Valentines day gifts

Six Lovely Whiskies To Buy For Valentine's Day

Filed under: Spirits

Whiskey for Valentine's Day? Why not.

It's not there aren't any female whiskey aficionados. But I will say most of these suggestions seem to me to be much more appropriate for men than women. After all, how many really great Valentine's Day gifts are there for men? Jewelry? Sure, for the right man, who wants a new ring or cuff-links. Bracelets? Not so much. Please.

But whiskey, special whiskies, for the whiskey loving man? That's a can't miss present. But not just any whiskey. Given the nature of the day, look for a whisky that is lush, special, characteristics. Deep amber colors, nice age, finishes of chocolate and marzipan. To do it right, think "sex in a glass."

Here are six suggestions that fit the bill. And they all should be available at better liquor stores with a decent whiskey selection.

Glenmorangie 18-year old: Price $100.00
Once it has spent 15 years maturing in American white oak casks approximately 30% is transferred into Spanish Oloroso casks to spend a further three years maturing. Then, when both have reached 18 years, it is blended back together to create a whisky with a rich bouquet and full, rounded flavor. The taste is balanced between honey, malt and flowery scents. Dates and figs emerge in the background with a hint of wood smoke. Think of Glenmorangie 18-year old like having candy, flowers and a wood fire all in the one glass.

Amrut Fusion: $50-$65.00
Introduce your mate to a whisky he or she has probably never tried. This whisky, from India, is one of the best in the world, especially under $100. Combining Indian malt and peated Scottish malt, it has a sweet side, but not too sweet. The taste includes vanilla custard, peat, dried pineapple. It will be unexpected, like a good gift should be.

Tags: amrut fusion, ardbeg corryvrecken, crown royal, Glenmorangie 18, Parkers Heritage Collection, Valentines Day gifts, whiskey, whisky

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David Yurman "The Classic" Ladies Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Shopping

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

Victoria's Secret Supermodels Show Off Valentine's Day Favorites

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

What would Valentine's Day be without a heart-racing roundup of sexy lingerie from the Victoria's Secret supermodels? This season the mega-brand brought in Adriana Lima (above), Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge and Erin Heatherton to show off some favorites, featuring the pneumatic new Love Push-Up Collection with some serious cleavage-enhancing capabilities in various silhouettes. No brassiere on Earth is going to turn you into Adriana, but you can always dream, or just enjoy the show. There's also a killer corset for good measure. Meanwhile Victoria's Secret also just debuted a new frgrance, called NOIR love me, as an alternative offering. Check out the gallery for gift ideas and so forth.

Gallery: Victoria's Secret Valentine's Day 2011

Tags: ad campaigns, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Erin Heatherton, Lily Aldridge, lingerie, supermodels, valentines day, valentines day gifts, victoria+secret, victoriasecret

Belle Fleur Candles for Valentine's Day

by Ariston Anderson (RSS feed) —

Of course it makes sense for one of New York's hottest florists to have founded a luxury fragrance house. Nothing quite captures the heavenly scent of fresh-cut roses, but Belle Fleur Home candles by Meredith Waga Perez come just about as close as you can get.

This Valentine's day Belle Fleur has put together an enviable package incorporating gems from both their home line and their flower studio. Your lucky Valentine will receive one of their infamous bouquet of flowers designed in a leather corset covered vase, as well as a Mayan Tuberose candle to keep the sentiment alive for days to come.

Ancient Mayan culture held the divine scent of the tuberose sacred to their goddess of beauty and love. With accent notes of gardenia, amber vanilla and ylang ylang, the Mayan Tuberose candle is an unforgettably rich scent sure to set a decadent mood in any home.

The Valentine's Day Special is $250, with delivery available within Manhattan. Call to order: 1.212.254.8703 and be sure to check out the complete home line including giftsets, home fragrance and more.

Tags: belle fleur, candles, valentines day, valentines day gifts

Valentine's Day Gifts for Men by David Yurman

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Men's Style, Luxury Shopping

Valentine's Day Gifts for Men by David Yurman

Valentine's Day is a romantic occasion for both men and women. So why is it that men have always gotten short-changed when it comes to special gifts, especially jewelry? We think the time has come to honor the men in our lives.

Luxist asked David Yurman, creator of elegant jewelry (and the genius behind the iconic cable bracelet), to suggest a few pieces from his extensive men's collection, all of which would make wonderful gifts on Valentine's Day, in addition to any other special occasion.

"I've always felt that jewelry is one of the most personal and emotional gifts you can give your loved one," says designer David Yurman. "Perhaps one of the first pieces I created was a gift for my then girlfriend, now wife and muse Sybil, over thirty years ago. For this Valentine's Day I have designed a unique assortment for men that embody the spirit of the holiday."

If a bracelet is what you are looking for, Yurman offers a unique sterling silver and 18K yellow gold curb chain, which is part of the Exotic Stone Collection. The bracelet is available in a variety of stones, from black onyx ($1,800) to malachite ($2,100) and lapis ($2,500), which can be seen in the gallery below. The bracelets are 6 1/2" in length. The Rubber Weave Bracelet comes in gray, brown and blue, and retails for $295. From the Naturals Collection, the bracelet has a sterling silver sea urchin-texture clasp on a braided rubber bracelet. The bracelets are 8" in length and 8 mm in width.

Gallery: David Yurman Valentine's Day Gifts for Men

David Yurman's Valentine's Day Gifts for Men

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Be Mine: Custom Candy Heart Necklaces From Zedena Designs

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

The best thing about these cute little enamel candy heart necklaces from Zedena Designs is that they can be personalized. The 3/4" tall pendant comes in pink, white, lavender or green and is available in sayings include "True Love" and "Be Mine" but custom sayings can also be created. The hearts are $34 and come on a sterling silver box chain but for $8 more you can have your own unique saying on the heart.

