Missoni for Target

When the Legendary Missoni fashion house went live with the Missoni for Target line people went mad! They lined up around the block waiting to get in stores and the website crashed for days! Today I decided to play around with fashion and style the 'Missoni for Target - Rose Wine Coat' two ways. I had a blast playing around with different colors and textures to create these looks. What do you think of my styling??

Now if only I could afford those Miu Mui Mary Jane Platforms Pumps!!

Xo,
Vanessa

A Check with Your Name on it????? Cash in!

With the new year we are all forced to take a long hard look at ourselves and the damage we have done to our check books, credit cards and bank statements. Being a giver comes with a price and we all must face the music, look at the red and get back to black. The 'eat, drink and be merry' attitude often has a way of leading us into that over spending territory, leading many people to focus on their finances in the new year. Lucky for you I know of a land where money grows on trees... okay, maybe not exactly, but, I did hear of a place called the California State Controller’s Office. Turns out in the magic office of the state controller there are pages and pages and pages of unclaimed property, and by property I mean CASH owed to YOU. See the excerpt from the website below:

Here’s the deal, if you have ever been included in a class action lawsuit, over paid your electric bill or medical insurance, been a member of a gym that's ripped you off... etc, you probably have money sitting in the magic land of the controller waiting for you to claim it. It took me 30 seconds to find out that I have a BIG FAT CHECK with my name on it just waiting for me to fill out the form and have it sent my way. Here’s why: Several years ago I was a member of 24 hour fitness. They were sued for continuing to charge their members for three months, (or longer), after they cancelled their memberships! I  was notified of the lawsuit but I moved. When I tried to follow up on my money I found out the settlement had been delayed. Then I forgot about it. (It’s been a longggggg time!) Now, thanks to the Unclaimed Property Law I’m getting the money I deserve. 

So, do yourself a favor and check it out. It takes just minutes to search and who knows, you could have a huge check with your name on it!! 

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR YOUR OWN COLD HARD CASH!!

A special thanks to my brother for watching the news and searching my name!! Love you. Good Luck to All!! Xo.

Bling in the New Year

Ready for a magical night on the the town to "Bling" in the New Year. It's time to celebrate the successes and acheivements of 2011, kiss them good bye and welcome 2012!! I have my adoring hubby at my side and my sky-high 'Temptress' pumps on my toes...My golden clutch is packed with my Cannon Powershot, iPhone & lipgloss!! Now all I need is some champagne and a midnight kiss from my sweetheart!

Sky-high pumps in golden glitter are the perfect accessory to glam up my black sweater dress and take me into the New Year in style. They say that what you are doing on New Years Eve sets the tone for the year ahead and if my accessories are any indication of what lies ahead I'd say we are in for a Golden Year where the sky is the limit.



My Accessories are from www.shoedazzle.com
To Join Shoe Dazzle click the link below and get amazing shoes and bags each month for just $39.95!! I promise, you'll love it!!
CLICK HERE TO JOIN SHOEDAZZLE!! XO.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Date Night Cool

After a more than crazy December, (details coming soon).  My Birthday, the Holiday’s & Travel... Yesterday called for some serious R&R with my lil sis. After an amazing day of relaxation, girl talk & chick flicks I was ready for some one-on-one time with my one-and-only! Lucky for me going from “Laid-Back-Lounge” to “Date-Night-Cool” can be as easy as switching out a few key pieces.  I grabbed my fav faux leather jacket, slipped on my *NEW* (to-die-for) Minnetonka Fringe Booties and my Nina Nguyen sliced geode necklace, touched up my lipgloss and was out the door! I love having a variety of these mix n’ match cool essentials & accessories in my closet because it makes getting ready in a flash simple & fun. Changing up your jacket and boots and adding an interesting necklace can change the entire look & feeling of your outfit in a flash. What to you think of my casual cool date look below?

Wanna steal my look??

Top: Marciano Boyfriend Tee (no longer listed online) Similar: HERE on Marciano.com

Leggings: Leggings Available HERE 2/$40 at VictoriasSecret.com

Jacket: Faux Leather Jacket is 'Jack by BB Dakota' purchased at Pretty Please Boutique (Del Mar Location)  Click HERE to "Like" them on Facebook Similar Jacket: Available HERE Jack by BB Dakota on Amazon.com OR Similar Studded Faux Leather Jacket by HERE on Miss Sixy on Bluefly.com

Geode Necklace: is Nina Nguyen (no longer available online) Similar available here:  Nina Nguyen "Blissful" Pendant Necklace

Boots: (Nordstom) Minnetonka Tall Fringed Boot (in Black)

What are your go to accessories to change up an outfit in a flash??


Xo, Vanessa

Breakfast in Bed

Today is my husband's birthday!! And while the greatest gift of the day is for me to have him in my life, I like to spoil him as much as I can... Starting with breakfast in bed!! Nothing says, "I love you", more than heart shaped eggs & French Toast.

