Just when you thought that no other children’s item could get a “designer” upgrade… enter the luxury rubber duck. Yes, the children’s bathtime favorite has gotten a chic and stylish makeover. Once only available in Australia and England, California-based Rubber Duck World is selling these adorable, unique rubber duckies.

There is a colorful, polka-dot ducky, a Gothic duck, a tartan-covered one called McDuck, and a leopard print ducky (pictured here), among others. Check out all the Luxury Ducks by Bud, each retailing for $9.99.

I wouldn’t be surprised if parents snagged one of these collectibles for themselves.

Presenting an Excellently telling image by Lauren Greenfield as featured on The New York Times‘ Lens blog, as part of reporter James Estrin’s Showcase: Dubai’s Improbable Tale post.

A guest attends the opening of the Cavali Club at the Fairmont Dubai. The designer, Roberto Cavali, said the club cost $30 million to build. Image by Lauren Greenfield/INSTITUTE for The New York Times.

]]> http://averydesigninteriors.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/throws-are-not-just-for-your-cat/ Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:30:41 +0000 averydesigninteriors http://averydesigninteriors.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/throws-are-not-just-for-your-cat/

This time of the year, it is always difficult for clients to get a custom made anything delivered in time for the holidays.  For a special last minute fix, it is great to get a special accessory or two that give you that sense of newness to a room without the endless wait of custom.  A throw can be a quick pick me up for a room (and for you!) at the holidays.  I have to move over our cat to get to mine.  After all, even felines love  snuggling under a warm throw on the sofa in front of the fireplace.

Under $50

Cotton Fleece Throw from Garnet Hill

My sister-in-law gave us one of these warm soft fleece throws last Christmas and we keep it in our Family Room for when my toes get chilly.  It is one of my all time favorite gifts!  It is normally $60, but is 50% off until December 22nd.

Under $100

Cableknit Throw from Pottery Barn

I am allergic to wool but just love the look of chunky wooly sweaters.  This throw from Pottery Barn has just that great winter look but is made of cotton and acrylic.

Sky’s the Limit

Monogram Cashmere Throw from Gumps

One of my loyal readers, book-keeper and dear friend, Laima Abbas, informed me that through midnight tonight Gumps is having a 20% off sale if you spend more than $100 (use code FRIEND).  That saves you some of your hard earned money on this to die for cashmere throw monogrammed just for you or a loved one.

I know after a long day of work (or shopping) there’s nothing better than curling up in front of the fireplace with a good book, a cup of hot cocoa and a cozy throw.  Does anything sound more luxurious?

Presenting the Excellently mysterious and delicious scandal involving the legendary Tiger Woods and his golf club-wielding wife Elin Nordegren. Need-to-know information Excellently provided by Jacob Bernstein at Tina Brown’s  The Daily Beast. Image via Splashnewsonline.com via TMZ.com.

Presenting the Excellent new £31m Medieval and Renaissance galleries at London’s Victoria and Albert museum, opening to the public on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, with 1800 luxurious objects from the years 300 to 1600 permanently on view.

The new Medieval and Renaissnace galleries at the V&A. Image by Rachel Campbell-Johnston for The Times of London.

]]> http://sartorialistsdilemma.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/the-alligator-industry-bites/ Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:48:30 +0000 jenni avins http://sartorialistsdilemma.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/the-alligator-industry-bites/ http://theexcellentpeople.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/medieval-excellence/ Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:44:23 +0000 rickywrite http://theexcellentpeople.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/medieval-excellence/

Presenting the Excellent new £31m Medieval and Renaissance galleries at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, opening to the public on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, with 1800 luxurious objects dating from the years 300 to 1600 on view.

Presenting Dante Di Loreto, executive producer of the hit FOX Broadcasting Company show Glee, at the Loden Dager studio for Thanksgiving dinner. Thursday, November 26, 2009.

Dante Di Loreto, excutive producer of Glee, at the Loden Dager studio in New York. Image courtesey The Excellent People. 5:38 p.m, Thanksgiving Day, 2009.

