Friendship and Blogs

I've recently called into question many people I am friends with. I realized that many people I am friends with on Facebook are not people that I'd tell I was getting married on a specific date... or eventually... if I got pregnant. So I deleted a lot of them. I don't need them in my life, at least not until we reconnect at some point. Why become a statistic when you don't need to have _ _ _ _ # of friends? Facebook is for real, true friends. People I'd run up to in a bar elated to see, people who would CALL me on the phone, reply to my texts and email me back. True friends say hey back. Even if they are busy. Say "hey I am busy, can we talk later?" End of story! Simple!

I have also called into question many of the people I follow on Twitter, the people whose blogs I comment on. If you don't comment on my blog (when I comment on yours regularly), or you never bother to reply to something I said to you on Twitter - I delete you.

There are many people who blog who are not who they say they are. I get privacy and not showing pictures of their face - those people I respect. The people I do not respect are the people who blatantly lie about facets of their life. Lie about jobs, social opportunities and friends. Lying to advance your followers and build yourself up is fake. Acting like a show pony.... sad. Those who do not even understand that their social climbing methods are just ridiculous need to figure that out. I bet those people that, not even kidding, their life is still much better and more interesting than Jane Doe up the street. People should be themselves and not care! Privacy, again, doesn't count. Lying... it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. You can be yourself and gain a following. You see people like that all the time in the real world. But some people think they can make up their own world and no one will notice.

I hope people are happy with what I put on here. I am a person with varying tastes. I do not stick to one subject or write about things I do not find interesting or valid. I write for me. But I chose to make this blog public and share my thoughts with you. Thoughts. Not lies. I frequently tell you about my life, because my life has been public for years.

I had a blog in 2000. That is how long I haven't been afraid to write about myself. I challenge anyone to find issue with that. My boarding school did at one point, and made me delete that blog. I did. Some stupid reason like you could vaguely interpret where the school was. Right. It was stupid of me to let them control my life like that. Then a week or two later I formed another one and gave the school the finger, because I lost four years of deep thoughts and shared interests with friends and all of those interesting melancholic moments you have as a teenager by deleting that first blog. I have continued to maintain that second blog. I love it because it is incredibly raw and intense because points of my life have been that way.

Another way I have had a public life? I've been in the press. My family has been in the press. It isn't like you know my address or SSN. So, my life has been public and that isn't something I really care to hide about. I am not a billionaire or a celebrity. But I have interesting stories and have had an above-average upbringing with good moments.

I really plan on making this blog special in the coming months. I graduate in May and more time will be available to do things like my blog and other plans I have for myself. I really hope people continue to follow me on my journey --- because I want you to see where things take me.

Kluge's Magnificent Jewels

Patricia Kluge, probably before her $15 billion divorce settlement from John in the early 1990s.

Formerly fabulous Patricia Kluge didn't just lose her home and real estate this past year, she also lost a lot of beautiful jewels. Prior to her foreclosure issues, she claimed the sale was to "clean closet" of her home in Albemarle ('unloading', you could say to 'concentrate' on her wine business). We know the true reason for this sale now. Regardless, the Sotheby's auction of her jewels was just like the sale of her furniture - fantastic stuff sold at super-inflated prices!

Again, as it was written in Luxist: "Ms. Kluge, who is remarried, is now pursuing a life as a winemaker and decided it was time to change her lifestyle. As such, she felt it was time to part with both Albemarle, the enormous estate in Virginia she called home and the incredible collection of world-class jewels given to her by her ex-husband."

Change her lifestyle indeed! ha!!!

Enjoy the following images of her auctioned property:


Platinum, Diamond and Sapphire “Panthère” Wristwatch, Cartier, French, circa 1985.
EST $100,000-150,000
SOLD at $686,500 (including buyer's premium)



Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring
A rectangular mixed-cut diamond of fancy intense yellow color weighing 27.80 carats, flanked by triangular-shaped diamonds weighing 3.50 carats, mounted in platinum and gold, size 7.
EST $400,000-600,000
SOLD at $602,500 (including buyer's premium)



(seen in the top photo)
Platinum and Diamond Pendant Ear clips
Pear-shaped diamonds weighing 13.16, 11.83, 9.33 and 8.74 carats, set in the center with a cluster of smaller pear-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 20.85 carats.
EST $600,000 to $800,000
SOLD at $1,058,500 (including buyers premium)



