black

Jimmy Choo Tatum Fringe Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

The Jimmy Choo Tatum Fringe Shoulder Bag is a sexy new Choo offering with a glamorous rock-and-roll edge.

This shoulder bag is crafted from woven and pieced together black metallic leather and soft suede, for a highly textured, I'm-cooler-than-your-average-fringe-wearing-hippie look. Speaking of the fringe, it drops a full seven inches, balancing the seven inch drop double shoulder handles. Keep an eye on the car door.

We love the bright silver hardware, which makes the black look blacker, and the way the chains balance the sleek logo plate at the bottom. The 16"W X 14"H X 2½"D bag is lined in a pale caramel suede and includes two zipper pockets and an open pocket.

This is one of those rare larger bags that dresses up well, so for your straight-from-work-to-play days, the Tatum Fringe is ideal.

The Jimmy Choo Tatum Fringe Shoulder Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $2,695.

Tags: black, handbag, handbag of the day, HandbagOfTheDay, jimmy choo, JimmyChoo, shoulder bag, ShoulderBag

Rock Candy Beauty & The Beast BLK Edition Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I've never heard of either Rock Candy or Chouette - but together they have released a new set of two watches, the "Beauty," and the "Beast." Apparently Chouette is "Hong Kong's premier watch and lifestyle brand." I don't know anything about that, but I will take their word for it - neither do I care, because these watches pretty much speak for themselves. As ladies' watches go these are both quite dark and still feminine. There is a playful aggression to them that will strongly appeal to some women. My top choice is the Beast watch in all black but with its bright, hot pink hands.

Technical details on the watches are scant. They are in black coated steel cases with custom silicon straps and quartz movements. The "spiked" bezels have repeated pyramid shapes on them, while there is a black crystallized Swarovski Elements stone as a cabochon in the crown. The Beauty version of the watch has an addition 502 Swarovski stones all over the dial under the grayish colored hands. Dial design is almost like a stripped down diver's watch - and that helps with the clarity. While Beauty has a subdued and aggressive jewelry feeling to it, the Beast looks like what a biker or rocker chic would wear on days she is otherwise not dressed as a biker or a rocker chick. I think the hot pink accent is really going to be the part of the watch that helps bring together the "strong enough for a man, but made for a woman" style of the case and dial. Oh, and the future of "phantom" all black watches is this, having an all dark case and dial with hands that are legible.

Each of the two watches will be available as a limited edition of just 300 pieces. The Rock Candy Beauty watch will retail for about $900, while the Beast will retail for about $640.

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

Gallery: Rock Candy Beauty & The Beast BLK Edition Watches

Tags: beast, beauty, black, Chouette, hong kong, HongKong, limited edition, LimitedEdition, pink, Rock Candy, RockCandy, watch

Christophe Claret Dual Tow Watch In Black & White

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The master watch maker's brand Christophe Claret's first watch the Dual Tow, now will come in a tuxedo style black and white version. Already the watch is bought via a handy customization tool where the buyer opts for a wide range of options including colors and materials. This new combination of colors also represents titanium as a material for the complex watch case. While titanium has been available for the Dual Tow from the beginning, I personally saw and enjoyed the watch in its gold form.

Christophe Claret's workshop has special machines no where else available. The watch case is made up of about 67 parts and is cut using their 17 axis cutting machine. The precision of a machine getting closer to the dexterity of human hands. Though no hands could be trusted to make such parts given the need for water resistance. While I haven't seen titanium out of Claret's shop, I imagine his technique will render it beautiful as a case material.

There is one major concern about the watch that Christophe Claret is addressing - the reliability of the rubber belts used to tell the time. It is true that rubber degrades over time with bending. As such, it is reasonable to infer that the belts of the Dual Tow watch would wear out over a short period of time. Christophe Claret has thus engaged in a series of tests to prove that the belts are hardy. Apparently they stress tested the belts to simulate over 60 years of usage and the belts survived nicely apparently. The full results of the testing haven't been announced yet. Price for the limited edition watch varies, but is roughly in the $400,000 - $500,000 range if my memory serves correct. Configure one here.

