Etsy Love

I love Etsy - Is there anyone who doesn't? If I am having trouble finding a perfect gift for someone, I head over there and always wind up with more than just something for them! Here's some of my latest favorites:

2 Amazing Statement Necklaces

Fabulous Mirrored Lucite Chandelier

Stylish Imperial Trellis Pillow - Kelly Wearstler rocks my decor world, so it's a given .

Cute and modern "calling cards" - Great for playdate making Mommies and single ladies

In Their Closet Welcomes Me!

In Their Closet is a fantastic blog that will lead you right to look-a-likes of great designer items. I'm so excited to join their team as a contributor. Be sure to stop by!

http://intheircloset.com/welcome-our-newest-team-member-vanessa/

Forever 21 Home Decor

Last summer Forever 21 announced their plans to venture into home decor. Since I first read about it, I've been fascinated, insanely curious and wondering if they will be selling items that mimic the display pieces that they decorate their stores with. Some reports claim that it is in fact furniture. This makes sense since some of their higher priced competitors like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters have successfully tackled that, but others are claiming it may just be accent items (think mirrors and vases). The collection was supposed to hit their largest stores in late 2009, but that time came and went without as much as a peep from their corporate offices.

Here's a glimpse at some of the displays from what I think is their For Love 21 store in the Beverly Center.

Today's Outfit

One of my biggest fashion pet peeves happens on the day that the weather reaches 60 degrees for the first time. Some people think it's time to bust out their flip flops, shorts and sundresses. Bad idea. If you're patient, the proper weather will come. I promise. My outfit today appropriately embraced the slightly warmer weather and that's more than I can say for all the season pushers I saw!

Gap Boyfriend Jeans
(If you bring a pair of old jeans into the store for donation, you'll receive a new pair for 30% off.)



H&M Plaid Shirt
Yes, me and this dude have something in common...we both shop in the men's section of H&M.




Now before you get all, "You could be a farmer in those clothes" on me, read on. I cuffed the jeans, tucked in the shirt, added a brown leather belt and toned the country look down with a pair of brown suede platform pumps and my trusty Treesje Asher bag in electric blue.

Exciting Day For NessaLee Baby

Today was an exciting day for NessaLee Baby. We hand-picked 3 new lines to carry. Just to give a little background on what the store is trying to achieve - Every parent obviously knows that their life is going to change significantly when their bundle of joy arrives, but does that mean their home needs to become splattered in primary colors (this was a real concern of my friend, Amanda)? The answer is no. There are so many amazing brands out there with baby items that are stylish and can better fit into your lifestyle if that's what you choose. Not every mom and dad are the Winnie the Pooh kind and our customers definitely aren't. We want to give them a place where they can register for everything that will make their home and life welcoming and comfortable to the new baby, but look and feel less chaotic to them, as well as a variety of awesome and stylish gift items.

Drum roll please...

7 A.M. Enfant: As seen below on Jessica Alba's stroller for daughter, Honor. This line is everything I could dream of as far as baby gear is concerned. The color options are beautiful, each piece has so much functionality and the designs are chic. I'm head over heels for the diaper bag, which makes a great luggage carry-on, even when baby isn't present.

Itzy Ritzy: As seen below on Rebecca Romijn's stroller for twin daughters, Charlie and Dolly. The prints on Itzy Ritzy products are to die for. Each one is more modern than the next. Different products they make are car seat covers, peek-a-boo seat covers, burp cloths, snack and wet bags and shopping cart covers that can be used for single babies and twin riders!

Diaper Dude: As seen below on Jason Priestley for son, Dashiell. The number one reason why some men cringe at the thought of carrying a diaper bag is the fact that it looks like a man purse covered in little lambs. Diaper Dude gets rid of that problem with masculine messenger styles in great solids or camo print. No more excuse, Daddy.

My Oscar Best Dressed 5

This year was a little disappointing to me because everything was so neutral. But, I still had my favorites. Here's my Oscar Best Dressed 5.

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy

Miley Cyrus in Jenny Packham

Amanda Seyfried in Armani Prive

Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab

Diana Kruger in Chanel

Inspired By Elle - Afforable Beauty

I've been a bad blogger. I spent 10 days lounging under a hut in Aruba, only stopping to eat and cool off in the pool. While there I got to catch up on so many books and magazines. One article I read in Elle asked hair, make-up and skin professionals for their affordable must-have beauty items. It got me thinking to what mine were. I was very surprised when I realized how I don't require many expensive products. Check out my personal skincare list below.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Light & doesn't clog my pores. Palmer's Cocoa Butter stick. This is my everyday chapstick. It is always in my purse. I love that people think it's a glue stock. Clarisonic. I can't find a better way to take my make-up off. St Ives Apricot Scrub. I only use it 1-2x a week, but it totally gets the job done. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser Normal to Oily. Gently removes everything. Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque. Great for after intense gym sessions. Vaseline Lotion w/ SPF 15. Perfect for everyday moisture and sun protection.