Luxury Apparel, Luxury Lifestyle: October 2012

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Bottega Veneta Leather Guide: Nappa Umbria

Nappa Umbria (contribution by blugenie)

Since there has been discussion on the differences between nappa and nappa umbria leather on BV bags, I thought I would contribute my possibly useless photos to the discussion! Useless in that the subtle differences in Limo are so hard to capture in photos that I didn't bother to post pics when I first shot them.

Nothing here is to say one leather is better than the other of course - just pointing out the differences.... this is what we know/believe - please correct or add to the list!

Nappa Umbria = lambskin that is treated with a special wax
Per BV: that wax enhances its appearance & feel; characteristic nuances and streaks of color accentuate over time.
Per members:
- NU appears more tonal in some shades when compared directly to the same color in nappa
- NU has a slightly stiffer feel than nappa. While it softens over time like all BV, it may never feel exactly as velvety as unwaxed nappa.
- NU seems a little hardier/more resilient than nappa for wear and tear (but not bullet-proof!).
- IMO NU leather appears more matte than the same color in nappa, and the leather strips are "chubbier"

Hopefully some of you have more comparison pics to contribute. My close-ups didn't capture the difference as much as I had hoped, and neither did the faraway shots

Note: Sloane is Nappa Umbria, Montaigne is Nappa

The bag below is Noce nappa umbria

Organic Cosmetic, Organic Make Up, Organic Life

http://natural-organic-cosmetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/natural_makeup.jpg

I thought it would be helpful to discuss people's favorite organic and chemical-free products. I've been reading some disturbing facts about some of the chemicals that are found in our everyday products and many of these chemicals haven't really been studied for long term use or for the effects that the multiple uses of different chemicals may have. I don't really want this to be a debate on a product review or something like that. It's your personal matter, right?

One helpful tip I have is to read ingredients. Just because something is labeled organic or looks like its natural doesn't mean that it is. For instance some of my favorite Lush products use chemicals that I'd rather not use.

Here is some info. from the burtbees website which I think is helpful. I've been trying quite a bit of their products.

All products that are labeled "Natural" must: NOTE this ONLY applies to Burt Bees products - there doesn't appear to be any regulated standard here.

Be made with at least 95% truly natural ingredients
Contain no ingredients with any potential suspected human health risks
Use no processes that significantly or adversely alter the purity/effect of the natural ingredients

What "natural" is:

Ingredients that come from a purposeful, renewable/plentiful source found in nature (flora, fauna, mineral)
Processes that are minimal and don't use synthetic/harsh chemicals, or otherwise dilute purity

When a non-natural ingredient can be used:

Only when there is no viable natural alternative ingredient available and
Only when there are absolutely no suspected potential human health risks

Ingredients that we believe should never be used:

Parabens — Synthetic preservatives that are potential toxins and endocrine disrupters
Sulfates (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate) — Synthetic cleansing agents that potentially damage the lipid layer of your skin
Chemical Sunscreens (parsol 1789/oxybenzone) — Synthetic sunscreens that get absorbed and potentially disrupt hormone balance
Petro Chemicals (petrolatum/mineral oil/paraffin) — Non-renewable byproducts of crude oil with potentially dangerous impurities
Glycols — Synthetic chemicals that potentially draw other chemicals into the bloodstream
Phthalates — Synthetic fragrance components that are potential toxins
PEGs or PPGs — Synthetic ingredients processed with ethylene oxide, a toxic residual impurity
DEA/TEA — Synthetic stabilizers that can react with other ingredients in products and form nitrosamines, known carcinogens
Formaldehyde Donors (DMDM hydantoin/ diazolidinyl urea/ methylisothiazolinone) — Potential effect of some preservatives degrading over time and releasing small amounts of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen
1, 4-Dioxanes — Accidental by-products from ethoxylation (common ingredient processing), which are not declared on ingredient labels and are classified as possible carcinogens

Processes that we believe should never be used:

Ethoxylation, sulfonation, polymerization and unfavorable varieties of quaternization — Industrial processes using caustic solvents that leave residual compounds and impurities that may end up concealed in the final consumer product

Celebrities in Her Louboutin... Actions :)

These elegance shoes are in their perfect condition and weared by the perfect peoples (means: Gorgeous Women in the World). Have a look and you will found that Louboutin is shoe that should be on our "Must Buy List" :)
1. Kim Kardashian

2. Janet Jackson

3. Rihanna (the most elegance appearance, in my humble thought)

4. Jennifer Hudson

5. Jennifer Love Hewitt

6. Anne Hathaway

7.Tamara Ecclestone

8. Frankie Sandford

To be continued.... See you, ladies :)

Sunday, October 7, 2012

How To Spot Fake Hermes Birkin Bag

How To Spot Fake Hermes Birkin Bag by Ebay :)

Hermes Birkin

Shape

The authentic bag’s shape is crisp and pronounced, whereas the fake bag’s shape shows bulges where you would expect a straight line.

Authentic Hermes Birkin (front)

Fake Hermes Birkin (front)

Authentic Hermes Birkin (back)

Fake Hermes Birkin (back)

Authentic Hermes Birkin

Fake Hermes Birkin

Stamp & Contour

The stamp on the authentic bag is clean and uniform, but the stamp on the fake bag looks spotty and irregular. Also, the authentic bag has a slight indented contour above the seam, which is missing from the fake bag.

Authentic Hermes Birkin

Fake Hermes Birkin

Hardware

The engraving on the authentic bag’s hardware, is thin and refined, but the engraving on the fake bag’s hardware is deeper, wider, and the letters are further apart.