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

Tags: black, christophe claret, ChristopheClaret, dual tow, DualTow, watch, white

Porsche Design P'9522 Black Edition

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Luxury Cars & Autos

Some say white is the new black. Some say grey is the new black, or navy, or whatever new color is hot this season. You can call us old fashioned, but to us black is still black, and always will be. And Porsche evidently agrees. The company's industrial design subsidiary has just re-released their cutting edge P'9522 mobile phone in – you guessed it – all black.

Called, predictably enough, the Black Edition, the phone packs all the features of the P'9522 released last year – including the solid-aluminum construction and the fingerprint-reader security system. But, taking its cues from the anti-reflectant black instruments on a Porsche racing car – to say nothing of the original Porsche Design Chronograph I, the company's first product – the phone is decked out all in low-key black.

Gallery: Porsche Design P'9522 Black Edition

Tags: black, black edition, BlackEdition, cell, cell phone, CellPhone, mobile, mobile phone, MobilePhone, p9522, porsche design, porsche design p9522, porsche design p9522 black edition, PorscheDesign, PorscheDesignP9522, PorscheDesignP9522BlackEdition

Anonimo D-Date II Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Anonimo watches recently no longer became officially available in America. The big pull out apparently occurred due to the expense of sending watches here as well as the in ability to get themselves as a brand out there. It is a shame, but I think the Italian brand will be eventually back. The history of Anonimo is (I believe) linked to Panerai. If you are industrious, there are still places to get the watches, and they are more widely available outside the US of course. One of their new models proves how comfortable their watches are to own. Functional and attractive, the watches are always just interesting enough to stand out among the other diving military style watches.

This new model is the D-Date II. A follow up to the original D-Date (meaning day/date - a watch that displays both the day of the week and the date). Anonimo modified a Swiss ETA 2834-2 automatic movement with a disc that displays the full day of the week name (not just the 3 letter abbreviation). Also the date and day of the week windows are vertically oriented on the watch dial. The dial itself is in black with easy to read lume covered hands and hour markers.

The case is 43mm wide and Ox-Pro black coated steel (meant to we wear resistant). It has a sandblasted finish. Then you have a rose gold toned bezel with polished and brushed finished on it. A nice two-tone look. A bit more of the rose gold tone is seen on the crown. The watch also has a helium escape valve and is water resistant to an aggressive 500 meters. The high quality leather strap has been treated to resistant the corrosive effects of salt water even after being submerged for long periods of time. A good looking tool style watch with a price likely in the few thousand dollars.

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

Tags: anonimo, black, d-date, Italy, watch

Fantastic Black: Custom Made Rolex Watches By Project X Designs

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style

What is more exclusive and pleasing than having a world respected and desired Rolex wrist watch? Having a brand new, highest quality made aftermarket custom Rolex wrist watch. Welcome to the world of Rolex watch modification and an easy choice for the leader in the industry. The key here is customizing Rolex watches with "manufacture grade quality." The idea is that the customization is so good, it is on par with the extremely high quality standards you get with a Rolex watch right out of the factory.

Project X Designs isn't related to Rolex. What they do is take brand new Rolex watches and offer you three easy options. 1) you can get a Rolex watch customized personally just how you like it. This involves a personal consultation with Project X to choose the Rolex watch model you want customized, and what you want done to it. 2) You can get a number of Rolex watches customized with a very high quality DLC black coating. Many people want black colored Rolex watches. Rolex themselves won't make one, so companies like Project X come in and do this for you. This option has the Rolex watch exactly like it comes from Rolex, but now in black. 3) Project X offers exclusive limited edition models with various levels of customizations ready made for 24 lucky people with each edition. These all sell out very quickly and are extremely beautiful. Modifications can be extensive from changing colors, to special engravings, and other appealing modifications that retain the look you love from Rolex with a designer touch you can't find anywhere else. These limited edition offerings from Project X are the 'cream of the crop' in terms of limited edition customized Rolex watches.

Before you are images I took while meeting with Project X owner Daniel Bourn. It was my sincere pleasure (and joy) to check out these DLC (diamond like carbon) black coated versions of sexy Rolex watches such a the GMT Master II, DeepSea Sea-Dweller, and Milgauss models. These are the second option I mentioned above, of standard factory new Rolex watches that have been modified with the very scratch resistant black coating (chemically bonded to the steel) by Project X.

