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valentines day

Knickermail: Love Through the Letterbox

Filed under: Apparel

KnickerMailKnickerMail is not your typical luxury gift but one that takes the stereotypical Valentine's Day lingerie to a new (and slightly tongue-in-cheek) level with their mail order lingerie 'greeting cards' geared to those looking to send something sexier, more fun, and less typical than the usual teddy bear and red roses (although you could certainly send those in addition). Hand-made of silk satin and available in three colors each pair comes delivered in a pretty, slightly shimmery envelope complete with handwritten note and message of your choice. Admittedly not for everyone but for the right girl it could be a fun way to shake things up a bit and get a smile and a giggle this Valentine's Day. £29.99

Luxist Giveaway: Havaianas Love Sandals

Filed under: Shoes

Luxist Giveaway: Havaianas Love Sandals

If you're looking for an ideal casual Valentine's Gift, look no further than the new limited edition LOVE sandals from Havaianas. The Brazilian flip-flop giant has created the perfect mix of comfy footwear with an adorable red and gold design. If you're gifting your Valentine a classy ring, or any larger piece of jewelry, try tying it around a sandal strap as a fun way to wrap your gift. We love any gift that hints the spring sun is right around the corner.

The sandals are available exclusively on the Havaianas site for $24, and a small run is available for purchase now. Luxist has a pair to give away at random to one lucky reader. Just leave a comment on this post and we'll randomly select a winner this Friday, February 4th. Good luck!


* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before February 4, 2011 at 5:00pm Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing and notified by email.
* One winner will receive the Love Sandals from Havianas, valued at $24.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

See full giveaway rules here.

This contest is now closed. Thank you for your particpation.

Luxist Giveaway: $75 Gift Certificate to GemKitty.com

Filed under: Jewelry

GemKitty.com earrings
The world is full of beautiful jewelry but one thing that can be hard to come by is beautiful personalized jewelry that was customized just for you. GemKitty.com is an online jewelry boutique that specializes in exactly that with an online jewelry studio that lets you design your ideal necklace and/or earrings by choosing from numerous designs, sterling silver and 14k gold hardware options, and a colorful array of hundreds of hand selected gemstones like garnets and amethyst. Of course custom jewelry is great anytime of year but GemKitty is a particularly great option for Valentine's Day as they've just launched their new Bling-o-matic feature that takes the guesswork out of buying gifts by helping men make the perfect choice after asking them just 4 simple questions about the woman in their life.

Sound awesome? We think so, and we're happy to announce that one lucky Luxist reader will get to spend $75 at GemKitty designing their very own piece of dream jewelry (or using the Bling-o-matic, whatever the case may be). Go take a peek at what they have to offer and then enter the giveaway here by letting us know in the comments what you'll create if you win (I'm loving the 'Emma' earrings above, except I'd do them up in sterling silver and Amazonite) or who you need a gift for this February 14th. And regardless of who wins everyone can take advantage of free V-day delivery on orders placed by Feb.4th or the option of buying a snail mail or e-gift certificate right up to the last minute.

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before February 7, 2011 at 5:00pm Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing and notified by email.
* One winner will receive a $75 GemKitty.com e-gift certificate to be delivered by email.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

See full giveaway rules here.

A Chocolate Smart ForTwo for Valentine's Day

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos


Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day in Japan? The first thing you need to know is that the Japanese don't celebrate February 14 like we do in the West. For them, it's an occasion for women to buy men chocolate and other chocolate-related gifts. Like this chocolate-themed car from luxury chocolatier/jeweler Q-Pot.

Designed by Q-Pot's foudner Tadaaki Wakamutsu, this special-edition Smart ForTwo has gotten a thorough chocolate-themed paint job to celebrate the holiday, and is available for order at 2.36 million yen – a considerable premium over the standard 1.84 million yen price tag on a Smart ForTwo in Japan.

