Luxist

World's Most Expensive Christmas Tree

Laura Malesich — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:02:00 EST

On display in Osaka, Japan is one pricey holiday trinket. The 24K gold tree glistens with 240 jewels including diamond baubles and a string of pearls bringing its value to £1 million. Sitting in Ginza Tanaka jewelry shop, it luxuriously beckons patrons to keep the holiday shopping spirit alive even with the gloom of tough economic times. Mimicked after a fir with five golden tiers it took four filigree artists three months to fashion the 1.5 meter tall tree. The glittering pine will remain on display until Christmas Day after which it will be available for purchase.

[via A Rinkya Blog]

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World's Most Expensive Christmas Tree originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Simmons Green Initiative

Annie Scott — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Charity, Holiday Guides

Beyonce Knowles is happily wearing a Rough Diamond and Malachite Green bracelet from Simmons Jewelry Company.

Simmons, as in the infamous Simmons Family which includes lines such as Kimora Lee Simmons for Hello Kitty, Simmons Men's Collection, Brown Sugar by Justine Simmons, and the iconic Green Malachite bracelet which gives back to the Diamond Empowerment Fund. The bracelet, above, comes in three sizes at $125 and has a little gold diamond charm containing a small rough diamond - very classy, chic, and perfect for your environmentally conscious friends and relatives.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund, to which 50% of all Rough Diamond and Malachite Green bracelet profits go, is an international non-profit organization which raises money for educational programs in Africa. Feeling green? Click here to learn more and find out how you can help.

The Simmons Green Initiative originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz is Dreaming of a White Christmas

Annie Scott — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels, Holiday Guides, Children

Mercedes-Benz makes holiday gifts for the whole family.

New this year, Mercedes-Benz has released a new gift collection in Brilliant White, with many items perfect for kids.

This little car will make any rugrat smile as he or she scoots around the brick driveway in style. Brand loyalty starts in the cradle, as they say, and this is a smart move for Mercedes-Benz.

"The high-profile whisper wheels fitted as standard on genuine Mercedes-Benz multi-spoke rims minimize the noise level."

The Brilliant White collection also features bicycles, hats, clothing, and a really great sled. See the gallery below for Luxist's favorite items from the new collection.

[via eMercedesBenz]

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Mercedes-Benz is Dreaming of a White Christmas originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NYC Holiday Hotel Packages for Every Traveler

Lisa Palladino — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Dining, Journeys, Services, Events, Holiday Guides

Holidays in New York City can be a lot of things: charming, classic, thrilling ... overwhelming, chaotic, expensive. While some travelers arrive in search of the quintessential Silver Bells experience, others may want to discover something new or stick within a budget. Luxist's friends at Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations, Gabrielle Etrog Cohen and Gina Masullo, came up with a comprehensive list of places to go and things to do for all NYC travelers as well as package deals, including hotels.

THE FAMILY: Crowd-pleasers for all ages-within a budget.

The show: The Off-Broadway production of The Gazillion Bubble Show is the first and only interactive stage production of its kind, complete with fantastic light effects, lasers, and jaw-dropping masterpieces of bubble artistry.

The sites: Gawking at the Macy's displays, a visit with the polar bears in Central Park, photo ops at the Rockefeller Center tree.

The meal: Dim Sum Go Go offers more than 24 kinds of dumplings, plus four variations on the dough-wrapper theme, four sauces, and microwave-safe takeout containers. Kids will love the creative finger food and parents will love the dim sum delicacies (beet flavored dumplings?).

The hotel: Apple Core Hotels -- a family-friendly vibe in the city's most exciting neighborhood.

The deal: Apple Core Hotels invites guests to explore New York -- including a trip to Toys "R" Us Times Square to create a stuffed animal at the Filled-With-Love interactive design shop. Apple Core's "Filled with Love" package is available January 2 - February 14, starts at $159.99 and includes accommodations in the heart of New York City, stuffed animal and breakfast, and in-room coffee. Children under 13 stay free.

For more packages, click on the continued link.

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NYC Holiday Hotel Packages for Every Traveler originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Louis Vuitton's Seasonal Gift Collection 2008 Previewed

Laura Malesich — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Handbags, Jewelry, Timepieces, Holiday Guides

Last weekend in Dubai, Louis Vuitton showcased their Seasonal Gift Collection for 2008 including handbags, wallets, jewelry and accessories amidst a snowy backdrop and Parisian winter scenes. Guests were invited to see, touch and admire the collection shown on October 13th at the Emirates Tower Hotel. Typically I start to gear up for the holiday season around mid-October which seems to be the mindset of many consumers -- at least those that I know. I'm sure the LV Marketing VP's are well aware of the trend...already making us drool over the merchandise two months in advance. Peruse the gallery below to get a taste of what this holiday season will have to offer.

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Louis Vuitton's Seasonal Gift Collection 2008 Previewed originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neiman's Unveils 82nd Christmas Book

Tracy Chait — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Holiday Guides

Christmas comes early in Dallas. Neiman Marcus has just announced its unveiling of the legendary Christmas Book, full of the rare and exceedingly unusual items that become so many holiday wishlists.

