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SENSAI Summer Skin Care and Makeup Must-Haves

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

SENSAI Cellular Performance Hydrachange Tinted Gel Cream

By: Ariston Anderson

I've long been a fan of luxury beauty line SENSAI, the Japanese masters of skin care and cosmetics. The key ingredient to all of their products, from their Double Cleansing Program to their Sun Care line, is silk. The rare Koishimaru Silk holds 300 times its own weight in water, giving the products throughout their line a way of softening the skin that has never been achieved by regular skin care products. They've launched a brand new line, highlighting their ever-advancing science and exclusive ingredients ready to take you through summer.


Products are available for purchase on kanebo.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, NeimanMarcus.com, or by phone at 212.872.2537/800.588.1855 x2357.

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.

Jack Spade Industrial Canvas Dipped Coal Tote

Filed under: Handbags, Men's Style


Ah, another Jack Spade bag that I'm lusting over. The Dipped Industrial Canvas Tote ($97.50) makes me want to pack for the beach. Even though this candy-colored tote screams summer fun at the beach, I'm sure the designer did not create this solely for the beach. Especially since it's made from canvas and dipped in rubber latex for ultimate durability. So while lugging all your beach essentials would be a piece of cake for the Industrial Tote, you could use this bag for anything and it would last a lifetime. Use for overnight or weekend trips, a day at the park, work, or if you are an oversized bag fanatic like me, wear as your summer handbag.

Keeping with the essence of Jack Spade style, it is minimally adorned with just the company's tag. What sets this bag off is its adventurous colorway. View their other options here, if you in the market for something subtle. Dimensions: 16" x 7" x 14".

Calvin Klein Silk Flutter Dress

Filed under: Apparel

Red has such vibrancy that it's hard to resist; especially when it's beautifully paired with a gorgeous summer dress such as this one by Calvin Klein. Silk effortlessly drapes around the body creating a clean silhouette that is both flattering and timeless. Simple details such a removable belt and layered flutter sleeves add a sense of delicateness and femininity.

You could wear this for the office, a special occasion, or even causally with metallic flats. And at an unbelievable price of $60, the Silk Flutter Sleeve Dress is a steal that will last for years to come. Also available in dark brown.

Cigar and Beer Pairings in Beverly Hills

Filed under: Cigars

Cigar Reader Summer Cigar Cheatsheet
When you crack open a cold one this summer, what are you going to cut and light to go with it? Vin Lee, CEO of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club, has put together a list of cigar and beer pairing recommendations for your Fourth of July festivities, with eight ways to celebrate the birth of our nation. My favorite is the My Father #1, but I've always been a fan of Pepin Garcia's work. What's your choice for the best barbecue weekend of the year? Leave a comment, and let us know.

[spreadsheet courtesy of John Biggs]

Sirène Collection Brings Swimwear Boutique Online

Filed under: Apparel

With summer finally upon us, Sirène brings the swimwear boutique into the 21st-century with its online collection.

Created by Nell Love, a willowy blond with a plethora of seaside lounging experience herself, Sirène presents a curated swimwear inventory from up-and-coming as well as coveted designers, such as Camilla & Marc, Salt Swimwear and Ondademar. The result is a diverse collection, both in terms of designs and materials, that should satisfy any woman who balks at the annual ritual of finding a new suit. From Mara Hoffman's bold, Rio-ready bikinis to Lisa Marie Fernandez's neoprene 80s homages, Sirène offers a look for your bathing ambitions, whatever they may be. There's also a line of handmade, Moroccan beach bags and kaftans by Camilla, true statement pieces with their psychedelic prints.

Nell, who had previously revamped Steven Alan's e-commerce presence, adds a welcome bit of her own personality to the site with a certain element of tough sizing love. Each piece comes with a custom blurb on its fit, which could include a warning about side coverage, a notice of low-slung bottoms or a heads-up to order a size down. Essential information when ordering online.

And for those last-minute island jaunts, Sirène will deliver straight to your destination, so your swimwear is there before you are.

Vogue CFDA Sunglasses Collection

Filed under: Apparel, Jewelry

devi kroell whip sunglasses
Summer is starting and it's time for some new sunglasses. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Luxottica have teamed up with designers Devi Kroell, Kara Ross and Matt Murphy to create a limited edition Vogue Eyewear Collection. The collection marks the first time that each of these designers has designed sunglasses. The collection is launching this month exclusively at Sunglass Hut and each style will retail for $129.95.

Shown above are the Devi Kroell Whip sunglasses. The Whip has a modern safari look with a snakeskin texture in a creamy ivory shade with gold-toned mirrored lenses and metal accents on the nose bridge. Two more designs and a video after the jump.

The Classicist: Royal Ascot, Henley, Cowes & the English Summer Season

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Events, Sports, The Classicist

Royal ascot
The English summer season is in full swing with the year's most important and stylish sporting events on the horizon, maintaining the British traditions of horse racing, tennis, rowing, polo and sailing with elegance and ardor. Lord's Test Cricket has passed, but the Royal Ascot races, the Wimbledon tennis championships, Cartier International Polo, the Henley Royal Regatta and the yacht races at Cowes round out a full season's worth of sporting occasions that are as much fun to watch as to participate in. Herewith The Classicist's guide to the best in class (with a tip of the Panama to the London Telegraph); all you need is a pitcher of Pimm's:

Royal Ascot – June 15-19, Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire

Since it was founded by Queen Anne in 1711, the annual Royal Ascot races have become the highlight of the English social season. Ostensibly a five-day sporting event, it's also evolved into something of an immense fashion show, marked by the arrival of the Royal Family in ceremonial horse-drawn carriages every day. It has become the style for ladies to sport increasingly outrageous hats, and lately the traditional rules about "formal day dress" in the coveted Royal Enclosure have been rather loosely interpreted.


