Image: Zales

Here are some little known facts about black diamonds.

1. Black diamonds are also called Carbonado. A name coined by Portuguese because of the diamonds resemblance to porous charcoal.

2. They are found in the Central Afric and Brazil, with Brazil being the major source.

3. The natural colour of a black diamond ranges from black to dark greys.

4. Black diamonds are the rarest among all diamonds.

5. Black diamonds originated on earth 3.5 billion years ago – that’s a mighty long time!

6. Translucent or semi-transparent black diamonds are very rare and naturally they command a very high price.

7. In ancient Italy, black diamonds were thought to represent reconciliation. They believed by touching a black diamond misunderstandings and quarrels can be patched up. However, in India they believe black diamonds were the sign of bad luck, even death!

8. Famous black diamonds include; the Pear Shaped Amsterdam Diamond weighing in at 55.85 carats. Then there’s the unpolished and rugged Black Diamond of Bahia which is 350 carats. But the most famous of them all is the Black Star of Africa which is the largest coloured diamond in the world weighing in at 202 carats and valued at 1.2 million US dollars. Whew!

9. Unlike the traditional diamonds, black diamonds are made up of carbon atoms and small amounts of hydrogen. This has led some people to believe black diamonds were formed in intersteller space! They theorize that there was an steller supernova explosion and an asteroid crashed into earth about 2.8 million years ago.

Now that you know all the fact, perhaps you’ll add a pair of black diamond earrings, like the 1 cttw studs pictured above, to your wish list this year?

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Image: Zuma Press

1. Wear comfortable shoes! This should go without saying but don’t sacrifice your favourite shoes or your feet in order to get good deals.

2. Consider carrying a cross-body bag. Or go without a handbag. You will need your hands free to carry your purchases, scour through racks or grab something from someone else’s arms (kidding!) and you don’t want to be inconvenienced by your handbag.

3. Go with another savvy shopper. By working as a team one you can cover twice as much uh, territory during the sales. And when you’re done shopping, your friend can hold your spot in line while you venture out to find last minute gifts.

4. Have a plan of attack. Pour over all the newspaper ads or checkout BlackFriday.info to get an idea of where to start your bargain shopping and which stores will give you more bang for your hard earned buck.

5. Create a shopping list. Similar to having a plan of attack, write down what you want to get so you don’t forget. It’s better to have a list of the items you want (organized by each store) rather than carrying around the store’s flyers and ads with you.

6. Have lots of  patience! This is something I don’t have much of (I’m serious), but if you have a lot of it, it will definitely work in your favour.

7. Be kind. Don’t end up like those crazy shoppers who think its ok to push and shove their way into stores or cut in line. Although Black Friday sales are a great way to save on your holiday shopping, it’s not reason to turn into Scrooge!

Happy shopping!

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Image: © Star Stevenson

OPI Oui Bit of Red ($8) – This shade was from the France Collection and it’s a beautiful true red with a hint of shimmer.

Orly Monroe’s Red ($2+) – This colour was from the Orly Designer Collection. If there was such a thing as hot red, this shade would be it.

OPI I’m Not Really A Waitress ($8) – A classic and best selling colour from the OPI collection, this one is a deep pinky-red with  shimmer.

China Glaze Ruby Pumps ($5.99) – A gorgeous red shade with red glitter, a perfect shade for the holidays. It looks amazing on hands and toes!

OPI Vodka & Caviar ($8) – This is a classy, vintage cool toned red that’s not too in your face.

Red nail polish is classic and appropriate for any occasion. It’s a year-round colour but it’s even more popular during the holiday season. You can purchase OPI, China Glaze and Orly nail polish at drugstores, Sallys Beauty Supply and even Amazon.

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I have a large amount of holiday music in my collection and I’d like to share some of my all-time favourite holiday albums with you!

Images: Amazon

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas Original Soundtrack ($10.49) – I don’t know anyone who doesn’t get a teeny bit misty eyed when you hear track 6, Christmas Time Is Here.

2. Mariah Carey Merry Christmas ($7.99) – Everyone knows her hit All I Want For Christmas but another wonderful song is her version of Joy To The World.