]]> http://victoramadi.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/easley-south-carolina-real-estate-weekly-residential-market-conditions-homes-sold-listings-and-homes-for-sale-november-22nd-november-28th-2009-pickens-county-sc/ Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:28:22 +0000 victoramadi http://victoramadi.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/easley-south-carolina-real-estate-weekly-residential-market-conditions-homes-sold-listings-and-homes-for-sale-november-22nd-november-28th-2009-pickens-county-sc/

Easley South Carolina Real Estate – Weekly Residential Market Conditions, Homes Sold, Listings and Homes for Sale – November 22nd – November 28th 2009 - Pickens County SCFor the week of November 22nd to November 28th 2009, there were 3 homes that closed escrow in the Easley SC real estate market. High list price for these sold homes (including Condos and Townhouses) was $124,900, Low list price was $19,900, Average list price was $84,900, Median list price was $109,900, and total list price volume was $254,700. High sold price for these 3 sold residential homes was $126,500, Low sold price was $20,900, Average sold price was $84,800, Median sold price was $107,000, and total sold price volume was $254,400. High Days on Market (DOM) was 114 days, Low DOM was 21 days, Average DOM was 66 days, and Median DOM was 63 days. There were 3 residential homes that went under Pending or Contingency Contract status in Simpsonville during this period. High list price for these homes was $163,500, Low list price was $93,900, Average list price was $126,033, Median list price was $120,700, and total volume was $378,100. High DOM for these Pending and Contingency contract homes was 100 days, Low DOM was 29 days, Average DOM was 62 days, and Median DOM was 56 days. 14 homes were newly listed in Easley during this period. High list price price for these homes for sale was $330,000, Low list price was $49,900, Average list price was $137,728, Median list price was $132,200, and total new listings volume was $1,928,200.  Statistics used in this post was gathered from the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors inc. Multiple Listing System. These statistics may not include sales like new construction or For Sale by Owners that were brokered by member firms. Remember: The $8,000 first-time Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended to April 30th, and has also been expanded to include a $6,500 tax credit for move-up buyers who have occupied their home for at least five years. Please Contact Victor Amadi at 864-525-0201 for more detail on the $8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit, and for all your Easley Real Estate needs.

Easley SC Real Estate Properties and Homes for Sale

Easley SC Entry Level Homes for Sale {under $150k}	Easley South Carolina Median Homes {$150k~$300k}	FREE Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation
Easley Area Upscale Homes for Sale {$300k~$600k}	Easley SC Luxury Homes for sale {$600k~$1m}	Easley SC Million Dollar Homes {$1million plus}
Easley SC Lots & Land for Sale	START NEW SEARCH

Now searching for Cyber Monday Men’s Diamond Jewelry and Men’s Diamond Watches Specials has never been easier. With icedtime.com you will find all what you are looking for. Cyber Monday Special – Joe Rodeo Masters Diamond Watch. Log on to http://www.icedtime.com/ to learn more about Joe Rodeo Diamond Watches collection on Cyber Monday Sale. Icedtime.com provides its customers with exclusive online sales and deals today. Save your time and money by shopping online at icedtime.com.

Icedtime.com offers special deals including free shipping and extended warranty during the holidays and throughout the year. On Cyber Monday icedtime.com features Joe Rodeo Watches on sale. Take advantage of great deals on Cyber Monday. Stretch your dollar with money-saving deals form http://www.icedtime.com/ . Joe Rodeo watch is perfect blend of modern and classic design with durability of all Joe Rodeo watches. Joe Rodeo Watch comes in fancy gift box so it makes it awesome holiday present. Log on to http://www.icedtime.com/ to get your Cyber Monday Deal on Joe Rodeo watches.

I am actually worried about LVMH’s brand strength. The store on fifth ave. in NYC looked like a state fair the other day with all kinds of trash outside the door on the side-walk, something I’ve never seen… they also had fewer people than YSL, Dior, Dior Homme, Barney’s and Tod’s during Fashion’s Night Out. Perhaps the sneaker with Kanye was their brand tipping point. I have never been concerned for this company, their brand or their stock, but for the first time I am questioning them. -TJP

I need to thank Joe and the rest of the guy’s over at LimitedHype more often.  They always show me everything that I want and NEED in my life.  These came out a while back, but I recently fell in love!

SOURCE: LimitedHype

Whether you’re hunting for presents for an Apple-adoring friend, or a treat for yourself, this gift guide will help you procure some of the most exclusive items available.

Browsing through this gift guide you’ll find a handpicked selection of some of the most luxurious Apple-related items from across the globe. There’s something for everyone, from a handmade iPod case and chic designer MacBook sleeve for her, to a solar powered iPod dock and OS X-themed photo frame for him.

So it’s time to forget that last minute flurry of festive purchases and set aside your gift hunting woes as you browse the alternative Apple gift guide.

Hard Graft’s 2UNFOLD Laptop Bag ($564)

One of the most luxurious items in the gift guide, each limited edition 2UNFOLD is assembled in Italy, individually handmade and numbered. The bag is immaculately constructed but also fervently utilitarian: with a few simple folds it can be re-configured from backpack to shoulderbag, briefcase to clutch. There’s room for a couple of Monocle back issues alongside, of course, ample space for your 13″, 15″ or even 17″ MacBook.

