Murano Glass Gifts: bringing Italian charm to you

When you think of the city of Venice, what comes to mind? Gondolas certainly, as well as narrow cobblestoned streets, romance, and spacious courtyards overlooked by massive Renaissance cathedrals. What you may not know, is that Venice is also famous for its lace and its intricate glass work, particularly its Murano glass.

Murano is actually an island just offshore from Venice and for centuries it has been famous for its uniquely crafted glass works. Murano craftsmen were renowned around Europe for their skills and refinement of many glass work techniques, such as enamelled glass, gold-threaded glass, milk glass, and lamp working.

Nowadays one doesn't have to travel to Murano to get its famous glass art. Now, one can simply open up their browser, thanks to sites such as Murano Glass jewellery. Since 2001, Murano Glass Gifts has been selling Murano glass vases, bottles, ornaments, and jewellery around the world.

I have always been a fan of the unique whimsy and beauty of Murano glass. The colors and quality of craftsmanship is of the highest quality that would hold a special place in anyone's jewellery collection. Murano Glass Gifts offers a wide variety of Murano Glass Pendants and Murano Glass Earrings, such as the gorgeous pieces below:

Cuff links, $93

Heart pendant, $93

Florentine button earrings, $67

Charm earrings, $93

So next time you are looking for a new jewellery piece to add to your collection, consider Murano and boast some timeless, Old-World elegance and charm.


Note: This post was sponsored by Murano Glass Gifts. I have never purchased any Murano Glass Gifts products, but prior to this post I did research for complaints against this company and it has a clean record.

Lust of the Week: Tiffany & Co. Engagement Ring

Now before anyone reading this tells Mr. Artist, or perhaps he even sees it himself, I am not looking to get married just yet. It's just all the recent weddings I've been to have got me thinking - what kind of ring would I want? Well, Tiffany's has the answer of course with their very helpful engagement ring search function that lets you narrow down your ring options based upon the cut, metal, design family and setting that you desire. A few simple clicks and I found this huge-ass baby on my browser. Talk about a fantasy ring: this round cut diamond ring features 3 large 2.5 carat stones with a matching diamond band. I would seriously be staring at my hand non-stop if I had this stunner. In fact, I can't even stop staring at this JPEG and that's just sad.

Weekly Shopping & Goodies

A Few Goody Gumdrops heads off into the wild blue yonder with with Nicholas Kirkwood's Sprayed Suede Lace-up Sandals!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy shows you how to do a dramatic purple & green eye shadow look for night!

Child Mode reports Preen's Thornton and Bregazzi To Launch Mini Preen For Children!

Couture In The City don't miss the broadcast event on QVC this coming Saturday and enter for you chance to win our giveaway!

Fashion Cents wants you to show everybody that you have fashion sense. Win a fashionable tee!

Fashion Fille is fascinated by this unique techy concept for an editorial. What are your thoughts?

Fashion Hippo rounds up the Best Vintage Stores on Ebay!

Ladybrillemag.com says Japanese Artist Utada's Video 'Come Back' is Hot!

Shopping and Info loves Angelina Jolie’s Atelier Versace dress from the Salt premiere.

The Well-Heeled Society is celebrating her book's one-year birthday with your chance to win TWO giveaways: a hot pink iPad case and the red-hot NYC shoe concierge service called Shoe Me!

TheFind knows that diamonds are a girl's best friend - Enter our 1ct Diamond Earring Giveaway for a chance to win a pair of 1ct (total diamond weight) earrings worth $5000!!

Vlog: Dramatic Purple & Green Evening Makeup Tutorial

Ages and ages ago, I was asked to do a tutorial on how to apply purple eye shadows. Purple shadows and liners have been a favourite of mine ever since I first broke into my sister's Barbie makeup set and emerged triumphant with purple and greens all over my face. Purple blush anyone? Lady Gaga of the 80s I was.

