Louis Vuitton Monogram Luxury Items – What a Fashion Icon!

Although the brand has never NOT been popular, Marc Jacobs, artistic director of Louis Vuitton has hit a homerun with the monogram designs. They have an almost cult following amongst celebrities. Never has one handbag brand been so coveted in all of fashion history. An icon has been born.

A Louis Vuitton monogram canvas travel item can set you back anything between $595 and $14,000. These bags are regular features on celebs like Scarlet Johansson, Uma Thurman, Kate Moss, Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell and the Hilton sisters.

And how these handbags command respect! Walk into any department store with a Louis Vuitton bag and you give out signals to the store clerks and owners of “Discerning shopper: Handle as a VIP”

The monogram is used for any travel item; from wallets, to golf bags, large trunks to overnight luggage. At a price, Louis Vuitton will even customise any travel item for you. One thing they won’t do however is compromise their brand, as one rap artist found out. He wanted to customise his SUV with monogram canvass seat covers. Louis Vuitton had no problem saying no, despite him offering vast amounts of money to change their minds.

This 150 year old brand has never been so popular amongst the elite of the world.

Below is a pic of Jessica Simpson walking down the street, clutching her Louis Vuitton.

Clive Christian no1 - Most Expensive Perfume in the World

So my girlfriend is my blog's biggest fan, and she loves to alert me of stuff that's relevant as content. So she dragged me into Saks Fifth Avenue the other day to show me the latest fashion trends for all my female readers (She was my editor for the Celebrity Sunglasses and Designer Jeans articles).

I must say she made it intresting for me, but my interest were mst peaked when she showed me a bottle of the world's most expensive production perfume on the market: Clive Christian No1 for Woman. 1oz costs a whopping $2,350!

The perfume consists of a combination of pineapple, plum, mirabelle, white peach rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, orris, carnation, vanilla, benjoin balm, tonka seeds and cedarwood scents. Bottled in a beatiful crystal bottle with a diamond and gold encrusted collar.

So she admitted to me: She would forgive me for almost anything if I buy her this bottle... She got roses from me later that day... :)

"Rich Lifestyle" articles of Note 01

A Few quality artcles for your perusal...

Maserati MC12 vs Porsche Carrera GT vs Mercedes McLaren SLR - Wealth Wonders

BMW Designs Luxurious Boeing 787 Interior for Russian Tycoon - Born Rich

"Young Affluents" Are The Future Of The Luxury Market - Luxist

UK scientists building robot village -- can we come? - Engadget

Gorgeous Grays for Summer 2007 - Shopaholics Anonymous

Pictured: Porsche Carrera GT, taken from the article Maserati MC12 vs Porsche Carrera GT vs Mercedes McLaren SLR.

John Lobb - Shoemaker to Royalty, the ultra succesfull and ... James Bond

I was reading a forum about people's opinion of the most expensive clothing brands available and a familiar name came up: John Lobb. We did a profile on the most expensive golf shoes in a previous post and since then, we've been getting a couple of Search engine hits on "John Lobb". I did some reasearch and found more than just a shoemaker company; I found a hidden Icon!

When you are in London again, be sure to swing by St. James' Palace, built by Henry VIII: In one of the towers is the John Lobb store, said to be one of the most beautiful and interesting stores you'll ever visit.

This has been the site where the British royal family have been buying their dress shoes for over 100 years. Often frequented by successful business men, looking for the ultimate name in dress shoes, this shop is said to be a jewel to the privileged. Understandably so; a pair of John Lobb shoes can set you back an average of $2000. Or as said in the previos post, their tailormade golf shoes, costs $5000!

The old family business will take your measurements and will then handcraft your shoes to perfection. So make sure you are willing to wait a couple of months for your order. These days they have been getting more orders, since their shoes where the dress shoes of choice for Daniel Craig in the latest James Bond film, Casino Royale. He wore the Luffield shoes, pictured below.