3. Time Life Music Treasury of Christmas : Holiday Memories ($14.99) – All the classic holiday music you grew up with on two CDs!

Images: Amazon

4. Elf Original Soundtrack ($9.99) – This is a great holiday movie and the soundtrack is really something everyone should own.

5.  Christmas with the Rat Pack ($12.99) – No one does Christmas music quite like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin! This is a great album for your holiday cocktail party!

6.  Andrea Bocelli My Christmas ($10.99) – This is a new release but it has made it way to the top of my playlist. The mix of Bocelli’s voice and the orchestra is amazing!

Images: Amazon

7.  Kristin Chenoweth – A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas ($11.96) – Kristin’s bubbly personality and amazing voice comes across this album so beautifully! My favourite is her playful duet version of Sleigh Ride/Marshmallow World.

8. Taylor Swift Sounds of the Season – If you can find this album online or in stores, you’ll swiftly fall in love with her sweet voice and simple but lovely renditions of the classics. My favourite is her version of Last Christmas.

9. Amy Grant – The Christmas Collection ($12.97) – Some artists think it’s ok to butcher holiday songs with way too many rifts, note changes and screeching (Christina Aguilera I’m looking at you and your Christmas album!) but talented Amy Grant does the opposite. Amy sings sweetly, serenely and beautifully.

I hope I’ve inspired you to pick one of these albums up or give them to your loved ones as gifts. These are perfect to play ‘in the background’ and sing along to during your next holiday get-together.

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Images: Nars Cosmetics

In no particular order, of course…

Mata Hari – A lovely rosy shade of pink

Angelika – A bright, cheery cotton candy pink with gold sparkles

Taos – A deeper rose shade with a bit of shimmer

Torrid – A beautiful shimmery coral shade that looks great on everyone!

Outlaw – A true rose shade with pretty shimmer

Deep Throat – My personal favourite (because it was the first one I bought!), it s a beautifully sheer and shimmery peachy shade.

Sin – If you want a plum tinged blush, get this one!

Gina – At first glance this tangerine shade may be a bit too bright and too orange but it looks amazing when worn!

I have all of these shades and I can vouch for their amazing quality and longevity. Some of these shades have shimmer but the particles aren’t at all chunky or gritty. They’re quite fine and show up as a pretty glow on cheeks.

What I love the most about Nars blushes is the pigmentation. You only need just a tiny amount to get a lot of colour. All the shades are sheer, build-able and can be combined together to create your own shade.   The price is a bit steep at $25 each but you get a lot of product in the compact and since you only need a little bit, it’ll last you a long time!

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Coco Chanel (Image: Zuma Press)

“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” — Yves Saint Laurent

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” — Coco Chanel

“The only rule is don’t be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in.” — Paris Hilton (Yes, Paris Hilton! )

“The difference between style and fashion is quality.” — Giorgio Armani

“I don’t do fashion, I am fashion.” — Coco Chanel (How right she was!)

“Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.” — Plato

“Delete the negative; accentuate the positive!” — Donna Karan

“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.” — Gianni Versace

“The most important thing to remember is that you can wear all the greatest clothes and all the greatest shoes, but you’ve got to have a good spirit on the inside. That’s what’s really going to make you look like you’re ready to rock the world.” — Alicia Keys

And lastly, my favourite fashion quote of all time…

“Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess.” — Edna Woolman Chase

Don’t you feel inspired, now? I know I do! These quotes and sayings have inspired me numerous times and they apply to just about about any fashion situation.

What are some of your favourite fashion and style quotes? Do you have your own fashion mantras and quotes you live by? Share it with us by commenting below!

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Softlips PURE is a line of preminum organic lip conditioners that is formulated with lip conditioning ingredients to keep you lips looking soft, healthy and supple.  Each one is USDA-certified organic and 100% natural. This is great news for those of you who have been looking for a lip treatment that is natural and eco-friendly.

