So, many of your know that I recently got engaged to my amazing boyfriend (well now fiancee, Tom:).  We were looking for something beautiful yet fitting for both our second, and yes…last and forever marriage.  We decided on an emerald stone as it was different and we both love the color green!  Not an easy find when most newlyweds are looking for a diamond.  Hence, we turned to my experienced, long-time friend Julie Lyon, owner of Jewels by Jules diamond boutique in the heart of Montgomery.

Founded in 2011, Jewels by Jules specializes in everything from high end, sophisticated engagement rings to fun, affordable costume jewelry….with the caveat that everything is high quality, yet fairly priced.  While Julie didn’t have in stock at the time what we wanted,  her connections are tremendous and was able to bring in within days several beautiful emerald ring options.  The experience was both easy and fun!

And lastly, I cannot forget that Jewels by Jules Boutique was the recipient of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce “Small Business of the Year 2015”  award.  Need I say more?  Have the man in your life check them out..especially with Valentines day around the corner!

So while I blog a lot about fashion and beauty,  let’s talk about the hottest upcoming event to brighten up these winter doldrums.  My fiancee Tom and I are excited to attend the William S. Olson Foundation’s Gala 2016 on Saturday,  February 13th, 6pm at the Cintas Center at Xavier University.  So of course, this Cincinnista had to find a new dress,  as it is “black tie optional”…which, by the way,  some great deals are out there right now if you can find your size.  But about the event.  Starting at 6 pm, enjoy cocktails and silent auction in the grand halls of the Cintas Center, followed by an amazing dinner and live auction.  The rest of the night is fun filled with great music,  socializing and dancing.

Most importantly, your attendance goes towards a great cause.  The William S. Olson Foundation, established in 2003 gives back thousands of dollars through events such as this to the Make A Wish Foundation.  The Make a Wish Foundation,  if you’ve never heard of it,  grants the wishes (none to big nor small) to children with life threatening illnesses.  It is one of the noblest causes out there.

We look forward to seeing you on the 13th!  Cheers!

I have to say, it’s rare these days,  to have “girl time” on a weekend with your 10 year old daughter.  So, in the theme of that…..what better to do than lunch in hip Mount Adams and a visit to the Cincinnati Art Museum?  As all Cincinnista’s would agree,  being exposed to all types of culture is a must.  Elle and I first toured the Modern section of the museum,  viewing beautiful and colorful works anywhere from Matisse, to Picasso and Miro.  Next,  we moved on to the more Contemporary floor encompassing cool 3-D and video art…just to even further spur the imagination. Sorry no photos allowed!

We ended our tour by stumbling on the special exhibit, High Style: Twentieth-Century Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection. Sponsored by Macy’s, the exhibit traces the evolution of fashions from 1900 through 1980 with garments and accessories by the most influential European and American designers of the 20th century, including Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy, just to name a few.  The exhibit was both well attended and interesting.  I was amazed at how many dresses, fashion sketches, and shoes that I loved and have been recycled through the world of fashion throughout the last decade.  I’m talking not just strapless and shirred gowns, but even platforms pumps!  In addition the buzzing gift shop is selling an interesting book about the exhibit, not to mention a book called 100 Shoes (intro. by Sarah Jessica Parker) simply about the history of women’s shoes!!  What a fun, total coffee table book!  Should have bought it when I had the chance…worth every bit of $15.

Unfortunately the exhibit ended today, but keep your eye’s peeled for more “Cincinnista” winter outings until the Spring fashion scene truly emerges. Cheers.

With 6 fabulous vendors displaying and selling their products,  not to mention great food and wine, our “Ladies Night Out” at Amy Youngblood Interiors was fun and a great turnout!  Bling owner, Rachel Hamilton,  graciously offered up a door prize to a lucky winner and 10% of all proceeds went to the worthwhile Karen Wellington Foundation.  Until next year…Cheers!

We are excited and getting ready to host what is going to be a huge turn out tomorrow night!  Join us from 6-9, Wednesday, December 9th, to shop for the holidays, socialize, and enjoy fine food and libations.  Our amazing products include items such as clothing from Bling, shoes by Jill Haney,  jewelry by Erin Wachs and home accessories by Black and Brindle…..not to mention artwork, accessories, and select furnishings from Amy Youngblood Interiors!  We will be featuring special raffle door prize for all registered guests.  10% of all sales will be donated to the amazing Karen Wellington Foundation.