Friday, October 30, 2009

Foot Fetish thanks to Famous Footwear

Recently I won a fabulous giveaway from Mama's a Rolling Stone, a great blog from Down Under featuring the latest fashion and shopping news, style tips, and hot deals! As the lucky winner, I was given a $25 gift card to Famous Footwear.

Having never bought shoes online I was very skeptical. How can an online retailer replicate the experience of a brick & mortar? Shoes are an item where fit is key and some shoes look eons better on, than on the shelf - both factors of which are impossible to fulfill online. Luckily, Famous Footwear tries to ease this experience as much as possible by providing mult-angle shots of each shoe, customer reviews, and detailed shoes sizes showing both length and width. They also allow you to return unworn merchandise within 30 days if it doesn't fit, or you decide those platform Uggs are just not you (ugh).

Being a typical Libra though, I could not decide which shoes to get! Practical or impractical? Comfort, or hotness? It is the eternal dilemma of my life. Thank goodness I have you readers to help me! Please vote in the comments and I'll buy whatever you all pick!



I have a hard time finding flats that fit my super narrow ankles, but these are available in a 5 so maybe, just maybe, they will be a keeper! The red color would be cute with sundresses in summer, and with tights in winter. They also come in black and brown, but I already own a pair of black flats.



Every woman needs a pair of classic black pumps in her shoe closet and these totally fit the bill. Made of faux-leather with a 3" heel, these shoes are practical, smart, yet stylish. They are the white bread of shoes, as they go with everything!



Now let's take a minute away from practicality and jump headlong into fantastic! These unique looking babies just jumped out of the page and went "Buy Me." These are the kind of shoes that you either love, or hate. With the black edged stitching against the vanilla tone that is faintly reminiscent of Chanel, the 4" heel with hidden platform, the cool cut-outs, and that unique ribbon topper, I'm leaning more towards love.



It's barely winter, but I'm already looking towards sunnier days with these comfy and summery heels. I like how the ankle strap secures your foot and its versatile, earthy, tan color.



Hmm I really do have a thing for Madden Girl shoes, don't I? Perhaps it's my small feet restricting me to the manufacturers who cater to teeny people, or maybe it's just that Steve Madden's trendy style speaks to my soul like a long-lost lover. A few weeks ago I saw a girl on the street sporting these awesome vintage cowboy boots with tights and I felt it, that hard lusting feeling - I needed cowboy boots. However, being as nature and I get along like John & Kate, I could never go for full-blown cowboy boots, but these cowboy-esque boots would suit me just fine. The stirrup detail and stitching down the side give just enough country flavour, and the low heel make these boots utterly walkable.

So there you have it people, the choices are laid out and now it's up to you to rescue me from the depths of indecision! Also, I will not consider buying more than a single pair as I recently came back from two trips in as many months, so I need to save money up for Christmas presents rather than selfishly spending on myself. I know, I am such a saint at times. I had previously offered to knit homemade sweaters instead of buying gifts, but my lovely boyfriend just said "Uhh.. no thanks, I have enough sweaters." Really, why do I put up with such abuse.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Lust of the Week: Free People Topaz Bib Necklace



Gosh this necklace is stunning isn't it? This is the definition of a statement, bib necklace. Made of topaz crystals and glass, this golden treasure looks like it would weigh heavily on your neck, but for the sheer traffic-stopping effect, it may be worth it! Paired with a simple tee, or a black sheath, this necklace will draw all eyes to you as it catches the light in its amber gaze. I love the warm golden tones, so reminiscent of autumn's turning leaves. Golden tones are universally flattering and go well with so many colours, so if you're going to choose an "it" shade this season, then go for gold!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Weekly Shopping & Goodies




The Fashionable Gal
is giving away a CLARISONIC! Enter before October 31st!!

A Few Goody Gumdrops is giving away a to-die-for Sydney Evan Bracelet with dangling diamond Hamsa sign.Enter to Win!

Be Seen In hollywood at Downtown Los Angeles Fashion week lights, camera, action!!!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy lists the 12 most annoying types of Facebook (& Twitter) users

Couture In The City shows us how to rock our look for fall.