LED Lights Make Summer Nights Glow

Filed under: Decor

the rockGlowing rechargeable outdoor lights are fast becoming a new summer essential. Home Infatuation, a site that celebrates outdoor living, has all sorts of great LED lights that cast a soft light across the yard (or in the pool) and make everyday occasions into celebrations. The light shown at right is called the rock even though it's a more of an egg. The Rock measures 12'' x 12" and has a recharging base that takes six to eight hours to fully recharge the batteries. Once charged it provides six to eight hours of light. The Rock sells for $179.95. Also check out the orb-like Moonlight lamps which have changeable color filters. Add a few in different colors and it's a little like having your own private solar system under the night sky.

1 Sol Swimwear

Filed under: Apparel

1 sol swimwearSwimsuit season is here and I'm excited. Even if I'm not ready to actually wear a swimsuit, I can't help but to window shop and use that as incentive to get healthy and back into shape. My husband would say I look great, bless his heart, but my self critical side says otherwise.

My first stop is 1 Sol Swimwear. They have bikini sets, one pieces - which are actually monokinis, and cover ups so you can look ever so fashionable as you lounge by the pool or on the beach. Their cherry Red Laser Cut Fold Over Bikini ($137) immediately caught my attention. The color red is so vibrant and would look great against all skin tones. It features tear drop shaped laser cuts with metallic accents which are a fun and flirty touch. I especially like the removable padding for those who want a bit of lift and shape. All of their swimsuits are made with a nylon spandex blend giving you a firm fit all around. See below for more styles.

Apu Tables, Perfect For Summer Entertaining

Filed under: Decor


It's a serving tray, it's a side table, it's even a vase. The Apu tables are a versatile set of pieces each with a white ceramic top and base in solid oak, ash or American walnut. The three Apu tables are each different heights so they look attractive grouped together but they can also be used individually. Available from Suite NY.

Yosi Samra Gladiator Sandals

Filed under: Shoes


Sandals are a definite summer staple. With a range of colors, playful designs and trendy accents to choose from, they're a welcomed alternative to flip flops and ballet flats. It's exciting when we come across a pair that is both fashionable and affordable; especially given the fact that sandals have a limited wear time. So I say, "Thank you Yosi Samra Sandals".

The designers behind Yosi Samra offer 3 different styles at only $98 – Studded Gladiator Flats, Cutout Flats and Studded T Flats. Each style is made of leather with a zippered back and gold accents on the heel topped off with intricate cut outs to create unique sandals that add an unexpected twist to your casual summer attire. My personal favorites are the one featured above - the Studded Gladiator Flats - which playfully uses geometric shapes to create cut outs that have a resemblance to spider webs, making them unforgettable. They're also available in a metallic champagne, which would look great against sun kissed skin and darker skin tones. View the gallery below for additional sandals.

Helmut Lang Leather Shorts

Filed under: Apparel


Leather shorts sounds a bit like an oxymoron, but it doesn't prevent me from wanting a pair. Helmut Lang's Leather Shorts ($750) have a loose fit allowing for some extra comfort and has subtle details – a cuffed hem and a jersey knit waistband – that sets it apart. I love the extra large front pockets, which make them seem suitable for casual looks. Pair them with open toed flat sandals, a slim but loose fitting tank, an extra long mixed metal necklace and skinny hoops for an effortless but chic outfit. Lang's Leather Shorts would look just as sharp with heels, any one of Valentino's Tops and finish it off with jeweled bangles for some sparkle.

Alberta Ferretti 3/4 Length Jersey Dress

Filed under: Apparel


There is nothing like a perfect fitting dress to make a woman feel great about herself. The design team behind Alberta Ferretti knows how to dress women and make them feel their best. We can't get enough of Ferretti's purple open toed sandals. And we can't get enough of their dresses either. One of our favorite dresses is the 3/4 Length Jersey Dress ($1295) featured here. Its colorful print seems to beautifully highlight and compliment all the curves of a woman's body while not making you feel as though you are on display for the world. I'm especially fond of the string detailing along the sides and shoulders. It adds an unexpected touch that even without it; this dress would still be beautiful. In addition to strings, there is also a pair of tassels along the waits. Personally, I think I would have liked it more without the tassels. Regardless, the Alberta Ferretti 3/4 Length Dress is the perfect balance of sexiness and sophistication.

Safe Summer Travel is All About Planning

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

vacationMemorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the busy spring and summer travel season, and whether you're planning a road trip with family or an exotic getaway with friends a little planning will go a long way towards making your trip a safe one.

For Road Trips
Pack an emergency kit See this post for a list of essentials and adjust it for the summer months by taking out the blankets and adding in fresh drinking water.

Get your car serviced before you go to reduce the chances of a breakdown.

Invest in a reputable roadside assistance service to prevent a bad situation from getting worse if you do have a breakdown or get a flat tire.

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