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Luxist Gift Guide 09: FitzGerald Coleman Curated Desk Sets

Filed under: Holiday Guides



Building the perfect stationery set can be a real challenge. To build the ideal collection, you want to find pieces that both reflect your personality and pull from a wealth of design sources. Fortunately FitzGerald Coleman has come to the rescue this holiday season, and done all of the work for you. Introducing curated desk sets, each three-tiered secretary box is expertly filled with elite paper goods from brands like Herman Yu, Pancake & Franks, Paper & Cup, Snow & Graham, TokyoMilk, and John Derian.

Choose your personality: the Romantic, Minimalist, Innovator, Traditionalist, Connoisseur, Humorist, or Modernist, and find a box packed to the brim with luxurious paper goods tailored directly toward your own style. If you love gorgeous die cuts and pop outs, go for the Innovator. If Victoriana is more your style, choose the Traditionalist. If you like to make people laugh, the Humorist is the box for you. In addition to standard stationery, you'll find wrapped cards for every holiday and occasion of the year, all on delicately printed handmade paper. Click through the images to see some of the intricate designs. The boxes are even topped off with a matching pen from Montreal company Pierre Belvédère.

At $145, including shipping, fine paper is the luxury that anyone can afford this holiday season. It's a perfect gift full of wonderful surprises for anyone on your list. Head to FitzGerald Coleman to find your own paper personality.


Christian Siriano Creates Exclusive Online Store

Filed under: Apparel

One of our favorite young designers is no stranger to fusion lines. Christian Siriano has teamed up with Payless to design several lines of edgy shoes and Victoria's Secret to create a line of makeup in Mediterranean hues. But now the star designer is bringing fashion to the public in a completely new way. In just another testimony to Siriano's business savvy and creativity, he recently released a line exclusively sold on his website, with six limited edition pieces all under $200. Now, finally fashionistas everywhere will have an opportunity to own their own authentic Christian Siriano piece. What makes the line truly luxurious, other than the delicate silk fabrics and gorgeous drapes, is that the line was inspired by his own Spring/Summer 2010 collection, which had models walking on water in seafaring colors and swaths of oceanic prints. By creating high-quality, affordable pieces taken from his same runway fabrications, Siriano is clearly out to revolutionize the fashion industry.

We spoke to Christian more about this in depth, and why he decided to incorporate these shapes. "The collection is very similar to my ready to wear collection," Siriano tells Luxist. "The fabrications are the same but the shapes are simple and very easy for women to piece into an existing wardrobe. Also these shapes are a limited collection and are not available anywhere else. Therefore the price is able to target the younger and fashionable Christian Siriano Fan."

Siriano says that he created the lower-priced collection for one reason alone: "We receive e-mails everyday, all day from fans who cannot afford anything over $200. It is my way to have my brand more accessible to women everywhere. That is the main goal at the end of the day, to have women wearing my clothes, feeling fabulous."

Our favorite piece is the Oceanic Scarf, a print taken straight from the runway, which is sure to add a fabulous pop to any monotone outfit this season. Check out the rest of the line in detail below. Click here to shop now, because these pieces won't last long.

Beekman 1802 Launches B.1802 Rural Artist Collective

Filed under: Decor

One of the biggest trends lately has been a return to the classic crafts. For the past few years knitting has had a huge resurgence. The last year has seen the canning trend take off around the nation. Beekman 1802 a farm and mercantile which focuses on all things handmade, artisanal, and seasonal has announced the B.1802 Rural Artist Collective. The new project celebrates the skills of craftsfolk producing beautiful handmade items. One of their first collaborations is with Master Blacksmith Michael McCarthy.

McCarthy has traveled to West Africa to study with blacksmiths and learn traditional methods. He is one of the few working blacksmiths remaining in America and he even travels to West Virginia a few times a year to mine his own ore. He has created a few pieces for the Beekman 1802 Mercantile. The first is the B.1802 Iron Block. The block is designed to be a multi-purpose object. It can be a vase, a candleholder, paperweight and more. The very sturdy piece comes in two sizes 1/2 stone (7lb) for $95 and 1 full stone (14lb) for $125. The collective is also selling a delicately detailed hand-forged B. 1802 Fruit Spoon which was created using authentic 18th century spoon mold and has the look of an antique.

