Showing posts with label style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label style. Show all posts

Last-Minute Christmas Gifts: 7 Etsy Shops for Tiny Jewelry

Monday, December 23, 2013

Fawn and Rose

  • Elephantine is one of my favorite jewelry stores.  The delicate, tiny-as-can-be style of everything from the charms to the details on a ring brings an ultra-feminine vibe to a modern look.
  • Edor has a similar aesthetic but specializes in geometric designs.
  • Jools sells jewelry with very unique and very quirky designs.  Here you can get everything from earrings shaped like PacMan to a gold Shetland sheepdog-shaped pendant.
  • Contempo is a jewelry design company selling beautiful, colorful pieces predominantly featuring pyrite and freshwater pearls.
  • Fawn and Rose is THE shop of choice for those seeking triangular necklaces and rings.
  • Sevenstarz is a British company selling cute animal-shaped pendants in silver and gold.
  • Matoto has absolutely adorable charms, from owls to giraffes to a tiny sterling silver paper airplane charm!


Edor

Matoto

The quest for the perfect winter coat

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

It was snowing yesterday morning when I woke up.  I live in southern Sweden, but even so, it's kind of early for snow.  I was so psyched when I saw it, until the realization that my fall peacoat wasn't going to stand much of a chance against below-freezing temperatures dawned on me.  It's officially that time of year when we start to go shopping for layers.  Scarves, new pants, boots, mittens, and of course, winter outerwear.  I am having a hell of a time figuring out what kind of coat I want, there are way too many options.  I figured I'd break this down, so you guys can help me decide. :)

Mackage
Let's start with vests.  There's something adorably collegiate about the combination of a chunky knit sweater or a soft layering shirt beneath a puffy vest such as this understated Gray Colorblock Plaid Puffy Vest from Trou‎vé.  You can get a vest with a detachable hood, such as this furry one from the North Face.  Even without sleeves, that will keep you super warm.

If keeping warm isn't really an issue where you are, I recommend just going for a leather jacket.  You can't go wrong with this, it's one of those things you'll be able to wear forever.  My favorite adaptation of the leather jacket is one with a bit of shearling, perhaps lining the collar like this Mackage Moto Jacket.  If you want a warm leather jacket, you can get one with an extra lining, but the added bulkiness might detract from the slimming aesthetic of a leather jacket.

Trou‎vé
Peacoats are great for layering, and if you get a long one that almost goes down to your knees, like this one from Victoria's Secret, you might be able to survive the winter.  But you'll need scarves and sweaters abundant for underneath (not necessarily a problem...).  If you want something a little flashier, you can get one with fur trim, like this one from ASOS.

Peacoat from ASOS
Speaking of fur, if you want to look like a true fashionista you can get your hands on a faux fur coat or best.  These are a little too crazy for me, but I'm seeing them more and more often...  Check out this one from Revolve Clothing: it will make you look like you killed Hedwig and turned her into a vest.

If you're going to get a long coat, you might also consider a trench.  They usually tend to be better-suited to rainy autumn weather, but you can layer up underneath and be ready for snow season as well.  The best thing about these is that they're windproof, so if you live in London or Paris... or Seattle, it's a much more realistic option than a full arctic parka.

Revolve Clothing
But if you live in Scandinavia (like me, currently), and the words winter is coming raise hairs on the back of your neck, then you have to go all-in and buy the most bulky, down-stuffed, lined parka you can afford... windproof, snowproof, stormproof, lifeproof.  I found some relatively affordable options.  If you like the rustic look, read Kinfolk, or call yourself a hipster, check out this rough-looking winter coat with plaid lining by Obey - ASOS has a cheaper option with plaid sleeves here.  When it comes to fur-lined hoods, Mango knows their shit: I can't get enough of this dark green parka's hood... in fact, this is probably my favorite out of everything I've looked at.  Shearling lining is great too, and this ASOS jacket with a whole detachable shearling lining is probably the steal of the season.  It comes in black and khaki.  Mango offers this "teddy-lined" hooded parka if you're not into fur but want a soft lining to your coat.  Not a hood person?  Victoria's Secret has this cute puffy moto coat.  It almost makes me like the puffy coat style.

