Luxury Shopping

Groomstars.com Review - Formal Gifts For Men

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Apr 27th 2011 at 12:04PM

The website Groomstars.com is founded on an interesting idea - that being the concept that men are hard to shop for (especially when it comes to gifts for special occasions). As the name of the site implies, the focus of the site is offering gifts for the men who participate in weddings (not like routinely or anything). Along with the fact that guys are not super easy to shop for, most gift websites usually have items that either appeal only to women, or are gifts guys don't normally want. Groomstars strives to offering an enticing selection of male-minded gifts, and like many other gift based websites, Groomstars also features most (if not all) of their products as being personalized.

Featured products including a range of decent quality pens, holders, valets, watch cases, clothing accessories, hobbyist goods, nice tools, and other things men usually like, but wouldn't normally buy for themselves. I actually appreciate the selection a lot. It is as though someone waded through most of the obvious (and many non obvious) gifts a man would like and presented them in an easy to navigate place.

A lot of people will likely enjoy the site when shopping for groomsmen, a best man, the father of the bride - or anyone else who may be a friend, boss, or relative. Prices aren't cheap, but part of what you are paying for is the curated content. One such item that is nice is the Groomstars Striped Wedge Wood Watch box. It contains space for a few watches and related accessories, while the inside is cloth lined to prevent scratching. It comes in a nicely veneered closing box case with a personalized plate near the push-button opener. The inside is lined with soft cloth and quality is better than you might expect (or perhaps I simply have jaded expectations). Their watch boxes also come in a few different finishes and retails for $265 - all of course available for purchase online.

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

Gallery: Groomstars watch box

Tags: box, case, gifts, groom, groomstars, men, personalized, watch, wedding

Piaget Launches Limelight Garden Party Collection

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) — Mar 25th 2011 at 3:01PM

Piaget Limelight Garden Party Collection Ring

With a series of events that included the Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, a Champagne toast at their New York boutique, and an outdoor celebration in Palm Beach, Piaget launched their spring-themed Limelight Garden Party collection.

In New York, the Piaget boutique on Fifth Avenue took on a terrarium look for the evening's event, with the collection set in cases decorated to look like a wood nymph's jewelry box.

Cradled amongst the various faux flora, 18-white gold pieces sparkled under the display lights.

A miniature, diamond-encrusted bird perched itself on a ring, seemingly ready to dip its beak into a cushion-cut rubellite gem. Other birds perched on a white gold sprig of diamonds and pearls, while a floral ring bloomed diamonds, emeralds and pink sapphires. One necklace's 289 brilliant-cut diamonds seems to represent drops of dew caught on a diaphanous spider web. Another sprouted buds of pink tourmaline and pink sapphires, reminders that spring is, finally, here at least.

(On view by appointment only.)

Gallery: Piaget Limelight Garden Party Collection

Piaget 18-carat white gold and diamond watch

Piaget 18-carat white gold, diamond and pearl earrings

Piaget 18-carat white gold, diamond and pearl necklace

Piaget 18-carat white gold, diamond and emerald earrings

Piaget 18-carat white gold, diamond, pink sapphire, pink tourmaline, white chalcedony and pearl necklace

Tags: Collections, diamonds, jewelry, jewerly collection, Limelight Garden Party, necklaces, piaget, Piaget Limelight Garden Party Collection, rings, watches

Royal Wedding Tour at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park: Live Like a Prince (or Princess)

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) — Mar 16th 2011 at 11:18AM

This is, without a doubt, one of the more over-the-top packages we've seen recently.

Book the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park's Royal Wedding Tour and you'll receive special access and hosted tours by family members and associates of the royal family to Kensington Palace, Chartwell, Spencer House, Althorp and Westminster Abbey, all venues which members of the public have not had such private access to before.

The hotel itself also has a rich history: Queen Elizabeth II and the late Princess Margaret first learned to dance in the gilded ballroom, Prince Charles and Princess Anne visited the tearooms as children and more recently, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were guests at Baroness Margaret Thatcher's 80th birthday party. Sir Winston Churchill was even a temporary resident while his London house was being refurbished. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park also boasts the only private Royal Entrance from Hyde Park.