Luxist Gift Guide 09: Clinton Vineyards Cassis

Filed under: Wine, Holiday Guides

clinton vineyards cassisThis weekend I journeyed along the Dutchess Wine Trail, a popular travel destination for wine lovers out East, which tours local vineyards along the gorgeous Hudson River Valley, just 90 miles north of New York City. To reach the most popular destination, Millbrook Vineyards, you must drive down a dusty road surrounded by fields overlooking the Hudson Valley. The standard wine tasting includes a tour of the grounds, and taste of olive oil imported from the owner's Italian estate Villa Pillo estate.

The highlight of the trail was the smaller Clinton Vineyard, housed in an historic green barn. Specializing in one grape, the seyval blanc, the vineyard offers one particular bottle which makes the perfect present this holiday season: Cassis Wine. Paying ode to the Brits, who put cassis syrup in anything from Guinness to fruit pies, to draw out natural flavors, the cassis wine is a lighter alternative with exponential flavor. The Clinton bottle, which has won Gold Medals and Best in Class at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition, might just be the best cassis liquor available in the States. Add a splash to champagne for a Kir Royal, the perfect end to any meal, or even to a glass of chardonnay, to add a special tartness to your daily glass of wine.

Luxist Gift Guide 09: Sensai Holiday Gift Sets

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance, Holiday Guides



If only Pamela Anderson had discovered the new SENSAI Platinum Edition Coffret Gift Set, before she let her platinum addiction drive her into bankruptcy. The new luxury gift set out just in time for the holidays offers for the first time ever, platinum, in a soft pearl powder and highlighting platinum body lotion. If that sounds decadent to you, it is. Forget the latest diamond cremes, platinum is the new luxury ingredient, straight from the renowned Japanese beauty line, which counts Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Aniston as fans. The Platinum Gift Set, which includes the powder, flawless brush, and body lotion packaged in a velvet clutch is available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman, and retails for $80. It's literally all you need to take to any party this season. But use sparingly. A brush of powder is all you need to make your whole face glow.

Limited Edition Nike Method Putters To Go On Sale

Filed under: Sports

The Nike Method putter hasn't been made available to the general public yet but it has had people buzzing for months. It's not officially supposed to be out until February 2010 but Golf.com reports that Nike Golf is going to sell a limited number of Method putters starting on November 2 at the Nike store website. The putter has polymer grooves on a steel face and a solid polymer layer dampens vibrations and has already been used by several pros. There are five versions but the limited edition putter is only available in the Blade 001 version. You give Nike the length and lie angle and they will build the putter at the Nike Fort Worth, Texas research and development plant. Each putter will be customized with your initials and shipped within three weeks making it a pretty perfect holiday present for the golf lover. The limited edition putter will be $499.The regular Method putter will be $250 when it is released next year.

Ralph Lauren's Luxe Holiday Offerings

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style


This holiday season, Ralph Lauren is coming out with luxurious and exorbitantly colorful collection of modern classics, featuring decadent accessories for men, women and the home. One of our favorite items is this vintage-inspired sterling silver flask with an enameled portrait of a 19th-century jockey, priced at $2,495. Other highlights include eye-popping takes on the elegant alligator and crocodile belts Lauren has been doing for decades, in shocking go-to-hell colors like purple and orange. The women's version features a horseshoe-shaped buckle and costs $1,895.

In addition, there are velvet slippers for men embroidered with a bold equestrian figure in several colors for $950; a pillow made from a silk equestrian-themed scarf backed by luxurious cashmere for $795; cashmere throw blankets in bright tones bordered with contrasting suede for $995; and saddle leather jewelry boxes with brightly-hued alligator lids for $2,895. Lauren was just named the most powerful man in men's fashion meanwhile by industry bible DNR, beating out Giorgio Armani for the top spot.

The Nature Conservancy, Charity of the Day

Filed under: Charity of the Day

Today is the fourth entry in our month-long series that looks at end-of-the-year gift giving. The Nature Conservancy has some very interesting options for your holiday giving. The charity, which helps protect ecologically important lands and waters for both nature and people, has gift options in a variety of price tiers. For $50,000 you can sponsor a scientific expedition that will bear your recipient's name. For $32,000 you can protect a mile of land in Costa Rica. You can also donate to help to protect coral reefs and sponsor land by the acre in the U.S. The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 117 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide and they are involved in over 100 marine conservation projects globally. The easiest way to give is to donate a gift membership. The membership will include a Nature Gift Card announcing your present and all membership materials including a Conservancy membership card. This includes the Nature Conservancy magazine and invitations to participate in local events at Nature Conservancy preserves, which can be a fun and educational experience.