Eggs made with Love & shaped w/ the 

Heart Shaped 'Egg & Pancake Molds' from World Market. (Not Available Online)

Similar Available at Amazon.com HERE

Enjoy your day in every way.. Now it's time to shower My Birthday Boy with Love & Affection!! Xo.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I'm Back - The 'Who, What, Where' of Why I've been MIA

After about a two month hiatus from all things social, creative and fashion. (You may have noticed I have not been blogging.) I am BACK. To be honest, I felt as though I couldn’t write when things felt so wrong, mixed up and lost in my life. The past few months have been very difficult for me. I lost someone very dear to my heart. My Uncle (HERE) fell ill and his spiral downward happened completely out of no where. The grieving started the moment he was admitted into the ICU. It was not only heartbreaking and scary but it consumed me. I spent every moment of everyday praying and hoping and praying and hoping and waiting for a miracle. When something like that happens to your family it feels as though nothing else in the World matters. You grieve what could be, what is happening and not knowing what lies ahead weighs down on you like the weight of the World. I spent hours on the phone with my Mom. Every moment thinking of my Uncle and my family and playing over and over every last word that I could remember sharing with him. I cried until I could cry no more... I cried because all I wanted was one more day... One more time to say I love you. I wish more than anything that there was something that I could do to take away the pain that everyone in my family has experienced through out this devastating loss.

Up until the very last moment I held on to hope that things would turn around. When they didn’t and my phone rang, I already knew. The thing is when someone you love goes to heaven you can feel it. I laid awake that night holding in my heart my entire family and I just knew. When I heard the words all the pain and grief that had been building and brewing inside me welled up and burst, flooding out greater than ever before but at the same time I felt peace in knowing that finally my dear uncle was out of pain and finally in a place of peace with my grandparents and other family members who have already made it to heaven. 

During this time of tragedy I am so thankful for the love and support of my husband who was absolutely incredible to me. He was there right by my side the entire time. Holding me when I needed to be held. Giving me space when I needed it. Holding me up when I felt like falling. My Mother and I are closer than ever and spending the time with her that I did when we went to Carson City/Reno for the funeral was such an incredible bonding and healing experience. The things we went through together are memories I cherish dearly. She is such an amazing woman and I hope to one day be exactly like her. She is my best friend and ultimate support. My sister Mariah came with us too. She is my best friend and I can always count on her. We are so close and I can’t believe how lucky I am to have her in my life as my sister and best friend forever. To my Papa, sister Sierra & my brothers I love you all too.  Without you during these tough times I don’t think I would still be here. You have all in so many ways helped me and, to me, you are my everything. In addition to them I have the most amazing extended family, Aunts, Uncles, cousins... who all mean so much to me. We are all so much closer and stronger than ever before and I am so grateful to have such a tight knit family.

Thank you to everyone who in my time of struggle and heartache sent me condolences, prayers and kind words. You have no idea how much just a small acknowledgement can mean the World when you are breaking inside. I am so blessed to have all of you in my life. 

With that, I would like to say that I am in a really good place now. I have worked through the tears and obstacles that have been unwelcome additions to this hard time. Including my husband suffering from a concussion, (Don’t worry, he’s all better now!), the garage door breaking and my senior dog peeing on the stairs, among other things... They say when it rains it pours and they REALLY mean it.  All in all, while I still miss my Uncle more than ever, things are looking up and I am back to feeling like me and doing the things that I love. The best way to get through the hard times is to keep on pushing forward and when it gets to be too much it’s okay to lean on the ones you love because they will always find the strength inside to carry you until you have the strength and courage to take the steps on your own again. It really is okay to ask for help. 

Thank you all, again. I love you so much. 

And to my Uncle who is shining down on us from heaven. Thank you for all that you have given us. Even in death you still manage to take care of us all and show us the light. I love you. Rest in Peace.

Xo, Vanessa

HOW TO: Leopard Print Nails

Leopard print has been popping up everywhere this fall and I was inspired by my friend Amber who took the trend a step further and added the print to her nails. Inspired, I took a trip to Target and picked up the essentials. The result? I love the unexpected pop of print on my nails and it was surprisingly simple!! Here is my step by step guide to bringing the fierce trend to your tips.

Supplies:

7 Way Nail Buffer - Nail File By EVA

Nicole by OPI Nail Treatment, Top Coat Plus

Orly Nail Lacquer in "Rage"

Orly Nail Lacquer in "Flagstone Rush"

Kiss Nail Artist Thin Brush Stencil Kit (Black)

1.) Start by shaping and buffing your nails however you like. I use the Eva 7-Way nail buffer which is awesome! The buffer is easy to use and labeled with instructions to tell you what each section is for. I always recommend using a nail buffer for a professional looking finish. Available HERE

2.) Next paint on a clear coat as a base. I chose Nicole by OPI "Top Coat Plus" Available HERE

3.) After the clear coat sets coat your nail with your main nail color. I chose Orly nail polish in "Rage" a metallic "gilver" (gold/silver) color. Available HERE

4.) Now comes the fun part, Take your darker spot color and make random dots on each nail. I used between 3-5 dots per nail depending on nail size. Don't worry about being perfect. The spots can be different sizes and shapes. I used a bronze-y color called "Flagstone Rush" by Orly. Available HERE

5.) Now that you have your spots you need to outline them to create the leopard look. The Kiss Nail Artist kit makes it soooo easy! The kit comes with 3 colors white, silver & black. I (obviously) used the black. The brush is very thin so you won't have any trouble tracing your dots. Use your black brush to outline the spots vary with 'c' shapes on each side of the dot and tracing 3/4th's of the way around. You may want to look at a picture of leopard print for inspiration. Your black lines should vary in thickness and size. A little messy is more authentic looking. Don't worry about making a mistake.. animal print is wild.. there are no rules!! The 3 color nail artist kit by KISS is Available HERE.

6.) Last but not least, finish with a shiny clear coat to protect your hard work! The Nicole by OPI Top Coat Plus claims to prevent chipping and it really did work wonders. Available HERE

And the MOST IMPORTANT STEP?? HAVE FUN & BE FIERCE!!!

XOXO, Vanessa