The Ultimate Valentine's Day Gift Guide from Luxist and AHAlife

Filed under: Jewelry, Art, Holiday Guides, Luxury Shopping

Camel Bone Jewelry
Before you go overspending on Valentine's Day gifts that will surely be returned, peruse this gift guide from Luxist and AHAlife, "where discerning taste meets an inspired life." We teamed up with AHAlife's careful and creative curators to bring you the best Valentine's Day Gift Guide you'll find, whether you're looking to spend $100 or $5,000. Below, you'll find images and prices for each item on this special list, as well as our reasoning for recommending the items. It's easy (and free!) to join AHAlife, so don't hesitate at the signup page. Close your other tabs and dig in; your Valentine's Day shopping is finished. Here are the Top 10 Best Valentine's Day Gifts for 2011 from AHAlife and Luxist:

1. Camel Bone Jewelry (above) - from $230.00

This exotic collection is so stunning, few women could open it without an audible gasp. There is a certain powerfulness in the femininity and boldness of these rare camel bone pieces. Giving one of these to your loved one is more than an observation of custom; it implies a respect for her primal strength.

Valentine's Day Gifts for Men by David Yurman

Filed under: Jewelry, Men's Style, Luxury Shopping

Valentine's Day Gifts for Men by David Yurman
Valentine's Day is a romantic occasion for both men and women. So why is it that men have always gotten short-changed when it comes to special gifts, especially jewelry? We think the time has come to honor the men in our lives.

Luxist asked David Yurman, creator of elegant jewelry (and the genius behind the iconic cable bracelet), to suggest a few pieces from his extensive men's collection, all of which would make wonderful gifts on Valentine's Day, in addition to any other special occasion.

"I've always felt that jewelry is one of the most personal and emotional gifts you can give your loved one," says designer David Yurman. "Perhaps one of the first pieces I created was a gift for my then girlfriend, now wife and muse Sybil, over thirty years ago. For this Valentine's Day I have designed a unique assortment for men that embody the spirit of the holiday."

If a bracelet is what you are looking for, Yurman offers a unique sterling silver and 18K yellow gold curb chain, which is part of the Exotic Stone Collection. The bracelet is available in a variety of stones, from black onyx ($1,800) to malachite ($2,100) and lapis ($2,500), which can be seen in the gallery below. The bracelets are 6 1/2" in length. The Rubber Weave Bracelet comes in gray, brown and blue, and retails for $295. From the Naturals Collection, the bracelet has a sterling silver sea urchin-texture clasp on a braided rubber bracelet. The bracelets are 8" in length and 8 mm in width.

Felix Rey Love Bird Clutch

Filed under: Handbags

Felix Rey Love Bird Clutch
Even though it feels like we just survived Christmas and I'm still getting accustom to the fact that we are in the year 2011, it's time to start thinking about our next shopping holiday - Valentine's Day. It sounds crazy but it will be here before you know it.

As an alternative to the typical box of chocolates, or in addition to if you special someone is a chocolate lover, the Love Bird Clutch ($237) by Felix Rey is a gift that will last. It's a quirky yet playful chainmail clutch adorned with two cute love birds about to share a kiss. While the Love Bird is so fitting for Valentine's Day, your special lady could easily wear this throughout the year for evenings out. Measurements: 8.5"W x 5.5"H.

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

Trump SoHo's Valentine's Day Packages

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels


As you might guess, anything Trump is over-the-top lavish and so the Diamond Indulgence package for Valentine's Day from the Trump SoHo New York is no surprise. The package includes two-night stay in a duplex terrace penthouse with panoramic views of Manhattan; an in-suite American breakfast for two; two couples spa experiences at The Spa at Trump including the Turkish Hammam and the "Balancing Diamonds" couple's massage using diamond-infused oils; in-suite champagne on arrival with chocolate-covered strawberries; rose petal turndown service and a pair of 18K white gold small signature oval diamond earrings from Ivanka Trump jewelry. The two-night minimum stay event is $29,000.

A less-expensive option is the Romance Restored offering which includes a one-night stay in a Deluxe City View one-bedroom suite; a bottle of chilled Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries on arrival; in-suite continental breakfast for two; two couples spa experiences at The Spa at Trump including the Turkish Hammam and the "Balancing Diamonds" couple's massage using diamond-infused oils. It starts at $1400 per night. To view or book either package, Valentine's should go to www.trumpsohohotel.com or call (877) 828-7080.

