USA

Dress Like the Olympians in Polo Ralph Lauren

The Olympics are back, and so is Polo Ralph Lauren with a line of clothing specially designed to outfit the American team in Vancouver. As with the Beijing Olympics collection in 2008 (which Jared Paul Stern wrote about here), the clothing is available to the public -- both the village wear which will be supplied to all the American athletes and the official Closing Ceremony Parade outfits. Don't they look strapping?

Polo Ralph Lauren's Olympics website includes a "Create Your Own" collection. You select your colors, add your name or the flag of your choice and make further customizations with embroidery and monogramming. It might not make anyone believe you're heading for the Olympics in less than two months, but at least you'll look good.

Visit the website to shop for the US Olympic Collection, and look below for our favorite, recommended styles. Patriotism never looked so fetching.

Gallery: Polo Ralph Lauren US Olympic Collection

Olympic Polo with Vancouver & United States

Tags: olympian, olympics, polo ralph lauren, PoloRalphLauren, USA, vancouver olympics, VancouverOlympics

Raymond Weil Watches Revamps US Distribution

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Different watch companies are doing different things to address their less-than-stellar sales performance these days. A large area of focus is the confusing US market. Even in good times, most foreign watch companies are confused by American watch buying trends. That combined with the fact that they rely on third parties much of the time to oversee and manage US operations and distribution has got them thinking about how to improve things. One approach being enacted by a few companies is what Raymond Weil watches just did - that is take over US operations themselves.

The recently incorporated Raymond Weil (RW) USA Corp. is a new company, but is related to the parent brand. This allows the company to have more control, and a better understanding of what is going on in the States, and how best to conduct business here. Raymond Weil is fortunate to have a history of good sales and a strong market presence in the US. The new RW USA Corp. will hire many of the existing employees from the previous distributor and focus on strengthening relations with its best retailers - mostly department and jewelry stores around the US. There is also dedication to assisting with marketing support (very important as brand tend to not help wit expensive marketing costs), and to giving US retailers the best products for the holiday season - which is also important as for some reason US stores get shafted when it comes to getting the newest and best watch products compared to the rest of the world. As a reasonably attractive, and well priced luxury brand, Raymond Weil should come out ahead in the future if they play their cards right in the US.

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

Tags: corp, distribution, raymond weil, RaymondWeil, USA, watches

Carlos Falchi Matte Crocodile Tote, Handbag of the Day

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The Matte Crocodile Tote is a deceptively simple bag. Made from real crocodile skin, the bag also features braided top handles with wrapped accents on either end. The handles have a 6.5" drop, so they actually give you enough room to tuck the mid-sized tote under your arm, rather than carrying it in hand. The bag is lined with suede and contains two pen holders, a key hook and several pockets; it is secured with a magnetic tab at the top. This exotic, chocolate-colored handbag from Carlos Falchi is handmade in the US, too. Price: $4,650.