Can't decide which is cutest?  Yeah, me neither.  I ended up choosing a bunch of options, and then I let my wallet make the decision for me and just went with the cheapest one.  Boom.

Winter is coming | a dozen ways to prepare

Friday, October 18, 2013

It's now 100% autumn, and I'm sure many of our readers have already started to feel the chill of winter creeping in - here in Sweden, the leaves are all pretty much gone, and the other morning I woke up to snow.  Snow.  In mid-October.  Winter is coming (I happen to be reading Game of Thrones right now, which only makes it more fun to talk about this), and to be honest I can't wait.  I love winter, it is by far my favorite season.  But the anticipation leading up to it - autumn - can be just as fun.  Here is my personal checklist of things to do to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the coming months of darkness and cold.

  1. Start getting up earlier.  The days are already starting to get shorter (by December in Sweden the sun will be setting at 3pm!), and your body will start to drag as that sun vanishes earlier and earlier.  Beat the blues by conditioning yourself to get up an hour (or two!) earlier than normal.  Use that extra time to...
  2. Exercise in the morning.  Best winter weight gain by starting this practice now, in the fall.  Because we spend so much time sleeping and sitting around and eating once it gets cold out, the best way to keep your metabolism revved is to start your day with some simple movement.  Yoga or some basic ballet conditioning are a great way to wake up your body, and they won't seem as daunting as a jog in the snow - although, if you're a morning person and feel compelled, definitely go do that instead!  Personally I like to take it slow in the morning, so setting the small goal of doing a couple Sun Salutations in the morning means that I'm much more likely to actually get up and do them.
  3. Buy a gigantic sweater.  Nothing is comfier than a sweater 10 sizes too big.  They are one of the easiest things to find at second-hand stores, so do a little thrift shopping and invest in a giant frumpy knit sweater that covers your butt.  It will be your favorite thing to fall asleep in, or to curl up in with a book when the snow falls.
  4. Let there be light.  Invest in a couple new scented candles or string lights to add a bit of cozy ambiance to your room.  You'll love it during those long nights and cloudy days.
  5. Get re-acquainted with your bookshelf.  With the holiday season coming up, it might be wiser not to buy a bunch of new books.  Instead, go through the books you already have.  Look harder, and you will likely find a book or two that you never read.  Even better, you might find an old favorite to re-read, like a Jane Austen novel or The Golden Compass.  If nothing catches the eye, borrow a book from a friend.  A second-hand book, with its creased spine and folded corners, fits the autumn spirit better.
  6. Take it easy on the pastries.  Your body is going to suddenly love fatty and sugary foods more than ever, because your polar bear instinct is kicking in for winter.  Just be aware of this and don't go too overboard with the holiday chocolates.  Instead...
  7. Get some vitamin D!  Start eating salmon, milk, eggs, and ricotta cheese if you start feeling a bit of the winter blues.  These are some of the top sources of vitamin D!  Pretty much all fish will be a good option.
  8. Go for walks.  That crisp autumn air is good for you, and don't you just love layering up and grabbing your favorite scarf?  Take your BFF or your dog for a stroll through the park and admire the orange and red leaves.
  9. Kill some time.  Come up with a new pastime in advance, something to fill those idle hours of the coldest months of the year.  Do you want to master a dozen new breakfast dishes?  Write a novel?  Find something that can done in the comfort of your home, and get started now.
  10. Revamp your wardrobe.  Evaluate your 2012 fall/winter wardrobe.  Are you boots falling apart?  Do you need a new coat?  The five core elements to a fall ensemble are: ankle boots, coat, scarf, sweater, and dark trousers.  Shop for a new one of any of these; you'll certainly be using it enough to make it worth the investment!
  11. Get re-acquainted with friends.  Look up a couple buddies you haven't caught up with in a while.  Go out for coffee.  The end of the year should always be devoted to re-establishing the connections that you want to keep in the new year.
  12. Find a snuggle buddy.  Dog or human.  Unpack a knit blanket that hasn't been seen since last winter and you're all set.

