bLavish

Birchbox: Deluxe Beauty Samples Delivered

December 8, 2010 | Posted by bLavish as For Her, Holiday Gift Ideas, Just For Frivolous Fun at 7:31 pm | Comments off

I don’t know about you, but I have more cosmetic products in my bathroom than Sephora. This probably surprises people, since I rarely wear makeup, but there’s just something about skincare products that I find infinitely irresistible. I know I’m not the only one, because when I visit my girlfriend’s homes, I find products busting out of every nook and cranny. Not cheap ones, either. If I saved all the money I spend on products each year that turn out to be wrong for me, I could probably afford a small island by the time I’m forty. All this has a point, I promise.

Birchbox has found a solution to your beauty product overspending problem. For ten bucks a month they send you 4-5 deluxe trial sizes of high end cosmetic products specifically chosen for you. Well, not chosen for you, personally, but tailored to your likes, more or less. The brands they include are impressive: Nars, Jurlique, and Kiehl’s, to name a few. Even if the products don’t turn out to work for you, at least you’ll know that, and won’t waste money on a full size. Also, you can buy a year gift membership for $110.

The Nixon 42-20 Black Brushed Steel Watch

December 8, 2010 | Posted by bLavish as For Her, Holiday Gift Ideas, Timepieces at 3:00 am | Comments off

This may come as a surprise to some people, but not all women want to get diamonds as gifts. Not all of us want spiky heels or delicate satin purses, either. Some women opt for tight designer jeans and minimal accessories. This watch is for that kind of woman.

For the avant gardist, this watch is almost completely irresistible. It’s both practical and also well-designed. The black-on-black color scheme won’t interrupt the flow of your monochromatic wardrobe and makes it look sleek, even though the shape is a bit clunky and masculine.

Nixon has become, in the past few years, one of the hippest watchmakers around. They make quality timepieces for reasonable designer prices, and most of their designs are meant to stand up well to wear and tear. The 42-20 is definitely one of these. It has a scratch-resistant face and is water resistant up to 200 meters. Not bad for $420.

C de Cartier Palladium Ballpoint Pen

December 6, 2010 | Posted by bLavish as Holiday Gift Ideas at 10:30 pm | Comments off

I can’t remember the last time I wrote a letter. I mean a letter on stationery with an envelope to which I then affixed a postage stamp. Cartier just isn’t exaggerating when they claim that, “in a world of computers, handwriting and personal signatures have become meaningful rituals.” This gorgeously sensual C de Cartier pen makes writing a significant act, and perhaps even a significant experience.

This is the kind of gift that is suitable for a man or a woman. It’s sleek palladium finish is stamped with the Cartier logo, but not in an in-your-face sort of way. Everything about this pen is low key and elegant, from it’s slim dimensions to its smooth-rolling black ballpoint.

This might be one of those gifts that you give a little early, just to be extra nice. After all, what could make writing holiday cards more special than a timeless writing instrument?

Custom Designed Tron Motorcycle Helmet

December 2, 2010 | Posted by bLavish as Holiday Gift Ideas, Tid Bits & News at 7:37 am | Comments off

It’s never been a better time to be a Tron fan with the blockbuster film just around the corner and now you can celebrate your fandom with more than a ticket stub.

Take a look at this custom designed Tron helmet for the luxury lover in your family.  The latest Les Ateliers Ruby’s motorcycle helmet will run you somewhere between $1200 and $1800, but hey, who’s counting the bucks when you’re going to look this fabulous, right?

Now you just need the rest of the Opening Ceremony Tron outfit and you’ll be set!

Handmade Wooden iPad Docking Station

December 1, 2010 | Posted by bLavish as Holiday Gift Ideas at 9:23 am | Comments off

When we saw this baby on Etsy, we knew we had to post it and grab it up, so you’d better beware that we might get to it first!

Check out this simply amazing and eco-friendly handmade Wooden Docking Station for not only your new iPad but also your iPhone or iPod, though it appears that the shuffle can sadly not be charged with this station.

This luxurious docking station, despite its rustic charm,  just uses a standard USB plug so you can sync with the computer with ease.  Cost, $188 from Etsy seller, WoodTec.

Solange Azagury-Partridge Shooting Star Skeleton Ring

November 30, 2010 | Posted by bLavish as For Her, Holiday Gift Ideas, Jewelry at 7:00 pm | Comments off

The stakes are high this holiday season. I guess they always are, but it seems like right now, everyone already has all the basic luxury goods. Even those with a lot of spending money are buying fewer big ticket items and more small ones, which makes gift-giving a little harder. Unless you’re ready to invest in a Bentley for your sweetie, you better starting thinking quick, because she already has an iPhone.

