Thursday, 12 January 2012

Native

Native


There are many names these prints can fall under, some based on the art and handiwork they are inspired by. Native, Geo, Aztek or Navajo are what seem to be popping up online the most. I love the fun, modern take we are seeing on these prints these days with bright, neon or metallic colours.

Of course, if you can find something authentic, all the better. I have purchased a Guatemalan wrap skirt and a Mexican hand-stitched top at a Thrift Store, as well as some other items in my travels. Check out local Artisans as well! Some of their items are much more expensive, but those who can afford them are paying for their originality and high quality components, such as bone, leather, sinew and precious stones. My Aunt has an incredible line of authentic Native jewelry, check out www.artifaax.com.


These are all on sale for just $29.99 at Urban Outfitters:



More items from Forever 21:






Here is an original piece from Denise Brillon's line "Artifaax". For prices and custom pieces, 
you can contact her directly through her site (photograph from a shoot I did with Kelly Jill)

Items in Collage (top):

Vero Moda mini dress
$41 - asos.com

Forever 21 beaded clutch
$27 - forever21.com

Forever 21 jewelry
$8.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 jewelry
$6.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 hinged ring
$6.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 bead chain necklace
$4.76 - forever21.com

Forever 21 hinged ring
$4.76 - forever21.com

Forever 21 wood bangle
$5.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 double strand necklace
$3.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 fringe necklace
$3.80 - forever21.com

Tuesday, 10 January 2012

access


I love statement jewelry to go with all of the different styles I wear, they really can complete the look. A little rock n' roll, some delicate and feminine, some art deco-inspired and some bohemian style. If it wasn't for Forever 21, there is no way I would own such a variety! Their prices are so low! The quality isn't the greatest, but I realize I'm going for quantity/trends over quality when shopping there.

I have also purchased nice pieces in other stores for amazing deals (check for sales at The Bay, Suzy Shier, Aldo, Costa Blanca and Urban Behaviour). In addition, I have found great jewelry from street vendors, stone and jem shops or items that family have brought me from Mexico.

Here are some of my fave pieces that I found at a Dollar Store of all places:




Whenever I go to Whistler, I spend so much time browsing at the Rock & Gem shop. The prices are low, but for even less, you can just buy pendants and put on chains you already own.


I was lucky enough to receive these silver pieces from my Aunt, which she brought back from her vacation in Mexico. I love that they don't look like all the other jewelry I see around. For example, I was thrilled about the Mayan calendar bracelet (bottom)!



 
Items from Forever 21 in collage (top):

Forever 21 stone ring
$6.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 gemstone necklace
$10 - forever21.com

Forever 21 antique filigree ring
$3.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 filigree ring
$7.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 chain necklace
$7.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 fringe necklace
$8.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 long beaded necklace
$7.80 - forever21.com

Forever 21 chain necklace
$7.80 - forever21.com

Monday, 9 January 2012

natural-care

I've gotten into using more natural products over the past couple years. I've mentioned before that I have very sensitive skin, which my Son has inherited and we both suffer from mild excema. This made me want to look into more natural options with less possible irritants.

Last year I was PVR-ing a cheesy but informative show called "Simply Beautiful" on the ONE Network, which focused on natural living. They talked about how skin is our largest organ, so anything we put on topically does get absorbed. That made me rethink a lot of what I was using.

I'm so glad that there are so many great natural lines available in all price ranges. Some products have been better than others, so from my experience, this is what I loved:

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream
$31 CDN @ www.spaboutique.com
My friend Donna introduced me to this line, when she worked for them.
This cleanser is gorgeous, doesn't leave the skin tight, but
nice and soft. Can remove makeup well. The smell is great.
Yonka Phyto 58
$72 CDN @ www.spaboutique.ca
One of my students used this line, as soon as I smelled it, I was
immediately attracted. She ended up getting a few samples for me from
her facialist, and it was like a dream. The price is high, but a little
goes a long way and it does work. The natural scent from the essential
oils is like the best aromatherapy treatment as well!
Origins Ginzing Eye Cream
$29.50 @ www.origins.com
I heard about this one through a beauty blogger. I've had a hard time
finding a good eye cream. This one feels really nice, doesn't
interfere with eye makeup because it's quite light. It's a
great texture, almost light yet rich, so it absorbs easily.
Origins Mega-Mushroom Mask
$35 @ www.origins.com
I'm extremely sensitive to many masks, but this one works well.
Skin gets softer and dry patches smoother. The smell is funny,
I like it, but I can see that is might be kind of gross to
some people. Lets just say you can tell it's unscented.
Josie Maran Argan Primer Mist
$36 @ www.josiemarancosmetics.com
I'd been looking for a natural primer. I first tried
the Korres one, but  my skin broke out from it.
This one is a lot lighter and feels great on. 

Burts Bees lip balm
$4.99 @ www.londondrugs.com
I love coloured lip balms. It's so easy to throw on, get a little sheer colour and for me that's good enough for day-to-day. It's great that you are caring for and protecting your lips at the same time. 


Korres Lip Glaze or Butter
$12-14 each @ www.sephora.com
(Usually they have value sets like the one shown)
This was the first natural tinted lip conditioner I
tried. I love the colours they have, the texture and
smell are so good too!



Saturday, 7 January 2012

sexy-back

sexy-back


A woman's back can definitely be a great area to accentuate. Many of these styles work especially well for those who can go bra-less. For those who prefer not to, try a sheer bra, stick-ons (like Barelifts, which I can't say I've ever tried) or a bra with an extra low back. I've posted some other options at the bottom.

Urban Outfitters
Sale (l-r): $14.99/$49.99/$79.99 


Zara
Dresses (L-R): Sale $39/$19.99/$49.99
Tops: Sale $19.99/$49.99

Here are a couple of bras that can work with this look:

Fashion Form U-Plunge Bodysuit
$65
Fashion Forms Strapless/Backless Bra
$45











Forever21 turtleneck dress
$30 - forever21.com
ASOS cut out bodycon dress
300 DKK - asos.com

Open back dress
$82 - asos.com

Racer back tank
$84 - asos.com

Forever 21 cut out top
$15 - forever21.com

ASOS sleeveless tank
$47 - asos.com

Aso
$55 - asos.com

Aso
$30 - asos.com

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