3. What cities, neighborhoods and/or regions inspire you and why?

I’ve found inspiration in the major European cities I’ve been to. London, Paris, Rome, Dublin, etc… There is so much history everywhere. I like the look of the structures and architecture that has been there for a thousand years and have had their ornate details rounded off by time. I guess it’s the beauty of imperfection that I find so inspiring. Old buildings, cobble stone streets, old wrought iron railings, a structure that has been half broken down for parts for another structure… they all have amazing stories locked inside.

We love the uniqueness of handcrafted items, particularly this Large Fleur de Lis sterling silver pendant ($90) featured at the top of this article. Actually, we like this piece so much, that we’re giving you the opportunity to win it (consider it your lucky new necklace;).

To Enter:

1 – Send a tweet with the following phrase: Coveting this Fleur de Lis @_pennyroyal pendant featured on @MyFDB‘s blogzine! #contest

Rules: The more you tweet, the better your odds. We’ll be picking one winner at random who will be notified via DM on Twitter. Thank you to Pennyroyal Silver for providing this prize and Caro Marketing for handling the logistics. Contest ends Monday September 6th at 8:00 pm (PST).

1. What are some of the inspirations behind your line and how did you came up with the name Tulola?

I started Tulola a little over a year now with the intention of designing jewelry that was both contemporary but also still deeply rooted in the traditional methods of handcrafting silver. I have the amazing opportunity to craft my designs with some the Bali’s most talented artisans in here in our design studio.

My two greatest inspirations are the two women in my life, my daughter lola, and my mother. I called the collection Tulola after my daughters name Putu Lola or Tulola for short. My mother, Suarti, is an artist and designer and her passion, creativity and aesthetics still deeply inform my designs choices today. Most importantly, my mother taught me that beauty had to have substance, meaning and intention. Even our jewelry was had to be a unique expression of who were are. I try to bring this philosophy into my designs for Tulola.

2. Out of all the pieces you’ve designed so far, what are your favorites?

My current favorite by far is the Secret Garden Madallion earrings in shaded sapphires and Black rhodium. The filigree work was done one of our master artisans and is exquisite.

3. As an accessories maven, is there one piece of jewelry you refuse to take off or can’t live without?

Hammered Studs in gold from the Mandala collection or the Filigree Ball Pendant from the Kebaya Lace collection on a long thin chain. Worn Everyday:)

4. Have you custom-made pieces for your daughter, friends, or family?

Yes. All the time. Jewelry is so personal and is the perfect way to celebrate or acknowledge those that are close to you.

5. As a world traveler, what are some of your favorite destinations and places to shop?

Jaipur, India. Goa Markets, India. Semingyak, Bali. Suan Lum Night Bazzar, Bangkok.

6. Lastly, what advice do you have for aspiring fashion industry hopefuls?

Stay true to your self.

Awe…we think that last bit of advice is crucial when it comes to the hectic fashion industry. Sri is kind enough to provide an opportunity for our readers to win one of her favorite jewelry pieces, the Filigree Ball Pendant from the Kebaya Lace Collection (Retail $88). The necklace is absolutely beautiful with its intricate detailing, yet remains simple enough to wear everyday.

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To Enter:

Since Sri Luce has been greatly inspired by her worldly travels, leave a comment telling us a destination in the world you’d like to visit for inspiration and why.

A winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Contest closes Monday, August 30th 10:00 am (PST). Thank you to Sri Luce of Tulola and Caro Marketing for coordinate the giveaway. giveaway featured on free!gretchen

For more information about Sri Luce and Tulola visit tuloladesigns.com.

In celebration of our relaunch, we wanted to give our readers the opportunity win a new IT bag for fall. The Reese ($298), from Hobo International’s Vintage Chain Collection, is individualistic, free-spirited and dynamic – much like us – and she can be yours if you follow the contest directions below.

TO ENTER (do one or all for increased odds):

1 – Tweet the phrase: Coveting the new @MyFDB blogzine http://blog.myfdb.com & I want to win an IT bag for fall from @HoboIntl #contest

2 – ‘Like’ MyFDB on Facebook (and comment on our wall)!

3 – Visit Hobo International’s official site and leave a comment below telling us which wallet you’d like to put into your potential new purse

Official Rules:

With summer just around the corner, we’ve teamed up with luxe beauty brand, shu uemura for a giveaway that’s sure to brighten your day. We decided to celebrate natural beauty shu uemura-stlyle with their amazing deepsea hydrability and puRENovate clarifying lotions. To add some color to your facial palate the winner of this prize will also get to bask in three different eye shimmer duos, an SPF 20 UV fluid, three rogue unlimited lipsticks, and a satin radiant stick. This incredible shu stock is valued around $700!

Their products work wonders and shu uemura continues to be an ideal mix of science, nature, and art. Although, they recently pulled retail sales out of the US, the brand continues to have a cult-like following, which attests to the quality of their products. So, what are you waiting for? Get shu it!

We’re giving our fans multiple chances to enter this contest:

1 — Tweet the following as much as you’d like:

Shimmering into summer with @shuuemura for the @MyFDB #contest!

2 — ‘Like’ us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MyFDB (even better, comment on our wall)

3 — Leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite shu uemura product

This contest is open to US residents only. All entries must be completed by Monday May 24th 12:00pm PST when a winner will be notified. Thank you to shu uemura for providing the prize.