If you are interested to acquire a fine pair of John Lobb shoes, be sure to wear it to only the most special of occasions as these are not your run-of-the-mill, designer shoes. They should only be worn with a tuxedo. Occasions to wear them could be your wedding, if you are nominated for a award, like the Oscars or the day you make partner in your firm. Wear them with pride as so many Royals have done before you.

Celebrities' Expensive Designer Sunglasses

After my previous post about expensive sunglasses, I though it would be interesting to see what expensive designer sunglasses are popular amongst celebrities. It used to be that celebrities wore big bug-eyed sunglasses to hide from the public when they stepped on the street with their designer jeans, but these days, these big sunglasses are coming back. Pictured is a popular pair from Chanel.

Celebrities’ favorite brands:

• Giorgio Armani
• Christian Dior
• Dolce & Gabbana
• Gucci
• Emporio Armani
• Roberto Cavalli
• John Richmond
• Bvlgari
• Marc Jacobs
• Prada
• Chanel
• Versace
• Tom Ford
• Fendi
• Moss Lipow

Moss Lipow is the maker of the world's most expensive sunglasses.

Above: Kirsten Dunst, Lindsay Lohan and Kate Hudson

Below: Reese Witherspoon

Celebrities' Designer Jeans

When a celebrity hits the street, they know that it’s very likely that the paparazzi are likely to steal a picture or two. That is why they come prepared; wearing the ultimate celebrity, street-smart fashion accessory: The designer jean. Nothing flaunts their tight …… uh hums as well as a jean.

If the pictures are going to posted in a tabloid or on the net, their publicists know are prescribes that they are not to be seen in any pair of $70 jeans! Low and behold, they have to wear a label. The designers know this; that is why they pay stars like Jennifer Aniston and Kate Moss to be seen in their labels.

Today’s Designer Jeans to be seen in.

Don’t think a quality brand like Levi’s, Diesel or Guess will do. The brand has to be exclusive. So when you are on Rodeo Drive, Fifth Ave. or High street Kensington, this is what you need to look out for:

• 575
• Armani Exchange
• Hudson
• Evisu
• Frankie B
• Blue Blood Denim
• Joe’s Jeans
• Seven for All Mankind
• Rock and Republic
• Blue Cult
• J Brand
• True Religion
• Taverniti So Jeans
• Chip and Pepper

These brands will cost anything from $200 - $1,000, but are the best to be seen in.

Above: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Garner and Lindsay Lohan.

Below: Jessica Biel, Rachel Stevens and Keira Knightley

Weird Expensive Watches 2007

In this entry we take a look at some really unusual watches! And if you want to stand out from the crowd with a unique watch that says it all, then you might want to take a look at these...telling the time will never be the same again!


Jacob $ Co. Quenttin Watch – Approximately $10,000

Bizarre, yet beautiful! Made in the style of a 60’s cassette player, the limited edition Jacob & Co. watch seems as if it’s been brought back from an age that knew of no limits! The Quenttin does everything you’d expect from a watch, and has no other special abilities apart from displaying the time on vertical rolls powered by a tiny engine. Although the bezel and cage are made from a choice of White, Rose Gold or Platinum, the Quenttin will mostly be remembered for its weird characteristics; which could very well be described as those of a mechanism James Bond uses to deciphers passwords and unlock doors!


Solsuno watch - approximately $500-$600

138 LED’s in a watch! Some say that if you see this watch from a distance in the dark, you will think it’s a flying causer, but don’t run away! The brightly colored lights are only the 138 LED’s built into the watch, which indicate the time, day, month and year! This watch from Solsuno is definitely not average, but reading the time might take some time getting used to since each little LED represent a different function.

Seiko – $2,000

The world’s first electronic paper watch! What makes this watch so unusual is the display! It’s not LED, nor is it TFT, but a microcapsule electrophoretic display which consists of pure white and black particles! Developed by Seiko Watch Company and Seiko Epson, the watch has a large screen with twice the clarity of a normal LCD! It is believed that only a couple of hundred watches were made, which means that you’ll be able to wear something truly unique!

