Local spotlight: Second Life Designs x Setareh Bateni

A couple weeks ago I took a quick afternoon stroll to a private jewelry sale being held by a couple local designers.  It really does amaze me the hidden treasures Vancouver has to offer in terms of local talent.  Whether it be clothing, accessories, music, or art, Vancouver artists certainly must be on par with anywhere in the world.  

The pieces being sold were by Second Life Designs and designer Setareh Bateni.  Both lines are quite affordable and very unique.  I fell in love with the chunky, over the top designs of Second Life as everything was so original and bold.  Each piece in the line is made from recycled vintage treasures, making this the epitome of sustainable chic.

The second designer featured was Setareh Bateni's wedding jewelry line.  Consisting primarily of silver, pearls, and sea shells, I could perfectly envision her necklaces and earrings at a West Coast wedding.  Her pieces were quite affordable too, with most ranging under $200.  You can reach her by email at setarah@bateni.ca

Lust of the Week: YSL Arty Too ring

via Net-a-Porter, $295

I was a huge fan of the YSL Arty ring, but now I'm being blown away again by the sequel!  Think of the Arty Too as the glamourous sister of the edgy original.  Instead of a humongous resin stone, the Arty Too features a stunningly huge amethyst surrounded by a gold nugget setting.  Opulent and overly dramatic, I truly think I'd love to wear this piece over and over.. it would make even a pair of sweatpants look luxurious!

Throw your soul through every open door

Grey tank: Habit of Urban

Boyfriend cardigan: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Forever 21

Socks: Urban Outfitters

Here's a rare shot of me in glasses!  This photo was taken when I was in the midst of my seasonal allergies and my eyes were so dry I couldn't even wear my contacts!  Trust me, I may look ok in my glasses here, but normally I think I look like a dork in them!  

Self-perception is such a funny, twisted thing.  Even celebs have their bits that they wish they could hide in a dark corner.  Growing up, I was very self-conscious of myself.  All I wanted to do was disappear into the wallpaper and I was very good at it - I don't think hardly anyone knew me!  Or, if they did, they thought I was just a bookworm.  I'm not sure how I got over my insecurities... actually, they definitely still haunt me anytime a waif-ish Asian, or a tall blond goddess walks by.  I definitely feel it everytime that Mr. Artist pinches me for fun - why?! oh why?! - but I try to shake it off.  If it helps anyone out there who also feels down on themselves sometimes, here's my strategy for dealing with it:  you might as well get over yourself for not being the hottest person out there.  Similar to intelligence, you're never going to be the best, but you're not the worst either.  Instead of concentrating on what you hate, concentrate on what you like about yourself.  For example, here's a few things I hate on myself for:

• being short
• tummy
• big thighs
• small boobs
• weird (to me) nose

Now, to get over that, I try to think of more things that good about me:

• shortness = cuteness. Just gotta work it
• good skin
• my mom's pretty eyes
• a lot of guys like a bit of curve!
• never having saggy boobs
• shiny, soft hair
• a big laugh

Another thing that helps boost my confidence, is wearing a good outfit! The cheery print of this skirt paired with this super-soft tank top made me feel super girly and fun.  It can definitely take a long time to feel better about yourself, but it's like learning an instrument or a new sport: practice does make perfect!

Writer/Social Media Addict/Photography lover???

So you may, or may not, have noticed a new little widget on my sidebar pointing to my "Photo Explorations!"  Since purchasing an almost-new Canon Rebel T1i a couple months ago, I've become slowly absorbed with learning all I can about photography and photo editing.  On one hand, I think I'm a little insane to add yet another passion to my life, yet on the other hand I have these crazy dreams of becoming utterly obsessed with photography and melding my passions for fashion and photography together into a real job!  Pipe dreams at this point I know.

In order to help myself learn, I joined Flickr! It's such a source of inspiration.  I've also been taking chances to shoot photos anytime I can, either with my SLR, or my faithful Powershoot, and recently even with my Android phone which has quite a nifty camera!  I also started a 365 project to document this photographic journey on Flickr.

So far I've been falling madly in love with this new hobby.  It's something that Mr. Artist and I can totally gush on about as being visually creative is of course his forte.  There's just so much to learn that it kinda overwhelms me.  Not only is there the technical aspects, but also the artistic process of composition and creating meaning in your photos.  It is the creative aspects of course that I love more, but all this photo taking just makes me think, I guess that Chanel bag is just going to have to wait in exchange for some sweet lenses!

