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Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver Black Sea Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

One of Ulysse Nardin's new Maxi Marine Diver watches for 2011 is the Black Sea. It isn't wildly different from anything we've seen before, but furthers the brand's exploration of dark watches and vulcanized rubber. The case is in steel that is coated with vulcanized rubber. The matte tone has a smooth texture and offers a unique look - plus it won't scratch things that rub up against it. The entire watch is done in black tones save for the bold red accents on the dial. The hands and hour markers make a hip statement against the black background. I wonder if Ulysse Nardin was debating between "Black Sea" and "Red Sea" for the name.

Otherwise this is another Maxi Marine watch with a (I believe) 43mm wide case and rubber strap (with black metal segment). Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic movement, that has the time, subsidiary seconds dial, date, and power reserve indicator on the dial. Really a handsome and cool looking diver watch. The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver Black Sea watch will retain for $12,900.

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

Luxist Guest Post: George Miliotes, Master Sommelier at The Capital Grille Picks Valentine's Day Wines

Filed under: Wine

capital grille wine picksWine can be an important part of your Valentine's Day celebration but choosing the right wine is a combination of making sure that the wine matches both the food and your beloved's preferences. George Miliotes, Master Sommelier at The Capital Grille restaurant group, offers up a few recommendations and romantic finds – including basic food pairing advice to help ease the course of true oenological love.

Best Wines for Romance
There is no magic wine that does it for everyone, as tastes vary. Find out what type of wine your special someone likes. Then research and find the best of that type. Come armed to impress with the story of why the wine is the best of its type so you can wow your loved one with the knowledge as you drink it. Nothing says romance like I care enough to get you the best. Few suggestions (across price points) are below:

If they love Red, my faves are:

  • LOW ON DOUGH: Juan Gil Monastrell...there is no other red wine as flavorful for less than $20 and it pairs amazingly well with a Filet.
  • IN THE MIDDLE: De Toren Z $40...Merlot/Cab blend at a world class flavor level. Partial to a Delmonico? The plush yet strong tannins here will match perfectly with the marbled richness of the steak.
  • IN THE MOOD TO SPLURGE: Lewis Cellars 2007 Reserve Cabernet ...can run $175+ depending upon market. Is there anything more American than a dry aged New York strip sirloin? Have this great American Cabernet with the great American steak.

Halston's Hot Red Astor Boots

Filed under: Shoes

The holiday season must have some sort of unconscious hold on me because I can't get enough of red shoes. Mind you, I don't even own a single pair of red shoes. So in the spirit of the holiday season, let's embrace a little unexpected color to our shoes.

Halston's cherry red suede Astor Boots ($388) are vampy and in-your-face bold. They have a slouched shaft with a matching red leather self-tie and rounded toe for a flirty and casual effect. Pair with slim fitting jeans tucked in for maximum effect and a slouchy wool sweater for a touch of casualness. Heel measurements: 4 1/2".

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

Christian Louboutin Zermadame Boots

Filed under: Shoes

louboutin bootsThere is a whole lot of sexy coming from Christian Louboutin's Zermadame Ankle Boots ($701). And it's the kind of sexy that can be tamed with "an ode to the 70s conservative" outfit (think Chloe Fall 2010 line - beige wide leg trousers with a loose fitting blouse) and still be worn into the office. Or completely unleash a vampy side by pairing with skinny cords, a body hugging dress or even a pair of fall/winter shorts and decorative tights.

Set in intense dark red leather with faux snake print, Louboutin's pointy toed boots have sheen making them even more noticeable and ultra stylish. The heel measures at 4.5" and features a back zipper for an easy slip on and slip off.

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

Kurt Geiger Egypt Scarlet Pumps

Filed under: Shoes

You can never go wrong with a pair of scarlet pumps. Especially ones like the Egypt by Kurt Geiger ($300). They have an understated and relaxed silhouette with touches of lively accents that make Geiger's Egypt Pumps a timeless classic. First off, the color is vibrant without feeling off putting. This particular hue has dark undertones making them wearable and versatile. Second is the heel. A block heel not only provides stability and a more comfortable foundation when walking but they are just as stylish as skinny stilettos.

I love that they are designed in red suede rather than red leather. There is something unexplainable about suede that complements red even more so than leather. Heel measurements: 4".

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

Christian Louboutin Capra Bikini Leather Wristlet, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Christian Louboutin Capra Bikini Leather WristletThe Christian Louboutin Capra Bikini Leather Wristlet makes me uncomfortable.

