Lovin Ruche!!

Awhile back I stumbled across a great online boutique via random blogs called Ruche! This boutique is like a cheap online version of Urban Outfitters, which is a cheaper version of Free People, so if you like your fashion with a boho/vintage/hippy feel, then this is the place for you!

At first I was only going to feature one item from this site for my weekly Lust of the Week, but there were so many great items that I had to dedicate a whole post! Feast your eyes on the goodies below:

Tot-o'er seas wren hoop earrings, $32.99

If my ears were pierced, I would be all over these delicate, girly earrings. What could be sweeter and more evocative of spring than small birds and pink flowers?

Perdurable princess bracelet, $21.99

An ornate bracelet is a key statement piece to "fancy up" any outfit. This bracelet would also look fantastic as a cocktail ring. Try pairing this with a plain black silk camisole and skinny jeans for a casual, date-ready vibe.

Empire knitted brooch sweater, $36.99

The delicate knit sleeves and their wide bell shape resemble soft grey wings on this comfy looking sweater. This sweater would be a great layering piece for cool spring nights.

Plomaile feather barrette and brooch, $14.99

Feathered hairpieces are much oohed and aahhed at by many, but worn by few. At one boutique I visited, many a girl would pick up a feathered headband, but none actually bought it! Dare to be different and try this gorgeous teal and brown feathered barrette.

Teal moonglade dress, $29.99

If you do decide to get barrette above, then you should also buy this lovely teal dress to match! The length-long ruffle keeps this dress interesting and fun and the unique color is so fresh!


Now, as a special treat for BHMnB readers, Ruche is offering a 10% coupon on all purchases made until May 1!! Just type in "highmaintenance" to activate! Happy shopping!

Lazy Sunday Reads: Tel Aviv, Junos, Pharrel, and ass cracks

Here's what is happening in the blogosphere this weekend...

• Pony Ryder: interviews upcoming model Charlotte
• Into the Fray: does a DIY ruffled trench!
• By Teresa Wu: makes my life seem boring
• La Couturier shows us how to get over a broken heart
• Get the inside scoop on the Junos from Miss604
• Hairstyle Tips helps us choose the right curling iron for our hair
• Kathy Griffin looks like an escaped mental patient wearing a cupcake as a dress on Fashion Police
• MyFashionLife catches Pharrel just trying to get some McDicks
• Deka shows off some "hot" plumber-style fashions
• Seriously? OMG! WTF? Man, Katherine Heigl is SUCH a baby! She's almost as self-absorbed as the Humphrey's
  

Why bother?

Green tank top: RW&Co

Cropped cardigan: Costa Blanca
Skirt: Urban Behaviour
Boots: Aldo

Apologies for the general crappiness of this photo, it was taken at night just after I arrived home from work! Recently a reader asked me what prompted me to begin posting outfit shots; well the whole point of these outfit posts was to document the evolution of my own style, and since I think it's fun to see what other bloggers wear, I, in a rather narcissistic way thought maybe others would be curious to see what I wear! If magazines are for the fashion fantasies where we can drool over the thousand dollar dresses and the jewels, and the purses, then blogs I think are a realm for reality. Blogs are where we can see how real life people dress and real life people dress from the mall. It's sad, but true. One of my philosophies for this blog is that you have to make the best of what you've got at hand, whether it be in terms of looks, finances, whatever. I hope that by doing these posts, it's an online journal for myself, and of what I was thinking when I put a certain outfit together and it inspires me to try to rework my wardrobe in various ways, rather than doing what I usually do, which was to reach in and grab the first thing I touched. I just hope it's not too boring to read!

On another note, I've noticed that I do favour certain items in my closet. I really miss shopping and could use some fresh items in my closet, but even though April, and the end of my shopping ban, are fast approaching, I'm not sure how many items I will allow myself to indulge in. What sort of must-have items are you recommending for spring??

