For those who like to spend their vacations on-board, far from the hectic city life in the serene atmosphere of a sea, this playful yacht design from the design team at Studio de Voogt will revise your perceptions. The yacht design is designed to…

The stylish ladies know the importance of a nice pair of heels. So, doesn’t matter how many pairs of them you have in your closet, adding this expensive pair of heels unveiled at Paris Haute Couture Week will give you an edge over others at the…

Filed under: Jewelry

Diamonds complement every fabric, flatter every skin tone, and go with every outfit. Not to mention that the beautiful way they sparkle has the power to bring happiness wherever they go. No wonder they’re a girl’s best friend! One of the easiest, and most versatile, ways to wear diamonds is in the form of a tennis bracelet. Although everybody has their trendy and of-the-moment favorite bracelets, a beautiful tennis bracelet (or maybe two, one in white gold and one in yellow) will serve you well.

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Lux Staples: Diamond Tennis Bracelet originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel

Those of us who wear glasses know what a big deal it is to find just the right pair — glasses have a major effect on your daily appearance and how others view you. So it’s worth spending a little extra to have quality and the look you want, and you will pay extra for this pair of glasses from the Alain Mikli Gold Horn Collection. Among other features the collection boasts a new technology that seamlessly blends 14k yellow gold and 24k pink gold together. Although I think they have an awesome look I’m not sure I could justify doling out over $8,000 for them (even if I had it to spend). $8,600

Alain Mikli Gold Horn Glasses originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces

At SIHH 2009 this year, Vacheron Constantin really showed the watch world what it does best. The presentation featured several wonderful classic looking watches that stressed the company’s heritage and skill set (nothing like the confusing departure to “modern” watches that we’ve seen in the past).

My choice for Vacheron Constantin’s star of the show would be this Skeleton Patrimony Traditionelle watch (the 38mm wide 18k white gold version). It starts with a vintage 1967 Automatic 1120 SQ movement. The movement is remarkably thin at 2.45mm, even though it is an automatic. Everything unnecessary has been stripped from the movement, and the rest has been beautifully decorated and skeletonized as you can see. Even the mainspring barrel has been cut with the hallmark cross of Geneva. There is also a smaller 30mm wide version available that uses a tiny 1.64mm thick manually wound 1003 SQ movement from 1955.

The Skeleton Patrimony Traditionnelle features a diamond bezel (82 diamonds on the 38mm size) set version as well as a plain white gold bezel version. Despite the aesthetic focus on the watch, I like how Vacheron Constantin has not neglected function. The dauphine hands follow a full number index ring around the face with diamond hour markers, that makes telling the time comfortable. This is easily the most function focused high-decoration watch that I’ve seen from Vacheron Constantin or anyone else.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Vacheron Constantin Skeleton Patrimony Traditionnelle Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

Don’t you wish that using your flash drive could be a classier aesthetic experience? I know the purpose of a flash drive is functionality, but as design experts all over the world know, absolutely anything can be made beautiful and more enjoyable to use.

Enter the Gresso with gorgeous flash drives, such as the above from the new Pandora Flash Drive Collection ($999.00 each). The example you see is made from African Red wood and silver. It’s more than just a pretty face, too; the Pandora is the first luxury USB device to be equipped with a fingerprint scanning detector. That’s not an LED sparkle you see there, though. That’s a ruby.

Click through the gallery to see and read about more good-lookin’ flash drive options from Gresso — with memory capacities of up to 192 Gb!
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Gorgeous Gresso Flash Drives originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Estates

Today’s home is a dream getaway on a Caribbean Island. Villa Cashmere is a four-bedroom home located on Antigua and Barbuda at the top of the highest point of Browns Bay with views of the east coast of the island and a short walk to the arts center of Harmony Hall. The home is split over two levels and has an open kitchen and dining area but the big draw here is the infinity pool which is perched on the hillside and looks out over the water. The home comes with another 31,000 square feet of land, enough for expansion or a small villa development. It is listed at $2.5 million.

