I wanna go back to school!!!

Omg this video from my alma mater seriously makes me wish I were 20 again and in university. While some say high school was the highlight of their lives, university for me was where I bloomed and became a much more outgoing person. Take a look at this video and you'll see why - how could you not be a happy person at such a beautiful campus!

** Note: obviously I forget at this moment the endless piles of homework and exams I had to go through which caused sleepless nights and a nervous eye twitch from stress!

Lust of the Week + CSN Giveaway Winner!

via Charlotte Russe, $39.50

Pink. Polka dots. Pure hot, mini sexiness. Holy crap, why can't Vancouver be the type of place that you would wear something like this out to dinner and drinks and not be overdressed? I think I create reasons to go out for girl nights and such, just so I have an excuse to get dolled up.

Also, if you've been reading my blog lately, you'll notice that I was having a giveaway on a vase from CSN! Thank you to all who entered - your feedback on my blog was invaluable. There were some really great responses from everyone, here are the highlights:

• You love giveaways (don't worry, there are a bunch more on the way!)
• You love style advice from readers and on how to wear trends
• You product reviews!
• You want more personal editorial posts!
  
• You want more Vancouver stuff!

I definitely take your feedback to heart, so I'll try to bring all your suggestions to life! As for the winner of the prize, that goes to...

Chic 'n Cheap Living

Please email me to collect your prize!

Who the F is... Rooney Mara via Killahbeez

So as I hinted at previously, I've just started a new writing job at local street-culture magazine, Killahbeez. My main job at Killahbeez is to act as a feature writer for my own regular column profiling upcoming artists! I'll be writing profiles and interviews with hot new musicians, actors, filmmakers, artists, and anyone else who is cool and someone you need to know, now. Check out my first post on The Social Network's, Rooney Mara!

Everyone looks hotter in glasses

Did you know? Geek is hot. Yeah, I'm serious. Just check out the specs that all the trendsetters are wearing from Justin Timberlake, to that ridiculously cute hipster guy on your block, and you'll know what I mean. It's not just guys too, girls are getting into the geek chic look. This trend is all about taking nerd style and making it ironically cool with oversized frames and old-school tortoise and resin rims. However, it can be super hard to find the perfect set of frames to suit one's face; that's where services like Indivijual Custom Eyewear comes in!

Indivijual offers custom built sunglasses and prescription lenses for those who want their glasses to look like they were made just for them - because they were! Just fill in an extensive questionnaire about your style, physical appearance, and lifestyle, as well as take some sample photos - then mail it off and wait! In a couple weeks you'll receive a package with the perfect frames for you!

I've never been happy with how I look with glasses. I think they make me look super dorky and they hide my eyes, which are my best features. Looking at the specs that Indivijual sent me though, has got me pondering whether I should change my mind - perhaps some hipster frames with thigh-high stockings, a pleated mini, untucked button-down and grandpa cardigan are in order?

Which set do you think look best?







Can't afford custom frames? Here are some tips for picking frames for your face shape:

Oval -- Most styles look good on oval faces, so try either geometric or rounded frames.
Oblong -- Pick a curved or rounded style to emphasize the width of your face rather than the depth.
Round -- Squared or angled frames will help sharpen your features.
Triangular -- Aviator and geometric styles can add width to the lower part of the face.
Square -- Look for rounded, cat-eyed, or oval styles to soften the shape of your face.
Rectangular -- Curved or rounded styles will make your face appear wider.

Got a jetpack with your name on it

Striped top: Zara
Dress: Urban Outfitters
Leggings: Zara

This is me experimenting with patterns. It's a scary thing. I kinda like it though, what do you think? This song, Rocketeer, off the newly released Free Wired album by Far East Movement, has got me swooning. The lyrics aren't that deep, but it features the gorgeous voice of Ryan Tedder of One Republic, so you know we ladies are going to love it. Sometimes I really wish I could get swept off my feet and taken away. There is something really romantic about just running away from your troubles, your hand warm in the palm of another. Life for me has had its ups and downs in the last few years. You win some, you lose some, but I have been told by many an older friend that your 20s is where you stop taking excuses and learn to think for yourself. That doesn't make it easier though! *swoon* Mr. Artist whisk me awaaayyy! haha Naw, he is more the type to suggest a nap than a horse-drawn carriage ride!

