Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2008 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/New Cool Hotels: Italy, Spain and Spashttp://www.luxist.com/2008/06/14/new-cool-hotels-italy-spain-and-spas/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/14/new-cool-hotels-italy-spain-and-spas/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/14/new-cool-hotels-italy-spain-and-spas/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Regular Luxist readers will already be familiar with the luxurious, oversized books put out by German publisher teNeues. Not all of their top-drawer coffee table titles are the size of actual coffee tables, however. The travel sized "Cool Hotels" series has all the appeal of the deluxe editions with the added bonus that you can actually take them with you on your journey. They've just released three new additions to the stable in time for summer: Cool Hotels Italy, Cool Hotels Spain, and Cool Hotels Spa & Wellness. At $24.95 apiece, they're considerably less expensive as well. Pictured on the cover of the Italy edition above is the incredibly chic Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista in Verona, run by the Byblos fashion empire. See the gallery for more stylish vacation spots.

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]]>ByblosByblos Art HotelByblosArtHotelCool HotelsCoolHotelsHotelsItalian fashionItalianFashionItalySpainSpasteNeuesVeronaJared Paul Stern2008-06-14T14:05:00 00:00Oceana Hotel Santa Monicahttp://www.luxist.com/2008/05/21/oceana-hotel-santa-monica/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/21/oceana-hotel-santa-monica/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/21/oceana-hotel-santa-monica/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Have you been to the Hotel Oceana in Santa Monica? This revamped gem is one of my favorite LA hotels, it's nestled among apartment buildings on Santa Monica's beachfront boulevard. The style inside is amazing, if you appreciate decorating you should check it out, I've borrowed a few great ideas from their inspiring (and huge) rooms. My favorite part and the must see feature has to be the heart shaped pool! If you haven't done so already book yourself a delux ocean view suite with a balcony (around $500) at this romantic and stylish get away next time you are in LA! Hoteloceanasantamonica.com

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]]>beachfronthotel oceana santa monicaHotelOceanaSantaMonicahotelslos angelesLosAngelesoceanasanta monica pierSantaMonicaPierspaStar Sutherland2008-05-21T16:02:00 00:00Hotel Unique in South America's New Glamour Capitalhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/01/27/hotel-unique-in-south-americas-new-glamour-capital/http://www.luxist.com/2008/01/27/hotel-unique-in-south-americas-new-glamour-capital/http://www.luxist.com/2008/01/27/hotel-unique-in-south-americas-new-glamour-capital/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hotel Unique in Sao Paulo, Brazil is a breathtaking achievement by local architect Ruy Ohtake. It is easily recognizable as it resembles a big slice of watermelon; with dramatically sloping sides and flat-topped roof and round, port-hole-style windows for the seeds. It is a sleek, cutting-edge structure and so attracts a lively clientele; it is the IN place to stay if ever in the "helicopter-capital of the world". The average room price here is approximately $360 USD. They have all the amenities that one comes to expect of a luxury boutique hotel and is the perfect spot for the young and hip traveler or the newly-wedded-- this place will let you get to know someone in a hurry. This hotel features guest rooms with bathroom walls which disappear with a push of the button and one of the chicest bars in the city -- don't even show up unless you're a perfect ten. If you're traveling solo, you are sure to meet at least one someone special in the lobby. It has an informal, chill vibe with the requisite Brazilian trip-hop music and a few lounge chairs grouped around low tables. A chilled bottle of champagne greets the incoming guests, great for breaking-the-ice. And check out the crimson-red pool on the roof -- I don't know what to think here; probably something you have to experience before you decide, wonderful for a sultry late-night swim or just wildly unnatural?

