Holiday Guides

Richard Mille RM 026 Watch For Women, With Snakes

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Jan 28th 2011 at 3:01PM

It is fascinating for me to see how high-tech themed watch maker Richard Mille produces women's jewelry watches using the same watch case styles. While the two manner of watches are seemingly very different, the brand is able to make it work. For 2011, Richard Mille's new ultra high-end women's watch is the RM 026, otherwise known (to me) as the "snakes in a mother f'in half million dollar watch." Ya baby, this is THAT watch.

The idea behind the piece is that the skeletonized tourbillon movement should look like two snakes are moving around in it. The illusion works pretty well. Thankfully the snakes are not too life-like being made out of precious stones (otherwise that might be quite creepy). One snake is done in mostly rubies, while the other in mostly emeralds. Look closely and you'll see scales engraved into the 18k white gold of the snake bodies. On the snakes, as the hour indicators, and all over the case are diamonds. A really neat feature is that sapphire caseback displays a solid onyx place (very hard to find a suitable stone that size). See that little snake tongue? It is done in coral.

The new RM 026 movement has the time, a tourbillon, a seconds indicator on the back of the watch (the celtic style star spins), and a power reserve indicator on the dial (sort of hidden on the side). The tonneau shaped watch case is 39.70mm wide and 45mm tall. Richard Mille will offer the RM 026 in titanium, 18k red gold, or 18k white gold. Priced at $485,000, $505,000, and $510,000 respectively.

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

Gallery: Richard Mille RM026 watch

Tags: richard mille, rm 026, snakes, watch, women

The Ultimate Valentine's Day Gift Guide from Luxist and AHAlife

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) — Jan 28th 2011 at 2:01PM

Before you go overspending on Valentine's Day gifts that will surely be returned, peruse this gift guide from Luxist and AHAlife, "where discerning taste meets an inspired life." We teamed up with AHAlife's careful and creative curators to bring you the best Valentine's Day Gift Guide you'll find, whether you're looking to spend $100 or $5,000. Below, you'll find images and prices for each item on this special list, as well as our reasoning for recommending the items. It's easy (and free!) to join AHAlife, so don't hesitate at the signup page. Close your other tabs and dig in; your Valentine's Day shopping is finished. Here are the Top 10 Best Valentine's Day Gifts for 2011 from AHAlife and Luxist:

1. Camel Bone Jewelry (above) - from $230.00

This exotic collection is so stunning, few women could open it without an audible gasp. There is a certain powerfulness in the femininity and boldness of these rare camel bone pieces. Giving one of these to your loved one is more than an observation of custom; it implies a respect for her primal strength.

Tags: 2011, ahalife, gift, gifts, jewelry, romance, romantic, top 10, top ten, Valentines Day

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Shanghai Tang's New Pocket-Sized Refillable Atomizers

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Dec 23rd 2010 at 9:31AM

Shanghai Tang has collaboarted with Travalo to produce refillable pocket-sized atomizers

Looking for a unique gift for the holidays or an early purchase for Valentine's Day 2011? Look no further than Shanghai Tang, the luxury Chinese which is offering pocket-sized, pump-action refillable atomizers in coordinating leather pouches for men and women.

Shanghai Tang collaborated with Travalo, the innovative producer of pocket-sized, pump-action refillable atomizers, to create one with a patented PumpFill valve that refills in seconds. The atomizer, which provides up to 50 sprays, can be refilled in seconds from any pump-spray fragrance bottle. The pressure regulator within ensures no leaks making it extremely convenient to carry in your handbag or pocket. Each Shanghai Tang Travalo set includes two capsule
atomizers, encased in a skillfully embossed leather pouch elegant enough for all occasions.

The Shanghai Tang Dragon Travalo Set for men (seen above) comes with a black leather case embossed with a dragon---a traditional symbol of power, strength and good luck. A dragon is also engraved on the black and gun-metal capsule atomizers which are filled with Shanghai Tang's signature Mandarin Tea fragrance for him.

