Jimmy Choo rarely disappoints whether it's shoes or handbags. Certainly his new saucy duo, Lola & Lois, is no exception. With their similar patent leather look and chunky size they make for hefty handbags. Each has its own distinct look -- Lois sports a detachable mini-messenger bag while Lola presents in a sassy Bordeaux color -- so you really can't go wrong preferring one over the other. Its feels a bit early to me to be breaking out the patent leather but if you buy it now then you'll be ready when the seasons change. Both are available for $2,495.
When you already do well with handbags, ipod cases and luggage might as well try your hand at creating a top-of-the-line golf bag for the most elite of the sport. When golfers are already shelling out big bucks for their Big Berthas, premier balls and posh outfits they may just drop over $8,000 on the fancy, Damier Geante bag from Louis Vuitton! It is trimmed in cowhide, wrapped in luxurious canvas and features many pockets, tees, a wheeled travel cover and even an umbrella. Make a fashion statement on the course with this bag -- just be sure you can afford the greens fee and friendly bets on top of the bag before you venture out.
As summer is wrapping up and autumn is blowing in new seasonal lines will be coming out. Martin Margiela's new fall/winter fashion line may surprise you with its wild themes of animal photo prints on leather sneakers, boots, and wallets. The accessories launched with the line include a lot of leather and silver jewelry and even a couple of rugged messenger bags. Their site seems to be under construction but it won't be long before you can get your hands on these unique animalistic designs.
Italian car design firm, Pininfarina, is well known for projects with Ferrari and Maserati but their innovation hasn't stopped with luxury vehicles. Their newest project is definitely a departure from the auto industry -- creating the Aresline Xten ergonomic office chair. This chair is for the most elite of CEO's with mega-budgets as the single piece of furniture cost the design company about $1.5 million to develop -- who knows how much they will charge to purchase one of your very own! Currently available in UAE through OFIS, the chair's impressive materials include a dynamic fabric used by Olympic athletes for durability and a substance called Technogel. Are we talking sprinter's spandex material or the seat of the equestrian team's pants? Either way this premier piece of office equipment with its iconic affiliation is sure to be coveted by many corporate giants.
On September 12th you'll have your chance to bid on celebrity shoes and help stamp out lung cancer through the Roy Castle Centre's event, De-Feet Lung Cancer Campaign. Fancy a pair from Dame Judi Dench or feel like walking a mile in Harry Potter's shoes? Even Spice Girl Melanie C will have shoes on the auction block. Unfortunately it seems you can't view the shoes before the 12th but when the site goes live get on and put your bid in for a great cause across the pond.
This patent leather shopper reminds me of autumn with its ombré shading and earthy tones. Plus there is something about patent leather that seems to mix well with colder weather -- probably just a childhood link with patent leather shoes and winter celebrations. In any case, the Elliott Lucca 'Portia Ombré' Pocket Shopper is a large handbag with triple magnetic snaps along the top, two outer pockets with two different zipped openings, an optional shoulder strap and center zip divider inside. It's large enough to accommodate work documents, portfolio and day timer or short-trip essentials at 14 1/2" x 14" x 5 1/2". Just $398 for this fabulous bag available in either Black or Oxblood Ombré.
Starting this Friday, August 15th at 10am, eBay will be hosting the Sightsavers Auction 'Specs Appeal' supported by such celebrities as Ewan McGregor, Michael Caine and BBC's Kate Silverton. Over twenty celebs are donating their specs to help alleviate blindness and ensure the preservation of sight for millions around the world particularly in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. You can pick up a famous pair online yourself between August 15th and August 24th with prices starting at just £15 -- the equivalent of ten pairs in the developing world. Glasses are a fantastic accessory and you can make a statement with starlike panache and charitable spirit.