A couple of examples: the entire end zone for you and your friends at a Dallas Cowboy's game, including tailgate party with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, and VIP touches at every turn ($500,000). His-and-hers life-sized Lego sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya, who claims he can "brickalize" anyone ($60,000 each).

The biggest ticket item in the book? Your own stable of a dozen or so thoroughbreds, trained and managed by Three Chimneys Farm over the next four years. Any race day winnings will be yours, but you'll pay $10,000,000 for the privilege.

Perhaps what Santa hears the most requests for? A Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. In your backyard. He'll come meet with you, work with his design team to create the course and throw in a bag of clubs, too. Then he'll come play the first round with you and your buddies. For $1,000,000, not including construction.

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Neiman's Unveils 82nd Christmas Book originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Baller Toys: "Nothing is Too Extravagant"

Annie Scott — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Cigars, Decor, Gadgets, Garden, Sports, Holiday Guides, Children, Men's Style

Baller Toys is a new website designed to bring you the very best in glamorous home entertainment--and we're not talking TVs and stereos!

Above is the Climatech 1001 Climate Controlled Cabinet Humidor. At $4,695.00, it is the least expensive of the four humidors available from Baller Toys.

Some exclusive items from the luxury website include:

Mars Made and MartinBauer custom billiards tables ($35,000-$100,000)

Teckell crystal foosball tables ($7,500-$10,000, other designer foosball tables up to $27,000)

The International Dance Party, one-of-a-kind party machine ($67,000)

VirtualGT Racing Simulators ($18,995+)

Keep an eye on Baller Toys for great things now and in the future. We love their motto: "Nothing is too extravagant."

Baller Toys: "Nothing is Too Extravagant" originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Louis Vuitton Re-Launches City Guides

Jared Paul Stern — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Holiday Guides

Legendary French luxury goods house Louis Vuitton is re-launching its stylish City Guides for the travel book series' tenth anniversary, with a vintage-inspired look. The Guides, originally launched in 1999, contain the essential addresses of the most stylish locales in world cities. The current saffron yellow color scheme and minimal design is being changed to the brown of its signature monogram canvas, with colorful accents and patterns inspired by vintage Vuitton luggage labels.

The new 2009 Guides, which will feature editions for New York, Paris, Tokyo, Miami, Mumbai, and a boxed set of 32 European Cities, will go on sale starting October 15, Vogue UK reports. In addition, the revamped Guides will feature personal tips from the likes of Italian actress Monica Belluci on Rome and Barneys creative director Simon Doonan on New York. See the gallery for more.

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Louis Vuitton Re-Launches City Guides originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Cool Hotels: Italy, Spain and Spas

Jared Paul Stern — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Journeys, Holiday Guides, Books

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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New Cool Hotels: Italy, Spain and Spas originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oceana Hotel Santa Monica

Star Sutherland — Wed, 21 May 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Decor, Dining, Journeys, Spas, Holiday Guides

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

Oceana Hotel Santa Monica originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 21 May 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hotel Unique in South America's New Glamour Capital

Jaime El-Helw — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Journeys, Holiday Guides

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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Hotel Unique in South America's New Glamour Capital originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LuxList: Gettin' Around Town

Marsha Reid — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Holiday Guides

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%

LuxList: Gettin' Around Town originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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25 Wine Gifts Worth Celebrating

Laura Malesich — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Wine, Holiday Guides

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.

Krug Grand Cuvee Champagne £195
12 Days of Christmas £249.95
Connoisseur's Club £1,950
Screwpull Revolutionary Leverpull with crystal foil cutter $150
Reidel O Decanter $128
Reidel Amadeo Lyra Decanter $287.95

Here are a handful of pictures to get you started:%Gallery-12135%

Continue reading 25 Wine Gifts Worth Celebrating

25 Wine Gifts Worth Celebrating originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Designer Stockings For A Good Cause

Deidre Woollard — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Charity, Holiday Guides

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.

Designer Stockings For A Good Cause originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LuxList: Unique Gift Card and Gift Certificate Options for the Holidays

Deidre Woollard — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Holiday Guides

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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LuxList: Unique Gift Card and Gift Certificate Options for the Holidays originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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White + Warren Luxury Travel Set

Deidre Woollard — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Holiday Guides

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.

White + Warren Luxury Travel Set originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Cost of the 12 Days of Christmas Up 4.1%

Sandy Maple — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Holiday Guides

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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The Cost of the 12 Days of Christmas Up 4.1% originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACME MADE Metro Tote Just in Time for the Holidays!

Laura Malesich — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Handbags, Holiday Guides

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...

ACME MADE Metro Tote Just in Time for the Holidays! originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 23 Nov 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bradshaw Laptop Bag, Handbag of the Day

Laura Malesich — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Handbags, Holiday Guides

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]

Bradshaw Laptop Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chair Menorah

Deidre Woollard — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Decor, Holiday Guides

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.

Chair Menorah originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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