This gorgeous Shooting Star Skeleton Ring is a great gift for a woman with minimal, artistic taste. If she’s not into a lot of bling, this pared down piece of beautiful design is a good choice. The intricate style looks almost like a model of a gem, or its skeleton, thus the name. The 18 karat white gold gives it a cool, edgy look.

This is the kind of ring that quickly becomes a signature piece. It’s unique and versatile, sparkly enough to wear with a cocktail dress, but simple enough for everyday. I can’t wait to see more from Solange Azagury-Partridge.

Robin Rotenier Button Cuff Links

November 30, 2010 | Posted by bLavish as For Him, Holiday Gift Ideas at 1:15 pm | Comments off

Buying gifts for fashionable men is hard. I’ve found that it’s just a lot more difficult to figure out what will work for them. Plus, if you’re anything like me, men’s sizes are a total mystery to you. How can I tell what size your neck is? Cuff links are a traditional gift for a reason. They come in one size fits all, so the only trick is figuring out which style will work.

These button cuff links are absolutely timeless, and, I think, pretty ageless, too. The low key rose gold finish makes them classic enough for a bonafide gentleman with semi-conservative taste, but their quirky irreverence allows them to work for a young, urban hipster. Either way, they’re streamlined and practical, and if the rose gold is too noticeable, they also come in yellow or white gold. These could be perfect for a man you know very well or a man that you barely know at all, and either way, they’re a much better choice than a tie.

A Sassy Stocking Stuffer For Your Sweetie

November 29, 2010 | Posted by bLavish as Apparel, For Her, Holiday Gift Ideas at 8:30 pm | Comments off

Looking for a stocking stuffer that’s not ho-ho-ho-hum? How about these adorable little knickers by Stella McCartney? This “Knickers of the Week” gift set comes packaged in a cute box with a drawer for each day.

Each pair of knickers is made of a sheer, comfortable blend of polyester and silk. They are trimmed in flirty bits of lace and embroidered on front with the day of the week and a sweet little flower. Who really cares what day it is when all of them are equally pretty?

Let’s be honest, guys, no woman lives in sexy lace lingerie. But that doesn’t mean that her everyday basics have to be bland. These are a great gift because they’re comfy, simple, and a little bit sassy. In other words, just right for everyday.

Dottling Colosimo Watch Safe

November 27, 2010 | Posted by bLavish as For Him, Holiday Gift Ideas at 10:00 pm | Comments off

What do you buy for the man who has everything and can buy anything he wants? Something beautiful and unique to protect his purchases, perhaps. This stunning Colosimo watch safe is made by Dottling, the reknowned German safe-maker. The Colosimo is named after Jim Colosimo, who was a bank robber in the early 20th century. Safes that look like this one were in heavy use during his gangster days, albiet at thirteen times the size. The Colosimo is a mere 11″ square.

The Colosimo has 16 radially arranged locking bolts and 32 gilged cogs to make it work, and it weighs an extraordinary 66 pounds. It’s made of stainless steel, and the interior is built to accommodate either a watch winder or a cigar humidor. It opens with a three-number combination and comes with mounting equipment. And, it looks seriously amazing, more like a designer accent than a security item.

Jay Strongwater Martina Jeweled Spider Clock

November 27, 2010 | Posted by bLavish as For Her, Holiday Gift Ideas, Timepieces at 7:15 pm | Comments off

If you’re looking for an opulent holiday gift for a person with unique, perhaps macabre taste, this jeweled spider by Jay Strongwater is pretty amazing. Jay Strongwater got his start in jewelry design making small gifts for his mother. Eventually, his collection made it onto runways and into stores. Now he designs housewares, using only the finest Austrian crystals available. His aesthetic is eclectic and ornate, and appeals to people who like more than a little decadence in their objets des arts.

This spider is extraordinarily baroque. The golden metal has been finished with enamel details in a topaz and olivine ombre design and encrusted with volcano, vitrail, and citrine coated Swarovski crystals. The aurora crystal teardrop on the spider’s back opens to reveal a cream dial clock. This kind of extravagance could be the perfect accent to a minimally-decorated living room, or an interestingly dark and sparkly addition to your dressing table.

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