Flash forward to the present, and I'm still rocking the purple and greens. Some trends never die. Here's my take on a dramatic evening makeup look inspired by the vibrant colours of those flashiest of birds: peacocks. This tutorial is brought to you by amazing local videographer, Alex Yu of Ragin Ronin Productions. Check out his channel and subscribe to his channel and mine!






Be sure to stay tuned for our next video collabo, as I bring you a daytime way to utilize purple eye makeup.

If you have an idea for my next tutorial, please let me know either in the comments or email me!

I’m more than just a number

Faux leather dress: H&M
Vest: Banana Republic

Finally - summer weather has arrived again in Vancouver!! It's almost too hot, but perfect for just lying in the shade of a tree, sipping on something cool. One of the recent fashion trends out right now is the wearing of leather items, like a leather shirt, or a leather skirt. Damn, this trend is hot, but I cannot seriously imagine wearing anything leather outside during the day. Some places are not meant to be sweaty. Leave the leather for the evening ladies, like I am when I wore this outfit out to a club awhile ago. Leather, or faux leather in this case, immediately makes you appear edgy and sexier than you usually are. Tone down the rawr factor by pairing a leather item with more casual elements - I paired this leather mini dress with a casual vest featuring delicate chain pocket details and black leather boots. As well, wearing colored leathers, such as tans, or white, also makes leather more sunshine-appropriate.

Speaking of sunshine, Drake's new single Find Your Love has been in my summer rotation lately. With Drake's smooth vocals and an infectious beat, it's almost easy to forget the lack of deep lyrics going on here. This track would be perfect for blasting during a hot evening pool party no?

Product Review: Cargo Cosmetics Essential Palette

The Product
Everyone loves that perfectly done, smoky eye, but how many of us know how to do it right? Canada's Cargo Cosmetics seeks to provide the answers with its easy-peasy quad eyeshadow Essential Palette. Featuring 4 graduated tones, these palettes come in 3 different combinations designed to give you a subtle, beautiful look that looks like it was done by an expert!

The Guts
The dark/neutral palette contains the darkest spectrum of shades available from this product. The colors range from a light cream, to a rich chocolate brown. Instructions etched into the palette ensure that you know where to place which color. Simply start from the top and work your way down!

Price & Packaging
This shadow palette will set you back around $32, but I think it's money well spent as the shadow compartments are quite large and comes with a ready mirror. Also, the shadows are well pigmented, so you don't need to use much. The only thing that prevents this palette from being entirely self-contained is that it doesn't come with a brush. As well, after a couple months, I actually broke off the top part of the lid somehow and now have to secure this palette shut with a hair elastic (of course this could be me as I always drop things in the mornings and/or when tipsy late at night).

Effectiveness
I love this palette and it has quickly become one of my go-to shadows. The tones perfectly blend onto my skin smoothly and easily. The colors are easily layerable for a variety of day and night looks and also have great staying power. Even during a session of intensive power yoga, the colors did not stray - and without the use of primer as well!

Buy or Ditch?
Buy buy buy!

Final Verdict: A+

Lust of the Week: ModCloth How Soon Is Owl necklace

via Modcloth, $23.99

Recently, Mr. Artist took me out to the park near his high school to check out the hottest residents of his neighbourhood: a family of 4 owls residing in the trees. Never before had owls been spotted and people would drop by everyday for their daily owl fix. I myself was not immune to owl mania, as I craned my neck looking high up in the trees to catch a glimpse of the fluffy birds. Those owl babies were pretty darn cute, but not nearly as cute as this ModCloth owl necklace! This little charmer not only gazes inquisitively out at the world, but he'll also keep you on schedule by lifting up his fluffy wings to reveal a tiny clock face underneath. Owl + locket watch = love!

Weekly Shopping & Goodies

A Few Goody Gumdrops is giving away a fabulous Virgins, Saints and Angels Necklace. Enter to Win!

Couture In The City shares with us the trend for fall

Child Mode introduces us to eBay's New Fashion App it takes shopping to a whole new level!

Fashion Cents gets you ready for a summer concert. Three key questions to ask before you head.

