what makes love true

In college, my friends and I spent a lot (I mean, a LOT) of time trying to pinpoint the elements of a successful relationship.

After quite a bit of back and forth, we were sure of two things: friendship was crucial, and obviously attraction. But, as everyone knows, those two alone aren't enough. We all knew there was something more, but we could never pinpoint exactly what it was.

For lack of a better description, that additional element became "The Third Thing." When a relationship didn't work out, we'd never hesitate to confide, "he was great, but I don't think we had the third thing."

Even being happily married for almost two years (!), I'm still not totally sure what the third thing is. Sometimes I hope I never figure it out -- you know it when it's there, I think, and that's enough.

So I was happy to hear that Tiffany & Co. has acknowledged the elusiveness of true love, and all the things you can't quite pinpoint, with their new "What Makes Love True" campaign.

To celebrate the launch of their new website and iPhone app, they invited a number of style, beauty and food bloggers on an amazing tour of the most romantic spots in Manhattan, starting at (of course) Tiffany's, continuing on to absurdly delicious wine and food at Italian Wine Merchants, and then finishing at the modern speakeasy Rainn's Law Room with some custom cocktails.

It was an incredible night, made even more special for the excellent company. Above, Lindsey, Christine, Keiko and I posed at the Wall Street Tiffany & Co. store, and below you'll find some of the delicious treats we sampled over the night.

And the best part?

A delicate sterling sliver Tiffany & Co. bracelet to take home.

It's now three days later, and I still haven't taken it off.

All photos except the first and last by the hugely talented Craig Arend. Top photo by Bobby, bottom photo by me. I'm wearing Thakoon for Target, a Michael Kors watch, and an Intermix belt. Lindsey is wearing a Cool Change top and Zara shorts, and Keiko is wearing a vintage dress from thelovedone.net!