Lust of the Week: Rachel Pally Cozumel Maillot

ShopBop, $176

For awhile now I've been on the lookout for a sexy one-piece swimsuit. Unlike a teeny string bikini, a one-piece is much more practical for swimming and well, actually doing something on the beach besides look hot (literally and figuratively). However, most one-pieces out there are downright dowdy, but before I could lose hope entirely, my prayers of finding a sexy one-piece were answered by this hot swimsuit by Rachel Pally. At first glances this swimsuit is very simple, but who said sexy had to be complicated? If that deep-v in the front isn't sizzling enough for you, then check out the nonexistent back and you'll be convinced that this one-piece is giving ol' stringy a run for her money.

What I'm reading: The End of East

I've been wanting to read this book ever since I found out the author, Jen Sookfong Lee, writes for Schema Magazine, like me, so when I saw this on the library shelf the other day I immediately snatched it up.

The End of East is Lee's first novel and I must say it is beautifully written. Lee creates not only pictures, but smells in the mind with detailed passages such as this:

“I walk this city every day, sidestep the garbage, hold my breath through the alleys. But even in the dirtiest of places, where the sidewalk is covered with gum and the hum of traffic and city-noise is so loud that you can’t even hear your own footsteps, you can always look north and see the mountains. And there’s always a breeze, faintly salt-scented, that touches your face as you turn to look west.”

In this ambitious novel, we follow the lives and struggles of three generations of the Chan family, starting with the family patriarch, Seid Quan, as he lives in utter isolation surrounded by the masses of men immigrating to Canada for a new life and future. As the years pass, Seid Quan withdraws into himself until he is an ignored shadow to his own wife, Shew Lin, and son, PonPon Man and his restless wife, Siu Sang; both these characters walk on the edge of collapse with the burdens of obligation and suppressed emotions, feelings which they inadvertently pass onto their five daughters.

For those unfamiliar with the stories of Canada's early immigrants, this book is a revelation of sorts with its topics of racism, cultural and generational gaps, and struggles with loneliness and belonging. If you have read novels like these before, then the story of the Chan family comes off as being all too familiar, but at least it doesn't stray too far into Joy Luck Club territory (which by the way, is one of my favourite books). Lee's greatest strength is her ability to sweep the reader into the lives of her characters and their emotions. Her descriptions of Vancouver's landscape, the city's smells, and sounds, are so accurate in a way that only someone who truly has roots here can depict. Overall, this is a great first novel, not because the story is the most unique, but because it makes me eager to watch what she as an author evolves into.


Final Verdict: check it out!

Get classic beauty with Be & D Handbags

Everyone knows of the big names in the handbag industry - LV, Chanel, Gucci. However, there are so many just as worthy designers out there that create unique and gorgeous handbags that really deserve more accolades than the occasional "it" bag status, and designers Be & D are one of them. Be & D stands for the dynamic duo of Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain who began the company out of their Greenpoint, Brooklyn studio 5 years ago. Their most famous success to date is the Garbo bag, which was one of the first studded handbags to hit the market. Now, they hope to repeat that success with a whole new line of handbags utilizing exotic skins, and a careful attention to detail; there is even an accessories section of shoes and belts.

Be & D bags are aimed at a young, sophisticated woman who appreciates quality. Their bags are fun and stylish, yet retain a timeless veneer that will carry a woman through the years. Unlike many who think "more is more", Be & D know that one simply detail, such as a repeated ruffle design on a shoe, or a splash of color in a geometric pattern, is all you need to look fabulous forever!

Twiggy, $590

This simple patent tote features a great shoulder chain that also doubles as an interesting visual detail when not used. A great alternative to a boring briefcase.

Kan-Kan, $1390

This bag is reminiscent of a frothy birthday cake with its creamy, rippled deliciousness. The gold studs down the center add a touch of toughness to all this sweetness. Doesn't it look so buttery soft?

Crawford, $1180

Simple and practical, the Crawford is a great everyday bag that will hold all your essentials and match with every outfit.

Audrey, $540

Prim, proper, and just plain chic, the Audrey features classic quilted styling with a touch of studs in the clasp. Pair this bag with a matching skirt suit and black kitten heels for sophisticated sexiness.

Lazy Sunday reads: Posh Spice, angry Greenlanders, Octo-mom, and House sneak peeks!

For something different this week, I'm bringing back the ol' Lazy Sunday Reads! Check out what's happening in the blogosphere this weekend...