18k white gold, diamond and sapphire necklace; platinum, diamond and sapphire ear clips (NOT the ring, however)

Necklace: cushion-shaped sapphires weighing approximately 52.00 carats, round and marquise-shaped diamonds weighing a total of approximately 60.50 carats, length 16½ inches.
EST $100,000 to $150,000
Sold at $158,500 (including buyer's premium)

Ear clips: pear-shaped sapphires weighing approximately 21.75 carats, round sapphires weighing approximately 8.35 carats, and round and oval diamonds weighing approximately 12.00 carats, pendants detachable.
EST $75,000 to $100,000
Sold at $116,500 (including buyer's premium)


Patricia Kluge in a more recent photo:


Read more at the Palm Beach Daily News. And at New York Social Diary.
Photos are property of Sotheby's except where noted.

Wedding Day Jewelry

Because my ring looks like this:



And side view:



And I love pearls...

M told me, in a perfect world, he would love to give me a set of jewelry that would incorporate my new sapphire engagement ring and my love of pearls. As my current set of pearls are mounted on gold, I would love to add a set with platinum or silver as it's mounting material to incorporate my platinum ring. He said maybe he will be able to surprise me with a piece, which I would be thrilled to add onto over the years.

The Elements of Life: Ocean Collection:



Mikimoto writes of their collection saying:

Mikimoto's Elements of Life collection illustrates the company's ongoing initiative to incorporate colour into their jewellery collections. Water, Fire, Earth and Air are the four key elements of life forming harmony in the universe and unity among all living things. The use of coloured gemstones is a natural progression for Mikimoto. The broad range of coloured sapphires contrasts beautifully with cultured pearls.

The first collection to be launched in the UK is Ocean from Elements of Life, which is inspired, by the element of Water. Water represents purity and is known as the sustainer of life. The ocean, the oyster's natural habitat and the birthplace of pearls reflects shades of blue which is interpreted by Mikimoto using graduated shades of blue sapphires adding sparkle to white cultured pearl jewellery designs. Ocean from Elements of Life features necklaces, earrings and rings set with Akoya or White South Sea pearls complemented by graduated shades of blue sapphires.

Has anyone seen this collection before? It is by Mikimoto and is sold in the Virginia area by both Fink's Jewelers and Schwarzchild.

There is a drop necklace:


A stud necklace:


Drop earrings:


And bracelet:


There are many other pieces, but these are my favorites! What do you think?

Fashion Week for Fall 2009

I am loving some collections this year and hating others...

Here are some of my favorites - all pictures should be credited to Marcio Madeira for Style.com, because I love their site as they have the best layout/slideshows to go through the fashions rather quickly.


This gorgeous green number is from Donna Karen/DKNY, and I would like to point out a number of details -
*green color -jewel tones are sticking around
*tights are black and seem to be opaque so they are sticking around for another winter
*the shoes, while I dislike the style, animal print is here again for Fall
*big shiny bag = always going to be in style
*dark, gothic-colored but short-in-length, nails - still an it thing!


This soft blue is by Reem Acra, and I am just infatuated with the color and texture. I love everything about this for an evening gala look.
Repeats I am seeing:
*big necklaces. while not big shiny stones, big ...more earthy elemental stones in matte shades are included
*grecian-style length and necklines
*soft hairstyles


Hervé Léger by Max Azria had another season's worth of interesting styles... but nothing that really had me say wow. I could only find one look that made me happy, while the rest just had me feeling as though we had left a funeral. This one dress, which is classic in Herve Leger standards only made me happy because of it's color and it's texture. I liked the shade used on the dress, and it made me see Fall with the delicate usage of velvet. Cheers, but I hope for better nextime... especially when it comes to the shoes. What the heck was the house thinking with those ridiculous Star Trek esque numbers?!



Diane von Furstenberg had a fun collection. Of course, it is DVF so how could the collection not be fun? However, she shunned other collections and went with a non-somber theme, she wasn't going to let a recession make her clothes look bad. So, the Nomad collection was born! My favorite from her collection was a simple look. Bare legs, long cardigan sweater, and an American-Indian inspired dress. And the hat. Cannot ignore the hats. Thank goodness I have one of my own... although mine isn't as trapper-esque as this one was...