ReNu’s Solar Powered iPod Dock (from $199)

Unlike other iPod docks, this one makes use of ReNu’s solar module, charging your iPhone or iPod by harnessing the power of the sun. After charging up using this elegant device, you’re also left with that warm smugness that can only come from being environmentally friendly. If you’ve got this item in mind for the Christmas season, potential purchasers should note that the docks are set to ship in February 2010. However, order now and you can take advantage of ReNu’s early supporter price.

Byrd & Belle’s Felt and Leather iPhone Case ($19)

Handmade from soft wool felt, these cases are a classic look ideal for both guys and girls. The soft felt outer and cotton fabric inner will protect your precious iPhone from dust and scratches while the hand-dyed leather strap will make sure it’s always secure inside the case. Byrd & Belle’s iPhone cases are produced in limited runs. If there’s none left in stock it’s worth checking out the other beautiful items available in their store too, all worthy additions to any Apple connoisseur’s collection.

ThinkGeek’s Image.jpg Photo Frame ($24.99)

This clever photo frame mixes digital with analog. Styled after OS X’s Aqua aesthetic, the Image.jpg photo frame is a quirky item that’s sure to draw attention to whatever photo it happens to be housing. As ThinkGeek point out, it’s totally analog, which means no registering and no software updates — just slide a photo in to the wooden frame and you’re good to go.

Mulberry for Apple (from $180)

If there’s a lady in your life who’s looking for a true taste of British style then Mulberry’s new range of Apple bags, cases and clutches may be the perfect gift. Established in 1971, Mulberry has moved with the times ensuring that its items always stay fashion-forward while capturing the original essence of the brand. Highlights of the Mulberry for Apple range include the chic Drew sleeve for the 15″ MacBook and the Bayswater Mini Messenger clutch for iPhone.

iamhuman’s MacBook Covers (from $30)

With MacBook’s becoming a mainstream notebook, it’s becoming increasingly important that we’re able to give our digital companions a twist of individuality. This brand new range from iamhuman offsets the generic stylings of your MacBook with a natural finish. Alongside a range of textile covers, made from materials such as denim, there’s also a premium range created from the finest rosewood, ebony and cork.

Twelve South’s Bookarc ($49.99)

The BookArc is a neat solution for keeping your MacBook in pride of place on your desktop while giving you the clarity of thought that a clutter-free workspace brings. Your MacBook can be placed comfortably and securely in the BookArc. All the ports and plugs are still accessible too. For those looking to spread a little clarity throughout their workspace, the BookArc is available at a discounted rate as a 6-pack.

The Griffin + Threadless Collection ($34.99)

Threadless, purveyor of fine t-shirts, has collaborated with Griffin to create a pair of iPhone cases which simultaneously protect and ooze cool. The first design, entitled Birds of a Feather, comes in white while the second, Clouds within Thunder, is a dazzling hipster yellow. Both designs are available as t-shirts too, presenting the possibility of an excellent combination gift. The cases themselves are snap-on shells, protecting from scratches, dust and, according to Threadless, boringness too.

Instructables’ Sewable iPod Remote (DIY)

Getting your hands dirty with a DIY gift might not immediately sound like the most luxurious prospect but there’s nothing quite as classy as creating your own handmade item. This ten-minute tutorial, available from Instructables, walks you through creating a delightful Hello Kitty iPod remote. You’ll need a basic grasp of electronics and a dash of confidence too but making this yourself means that you can give someone special a genuine one-off piece with a personal twist.

Wedding Winter! BLUE ROSE Wedding or Special Occasions Felted Bolero

Available at my Etsy shop:
Magic Laboratory of Fashion
All designs are © Tatiana Agapcheva, please do not copy my work.

Sony Ericsson, in partnership with fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana, has launched the limited edition Jajou by Dolce & Gabbana handset. Read more…

The BeaValdes for CoutureLab Gray Gio Evening Bag is another stunning and unusual design from BeaValdes, whose futuristic, spaceship-reminiscent shapes have us enthralled.

The BeaValdes for CoutureLab Gray Gio Evening Bag is available from CoutureLab for approximately $2,534.00.
(Via: Luxist.com)

Last year was a bad one for former NBA star Latrell Sprewell who saw his yacht, the 70-foot “Milwaukee’s Best” repossessed and his $405,000 home in River Hills, Wisconsin facing foreclosure (Sprewell later settled this debt). This year doesn’t seem to be bringing Sprewell much more luck. His Purchase, New York home is scheduled for a sheriff’s sale at the Westchester County Courthouse on January 7, 2010.