affordable and unique favours for a natural wedding

Sunday, June 23, 2013

My baby (well, no longer baby!) sister is getting married this summer, and there are suddenly thousands of opportunities for creative little crafts. My sister wants her wedding to be very natural, with a particular herb/lavender theme. So many wonderful possibilities! One of my tasks over the past month has been to come up with wedding favour ideas, and I found these five options from various sources. They are all DIY, but are very simple and will add a more personal and unique touch to the wedding. I love the fact that they can be used everyday, by anyone, but are still items that the recipient might not have already.

The best part: they're relatively cheap to make! Each favour can be made for around $2 a piece; for my sister's wedding (where the guest list is close to 250!), one of these options will cost less than $500 for the entire event.

The trickiest part of these favours is the packaging. Several require a glass bottle, which can be expensive, but buying small 2-oz. bottles from wholesale sellers online is actually quite affordable. I looked at SpecialtyBottle.com and SKS Bottle and Packaging, and both have options for small glass bottles under $0.70 a piece.

Favour ideas:

Herb-Infused Sea Salt from Martha Stewart Weddings: Use rosemary, lavender, or Herbs de Provence for this long-lasting and useful favour. All you need is kosher sea salt, dried herbs, and an airtight container - combine, warm over the stove for a few minutes, cool, and you're ready to go. I found bulk sea salt for less than $2.50/lb. at SaltWorks and natural herbs at Frontier Co-Op.

Lavender Honey from The Herb Gardener: Another simple recipe: just infuse the honey with dried lavender, heat, and cool. Honey can be expensive, but I found natural clover honey for less than $5/lb at Anna's Honey.

Herb-Infused Olive Oil from Martha Stewart Weddings: Like the other favours, this is a useful gift that will last some time and can be used by anyone. Add a few snips of some dried rosemary (or your favourite herb mixture) to olive oil, and you're done! This looks beautiful in the bottle too.

Homemade Tea Favours: Creating your own unique tea blend for your wedding (or a bridal shower!) is a wonderful option for a different and special gift. You can buy bulk, whole-leaf black, green, or white tea and dried herbs from grocery stores, or online sellers (Mountain Rose Herbs, Mighty Leaf, and Frontier Co-Op, to name a few). Try a lavender-infused Earl Grey tea, green tea with mint, or a rose white tea. Then bind up the mixture in loose-leaf disposable tea bags (you can find many bulk options on Ebay and Amazon) and tie with string and a cute label. Voila!

Mini Potted Plant Favours: This is such a precious and unique idea for a natural wedding. I'd recommend picking a type of cactus, since they're pretty much indestructible, even if the new owner doesn't have time to take care of a plant. You can get mini cactuses and plants from sellers like Cactus Limon or SanPedroCactus on Etsy for less than $1.50 a piece. Pot the little plant in either a tiny glass jar or terrarium, or come up with another unique method (wrapping the roots in a mini burlap sack and tying with twine, planting in a mini pot and wrapping with brown paper, etc.). Another great idea for this favour is to also use it as a place or escort card at the reception: label each plant with the guest's name and table number, and then they can take it home as a favour after the event!

exclusive reader offer: residence hall linens

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Hello, dearest readers! As summer gets rolling, we have a special offer for college students who read Zabelieth: $25 off at Residence Hall Linens!

Feel like changing the look of your dorm room next year? Decorations and furniture are everything, from bordering the ceiling in small Christmas lights to covering the walls with your favorite posters and photos. If you're allowed to put in shelves, those are also a great way to break up a bare ugly cinderblock wall and give the room some character. Getting a rug or adding curtains also immediately disguises a dorm room and makes it more homey.