Chocolate, Wine and Romance Weekends at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Waldorf Astoria's Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekend
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando in Florida is offering weekend packages featuring chocolate, wine and romance, that provides the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to celebrate Valentine's Day by escaping the cold winter weather.

These inaugural "Waldorf Astoria Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekends," will be offered exclusively for overnight guests at the Orlando resort, during the weekends before and after Valentine's Day, including February 12-13 and February 19-20, 2011. During these weekends, where luscious chocolate and spicy wines take center stage, accommodations are available at rates starting at $289 on Feb. 12-13 and $309 on Feb. 19-20.

Guests who visit during the 'Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekends' will enjoy several surprises and decadent diversions including:

• Bar du Chocolat: A Chocolate Extravaganza in which guests enjoy a nightly opportunity to experience nearly 30 a la carte chocolate treats from Waldorf Astoria's display of decadence. Peacock Alley will be transformed into a chocolate boudoir, offering an evening of self indulgence. Guests can choose from a selection of chocolate treats from the hotel's talented pastry team, including handmade chocolate truffles, exotic chocolate cakes, pillows of chocolate mousse, and bowls of beautiful bon-bons. Desserts will be priced by the piece.

Harry and David's California Wine & Dine Getaway

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Wine


Harry & David is celebrating Valentine's Day with a series of giveaways including a grand prize that will send one lucky couple on a romantic getaway to California wine country. The Grand Prize includes two nights at Hotel Healdsburg in Sonoma County, cooking class for two at Relish Culinary Adventures, dinner for two complete with a 6 course Chef Tasting menu and wine pairings, airfare for two, and a two-day rental car for a truly all-inclusive experience. The only downside is that winners won't be announced until after Valentine's Day, but on the bright side even if you don't win the trip they're also giving away more than 100 instant prizes in the form of truffle assortments, cheesecake samplers, and other awesome goodies. Enter now through Feb 14th.

Valentine's Day Hotel Packages

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels


If you are interested in proposing to your belonged on Valentine's Day, Hacienda San Angel in Puerto Vallarta is ready for you. The "Perfect Proposal" package includes accommodations for two in one of the Hacienda's Royal Suites, in-suite massages, private Mexican cooking and margarita making class for two, private terrace dinner for two and personal Mariachi serenade, daily breakfast in bed and transportation to and from the airport.

On the big day, at sunset, just prior to a private dinner on a secluded terrace, the Hacienda arranges for a Mariachi troupe to serenade the bride-to-be from the cobblestone street below her suite's arched window setting the scene for a romantic proposal. The Perfect Proposal two-night stay package is priced at $2250 and is based upon availability. Price is based upon Royal Suite accommodations, guest suites in lower and higher categories are available. The Perfect Proposal Package can be booked by calling 877-815-6594 or by emailing info@haciendasanangel.com. The resort also features the Puerta del Cielo, open-air wedding and event chapel so it is also an excellent site for a destination wedding.

Check out more amazing Valentine's Day adventures around the world after the jump.

Roger Dubuis King Square Hearts Tourbillon Watch For Valentine's Day

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Roger Dubuis King Square Hearts Tourbillon Watch For Valentine's Day
This Roger Dubuis watch is going to cost a fortune. Chances are, no matter how rich a man is to be able and buy this watch, he getting the short end of the Valentine's day stick. Good thing only 28 of these are going to be made. This way you can always say, "baby, I totally wanted to get you one, but they were sold out by the time I got there!" Now I know why high-end women's watches are made in really limited editions.

The watch, in 18k white gold, is a 36mm wide square with a tasteful decoration of diamonds all over the case. Like the men's version, the Roger Dubuis in-house made movement has been thoroughly skeletonized with an assortment of heart-shaped motifs. Two of them have pink colored synthetic sapphire crystals to emphasize the shapes. The manually wound movement has a tourbillon and appears as though almost nothing is there. Around the periphery of the dial is a flange ring with hour and minutes indicators. The hour indicators are done with rubies. The watch is matched to a red-satin strap and hopefully comes with a guarantee that you get at least six months of no nagging. No price yet, but the six figure cost would make cupid blush.