Vacation...Time off...Getaway... no matter which term you use personal travel seems to be driven more by individual interests than any other purpose lately. In a recent survey taken by American Express Travel, 87% of respondents indicate taking trips for the pursuit of personal passions will continue or even increase over the next two years despite economic conditions. Whether you have always wanted to learn top culinary skills, play a new instrument, or attend a sporting event of your dreams putting your vacation funds towards individual enrichment seems to be the trend and personally I am all for it! Here are the top interests shared by Americans:
42% choose destinations for culinary reasons
28% take-off for a sporting event
25% traveled for adventure
21% skipped town for music-related opportunities
15% claimed educational interests for their travel
Most people expressed they are also willing to spend more money and stay longer for vacations that further their personal dreams. If you have time off I think why not grow as a person while enjoying time away from the daily grind.
In keeping with White Rocket Wine Company's niche of bringing new brands of high quality, affordable wines to the new generation of wine drinkers comes French Maid Wine. Each of the five varietals from the French 'Old World' Languedoc region is given a 'New World' spirit. Offering a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc, each French Maid Wine brings French terroir to the newbies of the wine world on a smaller budget of only $12 per bottle. For the connoisseur who prefers more luxury priced wines this may not be the bottle of choice but as an introduction to wine it just may fit the bill.
I tend to think that a tote would be my bag of choice for most errands, short trips or as a carry-on but this bag has quite a persuasive element. The Juicy Couture 'Gossip' Hobo Bag sports a square body large enough to hold all the essentials plus some with a unique twist of diagonally pieced leather. The biased lines take what could be a plain, supple bag and transform it into a sophisticated statement . The short shoulder strap tucks the bag just beneath your arm and the zip top keeps everything from spilling out. For $450 I'd say this do-it-all bag is ready for anything. (18" x 11" x 6")
Step off the tarmac and into uber-sized luxury in the Becker JetVans. A Mercedes Sprinter van decked out with first-class accommodations for the most opulent of travel groups, this creation comes with a private-jet feel throughout. Standard accessories include leather seats, flat-screen televisions, and plush space for up to eight passengers. There are eight floor-plans to choose from offering reclining seats with footrests, internet connectivity and even a bathroom! Ease into this stylish ride for around $175,000 and you'll never have to endure the rough ride of a city taxi from airport to hotel again.
I have to admit I am not well-versed in the world of Betsey Johnson but I'm not too psyched about this creation. The Studded Flap Satchel offers a theatrical punch with pyramid-shaped goldtone studs and tassel zip top in either black, silver or berry. I do like the optional shoulder strap and protective metal feet -- fantastic additions to any handbag -- and the triple-compartment interior does keep things organized. But I could do without the gusset edges...this bag just has a bit too much going on for my taste for $348. (14" x 10" x 9")
Molecular mixology, or the creative construction of cocktails through texture and viscosity changes, has been highlighted before but Grand Marnier's Cocktail Macaroons are the most edible of these inventions to greet our palates yet. Inside a carefully crafted macaroon will be one of four cocktail gelées mimicking either a Grand Marnier mojito, margarita, cosmo, or orange crush depending on the flavor you choose. Created in part by François Payard, of Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro in NYC, these little gems will be exclusively available in the city and online come mid-September. Spend $18 and you will receive a custom package with four macaroon treasures inside -- one of each flavor. It will be like a dessert and beverage tasting all in one!
If you fancy yourself a Frank Lloyd Wright fan and wish to emulate his designs in your backyard or patio this Oak Park Studio Vase may be of interest. The vase is a cast stone replica of the very object which decorated his Oak Park residence in Chicago. Illustrating one of his classic designs, the cross within a circle within a square, this strapping vase is available in three sizes with prices starting at $1,350. I imagine this would serve well as a plantar, birdbath, or decorative piece holding its own along a path or strategically placed on a patio.
This comfortable semi-glazed leather grain handbag comes from Cole Haan's Spectator Saddle Collection. No matter what goes inside the Denney Bag it is nicely packaged with narrow braided handles that slide through grommets along the top complete with end slide pockets with bit-detail. There are a few interior pockets to keep you organized and custom pale gold accents to give the bag a little subtle glamour. Available in deep forest chestnut this tote is simple, easily portable and subtly sexy. (20" x 13 1/2" x 6" with a 10" straps for $450).
