WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE 2009 LOREAL PARIS GOLDEN GLOBES' COMPACT?

Do you like this "luxury compact"? I think it's a real beauty!

Well, all of the Golden Globes' female nominees will be getting one of these fine gifts from Loreal Paris, valued at $3650. The compact was designed by Carelle, a fine jewelry company, and is a shimmering combination of lemon citrine and pale green quartz stones set in 18K yellow gold with diamond details in honor of the Golden Globes.

The compact, entitled "Harmony," evokes a calming, balanced aura with yellow citrines that symbolize optimism, positive energy and enhanced creativity. The yellow is a perfect compliment to green as it represents harmony and "attracts success".

One limited edition compact will be listed for sale through eBay Giving Works, eBay's dedicated program for charity listings, with all funds generated benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). lt will be auctioned on www.ebay.com/lorealparis following the award show, from January 11 through January 18, with an opening bid of $500.

IS MICHELLE OBAMA REALLY INFLUENCING THE DIRECTION OF FASHION?

Well, according to today's NY Times article, she definitely isn't hurting the industry.

Michelle Obama is being recognized for her ability to successfully combine off the rack items from retailers like J Crew, with top designer pieces, and look fabulous in doing so!

Why would this be appealing to the fashion industry? In these tough times with most people spending less, it's refreshing to know that you don't have to "break your bank" in order to look your best. Consumers may spend their money on one really great designer piece that accentuates the more affordable wardrobe that it's combined with. Its a win-win; spending continues to occur in both lower end and higher end retail markets.

Who would be better than the first-lady to show that this concept can be pulled off?

To read today's NY Times article, click here.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So glad that 2009 has arrived!

Let's hope that positive "change" is really coming!!!

WANNA PIMP YOUR HANDBAG?

I'll tell you, there is nothing inconceivable anymore. Someone has decided to add a TV to a handbag-- one of the most hideous ideas that I have ever heard of!

"Bag TV" is what this latest innovation is called-- a handbag equipped with a 7" LCD screen and a DVD/MPEG player built in.

I just want to know who thought a person would need a TV on their purse?

To read more about this nonsense, click here.

A SIDE TOPIC: ANYONE LOOKING FOR GUMDROPS?

My Funny Gumdrop Experience

My fifth grader is having a holiday celebration party in his class on Friday. This past Monday night, the room parent sent out an e-mail to request help and some extra items for the party. One of the things she needed help with was for some people to help coordinate two or three crafts for the kids. Although I am a creative person, I've never contributed an idea for a craft before. I do show up at all holiday parties, though, and help out with crafts. So I thought that maybe I'd offer out an idea this year. My idea: gumdrop pops!

The idea came from Martha Stewart's website, and the candy figurines looked really cute and easy to make. "Piece of cake", I thought. Wrong! I could not find gumdrops anywhere. After going to the candy store in the local mall, Walmart, Smart and Final, Michaels (where I did find a container of small ones), I still needed large ones. After all, the gumdrop pops needed to look like the examples on the paper. Yes, I will claim the perfectionist title. : )

The next day, I continued my journey to find gumdrops, and went to See's Candies. See's had to have them. Wrong again! I perused the store, in search of red and green gumdrops. All of the store clerks were busy ringing up orders. Finally, I got in the short line where you pay for pre-packaged boxes of candy. When I got to the cashier, I asked if they had gumdrops. She looked at me as though my question was unheard of. "No, we don't have them", she answered. I responded, "didn't you carry them in your store before? I thought for sure you had them in plastic bags with a bow on them." I guess I must have stated my question really loud, because in just that instant, the whole store made a roaring sound, and the discussions began. One lady answered, "the gumdrops can usually be found at Easter". You could hear others also claiming that red and green gumdrops once existed. Another lady answered, "try Walmart. I needed gumballs for my store, and I found a big box of them there, in all colors." Now, how did we go from gumdrops to gumballs? Anyhow, I left the store, amused at how gumdrops and gumballs became the topic of discussion just that quick!

My gumdrop dilemna was resolved, after spending at least 20 minutes at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, another mall store. The woman working there, who appeared to be the owner told me, "just go down to Long's or Sav-On Drugstore, and look for the off-brand candies. You will find gumdrops." She was right! I found at least three brands of them! Usually, I frown at the off-brands, but I've never been happier to see those off-brand gumdrops! My search was over, two days later. The funny thing about it is, the kids won't even care where they came from!

THE "MATERIAL GIRL" DOES GOOD WITH LOUIS VUITTON

Check out these new photos of Madonna (courtesy of NY Daily News) , promoting the latest Louis Vuitton handbag line.

So much for the focus being on the handbags-- at age 50, Madonna is in great shape! I'm sure she's open to finding any means to distract from all of the negative publicity she's been getting in her personal life, lately!

WANT TO KNOW HOW TO SPOT A REAL HANDBAG FROM A FAKE?