Fashion Cents shows you how to wear the boyfriend sweater.

Fashion Fille appreciates the classic beauty held in pearl jewelry.

Fashion Hippo Lucky Mag collaborates with HSN to create capsule collection of Rebecca Minkoff and Kooba Bags and Rebecca Taylor Clothing

Quinta Trends loves DAM new collection: for a happy summer

Raging Rouge kicks off three days of featuring the best lipstick and lip gloss shades for Fall 2009.

Shopping and Info loves black leather pants as seen on Blake Lively for the holidays.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com has great ideas for cheap CLARISONIC! Halloween Decor

StyleMaven is inspired by the current "Maharaja" exhibit in London's V&A museum and has found some opulent Indian inspired fashions to take on the trend including Isharya Moon coral earrings, Giuseppe Zanotti, and a Marc Jacobs clutch.

The Fashionable Bambino is giving away TWO pairs of Pediped Soft-Soled Baby & Toddler Shoes. Giveaway ends Nov 8th at 11:59pm EST.

The Fashionable Housewife shows us the Five Must-Have Tall Boots for Fall 2009 / Winter 2010

TheFind Blog has spotted the perfect pair of over the top over-the-knee-boots from Jimmy Choo.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Outfit, Vegas, and Bday Giveaway Winner!!

Green tank: RW&Co
Cardigan: Plenty
Wool bandage skirt: Winners
Gold flats: gift from Taiwan


Sorry for two consecutive outfit posts, but since you guys apparently love them, here's another one for your viewing pleasure! I like this photo, mainly because I look so cutesy with my bangs and chipmunk smile haha. Ok, now excuse me while I go deflate my head to a manageable size.

In other more important news, I would like to announce the winners of my recent Birthday Giveaway contest! Thanks to all who entered, and for those who did, but did not win, fear not because I have not one, but two (TWO!!) giveaways coming up to lead you straight into the holiday season!

Now, onto the winners. The Canadian winner of the Harajuku Lovers' set care of Matchstick is... Mr. T!

and the international winner of my secret prize pack is... Kelly!

Winners, please contact me within 72 hours of this post to claim your prize!

Lastly I shall leave you today with some photos from my recent Vegas birthday extravaganza, as previously requested. We stayed at MGM Signature hotel for 3 glorious nights of partying, eating, shopping, and extreme sexiness by us ladies! If you're pondering doing a Vegas trip, I highly recommend doing an all-girl trip as you will get into every club free! Paying is for chumps! Oh, and men. Sorry dudes.


Our hotel room: 6 girls, 1 bathroom


Hotness!! Our boyfriends are right to be worried!


Us lovely ladies at Tao, the club at the Venetian hotel. Nicest club ever!


River pool at MGM. So fun to float along in the sun, sipping our giant tube of strawberry daiquiri.


Chillin' like a villain at the Venetian

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Wedding Bells

Dress: Fred Flare
Nude wedges: Spring


Sorry everyone, not for this high maintenance woman, at least not for a long while! This dress is what I wore to a wedding I went to a couple months ago. As soon as I saw the vibrant hues of this watercolor floral dress, I just had to have it and it I'm so glad that I did. This dress fits like a dream, although it does dip a bit low in the chest, so I wore a light pink camisole underneath for coverage. Speaking of weddings though, what age did you think you would be married when you were younger? My original thought was that I would get married when I was 25, since at the time that seemed a proper adult age to marry and start thinking about babies. Now I can only laugh at myself as it seems my marriage deadline will need to be pushed back as I cannot imagine it in my future. My life has barely begun!

Life is a bit unfair for women. As much as we hate to admit it, we do have a biological clock and timeline to have babies safely and that does put a sense of urgency to matters that men don't have. At times I feel that even though my life has barely begun, it is also too quickly running out of time. There's too much to do in life to do it all! How are we as women to navigate these rushing waters, to decide between our dreams and realities, our hopes for love and family, and our desires to be free? Certainly this is a question too big to handle in one blog post, but I'm hoping someone out there may have some wiser thoughts.

