New Years Eve Part-ay

So I was debating about what to do this New Years Eve between a big party here in the city or chillaxing at the cottage and being cozy by the fireplace. Decisions, decisions. So I finally made up my mind and I am here in Toronto to party! The event I am going to is called 'Top of the Burroughes NYE Modern Masquerade' which I am super excited for because it "is in the spirit of Truman Capote's infamous Black and White Ball." Who doesn't love a party with a little bit of history?

  

 

 

  

Some pics from Truman's party in 1966

So now the outfit needs to be planned. I have a new sleevless velvet top that I just bought from BCBG Max Azria, a black satin miniskirt from Marciano, and some new black croc print peeptoe pumps from Nine West, a new purse from BCBG Max Azria on the menu. I am missing lace tights. I cannot find them anywhere in Toronto (still to check: American Apparel & The Bay on Bloor St.). For backups I bought some nylons (yes nylons) with patterns in them and one with a seam up the back of the leg (very '40s). I need some gold bling for my lobes and/or for my wrists so I will be hitting up Made You Look on Queen Street West for their selection.

 

Here's the general idea of the outfit

They have masks that they will be handing out at the party but I would love to have my own cute black one just to own. I have one but it is white and has massive foot-and-a-half feathers flowing from the top of it, which might be a tad over the top, even for NYE.  I think this will be a great party and I hope to get some awesome pics from it. Let the games begin ...

NB: Top of the Burroughes NYE Facebook event page 

        Top of the Burroughes NYE site

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Burgundy Baby

  

Charlie at 4 yo in her burgundy onesie

Looking through old photos recently I came across this one of me when I was about four years old. This is a special picture because it was taken of me in an outfit hand-picked by father (who sadly passed later that year) and is the focus of my mother's favorite story of me when I was a young girl.

I was going to pre-kindergarten and wore this particular outfit to my class (on the rez). There was a game were we all sat cross-legged on the floor clapping and singing "Who's wearing ____, who's wearing ____" so we could all learn our colours. We would say "Brian's wearing blue" or what have you. So one day in class my teacher is asking "Who's wearing red, who's wearing red?" I looked around and could find no one was wearing red. Someone had guessed me. 

"Well I am not wearing red, I am wearing burgundy," I state to the class and to my teacher (the picture does not do it justice because the outfit was mos def burgundy). My pre-k teacher looks at me and says "Lisa, for the sake of the class please let's just call it red." I am sure I acquiesced at that point, but definitely begrudgingly. What is she talking about red, who calls burgundy red? Uggh.

And so this is the earliest memory of my fashion beginnings. I still don't understand how these children were learning primary colours when I was clearly already miles ahead and onto shades and tints. Oh my. Or perhaps it was just an early sign of my fondness for red wine ...

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Currently obsessing: Mid-century modern credenzas

 

This ones online and a good deal, but a little too "teak."

It has been almost six months since I have moved in with my boyfriend. He has been a bachelor for over seven years in our current abode, and the place is in definite need of a complete overhaul some new furnishings. We started with the couch. We bought one last month from EQ3 and are waiting for the delivery. The next piece that we are looking to purchase is a TV entertainment unit of sorts.

 

Our EQ3 couch, but ours is dark grey.

I am loving the idea of getting a credenza, but not just any credenza one that has a mid-century modern design. The problem is this style is not exactly available everywhere and while there are some online, their high sticker price has even put me into shock. Looking around at antique stores and on Craigslist has unearthed some that are perfect ... except they are teak. One walnut credenza came and went before we could even send an email. Others that seem almost perfect that can be found in regular furniture stores around town feature doors that *gasp* have glass. A big no-no in our books.

Our place is small and so it is important to have continuity in our aesthetic, in particular with the choices of wood for our furniture. My computer armoire (which goes in the main area of our place) is in a dark espresso wood finish so we both are pretty much on that tip that we want our credenza in a darker finish. But where oh where do we find one? So the search goes on, and yes it the (almost) sole purpose of all my shopping energy.

Quite love this walnut beauty with tambour doors for only $4600 USD *gasp*.