Should I mention that this handbag of the day is 9"W X 4½"H X 2"D, also comes in black, and is lined with Louboutin's signature blood-red (redder than this) lining? Should I praise the sparkle of the front metal logo and the cute 4½" wristlet chain? Should I make a comment about the pretty red shade of this Italian leather, or find some way to extoll the virtues of the credit card slot?

Should I giggle quietly at the term "bikini inspired" and leave it at that?

Or, should I mention that this bag looks exactly, exactly like an impressive cameltoe? Am I not supposed to talk about the outrageous crotchliness of this purse? It's like a 400 pound gorilla in the room.

I just don't know.

The Christian Louboutin Capra Bikini Leather Wristlet is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $795.00.

Jacob & Co. Epic II Watch Re-launch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Jacob & Co will relaunch itself in 2011. In addition to new pieces, the brand will re-release some existing models, but with perhaps some new colors. The hope of course is that people unfamiliar with their designs preciously will notice the many faces the brand has. I will be honest that until recently I only thought of the brand as having mostly multicolored watch dials with geometric shapes and 5 time zones. Now with Yvan Arpa leading the direction of product and design, Jacob & Co. is set to break new ground. But pieces like the Epic II show that Yvan Arpa has some nice existing designs to work with.

Here he does the watch in black and red (also available in yellow). The interesting watch looks like something he would design, being in PVD black steel and 47.5mm wide. Though it did predate Arpa. It has a base Swiss ETA 2894-2 automatic chronograph movement. The subdial hands incorporate the Jacob & Co. character nicely with the different shape. The dial itself is a thick carbon fiber. While the hands don't really match the watch design super well, they are very easy to see. Overall, the Epic II is a pretty neat watch and will fit the more chic, forward-design thinking personality that Arpa will give the brand when the world sees its new face in 2011.

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

Snyper One Limited Edition Yellow & Red Watches

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I truly love these "club sniper " watches. What does that mean? Well Synper watch's designer Jean-Francois Ruchonnet, was actually a sniper, and designed the Snyper One watch to resemble the style of today's high-tech sniper rifles. The timepieces have incredibly cool macho designs to them, but at almost $8000 for the most basic ones, these are watches destined for social clubs rather than adventure missions. Ruchonnet also quips about the metaphorical component where men "snipe" the women they like from afar. Choosing the target, and then going in to "attack," (ahem, court). I first discussed Synper timepieces here.

Synper now has two limited edition versions that are very neat. Each is limited to just 100 pieces, and comes in black and red, or yellow and red. The case for each is in PVD black steel, and the have special casebacks (where the number in the limited edition is mentioned on the sapphire crystal exhibition window). The 44mm wide case has an infinitely kick-ass design, and here has some nice red or yellow elements to compliment it in the dial. Not sure about prices, but given other Snyper One watch prices, these limited edition models will be about $8,000 each - and you should be able to buy them online via Snyper's website.

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

Cesare Paciotti's New "Lace" Soles

Filed under: Shoes

Cesare Paciotti's New
Ever since Christian Louboutin painted the soles of his shoes red, all who care about shoes now look at the soles as well as the rest of the shoe. Cesare Paciotti is joining the fray with new "lace" soles, which are a black lace pattern over red (winter) and nude (spring). Paciotti's shoes look fabulous, if not at times unwearable, and the new sole will make it so you won't want them to have a single scuff on the bottom. Save for indoor use only?

Alexander Wang Studded Drawstring Pouch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Alexander Wang Studded Drawstring PouchThe Alexander Wang Studded Drawstring Pouch is a charming and unusual bag for the adventurous fashionista.

The rich, buttery red leather of this bag is artfully gathered with a snake chain drawstring finished with a red leather handle. The silvertone studs are prominent and bauble-like, giving this bag an exceptional amount of flash. The curious leather strips that comprise the top flap come down like fingers over the body of the bag.

Though this pouch is just 7"W X 6½"H X 2"D, it has a sturdy back and protective metal feet to help it keep its attractive, saddle bag-like shape. The pouch shape is the perfect complement for a tulip or bubble skirt.

The Alexander Wang Studded Drawstring Pouch is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $495.00.

Pauric Sweeney Python Bowler Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


As though it was dipped in a bowl of perfectly ripe cherries, the Python Bowler Bag by Pauric Sweeney (£1225/$1838) has such vibrancy that it instantly catches your attention. Made from python and minimally adorned, it has an extra roomy interior with two interior zip pockets. The only adornment is a pair of braided leather handles that are fittingly understated. The Bowler Bag features silver hardware that beautifully compliments its red and black color scheme. Wear on your shoulder, hanging from your elbow or use the detachable shoulder strap – however you wear it, your candy colored bag is a fun accessory for spring and summer.