Hammerhead 201 – $50,000

Anything is possible! If you ever see an advert for a watch that says it has some of the most unique features, don’t believe it, it’s not a Hammerhead 201! Recently launched by Urwerk, the Hammerhead 201 is easily the oddest looking watch out there, but certainly one of the watches with the most unique functions! Some of the features include hour satellites, but adds in telescopic minute hands that adjust their lengths as they follow the minutes and then retract. On the back of the watch there’s an oil change indicator, and also the world’s first horological odometer which keeps track of the total time of use for over a 100 years!

Outrageous Festive Season Gifts pt 02 - FOR THE LADIES

I've just come back from my Holidays, and realised I did not post Pt2 of the Outrageous Festive Season gifts. Here is it now...

The festive season is at full bloom, and the cheer just keeps on growing! I hope you’re having a great festive season so far!

This entry is about some of the most expensive gifts for ladies this festive season. These gifts will make any lady feel very very special! So guys, if you’ve got the budget, here’s the catalogue…


Le Chocolate Collection – $1.5 million


A blend of luxury! What do you get when you take a box of chocolates and add a couple of pieces of jewelry? You get the ultimate gift box containing every lady’s two most favorite things. The Le Chocolate Collection created by Simons Jewelers consists of gourmet chocolates from Lake Forest Confections and a collection of expensive jewelry, which include a necklace, earrings, and a bracelet decorated with precious diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. At first the gift box looks just like any other box of chocolates, but as soon as it’s opened, a display of dazzling jewels come to life, which are of course accompanied by delicious chocolates to add a sweet taste of luxury.


Buckingham Hotel Holiday Package – $75,000


A festive trip for two! If taking your loved one on a memorable trip for two, is what you consider the ideal gift, then the Holiday Package from Buckingham Hotel in New York, will prove most memorable. The 2 day package includes the use of a white vintage Rolls Royce that will take you from the Martinelli Penthouse to anywhere in New York. You can also enjoy a private lunch at the Rock Center Café, followed by a private skating session at Rockefeller Center. Once you’ve finished expressing your figure skating talents, you then get into a helicopter for a three hour air tour that includes white truffle snacks and spectacular views of the festivities in Rockefeller Center. After the air tour, a couple of gifts will await you in the Penthouse, just as a reminder of the wonderful experience.


2006 Bentley Continental GT – $160,000


A gift that keeps on giving you goose bumps! David Beckham is known for giving Posh a festive car every year, so why shouldn’t every guy with $160 000 to spare do the same? The ultra luxurious Bentley Continental GT is the epitome of coupe engineering and this high performance 6.0 liter W12 552 horse power sportster will make any person scream, faint, wake up, and then faint again, when being presented with a gift like this. The finishes of the Bentley are luscious and will most definitely make the driver feel like royalty each and every time they get behind the wheel.


Vail Blanket Grimaud – $2,850


When she needs more space! The new Vail Blanket Grimaud from Louis Vuitton is big enough to be either used as a handbag or as a piece of luggage. Made from lamb’s wool and cashmere with a black calfskin trim, the bag is certainly a warm and furry item, which could even protect you from a winter chill. Complete with a padlock to keep the contents safe, the bag also has double rolled leather handles that can be held together by a buckled strap, for easy carrying. Louis Vuitton handbags have long been seen as the most desired designer handbags, and this one undeniably adds a little festive cheer to the existing collection.

The rich always have the best time

Hi, Timepieces have always amazed me, and some of them truly become iconic in their own right. So, this week we’re decided to show you some of the watches that have become legendary as well as a watch that is destined to becoming a collector’s item. That is Jay-Z’s limited edition range of course…


Tour de l’Ile, Vacheron Constantin - $1,500,000

Only seven of these were ever made! To mark its 250th anniversary, the Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin created one of the most expensive watches ever made. They watch became an instant collector’s item, not only for of its exceptional price tag, but also because the name of these watches refer to one of the historical sites of the admired company, located on the Quai de l’Ile. The limited edition Tour de l’Ile is also one of the most complicated double-face watches(7,834 components), and is made with combination of astronomical indications, including a second time zone, sunset time as well as a minute repeater.


