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Winter

Aspen Fashion Week 2011 to Begin March 13th

Filed under: Apparel, Events

Aspen Fashion Week 2011 to Begin March 13th
Aspen, CO, the epicenter of winter luxury, has announced plans for the the 3rd annual Aspen Fashion Week (AFW) taking place from March 13th to 16th in various locations around the
top-drawer town. The destination fashion event, designed to showcase and market winter
resort, ski and technical outerwear in the country's most stylish mountain playground, will feature daily après ski fashion shows, in-store presentations, on-mountain events and late night fashionable soirées. Participating brands include Authier, Rossignol, Dannenmann-Pure, NUMBER: Lab, Obermeyer and Burton.

Heidiskis will serve as the official ski partner, while FEED will serve as the official charitable partner, featuring their AFW FEED bag exclusively on-site. Proceeds from the FEED bag will benefit the foundation, and Founder Lauren Bush (recently engaged to Ralph Lauren's dashing son David) will be on hand to host events in conjunction with The Feed Foundation. In addition, William Grant & Sons will serve as the official spirits partner. "Aspen Fashion Week has an intensely exciting schedule this year and an amazing follow up to last yearʼs event," says founder Lisa Johnson. " Weʼre looking forward to an exciting future with the event becoming stronger each year."



Saskia Maaike Bouvier SmB 901 Women's Watches

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

These interesting design watches for women are from a new brand named for their designer, Saskia Maaike Bouvier. Her name alone sounds fancy enough. The watches combine fashion elements with mechanical bases. The dials have two watch faces on them, and the basic design comes in a host of colors. Two of those color tones are presented above, but there are at least six variations on the theme as of right now.

Get ready for size. These SmB 901 watches are large at 45mm wide. Big for most men even. Size being fashionable in many places, a watch like this is meant to be as much a statement as anything else. They will be heavy as well being crafted in simple looking 18k white gold cases (steel versions are available as well). The dial reveals a Cotes de Geneve decorated movement place with some exposed mechanics. The base movement is a Swiss ETA 2892 automatic, that Saskia Maaike Bouvier calls her calibre SmB 901 movement. One crown seems to operate both dials.

The crystal is decorated with an upper a lower section for "Summer and Winter." These divide the face for the two watch dials. They are playful and attractive - coming in various colors depending on the model.

The SmB 901 watches comes with various strap colors beings mostly in leather or reptile. Look for these Saskia Maaike Bouvier watches soon. Prices are about 18,000 Swiss Francs in steel, 36,000 Swiss Francs in white gold, and 48,000 Swiss Francs in gold with diamonds.

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

A Wonderful Winterland of Coats

Filed under: Apparel


It's officially winter and it seems like mother nature is not messing around this season. Frigid temperatures, face numbing winds and knee high snow storms are being seen around the world. I must admit, I was really hoping winter would start much later in 2011 or perhaps not at all. Ha! Wishful thinking.

If you're like me and you haven't yet purchased a suitable winter coat, or you just want a stylish update to last year's coat - no need to worry. We've searched and selected 11 winter coats that will provide comfort, warmth and show off your fashionable taste.

One of my favorite coats is by Moncler. The French company makes coats and jackets that balances a sense of fashionable style with functional necessity. Everyone wants to look good while keeping warm. The company originally starting out making winter gear for workers who had to endure the cold for long hours, and then moved into creating a wide assortment of winter gear for mountain climbers and those on expeditions. You can be sure that once you buy a Moncler coat, you will be warm in the harshest of weather for years to come.

Of Moncler's many coats that we could feature, I chose the Mer Jacket ($1300).Taking a simple black down jacket, the Mer is beautifully updated and feminized with quilted detailing and a belted waist with a shiny black buckle. The fully lined Mer Jacket features 4 exterior pockets, ribbed cuffs to prevent cold air from coming through and a removable fur trim on the hood.

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

For more ideas to find your perfect winter coat, browse through our collection below

The Classicist: Celebrating the Season in Style with Range Rover at Wheatleigh

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spirits, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wine, Books, Men's Style, The Classicist

Click above for high-res image gallery. Photos exclusive to Luxist.

