Chelsea Clinton's Wedding Jewelry

Chelsea Clinton's diamond engagement ring is one of the most sought-after styles of the summer, so it comes as no surprise that the blogosphere is abuzz with details about the rocks she'll wear down the aisle tomorrow.

Will she go the American princess route in a diamond tiara like Carrie Underwood did on her big day?


Or will she keep things classic and timeless like last year's A-list bride, Ivanka Trump?

What we do know from ABC News is that the rumored jewelry budget is upwards of $250,000 - enough to bring on even more security for the Rhinebeck, NY nuptials.

And Momma Clinton, now that she's got better things to do than avoid a nuclear holocaust, was spotted toting that light-blue indicator of deep-pocketed taste - a Tiffany bag - to Chelsea's building earlier today. Things are starting to look delicious already.

And while you know my favorite bridal buzz is all about the bling, this hilarious budget item comes a close second:

The Clintons are spending $15,000 for heated port-o-potties with classical music chimed in for good measure. Because what's a port-o-potty experience without a little Puccini, right?

Stay tuned for more Chelsea Clinton wedding details! I didn't get an invite - neither did President Obama, ok? - but I'll be on the hunt for all the latest dish.

Speaking of, did you hear the Bristol Palin/Levi Johnston wedding may be off? You'll never guess why...

Engagement story

We got engaged in New York. He was there on business and I'd joined him there for the weekend. Whilst he was in meetings, I was busy popping into all the expensive jewellery stores on Fifth Avenue, looking for the ring (I wasn't going to let him choose!). That was so much fun.

I knew it was going to be Tiffany's, though. Walking into their flagship store was an experience in itself and upstairs where all the engagement rings are (or were, at least), I even saw (a) Holly Golightly! Seriously.

I chose two rings and 'reserved' them. The sales assistant was polite but not super friendly or anything. He did ask for my boyfriend / fiancé's name before I left.

And the next day, we walked in. He recognised me, then looked at my fiancé. He suddenly became the most charming person ever. With a big smile, he walked over to meet us and addressed my fiancé by name. Maybe I should have been offended by this transformation but I was too amazed and impressed!

Another funny thing I remember is that every time we wanted to look at a ring by the big window (different lighting), the sales assistant had to 'inform' the bodyguard. Yes, there was a bodyguard standing by the window! Did they think we were going to jump out of the window with the ring?! 

Now tell me your story! Did you know he was going to propose? Did you choose the ring with him? 

Or how do you want it to be?

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Say cheese!

I am seriously addicted to Parmesan!

I can't seem to live without it these days. I use it in salads, soups, pasta and risotto dishes obviously, and fish for (I think) the first time last night (it was a Jamie Oliver recipe). The official website says Parmesan is perfect as a starter, main and dessert! (See their serving suggestions here.)

Dessert? Yes, apparently you can have parmesan with fruit. Have you tried it? I'm not too sure about this.

But what I'm even more unsure about is parmesan ice cream. What do you think?!

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Beauty sleep is not a myth

Now I have another good reason to dislike those people from last week: not only did they damage my new car, they robbed me of my beauty sleep!

"Beauty sleep is not a myth and sleep does lessen the severity of wrinkles in the face and neck, at least temporarily. This period of deep sleep... contributes to what people call "beauty sleep" as secretion of growth hormone helps repair and rebuild body tissues like muscle and bone. It is not just lack of sleep that negatively affects body fat percentage and the risk of chronic disease—poor sleep quality does as well." (source) 

I've talked about the Sleep Cycle app on my iPhone before (here and here). I looked back at my sleeping patterns following the accident (story here) and sure enough, I've been sleeping poorly.

To set the scene: the night before, I slept like a baby. Perfect beauty sleep.

Then the incident. I was really upset and couldn't sleep.

Next night: exhausted. I went to bed just after 9pm. I thought I slept ok. But I seem to have spent quite a few of those hours 'awake'.

After that: even worse. Not much (deep) sleep at all.

I hope you are getting enough beauty sleep!

Real Housewives' Teresa Giudice: Diamonds, Debt and Delusion

(EPISODE SPOILER ALERT!)

