Tiffany dahling

Tiffany, the legend
As a Canadian, I too, have become enthralled with the legend of Tiffany.  A couple of weeks ago I had myself a goof-off day.  

Goof off day
A goof off day was when I had a day off in the middle of the week.  I put all my responsibilities and "to do" lists away and headed out to go to where my heart took me.  

The mall
This was a different meandering than my typical blog meandering, this was in my little car and an empty wallet (on purpose).  I set out to a mall I hadn't been to for a good three years.  Odd, for someone like me but then again not so when you recognize I hate battling crowds and near crash parking episodes.

One purpose
I did have one item that needed to be taken care of:  my iPad mini had stopped working so I wanted to go to the only Apple Store in Calgary for them to have a look to see what had happened to my dearly beloved iBooks.  

An addiction
Reading is my tool de force and admitted addiction.  My Apple iPad Mini had stalled and I had purchased books on it.  Goodness me, thankfully it was not in the middle of reading one of my secret vices:  thrillers.

Tiffany's
Once I had the mighty techie from Apple fix my iPad all up and off to go, it was time for me to head off to my hearts desire:  discovery.  Right beside The Apple Store was Tiffany's.  Not even when I was in New York did I go into Tiffany's and realized this was what a goof off day was all about:  go where my heart and soul wanted to go.

A tradition
I have always known that any smart man knows that his proposal to his bride to be has to include a gasp, a cry of gratitude  and exclamation over beauty that automatically accompanies the blue box.  One can't help that any hesitation or reservation on saying "I do" is automatically wiped away from the mere sight of the blue box.

Join me for a journey celebrating what any gal any age dreams of owning ..... something from Tiffany.

Crowned with a white ribbon, the Tiffany Blue Box is an international symbol of style and sophistication.

The legend of Tiffany's

THE Tiffany Blue box

The world has been enthralled with the distinctive Tiffany Blue Box since the very beginning. It was Charles Lewis Tiffany who mandated that the coveted boxes could only be acquired with a Tiffany purchase. As reported by the New York Sun in 1906, "Tiffany has one thing in stock that you cannot buy of him for as much money as you may offer, he will only give it to you. And that is one of his boxes."

Glimpsed on a busy street or resting in the palm of a hand, Tiffany Blue Boxes make hearts beat faster, and epitomize Tiffany’s great heritage of elegance, exclusivity and flawless craftsmanship.

(except from www.tiffany.com)

THE KING OF DIAMONDS

Founder Charles Lewis Tiffany had an abiding 

passion for the most beautiful diamonds in the world.

Pioneers of Design

Since its founding, Tiffany has been at the forefront of the world’s greatest design movements. Its Japanesque silver won Tiffany the highest honors at the 1878 Paris World Exposition and at the turn of the twentieth century, Louis Comfort Tiffany emerged as an Art Nouveau leader. From glamorous, geometric Art Deco pieces and bold cocktail-style creations to the nature-inspired works of Jean Schlumberger and Elsa Peretti, Tiffany has broken new ground time and again with exceptional designs that remain relevant today.

TIFFANY DESIGNS JAZZ AGE GLAMOUR

Tiffany’s spectacular jewelry vividly mirrored the sumptuous fashion and exuberant spirit of the Roaring Twenties. In 2013, Tiffany presented an extraordinary collection that celebrates American glamour at the height of the Jazz Age. Much of the inspiration for these stunning designs came straight from the Tiffany Archives, and the pieces brilliantly express all the energy and optimism of New York City in that most marvelous of times.

The Gatsby Collection 

As America’s foremost jeweler during the vibrant 1920s, Tiffany dressed the most stylish names of the era in extraordinary designs. The exuberant spirit and cosmopolitan chic of the Jazz Age inspired a modern collection of breathtaking jewels.

DAZZLING DISCOVERIES

Over the years, Tiffany & Co. has introduced the world to diamonds of breathtaking brilliance and a marvelous selection of previously unknown colored gemstones.