OMG

via DailyShite

How is it possible for something this cute to exist?! I want to just rub noses with this all day.

Make them look: Tough-pretty with Birks Jewellry

TGIF people! From the sounds of it, we could all use a night to unwind, drink wine, and catch up with our loved ones. If you're going out for some evening drinks and wish to keep the possibilities open, it can be tricky to dress for the occasion. You want to look dressy and chic, yet comfortable, while still being fancy enough to head for the dancefloor later if you should so decide. Below is an option I would wear when faced with this situation:



The inspiration for this anything goes outfit comes from these gorgeous knot stud earrings care of Birks. Studs keep it classy, but the interesting shape of these studs hint at a playful, slightly naughty nature. I paired these earrings with a sexy cross-back LBD that has one of my favourite things (pockets on a dress!) and a delicate lace cardigan. Finally, to offset the prettiness of this look and to match the slightly rocker mood I got from the earrings, I would try some kick-ass booties, like these ones from Asos. The slouchy, longer length of the cardigan keeps this outfit casual enough for a bar or lounge, but throw that cardigan off and you get full-on club vixen.

You could pair this outfit with any number of earring options, like some gorgeous silver drop earrings. Birks is full of options at all price ranges that fit everyone's style. What will you be wearing tonight?



-----
Shop the look:
Birks knot stud earrings, $95
Charlotte Russe all-over lace cardigan, $20
Charlotte Russe cross-back Ponte dress, $20
Asos Boston leather laced shoe-boots, £ 120

Lust of the Week: Chloe Spring 2011

price: more than you can afford

I am thoroughly in love with minamalism, although IRL I don't always follow it. Chloe is THE designer for the minimalist worshipper. Everything Chloe is sleek, sophisticated, urban, and chic and the line literally defines this season. Chloe's handbags are no exception, continuing the design house's trailblazing path through all the studded crap we've been subjected to the last couple years. My eyes literally feel rested and easy looking upon this beautiful peachy beauty. Resting as lightly as ball of cotton candy on my arm, this gorgeous tote would look calm, while the bulging, chaotic contents inside are safely concealed. High Maintenance women never look flustered ladies.

In other news, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and in Vancouver, there is a cool fundraiser happening on Oct. 27 being put on by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. The fundraiser promises an afternoon of champagne, good eats, good shopping, and good girly fun all for a good cause - what else do you need?

Weekly Shopping & Goodies - Halloween Candy edition!

A Few Goody Gumdrops loves the black Highbury skirt from Rag and Bone especially for a Halloween party! Enter to win Shopbop Gift Card! My favorite candy is a Milky Way Bar.

Fashion Cents says don't play peek-a-boo on Halloween or any other time without considering these 3 tips for wearing the peep toe shoe trend.

Ladybrillemag.com says Noisettes Meets Adele in RETTA, Africa's New Kid on the Alternative Rock Block!

Shopping and Info loves the versatile Lanston cowl neck tee in black for Halloween with her favorite candy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

The Well-Heeled Society is showing you a chic way to put the BOO! in your boots this Halloween.

TheFind has no tricks up her sleeve this Halloween, only sweet and fabulous treats including our Layla Grayce Autumn Blooms $250 Gift card Giveaway. Our favorite candy is Recchiuti caramel!

Product Review: got2B Fat-tastic hairspray

The Product
Many hairsprays promise voluminous, springy hair, and this spray by got2B is no different. This light-weight spray is formulated to thicken fine, limp hair and give it volume without stickiness that will last and last, but does it?

The Guts
Nothing really stood out to me in terms of ingredients, but I've provided a list of them anyways:

Alcohol Denat, Aqua (water), VA/Crotonates/Vinyl Neodecanote Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Panthenol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Parum (fragrance), PEG/PPG-8/3 Laurate, PEG-12 Dimmethicone, Citronellol, Coumarin, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone.