You’ve most likely noticed some changes to MyFDB’s homepage; along with highlighting bolder ad campaigns and editorials, we’re also introducing verified user profiles. This allows users to put a verified symbol on their profile page. To start the verification process simply search for your name in the ”Are you in the database?” box. If you’re name is not there, then click on the ”My profile is not listed button” and that will signal you to register on the site to begin the profile creation process.

Verified user profiles are the first in many stages of updates that MyFDB will be rolling out, so stay tuned for more advancements.

In honor of our fresh new look and verified user profiles we’re giving away the nouveau eau de parfum from Givenchy, ange ou démon le secret. The fragrance’s striking ad campaign was shot by Mario Testino and stars a sweet yet sultry Uma Thurman in a Riccardo Tisci gown.

TO ENTER:

If you’re an industry pro, get your profile verified and you’ll automatically be entered to win. If you don’t have a profile then sign up for an account and we’ll be sure to add your fashionable name to our database. *note you must be industry related to create a profile, otherwise you can still enter the contest by tweeting the phrase below

Simply a MyFDB enthusiast? Want more chances to win?

Send a tweet with following: The nouveau @MyFDB homepage is no le secret! Find ur profile & get verified! http://myfdb.com (@Givenchy #contest)

One winner will be chosen at random and must reside within the US. Contest ends at 12:00 PM PST April 28th.  The user will be notified either via email or direct message on Twitter. Thank you to Givenchy for providing the prize.

Since we’re all about behind scenes action over at MyFDB, we enjoy paying homage to those who work hard bringing amazing photo shoots together. An integral part of this force are makeup artists, whose jobs can range from touch ups to wild colors and body paint. We feel both incredible and bizarre makeup cause a shoot to be much more memorable. Not to mention, the power of adding character to an actor or creating a new look is exhilarating.

In honor of our makeup artistry friends, we’re giving away two tickets to The Makeup Show NYC. Two winners and their friends will enjoy this annual industry event that highlights tricks of the trade and includes panels from noteworthy artists. Psst…there’s also amazing deals on cosmetics at the event too.

Experienced artist, Tegan Taylor (Avatar, Adventures of Tintin, Yellow Submarine) will talk about “The Age of Digital Makeup” from the era of digital film to the process of working in digital makeup and how it has affected her work. Taylor will discuss skills to understanding makeup application, technology, and character effects. Charlie Green (Angelina Jolie, Penelope Cruz) will be presenting, “Making Up With,” where she’ll give a first hand glimpse into the creative energy that has allowed her to make her mark on the fashion and celebrity scene. Note taking is a must for these panels!

TO ENTER:

Comment on this post telling MyFDB what your favorite cosmetic brand is and why.

We’ll pick two winners at random. Both winners will receive two free tickets to The Makeup Show NYC. Please not the prize is for tickets only and winners must arrange their own travel if necessary. Thank you to The Makeup Show for providing the prize and for more detailed info and a complete vendor list visit their official website. Contest ends Monday May 3rd at noon PST. Good Luck!

It may be April Fool’s Day in the MyFDB office, but we’ve changed from fools to flirts thanks to FLIRT! it Curl Mascara from Estee Lauder owned masstiege line, Flirt Cosmetics. Not only cute, but also effective, this mascara is specifically formulated to give lashes 144% more curl and lift. The unique curved brush gives ladies that ooh la lashes look. Now you don’t have to feel like a fool today, feel like a flirt! We’ll be selecting two winners for this giveaway, so tweet it up!

To enter send a tweet with the following phrase:

Pro-tool @MyFDB is currently free thx to @InterviewMag & I’m ready to feel like a @FlirtItGirl! #giveaway

(Don’t forget to enter our other contest from Kiehl’s)

To be eligible you must be following @MyFDB on Twitter and fan us on Facebook. Yes, we do check.  The contest will end Thursday April 1st at 10:00 pm PST. The winner will be chosen at random and notified via direct message on Twitter. Open to US residents only. Special thanks to Flirt! Cosmetics for providing the prize.

*This contest is now closed. Congrats to our winners @nolifewhatsoever and @luv_mydachshund

In celebration of winter’s end and spring in the air, we thought now would be the perfect time to hold a contest for our MyFDB fans! We’ve partnered with beauty pros Napoleon Perdis to bring you a gift bag full of springtime makeup goodies. We love Napoleon Perdis’ eye-shot ad campaigns and admire how this brand has remained a high fashion staple.

This gorgeous bag of stylish swag is valued around $250 and includes:

Blush Patrol, Prismatic Eye Shadow Quad, Palette Patrol, Luminous Lip Veil (The Missing Pink), Protégé Lip Gloss, Gloss Patrol (Tokyo), Long Black Mascara (Double Black), and lastly Auto Pilot (pre-foundation skin primer)

To enter simply send the following tweet:

Free access to @MyFDB currently sponsored by @InterviewMag! I want to win @NapoleonPerdis makeup! #contest

You can tweet your little heart out because the more you tweet, the better your odds. Thanks to our friends at Napoleon Perdis for providing the cosmetic treats!

To be eligible for this sweet reward you must be following @MyFDB on Twitter and be our fan on Facebook. Yes, we do check.  The contest will end Friday, March 26^th at 12:00 noon PST with a winner chosen at random and notified via direct message on Twitter. Open to US residents only. Thank you to Napoleon Perdis for providing the prize and for detailed product info visit their official website.