Rare and Radiant

Tiffany’s expertise in exceptional yellow diamonds dates back to 1878 when Charles Lewis Tiffany purchased the 287.42-carat Tiffany Diamond. Cut into a cushion-shape brilliant weighing 128.54 carats, this priceless stone is one of the most important yellow diamonds in the world, drawing thousands of visitors to the New York flagship each year.

A breathtaking symbol of Tiffany’s exquisite diamond heritage and brilliant craftsmanship, the Tiffany Diamond inspired Tiffany’s magnificent yellow diamond designs

World eras

Tiffany's can be associated with most world events or what fashion trends are catching on by storm.  Ever prevalent to add the glamour to any look before us.

Already married?

Start off with the symbolic Tiffany bracelet (shown below) or necklace.  Priced at $570Cdn.  Give her this and she'll be happy she did say I DO!

Heart Tag Key Bracelet

Inspired by the iconic key ring first introduced in 1969, the Return to Tiffany collection is a classic reinvented. This elegant bracelet embodies the collection's timeless and celebrated aesthetic.

–Sterling silver and RUBEDO® metal

–Size medium, 7.25" long

BLING it on ....

Diamonds are a girls best friend.

Ok fellas, soon it will be Christmas and are you going to be one of those sheepish men out on its eve, madly swirling around the cosmetic counters, prey to the stylish babes who are ready to squirt perfume on you, shellshock you with all the choices, then twirl some ribbon around your gift? ... then voila!  You're good to go for another year.

Allow me to be bold for the babe in your life and give you a big hint:  ladies love bling.   Now, not many, and not even a few could afford this diamond but in her eyes, any bling says to her, from you, that you GET her.  Well, you've got her and likely a diamond is nestled on her finger with the band that signifies LIFE together, forever.

Before you start groaning.  Don't be so stubborn.  You have almost 20 whole days to startle your lady with something that reflects the sparkles in her eyes when you buy her something that shines, saying:  "I love you" every time she wears her new gift.  Right?

Don't start sweating and start running away.  I'm not going to drill you on whether your last minute purchase is really about the beautiful hotness convincing you that this is the perfume that your lady would love.  Just remember, she'll love it because it is from YOU, her man, her main squeeze, the hunkster husband.  A perfume ensemble is going to set you forward $150-$200.

You probably grumble that she has wayyyyy to many purses, you couldn't possible choose one that she would adore.  Think again.   How could she possible think anything but love (especially if you know the "IN" names in bags these days):

Voeevodd Reg.$277 Sale $80.88 (71% off)

Deck her out in style with a complete ensemble that will warm her up in more ways than one.  This can be found with the right name on it:  COACH.  The latest "shearling look" will communicate to the world that lady is in touch with the latest trends.

IF you do consider

going with COACH crossover, these boots are so adorable when enhanced by the "shearling" cuff.

Before you have a heart attack when Tiffany comes up, remember, there's a staple necklace, that anyone would adore, at around $392. Cdn, it won't set you back as much as you think.

If on the day of Christmas you want her to sing: "my true love gave to me" think this amazing set of tanzanite which is the NEW diamond every gal should have in a collection:

The Seleste Collection will set you back more than a pretty penny.  The pendant is $5,500, the earrings $8,800 and the ring $4,100.  

For almost $20,000 it SHOULD be a gal's dream come true.

Now that you've had a mild stroke and the sweat is pooling off your brow, it is time to settle down and consider some lovely fashion jewellery that can cause a stir with your good taste.

I found a great location in a Farmer's Market locally that was selling genuine Blue Topaz pendants. Forget about hinting at Tiffany's first.   There are plenty of reputable jewellers like People's Jewellers in Canada who had this moderately priced at  $229.  Not really my style, but I wouldn't complain ... if there were matching earrings.  Just kidding ...... um sort of.

Their enticing words

were:

Offer her your heart and say, "I love you." A gracefully looping 10K white gold ribbon gently suspends the heart-shaped 12.0mm blue topaz featured in this charming pendant. The soft and serene blue hues sparkle beautifully with six brilliant diamond accents. Delicately suspended, the pendant rests on a rope chain 17.0 inches in length with a spring-ring clasp. Make her December birthday unforgettable with the gift of blue topaz birthstone jewellery.

