Reflections on the past year, and the new year.

This past year didn't go exactly as planned. There were things that I wanted to do that I never got around to. I was expecting things in my life to get better, and instead have watched them get worse. My job is very hard on my body, and I'm starting to worry how long I can feasibly do this. But, despite these things I have hope.

I am proud of getting my health in order, and losing 40 pounds. I'm not going to deny that the last few weeks it has been on the back burner. I am going to get back on track for the new year. I haven't been feeling great lately, and I know it's because of the junk I have been eating. But, I'm going to party it up, and ring in the new year tomorrow. I need to drink a little too much, and live a little.

I'm proud of myself for starting this blog. It's hard work, and I love it. I may not work in the fashion industry, I have this little space that is all my own. I love talking to other people, and peeking into their lives. Words are so powerful, and reading other people's blogs has really touched me. I've learned a lot, and got to see things from different perspectives. All of the lovely photos I get to look at doesn't hurt either.

This next year I have big plans. I am going back to school in the fall. I am going to continue this blog, and put my all into it. I am going to continue my long journey to a healthier me. I am going to worry less. I am going to take charge of my life. No more trying, no more excuses, just doing.

I hope to look back on all of this next year, and remember what a great year I had.

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

Outfit of the day #7. Love, and Giraffes.

We went to see some family the other day. It was casual, and I got ready pretty quickly. It was a come home, throw on clothes, and go sort of deal. I'm in love with my super old giraffe shirt, and my heart earrings from my Grandmother I got this Christmas.

Outfit Details:

Cardigan- Old Navy. Thrifted.

Giraffe Long Sleeve Shirt- Licorice.

Black Tank- Old Navy.

Boot cut Jeans- Old Navy.

Black Boots- Air Walk. Payless.

Long Chain- Gifted from my Mother a few years ago. It was from QVC or HSN.

Earrings- Jessica Lauren. Gifted from Grandmother.

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

Kristen Dunst casually chic. Get the look for less.

I have always liked Kirsten Dunst. When I grew up she was always all over the box office. Her style always is chic, and laid back. Here is how to get her look for less for under $150.

Forever21.com - Outerwear - Coats & Jackets - 2062098609, $28, Divine Rights of Denim Ankle Zip Skinny Jeans, $25,
Knotted Ankle Bootie, $28, Mossimo® Large Satchel - Blue : Target, $27, Amazon.com: Women's Port Authority Long Sleeve Easy Care Shirt, $21, Forever21.com - Accessories - Sunglasses - 1083216265, $5.80

Oh, and you don't want to know how long it took to find a reasonably priced yellow blouse. I usually don't use things from Amazon because it feels like cheating, and you can't just go to the store to buy it. But, I couldn't find a mustard colored blouse for the life of me.

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

Source for photo of Kirsten: Wenn.com

Thrifty Tuesdays: End of year Net-a-porter sale picks. Designers for under $150.

I saw on twitter that net-a-porter was having an end of the year sale. I took an imaginary shopping spree to find the best of everything that is under $150. I'm not going to lie, I went a little overboard. I also picked a lot of things because sizes are very limited on these sale items. If you have some extra cash to burn this is the time to do it. Net-a-porter has some very steep discounts on some great designers, and some of these would be great staples in your wardrobe.

 Tops
 

Row :1 Diane von Furstenberg Ellowyn silk-chiffon vest, $150, Diane von Furstenberg Cleland silk-chiffon blouse, $147,  Vix Santorini printed kaftan, $98, Alice + Olivia Keren sequined silk top, $146, Juicy Couture Velour striped sweater, $96, DKNY Cashmere and silk-blend intarsia sweater, $98
Row 2: Milly Embroidered linen-blend top, $90, MICHAEL Michael Kors Embellished silk tank, $90, Paul & Joe Sister Ekuyere beaded cotton shirt, $90, Diane von Furstenberg Cotton-blend short sleeve shirt, $90, T-Bags Batwing blouse, $85, Sandro Capricieuse denim shirt, $84
Row 3:Maje | Tumulte eyelet cotton-blend blouse | NET-A-PORTER.COM, $80, Juicy Couture Pintucked cotton shirt, $80, Lotta Stensson Tie-dye jersey tank, $74, Maje Trio satin-twill blouse, $74, T-Bags Zebra-print jersey tank, $72, Lotta Stensson black and white Tie-dye jersey tank $63, J.Crew Ruffle-neck silk top, $59
Row 4: VPL Strainer tank top, $58, Adidas by Stella McCartney Trapeze jersey tank, $53, Splendid Military-style cotton shirt, $53, Splendid Striped-knit sweater, $52, J.Crew Purple Button-down cotton shirt, $24, J.Crew Olive Button-down cotton shirt, $24

