FABULUSH

If you didn’t notice, I took a much needed blogging sabbatical. Everything I previously loved, I now proceeded to possess a deep hatred for. A part of me died… The passion and desire I felt was flickering out.

Work has kept me busy, different opportunities toying with my heart and wanderlusty ways. I couldn’t form the right words together, but why bother anyways when today, it seems all people care about are pretty pictures. The superficiality of everything irritated my moral fiber.

One day at work in Downtown Dallas, there was a protest about the DRC, war, and rape. The reaction was a knee jerker as all people could focus on was the fact that protesters were interrupting their last minute Christmas shopping. Then, a friend’s father passed away, and I skipped multitude of holiday parties to hold my parents hands and enjoy their company. I couldn’t fathom what they were going through as I provided my condolences. The times I put aside my fun-loving ways and chose to be work responsible and in seclusion; it apparently rubbed a dear friend the wrong way to the point of distention. Everyone has seemed to take our liberties and lives for granted. I don’t want to become one of those people. One of those vapid people that just have their heads so high in the clouds or so far up someone’s ass that you lose all sense of your surroundings and a grounded version of reality.

The love I held onto for so long finally floated away like a balloon that slipped from my fingers into the atmosphere’s reach. His pessimism and negativity were overbearing and our last conversation consisted of his usual over promising and under delivering. He always conveniently found a way to maneuver himself back into my life when I was on top of my game and happier than ever; only just to knock my life off kilter and spread his vitriol until I just didn’t feel a thing for him anymore .

Then I started to fall in love with someone else. A feeling I hadn’t felt in a year and a half, well let me rephrase… A feeling I didn’t allow myself to feel in years. He was chivalrous, intelligent, handsome, successful, uplifting… We had endless adventures, passion, and friendship. In the end, he made me a better person, even up to the day that I knew he was a cheater. So, my impenetrable walls became a little higher after the fact and I wised up to realize. I gave myself 2 days to sulk, bitch, moan, and cry. Anymore than that was just wasting time. So, maybe I am checking-in one emotional baggage these days, but that’s a lot better than the 5-6 overweight bags I was lugging around forever.

But the mean reds are out of my system, I’m back to business and back on track.

Fashion is a form of self-expression, and the personal attacks were just hitting below the belt. Do I mind? Most of the time, not so much; however, on those rare grey days where it felt like a page out of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, the naysayers slowly chipped away my desire to share. I write because I enjoy it. I write because others tell me they enjoy it. I write to connect with others, to relate, to inspire, and to find some similar ground in this crazy world. In the end, I just want people to be able to take away something. A style idea, some new hip place to check out, a recipe to share, a love story, a dating lesson learned, to laugh at my misfortune, or just some visual or verbal gratification that resonates for a bit. All I am saying is sure, some days you’re not going to agree with my sense of style, or perhaps my writing, opinions, or attitude. I’m human, I make mistakes; hell sometimes a few too many.

So thank you to those who have stood by, to those who have inspired and encouraged me along the way, and also thank you to the difficult ones that have pushed me to new limits and out of my comfort zone.

With just mere weeks away until Super Bowl Sunday a.k.a. my Birthday on February 5th, I’ve rounded up my Birthday Wish List after some requests. Truly, the best presents are ones that money can’t buy, but a little gift never hurt anybody. This year, I’m happy to be celebrating with my lovely family, amazing friends, and for once no boyfriend drama. Onto the Birthday Wishes:

Bijoux & Beauty -

1. State Pride Necklaces -$48 Texas Necklace California & Florida Necklaces: My nomadic and wanderlust filled ways have brought me to some great states, with these necklaces I could pay some homage all layered around my neck.
2. St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Golden Glow Kit $35: When I’m not living on either coasts, which happens to be more often these days, I turn into a porcelain china doll with such a wan and pallid color. Help me fake a normal skin tone before everyone thinks I have a constant case of jaundice.
3. TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray: Sex. In. A. Bottle. Enough said.
4. Yves Saint Laurent Sephora Holiday Glamour Set: I am obsessed with YSL’s Radiant Touch, as it’s one of the few things in the world that helps me fake 8 hours of sleep, when in actuality my night owl ways lead me to much less. I can’t resist how charming this whole set is.
5. Kendra Scott ‘Danielle’ Oval Earrings White Mother Of Pearl $58: The type of earrings that would go with everything. Easily has the ability to be dressed up or down. Also in search of some huge thin gold hoop earrings. I’m talking massive sized.
6. Viktor & Rolf ‘Flowerbomb’ Eau de Parfum Spray -$150: One of my signature scents. If I could drown myself in it, I most likely would.
7. BVLGARI ‘Eau Parfumee au the blanc’ Body Lotion – $65: If you’ve ever stayed at the Ritz, you are highly familiar with this scent. Clean, fresh, sweet, and just oh-so-perfect. I have the teeeeensy bit left that I keep hoarding, but I keep hoping for a new bottle and the parfum as well.
8. Mason Pearson Comb – $30: The moment my hair gets wet, it decides to have a mind of its own. Detangling is a workout and a bitch, so this sweet tortoiseshell comb would release those knots with the quickness.
9. Fresh Sugar Lush Set – $28: Super soft lips for when my make out bandit moods strike. Plus, the sugary lemon scent and taste is just a delicious bonus.
10. Hermes Coller de Chien Cuff – This little cuff bracelet would definitely soften the blow of getting into my late 20s.

Luxe Lusts -

1. Fuji x100 - $1300: After falling in love with Thomas Jane’s Leica, I realize Fuji’s version is a realistically more in my grasp. A sleek and chic alternative to bulky DSLRs, oh the shots I could do with this beauty.
2. YSL Belle du Jour Gold Clutch – $595:  Simply beautiful.
3. YSL Nude Patent Tributes – $795: I’ve been wanting these for years to give me endless legs for days. Size 39
4. Celine Large Audrey Sunglasses – $300: Extra large and in charge with their classic Hepburn-homage shape. Ideally in black, but tortoiseshell would tickle my fancy as well.
5. Chanel 2.55 Medium Flap Bag in Black Caviar: I will forgo future furniture purchases again to save up for this classic darling. My oversized Jumbo lambskin has gotten beaten up over the years, so the smaller and more durable caviar should stand the test of time.
6. Christian Louboutins in Black Lady Peep – $945: There’s something about the moment you slip on some red soles… Instant toe cleavage, longer legs, bust enhanced, and behind lifted. A full body workout without the effort. Size 39
7. Alexander Wang Freja Booties – $306: I never have buyer’s remorse, it’s more like the agonizing annoyance of forever pining away for something you can never find again. I end up scouring all ends of the Internet looking for the last remains, and alas these Frejas have made a reappearance just hopefully long enough to end up in my wardrobe. 39, black and white!
8. Mason Pearson Popular Brush -$170: My unruly locks could easily be tamed by this iconic brush with their perfect mix of nylon and boar bristles.

The first of November is kicking off to be a fashion filled day with both Kelly Wearstler and Diane Von Furstenburg both appearing at NorthPark Center in Dallas.  Take a long lunch or play a little hooky to meet the fashion legend and CFDA President Diane Von Furstenburg and take a whiff of the latest extension of the DVF empire – the DIANE Parfum.

From her signature silhouettes to her bold prints, Diane von Furstenberg is synonymous with effortless chic.  “Everything I know about seduction is in the bottle,” says von Furstenberg.

Created in collaboration with industry maven Chantal Roos and master perfumer Aurelien Guichard, DIANE opens with bold notes of Frangipani, intertwined with subtle hints of Violet and base notes of myrrh, musk and patchouli. The style of the scent is much like how any lady should be: powerful, seductive, and feminine.

Close to the skin, fluid, and enveloping. Created for all and unique for everyone, Diane’s fragrance is built up like one of her dresses: it wraps up a woman’s body and stays with her all day long. DVF is known for all her inspirational words and quips of how to be lady, leaving us with, “Be the woman you want to be.”

Sephora at NorthPark Center, Dallas. 8687 North Central Expressway. Meet and Greet beginning at 2:30PM.

While I’m always on the lookout for new additions to my ever growing arm party, I still have yet to pull the trigger on a David Yurman piece. Though with the new collection out, I am currently yearning some Yurman in my life. All the while during my college days at SMU, the Albion ring in every shape, stone, and form was synonymous with being a Daddy’s Girl or some Frat Daddy’s girl, sometimes both if you were lucky. It symbolized the maturation from the high school Tiffany heart and bean pieces to the stacks of signature cable bracelets that were perfect for accenting any sorority outfit. Now out in the working world and paving my way career-wise, Yurman’s designs are still aptly adorned amongst the most stylish set.