Winter can be a long, cold interlude verging on a test of endurance in the Northeast, and it's all too easy to get bogged down by the doldrums. Plenty of people either hibernate by their hearths or hit the beach until the mercury makes its ascent, but there are myriad ways to keep warm with style, verve and panache. We recently gathered some of our favorite accessories of the season at Wheatleigh, the majestic mansion-turned-luxury hotel in the heart of the Berkshires' winter wonderland. Getting us there in style and comfort through anything the weather cared to concoct was the 2011 Range Rover Sport, a luxurious way to see the landscape safe in the knowledge that the elements have met their match. The pedigreed SUV's smooth, refined, performance and rugged good looks mark it as a thoroughbred in all respects, a suitably stylish conveyance for arriving at a desirable destination like Wheatleigh. And we had the great new Olympus PEN E-PL1 compact, versatile digital camera on hand to record it all for your vicarious enjoyment.

Wheatleigh, located in Lenox, Mass. next door to Edith Wharton's famed country manor The Mount, is a grand estate based on a 16th century Florentine palazzo built in 1893 by New York financier Henry H. Cook for his daughter who married a Spanish count. Many of the materials and over 150 artisans were brought from Italy to produce intricate carvings and design flourishes for the grand interiors and facades. Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York, was responsible for creating "Wheatleigh Park" on the land surrounding the palazzo. Following a four year multimillion dollar renovation it was transformed into one of the most unique luxurious small hotels in the world. The nineteen suites, guest rooms and baths artfully combine antiques and custom furnishings with original museum quality contemporary art. The baths are finished with English limestone, marble and hand-blown glass fixtures, and most rooms feature fireplaces and Bang & Olufsen TVs. Check out the gallery to see the perfect accoutrements for a stylish seasonal sojourn – from books to watches, champagne to cashmere sweaters, and boots to bags – no matter where your journey takes you.

Knitwits Sesame Street Hats & Mittens for Kids

Filed under: Apparel, Children


Little kids look so adorable all bundled up in winter clothing - the hats, mittens, scarves and their puffy winter snowsuits. I'm sure if you asked them, they're probably not that comfortable – but they do look super adorable. Seeing these little kids reminds me of that Cosby Show episode when little Rudy had to use the bathroom and her dad tried to get her out of her snowsuit. That moment was hilarious. And one that every parent can relate to.

I came across Knitwits playful Sesame Street Hats ($40) & Mittens ($40) and it immediately made me think of moments like that and the fun kids have in the snow, even in their constricting, multi-layered, marshmallow man get up. The Sesame Street Collection features Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, and my personal favorite, Grover. The hats & mitten are made from wool and lined with fleece for extra warmth. The hat features ear flaps and a neck tie.

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Luxe Socks

Filed under: Apparel

When it comes to the winter season, there is no doubt that socks are a must among the many other items you'll need to keep you warm. Especially long socks. With the windy days we've been experiencing on the east coast, ankle socks are just not cutting it.

Lately, I've been borrowing my husband's socks, (because apparently our dog likes to only chew on my socks) but that can only last for so long. It's time to spend a little cash and purchase my own warm socks.

I came across Jean Paul Gaultier's Knee High Socks and instantly fell in love with the design. Who knew a mixed matched collection of prints could look so good together? But I can't bring myself to part with $345 for one pair of socks. A handbag yes, a pair of socks, not so much.

But for those that have a little extra cash to spend or want to warm the feet of a loved one, Gaultier's Wool Socks, which were originally seen during his A/W 2010-2011 runway show, might make for an unexpected stocking stuffer.

Luxist Giveaway: Swatch To The Top Chronograph Vancouver Olympics Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Enter to win this watch! Next watch up for grabs is this Swatch To The Top timepiece made for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Fanciest of the trio that we are giving away, the To The Top watch is 41m wide with a Swiss quartz chronograph movement inside and a cool winter sports character. Limited in production only for this year's winter games, this watch is the piece to have for fans in search of a reasonably priced watch to remind them of the occasion.

