Beat The Monday Blues

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's that time of the new year when we're all coming off our holiday highs, and easing back into the throes of reality. Most of us will be returning to school or work, perhaps even both. After a fun festive season, I find it difficult to shake off the vacation vibe and get back into the groove of things. I've thought up a few ideas to take the dullness out of everyday routines and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">make the transition back to normality a smooth one. So grab a brush and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> paint over those Monday blues with a shade of sunshine :)</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0uwJ8G8Nc0j36gcPIHbXNyKFJgdl4RPVgpeusr_UUxxdbjm_rLYptVv_c7BBTry8n4O694n3n6vlwgZJSbN5qOW6g6zwtdAt3c0GFFFiuIRmqo75Dny8O11Ocddr4CCt21cj8lYJ0BCm/s1600/blue2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0uwJ8G8Nc0j36gcPIHbXNyKFJgdl4RPVgpeusr_UUxxdbjm_rLYptVv_c7BBTry8n4O694n3n6vlwgZJSbN5qOW6g6zwtdAt3c0GFFFiuIRmqo75Dny8O11Ocddr4CCt21cj8lYJ0BCm/s640/blue2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How To Beat Out the Monday Blues</b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Start your day with something that relaxes you, especially if you know the chaos that lies ahead. An undisturbed cup of coffee or tea while watching the morning news, try a hot shower with an invigorating shower gel, write in your journal, watch the sunrise, have a hearty breakfast, meditation or yoga, or even just lying in bed for an extra ten minutes.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Change something in your surroundings. Coming back from holiday to a place that looks the same can be a little depressing. Rearrange the furniture in your home, bring a new vase or frame to work, brighten up your living space with a new coat of paint. I find that making your workspace more attractive takes away some of the tedium.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Organize your handbag. Sounds simple, but after the festive season, it can become a bottomless pit of unidentifiable junk. Empty out the contents, edit out anything that's unnecessary, and put things in an order that will be easy to find. You will feel a whole lot lighter, literally.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Wear a bold shade of lipstick. There's nothing like the right shade of red (or pink) that will immediately boost confidence and morale. And get you a few smiles too.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* This is also a good time to start a creative project. Gather all your holiday snapshots and scrapbook them into something beautiful that will be a reminder of the great time you had.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Getting into a kitchen routine after endless days and nights of eating out can be grueling. To make it more bearable, start by whipping up your ultimate favourite dish and really make dinner an event. No lounging around in PJ's in front of the TV with a pizza box. Proper plates and cutlery, a nice outfit, decorative table setting or flowers, and relish in that time with your family/significant other. Or by yourself, remember that scene in <i>Eat Pray Love</i> when Liz Gilbert made a gourmet meal just for herself in her apartment in Rome?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Exercise = endorphins. As unappealing as it may sound, even five minutes of high-impact exercise will have a beneficial effect. But make it fun. Turn up your stereo and dance around, skip rope, hula hoop, jump on a mini trampoline, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park furthest from your work/campus entrance (I call this 'unconscious' exercise).</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Treat yourself to something decadent. If you don't have time to make anything, go out and get a treat from your local deli. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even just one cupcake can make the world of difference at the end of a hard, long day.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Make an inspiration board. Collect pictures of all the things you'd like to achieve as well as things you've </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>already</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> achieved. Paste them onto a board on the wall. This will remind you of how well you've done in the past and inspire you to reach your goals in the future.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Take half an hour out of the day just for You. If you don't have that amount of time to spare, even 15 minutes will do. Do something you love: read a chapter of that novel, browse a magazine, take a power nap or relaxing bath, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">watch your favourite comedy,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">take a photograph of something beautiful, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">r call up and chat to an old friend.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're feeling a deeper shade of blue this Monday, I hope that you will try out one of these tips or share some of your own with me. If all fails, catching up with your favourite blogs is a sure-fire way of cheering up. Works for me :)</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>*Pictures found via Tumblr, Google Images and Flickr. </i></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /><br /></i></span>

Beat The Monday Blues

It's that time of the new year when we're all coming off our holiday highs, and easing back into the throes of reality. Most of us w...

