By guest blogger Michele Meyer, VIVmag’s Fashion Editor

They had us at the invitation’s “Diamonds and Desserts.” But Robbins Brothers’ fashion blogger party went beyond temptations to a worthy cause – Dress for Success Houston.

The booming 15-year-old non-profit has a new location in an easily reached gorgeous building on the inner loop’s Eastside Street. There DFS not only garbs job-ready women referred by 175 local non-profits, but arms them with interview skills and confidence. After gals are hired – as many are – they can join a networking group that offers mentoring, scholarships, financial literacy and even a book club.

Robbins Brothers donated $25 per invitee. We arrived not only bringing handbags, clothes and new hose for the charity, but also to have fun.

And we did. It felt like a pajama party gone uptown as girls tried on door-knocker sized diamonds and sashayed down store-aisles-turned-runways. Hey, if we over indulged in wine spritzers, fudge cake pops and diamond-ring sugar cookies from A Fare Extraordinaire, that’s OK. The treats were delish and a diamond ring fits no matter your size!

If that weren’t enough, we had ringside seats as master jewelers worked their craft nearby, and Robbins held a drawing for three gifts, including gorgeous diamond earrings, sterling silver teardrop pendant and pearl strand bracelet. We all left with gift bags of ring key chains, glitzy nail polish, a rhinestone tennis bracelet and manicure set.

Charming Robbins publicist (and all-important keeper of the jewels) Tracey Lyles led the festivities with co-host Joy Sewing, the Chronicle’s fashion writer. Sewing not only was passionate about the cause, but also bling. She smartly chose a portrait neckline just right to hang gorgeous gems she wore all evening. Alas, Chron’s ShopGirl Cinderella remembered to drop them off before departing!

Also sparkling were Fox 26 anchor Melinda Spaulding Chevalier (just as beautiful as on TV); Drama Scene Magazine editor Dahlia McCutchen (in diamante stilettos to match the baubles!) and hip We Wear Things blogger Melissa “Issa” Chou. Turns out diamonds look just as cute with comic-strip T-shirts as with cocktail dresses.

One astute guest (we’re not saying who!) instagrammed photos of her left hand wearing five fave rings should her beau need ideas!

Memo to moi: Next time, mani first and diamonds second. And to guys: Don’t forget your credit cards!

In the meantime, the city’s fashion bloggers vow to spread good cheer, by donating business attire to Dress for Success so 7,000 women this year will be well-suited! We propose to you: Please join in our efforts at dressforsuccess.org and facebook.com/dfshouston.

BIO: Michele Meyer, fashion editor for VIVmag, was a stringer for trade pub Women’s Wear Daily for 11 years. She can be found at @Meyer_Michele and VIVmag.com.

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I absolutely love the days when I can get out of the office and do community outreach. Yesterday was one of those enriching days. Accompanying a few of my colleagues to the Olive Crest headquarters in Bellflower, CA, we helped over 60 girls choose dresses for prom along with heels and stylish accessories to match. The look on their pretty little faces just made my heart smile. Thanks David Roman of Olive Crest for the partnership. And special thanks to Robbins Brothers customers who donated dresses and jewelry during our Sparkle & Share promotion. We cannot thank you enough! Your kindness and generosity made this all possible.

Thanks to KABC 7 who joined us!

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The Robbins Brothers Dallas store teams up with the charitable foundation, A Night of Superstars, to help recognize extraordinary kids who are affected by varying types of disabling conditions and illnesses.

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Beyonce and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin perform a touching rendition of “Halo” during the fundraising efforts for Haiti.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the earthquake victims.

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Robbins Brothers – The Engagement Ring Store – is thrilled to be the sole engagement ring and jewelry sponsor for the 2009 Fashion Rocks! Holiday Magic fashion show at the Arlington (Texas) Convention Center. This wonderful event put on by the Arlington Junior League will take place on Friday, November 6th, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, with a private shopping session and silent auction starting at 9:00 am.

Celebrity Emcee is none other than CBS 11 News Anchor Karen Borta! 

The Junior League of Arlington is an organization of women dedicated to voluntarism, devoloping the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Some of their projects include funding and/or assisting: AIDS Outreach Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of Arlington and Greater Texas Community Partners.

On behalf of everyone at Robbins Brothers, including Kelly Roddy and the team at the new Arlington store, we say “THANK YOU” to the Arlington Junior League for all that you do.

It’s gonna be a lovely day in Arlington!

Di

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For the second consecutive year, Robbins Brothers, World’s Biggest Engagement Ring Store® teams up with the Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Dallas Cowboys Tailgate Party to benefit children’s programs including Kid’s Cafes and Food 4 Kids at the North Texas Food Bank.

The fundraising event hosted by Cowboy linebacker DeMarcus Ware and defensive end Marcus Spears took place on Sunday, April 13 at Gilley’s in downtown Dallas, and attracted nearly 1000 guests. For the onstage raffle drawing, Robbins Brothers donated an 18 Karat White Gold Ladies Band with round, princess and baguette diamonds valued at $3,995. The winner Scott Tyra from Flower Mound, Texas was excited and relieved about winning the prize. “This is fantastic! My 19th wedding anniversary is this Thursday and I haven’t bought a gift yet,” Tyra admits. The hosts invited Tyra’s wife to center stage; and Tyra then dropped to bended knee and asked her if the ring was acceptable as an anniversary gift. She shouted, “Yes, yes, yes!” and the couple hugged and kissed while the audience cheered them on.

“This is such an awesome community event that we look forward to,” says Letty Smith, customer service manager of the Dallas store. “We are happy to know our contribution can help enhance the lives of children less fortunate. At the end of the day, lending a helping hand is what matters most,” adds Kelly Roddy, general manager of the Robbins Brothers Arlington store.

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