Experience more lush living in luxury homes and mansions or see the stars living large with celebrity homes galleries at AOL Real Estate.

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Villa Cashmere, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets, Spas

Sure, stainless steel is in but how about a piece that weighs 500 pounds and costs $20,000! This soaking tub designed after the Japanese Ofuro is intended for a single person to relax and rejuvenate in. It is made of 14-gauge, 304-grade stainless steel with 18% chromium. Climb the three, sleek, non-slip steps into your own boiling pot and settle onto the built-in seat placed 15″ from the bottom. Fitted with eighteen jets situated in the seat itself as well as the sides of the tub you can enjoy a subtle, warming massage available in three settings. Perfect for small spaces indoor or outdoor, this tub brings the ancient Japanese art to modern society. (71 1/2″ x 48″ x 45 1/2″)

Stainless Steel Ofuro Tub Costs $20,000 originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

As a native Colorado girl my fashion interests occasionally lean towards great leather boots, the perfect denim jacket and turquoise jewelry which makes my appreciation of this turquoise leather bag no big surprise. Vanessa Bruno has brought this shoulder bag to life with her choice of vibrant blue paired with gold-tone hardware. There isn’t a shortage of organized space in this handbag with two outer buckled pockets, two interior pouch pockets, and one interior zip pocket. Plus your personal items will be safe inside the zip and buckle flapped top. Two handles make it easy to hold and load. Add this colorful tote to your wardrobe for only $965. (17″ x 13″ x 5″ with 10″ shoulder drop)

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Vanessa Bruno Square Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wine

Celebrations are abounding in Monterey, California as Ventana Vineyards relishes their recent Sweepstakes Award given by the San Francisco Chronicle for their 2007 Arroyo Seco Reisling. The top award for the Chronicle’s Wine Competition highlights the best white wine out of more than 4,700 entries. The judging is left to industry experts, wine writers and wine buyers to discern the best of the best. The wines produced by Ventana Vineyards are 100% estate grown on a sustainably-farmed, 400 acre area in Monterey. It is currently priced on their website for $18 per bottle.

Ventana Vineyards Wins Big in SF originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel, Decor

The best thing about staying in a five-star hotel is all the top quality amenities in the room. You’ve got all the finest bath products, the softest linens, the coziest bath robes… All these little touches can make the hotel even more comfortable than your own home.

The Ritz-Carlton has just launched a new online retail store, The Shops at Ritz-Carlton, so that you can order all your favorite luxury items for your home. You can order Ritz-Carlton robes, spa products, and linens to make your bedroom feel more like a luxury resort. The shops also carry all the products previously only available in stores at the hotels.

Everything in the store is top-of-the-line luxury merchandise, just like you’d expect to find in a suite at the Ritz-Carlton. An extensive selection of Ritz-Carlton exclusives includes everything you’d find in your hotel suite, as well as Ritz-Carlton branded apparel. Items like the premier double surround pillows and the elegant down comforter would make fantastic luxury wedding gifts. Perhaps the Ritz-Carlton should consider adding a gift registry to their new online store…

Ritz-Carlton Launches Online Store originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

A couple of years ago Lanvin created the Ou La La clutch in deep black or camel suede but the spring line has reframed this gorgeous bag in anthracite satin and a richly jeweled flower on the front. The magnetic fastening keeps things simple but the interior is still classically purposeful with a black logo embossed interior and a discreet vanity mirror. I am especially drawn to the muted glamour of the handbag which makes a sophisticated statement for $1,575. (6″ x 2″ x 10″)

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Lanvin Ou La La Clutch, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wheels, Wine

If you can appreciate a fine Italian automobile, then you can probably appreciate a fine Italian wine, too. That’s what Fiat is hoping anyway. The Italian automaker - which also owns Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Ferrari - has teamed up with Scrimaglio vineyards in Nizza Monferrato, Italy, to produce a special range of wines. The collection includes various reds, whites and sparkling Spumantes bearing the Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo emblems on specially-designed bottles, available to the discerning motorist/connoisseur of fine vinos, just so long as s/he hands over the keys to a designated driver first.
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Scrimaglio Vineyards Produces Special Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo Wines originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Jewelry

Hello everyone, just a reminder that you only have until 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time today to enter our giveaway of the beautiful 10k Amethyst and Diamond Necklace at right, donated by the lovely folks over at Diamond Shark (a great place to get unbelievable deals on diamonds and fine jewelry).