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Looks Of The Week - 7/01/12

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A view of the hottest celeb street style over the holidays.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>A Pop of Colour</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooPqljVIQ5xl3AhsFRcIX91zmifckVFz3nAc7sS7FeqJgPklAhMxdiUpOCTfgyvVzDuI5qCZBRnHn3WhfduxNaCcT5KCz3Dp4yRj3ycmVrlnVWIKJMBUE9egXd26U3eCH39c1TlJ2eRHq/s1600/lotw1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooPqljVIQ5xl3AhsFRcIX91zmifckVFz3nAc7sS7FeqJgPklAhMxdiUpOCTfgyvVzDuI5qCZBRnHn3WhfduxNaCcT5KCz3Dp4yRj3ycmVrlnVWIKJMBUE9egXd26U3eCH39c1TlJ2eRHq/s640/lotw1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Fergie</b> shows off her modish airport style, in a pair of bright red skinny jeans by <i>Nobody</i>, with a black tee and striped <i>Max Mara</i> blazer. She wears black wedges from her own shoe range and carries a black <i>Hermés</i> bag.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Zoe Saldana's</b> casual Californian ensemble included a cobalt blue pair of skinny jeans, teamed with a simple white tee and grey cardigan. She also wears black strappy espadrilles.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Kendall Jenner</b> looked delightful in a black and white <i>Kimberly Taylor</i> dress. The second youngest Kardashian added a fun splash of colour with a vivid yellow blazer. A high bun and black <i>Ruthie Davis</i> pumps complete her cute look.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Mandy Moore</b> took a stroll in Beverly Hills wearing a green sweater and <i>Current/Elliott</i> denim skinnies with animal print ballet flats. She brightened up her look with a stylish magenta satchel bag by <i>Proenza Schouler</i>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Monochrome</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPEnzUdwqWAkbBD0xwZuL4WGoIDpCERxx8OlanWDRJSf1iP97RLxWHDfYIiwBSXkG-8JcYuhDVc-2GU5GTGOiG7nqYZpQ9OUkyKClWDwVSmKE-7GZwHIaVXUc1NsAolRiLgZrM6R978zV/s1600/lotw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPEnzUdwqWAkbBD0xwZuL4WGoIDpCERxx8OlanWDRJSf1iP97RLxWHDfYIiwBSXkG-8JcYuhDVc-2GU5GTGOiG7nqYZpQ9OUkyKClWDwVSmKE-7GZwHIaVXUc1NsAolRiLgZrM6R978zV/s640/lotw2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Jessica Alba's</b> urbane chic outfit while in LA includes: a striped pullover by <i>Splendid</i>, black skinny jeans, black boots, a leopard print scarf, beanie and forest green sling bag by <i>Bvlgari.</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fashion designer <b>Erin Fetherston</b> is winsome in a ballet-meets-biker-chick outfit. She wears a cream top and floaty pleated skirt with cropped black coat and tights. Erin added a brown <i>Chanel</i> bag and lace-up Victorian-inspired ankle boots.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Rachel Zoe</b> is a trendsetter, on-and-off duty. She spends the day in St Barts wearing a black and white striped maxi dress, with long necklaces, beige <i>Marc</i> <i>Jacobs</i> bag, a large sun hat and black heels.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Alexa Chung</b> appeared on the Jimmy Fallon show in New York, bringing with her a spectacular metallic silver <i>Marc Jacobs</i> coat, which is lushly embroidered. Black tights and glossy silver heels polish off her look.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span>

Looks Of The Week - 7/01/12

A view of the hottest celeb street style over the holidays. A Pop of Colour Fergie shows off her modish airport style, in a pair of bright ...

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Friday Frills

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a thought for 2012...</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgaTga0fpGrKCtGG8UBOdQIRVRTph_ykLBkqoyi5Z5qOQOaNrmlJIfAsVboS9slfKL4GP3kh5XS_6c7f4rvv63WdtUGsjs-bprkdQOVKCKaFccJZ3UoFlDclfhxGegiZ0_9k36jAnkm1A/s1600/friday+frills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgaTga0fpGrKCtGG8UBOdQIRVRTph_ykLBkqoyi5Z5qOQOaNrmlJIfAsVboS9slfKL4GP3kh5XS_6c7f4rvv63WdtUGsjs-bprkdQOVKCKaFccJZ3UoFlDclfhxGegiZ0_9k36jAnkm1A/s1600/friday+frills.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span>

Friday Frills

Here's a thought for 2012...