When it comes to bedding and towels, RHL has a thorough assortment of all your college linens. You can get everything in the form of their Value Packs, which include bedding and bath linens in the color scheme of your choice (we're a fan of "Deep Pink Paris"). Residence Hall Linens also sells storage and organization items such as trunks and hanging garment organizers. They also offer a selection of wall decals, rugs, and other decorations.

To get the exclusive discount provided through the Her Campus Blogger Network, just use this discount code: "MAYSAVE25RHL" which takes $25 off Value Packs ONLY.

affordable spring 2013 fashion

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Let's be honest - though we want to be fashionable, we don't want to wear the sometimes very strange styles that appear on the runways, and we definitely can't afford them! In today's post I'll mention six of this spring and summer's top trends and then list affordable, not-too-weird options for real women to consider. There's no reason why we can't wear the season's very latest fashions without looking out-of-place or spending thousands of dollars! Many of the items we list here are also timeless and will last quite a long time. The Express Minus-the-Leather Peplum Seamed Moto Jacket, in particular, is a favourite of both Eli and myself: for a little more than $100, this all-season jacket is a great investment. We both bought this faux-leather jacket from Express a couple years ago and wear it almost every day!

This season's trends include:
express.com
Express
Leather and Metal: These have been in for a while now: you certainly saw all the leather jackets and sequins in style this past year. They’re still in!! Lighter leather jackets, studs, sequins, and sparkles have carried through to spring and summer. Pairing a white or black leather jacket with a slim-fitting, studded dress for a night out in the summer will look fantastic and very sexy. On the runway: Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang. Affordable options: Express Minus-the-Leather Peplum Seamed Moto Jacket, $118.00Charlotte Russe Studded Shoulder Body-Con Dress, $25.99Mossimo Ona Patent Ballet Flat, $14.99Mango Metallic Biker Jacket, $99.99.Urban Outfitters MINKPINK Fireworks Sequin Dress, $19.99. 
HMdress2
H&M

Elongated silhouettes: Classically and timelessly flattering. Pencil skirts and dresses will always look beautiful on a woman, and can dress up any casual outfit. Wear a pencil skirt with a blouse or one of these dresses out shopping, to lunch, or to dinner. On the runway: Jenny Packham, Victoria Beckham. Affordable options: H&M Dress, $39.95Topshop Organza Insert Shift Dress, $130.00Charlotte Russe Millennium Mid-Length Pencil Skirt, $18.99. Mango Monochromatic Dress, $79.99.
topshop.com
Topshop

Cutouts: Whether it’s showing a little tummy, an open back, having mesh cutouts, or missing chunks all up and down a dress, this is definitely in for summer – and it’s a good thing too! Being able to show even a bit more skin always helps conquer the heat. On the runway: Victoria Beckham, Donna Karan, Roberto Cavalli, Versace. Affordable options:  Topshop Sporty Mesh Panel Dress by Boutique, $190.00. Charlotte Russe Clear Cutout Pointy Toe Pump, $30.00Papaya Net Yoke Chiffon Blouse, $21.99. SABO Black Accomplice Dress, $46.00. Urban Outfitters Sparkle and Fade Chiffon Blocked Sweater Knit Top, $39.00.


Monochrome: Checks and stripes were brought to the forefront of recent fashion by the iconic Louis Vuitton autumn/winter collection this past year. This trend is continuing into the summer with more nautical black and white stripes on jackets, skirts, and dresses. See the Michael Kors striped suit below! On the runway: Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger. Affordable options: H&M Jacket, $39.95. Topshop Stripe Jersey Blazer, $90.00. Topshop Mini Quilt Biker Jacket, $110.00. Charlotte Russe Striped Top Knit Maxi Dress $19.99Merona Ellie Genuine Leather Cap Toe Flat, $39.99. 
Michael Kors
Michael Kors

Boy cut: Suits, tuxedo jackets, blazers. Full-length, wide trousers, especially in white and black.  Menswear is almost always fashionable for women – the mix of the petite feminine form and sharply cut, contrasting jackets and suits is timelessly sexy. On the runway: Armani, Hermes. Affordable options: Express Minus-the-Leather Blazer, $98.00H&M Blazer, $19.00Mango Textured Panels Jacket, $119.99. 

