Crochet Maxi Skirt

Happy Monday my little fashionistas!

This weekend I had a little get together with my girlfriends and I really liked my outfit so what's a girl to do but snap some pics for the blog?? 

I found this GEM of a skirt at Target last week. I didn't go into Target but for clothes, but for $20, you bet your butt I walked out with it! ;)


Check it out.


(Photo creds: Diana Schnabel)

Denim Jacket: Similar

Target skirt in white (mine is ivory from in store)

Fluid Tank

Tortoise link necklace (LOFT - old) Similar here

Leather flip flop sandals

Earrings

Sunglasses

Bathroom Remix (Wishlist Update)

You may or may not have seen my apartment wish list that I posted last week, and if you did, you will recognize this gold ikat shower curtain I have been lusting after.

I took a long (and I do mean long) leisurely trip to Target this weekend not for anything in particular - I needed father's day cards, I wanted to pick up an eyeliner.....and of COURSE staring right at me in the bathroom aisle was my wish list pick! I mean, I couldn't just leave it there! So I took it home with me.....and then I needed the soap dispenser to match.....and the gold tray for my jars....and a beach candle to tie it all together. 

Yes, mom, NEED. She's shaking her head right now reading this going...."Oh, Vanessa - you didn't need those things."  Yes, I am 35 and yes, she will always give me her opinions.

(I wouldn't have it any other way, though!)

She doesn't understand the vortex that is Target. You walk in for paper towels and walk out with an entire new house!! Am I right??? The struggle is so real. -______-

ANYWAY, with just a few things, I was able to transform my bathroom into a whole new look for Summer. I had a black and white theme going on in there and wanted to switch it up. 

My original idea was do black, white and gold (as you can see, my sink counter top is black) but when I was finished, it ended up being gold and white which I think I like better.

Perhaps in the colder months when I get restless again, I can incorporate more black for a refresh. 

You'll also notice the gold tray was featured on my wish list as well - it's original purpose was to serve food. Guess I'll have to pick up some more!

When my husband came home from work, he said he couldn't wait to take a shower.....in slow motion I was all "NOoOoOoOoOoOoOo.....don't ruin my bathroOoOoOoOom!! Can't you stay dirty for another day???" Needless to say, I lost that battle.

Here are a few quick shots - I took some with and without flash.

GOLD IKAT SHOWER CURTAIN

The gold in the curtain is a pretty shimmery gold - it's not a flat color which I like also - probably doesn't show in the pictures but it's got a nice sparkle to it which also adds a nice touch.

NATE BERKUS QUAINT BATH MAT IN WHITE

Looks like the white is sold out online but they have plenty in store.

NATE BERKUS FACETED SOAP DISPENSER

I wish there was a gold soap dish to match but I found none. :(

CRATE & BARREL GLASS CANISTERS

I bought these when I first moved in the apartment and they match with EVERYTHING.

No matter the color or theme, these are constant in the bathroom.

I couldn't find the candle online, but I took a picture of it so you can find it in store - and you must because it smells incredible!! Also found in Target. "Beechwood and Bergamont" by Bella Candles. It smells so good I don't even want to light it. I will have to scoop up some more of these when I go back.

Thanks for stopping by.....til we shop again!

 - V.V.

Apartment Wish List - Summer Edition!

Apartment Wish List - Summer Edition! 

The decor bug is starting to itch again!  So many beautiful things floating around the internet that I must own! Gold seems to be a constant attraction for me in the last few months. I am really digging hammered flatware and shiny gold serving pieces. 
I would love to pick up a few of these lovelies in time for holiday entertaining.

The gold on a Thanksgiving table mixed with all of those pretty warm Autumn colors would jump off the table! If you are looking for a true investment to stand the test of time, Crate and Barrel makes an absolutely beautiful Rose Gold Flatware set  and a Gold Flatware Set along with Matching Serving Pieces. If you're on a budget like myself (lol), Target makes a gorgeous set as well featured up top on my wish list.
My luck in Atlantic City next month will determine which set shall be mine......lol

The pink side chair would be perfect in my wardrobe/closet room for putting on shoes, day dreaming about outfits or piling on clothes when I'm too lazy to hang em' up! ;)
It's beige counterpart would work very well for a small corner I have in my bedroom.

Loving the Martha Stewart cake stand - makes me want to bake something and just look at it!

The black and white marble board would make a really pretty anti pasta display....but it's limitless as to what you can put on it. Cheese, fruit, fish and bagels, an old shoe....!


I love sharing my internet finds with you...I hope it inspires a purchase or two!

Hump day, Y'all!

- V.V.

To Plus or Not to Plus....?

THAT is the question. And now, I'll answer it for everyone.

