Hope in Haiti fundraiser at Barcelona

It was a Wednesday and as I pulled up to door of Barcelona, one of Vancouver's hottest new night spots, I saw that there was already a bit of a line-up. Luckily I'm so hot, lineups don't apply. KIDDING!! Oh Lord, I wish I had that skill. Anyway, this was no ordinary club night as we were all there for a special cause. Hope in Haiti was an event put on for the Red Cross to raise aid for the victims of the horrible earthquake in Haiti. I was invited to the event by Kelsey of The Anthology to spread the word. As I entered the club, I saw that it was full of media types, bloggers, and caring citizens.

I was impressed with both the cool vibe of Barcelona, and with the event itself. There were silent auctions, live auctions, and raffle prizes galore. Lucky attendees walked away with prizes ranging from shoes, to weekends at Harrison Hot Springs, to signed jerseys and hockey sticks by the Canucks!!

Even more exciting for me than the prizes though was meeting up my fellow bloggers!! Not only did I get to meet Kelsey (she's so teeny and a whirl of energy in RL, plus I got to see her famous red purse and peep-toe sandal/booties in person!), but I also got to meet Liv of A Beautiful Life, and Teresa of Senses & Style. Both Liv and Teresa were extremely welcoming and friendly people, for which I was grateful, since schmoozing terrifies me. As well, I got to catch up with my original FFB (Fellow Fashion Blogger) Lisa of Solo Lisa! My lasting impression of the night was that I should really try to overcome my schmoozing fear, and that despite bloggers supposedly being "real people" they seem to have a high probability of being hotties! Go figure.

Though this event is over, you can still donate to the cause. Donations are still needed, so please don't hesitate to donate to a reputable charity. You can send your donations to Red Cross here.

Product Review: Revlon Self-Adhesive False Eyelashes

Thanks so much to guest writer The Spoon for writing this great review! Definitely try to check out her foodie blog, The Daily Spoon for some well written culinary adventures. You can also check out my review on the regular Revlon false eyelashes here.

I was born with a full head of hair. Want proof? I’ll whip out my baby pictures! I was born with a full head of fine baby hair. Unfortunately – I still have a head full of fine baby hair. Well, fine adult hair. Even my eyebrows are fine – and unfortunately, so are my eyelashes. My short, thin eyelashes. I have been wearing false eyelashes for years, granted, on special occasions. I have tried many different styles and brands of false eyelashes over the years and have grown attached to quite a few (Dianne Brill – best glue ever!). So when the Revlon self-adhesive false eyelashes came long – I was willing to try them out! Here are my notes on my experience:

*Do not try to put them on when you are rushing to work, application will take time.*

I am a veteran at applying false eyelashes – yet these were surprisingly tricky. I have small eyes, so I had to cut them down, but I found that the lashes were not pliable enough to fit my eyelid curve. There is a good amount of fiddling and adjusting with these lashes – and perhaps it is a good thing there is no glue involved – it could have been a lot messier!

*Not for the gal who has eye-skimming bangs.*

The adhesive on this product is quite weak. Even though I have fine hair, my bangs kept getting stuck in the lashes and when I adjusted my bangs – they would take the lashes straight off! If my hair can remove the lashes, don’t go out on a windy day wearing these lashes.

*What? No glue at all?*

Perhaps in my rush, I did not see if there was a vial of eyelash adhesive. But I don’t think there was. However, I think that even though this is supposed to be a ‘self-adhesive’ product, it would be smart to include some glue as well! Eventually, I had to glue the left set down, while the right set stayed on. Unfortunately, right before I stepped out the door (10 min late, mind you) I took a quick peek in the mirror, only to discover that my right set was half on! I wound up whipping both sets off as I did not have the time or patience to start again.

The ‘self adhesive’ definitely wears off – I had only put them on once, and they already had a layer of makeup on the adhesive that prevents optimal ‘sticking’ to the eyelid. Then what’s the point of wearing these twice? (thus, a vial of glue would come in handy)

*Bottom line:*

Stick with the traditional glue-on type, there’s nothing about these lashes that make them easier to put on. They come off way too easily – if you’re worried about the lack of skills in applying falsies, buy a cheap pair and spend a night perfecting your technique! I would give this product a pass.

Do you want to be a guest writer on Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy like The Spoon? Then pitch me your idea by emailing me and you just might!

Lust of the Week: Sephora Bliss Tripe Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

via Sephora, $52

2010 has been less than restful to say the least! I've started out on some new ventures and busy organizing others, all while trying to maintain a semblance of a social life. So what's a busy girl to crave? Well, a night in with some nail polish, a face mask and some junk food that's what! To cover the face mask component, is this mask by Bliss. Packed full of vitamin C, antioxidants, and of course good ol' O2, this mask will wake up the most tired complexion. Sounds good to me!

Weekly Shopping & Goodies

A Few Goody Gumdrops is giving away a luscious Lavender Body care Set from L'Occitane. Enter to win!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy asks: can you tell they're fake? With a pair of Revlon False Lashes

Couture In The City is in love with luxury handbag designer Nyla Noor

Fashion Cents gives you 7 tips for creating a new style in this new year.

Handbag du Jour's haute bag of the week is the Danielle Nicole Sarah Clutch.

Princess Dominique wants to doll up your boots with Shewlery Sailor Girl Rope Chain with Anchor Giveaway Enter for a Chance to Win!

Shopping and Info wants pink and white cupcakes for Valentine’s Day and maybe some La Mer skin care for the winter weather.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com gives you ideas on what to give your favorite guy for Valentine's Day!

Style Eyes shows how Eco and Ethical fashion got affordable and very stylish.

StyleMaven is ready for stormy weather in her fur-trimmed and fabulous Sorel Joan of Arctic boots.

The Curvy Fashionista fashions a roundup of chic plus sized lingerie right in time for Valentine’s Day!

TheFind Blog is giving away a decadent gift of Patchi chocolates that will impress even the pickiest Valentine! Enter here to win.

What's Haute Magazine is in love with a little stud - the Be & D Memphis Stud Stirrup boots!

Product Review: Revlon False Eyelashes

The Product

A couple months ago, Revlon sent me some sets of their new false eyelashes to try and review. As a total newbie to false eyelashes, I was very curious. Asians do not typically have long, or thick eyelashes, so many of us wear falsies daily. My only previous experience with false lashes was when my mom spontaneously bought me a pair years ago from the drugstore. That brand of lashes shall remain nameless as they were horribly dramatic and not worth mentioning. Could Revlon do better?

The Guts

I received two sets from Revlon: a self-adhesive strip and a regular kind with adhesive glue. This post will cover my review of the normal set. For a review of the self-adhesive lashes, check back on Friday for special guest writer BW's review!

Price & Packaging

At under $5 a pair, it doesn't get much cheaper than this. The lashes come in a variety of thicknesses and lengths, but the pair I tried in this review was Intensifying. The packaging was straightforward, but one major lack in this product was the casing. False lashes can be reused a couple times if taken care of, but the current packaging doesn't allow for easy storage.

Effectiveness

Considering I've never used false lashes before, they were surprisingly easy to apply - one just needs a steady hand. The glue was easy to apply and let the lashes stick right away to my lash line. Simply pat down and wait a couple seconds to dry. Normally I have a pretty decent set of lashes - often people ask me if I'm wearing fakes already - so the effect with falsies was perhaps a 20% increase in volume? Length-wise I would estimate an increase of 10%. To test the full effect, I wore the lashes out to a dinner party to see if anyone would notice. Needless tosay the reaction was immediate, but not for the positive direction! Everyone asked why I was wearing false lashes, so I suppose the effect wasn't the most subtle. The biggest giveaways to my false lashes: an overly even length and spread of lash fibers. That being said, these lashes stayed on all night. They were so easy to wear that in fact, I even forgot they were on!

Ditch or Buy?

As much as I liked the extra fullness of the lashes, the too-perfect nature of the set detracted from the overall effect. If Revlon modified their lashes to have a more natural varying length, I think these would be much more successful, but until then I say Ditch.

Final Verdict: B

Be sure to check back on Friday's post for the second half of the Revlon False Eyelashes review!

Granny chic

Dress: TopShop
Sweater: Jacob
Tights: Nine West
Booties: too old to remember

I'm not sure how the lighting got like that on these photos, but it was au natural, no photoshop tinting! I kinda like the weird tint, it fits the outfit. I felt very 90s grunge in this ugly-pretty mess. It's a bit of granny chic, no? The sweater over the dress, the opaque tights and the somewhat clunky shoes, it's all very granny-ish, but I kinda like it for that reason. Sometimes it's fun to purposely look a little un-done and unpretty. Thank goodness for v-necks though because I think without it this outfit would look really frumpy! What do you think?

Lust of the Week: Juicy Couture Faux Fur Jacket

via ShopBop, $398

I've never been a fur wearer, but there's no denying that fur defines glamourous. Fur also is very controversial. I've heard arguments for wearing real and for wearing faux and don't want to judge anyone by saying either way which I believe in. All I ask, is that we all can appreciate the beauty of this jacket and how soft it must feel against one's skin. Its soft, pastel tones is perfect for crisp winter days and would look perfect against black liquid leggings, or a bandage dress with tights. Do you think this jacket is a worthy investment, or a passing trend?

Weekly Shopping & Goodies - Must-have Handbags!

The Fashionable Housewife dishes on the Miche Handbag that is growing in popularity. It's the interchangeable purse with changeable shells to suit your every mood!

A Few Goody Gumdrops is giving away a fabulous must-have beige patterned skin clutch from Aspinal of London. Enter to Win!

Bags, Bling & Beauty features not one, not two, but THREE Tory Burch Bags.

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy cannot get enough of cross-body bags for Spring!

Fashion Cents encourages you to throw some social consciousness in your bag -- eco friendly AND fashionable handbag options from Matt & Nat.

Fashion Fille is seriously digging this awesome handcuff clutch!

Fashion Hippo loves Marc by Marc Jacobs New Q Groovee Bag Win It Now!

Quinta Trends introduces Tot-a-Lot, fashion for baby twins.

Shopping and Info loves this Marc Jacobs cross body bag.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com dishes out their favorites bags for 2010 for every budget!

StyleMaven says Oh-la-la, I'm in L-O-V-E to Lanvin's lovely Amalia Shoulder bags!

The Bare Skinny gives Marc Jacobs "Stam" handbag options for every budget.

TheFind Blog is giving away a gorgeous classic leather "Paris" satchel handbag from Aspinal of London, CLICK HERE to enter the giveaway now!

Cross-body bag: the intersection of style & function

Fashion is the ultimate recycler. Every style goes in and out over the years, so it's understandable that many fashion lovers are also pack rats. Hey, you never know just when you might need those legwarmers, tie-dye shirts, or denim jackets again!! One style I remember rocking way back in my so-stylish elementary school days were cross-body bags. My first handbags were all of the cross-body kind, and were perfect for storing my essentials like marbles, candy, and Hello Kitty stickers, while running around the playground after boys.

Now cross-body bags are back in a big way, and why not? Running errands, around school, or during shopping marathons - these are all instances when one wants to be stylish, yet have both hands free. Now designers have answered the modern woman's call by responding with a plethora of hot cross-body bags!


Low-ish:

Totally Turnlock Percy cross-body, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $198

For an economical designer buy, you definitely need to get your hands on this lovely Marc by Marc Jacobs creation. Available in a variety of colors, including this deeply satisfying navy tone, this bag boasts pebbled leather, turn lock clasps, and a detachable shoulder strap. This bag is great for holding just your essentials and versatile enough to fit in with any multitude of outfits in your wardrobe.


Mid-range:

Flowerstud Boho clutch, Rebecca Minkoff, $385

In the medium range is this delicious clutch/cross-body option from Rebecca Minkoff. Rebecca Minkoff is quickly replacing Kooba as my favourite "unknown" handbag designer. I say unknown only because every woman in my city seems to only know 3 brands: Gucci, LV, and Chanel. There are so many cool handbag designers out there ladies - get yo'self educated!! This beautiful bag comes in a buttery tan color and has great details like a cutesy bird cartoon interior lining, a spring clasp front detail, and multiple pockets. The best part of this bag is the elegant atypical studding on the sides that will wear much longer than the current stud trend will.


High-end(ish)

Dylan Folding tote, Linea Pelle, $680

I think my perspective when it comes to handbags must be permanently skewed since I don't consider $680 to be an overly extravagant price. Considering I have paid $500ish for a tiny Gucci CANVAS clutch, this Italian leather Linea Pelle tote is a downright deal! I've featured this amazing bag before, but it really deserves a second bout of gushing. The black and gold combination on this bag speaks pure rocker, and the size allows you to throw your entire life's contents in and stomp off.


These three options are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to cross-body bags. What really makes cross-body bags great, is that most have detachable straps, essentially allowing you to transform them into handbags and clutches. A bag that is practical, stylish, and has the ability to transform into multiples bags? How can you not love cross-body bags?!

Smile, because what else are you going to do?

White tee: American Eagle
Boyfriend cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Necklace: Guess
Skirt: Simons
Belt: Olivia in Montreal
Tights: H&M
Boots: Steve Madden

I think I put this outfit together in like 5 minutes. I don't believe people when they say dressing comfortable can only be done in jeans/tee/sweat___ combinations. There are plenty of ways to be comfortable and somewhat stylish. This outfit is actually super comfortable and often skirts are more comfortable than pants! This long cardigan always automatically makes me feel slightly edgy, yet also super casual because of its long length. The boots and accessories are what really ups the style factor in this outfit. It's all in the details: the studs on the boots, the patent sheen of my belt, and the multiple stones of the necklace. Details are what takes what is basically a tee and a skirt, and makes it an outfit.

KV Bijou - handmade Canadian treasures

It's always important to support your local artists, and when I heard about KV Bijou, I just had to share it all with you. KV Bijou is a great local jewelry line by designer Kelsey Vanderhorst. Hailing from Abbotsford BC, Kelsey created the line in 2008 after making the decision to transition her passion for making jewelry into a full-time business. Since then, her line has taken locals and celebs by storm! Each piece is handmade and inspired by the wild beauty of BC.



KV Bijou designs have been seen on various celebs like Victoria Secret model, Sessilee Lopez, and has appeared in Allure and Flare magazine! Kelsey's story is quite inspiring as it's a great story of a local girl taking her hobby into full-time success. You can find her creations around at Scout (Vancouver), Fusion Hair Salon (Abbotsford) Hava Java (Mission), Kaj (Edmonton) and Propeller (Osoyoos).

Feel the calm of the sea with this starfish necklace. I love the cool feel of silver and the color of the blue-gray stones is the exact shade of the Pacific here.

This faceted jewel necklace is such an eye-catcher. Its teardrop shape is classic and the simple design keeps the focus on that startling blue color.

Lust of the Week: La Mer Tourista Wrap Watch

via ShopBop, $110

To anyone out there sporting some ugly-ass plastic, utilitarian Casio shit, please do us all a favour and chuck that thing off a building please. I don't care if it has laser beams and GPS, it's ugly!! Join us in the modern age where watches are no longer for telling time - they are for style. Check out this example of how to properly wear a watch now, with this stunning piece by La Mer Collections. This rocker-chic features many drool-worth elements, from its thick leather straps, to its classic roman numeral faceplate, to its whimsical gold charms. If you're like me, and are a sucker for leather, and for charms, the combination of the two is simply too hard to resist!

Weekly Shopping & Goodies - crazy for cuffs

A Few Goody Gumdrops gets cuffed with Alexis Bittar's Hand Painted Red Lucite Cuff !

Bags, Bling & Beauty recommends this bold enamel Kelly Cuff for Spring.

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy says that cuffs are the new statement necklace

Fashion Fille shows off her favorite designer cuffs for the season.

Fashion Hippo finds warm and chic infinity scarves to style through the winter

Princess Dominique is crazy about VINTAGE and FILIGREE cuff bracelets they DOLL UP every wardrobe!

Quinta Trends reviews a new summer trend: cuff bracelets

Raging Rouge suggests you unleash your inner goddess with this Adele Cuff Bracelet.

Shopping and Info loves Yves Saint Laurent bracelet cuffs for Spring 2010.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com loves Crystal Cuffs for Spring 2010.

Style Eyesshows her favourite delicate, filigree and vintage style cuffs in her post Enough Cuff.

StyleMaven has searched high and low for the ultimate lizard cuff bracelet - The Bottega Veneta Silver Plated Lizard Cuff.

The Bare Skinny shows you 50 Ways to get Cuffed

The Curvy Fashionista eyes the cuff trend for the fashionably curvy with trend alert Up to Cuff for Spring!

TheFind Blog is obsessing over the chic and edgy python and stingray cuffs from NYC designer Kara Ross.



In other news, if you live in the Vancity area, then you have to check one of the hottest sample sales this year - the Tension warehouse sale! Shop all three awesome lines (Tension, T by Tension, and Sweet Chemise) for awesome sales up to 80% off!


Here are some of the choice items I picked up last year:



The sale runs from this Thursday to Saturday, so remember to mark your calendars and wear strategic clothing. Hey, you might even see me there, but be warned: all's fair when it comes to love, war and shopping!

Cuffs: the new statement necklace

The past few years it's all been about big, statement, jewellery. First it was cocktail rings, then it was statement necklaces. While I am still all about hanging albatross-sized pendants, chains, and lockets around my neck, I also think that maybe my neck needs a break once in awhile and I should switch the weight to another unused limb, namely my arms! Wrists are a pretty sexy area if you think about it. Slim, shapely, wrists hint at a women's femininity and grace. A well-adorned wrist catches the eye and simply begs for a manly hand to hold it.

Personally, I've never been much of a fan of cuffs, though I am of bracelets in general. Cuffs often are too chunky to allow for comfortable keyboard typing, and too ostentatious for the everyday. I might just have to change my mind though, after seeing the lovely gold cuffs shown below:

Champagne CZ "Dazzer" cuff by JML Designs, $158

Gold equates to glamourous for me, and a certain level of luxury. This delicately wrought gold cuff from Etsy features beautiful amber-colored jewels and a twisted gold design. This cuff would definitely be worn for special occasions, but I imagine you could even wear it out to work with a crisp button down rolled at the sleeves. The jewels are offset by a smaller width than of normal cuffs, which keeps this item from being overpowering.

Brass & Chunky stone cuff by Addiction to Detail, $75

Another elegant option is this dramatic brass cuff, also found on Etsy. Available in a range of sizes, this cuff really evokes a sort of primeval sense of style with its roughly cut centerpiece stone and pebbled texture. The stone used in this cuff is actually made from pyrite, also known as "fools gold." This piece is certainly a conversation starter, so I would pair it with as simple an outfit as possible, like a white sheath dress.

Emmerling cuff by Aldo, $15.98

For some more economical options, check out this tough, but stylish, cuff from Aldo. Aldo Accessories never fails to impress me, with their wide range of style options and all at a good price point. This cuff has the perfect amount of toughness, with its thick faux-leather band and gold braided accent.

Cluesman bracelet by Aldo, $15

Another great option from Aldo is this set of stacked bracelets. If you're like me and are not totally sold on cuffs, then a series of stacked bracelets will suffice by giving you the same chunky feel, but without being locked down on one item. With a set of matching bracelets, you can make this as chunky, or non-chunky as you like and mix and match according to the occasion. This set itself ranges from siren, to rocker, to classic, so how can you go wrong?

Cuffs, rings, and necklaces are all fantastic items to invest in. Accessories spice up any outfit and allow you to look more expensive than you really are *wink*. Cuffs are a dramatic way to draw attention, but as with everything, less is more. Don't load up all your limbs with piles of jewellery, but instead concentrate on a single area - this is the most foolproof way to ensure that you look fabulous, without causing a metal detector to explode.

Schoolgirl grown up

White long-sleeved tee: Old Navy
"J" necklace: gift
Jeweled necklace: Guess
Vest: Banana Republic
Bandage skirt: Simons
Stocking: can't remember
Shoes: Spring

I wonder if this title is going to get me a lot of hits from perverts. Whatever. Check out my gorgeous bag on the chair beside me - it's lambskin Michael Kors!! Heart! Being back at work sucks. I hate being told when to get up haha. When I was younger my dream jobs included being a writer, or a TV presenter on Access Hollywood interviewing celebs and wearing fancy clothes, or being a movie or restaurant critic. The other day a friend asked me if I would ever agree to being on a reality show. I think I would say yes, although I imagine the consequences of losing your anonymity would be quite severe. My ordinary life isn't cool enough to warrant a show, so I would only agree to it if the premise involved me doing some sort of cool experience, like living in a foreign country or doing a really cool job. However I think I say (or think) enough quirky, odd things, particularly in certain contexts and influences, that I could at least keep a viewer's attention span for say, half an hour. What do you think, would you ever agree to be in a reality show?

Salad with Garlic & Yogurt Dressing

This super easy salad was absolutely delicious, full of fresh veggies, and only took 15 minutes to make! I didn't use all the ingredients, but it still was full of crunch and was very tangy. The recipe serves 4, with each serving being 82 calories. Really, does it get any better than that?

• 2 3/4 oz or 75 g cucumber, cut into sticks
• 6 scallions (green onion) cut into long pieces or chopped coarsely
• 2 tomatoes, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
• 2 celery stalks, cut into strips
• 4 radishes, quartered
• 2 3/4 oz or 75 g corn salad (I substituted in a few handfuls of cooked frozen corn and a bunch of baby spinach instead of the suggested arugula)
• 1 tbsp chopped mint, as garnish

Dressing

• 2 tbsp lemon juice (or juice of 1 lemon)
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 2/3 cup of plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the salad ingredients together in a large serving bowl. To make the dressing, combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl and stir. Sprinkle salad with mint.

Tip: don't drizzle the dressing onto the salad until serving time as it will turn soggy otherwise.

Recipe from: Time to Cook: Healthy Recipes

Lust of the Week: Thakoon Mirror Mosiac Ankle Boot

via Net-A-Porter, $478

Get your fingers jumping and swoop in like the good fashion vulture you are for some massive deals on designers goods, like these fantastic Thakoon ankle boots. Originally $1195, these babies are now $478!! It doesn't get much more fabulously unique than mirrored ankle boots. Couldn't you just picture the Gaga wearing these?! Hell, this is probably what she would wear to the grocery store, and if it's good enough for her, it's good enough for me.


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Update: Oopsie! I got Net-a-Porter and eLuxury mixed up, so no Net-a-Porter is NOT actually shutting down. Silly me. This is what happens when you write multiple posts in 1 night.

Weekly Shopping & Goodies - all about creams!

A Few Goody Gumdrops loves SPRITZING her favorite scent... Fracas by Robert Piguet!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy is in love with Clinique Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Cream!

Couture In The City shares with us how to achieve beautiful skin to start the New Year!

Fashion Cents loves fragrance rings. What a great way to freshen up fashionably!

Handbag du Jour wants you to take care of your (lamb)skin with moisturizing creams from Lovin My Bags.

Princess Dominique wants you to have healthy, glowing, youthful skin--so treat yourself-- Enter the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Giveaway!

Quinta Trends presents: Emerging Latin American design by Mónica Bursztyn

Shopping and Info loves the Sans Age celebrity facial cream.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com shows you how to spoil yourself with THE BEST organic products.

Style Eyes explains how she will be celebrating International Day of Swishing and treating herself to her favourite winter hand protector cream

StyleMaven is giving away a set of her favorite Top 5 age Defying Skincare Essentials from luxury beauty guru Caroline Chu. Energize your beauty routine with renewed and refreshed skin in 2010!

TheFind Blog is going natural, cruelty free and organic for 2010 with Zosimos Botanicals handcrafted skincare.

What's Haute Magazine found two perfect perfumes for her wedding day: J'adore by Dior and The One by Dolce & Gabbana!

Fashion Fille is favoring the luxurious and rich scents held at the classic beauty store, Bath and Body Works. Find out which product she loves the most!



In other news, my fellow Shopping & Goodies gal Ceri at Style Eyes recently alerted me to a cool site that she runs call Posh Swaps! It's a free place where fashion followers around the world can freely swap clothes, shoes, accessories, whatever with other like-minded people! Think of it as your neighborhood clothing swap party... times a billion. There are pictures and descriptions of each item online and it's a great to get something new, for almost nothing! As well, January 9th is the International Day of Swishing - don't know what that means? Check out Posh Swaps for details!

Finally, I recently signed on as a writer for a new lifestyle magazine in Vancouver called Define Magazine. The first issue is up, so check out my article on cost-effective dating and let me know what you think!