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on the Giveaway post telling us your favorite gemstone and why you love it. One winner will be chosen at random — be sure and check your e-mail next week to see if you’ve won!

We’re going to Fed Ex this out to you ASAP, so if you win and you get us your address in a timely manner, you’ll have this in plenty of time for Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s to be our gift to you or your gift to someone else is up to you.

Don’t miss your chance!

Reminder: Diamond and 10k Amethyst Necklace Giveaway originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Wine

Argentina and Australia have both widened our national palates and expanded our wine vocabulary. As they have grown in prestige and density the U.S. has embraced their unique qualities and beamed with pride at the continued diversity of personal wine knowledge.

Another country home to the Southern Hemisphere is also prompting increased interest among oenophiles — Chile. Although known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends exports for Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Carmenere and Syrah have increased in spite of the American recession. To capitalize on consumers’ continued interest in the range of wines from Chile the ‘Wines of Chile’ is to open a new U.S. office in NYC.

If you’re unfamiliar with Chilean wines I suggest you start with the Carmenere — typically they are full-bodied and hold a deeply colored essence plus it sounds sensual when it rolls of the tongue.

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Chilean Wines Making Impression on U.S. Consumers originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Jewelry, Timepieces, Wheels

Of all the watchmakers trying to bring the automotive theme to your wrist, few carry it off quite like BRM. The French watchmaking atelier crafts unique timekeeping movements with engine-building techniques prominently displayed in racing-themed cases with very car-like five-figure price tags. BRM is the king of automotive wristwatches, and it is looking to secure its place on the wrists of the rich and car-crazed with this latest set of cuff links.

Inspired by the cross-drilled brake discs on racing cars, these 18-karat rose gold and polished steel cuff links are available at luxury retailer Berdorf Goodman for $2,050, so unless you’re planning on using a gold card to buy these gold accessories, the fastest thing they may be stopping is payment.

The French-Cuff Grand Prix: BRM Brake-Disc Cuff Links originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Jewelry, Holiday Guides

Whatever you’re doing this Valentine’s Day certain things are essential, and one of them is a pretty diamond necklace to complement your little black dress. Whether you hint around with hopes of getting it on vday as a gift from your sweetie or decide to treat yourself, a pretty new diamond pendant will not only make you feel beautiful this holiday but it will also be something you can wear again and again for years to come. Totally worth splurging on (this Harry Winston Snowflake is on my wish list!).

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Valentine Essentials: A Diamond Pendant originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Owning an estate with an exquisite interior design and an infinitely large pool embracing it is the latest buzz in the real estate market. How about this beautiful Neo-Gothic chateau from the land of Dordogne, France, that stands tall since the end of..

Hublot, a Swiss luxury watch brand, unveils its new darker, bigger and more manly and the most powerful timepiece than its counterparts called the “Big Bang King Power.” With expanded the Big Bang lineup, the manufacturer has launched the new…

Filed under: Estates

Today’s home in Grand Beach, Michigan immediately draws the eye with its sweeping double staircase facing a lush green lawn leading to the shore of Lake Michigan. The Beaux-Arts style home was built in 2002 and has almost 9,000 square feet of space and 18 rooms. There are nine bedrooms, a large kitchen, a butler’s pantry with a crystal chandelier, master suite, formal dining room, oak fireplaces, library, den and more. Wood panelling enhances both a library and a full bar complete with barstools and a large television. The double height living room is quite grand but I can only imagine what the heating bills are in a Michigan winter. This home is listed at $4.6 million.

Experience more lush living in luxury homes and mansions or see the stars living large with celebrity homes galleries at AOL Real Estate.

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Grand Beach, Michigan, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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