Japan store offers $250k jewel lucky dip bag

A Japanese department store is offering anyone with a quarter of a million dollars a lucky dip bag stuffed with expensive jewellery to ring in the New Year.

One lucky customer prepared to hand over a numerically significant 20.12 million yen ($259,000) can celebrate the turn of the year with a fistful of precious baubles.

The “fukubukuro” (lucky bag) — a feature of the New Year in Japan, one of the country’s most important holidays — will go on sale on January 2.

Customers do not know the exact contents of fukubukuro, but they are usually bought on the understanding that the contents will be worth more than the sale price.

“We hope it will lift spirits for the New Year,” said an official at Okajima Department Store in Kofu, a city 100 kilometres (60 miles) west of Tokyo.

The store said the three pieces of jewellery — platinum rings featuring a 3.13-carat emerald and a 79.20-carat tourmaline, both glittering with diamonds, and a pendant with a 172.53-carat aquamarine — would normally retail at 50 million yen.

Source www.luxuo.com

Similar Posts:

Elizabeth Taylor pearl sells for $11.84 million
Fabergé launches first ad campaign
Dolce & Gabbana Jewelry Fall 2011
Dior’s Animated Film “Mise en Dior”
Tiffany & Co. Fall 2011 Campaign
Christy Turlington models jewelry for Louis Vuitton

Save and share Japan store offers $250k jewel lucky dip bag

To share this post with your family and friends? Click the button below to send them an email or save this to your favorite social network.

Hotel Rates in New York City skyrocket ahead of NYE

New York may be officially the most popular place in the US to spend New Year, but travelers will still be paying through the nose for the privilege.

Staying in the Big Apple in 2012 will cost revelers up to 700 percent more than normal, price comparison site NewYorkHotels.org said this week.

On average, the 50 properties that have room availability are charging more than triple their regular rates, the website calculated.

Earlier this week, Priceline.com revealed that it has seen a surge of interest among travelers wishing to spend New Year’s Eve in New York, which pushed Las Vegas off the top spot for New Year’s Eve destinations for the first time in seven years.

That seems to have led to something of a booking frenzy, with one two-star hotel in Brooklyn reportedly pushing up its nightly rate from $119 to $1,000 for the night and none in the center charging under $500. 

Source www.luxuo.com

Similar Posts:            

 

The Ritz-Carlton opens its first hotel in Saudi Arabia  

Paris hotel rates on the rise  

Banyan Tree opens Macau resort  

Aman Resorts for sale  

Marriott to build New York’s tallest hotel  

World’s Biggest Best Western Opens in Russia   

 

Save and share Hotel Rates in New York City skyrocket ahead of NYE

To share this post with your family and friends? Click the button below to send them an email or save this to your favorite social network.

Party Rock Frocks

If you're going out on the town tonight to celebrate New Years Eve, and are still undecided on what to wear, here are some ideas that may help. I've selected a few party frocks to inspire you to ring in 2012 with savoir faire. We all have something in our closets that are either printed, colourful, simple or sparkly; this is a good opportunity to take it off the hanger and wear it with your best pair of heels.



There is a saying that goes "what you're doing at exactly midnight on New Years Eve is a reflection of how the rest of your year will go". If that's anything to go by, then what you're wearing on New Years Eve should also set the tone for the year ahead. So make it sassy, sweet and stylish and hopefully that will signify a fashionable year to follow!

What is your New Years style going to be like? 

Wishing you a terrific 2012! Going out or staying in, whatever your plans are, I hope that you have a great one! 

2013 Toyota Prius C or the Aqua launches in Japan

The Toyota Aqua, or Prius c has launched in Japan. Available performance mods include a sport exhaust system with chrome tailpipes, larger alloy wheels as well as a suspension package that lowers the Prius c’s ride height.

The Prius C is powered by a state-of-the-art, small, light and efficient 1.5-litre (1,496 cc – Engine Model: 1NZ-FXE) Toyota hybrid system with reduction gear. It comes with a selectable electric-vehicle mode (EV Mode) enables driving with only the electric motor. The maximum output @ 73kW from the hybrid powerplant.

On the exterior, the sport package from TRD includes a new front apron with additional air vents and optional LED daytime running lights, side skirts, a roof spoiler, and a rear apron with a matte black diffuser to fit with a dual tailpipes.

