Yes, the diamond industry leads us to believe that women around the globe deserve a ritzy rock. Others, though, say it’s just a marketing plot to get their white, rather plain-looking stone, to sell.

I have to admit that I was a member of the latter team when I got married to my husband. I first denied the desire – or need — for a diamond ring altogether, and then a couple of months after our 9 a.m. civil ceremony, I walked with my husband into a store and bought a modest three-stone ring. I didn’t put much thought into a particular style or the number of carats I “deserved,” that day. It was the second marriage for both of us, and at the time our priorities were to pay off the debts we each inherited and move on with our newly combined life and complex family.

Last year, however, around the time of our unfussy 10-year anniversary, I started wondering if the diamond industry had it right after all. I started paying more attention to comments made by women about others’ “rocks,” like the comments made by my stepdaughter about her two cousins’ engagement rings. Even my husband made brief remarks about the size of his business partner’s impressive diamond jewelry.

I wasn’t immune, either. During a business meeting I found myself completely distracted as I gazed at the diamond ring glaring in front of me. I wondered if it was a huge engagement ring, or if the woman just forgot to take her cocktail ring off from the previous night.

Eventually, I found myself wanting to have a proper ring for myself. I started looking around, and because I had to honor the title of “shopper extraordinaire,” I decided not to make an impulse decision. I spoke with my husband about what would be a reasonable “budget” for us to spend on my ring and started studying up and window shopping. I did most of the research, but I took my husband with me a couple of times so he was familiar with all the options.

In the end, we agreed that an eternity band would have more significance for our “later in life” love story, and the fact that it was an anniversary ring made it a clear choice. After 18 months of research, I have narrowed down the list to the below three options. As you’ll see, I went beyond the “Four C’s,” as they call them (carat, color, clarity and cut) and decided to invest in a tiny piece of art that I’ll wear on my finger for many days to come. Yes, I could go to one of my husband’s acquaintances on 47^th street and secure a pretty large rock within our budget, but I decided that buying a “name” ring comes not only with a marvelous shopping experience, but also with a potentially bigger resale value.

Hearts On Fire: The Cut

Although I said wasn’t going for the Four C’s, I have to admit that I was smitten with the HOF cut. Each diamond is chosen from the top 1% of the world’s raw diamonds and then is cut and polished at 100X magnification, which is 10 times the industry standard. The company claims — and by looking at a ring you tend to believe them — that “A Hearts On Fire diamond takes up to four times longer to cut than other diamonds, and the results of the microscopic precision can be seen from across a room.” The ring is simple, but the quality of the diamonds makes it memorable. It is simple, classic, will never go out of style, and can be worn day or night.

Tiffany: The Brand

Tiffany was an obvious option in terms of brand, and Tiffany Aria, with its triad of brilliant diamonds set in perfect harmony, is a beautiful, substantial ring. (I am tall and well built, which means I need a larger ring.) The price is significantly lower than the HOF ring, but notice the Tiffany ring is only 2.49 carats versus the four carats of HOF. If carat-wise HOF seems to be a better buy, Tiffany is a more recognizable brand and the ring itself is more romantic.

Piaget: The Story

I personally think every piece of jewelry should have a story — a story that could be passed on to children, or to good friends when sipping old wine. This is the ring that would come to me with many stories. Years ago, I used to work at Piaget while pursuing my MBA. I even met Prince Albert and Monsieur Yves Piaget at a function. As far as the ring goes, to this day I remember the hypnotizing sound of the endlessly dancing sparkling bands. I have to admit to butterflies in my stomach when I put the ring on last weekend. I think it’s love, but love never comes cheap. Although the same price as HOF, the Classic Piaget Possession ring has approximately 3.5 carats of diamonds, which is less than the 4 carats the HOF ring has.

By Mirela Gluck

Today’s sales are for regular gals who take the subway and stay online at Fairway after work. Although yesterday’s sale roundup was more of a “just in case I hit the jackpot one day I know how much everything costs,” I certainly hope you ended up buying something. I personally didn’t. Not even the Frette sheet I had planned on purchasing. Credit or no credit, I like to get creative with my sheets, combining different sets, and their selection would not have worked with what I already have.

So, let’s go back to today. If yesterday’s sales were for celebrities and socialites, today’s sales are for the pragmatic career girl (Brooks Brothers), the girly girl(Perfectly Polished: Fit and Flare Dresses) and the creative career girl (Theyskens’ Theory).

Starting at 11AM:

Brooks Brothers at RueLaLa.com

Why?

This sale has timeless pieces, which will be your “bread and butter looks” for more than a solitary season. They’re garments that will make you look polished without looking like you read every fashion blog out there. My advice for a polished career look is to start with timeless garments and then add a statement accessory that becomes a conversation piece.

Theyskens’ Theory at RueLaLa.com

Why?

Well, Theyskens’ Theory’s sharp design and cutting-edge vision could bring the desired edge to somebody’s wardrobe who works in a creative field.

Hello PR girls, this one is for you.