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]]>boutique hotelBoutiqueHotelbrazilBrazil, Sao Paulo, boutique hotels, South American hotels, moderBrazil,SaoPaulo,BoutiqueHotels,SouthAmericanHotels,ModernArchiteBrazilianHotelshotelHotel UniqueHotelUniquesouth americaSouthAmericatravelJaime El-Helw2008-01-27T08:02:00 00:00LuxList: Gettin' Around Townhttp://www.luxist.com/2007/12/24/luxlist-gettin-around-town/http://www.luxist.com/2007/12/24/luxlist-gettin-around-town/http://www.luxist.com/2007/12/24/luxlist-gettin-around-town/#commentsFiled under:

We are in constant motion. With days scheduled out, commuting to work and school, completing life's day-to-day errands and now traveling for the holidays, the enjoyment of travel can quickly become overshadowed by the stress and frustration of traffic, aggressive drivers, long lines and inconsiderate people. The anticipation of stress is brewing. If you miss that good old loving feeling you once had during an excursion to the unknown or even to that all too familiar place with all of its fond memories, then you may want to think about adding one of these fun toys to your Christmas List. These fun modes of transportation will surely make you love the open road again. %Gallery-12167%
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]]>Honda MetropolitanHonda RuckusHondaMetropolitanHondaRuckusPapalotzin Ultralight and JourneyPapalotzinUltralightAndJourneyMarsha Reid2007-12-24T09:02:00 00:0025 Wine Gifts Worth Celebratinghttp://www.luxist.com/2007/12/21/25-wine-gifts-worth-celebrating/http://www.luxist.com/2007/12/21/25-wine-gifts-worth-celebrating/http://www.luxist.com/2007/12/21/25-wine-gifts-worth-celebrating/#commentsFiled under: ,


Wine can be the perfect item for any occasion. Whether as a housewarming package, a thank you present or a hostess gift, it is appreciated and can be shared by many. So why not for the holidays! If you are still searching for some last minute gift inspiration or New Year's accessories, these 25 wine gifts are sure to give you a few ideas -- even for those that have it all.
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Continue reading 25 Wine Gifts Worth Celebrating

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]]>holidashwine-giftswneLaura Malesich2007-12-21T16:03:00 00:00Designer Stockings For A Good Causehttp://www.luxist.com/2007/12/19/designer-stockings-for-a-good-cause/http://www.luxist.com/2007/12/19/designer-stockings-for-a-good-cause/http://www.luxist.com/2007/12/19/designer-stockings-for-a-good-cause/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you are still looking for a stocking stuffer, Women's Wear Daily has the auction for you and the designer stocking is included. The industry magazine will put six customized designer stockings on eBay for an auction that starts on December 20 and ends on Christmas Day. Each one is filled with special treats that match the designer such as , Vera Wang's Broadway tickets to Grey Gardens, Rodarte's Tender is the Night, Marc Jacobs' ribbon watch, Tuleh's ostrich clutch, Alexander McQueen's skeleton key chain and Heatherette's bubblegum tank top. All proceeds benefit Citymeals-on-Wheels which offers nutritious food and human company to homebound elderly New Yorkers in need.
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]]>citymealsdesignerebayfashionstockingwwdDeidre Woollard2007-12-19T15:02:00 00:00LuxList: Unique Gift Card and Gift Certificate Options for the Holidayshttp://www.luxist.com/2007/12/11/luxlist-unique-gift-card-and-gift-certificate-options-for-the-h/http://www.luxist.com/2007/12/11/luxlist-unique-gift-card-and-gift-certificate-options-for-the-h/http://www.luxist.com/2007/12/11/luxlist-unique-gift-card-and-gift-certificate-options-for-the-h/#commentsFiled under:


Gift cards and certificates are one of the most popular holiday gifts. And why not, they are easy to get, easy to use, and save you from buying something the other person doesn't really want or need. The only problem with gift cards is that the average gift card to one of the big stores can sometimes seem a little impersonal and well, boring, for both the giver and the receiver. One solution is to head off the beaten path a bit and pick an unusual gift card or certificate. It's a little riskier but it's also exciting to buy something for someone that they would never choose for themselves but would really enjoy.

One fun option for men and women is getting them a gift certificate to race car driving school or to rent an exotic sports car. There are a variety of these types of options around the country. In New York for example, Gotham Dream Cars offers gift certificates that let you rent a Ferrari, Lamborghini or other cars or even take their Dream Car Tour that lets you try out six cars from a Bentley to a Lamborghini Murcielago in one fast and fun afternoon. The Dream Car Tour costs $895.

The need for speed can be best satisfied safely on a race course. L.A. Racing at the Irwindale Speedway outside of Los Angeles offers a variety of programs that get you out driving a NASCAR stock car at Irwindale Speedway on the 1/2 mile 12 degree banked oval. Many race tracks across the country have similar programs.

