Men Wants Financial Freedom in Love & Marriage?

On a recently meet up with gal pals, we got into a discussion about love and money. A gal pal was irked because recently most of the guys she dated wanted to know her financial status right after a few dates. They were afraid she would become a burden on them. What is going on, what about love, compatibility and wanting to provide for his family?

I am asking this question because most of my friends grew up in very traditional households where fathers bring home paychecks and mothers stay home to run households. Back in the days that was the definition of 50/50 partnership. Nowadays, 50/50 means sharing financial responsibility equally. As a modern gal, I don't expect future hubby to support me, I can do that by myself nicely. But, from my observation, modern wives may be helping financially but lots of modern hubbies don't help out at home because they are tired at the end of the day. Of course I heard jerks justifying their laziness because they make more money than the wives. Wives are tired too at the end of a work day too even if she make less. Where is the fairness in this deal?

Of course not everyone has a trust fund or a quarter million dollar salary and it is very expensive to live nowadays especially in urban areas, therefore a couple should work together to create a future together. That being said, I have noticed lots of guys want someone to share the financial responsibility voluntarily but these same guys share domestic responsibility quite unwillingly. A male acquaintance recently spelled out criteria for a wife. This is what he wants in a wife: pretty, educated, from a good family (meaning wealthy), classy, well mannered (can't be bossy), domestic diva (willingness to cook and clean by herself), and has her own career (share financial responsibility equally). Hello, is he on drug? We asked him why would such a virtue of a woman want to be with him? He is not tall, dark or handsome. He doesn't have a kick-ass trust fund or quarter million dollar salary. Granted he has a fairly good paying job and graduated from a top university in the country. He is not looking for a partner; he is looking for someone to help him built his dream life. So while dating, are we to begin negotiating already? I think romance just goes right out the door!

Honestly I don't know what to think anymore. I used to believe the idea of finding the right person, falling in love, and working together toward a future we both want to see. But now I am getting the feeling guys are looking for someone to help pay half the mortgage, bear his children, become his dream soul mate and to cook and clean so he actually has a hot meal and clean house. I really want to tell these guys to grow up and don't expect the world because they can't provide the world. So savvy people, what are your views on this issue?

Sergio Rossi Platform Zipper Boot

Many savvy readers may know by now I am a huge Sergio Rossi fan. So image me salivating on my keyboard when I saw this the other day. The platform is hidden so the design is more delicate and refine looking without compromising heel height and comfort. The most unique detail is the working wrap around zipper. From 1 to 10 in savvy-ness, this gets 11 from me. If you like me as much as me, this lovely is available at Neiman Marcus for mere $1295 (dripping with sarcasm but still drooling) What do you think?

Perfect Summer Blue

For reason unknown, I am a slightly obsessed with cool blue this summer. Perhaps I am feeling blue because of these yummy jewel candies. Aren't these the perfect summer accessories? Who am I kidding, these are the perfect any day of the year. Looking at these lovelies reminds me of cool sea water on a hot summer day. -top Georg Jensen
-bottom left Chanel star ring, about $7200
-bottom right Piaget starburst brooch about $28,000 (all 3 images via Elle)
-blue sapphire with diamonds via Just Diamond
-Blue sapphire with pave diamond via Chaumet (both images via Elle)
Well, we can't all have lovely blue jewel candies, so I am willing to settle with lovely blue frocks.
-left Celine --- my favorite! I actually tried on something similar at Celine and it was to die for.
-right Balenciaga (both via Style.com)
-left Martin Grant
-Elie Saab ---how feminine and stylish (both via style.com)

Premium designers are great but who can afford to spend thousands on a dress. So I found super savvy summer blue frocks for those of us without huge salary.
-left Ali Ro $230 via Saks
-right Banana Republic $98 via BR
-Pucci coverup $675 via Saks
-Juicy $258 via Saks
If you don't want to be blue allover, what about a pop of blue with a bag or clutch. I would love to get my hands on these two babies.
-left Balenciaga $1745 via Balenciaga
-right Louise clutch $200 via Lauren Merkin

-royal blue printed hat $290 via Pucci
-Tory Burch blue floral print flip flops $45 via Nordstrom

Equipped with any of these savvy pieces this coming summer, a gal can face any hot summer day with a touch of perceived coolness. What about you, are you ready for blue yet?