Starting at 12PM:

Polished: Fit and Flare Dresses at Gilt.com

Why?

Because most of us have four pairs of black/gray trousers that we mix and match with whatever came back from the dry cleaning. Let’s put some yang into our wardrobe ladies. Spring is here, after all (at least that’s what the calendar says).

Happy hunting. Shop responsibly.

As Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is finally being put to rest, I’ve taken the time to reflect on Anna Wintour’s power. Specifically, whether or not she’s “too big to fail” and if she’s smart enough to navigate any disaster that may come her way.

It’s no secret to those who know me that I have a love/hate relationship with the snappish lady who put fashion to bed with politics. I don’t recall when I first became aware of her power, but it’s been an enlightening experience to see her move mountains and (probably) buy herself an ambassadorship position in the process. While I am still working on figuring out her superpowers, I am sharing with you the lessons I’ve learned from her FNO fiasco.

Let’s start from the beginning.

Remember 2009? Between the economy crumbling and Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, the most affluent felt less than optimistic about their futures and, consequently, stopped spending. The fashion industry was caught with their pants down and excess inventory, which lead to panic and erratically slashed prices. Anna Wintour knew how to capitalize on the nervous frenzy.

What you should take from this experience: TIMES OF CRISIS ARE THE BEST TIMES TO CONSOLIDATE POWER. Don’t be afraid of a crisis.  Regardless of the later outcome, you will get people to pay attention to you in that moment.

I don’t want to imply that from the very beginning FNO was just a plot to further Anna Wintour’s career. However, let’s not forget that after coming up with the FNO initiative and being perceived as saving the fashion world from crumbling, Condé Nast gave Anna Wintour another five year contract.

Lesson to be learned: MOST PEOPLE GET PERSONAL GAINS WHILE THEY LOOK LIKE THEY ARE SAVING THE WORLD.

Now, to me the FNO plan looked doomed from the beginning. I am going to quote Gawker here because I couldn’t say it better:

“The plan seems to spend a lot of money getting people in the stores to spend a lot of money. The one thing we haven’t heard anything about is discounts. Just because Catherine Malandrino is converting her Meatpacking showplace into a French cafe for the evening doesn’t mean that suddenly more people will be able to afford one of her cocktail dresses.”

The lesson: WHEN PEOPLE THINK YOU ARE AN EXPERT, THERE IS NO LIMIT TO WHAT YOU CAN SELL, REGARDLESS OF HOW CRAZY IT IS.

After four years — which seemed to drain rather than fill the fashion industry’s coffins — FNO has finally been put to rest. Anna has not personally spoken on th topic yet, and I doubt she will.

When Steven Kolb, chief executive officer of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), was asked about the money brought in by FNO, this is what he had to say:

“I don’t think the success of it was measured only by numbers or money, but was really about engagement. Everyone feels we had a great four years.”

What is the lesson to be learned here? REGARDLESS OF HOW BAD A SITUATION IS, IT IS RARELY A 100% FAILURE.  FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE AND MAKE THE WHOLE THING LOOK LIKE A SUCCESS.

By Mirela Gluck

As an Upper East Side Ambassador, I had to report on the blizzard. I don’t know how badly it snowed in other neighborhoods, but I have to tell you, it’s pretty quiet here. It is kind of Christmas and Valentine’s Day in one. Enjoy the pics, and have a great weekend.

Staying on top of all the latest and greatest trends is a must for every fashion forward femme. Still, there are some trends that — despite countless women participating in them — should just bow out with the sun and never rise again.

For example, the drop crotch pants trend (shudder) was super trendy for about a month or so until people finally realized that they made the wearer look like she had soiled an adult diaper. This was a trend that fizzled out and we hope it stays that way.

The following trends are still being plastered across billboards, magazine spreads and featured on countless fashion/beauty websites daily. However, we here at The Stylish City eagerly await their demise. If you agree or disagree with any of them, let us know in the comment section (or feel free to add your own despised trends).

Micky Filip: Low Rise Pants

Micky says that low rise pants trends are unflattering on roughly 99.99% of the population. They have the potential to create muffin top on even a size 00. Not to mention, nobody wants to see your butt crack — even if you have been working out.

Caitlin Colford: Neon/Sheer Tee’s in a Black Bra

A bra is an undergarment meant to be seen only by you and perhaps a lucky someone. The whole “Hey Guys! Look at my bra!” trend is not fashionable — it’s borderline trashy. What happened to the days when we chose bras with the ultimate goal of having them not show?

Wendy Rose Gould – Cultural Appropriation

Stealing from various cultures’ traditions and calling it fashion is a major no-no. It’s one thing to appreciate various cultures and another to take traditional knowledge and cultural expressions without permission. I’ve seen bindi beads and turbans, but, as of late, the fashion world has particularly crossed a line with Navajo and Native American fashion. It’s disrespectful and there are much cooler — more modern — things happening on the runway.

