The true irony is that Murano never started out as a “Glass Island”. It was just another island until the Venetian Republic decided that Venice’s glassblowers were going to set the city ablaze and ordered them to move their foundries to the island. Before long, Murano’s glass makers were so well respected that they were granted the right to wear swords, protected from prosecution and allowed to marry into the Venetian upper crust, something that was unheard of for the daughter of an artisan at that time.

Murano Winged Lion Mosaic

Have you ever wondered what it is about Italy that makes it a place of mystery and romance and a trendsetter in the fashion market? It is what it is because Italy’s craftsmen have been doing it right since the 13^th century, and they  aren’t about to stop now! Nothing makes a statement like handblown Murano glass from the island of Murano in the Venetian Lagoon, the island that has become famous among artisans and lovers of fine imports as “The Glass Island”.

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For centuries Murano glass has become a public interest for tourist and those of who share an admirable love for jewelry. Murano’s popularity arose when the people of the Republic of Venice demanded that glass makers move their factories to the shore of Italy. Materials generally used for Murano is flux, which serves as a melting agent. The style of Murano vary depending on the look the glass maker is going for.

Prepare to become the center of attention when wearing this Venetian Glass Bracelet Christmas (Red). This bracelet proves why Murano glass makers are highly sought after-it’s undeniably gorgeous! Featured on this Venetian Glass Bracelet is various of different shapes including Stars, hearts, and triangles. The handmade beads are enameled in 24kt gold foil. Size: 7.5 inches Price: 99.00

Murano Glass Bead Bracelet is an absolute charmer. The combination of rich colors in addition to the Murano glass beads make this a highlight from Antica Murrina’s Collection. The stunning bracelet was made exclusively in Italy. Price: $108.00

Compliments will ensure when wearing the Italian Murano Millefiori Glass Cut Out Heart Bracelet. It’s extremely versatile in looks. Featured on this bracelet are hearts coated in extravagant patterns linked together by simple sterling silver hearts. Price : $169.00

Don’t be surprised if these shoes become one of the hottest accessories this year. New York natives Seth Campbell and Nick Cohen released a women’s sneakers line that allows you to be sexy but comfortable as well. One of the things I love about the Upper Echelon Shoes is that they remind me of an updated version of the Chuck Taylors. Another highlight for the Upper Echelon Shoe is the string laces are replaced by gold chains. Pretty Original, huh? UES (Upper Echelon Shoe) is however priced at a pretty steep price.

Some of my favorites from the women’s line are the Nise leather shoe, Chuck Buckle, and Nise denim.

The Gold Coated Nise Leather Shoe ($450) is made with full grain with gold pigskin lining. Also the shoe is covered with 18K Gold and Sterling Silver Plated chain laces. The Nise Leather shoe is available in Black Leather with Gunmetal Chains, Gold Leather with Gold & Silver Chains and White Leather with Gold & Silver Chains.

The Chuck Buckle ($365) allows you to unleash your inner rebel. The Chuck Buckle is available in Black Leather with Gold Studs & Buckles or White Leather with Gold Studs & Buckles.

and last but certainty not least is the Nise Denim Shoe ($249), it’s also covered in 18k chain laces. You have the option of choosing the shoe in Pink with Gold Chains, Navy with Gold Chains or Black with Gunmetal Chains.

All three shoes come in sizes 6-10. Tips and Trends makes a note that the shoes come in 1/2 a size larger than normal. For more information on where you can purchase these click here.

Usually at Totally My Style we focus mainly on fashion, well I’m switching it up and talking about something that’s a little different- condoms. Fashion designer Alexander Wang created a limited supply of condoms right on time for the highly anticipated Fashion week in New York.

Now granted you won’t be strutting these while in public, you will however be making a generous donation.

For those of you who don’t know about Proper Attire, it’s a condom line made exclusively for women who want to protect not herself but her partner as well. The proceeds made from Proper Attire will go directly to the Planned Parenthood Foundation of American.

When Alexander Wang was approached by Proper Attire he told NYC Mag :

“When Planned Parenthood approached me to collaborate with them on a project that makes condoms more appealing to women, I loved the idea!” Wang said. “I used a spare design that felt sexy, modern and empowering; after all, women should always come first!”

The limited edition condoms from Wang comes in packs of 3, and is available for 5.99. If you like you can purchase these Thompson Hotels at and Proper Attire.

This month Dior released a new collection just in time for Spring 2009 called Parisian Nude.The Dior Parisian Nude Collection was inspired by the understated style and elegance that Parisian women posses.Dior Parisian Nude collection features gorgeous shades of beige, rosy pink and taupe, which is perfect for the everyday look.The most eye-catching piece in this collection is the Lady Dior Handbag Compact.This faux leather compact is modeled after the infamous Dior Black Lady Cannage Bag.The compact contains a mirror,sheer chic highlighter and glossy lip color.The compact can also be used as a handbag charm.If you look closely the charms on the front of the handbag spell Dior.

Dior is taking a gamble releasing a $75 dollars compact because we are in a recession, even the most die hard Dior fanatic might contemplate buying it.The eyeshadow on the other hand will be a hit with professional women who need a natural makeup look for work.