• Pink is the new blog: Posh spice shows a super rockin body
• Canadian Beauty: Cook like Martha, but hopefully not invest like her
• Miss604: celebrates one of the last showings of Tony n' Tina's wedding
• Your Hairstyle Tips: shows us how to make the perfect side chignon
• My Fashion Life: don't mess with Greenland!
• That's Hideous: Alexander McQueen... inspired by Octo-Mom?!
• Seriously? OMG! WTF?: Someone's going to die... on House
  
• Style with Anna: Showcases the bold and the beautiful in handbags
• Supermelon: gives tips on how to shop cheap like a real New Yorker
• Luphia Loves: vintage dresses from Daughters of Dawn
  

Make em' melt with Marciano

One of my favourite things to do is to get all dolled up for a fun night out of partying and dancing. Going clubbing is one of the only occasions that girls get to wear teetering stilettos, party dresses, and fancy makeup and I know that I personally relish every chance I get to do it! Nothing gets me in the mood more to get dressed and get groovin' more than a good club track and last night I listened to a great mix CD (yes, how old school) made by my good friend MzzTee. With such awesome beats pounding out of my speakers, my thoughts wandered to what sort of clothes one could wear to make her boy sweat a little and naturally my mouse wandered over to Marciano. This chic, richer, sister of Guess certainly does not disappoint those looking for sexy, flirty, clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Feast your eyes on all the goodies offered below, play this track, and you'll be in the mood soon too for a dark room and booming bass.

Reagan Racerback dress, $118

If you're more of a sporty-casual type, try out this skin-tight mini-dress. The racer back will show off toned arms and shoulders while the mini length will display your killer legs.

Rinah dress, $158

Drive them wild in this absolutely sexy cut-out dress. This gorgeous silk dress comes in alluring black, or flirtatious blue and if they don't notice you coming towards them, they'll definitely notice you as you walk by with this dress' daring halter back. MizzJ recommended!

Nicolette Pearl mini-dress, $228

At first this dress may resemble a figure skater's uniform, but look again and you'll quickly appreciate how pretty this dress is. Made from 96% silk, this dress gets even more luxurious with its detailed pearl beading, floral sequins, and cute ruffled skirt. The pale creamy pink color is also very on trend now and is straight from this season's Stella McCartney shows.

Mary dress, $128

For a more daytime look, slip on this figure-hugging sweater dress! The punchy coral pink color will brighten your skin and the way this dress contrasts loose draping sleeves with a tight skirt is extremely alluring. This kind of silhouette is very popular since it is sexy and comfortable, but be aware to make sure the tight section of the dress starts on your hips and not your waist, or else you could wander into spare tire territory!

Alida shoes, $230

These shoes are pricey, but gosh darn it they are stunning! Peep-toes are always hot and paired with this unique floral leather and bow detail, these shoes will steal the show in any outfit. Let these smouldering stars shine by keeping the rest of your outfit toned down.

Left: Shannon snake bracelet, $68

Right: Meldon multi-layer chain necklace, $88

Finally one can feel sexy simply by the accessories she wears! Britney knew what she was doing when she wore a seductive snake on her shoulders and now you can emulate her by wearing this charming enamel and gold snake bracelet.

If wearing a snake leaves you feeling cool, then slip on this equally bad-ass multi-layer chain necklace. Statement necklaces are huge this season and draw attention to the chest and face. For a great alternative, wear this necklace backwards with a backless dress!

Now what's your favourite "feel sexy" outfit?

Lust of the Week: Stella McCartney Spring 09 RTW

Even though I would never be able to wear this dress without some serious danger of indecent exposure, I can't help but sign and admire the simple beauty of this dress from Stella McCartney. The casualness of the off-the-shoulder neckline highlights very sexy collarbones in a subtle way, while the curving sheer cutouts remind me of conch shells on the beach. Even the dusky blue color of this dress is reminescent of cool Vancouver seas. No wonder this model looks so zen, I would be too if I were slinking around in this number!

