I love finding new fashionable friends. One of my fave daily reads is Cafe Fashionista. I recently asked Erika to tell me and you, which celebrity gives her a case of closet cravings . . .

Celebrity Closet Cravings: Vanessa Hudgens

By: Erika – Café Fashionista

It seems simple enough. Selecting the closet of a singular celebrity in which you’d like to raid. I myself thought it would be a momentary decision. A choice constructed in sixty seconds or less. But for someone who turns to a handful of famous faces for wardrobe inspiration, it morphed into a grueling challenge full of hours weighted with comparing and contrasting the benefits of each nominee’s closet contents. I reflected upon the romanticism of Rachel [Bilson], studied the flirtatiousness of Sienna [Miller], envisaged myself wrapped in the effortless bohemian numbers of Nicole [Richie], and looked upon the classic cosmopolitan looks of Olivia [Palermo] for an answer to my examination. In the end, I settled upon someone whose style I have never been able to resist…the versatile Vanessa [Hudgens].

Whether out for a day of shopping or on her way to a movie premiere, Vanessa’s style is unstoppable. She transforms from courtside Lakers cheerleader in Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Luella Wedge Shoes to a glittering goddess donning winter white Calvin Klein frocks at Hollywood movie premieres. Every look I have loved. Every style I have adored. But of course, I will always have a few favorite “Vanessa” pieces that I can’t help but covet more than others.

Darlings, never before have I revealed my best-loved Vanessa bits; but since I cherish all of you so much, I’ve decided to share my petite secret with each and every one of you. I advise hiding your credit cards before we begin – oui, these are items that you will be desperate to add to your wardrobe.

1) Balenciaga Giant City in Black – Am I angry at Vanessa for introducing me to Balenciaga; specifically the Giant City in Black? Non. The truth of the matter is that I would like nothing more than to swipe it from her closet, and have it accompany me on any number of adventures. First we could run wild in Times Square, indulge in cappuccinos laced with pretty designs at Joe the Art of Coffee in Union Square, and to round out the day, go on a crazy Willy Wonka-inspired sugary shopping spree at Dylan’s Candy Bar. I imagine that such a handbag would be the most mind-blowing stand-in for a cute boy!

2) Chinese Laundry Black Suede Turbo Boots – She was stepping off a plane at Narita International Airport in Japan on January 25, 2009 when I saw them for the first time…Chinese Laundry Black Suede Turbo Boots. Darlings, it is my belief that those boots made Vanessa’s ensemble scream… “wow!” As gorgeous as they were, my eyes were not glued to the Lauren Moshi Peace Girl Swing Tee, PRPS Brown Leather Jacket, Desert Blue The Phoenix Skinny Jean in Lapis, or Linea Pelle’s Dylan Zip Tote Holiday; at that very moment I only had eyes for Turbo. The sassy slouch, the inky hue…quite frankly, I die!

3) Love Quotes Scarf in Merlot – The power of the accessory is an unbelievable concept. When haphazardly tossed on it immediately invokes the ability to transform an ensemble from bland and boring to beatific and brilliant. Thus, I find myself in dire need of Love Quotes’ Scarf in Merlot. Red may be the color of the season, kittens; but why not take a cue from Vanessa and become intoxicated with a hue slightly more rich and elegant – a shade that is not only named after a sweet red wine, but juxtaposes between the coziness of crimson and the nattiness of noir. Please, oh please, let it be mine.

4) Joie Peacock Print Tank – Honestly mes amis, tank tops were never my thing. I found from a very young age that their cut was often unflattering to the form, and I could never embrace the look. Vanessa changed all that. Her collection of flowy tanks introduced me to a world of bohemian styles that were coquettish, coy, and ethereal; my favorite being the Joie Peacock Print Tank. There is something quite whimsical about the print on this top that is visible without being too overwhelming or ostentatious. It seems the preemptive going-out piece – especially when feeling un petit peu feisty. A word of warning Vanessa…should I borrow this garment from your closet, please don’t expect to see it again – I would surely feel the desire to keep it!

5) Marc Bouwer Couture Gold Mini Dress – I will never forget the little Marc Bouwer Couture Gold Mini Dress Vanessa wore to the 2007 American Music Awards, for there will never be a piece of frippery as fine as this glittering frock. I truly cannot find words to describe its heavenliness. All I can say is that it was gold, and sparkly, and fabulous all over! Since we both know this is most likely hanging in your closet, never to be worn again; please do us both a favor Vanessa, and allow me to wear it for New Year’s Eve…and keep it for always!

Selecting a closet to raid was quite the challenge. Selecting the pieces I’d like to steal, however? A pink frosting-topped cupcake!

Fashionably yours!