Zedena Designs was founded by designer Melissa Williams Netherton in 2007 and is a San Diego based handmade jewelry line that features designs made from enamel, glass, fine metals, Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones. The shapes are hand drawn and cut onto copper to create pendants that are fired with layers of enamel in modern colors and patterns. Each piece is a unique hand-made creation.

Tags: heart necklace, JewelryDesigners, valentines day gift suggestions, valentines day gifts, zedena designs

Cocoa di Vine chocolate wine

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Planning on spending Valentines' Day with a chocoholic? Be sure to serve a chilled bottle of chocolate wine, which just hit the shelves and is the ultimate indulgence. Cocoa di Vine is a blend of velvety-smooth chocolate and luscious grape wine. The wine's chocolatey taste has undertones of vanilla and caramel and a silky finish.

The wine is an all-American indulgence. The wine's grapes and cocoa beans are from South America while the making of the chocolate is done at one of the top creameries in the United States. The wine is a blend of Torrontes, Pedro Ximenez, and Moscato. When poured, it resembles creamy chocolate milk with a kick, and is best served chilled. Its alcohol content is 14%.

Cocoa di Vine works well as a dessert wine and can be paired with cakes, cookies, and ice cream. It is also served as a cocktail and is growing in popularity among cocktail lounges across the country. It shouldn't be confused with Adult Chocolate Milk, which is made with actual chocolate milk that is combined with 40-proof vodka (covered by Luxist earlier this week).

Cocoa di Vine should be served within nine to twelve months if kept refrigerated, or within six months of stored at room temperature. It is produced by Opici Wines and distributed nationally with a suggested retail price of $11.99.

Gallery: Cocoa di Vine chocolate wine

Tags: Adult Chocolate Milk, awards-main, chocolate, chocolate wine, Cocoa di Vine, luxist-awards, Moscato, Opici Wines, Pedro Ximenez, Torrontes, Valentines Day, valentines day gifts, wine

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor's Indulgent Valentine's Day Getaway

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

If your idea of Valentine's Day delight is something truly exotic, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor Siem Reap in Cambodia is offering an indulgent escapade. The 2011 Enchanting Escape Valentine's experience includes a three-night stay in one of just two villas in the historical Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor's private gardens, private butler service, excursions to the cultural heart of Cambodia, and, dining in designer style at an intimate gala dressed by award-winning haute textile designer, Eric Raisina.

Moments that make this particular package an unforgettable adventure are a 30-minute balloon ride with champagne for an aerial view of the ancient temples; an adventure sightseeing trip in a 1950s Jeep, accompanied by a private guide imparting the legends and fables of Khmer kings; champagne breakfast in a jungle temple; and the Amrita Grand Indulgence with 3 hours 50 minutes of pampering, wellness treatments at the renowned RafflesAmrita Spa for him and her.

When you arrive at Siem Reap International Airport your private butler awaits with champagne and chocolates and refreshments. A BMW stretch limousine takes you to the hotel where a welcome array of tropical fruits and Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne is waiting at your villa. A romantic dinner prepared and served by the moonlit pool and the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor will give the guests an Eric Raisina dress for her and a new Panama for him. The package is valid from February 11 to February 20 and costs $15,670.

Tags: Angkor, cambodia, valentines day gifts, valentines day hotel packages

Shanghai Tang's New Pocket-Sized Refillable Atomizers

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance, Holiday Guides, By Design

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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How Much Will We Be Spending On Valentine's Day?

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

You might think that a weekend Valentine's Day might be good news for retailers but that's not the case according to IBISWorld which has predicted that spending on jewelry, candy and flowers will be down because men often buy their Valentine's Day gifts during the work week. Because the holiday falls on the weekend this year men may not feel the pressure to shop and may instead opt for the dinner out. That's good news for restaurants who are hoping to see good sales over the entire weekend because President's Day is also the following Monday. This could also be good news for hotels and inns which may see an uptick in romantic weekend bookings.

The IBISWorld Survey says that consumers are predicted to spend about $1.3 billion on jewelry for Valentine's Day, that number is 4.6 percent lower than what was spent last year. Total spending should work out to around $17.6 billion, 3.3 percent higher than last year. Another report, this one from the National Retail Federation, says couples will spend an average of $63.34 on gifts for each other which is a bit down from last year's average of $67.22. The National Retail Federation also delivers the dull news that personal and practical gifts like sweaters will trump sexier options like jewelry. The survey does show that consumers are planning to spend more on small gifts for friends and family. Men surveyed still plan to spend more than women, as usual the prediction for male spending is about double what women expect to spend.

Some companies are turning to Twitter to drum up Valentine's Day interest. We've seen Twitter-only hotel deals and a sweet tweets contest from Macy's. California Blooms is offering a Twitter contest that could win you a year of roses. American Greetings is giving away gift cards in a 'Follow the Love' Twitter contest.

Tags: twitter, valentines day, valentines day dinner, valentines day gifts, ValentinesDay, ValentinesDayDinner, ValentinesDayGifts

Precious Metal Portraits

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Jewelry

The other day I mentioned a service that puts photos on diamonds. A more easily viewable but equally valuable alternative is offered by Precious Metal Portraits. They use laser technology to turn photos into a laser-engraved portrait or pendant on platinum, gold or silver. The products range in size from pendants that are as small as the size of a dime up to 4 x 6 inch portraits. The prices start small, sterling silver pendants are under $100, but get higher based on the type of metal and amount of metal used. A 3 x 5 inch rectangle in platinum sells for $12,995.

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Tags: metal, personalized gift, precious metal portraits, PreciousMetalPortraits, valentines day gifts