MEET DESIGNER DANDI MAESTRE: "My jewellery and accessories reflect my passion for organic elements.."

Meet the Designer...

I started making jewellery at the end of 2006 and my first collection was carried by Holt Renfrew. Reinventing myself has been the most challenging and rewarding decision I have ever taken after I decided I needed creative freedom. My jewellery and accessories reflect my passion for organic elements and is very influenced by my long career as a graphic designer --I knew from the age of 10 that I wanted to be a designer, I studied at School of Visual Arts, New York, graduated with honours and received The School of Visual Arts Rhodes Family Award for Outstanding Achievement in Media Arts and then had my design company for many years in Bogota--.


I see my pieces as artwork, where there isn’t anything too outrageous. Taking nature as my inspiration, I continue to explore organic shapes found in bone and driftwood, in shed antlers and amber, in coconuts and bull horns, in natural fibre and seeds, in rough emeralds and crocodile skins, in skulls and shells. I love their forms and their natural raw beauty.

Through my work, I want to create a dialogue with the natural world. Each one of my pieces is handmade from elements found in shores, rivers, jungles and forests. I incorporate these shapes in my designs and make very large extreme pieces with a natural look and a flowing and curving appearance. I aim to elevate organic elements, their natural color and textures to a new level of sophistication - (a combination of the Japanese design philosophy wabi-sabi: which nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect).

My designs show a very strong mix of naïve and urban cultures. Born in Colombia, my work is clearly influenced by my travels, and profoundly by my respect of indigenous and tribal cultures around the world. My collection grows every season and is never outdated. I currently live and work in Toronto, Canada. "

-Dandi Maestre

http://www.dandimaestre.com/

FASHION NEWS: SJP PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LATE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Sarah Jessica Parker will be presenting the CFDA Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award to the late, great designer at this year’s CFDA Awards on June 7th. SJP, like many other A-list stars, was a huge fan of McQueen’s work.

 “He was talented well beyond his years and the seriousness and unrivalled talent which he applied to his work is in bountiful display year after year and collection after collection." -SJP

WOMEN OF INSPIRATION: DOROTHY DANDRIDGE

"It [prejudice] is such a waste. It makes you logy and half-alive. It gives you nothing. It takes away"

Dorothy Dandridge

November 9th 1922- September 8th 1965

Mini Biography:

Dorothy Jean Dandridge was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 9, 1922. Under the prodding of her mother, Dorothy and her sister began performing publicly usually in black Baptist churches throughout the country. Her mother, an entertainer herself, would often join her daughters on stage. As the depression worsened, Dorothy and her family picked up and moved to Los Angeles where they had hopes of finding better work, perhaps in film. Her first film was in the Marx Brothers comedy, A Day at the Races (1937). It was only a bit part but Dorothy had hopes that it would blossom into something better. But because she was a black woman in a very prejudiced society, she didn't land the roles that were readily available to her white counterparts. She did not appear in another film until 1940 in Four Shall Die (1940). The role was nothing great other than to establish the fact that she was very beautiful and talented. Her next few roles in the early forties included films such as Bahama Passage (1941), Drums of the Congo (1942), and Hit Parade of 1943 (1943). There were others in between, of course, but they were the usual black stereotypical films for women such as Dorothy. Not only was she a talented actress but she could also sing which was evident in films such as Atlantic City (1944) and Pillow to Post (1945). This helped to showcase her talents as a singer and brought her headline acts in the nation's finest hotel nightclubs in New York, Miami, Chicago, and Las Vegas. She may have been allowed to sing in these fine hotels, but because of racism, she couldn't stay there. It was reported that one hotel drained its swimming pool to keep her from enjoying that little amenity. In 1954, Dorothy appeared in the all-black production of Carmen Jones (1954) in the title role. She was so superb in that picture that she garnered an Academy Award nomination but lost out to Grace Kelly in The Country Girl (1954). Despite the nomination for her performance, Dorothy did not get another movie until she appeared in Tamango (1958) which was an Italian film. She was to make six more motion pictures, of which Island in the Sun (1957) and Porgy and Bess (1959) were worthy of mention. Once again she was a standout. The last movie she would ever play would be in 1961's The Murder Men (1961). Dorothy faded quickly after that with a poor second marriage to Jack Denison (her first was to Harold Nicholas), poor investments, other financial woes, and a problem with alcohol. She was found dead in her West Hollywood apartment on September 8, 1965, the victim of a barbiturate poisoning. She was only 42. Had she been born 20 years later, Dorothy Dandridge would no doubt be one of the most well-known actresses in film history.