Tags: atomizer, gifts, gifts for men, gifts for women, holiday gift, Holiday gift guide 2010, holiday gifts, perfume, shanghai Tang, travalo, Valentines day gifts

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Holiday Shopping Guide: 10 Gifts for Women

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Dec 19th 2010 at 2:01PM

We already covered gifts for mom so this list is geared for the other special woman in your life, your wife or girlfriend. It definitely leans to the romantic and personal (no vacuum cleaners or washing machines here) but some things, like cashmere and laptop bags, are universally appealing and would be great for a friend, sister, or neighbor as well.

Tiffany Keys 'Kaleidoscope' Pendant, $12,000

It just wouldn't feel right if we didn't start our list with diamonds, as they really are many a girl's best friend and are a sure-fire way to dazzle your special someone this holiday. The possibilities are endless but for this list I've chosen one of Tiffany's Key pendants, the Kaleidoscope, for its recognizable style (and little blue box) as well as its dazzling beauty and 'statement piece' potential.

Tags: gifts for wife, gifts for women, holiday gifts, holiday shopping, women

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Holiday Shopping Guide: 8 Gifts for Book Lovers

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Dec 18th 2010 at 2:01PM

In a world that increasingly favors digital and paperless technology the experience of reading books is not the same as it used to be, but no matter if you prefer turning pages by pressing a button on an e-reader or by hand the old fashioned way there will always be something magical and mysterious about real paper books. A new Kindle and a boatload of e-books is great for some reads (like working through the current New York Times best-seller list) but when it comes to true reading luxury and timeless, endearing gifts for the book lovers on your holiday shopping list we say go for good old-fashioned hardcovers and beautiful, well-made accessories.

Bee & Butterfly Bookmarks, $30
As pretty as antique jewelry these Bee and Butterfly bookmarks are handmade in the USA of brass and plated metal with colored Swarovski crystal accents, beautiful floral patterns, and long colorful tassels. Perfect for a gardener or nature-loving reader, unwrapping them will be easy but hiding them away in a book won't be!

Tags: books, holiday gifts, holiday shopping

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Cocktail Recipes for Holiday Entertaining

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Dec 17th 2010 at 7:31PM

The Candy Cane Lane holiday cocktail by Van Gogh BLUE Vodka

Planning to throw a holiday party or an unforgettable New Years' Eve bash? We collected favorite cocktail recipes from some of the best mixologists around, all of which perfect for holiday entertaining.

Richard Leach, the head of the cocktail department at New York's Polynesian supper club, The Hurricane Club told us how to make his delicious banana, rum and fresh mint cocktail while Matthew Silverstein, the bar manager at Mario Batali's Del Posto gave us the recipe for his famous XO Champagne Cocktail. Olivier Flosse of New York's A Voce, shared his "Whisky del Frante" recipe while Chef Jon Ashton, in-house chef for Relish magazine, gave us his "Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Dessert Shot". Finally, Kara Newman, author of Spice & Ice, a zesty book brimming with cocktail recipes, gave us the secret for making her "Spiced Caramel Apple" cocktail (check out our related story that features Kara's best tips for throwing a cocktail party).

From Van Gogh Vodka's "Candy Cane Lane" to the "Sugar Cookie", your guests will love these festive cocktails. Try out a few recipes and let us know us which ones you like the best in the comment field below.

Candy Cane Lane (seen above)
2 1/2 oz Van Gogh BLUE Vodka
1 oz White crème de menthe
1/2 oz Peppermint schnapps
Cream
Splash of Grenadine
Peppermint candy for garnish

Add a dash of grenadine into the bottom of a chilled martini glass and set aside. Pour the rest of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into the glass with grenadine to create a "swirl" effect. Garnish with peppermint candy.

For more holiday cocktail recipes, click on any of the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Holiday Party Cocktail Recipes

Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Dessert Shots

Tags: A Voce, awards-main, Del Posto, food-pedia, Holiday cocktails, Hurricane Club, Kara Newman, luxist-awards, main-pedia, Mario Batali, New Years Eve, The Hurricane Club, Van Gogh BLUE, van gogh vodka

Francois Payard's Black Truffle Chocolate Tart for New Years' Eve

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Dec 17th 2010 at 6:31PM

Celebrate New Years' Eve with Francois Payard's decadent black truffle chocolate tart

World-renowned French pastry chef Francois Payard is creating a truly decadent dessert for all chocolate lovers wanting to celebrate New Years' Eve in style.