If you read facebook this morning and you follow me, you probably already know that I was one of the very lucky ladies to be featured on #DROPTHEPLUS ' Instagram Page this morning.
Lets keep it real for a minute.....I was running around my house in my pajamas calling my mama like I won the lottery! Which by the way, for me, would probably be the same feeling! I was elated.  Because I was featured and it's a campaign I ADORE that featured me,  it has now encouraged me and compelled me to talk about the single thing I have been avoiding since I started blogging.  "Where's the plus?"

I am not oblivious to the fact that I am not thin. It has been my painful struggle my entire life.
Gaining weight, losing weight, gaining back the weight, trying on clothes that don't fit, crying in dressing rooms, avoiding bathing suit shopping, competition with thinner girls, being teased, gaining weight, losing weight and so on and so forth. I don't deny that this has been going on my whole life - but what ELSE has been running parallel to those things was, is and will always be my stellar fashion sense and my "don't take no shit" rebellious attitude. 

300lbs or 130lbs,  Target or Gucci....I will dress this body to the nines. I've always been able to see the outfits in my head and just put it all together. I have a burning passion for fashion (no pun) and clothes that I could never explain into words. So I started a blog - to SHOW you how much it means to me to simply get dressed every day. I wanted to show my talent, No matter what size I am.  I was well aware that if I branded myself as a "plus size" blogger,  a "curvy" blogger, I would get so many more followers and readers and build a huge fan base.....but I couldn't do it. I wouldn't do it. I won't do it.

Hear what I am saying...I LOVE LOVE LOVE my plus size girls, my curvy girls, my big and beautiful girls, I love my skinny girls, my thick girls, my petite girls, my tall girls, my black girls, my white girls, my Spanish girls, my Asian girls, my Indian girls, my Jewish Girls, my Catholic girls, my short girls, my rich girls, my broke girls- I LOVE YOU ALL and I want you ALL to love me. For me personally, by putting a label on myself and my blog - I'm being segregated. I'm being put in a container. I'm being taken out of the crayon box and being told I can't color with all of the beautiful colors in that box. All skinny girls to the left, all big girls to the right.  
Well, that's bullshit! I will not allow it. I won't stand for it. 

 If you look beautiful, if your outfit is on point, if your makeup is gorgeous, if your hair is shining and swaying in the wind, If you have a confidence about you, I want to know about you. I want to be friends with you. I want to know where you got that bag or those shoes, I want to read what you're saying, I want to see your pictures, etc. 
Why do these things have to come with stipulations and labels? If you got it, you got it. 
 Who the hell says I can only "have it" under your rules?? What does it matter if a plus size girl or a thin girl thinks my outfit is great?

I want you to follow me and read my blog and click my pictures because you think I'm talented and because you enjoy reading my thoughts and because you trust my fashion eye. I want you to look to my outfits for inspiration or a possible idea for your next outfit.  
I wish not to be judged on my size. No matter what size that is. I believe no one should be separated or segregated or labeled or put in any kind of box. 
Some days I eat salad, some days I eat chocolate cake but every single day I dress my ass off!
And that's what I'm here for.

That's why I believe in #Droptheplus so much - they are focusing on celebrating everyone and not labeling a woman and not letting the media put us all in categories. It's a movement to change the fashion industry for good. Please check out their website for a full education on what they stand for and are trying to accomplish: Droptheplus.org

I don't "do" categories, honey! You can't put me in a box! *hair flip* lol
Don't  let em' put you in one either!  We're breakin' the rules ladies......drop the plus!!!

Thanks for reading and letting me get this out - it was a long time coming!

- V.V.

Celebrating Jessica (In a Violet Dress!) xo

Today was a special afternoon indeed. One of my favorite girls in the world  - Jessica Ribando - is getting married and we celebrated her (beautiful) bridal shower today! AND we will be sharing a wedding anniversary. I couldn't be happier to be in such good company. My childhood friend who's name is also Jessica,  has the same anniversary date well!! 

The shower took place on the water at Bungalo Bar & Restaurant  in Far Rockaway. My super fabulous friend  Michelle who is also Jessica's sister and Matron of Honor threw the most amazing Pink, Mint & Gold fete in her honor. 

On such occasions, you better get your outfit together because these fashionistas don't play!
Below are some pics of my dress (I got on clearance at Neiman Marcus a few years ago) and then highlights of the party.

Jess - you are such a radiant light.....I am thrilled to be part of the happiness unfolding for you. No one deserves it more. It's your time, sunshine. Enjoy it all. I love you and Michelle so much!
Congrats mama!! xoxo

Dress (old) // Distressed Denim Jacket // Lacet Necklace //  Sunglasses

Hammered Cuff (Old - Nordstrom) //Sandals // MJ beauty Lip Gloss "Pink Steam"

LV Travel Cosmetic Case used as a clutch

Gilly baby  I love that dress!!!

By the way....Karolina, one of the bridesmaids made these DELICIOUS desserts and had them passed at each table. Amazing. Need her for a special occasion? 

Message her inbox here and tell her Vanessa sent ya!