Source: http://www.imdb.com/

SHOPPING GUIDE: I *heart* THIS SPARKLE SEQUIN DRESS

Fabulous!

Retail $98.00

Shop MISS ME Online!

FOOD: BANANA SOUFFLE AT DIDIER RESTERAUNT

Just recently I had my first ever Banana Souffle experience at a resteraunt by the name of "DIDIER" and it was excellent! the resteraunt Specializes in French Dishes and they are located in Tonronto at 1496 Yonge St. The Banana souffle is brought out to your table where the server cuts open the crust and pours melted Valrhona Manjari chocolate into its warm centre. Ummm Ummm Good!!!

If you are ever in the area and looking for some great French Cuisine I recommend Didier Resteraunt and do not skip dessert!!!

BEAUTY: THE KARDASHIAN GLAMOUR SELF- TANNING GEL AT SEPHORA

"Celebrities, fashionistas, and beauty entrepreneurs, the Kardashian sisters always have something new up their fabulous sleeves. Their latest creation is a line of essential beauty products made to make women look and feel glamorous. Presented exclusively at Sephora, the Kardashian Beauty products are made of high-quality ingredients that work to give you luminous features and a natural glowing tan. Explore these luxurious essentials from three ladies who know the true meaning of beauty."

The Self- Tanning gel retails at $34.00

Shop SEPHORA ONLINE

MOVIE FAB: "SEX AND THE CITY 2" HITS THEATRES TOMORROW!

 SATC 2 Finally hits Theatres tomorrow and I am super excitted to see this one... I can't wait! This one calls for a Girls night out! Who's coming with me?

GOOD MUSIC: Heather Headley "I Wish I Wasn't"

It has been a while since I have actually Posted to my Blog because I have been so caught up dealing with so many other things. I missed blogging and I just want to Say Thank you to my subscribers for the Support... Glad to say I am back on track and working on some Projects to keep me busy this summer. This past Friday I returned back from a 2 week Vacation to Jamaica and as most of you know the country is in a crisis right now so let's all keep Jamaica in our prayers. I have received some messages in regards to the "Make Me Over" project and I just want to let all the Ladies no that YES the event is still a go so please keep posted for your chance to win a day of pampering and everything "Beauty".

GOOD MUSIC: I'M LISTENING TO LEONA LEWIS, "I GOT YOU"

Another one of my Favourite Songs. Everything this girl does is Magic.

"I Got You" was written by Arnthor Birgisson, Max Martin and Savan Kotecha, and produced by Birgisson for Lewis's second album, Echo.

    

She Recently Tweeted, "Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do"

<3

BEAUTY: NEXT GENERATION NAIL LACQUER

Np2 Nail Perfection is an innovative duo of durable, chip resistant, express top coat conveniently situated atop superior quality nail lacquer with remarkable, brilliant color and amazing wear. This fabulous combination of bottles can be separated and combined for ultimate convenience and versatility

COLOURS I LOVE:

FUSION

 

SYMMETRIC

Very Convenient!

Polish retails at $25.00

Get a Virtual Manicure online at NP2BEAUTY

GET READY FOR SUMMER AT SHIZEN SPA!

Shizen Spa Has some great promotions that i'm sure you ladies mght be itnerested in.

 Bikini and eyebrow waxing plus a spa lunch for $45.00

Spray Tan and a spa Lunch $40.00

Available Monday to Friday, 11am to 2pm

For more Packages Visit Shizen Spa

SHOPPING GUIDE: THE CONSPIRACY DRESS

Shop Style Stalker Online!

CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT: HEIDI MONTAG'S PLANS AFTER THE HILLS

Now that the Hills is Finally over after 6 Seasons Heidi has big plans for her future success in Hollywood both as an actress and writter:

“I am making the first 3-D beach comedy about a shark that attacks a small beach town and I save the day with my 3-D boobs,” Montag says. “I’ve even written a role for Dolly Parton to play the town mayor!”

Would you Pay your money to see this Film???

 Read the Full Story Featured on PEOPLE

VIDEO: THE KARDASHIANS WIPED OUT ON SOUTH PARK! FUNNY?

SO... The Kardashians were featured on South Park this Week so I thought I might share this clip with you. Viewers please be advised it is violent.. I mean what do you expect it is South Park:

Kim recently posted a response to the Clip on here website and here's what she had to say:

"We were all dying when we saw this clip from South Park that aired last night... literally, LOL. They killed us all!!! Khloe, Kourt, Bruce, mom and me!! I managed to survive the longest... of course! Thanks Trey Parker and Matt Stone... we're honored!"