Patek Philippe Graves - Sold for $11,003,500

The Patek Phillip Graves, which featured 24 complications (mechanical features), was a result of a long-standing competition between 2 American tycoons. Both attempted to own a timepiece with the most number of complications and at the end, The Graves watch came out on top. In 1953 it was sold to The Time Museum in Rockford, but when it closed down, The Graves went up for auction and was sold for the astonishing amount of 11 million dollars. To this day it is one of the most sought after watches in the world, and those that ever dream of being the proud owner of The Graves will need to have a wallet just as enthusiastic.


L'Esprit des Cabinotiers - $1,783,000

With the traditions of 19th century timepieces and harmonious symbolism, the L'Esprit des Cabinotiers can only be described as being majestic. Its golden sphere engraved by hand is only one element which makes it phenomenal and when set in motion, the sphere opens up like a lotus flower to reveal the articulate mechanisms that makes it work. The indications are framed by hand with an engraved minute circle, itself surrounded by a circular zone that is perhaps the most angelic feature of all.


Jay-Z and Audemars Piguet Watch Line - Between $23,000 and $69,000

A legend in the making! Recently American Recording Artist, Jay-Z announced the launch of his limited edition high-end timepieces with Swiss watch maker, Audemars Piguet. Only 100 were produced, in honor of Jay-Z’s 10th anniversary in the music industry. Those lucky enough to own one will be able to choose whether their watch needs to be in stainless steel, a rose gold or platinum casing. To make the occasion even more remarkable, Jay-Z included a customized iPod that will come with the package.

Sunglasses of the rich - From Expensive to weird

Hi, since summer is a time of fun and excitement, why not embrace the sun and hit the beach with the best summer accessory…sunglasses. This week’s newsletter brings you a look at sunglasses that will make your summer a more pleasant adventure, and at the same time make you look and feel like a million dollars.

Moss Lipow – 3800 dollars, Ostrich and alligator sunglasses

Sunglasses from the Moss Lipow collection

After an extensive search for a picture of the most expensive sunglasses in America, we gave up only to discover that these sunglasses are just as rare, as they are expensive. Moss Lipow, who’s a designer that designs with attitude, believes that sunglasses should be an extension of your individuality, created a unique pair of ostrich and alligator frames that stirred the fashion world this year. Imagine being one of the few people wearing a pair of frames so unique, so original, but also an individual expression in every way? We wish we could provide you with a picture, since these glasses sound remarkable...and truly defies the norm.

Fendi - 1300 dollars

Sharon Stones Bulgari Frames




Jessica Alba’s Dior Frame

Fendi is an iconic designer label, and the Italians certainly know how to create a fashion statement. If you’re looking to follow the trends, then this style of frames is in season this summer. Sharon Stone got herself a pair of Bulgari Swarovski sunglasses for about 400 dollars, which are hand made and hand painted. Another celebrity that has opted for more trendy frames is Jessica Alba, who went with Christian Dior frames at 450 dollars. Whatever style you’re looking for, there is something for everyone this summer and like the stars, you can too create your own individual look.

Louis Vuitton - Millionaire sunglasses at 1000 dollars

Are you a millionaire in the making? In collaboration with Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs, Pharrel Williams from The Neptunes and Bathing Ape designer, Nigo, have created the most sought after sunglasses this summer. Millionaire sunglasses are clearly inspired by early gangster films, and celebrities are lining up to snatch a pair of what’s soon becoming, the latest fashion trend. Their a timeless classic and Louis Vuitton is certainly on the right frame with these vintage style sunglasses.


Moss Lipow- Price unavailable

Since Moss Lipow believes that sunglasses should be an extension of your individuality, we thought we’d add these frames as well. Their extremely eccentric and add a creative twist. Moss Lipow is sure to be one of the most expressive designers in the industry, and those that seek their own individual look can certainly count on him to provide you with something extraordinary.

The Rich's Expensive watches - Time is on your side

All successful high rollers know that time is money: the more time you spend playing, the more chances you have of winning! So this week, we’ve decided to inspire you with some of the most expensive watches in the world… just imagine how good one of these would look on your arm if you were to hit the jackpot…

At Golden Riviera Group, there are plenty of opportunities for you to win – all you need to do is play! So make sure you make some time here this weekend, and you could be one of our next big winners!