Notice how wonderfully the DLC black metal matches the new black ceramic bezels on the watches, as well as the dials. These are an obvious choice for real Rolex watch lovers, and the prices aren't that much more that new Rolex watches would be otherwise. Important is that Project X gives you a special warranty on all the watches, so you go to them for any after sales service that you may need. Stay tuned for updates on interesting new modified Rolex watches from Project X in the near future.

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

Gallery: Project X black Rolex watches

Tags: black, custom, customized, DeepSea, DLC, GMT Master, GmtMaster, Milgauss, modified, Project X, ProjectX, Rolex, Sea-Dweller

Customized Rolex Watches With Black DLC

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The used Rolex watch market is robust and maybe even a bit crowded. Why? Because pre-owned Rolex watches are big business given the fact that Rolex watches have such an incredible ability to retain value. Still, it is sometimes hard to justify buying an older model when new models exist. One good way to breathe life into older, good condition Rolex watches is to modify or customize them. That way you aren't one of legions of people who have the exact same Rolex watch.

Rolex modification is a growing segment in the watch market with retailers offering everything from brand new Rolex watches that have been modified, to performing such modifications on used models. Many of these modifications have been around for years. Often involving the addition of extra gold or precious jewels such as diamonds to the watch. Recently such modifications have taken a less "blingy" route to offering modified Rolex models that have altered colors and materials. Opinions vary as to the desirability of modified Rolex watches - the same way people argue against the modification of luxury cars. Keep the Mercedes Benz stock, or take it to Brabus for a hot horsepower injection?

Of the most popular trends in Rolex watch modding is the "all black look." Never has there been a factory black Rolex watch (to my knowledge). Thus, the market has met (assumed) demand and offering everything from high priced new Rolex watches with all sorts of black colored modifications, to doing the same to pre-owned Rolex watches. The latter being a better value than the highly limited new modified Rolex watches that are tough to get by all (except a host of celebrities who are gobbling up customized Rolex watches fast enough to make you think Rolex is suddenly shifting to making wallpaper). Producers of new stock Rolex watches can charge double or more than retail for the timepieces.

Modified Rolex watches (new or used) are only as good as the work put into them. The process is harder than it seems. So look carefully, and know what you are looking for. The most popular forms of black color treatment are either PVD or DLC coatings (the latter being more modern, but not as well refined in all instances as the much more common PVD treatment) Time and Gems, an outfit located in Los Angeles offers a host of modified or otherwise custom altered Rolex watches. Time and Gems is not an authorized Rolex dealer, but instead specializes in the sale of used Rolex timepieces. They have recently got into the modded Rolex game and offer up a growing selection of DLC (and PVD) black Rolex Submariners, Sea-Dwellers, GMT Masters, Explorers, Milgausses, and more. The image above is of a Time and Gems DLC black Rolex Submariner watch (priced at $6,500). While modified pre-owned Rolex watches cost more than unmodified Rolex watches, they are arguably more interesting, and clearly involve a good deal of work. You can see black DLC Rolex watches from Time and Gems here.

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

Tags: black, custom, DLC, modified, pvd, Rolex, submariner, time and gems, TimeAndGems, watch

Glashutte Original PanoMaticReserve XL Piece Unique Watch For Charity

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Charity

A German watch maker owned by the French contributes a watch to charity sold to benefit the Italian Cancer Research Organization. Kind of ironic really, but the watch in question is very cool. Glashutte Original took its very popular PanoMaticReserve XL Watch and have put it in some new clothing. The new black and yellow bumble bee look is sporty and suave - certainly something I hope that they will think about making more widely. The 42mm case is in black PVD stainless steel. It contrasts nicely with the neon yellow on the dial, for the hand, and as the stitching on the strap. While the actual differences between this model and the standard PanoMaticReserve XL watches isn't that great, the watch really feels different.

Inside the watch is Glashutte Original's automatic caliber 90-03 movement that has the time with subsidiary seconds dial, power reserve indicator, and a big date indicator. I like that Glashutte Original was able to tone down the watch (other versions or after in gold) and at the same time make it more sporty. This piece unique is really stunning and I hope more timepieces from the luxury German brand follow in suit.

