No Little Squares In Argyle

For the better part of two decades I've been fascinated by hair salons. Always social hotspots, sometimes a narcisso combination of chrome & mirrors and never without at least one personality that could dominate on a cable reality show, salons are in need of a chosen one to 'anthropolog' deeper. That one would be me . . . for two reasons: 1) my fascination discussed herein and 2) my invitation to Fashion Group International's 'Fashion Flock' at Argyle Salon and Spa on Thursday night.

Argyle is a blend of glamour, wellness and luxury tucked away within one of West Hollywood's most significant architectural landmarks -- the Sunset Tower Hotel at Sunset & Sweetzer. The hotel and salon epitomize old Hollywood glamour, pulling you into a Technicolor trance from the moment you set a Laboutin'd leg into the establishment. To my amazement, I find out that the salon was once John Wayne's personal apartment. All fantastic, but what about my jewelry? Well, the salon is very refined, very elegant and, yes, very vintage couture. Perfect.

I dig in to the FGI event that, due to its salon venue, is beyond generous with a wonderful evening of superb mini services (makeup, hair et al) from a super-talented staff -- Red and JJ were my personal concierges -- that is simply stellar. JJ, by the way, styles actress Tricia Helfer, who wore my necklaces in a fashion spread for GenLux magazine and, from what JJ said, thought the pieces were 'amazing'. Small world. Again perfect. Margaret Mental Note: Make Tricia Helfer a collector of my artpieces. The deeper I dig, the more I strike gold.

After being fitted with my luscious lashes, I have the pleasure of meeting Tina Marie Smith of Malibu Magazine. We chat about my collections, the sparkle of the evening and agree to continue the conversation pending a press kit. Perhaps press. Perhaps perfect . . . evening that is.

Stay tuned . . . more wonderment from the wowerie that is West Hollywood.

Lost In WonderLAnd . . .

So, here I am in the metropolis of Los Angeles, making my way through the colour and craziness that is Melrose, Robertson, West Hollywood and Beverly Hils. I've set out with a goal, a simple goal -- find an ally who understands my vintage couture jewelry collections. My collections? They are where fashion meets art, vintage meets modern and where a woman's costume jewelry becomes more 'valuable' than a pricey diamond drop. Simply put, my collections are the New Precious. My time allotment? Two hours per day, every day. A bit of LA anthopology until I find that perfect partner. My future business beau could be hip hotels, luxe retailers, blooming boutiques or even the wedding salon that truly 'gets' the haute heirloom hipness of my white ice creations.

First stop, hotels. I chose SLS Hotel on La Cienega & Melrose, acronym'd for Souls Largely Satisfied. A stroll up the red carpet elevance, through an outdoor foyer plush with eclectic furnishings, conjures up an environ of Clockwork Orange meets Out of Africa. All astounding, but what about my jewelry? My jeweled creations blend vintage with modern elements --- yes, SLS and I could be a match!

My bewildered state forces the introduction to a superb staff that literally took my hand and gave me a tour of the hotel and its centerpiece, MOSS, a vitrine-ensconced museo landing spot, designed by Phillipe Starck, perfect for high tea and perhaps a wicked trunk show for Margaret Rowe, of course. Standing in MOSS, amid Fornasetti stoneware, Munchausenesque gadgetry and adorned in my own astonishing accessories, I feel a bit like Alice In Wonderland. This rabbit hole could be a home for my jewelry. My home for a show at least. Say no more . . . I grab a b-card for the powers that be at SLS and am sure they'll see it my way. I'm one 'yes' away.

Stay tuned. Next stop London West & The Peninsula . . . tomorrow.