Tour de l'Ile by Vacheron Constantin

$1.5 million

Seven years of development, three years of assembly, 834 components and 16 functions make this the busiest watch in the world – and the most expensive. Special features include power reserve, moon phase, perpetual calendar, leap-year indicator, as well as the ability to eliminate timekeeping errors caused by slight variations due to shifts in gravity.

1735 by Blancpain

$839,000

Named after the year in which Jehan-Jacques Blancpain opened his first factory, it took over 8 months to piece together all 740 components of this limited edition watch – so far, only 18 out of the 30 have been assembled. But with a platinum case, split-second chronograph, 80-hour power reserve and crocodile strap, you can’t hurry perfection.

Opera Three by Girard-Perregaux

$532,000

Not only does this masterpiece have a power reserve indicator, a sub-second complication, a minute repeater and a truly elegant face, but it also has the unique ability to sound the passing hours with actual tunes – hence the name. A convenient selector enables a choice of different tunes, each of which can be personalized to the wearer's taste.

Toric Corrector Quantième Perpétual by Parmigiani Fleurier

$477,000

With its orderly face and stately air, this timepiece lends a sophisticated and highly efficient presence to any wrist. Extremely fine hands keep track of the time, whilst sub-dials reveal day, month, leap year, retrograde date and precise moon phase display. There's also a minute repeater function, as well as 45 hours of power reserve.

Excalibur EX 08 by Roger Dubuis

$450,000

Those who appreciate fine style should find this exquisite watch a perfect fit. It’s elegant and eye-catching dial of Roman numerals is marked by a pair of handsome, gold hands. Special features include the ability to automatically correct timekeeping errors whilst flying, 18-carat gold casing, as well as a hand sewn strap.

Look like a star, feel like a star

Fashion shows, after parties, 5 star clubs and restaurants… When you’re living the life of luxury and glamour, you need to look the part. Which is why we bring you a look at what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to getting all dressed up this year. To feel like a star, you need to spend money on looking like one. And with Golden Riviera Group casinos, all it takes is that one, big jackpot and you could be stepping out in style in no time… all you need to do is play!

Clothes

First impressions last, and when you’re a star its all about how you dress. For $2,000 you can slip into something sleek by Hervé Léger, as worn by Sharon Stone. Or for a more luxurious feel, pick up a $3,000 Oscar de la Renta favored by Penelope Cruz. For gentlemen, nothing says power and style as succinctly as a sharply tailored Brioni suit, valued at $7,500 and worn by high rollers such as Donald Trump.

Hair

When celebs like Meg Ryan and Michelle Pfeiffer need a $600 trim, they visit Sally Hershberger in NYC. Or, for $800, you can rub shoulders with supermodels such as Giselle, Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell at ultra-exclusive Orlo. For gents, a mere $300 will enlist the services of one of the hottest men’s hair stylists – Brent Barber – at the Brooks & Brooks London salon frequented by David Beckham.

Beauty and frangrance

Looking good also has to do with how well you look after yourself. Madonna, Liv Tyler and Susan Sarandon go for Tracy Martin beauty and face creams – at over $400 per ounce, they’re more expensive than caviar. Limited edition colognes for men are the way forward, such as Feuille Verte by Olivier Creed for $375.

Accessories

From $1,850 and up Jimmy Choo handbags are a favorite of Nicole Richie, Halle Berry, and Charlize Theron, whilst Manolo Blahnik alligator boots at $11,000 are the must-have item of the year. Sunglasses are very popular, with importance on luxury brands and designer names – this year, Fendi for men and Gucci for women valued at $350 each.

Personal stylist

Of course, if you’ve got the money you can hire your own personal stylist. For $10,000 a day Rachel Zoe helps stars like Kiera Knightly, Lindsay Lohan and Mischa Barton stay in fashion, whilst Cher Coulter makes sure Orlando Bloom maintains his stylish look.