X.O Senavoe: Ladybrillemag.com calls him America's Next Hip-Hop Star!

Check out Sonia Rykiel's Fall 2010 Collection on RedPoppy Fashion!

Shopping and Info is giving away a pair of white gold diamond stud earrings for the end of summer.

Simply Sample Sales shares Hot Products, Freebies & Discounts at Philosophy.com!

StyleMaven is wearing her casual chic Italian Superga Sneakers to the beach, to wine country and all of her summer outings.

The Well-Heeled Society shows you how fall's must-have trend of lace is definitely not your granny's doily cloth.

TheFind loves the chic summer wedding favors from Beau-coup.com and is giving away a $150 gift card - tell your bride-to-be friends to enter today!

WishPot: A Bucket of Fashionables

Being fashion-obsessed like I am, I'm always collecting my favourite images from magazines, blogs, and websites that inspire and just straight make me drool. Men have porn, but for me, nothing gets me hot and bothered like a beautiful Chanel, or Louboutin, or McQueen. I'm always collecting images that inspire and just make me plain salivate. It can get a little disorganized keeping track of all these things at times though, and that's where a site like WishPot comes in!

WishPot is a fashion social network that connects like-minded individuals, allowing them to create their own registries of items that they love. With a single-click, you can instantly save that perfect item for later perusing. Can't decide on whether to indulge in that new purse? Save it to your Wish List on WishPot and debate it out with your girlfriends later. WishPot links you directly to the item and also allows you to share your saved links with others! Browse members' lists, make new friends, and find hot new items - it's like a sleepover with all your best friends in virtual form! Yes, nerdiest statement ever.

Here are a few of the items I'm lusting over at WishPot and check out my WishPot widget on my sidebar for a continually updated list of the hottest items I come across!

House of Harlow Peacock cuff, $185

Dress by Forever21, $27.80

Seychelles scallop heel boot, Urban Outfitters, $49.99

Burberry quilted patent leather tote, $1395

My pure will got me stolen from grace

Lace top: Urban Outfitters
Belt: Oliva Boutique
Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Pumps: Nine West
Necklace: Betsey Johnson

Here's a fun, sexy outfit I wore awhile back to a ladies night out. Definitely not day wearable, but OK when it's dark and the music is pumpin'. I really recommend branching out of your comfort zone girls when it comes to shoes. Whenever I wear these pumps, they take center stage and I always get compliments on them. The key to pulling something off is to act like you did it on purpose; nobody will question you and confidence is always the best accessory.

This weekend I won't be doing much partying, although I will be going to my third wedding of the season. Weddings and a baby shower - guess this means I'm growing up? Responsibilities are a scary thing. I enjoy going to weddings as it's a chance to really dress up and eat a fancy free dinner! The only bad bits are the meeting relatives and boring speeches if you don't know the person.


In this week's video, we see Chinese-American MC Jin with his latest single, Angels. This is a pretty tight track, and I really love Jin's crisp flow. The video is pretty slick too as it features spots from around Jin's current locale of Hong Kong. Check out the video and lyrics below..

Lust of the Week: Conversation Pieces' Sights Delight dress

via Conversation Pieces, $42

Psst. Did you hear Conversation Pieces, a fabulous online retailer I featured a little while ago, is having another fantastic sale? Until Monday, you can purchase any 3 items from the site for $80! I'm considering pooling resources with a couple of coworkers and purchasing this lovely vision. I am lusting over the cool navy and taupe color combo, and the slightly crinkled and ragged effect that gives this dress a summery, casual feel. Will this finally be a lust, obtained??

Weekly Shopping & Goodies - animal print edition!

A Few Goody Gumdrops has been "spotted" with her Cheetah Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy proclaims that animal prints are not just for Vegas anymore!

Child Mode finds leopard print and diamante glamour in Sonia Rykiel's Enfant Collection

Couture In The City adds a touch of animal print to your summer look with two of our favorite pieces of jewelry!

