First Dates

First dates are always a tricky subject.

In our culture, we have been trained to think that men should ask women on dates, men then pay for the dates, and until there is a relationship established he should call her. Basically, he should make all the first moves.

In high school, I thought that was a ridiculous concept, Men and women should be equal!, I would think. Thus, I went around asking boys to hang out and kissing them. All I got out of that are the memories of a few silly relationships focused around liking the same music or movies and one amazing friend. (Yes, my high school boyfriend from when I was 16 is one of my closest friends to this day, and he even gives me dating advice. Go figure!)

I'm in college now, and somehow I had never really gone on a real date until this week when I went on my first according to the standards listed in paragraph two.

We met at the airport bar, realized we had the same round-trip flights to England, chatted over drinks, exchanged numbers, and upon returning from our travels he called to ask me to dinner. How romantic! Completely something movie writers would concoct for the next chick flick, except this is real.

We went to dinner, where we had delicious food and great conversation. After dinner I'm completely smitten about this guy. Neither of us wanted to end the night, so we opted for drinks at a nearby bar. Here's where the night went from romantic to nosedive.

Around drink three he started to tell me how much he liked me. That we should go skiing soon. Maybe wind surfing when the weather is nicer; he's interested in trying that. He tells me about sky diving. I say I'm terrified of heights, he says we can go together and it will be fine, I will "get over" my fear.

Somewhere around drink four or five (five was the last) he whipped out his mobile and said he wanted to add me on Facebook. At the bar. Sitting at the bar drinking a beer he says this. What!? I quickly shot that idea down, saying Facebook reveals too much information about a person, and that I didn't want him learning about me through a website and I didn't want to learn about him that way either.

To spare you the final details (which are quite humiliating on his part), the rest of the night just got horrendously worse to the point where I don't want anything to do with this guy.

However, I've definitely learned from this situation, and even created my first dating rules for myself:

1. No alcohol on first dates; I want a clear mind to learn about the person I am with. (And hopefully no more Facebook-mobile phone situations will occur, or invitations to go windsurfing the season after next.)
2. If it starts to go downhill, politely leave and reassess the situation later.
3. NO FACEBOOK. (For the reasons mentioned above.)
4. Delete his number if things didn't go well; no need to contact him if I'm bored later.

Well, I hope you have had better success in dating than I have (so far), and I hope I have many more dates in the future to enjoy and learn from.

Statement Necklaces

Following the chunky glitter makeup trend of the holiday season, flashy seems to be the theme this season as statement necklaces makes a splash.

This camera necklace, which I purchased in Camden Lock Market in London this month for £18 ($29 USD), is available all over the internet for an average price of $36. Of course it looks lovely in this photo, but up-close a camera lover will truly be thrilled with the intricate amount of detail work; it has all the essential pieces of a basic manual 35mm camera, just without the ability to take photographs. This necklace also makes a great conversation piece, so be ready to talk photo, or fashion, while you wear it! (To buy online search for "Bidel camera necklace.")

Lockets, which have been around for centuries, are starting to go mainstream once again. Throughout history lockets have held owner's personal possessions, including locks of hair, keepsakes, rumors of magic potions and powderss, and more recently photographs.

While I was a young girl I always found lockets magical and mysterious, a way to keep something secret yet always with me. No doubt that spirit is shared by many others and a reason why lockets are never out of fashion and always available in jewelry shops. This season lockets are even more readily available and affordable in various styles from Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21,

and just about any other shop that sells jewelry.

This decorative oval locket to the left from Topshop sells for $30, while this book-style locket to the right from Urban Outfitters sells for $24.

From necklaces to broaches, earrings to belt buckles, cameo jewelry has also made a striking come-back. Even British artist La Roux has been seen wearing

cameo necklaces.

While Topshop features a tiered necklace with both a locket and cameo piece, while this little beauty is an actual cameo locket from Forever 21 for only $7.80!