I'd Rather Buy Cartier Love Bracelets

I came across this at Saks the other day and was flabbergasted at the super un-savvy price of $600. These are 18K gold bracelet by Faraone Mennella which are very similar to Cartier Love bracelets with satin bands.
The last retail price for Cartier was $475 last years. I think both are overpriced but if I have to pick one, I will pick Cartier. Which do you prefer?

image: Saks

How to Clean Diamonds at Home

Before I learned this trick, I used to sent diamonds out to clean professionally and would buy diamond cleansing solution to clean at home from time to time. However, while at Chopard, a nice SA told me Windex, the blue solution we can buy by the gallon for, can be use to clean diamonds. So I did! I mix 1 part warm water to 1 part Windex and soaks a couple diamond rings in there for about 10 minutes to cut grease and loosen any dirt. Afterward, diamonds are cleaned with a soft brush, rinsed and dried with a clean towel. In the brushing process, do not press too hard to avoid damaging the setting. A gal does not need to be looking for her loose diamonds like a panicking bear. A family member once lost a 3 carat diamond because of a faulty setting.After I told gal pal, she informed me her SA at Tiffany told her the same thing. I am pretty convinced this works pretty well. This is a gift I got myself a few years back to celebrate a big birthday. I had it reset in platinum. How do you clean your diamonds and do you buy your own jewelry or do you wait for jewelry as a gift?

Going for Purple and Beige & It's the Thought that Counts

Hello, I hoped everyone had a super 4th of July weekend. After so much eating and drinks, I am afraid to step on the scale. I thought I share one of my birthday gifts to myself. I purchased an eggplant color Emporio Armani dress for the special birthday dinner. It didn't look all that on the hanger but once I put the dress on, I knew I just had to have it. I wore this to my birthday dinner on July 2nd.
I like the ruche gather on the side which makes my waist look tiny. The design is quite unique and interesting to me. Besides, I adore the color purple so this is a must-have.
I paired the dress with beige color accessories for a classic look.

What I am wearing:

Purple color Emporio Armani dress
beige peep toe heels via Tod's --- one of my favorite heels
beige color ostrich clutch via Savvy Mom --- she had it custom made for her 30 years ago
It was a super birthday because my friends and family made it super special for me. However, it was a sad birthday too because BF forgot about it until I reminded him on Thursday mid-morning. I had many birthday wishes starting about 8 AM with calls from both domestic and international but nothing from him. I was not even going to mention the day to him until my ex called with birthday wishes. At that point I became so angry at him it was unbelievable. BF was the type of person who remembered his family's birthdays and would go out of his way for them. He apologized and we had a nice dinner on Friday but it was not the same anymore. For special occasions I would always try to make it really unique and special for him. I know now I have given him too much and he is taking things for granted. We had our ups and downs in the last 6 months even breaking up for a little while. Just as I fall into this sense of security again, this happens. I don't want this to become a big deal but I can't deny my own feeling of sadness? I can buy all the nice meals and presents for me. I am not upset over that; I am upset over the lack of thought and consideration. If I am so forgettable then that means I am not important to him at all. Let me ask you ladies and gentlemen, would you be upset if your partner completely forgets your birthday?

Put Your Best Image Forward: What to Wear to A Job Interview

As part 2 of Put Your Best Image Forward, Michelle of Global Image Group continues with how men should dress for that important interview or meeting. To read part one, click here.

1. How should I dress for an interview in a conservative industry, such as banking, corporate law, and government?

Men should wear tailored suits: 2 buttons for a more conservative look and 3 buttons for a modern look. Interview suits are best in navy, charcoal grey or khaki beige (in the summer). Pinstriped suits appear more authoritative and are common in conservative industries. The suit should be paired with a white or light blue buttoned-down shirt. Vests and double-breasted jackets tend to be too formal. To look more polished, remember to pop on the cufflinks.

2. How should I dress for an interview in the engineering and science industries?

Men can wear a navy blazer with a white or light blue collared shirt and khaki pants. You can finish this outfit with brown or black leather soled shoes- either lace ups or loafers are fine.

3. How should I dress for an interview in the retail and service industries?

You can wear a bold tie or a birds eye suit. For the service industries, you can wear a buttoned down sweater and nice slacks. For a pants alternative, khaki gabardine pants are presentable enough.

4. What are some things that men should NOT wear an interview?

Men should not wear sports watches or chunky rubber- soled shoes.

5. What are some guidelines on makeup and grooming?

Your facial and head hair should be neat and clean-cut. You establish more credibility if you remove all facial hair.

6. What about accessories?

Your belt and briefcase should match your shoes. Dress socks should match the shoe or the pant color. White sweat socks are just for that sweating and reserved for the gym. Regardless of the industry, men should not wear any earrings or necklaces. You can wear a watch- either metal or leather- strapped. Unless you are married, you should not have any other rings on your fingers. With these tips, your appearance will be one less thing to worry about. Remember that your clothing is a reflection of you. If you look good, you’ll feel good and others will react accordingly.

I want to thank my darling gal pal for her insightful expertise. She is absolutely fabulous with her clients and a ton of fun as a shopping partner in crime. Savvy readers, I hope this will give you an edgy over competitors and good luck to anyone looking for a new career or starting one.