*Blank Stare*

FASHION: CHANEL IMANS FASHION SPREAD IN ALLURE MAGAZINE

Fabulous Spread! The Life of a Supermodel... Must be nice!

ARTICLE: "ONE STEP AT A TIME AS AN INDEPENDENT WOMAN"

The New Year is focused around New Year’s resolutions, setting goals, losing weight, and trying something new, but the Easter holiday represents rebirth, starting over, and new beginnings.

The colors of spring symbolize peace, softness, and comfort. And each of us deserves to have peace, softness, and comfort in our lives. Although, there may be certain situations and issues that we face everyday, there comes a time when we must step forward and make a change and start over. The best way to make a change is to take baby steps.

Don't try to tackle everything at once. It will take time to get an apartment, go to college, have a career, write a book, buy a car, and save money. To help you prioritize your goals, answer the following questions:

1. If you could change one thing what would it be?
2. What do you have to do to make that change?
3. What is the first thing you feel that you need to do in order to get out of the abusive relationship?
4. What resources do you have in your life to help you make the change?
5. Is it all about money? Do you have contacts or can you get in contact with people to help you?
6. Did you know that you could write your own legal separation agreement and file it at the county clerk’s office?
7. Why aren’t you writing it?
8. What are your dreams?
9. What do you need to do to fulfill those dreams?
10. What have you always wanted to do with your life?
11. Why aren’t you doing it?
12. What is the first step you need to make in order to get out of your situation?
13. Have you told anyone what you are going through?
14. Do you have a support system? Consider looking at the Suite101 course, “How To Survive An Abusive Relationship”.
15. Make a list of your ideal lifestyle. Maybe you want to own your own home or a car. How about a career? Have you thought about being a stay-at home mom? Maybe you would like to have a family pet or go on your ideal vacation?

The first step can be to answer the above questions. Take your time with the answers. Write your answers in a journal or a sketchpad. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Everyone’s situation is different and we all live our lives differently.

-Teresa Brouwer

SHOPPING GUIDE: ANTHROPOLOGIE, MY FAB FIVE LIST OF SANDALS!!!

Here is my "Fab Five" list of Sandals from Anthroplogie for this Summer. The "Meet Me Halfway Wedges" are now on my "must have" List, my feet are in love. I can see myself pairing them with some nice Skinny jeans, a cute Tee, a Nice handbag, and some nice Shades! The great thing about purchasing neutral colour sandals is that you know you are more than likely to rock them more than once, they can be an everyday wear because they go with Everything! and you get your Money's worth.

 "Berry Trifle Flats" retail price is $268.00

"Melon Tile Sandals" retail price $148.00

"Meet Me Halfway Wedges" retail price $138.00

"Byobu Sandals" retail price $178.00

"Glowing Green Gladiators" retail price $268.00

Shop more Stylish Sandals at Anthropologie

Happy Shopping <3

GOOD MUSIC: *THROWBACK* MARY J. BLIGE "MARY'S JOINT"

"My Life" was Mary J. Blige's second studio album, which was released back in November1994, and is still my favourite Mary album! 

My Life became Blige's second album to reach the top ten of the Billboard 200 charts, peaking at number seven, and debuting at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for seven weeks. The album was nominated at the 1996 Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album, while in December of the same year, the album was certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA, for excess in sales of over one milliom copies. My Life has been regarded by several music critics as one of the greatest albums of all time. In 2002, Blender ranked it number 57 on their 100 Greatest American Albums of All time list, in 2003, the album was ranked number 279 on Roling Stone magazine's the 500 greatest albums of all time, and in 2006, it was included in Time's 100 greatest albums of all time list.

I had this album on replay ALL WEEKEND on the ipod and I thought I would post.

This is What i consider "Good Music"

VIDEO POST: MISS J CELEBRITY WALK OFF!

Yes I know im late on posting this but I actually just got the chance to sit down and watch the video from the Miss J Celebrity walk off event which was held at Holt Renfrew. If you missed it here it is:

Part 2

I didnt Miss Much!

MY VISIT TO THE WAX MUSEUM

  I was in Niagra for the first time but I must say it's always nice to get away even if you're going 1 hour away. I got to relax and my stay at the Hilton was rather comfy. I visited the Casino which was also a first for me, I'm not a gambler, but I ended up winning 20 Dollars which  is better than nothing! I got to eat breakfast at IHOP and the Pancakes were amazing! I stopped by the Wax museum which was interesting and after that I headed over to the "Ripley's Believe it or Not" Museum and learned some cool facts! Here are some of my favorite Shots from this weekend...I would have posted earlier but ive been sick in bed!

Ripley's Believe it or Not...

This Dress is made of Star Burst Rappers

The Falls