With all the fall colors coming to the forefront it is a breath of fresh air to see this bag in a classically beautiful rose petal color. The Miu Miu Nappa Patch Leather Bag brings together narrow slices of sweet pink leather and a twisted leather shoulder strap in one fabulous package. Complete with a zip fastening along the top edge, a small logo discreetly set, and a satin lining this functional day bag will give your ensemble a pop of great color and a little bounce in your step for $1,445. I really like the variety in the shades of pink between the strips. (19" x 15" x 6" with 8" handle drop)
In a truly premier home (aka villa, mansion, or penthouse) every detail should encapsulate the owner's wealth and power...even when it comes to cabinet pulls and knobs. Edgar Berebi combines the functionality of such hardware with gold plate and Swarovski crystal embellishments. The Frog knob pictured here is available in either burnished silver or museum gold, encrusted in Swarovski crystals and dotted with green peridot eyes starting at $44 each. Peruse the gallery to see the range of styles of these covetable architectural pieces.
Continuing the ombre trend, Alexis Hudson's Aspen Handbag blends both black and brown sporting multiple pockets and an expandable bottom once unzipped. It's big enough to handle a long day's worth of necessities but not overwhelmingly large. With gold turnlocks and hardware, magnetic closure and canvas lining this bag is ready to handle whatever you throw at it ... or in it! The bottom of the bag unzips to give you two more inches of height and the long 22" straps make it easy to throw over your shoulder. ($895)
A chic bathroom with exotic accessories and animal essence will jump up and bite you from Ceramica Cielo's Jungle Collection. Incorporating animal skin texture into ceramic bathroom essentials like wash basins, toilets, shower bases, and other small yet flashy items the Jungle Collection inspires a luxurious safari-like experience. You can choose between a variety of color options and either crocodile or python skins to suit your taste...however, subtlety and serenity are two options that aren't available in this collection.
Looking to expand your home's space by creating an inviting and elegant outdoor space? Roberti's Rattan Furniture is rich, relaxed and...well...rattan in natural hues such as chocolate brown and linen. I love the curves and artistic lines of each piece -- still simple but sculptural. The furniture is made from aluminum and Sunweave -- a new synthetic material that looks natural but is more durable and long-lasting. A beautiful evening outdoors or sunny day on the patio will certainly be complemented by this gorgeous line from Roberti.
From Turin to Genoa, Venice to Naples and more, four- and five-star hotels, resorts and restaurants dot the Italian landscape offered through THI Collection. They provide traditional Italian style, art and history with innovative and modern strokes along with exclusive, personalized spa services. One of their restaurants, the Principe Cerami in Taormina, was recently awarded the coveted Michelin Star in the 2008 Guide. Specialty packages available include individual cooking lessons with a chef in Turin, gourmet weekends in Genoa or Sicily, and exquisite chocolate tastings...yum! Check out the gallery for a taste of what THI has to offer...
Although it's been seen on the arm of Beyonce during a photo-shoot, the River Tulip Tote does not need celebrity endorsement to secure its status. Its fine petal-like construction of scalloped eel skin in three delicious colors including black, rosette, and crema make it a classy yet unique handbag. The square-shaped tote sports a square gold zipper pull and easily accommodates important letter-sized documents or a folder of headshots you plan to hand out on a moment's notice. There is an online shop available through Sang A's website but it is currently under construction so I couldn't see the price...although I am sure eel isn't a cheap material. (11" x 12" x 3")
Lightening up your bathroom, both through color and comedy, has reached a whole new level with Colacril's innovative designs. The modern, sleek design brings a bright splash of color to the shower or if you're wanting a more expressive image choose from the woman's or man's torso, the star or the panda. With fanciful and carefree strokes the new 'Linea Creativity' collection from Italian company Colacril is sure to make your bathroom a stand-out space. Personally, I think the man's torso is hilarious with the head of the shower as his noggin and his little hand shelf to hold your soap.