Get Iced out with Ice.com

If you're trying to find that perfect gift for that special someone, then always go for something that sparkles. Whether for a man or a woman, jewellery is always a classy, intimate gift that lasts forever - however it can also put you in debt for what seems forever too! As with most things, the Internet holds the answers. Ice.com is an exclusively online jewelry store which offers you luxury jewels for not-so-luxurious prices. Established in 1999, this online retailer sells a large variety of stones and pieces in an easy to use website. You can shop their collections by price, type, and even gem. Each item page includes user ratings on quality, workmanship, and some even have product videos so you can see the piece on an actual person.

Ice.com was kind enough to let me try out their services in person by sending me this beautiful Tahitian pearl pendant! Delivery was very prompt and it came delivered in this cute bow wrapped box:






My only issues with my item was that the silver chain was extremely thin and very likely to break. It was also subsequently difficult to put on and off since the clasp was quite tiny. However, the pendant is a very unique black-green color that retains the classic look of a pearl, but with a more exotic edge. If you like this item, you may purchase it here.

Here are some other lovely picks from the website:

Cultured Rice Pearl and Diamond 14K White Gold earrings, $95

These classic freshwater pearl earrings are made even more stunning with small diamonds and white gold settings. These earrings are demure enough to wear during the day, but will also spark up any evening outfit.

Sapphire, gold and sterling silver bracelet, $90

This gorgeous cuff features deep blue-black sapphires with 18K gold over sterling silver. The slight chunkiness of the bracelet allows it to work for a variety of looks; try this cuff with everything from a pure white sweater set and pencil skirt, to a sexy asymmetrical royal blue mini dress and stilettos!

Sterling silver Men's ID bracelet, $65

For the men, there is this coolly elegant sterling silver men's ID bracelet. This bracelet, with its engraving ready ID tag, would make a fantastic present for your special guy.

Sexy secretary

Striped button-down shirt: Urban Behaviour
Black pencil skirt: custom-made from Thailand
Tights: Nine West
Lace heels: from Ontario

Another "office" outfit today, which I'll admit was actually inspired by a coworker. The software company I work at has a very casual dress code, which leave me sometimes yearning for a more formal dress code so I'd have the excuses to wear heels and skirts to work anytime. However, this casual dress code does not seem to apply as strictly to the business people in the company, who walk around wearing skirts, ties, and shiny shoes, oh my! One girl in particular predominantly comes to work wearing some sort of dark skirt, shirt, and tights, so I thought I would emulate her business style with some of my own.

This outfit is a good example of how sometimes simple can be fantastic and one item that embodies that philosophy is a good fitted shirt - it can enhance your curves, make you look smart, and looks great for any occasion. The other thing that I love about this outfit, is that it's so cheap! The shirt I got for $10, the shoes for $1 and the skirt was custom made for $40! So there you have it, a prime example of the Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy philosophy of looking good, without necessarily the cost.

Links á la Mode

• 39thandbroadway - Fashion’s Plus Size Dilemma; A different perspective on the plus size apparel industry.
• Breakfast at Saks - Biased Reporting on the Balmain show from a Balmain-iac
• Clutch 22 - Exploring Etsy - Three unique talents to watch
• Consume or Consumed - Stylish film looks channeled toward a more stylish life:
• Debutante Clothing - Special Report: YSL Vintage Clothing Auction in Paris
• Dogmom’s Dish - Alexander McQueen for Target: Post-Modern Punk Princess
• ericdwills.com - Here’s a look at the entire line-up of colors for the Kanye West x Louis Vuitton sneakers called the ‘Don’ and ‘Hi Top’ set to be released in June.
• Fashion Pulse Daily - Fashion Week reviews, Christian Siriano’s shoes, and much more!
• fete a fete - elegant FIEL flip flops, made with love from Brazil!
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Privacy Tips for Bloggers
• Mademoiselle Robot - A love letter to Jeffrey Campbell
• Nico Assatly - New Spring Polish that will knock your socks off !
• Retro Chick - The Primark Effect - Can cheap fashion be ethical fashion?
• Shopping and Info - Enter for your chance to win a Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Sweater from the Shopping and Info Spring Giveaway.
• Solo Lisa - Less expensive but equally charming alternatives to the new Tiffany key necklaces
• Studio Purpura - Milan Fashion Week Fall 2009 presents creative color schemes and designs to tickle your fancy!!
• Style Amor - THE DYING MAGAZINE: March U.S. Magazine Reviews
• Style Bite - Geared up for Etten Eller’s Newest Collection
• Style Symmetry - Eyeliah loves to layer tights!
• Style With Anna - How to Dress Bohemian
• THE COVETED - A real life review of the Vivienne Tam HP Mini

Check out the rest of the links here!