Fashion Cents went into the archives to find you the perfect cheetah pieces to make him growl and for only $7.00.

Use your prize from Fashion Fille's giveaway with Maurice's to buy some must-leopard pieces!

Fashion Hippo finds the best going out tops for every occasion

Ladybrillemag.com loves South African designer Thula Sindi's Animal Print Dress!

RedPoppy Fashion is spotty for these stylish animal print pieces. Just don't wear them all at once!

Shopping and Info loves that celebrities like Halle Berry are following their animal instincts by wearing animal print dresses and jackets.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com loves the leopard personalized Melamine Plates for the summer!

StyleMaven is lusting after three key pieces for fall including a Lanvin mini pop bag in leopard print.

The Well-Heeled Society predicts you'll make a splash when wearing the animal print this fall.

TheFind is fond of chic and understated python printed statement jewelry to show off her wild side!

Animal Prints - not just for Vegas

Forget what you've been told: animal prints aren't just for the middle-aged cougar set, or the Vegas strip anymore. Designers everywhere are seeking to banish our horrid visions of too-tight flesh packed into garish and all things tacky, and replace it with a vision of the way animal prints should be worn - edgy, modern and clean. Animal prints can be fun and fresh, reflecting a wearer with a vibrant, notice-me personality.

My favourite animal print lately has been zebra stripes. Unlike cow prints (too cowboy) or cheetah (too predatory), zebra prints are just the right amount spice without being overpowering. Perhaps it's the classic black & white combo, or the flattering diagonal lines that offer curves, rather than width, but it all just makes me think that zebras must surely be the fashionistas of the African plains.

If you're looking to venture into zebra territory, then there is a wide variety of options available to you. Dip into this trend a bit with jewellery, or accessories, or go the whole way with a full-on zebra print coat, or dress. Either way, offset this crazy print by choosing items that have clean, simple lines. As well, if you are wearing a zebra item, keep the rest of your outfit simple. Finally, don't be afraid to mix zebra with pops of bright colour - it adds visual interest and is a fun, summery twist. Check out some of the great zebra items I found below!

Target Merona ruched zebra print clutch

This adorable clutch is highly affordable, making it a fun way to indulge in animal prints without investing a lot.

Classiques Entier open-toe pumps via Nordstrom, $129.95

These classically sexy peep-toe pumps go even bolder with this vibrant zebra print. The calf-hair exterior adds even more visual and textural interest and the 4" heel elongates legs.

White House | Black Market zebra print pencil skirt, $39.99

The run-of-the-mill pencil skirt gets a major revamp with zebra print that will get you noticed - and is totally work appropriate in a creative office environment. The sateen finish also gives this skirt a special touch. Pair this item with crisp button-downs for day, and a sleek black top for evening drinks.

ASOS animal sequin bandeau dress, $47.17

Finally, for the young at heart there is this flirty bandeau dress! Covered in sequins, this look-at-me dress will make you stand out anywhere. Need more evidence of the bold sex appeal of this number? Then check out the cover of November's UK Vogue - that's Georgia May wearing this very dress!

Are you now convinced to give zebra prints a try?

I know a place Where the grass is really greener

Top: Plenty
Lace bike shorts: Urban Outfitters
Flats: Steve Madden
Denim crop jacket: Dynamite

I think I'm going to add music video director to my list of dream jobs along with personal shopper, and professional blogger. Making music videos looks so fun, if the latest video from Cali girl, Katy Perry is any indication. Watching this video, there are a lot of things that make me love it, while simultaneously being seriously disturbed:

1. Snoop Dogg, I remember when you were gangsta shit. What happened to the days when you WEREN'T wearing crazy pimp suits and cupcake tuxes?
2. Is it just me, or was the Katy Perry whipped cream nipple sprays very reminiscent of Lady Gaga's fiery pointed bra?
3. Those gummy bears and I should be friends
4. Katy Perry has very large, er, cupcakes
5. Katy Perry and I are the same age, making me feel unaccomplished
6. I really really want to a candy themed photoshoot now complete with cupcake and cotton candy outfits
   

Get the lyrics here

Homestyle Chinese food: beef & tomato on rice

During my last trip home, my mom made one of my favourite comfort foods: beef & tomato ("fan ke yok"). I ate this all the time at home, but had yet to make it for myself for unknown reasons as I usually have tomatoes in my fridge and this super easy recipe doesn't even take that long to make. Plus, it makes for great lunch leftovers!