If you're on Flickr or picplz, I'd love to connect with you - just add me as a friend :)  And I would deeply appreciate hearing any advice/feedback from the photographers (and enthusiasts!) out there! I'd like to make this a regular series, documenting periodically what I've learned and my successes/failures as a photographer.  For now though, here's some recent photos that I've been taking:

 

Product Review: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

The Product
I was so in love with my new orange Revlon lipstick that I felt compelled to write a review on it.  Designed to give you gorgeous color, as well as be moisturizing, Revlon's Super Lustrous lipstick definitely lives up to its promises.  And with 72 different shades available, how can you go wrong?

The Guts
This creamy lipstick contains Vitamins E and C to protect, repair, and soften lips.

Price & Packaging
The price for this lipstick cannot be beat at under $10.  I believe I bought mine for around $7 from London Drugs, including taxes.  Packaging is your standard tube, however I did like the clear top, which allowed me to see the color inside the tube when shopping, versus the color swatch most supply.

Effectiveness
I bought this lipstick in the Siren shade, which in the tube and on a swatch is a super punchy, citrusy orange.  Upon application though, the pigment mixes with your natural lip color, and for me it became more of a coral tone instead of the pure orange I was going for.  The color is still quite bright though, and really made my face look more awake and summer-ready!  I also looove the creamy texture of this lipstick and slathered it on like lip balm. 

My one hate on this product was that being a cream lipstick, it does tend to settle into the lines of your lips and also bleeds a bit too at the edges.  To prevent this, I run the tip of my pinky around the edges of my lips to soften them, and always apply generous amounts of lip balm first before applying. 

Generally, I found the staying power of this lipstick to be fairly good, lasting through a light meal.

Buy or Ditch?
Definitely buy!

Final Verdict: A

Lust of the Week: Dooney & Bourke Florentine Satchel

via Lord & Taylor, $358

I've been having a moment for cross-body bags for awhile.  In fact, I own several, in various sizes.  For summer, I long to shuck off my usual blacks for something warmer, more organic, like this buttery soft leather satchel from Dooney & Bourke.  I don't know much about this designer, but I do really enjoy the details on this leather doctor bag: the multitude of buckles and snaps, the tassel pulls, and of course, that detachable shoulder strap! This bag would be perfect for a summer music festival to tote around a water bottle and light jacket for evening concerts, perhaps even some fast flats if your footsies get chilled!  Has anyone had experience with this brand?

Girl, get a little Aretha in your life

Tee: gifted

Locket necklace: Front & Co.

Cuff: True Value Vintage

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Girls, we need to get a handle on ourselves.  It's time to take a page out of the queen of diva's books and get a little self R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  Do you remember what that means?  It means exactly the type of manifesto that I started this blog to be about.  If you have no standards, no high expectations, then you will never get anything worth anything. 

Many of my guy friends complain that girls are too emotional, too needy, too over thinking of things and it's true, we do.  However I think there's a way for us to have our emotions, and control them, to use them in a way that gives us power and strength, instead of letting it weaken us and playing into men's hands.  Any guy should feel lucky to have you and there is no reason for girls to put up with guy crap just to keep him.  I'm talking about commitment phobes, crazy jealous psychos, super clingy types, and generally emotional fuckwits (I'm not swearing, just borrowing a term from Bridget Jones!).  I recently watched Bridesmaids with a bunch of girl friends last week and one big moral lesson from the film that could definitely be applied to real life, was that we are the problem and we are the solution.  If you're feeling sad, or hurt, or angry, or confused, then you are the only one who can fix your mess and that could mean not letting HIM mess you up! 

So today, if you are feeling a bit weak and vulnerable, channel some Aretha and be the diva you are inside. 

Get beauty on a budget on your special day

Awhile back, I read a post on one of my favourite blogs about one of my favourite designers. Weddings and Vera Wang go together like cupcakes and champagne, cashmere and class.  While I may fantasize about wearing a custom Elie Saab, or Marchesa, they sadly have yet to come out with a diffusion line of wedding gowns like Vera Wang has with David's Bridal called White by Vera Wang.

With gowns ranging in price from $600-$1400, these beautiful creations allow you to glam up to your wildest dreams while still maintaining a very earthly budget.  I would certainly love to wear any of these one day in the future!

Excess is what is happening here all over and I love it.

Opt for something other than traditional right with this gorgeously cascading pink gown.  This pretty confection reminds me of the icing on a perfectly baked cupcake.

Had to include this number whose modest covered sleeves remind me of the royal wedding gown!

Cabbage Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

I had a bunch of cabbage in the fridge awhile back, so I need a fast, quick, and preferably yummy way to eat it up.  Thanks to my trusty Android Epicurious app, I found this neat little recipe that I thought I'd share with you!  I pretty much made it as is, but added more mustard to taste, and I also used Taiwanese cabbage, which I prefer for the slightly sweeter taste.  Super fast to make and uber healthy, this salad definitely tastes better if you make it the night before.