LoHud.com reports that Sprewell purchased the 3.3-acre property in January 2000 for $2.3 million. He got a 30-year mortgage from Washington Mutual Bank for $1.612 million in 2004 and first failed to make payments starting in April 2008, around the time his other financial troubles began. The home was the site of an alleged domestic dispute in 2006. Sprewell was accused of attacking his girlfriend, Candace Cabbil, in front of their four children but prosecutors agreed in 2008 to drop the charges if Sprewell stayed out of trouble for a year.

A listing on Sotheby’s Realty has the house at $3.8 million. It has seven bedrooms, a complete gym, pool and spa, basketball court, four-car garage and a recording studio. Listing pictures reveal large televisions, spiky metal sculptures and large open spaces.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE HOUSE

(Via: Luxist.com)

Fendi will be playing quite a role in the event this year, introducing the F Factory, a limited-edition retail project in the Miami Design District’s Moore Building (home to Zaha Hadid’s “Elastica” permanent exhibition), starting November 30 2009 and running until Christmas.

The shop will feature the brand’s most coveted bags, complete with Fendi’s Roman craftsmen on-site to personalize each one. But in true Basel form, art and culture will infuse the retail. Graffiti artist Andre is creating three needlepoint panels live in three 60-minute “performances” in the space, which will then be stitched into a unique Fendi bag.

You can buy your own Fendi Baguette Needlepoint Stitch Kit, designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi for $995!

Other collaborations include Moritz Waldemeyer’s collaboration with Fendi to create six custom-made Gibson guitars with Silvia Venturini Fendi, which will project lights on the walls when played by American band OK Go.

The Limited Edition Experiences program in the Miami Design District. Launched by Dacra, a real estate company that owns 80% of the 18-block area that constitutes the Miami Design District, Miami’s Limited Edition Experiences program brings together designers like Cynthia Rowley,Duncan Quinn, Christopher Ross, Maison Martin Margiela, and Marni, all of whom engage consumers with a series of initiatives ranging from pop-up stores to limited-edition wares, in-store events, documentary screenings, and more.

Luxury fashion engaging in experiential goods and services… could this be the new Eco Luxury market of the future? I can’t wait to see how these pop up projects proceed!

For more info visit website

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) failed to see any huge boost of its Asian asset IPO in Hong Kong.  Shares fell 10% on its debut that raised about $2.5 billion.  Sands China Ltd. closed down at 9.32 Hong Kong dollars, but shares had initially dropped under the 9-Dollar handle before recovering.  The pricing was at 10.38 in Hong Kong dollars, and this was near the lower-end of its price range.

Wynn Resorts Limited (NASDAQ: WYNN) has already gotten its IPO behind it, and frankly that came out when investors were more inclined to nibble on what many might consider a tracking stock rather than a fully independent operation.  We had recently noted how investor reactions posed a risk to Las Vegas Sands after the recent Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd. (NASDAQ: MPEL) earnings report was good but was received coldly.

We had penciled in about $3.0 to $3.3 billion as the planned capital raise from the IPO that would then go toward restarting construction of its large Macau project and paying down debt.

Sheldon Adelson tried to note that the one day reception is not any indication of the long-term prospects.  But it seems that there were a couple of issues.  The price was higher in a post-bubble world than some might have felt comfortable with.  Another issue is that this IPO came out at a time when Dubai has added to the global headline risk aversion.  These may not be directly tied, but that is the new world for you.

Another issue to consider is that the Las Vegas Sands operation is effectively “betting the come” as the construction is supposed to resume in early 2010.  There is already a flurry of competition, and recent regulation and the risk of future regulation could at any moment limit the number of Chinese gamers who can head to Macau.  That is deemed as a lower risk, but a risk nonetheless.

MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM) may have the most to lose now if there is not a welcome rug laid out this week and next to this Sands IPO, as it is still a ways out from any formal IPO there.  Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) is down only about 1% at $15.62 right before the open.

Jon C. Ogg
November 30, 2009

So, here’s what happens after the happily ever after: No firm buyer for Christian Lacroix.

Frontrunner Sheikh Hassan Ben Ali al-Naimi, who is close to the ruling family of the Ajman emirate, stepped in in September when the Italian retailer Borletti pulled out. His formal offer of 100 million euros, which the couturier favours, would cover clearing the debts and covering the losses expected in relaunching and developing the brand.

But at the last hearing on November 17 he dropped a bombshell when he said through a representative in court that he was unable to come up with the financial guarantees to back his proposal.

Let’s see what happens in court tomorrow.