There are lots of pretty and funky jewellery around 

to suit versatile tastes.  

Some fellows may have a greater

challenge to impress with 

those having ladies that don't

usually wear jewellery.  I'd

suggest a dainty gold one in

that case.

You can't go wrong with an extra long one either.  They're popular with the young or older set, adding charm to a casual ensemble or a business blouse.

Not everyone inherits their grandmother's pearls, so you could start your own heritage.

Well, that should kick start things for you.  There is plenty of time still to buy online and most places will ship for free.  If not, there are enough choices out there that you can bypass the ones that don't.  Don't underestimate sites like Amazon.com to have everything that you can dream up all in the same place.  Think of a bestselling book -- or even an adult coloring book.    You could always ask if they provide gift wrapping and you'd have it made .... long before Christmas Eve with all the other schmucks who haven't realized that online shopping is a time saver with a lot of ideas, even if they're not diamonds, at your fingertips.  Just DON'T fall for buying her a gadget -- that is what YOU like.

A woman on a mission

This blog has been evolving since it first started in March 2015 as a result of not always wanting to write about business, leadership or sales as I do on my optioneerJM blog.  I am thankful for those followers, and want to keep on track to write the articles there that many of my foundlings started out getting to know me.

However, as a self-described "fabulous fashionista fighting fifty" I realized that sometimes I just wanted to write with abandon and be freedom of self-expression or reflection.   It stemmed from loving to assemble great finds, whether it be art, photography, beauty tips or fashion statements.

"I want you to experience this Blog.  It would be great to be a vision for Baby Baby Boomers' experience and perspective.  Helping and entertaining is just a byproduct of doing what you love."                         

 I like to ramble on about what is concerning me in my world.  Least to say lately, that would be what happened in Paris.  I will probably dedicate writing about that on its own because it bothers me what happened.

Not to be conceited or to blow my own horn, but over the span of my lifetime, I have been noted for having a strong style sense.  At 5ft0in (rounded up from 4ft11in), busty, with more of a muscular build than a swelt frame, I have to work a little harder at finding what suits me.  

I have been a major fan of accessories, with a weakness for shoes that MUST have purses to match, that should be coordinated with the rest of the assemble, I think about what I'm going to wear.  

I passed a pink moonstone ring by the other week, regrettably.

Jewellery captures beauty by creations with masterful artisans or gemologist that make me almost drool.  I have a pretty fair collection, but nothing that would threaten the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, famed for her diamonds.  I'm innocent in that regard.  Born in April, diamond is my birthstone, and a privilege to own.  I don't selfishly collect it.  I just spoil myself once in a while when something attracts me, of less rare stones, while still beautiful.  



Wandering around vintage boutiques, thrift shops and charity stores, I love to find treasures that have been glazed over by others.  I have kicked myself for not buying something that I knew was beautiful and a one of a kind ... to me.

I make beauty mistakes, whether it being a hair color that is too dramatic for me or make up that isn't always so flattering.  I've written about my eyelash folly and discovered a better natural way to plump up the volume since then (stay tuned).

I have learned over time what suits me and don't mind being the most over dressed at an event.  It is not to show off.  Sometimes it is merely by luck to assemble the right outfit with the right accessories, the right footwear with a matching purse.  

Having a blog like this, I can fantasize about wearing something quite off-the-wall or not age appropriate.  That's the beauty of having an outlet like this blog to express myself.  Not necessarily by what I'd want to wear, but a look that would suit others of other generations or age groups.

I'd wear this but with a colorful scarf and accessories to match ... the boots with heels a must for me

Perhaps others can learn some tricks or looks that I've come up with.  There is always Polyvore, that allows someone to create fantasy looks, that may not compliment their frame, personality, or age.  That's good.  We need a place as adults to go beyond dress up dolls or Barbies.  

Be sure to wander back to my page as it strikes you.  The page itself may have updates on a great movie I recommend, art that has resonated with me, or images that strike my fancy.  It's chalk full of stuff.  Images.  Reading recommendations for books or blogs.  It is ever changing and constantly evolving.

One of my favorite places in Calgary during winter, skating with music in the background