bLavish

Prince Purples It Up

March 22, 2006 | Posted by Allison as How the Rich Survive at 1:38 pm | (2) Comments »

Ahhh, Prince- I mean the artist formerly known as Prince.  I will put it to a question, how do the rich survive?  And I think I’ve got it- by customizing the world to fit themselves, instead of us stragglers who are still trying to customize ourselves to fit the world.  And that is just what Price has done recently.

On Luxist today, I saw this little number:

“Word to the wise, don’t rent your house to Prince. The Smoking Gun has the documents relating to a complaint filed by Carlos Boozer, a forward with the Utah Jazz, who rented his West Hollywood mansion to the Purple One for $70,000 a month. Surprise, surprise, Prince painted the house with purple striping, his special symbol and the numbers 3121 (the name of his new album). Prince also added in a purple monogrammed carpet in the bedroom and changed the plumbing to accommodate beauty salon chairs. Prince was supposed to hold a private concert in the house for album holders who discovered a purple ticket in their CD cases.  The lawsuit was withdrawn. Prince’s lease ends in May and last night he surprised fans waiting outside Tower Records to pick up his album with an impromptu concert.”

Indeed, I will never rent out my mansion to Prince, unless I one day feel that purple carpet is an upgrade I can live with.

A. Testoni Shoes- What Your Feet Want

March 22, 2006 | Posted by Allison as For Him at 1:21 pm | (3) Comments »

Family-owned & headquartered in Bologna, Italy, A. Testoni makes some of the most beautiful leather shoes in the world today.  A. Testoni began making mens shoes in 1929.

Among the company’s many finely crafted shoe collections is the Amedeo Testoni line which features soles hot-stamped with feather images indicative of their light weight. Comfortable, flexible and crafted through Norwegian, Tyrolese and Rapid construction techniques, these Norvegese shoes offer workmanship of the type typically found on hiking boots, with natural seams and showy hand-woven twine.  Cost, $1500.

Doom 3 Case Mod- Wowzers!

March 21, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Gadgets at 1:00 pm | Comments »

For all those Doom fans, and I know you’re out there, BornRich.org had a recent post that will leave you open-mouthed & dribbling.

“I bet all the Doom-lovers out there will go crazy seeing the pictures of this incredible Doom 3 Case Mod. Though not much information is available about this unique Doom complex mod except that it has Fujitsu 15kRPM drive and the case itself can be removed from the rocky base that holds the SATA CDROM and hard disk. But then expect it to be made of top-quality hardware components. For more details and pictures check-out the forum here.”

Oh My Gawd!  That is enough to make anyone open-mouth & dribbling!  What a contraption of wonderfullness!  Are you as excited as I am?  Go on & check out the rest of the pics on the forum.  If ever the imagination ceased to amaze me…….

An Oh My Gawd FrancisFrancis! X 1 Luxury Espresso Machine

March 21, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Gadgets at 11:01 am | (2) Comments »

Are you ready for beautiful?  Are you ready for divine espresso?  Did I already say, are you ready for beautiful?

Designed by an Italian architect, this Francis!Francis X1 Espresso / Cappucccino Machine, lends a retro-futuristic look to your kitchen or office and produces the most perfect, authentic espresso and cappuccino you’ll ever taste. This pump espresso machine will produce a rich, dark brew with magnificent crema. 

Removable water reservoir in the back of the machine is large enough to hold water for approximately 24 cups of espresso. Simple steaming nozzle design dispenses hot water for tea or steams milk for cappuccinos or lattes. A handy cup rail on top of machine is ideal for warming cups as you’re preparing the espresso or storing cups.

Colors available:  light blue, black, true blue, orange, pink, red & stainless steel

I think you’re ready for beautiful, divine espresso.  Cost, $850.

Most Expensive Private Islands

March 20, 2006 | Posted by Allison as How the Rich Survive at 1:00 pm | (19) Comments »

Is it time to buy your own private island?  Ready to escape it all?  Then you’re looking at the right place for a little research & development.  Take a look at these top 10, most expensive island gems spanning the world.

10.  Isola Santo Stefano, Italy- $24 million

The unusual island rises out of the sea about 90 miles west of Naples. Totaling about 62 acres, it features a horseshoe-shaped building that dates back to the 18th century and was once used as a prison. There is also a church and several houses on Santo Stefano.  So lock up your prisoners & head to the church on this interesting island.

