Tracy Chait
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Henrybuilt Launches Luxe Closet Design
Henrybuilt, the American high-design company known for its sleek, hand crafted lines, has just launched a series of closet designs that will be custom to each client and built to order in the company's Seattle workshop.
Weaving together its trademark modern design with unsurpassed functionality, these "closets" (it seems they should get a new, much fancier name with all the included bells and whistles) feature wooden valet trays, leather-lined storage compartments, hand crafted leather pulls and an integrated lighting system -- so you'll be sure to look as good in whatever's in your closet as the closet itself.
Prices available upon request from Henrybuilt, which has a New York studio in addition to its Seattle shop.
David Yurman Classic Timepieces for Spring '09
David Yurman has just unrolled its latest collection of men's timepieces, The Classic, designed by chief watch designer and David's son, Evan Yurman. The three pieces in the collection each feature the kind of attention to detail you might expect from David Yurman: Swiss movement, guilloche dial work (what is essentially a French engraving technique that features intricate engine-turned details), and of course Yurman's signature chevron braid wrapped around the watch case.
The three watches include The Classic Moon Phase (shown above, retailing for $5800), The Classic Three Hand and The Classic Chronograph styles. Evan Yurman describes his designs as "traditional with a modern twist." Each will be available exclusively in David Yurman boutiques this May. The select group of David Yurman retailers will have to wait until Fall for their shipment.
Bentley to Raise Prices 5% in UK
Along with unemployment rates and the deficit, Bentley prices are on the rise, too, at least in the UK. Starting in April, Bentley will raise prices by 5% in the United Kingdom, citing the pound's weakness as compared to the Euro (about an 18% depreciation in the past year). So aspiring Brits will now be paying between around £120,000 and £245,000 for those new wheels. There is no expected price increase beyond Great Britain.
Valentine Essentials: Going Green
Maybe this is the year you want to send a valentine to the planet, express your love for the environment, in addition to impressing the object of your desire. Luxury gifts that just might turn the tide against climate change abound, and there are plenty more that are chic reminders that going green looks good these days -- like Stella McCartney's just-released organic lingerie line.
Don't forget all-organic romance: flowers (like the dozen roses at right, sustainably farmed and harvested using fair labor practices), truffles, champagne and candles. See the gallery for inspiration.
_thumbnail.jpg "Rescue the Reef in Palau")
_thumbnail.jpg "Organic Roses")
Watch Owned by Kennedy and Onassis Up at Auction
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Pictured above is the watch JFK wore every day during his morning swim in the White House pool, according to his personal secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, who found the watch in his desk following his assassination and gave it to his wife, Jackie. Now the watch is up for auction at Antiquorum in early March, and is expected to reach final bids between $150,000-200,000.
The watch, designed by Natrix, is a 14K gold timepiece featuring 57 jewels and its original brown alligator strap. It was a gift to the 35th President from Evangeline and David Bruce, who were key supporters of JFK's candidacy.
Interestingly enough, the watch belonged not only to JFK but to Aristotle Onassis. Mrs. Kennedy gave the watch to her second husband in 1971, inscribing the letters FALJ (For Ari, Love Jackie) between the lugs.
[Thanks Michelle!]
Valentine Essentials: For Him
No matter how hard to shop for, any valentine appreciates a heartfelt gesture -- from a savory meal to a classic sterling key ring with a set of keys to your place. Ideas in the gallery range from classic corkscrews from Hermes (perfect for a romantic, secluded picnic) to everyday luxuries that will keep you in mind and heart. And each choice should inspire you to do even more -- find the perfect wine to go along with the corkscrew, pack up that stylish weekender bag for a surprise getaway.
_thumbnail.jpg "Brooks Brothers Monogrammed Robe")
_thumbnail.jpg "Cashmere Sweatshirt")
Michael S. Smith Will Design Obama White House
The Washington Post has announced that interior designer Michael S. Smith will be designing the new Obama White House. Known for his work with high-profile celebs like Steven Spielberg and Rupert Murdoch, Smith hails from Santa Monica, California, and creates a sunny aesthetic that seems like welcome change at Penn. Ave.
In a statement released by Michelle Obama, Smith was lauded for his "family-friendly style," and is rumored to be shopping already at kid-focused "everyday retail stores," according to the Post.
Smith's released statement noted the family's casual style and desire to showcase contemporary American artists and affordable decor. Looks like Mrs. O's high-low fashion aesthetic may transfer to the White House.
Check out Smith's Top 10 Rooms over at Domino, where he first mentioned his desire to redesign the White House back in April.
Cheap Chic: Orla Kiely Comes to Target
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In her line of retro-inspired kitchen gear, Orla Kiely brings her trademark bold prints to Target early this February. The collection includes items you may expect -- plenty of cute and kitschy servingware, trays, coasters, table linens. But there are also supplies for closet organization (finally, cute looking shoe storage), a crisp little apron and plenty of other accessories.
Despite Revolutionary Road's rather anti-suburban message, Kate Winslet would look good in those matching oven mitts.
[via Apartment Therapy]
Nike's Carbon Footprint...Only 190 Grams!
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Nike's latest iteration of the Mercurial soccer shoe, the Vapor SL, is a real feat of engineering, and I like the color combo, too. The SL in the name stands for "Super Lite" -- the black shoe and its hot pink swoosh only weigh 190 grams.
Some ingredient called "Tepex" is all about maximum strength with minimal weight. I researched Tepex a little bit, and without an engineering degree, reached the conclusion that if it's good enough for the aerospace industry, it's probably good enough to wear on your feet.
Crafted almost entirely from carbon fiber, the sneaker retails for $400. Because a pair of these are so hard to come by -- Nike only made 2,508 pairs -- they're only truly available on eBay, starting at around $1,000.
[Thanks, Dave!]
New York State Finalizes Purchase of 104,000 Acres in the Adirondacks
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After four long years of negotiations, New York State has purchased 104,000 acres -- about seven times the size of Manhattan -- in the Adirondacks that will be preserved as a joint "working forest" and public space with restrictions against development.
Purchased from the Lyme Timber Company in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, the oversized parcel known as Sable Highlands sits in the Northeastern corner of Adirondack Park. Over 50,000 acres of the purchased land has never before been accessible to the public and will now be open for recreation, space including Sugarloaf Mountain and several pristine ponds.
Since 2004, generous individuals have committed over $4 million to the project, which combined with New York's Environmental Protection Fund was enough to conserve a piece of land that will serve generations of nature lovers and wildlife to come.
