Trendy bags can be so much fun to wear, especially when you find them at a great price. But then the trend fades away, the bag just doesn't make that same powerful statement as it once did and ends up in your closet collecting dust. Thankfully, there are some designers that have the ability to incorporate trends and timeless styles into a balanced creation. Take for example the Python Shoulder Bag by Carols Falchi. It takes the trendiness of colorful exotic leather against the back drop of a classic silhouette resulting in a statement bag to last the ages. It features a gathered body that compliments the python's texture and color and would be a perfect addition to your wardrobe. Price: $2210

In what is actually a highly anticipated ad campaign, Julianne Moore will soon debut as Bulgari's new leading lady. The popular Hollywood actress will be working closely with the well-known watch and jewelry brand (who actually produce quite a few other times as well) in a variety of planned advertising campaigns. The first of which will be the "Eccentric Charisma" campaign where Moore models nude or otherwise promoting the Bulgari Serpenti line among others. One series of images has the actress wearing an 115 carats of Colombian emeralds. These are in the form of a pair of earrings (that look like that have the power to pull ear lobes to the floor) See images of the earrings as well as a teaser video to the campaign here.

The award winning actress will likely help stimulate the brand that is need of such vitalization. As for me, I don't know what Moore is promoting for Bulgari in the above image, but strangely I want one... One of the new collections that Moore will be modeling are the Bulgari Serpenti collection items that I previously discussed here. The Serpenti collection is themed on snakes and scales. Adding an a degree of Egyptian exoticism to the watch, jewelry, and other accessory items. Bulgari touts the new collection as a return to the design aesthetic that made the brand famous to begin with. Plus, the connection with leading beautiful women of the world (such as the always charming and attractive Julianne Moore - the image here reminds me of Boogie Nights, I wonder why...) is a strong tactic in reaffirming the Bulgari brand as a beautiful brand, instead of just an opulent or trendy brand that has become more Bulgari's image as of late. Look for the "Eccentric Charisma" ads to appear beginning in February 2010.

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

"The relationship between the leader in prestigious sports watches and chronographs since 1860 and golf virtuoso Tiger Woods has always been extremely professional and productive," was part of a statement directly from Tag Heuer recently on its relationship (since 2002) with troubled sports star Tiger Woods. I believe that a follow up to this story was necessary because Tag Heuer has been flipping around a bit. Post extra-marital scandal statements from the popular watch brand Tag Heuer confirmed its commitment to its promotional relationship with Tiger Woods. Within a day or two the brand reviewed the current state of Tag Heuer's public opinion as well as his intent to leave the world of professional golf for some indeterminable amount of time, and it looked as though they had a good excuse to release Mr. Woods from his "obligations." Thus, Tag Heuer then reported that it was strongly reconsidering its relationship with Tiger Woods, and reports indicated that they felt Mr. Woods was going to be too much of a liability to the brand image, with not enough future value given his leave of absence from the public eye.

All of a sudden Tag Heuer seems to have come to their senses and realized that despite the scandal, no matter how minor or major it is, Tag Heuer is still a very valuable personality and image for the brand. In what I hope is their final position, they indicate that they will temporarily scale down Tiger's involvement or image in current advertisements, but still retain him in select ad campaigns. Don't expect to see too many more Tag Heuer "Watch are you made of?" campaigns with Wood's face attached to the ad - because the public has an answer to what Wood's is made out of. Plus, Tiger's future as the face of Tag Heuer will of course depend on if and when he returns to professional golf (which he likely will). Part of Tag Heuer's reluctance to drop Woods all together might have something to do with Tiger being titled PGA Tour player of the year. I promise that this will be the last time this story is mentioned - no matter how many times Tag Heuer seems to change its mind. Several of Tiger Wood's other sponsors have dropped him altogether, while a few like Tag Heuer are committed to the international star, but will limit his presence in ads for the foreseeable future.

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

Russia's richest man Mikhail Prokhorov is going to court to try and get back the $55 million deposit he forfeited after backing out of a deal to buy the magnificent Villa Leopolda on the French Riviera for $750 million including the furnishings last year. The metals magnate signed a sales agreement for the Villa, and French law stipulates that purchasers lose their deposits if they pull out after such an agreement has been signed. The Villa's owner Lily Safra has said she is donating the deposit to charity. However, Prokhorov's lawyers are now arguing that that the agreement was rendered null and void due to two technical "anomalies", the London Telegraph reports.

