utOPIa

The act of pilgrimage is among the highest demonstrations of devotion. Mecca, Jerusalem, St. Peter's Square--there is something affirming and inspirational that comes with journeying to a sacred space where great teachers and innovators have walked.

For me, a 3rd generation OPI nail lacquer devotee, that place is Studio City, California...12246 Ventura Blvd. to be exact... home of the newly opened ROB|B OPI Concept Salon

The salon, a labor of love and brainchild of Robbie Schaeffer--son of OPIs CEO & founder George Schaeffer, is the unofficial holy land of the 28 year old company... and probably the greatest idea since "I'm Not Really A Waitress." The salon's self-stated objective is "to provide excellent services using OPI products exclusively, while providing a comfortable atmosphere that will enhance our client’s physical appearance and soothe their mind all within a 'green' environment." Ummm... okay that sounds awesome!

I step into the holy grail and I'm immediately excited. To my right is a nail bar for "mini manis" and a the months featured facial which involed larges glorious chucks of anti-oxidant rich chocolate. To my left was a ginormous selection of OPI nail color! After finding my long lost favorite color "Kinky in Helsinki," I proceed to get one of the best manicures I've gotten in a LONG time...possibly ever.

The prices at ROB|B are a little bit higher than the average strip-mall drop-in spots. The Essential Manicure is $30 and includes a hand/arm massage (a real one... not some lady smacking your forearms for 20 seconds). But this is not your average nail salon. I was impressed with the overall health of my nails when I left. From the Avojuice and Nail Envy to the Avoplex Cuticle Oil and the polish itself, my hands were much better when I left than when I came in. Not to mention first time visitors get the world's best "welcome gift" ( I'm not telling what in it, but its worth it)!

To top off my almost religious experience, Robbie was there in the salon that day, and maybe...just maybe I was happier to snap a pic with him than I was when I got a photo of me and Pooh Bear at disneyworld when I was 7.

My trip only deepened my love for the products that have kept me feeling all grown up ever since I raided my Nana's vanity way back in the day, and I vow that if I ever give birth to a lil' Maven the indoctrination shall continue!!!

Belle of the (Inaugural) Ball

America is just 2 weeks away from what may prove to be one of the biggest Inaugural Ball scenes in history. And while most I-ball excitement is centered around our President-elect and the kick-off to his administration's first 100 days in office, the second, and perhaps most feverish anticipation is about one thing, and one thing only:

WHAT IS MICHELLE OBAMA GOING TO WEAR TO THE INAUGURAL BALL!

I'd venture to guess that never in a million years did Barack Obama imagine that one of the landmark moments of his (and even our collective) lifetime would be defined by his wife's wardrobe choice! But it is, and the fashionistas in all of us are waiting with bated breath...and opinions galore!

I-ball gown enthusiasts have been pouring over desiginer's sketches of possible looks for Lady O's grand entrance. The stylings range from the marvelous, glamorous and chic(Herrera, Lagerfeld, Rodarte) to the bland, horrific, and absurd (Besty Johnson, Zac Posen, I'm talking to you...).

After much debate, and some waffling, the official KoS selection is this glorious Marchesa gown. It just does all the right things in all the right places and demands attention without bludgeoning the onlooker's retna by being garish. With its well-achieved balance of structure and flow, the result is obvious femininity with an overwhelming strength.

So Michelle, if you or your search engine cronies read this in time... WEAR THE MARCHESA... and call me! We have at least 4 years of shopping to do! And after the Dress-that-divided-a-nation on election night, I think another voice of reason in the malay would be beneficial!!! The IRS seems to always know how to find me...greedy little buggers.

New School Rocks

For daily wear, I tend to feel like diamonds are over the top. Even when shopping for fine things, the idea of getting all gussied up in fine jewelry seems a bit pretentious. It's just not my style.

Or at least it wasn't, until I checked out Ivanka Trump's jewelry collection.

Ivanka's partnership with Dynamic Diamond Corp has produced signature items deserving of all the expected diamond adjectives: elegant, sophisticated, opulent. But, the collections left me with a singular resonating, and unexpected word: appropriate.

There's an almost uncanny balance in the designs that makes them simultaneously awe-inspiring and approachable. So often, fine jewelry can leave a person thinking, "That's beautiful! But where the heck would I wear it!" But the updated and still regal looks of Ivanka Trump's jewelry seem to fit a modern code of luxury that kept me browsing through the collections thinking "Oh, this would be perfect with my _________ (insert current wardrobe item here)!"

My favorites? The onyx bead on pavé wire earrings from the black and white collection and the graduated pavé diamond bead necklace from the signature collection.

Modern luxury will, of course, cost you. The least expensive item is a silver and enamel ring priced at $650, and the most expensive listed price is $58,000. After that, the online boutique provides you with a toll free number to call for orders and inquiries. Read--"If you call, you'd better have a black card."

Trust fund or no trust fund, the jewelry is a definite must-see, and a must-have if your bank account, credit card, Daddy, or Sugar-daddy can swing it!