V-Style

Will The Plus Size Model Sell The Garment?

I recently wrote an article for 944 magazine about Plus Size Models. Will they sell the garment?

A Personal Stylist Purchase - Boyfriend Blazer

The boyfriend blazer is a trend I have been really really picky with. Each time I saw one it looked way too trendy or it was too expensive. I wanted to stay on the cheap since I wasn't sure how much I would wear it or if it would even flatter my body. Considering how long the boyfriend blazer is supposed to be, this is more of a tall girl item, but I bought one by MM Couture by Miss Me last week. I wore it yesterday and I love it! I felt so power dressed 90's style. I paired it with light grey slacks, a black 3/4 length sleeve top and black heels. I felt pretty fabulous in my meeting.

 

A Personal Stylist Purchase - Furry Jacket

I have a thing for furry jackets. Pink, green, real, faux, lavender, black and my newest addition is white and probably my favorite for its versatility and light weight feel. I spotted this Sugar Lips jacket on Friday in Macy's for $98. The bomber jacket trimmings at the hem and sleeves say casual, but the fur says, "Let's cocktail!" So, I wore it to a dinner party.

Fashion Zest Interviews Vanessa Valiente of V-Style

I was thinking about what I wanted to write about today and I just became overwhelmed with joy. I am so happy with what I do and am so grateful that not only do I get to physically work with fashion, I get to write about it too and people actually read it. The world has only been blogging for about a decade and it is amazing the doors it has opened for communication. Ten years ago most people did not have this kind of access to a personal stylist, and a personal stylist wouldn't have this kind of audience. (Granted a lot more interesting and important occurrences has happened in the last ten years, but that is not our focus at the moment).

I think today's joy for my blog was sparked by an interview Fashion Zest wrote on me concerning V-Style. To read the original interview click here.

Interview with Vanessa Valiente from V-Style

by Jenny of Fashion Zest on February 26, 2010

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FashionZest got an opportunity to interview fashion stylist and blogger Vanessa Valiente from V-Style, to hear more about her blog and her view on fashion!

Jenny: Lets start by hearing a little about yourself… who is Vanessa Valiente?
Vanessa: I am a wardrobe stylist and fashion writer with a love of humor.

Jenny: What led you to write about / be involved in the fashion industry?
Vanessa: I have always loved fashion, how cliche, and although I began with a communications degree in college I changed it to Film with an emphasis in Costume Design to reflect that love. From there I jumped into Television and film, then added print styling and personal styling to the roster of what I do.

Jenny: So what is V-Style all about?
Vanessa: V-Style is all about fashion and beauty including news about up & coming lines as well as twists to the long standing brands, product reviews, where to find what a celebrity wore, fashion how to’s, outfit ideas, cheap and fabulous, stylish eco friendly finds and so on. It’s the blog you go to to find out about everything fashion from the mouth of a successful fashion stylist.

Jenny: How did V-Style start?
Vanessa: I started V-Style for my clients as a personal stylist. This was a way for my clients who I don’t always see get advice and my opinions daily. It also gave my services great exposure. From there it became this popular fashion blog that lots of people love and read.

Jenny: What do you hope to achieve with V-Style?
Vanessa: I want people to think of V-Style as an honest blog. This is a conversation between a personal stylist and the reader. I want V-Style to be the blog women turn to for positive, personal and professional fashion advice and news.

Jenny: How would you describe your personal style?
Vanessa: My personal style is incredibly diverse. One day I am chic and sophisticated, another day I am funky casual, but generally my look is very clean (not overly complicated.) I usually wear dresses or leggings. I favor rich colors and wild prints and you will rarely see me in jeans – I find jeans to be uncomfortable. I mix old and new and never buy basics. I am attracted to items I feel I will never see again. I love an untraceable look where you don’t know who made it or where it came from.

Jenny: Who or what has been your greatest fashion influence?
Vanessa: Movies are my greatest fashion influence. I don’t have one person I look to or think of when I imagine great fashion, instead I picture outfits. Audrey Hepburn dancing in her cigarette pants in Funny Face, Meg Ryan throughout the movie Addicted To Love, Sarah Jessica Parker in numerous moments throughout the Sex And The City series, Sharon Stone in Casino, Angelina Jolie in Hackers, and so on.