Gallery: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

Tags: hotel, london, mandarin oriental, mandarin oriental hyde park, royal wedding

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Hockey Star Sean Avery Curates Special Sales for Gilt MAN

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 15th 2011 at 9:00AM

New York Rangers hockey star Sean Avery (above left) is one of the rare professional athletes with a real sense of style. His passion for fashion even led him to intern at Vogue while selflessly dating several leggy models.

Now the spiffy sportsman is curating a series of three weekly sales (March 11, 18 and 25) for Gilt MAN, online luxury retailer Gilt Groupe's men's site dedicated to matters sartorial, including a must-read daily guide to men's style.

Avery combed the impressive Gilt MAN inventory with the site's editorial director Tyler Thoreson (above right) to make his sartorial selections. Each "Avery's Rules" sale focuses on a different phase of the life of a style-conscious professional. The first, "At Work," featured A. Testoni shoes, crisp, fitted shirts and razor-sharp suits by Raf Simons, Martin Greenfield, and Calvin Klein Collection.

Taking his style advice may not necessarily get you an NHL contract and a supermodel girlfriend, but it certainly won't hurt your chances.

Tags: athletes, Calvin Klein, Gilt, Gilt Groupe, Gilt MAN, hockey, mens clothing, New York Rangers, Sean Avery, sean+avery+gilt, seanaverygilt, shoes, sports, suits, Tyler Thoreson, Vogue

Luxury Truffle Purveyor To Open Boston Shop

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Mar 12th 2011 at 8:01AM

Boston's luxury shopping destination, Newbury Street will have a new treat come March 24. Sabatino North America, the largest importer and manufacturer of gourmet truffle products in the U.S. is opening their first flagship retail store, Sabatino&Co. Roma in Boston on Newbury Street on March 24th right around the time that the Italian company celebrates its centennial. The store will introduce a wide range of products including gourmet foods and condiments, cookbooks and home accessories to add a little luxe to your life.

Tags: boston, newbury street, retail, sabatino and company, truffle, truffles

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Time Is Right for a Talking Watch

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed) — Mar 10th 2011 at 10:01AM

Eyes, they say, are the first thing to go. And with the first wave of Baby Boomers turning 65 this year, the timing is perfect for the Reizen Radio-Controlled analog Talking Watch, sold through Hammacher-Schlemmer. What a great retirement gift: A watch that will tell you the time instead of making you squint to read it.

The beauty of this beauty is that the watch face is sufficiently large that you may not actually even need the watch to verbalize the time for you. But the easy-to-use watch feature -- you just push a button -- has a pleasant and clear male voice that is happy to help.

Tags: hammacher schlemmer, talking watch, watch

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Lucky Magazine Brings Lucky Shops To Los Angeles

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Mar 9th 2011 at 7:00PM

Lucky Magazine is bringing its popular shopping event to Los Angeles hosting the first Lucky Shops LA event April 7-9 at Siren Studios in Los Angeles. The event has been a hit in New York for years and offers savings of up to 70% off retail. Lucky's team of experts have edited and selected their favorite fashions, handbags, shoes, jewelry and music, refreshments and giveaways are part of the fun.

American Express' newest charge card, ZYNC, will provide LA fashionistas access to top designers, including: Ariel Gordon Jewelry, Corey Lynn Calter, Havaianas, House of Harlow 1960 Footwear & Jewelry, Isabel Lu, Luv Aj, Michael Stars, Rebecca Minkoff, Shareen Vintage, V. Vintage Jewelry, and Winter Kate at the "ZYNC Designer District" which will be located on the 3rd floor studio, next to the rooftop of Lucky Shops LA. ZYNC Cardmembers who use their card for their purchases in the "ZYNC Designer District" will receive a limited edition custom tote bag designed especially for ZYNC by Rebecca Minkoff! ZYNC will also provide complimentary valet service for Cardmembers, as well as an on-site sweepstakes for the chance to win exclusive designer pieces The event will feature children's merchandise in conjunction with the debut issue of Lucky Kids.