Price & Packaging
This spray is most definitely affordable, ringing in under $10. It doesn't get much better than that! Although the one pictured here is a regular non-aerosol spray can, my sample used a nozzle mechanism to eject the product. If you prefer aerosol systems, this spray may not be for you, as it dispenses the product in a single, short, burst that makes it hard to apply the spray diffusely, or over a larger area at a time.

Effectiveness
I was expecting big things from this product, as I'd tried a similar hairspray from Garnier; however when I compared the two, the Garnier one thoroughly outshines this product. Though both are non-aerosol, the Garnier spray still dispensed product like an aerosol with a widely dispersed spray-mist, while the got2B spray just blasted out a wet chunk of product. As such, I would only use this product for quick touch-ups. As for its supposed quick-drying and long-lasting properties, I didn't find these living up to the hype either. The spray did dry fairly fast, but because of its thick dispersal, it dried in a slightly sticky manner. Also, the spray's effectiveness did not last anywhere near a full day; by mid-afternoon, my hair was slumping once again.

Buy or Ditch?
Cheap as heck, but also not worth heck.

Final Verdict: C+

I'm with everyone and yet not

Tank: RW & Co
Cardigan: American Eagle
Pants: McQ
Flats: Taiwan

Omg I'm gonna brag here because I got these McQ (as in Alexander McQueen aka Fashion GENIUS) for $50 when they were originally $300+!! How did I get this amazing deal? Well wouldn't you like to know?! Just kidding, I snagged these babies on Outnet.com which is my morning fashion fix. They have the most amazing stylists at work there I swear, as they are always putting together sets that I would chop off a pinkie to own.

So this past weekend was my birthday and while perusing my song collection, I came across one of my favourite songs from the 90s: Bush X's Swallowed. I love the 90s. Today's music is such pure crap for most of the top 40 songs. The angst in 90s videos is so satisfying. Take a look at the Bush video below. Note all the angsty people and heavy eyeliner and lip liner? And what is up with that Asian girl who looks like she's tripping out on something? Glorious.

Piss on self-esteem indeed.

CSN Giveaway: Normann Copenhagen Kontur Vase

via CSN, $35

A home is your paradise, your bastion of serenity away from annoying coworkers, demanding bosses, and exhausting relationships. Surround yourself with things that energize you, relax you, and soothe the soul. This silicone vase was given to me by interior furnishings purveyor, CSN to review. CSN sells all things home-related, from dishes to home decor accessories, to even yoga and exercise gear - all for affordable prices! This simple vase features a floral design that can look great on its own, propped on your windowsill, or on a bookshelf, and can be used as a vase for floral arrangements and other small items.

At first when I received this item, I was utterly disappointed with its rubbery texture, but I soon overcame this initial confusion as the potential for this object was realized. My plan is to fill mine with various colored marbles as a table centerpiece!

Like what you're seeing with this cute item? Well, you're in luck because North American (US/Canada) Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy readers are eligible to win this cute vase care of CSN!

To enter, just fill out this quick survey telling me what you love/hate about this blog. The deadline to enter will be 12AM PST, Monday October 25, 2010. Good luck everyone!

Lust of the Week: He Qi Big Ruby Baroque Earrings

via He Qi Jewellry, $14

Though I don't have pierced ears, I can still lust over sparkly dangly thingies can't I? These seriously pretty earrings are from the handmade jewellry site He Qi. Everything from this online store is handmade and super cute and girly - very kawaii! These earrings in particular are such a gorgeous, rich color that is perfect for fall, and I love the little heart charms that elevate something simple, to something special. Pair with false lashes and J-Pop.

My first article up on KillahBeez!

Here's some shameless self-promotion - one of the exciting new things happening to me is my recent joining to the Killahbeez team! Killahbeez is an online magazine based out of Vancouver that focuses on street culture: fashion, music, art, film, and anything else street culture related. I'll be writing articles for them as well as developing a regular profile feature on upcoming artists! Keep your eyes peeled for more cool stuff and be sure to check out my first post on the Louis Vuitton S/S 2011 collection!