Here’s a nice succinct wrap up of a few dos & don’ts when it comes to luxury brand engagement with social media thanks to our friends at Agenda.

These days I’ve been at an interesting event (interesting in a variety of ways), which I am covering for this new freelance job I’m starting – a fashion website.
It was an event, dedicated to all things luxurious. Can’t say I am a huge fan of useless expensive stuffs like blue glass heads and golden garden gnomes (brr!).
I mean I love clothes and expensive clothes as well of course (not that I can afford them, but anyhow).
But in general, if it’s not a piece of art or a yummy yacht, you can leave absolute most of this overpriced pretentious stuff to yourself, as far as I’m concerned.
But the expo was actually more exciting than I anticipated; there were some really good pieces there, including very cool futuristic interior designs and clothes.
However, it was totally not about fashion, but about serious investments into anything – and everything from blue cow patterned suitcases, to metal-on-silk-acid-treated leather bags, to 20000 euro bling and extremely arty shiny dresses out of recycled paper.

I liked:
- Andy Warhol originals (aww my darling Campbell soup, it looke even better than on pictures, and with no retouching at all!)
- Old-school Hollywood photos
- Hand-made shoes with some really, really good design!
- Yummy cheese and glass-bottled water for the guests
- Some particularly smart retro-inspired sunglasses

I disliked
- Fur and leather coats, dresses, jackets and what not. Darn it, people, fur is not an investment – it’s useless cruelty. Zara and H&M have beautiful furs which look non worse, and don’t call for animal murders. Point: with the modern technology you don’t need fur or leather to be warm, and as a status statement it is a total and absolute rudiment.
- Certain visitors, who managed to make real-life Chanel and Louis Vuitton look cheaper than your habitual fake copies. What is the need to look like a truck driver? If you’re loaded, get a style advisor, beatch! (I don’t mean it as harsh as it may seem
- Homeless people just some hundred meters away from the fair. It’s sad. Really, really sad that world can be so fucking unfair.

I sneaked in Flo as my supporting photographer to have some original pics for the website – and for the blog. Here are some:

dress out of cans

bags out of blue cow

3000 euro shoes

andy's soup!

Exclusive tuotteet, merkkituotteita ja Elite ominaisuudet ovat erittäin haluttua, yleisesti unta ja usein vietetään kaiken kaikkiaan suurin osa ihmisistä, joilla ei ole varaa ostaa niitä. Luksusautoja ja merkkivaatteet ovat muotoiltu ja kehitetty yleisesti erottaa kuin erittäin varakkaiden ja hyvin menevä muutama valittu ihmisiä sosiaalisen eliitin, joka on helppo ostaa ja kuluttaa heidät. Päätarkoituksena on ainutlaatuinen urheilu-auto ja ensimmäinen asema merkkituotteiden kohteen suunnittelu on osoittaa, kuinka rikas ja merkittävä omistaja on verrattuna massa tavalliset ihmiset, jotka voi vain ihailla ja kuvitella näitä kalliita tila-simbols.

References: dayspa, sparesort, expo, festival, premium, privateschool, privateaviation, atlanticcitycasino, flighttoquality, rovers, honeymoon, exoticcars, fastcars, luxurycar, classiccars, highperformance, firstclass, privatejets, sportscars, sportsutilityvehicle, 5star, cabinets,

Koko maassa on rakennettu laajat niiden talouden kultti kauniita jalokiviä, eksoottisia huippuosaamista, ylellinen tyylikkyys ja yksinomainen elitismiä, bestown ja edustajat, joilla on harvinainen tuotteiden Realms of Fashion, hajuvesiä ja autoteollisuudessa. On selvää, että kultin ympärillä näitä tuotteita rikkomuksensa pieni ryhmä ihmisiä, jotka ostavat niitä, samoin markkinoille jäljennöksiä (oikeudellinen tai lisensioitu), on punakka ja maailmanlaajuinen tulonlähde, kaupan ja keskustelua. Olemme koonneet joitakin arvokkaita sivustoja http://www.t-h-e-n-e-w.com ja http://www.euroserve.cn (ja http://www.esw3.eu nimipalvelut) verkkojen pohdittaessa huippu tuotteita. Muut lehdet noin Varallisuus ja tila ovat käytettävissä samaan salkkuun.

References:
cabins, diningrooms, dining, nightclubs, luxurybandb, luxurybedandbreakfast, luxuryhotel, mayfair, luxuryyachts, jacuzzi, beachproperty, destinationclub, fivestar, luxurytravel, riviera, safari, skivacation, vacationproperties, vacationrentals, yachtclub