• A few large, firm, tomatoes. Try using beefsteak tomatoes. Slice into quarters.
  
• 2 lean steaks, cut into small slices
  
• 1 tsp ginger, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, sliced
• rice, steamed
• salt & pepper
• sesame oil
• cooking oil
• 5 spice powder
  

In a small bowl, combine the beef slices with a drizzle of sesame oil, and a sprinkling of 5 spice powder. Stir to coat and set aside. In a pot on medium-high heat, pour a little cooking oil and when the oil begins to smoke, add garlic and ginger. After a minute, add the beef and stir fry until beef is cooked. Remove the beef from the pot. Add in tomatoes and a thin layer of water on the bottom. Cook for several minutes until tomatoes start to soften. Put the beef back in along with salt and pepper to taste, stirring occasionally until tomatoes reach the desired consistency. I like my tomatoes a bit soft, so I cook them until the skins become loose and there is a sauce that you can use to cover your steamed rice! Serve immediately and enjoy!

Lust of the Week: Floral lace jacket via Je551

price given upon registration

When I first spotted this item, online, the lights lit up in my eyes. Are you looking for a sweeter alternative to the popular moto-jacket? Then try on this see-through lace version from Je551! This online retailer is a bare bones site listing products shipped in straight from Asia. Sure, the shipping is probably a biatch, but to get fashions you can't get from here it's definitely worth it. I think this would be the perfect light cover-up for all things summery and as a great counterpoint to a really bad-ass outfit. I'm thinking... chunky ankle booties, a slinky gray over sized tank dress and a bandeau. How would you style this item?

(In other news, stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway care of CSN Stores!)

Weekly Shopping & Goodies

A Few Goody Gumdrops feels like a starlet on the beach in her Linda Farrow Sunglasses!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy guest blogger Sara gives you expert advice on great summer earring styles!

Child Mode says "It's Beach Time!"Their Top 10 Picks For Kid's Beach Towels

Fashion Cents found the perfect pair of summer wedges for the beach on sale using Shop It To Me.

Fashion Hippo is inspired by Jane Birkin

Shopping and Info found must have summer essentials for the beach including the striped T Bags dress Paris Hilton wore recently after returning from the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com found the best towel and hat for kids

Style Eyes checks out the best ethical beach and swimwear for a guilt free holiday

Before any fashionista hits the beach, The Well-Heeled Society encourages you to use protection.

TheFind reminds you keep your hands younger looking and protected from sun damage with an SPF hand cream.

Show Off Your Ears!

Today's post come to you courtesy of my first guest blogger, Sara Bimmel!


Too often, lovely earrings are neglected. If we have them, they sit tucked away in
our drawers and jewelry boxes, twinkling silently and wishing they could have a
chance to show themselves. And if we don’t have them, nobody pays attention to
our beautiful ears.

It’s easy to think that ears aren’t any big deal, but if there’s some visual interest
or bling up there, it will set off a chain reaction that draws attention to your neck,
your collarbone, your shoulders, your eyes . . . you get the idea. All your best
features become so much more evident when you slip on a pair of earrings.
For that reason alone, don’t be afraid to spice it up a little. So many women
throw on a ho-hum pair of studs or hoop earrings that do nothing to enhance
their outfits or showcase their faces. Instead, take a risk. Try these colorful
showstoppers ($325, Elizabeth Cole Jewelry):



If you want something a bit more refined but still complex and interesting, go for
these (Kelly Haas Glossy Earrings, $100):




Got a stuffy office party to attend? If you want to showcase some bling and flash
a little bit of cold while remaining conservative, try these beauties on for size
($71, 14k White Gold Hoop Earrings from Amazon.com):




On a budget? Never fear. These $31 Juicy Couture sparklers will add an edge to
any outfit ($31, Lightning Stud Earrings):


And what if money is no object? Well, sister, if that’s the case, give your lobes
the very best with these Tiffany masterpieces ($1,350, Elsa Peretti Round Drop
Earrings from Tiffany):




Never neglect your ears again, I say. Enjoy!