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

Tags: black, charity, Glashutte Original, GlashutteOriginal, PanoMaticReserve XL, PanomaticreserveXl, watch, yellow

Christian Louboutin Satin Clutch, Handbag of the Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The Christian Louboutin Satin Clutch is like a handbag wearing a one-shoulder dress.

If you're heading to any holiday events in satin this year, pick up this little bag, which achieves an unprecedented asymmetrical elegance. The bag is so perfectly designed that even with its unusual shape, it appears demure and simple; no feathers or big jewels on the left detail. We feel relieved to see a Christian Louboutin clutch without that high heeled kiss lock closure -- we loved it at first, but we're tired.

This sophisticated Italian bag is lined in silk and will fit all your bare essentials at 10½"W X 4"H X 1"D. No cheating with this purse; there's no hidden chain. This is a clutch you could carry for years to come, and eventually pass down to your children.

The Christian Louboutin Satin Clutch is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $795.00.

Tags: black, christian louboutin, clutch, handbag of the day, purse, satin

Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal To The Metal Flap Pouchette, Handbag of the Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal To The Metal Flap Pouchette has a long name for such a small bag, but is undeniably sassy and delightful.

At just 8"W X 7"H X ¼"D, this bag is the perfect size for bouncing on your hip while you run around doing errands in your jeans and boots. The casual stitching, together with the unusual zipper placement, creates an attractive, sexy shape. The pretty goldtone bird makes it feminine and just a little flashy -- enough to catch the eye.

While this isn't the bag to carry to your major holiday events, it's one you can wear everyday and it comes at an exceptional price: just $198.00.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal To The Metal Flap Pouchette is available from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Tags: black, handbag of the day, HandbagOfTheDay, marc by ma, MarcByMa, pouchette

Alexis Mabille for CoutureLab Black Tie Clutch, Handbag of the Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The Alexis Mabille for CoutureLab Black Tie Clutch is a seemingly simple work of elegant mastery.

Firstly, in case you skipped the title and only look at pictures, this is not a tie, but a handbag. This clutch consists of two separated pockets, perfectly forming a 15" x 6 2/3" (approximate) bow tie. It's a bit larger than your average bow tie, but it would certainly be more than appropriate for any black tie event. No pun ... attempted.

This bag is "handmade from luxurious Duchesse silk satin," and features hidden brass zippers so you don't accidentally lose the contents. A purse like this may not be eye-catching at first, but as soon as someone notices it, they're sure to be pointing it out to people all evening.

The Alexis Mabille for CoutureLab Black Tie Clutch is available from CoutureLab for approximately $706.00.

Tags: alexis mabille, AlexisMabille, black, black tie, BlackTie, clutch, couturelab, handbag of the day, HandbagOfTheDay, purse

Mercedes Reportedly Preparing Even More Exclusive SLS AMG Black Series

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

With 617 horsepower and a 208mph top speed, topping the Mercedes SLR McLaren was no mean feat. Mercedes nearly managed to pull it off with the new SLS AMG. The gull-winged supercar was unveiled at the recent international auto show in Frankfurt to rave reviews. But it still falls a shade short of its predecessor's bragging rights, so the German automaker is reportedly working on an even more exclusive, more powerful and more capable SLS AMG Black Series.

Following in the Black Series that has given us the SLK55, CLK63 and SL65, the SLS Black is expected to gain some extra power and lose some weight to optimize that vital power to weight ratio. Sources expect the 563hp and 479lb-ft of torque from the existing 6.2-liter V8 to get a boost past the 600hp/500lb-ft mark, coupled with a 50kg weight-shaving scheme to drop the "stock" SLS' 0-62 mph time down from 3.8 seconds – already faster than 99% of the cars out on the road – to below 3.5 seconds, and the top speed up from 195 mph to 208.