Hublot Big Bang Red Ladies Watch For St. Valentine's Day

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Valentine's day cometh, and watch brands are harassing men by releasing images of their upcoming "shopping in the name of love" day items. I mean, aren't men stressed out enough given the pressure of the fabricated romance day? A little bitterness here? Maybe. In white ceramic with red inserts and a red alligator and rubber strap, this Hublot Big Bang Red Ladies watch watch more than fits with cupid's ideal intent. The bright red dial with easy to read "military" style hands are part of the Big Bang style. Diamonds on the bezel and a "let's get it on tonight" look make this a vitality rich romance piece rather than the same old dull diamond earrings that get worn for a week before going in a drawer. I believe the movement here may be quartz, but don't let that fool you into thinking it is inexpensive. Several more days gentleman until your big "red" day.

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

What You Need To Know About Red Roses For Valentine's Day

Red roses are popular year round but take on special importance at Valentine's Day. Suddenly they are everywhere. Bouquets of roses are sold by the side of the road and by salespeople hovering around restaurants. This, combined with the overflowing buckets at the grocery store, saturate a market that is deserving of a richness equivalent to its history. Favored mostly for its beauty and durability, combined with fragrance, the rose's popularity has caused an outbreak of ecologically harmful and trade-wide problems.

Many roses are raised in Ecuador and Colombia, and there is an ongoing concern of heavy pesticide use, unfair wage and labor conditions and the possibility that the rose tips themselves may have been treated with anti-fungal chemicals that are harmful to human beings.

Flower arranger and horticulture expert Betty Miles explains the importance of careful-sourcing and following care that will result in a longer life and a clear conscience. She notes that, due to favorable climate conditions as well as cheaper labor, most long stem roses (the most popular in America) are grown in greenhouses around the world, and generally in Colombia, Ecuador and parts of Africa. There can be a big difference between the white-bucketed variety amongst conventional locations and the fresher and perhaps more local available at a credible florist. Betty goes on to say:

When sourcing flowers in person, check underneath the bud to see if petals will have been removed. This will prove the flower to be old or not as fresh, diminishing their cut-life. 'Hardening-off' is a common flower arrangement term- taking a cut flower from a garden or, later, florist, and diagonally cutting an inch off the tip of the stem then immediately placing it in water (or cutting while the stem is submerged in water). Doing these steps, along with removing the lower leaves and stems will avoid rotting and water-contamination thus, shortening the life. If not removed, the most distal part of the stem will get dried, killing the cells within the stem, rendering it inactive, and killing the flower. This can and should be repeated by the distributor, the florist and finally, the customer. Though the packet of "flower-extender" that comes with your flowers appears artificial, it is an inert and biodegradable substance (typically a formula including dextrose and bacteria-inhibitors) that will extend the life of your cut flowers.

Cole Haan Felicity Zip Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Cole Haan Felicity Zip ToteThe Cole Haan Felicity Zip Tote is a plump, appealing bag with an easy sophistication.

This glamorous tote is part lacquer red leather and part suede, in seductively revealed zipper folds. Feeling prim? Zip them up. Feeling saucy? Unzip and let it all hang out.

We love the equestrian lines adorned in shiny goldtone hardware and the durable optical weave jacquard lining. This bag is 14"H x 16"L x 4 1/2"D, and also comes in black, in case the red is too bawdy for you. Either is a safe and classy choice for a work bag and would look equally appropriate dangling from your arm as a sensible traveling satchel -- with room for all your souvenirs.

The Cole Haan Felicity Zip Tote is available from Neiman Marcus for $378.00.

Nancy Gonzalez Croc Savvy Hobo, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Nancy Gonzalez Croc Savvy HoboThe Nancy Gonzalez Croc Savvy Hobo is a cheerful and striking purse with a subtle modernity everyone will surely be imitating soon.

What really impresses us about this purse is the innovative shape. By adding multi-strap detail to the base of the top handles and inching them toward the center of the bag, a half-egg shaped line is achieved over an artfully ruched, wide boat of a body. The overall effect is very attractive, and we haven't even gotten to the fact that this bordeaux-colored beauty is made of rare, valuable Caiman fuscus crocodile.

The hobo is 7 1/2"H x 14 1/2"W x 4"D, has a magnetic snap closure, and features interior zip and cell phone pockets in a cream lining. Looking into this bag is like peering into the delicious center of a slice of red velvet cake. And now we are hungry.

The Nancy Gonzalez Croc Savvy Hobo is available from Neiman Marcus for $2,495.00.

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