According to this article on AOL, sparklier diamonds are often actually fakes (especially with a rainbow sparkle). And then I think, “then give me the fake!” What I want especially out of my engagement ring (or any diamond) someday is such a brilliant cut, etc., that it’s as sparkley as can be. So why is genuine always better?

Can an inspired BAG be better than the higher priced originals? I once though I liked my Birkin-style bag from Wilson’s Leather because it had shoulder straps (like the JPG Shoulder Birkin) but now I think, “eww, long straps!” (To be fair, they weren’t, like, down at my hip long or anything!) So maybe the experts always know what’s best for us, even if we do not? I mean, higher quality (if it exists in higher price - but that’s another entry) usually means longer life. Diamonds may NOT be “forever” but they can cut up a mean amount of things, while remaining in tact. While I want my true love to be gentler than that, I want our feelings toward each other to be just as tough to trials and time. Genuine diamonds DO kind of give that statement.

Of course, they also give the statement, “I don’t care who’s blood shed for your diamond, honey, I love you so much, I just care about you having your selfish bling!”

What says love like the uncaring of all others, huh?

I snark, I snark. Seriously, what do you think?

Stay tuned, for in a few days I’ll feature some obviously fake, but totally fun, bling. (I promise, for I made such a ring myself, and how can I resist the publicity?)

Do you give your lady high-priced items or more fairly priced yet quality gems?

Well, here are some ruby jewelry options for three budgets:

Budget Blower:

Cushion-Cut Ruby Ring
highest price, but synthetic stone,
plus cubic zirconia accents
by Fantasia by DeSerio
$630

Quality Keeper:

Poinsettia Flower Pendant/Necklace
with 5 ct. center ruby, fine silver
by Lucinda Fox Wood

$299

Passionate Cheap Thrill:

Jewels of My Heart
shaded rubies & sterling silver
by Sky Dreams

$89

Notice the materials get more quality, truer gems or silver, when the price decreases? Take a lesson. Although the fake ruby and the “fine” silver (aka silver plated, etc.) look more expensive, and are more expensive, they’re less of the “true” fineries. Hmmmm?

That being said, there’s nothing wrong with fine silver, or any of these items. But $630 for faux stones is wrong, imho. Thanks, Needless Markup.

Not tacky, too bright, or with a spot of logo on them, these slippers are just 100% cashmere luxury. In assorted sophisticated colors, this yummy indoor footwear is cable knit. They’re lightweight, surely to suit any climate this winter.

One thing, the cashmere goat shorn material is given a more expensive pricetag ($110) by the Dooney & Bourke name, which means they cost more than say sheepskin thong slippers by Ugg. Hmm. Personally, I’d recommend either, and at least these are fairly on par with other 100% cashmere items out there. 100% of this fiber doesn’t just mean price, it means infinitely more softness and virtually no itch.

One can then look at price differently, when comparing to other accessories. A Burberry scarf is usually around $200, and these mean total comfort for the feets. (And don’t require other accessories to match.)

And anyone can buy these whether you’re into names or not, bigger or smaller names, or prefer no names, even. With no distinguishing marks, what does it matter? These are simply quality, and there’s barely any competition for these lovelies.

Just bringing you some different views for your two feet.

I amusedly came across this “v” string from Victoria’s Secret last night, which depicts the phrase “wish you were here” (obviously on the front). That’s cute and saucy, huh? I love a good naughty symbolic panty!

If you get a kick out of the pair, you can purchase from victoriassecret.com for $5 for $25.

For you Jewish fabulistas, after you switch on your electric menorahs and eat your candy “present”, you’ll probably be left craving more. Why don’t you treat yourself?!

So… “On the 1st Night of Hanukkuh, I Gift to Myself…”

Hanukkah gifts are known for being small, but that doesn’t mean they have to be piddly!

The first small, yet totally fab gift for the first night of Hanukkah (although a little late in the evening), should be from COACH - and what’s small from Coach? Key Fobs, of course! The company even produces two ring styles that are totally Festival of Lights Friendly.

First, we have a blue snowflake key ring. Perfect! Next, we have the long-lasting, fashion equivalent of chocolate coins. I make no statements and follow no beliefs on why chocolate coins are a part of Jewish tradition, but I still say, why get a gift you eat away, when a girl can receive a brass and leather goodie for her purse!

Coach Snowflake Keyfob - $28. Chainlink Coins Keyfob (which represents the brand’s symbols, not currency) - $98.

Those may not be your personal faves, so here are more key rings from www.coach.com.

The African Well Fund, a small non-profit raising money to build wells in Africa (you’ll never know all the needs around the world, huh?) has an auction going for celebrity-type shwag. They’re offering on eBay an audience gift bag from Stacy London’s new show, Fashionably Late.

The auction text gives the best rundown of the goodie contents:

Gift bag and assorted items from taping of the first episode of Stacy London’s new show - Fashionably Late with Stacy London The show was taped Oct. 15th in NYC and it will air on Nov. 23 on TLC All audience members received the gift bag after the taping. All items with the gift bag are new and unopened. Items: Gal Pal - Garment Deodorant Remover, Hollywood Fashion tape - the stars’ secret apparel and body tape, Strap Tamers - bra strap concealers, YogaToes - flexible treat for fabulous feet, Ice Rocks - Spring Water Ice Cubes, Alexis Bittar - 18k Gold-plated moonstone ring (retail value $80), Alexis Bittar - 18k Gold-plated amethyst ring (retail value $80), Shubi 1 piece fully-lined drawstring shoe bag 100% of proceeds benefiting clean water and sanitation projects in Africa!

100% of the proceeds will go to the charity, and I’ve not added an affiliate link to this post.

Again, Fashionably Late, Stacy London’s new talk show (which was only previously previewed [oy the alliteration], and not canceled after one episode as was considered by fans, will air (BLACK) Friday November 23rd at 10 p.m. on TLC.

What a great holiday gift idea for a best gal pal or relative; these are great products and your gift will keep on giving to others in her name! Not only are these products some of the best and most necessary for modern woman and fabulistas, but it goes to a charitable cause for those who need so much less than hiding bra straps and removing deodorant marks from tops! The auction ends on Nov. 18th. Oh and you’re bidding against moi, so good luck to all!

COACH is trying a new medium for displaying their well-known Signature logo: a knitting stitch! Their new knitted cashmere scarf and beret are knit with several difficult patterns, including a 100% original: the COACH C’s.

If you’re a big Coach collector or an avid knitter, you must put this on your holiday wish list. These accessories have my vote for holidays must buy from Coach. Of course you can pick out your own favorite(s) from www.coach.com, yourself, if you’d rather (or in addition to).

Signature Patchwork Knit Scarf: $398
Signature Patchwork Knit Beret: $148

(Kinda ouch, right? Well, you could try eBay. It’d certainly be interesting to see if this knitting pattern will be copied.)