Fashion

After reading Sonia’s wonderful post on Santa Barbara’s must-go beaches, I felt inspired to do a little shopping.  Okay it doesn’t take much to inspire me to shop but this time it was specifically about what to wear to the beach.  Although I’m dreading seeing myself in a bikini under the fluorescent lights of a dressing room, I’m hoping my newly enstated calorie counting and the diffusing glow of California sun will make everything better.  My favorite bikini trend right now is the mix-and-match bikini.  Here are a couple bikini mix-and-match sets I put together from one of the best bargain buy stops, OLD NAVY:

Old Navy Mix-and-Match Bikini Set #1:

Women’s Mix & Match Ruffle-Trim Bikini Top in Spring Valley Green ($12.00)

Women’s String-Bikini Bottoms in Black Jack ($16.50)

Old Navy Mix-and-Match Bikini Set #2:

Women’s Halter Bikini Top in Purple ($12.00)

Women’s Boy Short Swim Bottoms in White ($16.50)

Old Navy Mix-and-Match Bikini Set #3:

Women’s Bandeau Halter Top ($16.50)

Women’s Mix-and-Match Ruffled Bikini Bottoms in Peach Flambe ($12.00)

And for you single-piece gals:

Women’s Ruffled Swimsuits ($25.00)

Women’s Color-Block Bandeau Halter Swimsuits

xoxo, Vanesa

Lately I’ve been spotting a lot of great nude dresses. I always find nude, skin tone, blush dresses to be so beautiful.  They say so much by saying so little.  Remember Carrie and Big’s first date when she wears the “naked dress” and she thinks he’ll always remember her “that way”?  Am I going overboard with all of the Sex and the City references lately? (I’m sorry, I can’t help it.  But it’s the only thing that I can equate to my real life on television, other than the two men with the Asian baby on Modern Family.)  To avoid any Carrie-isms with the “naked dress” scenario, make sure to wear a more demure cut when sporting this color block.  Otherwise people may think you’re actually naked.

A few fabulous nude choices from Asos.com:

ASOS Dresses from Left to Right, Top row to Bottom row:

ASOS Mesh and Slinky Drape Dress ($64.25)

TFNC Scatter Sequin Open Back Dress ($67.64)

TFNC Bead Embellished Layered Chiffon Dress ($67.64)

ASOS Tailored Linen Pencil Dress ($54.11)

ASOS Ruffle Organza Tipped Edge Bandeau Dress ($93.00)

Very by Vero Moda Contrast Tulip Dress ($84.55)

More Nude colored dresses with demure cuts:

TARGET: Merona Collection Beaded Neckline Dress in Desert Sand ($39.99)

KOHL’S: Dana Buchman Linen Dress (On Sale $49.99)

KMART: Speechless Glitter Knit Illusion Straps Satin Inset ($49.99)

xoxo, Vanesa

I had the best time at Coachella last year but due to my overwhelming workload I just don’t have the time, energy, or gusto to make it out this year.  I remember it being a long hot day and the appropriate outfit is imperative for survival.  Here are a few of my favorite Coachella outfits found at Elle.com.  To see their entire album click here.

You can’t go wrong with a sweet and breezy long dress to cover your legs while rolling around in the grass.

This girl must have gotten to the festival later in the day.  There is no way a white dress would survive on me during Coachella. Two hours in the dress would be covered in remnants of margarita slushie, ketchup, and pretzel salt.  I’d do my best attempt to pretend it was some type of Pucci-inspired number.

The floppy hat and indigenous accessories take the classic black and white from the club to the desert.

Somewhere out there is a J.Crew catalogue missing a model.

Somewhere out there that High School Musical kid is looking for his girlfriend.

F-I-E-R-C-E!!!!!!  Bold use of color and a total 60′s vibe.  I want to put on Peter Paul and Mary’s “If I had a Hammer” and jam out.  Love this girl.

xoxo,

Vanesa

I am an avid reader of the blog, The Sartorialist.  I came across this post where he featured the behind the scenes of a shoot he did for Italian Vogue Pelle.  The inspiration behind this shoot was “the cool, blogger girl.” Whaaaaaa?????!?!?!?! (Eyes bugged, eyebrows hinged) Yesssss………(grin of satisfaction.)  So I’ll never be 5’11″, 95 lbs, and perfect bone structure.  I’m 5’6 on a good day, still shedding the 15 lbs I’ve been meaning to lose for the past year, and boys at my jr. high once referred to me as “pancake face”.  But today I have my victory.  Today tech-savvy, neurotic, fashion-musing chicas stomping on the keyboard can unite in glee as we view the shoot to which we are muse. 