Lastly, we have Lacoste. A prep classic and a favorite of mine when it comes to their Ready-to-Wear items. This season, that title, Ready to Wear, really shone on the runway yesterday. Obviously going for that haute look, items can clearly be plucked from a model and put on an average jane. Whether it's a jacket, sweater, short, cropped pant, pantsuit, skirt, or cardigan... it was evident the collection was going for transition-friendly, which also = buyer-friendly in this economy. I chose two looks...


The first one is a mid-late 1970s look. Very Annie Hall-esque. The color family here is really flattering on the model, and the clothes fit great. This is so prep-friendly I cannot wait to check it out. The tie-front shirt, the suit jacket, the cardigan, skinny belt, and cropped pants all also can say late 1980s, early 1990s. This collection will definitely encourage women to raid their Mom's closets if not their own (age-depending). It would be a perfect late summer to Fall transition outfit.

This second look is more evening or late Fall to me. The shades just say "chance of snow" or "post-work cocktails on me". Again, channelling a classic prep style was obviously inspiration here. I will again say Annie Hall. Mostly because it is menswear with a female cut in mind. I am not positive but those shoes seem suede, and I really could see a true prep stick her Wallabees into an outfit like this and it looking fantastic. Another silk blouse with tie here, and a heavier winter-weight, late Fall jacket was used on top. A classic staple of a navy peacoat would likely work fantastic here as well. The pants seem to be classic professional wool pants... but I bet if you wanted a more relaxed prep-weekend look you could do a corduroy with no problem. A softer shade of deep lavendar was used in the belt, and it almost seems like it is of the texture of the blouse itself, a heavy silk. I could see a scarf used to add in more colors as well, maybe gold jewelry here for a glint of class - although that may make it too Ralph Lauren for some of you, that is the look I would do...

So Many Things

Picture of the Day: Pissed off New Yorkers -

First off - Happy New Year! Late by over 2 weeks, I know, and don't hate me. I hope my readership hasn't completely given up on me! I hope all is well for everyone out there, I am trying to decide whether I will do one post or multiple posts just to save everyone from dealing with LENGTH!

As you all know, I LOOOOVE Gossip Girl - and I love Nikes - so, natch, this viral ad is so awesome!


I know I have some fellow post-Nsync tour days Britney Spears fans here - --- not sure if anyone heard about how her song "If You Seek Amy" could be submitted to radio stations after the FCC was done with it ...btw, anyone else think this is silly? She doesn't actually say F.U.C.K. M.E.? Are kids really this smart these days (that is the ones who aren't already taking sex ed classes?)


Haha. I love Jossip! "O Faces of National Anthem singers for the Super Bowl" ...I think the best one is JoJo, for one, because she must've been someone who used to exist in the pop world (i.e. 1997-2005) - and because I cannot even think of a song that she ever did. Anyone got any info on JoJo for me? Gracias chicas!



Picture caption: Gawker.com
Now, I don't talk politics a lot, but does anyone else feel insulted about all of the hootananny over this President-Elect? Does anyone even remember there previously being a President-Elect seal/sign on podiums? Does anyone remember there being so many special inaugural... whatevers... for all of the other great Presidents before our time and even to the present? Teddy, FDR, or whomever. Now, I think, Obama has even surpassed Kennedy - who had at least actually spent some time IN THE OFFICE - before people started fainting over his existance - and I find that offensive. However, let me conclude by saying, America spoke, and a majority of people found him to be the right candidate. I just am anticipating to see what it is he will do for all of us!

Check out my GF Jennifer from Calista Cove's Life in the Cove blog to see her post on car coats- I LOVE her taste, don't you?

Here are some more simple styles of what she was wearing:

from Bluefly.com, this Andrew Marc is delish:

It only comes in black, and the fur trim is raccoon, which I know sounds gross, but they are actually very soft!


This Nordstrom.com coat by Fleurette is a bit more luxurious:

I like the muted wing collar - this is trimmed in mink.