Friday, October 23, 2009

I'd like to thank the Academy...

Well, not actually, but I would like to thank Glam because I have been nominated for an Appletiser Blog Award! The Appletiser Blog Award is a weekly themed series nominating the best blog posts in the Glam network that fit that theme. Winners get a special award badge to display on their blog and hopefully gain lots of exposure to all the voters participating!

My recent post "Product Review: Nina Ricci Mild Milky Cleanser & Smoothing Softness Lotion" was nominated and you can check out the post here.

The campaign runs until Christmas, after which a final winner is decided for each category and the final winners will get a "major prize"!

To vote for me, just click the link below! And if you really love me, tweet this out on Twitter!




Thursday, October 22, 2009

Lust of the Week: Foley + Corinna Classic Jet Setter Jr.


What is it about dark, rainy days that just make you feel more moody and full of stormy passion? If you don't have someone to express your stormy passion to (and even if you do) then I suggest you express it to this gorgeous gasp of cool autumn air. This delectable Foley + Corinna Classic Jet Setter bag is made from the softest looking leather and gold hardware. It's a fairly straight-forward bag with its double rolled leather handles and characteristic Foley + Corinna straight zipper slashing through the middle of the bag. What makes this bag special though, is the cool belt feature on the front and that deep, gorgeous, purple color. Purple is the color of passion and this dark shade definitely fits in with fall's vampire trends. Maybe you can't get away with going full on Gothic in your everyday, but you can indulge in a little darkness with this bag.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Weekly Shopping & Goodies + Get Fresh For Fall Winner Announcement!



The Fashionable Housewife
is giving away Crest & Scope Giftbaskets to 5 lucky winners! Each gift basket will contain toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss picks in the new Outlast flavor from Crest and Scope.

A Few Goody Gumdrops finally found the perfect Little Black Dress from Twenty8Twelve!Do you agree?

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy is celebrating her birthday! Tell her your favourite post and you could win!

Fashion Fille ponders if Gen Y is becoming tragically inarticulate.

Fashion Hippo showcases the Best Over-the-Knee Boots in Every Heel Height

Handbag du Jour thinks life is easy for Nicky Hilton and her Valentino Maison Hard Tote.

Princess Dominique invites you to enter the YMI Dark Wash Bootcut Jeans Giveaway!

Quinta Trends shows Karina Latorre last collection

Shopping and Info has a $500 Carolina Herrera gift card giveaway.

Style Eyes checks out a scary collection from Paris Fashion Week in her post Giles in Paris - an Arachnophobes worst nightmare.

StyleMaven relies on Mario Badescu Drying Lotion and Calma Mask for skin care emergencies.

The Fashionable Bambinoinvites you to enter our Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Wubbzy Goes Boo DVD Giveaway! TWO winners! Contest ends Friday 9/23!

The Fashionable Gal is giving away a CLARISONIC! Not only that, it's a PINK one!! Just donate to Fashionable Gals For A Cure, and you'll be entered to win a pink Clarisonic of your very own!

TheFind Blog is excited about the Anna Sheffield for Target jewelry collection and we can't wait to get our hands on our favorite picks from the vintage inspired necklaces, earrings and "charm-ing" bracelets.

What's Haute Magazine's beauty editor spends some time with the hair master, Frederic Fekkai.



Now, onto the important stuff you are really wanting to read... the winner of the Get Fresh For Fall contest!!! Tons of you entered and tweeted and many thanks to you all, but in the end: there can be only one. Without further ado, the winner is:

Loopy

This fall, Loopy is getting fresh for fall with her answer of:

1) Big Boy Blazers (or Boyfriend Blazers?) not sure what they are called, but they look Great with #2 & #3
2) Leggings! Do not have enough...must...wear pretty dresses into fall...
3) Statement Necklaces! I've got my heart set on the HOUSE OF HARLOW Gold Plated Necklace!
HOTTTTT!!!