Artistic inspiration forms the foundation for David Yurman, one of America’s foremost luxury jewelry designers. Founded in 1980 by David Yurman and his wife Sybil with the signature cable bracelet, the brand’s rich heritage and excellence in craftsmanship stems from David’s twenty year background in sculpture and Sybil’s natural understanding of art.

A First Look and Top 5 Picks from the latest collection, perfect for any age and occasion:

1. David Yurman Pave Diamond Cable Buckle Bracelet
2. David Yurman Sculpted Cable Cuff with Diamonds
3. David Yurman Cordelia Necklace, Pave Diamond
4. David Yurman Albion Ring, Amethyst
5. David Yurman Spiritual Bead Bracelet, Black Onyx

At times I wonder where does the next step of life and luxury jewelry take us ladies to – Van Cleef and Arpels? But until then, all David Yurman pieces are available at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Tonight while you root on the Rangers, head to the Bishop Arts District for Dallas’ first ever Pop-up bar. In clandestine speak-easy style, you’ll walk into a garage building that has been transformed into a place of libations and perhaps some sinful delight. You’ll pony up for some tickets in lieu of cash, whisper your favorite flavors and liquors you fancy, and watch the mixology magic happen as you support a few great charities.

Find your way a bit past Bolsa at 828 W. Davis St and make sure to stop by soon, as Bar 828 is lasting only for a few weekends in October leading up to the opening of Michael Martenen’s ‘High and Rye’ off Main St. The concept is taking New York’s guerrilla style Pop-Up shop ideas and fusing it with pre-Prohibition style times. Mingle with some indie artists, meet your next Uptown cutie, and watch your bartender take an ice pick a chunk of ice block to chill that creative cocktail of yours.

Michael Martensen has assembled a roster of top mixologists, designers and artists from the area, who have signed on to volunteer, with the proceeds benefiting Falling Whistles and Promise House, a local charity that helps runaway teens get off the street.

The FALLING WHISTLES Tour Bus will be in attendance and spreading its powerful message to the masses. As seen on and supported by a slew celebrities and peace activists, the Falling Whistles campaign launched with a simple response – be a whistleblower for peace in Congo.

Proceeds go to rehabilitate and advocate for war-affected children. Share their story and speak up for them. What began as a story exposing the world’s largest and deadliest war, has become a campaign for peace in Congo. Make their weapon your voice and rock a conversation starting piece of jewelry in the process.

Bar 828, 828 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208 starts at 6 P.M.

Support the cause and become a whistleblower for peace: FALLING WHISTLES Limited Edition Gold Whistle / FALLING WHISTLES Ox Zinc Whistle / FALLING WHISTLES Original Whistle / FALLING WHISTLES Gunmetal Whistle / FALLING WHISTLES Bronze Whistle / FALLING WHISTLES Copper Whistle / FALLING WHISTLES Brushed Whistle

Dear Future Fiancé,

Size does matter when it comes to my best friend. Oh, we’re not talking about your best friend down South, but you know… the cliche that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Sure, every girl envisions a flawless ring that is not only blindingly beautiful, but massive enough to induce arthritis. However, with budget constraints in mind and a healthy dose of reality, let’s breakdown why some women equate and emphasize their search for a husband and rock as if it’s the search for the Holy Grail.

One tiny piece of jewelry has become a symbolic piece with its ruminations beginning centuries ago. In olden days, the reason why people wore engagement and wedding rings was due to traditional belief of Vena Amoris, a Latin name meaning, literally, “vein of love”. Folklore for centuries instilled that this vein ran directly from the heart to the fourth finger of the left hand.  The ring itself was a symbol of spirits, both of whom were also related to the home and hearth. The endless circle showed the eternal nature of the bond of two people, while the open center was meant to be a doorway to things unknown.

An engagement ring is a direct reflection of how one views your supposed life partner, equal and the relationship. Every diamond is unique, just as the person you want to marry. So, the entire ring should embody their personality, do justice to the relationship, and symbolize all future hope and potential for the future. You should either be proudly romantic and weeping or contemplating eternal bachelorhood right about now.

