Category — fashion

Jared Leto winning his Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club. He got his looks from his mama.

Besides daisies, plaid and 90′s nostalgia becoming all the rage, everyone is all about Jared Leto and his lustrous manlocks.  For those of us who are  old young enough to remember, his claim to fame was starring as Jordan Catalano on my So-Called Life.  He was the quintessential aloof pretty boy leaning on walls, distracted, being reallyx3 attractive from all angles, object of Angela Chase’s unrequited love and the bad boy of our collective dreams.  He had a few years where he pursued his music with 30 Seconds to Mars and we all forgot what a sexy babe he is.

But he’s been drinking the blood of innocents and that’s what you look like when you’ve made a pact with Beelzebub.  Some of his memorable looks today and yesterday.  Enjoy!

Jordan Catalano: “You could, have sex with me though…” {Angela laughs} “…if you really want to help.” {Angela gets up, laughing} “I guess that’s a ‘no’?”

Rockstar commitment: Not long ago, Jared had a pink Mohawk. Here he is performing in Wales with 30 Second to Mars circa 2010.

Real men wear buns, not of the ballerinka variety. Jared chez the Golden Globes

Dress it up or dress it down…it still look fiiiiine. Jared as beachbum Jesus rocker. Whoever is conditioning his hair right now, “BRAVO”

You’re welcome.

Vogue Beauty: We all aspire to younger more beautiful skin. Sometimes less is more!

There a long-standing joke that I age backwards, so I refer to myself as Benjamin Button.  In my current arsenal of age-defying beauty secrets are Oils.  With their numerous minerals and natural properties, oils are fast becoming a trending alternative to common products.  I test a variety of products to see what works best for my hair and skin type but here are a few of my faves.

Ojon Rare Blend Oil – I brought this with me to Costa Rica and would apply it to my wet hair in the afternoons. Obsessed with the fragrant smell and moisture boost which made my locks lustrous.

Morroccan Oil – I also love the tiny travel size. You only need a dime size dollop which you can run through your hair, focusing on ends for maximum shine. Be careful not to apply too much as you can get a greasy effect.

Julep Bare Face Oil – I typically wear makeup so I use this facial oil after a green tea scrub. It removes excess makeup and leaves my skin with radiant glow. There is also a subtle hint of citrus which I enjoy.

The biggest thing I noticed about using oils is that they feel fresh and natural.  With my skin when it’s behaving nicely, I don’t need to wear much makeup.  Do you use any beauty oils that you think are the bomb-diggity?  I would love to know. xo

This pullover tells you how I feel about life — WearMeGear Carpe Diem! Seize the day, not to be confused with Carp diem (fish of the day)

As a full-time fashionistah, I like to incorporate thoughtful styling into all my outfits.  This includes my leisure and activewear.  Yes, I admit it. I am that girl.  During a yoga class, a friendly stranger has commented, “Your pullover matches your yoga mat.”  Ahhh, very perceptive.  And while on travels, “Hey cool sneakers.  They match your backpack.  That’s tight.”  I was a lil’ bit embarrassed by that one.

Right now, I’m crazytown about having just the right Yoga wear.  Yes, Lululemon is de rigeur but I’m talking about indie, creative, unique objets d’art to wear to and from and whilst juicing post-downward dog.  I found many beautiful clothes and accessories on Etsy and I thought I would share them with you.  Sharing is caring.

Grace and Lace ombre legwarmers because sometimes it gets cold when you are doing Restorative.

Always looking for ways to stave off the evil eye — Hamsa leggings from Grizzy Love

Harem pants are tough but when the shape isn’t too baggy and it has the most brilliant pattern, I encourage this fashion risk taking in your active wardrobe. These ones are from Labhanshi

For those times when you can’t resist a little pop and lock. Gotta Dance tank top from Enter The Sun

Are you just happy to see me or are those elephants on your leggings? These hand-dyed batik leggings from Baganus are sooo one of a kind.

