Style

Words cannot describe my bitter jealousy for all New Yorkers.  First, you get functional public transporation and Magnolia cupcakes, but now you get to preview and shop the Anna Sui for Target line first before anyone else!!!!  Anna’s line inspired by Gossip Girl is going on sale at 54 Crosby @ Spring in New York starting at 11 am today, September 10th!  The rest of us will have to wait till the line goes on sale online and in select stores September 13th.

The line is inspired by the females of the show with looks being named after Blair, Serena, Jenny and Vanessa.  Let’s start by saying that I want EVERYTHING Blair.  No surprises there!  But what I’m wondering is why everything Serena is black?!?!  And I have to agree with The Cut, Serena’s outfits aren’t nearly slutty enough!  Deep down I wish Anna had done something for Regina’s character…perhaps a blazer with ”The Bitch is Back” in patchwork?  A girl can only dream…

xoxo, Vanesa

Here are a few of my favorites:

Maximilian Sinsteden’s dorm room in New York Magazine

New York Magazine posted this back in May but with the remainder of the UC schools moving in this coming weekend I am re-posting to provide inspiration and beauty.  This is the ultimate example of “Style is not a Luxury”.  Everyone can have style, anywhere.  I’d like to believe that my dorm room style was the female version of Maximilian Sinsteden’s dorm room, but with the mini-bar and Persian rugs, he has me beat.  Boyfriend shut it down in his design of this dorm room.  (Could this be the real life version of Chuck Bass???) View the pictures below and read more about him and his design here at New York Magazine.

Key design details to incorporate into your dorm:

• Bold Colored Walls
• Eclectic paintings/images framed
• MINI BAR!
• Accessories as design (He used ties)
• The magic of throw pillows

xoxo peace and love, Vanesa

Love this mini, mini-bar.

Beautiful ties used as wall decor.

I used black and white photos in my dorm room but I love Max's use of images and wall art.

Words can not adequately describe my excitement over the return of Project Runway!!!! While in college my roommates and I would get together for Project Runway viewing parties. We’d get dressed up, cook up some food and sit around to watch what was coming down the runway. Every season I am blown away by the creativity and passion of these artists. Heidi with her outfits, Tim with his crazy vocabulary, Nina with her faces and Michael Kors with all his trash talking. LOVE! The show has finally found a home on Lifetime so tune in for the premiere tonight at 10pm et/pt.

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