Thanks for your enthusiasm Loopy in your answer and for tweeting and subscribing, giving you the maximum chances to win! You have 72 hours from the time of this post to email me and claim your prize!

Feeling sad for missing out? Well, you still have a chance to win in my Birthday Giveaway!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Birthday Giveaway!



Well dear readers, it's finally come: the end of my youth. Time to panic? Well maybe not panic, but certainly time to invest in some anti-aging products: eye cream, night cream, moisturizers with major SPF, anti-wrinkle and anti-sunspot ANYTHING. Currently as you're reading this, I will be nursing a major hangover while trying to look fabulous poolside at a hotel in Las Vegas! A bunch of girl friends are all celebrating recent birthdays, so we decided to go big and do a girl trip to Las Vegas! Let shenanigans abound.

While I'm gone though, I'm leaving you guys with a present in the form of a birthday giveaway!! There will be 2 prizes: one for Canadian readers, and one for international readers. For Canadian readers (excluding Quebec) who are of age (19+), you can win a Harajuku Lovers perfume kit care of Matchstick! For international readers you will win a personalized prize pack care of moi! Don't worry, the prize pack will not be crappy!!

To win, simply post a comment saying which Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy post is your favourite and why. The top 2 entries will be chosen as the winners! The contest is open until midnight, October 25, 2009 so please enter and thank you each and every one of you out there for reading my blog!!! You are the major reason that I keep writing everyday and I appreciate more than you know.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Lust of the Week: Marciano Harvest Grass Sweater Dress



I am lusting over the soft browns and creams of this sexy, yet demure, number from Marciano. Perfect for layering, or alone, or worn as a tunic with leggings, this dress is great for autumn and spring! I can envision wearing this with my cropped wool coat and nude heels, or going for a more casual feel with denim leggings and brown suede boots. Could you see yourself wearing this?

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

12 Most Annoying Types of Facebook (and Twitter) users

Just read this hilarious and very true article about the 12 most annoying Facebook users. This list could easily apply to Twitter as well. You know who you are. You're likely going to tweet/fb-status how much you are not like anyone on this list:

The Let-Me-Tell-You-Every-Detail-of-My-Day Bore. "I'm waking up." "I had Wheaties for breakfast." "I'm bored at work." "I'm stuck in traffic." You're kidding! How fascinating! No moment is too mundane for some people to broadcast unsolicited to the world. Just because you have 432 Facebook friends doesn't mean we all want to know when you're waiting for the bus.

The Self-Promoter. OK, so we've probably all posted at least once about some achievement. And sure, maybe your friends really do want to read the fascinating article you wrote about beet farming. But when almost EVERY update is a link to your blog, your poetry reading, your 10k results or your art show, you sound like a bragger or a self-centered careerist.

The Friend-Padder. The average Facebook user has 120 friends on the site. Schmoozers and social butterflies -- you know, the ones who make lifelong pals on the subway -- might reasonably have 300 or 400. But 1,000 "friends?" Unless you're George Clooney or just won the lottery, no one has that many. That's just showing off. (hehe slightly guilty of this one, but in my defense most of the time people add me! I'm too lazy to add others.)

The Town Crier. "Michael Jackson is dead!!!" You heard it from me first! Me, and the 213,000 other people who all saw it on TMZ. These Matt Drudge wannabes are the reason many of us learn of breaking news not from TV or news sites but from online social networks. In their rush to trumpet the news, these people also spread rumors, half-truths and innuendo. No, Jeff Goldblum did not plunge to his death from a New Zealand cliff.

The TMIer. "Brad is heading to Walgreens to buy something for these pesky hemorrhoids." Boundaries of privacy and decorum don't seem to exist for these too-much-information updaters, who unabashedly offer up details about their sex lives, marital troubles and bodily functions. Thanks for sharing.

The Bad Grammarian. "So sad about Fara Fauset but Im so gladd its friday yippe". Yes, I know the punctuation rules are different in the digital world. And, no, no one likes a spelling-Nazi schoolmarm. But you sound like a moron.