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The Scent of a Celebrity

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Most Popular Celebrity Scents of 2011</b></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seems like every celebrity and their chihuahua has created their own line of fragrances. In a commercial crazy world, these stars have left no product unbranded. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Below are some of the most successful celebrity fragrances of the last year. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking at the advertising and composition, would you consider trying out the scent of a celebrity?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Pop Princesses</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_xVG6HWdNshnQ9uiexg0UfK0gv1d8_9o3jjRnxCLs-8tnF8Uvi9XTqQn3o6twQWQVjANjV1jIfZmEAKFVZ_3ncp9CsvxPkxF-BobEsvgysXqWuZ7tjMXq8k3yV8nOYTOrG4WI1ROeWR9/s1600/perfume1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_xVG6HWdNshnQ9uiexg0UfK0gv1d8_9o3jjRnxCLs-8tnF8Uvi9XTqQn3o6twQWQVjANjV1jIfZmEAKFVZ_3ncp9CsvxPkxF-BobEsvgysXqWuZ7tjMXq8k3yV8nOYTOrG4WI1ROeWR9/s640/perfume1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Wonderstruck</i> by Taylor Swift</span>. The first fragrance by the angelic looking songstress has a fruity-floral scent with emerging vanilla aroma, followed by raspberry, apple blossom, peach, sandalwood, freesia and green tea. The fairytale picture is enchanting enough to rouse interest.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Wild Rose</i> by Avril Lavigne</span>. This is the third fragrance by the punk princess, which is blend of fresh fruits (mandarin, plum, orange and pink grapefruit) and sweet florals. I haven't been convinced by her range as yet.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>I Fancy You</i> by Jessica Simpson</span>. A musky, velvety floral scent with fruity Fuji apple and pear notes. The middle notes include lily of the valley, bergamot and tuberose. I am not really fond of any of these ingredients.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Dazzling Darling</i> by Kylie Minogue</span>. Warm and spicy notes of red pepper, orris, violet, acai berry and passion flower, with a rosy cashmere blend. A 'dazzling' photo to match.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Cosmic Radiance</span></i> by Britney Spears. I grew up on Britney, so you can't blame me for liking her perfume range ;) It's a fragrant red bouquet, with mellow notes of amber, vanilla and sandalwood. I wish for a different bottle, this one seems plastic-y.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Divas</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VRO4X26CTcy1_CQ-45-KM1hPCq10WQ2VQzmqFF-wVev26TlyipiK1Cm5RBY7JcRfpMC895wZEOe-Ilk_DaM3av3WTv2OZq-33rQ4LXvxsHmUQwqq14UJTbl1LpX5myPsKUwjMTfzp4e1/s1600/perfume2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VRO4X26CTcy1_CQ-45-KM1hPCq10WQ2VQzmqFF-wVev26TlyipiK1Cm5RBY7JcRfpMC895wZEOe-Ilk_DaM3av3WTv2OZq-33rQ4LXvxsHmUQwqq14UJTbl1LpX5myPsKUwjMTfzp4e1/s640/perfume2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Outspoken Intense</i> by Fergie</span> for Avon. A fruity floral with notes of star fruit, kumquat, blackberries and musk. The advert exudes power.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Secret Potion</i> by Christina Aguilera</span>. The girly pink bottle isn't corresponding with the rest of the ad. A floral oriental bouquet featuring jasmine, lemon, passion fruit, lotus and musk.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Reb'l Fleur </i>by Rihanna</span>. Her first fragrance is island inspired, combining red berries, peach and plum with a splash of coconut water, followed by violet, hibiscus and tuberose. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Pulse</i> by Beyonce</span>. An tropical third fragrance from the singer, with a strong pear note, shadowed by bergamot, peony, jasmine, musk and vanilla.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Glam Squad</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmKVfSy9cL3yMHisajiHc6WE7bfMqtYprsdMN2V43cSYYkIzct4X_tOZXUwgn1NQi07V0ntzPFXEo8KLrZ10lQFENDMBqlOiDFIXAj7v_ZSYtRSX-laapk27Si6SJHlFDdhf3BWbDDsvg/s1600/perfume3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmKVfSy9cL3yMHisajiHc6WE7bfMqtYprsdMN2V43cSYYkIzct4X_tOZXUwgn1NQi07V0ntzPFXEo8KLrZ10lQFENDMBqlOiDFIXAj7v_ZSYtRSX-laapk27Si6SJHlFDdhf3BWbDDsvg/s640/perfume3.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Jennifer Aniston</i> by Jennifer Aniston</span>. She was the last person I expected a fragrance from. It's a clean floral scent, with notes of rose water, amber, lily, jasmine, musk and sandalwood. Sounds sophisticated, just like the actress.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Gold</i> by Kim Kardashian</span>. I was skeptical about Kim's perfumes, but after trying out a tester, I was pleasantly surprised. <i>Gold</i> is an opulent balmy scent, which opens with bergamot, grapefruit and pink pepper. Florals include rose, violet and jasmine, ending with warmer tones of musk, patchouli and amber. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Love and Light</i> by Jennifer Lopez</span>. I can't keep up with all JLo's fragrances, this is number 17! It is described as a woody floral with fresh notes of mandarin, pomegranate, red currant and apricot, blended with patchouli, praline, rose crystal and jasmine. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Shine</i> by Heidi Klum</span>. This is the models first fragrance, which is a musky floral, comprising of pear, pink pepper, lily of the valley, mimosa, sunflower and vanilla. I like the simple bottle.</span></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Unscentational</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDzXQGgrZmx4hmj_T1_Yoo7stnOD869lArx2iKtgw0DB87N_cf5X5psWovp-kEO2ydQW3rctlXzYFaiIOUr3BOZa8Ym5g3y27plAscnid0WKRWq_cRsnPJ3rXqJ-cp9OqxrOSaWjYBj7w/s1600/perfume4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDzXQGgrZmx4hmj_T1_Yoo7stnOD869lArx2iKtgw0DB87N_cf5X5psWovp-kEO2ydQW3rctlXzYFaiIOUr3BOZa8Ym5g3y27plAscnid0WKRWq_cRsnPJ3rXqJ-cp9OqxrOSaWjYBj7w/s640/perfume4.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are the fragrances of 2011 that you couldn't even pay me to wear. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Someday</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"> by Justin Bieber</span>. Yes, it sold $3 million worth in three weeks, (now you </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">know how he funded his Ferrari, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">impressionable tweens with too much cash). But if you're over 14, using it should be banned.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Purr </i>by Katy Perry</span>. I love cats and I don't mind Katy Perry. But the bottle and marketing of this fragrance was too kitsch and not enough class. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Immortal Twilight</i> by Twilight</span>. The <strike>stench</strike> scent of this melodramatic saga has been bottled and sold to vampires and humans everywhere.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Snooki </i>by Snooki Polizzi</span>. It's too early for an April's fool joke, the spray-tanned scent of Snooki is the real deal. Things like this make me <i>really</i> worried about above-mentioned impressionable teens.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span>