Check out the gallery below for ten more options for the person who has everything.

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]]>chef joannagift cardsgift certificatesGiftCardsgotham dream carsholidashholiday gift ideaspersonal chefDeidre Woollard2007-12-11T09:02:00 00:00White + Warren Luxury Travel Sethttp://www.luxist.com/2007/12/02/white-warren-luxury-travel-set/http://www.luxist.com/2007/12/02/white-warren-luxury-travel-set/http://www.luxist.com/2007/12/02/white-warren-luxury-travel-set/#commentsFiled under:

Here's a deluxe gift for your favorite jet-setter. The White + Warren luxury travel set includes a soft cashmere blanket that can also be used as a wrap, a lightly padded eyemask and suede-soled slippers for in-flight comfort. All the pieces are done in cashmere and fit into a silk pouch. The set comes in six soft colors and sells for $495.
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]]>cahsmeregifts for jetsettersholidashtravel giftsDeidre Woollard2007-12-02T11:03:00 00:00The Cost of the 12 Days of Christmas Up 4.1%http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/26/the-cost-of-the-12-days-of-christmas-up-4-1/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/26/the-cost-of-the-12-days-of-christmas-up-4-1/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/26/the-cost-of-the-12-days-of-christmas-up-4-1/#commentsFiled under:

Every year since 1984, the clever folks at PNC Wealth Management figure out just how much it would cost to present one's true love with the items mentioned in the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. While the list is intended to be humorous, PNC claims the tally does mirror actual economic trends.

This year's grand total, from a partridge in a pear tree to 12 drummers drumming, purchased repeatedly as indicated in the song, is $78,100. The total for those 364 items is up 4% from last year. If you choose to shop online, the price is quite a bit more - $128,886.

The hike in minimum wage is to blame for some of the increase over last year. Those eight maids a milking now fetch $47 compared to $41 last year. That only seems fair since the ladies haven't had a wage increase since 1997. Higher food and gold costs are also reflected in the increased total. But not every item has gone up over last year. The cost for partridges, turtle doves and French hens has remained steady over the past year as have swans and ladies dancing.

Our own version of the 12 Days of Christmas can be had for far less money and requires absolutely no care and feeding.

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]]>12 days of christmas12DaysOfChristmaschristmas giftschristmas ornamentsChristmasGiftsChristmasOrnamentsholidashholiday shoppingHolidayShoppingSandy Maple2007-11-26T16:03:00 00:00ACME MADE Metro Tote Just in Time for the Holidays!http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/23/acme-made-metro-tote-just-in-time-for-the-holidays/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/23/acme-made-metro-tote-just-in-time-for-the-holidays/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/23/acme-made-metro-tote-just-in-time-for-the-holidays/#commentsFiled under: ,


With it's unique bag-within-a-bag design, the newest addition to the ACME MADE bags is the Metro Tote. Sling it over one shoulder, choose from black, chili pepper red or natural Italian canvas, and don't forget the sleek laptop case that comes inside! I just love when function meets fashion. Available for shipping as soon as November 21st with a retail price between $275 and $350, get ready to order for the holidays and check out the rest of their products while you are at it. I think I'm in love...
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]]>acme-madeholidashlaptop-baglaptop-casemetro-toteLaura Malesich2007-11-23T09:02:00 00:00Bradshaw Laptop Bag, Handbag of the Dayhttp://www.luxist.com/2007/11/22/bradshaw-laptop-bag-handbag-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/22/bradshaw-laptop-bag-handbag-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/22/bradshaw-laptop-bag-handbag-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: ,

Laptop bags are a common accessory these days so why not make a statement with yours! For £210.99,the Bradshaw bag by Yuki Loves, a Swedish company designing divine laptop bags for women, is luxurious and practical -- a perfect combination. With extra thick handles for comfort and the capacity for a 15.4" laptop, plus PDA, cell phone, files and charger, it will definitely take you places. Plus, I doubt many people own a Swedish laptop bag so you are bound to be one of a kind. Does Santa have email? I need to send him this link!