Of course the added exclusivity won't come cheap: insiders expect the price to jump by half to over $250,000 when the SLS AMG Black Series hits the market in 2013.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Source

Tags: amg, amg black series, AmgBlackSeries, black, black series, BlackSeries, mercedes, mercedes amg, mercedes sls, mercedes sls amg, mercedes-benz, mercedes-benz sls amg, mercedes-benz sls amg black series, Mercedes-benzSlsAmg, Mercedes-benzSlsAmgBlackSeries, MercedesAmg, MercedesSls, MercedesSlsAmg

Gucci Twirl Watch To Support The Ladies Out There

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Charity

Here is a watch for women to support women. The popular Gucci Twirl watch has just been made even more a watch for women by creating a special edition Gucci Twirl F.F.A.W.N. timepiece. FFAWN is the Foundation For the Advancement of Women, and for each of these watches that are sold, Gucci will give $100 to the foundation.

Oddly enough Gucci combines its giving to the foundation with the creation of a phantom watch - meaning it is in all black. This has been a popular style for men's watches, but I only now am seeing it applied to women's watches of this caliber. The timepiece is in black stainless steel with a spinning (twirling) watch face dial. The face is also in all black and surrounded by 34 black diamonds. The watch movement is a Swiss quartz. The caseback of the watch reads "Gucci for F.F.A.W.N." An interesting interpretation of the iconic looking timepiece.

Just what FFAWN does is a bit of a mystery to me. It was started by singer Mary J. Blige to help women reach their potential. The foundation gives grants and scholarships and has programs for women to help improve their self esteem and achieve various levels of personal and professional development. The Gucci for FFAWN Twirl watch retails for $1,895.

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

Tags: black, charity, FFAWN, gucci, twirl, watch

Hermes Arceau Ebony Chronograph Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Adding just a new color to the Arceau Chronograph watch lineup with the "Ebony," and Hermes almost has you convinced you've got a totally new model. This is follow up watch to the Arceau Chronograph Alezan announced around Baselworld earlier this year. To Hermes, the Arceau line is direct extension of their equestrian heritage, making for a perfect companion to their full line of riding gear.

Hermes watches are finely designed in my opinion with flowing smooth lines and a refinement on par with other luxury watches with the names of exclusive French designers on them (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, etc...). The Arceau Ebony Chronograph has an almost totally black colored dial on the 43mm wide steel watch. Applied rings around the chronograph dials add a sense of depth to the mix, while the classic looking Arabic numerals have a character undeniably Hermes. The face is simple and clean, and Hermes could not resist adding the splash of their signature orange hue to the face to complete the branded look. I like the faceted window cut for the date window.

You get the distinct idea that the case shape is extremely smooth and pleasant to wear. Note the different lug structure at either end of the watch. Powering the timepiece is a Swiss ETA 2894 automatic movement. There is really nothing superfluous about the design, a fact that pleases me. Of course the watch would not be an Hermes if not fitted with a high grade calf leather strap, here in black with contrast stitching. Available soon from Hermes.

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

Tags: arceau, black, chronograph, ebony, hermes, timepiece, watch

Tag Heuer Carrera Caliber 5 Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

While the Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph watch was getting bigger (up to about 44mm wide now I think) someone must have thought it was too big and too much. So here comes a three-hand version of the classic looking Tag Heuer Carrera with the Caliber 5 movement that has made its way into other Tag Heuer timepieces such as the Aquaracer. This Caliber 5 based Carrera is now 39mm wide and in steel.

Most of the watch is what we know and love about the Carrera save for the smaller size and more simple looking face. To help keep the dial from looking too bare, the designers added Clous de Paris texture (just a series of square boxes pattern) on the face, and gave it one of those "open" date windows that I am loathing more each time I see them. In my humble opinion, the watch would have looked better minus the half-banana shaped eye-sore of a date window. To preserve symmetry, would not have something smaller at 6 o'clock made a better choice? An interesting design point are the spelled out hours next to the hour markers. Look closely and you can see them spelled out, "ten," "three," five," etc...

Instead of the tachymetric scale on the aluminum bezel, there are now minute markers such as on a rotating diver's bezel, however I don't think this bezel rotates. The watch is available in the pictured brown color dial and (of course) black. Both are handsome in tone. The watches will be available soon and for a price that is likely a bit less than the Aquaracer automatic with the steel bracelet.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: black, brown, caliber 5, Caliber5, carrera, tag heuer, TagHeuer, timepiece, watch, WV211M.BA0787, WV211N.BA0787

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