Jackets and Cardigans

Row 1: J.Crew Todd wool and silk-blend jacket, $150, J.Crew Sasha Glen wool-blend peacoat, $120, J.Crew Sally mohair-blend cardigan, $120, Juicy Couture Padded polyester gilet, $115, Splendid Vintage Sherpa jersey parka top, $96, Splendid Cotton-twill military-style tunic, $70

Row 2: Juicy Couture Wool bow-embellished cardigan, $96, J.Crew | Courtney wool-blend cropped jacket | NET-A-PORTER.COM, $92, Juicy Couture Cotton-twill military jacket, $90, DKNY Silk and cashmere blue cardigan, $98, DKNY Silk and cashmere purple cardigan, $98, Splendid Striped cotton-blend cardigan, $46
Row 3: Juicy Couture Beaded hooded velour top, $80, Juicy Couture Logo-embellished velour track top, $78, Juicy Couture Striped cotton-jersey cardigan, $75, Splendid Drape-front jersey cardigan, $44, J.Crew Valentina cashmere mustard yellow cardigan, $64, J.Crew Valentina cashmere navy blue cardigan, $64

Dresses

Row 1: Diane von Furstenberg Swaied seersucker-satin dress, $150, Theory Madelina abstract-print stretch-jersey dress, $148, Elizabeth and James Laurent linen and cotton shirt dress, $146, DKNY Strapless shantung dress, $110, Paul &  Joe Sister Beldenui belted wool-blend dress, $130, Diane von Furstenberg Edyth printed silk dress, $138

Row 2: Aminaka Wilmont Fine jersey dress with twisted neckline, $144, Maje Amiable silk print dress, $143, Bassike Organic cotton tank dress, $57, T by Alexander Wang Black Jersey mini dress, $77, T by Alexander Wang Gray Jersey mini dress, $77, L'Agence Crepe belted dress, $105

Row 3: Juicy Couture Floral-print silk-blend dress, $125, Maje Ava silk-chiffon dress, $125, Splendid Jersey wrap dress, $98, Paul & Joe Sister Elisabet wool-blend tunic, $90, Ksubi Stretch-knit striped-effect dress, $95, T by Alexander Wang Ponte zipped jersey dress, $73
Row 4: Acne Lifetime Rib cotton tank dress, $75, Paul & Joe Sister Flower print silk dress, $143, Chinti and Parker Organic Black cotton tiered dress, $74, Chinti and Parker Organic Blue cotton tiered dress, $74, Tucker Printed silk-satin mini dress, $105, Chinti and Parker Striped organic cotton dress, $68

Pants, Jeans, and Skirts

Row 1: Current/Elliott The Captain Trouser cotton pants, $51, J Brand 901 DARK BLUE low-rise legging-style jeans, $144,  J Brand 901 FADED GRAY low-rise legging-style jeans, $144, Citizens of Humanity Phantom mid-rise ankle-length jeans, $123, MiH Jeans Vienna low-rise corduroy skinny jeans, $56, Splendid Cotton-twill skinny pants, $52

Row 2: Ksubi Striped stretch-jersey leggings, $46, 7 for all mankind Mid-rise jeans-style leggings, $90, Superfine Jeannie low-rise cropped jeans, $87, L'Agence Ultra-lightweight corduroy pants, $83
Row 3: T by Alexander Wang Stretch-jersey skirt, $63, Splendid Cotton-blend mini skirt, $28, Sandro Jacardy lace and chiffon mini skirt, $110, MICHAEL Michael Kors Coated cotton-blend tulip skirt, $42, Maje Staletta houndstooth mini skirt, $113
Row 4: Tibi Printed silk mini skirt, $115, D&G Sequin-embellished crepe mini skirt, $150, James Perse Wrap-front jersey mini skirt, $95, James Perse Stretch-cotton skirt, $74

So what's your favorite piece?

With all my heart,

<3 Vanessa

Outfit of the day #6. I survived Christmas.

I've survived the holidays! We went out for a nice dinner, and relaxed yesterday. We watched Get Him to the Greek, drank wine, and ate chocolate cake. It was a nice lazy Sunday before going back to work. I think my New Year's resolution will be to wear less jeans. I need to mix it up with dressier pants, skirts, and dresses. I need to break out of my shell of only jeans.