Flora and Florescents: Always a springtime favourite. Light, delicate florals and brilliant florescents herald in warm weather and look fantastic next to tanned skin! On the runway: Diane von Furstenburg, Chado Ralph Rucci. Affordable options: Express Stretch Cotton Skater Dress, $27.93. H&M Dress, $24.95. Charlotte 

zab's top london destinations

Tuesday, March 12, 2013


So I am leaving for London in a little more than four months. I was just accepted into summer school at London School of Economics (my dream!) to study Finance, and I'll be living in the city for almost three weeks this August. As my dearest friend Eli keeps reminding me, it's time to start thinking of things to do and see when I'm not in class at LSE!

Of course, I have to see the usual tourist stuff. Though I usually try to keep as far away from overcrowded tourist attractions as possible, how could I possibly say that I lived in London for three weeks but never saw Buckingham Palace or Big Ben? Those are just must-dos.

Here are a few tourist-y destinations:

Buckingham Palace: where I can press my pathetic little face up against the gates and dream of being a real-life princess in a real-life palace with a real-life prince.... or, perhaps even better, dream of finding a pants-less Benedict Cumberbatch wrapped in a sheet and drinking tea...

Downing Street: equally fascinating to me but probably not as visually impressive...

Hyde Park: of course. This park is larger than the entire Principality of Monaco. Quintessentially British. I don't really have a choice. Couldn't miss it if I tried.

King's Cross Station: mostly because of Harry Potter

Big Ben, Westminster Bridge, Palace of Westminster, Houses of Parliament: I guess I can't really 'go to' Big Ben, it's kind of just something to see... These are all pretty obvious tourist stops, at least to just pass by and get that traditional view of the Thames!

Now we get to the fun stuff...

I'll be living a block or two away from Soho and I plan to spend a significant amount of time there! London's fashion and entertainment district, and previously its prostitution district. Since the 1950's Soho has been the centre of beatnik, rock, and pop culture in London. The Rolling Stones, the Sex Pistols, and Jimi Hendrix have all recorded there! It's home to London's main gay village and lots of shops and bars and clubs.

Ministry of Sound: probably London's most famous, iconic nightclub and ranked by some in the top five in the world. Apparently a must-go for nightlife in London. Also Fabric ('body-sonic' dance floor where bass comes through the floor. enough said. however, I'm not sure about the unisex toilets) and Pacha (Ibiza-based club with a stained glass ceiling and notoriously glamourous crowd).

The Eagle and Child: my nerdiness is coming out but I would be so happy if I could visit the Eagle and Child. This is the four-hundred-year-old pub that the Inklings (JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis!) met at to read and discuss their unfinished manuscripts!!!!! This has been a dream for years, ever since my dad encouraged Eli and I to form our own Inklings club when we were about fifteen....

The owner of my favourite local restaurant, a German native who went to school and lived in London for ten years, told me that I MUST go to high tea at The Dorchester. This gorgeous five-star hotel serves world-famous (it had better be, at £41 a person) afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones, and cakes.  The hotel is absolutely stunning inside.

I still remember my grandmother mentioning Harrod's when I was very young, in particular for their tea. This is London's equivalent of Macy's, and though I've been to many department stores in my life, I don't want to miss out on this one.

Tiffany & Co. on Bond Street. I just want to visit Bond Street (though I won't be able to buy a single thing) and see this absolutely gorgeous, iconic black building (since I've already been to the one in New York!).

Restaurants: Rules (London's oldest restaurant, as classic British as it gets), The Dalaunay (continental cuisine), Le Gavroche (best French), Maison Bertaux (French cafe in Soho)...