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

Luxist Giveaway: $200 Blank-Label Giftcard Just in Time for V-Day

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

Blank Label shirts
The first one was such a success we're back with another great giveaway from Blank-Label.com, this one worth even more than the first and perfectly timed for Valentine's Day. Blank Label lets you be the designer, giving the customer control over everything from the fabric to the cut to the buttons and the details for a truly customized and guaranteed-to-fit designer shirt. And with their dress shirt designer app (also available for the iPad) creating your own dream shirt is not only quick and easy but also fun -- I'm a girl and even I had fun playing with it. In fact I encourage all of our women readers to enter also as it would make a really awesome Valentine's Day gift (and wouldn't it be great to have that taken care of?).

We have one $200 Blank Label gift card to give away so if you're tired of standard, boring, or ill-fitting shirts forget buying off the rack and enter now so you (or your man) can start designing your own dream wardrobe one shirt at a time. Just leave a comment on this post telling us why you get frustrated with standard dress shirts and/or what aspect you'd most like to customize and one lucky reader will be chosen at random. The giveaway ends on January 24, 2011 at 5:00pm EST, see additional rules below. And after you've entered here consider signing up for the Blank Label mailing list for a chance at one of three $50 monthly coupons. Good luck!

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER, WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before January 24, 2011 at 5:00pm Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing and notified by email.
* One winner will receive a $200 Blank-Label.com gift card.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

See full giveaway rules here.

Celebrate a Sky High Valentine's Day on the St. Regis Mexico City's Helipad

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels


How to rise above the ho-hum Valentine's Day celebrations taking place down on the ground? The St. Regis Mexico City has the answer in the form of their high altitude "True Love Has No Limits" experience, set 33 stories atop one of the tallest and most exclusive addresses in town. Ensconced on the hotel's helipad – 492 feet above the ground – which will be transformed into an intimate entertainment venue for the evening, couples will enjoy a candlelight four-course dinner and wine pairing personalized according to tastes, a bottle of champagne, live music and private security. The bespoke "True Love Has No Limits" experience begins at $1,500 for two including a one-night stay at the elegant St. Regis Mexico City (above), designed by legendary architect Cesar Pelli featuring 189 captivating guestrooms, including 35 suites and The St. Regis and Astor Suites, each with a gorgeous view of the bustling metropolis below.

Celebrate Valentine's Day in Luxe Style at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas


The desire to do something extraordinary for Valentine's Day often clashes with the cold reality of no time to travel somewhere truly exotic. We've found the U.S. Virgin Islands to be an ideal escape without having to cross borders (and all that entails) to get somewhere special. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas manages to be a magical oasis despite its relative proximity to the area's only major airport – a big plus when time is of the essence. The resort's secluded setting on 30 acres fronting an intimate white-sand beach and the gracious elegance of its main building, the Italianate Palazzo (above), set the scene for really romantic getaways. In front of the Palazzo are landscaped gardens leading to a stunning infinity pool overlooking the beach and turquoise waters of a sheltered bay.

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, The signature Ritz-Carlton Club Level at the property has 55 Deluxe rooms featuring standing rain showers and soaking tubs and unobstructed ocean views from private balconies. The Club Level accommodations in St. Thomas also include one-bedroom Executive suites, a top-floor Ritz-Carlton Club Suite and three stunning 1,850-square-foot Presidential suites boasting a dining and living area and fitness room with treadmill, where Barack Obama and family have stayed in the past. All Club Level rooms and suites include access to the elegant Club Lounge with a spacious outdoor terrace, offering elaborate culinary presentations throughout the day and evening, chic cocktails and a dedicated Club Concierge.

Once ensconced in your luxe accommodations there are several options for making your getaway even more magical. A particular favorite for celebrating Valentine's Day is a champagne sunset sail aboard the Lady Lynsey, the resort's luxurious 53 ft. catamaran. You can take a cruise to Honeymoon Beach across the bay on St. John featuring some of the finest snorkeling in the Virgin Islands, and then hop back on board for a leisurely lunch for two complete with a champagne toast. Stay out on the water to watch the sunset and then finish the day with a starlit dinner in a private gazebo on the beach with a chocolate and wine tasting, or enjoy a private dinner for two at Bleuwater restaurant, one of four distinctive oceanfront-dining options as unique and colorful as the Caribbean scenery that surrounds them. [cont'd]


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