[via ShinyShiny]
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]]>holidashlaptop-bagleather-bagleather-laptop-bagyukiyuki-loves-bradshawLaura Malesich2007-11-22T17:02:00 00:00Chair Menorahhttp://www.luxist.com/2007/11/22/chair-menorah/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/22/chair-menorah/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/22/chair-menorah/#commentsFiled under: ,


Fans of dollhouses and miniatures will get a kick out of this chair Menorah where each candle gets its own little seat. The Menorah was designed by Rick Wessner and is cast in bronze. The Shamus candle for lighting the others sits on a dais. It sells for $390.
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]]>chanukahhanukkahholidashmenorahDeidre Woollard2007-11-22T16:02:00 00:00Oprah's Favorite Things 2007http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/22/oprahs-favorite-things-2007/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/22/oprahs-favorite-things-2007/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/22/oprahs-favorite-things-2007/#commentsFiled under: ,

One of the ultimate compliments that can be paid to a product is a seal of approval from one of the most influential women alive: Oprah Winfrey. Getting on her "Oprah's Favorite Things" list has got to be a nice feeling and a nice boost for sales -- even for already well-established brands and products. It must be nice for Oprah to have people so interested in sharing her personal preferences in everything from electronics to cupcakes that it warrants a whole show. and (generous spirit that she is) she of course gave all these goodies to one lucky live audience in Macon, Georgia. Oh to be part of that group on that day -- they cleaned up! %Gallery-10764%
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]]>celebcelebritiescelebritycelebschristmasfavorite thingsFavoriteThingsgiftgiftsholidashholidayholidaysoprahoprah winfreyOprahWinfreyshoppingRigel Gregg2007-11-22T15:03:00 00:00The Upside-Down Wall Christmas Treehttp://www.luxist.com/2007/11/22/the-upside-down-wall-christmas-tree/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/22/the-upside-down-wall-christmas-tree/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/22/the-upside-down-wall-christmas-tree/#commentsFiled under: ,

Previous years have brought a variety of Christmas tree trends including the black Christmas tree and the upside-down Christmas tree. Now meet the upside-down wall tree. This four-foot tree from Hammacher Schlemmer can be suspended on the upper part of walls or in a ceiling corner. The tree's tips are made of PVC, and it is pre-strung with bright white commercial lights rated for 3,000 hours of operation. The inverted shape lets the ornaments hang away from the needles. It attaches to a ceiling using its built-in hooks. It sells for $139.95.
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]]>christmas treeholidashprelit christmas treeDeidre Woollard2007-11-22T10:04:00 00:00Walk While You Work with the Walkstationhttp://www.luxist.com/2007/11/19/walk-while-you-work-with-the-walkstation/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/19/walk-while-you-work-with-the-walkstation/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/19/walk-while-you-work-with-the-walkstation/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ever feel like if you didn't have that pesky job you could actually get to the gym or take a walk and keep your health and weight in check? I certainly do. Well, why slump down in your chair when you can walk and work at the same time! The new Walkstation is an innovative solution to the sit-too-much, must-move-more problem. With a maximum speed of 3.5 mph this multi-functional, height-adjustable work station is fashioned with a commercial grade treadmill featuring a quiet motor and belt. So de-stress, move those muscles, and finish your report all in one motion. Orders for the Walkstation will begin Monday, November 19th with a price tag of $4,000 and with the rise in healthcare costs I'd say its a small price to pay for a great lifestyle change. Buy it for your employees this holiday season and don't be surprised if you get a "World's Best Boss" gift in return.
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]]>dr.-james-levinedr.-levinefitworkholidashjames-levinemayo-clinicwalk-stationwalkstationLaura Malesich2007-11-19T09:01:00 00:00Nokia 8800 Arte Phones Will Be Here Soon!http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/19/nokia-8800-arte-phones-will-be-here-soon/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/19/nokia-8800-arte-phones-will-be-here-soon/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/19/nokia-8800-arte-phones-will-be-here-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,


Coming to the market soon are the new Nokia 8800 Arte phones but they aren't for those with thin wallets. Retailing at $1,465 and $1684 respectively, the Nokia 8800 Arte and Sapphire Arte are the most recent look for glamorous cell phones. With a 2-inch display, 3.2 megapixel camera and 1 GB of memory, this fancy device even sports an anti-fingerprint coating to keep it looking sharp. Complete with a leather pouch and noise-canceling bluetooth, its the perfect holiday gift for the chatty-Cathy on your list.