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Appearance: 3.5
Quality: 4.5
Scent: 5

In July 2006 famed wedding grown designer Vera Wang released one of her most popular fragrances called “Princess”.Vera Wang Princess is a playful light weight scent for women who are full of time and year at heart.The fragrance is targeted age group demographics was 18-24 women/girls. The Fragrance notes include water lily, golden apricot, pink frosting, precious amber, lady apples, pink guava, mandarin meringue, dark chocolate, wild tuberose, vanilla chiffon, and Tahitian tiare flower.

I received this Princess for Christmas 2007 and it’s been my favorite scent ever since.Vera Wang Princess scent lasts up to 4 hours, which isn’t the most long lasting perfume I’ve had.This fragrance is great for those who are really sensitive to strong smells.The fragrance’s vanilla, and chocolate notes smell so amazingly delicious.I rotate fragrances often, but if I did not have that option,I would be ok with wearing it daily.I don’t know that the removable neck and top can be used as rings until a few days ago.I personally would not wear them as rings, because they remind me of cheap jewelry that little girls play with while playing dress up.Even though the glass purple heart shaped is adorable, it’s too youthful and girlie for my taste.I would love if Vera Wang created a more sophisticated version of this scent.Vera Wang Princess cost $57-$72 at Amazon , Nordstrom , Macy’s , Dillard’s and most online perfume/beauty stores.

Nicolas Degennes who is an artistic director at Givenchy, was inspired by the refined beauty of Indian women,therefore creating the Sari Spring Collection.The collection features warm shades of gold ,orange, and pink similar to those Indian women wear in their makeup and clothing.20-year Slovakian model, Michaela Kocianovais the face for Givenchy’s Maharani Collection.Even though she looks ravishing,it would have been nice if they chosen a famous Bollywood actress or upcoming Indian model to be the face of this collection.

I’m not a blush wearer, but they are by far the most interesting and exciting items in this entire collection.Maharani Orange and Pink Sari Glow Blush ($42) are iridescent with a subtle shimmer.The blush packing is simply gorgeous. I really like the orange and pink/purple combo with the gold overlay.The blushes themselves have a black design overlay.This collection is very wearable for people of olive complexion or dark skin tones.Givenchy will also be releasing a limited edition face and eye called Prismissime Visage Palettes.These palettes are prefect for those who have tanned or pale skin.

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Twenty-Eight year old r&b singer and actress Kelly Rowland is steering clear from music as of right now and instead is venturing on to other projects. Since the Dilemma singer parted ways with Matthew Knowles, manager of Rowland’s former band mates, Michelle Williams and pop phenom Beyonce. Rowland landed a stint as host of Bravo’s TV latest reality craze: “The Fashion Show”.

On the competitive reality television series Kelly Rowland and Isaac Mizrahi will serve as the judges. You’ll also follow the designers as they compete for a chance to have their designs sold by a major retail outlet. The designers will face off in challenges and have their fate determined by the judges as well as the audience. The show was produced by J.D. Roth’s 3 Ball Production, whose credits include NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”.

I personally think that this a great move for Ms. Kelly Rowland. It will give her some much needed attention, and it wouldn’t surprise me if “The Fashion Show” became a hit. Seeing as “Project Runway” and “Make me a Supermodel” have become hits around the world.

The Fashion show is slated to air on television later this year.

From Hearts to Crosses, Lust Forever has some striking jewelry that consist of Silver Bracelets, Charm Bracelets, Ankle and Leather Bracelets.

This first piece is absolutely adorable. The Sterling Silver Pavé Heart Charm Bracelet ($89.95) is a stunner. On the site’s description it states that accessory would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. In my opinion this bracelet is great for all year round, wouldn’t you agree? Just look at it! The Sterling Silver pave heart charm is coated in A cubic zirconium. In addition is open rhodium-plated sterling silver bracelet links, which give it a great look overall.

Next up is the 925 Silver Pearl & Cross Charms Heart Toggle Bracelet ($74.95). This bracelet that will make you the center of attention and no doubt turn heads. The CZ Cross, Heart, and Pearls are perfectly crafted, a must have for this year.

925 Sterling Silver 13-Charms Link Bracelet consist of 13 different, but very gorgeous charms which make this stylish and a definite eye grabber. The bracelet is available for a reasonable price of $59.95.

80’s babies will be heaven. These Nostalgic cartoon tees features some classic characters we all grew to love while growing up. The tees features the iconic characters such as The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, GI Joe, Transformers, Thundercats, Rainbow Brite, and so many more.

The First t-shirt features Optimus Prime , best known as the leader in Transformers. On the bright blue tee we see Optimus standing next the number “84″, which indicates the day Hasbro launched the toy line. Sizes ranges from Small, Medium, Large, and 3x. The Optimus Prime 84 Transformers is priced at $24.00.

Michelangelo ways always my favorite out the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The tee urges us not to do drugs and instead indulge on a slice of pizza, which reads “Pop Pizza Not Pills”. Pop Pizza TMNT T-shirt is available in sizes S, M, L, XL, and 2XL. The price for the shirt is 20.00.

Rainbow Brite will always be my favorite cartoon growing up(with Strawberry Shortcake coming in a close second) The red t-shirt shows Rainbrow Brite holding a bouquet of flowers, while surrounded by stars and rainbows. The back reads “Rainbow Brite” with tiny white dots. Foil Rainbow Brite T-shirt($26.00) by the Junk Food brand is 50% cotton and 50% polyester.