The Sympathy-Baiter. "Barbara is feeling sad today." "Man, am I glad that's over." "Jim could really use some good news about now." Like anglers hunting for fish, these sad sacks cast out their hooks -- baited with vague tales of woe -- in the hopes of landing concerned responses. Genuine bad news is one thing, but these manipulative posts are just pleas for attention. (Definitely know some of these. Probably also done it myself.)

The Lurker. The Peeping Toms of Facebook, these voyeurs are too cautious, or maybe too lazy, to update their status or write on your wall. But once in a while, you'll be talking to them and they'll mention something you posted, so you know they're on your page, hiding in the shadows. It's just a little creepy.

The Crank. These curmudgeons, like the trolls who spew hate in blog comments, never met something they couldn't complain about. "Carl isn't really that impressed with idiots who don't realize how idiotic they are." [Actual status update.] Keep spreading the love.

The Paparazzo. Ever visit your Facebook page and discover that someone's posted a photo of you from last weekend's party -- a photo you didn't authorize and haven't even seen? You'd really rather not have to explain to your mom why you were leering like a drunken hyena and French-kissing a bottle of Jagermeister.

The Obscurist. "If not now then when?" "You'll see..." "Grist for the mill." "John is, small world." "Dave thought he was immune, but no. No, he is not." [Actual status updates, all.] Sorry, but you're not being mysterious -- just nonsensical.

The Chronic Inviter. "Support my cause. Sign my petition. Play Mafia Wars with me. Which 'Star Trek' character are you? Here are the 'Top 5 cars I have personally owned.' Here are '25 Things About Me.' Here's a drink. What drink are you? We're related! I took the 'What President Are You?' quiz and found out I'm Millard Fillmore! What president are you?"
You probably mean well, but stop. Just stop. I don't care what president I am -- can't we simply be friends? Now excuse me while I go post the link to this story on my Facebook page.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Can leather be demure?

T-shirt: Song
Drapey cardigan: Plenty
Belt: Danier leather
Skirt: Urban Outfitters



I wanted to experiment with the idea of making something tough and edgy, soft and feminine. The item in question was this liquid mini-skirt from Urban Outfitters. It's the perfect item to wear for sex factor out and about, but in this instance I wanted to wear it somewhere during the day. To tone down the sexiness, I wore it with simple, solid colors and flats, which were not shown here. I like the contrast of the bright blue against the muted rose shade of the cardigan. The cardigan's soft draping also makes this outfit more girlish than vampish. Finally I added the black belt for subtle visual detail. If you want to wear an outfit like this, but want some accessories, I would stress to keep it simple - a cocktail ring, or a thin, single stranded necklace will do, as anything more will just overpower this outfit.


By the way, you only have 1 more day to enter my LNA zipper leggings giveaway!!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Product Review: Bristols 6 Double-stick Hem Tape

The Product
Last month I was contacted by Kirsten of Bristols 6 about a great new product Bristols was putting out: double-sided hem tape for denim! I had worked with Kirsten before on their star product, Nippies, which are sticky nipple pasties worn by just about everyone on the runway and the red carpet. Nippies was an awesome product (I'm still using mine btw!), so I was eager to check out the hem tape. This practical product promises to solve the dilemma often faced when purchasing new jeans where one has to make a difficult, final, decision: hem the denim long for heels and boots, or shorter for flats and sandals? In today's economy it seems silly to me that we have to delegate denim for specific shoe situations. If you're going to invest in quality denim, then you should be able to get your money's worth and wear it with anything! Here comes Hem Tape to the rescue.

The Guts
Hem Tape is basically a clear band-aid shaped strip, that is sticky on either side. You simply fold your denim inwards to the desired length and then pin it in place with the tape. Voila! Instantly shorter pants.

Price & Packaging
Hem Tape is only $12 and you get 18 strips. The package comes in a discreet little brown envelope and a set of instructions in multiple languages.