Glide into spring... for $50 and under!

The news may encourage consumers to consume, but who can feel any temptation when countless people's jobs fall victim to the current economic crisis? The only temptation I feel lately is to tighten hold on my wallet! As such, I doubt I'll be doing my usual spring shopping for the latest goodies to make my heart flutter; instead, I'll be doing more "thoughtful" purchases, by restricting myself to only buying things on sale for at least 50% and holding off on buying things unless I've considered it for at least 2 weeks beforehand. That being said, there are plenty of good deals out there to be had, more in fact than have existed in the last few years as retailers seek to entice shoppers. While I don't encourage you all to go nuts over the bargain racks, a little careful shopping can score you some great items that will last you through the recession, while injecting your own little contribution to the global economy ;)

Baby Rib cut-out dress: American Apparel, $23

This adorable simple v-neck dress comes in large variety of colours and works it for all seasons: in spring, pair with a cardigan and skinny belt; in summer with a pair of cute wedges; in fall with a black blazer, tights, and booties; and in winter with leggings layered over a turtleneck and boots!

Striping shirred skirt: Gap, $39.99

I saw this skirt in store today, and the material is so light and perfect for sunny spring days. Made of cotton and silk, this flirty skirt will give you a light, happy step, and just look how great they are with those cute sandals!

Hooded soft knit poncho: Forever21 Canada, $14.99

Ponchos are great spring transition pieces when you need something light to keep you warm when a cool breeze blows by. This soft knit poncho from Forever 21 will fit the bill and even has a hood to protect you from April showers!

Kenney mary-jane wedge: Payless, $17.99

Look classic and lady-like in these teal patent wedges from Payless! A sensible heel is balanced by a flirtatious peep-toe. Get a hint of a cool way to wear teal by taking a clue from the scalloped silver insole!

Ballet slipper: Payless, $15

Finally, check out these adorable ballet flats, again from Payless - this store is just full of cheap deals! These flats would look adorable with a black full-skirted dress, or dark denim capris. The cute over sized bow gives an added touch of cuteness by being positioned slightly askew, and the heather grey color is simultaneously cozy and modern.

Lust of the Week: Lady Dior Patent Cannage bag

eLuxury, $1800

If you're going to invest in a designer item, you would be wise to choose a classic design that will last you forever. Classic designs are often items that feature quality materials, versatile colors, and a structured design. This timeless Cannage bag totally embodies these criterion. Italian made, this bag features patent calfskin leather, silver hardware, sturdy handles, a zip top, and protective metal feet. Tastefully chunky logo charms add a bit of flash to an otherwise very basic bag. Some might say this bag is too plain, but I love its structured boxy shape and the feel of the stiff patent would be so satisfying. As well, this bag is available in a fun robin blue, and a pure white. Pair with a tube of your reddest Lancome lipstick, a Dior compact, Chanel perfume, and Burberry trench to drench yourself in utter luxury. Mmmm.

Tea tree oil - friend or faux?

Being a lover of trying out new beauty products, I have of course tried out tea tree oil, particularly in the Body Shop's tea tree oil cleanser line. There is plenty of sources online and off, that declare the wonders of tea tree oil, but as with many natural remedies, is there any proof behind the claims? It seems to depend on who you ask.

Tea tree oil is a clear, minty smelling oil originating from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant of Australia. This oil was originally used by the aboriginals of Australia to treat colds, wounds, and skin ailments. It was adopted for commercial use in the 1920s, but its popularity waned until recent years with the modern obsession with natural ingredients.

Tea tree oil's purported benefits include use as an effective solution for blemishes, dandruff, and fungal infections, such as athlete's foot. A study by the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia found that tea tree oil resulted in a reduction in blemishes in subjects, but compared to benzoyl peroxide, a more traditional acne treatment, it was less effective. However, tea tree oil was found to be gentler on the skin, eliciting fewer negative reactions.