See related posts:
-Malm Madness

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Navajo Princess for a night

 Tiara was available on eBay here.

I found this tiara a while back but could not think of a single reason why one might wear it (apart from a Navajo wedding or winning a Miss Navajo title or something). Then I had a sudden brainstorm - for New Years Eve of course! What other night can you be decadent and decide to pull of a tiara just for fun. This one is sadly already sold on eBay, but if you are so lucky as to live in New Mexico or Arizona, then perhaps you might just find one at a jeweler near you. I just might be on the hunt for one during Gathering of Nations in April for next New Years Eve ...

This diadem may be a tad out of price range. 

It was re-worked from emeralds to turquoise by Van Cleef & Arpels 

and was originally owned by French empress Marie Louise.

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Merry Xmas!

Photo from Zazzle

Merry Xmas everyone! I hope you all are having a very festive holiday season and enjoying the day with your loved ones. 

I am in Toronto this year spending my second Xmas with R's family. Last night we had a turkey dinner complete with special gluten-free sausage stuffing for me and this morning we started the day with mimosas - yummeroni. Now that's the way to start a holiday! Very much looking forward to a lovely prime rib dinner tonight at R's sister's gorgeous home.

Oh my goodness it's just pure indulgence right now, that's kind of what I love about the holidays. I even bought  special gluten-free cookies to nosh on so I don't feel left out. Have a great day, relax, unwind and if the family is driving you a little bit nutty try having a few glasses of bubbly, it's amazing the magic it can perform ...  

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Found: Raven Cuff Links

Photo from Edzerza Gallery

I am pretty smitten with these cuff links. I can just imagine going out for New Years Eve and seeing my man looking both dashing and smart in his crisp cotton dress shirt complete with these hot cuff links. Okay bursting the bubble now. Anyhow these are pretty stellar and remind me a lot of those cuff links I saw my friend Greg Dreaver wearing when we all hung out last month. I love these even more because they are of a Raven, and I am Raven Clan. You see how that works?

These hand-finished, cast silver Raven Cufflinks are designed by Alano Edzerza, a Raven Clan member from the Tahltan Nation. They can be all yours (or your lucky boyfriends) for only $120 here.

See related posts:

-Found: Indian cuff links

-Tales from the tickle trunk

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Breaking the cycle

Photo from art.com

Almost a month ago I decided to stop drinking coffee. I was drinking 1-2 cups every morning and was totally dependent on it to start my day. Seriously. I would wake up and lie in bed and start thinking about that lovely first cup of coffee and that would be my motivation to get up (after checking my Twitter, email, and Facebook on my iPhone of course). Something is not right about that scenario (and it's definitely not the iPhone part).

So I ran out of my beans (Kicking Horse Three Sisters) and promptly decided to go on my coffee fast. I have conquered the habit before and only indulged in green tea, but it had been at least four years since I have been that keen on kicking caffeine. I read somewhere that you are supposed to drink as much black tea as you want for a while after quitting, so that is exactly what I did. For 21 days (the supposed number of days it takes to break habits and form new ones) I allowed myself endless cups of Earl Grey tea. I think this technique also helps with headaches that may come from lack of caffeine.

I thought it would be much more difficult, but I am resilient when it comes to change initially. My mind is made up and that's all the strength I need. I did however manage to quit during the last few weeks of my semester when I was swamped with 13+ hours of work a day for the first two and a half weeks. I managed to stay on task with sheer adrenaline and stress. Once the last assignment was handed in was when I started to really miss those lingering cups of coffee while perusing the internet. The cravings came daily where I would randomly whine to whomever is in my presence about how I quit coffee and was 'just dying for one' to be met with puzzlement. " why on earth would you quit?'

 

Guess what I miss most about drinking coffee?