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]]>8800cell-phoneholidashnokianokia-8800nokia-artenokia-cell-phonenokia-sapphire-arteLaura Malesich2007-11-19T08:02:00 00:00Dog Tags with a Surprise Insidehttp://www.luxist.com/2007/11/16/dog-tags-with-a-surprise-inside/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/16/dog-tags-with-a-surprise-inside/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/16/dog-tags-with-a-surprise-inside/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The tough fashion look of dog tags now adds function to style with Olinari -- Uncommon Design. Hidden inside the tag is a 2GB Sony micro vault USB drive so your info is on the go with you at all times. Hanging from a 24" sterling silver chain and featuring four different design options to suit your attitude this is the perfect holiday gift for that hard-to-buy-for, rugged person. For $349 I might opt for the cheaper version at the local office store but I do like the creative punch and combination factor... I wonder if they will make other jewelry or accessories that carry things I need? If someone designs a watch with USB, camera and ipod cables, earphones and cell phone charger then we'll talk.
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]]>dog-tagdog-tagsholidasholinariusbLaura Malesich2007-11-16T15:06:00 00:00Smythson Centennial Alligator Diarieshttp://www.luxist.com/2007/11/14/smythson-centennial-alligator-diaries/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/14/smythson-centennial-alligator-diaries/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/14/smythson-centennial-alligator-diaries/#commentsFiled under: ,


Smythson has delivered style, sophistication and function for 100 years in 2008 and to celebrate the company will be releasing two new alligator diaries. The Panama and SoHo diaries are a lifelong investment that can be re-bound each year retailing for $630 and $1960 respectively. The aqua diary is complete with silver and garnet jewel closure for women and the men's is a sublime chocolate brown. Available in stores and online in December these diaries make a great gift for the fashionably functional on your holiday list.
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]]>alligator-diarycentennial-diariescentennial-diaryholidashsmythsonsmythson-centennialsmythson-diariessmythson-diaryLaura Malesich2007-11-14T14:03:00 00:00 Robb Report Limited Edition Serieshttp://www.luxist.com/2007/11/14/robb-report-limited-edition-series/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/14/robb-report-limited-edition-series/http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/14/robb-report-limited-edition-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


The cream of the crop is officially all in one spot as the Robb Report, a global luxury source, recently released their limited edition series of rare items and unforgettable trips. From timepieces to cars, jewelry to wine, and trips to Aspen or Manhattan this list has something special for everyone and is bound to trip your trigger for must-haves. Imagine surprising someone with one of these unique gifts for the holidays! But don't wait too long -- the items went live for purchase a few days ago. Peruse the gallery and see for yourself the amazing offerings from Robb Report listed below:
  • Louis XIII de Rémy Martin's Robb Report Limited Edition Century-Old Barrel of Cognac: $2 million
  • ECOSSE Moto Works' Robb Report Limited Edition Titanium Series Motorcycle and Timepiece: $275,000
  • Steinway Lyngdorf's Robb Report Limited Edition Steinway & Sons Custom Model D Music System: $250,000
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Continue reading Robb Report Limited Edition Series

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]]>aspenbordeauxburgundycognacgolfholidashlimited-editionmanhattanmotorcyclerobb-reportrobb-report-limited-editionsaks-fifth-avenuewatcheswineLaura Malesich2007-11-14T08:04:00 00:002007 Swarovski Christmas Ornamenthttp://www.luxist.com/2007/10/30/2007-swarovski-christmas-ornament/http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/30/2007-swarovski-christmas-ornament/http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/30/2007-swarovski-christmas-ornament/#commentsFiled under:

Halloween is still a few days away but the Christmas ornaments are already out. This one is the Swarovski's 2007 Annual Edition ornament. The snowflake-like crystal piece on a blue satin ribbon has detailed facets that duplicate the Swarovski star that will sit on top of the Rockefeller Center holiday tree. Swarovski will donate $250,000 from sales of this ornament to the Starlight Stabright Children's Foundation, a national, non-profit, charitable organization that is dedicated to making a world of difference for seriously ill children and their families. The ornament sells for $70.
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]]>christmas treecrystalholidayornamentswarovskiDeidre Woollard2007-10-30T09:02:00 00:00