Other to-do's: ride in a black cab and on a double-decker bus; find a public call box that even remotely resembles the TARDIS and completely lose it geeking out on the sidewalk; use the Tube and a loo and a lift (which I'm pretty sure I will); and do all those other stupid things that tourists think are fascinating in the UK.

raven + lily: empowering women worldwide

Monday, December 10, 2012


I just discovered a jewelry and accessories company called Raven + Lily, which sells some very beautiful, interesting pieces. The more interesting part of this company is how they operate: they employ marginalized women, providing them with sustainable economic opportunities, and their proceeds also fund healthcare and literacy programs for women and children in this community.

A lot of their jewelry is made in Ethiopia from melted bullet casings and recycled metals such as copper and brass. The women who handmake these pieces are HIV-positive women, a very marginalized group in Ethiopia. Due to its unique nature, much of the jewelry will antique over time.

Definitely check out their blog, which details their travels to the localities in which they've established all of these fantastic cooperatives.

They have clothing items as well - scarves and t-shirts. They also have accessories likes bags and journals. Their Uzma Travel Journals are handmade 100% recycled cotton paper and textiles by marginalized women in Northern India. Proceeds from this collection go to fund literacy programs for the women artisans and children in the community. They're absolutely beautiful, I've already nabbed a couple for Christmas gifts. I love fair trade shopping, and I love knowing that there's a story behind an item. Empowering women in poorer nations is a cause that remains particularly close to my heart. I truly believe that greater equality for women will mean a more peaceful planet; in fact, I recently wrote a paper for a class I'm taking (Cross-Cultural Psychology) in which I found a number of studies that illustrate how societies with strictly-enforced gender roles and sexism tend to have higher levels of male aggression and are more likely to dissolve into war.

Currently, the three regions in which R+L operates are northern India, Ethiopia, and Cambodia. They're a member of another organization I've never heard of, the Ethical Fashion Forum’s 500 Fellows around the globe, which is apparently "an exclusive group of 500 of the world’s foremost innovators and leaders in the fashion sector."

“by nord” designs: gorgeous scandinavian aesthetic

Saturday, December 8, 2012


I am in love with By Nord.  The Copenhagen-based company was founded in 2008, and has truly mastered the beautiful, natural simplicity of the Scandinavian aesthetic.  Embracing light and nature elements like wood, water, cotton, pottery, and plants, By Nord’s products encompass the idea of creating a home which embraces the outside world, even invites the elements of the surrounding environment in.  Everything is made organically, with no dangerous added chemicals or artificial materials.
Probably their most popular product at the moment, By Nord’s gorgeous duvet covers each showcase a striking greyscale photograph of a northern-dwelling animal, and each is paired with a pillowcase (sold separately) that reads like an Arctic wildlife guide.
Wouldn’t you know it, the company also makes tea!  I was unable to find descriptions of what’s actually in each blend, but the titles are thrilling: Deep Forest, White Energy, Morning Breeze…  I’m also in love with their throws, all of which are chunky and think-knit.  The colors are soft browns and blues, and the fabrics are wool or cotton.
You have to check out their catalog to see some of the gorgeous photos, as well as their full collection of household items.  If you fall in love with the Scandinavian aesthetic as I have, I also recommend checking out the French store Boutique Scandinave, as well as the Stockholm Design Lab.

victoria's secret fashion show - it's almost here!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Who else is uncontrollably excited for the 2012 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show? This has got to be one of my favourite days of the year. I think it should be a national holiday and everyone should just get the day off. However, since our government doesn't seem to sympathize, I hope I can still find a way to get the night off work and throw some kind of lingerie/Pink party and drink champagne.

This year, VSFS is scheduled to broadcast on Tuesday, December 4 at 10 ET. It'll be shown on CBS. Unfortunately for us mortals, the show already took place on November 7 to a select live audience, but we won't be allowed to watch the entire show until December 4. Rihanna and Justin Bieber headlined. Miranda, Adriana, Candice, Alessandra, and dozens of other out-of-this-world models strode down the runway mostly nude for millions to see. Even though I wouldn't classify the Victoria's Secret show as a real fashion show, it is one of the most glamorous, fun, and sexy nights on television - and made much more special because it only happens once a year!