Effectiveness
I tried this out on my Rock & Republics for a night in, walking around my apartment building doing laundry and various house cleaning. The instructions were a little hard to follow as there were no diagrams. Also, the first step asks you to pin your denim to the desired length and then turn it inside out to place the strips. As I have no such pins at my disposal, I found this step to be quite difficult, so in the end I fudged it. The final effect was that my jeans went from heel-appropriate, to flat-worthy in 60 seconds! However, using the tape resulted in me losing that crisp hem finishing, but if you aren't worried that people will be staring at your ankles all night, then that's ok. The tape stayed on for about 4 hours, after which it became a bit loose. Will it last through a night out on the town? It's questionable, so I'd bring a spare set of tape if I were to use this out.

Buy or Ditch
Buy. Cheap, easy to use, and fairly effective. I wouldn't count on this as an everyday alternative, but for a one-off it's great!

Final Verdict: B



On a side-note, there will be no post this Monday as it is Thanksgiving in Canada, which I will be spending stuffing my face with pie and mashed potatoes. Have a good long weekend everyone!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Lust of the Week: Forever 21 opening in Vancouver!

This week's LOTW is pretty simple: in celebration of the opening of the first Forever 21 store in Vancouver (at Metrotown for the locals) this coming Saturday, I decided to showcase all the items I am currently lusting for over at the Canadian Forever 21 website. Unfortunately, I won't have time to check out the opening myself, but if it's anything like the recent Montreal opening I went to, it will be MADNESS!! Get ready to throw them bows ladies and go balls out. Only the strong survive.

For the pussies (or smarter) ones out there, I've also been informed that Forever 21 will offer free shipping for orders over $75! Should some of these lusts then become realities?



Forever 21: fall dresses





Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Weekly Shopping & Goodies



A Few Goody Gumdrops asks When is the EX Boyfriend EVER better than the Boyfriend? The answer is in the jeans!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy is looking soft, silky and radiant after using Nina Ricci cleanser and toner!

Fashion Fille hates motorcycles, but is dying over motorcycle jeans!

Fashion Hippo hunts for inexpensive trends and finds chic tops and ruffle blouses starting at $7

Handbag du Jour loves haute handbag designer and Tory Burch alum, Katherine Fleming.

Shopping and Info loves the Tory Burch ruffle cashmere sweater for Winter.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com loves these Think Pink accessories

Style Eyes wants to sparkle this autumn and winter. She checks out winter sequin essentials - the dress, skirt, top, leggings and shorts

StyleMaven is totally obsessing over a cashmere shawl vest from luxe knitwear brand, Inhabit.

TheFind Blog spotted the revival of the Mukluk boot this winter. It is the Tory Burch all black moccasin mukluk with a tassle tie.

What's Haute Magazine features the Sam Edelman Zoe booties that have been causing such a stir!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

A Little Bit of Culture

Halloween 2008: Believe it or not, but this was *before* I'd had anything to drink


Let it never be said that I am not one classy lady, and here at Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy, it's always been about class, not titties and ass. Not that a little T n' A isn't bad, but you know, just don't be too Brit Brit about it.

And so, in celebration of all the things that make life great, let me appeal to your senses and showcase some things that have been keeping me up and about lately:

For the eyes: Oct. 1-16 is the Vancouver International Film Festival! Schema Magazine is covering as many films as we can this year, so check out my reviews as well as the other sensational writers to know what's worth seeing and skipping.

For the ears: Check out local DJ phenom, DJ Deadbird's ode to summer with his hot new mix, Yacht Funk

For the tastebuds: I've really really been wanting to check out this amazing looking Korean restaurant, Bool Chul Pan, out in Coquitlam. Anyone want to drive me?

For the body: Fortune Sound Club is Vancouver's hottest new night club run by the party masters GMan & Rizk. I was here opening night and it was classy and rowdy! Perfect place to get down and dance your week stress away.

