If you are a shoe lover, this is a must. Walking Class Heroes is an exclusive card matching game with magnificent pairs of heels, created by the biggest fashion designers worldwide, such as Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik. It is the perfect gift for all shoe addicts. The 68 large-sized cards come in a beautiful shoebox, available for €24.90 at Rockwell Hudson.
Definitely on my list!
LoL, Sandra
If I wished for an advent calendar, I would dream of one filled with beautiful fashion jewelry (I don’t want to seem too demanding, so fantasy pieces are fine).
Dear Santa and dearest Hubby, please find below my list for the fillings, all available at net-à-porter (just click on the designer):
1 Lizard and python cuff by Lanvin
2 Gold-plated cuff by Philippe Audibert
3 Silver-plated feather brooch by Erickson Beamon
4 Leather and brass-studded cuff by Burberry Prorsum
5 Swarovski crystal earrings by Erickson Beamon
6 Cage 22-karat rose gold-plated ring by Dominic Jones
7 22-karat gold beaded earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane
8 Arty enamel ring by Yves Saint Laurent
9 Crystal ring by Lanvin
10 Set of two gold-tone bird rings by Marc by Marc Jacobs
11 22-karat gold-plated coral-inspired necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane
12 Lips lacquered sterling silver ring by Solange Azagury-Partridge
13 22-karat gold-plated leaf hoop earrings by Alex Monroe
14 Chest plate by Falconiere
15 Midnight lace Swarovski crystal bracelet by Erickson Beamon
16 Bow-embellished chain necklace by Marc by Marc Jacobs
17 Star-embellished leather bracelet by Oscar de la Renta
18 Pink faux-petal pompoms earrings by Marni
19 Pink chronograph watch by Michael Kors
20 Swarovski crystal brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane
21 Duchess of Fabulous Swarovski crystal ring by Erickson Beamon
22 Turquoise and coral crystal brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane
23 Deco Blanc 24-karat gold-plated necklace by Bijoux Heart
24 Mother-of-pearl charm bracelet by Aurélie Bidermann
To keep all my treasures safe, I would wish for the gorgeous leather jewelry box by Smythson in hot pink. With a removable drawer and multiple compartments, this love-forever piece would make a beautiful addition to my dressing table.
Fellow fashionistas, let’s start dreaming…
LoL, Sandra
While browsing the internet looking for some personalized lunchboxes and more, I came across Alphabet Goods. Laura, graphic designer, artist and mom-of-three, founded the site out of the same need.
The cute designs offer many possibilties, featuring the child’s name, initials, characterizations, hobbies and favourite foods – all served up with bold colors and tasty graphics. The products are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and break-resistant. I fell in love immediately. The newest product to be launched soon is the Face It waterbottles that you can see above.
Alphabet Goods offer worldwide shipping!
By the way, a portion of the sales is donated to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation.
Thumbs up for the fashionable idea!
LoL, Sandra
Now the boys can relax and play a nice round of foosball, while the fairer sex is sure to be all over the game, too. The ultra-pink Barbie Foosball table definitely bridges the gap of gender quality.
From the imagination of young French designer Chloé Ruchon, a student at Decorative Arts School in Strausburg, comes this crazy creation. It was produced in partnership with Mattel and the Bonzini group, the worldwide leader of foosball tables.
In place of the standard aluminium figurines of soccer (or “football” in Europe) players are leggy-line-ups of Barbie dools, ready for action. Guys, don’t you dream of getting in the game with a bunch of girls in hot pants?
This super-glam spin on the game-room classic is limited to only 8 numered pieces. Bearing an asking price of $24.999.-, it is available for special order by contacting the FAO Schwarz NYC Flagship Store at + 1 (212) 644-9400 or by clicking here.
The Barbie Foosball Table belongs to Mattel’s limited “The Plastic Collection” of carefully curated Barbie items from around the world.
Enjoy some of the other stunning pieces (photos above):
1 Barbie’s Pop Art (first in series), $750.-
2 Jonathan Adler 1959 Barbie mirror, $8800.-
3 Kitschy-cute rings made out of dolls’ shoes by jewelry designer Margaux Lange, $235.-
4 Barbie chair that references Starck’s Ghost Chair by Philippe Starck and Kartell, $650.-
5 Only 180 Commes des Garçons Barbies will be produced, each $350.-
6 Trenchcoat by Martin Grant, covered with little dolls kisses, $600.-
7 Barbie neon sign is built to order, $2500.-
Many designers have dressed the famous doll already. A real treat for the Barbie lovers and fashionistas! I am still not over my Barbie phase and would love to collect them all!