A VIP shopping party that is invitation only is scheduled for April 7 from 6pm to 9pm; the first dibs Friday event is on April 8 from 12pm to 6pm and costs $25 and the all day Saturday shop-a-thon ins on April 9 from 10 am to 5pm and costs $15.
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Tags: lucky shops, lucky shops la, rebecca minkoff, zync

How to Buy a Flat Screen TV (video)

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Mar 6th 2011 at 8:31AM

What is important to consider when shopping around for a high definition flat screen TV? Watch

the video above produced by our partners at FLN to learn what is important to keep in mind. For example, the only reason to pay top dollar for the highest flat screen resolution television (1080p), is if you have a 1080p DVD player or gaming system. Otherwise, you can just invest in a television with 1080i or 780p. Also, don't skimp on cables. To get the best picture possible, you should buy HDMI or DVI cables. The shorter the cables, the better, as the longer cables degrades the signal. Be sure to check out our related story on how to clean your flat screen television, once you buy it.

Tags: awards-main, flat screen television, flat screen TVs, how to buy a flat screen tv, luxist-awards, shopping tips, video

What is Cashmere and How to Shop for it (video)

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Mar 5th 2011 at 10:31PM

Where does cashmere come from? Why is it so expensive? Is all cashmere created equally? How to care and store cashmere
Not all cashmere is of equal quality, says Sharon Haver, fashion guru and founder of FocusOnStyle.com (see video above).

"Fine cashmere comes from a longer fiber," she says. "What you want to look for in better cashmere is that it has a longer fiber. It will be more sturdy and will have a better drape to it. Cheaper cashmere usually has a shorter fiber and can break or pill and won't last as long."

Check out the Sharon Haver's related video on how to care for and store your cashmere.

If you haven't yet met the StyleList Network, a group of first-rate fashion bloggers, please do. And then introduce them to your friends! http://aol.it/g7SCdC

Tags: awards-main, cashmere, how to shop for cashmere, luxist-awards, Sharon Haver, video, what is cashmere

Yves St. Laurent To Hand Out Magazine On The Street

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Mar 2nd 2011 at 10:03PM

Yves Saint Laurent is taking to the streets in its latest campaign. Yves Saint Laurent La Manifesto is a print magazine that comes in a YSL totebag and will be given to the first 2,000 passers-by in various cities around the world according to Luxury Daily. This is the eight edition of the publication and will be distributed in New York, Paris, London, Milan, Hong Kong, Tokyo and, for the first time, Los Angeles. The brand uses social media including Facebook and Twitter to announce the locations where the magazine will be handed out.

The magazine was conceived by YSL director Stefano Pilati. This edition features an interview between Pilati and Hans Ulrich Obrist, a curator and art critic of the Serpentine Gallery in London. Those who don't get their hands on a print copy can read and download it on the YSL website as of March 5.

Tags: la manifesto, Stefano-Domenicali, ysl, Yves Saint Laurent, yves st laurent

Bal Harbour Shops, The Changing Face Of Shopping

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Mar 1st 2011 at 10:01PM

These days luxury retail isn't just a store, it's a whole identity. We've seen retail brands from Barney's New York to Net-a-Porter get deeper and deeper into the content arena offering articles, photography and videos that aren't just ads they are separate editorial experiences. Shopping destinations that host a variety of shops are also getting in on the action too.

Bal Harbour Shops, an upscale destination in Florida's affluent village of Bal Harbour isn't just a destination shopping area with stores like Neiman Marcus, Brooks Brothers, Gucci and Versace, fine dining restaurants, cafes and more, it also has its own luxury magazine with glossy fashion layouts. The Shops at Bal Harbour website isn't your old-fashioned mall directory, it's packed with profiles of fashionable folks like Ines de La Fressange and pieces on the latest fashions and on local socialites. The event calendar reveals a busy schedule of designer trunk shows, meet and greets with designers and more. Shown above is the video for the cover shoot for the latest issue of Bal Harbour magazine.