Firstly, they say he should have been given the usual seven-day period in which to change his mind, which was denied as Prokhorov signed the agreement under a company name. Secondly, they argue that Safra's notary had "illicitly lumped the furniture price tag with the house price in a declaration to the French state", which they say was grounds for canceling the contract. Safra's lawyer Jean-Michel Darrois disputes Prokhorov's claims and said in a statement to the newspaper, "We have written proof that Mr Prokhorov, via his lawyers, continued to confirm his intention to buy the property well after the sale agreement." A verdict is due in March.

It may be named The Floridian but the condo building shown at right is actually on Florida Avenue near Howard University in Washington D.C. It's also facing foreclosure. The 118-unit building is being foreclosed even though more than 30 units are occupied by owners and around 50 more units could have been sold. Kady Development bought the land in 2006 for $8 million and then borrowed $44.8 million in loans from LaSalle Bank to build the loft-style condos which are in two towers and are outfitted with granite counters and stone tile baths. Prices started in the low $300,000s.

Bank of America filed the notice of foreclosure on December 8. The Washington Business Journal reports that a third-party investor purchased the note from the bank and is proceeding with the foreclosure. The foreclosure auction is scheduled for January 8 at Alex Cooper Auctioneers Inc. and the balance on the note is $31.8 million.

For those days you're not sure how you feel or what you want, the Marc Jacobs Flourescent Tweed Bag has all sorts of style elements to suit you. Black and white tweed is comforting, bright neon stone embellishments add a spunky dose of glam and color, and gold staining on the stones tones things down and keeps them from looking too 80s. Other features include black patent leather, a detachable shoulder strap, and a logo-embossed golden lock on the front flap. Magnetic press-stud fastening, internal pouch pocket, and a black satin lining. $995

Audio Chi W Series

Definitely the most stylish set of headphones we've come across in a long while, the new W series from Audio Chi is sure to make any lady smile this holiday season. With a headband in gorgeous colors like gold, patent black and plum, Audio Chi headphones are super light and comfortable, and can accessorize any outfit. They're not only gorgeous, but the W series is some of the best sound quality available in headphones this compact. Listening to a standard mp3 track, Audio Chi brought forward some of the best bass I've ever heard through headphones, as well as multiple levels of tonality and intensity. It's studio quality coupled with street style.

$109.95 at Audio Chi

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Renowned photographer Roxanne Lowit has been chronicling the fashion scene for the past 30 years; early on she staked out the backstage areas at fashion shows, where the really interesting action takes place, as her prime hunting ground for capturing the most beautiful people in their natural habitat. Now Lowit, whose work has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum and others, has an incredible new book just published by teNeues, focusing on brilliant, flamboyant Dior deigner John Galliano's couture concoctions which she chronicled for over a decade. Backstage Dior, with a foreword by Galliano, mixes black-and-white and color images, candids and close-ups, delving into the fascinating details behind the scenes. The book is a must for any devotée of fashion, spectacle, photography, or all three.

Things you do love: home theater systems, 5.1 surround sound, megawatt amplifiers, multiple Dolby signal processors, and most of all, simplicity. Things you don't love: acres of exposed cables and the sound of installers drilling holes in your walls. The latest JVC soundbar gives you what you love, not what you don't.

The 3-foot-long, 5-inch high TH-BA3 ($549) brings together a 280-watt amplifier and six speakers. It is the world's first dual wireless system, in that it is supported by a subwoofer and set of rear speakers and zaps the signals to each without any wiring. Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby ProLogic II are supported, and there are two digital optical inputs and one analog in case your Nilsson Schmilsson 8-track still has some good years left in it.

If you must have something even sleeker and you're willing to submit to 4.1 surround, the JVC TH-BS7 ($599) wireless soundbar is broken up into a thinner speaker a practically wafer-thin, 180-watt amplifier. True, it isn't 7.1 surround, but it is peace of mind for the OCD in you.

This home is named Eagle's Perch, a reference to its woodsy perch on a hilltop in Victoria, British Columbia. The home is on 3.2 acres and has 6320 square feet of custom furnished living space with heated decks, a custom spa/hot tub for 16 and a professional gym. Many rooms boast ocean views. The home's warm look comes from a variety of woods including bird's eye maple and fir. Natural stone, granite, marble and etched glass throughout add a luxurious touch. The home includes koi ponds, a security system, fire pit and barbecue terrace and a three-car garage with a separate bedroom suite. A master suite includes a spa tub and sitting area. Other rooms include a library loft area with a fireplace and a recreation room with a custom glass bar. This home is listed at $8.9 million Canadian.

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