Bewitching Bows

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

I hope you're all thoroughly enjoying the holidays. I, myself, have had quite a lot to deal with over the past few weeks. School work, as many of you know, can be extremely challenging, time-consuming and stressful. On top of that, I've had to deal with my laptop - which has all my files from the past year - being stolen and plenty of family issues.

However, despite all this, I think it's important to focus on all the blessings I do have and to continue to be happy no matter what happens. On Christmas Eve, I did something I've never done before. I went with a group of people from my church to give a Christmas meal, gifts and lots of love at a men's homeless shelter. It was such a fantastic experience being able to put smiles on the faces of those who don't have much else. I encourage all of you, if you haven't already, to give something meaningful to those who are less fortunate especially during this holiday season.

Speaking of gifts, what better time is there than the Christmas holidays to adorn yourself in gorgeous bows?

They made a chic appearance in many Spring 2009 shows such as Requiem, Chanel, Giambattista Valli and Moschino. (Interesting how they're all done in a black and white colour scheme huh?)

One of my favourite uses of bows in the Spring 2009 collections has to be these gorgeous black and white booties from Chanel. *Drool* Oh Karl, you will always have my heart...

While you and I may not be able to afford Chanel at this very moment, you can indulge in some pretty fab and inexpensive alternatives below.

Multi-strand Bow Necklace
Price: US$29.00

Wanted Shoes Women's Bow Flat
Price: US$14.89

Taffeta Bow Skirt

Price: $29.99

Metallic Bow Tie Clutch
Price: US$14.99

Reversible Scarf with Bow Print
Price: US$12.50

Satin Bow Cardigan
Price: US$22.80

Bow Leather Glove
Price: UK£8.00 (US$11.75)

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Strapless Dress with Back Bow
Price: US$62.50

ASOS Bow Back Satin Court Shoes
Price: UK£30.00 (US$18.00)

Kim Parrish Collection Sliding Belt with Bow
Price: US$3.00

ASOS Bow One Shoulder Top
Price: UK£20.00 (US$30.00)

Victorian Jewel Bow Brooch
Price: US$3.90

Raspberry Bow Detail Tights
Price: UK£5.00 (US$7.35)

Betsey Johnson 'Romantic' Bow Cuff
Price: US$16.90

Fine Jewelry Finds

If you're one who is into fine jewelry or looking to purchase an item for a loved one, I found a great store that would be perfect for you.

My Jewelry Box.com is an online store devoted to bringing "the latest in fine jewelry styling at an everyday low price." They have obviously stayed true to their mission as the store boasts plenty of positive testimonials from customers pleased with the products and services they received.

I'm always relieved when I come across well-organized online stores because it makes for a great, stress-free shopping experience. My Jewelry Box.com makes navigation simple with basic jewelry categories such as Earrings, Rings and Pendants placed prominently at the top of the site as well as other categories in the sidebars such as Popular Searches, Price and Featured Collections that help to further refine your searches.

If money isn't a concern, you may enjoy browsing sections such as Diamond Stud Earrings (because they're just so classic and beautiful - you really can't go wrong there.) and Blue Topaz Jewelry (because blue is even more gorgeous when it's combined with semi-precious stones.)

However, for those who are being a little more budget conscious this holiday season like I am, there are also many lovely and interesting pieces to choose from under $50.

Here are some of my favourites listed below:

Amber Ladybug Ring in Sterling Silver .925
Price: US$19.99



Millefiori Murano Glass Heart Earrings in Sterling Silver
Price: US$24.95

Sterling Silver .925 Cross Pendant with Chain
Price: US$29.99

Freshwater Black 7.5-8mm Pearl Drop Earrings in Sterling Silver
Price: US$24.99

Amber Cameo Flower Pendant in Sterling Silver .925 with chain
Price: US$39.99

Sterling Silver Pink Cubic Zirconia Ring
Price: US$29.99

Large Multi-Colored Murano Glass Star Fish Pendant on Black Silk Cord
Price: US$44.95

Pile on the chains

A few nights ago while watching the CW show Privileged (a must-watch for those who love cute, feel good shows), I noticed plenty of sparkly jewelry beautifully draped around the necks of two main characters, Sage and Laurel.

It was interesting to see how these ladies, despite being two generations apart, managed to wear the same trend but in ways that were more suited to their individual styles.