 

Outfit Details:

Splatter Paint Top- Vanity. (gift from Christmas)

Pink Tank- Old Navy.

Wide Leg Jeans- Old Navy.

Black Boots- Air Walk. Payless.

Earrings- Wal Mart.

Lip Stick- Mary Kay Signature Creme Lipstick in Sunset

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

Outfit of the day #5. Double dose. Christmas Eve, and Christmas.

The last two days have been fun, and exhausting. Christmas Eve we went, and spent time with my boyfriend's family. We spent a few hours laughing, playing apples to apples, munching on yummy foods, and generally just appreciating each other. I love that when I left, I wish I would have stayed longer. After that I went to my side of the family's Christmas Eve get together.

My boyfriend's little sister who is just 11 did something pretty amazing. She took a gift given to her to spend on herself, and bought everyone Christmas gifts. It is stuff like that makes me remember what Christmas is all about. Kids don't leave anyone out, and just want to see someone smile. They show you how over the years we can become selfish, and lose sight of everything. It made me realize we really need to spend more time with them. The kids won't stay young forever. Don't you wish you could bottle that innocence, and hope up?
 

 Christmas Eve

 

Outfit Details:

Cardigan- Axcess. Thrifted.

Shirt- Mossimo. Target.

Black Tank-  Old Navy.

Bootcut Jeans- Old Navy.

 Owl Printed Slip-on Shoes- Keds. Journeys.

Eyeshadow- CVS palette (here)

Christmas Day

Outfit Details:

Black Sequin Blazer- Selene Sport. Burlington.

 Purple Top- Old Navy.

Flare Jeans- Arden B. Thrifted.

 Shoes- Airwalk. Payless.

Necklace- Gift from my mother from years ago. It's a very long chain layered.

Eyeshadow- CVS palette (here) 

With all my heart,

<3 Vanessa

Links à la Mode (12-23-2010)

Links à la Mode is done weekly by heartifb.com/. 

It is a web based community of independent fashion bloggers.

Flash Forward

Edited by: Holier than Now

With  mere days left in 2010, it's time to make that *other* holiday list and  check it twice.  Continuing last week's countdown to a beautiful new  year, our favorite bloggers create a veritable "gift list" of tips,  suggestions, and inspiration.  In those lazy days before work and school  start up again, peruse ways to end the holidays on a charitable note,  own your own greatness, own less stuff, make more money, and build a  better blog.  It's enough to make you put down your hot chocolate and  get started on 2011 already!

Links à la Mode: December 23rd

• Awakened Aesthetic: Fashion Inspiration (and Nostalgia) from Shel Silverstein
• Bon Bon Rose Girls: Lace: The Alternative to Sparkle
• Brunette Blogging: Holiday Season Survival Guide
• Button Owl: The Intricacies of Male Heartbreak
• Dramatis Personae: Black Swan: A Glimpse at the Costumes and Artwork, plus an Interview with Make-up Artists
• Grit and Glamour: 12 Days to a Better Blog in 2011
• Holier than Now: Toxic Friendships: Ditch that B*tch for 2011
• Honey Pie: New Year, New Beginning, New Hairdo
• Love Brown Sugar: Turning Hobbies Into Hustles for Extra Cash in 2011
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Negative Reviews and Feedback on Companies - Join the Debate
• Liv Lux Mag: 5 Tips to Get Shopping Done Fast
• Lust Love Lose: Making a Vintage Bag New Again
• Misplaced Sequins: A Simple Staple for the Vintage-Modern Mix
• Perfect Midnight: A Touch of Faith, Hope and Charity for This Season
• Searching for Style: Real Women Belong in Real Life: Exploring Solutions for Diverse Model Casting
• Soy Child: You're Not Stuck Up if You're Great: A Self-Esteem Lesson
• Style Bizarre: Fashion is Overwhelming. Are You Staying True to Yourself?
• Tres Fly: 5 Wardrobe Staples
• View from 5 ft 2: Wedding Attire Do's and Don'ts
• Yeah It's Shyy: Is Change Good?  A Look at One Designer's Evolution

With all my heart,

<3 Vanessa

Presents, and Anniversary's.

Yesterday I wrapped a ton of presents, put up the tree, and decorated. I had to do a little shopping, and ended up forgetting some things. So that means I have to go get stuff today. I really hope the store isn't too  packed. Then I finally crashed at like 2 in the morning, and went to bed.