For New Year's Eve Payard is offering for the first time a Black Truffle Chocolate Tart. Ingredients include real black truffles (currently retailing for $2.60 per gram), a sable Breton shell that is sprinkled with dry girolle mushroom powder. The tart is topped off with a layer of 70% Guanaja Dark Chocolate Ganache that is mixed with fresh black truffle shavings drizzled with a bit of black truffle oil, pieces of hazelnut nougatine and a hint of fleur de sel. While it may sounds unusual, word has it that the tart is absolutely "incredible" according to the select few who were treated to an advance tasting.

Payard describes the tart as "very rich, with a strong truffle flavor and aroma, but also with a deep, intense chocolate flavor so that the earthiness of the truffles complement the slight native acidity of the chocolate without overpowering the finished result."

The Black Truffle Chocolate Tart serves eight people and is a limited edition of only 25, so place your order as soon as possible. It will be available for purchase for $85 at the new Francois Payard Bakery at 116 West Houston Street between Sullivan & Thompson. Orders may be placed online or by phone by calling 212.995.0888, ext. 131.

Tags: awards-main, black truffle, chocolate, dessert, Desserts, Francois Payard, Francois Payard Bakery, luxist-awards, New Years Eve, Payard, tart, truffle

Lampe Berger Opens Pop Up Boutique in New York

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Dec 17th 2010 at 9:31AM

Lampe Berger opens new pop up store on Madison Avenue in Manhattan

Lampe Berger, the 110-year old French luxury home fragrance company has opened a pop up store in New York. The boutique features the complete range of Lampe Berger's latest cutting edge technology with products that deodorize, create beautiful scents and decorate the home with exquisite designs.

"This Pop Up Store gives us the perfect opportunity to create an enticing, luxurious environment in which to share the Lampe Berger experience with the people of Manhattan," says Cherry Robinson, Lampe Berger Vice President of Marketing and Sales.

Lampe Berger's beautiful signature lamps, each a work of art in itself, are available for purchase as well as its exquisite home fragrance collection---just in time for anyone searching for a truly unique gift to give a friend of loved one for the holidays. Lampe Berger products create an atmosphere where undesirable odors are banished, leaving an environment that is delicately scented. Its new scent-release system known as "catalysis" provides clean and beautifully scented air at home.

The first Lampe Berger lamp was created in 1898 by Maurice Berger, a pharmacy dispenser, to purify the air in hospital wards. By 1930, as fragrances were skyrocketing in popularity around the world, the company's dispensers, known as "lampes" had become a collector's item. Early collectors included artists Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso. Lampe Berger is known for its many innovations, many of which are patented around the world.

Gallery: Lampe Berger Opens Pop Up Boutique in Manhattan

Tags: home fragrance, Jean Cocteau, Lalique, lampe berger, Maurice Berger, Pablo Picasso, shopping

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Holiday Entertaining Tips from Designer Kim Seybert

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Dec 16th 2010 at 9:31AM

Kim Seybert, designer of lifestyle and tabletop accessories, offers her best tips for holiday entertaining.

Kim Seybert, a world-renowned designer spoke to Luxist and gave us her six favorite tips for throwing the perfect holiday gathering.

Seybert is widely credited with being the creator of "fashion for the table". She successfully translated her skills as an evening gown and cocktail dress designer to the home with the creation of Kim Seybert, her namesake company, for which she designs gorgeous and elegant placemats, napkins, napkin rings, table runners, tablecloths, glasses, bath accessories and home decor accessories. Seybert's extensive line of table wear and home accessories is available for purchase on the Kim Seybert website as well as at such luxury retailers as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Barneys New York, and Horchow.

Seybert's designs often feature the same techniques she used when designing glamorous evening gowns. As a result, her designs are so stunning, they present an easy alternative to re-decorating a home. Seybert's spectacular napkin rings (see image below), for example, feature extensive beading and are so gorgeous they are often referred to as "jewelry for the table".

