What a happy, flirty evening bag this Hydrangea Roxie is by Julie Feldman. All of Julie's bags are handmade, and in the case of this one a pile of silk hydrangea petals are nestled decoratively on top of a black satin flowerbox-shaped evening bag. The Hydrangea Collection includes bags in white, baby pink, periwinkle, dusty pink, and purple, and each one features front magnetic snap closure and an attached shoulder strap that can be hidden inside when not in use. 4 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 8", $225.
We Are Together is a film about children living in the Agape orphanage in Africa. It chronicles their lives, individual personalities, and incredible journeys through life. They are also all part of a choir and have recorded an album that coincides with the film (absolutely beautiful music!), with profits from the both the film and CD going to benefit children in South Africa.
There are lots of ways to support the cause, including joining their email list (which includes getting a free music track download), donating money, or simply by purchasing the CD and watching the film (coming soon to HBO).
Happy Fourth of July! What better way to accent your outfit and show off your patriotic spirit this Independence Day than with a stylish new handbag. Designed by Julie Feldman and described as an "Americana tootsie roll handbag" (now I'm craving candy) this classic and simple bag is made of distressed leather with two rolled leather handles and zip closure at the top. I love the earthy and worn looking stars and stripes because they're so much less obnoxious than the brightly colored versions, and make the bag that much easier keep using all summer. $490
Bruce Oldfield is a celebrated British couturier that has risen to fame by dressing royalty for weddings. He's mostly worked with women (Queens and princesses) and he seems to be staying with that trend even as he expands his horizons into the Islamic realm and has designed what is being hailed as the world's most expensive abaya.
The demand for designer luxury apparel for the Islamic community is growing, although only a privileged few will be able to afford this garment. Featuring bespoke Crosley diamonds on the collar and cuff, fine black silk, and taffeta, the abaya is valued at about $364,000.
The Dior Ethic Zip Tote is structured, feminine, and full of fun details like grommets and whipstitching around the seams, a pudgie little pocket on the outside front, and a set of dangling accents that include braided straps, a Dior-embossed heart, and a tassel. It has a zip top with a leather pull (the front pocket closes with a magnet), protective metal feet, a couple different pockets inside (including one for a cell phone), and a nylon lining. Everything you need and want in a tote! $1,150
There's nothing worse than being on vacation and either accidentally ruining an outfit or realizing your forgot your favorite black dress at home. So what to do? No worries, Net-A-Porter to the rescue! They've teamed up with High Road House London, Babington House Somerset and Soho House New York to provide "emergency wardrobe service," which means that guests can browse Net-A-Porter's online collection of designer clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories and receive same-day delivery of their purchases. So as of next week (when the service starts) no more worries if you spill spaghetti sauce that white blouse you meant to layer with everything all vacation -- you can order a new one and have it time for dinner!
This is one crazy looking handbag! Featuring three of the most difficult looks to pull off (fringe, zebra print, and rainbow colors) it's the very daring Fringed Zebra Baguette by Fendi. Just looking at it you're sure to have a smile on your face (whether you love it or are laughing at it!), and I suppose with all those colors it's probably pretty versatile when it comes to matching it up with outfits. Features include the multi-colored leather fringe, a removable leather shoulder strap, removable buckles, magnetic closure, and a suede lining. $5,420
It's an old adage that's floated around for years, but now we finally have scientific data to back it up: money really can't buy happiness. A study published in the June 30th issue of the journal Science says that income really doesn't have much impact at all on a person's daily happiness level. The study goes on to say that the more money people have the tenser they tend to be and the less time they spend on simple leisure activities.
So although most people (myself included) tend to think that having just a little more money would go a long ways towards reducing stress levels, it might not be as green as we think on the other side of that fence.
Generation Y is commonly touted as the generation of entitlement and immediate gratification, and although some might argue it seems luxury car sales and statistics are backing up the "I want it now" trend of young people. BMW's M3, for example, is a car that starts at $54,000, and although that price tag would normally mean an older and wealthier demographic its most popular buyer is in their mid-20s. It seems the young people of today not only want high-end luxury cars but they're stretching themselves and scrimping in other places to have them. Brands across the board are noticing the trend, which in today's economy is a little surprising (and scary!).
The Drink 1 Give 10 campaign is simple: for every liter of Volvic bottled water you drink 10 liters of clean drinking water will be provided to children in Africa. The campaign is a result of a collaboration between Volvic and UNICEF, and the money donated to UNICEF through Volvic will be used to build wells, educate the people, and help maintain clean water supplies -- because every child has the right to clean water.
Due to strict wine limits set by the EU excess wine cannot be sold on the regular market and instead ends up getting converted into environmental fuel. Besides his Aston Martin (which he only drives an average of 300 miles a year) Prince Charles has also converted several of his other cars to alternative fuel: his Jaguars, Audi, and Range Rovers all run on biodiesel made of cooking oil.
The Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is the basis for a privately commissioned one-off to be built by Pininfarina. The buyer/collector remains anonymous at this point, and although there aren't many details available we do know that the car will be named Hyperion (of Greek mythology) and the inspiration for the car's style will be pre-war Rolls-Royce models.
Look for the car to debut in August at Pebble Beach. Maybe then we'll get to see the who the mystery owner is? (And find out how much this baby cost!).
This is a big tote that's proud of itself and isn't shy about announcing itself for all to see in big pink letters. Totes are great to have around for all kinds of things, and although this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag doesn't exactly fit into the "neutral" category it is made mainly of black and cream (which both go with a lot), and the concept of spicing up an outfit with a bright shot of color is always in (hence the hot pink!). Zip top closure, monogrammed lining, and 1980s vibe included. $170
Giorgio Armani is now making pens and it seems fitting in today's world of computers, internet, and email, since true luxury and designer style can often be found in something as simple as a handwritten note. The Regal Collection, released this month, is the first series of writing instruments from Armani (in collaboration with Tibaldi) and will be available in ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pen styles. Each pen is limited to 199 pieces and features the initials "GA" on the cap and a rhodium-and-ruthenium-plated solid 18-karat gold nib. The barrels are hand-turned to create individual and unique rippled patterns on each pen, which are then covered by nine layers of translucent enamel and embellished with a choice of either natural or ruthenium plated sterling silver trim. $3,114
Giorgio Armani Pens are available now at Giorgio Armani boutiques and Tibaldi stores worldwide.
Back in 2006 we covered the original Bayswater Bag from Mulberry and now we have an updated mirrored version. Flashy and bright, this bag is not for the timid (well, unless you're looking to get seriously bolder) and although it now had gold mirrored leather the bag still comes with all the great features of the original including my favorite: the flap closure with buckle that can be locked with the tiny padlock that comes conveniently hidden in the pouch charm that hangs off the handle (whether you use it or not miniature padlocks are always fun!). They show it here with a fall/winter outfit but I think metallics can be pulled off in any season. $1,595