Diamond jewelry is often the perfect way to celebrate a big anniversary like your 10th. There's the three-stone 'past, present, future' ring, an anniversary band, a nice pair of diamond studs - all possibilities at prices that will put you back a few hundred or maybe a grand if you shop smart.

But say, oh, you're $11 million in the red? Maybe this isn't the best time in the world to ask for a buncha (insert Eartha Kitt growl) "Diamondzzzzzzz", right? But that's not our delusional friends, Teresa and Joe Giudice from the Real Housewives of New Jersey.

How stupid, I mean, delusional can you be?


Exhibit A: When Teresa brings up that she wants anniversary diamondzzzzz to her friend Jacqueline, Jacqueline wants more details:

Jacqueline: "The Crown Jewels?

Teresa: "No, not the Crown Jewel," Teresa scoffs. "What do you think I am, Arabic or something ... Or wait, is that Indian?"

Exhibit B: In their CHARTERED HELICOPTER RIDE OVER MANHATTAN to celebrate their anniversary because that's what you do when you're $11 million short - curious Joe asks the pilot,

"That's a nice park in the middle of the city."

Pilot: "That's Central Park."

You're a lifelong Jersey resident and that little tidbit of geography didn't trickle down to you at some juncture? A diamond may be forever but this stuff is just priceless.

So, in the end? Teresa got her diamond wish and then some - a huge yellow diamond ring smushed in a chocolate dessert that had to have put Einstein back an SUV or two. When you're $11 million in the hole, what's a few more zeros?

Did I mention they are $11 million in debt?

What did you guys think of her rock? Real or fugazi? And what about Danielle Staub busting out with her (HUGE) diamond engagement ring from her EX HUSBAND to wear to her daughter's Sweet Sixteen party in front of his new (smaller-diamond-wearing) wife?

Just when you thought the class had left in a chartered helicopter over Central Park...

Bejeweled Sports Bra Breaks Price Record

Jewelry hounds, over the years I've promised to bring you bizarre jewelry tidbits from around the globe - from luxury dog beds and bejeweled Barbie Dolls to gemstone gadgets and a solid gold Kate Moss. But of all the strange places to find our favorite treasure, I never thought jewelry and sweat would make interesting bed fellows.

Luxist reports that the most expensive sports bra is now on the market - an $1850 creation that includes a Swarovski crystal neckline and a detachable sterling silver charm bracelet and necklace.

What's next? Jewel-encrusted jock straps?

Maybe I'm being too harsh? The Trenta Bra from BodyRock Sport's "Show 'Em Off" collection could be the perfect way to break the ice with those oh-so-serious Soul Cyclers. My guess is? Your yoga class will want to make your next 'corpse pose' a reality.

Look, if you like silver jewelry - great! More power to you. But I don't see the reason behind adding it to something that's designed to keep the jiggle, jangle to a minimum in the first place. Am I right?

What do you guys think? Is the Trenta Bra a fun fashion statement or a frivolous publicity stunt?

The French Riviera

I'm going to the south of France in August!

A friend of mine has a house there and she has invited me over! I am only going for a few days because I have other commitments but it doesn't matter. I'm taking my son with me (my poor husband has to work!) so we'll probably spend lots of time doing nothing by the pool. I can't wait!

Have you ever been to the Côte d'Azur?

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Shadow art

What does this look like to you?

It's supposed to be a dog. It's a bit of hand shadow art... created with my hands, I'm proud to add. Well, at least I thought it was pretty good until I saw...

These by a professional duo:

And these - made with rubbish! Incredible!

How talented a shadow artist are you?! 

'Neil Lane Bridal' Tickles Tinseltown

Celebrity jeweler, Neil Lane, never met a Hollywood wedding he didn't bedazzle, so his client list is long and loaded with heavy hitters like Ellen Degeneres, Nicole Richie and the entire Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise.

Last Thursday, the designer celebrated his new, moderately priced bridal collection with Kay Jewelers at a Hollywood fete, and the red carpet was loaded with leading ladies.

The 'cutest couple' award goes to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who showed off their Neil Lane wedding bands.

Ashlee Simpson Wentz flashed her 4-carat Neil Lane engagement ring from rocker hubby, Pete Wentz, while confessing of her sister, Jessica, "She is happy, so we are all really happy."