Mirela Gluck: Nail Art and Skyscraper Heels

While nail art has the potential to be undoubtedly impressive, site owner Mirela is so over seeing fancified manicures in every magazine or blog she looks at. She’s also over sky high — or skyscraper high, really — heels. Some are pretty to look at, but no lady looks good hobbling/teetering/falling down the sidewalk. Some of those babies are downright dangerous.

Ritu Bindra: The Bollywood Look

Ritu — the developer of The Stylish City website who currently lives in India — commented on how so many Indian women try to take the fashion they see in Bollywood films and replicate it on the streets. For example: many attempt to pair a sheer sari with a barely there brassiere. This tacky trend takes away from the beauty of a sari, which is already pretty sexy in and of itself.

By Wendy Rose Gould

While the average consumer looks at Cyber Monday as at some kind of deal raid, we at The Stylish City understand that deals happen every day if you know where to look for.  Having said that, we are not going to be the ones to ignore a day like today, which is expected to leave behind the billion dollar scored by Black Friday. While most Cyber Monday sales are on electronics (Target, Wal-Mart, Tiger Direct, Newegg) we found a couple of stylish offers in our mailbox. Remember though ladies, it’s called “Cyber Monday” for a reason, the sales take place only online.

Cyber Monday Offer At Belle and Clive

Cyber Monday Clearance At Zappos

Cyber Monday at Saks Fifth Avenue

Cyber Monday at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy

First off, it’s not just DKNY; The sample sale at 260 Fifth Avenue has a little bit of everything  from “The Queen of Seventh Avenue”: Donna Karan, DKNY, DKNY Jeans, DKNY Pure, even a few collection items.

Since we were lucky enough to be invited to the preview, we got a chance to see what they had at the opening. But if you are concerned that they will run out of merchandise by the time you get there, don’t be. We were reassured that they will re-stock with the same items throughout the week. The well organized, well attended sale is certainly designed to put a smile on everyone’s face, although women, by far, get the most attention. The prices are extraordinary with one exception; read on, we are getting there.

Before you start shopping look at the price list on the wall, take a picture of it, and check it out as often as you need. The prices are not marked on the label, so it  is  a good idea to keep that phone handy.  I personally started the preview in the mens section where there are blazers, trousers, shoes, sweaters and outwear –  pretty much everything he needs. The extensive blazer selection has mainly summer items with just a couple in wool. Sorry, no men’s fitting room.

Women’s shoes are from DKNY with a few pairs from Donna Karan. Make sure you understand the difference between the two, as price and quality are quite different. There are also belts and tights and gloves and accessories, oh my. I think I’ve even noticed an iPad sleeve in somebody’s hand.

Now, about the prices. We thought everything was priced EXTREMELY well (see image with complete price list) until I was charged 30 dollars for a t-shirt that had a retail suggested  value of 50 dollars.  I am not sure what  rule they applied when discounting t-shirts, but it just didn’t seem consistent with the discount rate used on the other items.

The women’s apparel section had everything between cozy sweaters, outerwear, comfy jersey dresses, trousers, jeans, sequin blouses and evening gowns. Everything is organized by number, and there are so many things that are worth talking about, that I am going to conclude these annotations by encouraging you to go today.

Doors open at 10 AM: 260 Fifth Avenue (Between 28th & 29th Streets)

WHEN: 8/21 – 8/25; Tue (10-8), W-Th (9-8), F (10-6), Sat (10-5)

WHERE: 260 Fifth Avenue
(Between 28th & 29th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
N / R/ 6 Trains to 28th Street

By Mirela Gluck
Photographs Micky Filip

Finds like the Reem Acra dress $499

A weak shoe selection

Disorganization

Better selection in shoes for men

A limited home selection

Some furniture, but not much

Serious minded shoppers

It’s more fun when you shop with a girlfriend

High prices

Girls just want to have fun

Food and drinks at the opening

Gilt will always find ways to make us advertise for them

Admission:$10-$20. All tickets have been sold out. click here for sale details.

WHEN: 5/18 – 5/19; F (10pm-midnight), Sat (9-7)

WHERE: The Altman Building
135 West 18th Street
New York, NY , 10011

By Mirela Gluck

What Central Park looked like today yesterday, don’t wait for the weekend, Saturday it’s going to rain.

As you might know, life got a little complicated here at the site. We had to change our name, which in turn lost us our traffic and our 1,500 facebook friends. We’ve had to hire people to help us save the site itself, send emails to remind people we exist, create new marketing materials… the list goes on.

We’ve all heard the expression, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” Good expression, but it sometimes doesn’t help me go from being angry, scared, and powerless to finding the strength to turn things around and feel the joy again in what I do. I had been struggling with finding that magical turning point when my eyes happened to have glanced at the umbrella I received from the Museum of Modern Art as part of its 20th anniversary celebration (Thank you MOMA!). That’s it! No matter how hard it rains outside, I have to create my own blue sky. You should do the same; place yourself beneath blue sky even in the wettest of weather. Create your own little happy universe, and eventually the rain will stop

TheStylishCity.com readers, use SKY20 code at checkout and see what happens

By Mirela Gluck