Sage, the young socialite, accessorized her trendy outfit with a stylish silver multi-chain necklace while her grandmother, Laurel wore gold chain necklaces to achieve a look that's more classic and elegant.

photos courtesy privilegedfan.com

For me, the ultimate inspiration for multi chain necklaces has to be the Givenchy F/W 08 collection (below). Layers upon layers of gold chains with dangling crosses, coins and other charms were worn over dark, tailored pieces. The result was nothing short of fierce.

photo courtesy designscene.net

It would take me quite a while to accumulate the masses of assorted chains and pendants necessary to recreate that kind of awesomeness, but these options below would make great (and more wearable) substitutes.

Silver and Hematite 7-Chain Necklace
Price: US$14.00

Layered Pearl Necklace
Price:US$7.99

Knot Chain Necklace
Price: US$28.00

Fierce Necklace
Price: US$26.50

Gold Multi Strand Necklace with Pearls
Price: US$10.90

Cream Bow and Pearl Multi Chain Long Necklace
Price: UK £20 (US$31.24)

Black Crystal Multi Chain Necklace
Price: US$36.00

Multistrand Necklace
Price: US$6.80

ASOS Mid Length Beaded and Multi Chain Necklace with Filigree and Drop Pendant

UK £16.00 (US$25.60)

Speaking of chains, I finally found a quilted purse with chain strap, which has been on my wish list for quite some time now. I bought this vintage one from a garage sale on Saturday and it only cost me $7.50.

(the colour is actually closer to the shade below)

It's not authentic Chanel of course, but that doesn't matter to me - I just love the colour and style of this bag. Some day I hope to own a real one though...

I also found a few other great bags that I plan to sell in the store. I'm so excited!

Shouldering the weight

Whether they're on a NFL linebacker, King Kong or even on Alexis Carrington from Dynasty, big shoulders usually conjure up ideas of power and intimidation.

photos courtesy a.bebo.com, black-magic.co.nz and flickr.com

When I was younger, I completely despised my mother's 80s career jackets which had incredibly huge shoulder pads (or so they seemed at the time - everything looks ginormous when you're five years old). I vowed that when I grew up, I would never wear anything that would accentuate my shoulders like that.

Now that I'm older and a bit wiser, I realize the problem was not the shoulders themselves, but the fact that, a lot of the time, they were featured on big, shapeless jackets in stiff fabrics that had no sex appeal whatsoever. Sexiness was not something career women in the 80s wanted to convey as they desired to have a commanding presence and be taken seriously in the male-dominated workplace.

These days, we ladies don't need little gimmicks like this to prove how powerful and fierce we are...but we sometimes like to do it anyway.

There has been a resurgence of bold shoulders recently (as is the case with most, if not all, 80s styles these past few seasons) and designers such as Balmain, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs and Jean Paul Gaultier showed looks featuring structured shoulders in their Fall 2008 collections.

photos courtesy style.com

This season, big shoulders are combined with more tailored silhouettes for a look that's no longer outdated and intimidating but rather modern and fabulous.

Celebrities who have jumped on the 'bold shoulder' bandwagon include Natalie Portman, Ashley Olsen and Anne Hathaway (who has been seen in this look on many occasions).

photos courtesy justjared.com and forums.superiorpics.com

If you think this is a great look for you, check out these toned down but still lovely options below.

BCBGMAXAZARIA Short Sleeve Woven Top
Price: US$59.97

Gingham Check Dress
Price: UK£28.00 (US$43.87)



Floral Print Jacket
Price: US$30.00



Taffeta Puff Sleeve Blouse
Price: US$48



ASOS Puff Sleeve Dress
Price: UK £18.00 (US$28.80)



Stripe Sweater Dress w Puff Sleeves
Price: US$24.00



Purple Leopard Tie Neck Top
Price: US$34.90



Balloon Shirred Sleeve Blouse
Price: US$52.20

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Thanks so much for all your lovely and supportive comments on the post below. Glad you all liked the illustrations - more to come! I'm still working hard on my final projects (hence the longer-than-usual absence) but as I said, I'm not gone forever. Keep checking up on the blog because I'll try to post at least once every one or two weeks.

Also, this is long overdue, but the wonderful blogger Letitia of Becoming Jane interviewed me for her blog! Sorry I took so long girl! You all can check it out here (no direct link to article, scroll down to post #10).

Oh yeah, I also wanted to let you guys know that I'm planning to start a little store that would be an extension of the Fatal Attraction 2 Fashion blog. It will offer mostly secondhand clothing and accessories - all stylish and affordable, of course! I should hopefully have everything sorted before the end of the year so I'll let you know when the items are available for purchase.