9. Thatch Cay, U.S. Virgin Islands- $24 million

This long, lush island is situated just a half mile off the coast of St. Thomas, and so offers convenience and seclusion all at once. On one side of Thatch Cay, dramatic cliffs drop into the ocean. On the other, the land gently slopes toward St. Thomas.  The best of both worlds at your fingertips.

8.  Blue Lagoon, Fiji- $25 million

Ringed by a coral reef, Blue Lagoon is about a mile long and totals approximately 225 acres. In the 19th century, it was a coconut plantation; today it is home to coconut crabs, giant clams and a mostly-complete resort. The design includes 20 luxury guest villas with marble baths, a dining pavilion, full service spa, meeting rooms, a golf course, marina and dive center. Are you ready for the adventure?

7.  Grand Bogue Caye, Belize- $25 million

This island is so appealing that a brother of the sultan of Brunei and Bill Gates have reportedly come to check it out. The largest private island left capable of being developed in Belize, it is unusual in that it is not overgrown with mangroves. Grand Bogue, totaling about 314 acres, has large beaches, coral flats, and forests.  Be ahead of Microsoft giant Bill Gates & come home to this beauty of an island today.

6.  Allan Island, Washington State- $25 million

Want to be closer to the U.S. & have your own private island, then here’s your ticket for the good life. Allan Island is northwest of the city of Anacortes, between Burrows Bay and Rosario Strait. It currently has a main house with two bedrooms, one bathroom and bamboo floors, and a guest house.

5.  Caritas Island, Connecticut- $25 million +

What a rare luxury to have a private island an hour’s drive from Manhattan! This four-acre island is connected to Connecticut via a private road, and features a 14,000-square foot stone manor house, built in 1906 for members of the Phelps Stokes family. The mansion has a marble entryway, herringbone oak floors, marble skirting, a two-story gourmet kitchen and library with a cathedral ceiling. The estate includes a lap pool, saltwater pool, 200-foot deepwater dock, guest cottage, caretaker’s cottage and gardens.

4.  Temptation Island, Thailand- $30 million

This 20-acre island reclines in sparkling waters off the east coast of Phuket, and is partly occupied by a resort that has 132 guest units.  If you’re looking for white, sandy beaches & romantic palms- this is the place! 

3.  Cerralvo Island, Mexico- $35 million

This large land mass of about 35,000 acres is located off the east coast of Baja, in the Sea of Cortez. The rugged island has beaches and sandy points, and a consistently balmy climate. Incredibly deep water nearby provides extraordinary fishing opportunities. Ready for a good, worthy investment opportunity?

2.  Pakatoa Island, New Zealand- $35 million

Most of the islands in Hauraki Gulf, about 30 miles from Auckland, have been set aside as reserves. Pakatoa, which is occupied by an inactive resort, is one of the few exceptions.  Get ready for a good thing with 24 beachside cabins & 38 hillside cottages.  Sounds like the perfect place for a company pow-wow.

1.  Isla de sa Ferradura, Spain- $39.7 million

This 14-acre island lies just off the northern coast of Ibiza, in the bay of San Miguel. The island features a large salon, home theater, professional kitchen, dining room that seats 14 and several terraces, including a revolving one overlooking the swimming pool. The pool has its own waterfall and bar. There is also a cave complex built to house a whirlpool, solarium, steam bath and other amenities.  My favorite, a cave complex with whirlpool?!  I’m sold!  Now someone just hand over $39.7 million so I can start packing!

Sam Edelman ‘Delicia’ Wedges the Perfect Summer Shoe

March 20, 2006 | Posted by Allison as For Her at 9:00 am | (3) Comments »

Looking for the perfect pair of summer shoes for 2006?  Well, ladies- look no further than the Sam Edelman ‘Delicia’ wedges!  These babies scream beautiful, delicious (as the name implies) and originality.

This fashionable ankle strap wedge features polished stone ornamentation and satin floral detail on the heel.  It is available in either leather or snake embossed leather upper- choose from brown, orange or aqua.

Put your best foot forward in this forward-thinking open-toe ankle strap so charmingly adorned with polished stone accents and floral appliques.  Cost, $135.