Consider this month's favorite finds:
Redhanded Bags - $155-$246
Being environmentally responsible and trendy are not mutually exclusive thanks to Redhanded's line of eco-chic purses, bags and attaches. The company's environmentally-sound, vegan and fair trade line will take your ensemble to the next level guilt-free, since Redhanded's green and ethical manufacturing process does not hurt or exploit animals, humans or the Earth in its quest for style. The company's extraordinarily well-crafted bags are made of toxin-free materials comprised of faux leathers and hand-dyed, certified organic linings. So, rest assured you can feel good while looking great!
Two of my personal favorites in the Redhanded line are the Trixie Handbag and Custom Notebook Attache. The flashy Trixie handbag is crammed with style and space. This hobo-style purse measures 12" x 12" x 4" and is available in metallic navy or, my choice, silver mesh faux leather. This attention-grabbing accessory is well suited for daytime or nighttime use, also featuring two large interior pockets, nickel hardware, and a magnetic snap closure. Having been out and about with my Trixie on a number of occasions, a few have inquired where I got it. So, be prepared to be chatted up by total strangers. Redhanded's Custom Notebook Attache is equally noteworthy, especially since it can be completely customized relative to the base color, flap design, and flap material with a palette of ten colors and textures. This attaché offers 2 compartments with ample room for even the largest laptop or notebook computer along with files, magazines, books and other bulky items that don't typically fit comfortably into standard bags. Five other zip pouches and pockets (2 exterior/3 interior) keep other necessities within easy reach. (www.redhandedbags.com)
TuNix Brand "Lipstick on Safari" Tunic - $170
Break away from the pack and embrace your wild side with TuNix brand's funky "Lipstick on Safari" design tunic, which features a bold zebra print with hot pink accents. Like all other tunics in the TuNix collection produced in the U.S., this "Lipstick on Safari" design is made of medium-weight 100% cotton and casual enough to wear while running errands around town. The tunic is also ideal for resort locations and for travel wear because it works as a day or informal evening look as well as a pool-side cover-up solution. The tunic comes in 4 sizes: XS, S, M and L. In addition to "Lipstick on Safari," TuNix's spring/summer 2009 collection offers an array of bold and colorful prints and solids. (www.shoptunixcollection.com)
Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Heartsong Bracelet - $120
As part of Emily Elizabeth Jewelry's Limited Edition Sui Generis Collection, the darling Heartsong bracelet is the perfect gift for gals with a whimsical sense of style and like to be noticed...in the best possible way. This beautiful bauble features a mix of leaf, star and heart charms affixed to a lovely chain of adjoined circles. Each circle in the 7 ¾" chain holds a singular charm, allowing the bracelet to jingle and jangle with wrist movement. The bracelet and charms are 18k gold plated brass, as is the fold over clasp that's decidedly easy to open and close. Various gold types are offered: yellow, pink, green, white (+$10), brown (+$20) and black (+$20). This fun and fabulous Heartsong Bracelet is offered among Emily Elizabeth Jewelry's other innovative designs, with the company's modern, feminine and classic collections divided into distinct categories: "Sweet and Sassy," "Cool and Kitschy," "Earth & Sky," "Always & Forever," and "Hair Pieces." Emily Elizabeth designs have reportedly been worn by such celebrities as Maria Menounos, Vanessa Hudgens, and Cheryl Burke of Dancing with the Stars. The company's entire collection of special and unique pieces...from bracelets, bangles, and hairpieces to earrings, necklaces, and lariats...are intended to be worn every day...and, in my opinion having seen the company's wares up close, should be. (www.emilyelizabethjewelry.com)
Nectar Accessories Clutch Purse - $99.99
For those instances when you need a stylish and compact clutch purse but also need to keep the lines of phone communication open, Nectar Accessories has the perfect solution. The company offers a fashion-forward clutch purse actually designed to accommodate the mobile lifestyle, keeping your cell phone within easy reach via a patent pending cell phone "window." Sexy meets practical with the 7.5" x 6" x 2.25" Nectar Clutch, which is available in faux layered zebra fur, faux black patent leather snake skin (which I have and found to be extremely supple to the touch), and the limited edition metallic leather. The purse has four compartments, including a 4.5" zipper pocket, to organize all the essentials. Dangling charms, a removable 10" handle drop carrying chain, and an attractive silver diamond lining complete the sophisticated look. However attractive, the novelty of this purse is the cell phone window embedded into the side of the bag allowing you to view and manipulate your cell phone - even in the dark. No need to rifle through your purse to see whose calling! The Nectar Clutch's cell phone window can hold almost any device, including iPhones, Blackberries, and flip phones. The window is made from heat sensitive material allowing it to work with a touch screen or key pad. For larger loads, company also offers a Nectar Work Tote with the same handy cell phone window design. (www.nectaraccessories.com)
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).