Hello dearies, Are you having a very merry holiday thus far?  Are you snuggling by the fire roasting marshmallows while it’s snowing and freezing rain?  Are you dancing around your living room in your fluffy slippers and legwarmers to indie covers of Christmas classics?  Just moi!

Vintage Cherry Dress: I bought this at I Miss You Vintage but I never wore it. Could be yours!

To thank you for your continued love and support, click on the link below to get a free giftcard from The Love Collage and Trend Trunk.  You can also peruse my closet for goodies by clicking on the Trend Trunk badge on the left under “SHOP MY CLOSET.”  Click here: https://www.trendtrunk.com/mystery/the-love-collage xo Vanessa

Michael Kors boots with 100% proceeds going to The Corsage Project

“Hey girl, can we cuddle yet?” Ryan Gosling notebook. He always knows what to say.

Did I ever tell you about the time, this random guy yelled at me on the street, “Do you like hip hop?” I pretended I didn’t hear him because I was wearing giant earmuffs.

This is kind of a continuation post of my Holiday Gift Guide 2013.  I reallyx3 put the brakes on my OOC tendency to buy “one for you, one for me” when Christmas shopping.  My Christmas tree and décor went up mid-November so I have been enjoying the lights, baking for friends, attending socials and wrapping gifts.  In an effort to share some delightful gift ideas and live cyber vicariously through my blog, here are more fun ideas to help you through your holiday shopping…

J.Crew Flower Latice Necklace: Sometimes I see girls around the office wearing the most amazing statement necklaces and I’m not gonna lie, I’m kind of jalouse (jealous in French).

And for the more decadent bon-vivants in your life, some gifts which are worth the splurge!

Lately, I’ve been sporting vibrant redlipstick to work and to parties. I love the creamy texture of NARS — the shades of Manhunt and Red Lizard make ‘em stop and stare. Trust.

My champagne of choice is Moet but Veuve makes some very nice holiday giftsets. Check out these mini champagne bottles that you can give out to friends with colourful straws for a NYE part-ay! Go socialite!

For the gourmands who could use a bite to go with their giant glass of wine…

Mmmm. I discovered Coach House Shortbread at The One of a Kind Show. They make the most delicious sweet and savoury flavours of shortbread and wrapped so beautifully. Image c/o BlogTO

Bergdorf Goodman gives us spectacular Christmas windows. A girl can dream!

I woke up super-early on Saturday morning, even though the night before warranted a proper sleep-in until noon.  But I had a singular purpose in mind and that was to do all my holiday shopping before the madness descended on the mall.  And I can dutifully report, “Success!” 

Here are some of my tried and true ways to keep your sanity and give them what they want, what they reallyx2 want this holiday season:

• Make a list & check it twice – Now that I’m older and wiser, I have no time for diddly dadlling.  I create a short list of the presents I need to buy and the shops I need to go to get them.  Pick up the easy items you know first (like a specific book) and leave more time for the difficult (that perfect holiday sweater).  Even if you don’t get everything in one shot, at least you will leave with a sense of accomplishment.
• Wear lightweight clothing – Even if it’s bone-chill cold outside, shopping is a calorie-burning exercise.  I tend to feel overheated and irritable if I pack on the layers while maneuvering many bags.

Remember, to give how you live. I don’t think it’s about how grandiose the gift but the intention.  Getting someone something they would never think to get for themselves is always a crowd-pleaser.  And sometimes you don’t need to buy presents.  Perhaps organizing a holiday brunch or dinner is plenty to spend time with close friends and family.  The best part of the holidays is celebrating.

If you’re like me and you confidently buy clothes for loved ones and friends, there are some lovely party dresses at Topshop.

For the hostess, why not try a fondue set? It’s a subtle hint to your foodie friend, that perhaps they should host a fondue party (jedi-mind trick). Clever, non?

For the travel enthusiast that likes a beach conversation starter, try the Hudson’s Bay stripe beach towel.

Nothing beats a beautiful coffee table book. This one has beauty and depth, Grace: A Memoir