The Scent of a Celebrity

The Most Popular Celebrity Scents of 2011 It seems like every celebrity and their chihuahua has created their own line of fragrances. In a c...

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Temperley London Pre-Fall 2012

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Alice Temperley's</i> Pre-Fall 2012 collection embraces all that is feminine and luxurious. Grand tailoring of the 19th century is modified to suit the 21st century girl. It begins with extravagant sequined dresses in multi-tonal golds, and ladylike lace frocks, elegantly paired with gloves, tasseled minauderie cases and pearl necklaces. It's the kind of collection that any Manhattan maiden and <i>Gossip Girl</i> groupie would revel in.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Temperley chose an understated colour palette, in a blend of rich fabrics, conveying the notion of graceful glamour. The only form of colour comes from pistachio green & the boldest shade of pink, printed on brocade dresses. Leather skinny pants are paired with embroidered longer-length tops. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chunky cardigans and trench coats are a sophisticated way to keep warm while wearing a lavish gown underneath. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Black & white frocks are belted with large floral brooches. I have a feeling that those opaque black spotted stockings are going to catch on easily. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The range concludes with vintage inspired evening gowns, more flowy than fitted and accentuated at the waist. Make-up is focused on a strong red lip and bejeweled headbands adorn a chic updo. I feel like some of these outfits were made with <i>Blair</i> <i>Waldorf</i> in mind, don't you think?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXkJJi5Cd5LegeEdv0lz9DpZlrfOa2rvCiILUHTSUJyIG_TSlZDafZMTI5jiQS36VwsHA6qdliW7rOMHP6d6u8_y2-q3FN1OXVsLZrxFZh_f_YSXYQQjXSO5a8k-jLSR-mxOPhcirBxAj/s1600/temp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXkJJi5Cd5LegeEdv0lz9DpZlrfOa2rvCiILUHTSUJyIG_TSlZDafZMTI5jiQS36VwsHA6qdliW7rOMHP6d6u8_y2-q3FN1OXVsLZrxFZh_f_YSXYQQjXSO5a8k-jLSR-mxOPhcirBxAj/s640/temp1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oVrvd1I_PZBe21aWHheZZwdQv9u2Yr6UvPhf4K3gqC-At9VucpTDKul3dez2s1QCiZkTFMdkovRZSblUlncYBmtbvvI3Qbf6vO77imwJiI1olx2ZavMWsC_lZ68YZTKXGn5umGcP2dQG/s1600/temp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oVrvd1I_PZBe21aWHheZZwdQv9u2Yr6UvPhf4K3gqC-At9VucpTDKul3dez2s1QCiZkTFMdkovRZSblUlncYBmtbvvI3Qbf6vO77imwJiI1olx2ZavMWsC_lZ68YZTKXGn5umGcP2dQG/s640/temp2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X3OpXyAtko9CPHgu88EOxbhhCJT6-jxhJ0RbILUYZhba3kuz52x1pjOPp78W7iQfSUFeMd-x_nfEEO0NB8n5KX-xQYUfAetOcVMrb9TqEVo-Eto58S6DhLJZPy7hKk28t4NJavKCRjz-/s1600/temp3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X3OpXyAtko9CPHgu88EOxbhhCJT6-jxhJ0RbILUYZhba3kuz52x1pjOPp78W7iQfSUFeMd-x_nfEEO0NB8n5KX-xQYUfAetOcVMrb9TqEVo-Eto58S6DhLJZPy7hKk28t4NJavKCRjz-/s640/temp3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtNXWU2uOuMo7wGkAXJUmWmtika4sOu5TWd9I85xmg_4x3VpoEH4Uewde9NJOk3vhssztxO3lQ-47MbiHaPmEUCa2prcTf1CsDp26yfS74NmejGrhrjHF5a5ftaBEAfff5oLI7Jgpb6wv/s1600/temp5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtNXWU2uOuMo7wGkAXJUmWmtika4sOu5TWd9I85xmg_4x3VpoEH4Uewde9NJOk3vhssztxO3lQ-47MbiHaPmEUCa2prcTf1CsDp26yfS74NmejGrhrjHF5a5ftaBEAfff5oLI7Jgpb6wv/s640/temp5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtNXWU2uOuMo7wGkAXJUmWmtika4sOu5TWd9I85xmg_4x3VpoEH4Uewde9NJOk3vhssztxO3lQ-47MbiHaPmEUCa2prcTf1CsDp26yfS74NmejGrhrjHF5a5ftaBEAfff5oLI7Jgpb6wv/s1600/temp5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /></a></div>

Temperley London Pre-Fall 2012

Alice Temperley's Pre-Fall 2012 collection embraces all that is feminine and luxurious. Grand tailoring of the 19th century is modified...

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Tuesday Thrills - Franchi Clutch Bags