The show is always divided into different segments with individual themes. My favourite last year was 'I Put a Spell on You', in which the models wore boudoir-noir, classically inspired balconette bras, corsets, long gloves, and bows. The fun bit of the VSFS - aside from the truly perfect models and celebrity musical highlights - is the variety that encompasses all the themes and outfits. There is lingerie that is drop-dead sexy, playful, girly, tough, delicate, and wicked. Every outfit is marvelous and novel, even though some (most?) are a little bizarre.

I hope to have time to watch the shows from past years that I missed (which I found links to here, though you can also find broken-up versions on youtube) before this year's show. Comment with recommendations! I've only seen those from the past couple of years. I can't wait to get into the shows from the 90's - that sounds like too much fun.

Make sure you check back here to keep updated: we have a countdown to the VSFS air date at the very bottom of this blog, and we will DEFINITELY be posting the night of. See you then!!

scent of the season: bottega veneta

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

I am obsessed with this scent! Bottega Veneta's eau de parfum is the perfect scent for the winter season. Tomas Maier, the creative director, describes the inspiration for this scent as being "an old house... I envisioned a room with old wood floors, library walls and leather-bound books with the windows open wide, the breeze coming in... That’s where we started."

The perfume is composed as follows:

Top notes: plum, Italian bergamot & Brazilian pink pepper
Heart notes: Indian Sambac jasmine, oakmoss & patchouli
Base note: leather accord

The surprising whiff of plum is my favorite part, especially in such a musky, woodsy, almost masculine or cologne-like perfume. I love how Scentsate's review describes the way the scent evolves over time after application:

"The opening is the most beautiful. Not only is it the most overtly leathery part of the fragrance, but it brings with it a decadent outburst of plum. This effect lasts for about half an hour, impressive for top notes.

"It gets sweeter towards the heart, half-an-hour in. This is where the pepper and rose become more noticeable. Bottega Veneta has been described as a chypre, and I don’t think this is technically incorrect. Lots of perfumes contain the ubiquitous chypre triad of labdanum, bergamot, and oakmoss. But it is featured softly, as an accent rather than the main show. The heart reminds me a little of the 2008 Chloe with the softness and the transparent rose. But it’s better than Chloe, and remains dusky and soft.

"Towards the aforementioned forever-lasting end, all of the accents fade, and you are left with a lovely suede rose. The best thing about Bottega Veneta probably the natural feel of the leather note. Somehow it feels like you are actually wearing kidskin gloves, instead of just having sprayed chemicals on your wrist."

This is certainly on my Christmas list. Don't you love it when you discover a perfume that connects with you, something that you want to wear alone, without clothes to smother it. Just as Marilyn Monroe said in an interview...

"You know they ask you questions," Monroe said during an April 1960 interview with French journalist Georges Belmont. "Just an example: 'What do you wear to bed? Do you wear a pajama top, the bottoms of the pajamas, or a nightgown?' So I said, 'Chanel No. 5!' Because it's the truth! And yet I don't want to say 'nude,' you know? But it's the truth." For more on Marilyn Monroe and Chanel, check out this article.

rihanna fever

Monday, November 19, 2012


We love Rihanna! In GQ's December issue, which was just released, she poses nude and shows off her newest tattoo (read the full article here, see one of the spread's photos to the left), which is a thickly-inked angel with wings outspread below her breasts. Especially racy as of late, she's been on tour for her newest album, aptly named Unapologetic.

Today, at 4:00 pm EST, check out a live exclusive from Rihanna's 777 tour on Facebook here! River Island (a British store we love!) is providing this awesome footage. The tour is cleverly named for the fact that Unapologetic is her seventh album. Also, it was just released... today! Check it out on iTunes - "Diamond" has already become a hit single (check out the music video!), but we also encourage you to listen to "Stay" (Eli's fave) and "What Now."

Also be sure to check out River Island's Rihanna t-shirts! We like this one.

<3
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