Now let’s go enjoy the weekend….

xoxo,

Vanesa

Winter is so easy to dress business casual in.  Throw on a blazer and boots and you’re set.  The spring and summer seasons take a little more effort because they require lightweight fabrics that aren’t too revealing and the daunting task of shaving your legs daily.  Luckily I can always turn to one of my heroes for advice, Jenna Lyons, the genius behind the glory that is J.Crew.  On the J.Crew site they have a fabulous section appropriately titled Wear-To-Work Shop. Here’s how I want to dress to the office this spring:

xoxo,

Vanesa

A friend emailed me an article from New York Magazine discussing the departure of Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy from Juicy Couture.  The two women founded the clothing company in 1994 and it was eventually purchased by Liz Claiborne in 2003.  The financial backing of Claiborne took the already popular Juicy brand and expanded them further into keychains, jewelry, doggie sweaters, and nicknacks galore while Gela and Pamela remained 100% in charge of the creative control of the brand.  But now the two ladies want to branch out and do more creative works in books,  TV shows, and movies.  The New York Magazine writer put out the necessary information on the deal, mainly that the two are walking away with $200 million each, but adds this gem of an analysis:

By TV show, we’ll assume the Post means costuming Jersey Shore. And a book? Well, anyone can write a style guide by copying the most recent one that came out and plugging in different pictures and chapter titles, since from what we can tell they’re all basically the same. But a movie? We guess they’d be the perfect people to dream something up with characters like those in Mean Girls, who will overspend on anything popular without questioning WHY GOD WHY.

The Comments section got even more entertaining with comments such as these:

Dina Lohan is a founder of Juicy Couture? That explains everything!
Don’t let the door hit you on your *juicy* on the way out.
Both of them are sorta gross and precisely why I never (really, never) bought any terry cloth sweats – from ANYONE. Ew.

Alright people, enough of this nastiness! Pam and Gela created an empire, how many people can say they did that. And although YOU may not like Juicy Couture clothing, MILLIONS do…how do you think they got that $200 million dollar check???

I’ll admit the appeal of Juicy Couture has changed in the past few years but I was put off by all the negativity around what seems to be a great success story.  I may not own a purple velour sweatsuit  but I can’t help but feel a spark of “Go Girl” in me when I read of these two women walking away from their brand with $200 million when they started in the San Fernando Valley with $200.  Their original concept wasn’t anything mind blowing…they wanted to make sexy basics that they would want to wear themselves and gift to their friends.  But it was their hard work and creativity that took this basic concept into an international brand.  Gela and Pamela started working out of Gela’s one-bedroom apartment and had a cleaning woman helping them with shipping, the cleaning woman would eventually run all of Juicy’s warehouses.  In doing a little more research about these kick-ass career chicks I found a great quote from them on their success.  Gela Nash Taylor: “…We learned from our experiences, and we were lucky.” Pamela Skaist-Levy: “We weren’t lucky, we worked our asses off.”

So here’s to these two kick ass career chicks, a $200 million pay day, a hot pink puffy vest with “Viva La Juicy” spray painted on the backside, and working our asses off….

Xoxo, Vanesa

The Grammy Awards are music’s biggest night to celebrate.  You would think a community that’s produced such style icons as Madonna, Diana Ross, Cher and Blondie would have today’s artists living up to the fun and whimsy only music fashion can offer up.  Unfortunately I was underwhelmed.  Come on ladies, the Grammys are fun, edgy, rock and roll!!!  I was underwhelmed by what walked down the red carpet.  I love love love Taylor Swift, but really???ANOTHER long sequined gown??  You’re young, skinny and going to be on stage with Stevie Nicks.  Let’s have some FUN.  This isn’t the Academy Awards.  Here are the few that lived up to my idea of Grammy fashion at its best:

Lady Gaga in Armani Prive

I really don’t care for the swept up “Classic Hollywood” look for the Grammys (unless your Christina Aguilera).  Save that for the Emmys.  I want crazy, fun, weird, art!  And this is Gaga, pure 100% art.  I love Gaga and I love that she is apologetically the mashup of Fame Monster and haute couture.  Like her or not, there is no one like Gaga.  (ahem, Ke$ha.)

Jennifer Hudson in Victoria Beckham

Yes.  This is really happening. Marriage and motherhood have done Jennifer Hudson a whole lot of good because this girl is looking amazing!  I was so surprised by her look.  The  toned up body, sleek hair, and the futuristic dress are perfectly edited.  This is how to wear black to the Grammys and how to wear sharp angles even if you’re not a size zero.