Tea tree oil should not be thought of as all gain, no pain though. There are serious side effects to using this ingredient. Some say that tea tree oil causes allergic reactions that can be very severe and cause extreme blistering on the skin. As well, tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed, and if you happen to get some in your ear, it can lead to deafness! Even scarier, studies have shown that tea tree oil with "repeated application of topical products containing tea tree oil (and lavender oil) could cause prepubertal gynecomastia, a rare condition resulting in enlarged breast tissue in prepubescent boys"!! It is also not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women! With all these warnings, suddenly this friendly plant doesn't seem so friendly.

My experience with the Body Shop's tea tree oil line was more beneficial, than ominous. The pure tea tree oil did help my blemishes, but it also took noticeably longer to take effect than a treatment containing salicylic acid. I quite enjoyed the tea tree oil cleanser, scrub, and facial mask; the mask in particular felt pleasurably tingly on my skin and was an effective purifier. Perhaps these warnings are more aimed towards those using larger doses than that found in commercial products, but it is worth thinking about. Jumping on the latest fad wagon of natural ingredients without doing your homework first is not only foolhardy, but potentially dangerous. Considering I'm not a prepubescent boy, pregnant, or breast-feeding, I guess continuing to use tea tree oil is okay for me, but I will steer clear of the pure stuff since I see no reason to use a less effective treatment.

What are your experiences with tea tree oil?

Read more!

• The Dermatology Blog
• Wikipedia - tea tree oil
• What is tea tree oil?
  

Love sample sales? Check out Juxzy

Love high-end items, but not the high-end prices? Then check out the latest online sample sale site, Juxzy! This new site operates similarly to Gilt Group, offering members exclusive access to limited time only sales on exclusive items from designers and boutiques like Alberta Ferretti, United Nude, Y-3, Comme Des Garcons, United Nude, Atsui Tokyo, Terra Plana, Eco Skin Collections and Simeon Dacumos.

I have yet to decide whether this site is worth it yet, as the items are still out of my price range, even at a discount, but it certainly is worth joining if you enjoy seeing what sort of deals are possible and just in case you have some cash burning for a fashion investment.

Right now, Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy readers get a special invitation to join Juxzy! Just use the referral code 0f7846 to join! Let me know what you buy and happy shopping :)

Below are some images of items currently on sale!

Dress and satin pants: Alberta Ferretti

Pumps: United Nude

Product Review: Bobbi Brown long-wear gel eyeliner

There is something addicting about liquid eyeliner. From the very first time I mastered that perfect swoop of black lusciousness, I was hooked. That perfectly defined, flirtatiously winged sweep has been a classically sexy look for decades and will likely be for many more. Achieving that perfect line though, has been notoriously tricky with the traditional liquid liners, but gel eyeliners promise the desired definition, with a much easier application!

My first foray into gel eyeliners was with the celebrated Bobbi Brown long-wear gel eyeliner. This product is most definitely worth the price - at only around $20 you can get one of the best eyeliners I've ever tried and enough of it to last you literally forever!! This great eyeliner lasts all day without fading or moving even a millimetre, and was super easy to apply. Just lightly dab your eyeliner brush into the pot, cover with the cap (to prevent drying the product out), and with light brushstrokes, apply to your eyelid with ease. Now, since I'm a practiced user of liquid eyeliner, my enthusiasm for the the ease of this eyeliner needs to be taken with a grain of salt. If you're more eyeliner challenged, then check out this tutorial below to get some great tips and realize just how simple gel eyeliner is.

Final Verdict: Awesome product, lasts all day and removes easily too! Highly recommended.

On an unrelated note, I also love how this tutorial features the gorilla pod, which is what I use to take my photos as well! In fact, even her camera looks eerily similar!