Photo from The Oatmeal '5 Phases of Caffeine Intake'

Well as some of you know I am gluten-free and soon I will have to go through an elimination diet to determine if there are any other food allergies that I may have (a tad concerned about corn products as well). In this elimination period you are not to consume any caffeine. Rather than have my body go entirely into shock over the entire overhaul of diet and caffeine intake, I thought it might just be easier to ease into it. Plus it is better for me to not be entirely relying on something and be cranky about it should I fail to have the time in the morning to get a cup. And the final reason is that coffee seriously upsets the pH levels in your body to become more acidic, and for optimal health and digestion, it is very important to have level pH levels in your body. Oh and plus I will have whiter teeth.

Today is Day 29 of no coffee, and day 8 of green tea only. Yesterday I was invited to a coffee from Serge, the Fashion Director at Lush Magazine when I popped in to grab some magazines. I had to explain to him and a photographer that I was coffee-free and that I was on Day 28 and would not be able to join them. Oh dear god just like a recovering alcoholic, soon I will be going to CA meetings for "support."

I really think that these feelings of loss will soon be diminished as I further my journey toward being entirely caffeine free. Soon I might be able to enjoy an occasional cup of joe just for fun, and it will be 'just a treat.' Until that point though I have at least 13 more days of drinking green tea until I go completely herbal, for at least another 21 days. I might just be wearing patchouli by then. 

My plan for quitting coffee:

-Days 1-21    Drink as much black or green tea as you please

-Days 28-49  Drink as much grean tea as you please

-Days 49-70  Only drink herbal teas

-Days 71-->  Moderately drink caffeinated beverages 

See related posts:

-But no more bannock

Photo from The Tea Review

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Starlight, Starbright

 

Last Friday night I was fortunate enough to find myself at my very first Starlight Burlesque show, and it was a Christmas show at that! I have had a fascination with burlesque dancing since I was assigned a story for SPIRIT Magazine on Native burlesque dancers back in December 2007. Recently I connected with Emmanuelle La Gitane on Twitter, who is part Algonquin. So of course I was stoked to see what her troupe is up to in Toronto.

The George Lake Swing Band

Their Christmas show was at Blue Moon and had their troupe, which consists of performers Esther De Ville, Virginia D'Vine, St. Stella, in addition to Emmanuelle La Gitane.  There was also special performances by Coco Framboise, Mina LaFleur, Incredible Edible Akynos reppin' NYC, and even fire-eater Dante Inferno. What made this show unique was that the George Lake Swing Band was there, a sixteen-piece jazz orchestra. How amazing is that?

Esther De Ville by Mopo Art

 

Esther De Ville opened the show with her twirling umbrella (see pic above), and Emmanuelle La Gitane was up next. She started the show in a cute little Nutcracker ensemble busting some ballet moves, and then stripped down to a bellydance outfit where she did some Middle-Eastern influenced grooves. And for her finale she swayed on while wearing a hot little red number.

Emmanuelle's background is in bellydance which have her the agility and ability to combine those elements in her burlesque performance. She began burlesque dancing only a year ago and started her classes in Paris after being encouraged by a burlesque performer in Toronto who was taking her bellydance classes.

Saint Stella. Photo by Dean Villafuerte.

Saint Stella showed off her flexibility during her performances. 

And a fire-eater, oh my!

 

Virginia D'Vine is divine.

The deliciously talented Coco Frambroise.

Photo by Dean Villafuerte.

Emmanuelle does it again.

 Aykyno' look here reminds me of my friend Erika Archer.

Now that's a wrap! Mini LaFleur.

As you can see there was plenty of entertainment and plenty of eye candy at this event. If you haven't been to a burlesque show yet, by all means seek out the next event in your town and get out there. It is really fun to go with girlfriends and gab and gush over all the pretty costumes and that old-time glamour. It really makes you want to go out and re-enact all those '50s musical scenes complete with silk, satin, and little bit of sexuality. In fact that's exactly what it makes me want to do! I know I've said it before but don't be surprised if you find me at a burlesque class soon, in fact  I heard that those Starlight Burlesque ladies might just be giving some next year ...

isKwe and I left happy girls. It was her first time at a burlesque show!

NB: Look for the next Starlight Burlesque show by joining their Facebook group here.

