden at the annual Trend Award Gala 2008 in Stockholm.

Designer Dish {Amy Tangerine}

Customers at Galeana tell me that part of what makes my store so appealing is that I carry several - what they call - "different designers." It's the "stuff that you don't see everywhere."

Personally, I take this as a compliment. I like that I take risks and push my customers to step outside of their comfort zone a bit. You can go anywhere to buy a white tshirt and jeans, and while I also carry a few of those basics, I tend to lean towards stuff that - well - you don't see everywhere. The lines I carry are more unique.

Having said that, I feel like it's my responsibility to know a little bit about these independent designers. So I thought it would be interesting to share the dish with you. It's about them and by them. If successful, perhaps this will turn into a regular series.

Today's Designer Dish is with Amy Tan. Her line, Amy Tangerine, is filled with embroidered goodness. Mostly women's and baby/children's tees (there are a few accessories), it's sweet, fresh and easy to enjoy.

Below is a bit more about Amy:

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I am 30 years old and an only child. Born and raised in Chicago until I was 15, I moved to Atlanta and lived there for 10 years, and currently I have been in Los Angeles for 5 years. I enjoy traveling and being on-the-go, but can also be happy staying at home being crafty. My two Jack Russell Terriers, Buster and Bamboo, keep me on my toes at all times.

How did you start your business?
It started basically by accident 7 years ago. I asked my mom to teach me how to crochet so that I could make arm warmers for outdoor photo shoots (I was working as a fashion stylist at the time). After wearing them into a store opening party, the owners asked if I could make them some to sell in the store. I delivered them and sold a pair right out of the bag. Three hours later, they called me and said half of them had already sold. After some press and selling to a few more stores, springtime came and I decided to hand embroider some tank tops. Fred Segal picked them up and a few months later Cindy Crawford was photographed in Glamour Magazine wearing one of them. At that point I decided I might have a business and flew to NY for my first big tradeshow.

How have you kept things fresh?
I travel a lot and seek inspiration of all kinds, whether it be from daily life, nature, people or different places, I try and keep an open mind and not follow trends too closely. I just make what I like.

Who are some of your favorite designers?
I love the lines Corey Lynn Calter, Notice, Rebe and Robin's Jeans.

Where else do you get inspiration?
I love crafting, and seeing cute cards and paper products is really inspiring. I think it translates well onto positive and fun tee shirts.

What advice would you give someone looking to start a new business?
I think it's important to take things slowly and day by day. The big ideas are wonderful, but stick to what is true in your heart. Also, get advice from a couple mentors, seek wisdom from them and always be willing to learn from mistakes. I've learned new things every day, and am grateful for those lessons.

And now... for all those proud Texans (or those of you who wish you were from Texas)... check out Galeana's latest arrival:

(Eat your heart out, California.)

Tent Sale @ Galeana

I mean, what Modern Girl doesn't like a sale? Don't miss it! This Thursday through Saturday.


In-store only at Galeana.

Cinco de Mayo

Budweiser has single-handedly turned Cinco de Mayo into a celebration in the US. Though it's not an official holiday in the US (or Mexico, for that matter), it IS reason to munch on a few tacos (if nothing else).

Luckily, we are blessed with some of the finest Tex-Mex in the country here in San Antonio. Whether savoring the BEST breakfast tacos at Cocina la Mexicana (on Fredericksburg Rd.) or enjoying a margarita at Rosario's (on S. Alamo), here are a few outfits that would be perfect for the occasion:

By Day

By Night

All items are available at Galeana (except for the shoes... head over to LeeLee for those beauties).

Battle of the Blooms

Today is the Battle of Flowers Parade. The first one was held in 1836 in commemoration of the fallen soldiers at the Battle of the Alamo and the tradition is still going strong. Schools, banks and offices throughout San Antonio close so that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the day's festivities. There are a variety of participants: high school bands, musicians, members of community organizations, local celebrities, politicians and, of course, Fiesta royalty. It is a fun-filled, family-oriented event.

This is a great place to don a festive outfit. However, because of the hot sun and usually high humidity level, a fashionable and weather-appropriate ensemble can be challenging. Here's what I might put together (sunscreen and hat included).


1. VaVa Voom @ Galeana; 2. blogger's hat; 3. sunglasses @ Target; 4. SIGG water bottle; 5. sunscreen; 6. Belle by Siegerson Morrison @ LeeLee; 7. blogger's bag