Sasha Rhett "Schuyler" exotic skins watch.

A watch is a watch is a watch. Right?

Not the “Schuyler” exotic skins watch stainless steel. Featuring Sasha Rhett’s signature rectangular stainless steel case, a Swiss quartz movement and sapphire crystal, this watch comes with a strap made of genuine snake and ostrich skin in a variety of shades. Red, black, brown, green, natural, navy, orange, and pink snakeskin. And the best part: each strap closes with a buckle and is designed with speed strap technology to allow for easy strap changing.

Simple and classy with a versatile collection of colors to choose from, this watch is not just a watch is a watch is a watch.

Comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

When my friend first showed me suckatlife.com, I thought, “Wtf, is this another version of fmylife.com?”

But it wasn’t. In fact, it was a blog with posts of fascinating artwork.

Ferris Wheel: ink, wc on paper.

Using ink, markers, and watercolor, Taiwanese American artist Lawrence Yang creates movement within his paintings that evoke a certain mood and feeling. Much of his artwork focuses on natural settings, like mountains and water, and this may largely be due to his uncle being an established Taiwanese artist and the traditional Chinese art that surrounding him as a child growing up in suburban Chicago. Graffiti is also a source of inspiration; the colors are stark, and though evocative, there is something grim about the pieces much like graffiti.

Little Ones: ink, watercolor, and gouache on paper.

Regardless of the medium, Yang finds balance with his art, working during the day and painting at night: “logical, left brain work during the day, unwind with color and chaos at night.”  And he strives to achieve that balance in his artwork as well, creating “order out of chaos (and vice versa).”

Anyone Out There?: digital.

To check out his stuff, hit up www.suckatlife.com.

Goldfish: ink, wc, and acrylic on wood.

I don’t understand why we don’t wear hats anymore. Yeah, it’s the cause of hat hair, but think of the infinite benefits wearing a hat would bring. Protection from UV rays, shade from heat, and a summer accessory that would allow you to stand out from everybody else.

San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraid X-large contrast brim hat.

San Diego Hat Company makes the most interesting hats that are structured differently than your average hat. This Ultrabraid X-Large Contrast Brim Hat has a 10-inch brim with an adjustable sizing tie. It’s black with a lovely white trim, elevating it above wide brim hats you can find at any department store. The black and white color makes it a classy and chic accessory for your summer dress or even a polished, modern outfit. Very reminiscent of My Fair Lady without the gaudiness.

A timeless look.

I wrote about BookSwim a few weeks back, the Netflix for books. I have to say, I am a huge fan.

A bookstore in your computer -- just browse, create your pool, and get ready to read!

Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1.

With BookSwim, I’ve checked out the new Twilight graphic novel by Stephenie Meyer and artist Young Kim. (It’s something I really wanted to see, but wouldn’t have bought.) My husband’s gotten a chance to read the dishy Game Change, the scandalous tell-all written by insiders during the 2008 presidential election. And I just started Angelology, a DaVinci Code-esque thriller-romance about an “angelologist” and the real-life angels living among people. (Again, I wouldn’t have bought it, but it makes for a good poolside read.)

Whether you’re a lover of books or just don’t have any more room for all the books you wanna read (but not necessarily own), BookSwim is perfect. You create your list online (just like Netflix). You order by priority (just like Netflix). You get the books by mail (just like Netflix). You return them in the included postage paid envelope (just like Netflix). No mess, no fuss. It’s so easy, seriously, everyone should adopt this business model. (Cocktails by mail anyone?)

My book recommendation -- it's heavy stuff, but wow, what a writer.

And now BookSwim is giving one lucky Audrey reader a free three-month trial. Finally catch up on Chang-rae Lee’s latest book The Surrendered (it is sooo good, trust me). Or indulge in Jennifer Weiner’s latest chick lit read. Or get some fun reads for your little ones. All guilt- and clutter-free. It’s like a Border’s in your mailbox. I’m telling, you will be hooked.

Just comment below by August 4th, 11:59 pm, and you may win! (Sorry, you must have a U.S. mailing address to win.)

Hello Kitty face beach bag.

I hate getting sand in by bag when I’m at my beach, especially if it’s a nice one. And you’d be surprise how hard it is to come by a sweet looking beach bag.

Fear not! Hello Kitty to the rescue!

The Hello Kitty Face Beach Bag answers all your beach bag totin’ needs. The face is transparent with a white border, perfect for making sure you got all your beach essentials. Sand won’t stick to this bag’s smooth surface, so you can be guilt free when you carry it on to any sandy environment, be it a beach or a sand dune.

It comes with a bright pink or red bow.

I remember religiously watching Project Runway with my fashion-forward friend and talking about it the following afternoon during our AP Art History class in high school. (In fact, Anthony, if you are reading this, this is dedicated to you). I’ve unfortunately been out of the loop with reality TV, but will be making time to tune in for the return of fashion divas and divos, Tim Gunn’s famous pursed-finger-tapping-on-lips, and the origin of East Coast fabulousity we call New York.

Project Runway returns to Lifetime on July 29 (that’s tonight!) for season 8!

From left: Nicholas D'Aurizio, Ivy Higa and Casanova, the next contestants on season 8 of Project Runway. Photo courtesy of Lifetime.