Vancouver Eco-Fashion Week 2010 - Nicole Bridger

2 weeks ago I was privileged enough to attend the inaugural Vancouver Eco-Fashion Week. Featuring the latest in environmental and sustainable fashion, Vancouver Eco-Fashion Week is one of the first of its kind in North America - go Vancouver! For the first year, I found the event to be very professional and slick, so bravo to all the amazing volunteers and staff! I only had time (as I was in the midst of moving) to attend one show, which was for Nicole Bridger.

I was very curious to attend the runway show, having interviewed Nicole before. As one of the stars of the week, Nicole's fashions typify what to me is Vancouver's take on eco-friendly duds: soft, wearable pieces, that flatter bodies and drape gracefully around curves. Nicole's runway show did not stray from this vision as she sent models down the runway wearing her characteristic draped pieces for the S/S season.

If I had to describe the collection in a few words, I would say it was very reminiscent of a West Coast beach in early spring when it is still quite rainy and misty, yet there are vistas of sunshine. The colors were all muted and soft, with the exception of a splash of bright chartreuse. The clothes hung easily on the models, with many of the dresses featuring laid back Henley necklines and fluttering hems. It was the kind of collection that you would wear with an effortless, undone grace - think Serena van der Woodsen, minus the cleavage and overloaded accessories. The star of the show though was surely the hair & makeup department. I was head over heels with the fresh, luminous faces and gracefully messy buns of the models. I think I will be sporting lots of pink blush and rose lips this spring!

This pale peach color drew a chorus of "oooh!" from my corner

Chartreuse: along with mustard, my new odd colour love.

Must. Get. Puffy. Shorts.
Must. Become. Taller. So. As. Not. To. Look. Like. Medieval. Jester.

All photos courtesy of Peter Holst Photography.

Warm Up This Fall With Gold Jewellery

Traditionally, I have always been more of a silver, than gold, kind of girl. Gold was something old ladies wore, particularly the heavy ropes of gold and jade worn by old Chinese ladies. Silver on the other hand, was trendy and cool, and worn by rock stars. Now, as with many things, I've come to have a change of heart as I grow older (and wiser). Gold is back in my heart. How did I not realize before how warm and luxurious gold is? Gold is timeless. It doesn't depreciate, or go out of style, and matches most anything. It can be elegant and edgy, delicate and bold. Gold is grrreaat!

As the weather grows colder, I am inspired by the changing of the leaves into vibrant reds and golds by featuring some beautiful gold pieces I found recently on My Jewelry Box. Offering huge discounts on coveted pieces, this online retailer allows me to buy shiny things, without parting with a lot of shiny coin. Here's a few items I'm lusting over at the moment:

Pyramid bracelet with 24K gold plating, $109

The chain-link pyramid links of this gold bracelet make it just edgy and tough looking enough to fit in with my daily style; however it could also look entirely classic with a white cashmere sweater set.

Jackie Kennedy Collection charm bracelet, $129

Gifted to her by JFK himself, this charm bracelet features Swarovski crystals and 24K gold plating. The largest charm on the bracelet is inscribed with the Latin phrase "Labora non sumptus est," which means "labor is no cost" and was meant to commemorate a private joke between Jackie and JFK.

4.5 mm hinged bangle in 14K gold, $299

While the price of this simple bangle may seem pricey, consider for a moment that the original retail price was $700! Timelessness costs a lot it seems, but it's also worth it for a piece that would surely adorn your wrist forever.


Will you be wearing gold this season and if so, how?

** This post was sponsored by My Jewelry Box, however the pieces displayed here were chosen by the author.

VCC Fiat Mode Fashion Show feat. guest blogger The Spoon!

As I was doublebooked the night of the VCC show, guest correspondent The Spoon was available to cover all the action - thanks Spoon!