Forever 21 also has this lovely cameo earring set on offer for $4.80, but matching it to a cameo necklace may be a bit much. Try a discreet, yet fashionable neck scarf, or even just a fashionable shirt and nice bracelet; nothing says, "I'm trying too hard," like going overboard while matching every aspect of your outfit to itself, so just mix it up a little to look a bit more chic.

However, if you want a cameo product that is guaranteed to grab attention, check out Pipetto where you can find vintage belts with cameo belt buckles. (Featured to the left.) A chic classic with a modern twist, these items look luscious. However, at £65 ($105), the price is a bit steep.

Another item taking center stage these days are watch necklaces. Big in the 1960's, these are popping up all over the place. While I did see many in Camden Lock Market this month, Topshop is not currently selling any in their online store. However, Urban Outfitters is featuring a few, including this adorable mouse watch for $34!

Also check out Forever 21 for more variations on the time pendant theme.

Other pieces that have taken precedence in the pendant arena of the jewelry scene include bows, strawberries, owls, and hearts. All so cute and child-like, it's as if we're granted permission to relive the days when everything was magical, mysterious, and full of treasure. So many of these pieces have a vintage feel to them, almost an age-earned approval of the style.

While wearing any of these pieces, keep in mind what you want to be the focus of your outfit. You want your statement jewelry (or other various accessories) to speak for itself without competing to be heard, so don't wear a chunky necklace with a frilly blouse, or a large pendant and an intricately patterned shirt.

And always remember: When in doubt, try on a few different pieces to see which works best because you may be surprised at what you find.

Brogue Shoes

Lately I've been feeling the brogue shoe more than ever. Ever since last October when I saw a pink pair in Topshop on Oxford St., I've been dreaming of owning the perfect pair for me.

After a year of searching, I've finally narrowed it down: brown, simple, versatile.

The shoe to the left is Trouble by Dune. Originally $150 and now $75, I'm loving the price.

The shoe to the right, at $150, is Sir by Dune, and I find it absolutely lovely!

And finally I've got Topshop's Kowboy Studded Brogue (below) for $110.

While they are all leather and all beautiful, I have no idea which one to buy! I just know any of these would look stunning with a short skirt, both loose and structured. They could work at the office (if you do business casual) and transition to a great night on the town. Try a structured suit jacket and pencil skirt for work, and ad some flashy accessories when you clock out for those after work drinks! Maybe pair them with some cigarette jeans and a tunic top with some unstructured layers for a great shopping look. Or just about anything as this shoe is both fun and serious, depending on the rest of the outfit.

Oh, the looks are endless with a great brogue shoe!

Johannesburg, South Africa

I've been in South Africa since Monday, and everything has been incredibly hectic so far! Back-to-back meetings, museums, lectures, tours, and interviews. It was a lot to take in all at once, but it was a great crash-course via immersion to how South Africa really is.

There are the poor, who live in cramped, tiny tin shacks. To get an example of this, we toured Soweto, a part of Johannesburg, with a guide and visited Primrose's home.

It was evident through her demeanor that she was emotionally strong, and had dealt with a lot in life. She was serious, yet calm and appeared slightly annoyed that we visited her when she had so much work to do.

We were allowed to ask questions and interview her, and she had our tour guide, Kurt, translate to us.

Primrose told us that every day begins with washing laundry for her children, cleaning, taking care of the house, and later making sure there is food on the table for when her children return home at the end of the day.

Kurt explained that, even though the schools here are free, families must still find money for books, supplies, and uniforms.

However, local day cares exist for the children of the neighborhood, and children can attend until they are about five years old.

Later we drove past the wealthy section of town, where the houses resembled the mansions of Beverly Hills. Here, Dudley, our tour guide throughout Johannesburg, pretended to show off his house for a photo-op.

Our "prof" refers to this as schizophrenic, and I find it fascinating that such a divide exists in such close proximity to each other.