Links á la Mode

• 39thandbroadway.com - Why we love working in the fashion industry and despite all the hard work and drama, clothing the world is often its own reward!
• Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy - Checks out the new recyclable laptop from who else, Apple
• Breakfast at Saks - loving preppy looks from Liz Claiborne, Burberry, and H&M
• ericdwills.com - Check out the new “Blow” sunglasses from Dior Homme. They come in 5 colors, with each color limited to only 500 pieces worldwide.
• Fashion Daydreams - London Fashion Week Fall 2009 - Ashish show and the IFB party.
• fashion in my eyes - Shoes that makes you wanna dream!
• Fashion Pulse Daily - Is there such a thing as too many fashion reality TV shows? The newest one on Bravo might prove that the theme has gone into overkill mode.
• Fasshonaburu - Top Five Fashion Trends from NYFW
• fete a fete - Vouelle Spring 09 couture shoes from Paris!
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Affordable Business Cards For (Somewhat Broke) Bloggers
• Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Fashion - Can the Remington Emi hairdryer create wavy hair in one easy step? Even on curly hair?
• Nico Assatly - Get in the Swing of thing!
• ShopDiary - Check out Net-a-Porter Notes Volume VII
• Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info found the most amazing crocodile embossed and python embossed Italian leather clutches.
• Solo Lisa - How to make high heels comfortable if you usually live in flats
• Star Fashion Addict - 2009 Men’s Summer Fashion
• Studio Purpura - London Fashion Week Fall 2009 Runway Sound Byte - Sultry, Passionate Designer Collections!!
• Style Bite - Handbags made out of paper? Gotta love it!
• Style Symmetry - Spotlight on The 100% Thrifted Pool!
• Style With Anna - The Right Jeans For Wider Hips
• THE COVETED - Vivienne Tam Hearts Bloggers
• the musings of ondo lady - Check out my review of the real life version of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ - ‘Running in Heels’

I'm a genie in a bottle

White wrap sweater: from Taiwan
Olive ribbed tank top: American Eagle
Jeans: Guess
Flats: from Taiwan

The title of this post stems from the cat-call of some of my former schoolmates who declared these flats as "genie shoes", but these shoes are actually among my favourites as they were my first pair of flats!! No, I'm not shoe retarded, but I do have psychological issues with flats. Being rather height-challenged, I've previously always viewed flats as the enemy, but my mind was turned around in the last couple years by the abundance of gorgeous, cute, and all around bad ass, flats popping up everywhere. Alas, though I had the desire, I had not the feet; all too often, flats were too large to contain my very narrow ankled feet and I would slide out of them as if I were Cinderella trying on her ugly step-sister's shoes. Finally though I got a break when my good friend JL brought back these shoes from Taiwan! Originally bought for cheap for her, she found them too tight and offered them to me. I am always up for a good freebie, so of course I accepted and have loved them ever since. Do you remember how you found your first pair of flats?

Lust of the Week: Fresh Soda Shampoo

Sephora, $26

Who doesn't love shiny, silky hair? With winter slowly coming to an end, it's time for spring sunshine to show its face again (and high time too!) and with all that sun, your hair will have plenty of opportunities to reflect and attract the eye of that new spring fling! Get luscious locks he'll want to run his fingers through with Fresh Soda shampoo. Containing bicarbonate soda (baking soda) this shampoo promises bounce, while mint, grapefruit, and lavender lock in shine. The reviews on Sephora are unanimously glowing for this great shampoo, so get yours now too!

Yay for green technology!

Eco-initiatives are full of great intentions - what could be better than revamping the products you love, in a greener, more media friendly package? "Green" products are touted as all the fun and none of the guilt, but while the intention is great and it's better than nothing, we should not sleep too soundly just because we use canvas bags and recycle our pop cans. All too often these eco-friendly products are just an excuse to up prices instead of lowering environmental impact. However, it's still great that companies jump onto the green bandwagon because any step in the right direction is something to celebrate, and with that in mind I say "yay!" for the new Apple MacBook Pro.

One of the first laptops to meet Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, or EPEAT, gold standard, the new MacBook Pro is made entirely from recyclable parts: recyclable aluminum, an arsenic-free glass screen, a mercury-free LED display, even smaller packaging to reduce carbon emissions (although the claim that smaller box = more boxes per shipping crate = less CO2 is a little sketchy to me). Apple has also extended its green hand to redesign the rest of the MacBook series, iPods, and iPhones.