See related posts:

-Burlesque Baby

-Tomahawk Tassels I

-Tomahawk Tassels II

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Found: Gold Tank Dress

 

Photo from Bluefly

How hot is this gold tank dress from Romeo & Juliet Couture? I am totally lusting after it for a chic New Years Eve outfit. I think it would look totally smoking with Citizens of Humanity Avedon Jeans in black and these Jeffrey Campbell S&M platform patent ankle boots I have. It is on sale for $93 USD here. I think a little shimmer would look great for shaking and shimmying it up on New Years Eve.

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2 Year Anniversary Celebration!

Today marks the two year anniversary of my blog. If you want to read some mushy stuff about why I started my blog read here. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to start with my first blog giveaway. And not to fret, if this isn't your style, or you just don't wear stilettos, there are more to come.

 

If you are feeling that warrior princess vibe after watching Neytiri kick some butt on Avatar, then you might just be wanting to step up your strappy stilettos. This leather shoe strap accessory slips over the strap of your simple black shoes and brings them from bland to badass in one easy step. They are by Erica Giuliani a local Toronto designer who specializes in shoe and boot accessories. 

All you need to do to win one pair of these leather shoe accessories (pictured above) is to add a comment* on this post to let me know which one of her accessories on her site is your favorite (I heart the fur covers). I will draw two lucky winners in one week from all of those who qualified. Great way to start off the third year, wouldn't you say?

*Note: Be sure to register yourself before commenting so I can at least track you down somehow (email is best).

See related post:

-My one year anniversary

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Winter Blues

Every year I wonder to myself 'Why do I live here?' Don't get me wrong, I really love Toronto, I do ... just not during the months December to March. April through November are perfectly reasonable times to live here, but the cold, depressing months of December, January, February, and March are really too much to take.

I grew up outside of Vancouver, BC where our winters required no more than a light fall coat. I think that is my threshold - a light wool fall coat is the most that I could possibly need to be equipped for winter. I was in in for a real shock when I first moved to Toronto. I was even diagnosed for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) my second winter here and started "light therapy." I still have one of those lights that I turn on every now and again and pretend it's a real sun. Somehow it doesn't quite have the same effect.

Anyhow these days I am feeling the winter crunch again. I really do want to hibernate until April (conveniently when my last semester is finished) and come out when the ice thaws, the snow is gone, and there are signs of life once again. I am just not cut out for these harsh winter seasons. And being that this is my last semester in school and thus far the last thing that is tying me down to Toronto winters, I really hope this is my last one here.

I joke with many of my friends about moving south, to the States where the winters are more moderate (most recently in love with LA). But I am not really joking, I am kind of waiting for my escape. I am armed with dual citizenship, a Social Security Number, and a big reason (to get out of Canadian winters). I still don't entirely know what my future holds post-graduation. But I do know that I will be doing my best to orient my life so that I can spend the majority of my winters in warmer pastures than Hog Town.


See related posts:
-I heart Tkaronto
-YYZ Day 18
-And there it was

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Introducing Rachelle White Wind

Well here it is, after almost two years at my blog I have decided to add another Urban Native Girl to the roster! This is Rachelle White Wind, a friend that I met a year ago in LA and who has rejoined team Canuck and is living back in Toronto. If you are following my blog closely you will see she has made several appearances in the past few months.

Rachelle White Wind is an actor, a makeup artist, hair stylist of Ojibwe/Cree descent. Her journey began when she was a young girl and styled Barbie's har. She progressed to cutting her friends hair at the age of 11. At 12 she was hired by a friend of the family to do hair for a wedding. Her first booking! Since then she has studied at Scientific Marvel School of Hairstyling & Esthetics in Winnipeg, took Advanced Makeup Make-Up Artistry at Ryerson University in Toronto, and studied at The School of Professional Makeup in Toronto. Her first job out of school was at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise spa where she honed her skills in aesthetics and makeup.

Rachelle has been freelancing as a makeup artist and hairstylist for over five years in film, commercials, music videos, and print. She has even done makeup for Native heartthrob Adam Beach for National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation's print campaign and Twilight star Alex Meraz for Life & Style.