It is quite special to witness fashion up close on a runway. For many designers, it is a way to express their fanciful designs and ideas in a medium that utilizes fabrics, textures, and colors in a way that has universal appeal – clothing. We all have to wear clothing, don’t we? (unless you are a nudist, in which case – you’re missing out!) Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Fashion Design Graduation Show at the Rocky Mountaineer Station where 21 students showed us the culmination of their hard work and studies. For these designers – a show like this not only showcases their talent and efforts but gives them a platform to express their ideas and vision. It was truly amazing to watch what these students are able to produce – and the incredible variety in their work. This is a true testament to the program at It is quite special to witness fashion up close on a runway. For many designers, it is a way to express their fanciful designs and ideas in a medium that utilizes fabrics, textures, and colors in a way that has universal appeal – clothing. We all have to wear clothing, don’t we? (unless you are a nudist, in which case – you’re missing out!) Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the VCCVCC for being able to teach and mentor students to follow their own design aesthetic and not to reproduce whatever is on the runway and in stores.

The setting for the show was terrific – the enormous cavernous space that is the Rocky Mountaineer Station was transformed with lots of lighting, displays, tables, drink stations, and of course – a dramatic runway flanked with television screens so that everyone would be able to witness the clothes up close. Each designer was briefly introduced with a picture of their ‘signature’ look and a short description of their mini-collection. It was interesting to see if those written descriptions translated well on the runway – and for the most part, it did. Blake Hyland kicked off the show in dramatic fashion – male models wearing his post-apocalyptic ripped, shredded, torn & layered looks swaggered down the runway – with one model wearing an animal skin draped dramatically down his back. His collection gave the crowd an excellent preview of the quality of the work that was to come, as well as a much needed energy boost on a cold night!




Other notable collections include Nicole Obidowski who did a masculine-feminine themed collection featuring oversized or ‘comfortable fit’ pieces that were style creatively and in a contemporary way. Many of her pieces could easily be translated to high street – with a rock chic twist. A favourite of mine was the collection presented by Ho-Chi Huang – described as being, “1950s Taiwanese high society” – and indeed it was! Many of the stunningly detailed and ensembles were topped with a dramatic lace-draped hat. The silhouettes were certainly throwbacks to the 1950s shape with emphasized shoulders and waists. The details of her pieces had that touch of Asian delicacy which stood out amongst the dramatic shapes of her clothes.




A collection that caught my eye on a diversity standpoint was presented by Martha Ines Piedrahita who showed a poignantly Spanish-flavoured collection that was breathtaking. The cutout and shape details were showcased with flare and drama in a palette of red and black. A particularly crowd-pleasing collection was by Monica Fraser who took a creative leap and designed a lineup of peacock-inspired fashion. I loved her literal translation of the peacock theme – awe-inspiring detailed pieces (think capes with gorgeous peacock motifs embroidered/beaded on the entire back) were strutted out to a crowd that wanted more. Her small but impressive collection was easily the most couture or high-fashion of the night. However visually impactful, it would have been interesting to see how Fraser would translate her theme in more ready-to-wear pieces for everyday.





Particular praise goes to Robynne Redgrave McPherson who took a theme (marionettes) and translated into pieces that were both inspired and practical. The looks were not overly costume-y or over-the-top, but the theme was clear. She cleverly used the concept of marionettes by integrating strings and cords into her pieces in a way that was not cumbersome to the wearer – not at all complicated but more like a style detail. The pieces themselves (with or without string!) were imaginative and constructed beautifully with care. I certainly look forward to seeing more from her in the future!




Although I cannot say that I loved every collection, there was at least one piece from each that I appreciated and wanted to have! But the work and effort these designers put into their collections was obvious – I truly felt privileged to share and appreciate this experience with them and hope the best for all of them!






More about The Spoon:

She is an enigma. A visionary. A pioneer. A true gift to the people. Just kidding. Billie-Ann, or the spoon, grew up in the fashion industry. She had worked the catwalks in Asia from a tender age of 4 – strutting her stuff arm-in-arm with the taller and grown-up models. However, a fateful change of scenery put an abrupt kibosh on the career of the would-be catwalk maven and she was relegated to posing in front of mirrors at home. She concentrated her efforts on the creative side of fashion – making futuristic tin-foil clothing for her dolls and later on progressing to making clothes for herself…in actual fabric. An avid fashion-fan she counts Victoria Beckham, Gwen Stefani, and Jennifer Lopez as style (and business) icons (gotta love that leopard print!) and reads W magazine avidly.