Therefore, I am dying to pay a visit to the first Barbie flagship store that has opened its doors this year in Shanghai. One thing is for sure, it captures the imagination not just of young girls, but of women of all ages.
Children can enjoy a walk on the runway in Barbie-esque clothes and learn how to sing and dance to the Barbie song. For adults there is a clothing line from Patricia Fields, the stylist behind Sex and the City, a café where you can enjoy Barbie-tinis and a day spa.
For all Barbie lovers, a little idea for a great girly birthday cake. Just put a naked Barbie in the middle and make the frosting look like her dress. Easy with an amazing effect! Your daughter is going to love you for it…
Life in plastic seems fantastic!
LoL, Sandra
Isabel and Ruben Toledo are what you would call a power couple, two highly talented individuals working in synergy. It is a marriage of art and fashion since 1984.
Cuban-born Isabel is a renowned fashion designer. Her creations are often seen on the First Lady Michelle Obama. Available for example at couturelab.
Ruben paints, sculpts, illustrates and draws. His surreal view of life brings humor and unconventionality to his fashion illustrations that have appeared in magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Paper, Visionaire and the New York Times. His work has adorned many book covers and his sketches have been an integral part of the Louis Vuitton’s city guides for years.
The French luxury goods maker has just released a unique limited collector’s edition box of 100 postcards adorned with Toledo’s vibrant illustrations capturing the essence of various cities. A wonderful commemoration of an outstanding artist and an ideal gift for the lover of art and fashion. Available at Louis Vuitton stores or at Colette for €80.- ($115.-).
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Christmas trunk in Monogram canvas
Last week, I went to the Louis Vuitton Christmas collection press preview that took place in the beautiful Schloss Sihlberg in Zurich.
The gorgeous presentation with vintage toys from the Zurich toy museum (Züricher Spielzeugmuseum) put me directly into the gift giving mood. It is true, Holiday 2010 is almost upon us, so let’s better get organised.
All I want for Christmas…
LoL, Sandra
The Neverfull bag (left) comes in the Mon Monogram design where you can choose the colour of the lining and how your personal initials should look like.
The Artsy python bag is the new It-piece (approximately €5650.-).
The Stellar bags in Mahina leather start at approximately €2190.-.
I love the Tambour Blush watch (right).
Totally cute are the little pouchettes (from €205.-) with the first LV advertising printed on them. Adorable!
Photos: ©Louis Vuitton/Koto Bolofo
It is the beginning of October and we should slowly start thinking of X-mas presents. What is always causing headaches for me is finding something for my hubby. Therefore I thought I have to show you those cool pieces that I have come across recently. From very expensive to absolutely affordable. And for my lovely male readers probably something interesting to treat yourselves a little. Enjoy!
The Versace “Business” watch is limited to 500 pieces and is sold in Versace stores worldwide for €1600.- which is truly an amazing price for a limited edition watch.
Prada offers some beautiful iPad (€150.-/€400.-) and iPhone (€95.-) cases along with matching USB sticks (€100.-), all made of their signature saffiano leather. Available from November in Prada stores.
The Ralph Lauren Home Brabham vice box in subtle leather is ideal for entertaining, with included crystal decanter and four glasses, poker chips, signature cards and coordinating coasters. It is a limited-edition of fifty and comes with an embossed nameplate stating so. The dream has its price: $4995.-
The Hammond chess set is a sleek and modern rendition of a classic favourite, an ideal gift for the luxury loving game aficionado, $1995.-.
The GG pattern shawl by Gucci is an iconic piece and comes in beige and metallic gold with brown GG or in grey and metallic silver with black GG.
Available online or in Gucci stores for CHF 420.-.
The Special Edition has a reminiscent design of early 60s music, fountain pen (CHF 1055.-).
For all music lovers, Montblanc has released the John Lennon Collection, in commemoration of the late legend’s 70th birthday. The writing instruments collection consists of three editions.
I hope that I have inspired you a little!
LoL, Sandra
The Commemoration Edition 1940 is limited to only 1940 pieces and marks the year of Lennon’s birth, fountain pen (CHF 3.875.-).
