Luxist

The Carlos Falchi Glazed Python Dr. Bag is by equal parts fabulous and dazzling.

It's like he took a basic black python bag and BeDazzled it. Like ... really, really well. We can't say this looks like a doctor-style bag to us, but we do love the shape. The gathers at the sides make it feminine enough to stand up to the great big appliquéd BeJewels.

Is it just us, or do the multiple shapes and the spacing remind you of Louis Vuitton? We're certainly not accusing Mr. Falchi of being unoriginal, but if LV did this with their signature shapes, the result would be outrageously awesome.

This perfect-for-the-holidays glazed python bag is a sensible 7"H x 13"W x 4"D; large enough for your stethoscope and your makeup.

The Carlos Falchi Glazed Python Dr. Bag is available from Bergdorf Goodman for $1,695.00.

The critics weren't kind to Damien Hirst's latest collection, which was exhibited at the Wallace Collection. It doesn't seem to have mattered. All news is good news in Hirst-land, as evidenced by the sales of his most recent effort. Hirst opened a new show yesterday at White Cube. Even if the media isn't crazy about his, the artist's collectors haven't ended the love affair. Five of the seven largest pieces in his new "Nothing Matters" collection sold before the show opened, with the highest-priced piece hitting $15.7 million, despite an initial point of only 235,000 pounds.

The show runs at White Cube through January 20, 2010, but you'll have to accept that you'll be checking out what is now other people's property. Hirst collectors are nothing if not loyal.

Need a stocking stuffer for a design lover in your life? Check out the new compact mirrors from Acme studios, the same folks that make pens and business card cases using designs from Karim Rashid, Frank Lloyd Wright and more. There are six designs each are made of chrome-plated stainless steel with a lacquered inlay cover. Inside there is a circular detail mirror as well as a square one. Each one sells for $39.

Surrealist, modern and postwar pieces will go under the gavel next week at the Christie's Impressioniste et Moderne auction in Paris. More than 140 lots will be offered on December 1, 2009, with presale estimates ranging from $6 million to $9 million. Among the artists represented in the auction, which consists of the Lefebvre-Foinet collection, are Alberto Giacometti, Max Ernst, Henri Matisse and Zao Wou-Ki. The collection was amassed over five generations, with the latest in the family making the decision to sell.

A portrait of Maurice Lefebvre by Giacometti could fetch between $1 million and $1.5 million, but other lots are more attainable. "Lyrical Explosion C," by Alberto Magnelli, is expected to sell for $210,000 to $270,000, and Sonia Delaunay's "Colored Rhythms No. 615" could go for up to $160,000. Playing on the success of the market for Chinese art, Zao Wou-Ki's "5.11.64" could move for as much as $600,000.

Paris has done pretty well through the art market slump, especially when the auctions deviate at least somewhat from the norm. Though there aren't any guarantees, let's keep an eye on this one. It could be the touch of fresh air we need.

[Photo via Christie's]

Today's estate is situated on Lake Tahoe's east shore with views of Glenbrook Bay and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You can't have a home on Lake Tahoe without taking advantage of the view and this home does not disappoint with a great room that has walls of glass facing the lake. The home has an impressive gourmet kitchen with shining brass wine racks that belong in a bar.

A large rooftop deck includes a firepit and a hot tub with plenty of room. A full huge garage offers room for car collectors to protect their precious vehicles from snow. The current owner appears to be quite the film fan and has a collection of movie memorabilia and a cinema-worthy home theater. Other features include a wine room, office and four bedroom suites. This home is listed at $18.75 million.

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For any active minded woman who likes a little attention, it is hard to admit you don't like this watch. Yes, it is true that blingy Casio watches are a hot item of choice among Hip Hop elite, but there is a certain charm and allure to them that is hard to explain. I feel as though it is the gilding of an object that you would easily wear without the gilding.

Here is a relatively inexpensive way to get a nice looking wintry watch from Casio with a little "extra" on it. In addition to the famous Baby-G line of watches, there is also the G-Shock Mini collection of watches for women (don't ask me the differences between the two, cause I don't rightly know). This G-Shock Mini Deco-G Watch is covered in a mask of hand-selected Swarovski crystals, against a white case and strap, with a metallic pink dial. The case design is much more refined and chic than many of the visually more complex women's G-Shock watches out there, but it still retains all the functions you'd expect.

