Lisa Leonard Designs Large Link Charm Bracelet - $57
No woman can have too much jewelry, especially when it comes to unique conversation pieces with a personal touch. Lisa Leonard Designs large link charm bracelet definitely fits into this category, as I've personally seen the reaction this bracelet elicits - both from the wearer and those who see it on her. This beautifully crafted, distinctive sterling silver charm bracelet comes standard with two dangling hand-stamped initial charms (customized with your letter selections), a sweet heart charm, and one lovely freshwater pearl, and also features an easy-to-manipulate adjustable lobster clasp. Additional freshwater pearls may be added ($7 per) as can additional initial charms ($16 per). This and all other pieces in Lisa Leonard Designs' jewelry collection are simple elegance that can be worn with jeans or your little black dress. The company's custom jewelry is truly a work of art...hand cut, hammered, polished, drilled and assembled with readily apparent care. Lisa Leonard Designs' collection on the whole includes an inspired array of customizable necklaces, bracelets, earrings, men's gifts, keychains and other pieces like baby's first spoons, and will undoubtedly delight a lucky gift recipient.
(www.lisaleonardonline.com)
Gravity Table Cloth Magnets - $50
Gotta love a luxury item that's also downright practical, and Prestige Identity's Gravity Table Cloth Magnets are a great find for those who like to dine and entertain outdoors as I do. Keep everything on the table or buffet in place and looking fabulous these elegant tablecloth magnets. Simply attach one 1.5" diameter magnet to each corner of the tablecloth to keep your setting picture perfect. Designed by Philippi, these magnets make a wonderful housewarming present, hostess gift or stocking stuffer. This is just one of many fine European-design home accessories and gifts that Prestige Identity offers online and in its Los Angeles storefront.
(www.prestigeidentity.com)
Classic Cigar Cutter - $48
Finding the perfect gift for him just got easier with the help of giftware purveyor Prestige Identity. This classic and sophisticated cigar cutter, also designed by Philippi, and is made from polished stainless steel and measures 2.5" x 1.5". The tri-folding, compact design makes it easy to transport, making it an ideal gift for the cigar aficionado in the family or for a friend, colleague or the boss. Prestige Identity does, in fact, have an entire category of "gifts for him," offering an impressive selection of items in three categories sure to account for any man on your list: "for the man on the go," for "the executive," and "for the entertainer."
(www.prestigeidentity.com)
Spare Soles - $25
Finally a reprieve for ladies who love to wear high heels but inevitably end up with sore soles, aching arches and peeved piggies: Spare Soles! Whether during or after a long day at work, an evening of dancing, a standing room only soiree, a travel excursion or any other event that calls for high heels or otherwise uncomfortable shoes, Spare Soles are just the ticket to tame those tired, aching feet - an avoid going barefoot in public. Eeew. Spare Soles are compact, rollable, foldable, take-anywhere ballet-style flats that fit in the smallest of purses or pockets. They have a comfortable stretchy fashionable upper made of nylon and spandex, a 100% cotton lining, and a skid resistant water-proof bottom. Spare Soles come in four sizes - small (shoe size 5-6), medium (7-8), large (9-10) and extra-large (11-12) - and a range of colors. Each pair comes complete with a pouch with a wrist strap should you want to carry them separately. Spare Soles are also reusable, and come clean with just a simple hand wash or a spin in a washing machine's gentle cycle followed by an air dry. This ingenious item is perfect for those inevitable moments when your feet have had enough but you haven't.
(www.sparesoles.com)
Estancia Pinot Grigio, Riesling, & Shiraz Wine - $15 per bottle
Roughly translated from the Spanish word for "estate," Estancia is aptly named to reflect founder Agustin Huneeus' conviction that the world's best wines capture the essence of their place of origin. Toward this end, the winery maintains direct control over how all the grapes used to make its wines are farmed, managed, and processed. I recently sampled three Estancia varietals - a 2008 Pinot Grigio, a 2008 Riesling, and a 2007 Shiraz - and am pleased to report that Estancia's high-quality standard remains evident - even at the affordable price point.
The Estancia 2008 Pinot Grigio is a breezy and light-hearted wine that has a fresh and crisp conclusion on the palate. The wine has a pale golden color that provides an aroma of Jasmine white flowers, apples and lemongrass while the flavor brings to mind the liveliness of grapefruit, citrus and melon with a refreshing mid-palate and a long green apple finish. The grapes for this bottling came from cool climate vineyards known for their lengthy growing season, offering berries with an intense character. Fantastic when paired with seafood, sushi, and seasonal salads. Estancia's 2008 Riesling originates from fruit that endured the entire growing season and were picked at the height of their growth, offering a balanced acidity between fruity and floral aromas. A nose of tangerines and orange blossoms will delight, while a subtly sweet flavor of peaches, honey, dried apricots and apples prevails on the palate. The finish is crisp and refreshing. Try this wine with Thai-inspired spicy entrees or sautéed vegetables. Unlike the other two refreshing and crisp wines, Estancia's 2008 Shiraz is bold, dramatic, and explosive in its delivery of both aroma and flavor. The wine is a gorgeous deep garnet, exuding a scent of dark berries and figs with hints of toasty oak and cocoa. The palate is rife with rich, dark flavors of spicy berry fruits, figs and a hint of white pepper. Its finish is rounded out with fine oak tannins developed over a 12-month barreling process. Pair this wine with roast beef, pork, or lamb.
(www.estanciaestates.com)
- Merilee Kern
JustLuxé.com's "The Luxe List" Executive Review Editor
The Luxe List product, service and travel review editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for new and captivating "musts." Submissions are accepted via e-mail at Merilee@JustLuxe.com. View all of Merilee's Luxe List articles from here (scroll to page bottom).