Twas the Night Before...

I've been racking my brain and scouring the internet for something that I'd really love to have, for my last day of unrealistic Christmas presents. And try as I might, I just haven't been able to come up with something great.

The truth is, I came up with (in my opinion) the one thing that I want so badly:

Yankees Season Tickets - $$$$$

Then I could see Derek, Mark, Andy, Joba, and Jorge all the time. Oh my god.

Just remember that my birthday is coming up, so whatever you want to buy me from my list is greatly appreciated!


But I digress.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone! I'll be taking the rest of the year off...unless of course there's something that I absolutely have to post about. See you in the New Year! Make sure you keep an eye out for Define Magazine coming your way January 5, 2010!!

Ring Around the Rosy

More often than not, accessories can make or break an outfit. Unlike Coco Chanel, I don't believe that less is more (depending on the mood and environment you're in), in fact, I usually try to add as many accessories as possible before leaving the house. But, I'm always running (fashionably) late so I don't always have on as much as I would prefer.

With only 2 days until Christmas, I am drooling over:

Lee Angel Jewelry 'Etienne' 18 Strand Necklace - $155

With a statement piece like this, little else is really necessary. It's in-your-face, but not over-powering. I love the ethnic feel that it has, and I imagine it to make noises that you would hear in a Middle Eastern or Greek market. A necklace like this would be perfect for a cocktail party or even New Years.

2 Are Better Than 1

And according to Britney, 3 is better than 2. *awkward pause*

Ever since Lauren Conrad made 2 finger rings cool on The Hills, I have wanted one. So bad. Preferably with my name, just like LC. Although 'Erin' is significantly shorter than 'Lauren' and wouldn't look as good. But I digress. Now that, what, 2 years have passed since she was first seen sporting her 2 finger ring, they're becoming hot. Well, maybe lukewarm. But that still hasn't changed the fact that I WANT ONE. Like, yesterday. However, a lot of 2 finger rings are kind of ugly. But then I was proved wrong...

Jules Smith 'Knuckle Lover' Stackable Ring - $77

This Jules Smith ring is gorgeous. Simple, classic. Just like how LC would want it. And really, anything that LC likes, I like.

Gift of Design

Last Thursday was the Gift of Design fashion show at the Vancouver Club. It was a great event; the designs were great and the venue was fabulous. I felt like I was in an episode of Gossip Girl. The event was hosting by the fabulous Mandy, plus I got to hang out with my family, boyfriend, and Niki from A Haute Mess.

Here are some (ok, lots) pictures from the event:










Overall, I thought that the designs were great. There were lots of couture-esque pieces, and some Ready to Wear pieces too. Very impressive. I wonder if any of them will actually make it.


The hair for the event was done by my cousin from Zootz salon on 4th Ave.
The jewelry in the first 2 photos and the last one were made by her fiance, Michael Reilly - who is going to be a Define Magazine contributor.

Tiptoe Through the Tulips

It took until 4 days before Christmas for me to post a second shoes that I would love to have. A rarity, since it seems like I spend all my time looking at shoes.

Elizabeth & James 'Rizzo' Suede Cuff Bootie - $395

What initially caught my eye with these booties was their wonderful colour...or lack thereof, I suppose. That creamy winter white shade is just so inviting. It definitely stands out against the typical black and greys for winter boots. The second thing that caught my eye was the cuff, the snake embossed cuff. L-o-v-e. That was then I noticed the metal heel. Brassy and detailed. The Olsen twins really know how to take a piece that extra inch without going overboard.

Pin a Rose on Your Nose

With 5 days left until Christmas, I haven't posted a single item of jewelry for my wish list. Consider that fixed! Trolling around ShopBop the other day, I came across these:

Tom Binns Classic Gold Safety Pin Earrings - $220

I love accessories. I love accessories that make people stop and say, "OMG. I love that!" Purses and shoes are always great for compliments, but usually they're much more well known. Jewelry, on the other hand, is a lot more difficult to pick out, making compliments much more exciting. These safety pin earrings are big (love it) yet simple. I can see them being rocked out with liquid leggings and a slouchy tee, or dressed up with a sheath dress. Totally versatile, and totally need to be in my jewelry box.

A Tisket, A Tasket

Can you believe that there are only 6 more days until Christmas? Holy cow!

In January I'm starting (yet another) new job. And the perfect thing for my first day?