The Limited Edition 70 is limited to 70 pieces, the age John Lennon would have since this October, fountain pen (CHF 31.000.-).
Ladurée is worldwide known for their double-decker macaroons which come in various flavours and seasonal specials. Founded in Paris by Louis-Ernest Ladurée, in 1862, the famous luxury pastries shop and café is always worth a visit. Today, the brand can be found all over the world and has even opened its doors in Zurich last winter.
Even if you are not into caloric treats, you should pay the shop a visit. The interior itself is overly stunning and inspiring, definitely nothing for minimalists.
Remember my friend, I wrote about, that built her dream closet in the famous Ladurée green.
The Ladurée universe includes much more than sweets. They sell the most beautiful gifts you can imagine from scented candles to shower gel, from ruffled printed umbrellas to tea degustation sets. All gorgeously wrapped and packed in their signature boxes in pastel colours.
Many designers got together with the famous French patisserie for the best fashion/food collaborations ever. Names like Christian Lacroix, Christian Louboutin, Marni, which are making our hearts go all aflutter with their designs, have created adorable macarons gift sets.
In the end of October, John Galliano will be decorating his special edition for Ladurée: The rose-ginger macaroons.
While the sweets inside may not last long, the fashionable packaging will be worth keeping it forever.
LoL, Sandra
Recently the couture bottle design has become a huge craze. Companies team up with famous designers to get new “clothes” for their drinks.
After some really amazing collaborations with some of the biggest names in fashion, like Christian Lacroix, Jean Paul Gaultier and Paul Smith, Evian has chosen Issey Miyake this year to create a stylish cover. Clean, contemporary and colourful is the new design that will be available in gourmet stores.
Perrier is spicing up his bubbles with the help of burlesque star Dita van Teese who will be their new cover girl this year. Before that they worked with Custo Barcelona, Agnès B. and Paul & Joe to create some very desirable cans and bottles.
Finally San Pellegrino decided to be part of the hype and has chosen Missoni to cover their famous bottle label with the Italian fashion house’s zig zag pattern for their 111th anniversary. Thirty million units are being produced and will be sold in the best restaurants worldwide. In Zurich, they are everywhere.
Diet Coke has been increasing its connections with the world of fashion since quite a while. So no wonder that a long list of famous designers already have got a chance to embellish the beloved soft drink. Karl Lagerfeld has even changed the shape of the bottle this spring.
For all champagne loving fashionistas, Piper-Heidsieck has got some amazing pieces, from the corset bottle designed by Jean Paul Gaultier in 1999 to Christian Louboutin’s Le Rituel Box with a red soled shoe flute and Viktor & Rolf’s limited edition Rose Sauvage set with an upside down bottle.
Dolce & Gabbana’s first experiment in the wines and spirits sector is the Martini Gold Limited Edition. The exclusive mix: bergamot from Calabria, lemons from Sicily as well as oranges, Spanish saffron, myrrh from Ethiopia, ginger from India, and cubebe pepper from Indonesia was developed by the design duo themselves.
A good investment was definitely one of the 2000 individually numbered whiskey bottles that featured Alexander McQueen’s signature Union Jack colours. The late designer had teamed up with Chivas Regal to create that special piece in 2008.
As to me, all those bottles are really striking and sophisticated object d’arts and a show stopping addition to any dinner party.
Cheers!
LoL, Sandra
Vending machines selling luxury goods seem to be on the rise. Katie Grand, editor-in-chief of LOVE magazine has teamed up with Selfridges to create such a machine for the beginning of London Fashion Week until October 15th. The new retail concept can be found in the lobby of London’s It-hotel St Martin’s Lane where many editors, models and buyers are staying at the moment.
You can get a lot of fantastic items, some highly exclusive, let me name a few:
-Falabella bag by Stella McCartney
-leather and sequined dress by Alexander Wang
-draped dress by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania
-a unique pair of trainers by Rick Owens customized by Chrome Hearts with solid silver hardware
-Amazona handbag by Loewe
-limited Dior nail polishes
-Mimosa candles by Diptyque exclusive to Selfridges in yellow
–Falke’s new „secret socks“ for men
-a vintage Rolex watch
-embossed leather wallets by Comme des Garçons
-clutch purses by Mulberry
A word to the wise, do not get drunk in the hotel bar, you might lose control and this could end on the way to your room passing the LOVE machine in a financial disaster.
LoL, Sandra