The chronograph subdials are each in a separate color while the hour numerals are applied with silver squared dots and raised a bit for a neat look. The movement also has a date indicator. The case is made from almost clear plastic with an interesting look in to parts of the movement. You'll also like the large crown and chronograph pushers. The strap is blue silicon with a multicolored strip down its length. The 12 o'clock indicator on the dial is the Vancouver Olympics games logo and label. For a closer look at this and the other Swatch 2010 Vancouver Olympics go here for a mini review by me. Enter below by the end of this week and one of these To The Top watches can be yours. The Swatch To The Top watch retails for $110. Follow Swatch on Twitter here.

THANKS FOR ALL WHO ENTERED, THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER.

To enter, leave a comment on this post sharing why you'd like to win the watch. The giveaway ends on February 21th at 8:00pm PST. See additional rules below.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before February 21th, 2010 at 8:00PM Pacific Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive one Swatch To The Top watch valued at $110.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.

See full giveaway rules here.

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

What You Didn't Know About Your Ski Resort Vacation

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Sports

Heading off for a snowy adventure on the slopes might sound like nothing but fun but like it or not there are some dangers and inconveniences to be aware of.

There are more and more snow boarders out there, and it's good for business
. Skiers and snowboarders don't always mix but there's little that can be done about it when skiers' numbers are dwindling and the snowboarding population is on the rise. Some resorts have separate slopes but many don't have the money or space to divide people up -- you'll have to get along.

Reported snow conditions may or may not be accurate. The truth is there's very little consistency or regulation in how ski resorts report fresh snowfalls and exaggeration is common. Studies have shown that resorts regularly report more new snow on weekends than during the week, apparently in hopes of encouraging impulsive last-minute weekend trips.

Keys to Staying Warm in Winter Weather

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Whether you're traveling in it or just trying to live your daily life in it, cold winter weather can be miserable and even downright dangerous if you don't dress appropriately. Staying warm is more complicated than simply throwing on a coat and scarf, here are some tips for keeping toasty from your head to your toes.

Layer layer layer!
Not only does layering help prevent drafts and help wick moisture away from the body, but you can remove them one at a time if you start feeling too warm. It's much easier to remove layers than it is to add them. See some good info here about the difference between the wicking layer, warmth layer, and wind layer.

Wear a hat and cover your ears
While not to the degree that some myths claim, body heat is lost through the head so wearing a hat is important. Ears shouldn't be ignored either, cover them as they're especially susceptible to frost bite.

Go waterproof, and bring backups
Waterproof socks, gloves, and even wind or ski pants can make a huge difference in comfort level. Have extra pairs on hand so you can change in case something does get wet.


Get boots that fit
Boots need to be snug enough not to flop around and trip you up but not at all too tight. Make sure when you're buying boots that you wear several pairs of thick socks so you can ensure there's enough room. Tight boots equal cold feet, and cold feet equal no fun.

Keep Toasty with Designer Earmuffs

Filed under: Apparel

Fox Unlimited EarmuffsWinter can be a bitter, miserable season if you're not equipped with the right essentials to stay warm. Coat? Check. Gloves? Check. Scarf? Sure, check. Hat? No way, not on this hairdo!

Don't freeze, try earmuffs! Often the butt of jokes because they've been known to look a little silly, investing in a stylish pair that you love can not only spare you some freezingly unpleasant winter outings but also help you make a fashion statement. Shown here are Fox Unlimited Fox-Fur Earmuffs ($75) and check out more of our picks in the gallery below.

Winter Sports for Thrill-Seekers

Filed under: Sports

Heading off to a ski resort and alternating snow on the slopes with hot drinks in the lodge might be the epitome of a dream winter vacation for some, but for others it just won't do. Some need a little more excitement, a little more danger, and a lot more of something different.