While some little girls grew up playing with Barbies and playing house, I grew up accompanying my diamond specialist Mother to jewelry stores. I ogled all the glittering goods and soaked up insider knowledge like a sponge, with Barbies and My Little Ponies in tow, of course. I was raised on the notion that men should be the ones who purchase fine jewelry for their beloveds; while in more contemporary times, I’m coming around to independent women celebrating single girl status with ‘right-hand rings’. My soapbox is where modern meets archaic and traditional. Wherever your stance on the great diamond divide may be, let me educate you a little on not the ABC’s of diamonds, but the 4C’s – cut, clarity, color, and carat; which you can get more information on at 77diamonds.

I remember the first time, instead of being filled with elation - trepidation and the overwhelming urge to vomit overtook my body. As the words, “I love you beyond comprehension. Will you do me the honor of spending the rest of your life with me? Will you marry me?,” stammered out of his mouth, I cried tears of sorrow knowing in that moment that I loved and cared this man, but I couldn’t spend the rest of my life with him. One glance down at the ring box confirmed my heartache and my eyes became broken faucets with profuse amounts of tears and regrets running from them. He really didn’t know me at all.

The 4 C’s of Diamonds

Cut – Describes the finish, proportion and polish of the diamond. These factors determine the fire and brilliance of a diamond. Let me put this in layman’s terms – the facets of the cut will determine how much sparkle and bling factor the diamond possesses. It also deals with the shape of the diamond itself. While my body may be pear-shaped, that doesn’t mean I would want a diamond to be! My first boyfriend made this mistake, but his ring wrong-doings were not the fatal error in our relationship.  Tried and True choices: Round or Princess (maximum sparkle) 2nd Round Picks: Cushion or Emerald For the Unique: Asscher or Radiant (P.S. I’m an Asscher kind of gal)

Clarity – Describes the clearness or purity of a diamond. A grade is assigned to each diamond, with ‘F’ representing a flawless diamond to ‘I’ meaning that the diamond has inclusions. For novices, inclusions are flaws and fractures, which some can be well hidden with certain cuts, while others will create dullness and a sight for sore eyes.  While in school you may have never wanted to get an ‘F’, in the school of big rocks – the closer you get to ‘F’, ‘VVS1′, ‘VVS2′ or ‘VS1′ will help you graduate to some pre-marital bliss. So, if you like it dirty, this is not the time, nor place for it, buddy. Keep it in the bedroom and your eye on a pure prize.

Color – From white to yellow, diamonds receive a grade for the amount of color they contain. Most women prefer colorless to near colorless diamonds; however, colored diamonds over the years have gained popularity due to J Lo’s pink diamond during Bennifer days and Paris Hilton’s canary yellow super sparkler from a fiancé with shocking the same name. Take note that unless your pockets are as deep as an A-List celeb with a penchant for in-your-face bling, you’re better off sticking with a near colorless diamond. To put it in some manly terms, I’ll go with an octane gasoline grading system: Premium – D, E, and F; Supreme – G, H, and I; Regular – J and K; Bus Fare – Anything lower than K. If you end up with a yellow-tinged diamond, don’t sweat it; you can offset the color by setting it in a yellow gold band and your lady in waiting will be none the wiser.

Carat – Carat is the weight of the diamond, with one carat equaling .20 grams. The more carats, the pricier the diamond, although the other “C’s” can influence the damage you’ll be doing to your wallet greatly. Appearances can always be deceiving and in this case, weight and size are always easily confused. The cut, depth, setting, shape, and hand size all play a part in how large a diamond will appear on the final product. A fine craftsman will know the tricks of the trade to give the illusion of a maximized dimension; think of the male grooming of your best friend and you’ll catch my drift. While, I’m glad you grew some cajones to get down on one knee, but don’t let a dinky ring make others question your manhood. 1 carat and up are always safe bets, though larger hands or lengthy fingers will look better with at least 1.5-2 carats.  Err on the side of practicality as a huge diamond can just also be gaudy and garish and don’t sacrifice quality for a large, underwhelming rock.

The extra credit C: Cost

While some will advise you to save up 3 months to a quarter of your salary, the reality is it is whatever you are comfortable with within your budget. The moment you decide to go with the Cartier, Tiffany, or Harry Winston route, you can be sure to expect to say goodbye to all your pretty pennies in exchange for a serious rock that will carry some name-dropping clout. In the end, just try to be fiscally responsible, while keeping in mind the wise words of Kanye West, “I ain’t saying she’s a gold digger, but she ain’t messin’ with no broke n…” and avoid those toxic Gollum “My Preciousssss” types.