Yves Saint Laurent 'Roady' - $1395

I love the hobo style. It's so versatile, relaxed and casual or businessy for the office. But what really caught my eye was the gorgeous blue colour. It's such a bright piece that pops against the muted tones of winter. But it's also bright enough that it works in summer. I also love that the handle is big enough to throw it over my shoulder, but not too big so i can still wear it in the crook of my elbow. Plus it only has one handle (a preference of mine) which means I can still carry it in my hand. I can just imagine how soft the leather is. And yes, I'd probably want to rub this against my face too.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Or just an incredibly sequined dress. Sequins are h-o-t this season. From extreme nighttime sparkle to a more subdued day appropriate look, sequins are everywhere. Every store with sequins in the window manages to catch my eye - it's like a moth to a flame. So on my 7th day of my unrealistic Christmas, I present to you...

BCBG Textured Sequin Dress - $548

This beauty of a sparkler. BCBG dresses are always fashionable and gorgeous. I like this dress because it's sequin-y but not over the top. There are tons of dresses out there that are covered in sequins, and they're gorgeous, but I'm not sure that they're for me. This particular one is punchy but not in-your-face. It also has a sexy back - a deep-V. Total understated sexiness. Well, for sequins.

Skip the Garter

By now you've probably heard about the Jeffrey Campbell 'Obscene' Boot. If not, well then, you are about to lose it...

JC 'Obscene' Boot - $249.95 at Solestruck

Forget the pants. If you're looking to rock the Lady GaGa look (no pants) but are concerned about freezing to death, look no further! The 'Obscene' is for you (they even come with their own belt!)! Seriously though, I'd love to see these worn in person, but Vancouver being, well, Vancouver, it's doubtful that will happen. Own them? Send me a picture!

I was creeping around Akira Chicago the other day and I came across something oddly similar...

Report Signature 'Kane' - $475

To be honest, I definitely prefer the look of the 'Kane' to the 'Obscene'. I have a love affair with heels, and being short, such insanely high boots will just midgetize me (especially as flats). What I dislike about the 'Kane' is that the garters attach to your belt loops, pulling on them and looking ridiculous.

What are your thoughts on the fly-fisherman inspired boots?

Chip on Your Shoulder

Or maybe, it's just this season's hot look of exaggerated shoulder. Oh, how I long for a piece so enviable that people swoon every time they see it (like a Chanel bag). But it's not Chanel (yet). It's Balmain.

Balmain Exaggerated Shoulder Blazer - upwards of $3000

And on the 8th day of my Christmas, God created shoulders. I love them. They're classy, edgy, extreme, and amazing. They're a conversation starter. Who knows, they may give that cute guy who works in your building an ice-breaker.

Sky's the Limit

With 9 days left before Christmas, there are still lots of holiday parties to attend (and of course New Years!). No outfit would be complete without the perfect shoe.

Yves Saint Laurent Platform Pump (shown in Navy Lizard Leather) - $795

I love, love, love YSL platform pumps. Don't get me wrong, I still love Louboutin's, but there is just something undeniably sexy about the YSL's. Platforms are such a godsend, especially when your heel is upwards of 4.5". And I love the height. It feels so foreign to me when I wear heels that are less than 3.5"-4". But when you're wearing heels like this, make sure you valet the car! You must ensure that your boyfriend (or date) doesn't park 5 blocks away, forcing you to walk! (Personal experience)

Buy a House or a Birkin

On the 10th day of Erin's dream wishlist is none other than the highly coveted:

Hermes Birkin - $ down payment on a house

The only way I could ever afford a Birkin (in a world where I could actually get my hands on one) is if I decided that I didn't want to own a house. Instead, I'd have to live in my Birkin.

Baby, if it's cold outside...I need me some Burberry

Just 11 days before Christmas! How time flies! A time for family and merriment, it's also a time to dream big and allow yourself to want things that you really can't have.

So, allow me to introduce 'Erin's 11 Days of Christmas'. Over the next 11 days, I'll be posting about fabulous things that I'd love for Christmas, but can't afford. But, feel free to pick me up one or two for my upcoming birthday...

Burberry Giant Check Scarf - $295

It's Burberry, it's classic, and it's cashmere. I can't get over the price tag, despite knowing that it's an 'investment' piece. Truth is, as much as I love the scarf, if I had $295 laying around, I'd rather buy shoes. Or a handbag...which makes the scarf the perfect gift!

WTF? and Whine Wednesday

Today's Whine Wednesday also coincides with Fashion Smashion.

While trolling around online for things that I can't buy (why do we insist on torturing ourselves?), I came across 2 beauties.

The first isn't too surprising considering where I found it, but the mere fact that it exists is purely mind boggling. I've been scouring Ebay lately for vintage pieces. I already got a couple, one perfect for the holiday season, the other to be saved for summer. But I digress, let's cut to the chase.

Credit

What are these? It's like a Grandma's craft room vomited all over them. They're a DIY project gone awry! Who would wear these? What purpose do they serve? My mind is so boggled by these pants that I can't even begin to answer these questions!

And these.