Jenny: Which is your favorite fashion designer at the moment, and why?
Vanessa: I hate to name one designer because I never love all their designs, and once again it is about moments. Every designer has their moments (and their flubs). Put me in any store, ANY store, and I will find something marvelous, but right now I am loving Jonathan Saunders and Jason Wu for their colors, patterns, lines and fun.

Jenny: What current fashion trends do you like and dislike the most at the moment?
Vanessa: It’s hard for me to think of what I dislike because I am always focusing on what I am drawn to versus what I am not, but I would have to say I dislike the sky high heel trend that has been going on for some time. It’s not comfortable so I want everyone to get over it. I dress fashionably because of the way it makes me feel. If I feel uncomfortable or restricted from the pace I want to walk, I do not feel stylish or sexy. I am way too busy to waddle around on 4 inch heels and deal with blisters.

Jenny: What would be the one fashion tip you would give to a friend?
Vanessa: Balance your look. If you have volume on the bottom, put on a slim fitting top and vice versa. If you are wearing statement earrings, best bet is to skip the necklace, etc.

Jenny: And finally… as the creator of V-Style, where do you see the site in 5 years time?
Vanessa: In 5 years I see V-Style as being more popular than the rag blogs. I see negativity and celebrity gossip obsession giving way to an appreciation of real fashion advice and news with a positive edge.

Vanity Fair's Hollywood Issue Lacks Diversity

For those of you that think diversity is an old old wooden ship you would be wrong. Diversity is about mixing it up. Having some variety. A change of pace. Get it? I don’t think Vanity Fair does.

The March cover of said publication is all about the promising actresses of new Hollywood… which turns out to be a slew of “skinny white girls.” Hmmm. I am reminded of a time I walked into a house party in San Diego and I realized that all attendees was a blond Caucasian. I’ve never been a fan of walking into a room with only one kind of person in it.

A blog written by Joanna Douglas points out that there are numerous actresses of other weights and races that could have graced this cover including “Precious” star Gabourey Sidibe and Zoe Saldana of "Avatar" and "Star Trek. Let’s hope that Vanity Fair’s cover is only a small detour from all modern efforts towards more diverse magazines, movies, fashions and parties.

San Diego Magazine Cover Shoot

Last month I styled a photo shoot for San Diego Magazine's Cover spread on hot new restaurants. I used fabulous jewelry from Design By Micha, and clothing from Banana Republic and Neiman Marcus. I must say ladies if you have not checked out the Banana Republic shoe collection you are missing out. As for the fella, next time you are getting a gift for your man consider the BR. The clothes are stylishly conservative and the fits are amazing. As for my favorite look of the shoot, I would have to say the blue toned Gucci dress on the cover. It says, "I am on holiday and I am ever so chic." Although that long sleeve Diane Von Furstenberg top in the last picture is quite fabulous...

My Coat Photo Shoot

I recently did a photo shoot displaying some wonderful coats and jacket for this chilly season and I wanted to share the images with you. It just goes to show, all you need is a fabulous coat to make a stunning, look-at-me appearance...

 

What I Bought This Week - Calvin Klein Jacket

People are often asking me where I get my clothing so from now on I have decided to let you all in on my new purchases in case you are loving it too. From Attilio Giusti Leombruni to Forever 21, you will know where this personal stylist is getting her style. This past week I bought the most essential jacket by Calvin Klein at Bloomingdales. After I discovered it for a client of mine, I could not resist it for my self.  

The length looks incredible with leggings, the self belt makes a flattering seam in the back and slims the waist, the collar is wonderfully unique and it is so, so, so, so, so comfortable. Truly the most versatile jacket I own, this item holds it own casually as well as dressy.

Fashionably San Diego & Smashion

Sharing the love in the blogosphere, I am now writing for Fashionably San Diego as well as Smashion. Fashionably San Diego covers the shopping, events and tastemakers of America's Finest City, San Diego. The latter is a "social media meets commerce" site that features a free marketplace connecting buyers and sellers with a passion for fashion. Smashion enables its members to express their unique style, connect with others to discuss fashion trends, and save money buying - or make money selling - lightly worn or NWT (new with tags) clothing, accessories, footwear, and more with no fees. They also have a blog, duh.

Short Haircuts For 2010

You may have noticed in my new bio picture that I got a major haircut. This wasn't just some random makeover there is a story behind it and you can find it in San Diego's 944 magazine. Read on to see what inspires such a chop...