So is this laptop truly helping to save the environment or is it all a clever marketing campaign? Check out all the tree-hugging specs here, and watch the ad here and decide for yourself.

Tagged by Luphia!

I was tagged by one of my new favourite bloggers, Luphia to do this cool tag! Read on to learn more random things about this high maintenance woman:

What are you wearing now? Pink t-shirt, Guess jeans (it's laundry day)

How often do you blog? Argh seems like most days I'm blogging! Each post takes at least an hour to research and write usually.

Who was the last person you hugged? The boy. Or his dog, I'm not sure which.

Which item from your closet are you wearing most lately? My gray boyfriend cardigan from Urban Outfitters

What's for dinner? Homemade veggie and italian sausage soup!

What was the last thing you bought? A series of cute white ceramic flowers that you tack onto your wall.

What are you listening to right now? Gossip Girl re-run

If you could have any super power, what would it be? I would want the ability to read people's minds like Jean Grey from X-men... or, be Hiro from Heroes and travel through time and space!!

What is your favorite weather, and why? Summer definitely, at a good balmy 28 degrees Celsius

What time do you usually get up? 8am for work on weekdays, anything goes on weekends! Never call me before 10am please.

What is your most challenging goal right now? Training for the 10K Sun run in april!

Say something to the person who tagged you: She has the coolest taste in interior design!

If you could have a house-totally paid for, fully furnished-anywhere in the world, where you want it to be?
Honolulu, or Paris definitely

Favorite vacation spot? Hawaii, or Taiwan, or Paris

Name the things you cannot live without:
My friends & family, and all the things that keep me connected to them: MSN, cell, email, facebook... oh and lip balm

What movies can you watch over and over?
Kung-fu!!!!

What is your favorite tea flavor? White tea


I never know who to choose for these things b/c you're all great bloggers! So this time, I'm taking the lazy girl's route and letting commenters choose themselves! I have better things to do, like paint my nails ;)

Links á la Mode

• A Few Goody GumDrops - A Few Goody Gumdrops and Chickdowntown.com are giving away a pair of Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans! So…Girlfriend,Enter to Win!!
• alixrose - Interview with Monika Dasai, CEO of Sole Envie, on how her company will change the way women shop for shoes.
• Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy - Join in the debate… does Chris Brown deserve forgiveness?
• Breakfast at Saks - Christian Siriano for Payless Debuts at NY Fashion Week
• Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - the elegance of pearls
• Debutante Clothing - Debutante Clothing finds a red carpet worthy vintage Balmain cocktail dress
• Dogmom’s Dish - Erickson Beamon for Target: Bodacious Brilliance to Stimulate Your Senses
• Fabfrocks - About a million reasons why I still love Betsey Johnson…OK, not a million, but definitely more than three!
• fashion in my eyes - Boy meets modelling
• Fashion Pulse Daily - A Fashion Week recap, including Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rodarte, Tibi, and Narciso Rodriguez!
• fete a fete - Cute workout attire from IVEE
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Photos from Dress Up Soiree LONDON!
• Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Fashion - My favorites from the first half of Fashion Week: Rachel Roy, Peter Som, TSE, Christian Cota, and more.
• MISS GLITZY - My personal shoe museum, the story of I. Miller, a dynasty of American shoemakers.
• misslikey - never forget your gloves
• Or False Glitter - Hannah Marshall and Ipso Facto: A day of London Fashion Week
• Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info loves ruffle bags which are all the rage for Spring and in the nude even better!
• Studio Purpura Fashion Blog - Oscar 2009 Hits and Misses for the lovely starlette’s that dawned the red carpet!!
• Style Gourmand - Style Gourmand talks to Ray Chang, Art Director at Oscar de la Renta, about art, fashion and his endless search for the perfect grey suit.
• Style Symmetry - Would you wear red eye makeup?
• Style With Anna - Get Angelina Jolie’s 2009 Oscar Inspired Dress and Emerald Jewelry
• THE COVETED - A visit to the house of Wendy Brandes
• Your source for all things wicked and awesome - Kate Moss makes black magic look extra yummy in this editorial. It’s all about acessorizing in just the right way!

Can't get enough? Read the rest here