Jo Malone Ultimate Lime Collection

Filed under: Decor, Cosmetics and Fragrance

For fans of Jo Malone's classic Lime Basil & Mandarin scent this is ultimate sensory overload. The clean unisex fragrance has a scent that mingles bright citrus with peppery basil and aromatic white thyme. The collection includes: Lime Basil & Mandarin shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, body creme, bath oil, cologne, three soaps, a home candle and a Sicilian Lime Pot Pourri Gift Box. The package sells for $620.

Ergo Pearl Collection Candles

Filed under: Decor


It always makes sense to stock up on beautiful and fragrant candles at the holidays, they make a perfect hostess gift or a nice office gift. These gold and silver ones from The Pearl Collection by Ergo Candles with their gold and silver packaging have a particularly festive look. The soy candles are hand poured and come in a variety of fragrances including Dark Chocolate, Ebony, Moroccan Cedar, Linen and Pomegranate. Each seven ounce candle will burn for 40 to 50 hours and sells for $22.

Too Tired To Shake Your Own Cocktails?

Filed under: Decor, Gadgets

Has it come to this, do you really need an electric martini shaker? The Waring Pro Electric Martini Shaker/Stirrer delivers your martini shaken, or stirred (Rick at Martini Groove reminds us shaken for vodka drinks, stirred for gin). The martini maker has a 20-oz. brushed stainless steel shaker and a one oz. measuring cap. Personally I enjoy the theatrical aspect of creating drinks and I don't think I'd trust a bartender who used one but this might be a fun gift for the gadget-obsessed. It sells for $99.95.

Charles and Marie Holiday Advent Calendar

Filed under: Decor

I've long been a fan of the selections from Charles and Marie, the popular website specializes in quirky and cutting-edge design from around the globe. For true design junkies they have a holiday treat, an advent calendar (well, more of a box of presents really) to help you count down to Christmas. The 24 gifts are curated by designers Alissia Melka-Teichroew and Jan Habraken. There are two versions, the Luxe Edition ,which includes design objects with a European sensibility, containing several limited edition pieces. and the more inexpensive Cosmopolitan edition. They can be ordered now and the package arrives on December 1. The Luxe version goes for $1800.

Think Geek's Holiday Gadget List

Filed under: Gadgets


Holiday shopping guide season already? Early birds are already getting the jump on the season. Recently we saw the Neiman Marcus Fantasy List but if you are looking for something a little less pricey and a whole lot geekier, Think Geek has unveiled their list which is an answer to the Neiman's list. Instead of the $75,000 Swami conversational robot, you can spend $349.99 on Pleo, the robotic dinosaur, instead of the Online Media Wall, you can opt for a wi-fi enabled photo frame. Other fun gadgets include the mobile surveillance robot which looks like a Mars rover and has a mini video camera, the MySky GPS star tracker, which eliminates messing around with star maps to understand the constellations,iPod video goggles and the LED art fan which not only cools you off but also provides a complete light show. Details and prices in the gallery.

Gallery: Think Geek

Pleo the Dinosaur RobotLED Art FanRobotic CameraWi-Fi Photo FrameiPod Video Goggles

Luxist Holiday Guide: Fragrances For Her

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance, Holiday Guides

Buying fragrance for someone else is often a bit of a risk. While it would seem to be a safe bet it can be as intimate as purchasing lingerie. But it is also the chance to delight someone with something they might never pick up themselves but will totally fall in love with.
What follows is a list of scents ranging from department store finds to a few off the beaten track and one amazing new creation which costs $700 but just might be the most amazing fragrance set ever.

1) Donna Karan Gold
What: Donna Karan's latest is a luscious scent of casablanca lily and amber, a big embracing warm floral.
Who: a woman with warmth and heart, mothers, teachers, mentors, anyone with both elegance and kindness in good supply
How Much: The 1.7 ounce Eau de Parfum is $75

Asprey Christmas Crackers


British jewelry and luxury goods company, Asprey has created a 2006 Christmas cracker. Christmas crackers are a classic British Christmas dinner tradition, tubes of paper containing gifts and goodies which are pulled apart at the dinner table. The Asprey crackers are available with a variety of surprises inside including a small red leather notebook and pen, heart necklace, keychain, cufflinks or a purse atomizer. Each cracker also contains a paper crown, balloon and a quotation. The crackers sells for £125 each but are also available in packs of six or twelve.


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