Tags: awards-main, decor-pedia, decorating ideas, decorating tips, holiday entertaining, how to decorate a holiday table, Kim Seybert, luxist-awards, main-pedia, napkin rings, table decor, table decorations

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Luxist Giveaway: Win a Zappos Gift Card

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) — Dec 7th 2010 at 10:01AM

You know you've been browsing Zappos on your lunch hour under the guise of holiday shopping for friends and family, but admit it, you always see a little something you'd love too, and you slip it into your cart. I do the same thing. You've learned that whether you're shopping for yourself or for someone else for the holidays, or any time, Zappos is your go-to place. Much more than just shoes, the easy-to-shop (and fun-to-shop) site also offers clothing, bags, housewares, and watches, and even beauty products, eyewear, jewelry, and sporting goods, for men, women, and kids. You can't beat the free shipping and free 365-day return policy, either. Check out the Holiday Gift Guide for ideas!

Here's some more good news. Luxist wants to make things easier on you and your wallet this month. Our great friends at Zappos offered us one $100 gift card to give to a lucky reader selected at random. To enter, follow the instructions below.

* Leave a confirmed comment below telling us what one item from the site you would love to buy for yourself or for someone else.
* The comment must be left and confirmed no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 14, 2010.
* One entry per person. Multiple entries will be disqualified.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing and notified by e-mail.
* One winner will receive a $100 gift card for use on Zappos.com, to be delivered by postal mail.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

See the complete rules here.

The contest is closed. The winner will be notified by e-mail by December 17. Thanks for participating!

Tags: apparel, beauty, clothing, eyewear, free, gift card, gift cards, giveaway, giveaways, handbags, shoes, sporting goods, watches, Zappos

Holiday Shopping Guide: 10 Gifts for Your Man

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Dec 7th 2010 at 8:01AM

Shopping for a husband, boyfriend, or significant other can be intimidating for many of the same reasons shopping for dad often is, but you can take at least some of the guesswork out of the process by focusing on gifts that are fun, functional, and really good at doing whatever they were meant to do. And of course if they're also expensive and brag-worthy (like most of our favorite picks below) that's frosting on the cake.

Leather Officer Jacket, $2,195
If you want to buy him clothes take our advice and steer clear of the sweater aisle and set your sites on something like this Leather Officer Jacket instead. Soft dark brown lambskin and clean lines result in a look that's both trendy and timeless and will easily mesh with a variety of personal styles.

Tags: gifts, gifts for men, holiday gifts, holiday shopping, men

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Dempsey & Carroll's Holiday Cards Collection

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) — Dec 5th 2010 at 6:01PM

If you have yet to order your personalized holiday cards, it's time to get cracking! But when your friends and family receive a card from Dempsey & Carroll's beautiful and classy holiday collection, you will be forgiven for being a bit behind schedule. Luckily, D&C offers rush service (15 days from day of order) for $100.

The stationer's collection of 65 designs range in price from about $500 - $3,900 for boxes of 50 - 500 cards and envelopes, although some styles start at a minimum of 100 cards and envelopes. Select a greeting (or write your own), ink, and typestyle. You can have D&C make you an engraving plate for an additional charge, or send along your own.

You also can get non-personalized holiday cards. These are ready to ship right now; prices range from $50 - $75 for a set of 10 cards and 10 envelopes.

View the gallery for a few of the customizable options.

Gallery: Dempsey & Carroll's Holidays Cards Collection - Customizable

Tags: Christmas, Christmas cards, Dempsey Carroll, greeting cards, holiday, holiday cards, holidays, personalized

J.McLaughlin's Holiday Handbag Collection

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Dec 4th 2010 at 9:31AM

This holiday season, J.McLaughlin, is offering a line of handbags that will work for any holiday plans you might have on your calendar.

"We took a little liberty with our holiday 2010 collection," explains Kevin McLaughlin, Creative Director at the Manhattan-based fashion house that is known for its classic American designs. "Party dresses---usually the main event---are just the appetizers."

This season, J.McLaughlin created a slouchy leather hobo bag (see image in gallery) that is luxurious and comes in great colors for the fall and winter. The exterior has an open front pocket. Inside, there is a back wall zip. A key fob is attached inside, which will make it easier for you to find your keys. Dimensions are 16" wide X 12" high; 9" deep at widest point.