Image: © Star Stevenson

Softlips PURE is available in the following flavours Pomegranate, Honeydew, Pepperment, Acai Berry, Papaya and Chai Tea.  I have Papaya, Chai Tea and Acai Berry. I’ve used all three of them every day (going on three months now)  and I can honestly say, I love them! And here’s why…

1. Flavor & Scent – I love how these don’t come in your every day strawberry, cherry, vanilla etc. While those flavours are all well and good, it’s nice to have an exotic variety. These also smell good enough to eat! I especially love the Papaya because it smells just like it. The scent isn’t overpowering at all, its quite light and fades after a few minutes.

2. Moisturizing – I’ve tried other lip balms but Softlips has consistently being able to live up to their claims of making your lips soft and moisturizing. Almost instantly my lips are hydrated and smooth.

3. Packaging – This is probably one of my top reasons why I love Softlips, the packaging is convenient and sleek. The slim size allows me to put one in my pocket or easily fit into my clutch wallet.

4. Natural & Organic – I love the fact that these are 100% natural and organic. Most organic lip products I’ve tried have a funky consistency and scent which are huge turn offs for me. The lip balm itself is mounted on recyclable packaging and the ink on the label is made with vegetable based ink!

5. Inexpensive! – SoftLips Pure will run you about $2.99 at drugstores and Target which is an amazing value. Although the tube looks slim and small, you get a lot of product.

6. Long Lasting – What I love most about these is they last a long time. I often reapply after meals or whenever I feel my lips need a little love and my lips always feel well moisturized and soft.

My only caveat? They don’t have SPF protection like the regular Softlips lip conditioners. To solve that, I’ve been using SoftLips PURE when I know I won’t be outdoors. If I know I’ll be out and about in the sunshine, I pick up one of my many tubes of regular SoftLips and I’m good to go.

If you want to try out a new lip conditioner/protectant, I highly suggest picking up Softlips. I’ve been using it for years (since high school) and I’ve never been disappointed.

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I was browsing through Nordstrom and found 4 little black dresses under $100 that I think would look quite chic this holiday season.

Images: Nordstrom

Maggy London Lace Bodice Mesh Dress ($98)

Teeze Me Tiered Mesh Dress ($68)

Images: Nordstrom

Teeze Me Rhinestone Bow Strapless Dress ($78)

JS Collections Sweetheart Neck Mesh Dress ($93.90)

I love the first and last dresses. The first one is elegant but sexy. The empire waist is figure flattering as is the v-neck.  The second dress is demure and sophisticated but the sweetheart necklace is a sexy classic.

Honestly, any of these little black dresses would make terrific choices for a fun night out with friends and loved ones.  The fact that they’re all under $100 makes it that much sweeter. So, which one would you choose?

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I was browsing through Forever 21 earlier today and noticed they have quite a few fabulous ankle boot styles to chose from so I thought I’d show you 5 stylish and affordable ankle booties that I definitely wouldn’t mind wearing this season!

Images: Forever 21

Segment Bootie ($25.80)

Zipper Trim Slit Pumps ($22.80)

Cutout Leatherette Bootie ($25.80)

Images: Forever 21

Basket Ankle Boot ($25.80)

Urban Studded Bootie ($26.80)

Don’t you love how all of these are under $30? At that price point you can get several pairs!   Sure, you can drop the big bucks on the latest designer styles but for something this trendy I would definitely go the more budget friendly route.

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Urban Outfitters has a fun selection of holiday ornaments this year that would make anyone smile and best of all, they’re all reasonably priced!

Images: Urban Outfitters

Cupcake Ornament ($10)
Fortune Cookie Ornament ($10)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ornament ($12 for a set of 4)

Images: Urban Outfitters

Love Ornament ($12)
Whiskey Bottle Ornament ($8)
Bowling Ornament ($12)

Images: Urban Outfitters

Takeout Ornament ($14)
Diet Coke Ornament ($12)
Beer Keg Ornament ($14)

Images: Urban Outfitters

Banana Ornament ($14)
Glitter Owl Ornament ($12)
Amigurumi Kingdom Monkey Crochet Ornament ($12)

I chose 12 quirky holiday ornaments but there are several more to choose from on the Urban Outfitters website including the more traditional variety too.

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