Today is actually my 4 year anniversary with my boyfriend. Yesterday was supposed to be going out to dinner, and seeing a movie. I kind of knew that it probably wasn't going to happen because we had too much left to do. I was already exhausted from work, and doing everything else yesterday didn't help. We rescheduled our plans for the day after Christmas. We are going to see Morning Glory, and I'm not sure where we are eating yet. While we don't get to usually spend our anniversary alone, we do get to spend it together. That is all that really matters, that were together, and I'm thankful for that.

This is from our Christmas together.

It's old but one of my favorite photos of us.

With all my heart,

<3 Vanessa

Eyeshadow palette at CVS for $4.99.

I had some Extra Care Bucks from CVS and I wanted to spend them. I found this cute 55 eyeshadow palette for $4.99. I was surprised at the pigmentation, and it ended up being a really good buy. There are metallic colors, shimmers, matte, and some with lots of glitter. All the swatches are starting from the first left row moving to the right. I hope this helps you guys.

 

What it looks like with the cover on.

 What it looks like with the cover off.

(I took my swatches from left to right)

Row 1

I love the pigmentation of these.

Row 2

 Great row. I use a lot of greens, and yellows.

 Row 3

Lots of great highlight colors.

Row 4

 I love all these golds, and yellows.

 Row 5

The first one on my thumb will be a great highlight color.

The rest aren't pigmented as much as I would like.

 Row 6

Better pigmentation of the pinks, and purples in this row.

Row 7

 The teal on my index finger is one of my favorites.

Row 8

 I will get a ton of use out of these greens.

 Row 9

I was kind of disappointed in the blues. They are all almost too similar.

Row 10

The black in this is really awesome. I really love the white too.

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

Ashley Simpson flirty in floral. Get the look for less.

Get this look for less than $150, head to toe.

Plush cotton blend coat with belt, $40

Jersey Floral Print Dress, $14
Sheer Lace Slip, $13
Compact Shoulder Bag $28
Forever21.com - Shoes -Blue Booties, $31
Basic Footed Tights $6.50
Burnished Metal Weave Ring, $3.80
Peralescent Stud Set, $1.50

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

Thrifty Tuesdays. Last minute affordable holiday gift guide edition.

I know there are plenty of last minute shoppers out there. Now that we are really down to the nitty gritty, don't panic. Oh, and that was definitely a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy reference. No really though they are just gifts. There is no reason to stress yourself because of giving someone a gift. Here are some easy, and quick ideas. Everything is from Target, in stock online , and has good reviews.

Toddlers' Elmo Socktop Slippers - Red : Target, $5.99, Toddler Paul Frank Socktop Slippers - Red : Target, $7.99,  Boy's Batman Batmobile Slipper - Black : Target, $10,   Girls' Cameria Fleece Scuff Slippers - Pink : Target, $7.99,  Women's Chaia Suede Moccasin Slippers-Tan, $16.99, Women's Isotoner Calandra Scuff Slippers - Black : Target, $11,   Men's Carlo Suede Moccasin Slippers - Tan : Target, $17,   Youth/Women's Paul Frank Scuff Slippers - Pink : Target, $8.99,  Men's Dedrick Fleece Scuff Slippers - Navy : Target, $6.98,  Men's Carlo Suede Moccasin Slippers - Tan : Target, $17

Slippers, work for just about everyone. You only need to know around their shoe size. Nice slippers are good to have, everyone needs them. My favorite pair have a rubber sole, so if your only going outside for a second, like to get your mail, it's nice to have. If you are getting slippers for kids there are a lot of cute ones out there.

Boys' Outerwear Toy Story Abyss Hat and Glove Set : Target, $12,  Boys' Outerwear Cherokee® Java Black Fashion Hat 8-16 : Target, $7.99,  Girls' Outerwear Cherokee® Purple/Black Fleece Beanie Hat Gloves And..., $15,  Girls' Outerwear Cherokee® Fushia Fleece Beanie Hat Gloves And Scarf..., $15,  NHL Sports Scarf Collection : Target, $20,  Boston Red Sox Scarf : Target, $20,  Mossimo Supply Co. SCARF BLUE DOUBLE KNIT : Target, $17,  Merona Scarf and Glove Set- Pink, $10,  Muk Luks® Houndstooth Fur Scarf - Black/White : Target, $25,  Women's Mossimo Supply Co. Fur Neckwrap - Brown : Target, $25

Scarves, hats, and gloves. A set can work really well as a gift. There are tons of options out there, and again it will work for all age groups, and genders. To personalize something like this, get someone's favorite color, sports team, or pattern you think they would love.