Her acting career also begin in Winnipeg at the Manitoba Theatre Centre where she took Radio & Television broadcasting, Acting for Film & Television, and improv classes. When she moved to Toronto she studied performing arts at the Center for Indigenous Theater. Her acing credits including Shelley Niro's award-winning film Kiss by Lightning, Tracey Deer's new pilot Escape Hatch, the CTV film Elijah, and Dega Lazare's short film Good Looking.

She decided to pursue hair and makeup as a career so that she would be able to support her dreams of becoming an actor with viable skills that can easily be put to use anywhere her travels might take her. Her goal is to be "the go-to person for hair and makeup in the Native community, as well as a mentor." She found that when she began her career there were not many Native makeup artists or hair stylists practising. Now there are a handful who are choosing this creative and exciting career option.

Rachelle will be bringing her background and expertise to begin beauty blogging at UNGS. She will be doing product reviews, giving skincare tips, talking beauty trends, and enlightening us on cosmetic procedures. This is a topic I have wanted to delve more deeply in, but being a team of one it didn't quite happen. I know I am looking forward to her blogs, I hope you will as well!

 

Rachelle's work in Life & Style

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Found: Elk pillow

Photo from Lines by Davis site

I saw this pillow on poppytalks 'Shop Local: Canada' post a few days back. I totally fell in love with this cute little elk. It is made from vintage wool fabric and features the illustrations by Davis, a self-taught Toronto illustrator. It also has a removable, washable pillow case and has a feather pillow. It is available for $38.00 USD in his Etsy shop here. I think this is a perfect little cozy pillow that has the forest animal element that I currently am all over. Such a cute little elk, he is.

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Love and loss

I want this kinda fun again

Mirage @ Vegas 02.09 w/ Amberae (my "twindian") and isKwe

I had an exhausting day on Saturday. Not physically exhausting, but emotionally exhausting. I have decided that I am bored. Yes bored. I have spent the past five weeks almost entirely devoted to schoolwork and writing. So basically I spent days upon days at home and staring at my wall in between writing feverishly. Oh the glamorous life of a writer. Really sexy.

Not so much. I am missing my friends and those fancy dinners I used to go out on, and the shopping jaunts along Queen Street West and the gym. Oh the gym, I miss the gym almost the most. My gym (the one I adore and can go to no other) is located in Liberty Village. I however am not. The commute there seems insurmountable on these cold winter days when the thought of even taking an hour of from my work seems like too much time off. So I have been neglecting my life, my body, my friends, and my fun factor all in the name of getting through school.

It has taken it's toll on me. I feel like I have lost the 'joie de vivre' that I had before. I have lost something in the last six months and I want it back. I used to love my life. Now I am not such a big fan. I am not sure what exactly this all means just yet. But I do know one thing, this girl has got to kick her life back in high gear beyond the books.

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My Xmas Wish List

Okay here is my xmas wish list, and a wish list it is! Oy vey this one has "champagne tastes on a beer budget" as my mother would say.  But hey "I may be a dreamer, but I am not the only one." That's all. 

Native Movies

I have a desire to own every single Native themed film released on DVD. I am still not sure why I want all of them, even the racist or just C movies, but I think they will come in real handy at some point in the future. For now I am just collecting them slowly. Here are my wish lists on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com of the titles (and some other random stuff I want) that I am missing.

Moccasins

My Laurentian chief moccasins of yesteryear are looking pretty ragged. I want an authentic Native made moccasin in black, with fleece lining and possibly with fur. Tall order, I suppose since I couldn't find any online. If you know of some, please send info my way because I just can't find them. These are the exact same as I already have but you know what, they served me well for almost three years. Remember to order a size smaller because moccasins like these are notoriously large (I would be a size 7 in these, if you are wondering).  These are from Soft Moc and are only $55 CAD with free shipping available here. Score. 

Pearl Earrings

Super classic or super preppy? No matter what your take is on them, I can never go long without a pair. I lost one of the pair that I bought for myself a few years back and have been in mourning ever since. I think basic pearls are a necessity for every women's wardrobe. That is if I ignore the advice of my waxer who says that unmarried women should never wear real pearls because they signal that she is "taken." These hotties are from Birk's and are made from Akoya pearls in 18 kt. white gold and are $255 CAD available here.