Check out her blog: The Daily Spoon

Lust of the Week: BCBG Max Azria Tejus satchel

via Outnet.com, $189

Fall 2010 is all about the structured bags. I personally LOVE this trend, although I don't sadly own any truly structured handbags. When you think of a structured bag, many adjectives come to mind: classic, timeless, sophisticated, but another word that really should be associated with structured bags is HOT. Just look at the gorgeously rich brown leather with its indulgent crocodile embossing. Drool over the gold tone hardware and its convenient inner pockets. And if you haven't gone over the edge yet with lust, well then ladies, know this: this bag was formerly $378, not $189. If a good deal on a quality product doesn't get in you excited, well then you must be frigid.

In other news, I am happy to promote online beauty retailer DermStore. A one-stop shop for all your beauty needs, DermStore offers quality products from brands such as Becca Cosmetics, Decleor, Colorescience, Stila Cosmetics, gloMinerals, and others. For the month of October, DermStore will donate 5% of every purchase to the CEW Foundation's Cancer and Career programs, which helps people in the workforce cope with the stresses and financial burdens of working with cancer. For more info on the CEW's work, visit their website.

3 Flats Under $50 from Overstock.com

One of my favourite parts of summer is the ability to just kick off my flip-flops and wiggle my toes. My feet demand freedom from suffocating socks and so it is with a heavy heart that I now shove my feet into socks and deep into enveloping footwear. Luckily for me, and for others of like-mind there are flats! Nowadays flats come in such a variety of colours, textures, and designs, that they rival boots for fall footwear supremacy. Flats are also utterly walkable, making them practical and stylish, if not the sexiest type of shoe out there.

Refresh your wardrobe this season with some fun flats! I found all these cheap, under $50 options via Overstock.com, which is an online retailer that basically operates like an online version of an outlet. Sounds amazing, because it is.

Adi Glaze ruffle-toe ballet flats, $29.47

Made of soft faux suede and featuring an adorable ruffle bow detail, these flats will spice up any old outfit you throw on. I know, those dark fall mornings are so uninspiring for the wardrobe.

Nine West Raffi flats, $49.78

Looking for something with a bit more edge? Then take a gander at these cool leather flats with its interesting chain-link topper.

Journee Bamboo flats, $36.03

There is a woman who used to take the same walking route to work as me and I swear, everyday she would wear these great silver metallic flats. These babies got some real mileage because she would pair it with strict skirt suits and tights in winter all the way to cute denim Capri's in summer. Watching her truly made me realize that a pair of gold and silver metallic flats are an essential component on one's shoe rack. They go with everything.

Overstock is full of great deals for shoe wear, clothes, and anything else you may desire. Check out their clearance section for more cheap shoe deals! Happy shopping!


* Please note that this post was sponsored by Overstock.com. All shoe choices though were made by me.

Get sparking this Fall with ICE.com

1 1/7 carat created Ruby & Diamond 14K Yellow Gold ring, $175

This fall, fashion is leaning more towards the glam. Think 50s Stepford wife with the full skirts, itsy-bitsy waist, and perfectly coiffed hair and makeup. Besides the clothes, the shoes, and the hair, old-school glamour also requires some serious jewels. However, don't think that implies the chunky, metallic skulls and eagles we've all been sporting lately. Glamorous jewellery implies sparking rhinestones and precious gems. Just take a look-see at this beautiful ring that ICE.com sent me! This ruby, diamond, and 14K gold ring is both beautiful and sophisticated. The bright rubies highlight slender fingers, but are still small enough as to be subtle (only new money wears gigantic gaudy rocks dahling). Wearing this ring immediately makes me feel a bit more glam and elegant.

There are tons of great jewels on offer right now at ICE.com for those wanting some old-school glamour themselves. The Vintage Chic and Cool Glam sections are perfect for supplying you with elegant baubles fit for a lady of society.

Cocktail parties and country clubs not your thing? Well, ICE.com can help satisfy your need for shiny things too, with its Military Fashion section, and for the vixens among us, there is the Drama Queen section!

Right now, if you purchase a piece from anywhere on ICE.com you are eligible to use the special discount code FBFAL and receive 20% off your purchase plus $1 shipping!