Pixi Wakeup Kit : Target, $29,  NP SET Jet Set 1.39OZ : Target, $32,  Hello Kitty 13-pc. Gift Tote : Target, $9.99,  Sonia Kashuk How to Create a Smokey Eye 03 : Target, $20,  Sonia Kashuk dripping in diamongs brush set, $22,  Yes to Carrots Naughty by Night 4-pc. Lip Set : Target, $13,  e.l.f. Mineral Starter Kit - Light : Target, $20,  e.l.f. Mini Makeup Collection : Target, $15,  e.l.f. Large Makeup Collection : Target, $40

Make-up palettes, and sets. These are for the ladies only, but are such a great gift for a make-up junkie. They are also great for someone jsut starting out as well, and price ranges really vary. E.l.f. is one of the most affordable brands at Target, and the quality is awesome as well!

SteamFast Compact Fabric Steamer - SF-435W : Target, $25,  Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso Machine : Target, $25,  Presto® Fry Daddy® Deep Fryer : Target, $30,  Oster Fondue Pot : Target, $30,  Nesco Snackmaster Entrée 5-Tray Dehydrator - FD-35 : Target, $40,  George Foreman Champ Grill - Black (36 ) : Target, $16,  Black & Decker Family-Size Griddle : Target, $20,  Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker : Target, $30,  Oster Belgian Waffle Maker - Chrome : Target, $20

Home electronics, and appliances. These can be trickier, but it's fun to get something you might not buy for yourself. Like a steamer to save time, and make your clothes fresh. A simple espresso machine, for making your own tasty concoctions. A dehydrator is great for a health nut to make tasty snacks. Or even a George Foreman grill for someone going away to college. Oh, and how cute are the ice cream makers? I love the colors of them.

Digital Décor 7" LCD Slim Digital Photo Frame (A60P0774) - Black  $30,  Nikon Coolpix S4000 12MP Digital Camera with Touch Screen Display, 4x , $130,  Vivitar HD Camcorder (DVR910B-TA) with 32MB Internal Storage - Blue, $70,  Kodak EasyShare 12.0MP Digital Camera - Blue (M530) : Target, $80,  Hello Kitty Sleeping AM/FM Clock Radio with Night-Light - KT2052, $20,  Sandisk Sansa Clip 4GB Flash MP3 Player (SDMX18R-002GK-A57F) - Black, $43,  Garmin nüvi 265W Portable Widescreen GPS Navigation System with 4.3", $100,  Philips 7" Portable DVD Player (PET741) - Black : Target, $55,  Polaroid HD Camcorder (DVF-720SC) with 32MB Internal Storage - Silver, $90

Small electronics. Now these bad boys are a little more expensive. But, you can find them just about anywhere now a days. All of these items have great reviews on Target.


With all my heart,

<3 Vanessa

The Lucky Shopping Manual. A must have for your closet.

 I don't know why I always thought everyone in the fashion community knew about this book. The Lucky Shopping Manual is one of my favorite books for building your closet. It is a step by step guide for everything in you need in your closet. It was first published in October of 2003. Even though it is over seven years old it is just as current today as it was in 2003. I bought mine for $1 at Half Price Books. Places like Amazon.com have tons of used ones as well. Here is a link to the book on Amazon.com The Lucky Shopping Manual..

Mine is a little dirty, and well loved.

Each of the 14 chapters will give you tons of tips and tricks. The first page of each chapter shows you the different types, and cuts of the garment(s). Then they give you fit, and styling tips on how to wear them. Next they will tell you how to style it for your shape, and what will look best on different body types. Such as an a-line skirt being universally flattering. Then it covers how many of an item you may need. If your starting to build a closet, it will help you not go overboard.They also show you how to bring garments from season to season, and how to style one item multiple ways. At the end of each chapter they cover what to look out for while you are shopping for a garment. These tips will help you look great, regret less purchases, and use your closet's full potential.

Under each photo is the cut.

 

This is the page that tells you how many of a garment you may need.
It also covers how many types of a garment for each season.

 

I love this part, it show you how to remix things!

 

 

I think this is a great starting point for building your closet. It also puts you in check. Do you really 20 white shirts? No you don't. This book tells you what you need in your closet, and how to wear it. Oh, and if your looking for a last minute gift for someone, it makes a nice gift too!

On a completely unrelated note. My boyfriend, and I totally got our cats a raincoat at the dollar store. It only fits our skinny cat.

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa