Weekly Shopping & Goodies

A Few Goody Gumdrops is sporting her latest must-have Hairy Hunter Rain boots this Spring!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy has got you covered head to toe for spring care of National Jean Company & Fantasy Jewelry Box!

Fashion Cents helps you transition from winter to spring like a pro.

Want sleeker hair to pair with your new springy ensembles? Fashion Fille can help- enter to win a ceramic hair iron here!

Handbag du Jour loves the Miu Miu Bird suede and python clutch: haute off the spring runway.

Shopping and Info loves the lavender lilac purple trend for bags, shoes, and dresses this season from YSL and Tory Burch.

Style Eyes finds a great way to make outfits in her favourite spring trend in her post pattern mixing from the feet up

StyleMaven shares the luxe alternative to the Liberty of London Target collection, have you heard of the 10 Corso Como for Liberty of London Collection?

The Well-Heeled Society is putting the rainbow before the storm in a season that's raining trench coats!

TheFind loves the new spring trend for skinny cargo pants, especially J Brand's Houlihan Cargo Pants - they look great on Khloe Kardashian too!

Get hot from head to toe with National Jean Company and Fantasy Jewelry Box!

If you're looking for a one-stop shop for all your shopping needs, then you really need to get over to National Jean Company! This brick-and-mortar shop now has an online store where you can purchase great deals on denim brands like 7 for All Mankind, Current/Elliot, JBrand and more! Besides denim, NJC also sells clothes, shoes, and accessories.

If it's jewelry you're looking for, and you're tired of perusing the racks at H&M or Forever 21, then Fantasy Jewelry Box, is a great alternative for finding that perfect new sparkler! Just like other fast fashion retailers, Fantasy Jewelry Box sells designer and celebrity inspired creations that won't hurt your wallet.

I was lucky enough to be contacted by NJC and Fantasy Jewelry Box and before you think this post is just a soulless endorsement, let it be known that I would never recommend anything that I don't believe in. NJC offered me the chance to try out their services and I was thrilled to investigate whether this site was worth talking about. The denim picks on NJC are great, but the clothing sections had a bit more comfy mall wear than I like - I'm talking about slouchy graphic tees, lounge wear, just meh club outfits, and easygoing dresses. Seriously, some of their stuff reminded me of what suburban kids wear to look "fashionable." However there were thankfully so many other great stylish options that I forgave them, such as this sharp blazer and this hot Rebecca Minkoff satchel.

Fantasy Jewelry Box fared better as there were options for any style and the site was really easy to use, letting you search by type, color, and price.

As mentioned, I was offered to try out the two retailers products and below are what I chose! Delivery of the items did take a lot longer than I expected since it was only coming from the US to Canada, so don't order anything from here that you need asap. When the items did arrive though, they were packaged safely and matched exactly what I was expecting. So if you're looking for a new online shopping site to add to your Favourites list, then consider trying out National Jean Company and Fantasy Jewelry Box!

Taliyah's Faux Gold & Smokey Topaz ring, $39.95

Me wearing NJC Vintage Nature off shoulder sweatshirt, $24 - super comfy and I love the sexy off shoulder look! Hello 80s, it's me.

Nepotism

Nepotism: the favouring of a person simply because of the relationship one has with said person. Well, I guess we're all human right? This is me wearing a shirt designed by Mr. Artist himself for Vancouver based, Dussault Clothing. The line is mostly for men (though there are women's items as well) and is very LA street-style. Mr. Artist works for Dussault as an artist, creating cool new graphics for shirts, hoodies, whatever!

This shirt is from a line of shirts protesting Vancouver's ban on Dussault clothing in clubs. Brands that are deemed as having "gang associations" have long been banned from clubs along the entertainment corridor downtown in an effort to stem violence. While admirable in purpose, banning fashion brands is a stupid way to hope to stem violence, although I do appreciate the lack of Ed Hardy eyesores when I go to the club! Perhaps they are being more fashion police, rather than actual police? In protest of this unfair ban, Dussault commissioned these shirts featuring baby versions of famous dictators, like Kim Jong Il and Napoleon, which is who I'm wearing here.

Like what you see? Check out more of the new Dussault designs here, and you can also check out all of the boy's awesome work here at his website!

Product Review: Candylens color contact lenses

A month and a half ago I was approached by online retailer CandyLens.com to review some of their products! CandyLens specializes in selling color contacts out of Asia and I was fortunate enough to be offered two pairs of lenses, which I will review for you today: the Geo Nudy Gray Circle lens, and the Big Eyes Party lens in green!

Wearing Geo Nudy gray circle lens

My natural eyes

Geo Nudy lens in case

Big Eyes Party green lens in case

Product
Colored contacts are a great way to change up your look and style dramatically, yet easily! Based out of Malaysia, CandyLens offers a wide range of color contact brands from around Asia. You can purchase non-prescription and prescription lenses and they can even handle astigmatism!

Price & Packaging
Each lens that I tried cost $20-25 and came in the cutest animal style lens cases. Shipping was also fantastic with the lenses arriving in 2 short weeks!

Effectiveness
I wore the Geo Nudy lenses all day in dry office air, while staring at a computer all day. By the end of the day, my eyes were getting dry, so I wouldn't suggest wearing these everyday. The Geo Nudy lens will last you a year, while the Big Eyes Party lens will last three months. As well, when wearing the lens you can still see peeks of my natural brown eyes, which can be a bit disconcerting. The Geo Nudy lens is slightly transparent, which allows for a more natural look, while the Big Eyes has a more opaque tone. I loved the look these lenses gave though and how the slightly larger irises made my eyes look more wider and doll-like for that perfect cute look.

Buy again?
Most definitely! These were fun, easy to use and inexpensive! How can you go wrong?

Final Verdict
A

Keep checking back here or updates as I will also be posting a video review on these lenses as well!

Lust of the Week: Vintage Chanel via Etsy

via HereandThereVintage, $200

I'm not sure what the rate of fraud is on Etsy, but if this is legit, then this is a stunning deal!! Vintage Chanel, with hardly any wear & tear, for only $200. Damn I am tempted!! You can tell by the number of exclamation points in this post that I am tempted!! I'm not as crazy for Chanel as most people seem to be, but I do appreciate its iconic flair and I quite like how this bag isn't the same as most Chanels I see. Yes it's got the classic quilting and the leather intermixed with a chain strap, but it also has that cool flap on the front and a funky tassel! Anyone have experience buying designer on Etsy?

Weekly Shopping & Goodies - Giveaway edition!

The Fashionable Housewife is giving away FOUR $25 vouchers for Fibers.com so you can design you own custom t-shirt!

A Few Goody Gumdrops is giving away the newest drink to hit the runway! Starbucks Vanilla Light Frappuccino and The Timbukto Messenger Bag. Enter to win!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy and Snubbr.com are having a giveaway! All you have to do is tell us your beauty must-haves!

Fashion Cents gives you the ammunition to address the style basics. If you don't need it, you definitely know someone who does. Enter to WIN NOW (and re-gift if you like).

Handbag du Jour gives you one last chance to grab bags from Jack Rabbit Collection!

Quinta Trends talks to Peruvian designer Eugenia Buendía

Shopping and Info is giving away a ladies automatic watch from Orient Watches.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com is giving away a FREE BOX of AWARD WINNING Easter Cookies! Enter to Win!

Style Eyes has found the perfect solution to her problem of travelling in style with a laptop handbag

StyleMaven is stocking up on Spring essentials this week including an Akiko tunic and Peeptoe Booties...so excited that Saks is giving away an Elizabeth and James scarf with purchase.

The Fashionable Bambino - If you or someone you know has a baby, then you'll want to enter our NEW! Kokopax City Baby Carrier Giveaway!!

The Fashionable Gal is giving away Project Runway Video Computer Game to THREE winners!!

The Well-Heeled Society is offering a spring bouquet of $15 off all US orders from Forzieri with coupon code MDAY2010.

TheFind is giving away one Shoe Buy $75 gift card. Enter now for your chance to win and splurge on a pair of new spring sandals!

What's Haute Magazine: now you can wear Mackage coats in the spring with Mackage Packables!

Holy Grail Mascaras + Giveaway!

Nothing says sexy like an eyeful of lashes. Every good vixen knows, and particularly those vixens who play innocent, that the power of a good lash cannot be underestimated. What is it about those fluttery hairs rimming our eyes that is so intoxicating? After all, eyelashes are meant only to protect our eyes from dust, not to allure the opposite sex! Whatever the reason, women everywhere are always on the search for the holy grail of mascaras to make their lashes the most desirable out there. Beauty companies don't make it damn easy though to find the perfect mascara - waterproof, lengthening, moisturizing, voluminizing, curling... we women expect more of a simple wand & tube than we do of most boyfriends and the perfect mascara is almost as hard to find as the perfect man. Note though that I said almost for thanks to some good Google skills and a love of a challenge, I have sought out the Top 4 Mascaras Out There. Why 4? Well, it's not exactly the most lucky number, but it covers all the mascaras that were consistently voted by numerous beauty publications and by over 800 user reviews to be simply awesome. I figure those are pretty good odds, so read on to find out what you may be missing out on...

#1: Lancome Definicils
Hailed as an extreme lengthener and definer, this top pick also is said to last all day. The only downside? A slightly more expensive price (around $25 per tube) and warnings that the formula can smudge during initial application.

#2: Maybelline Full n' Soft
This drugstore champion is as awesome as its price. Full n' Soft not only voluminizes, but also lengthens, a rare combination indeed.

#3: Dior DiorShow Backstage
There are various formulations of this popular mascara, but I chose to feature the Backstage as it's known for its voluminizing magic. For us sparse lashed Asians, it's all about volume!! Reviewers do warn though that the DiorShow brush can be a bit tricky to use.

#4: Shiseido The Makeup Mascara Base
This mascara differs from the previous picks as it is actually a mascara base, not a mascara. A mascara base acts like a primer for your lashes enabling longer wear, better volume, and length. This product also contains moisturizers to condition while you wear and is clear so you can use it with any shade. One user even claimed she would marry it if she could

Sadly none of these shades were my beloved Mary Kay Ultimate Lash or Covergirl Lash Blast. I still stand by them though, so they are the unofficial #5 and 6 spots!


Now for the giveaway part of this post! In partnership with Snubbr.com, I'm offering a free beauty product giveaway! Snubbr is a great new site that allows consumers to post their questions about anything from the best mascara, to electronics, to even stuff like what's the best brand of baby diapers! Answers are given by the resident experts and by Snubbr's ever growing user base.

In this post, I've researched out the top mascaras, but now I want to hear what you think! Simply answer the following two questions and you could win!

1. What is your holy grail of mascaras?
2. Check out these must-have beauty products and tell me which one do you have to have?
   

Want some extra entries? Leave a comment telling me whether you do/did any of the following:

• Subscribe to Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy (please tell me how you subscribed: RSS, Google, Bloglovin, etc.)
• Tweet, or re-post this contest, and leave me a link to your tweet or post

This contest is open to US and Canada only and will run until 12 AM PST April 1, 2010!!

Steak in OJ

This easy recipe was fast and super delicious as it was crammed with flavour! Orange juice is definitely good for more than just drinking with its zesty taste that perfectly complements the heavy taste of steak. This recipe is a good source of protein, is 330 calories per serving, and makes enough for 4. Courtesy of Time to Cook...Healthy Recipes.

• 2 large oranges (I used a few packs of those packaged mandarins, plus a healthy splash of OJ)
  
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 fillet steaks
• salt & pepper
• 6 tbsp beef stock
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• fresh flat leaf parsley leaves as garnish.
  

Using a zester, pare a few strips of orange zest and set aside as garnish. Cut the oranges in half, then cut off 4 thin slices for garnish. Squeeze juice from remaining oranges.

Melt butter in a heavy-bottom skillet. Add steaks and cook on medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned and sealed. Remove from skillet and set aside, keeping warm.

Pour OJ into skillet and add stock and vinegar. Let simmer on low heat for 2 minutes. Season with salt & pepper to taste, then add in steaks. Heat for another 2 minutes and serve with orange slices, zest, and parsley as garnish.

Total time: 15 minutes.

Lust of the Week: American Apparel Reversible V-neck Tunic

via American Apparel, $35

LOTW's are supposed to be high-end, or highly unique items that just make you drool, but which you can never own, but sometimes I really really just want something that I can actually get! In this instance, I am downright lusting for this reversible tunic from American Apparel. Nobody does unique basics (yes, kind of an oxymoron) like AA and I love their kookiness and how everything comes in all the colors of the rainbow. Right now like everyone else I'm really into nude and soft tones and this nude tunic fits the bill. Plus I really lust over the fact that its reversible so you can wear it as a daring v-neck, or a saucy low backed shirt. This tunic would look fantastic on its own ... and with everything I own. Nuff said.

Weekly Shopping & Goodies - Happy St. Patricks Day!

A Few Goody Gumdrops gets foxy with her furry GREEN tail from Louis Vuitton!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy shows you some gorgeous greens for St. Patricks Day!

Fashion Cents just might be your lucky leprechaun. If you didn't wear green today, she has got you covered. Get a down-loadable pin-on NOW!

Princess Dominique digs the look of kelly green CHUCKS for St. Patty's!

Shopping and Info is wearing green Ray Ban sunglass lenses in her aviators like Taylor Momsen from Gossip Girl for St. Patrick’s Day.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com has great St Patricks Day Gift Ideas!

Style Eyes gets some unusual styles in her post a green summer dress for St Patricks Day

StyleMaven spotted Kate Moss touring the English countryside at The Victoria Inn pub in Cotswolds, England wearing a GREEN military jacket with fur collar - on trend for St. Patrick's Day!

The Curvy Fashionista dares you to pinch her St. Patty’s Curves!

The Well-Heeled Society springs into the green scheme of things.

TheFind is wishing everyone the Luck o' the Irish this St. Paddy's Day in our Spring Fling Shoe Giveaway. Enter to win a $75 gift card from our friends at Shoebuy!


Also please check out a fab new online boutique from Montreal, Canada called Boutique Onze! Featuring the latest trends at actually affordable prices, this boutique is too hot to miss out on. Plus, they're offering Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy readers 10% off their purchases when they enter in discount code SAVE10!! Happy shopping!

Gorgeous greens for St. Patricks Day

Tomorrow is that day where everyone in the city will be taking a welcome excuse to get drunk on a Wednesday. I for one will probably not partake due to a little overindulgence this past weekend, so my St. Patrick's day green contribution will likely be in wearing a green facial mask while doing my nails. When trying to come up with ideas for a St. Patrick's day post, my memory nagged me with a little deja vu - surely I had done a St. Patrick's fashion post before? Why yes memory, I do believe you are right! In my first St. Patrick's day fashion post, it was all about classic preppy style care of Anthropologie. Seeing that the post was from 2 years ago, it was interesting to compare my style then and now. I'm not sure that you would see me wearing any of the outfits I put together then, now!

For the second incarnation of this theme, I've put together a selection that will let you have that Irish spirit, no matter what your budget! I invite you to compare and contrast this post with my previous one and do let me know, which do you prefer?


Dirt Cheap

Forever 21 Crochet Beret, $5.50

A beret is such a versatile accessory and awesome for bad hair days. I keep meaning to get me one of these, but alas I apparently have a giant head! On the plus side, that means I'm made for TV since many celebs are said to have large heads.


Worthy Buy

Asos Ruched sleeve detail shift dress, 28 pounds

Keeping in with this season's light tones, this soft as a cloud jade green is just perfection. The mini length is offset by this dress' minimalist feel. You could go utterly prim, or super edgy depending on how you accessorize or how you do your accompanying makeup. In my imagination I see this being paired with some killer cage heels, smoky eyes and a nude lip - who said shifts couldn't be sexy?


Splurge baby

Juicy Couture green multi-stone ring, $88

As far as jewellery goes this isn't the largest splurge ever, but in terms of that wow factor this ring definitely falls into the splurge-worthy category. Bursting with gorgeous resin cabochons and crystal studs, this ring is a definite attention-grabber!

Style by Numbers

Ruffled shirt: Banana Republic
Sweater: Zara
Skirt: Simons
Flats: from Taiwan

I wore this outfit at the last iWriteAboutMe workshop at UBC. The workshop/speaker series is a series of speaker talks given by a mix of local and international journalists, authors, directors, and media entrepreneurs to the public about their experiences and insights in the media industry and on online media itself. I work as a project coordinator as the project was the brainchild of myself and my editor at Schema Magazine and it's been amazing how lucky we've been with our choice of speakers. Every person has been highly eloquent and inspiring, so I encourage anyone with a free week night to attend our next event, which should be happening around the beginning of April!

Anyways, onto the outfit. Like most of the outfits I end up liking the most, this one came together in a flash of random inspiration. I wanted something with a variety of colour, that would look classy, and also provide mobility since I needed to be taking photos during the event. This combo was cold on the legs (it was January at the time), but hot on style! I love the ruffle detailing, but this top was sleeveless, so I paired it with a bright blue sweater. How the gold flats came into the mix I have no idea, but I liked how it was an unexpected match.

Get Chic with Shabby Apple

Many of the current F/W 2010 shows featured a sombre, demure look to them that was reminiscent of classic lady-like style. Nothing captures this look better than the clean, tailored look that is prominent in the latest lookbook for dress retailer Shabby Apple. It's no surprise that Shabby Apple would be the go-to source for tailored dresses as its mission is to provide women with stylish outfits consisting of the dress as the centerpiece. It's a style philosophy that works for the modern time-pressed female. Simply throw on one of these beauties and you will effortlessly look like you spent more time on your outfit than you possibly have!

Upper East Side, $72

Made from a flattering cotton/spandex blend, this gorgeous cerulean dress is a timeless breath of fresh air.

Jitterbug, $76

I love the sharp cap sleeves and sleek cut of this simple LBD. The over sized rosette on the front adds a flirty appeal that keeps this dress from being too stern, however you had better have some bad-ass triceps before attempting this one!

Sheep Meadow, $88

Hailing from the latest Shabby Apple collection, Central Park, this nautical themed dress is as sweet and tangy as a cold jug of lemonade in summer. I love the contrast of the dark green against the bright white and the dark blue ribbon belt adds a sweet touch.


And just for Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy readers, Shabby Apple has generously offered a special discount code of WINTER20OFF to get 20% off purchases at checkout! Happy Shopping!

Lust of the Week: ToyWatch Plateramic watch

Plasteramic in white, $295

Remember when I said plastic watches were ugly and tacky? Well, I should really learn to never say never when it comes to fashion because HELLO, here's a hot plastic watch! At least this one is almost $300 and is covered in crystals. Hmm, now I bet you are wondering if it's just an expensive, craptastic, piece of ostentation, but really take a closer look at it!

This piece first caught my eye when I was watching The Blind Side last weekend and I noticed that Sandra Bullock's character was always pairing her ladies-who-lunch ensembles with this chic white watch. I had to know where this watch came from, and lo and behold, Google said it was a ToyWatch. Hailing from Milan, designer Marco Mavilla is making waves with his "anti-luxury luxury" plastic watches. ToyWatches are as ironic as they are attractive considering that they cost hundreds of dollars, and are available through "economy" retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorg Goodman.

Oh fashion, I love how you so gleefully contradict yourself.

Weekly Shopping & Goodies - Oscar fashion! + New recipe

A Few Goody Gumdrops gets Red Carpet ready with Kate Beckinsale's look from Shu Uemura.

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy shows you how to recreate Anna Kendrick's Oscar look with jewelry from ICE.com!

Fashion Cents wants you to pick the Oscar winners. Okay, at least the fashion winners. Vote now!

Fashion Fille tells all about her favorites from the Academy Awards. Agree? Disagree? Let her know!

Handbag du Jour loves Jada Pinkett's red carpet -worthy Judith Leiber clutch.

Ladybrillemag.com Selects its Top 3 Looks at the Oscars!

Princess Dominique will make you feel like you've WON AN OSCAR! Enter for a Chance to WIN The Weekly Shoe Giveaway..

Quinta Trends comments on Magaly Solier’ s look in Oscar 2010. Her dress was created by Peruvian designer Lucía Cuba.

Shopping and Info loved the gold dresses worn by Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz and Miley Cyrus at the Oscars and shows you how to channel their looks.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com found a great site for celebrity jewelry for less.

Style Eyes shares her favourite Oscar red carpet dresses and picks out a dress for her own Oscars Party!

StyleMaven spots the red carpet trend for the most GORGEOUS nude shades in celebrity gowns worn by Sandra Bullock, Demi Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker and Diane Kruger.

The Curvy Fashionista celebrates Red Carpet Worthy Curves deemed fashion favorites at the Oscars!

The Well-Heeled Society showcases heels that reflect how Mo'Nique BLUE us away with her homage to Hattie McDaniel.

TheFind is giving away an Almond Cookie Crave Spa Set, from Carol's Daughter a natural skincare line with red-carpet celebrity fans including Jada Pinkett Smith, Mary J. Blige, and Brad Pitt. ENTER to win this amazing spa set!

What's Haute Magazine presents the best and worst red carpet looks from the 82nd annual Academy Awards!


As well, this week I attempted a new recipe: homemade pickles! I was inspired to make pickles after eating a Japanese appetizer recently of pickled vegetables, particularly their lightly marinated in vinegar cucumbers. I figured this would be simple and tasty to recreate, so after some quick research online I figured out the basic "pickle marinade" recipe.

This version is the basic template that I've used, so I will call this Pickles: attempt 1 as the recipe hasn't been quite perfected yet. The taste is very vinegary, so if you love salt & vinegar chips you will likely love this. I don't love salt & vinegar chips, but I quite like the taste of these cucumbers. Attempt 2 will involve pickled carrots and more sugar to try to sweeten the taste.



To make this just combine the following in a glass jar (I used a 2 cup size one):

• 1/2 english cucumber, sliced
• just over 2/3 cup of water
• just over 1/3 cup of white vinegar
• 2 good pinches of salt and pepper
• 2 cloves of garlic, quartered
• 2 good pinches of sugar
• optional: chilies, dill, or whatever other spices strike your fancy
  

Let sit for at least 48 hours, stirring occasionally to mix ingredients, before doing initial tasting. Like any marinade, the flavours will only intensify over time.

Get the look: Anna Kendrick at the Oscars

One of my favourite looks at this year's Oscars was the one worn by Twilight and Up in the Air star Anna Kendrick. Not only was this bright young star nominated, she was also one of the best dressed on the red carpet. Wearing a gorgeously soft, pale pink Elie Saab gown, and a tasteful array of sparkling diamonds, Anna looked like a romantic angel. Plus that amazingly flawless white skin? Pure perfection!

Getting Anna's look might seem unattainable, but it's really not, with the help of online retailers like ICE.com! The key to this look is softness. Choose subtle attention grabbing accessories like a very structured clutch in a soft material, classic drop earrings, and a classy diamond tennis bracelet!

Get the look: Anna Kendrick at the Oscars by mizzj featuring Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry

Items in this set:
Sondra Roberts Rectangle Clutch with Pyramid Clasp - Free Overnight..., $105
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold-tone studded bangle set, $115
1/7 Carat Diamond Sterling Silver Drop Earring, $125
1/2 Carat Diamond Sterling Silver Bracelet, $135

What was your favourite Oscar look?

Magnolia + Award!

Sweater and leggings: Zara
Boots: Steve Madden
Bracelets: unknown
Locket watch: Front and Company

This outfit is all about things I'm in love with for spring: soft, blush pinks, leggings, my gold locket watch and mid calf booties. The locket watch is something I've been wearing a ton of since I bought in January. It's one of those items I've always fantasized owning so as soon as I saw this in Front and Company, I knew I had to have it. Mr. Artist teases me that I look like Flava Flav when I'm wearing it, but whatever! That just means maybe Flava Flav knows what he's talking about.

Hmmm.. why must boys ruin everything

In other news, I received an award from Two Thousand Things! Thanks so much!

For this award I had to answer a series of very intense, thought-provoking questions ;)

Your Cell Phone? Nokia, very lame-ass dumb phone. But I'm cheap, so it works for me!
Your Hair? Black-brown
Your Mother? Best cook ever.
Your Father? A quirky dude.
Your Favorite Food? Oh gawd, do you mean today? I love anything Asian style, but I could eat Chinese or Thai food everyday.
Your Dream Last Night? Don't think I had one
Your Favorite Drink? Non-alcoholic: chocolate milk, taro bubble tea Alcoholic: sour apple martinis and bellinis are always good. Long Island ice-teas
Your Dream/Goal? To find true love. LOL
What Room Are You In? living room
Your Hobby? Blogging! Yoga, running, shopping, reading
Your Fear? Bugs! Needles!
Where Do You See Yourself In Six Years? Hopefully married and maybe having a kid. Rich as hell, or at least married rich haha
Where Were You Last Night? At Mr. Artist's house
Something That You Aren't? Tall
Muffins? Top?
Wish List Item? My own pimp condo, a doggie, a car. YSL Tributes. A Birkin. The usual things.
Where Did You Grow Up? On an island surrounded by the sea.
Last Thing You Did? Make hot chocolate
What Are You Wearing? My Hello Kitty pjs. Yeah you read that right!
Your TV? Is small.
Your Pets? None, but I spend a lot of time with my bf's golden retriever.
Friends? Good friends are hard to find and sometimes are found in the most unexpected of places.
Your Life? Is fairly good. No serious complaints.
Your Mood? Lazy.
Missing Someone? Nobody I can get back. People change.
Vehicle? Don't have one atm.
Something You Aren't Wearing? Harem pants. Sorry, it makes you look like you're wearing a freakin diaper.
Your Favorite Store? Zara and Holt Renfrew.
Your Favorite Color? Goes in phases. At the moment I would say purple, but I'm beginning to transition into pale pink I think.
When Was The Last Time You Laughed? 30 seconds ago. I laugh a lot. It burns calories.
Last Time You Cried? Last night, but only a couple tears and it was more of a happy cry than a sad one.
Your Best Friend? Someone who is loyal.
One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Work unfortunately.
Facebook? Only occasionally. I usually let my alerts pile up and then check in once a week.
Favorite Place To Eat? Depends on my mood, but at the moment it's Benkei, a Japanese ramen place. Delicious broth!!


Now I will pass on this award to....

And By the Wei
Dancing in Chiffon
Haute World
Le Mode du Jour
The F Word Online

Olympic Madness - a retrospective

It's been a few days now since the Olympics have ended. The city went through a massive hangover and now we're all feeling a little deflated after all the excitement. Living in the host city of an Olympics was an experience of a lifetime. The country came together like never before and I think it's safe to say that we all had never felt more national pride than in the last 2 weeks. Although Vancouver had its screw-ups and controversies, I think we managed to show the world that we can show one kick-ass global party. Not bad for a city that was previously known more for its love of a certain herb! Here's some photos and videos of my own experiences in this great city during this dramatic, and joyous Olympic games - go Canada go!!

Lust of the Week: Gucci Sigrid Oversize Clutch

Saks, $652.96 via Purse Blog

I saw this hot thing over at Purse Blog and immediately knew it was this week's Lust. Just salivate with me over the shiny patent leather, the gleaming metal and enamel hardware, and that striking geometric line that just slices through you like a samurai's blade. I want. I need. Gucci.

Easy-peasy chow mein

I was going to make a recipe this week, but after checking it out, I figured I didn't need a recipe to tell me how to make a chow mein - making this shiet is in my blood! So I literally threw together this recipe myself and it turned out delicious! That's the funnest part about cooking and fashion - sometimes the most random circumstances end up in the best results.

• 1 red and 1 orange red bell pepper
• 1 pkg of pre cut stir fry beef, or 2 lean round steaks cut into strips
• 2 cups of crispy egg noodle
  
• 2-3 handfuls of baby spinach
• 1 clove garlic sliced
  
• 1 tsp ginger, sliced

Take beef and toss into a small bowl with the following marinade (I didn't measure the portions so try to use your instincts here):

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tsp 5 spice powder
• pepper and salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp corn starch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp fish sauce
  

Let meat sit for at least 15 minutes while you slice up the veggie and other ingredients. Pour 1 tbsp of cooking oil into wok and when you can feel heat coming up, toss in garlic and ginger. Cook for 30s, then add meat. Stir fry meat until browned, then remove from wok. Throw in noodles, add a bit of water to moisten and stir fry for 1-2 minutes. Add peppers and 1 tbsp of oyster sauce to lightly coat noodles. Cook while stirring for another minute. Add back in meat, cook for another minute. Turn off stove and throw in your spinach, letting the heat cook the spinach. Serve right away!


Check back in a couple days as I've also been working on another secret recipe, the results of which I will post about after it's complete!

Weekly Shopping & Goodies - Green baby!

A Few Goody Gumdrops goes Green with Juara's eco-friendly Black Tea and Rice products.

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy is mad for vintage! It's the new way to shop green!

Fashion Fille is having a irresistible giveaway for an Orient watch! It's powered by a mainspring, without using electrical power, making it a "green" watch! Enter to win now.

Ladybrillemag.com says shop Chichia London by Christine Mhando.

Princess Dominique says, the oldest form of recycling is patchwork, so, Enter to WIN the Carlos Santana Chula Patchwork Shooties!

Quinta Trends wears green hope. Strength Chile!! (earthquake in Chile)

Shopping and Info loves Julia Robert’s eco friendly shoes from her movie Eat Pray Love.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com found a safe and eco friendly nail polish for Pregnant Women.

StyleMaven gets cozy casual and eco-friendly with a Stella McCartney Organic Cotton Hoodie.

TheFind is getting bikini ready for Spring Break with a Celebrity Fitness Kit featuring DVDs from Valerie Bertinelli, Trudie Styler and Oprah's personal trainer, Bob Greene. Enter now for a chance to this eco-friendly fitness kit!

Vintage: the new Green movement

One of the hottest trends in eco-fashion today isn't bamboo, or hemp, it's vintage. Mention the word vintage though, and my Asian princess side tells me to stick a pampered nose up in the air and go "Vintage? That's just a cool way of saying old!" Vintage seems to basically be a fancy way of saying you're shopping secondhand; however it doesn't always have to mean digging through stinky bins at your local Value Village. If you're like me and are just dipping their prissy toes into the secondhand shopping pool, then shopping at thrift stores is not really an option. If a store smells of old sweat, chances are I'm not in it and I'm sorry, but that is just not going to change. That doesn't mean I want to miss out though! Vintage stores come in a wide variety of quality and conditions and it's quite possible to find items in excellent condition, at a great price, and stink free. Vintage's biggest advantage though is that you are pretty much guaranteed that nobody else near you will have it. Plus, vintage is good for the environment as it is recycling at its best! So what are you waiting for?? Get inspired to score your first vintage treasure with these awesome finds:

Left to right: Reconstructed Candy Cane dress, $40. Vintage Grey Boyfriend Blazer, $55

Lois Lane offers American Apparel-esque style that has been reworked for all sizes. This online boutique specializes in items from the 1940s-60s - some of the most stylish eras ever!! Each item has been handpicked and revamped for your sartorial pleasure. How can you not dig the fresh styling of these shots and those quirky nerdo glasses?

Left to right: 70s Charles Jordan pumps, $110. 80s pale pink leather pumps, $40.

These shoes from designer vintage retailer Rice and Beans are in impeccable condition and much more stylish than anything you could find at your local Aldo right now. I am loving the two-tone glamour of the Charles Jordan, but I am lusting for the pale pink pumps. Not only are these simply classic pumps evocative of 80s Barbie, they also are featured for quite the affordable price!

Left to right: Dolce & Gabbana brown/bronze tweed bra dress, $299. Roberto Cavalli black lambskin jacket, $299.

Finally you simply must check out designer vintage store, ConsignDesignerOnline. This vintage online retailer promises designer duds for a fraction of the price. Browse through a catalogue of the who's who of designers including Alexander McQueen, Chanel, LAMB, and YSL.

Vintage experts, now it's your turn to share your expertise - what are the best vintage stores you've found in your city?

Where are my arms?!

White long-sleeve tee: Old Navy
Plaid shirt: Aritzia
Denim shorts: Roxy
Leggings: Zara
Shoes: Converse

I just realized that this photo totally cuts off my upper limbs! As you can tell I was having a bad photo day. I was also having a lazy day judging by this outfit. How were all your weekends?