• a 1 1/2-pound piece white or green cabbage
• a 1/2-pound piece red cabbage
• 1/21/3 cup packed fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 1/2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Cut cabbage into thin shreds and chop parsley. In a small bowl whisk together mustard, vinegar, and salt until combined. Whisk in oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified. 

In a large bowl toss together cabbage, parsley, vinaigrette, and salt and pepper to taste until combined. Chill salad, covered, at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.

On May 9, walk like a slut Vancouver!

It's a dirty word, and let me tell you, I had quite a conumdrum choosing a picture for this post that was appropriate.  How do you define what a slut is?  Is it just someone who sleeps around, but what is your definition of that even?  How many partners does it take to call someone a slut?  How must one dress to qualify as dressing slutty?  What may seem sexy to you, is overly exposed to another.  When I was growing up, my parents wouldn't even let me wear a shirt that showed my belly button, while others received implants as sweet 16 presents.  A women's sexuality is saturated with controversy and hidden undertones.  When a man sleeps around, he is called a player; when a woman does it, she is derided as a skank.  Why is the onus for purity always on the women?  Should others have the right to tell you what is acceptable for your sexuality?

On Jan. 24, a Toronto policeman made that definition clear when he told a crowd York University students that “Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.”  That incendiary and ignorant statement sparked a international outcry, which culminated in Slut Walk Toronto, an event where women (and men) marched in solidarity against abuse against women, and the perception that sexual assault victims were partly to blame for their victimization.

On Mar. 31, another police officer, this time in BC, was quoted as saying “people who have placed themselves in vulnerable situations and are unfortunately victimized as a result.”  It was abundantly clear that the message was not heard the first time, and SlutWalk Vancouver was born.

On May. 9, it's time to take a stand.  Reclaim the word "slut" and show people what you believe: that those who beat, rape, and otherwise abuse women are are NOT justified, even just a bit, for their actions, because of the way a women has "tempted" them by her behaviour and appearance.

Find out more info here:
SlutWalk Vancouver website
Georgia Straight interview with SlutWalkVancouver co-founders

Lust of the Week: Abazias Citrine dangle earrings

via Abazias, $100

Sometimes I really wish I had pierced ears again.  I had them as a teenager, but through laziness and an absolute paranoia over things piercing through my skin, I let them grow over.  It's really quite tragic as the allure of earrings has always fascinated me.  It started out by my staring at the shiny, sparking things that would swing from the ears of my Mom, sister, and aunties.  As a child, I would hold up silver hoops, diamond studs, and swinging gold tassels to my ears, dreaming of my glamourous adulthood when I could wear the real deal and not just earring stickers.  Well, so much for that!

If I did still have ear holes, then I would totally be wearing these gorgeous citrine dangle earrings constantly.  There is something so uniquely refreshing about citrine.  It's a sunny and complementary yellow tone that stands out from the multitude of diamond anything.  Wearing citrine makes you feel individual and optimistic!  These pretty earrings are from Abazias and they are on sale to boot!  While Abazias is mainly known for their wedding rings, they are also a great source for fashion jewellery.  Sigh, maybe I'll be able to spot some consolation prize jewelry that will make up for missing out on these!

PS. Don't forget to enter my Karmin G3 giveaway! The deadline is this Friday!  Besides the listed ways to enter, all of my blog followers are automatically entered, so if you are a subscriber, but don't follow me through Google Connect, be sure to let me know in the giveaway post's comment section!  Thanks and good luck!

** Please note that this post was brought to you by Abazias.  All content was chosen and written by the author.

Don't feel like picking up my phone, so leave a message at the tone

Cardigan: Gap

Pink ruffle tank: Urban Outfitters

Jean shorts: Garage

Watch: Invicta

Sometimes I really do feel like doing what this blog title says.  This week doesn't look to be any less busy than the last and it all leaves me breathless that it is May already.  This week, I'll be hopefully attending some a local event on Bhangra, checking out some new food joints with friends, going to the Jin concert, and celebrating my friend's engagement!   

Speaking of which, that leads me to my last weekend when I went to Vegas with a bunch of girl friends for my girl Mindy's staggette.  We all had a blast and getting some real quality girl time was something I much cherished, although I think I cherished returning to my bed for much needed sleep almost as much!  There's something about female relationships that are at once exhausting and yet so much more fulfilling than friendships with guys.  Your girl friends demand way more from you, yet they also support you in a way very different than men.  I don't have many girl friends, as I find the drama a bit too much and despite the fact that I'm a fashion blogger, I'm not the best at relating to "girly" people, so I really appreciate the girl friends I have.  To each of you, and you know who you are, we may not get to hang out as much as we'd like, but each of you truly holds a place in my heart and I feel so lucky to have you!

PS. This is the last week to enter my Karmin G3 giveaway! If you haven't heard of it by now, then what are you waiting for??