Credit

Can you even believe that these pants are from Topshop?? And to top it off, they're silk! Topshop is a UK company and anyone who's been to the UK knows how much rain they get (it's like here), how are silk pants even worth having? Did a clown design these pants? Did MC Hammer try to update his look? I just don't get it.

Prime Time

More and more women are using makeup primers these days. For those who don't know, primers go on like a lotion (after your moisturizer and before your makeup) and create a barrier between your makeup and your skin. This prevents the clogging of pores by all the grime and filth in makeup. Primers also give the makeup something to adhere to, making your makeup last longer.

I've used 3 different primers. The first one I used was Philosophy's The Present. I don't remember much about this product, but it's gotten good reviews. I didn't have any complaints about this product, but I suppose that I didn't love it enough to continue using it.

The second one I used was the highly recommended Smashbox Photo Finish. It's quite expensive ($36 (1oz.) - $49 (2oz.) ), yes, but I can assure you that it is amazing. It's a mattefying formula, removing any shine from your skin. Plus it's full of antioxidants, is scent-free and makes your skin feel silky.



The primer I'm using now is Make Up For Ever's HD Microperfecting Primer. This product goes for $32 (1.01oz.). I bought it because I was curious about the HD line, and because I was trying to save a bit of money. The formula is a bit more moisturizer-like than the Photo Finish, but almost a bit too runny. It provides a nice sheen/lustre to my skin, but not oily looking. However, the smell...ugh. It reminds me of an old lady. The scent is very purfumey.


In the end, I'm glad that I tried out the HD Microperfecting Primer, but the scent is a huge deterrent for me. I can tell you that I will definitely be purchasing Photo Finish the next time I need primer. It doesn't just win out because it's scent-free but because it's definitely a great product and I loved the way it felt on my skin.

Images from Sephora

A Little Lovin!

Thanks to Niki from A Haute Mess for giving me the "I Love Your Blog" Award! I love your blog too!


I'm going to pass it on to: Being High Maintenance, Not Bitchy and On the Fringe.

I Want to Have Their Babies

No, not the Yankees. Not even Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte. If fact, it's not even a person.

It's the Jeffrey Campbell Madness Boot.


Just look at them. Knee-high. Leather. Wedge. Buckles. Metal detail. Seriously, these boots are pretty perfect. So perfect that I'd settle for them over the Clinic, which I'm so in love with. It's kind of like incest...but it's only OK in this case. But I digress. DemiCouture teamed up with Akira Chicago for a discount, so that means that you can get these lovelies for cheap(er). Too bad I can't afford them at the moment. Ugh. My heart, it's breaking.

I do have a birthday coming up, so if you want to get me them, I wear a 7 in these bad boys. ;)


Photo from akira chicago.

Gimme a 'B'!

If you were to survey 10 women on the street, I would guess that you would receive 4 different answers. Mascara is one of the few beauty products that is very personal. Products like concealer and eyeshadow are created for one use. But mascara, you can get formulas that lengthen, curl, volumize, and any combination of those! There are different types of applicators, mascaras for lower lashes, for upper lashes, and even waterproof. With so many options, it's no wonder that everyone has a different favourite.

My go-to mascara is Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash.

With the mascara you get a little pamphlet with mascara secrets and some statistics on Buxom. For example, did you know that...since your lashes are thicker at the bottom, you should "first apply mascara to the tops of your lashes in order to even out the thickness, and then apply full coats". I did not know that, thanks Buxom Lash!

Not only do I love the little pamphlet, but I also adore the big, voluminous brush. The shape of the brush is "designed to lift and separate every lash", which is actually fairly true. But, more on that later. With a brush this big, application is really easy, sometimes I feel like I could apply it in the dark. But let's be honest, I'd end up with black smudges all over my face.

Buxom Lash is great because it delivers. I've found that it meets my needs, volumizing and lengthening. The packaging is cute, the little info pamphlet is great, and it's full of antioxidents (bonus!).

But what's the catch? I find that there are times when I get clumps, which I haven't decided is a user error or not, and I sometimes get raccoon eyes. Not horrible, not even really noticeable to others. But again, I'm generally prone to having my eye makeup smudge a bit. A big downside from what I read of the Sephora reviews, is that it's not waterproof. But, I believe they are making a waterproof version soon enough!

Overall, I'd definitely recommend trying it out if it seems like something that would work for you. But I totally understand if you just can't bring yourself to cheat on your old faithful.

Hey You!

Are you a writer?
Do you want to be a writer?


Look no further!!


A friend and I are collaborating on an online magazine called The Empire Mag. We're both extremely excited about this venture, but right now we're looking to recruit the right people to get involved. And that could be you!

If you feel like you can write about fashion, technology, business, or entertainment, send me an email at hausofhybrid [at] gmail.com

Stay tuned for more information!!