A look at how the python skin is applied in the Euphoria Lounge and Spa's special snakeskin manicure and pedicure. (Scroll to the end for a video demonstration.)

I've never been one for manis and pedis. As much as my DIY version doesn't compete with the salon pros, it's simply one luxury I can't ever seem to justify. However the ladies lining up at Euphoria Lounge and Spa in Monterey, California obviously disagree. There a manicure or pedicure can run you up to $300. Not because they are diamond encrusted or glittering with 14K gold, but because a python has kindly donated the skin off its back for the greater good of willing patrons.

Each item for sale via the IOU project is made of madras check, a hand-woven
cotton from Tamil Nadu in Southern India.

It's not something that we're conscious of every day, but every item we interact with comes from somewhere. It was imagined by someone, built by someone else, then shipped and sold by yet another unnamed someone. But what if that someone had a name?

A Madrid-based company has just launched a fashion line using Facebook, QR codes, and various apps to connect retailers to the source of their goods. Appropriately called the IOU project, each item comes from the Tamil Nadu region in Southern India and its buyer is given a link to track its "journey". The buyer can click to read about the fabric weaver, learn who cut the weave, and see pictures of the designer. The app even allows you to go full circle by uploading a pic of yourself wearing the item.

  
Can you guess which design is by Urban Outfitters and which is by indie designer
Stevie Koerner? Find out after the jump.

Stevie Koerner recently left her job to pursue jewelry making, selling her goods on the popular website Etsy.com. One line called "A World of Love" contains adorable metal pendants like "I heart New York", so when a customer told her about Urban Outfitters' "Wear your locale love" line with "I Heart Destination Necklaces", you can imagine her surprise.

Design theft should come as no surprise at all. It's rampant amongst fast fashion retailers who offer runway looks for less, but to rip off every last morsel right down to the name? That's dirty.

Solange Knowles in the season's hard-to-wear headwear

#1 Turbans
I was at a fashion event recently and the entire panel of speakers started to discuss their dislike for turbans, without realizing there was one proud silk turban wearing lady in the crowd. No it wasn't me, nor will it ever be.

  
Sartorial favourite Dan Levy recently posed for The Bay's new B Insider magazine.
The heritage brand is currently upping their cool factor in a major way.

In this corner we have a 341-year-old heritage brand, and in this corner we have an elite retailer with covetable pink shopping bags. Now, who's cooler? Go!

While this match may seem trivial, it appears to be fuelling The Bay's current tour de force, and shoppers are reaping the benefits. No, two major retailers vying for the country's top spot doesn't mean 50% off everything, but it does mean that there's suddenly more than one chic place to shop.

There's something about Heidi Klum that I like. Normally I would find that fun-loving omnipresent smile a bit annoying, but for some reason, on her, it's endearing.

AOL is banking on the fact that you feel the same way. The media giant has just launched a new website fully dedicated to the 37-year-old supermodel/actress/TV host/artist/designer/producer...am I forgetting anything?

The other day I scored one of my favourite compliments: "I love your jeans." Granted "I love your eyes", or "gee you're awfully smart" are the more obvious ego strokers, but a nod to my denim makes me happy. Why? Because all of my jeans are one of two things: old or cheap. That's right. I take pleasure in knowing that the cropped Chip and Pepper jeans that earned me that compliment are 7 years old, and still going strong. At the time, they were expensive - even with a considerable discount from my then part-time job at Aritzia - but now, as every year passes, I know I'm getting my money's worth.

A rare glimpse inside my medicine cabinet. The new centerpiece? Cliniderm Gentle Protective Lotion SPF 45, $30. Available at drugstores across Canada.

A few weeks ago I put a call out on Twitter. I was hoping my tweeps could  recommend a face sunscreen that isn't greasy and doesn't smell like a grandma, after breaking out in hives thanks to my latest purchase. No one replied. I like to think this says more about the lack of non-greasy, odourless sunscreens out there than my popularity, despite the convenience of this theory, so I'm here to share the name of the new fave I tracked down all on my own.

Drum roll puh-leeeeese...

In the last few years, the beauty industry has gone one of two ways: back to its roots with organic, green, and eco-everything, or back to the future with bizarre innovations straight out of science fiction.

While the former has its infinite benefits, the latter is major cause for intrigue, especially given the latest breakthroughs. These new revelations suggest that topical products may soon be a thing of the past. Before long, you may be eating and drinking your way to a more beautiful you.

The Eternal Love Bra by BodyRock Sport, valued at $21,011.

It's not something I've ever thought about, really: the worth of my girls. I mean, I'm kind to them. They get sunscreen and daily support, as well as a yearly check in from my doctor and nightly house calls from my boyfriend (sorry mom). But when a press release for "the world's most expensive bra" came across my inbox, my first thought was: my boobs aren't worth that much.