TOPAZ HORIZON

Hot accessory brand Vita Fede had a lovely gathering this afternoon for us magazine editors. They were keen to show us their fab products--to-die-for rings, necklaces and bangles made of Italian leather and plated in 24-karat gold--and we were all blown away by how edgy the designs were and yet still simple and elegant. Love, love them!

I was especially interested because Hollywood celebs are all wearing Vita Fede. Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, Katherin Heigl, Lindsay Lohan, Emmy Rossum, Paris Hilton, Hayden Panettiere, Ashlee Simpson, Ashley Tisdale, Carrie Underwood, Eva Longoria, Fergie, Halle Berry, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Simpson, Jessica Biel, Katy Perry, Lauren Conrad, Leighton Meester, Michelle Trachtenberg, Miley Cyrus, Mischa Barton, Rihanna and Selena Gomez are just some of the stars who are fans of Vita Fede.
Quite pricey, though. With prices ranging from PHP 2,250 to PHP 9,250, owning one of these babies will be a status symbol. But you're paying for the design, the luxurious material and the 24-karat gold and sterling silver. And for the fact that Hollywood's crazy over these accessories.



My favorite part? My engagement ring can fit in the tiny pocket. So--ideas for my male readers--why don't you surprise your girl with a Vita Fede bracelet and then watch her scream her head off when she realizes the bracelet is hiding a diamond ring? I think it's a fantabulous idea! If I were a guy, I'd do just that! Unless you're giving her a huge rock! I think only a one-carat diamond will fit... But it's a fab idea, yes?

Vita Fede will be launched in November and will be available in Rustan's Makati and select boutiques. All photos courtesy of Vita Fede.

At a recent event, a woman was introduced to me. I said, "Hello, I'm Frances Sales from OK!"

"Oh," she said. "What's your position?"

"I'm the editor-in-chief."

"Really? What's OK! anyway?"

"It's a Hollywood celebrity magazine."

"Omigod, that's my favorite magazine ever! I, like, read it every month. I have every issue! I, like, read every page! It is so nice meeting you! What's your name again?"

I said, "Wow. Thank you for being a huge fan of OK!." Then I walked away.

She's either stupid or she thinks I'm stupid. I don't mind if you don't read my magazine--my own husband doesn't. I don't even mind if you don't like the magazine--I get hate mail regularly enough to not care. It's a gossip rag anyway so I totally get why a lot of people wouldn't waste their time and money on it. But please don't lie to me. Ever.

Meanwhile, for those who are actually fans of OK!, I'm hoping you've already gotten yourselves the October issue. It's our annual style issue featuring the closets of Taylor Swift, Eva Longoria Parker and Nicole Richie. We also have our Best Dressed Celebrities List, with the lovely Anne Hathaway and Emma Watson (yes, the girl from Harry Potter!) as just two of the glamour goddesses we picked for this year's list. We got an interview with Project Runway's Tim Gunn and a ton of style tips and tricks from a host of Hollywood stars!

It's another fantastic issue and I hope you pick up a copy. But if Hollywood's not your thing, it's okay, really. I'd rather meet honest folks who don't like celebrities than annoying people who fawn over you when they find out you're a magazine editor and aren't even very good at hiding how fake they are.

The Manila String Machine.



My brother, a cellist, is part of this quartet, and they were the ones who played at my wedding. They also played at Issa Litton's wedding. And they will perform soon at my friend Mariel's wedding.

I noticed as I was blog-hopping that there are so many bride-to-be's out there, all furiously/dreamily/feverishly planning their wedding. Well, might I make a suggestion? If you're the type of bride and groom who care about the details, then a string quartet definitely makes your wedding more elegant and more beautiful.

My wedding was just lovely--intimate, quiet and glamorous. Well, my parents would have preferred a large and noisy event (I'm from a large and ridiculously noisy family) but for Vince and me, the only sound we wanted to hear that day was that of well wishes and laughter and the music of strings.

My uncle, Papa's brother, did decide to stir things up and campaign for a senator (to my horror, the uncle even showed up in jeans and a campaign shirt)... and that is a story for another day!

Aside from that annoying snafu, my wedding was elegant. And while I have my friends and sisters-in-law to thank for that, I also know that the beautiful music my brother and his friends played was the thread that held it all together. Never underestimate the power of music. In this case, on perhaps the happiest day of your life, the Manila String Machine will be the perfect accompaniment to start your journey to happily ever after!