Palm Beach's Worth Avenue has a similar website initiative that promotes not just the shops but a luxury lifestyle. Today's high-end shopping destinations are more than just a place to buy clothing or other goods, they are also a brand unto themselves.

Tags: bal harbour, bal harbour shops

South America's First Luxury Fair Coming to Brazil in November

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 1st 2011 at 7:01PM

Sao Paulo in Brazil will host the very first luxury fair in South America from November 23 – 25, an indication of the growing economic clout of the country and the BRIC nations in general. Modeled on the millionaires' fairs popular in places like Moscow, Expo Luxo will feature the latest high-end products including luxury cars, yachts, private jets, helicopters, jewelery, watches, fashion, electronics and technology, home decor, cosmetics, real estate, spirits, gourmet goods and artwork, along with providers of "premium and luxury" services such as architecture, interior design, landscaping, concierge services, private chefs and more. Over 100 international exhibitors are expected along with an audience of about 35,000.

Tags: Brazil, BRIC, economics, events, Expo Luxo, helicopters, luxury fair, millionaire fair, millionaires, South America, wealth

Photographer Jimmy Cohrssen's Gorgeous Retail Shots

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 26th 2011 at 11:01AM

Photographer Jimmy Cohrssen just might have our dream job. His 20-year career as a celebrated architectural and design photographers has taken him to some of the world's most beautiful hotels and boutiques. His portfolio is full of names familiar to anyone who reads this blog, the image shown above is from the chic Louis Vuitton store in Vancouver. His architecture and interior design portfolio includes Christian Dior, Helmut Lang, Kenzo, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Viktor & Rolf as well as long list of the world's preeminent architectural and design firms.

Gallery: Jimmy Cohrssen For eight by ten

Tags: chanel, jimmy cohrssen, louis vuitton, retail photography

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Barker Black Intros its More Affordable Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) — Feb 14th 2011 at 2:01PM

If you like Barker Black shoes but your accountant doesn't like the cost of donning them, then the brand's Spring/Summer 2011 collection might be the appropriate middle ground. There are eight slippes in washed linen and woven silk wool, four suede moccasins and three high-top sneakers.

The slippers can be had in black, natural, navy, charcoal or purple and all will be embroidered with "Death" on one foot and "Glory" on the other, in a contrasting color. The sued mocs range from cobalt to green to snuff brown, adorned with a silver crossbone. And the silk-striped high-top sneakers will come in deerskin or calf depending on your choice of orange, green, grey, black or white hue.

Instead of the the $775 entry to Barker Black's standard line, this new collection begins at $425 for the moccasins, $495 for the slippers and $550 for the sneakers. Well, except for the Hartwell slip-on wingtip loafer (pictured) in antique honey calf, which takes you back up to $775. You can get those for your accountant - we have a feeling he'll let that expense slide. They'll be available from March at Barker Black stores and online.

Gallery: Barker Black Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

Tags: barker black, loafers, mens shoes, moccasins, shoes, sneakers, wingtip

David Yurman "The Classic" Ladies Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Feb 9th 2011 at 12:01PM

Still haven't gotten her something for Valentine's day (I know I haven't)? Well here is another option that shouldn't be too tough to find given David Yurman's pretty good distribution. This is "The Classic" watch that comes in 30mm wide and 38mm wide styles in steel or gold, or steel and gold. The name could be better (no idea who they trademarked "Classic"), but the styling is is certainly acceptable. The easy-to-read dial comes with optional diamonds (either all or mixed with Roman numerals), and is mother of pearl. Inside the watch is a Swiss quartz movement, and you can get the watch with the steel bracelet (my choice) or with an alligator strap. Price as seen is $2,600.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews website aBlogToRead.com.

Tags: classic, David Yurman, ladies, lady, timepieces, Valentines Day, valentines day gift suggestions, valentines day gifts, watch