Kindle

Photo from here

I know that Kindle's are new and most people aren't buying the idea of reading a digital book, but I can't think of anything better. Save trees, have tons of books always with you, and great for traveling. What's not to love? Oh yeah the authenticity of having a real book in front of you. Wasn't that the argument against online magazines and newspapers? Hmm. Anyhow this one is $260 USD and available at Amazon.com here.

Aritzia Gift Certificates

Ever since I started working at a premium denim clothing store when I was 15 years old, I have been addicted to them. My dealer for the past oh five years has been Aritzia, where their breadth is great and the depth is almost guaranteed. The next pair I want is a pair of Seven for All Mankind Dojo jeans. They are great with sneakers and will keep me looking cute on campus. They are about $280 CAD.

Montblanc pen

Ooh la la nothings says "successful writer" like a Montblanc pen. I had one last year but in a bold move I gave it back to the donor because I felt like it was the write thing to do (yup it doesn't have to be an engagement ring to feel awkward keeping a gift). So ever since I had the feeling of using one and just randomly pulling it out of my purse to oh you know sign Visa bills now my lackluster hotel pen (albeit a luxury hotel) still doesn't have the same cache. So yeah now I want another one (or two) to keep my moleskin company in my purse. They are about $300 - $330 and can be found in a jewelry store near you.

Black Nappa Mukluks

 Yes I know I already have white nappa mukluks, but I need the practical black ones so I can trek around the city in them daily (except for the super-slushy days, I have other boots for those days). These ones are about $330 CAD and I still don't know where you can buy this nappa leather pair in Canada but you can for sure email them at Manitobah Mukluks here.


Digital SLR that shoots HD Video

I really want to get a good manual camera that I can shoot wicked pictures with and begin to experiment with so that my blogging pictures can be awesome and not just lackluster. Plus I want a camera so I can practise and sometimes record auditions and some other random stuff I have in store. This Canon EOS Rebel Tli was one of the top-rated gadgets on Gizmodo so that's good enough for me to know it is a great pic. This one sells for $799 CAD at Future Shop here.

Teeny Tiny Netbook

 

 I have been lusting after a netbook for at least a few months now. But after shopping around, looking at countless reviews online, and even being talked out of buying one at Staples by the salesperson, I have come up empty-handed. You see I really want the smallest one possible (preferably 8" and one that I can actually throw in my purse) and one with some battery life. The best one I came up with so far is from the Sony P Series and comes up at a whopping $1000 USD here. A bit much for a netbook I would say but wow look at the size, it's in red, and it's got some power.  Mamma mia, come to mamma ...

Macbook Pro

I need to replace my Macbook circa 2006 that has been on the fritz. This Macbook Pro seems like a good fit. I want to upgrade the Macbook strength but it still will be secondary computer to my iMac (below). Still need a good laptop to take with me on trips and when I need to do larger projects on the go. I like the 13" version. It sell for $1199 CAD here.

iMac 21.5 "

My Macbook circa 2006 is on the fritz and in need of a major overhaul. So is my back from years of hunching over it, and my eye prescription needs an upgrade. So yes I will be making the progression to *gasp* a desktop with a side of Macbook and netbook on the side. I can't quite grasp the idea of the 27" screen yet (remember I am upgrading from a 13" screen) so yes I will be opting for the 21.5" version (which fits nicely in my office armoire). This one is $1599 CAD (1 TB hard drive) on Apple. ca here.

Diamond Stud Earrings

This is another tale of one lost and never replaced. Yes I got a pair for my high school graduation and somewhere along the way I lost one (sorry mom). Then I got them replaced by another donor, but they bought them in a size appropriate for a child of 8 and thus they are lost on my lobe. So I need a hefty pair, since I wear mine almost every day. A classic diamond stud that will last longer than perhaps the stud who bought it (sacre bleu). These are 18 kt white gold (.24) and sold at Birk's for $1250 CAD here.

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