Mary J Blige in Gucci

Leave it to the Queen of Hip Hop to bring some flavor to the table.  Finally some COLOR!!!!  Yes I wear A LOT of black, beige and gray.  But I’m not a pop star at The Grammys.  I was so perplexed that all these expressive musical artists were shying away from big bold color.  But Mary never dissapoints.  Mary killed it in bright fuscia with fierce cutouts that my A-cups could never pull off.

Heidi Klum is not human

Heidi Klum is not human.  She’s a terminator and I’m John Conner in the resistance.  Because my body resists to do what Heidi Klum’s has been able to do after popping out 80 kids.  Okay, that’s an exaggeration.  The blogosphere is already running rampid saying that this dress is a bit skanky but admit it, if you were the epitome of the Victoria’s Secret supermodel you’d wear something like this too.  The dress is fun and flirtatious.  It gives us all hope that after marriage and kids a girl can still throw on a mini and sky high heels and kill it. Above all else, Heidi Klum always has a smile on her face and a positivity that transends whatever frock she throws on.  The woman went from “just a pretty face” to television personality, producer and business woman.  Love love love me some Heidi.

I’ll have more to come this week on how to create your party looks inspired from some of the trends seen at The Grammys.

xoxo, Vanesa

After writing about the Soles 4 Souls and Sports Chalet shoe donations for Haiti, I got to thinking about the philanthropic shoe company, TOMS Shoes.  TOMS is a shoe company that works off their mantra of One for One.  You buy one pair of shoes and they’ll give one pair to a child in need.  Started by Blake Mycoskie (you may recognize the famous curley-haired Chief Shoe Giver from his popular AT&T commercial) the line can be found in fashionista stomping grounds such as Neiman Marcus and Begdorf Goodman.  I myself have a pair of their Silver Glitters Classics.

TOMS Shoes Silver Glitters Classics ($54):

They’re extremely comfortable but offer a good amount of support.  Surprisingly they go with a lot of different outfits and I have never worn them and NOT received a compliment.  I went shopping through their site and here are a few more of my favorites.

TOMS Shoes Amigo Fleece Lined Classics ($54) aka warm foot yumminess for cold days!

TOMS Shoes Red Canvas Classics ($44) These will definitely be my next pair!

TOMS Shoes Tyler Ramsey Hand Painted ($68)

xoxo, Vanesa

This post will be slightly different from the rest of the “Style” posts.  As you may have already noticed I typically only showcase items that are less than $100.  But this post will need to go a little bit higher in the price range and believe me it is worth it.  When dressing up to go to an interview you need to invest in a few good office-appropriate pieces.  The last thing you want to do is look like a kid trying to wear “big girl clothes”.  Investing in well-fitted interview clothes will give you a better look and fit making you look like the polished professional employers are searching for.  And when you are looking at the higher price tags on some of these items remember that you will be going on plenty of interviews during school and after you graduate.  If you do end up landing the job you won’t have to go out and rush for work clothes.

A few of my key tips:

• Get one great BLACK suit (blazer with pants or a skirt).  If you can afford it, go out and get another suit in a lighter color like tan or grey.
• Make sure your suit fits well.  If you need to, spend the extra money to get it tailored to fit your body.  Remember you want to look polished, not frumpy or sleazy.
• Bring life to your suit with a pop of color in a bright (but not blinding) blouse or a necklace (you can never go wrong with classic pearls).
• If you plan to accessorize do not go overboard.  Make sure your jewelry is not distracting or frivolous.  You can look stylish in a calm, cool and professional way.
• Go ahead and wear heels, just make sure they’re not the 4 1/2 inch platforms you wear out to the club.

The very first place I head to for work clothes is J. Crew.  Words cannot fully express my love affair for J.Crew so I’ll let the pictures do the talking:

J.Crew’s Super 120s line in their Womens Suiting Department has taken me on many interviews and successfully into the job.

J.Crew Super120s Two Button Jacket ($230) and J.Crew City-fit Super120s Classic Trouser ($130.00)

J.Crew Super120s High Pencil Skirt ($118.00) can be paired with the jacket above if you’re interviewing at a corporate office or it can be dressed down with a cardigan and blouse if you’re interviewing in a more relaxed office.