Displayed right on the dial is the time and date, as well is indicators for things like day light saving, alarm, and more. Other functions include a 48 city world timer, stopwatch, countdown timer, 5 daily alarms, and an awesome backlight. The watch is also 100 meters water resistant, and highly shock resistant. If you want one, each will only cost you $200, but they are only available at Bloomingdale's in Manhattan. For more information visit gshockmini.com.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Westin Hotels has a booming side business by selling items from their Heavenly line including the Heavenly bed. New for the holidays is the Heavenly Travel Blanket and Heavenly Bath product line. The Heavenly Travel blanket is a versatile item. It is a full size blanket that can also be tucked into hidden pocket so that it can serve as a travel pillow. It sells for $60.

The Westin Heavenly bath line includes calming blend of botanicals and natural ingredients. Products include a soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and body oil. The collection is available in White Tea Aloe, Green Tea Grapefruit, and Chamomile Lavender. Prices range from $12 to $18.

Sad news for fans of jeweler Henry Dunay. Over the summer Henry Dunay Designs filed Chapter 11. Now it has been announced that the brand is officially over. An auction of the company's inventory is scheduled for December 16. Dunay told National Jeweler that he is not giving up the jewelry business completely and that he will still be doing special orders and custom pieces. As he puts it, "they're not getting rid of me yet." Good news for anyone who is a fan of Dunay's unique wearable works of art. He can be reached for special orders by calling the numbers used for Henry Dunay Designs: (800) 888-2525 or (212) 768-9700. For more information on the Dec. 16 auction, contact Jay Silverberg, Dunay's attorney from the New York office of Sils, Cummis and Gross, PC, at (212) 500-1587.

As Fashion Editor at Neiman Marcus, Roopal Patel has one of the coolest jobs on the planet. I asked the fashion insider about the biggest fashion mistake people make and what she thinks are the hottest upcoming trends.

Q. What does a fashion editor for a major departments store do?

A. I scout up and coming talent and designers for the store, provide trend direction for the season and help translate that vision into our merchandise assortments with our buyers. It is important for the store to have one consistent message.

Q. What are the most popular trends for resort and spring 2010?

A. Not to give away the highly-coveted list that Senior VP/Fashion Director Ken Downing issues at the beginning of every season but ...blue is the color for both resort and spring. Neiman Marcus is embracing all shades of blue for every category. Tribal fusion was on every runway this season. Look to Givenchy for some of the must-have tribal print wedges and platforms of the season. The nude shoe is the new neutral of the season. The Fendi platform sandal [pictured above] is a must on our list.

Q. What is the most unusual fashion item you've seen in your career?

A. I am always amazed at how high the heel heights are at runway shows and how they get higher with every season. The models make it look so easy. The shoes at Alexander McQueen spring 2010 were over the top!

Q. Has Neiman Marcus changed in response to the economic climate? If so, how?

A. For the holidays, we have our "Little Gems" shop that features presents and gifts for under $100. There are also great [inexpensive] items in many of our designer collections. I found a silver stud pyramid ring from Stephen Webster for $275 and a great David Yurman silver infinity ring at $275.

Q. What is your favorite item in The Christmas Book?

A. I cannot help but to smile when I see the customized cupcake car. It's so original and unique. I also cannot wait to get my hands on the sequined leggings from La Rok and the John Hardy cuff bracelet for evening holiday sparkle.

Q. What is the one thing that makes a look?

A. The right accessory. The perfect handbag or shoes can change your look in seconds.

Q. What is the one common fashion mistake people make?

A. The only mistake one can make is not having fun with your wardrobe. Enjoy and translate the trends that work best for you.

Ever wanted to own your own golf club? If you've got $12 million to spend, Hunter's Oak can be yours. This club is located on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay along the banks of the Wye River. This property in Queenstown, Maryland is on approximately 250 acres that include sa golf course, lakes, ponds and scenic natural beauty all around. The 18-hole, par 72 course offers Scottish Links authenticity. There is also a nine-hole Parkland course. The private clubhouse has a Scottish pub and grille as well as a pro shop and has had hosted many a wedding.