Gallery: J.McLaughlin Holiday Collection

J.McLaughlin's Slouchy Leather Hobo Bag and the Gold Metal Frame Faux Alligator Clutch

J.McLaughlin's Dorchester Tote and Wool Porthole Bag

Scarves from the J.McLaughlin Holiday Collection

J.McLaughlin Holiday Collection's Holiday Party Look

J.McLaughlin Holiday Collection's Preppy Ensemble

Another must-have is J.McLaughlin's embossed clutch ($155) that has a rich crocodile look (see image in gallery). Accented with a gold chain and gold buckle, it is available in red or black. The clutch it is an ideal bag to take along to a holiday party. See the black version in the gallery above.

J.McLaughlin's wool tartan porthole bag ($198) comes in two classic plaids---a navy and red combination as well as navy and yellow, while its Dorchester Tote ($275) is 100% cotton with a leather trim. The Dorchester Tote comes in two color combinations: coffee/dark brown as well as sable/tan, and is a classic bag to carry all year round. Both handbags are seen in the above photo.

All of the handbags described are available on the J.McLaughlin website or by visiting one of its boutiques, which are located in 17 states around the U.S.

Tags: accessories, handbags, holiday shopping, J. McLaughlin

Holiday Gift Guide for the Ultimate Barbie Lover

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Dec 3rd 2010 at 5:31PM

The Holiday Gift Guide for the Ultimate Barbie Collector

Mattel's Barbie has released her next line of unique items in the new Blond Book collection, a collection that celebrates all things blond. This collection is filled with fab items from around the globe, from accessories to a one-of-a-kind corset and dolls designed by fashion's avant-garde duo, The Blonds.

Here's a list of some of some dream-worthy items from the Blond Book collection that are sure to please the most fervent Barbie fan:

For the art lover, there's the pop art piece A Plastic Tan Never Fades. Priced at $750, the (30" W by 40" H) piece is made to order and printed on white Plexiglas. Allow up to 14 weeks for delivery.
A once-in-a-lifetime tour of Beverly Hills, Barbie-style, of course. For $10,000, the trip is complete with two business class round trip tickets, three nights stay at a 5-star hotel (double occupancy), and private car service while in Los Angeles. The package includes professional photography and a custom scrapbook. Only one trip is available. To place an order, contact (800) 491-7514.

Gallery: Barbie's Blond Book Collection

Tags: barbie, barbie doll, barbie dolls, holiday gift guide, holiday shopping, mattel

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The Luxist Top Ten Under the Radar Jewelry Designers for the Holidays 2010

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) — Dec 3rd 2010 at 11:02AM

Giving jewelry as gifts for the holidays is something we highly encourage at Luxist. We love all that sparkles. One of our favorite regular features is jewelry design -- we love to showcase the up-and-comers who aren't yet as famous as, say, Tiffany and Harry Winston. Still, finding the right designer with the right price range for you can be difficult, as there's a sea of new designers every year to sift through. Here's our guide to the best of the best under-the-radar jewelry designers whose collections we recommend for the 2010 holidays. Each designer has fresh, enchanting pieces with that timeless je ne sais qoui which will last a lifetime.

The Luxist Top Ten Up and Coming Jewelry Designers for the Holidays 2010

1. Anna Hu (above)

We covered Anna Hu in January after meeting her in her Plaza boutique (Anna Hu, Custom Jeweler to the Lucky). It was one of our most exciting interviews of the year as we learned about her history as a cello prodigy and her penchant for lucky symbols and numbers. Anna Hu makes breathtaking custom pieces you should seek out either at The Plaza Hotel or in Tainan, Taiwan. A few select pieces are available online from Kabiri in the UK.

Tags: Anna Hu, best of, Carla Amorim, DANNIJO, gift guide, gift guide 2010, Hassan Bounkit, holiday shopping, jewelry, jewelry 2010, jewelry designers, Johnny Brookheart, Lois Hill, Raquelle Bianco, slane slane, Susie Fox, The Great Frog, top ten