Please provide my girl Hopsy with some input on her jewelry case situation!! I told her I think her even wanting one is a great idea. It is such a tradition that has been forgotten. My Mom has several, one just for costume jewelry, and it is a big vanity - 3' tall! Yeesh! But def. fun for me to pick through when designers come up with accessories for the seasons. I "borrow" from MaMa!!

Does anyone else find it insane that Oprah, with all of her money, personal chefs, trainers, etc, cannot get the means to keep off at least most of her weight?

Is this legit:
If that is legit, then my brain just exploded. Just like it did in the middle of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade this past November!!!

Who wants to spend a Million on Barack Obama's old Chrysler (Barack Obama, 1Million $, and Chrysler in the same sentence just sounds wrong) ?


I already know about FOUR weddings occurring this year - on my calendar. HOLY CRAP!!! For real? This is totally crazy. I cannot believe that I already have 1/2 as many as I did for the total of 2008. I am afraid! Gah!

Speaking of weddings, does anyone have any input for my GF Muffy Martini? She is going crazy dealing with her invitations issue!


Shoot me now? And doesn't the "Mom" in this ad look like Lady Ferguson?? LOL

Wow

Okay, okay okay - It is now Thursday and I am just getting to the point of returning to make a new post. My mistake!!

All is well here. W&L Homecoming was a sight for sore eyes, I don't waste my money to watch UVA lose in football and I have a greater fondness for Dubyuhnell.

Weather was perfection, my Dad was busy with working so Mom, Mike, and I went out into the glorious crisp/warm Fall day together!

Here is Mike and I - he HAD been wearing a cute J.Crew button-down with a sweater (we had lunch with one set of my grandparents), but he promptly changed into a J.Crew polo before we got to the game...



Here is a picture of my Mom and I. We enjoy going to the games to see what the students are wearing. W&L is a pretty interesting school. If people aren't incredibly wealthy or middle class, then they are international or scholarship students - but everyone is fashionable in their own spectrum of tastes. It's kind of like when Harper's Bazaar does one of those maps-of-fashion articles? It's like that. Pretty spiff! This time we saw either girls dragging out Lilly (OUT OF SEASON DUH) or pretty jewel-tone shift dresses (tres chic).
I think Mom has my J.Crew cashmere and wool blend turtleneck sweater around her shoulders...


So we had a good time. W&L kicked old Macon's butt! As my Grandpapa put it, "W&L is playing your Alma Mater's Tiddlywinks team!" HA! I don't even really get that joke but it's cute nonetheless.

After the game, Mike and I walked into campus from Wilson Stadium just so I could show him around the campus. I had fun poking around the W&L Bookstore for Christmas ideas I could give Mom and Dad - which I had big luck on!! I saw some adorable headbands, a pink and green W&L baseball cap, a pink W&L sweatshirt-material tunic dress, and of course all of their Vineyard Vines stuff! I plan on poking around in there for some presents for some of my girlfriends, too!

Not much else went on over the weekend. Just some general studying and trying to get ahead in some assignments as Mike and I are taking off to head up to Yankee territory for the Federal Govt holiday weekend. We are using vacay days for tomorrow to drive up to the Yankee land to save time for the rest of the holiday weekend. I am amped up to meet the rest of his family and spend time with his friends. It should be a lot of fun!

Been scoping out Christmas ideas online too:

an Apple iTouch for those roadtrips Mike and I take together...


A pair of Christian Louboutins ($555 at Bergdorfs *normally less than Net-A-Porter and better selection than Bluefly, btw):



Another custom Boat and Tote bag. My family and I gave my cousin one for a high school graduation present and I think that I could use one for carrying books to class, walking from my parking spot to my office, etc.
Maybe not as fancy as this one, but one in forest green with the long handles and zip-top might be perfect!!



Lily Pulitzer Bexley Dress:



Tiffany & Co. Bean bracelet:



Lemon Tree Papierie Pink and Brown toile foldover note:



Okay, that is enough for now, of course I could go on for HOURS. ha! Back to work, but I will be better about posting with greater frequency!!

xoxo

Shameless Promotion

Hey all - Happy Friday! Some shameless promotion here - would LOVE for all of you faboo friends to check out my Aunt Gail's website - she does jewelry, art, manuscripts, and glass pieces. Very talented! Check it out at: http://www.gailsart.com

xo
Whit