Pool tables may have a timeless history but it doesn't hurt to give an old game a fresh, modern look. With stainless-steel legs and a maple finished top the Manhattan is the contemporary of Brunswick Billiards' line of pool tables. They've been in business since 1845 so surely they know their stuff when it comes to billiards. Their new Manhattan table will cost you $16,999 but if you think of it as a family investment that will be cherished for generations (or a friendly past time that will make your pad the party location for years to come) it's not so bad.
The other day I saw Nick Lachey on TV promoting his recent support of V8's new charitable program, Make Every Serving Count, that donates to Feeding America (which was formally known as America's Second Harvest). His involvement in this worthy campaign certainly gives it some celebrity-level press which never hurts. Truthfully, I am really surprised this partnership didn't happen before with the need to feed so many Americans who are experiencing tough times and the human need for vegetables in order to lead healthier lives.
It's easy to be involved -- just purchase any V8 products which will support the company's $1 million pledge. Plus, you can donate directly online -- a mere $25 donation can provide either 850 servings of vegetables, 98 meals for a family of four, or nineteen weeks worth of food per person. Of course donating non-perishable items to local foodbanks is always a great way to lend a hand.
Known for his red-soled stilettos, Christian Louboutin doesn't disappoint his devotees with a new season favorite, the Layered Leather Hobo. Created with armor-inspired, scalloped design of carefully stitched calfskin this hobo sports a trough in the middle enhancing the carrier's comfort. Available in signature black with red accents on the outer rings and inner, jacquard lining, this handbag has a zip top closure with signature pull, a 13.5" strap drop length and is available at Saks for $1,995. In a funny little way it reminds me of those little bugs in the garden that we used to call rolly-pollies -- I half expect the bag to roll up into a ball and protect itself from danger. (17" x 12" x 5 1/2")
Each year a list of the top thirty celebrity donors is compiled through public records and released. No big surprise as to the top donor -- Oprah Winfrey -- who last year donated over $50 million largely in support of health care and education. The list includes such giving regulars as Paul Newman, Angelina and Brad, and Lance Armstrong and other lesser-known philanthropists including David and Valerie Robinson, Isabel Allende, and Hugh Hefner?! The amount of dollars donated ranges from $50,200,000 to $724,825. Its good to see where some of those big earners spend their money and which causes are getting the celebrity attention.
If you're in the city and have been looking for a way to meld your love of wine with your technology curiosity than consider dropping in at Webster Hall in NYC for this fabulous tasting. Showcasing over 100 different participating vintners along with technology from various web start-ups and more the evening promises to be a good time. Consider it an opportunity to network with other wine lovers and learn a few new things in the technology realm. Its only $45 (advance tickets...or $75 at the door) and will last from 7pm to 4am if you plan to enjoy yourself thoroughly. I know it's short notice but the expo is this Thursday so don't miss out!
Two iconic London restaurants are bound overseas opening in 2010 adding to the growing and diverse culinary landscape of Dubai. Both The Ivy and Le Caprice will debut in the emirate clinching their premier status on the international scene, although they are both already popular celebrity haunts in their home country. I haven't had the pleasure of visiting either of these eateries but if they are good enough to transplant to Dubai they must be exceptionally full of culture, cuisine and character.
Music is a universal, timeless tradition appreciated around the world. When thinking about a charity that deserves my hard earned money I am easily drawn to something that supports the arts, the introduction of music to others and access to musical instruments where it would otherwise be unavailable. Some of you may have seen the movie, Mr. Holland's Opus -- the film's composer, Michael Kamen, decided to create this foundation afterwards, hence the name, as a commitment to the future of music education. The MHOF's goal is to put instruments in the hands of children who otherwise would not have access to them closing the gap that exists in underserved communities and helping children achieve their musical potential. Whether donating an instrument of your own or money to fund their efforts, contributions will enhance young persons' lives in a myriad of ways through music and more.
The other day I saw Nick Lachey on TV promoting his recent support of 