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As this is the first 'Tuesday Thrills' post for 2012, I wanted to start on a glamorous note, which is something designer Franco Franchi is familiar with. His range of exquisite clutch bags are destined to accessorize the 'little black dresses' of the world with their refined splendor. Based in Florence, Franchi creates sparkling showpieces made from the best Italian leather, Oriental silks and Swarovski crystals. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Founded in 1995, it is only recently that <i>Franchi Handbags</i> have branched out into clutch bags, with a trendier market in mind. The design team creates bags with simple shapes, its magnetic appeal lies in the finer detailing. Decorative floral and studded trims, slinky mesh, gleaming gemstones and plush satin. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adding one of these clutches to your cocktail dress, prom gown or a tailored suit will transform your entire look. Even brides and their bridesmaids need somewhere stylish to carry their lipgloss. A <i>Franchi</i> clutch can be used to dress up a pair of jeans and heels for a girl's night out or a romantic date. It's the perfect size to keep all your out-on-the-town essentials. These are some pieces from the current collection.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3IysmQiK1FMgIzxzrv1DxzDuKg3RCjEJWjlK4zRLcTgLSeM5CuG8NwMORBKGftJn8J2uscv9WEToh1cjm78xSRzYJqDWvisQQFCJalixhpRpV4p1D9qfJK_numCfIp_HMORqSsXM4yak/s1600/fh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3IysmQiK1FMgIzxzrv1DxzDuKg3RCjEJWjlK4zRLcTgLSeM5CuG8NwMORBKGftJn8J2uscv9WEToh1cjm78xSRzYJqDWvisQQFCJalixhpRpV4p1D9qfJK_numCfIp_HMORqSsXM4yak/s640/fh1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <i>Andrea</i> in black. Leather and mesh with twist lock and silver chain handle. $275/R2239</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <i>Valerie</i> in pewter. Boxy leather clutch with shiny mesh detail and gemstone lock. $228/R1856</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <i>Sharon</i> in black. Crossbody leather drawstring bag with gold stripes and studded detail. Three other colour combinations available. $165.99/R1351</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <i>Giselle</i> in black. Glamorous leather clutch with rhinestone embellishment. $237/R1929</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTP9hLZDeeXyNAvNekC15jrHPXASAUXdbkisDhw8-QbYEOuuusUpoGoThKdpIi-GTB80Fwe1F7SxpgiQUy26MAQB6buYC-z-nPr9Du6t3R7iCXM5S8jMeRNsyumFbEjGofJYSDDA334Cc/s1600/fh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTP9hLZDeeXyNAvNekC15jrHPXASAUXdbkisDhw8-QbYEOuuusUpoGoThKdpIi-GTB80Fwe1F7SxpgiQUy26MAQB6buYC-z-nPr9Du6t3R7iCXM5S8jMeRNsyumFbEjGofJYSDDA334Cc/s640/fh2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <i>Andrea</i> in gold. Vintage style clutch made from pleated leather, with studded eyelet detail. $159.99/R1302</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. <i>Tess Foldover</i> in gold. My favourite choice, which has a woven leather and ruffle-pleat design. It has a fold-over flap with magnetic lock. Also available in black for a more casual look. $150.99/R1229.50</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. <i>Tania Nappa</i> in gold. Luxe quilted leather bag with crystal rhinestones and chain handle. $132.99/R1082</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. <i>Kaly Glitter</i> in gold. A shimmery leather clutch with floral motif. $137.99/R1123</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-aZOTZh9PwcZbWjkAseG_KaENZ-GAvzM_VcONoXksRxn70BRngQurgqp1dpamihXPdzxAgXBbbtTZhsQnIHaJ4aNB1kH8pSoIF73xi5cCK3K_rRZ4oltCZn4xR-8j7Mf9K0hpbEW5lm0/s1600/fh3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-aZOTZh9PwcZbWjkAseG_KaENZ-GAvzM_VcONoXksRxn70BRngQurgqp1dpamihXPdzxAgXBbbtTZhsQnIHaJ4aNB1kH8pSoIF73xi5cCK3K_rRZ4oltCZn4xR-8j7Mf9K0hpbEW5lm0/s640/fh3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. <i>Taylor</i> in Navy. A change from black, this navy blue box-clutch is covered in delicate fabric rosettes, with a gemstone lock. Five other colours available. $161/R1311</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. <i>Lorna Raggeta</i> bow clutch in Red. A crimson rectangular shaped clutch in smooth satin, with cute bow detail. $161/R1311</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. <i>Judith</i> in Sage. An elegant soft green satin clutch with rhinestone accented lock. I love this unique colour. $105.99/836</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. <i>Angela</i> in Wine. A romantic plum toned clutch with satin spiral rose design. $168/R1368</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These opulent clutch bags can be purchased via Zappos.com, where s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ome of them are currently marked down on, but with limited quantities. Zappos have a larger variety, but I found the lowest price to buy a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Franchi</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> clutch online is from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.6pm.com/franchi-handbags-womens-bags~6">6pm.com</a></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><i>Happy Shopping!</i></span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span>

Tuesday Thrills - Franchi Clutch Bags

As this is the first 'Tuesday Thrills' post for 2012, I wanted to start on a glamorous note, which is something designer Franco Fran...

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Resolutionize 2012

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not good at New Years Resolutions. I find myself setting up goals that are far out of reach, beyond the realms of possibility. So this year, I decided to simplify things a bit, and make a list that's sensible enough to stick to...for <i>all</i> twelve months of 2012.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7zeMGl-ud_XdShVw7MR8vMNAAUlpvUEpQwg75WdiCcC1lvtJHPaS_jFybdyCnWNWZxPrvcoWRebgO9QwzDeTOIMrVX7LZhb9mleOh6KDGjPRmT0dOevHdfG0jb5SDVb6vdq6hSEGnWYJ/s1600/2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7zeMGl-ud_XdShVw7MR8vMNAAUlpvUEpQwg75WdiCcC1lvtJHPaS_jFybdyCnWNWZxPrvcoWRebgO9QwzDeTOIMrVX7LZhb9mleOh6KDGjPRmT0dOevHdfG0jb5SDVb6vdq6hSEGnWYJ/s640/2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">*P.S   Check out the travel guest post I did on the lovely Vanisha's blog <a href="http://vanishaslife.blogspot.com/2012/01/perfect-day-in.html">here</a>. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /><br /></span>

Resolutionize 2012

I'm not good at New Years Resolutions. I find myself setting up goals that are far out of reach, beyond the realms of possibility. So th...

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