Here are some beautiful J.Crew blouses to punch up the look of your suit:

J.Crew Herringbone Frances Cami ($88.00)

J.Crew Silk Frances Cami ($88.00)

J.Crew Scalloped Petal Top ($69.50)

J.Crew Tattered Silk Cotton Tank ($178.00)

Once you’ve landed the job you can break your suit up into separates and create these beautiful, business-casual looks:

A fitted graphic cap-sleeve paired with a suit skirt:

My go-to look….Suit blazer paired with tailored jeans (no holes!!!):

For more J.Crew love check out their site here.

xoxo, Vanesa

I’ve been living in shame the past few weeks.  Ever since I moved into my new place I’ve been living out of dusty cardboard boxes.  All of my hats, purses, scarves, camisoles have been scattered around my room in distinct yet intimidating piles.  Last night I finally pulled my sleeves up and organized my closet.  It sounds crazy, but I feel so much lighter today!  This morning I swiftly picked out an outfit, accessories and shoes in one fell swoop.  Since it is a new year and this is the perfect time to organize here are some inexpensive small closet inspirations:

Making use of every inch, including the door, from Better Homes and Gardens:

Nicole Balch’s AH-MAY-ZING closet from her blog Making It Lovely:

The brave use of plastic containers and the color pink from Stacks and Stacks:

Closet inspiration from Lucky Magazine, click on the link to read their “Seven Simple Steps to an Organized Closet”:

Okay enough about the practical…Let’s get our diva closet on.  Here are some of the most fabulous closets to give you something to look forward to….

The closet list would mean nothing if I didn’t start out with my beloved Carrie Bradshaw:

I once read in a magazine if retail shops were celebrities then Paris Hilton would be Forever 21 and Zara would be Nicky Hilton.  Here’s a taste of the more sophisticated pseudo-celebrity, Nicky.

The closet itself isn’t mind blowing but you can bet the clothes inside stylist Rachel Zoe’s closet are “BANANAS”!  Forget the critics, I heart me some Rachel Zoe.  She’s smart, stylish and has built an empire off of her talents. She’s the epitome of the kick-ass career chick.

Now the closets to trump all closets.  They belong to none other than two of the biggest divas on the planet, Kimora Lee Simmons (is she still going with the Simmons?) and Mariah Carey.  Maybe they’re a bit toooooo fabulous but let’s face it, if given the chance to have a closet like these I’d take it!!!

Kimora:

Mariah:

Now my closet renovation isn’t exactly on this level but hopefully this weekend I can get around to taking some pictures to post.

xoxo, Vanesa

There are internships for this?!?!?!  At one point I wanted my entire house to look like an Anthropologie display.  I soon learned that I wasn’t as crafty as I thought.  For those of you UC Davis or UC Berkeley Campus Confidants who ARE crafty enough, or WANT to be crafty enough here’s a posting from the UC Davis TXC and FPS Internships blog:

“Anthropologie is seeking Display and Visual Merchandising Interns for our Bay area stores. Please stop by any one of our locations in the Bay area and speak with a Visual or Store Manager for details. Best time to stop by Monday through Friday between 10 am and 3 pm. For Internship consideration the following expectations are mandatory. You must apply in person to be considered and you must be currently enrolled in college at the time of your internship. Please do not apply unless you have met that expectation. Thank you.”

For the full length internship description read the entire post on the UC Davis TXC and FPS Internship Blog.

Writing this post made me think of all the magical displays I’ve seen at Anthropologie over the years.  After a quick trip through Google Images I found a few photo inspirations:

And while we’re on the subject of the beauty of Anthropologie….This past holiday I was gifted with a Voluspa Candle from Anthropologie and its been sitting at my desk filling the air with all sorts of deliciousness.  Its amazing how the aroma can take me to a peaceful place.  I need these everywhere!!!  Here’s a pic of my candle, Voluspa Goji & Tarocco Orange 3 wick candle.  You can get your very own here at, of course, Anthropologie.

xoxo, Vanesa

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

As I teetered on the idea of flying to San Francisco to celebrate New Years Eve I was taken to a lunch escape, which turned out to be just what I needed.  Royal-T Cafe in Culver City (as described on their own website), “is a playful collision of spaces—café/shop/art space—presented in stunning fusion. An eclectic mix of retail and contemporary art reimagined in the surrounds of LA’s first Japanese-style cosplay café.”  I will say that the food was simple yet delicious and the environment reminded me that “FUN IS NECESSARY!” It was simply delightful from the Murakami prints on the wall to the waitresses decked out in Anime French Maid outfits and of course the yummy food.  I dined on an appetizer of spicy tuna on crispy rice, an entree of kobe beef sliders served three ways with sweet potato fries and finished with a chocolate peanut butter cupcake for dessert! (Let’s see just how many times I post pictures of cupcakes on this site).  That was my first but definitely not my last time to Royal-T.  Hopefully one day I can host a fabulous event in their amazing space!

xoxo, Vanesa

The front of Royal-T courtesy of their website.