January 7th, 2010
I love me a great party outfit for NYE. This past New Year’s Eve I wore a dress by Rodarte for Target and I must say that I couldn’t help but smirk when the cashier said, “Oh you must be one of those fashion groupies that follows the GO International Stuff…”
Color can be difficult to pull off but it is so much more fun than the LBD (Little Black Dress) which I always seem to find myself in. I have a set of colors that are in my “safe zone”. Gold and Fuchsia work well for me, but I’ll guarantee you will rarely see me in baby blue. Not. my. color. Along with my quick and easy outfit, I threw together a quick and easy updo. Quick and Easy seem to be life requirements for me lately. Here is the priced out outfit and a simple how-to on the updo.
1. Gold Tulle Party Dress – Rodarte for Target ($39.99)
2. Snake Belt – Banana Republic ($14.99 ON SALE, link is to similar item not on sale)
3. Sequin Clutch – Vintage hand-me-down from my Momma. Find a similar one here at eBags.com.
4. Strappy Platforms - Forever 21 ($23.80)
My Quick and Easy Updo:
First, it helps that I wore my hair in a messy bun at the top of my head all day. Putting my hair up creates a texture that my naturally straight hair cannot do on its own.
Next I used a teasing comb and hairspray to tease the top of my crown. I then started pulling sections (with my hands not a comb) twisting them into messy mini-buns on the back of my head and pinning with large bobby pins. Do not tuck in the ends of the buns, leave them out and frayed. If you’d like you can curl them with a large barreled curling iron. Once everything was pinned I pulled out two, one inch sections on each side of my head and braided. I placed the braids in place with bobby pins. This took me a total of 7 minutes.
You will most definitely see me in a similar look and updo at another event.
xoxo, Vanesa
December 1st, 2009
A photo of my Minx Nails. You can choose to have all the same pattern but I figured, "Go big or go home."
The other week my nails got Minxed! And I was amazed at how beautiful and fun the result was. For those of you who have not heard of Minx nails you may have seen them on the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna and Katy Perry. It’s a professional nail application of a thin film being heat activated to your actual nail. Lucky for me I had the chance to have TracyLee of Damone Roberts Beverly Hills do the application for me. She is one of the most sought after nail technicians in the world and was flown from Damone Roberts’ New York salon to do the service in their Beverly Hills salon for two days. The process was painless and quick. Minx nails can last much longer than a regular manicure depending on how well you care for them. Unfortunately I’m pretty rough on my nails…constant typing, dish washing and random crafts I find myself doing. I loved the look and now staring at my bare nails I’m yearning for Minx again! This will be a must for New Year’s Eve!!!! You can learn more about Minx at their official website here.
xoxo, Vanesa
Check out these celebs and their Minx nails…
Beyonce and her Minx.
Lady Gaga looking fabulous as always.
August 11th, 2009
1. Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara in Glam Black
The internet is a buzz with this mascara because this is the winner-takes-all of all drugstore products. Claimed to be the replacement for the much pricier DiorShow Mascara ($24), Colossal gives you thick and luscious lashes for only $5.99. I’ve never needed to wear heavy false lashes when using this mascara because I want the weight in my wallet, not on my eyes.
2. Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion
If you’re still paying for a tanning bed membership you need to stop now! Did you hear me? Now! Not only are tanning beds so 1999, they are also horrible for your health and a waste of your precious dollars. Read more HERE and I’ll stop nagging at you. Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion works wonders without any gross smells or texture. Plus the enhancers are made from soy beans so no more crazy chemicals from spray tanning. Slather on evenly to get tan, not orange. Take that, Brooke Hogan!
3. Nivea A Kiss of Rejuvenation Q10
Nivea A Kiss of Rejuvenation Q10 is my lip savior! I’m very bad at applying moisturizer but putting this on is like a daily treat for my lips. The formula is anti-aging with SPF 4, but I love it not only for its benefits but how amazing it feels. The texture is so soft without being too jelly-like. Wear it alone or under a gloss or lipstick before you go smacking away with Mr. Wonderful.
4. Trader Joe’s Lavendar Salt Scrub
The last place I think of when I think of beauty products is Trader Joe’s but their Lavendar Salt Scrub is so good they need to take a meeting with the buyer at Sephora. The natural scrub is light and refined, not chunky like lots of other scrubs, leaving you feeling like your skin has been buffed and shined by Mother Nature. And let’s not forget the aromatic bliss of lavendar filling your steamy shower. It is the perfect aroma to invigorate your morning or soothe you down before a good night’s sleep. Like everything at Trader Joe’s, you can count on a great price for a quality product. Me likey!
5. Wet N Wild Eyeliner Pencil
A girlfriend of mine always had the most amazing eye makeup. She knew the art of colored eye liner, I was more on the side of dabbling instead of mastering (i.e. Sparkle black eyeliner instead of regular black eyeliner). When I finally asked her what product she used I was surprised she was using Wet N Wild, the famous cheap drustore brand. So I refrained. But then I opened up a fashion mag and read a famous actress mention Wet N Wild as one of her makeup bag staples! I pounced. They have a variety of your basic essential colors as well as bright, trendier colors. The pencil goes on so rich and smooth, it doesn’t do the $1.49 price tag justice!
xoxo, Vanesa