If you've got anything going on in the Vancity area let me know, I'm always up for learning more about what this great city has to offer!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

This is my club bitch face

Jewelled top: Seduction
Bandage knit skirt: Winners
Peep-toe heels: Aldo


A couple weeks ago I visited the amazing Julie of Pop Champagne and we did a photo shoot for her line of accessories, Glam Sparkle & Pop. I'm always amazed at her talent, so you guys definitely need to check out her store! Anyways one of the "looks" she kept trying to get me to do was a bitchy face, however I am not a person who can just turn on her bitch face. For me, I need to get into my bitch persona by wearing sexy clothes, some bitch heels, and my full face of makeup. Take this photo for instance, of me just before my friends picked me up on the way to the club. You want me to stare you down in the club? Oh yeah I can do it now when I'm wearing a sexy ass outfit like this. Don't mess with me or you gonna get screwed up! teehee

Friday, October 2, 2009

Product Review: Nina Ricci Mild Milky Cleanser & Smoothing Softness Lotion



The Product
I was at Winners awhile back perusing the beauty section for discounted beauty deals when I happened upon these two products. Sadly there was no lotion to complete my set as above, but 2/3 aren't bad right? I love Nina Ricci's fashion designs which are always so ethereal and graceful, so logically their beauty products must also echo this philosophy right? Well, read on and see readers...

The Guts
The Mild Milky Cleanser is formulated for all skin types and claims to relax, purify, and sooth stressed skin. Ingredients include aloe vera, cotton seed oil and a most deliciously elegant scent. The Smoothing Softness lotion also seeks to comfort and moisturize skin with its mix of aloe vera, castor oil, and gingko biloba

Price and Packaging
As I bought these at Winners the price was pretty cheap, like under $20 for both. Some Internet research tells me though that the products usually hover around $20-30 each, which isn't that bad considering they are "designer"! The products are encased in frosted plastic bottles, with the cleanser featuring a pump dispenser. I really love the bottle lid on the toner with its sparse, modern lines and use of clear plastic. The product itself is also colored in pale neutral tones of light rose and cream.

Effectiveness
The first thing you must know about the Milky Cleanser, is that it's more like a cold cream than a traditional foaming cleanser. Milk cleansers are meant to be one of the gentlest cleansers you can use and are recommended for those with sensitive or mature skin. Simply take a cotton ball (or few) and squirt a bit of product onto it, then smooth over skin - no rinsing required. It was simply amazing to see the amount of dirt that came off! Usually if I used this cleanser at the end of the day, I would go through at least 3 cotton balls before my swipes ran clean. This product is also amazing for taking every speck of makeup on your face, including my gel eyeliner that requires a special oil-based remover to take off! Post-application my skin felt smooth, soft, and super clean. Since my skin is neither sensitive or mature, I used this cleanser in the morning and a gentle scrub at night.

The Smoothing Softness lotion claims to "envelop the skin in a soothing and calming silky softness" and I must say that I am very pleased with its fulfillment of these promises. The toner has a light, feminine, scent and feels coolly refreshing on the skin. The lotion also absorbs quickly, leaving nothing but silky softness. My skin feels smooth and radiant!

The only cons to these products I could find were that it felt wasteful to go through a handful of cotton balls every time I want to wash my face. As well, I can imagine that if you get any sort of blemishes at all, or live in a hot climate, or do sports, then these products will not be strong enough to do you right.

Buy it or ditch it?
Buy! If your skin is looking for some soft, gentle, goodness, then these are the products for you; however for all others these products will not pack enough punch to do much for you.

Final Verdict: B+ Worked well for me, but may not be for everyone.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Lust of the Week: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2010 RTW



As with last week's LOTW, I am again inspired by the Spring 2010 RTW collections. This time around it is one of my favourites, Dolce & Gabbana, who are in the spotlight. This season's round didn't leave me anything close to awestruck, which was quite disappointing. What is up with all the granny pants as shorts D & G? And your plays on menswear simply made me yawn "It's been done." However, you did spice things up a bit near the end with your sexy body-conscious skirts and over sized floral prints.

The highlight of the show for me came near the beginning which was dominated by black and lace. This burlesque tutu pictured above (my description, not Style.com's) caught my eye with its lace detailing, flirtatious length and dramatic use of color contrast. Doesn't Chanel Iman look smoking in this?! Then again, she always does!