And this time, PR is featuring 30-year-old Ivy Higa. Originally from Seoul, and later relocated to New York via Hawaii (whew!), Higa has made it as a contestant for this season’s show. With Asian-inspired pieces, the collection she presented during the casting call was a wardrobe full of versatile, Japanese-inspired pieces and even a new print that was inspired by spattered blood. She says her inspirational designers, Issey Miyake and Consuelo Castiglioni, have had a significant impact in her work and is a self-proclaimed scarf, bag and pocket junkie.

She may seem soft-spoken but there’s a fierceness and coolness to her work. So for all you fashion-starved Heidi Klum-ites, be sure to tune in for the season premiere tonight!

Harajuku Lovers pink "Rainbow Love" tank top.

Harajuku Lovers always comes up with the cutest stuff.  Like this pink “Rainbow Love” tank top. It’s soft and comfortable. The front logo isn’t too flashy, just the right amount of color and boldness to catch your eye. There’s also the tag going down the back, a detail some tank tops don’t have.

If you’re going for a casual look that says you’ve got some steeze, this is more than enough.

It’s always great when you discover artists with talent you can really appreciate. Chinese American Connie Lim, a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles is a breath of fresh air in this time of “Bieber fever” and autotune.

Connie Lim.

A graduate of UC Berkeley, Lim has been developing her style for the past two years, which is influenced by Imogen Heap, Feist, and Bjork. Lim’s growing fan-base has dubbed her music to be “retrotronica” while Lim herself describes her style as “old-school songwriting backed by electronica sentiment.”

Earlier this month Lim packed Hotel Café to its maximum capacity with the release of her EP The Hunted. And it’s not just her smoky voice and heartfelt lyrics. The album brings awareness to current global issues, like the title track, which is about the mistreatment of gay couples who are being sentenced to death in Uganda. The album also features collaborations with some of L.A.’s best musicians and artists including Yonatan Elkayam (album producer), Miguel Atwood Ferguson (string player for Will.i.am. and Flying Lotus), and Shane Sato.

Lim also recently finished filming a live YouTube show (to debut soon) that is being endorsed by Macy Gray. Other Asian American artists included in the video are Dan AKA Dan from After School Special, Sam Kang, Seriously, and Da Wen.

Lim will be having another EP release concert in San Francisco at Hotel Utah on July 30, 2010. If you’re in the area, get tickets here to check her out live.

For more info on Connie and samples of her music, click here or listen here:

Rocco e Dante "Tara" bracelet.

My friends have called me everything from a princess and a diva to girly girl and hopelessly feminine. Just the other day, my kid sister accused me of being a “queen.” Although I’m far from being ladylike, I guess I am guilty of being a “chick” even though I’m usually just “one of the guys.”

Despite my feminine wiles, I have a penchant for edgier things. It’s all in the details for me. I like accessories that have a little badass to them because I like the contrast and drama it creates in an outfit.

Rocco e Dante’s “Tara” bracelet in black is made of Italian leather with a gold zipper detail, which captures the class and attitude I’m looking for. It’s strappy enough to be more than a bracelet but not a clunky cuff. And the classic colors make for it a great candidate to any casual or nighttime outfit.

This is a necessity for any girl’s wardrobe.

I’d like to make the record clear: I have never had a make-over done. No parent, friend, stranger or significant other has drastically altered my ‘look’ since I eschewed mother’s haircuts for the $8 Vietnamese-run barbershop by the mall. Besides the terrible conclusion that I am solely responsible for all this, never having had a make-over has apparently affected me in ways I am just beginning to understand.

Perhaps you too have never been made over. For some, this is a matter of guilt. I understand. I’ve paid for two massages in my lifetime–once in China, once in Vegas–and both times, regardless how much I spent, I always felt undeserving of the attention lavished upon my sometimes naked bum and rest of body. For others, avoiding the make over is due to you being A Man and this being Not Socially Accepted Yet. I sympathize with you, as I am the same way.

Samantha Llanos gets the whole undeserving-feely thing. She was chosen along with two other girls for an LA weekend make-over, courtesy of super-stylist Chriselle. Full disclosure: Chriselle is working with Audrey Magazine on a number of things including our next cover shoot, but to this day has not offered me a make-over.

Left to right: Samantha Llanos, Sara Warren and Alexandra Becker, post-make-over.

Last weekend Llanos was plucked from her home in the barren northern-Celtic lands of Boston, Mass., and flown to Los Angeles where she met fellow make-over recipients Alexandra Becker and Sara Warren. The three then went on a two-day tour of sustained attention-receiving, from having their locks combed and pampered by Ree of the Angus M Salon, to makeup by YouTube makeup phenom and Lancome video makeup artist Michelle Phan, personal styling by Chriselle, plus a photoshoot by photographer Karla Ticas to top it off.

Michelle Phan laying a foundation on make-over recipient Sara Warren

“I was just really happy,” reflected Llanos when I caught up with her this week. “I don’t remember being excited about anything, vaguely happy about anything for such a long time now.”

Stylist Chriselle stringing a necklace on Samantha Llanos.

Llanos for the past year and a half has been dealing with the death of a boyfriend. During that time, she describes her life as occupied by just the bare minimum: going through the motions, not doing much else. Now, for the first time in a long while, she’s excited for something like shopping for new clothes. When I spoke with her a work week later, she remained optimistic.

“Seeing the team and seeing [Chriselle and Michelle], I don’t think I’ve ever seen people who were working, and loving what they did so much it didn’t seem like working. It changed my perspective of life in general.”

The make-over couldn’t have hurt either. Note to Chriselle: I think I’m due for mine.