Product Review: Clinique Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer

via Clinique, $42.50

The Product

As we age, it becomes more and more important to invest in quality moisturizers that will help to preserve that coveted youthful glow. A good night moisturizer will be jam-packed with anti-aging and rejuvenating ingredients, meaning it will feel very differently than your normal daytime moisturizer. If you don't enjoy that heavy, lubed-up feel though, there's no reason to fret - Clinique is to the rescue with its answer to a powerful moisturizer that doesn't feel like butter with its highly rated Super Rescue night cream.

The Guts

Allergy tested and fragrance free, this moisturizer is perfect for sensitive skins. It's also available for various skin types, but the type I tested was for dry combination skin. The star ingredient of this cream is its mix of 8 antioxidants. Antioxidants are your skin's best buddies as they fight back against free radical damage caused by environmental stresses. Free radicals age you as they are reactive molecules; basically it means your cells aren't as "whole" as they were. Your skin naturally incurs free radical damage, but pollution, stress, and an unhealthy lifestyle can accelerate it. Super Rescue not only seeks to repair damage, it also incorporates a delayed-action strategy to defend against the "second wave" of free radical damage that can occur. The theory is that free radicals attack your skin in two waves, so by having a corresponding two wave defense, your skin will be ready to rebound from potential damage!

Price & Packaging

One tube of Super Rescue is 150 mL (1.7 oz), which seems a bit small. The squeeze tube dispenser system though is fabulous as it allows you to control the amount to apply and is more hygienic than having an open jar. The price for one tube is just over $40, which isn't actually that bad. For a beauty counter brand, Clinique has a fairly good price point for value. I definitely did not feel cheated for what I received.

Effectiveness

The texture is what is really amazing with this moisturizer. Unlike other night creams, Super Rescue has a light, natural scent, and an even lighter texture. It absorbs very quickly, leaving skin soft and moist. The cream isn't oily, or thick, but has the perfect whipped, lotion feel. The downside of this light texture is that you require a good amount to cover your face and neck, which is why I think this product should come in a larger size. After applying this cream, I woke up in the morning with soft, rejuvenated, skin. It has effectively reduced the very slight smile lines around my mouth and the slight lines on my forehead.

Ditch or Buy?

Definitely buy, especially if you can find it in a larger size.

Final Verdict: A

Pink isn't pretty, it's got attitude

White tank: RW & Co
Muted pink cardigan: Plenty
Bandage skirt: Winners
Pink Tights: Urban Outfitters
Boots, clutch: Aldo

This is all sorts of bubble gum pink goodness. Who wants to look all cute and prim though? Not I, so I toned it down with some tough boots and a studded clutch. I find that outfits like these express my personality most fully with its mix of soft and hard elements. I'm a person who loves kawaii things and loves listening to k-pop and girly pop singers, but I also have a deep abiding love for alternative, emo, and gangster rap. Sometimes I feel perky, other days watch out. Some days I want to be perfectly classic like Rachel McAdams, others I feel more comfortable being more like Erin Wasson. Maybe this just means I'm bi-polar??

How was everyone's NYE??

Winner Announcement & Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year everyone!! I hope you all are too hungover from your fabulous NYE parties to even think of doing anything except cozying up with a hot chocolate and your favourite blogs :)

My NYE this year was the chillest one I'd had in a long while. The boy and I did...NOTHING. All we did was crack open 2 bottles of wine, a bunch of cheese, and watched some good classic cinema, like Hangover. Yes, it is possible to have something as pretentious as wine & cheese while laughing your ass off about bum jokes.

For 2010, my only resolutions are to finally decorate my apartment and to become a better chef by doing 1 new recipe a week. Totally doable I would say considering I have a small mountain of recipe books to go through. To conclude the past year, here are some photos of the places and people I've been with the last 12 months. It seems for many, 2009 was a time of change and often strife. I can't say I've had the worst or best of it, but I would say 2009 for me started off rough, then got smoother. I can only hope for good things to come in 2010!



In other news, the final winner of Holiday Giveaway Bonanza, and the recipient of the locally crafted 2010 calendar is...

billion dollar princess

You have 48 hours to claim your prize! Thanks again to everyone that participated in all the giveaways from Holiday Giveaway Bonanza! I hope you enjoyed the series and there will definitely be more giveaways to come in the future from here, so be sure to keep reading for your chance to win!