If you're already a proficient skier then there are several ways you can step things up a notch. KiteWing is a large 'kite' that you hold above your head so it catches the wind and pulls you along on your skiis (or snowboard) at incredible speeds and over outrageous jumps. Heli-skiing (a helicopter drops you off) is an option for those loving deep powder in inaccessible locations that may never have been skied before, or if you don't mind climbing then ski mountaneering might be for you (climb up, ski down).

If skiing isn't your thing you can still enjoy the slopes by flying down them on a snow mountain bike instead. Or you can go Olympian and try your hand at flying down Cresta-Run faster than fast via toboggan, the luge, or the skeleton. Ice diving (brrrrr!) is a magical, thrilling way to experience the arctic, and for those who prefer to be on the ice instead of under it climbing up a waterfall is another way to go.

Whatever winter-thrill you decide to embark on this snowy season just be sure to plan ahead, stay safe, make sure you know what you're doing (or have an expert along with you who does), and pack an emergency kit just in case.

Winter Travel Emergency Kit: Do You Have One?

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Winter can be a great time to take a trip but traveling through the cold, ice, and snow can pose a real safety risk. Being prepared for the worst is key to preventing the worst, and that means having an emergency kit.

If you're driving the entire way just pack an emergency kit ahead of time and throw it in the trunk. If you're flying and then renting a car pack an emergency kit in something like a small gym bag and pack it into the bottom of one of your checked luggage pieces.

Winter Car Emergency Kit
  • 3lb coffee can, candles, and matches (to keep warm and for melting snow for drinking water)
  • Whistle and a red bandana/brightly colored garbage bag to call for help/let rescuers know where you are
  • Some granola or candy bars
  • A flashlight with spare batteries
  • A first aid kit (including any essential medications)
  • A blanket (special foil-type survival blankets fold up to a very small size)
  • Basic tool kit
  • Jumper Cables
  • Ice scraper (most rental cars don't come with them)

Mackage Opens Second Pop-Up Boutique in NYC

Filed under: Apparel, Celebrity Shopping, Men's Style

Mackage Opens Second Pop-Up Boutique in NYC
Mackage is so pleased with sales in its first NYC pop-up boutique, in the Meatpacking District, that it has opened a second, this time in SoHo. Open through December, the store will carry the Canadian company's Fall/Winter '09 collection for men and women including butter-soft leather bombers, shearling styles, and its ever-popular Puffy down-filled winter coats. The line is popular with such celebrities as Hilary Duff, Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Hurley, Eva Mendes, Kristen Bell, Will.I.Am. and John Legend, to name a few. And a non-celebrity -- me. The coats are beautiful, practical, and better-priced than I expected for such style and quality. The SoHo store's details can be found in the photo above.

SkiResorts Website Offers Winter Travel Advice And Planning

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Sports


Ski season has begun and winter sports enthusiasts are dreaming of soft powder and bracing trips down the slopes. A new website, SkiResorts.com has launched and promises to be the new resource for planning every detail of your trip. The site has the inside scoop on 50 mountains in North America.

On the site you can map out your entire ski itinerary online, choosing a destination, a place to stay, lift tickets, après ski massages and dinner reservations. The site also includes editorial from experts on subjects like winter style must-haves, tips for getting in shape, top ski schools and more. The site's travel booking capabilities are available through both an online engine as well as live agents and the Deal of the Day feature connects you with discounts on gear and accessories. One stop shopping for winter adventure makes planning your much-needed vacation just a little easier.

Why Use a Humidifier in the Winter

Filed under: Decor

Winter means dry indoor air, a result of lower humidity outside and blowy heating systems inside. Adding cool or warm moisture to the air by using a humidifier has many benefits: easier breathing, a diminished chance of suffering winter ills such as colds and respiratory infections, furniture and other indoor items will not dry out as much, the air will feel warmer, plants will stay fresher longer, and your skin and throat will not be as dry. The best benefit, as far as I'm concerned, is that moist air helps avoid the unpleasant "zap" you often get from static electricity.

If your home is more than a few rooms, invest in two or three humidifiers and keep them filled. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filter maintenance and changing as well as for how often and how to clean the water reservoir so as to avoid mold and bacteria buildup.

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