Kristin Davis showed up in black and white diamonds, confessing to reporters that a 3rd SATC movie is 'unlikely'. (Ya think?)



And Eva Longoria Parker stunned in black Gustavo Cadile and loads of diamond ice.


I think the Neil Lane Bridal collection is the perfect way for humble grooms to give a celebrity twist to the bended knee ritual thanks to prices that are hundreds of thousands less than a typical Lane look.

Check out Jewelry.com for more info on the Kay Jewelers/Neil Lane partnership - and check out the vintage-inspired product pics here on kay.com. Yum!

Fancy Italian

We go to a lot of good Italian restaurants but few are really fancy like the one we went to recently.

It started with the raw vegetables that were brought to our table as soon as we sat down. Cooled with ice cubes - that was a nice touch - and served with a delicious mayonnaise-garlic-chili dip. And I was so thrilled to see 'Bellini' on the drinks menu that I ended up ordering two.

The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente. It was with truffles, bacon and peas (also perfect, not mushy!). I had fish soup (actually a starter) for my main course (I often do this because I can't eat huge portions) and my husband had fish.

As if that weren't enough, the dessert was out of this world. It was a liquid dessert: sorbet with prosecco and vodka! Boy was I feeling rather *happy* by the end of this meal, if you know what I mean...

I liked the restaurant's modern decor, as well. Especially the tables that had special slits along the edges to tuck in the tablecloth.

Planning on going out to any restaurants this weekend? 

Mad About Mad Men Jewelry - Season 4

Jewelry hounds, our beloved Mad Men is back for a 4th season this Sunday! And aside from a Monday morning martini hangover, nothing is going to keep me from rejoicing at the swinging sixties jewelry fashion.

Janie Bryant, the series' award-winning costume designer, is injecting a bit of mod into the wardrobe this season as the plot advances to a post-JFK-assassination 1964.

These pics from the AMC website already have me drooling:

How much do we love this rhinestoned Joan look with her signature brooch?



Or this yellow gold look with the tassle pendant we've seen now in every season? (Yes, Janie Bryant. We're keeping track!)


Betty Draper continues to channel Jackie O:


And my favorite - Peggy Olson - is sporting a new do and a little more sparkle this season as she continues to climb the corporate ladder.



I'm also excited to report that Janie Bryant is sharing her period inspiration with the masses with her new clothing and jewelry line for QVC aptly called, "Mod by Janie Bryant".


She tells The Huffington Post,

"It's definitely vintage inspired and I just designed pieces that I really love from periods of the 50's and 60's so it's not Mad Men, it's vintage inspired but the pieces are real statement pieces and I think they can change one's look in an instant. The pieces are really fun. I love the jewelry. I love the handbag too."

The line will launch on September 29th, with 10-15 pieces of costume jewelry priced from $26 to $138.

What do you think of all this 60s jewelry style making a come back? Up your alley? Or best left in the past?

In the meantime, I'm breaking out my pencil skirt and sweater set for this Sunday at 10pm on AMC! Dirty martinis all around!

Thank you everyone and L'Oréal

Dearest friends: thank you so much for your support and for sharing your stories (for those of you who missed the news, an incompetent female idiot reversed into my new car this week). Your kind words made me feel so much better; I didn't feel like I was alone and I really can't thank you enough! So here are some pretty flowers for all of you... 

Oh and if anybody knows any voodoo or how to channel fury and do harm from a distance, let me know asap!

* * *

I also want to thank L'Oréal. I was wearing a new mascara that day called Volume Million Lashes that did not make me look like a panda / witch in my moments of distress.

It has the kind of hard plastic brush that I like. The application is quite smooth and it doesn't clump.

But the real test was the 'accident' and the buckets of tears that I shed afterwards and:

1. the mascara did not sting (unlike my past experience with other L'Oréal mascaras, read about it here)

2. it did not budge too much and it kept my eyelashes separate, and

3. I still looked like I was wearing mascara at the end of each crying session.

All of this was without rubbing my eyes, of course. You know that when the eyes are wet - whether from rain or tears - it's best not to touch them.

Now I'm coming around to your blogs to say hello...