This post was contributed by Sara Bimmel, who loves all things
fashion and spends much of her free time writing about Halloween costumes over at
StarCostumes.com.

If you'd like to contribute to Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy, don't hesitate to pitch your ideas to me - just send me an email!

Together now we can turn the page

White tank: RW & Co.
Lace top, "leather" leggings, sunglasses: Urban Outfitters
Flats: Steve Madden

Happy belated Canada Day and 4th of July to all my American readers! I took a very nice long weekend watching dvds of True Blood with Mr. Artist (we're obsessed!), shopping, a wedding, and lots of lazy mornings sleeping in. Sometimes it is glorious just doing nothing. What did you all do this long weekend?

Lately I've been getting more into house music. While I don't club as often as I used to, I still really appreciate a song that makes me want to move and this club packer song by Kaskade is just pure awesome. Enjoy!




You can check out the lyrics here.

Product Review: Cetaphil Facial Cleanser

The Product
This product almost needs no introduction. Cetaphil has been around for years and has been hailed by many as a saviour for sensitive skins looking for an effective cleanser that works for them. Formulated to work for all skin types, Cetaphil also claims to be able to act as a makeup remover and cleanser all in one - so does the hype live up to the reality?

The Guts
The ingredients list for Cetaphil is pretty generic. It also includes ingredients like Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Methylparaben, which are rumoured on the Internet to be carcinogenic. This is not to say that one should believe the rumours and ditch any products containing this ingredient, as many commonly used products do, but it is perhaps something to keep in mind if you are the type to be very concerned about such things. Myself, I would wait for the official results.

Price & Packaging
Cetaphil is very cheap and easily found at most drugstores. The price point is what initially attracted me to it, because I found it hard to believe that such an affordable cleanser could be held in such high regards. The bottle is also huge at 473 mL. I've been using mine for the last month and a half without seeming to have made a dent in it. The bottle has a simple flip top, which is always a plus that makes for easy usage.

Effectiveness
The bottle's instructions stated that Cetaphil can either be applied to a damp face, or used like a cold cream (apply to dry face and wipe off with a damp cloth). The instructions also stated that I could use it to wash off makeup. I experimented with both methods, wearing a full face of makeup consisting of concealer/foundation, eyeshadow, gel eyeliner, and mascara.

When applied to a damp face, I found the product to be extremely watery and ineffective. It simply felt as if the product was sliding off my face and not cleansing it at all. Most of the time I instead opted to apply the product dry, and then rinsed it off. Even using the second method, I had to use at least 2 dime sized applications of product to properly cover my face and to scrub off most of my makeup. I say most of my makeup because the Cetaphil did not wash all of it off. Cetaphil was effective at removing eye makeup after some gentle rubbing, but it required much more product and scrubbing to completely remove the foundation applied to my chin and apples of the cheeks.

As well, after a few weeks of using Cetaphil twice a day, I began to notice that my skin was oilier and getting very slight blemishes, so I switched to only using Cetaphil at night to wash off my makeup and using a gentle daily scrub in the mornings.

Buy or Ditch?
Despite Cetaphil's fame, I'm going to have to say I would ditch this one. If a product requires me to use what I would consider an excessive amount of product, then it is not effective in my opinion. If Cetaphil did not claim to be able to remove makeup, then I would say this product is perfectly satisfactory for someone with sensitive skin, but since it does, it had better live up to its promises and sadly Cetaphil did not.

Final Verdict: B-