Give gifts to those who need them

Like most other people we are invited to birthdays, baby/bridal showers (funny it may sound but many parties are now include men too), weddings, and other parties. We often bring gifts as is customary, and we love to celebrate with our friends and family members. What bothers me is that we (and others who give to us, despite our reluctance) end up spending thousands of dollars giving to people who already have everything. Yes, we do our part by donating to charity organizations or giving gifts directly to those who are less fortunate than us, but I often feel that if well-off people would stop giving sweaters, ties, toys, wine bottles, and the like to each other and start sharing with people who could actually use a sweater to stay warm during (as opposed to people like me who have a closet full of them), the world would be a much better place. That is why I admire Nicole Richie and Joel Madden who gave away their baby shower gifts to moms/children who needed them more than they did.

Valentine Day gift ideas

I thought this was expensive, until I found out that Jim Trippon puts together a list each year of the most expensive Valentine's Day gifts.

• Bombardier Global Express XRS executive jet - $48 million
• Phuket private island in Thailand - $23 million
• Renee Strausse for the Bride diamond encrusted wedding dress - $12 million
• Neil Lane sapphire and diamond necklace & diamond drop earrings - $2 million
• Tiffany & Co. 7.5 carat diamond and platinum engagement ring - $845,000
• SSC Ultimate Aero sports car - $654,500
• Honma 24k gold and platinum plated golf clubs - $52,938 per set
• Fendi Pink Crocodile Spy Bag - $25,700
• Golf round at Sandy Lane in Barbados - $1265
• Bling h2o water - $40 per bottle

I wonder what should I get for Lorena!

Latest fashion trends

It doesn't matter how much research you do on fashion, it changes so fast that you can barely keep up. So as professionals, both Lorena and I have enormous respect for other professionals. Expert like Laura Davis and Stephanie Rosanelli of the Newport Center, for example. Here are some of their favorite picks:

Diamonds, metallic handbags and anything else that sparkles.

Stuart Weitzman evening sandal adorned with Swarovski crystals give you an idea. Just don't forget the pedicure.

Black is anything but basic.

Cocktail dresses. Leather bags. Even denim. Go for a Chloe empire waist sleeveless top and black Chloe pants to match at Neiman Marcus. Or a Diane von Furstenberg wide belt around a black wool jersey dress at Bloomingdale’s. Also, you can’t miss with supple black leather gloves with coordinating cameo bracelet at Juicy Couture. For the men, Rosanelli suggests a black Original Penguin polo shirt (think Seth on The OC or Brad Pitt) matched with a pair of dark denim Original Penguin jeans.

Pamper your pooch.

Your puppy had better be as primped you are. Bring the bling to Buffy with the faux crocodile collar with crystal details. Juicy offers Silverstone dog tags, t-shirts and whipstitch leather dog collars.