Temple of Glam

I was never the hardcore go out-and-play kinda' kid. But one all-too-vivid park memory involves me at age 7 on the see-saw...alone. Yeah, it gets worse.

As I pondered what past life to blame for my grounded position, a boy (about 9 or 10) hopped on the other side and we see-sawed our little hearts out. Until. He jumped off and ran to play somewhere else. As I crashed back down to reality, I was back to my introspective state with a sore butt. I'm fighting to not make this memory a metaphor for my childhood.

Moving on...last week I stopped by Hilary Park's jewelry store. I was super stoked to see how she incorporates astrological-isms in her hand-crafted silver and gold pieces. You know I was interested if I traveled to Brooklyn to  see her earrings, necklaces, and bracelets (starting at $80).

Oh, the pieces she showed: industrial, but undeniably influenced by nature. In short, they're striking.

From the tough girl, leather-woven Whip Stitch Cuff ($475) to the Winding Path Cuff ($1500), I was in awe of the stunning workmanship and the passion Hilary (understandably) has for her designs. And then as I fawned over the Frida Kahlo pendant, she mentioned she created a similar one in Basquiat's image...crowns and all. She was also nice enough to give me a customized citrine (prosperity) pendant on her signature leather cord. Prosperity? Bring it.

When Iman slaps her thigh and tells you to get the bag, you get the dang bag. Last night I found myself at the Platinum collection preview, running to the next room for my favorite bag. See? All that time watching "Supermarket Sweep" paid off.

Platinum is the newest addition to the IMAN Global Chic brand, offering moderately priced, yet majorly luxe apparel and accessories. And let me tell you, we're not talking stiff faux leather...we're talking yummy suede and genuine leather with details like pony hair.

Yup, the butter-soft, chocolate brown bag above, which Iman calls "the ultimate carry-on" is a must have in my eyes...and heart.

Iman will appear on HSN today to debut Platinum. The rest of the styles from the line (including the carry-on bag of my dreams) will air on October 26th!

There are certain songs that choke me up without fail. Tupac's "Dear Mama" and Boyz II Men's "A Song for Mama" are definitely at the top of that list. I also fight tears when I have a real-deal conversation with my mom like the one I had the other day.

I am grateful she raised me to know that however I looked, whatever I wore, or whomever I loved was perfect; I never doubted she'd love me unconditionally. It wasn't until I became a woman that I realized how profound (and rare) that is for many girls.

So of course I was psyched for last week's Accessories Council Mother's Day Top Picks Event. I was simultaneously nervous that I'd keep everything for myself like I did with my Valentine's Day goodies.  Because it was in fact, an Accessories Council event, I knew without fail, I'd be presented with fantastic gift ideas from brands like Michael Kors, Givenchy, and even Sky Mall (for traveling mamacitas).

Since the gifts below are intended for Mother's Day, I vow to give my mom more than what I keep. Though I MIGHT need you to keep me honest.

Front row: Maria Brito Interior Designs can spruce up mom's casa. Susan Beard Customized Soy Candle. She'll love this Judith Jack Necklace.

Second row: Style will be made in the shade (wow, that was so corny!) with this Dorfman Pacific Hat. And speaking of shades...how cute are these Michael Kors sunnies and this MCM leather rabbit keychain? Show her the bling with this Givenchy necklace. I think this red Noon Copenhagen for Skymall watch is money for spring. Nothing says, mother like this BELK bead charm bracelet. I'm serious. One charm says, "Happy Mother's Day". And don't forget her Hair Rules!

Third row: If your mom is like mine, she'll be all over this Nine West animal print tote. Maybe she can rock it to a fancy dinner ar a great restaurant like, Rouge Tomate.

Now I adore my mom. ADORE, but she ain't getting this Good Charma Bracelet or this Colette Malouf Headband (What?! She doesn't even wear headbands!)

And finally, whether she's your mother, aunt, grandma, or sister, here's to the "mama" in your life:

Valentine's Day can conjur up a range of feelings in different people. I've already mentioned what happens to me at the very sight of Russell Stover chocolates; for those who don't remember, I take a one-way trip to Puke Town (sorry, grandma).

So let's be real. Whether you're in a relationship or not, Valentine's Day can be a big ol' cliche wrapped in a huge red bow.

As a result, this week I'm on a quest to scope out Valentine's Day gifts that are (dare I say) interesting and hell, maybe even appropriate for singletons! That said, I give you the Tough Love Necklace ($34). I love this sterling silver and pewter number because it's applicable to the "single", "in a relationship", and even the "it's complicated" folks.

For the singles, it's a reminder that you gotta' stay strong in the crazy dating world. For the "in a relationship" peeps, love is a beautifully resilient thing. For the "it's complicated" clan, love can sometimes feel like he's taken a hammer and smashed your heart to smithereens. Poetic, ain't it?

As much as I try to escape to Denial Isle, Valentine's Day is almost here. I know this because my stomach is in knots at the very thought of Russell Stover chocolates. And cherubic Cupid? I have a few choice words for him.

So when I got an invite to attend the Accessories Council Top Valentine's Day Gifts event, I dared them (psychically, of course) to wow me.

Last night I sat with my fashion-blogging compadres sipping MOET & Chandon and promising myself a cupcake after the presentation. I was ready to behold affordable and pretty perfect gifts for Valentine's Day. All right, enough with the talk, check out the goods:

(from left to right...sorta)

A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR A MOUTH FACIAL (A $250 VALUE)* & ORAL THERAPY TOOTHPASTE FROM REJUVENATION DENTISTRY

A BOX OF VEGAN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES FROM CORNELIA GUEST

A CUPCAKE DECORATING KIT FROM CUPCAKE CUTIES

NEVER SAY NEVER SHAPING PANTIES FROM COSABELLA (p.s. I never thought a shaper could be SEXY!)

ULTRA CONDITIONER FROM HAIR RULES

MR. POSTMAN SATCHEL FROM KATHY VAN ZEELAND

A CHAIN-LINK SHOULDER BAG FROM B. MAKOWSKY

A BRACELET SET FROM JOAN BOYCE FOR HSN & RING FROM AVON

SOLID PERFUME FROM BOYFRIEND

3-D SUNGLASSES FROM CALVIN KLEIN & A $40 GIFT CARD FROM AMC THEATERS

A PAIR OF SLIPPERS FROM DEARFOAMS

A HEART-SHAPED BOX OF CHOCOLATES FROM GODIVA

A SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL WATCH FROM ARMITRON

For the record, after this event, I almost felt excited about Valentine's Day.

*I'll fill you in on the details (including teeth cleaning and facial massage) as soon as I go!

Are you there Hair, Diary?  It's me, Cat.

I confess, this morning's rain made me want to curl up and play hookie.  I'm glum and bored and uninspired.  I can't even bring myself to talk about hair.  And we can always talk about hair.  So, allow me to talk about...scarves to cover my hair.  Yep, Jackie O and Nicole Richie-style.  While I didn't have their style cojones to wear one to work, on my way out tonight, I wrapped one on and threw caution to the wind (or drizzle).

When I returned home, I decided to play my usual game of "If My Bank Account Had a Few More Zeros" and perused the internet for some fun scarves to adorn my noggin.  Here's what I found:

A good place to begin?  Etsy.  They have so many hand-painted wonders.  The one above matches my blue mood.

Next up is a scarf that reminds me it's time to plan a vacation to a far-away place.  This one is the Marrakesh scarf.   If only I were there....

This scarf is called the Fishy Skull scarf, which made me smile.  Hence why it made the list.

Last but certainly not least,  the gold standard of scarves (and it happens to be gold).  This one would do my head proud.

Here's to a little bit of sunshine on a gloomy day, Hair Diary.  Hopefully next week, we'll meet under better circumstances.

xo,

Cat (as in it's raining Cats and Dogs out there)

-Posted by: Cathy Spinley