For the interior, there’s a new TRD push-button start off although efficiency mods are restricted -for the time getting- to a sports exhaust technique with a pair of chrome tailpipes, bigger alloy wheels and a suspension package with new springs and shock absorbers that lower the car’s ride height.

The 2013 Toyota Prius C is scheduled toapper at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Starting price for the Aqua is 1.69 million yen ($21,700). TMC plans to sell 12,000 units per month in Japan.




Press Release

TMC Launches Aqua in Japan

Compact Hybrid Combines Driving Enjoyment with World-Leading Fuel Efficiency

Toyota City, Japan, December 26, 2011—Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the "Aqua"^*1 gasoline-electric compact hybrid.

The Aqua combines a comfortable and roomy interior with a stylish body, and displays exciting acceleration and agility.

The Aqua incorporates 17 years of Toyota expertise and technology in the development of mass-produced hybrid vehicles, and boasts a small, light and efficient hybrid system that achieves a world-leading^*2 fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's (MLIT's) JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/L^*3 under the MLIT 10-15 test cycle.

With a starting price of 1.69 million yen, the Aqua offers the pleasure of hybrid vehicles to an even broader range of consumers in Japan.

Monthly sales target for Japan: 12,000 units

Assembly Plant: Iwate Plant, Kanto Auto Works, Ltd.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices

Grade	Hybrid System	Driveline	Price*
L	THS II with reduction gear	Front-wheel drive	1,690,000 yen
S			1,790,000 yen
G			1,850,000 yen
*Includes consumption tax, does not include recycling fees and differs in Hokkaido and Okinaw

Vehicle Outline

Exceptional Fuel Efficiency

The Aqua features a state-of-the-art, small, light and efficient 1.5-liter Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with reduction gear, which achieves a fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L in the JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/L in the MLIT 10-15 test cycle.

A cooled Exhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR) system improves efficiency in the high-expansion-ratio Atkinson cycle engine. Also contributing to increased engine efficiency is a battery-powered water pump, a friction-reducing beltless design and precise coolant-water-flow volume control.

The hybrid transaxle, which includes the power control unit, the power-generation motor and drive motor, has also been designed to be small and light.

A selectable electric-vehicle mode (EV Mode) enables driving with only the electric motor.

Key Hybrid System Specifications

Engine	Model	1NZ-FXE
	Displacement	1,496 cc
	Maximum output	54 kW (74 PS)/4,800 rpm
	Maximum torque	111 N-m (11.3 kgf-m)/3,600—4,400 rpm
Motor	Maximum output	45 kW (61 PS)
	Maximum torque	169 N-m (17.2 kgf-m)
Engine & Motor	Combined maximum output*	73 kW (100 PS)
Battery		Nickel-metal hydride
*Based on TMC calculations

Design Combines Elements of Fun and Sophistication

The Aqua's active and fun styling provides outstanding aerodynamic performance with a comfortable interior in a compact body.

Exterior
The exterior offers a bold and modern design with a powerful and refined front mask and a rear silhouette that evokes imagery of brisk yet stable driving performance.

The vehicle comes in ten vibrant and stylish body colors, including new Citrus Orange Mica Metallic and Lime White Pearl Crystal Shine.

Interior
The instrument panel structure evokes a great sense of space, while the modern and geometric layout with color-coded, switch-operated areas reflect the pursuit of enjoyment and user-friendliness.

Distinctive and effective accent color placement contributes to a brighter interior and is available in four patterns: Earth Brown, Fresh Green, Cool Blue, and Natural Gray.

Front and rear seats with ample head clearance and legroom provide excellent comfort.

The hybrid battery has been sized for placement under the rear seat, resulting in a spacious cargo area of 305 liters^*4.

Exhilarating Performance for Enhanced Driving Pleasure

In addition to a long 2,550 mm wheelbase, the hybrid unit and engine are positioned to create a low center of gravity for superior maneuvering performance.

Engine and motor power combine to provide smooth acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and also at mid-range speeds, such as from 40 km/h to 70 km/h in 3.6 seconds (all measurements according to TMC).

With a minimum turning radius of 4.8 meters, the Aqua also boasts excellent maneuverability.

Fun and Easy-to-use Hybrid

The instrument panel sports a myriad of functions that support environment-conscious and enjoyable driving. The Hybrid System Indicator offers easy-to-understand information concerning eco-driving, such as effective accelerator use. In addition to the standard display, an optional high-resolution thin-film-transistor liquid crystal multi-information display provides a variety of eco-driving information. Eco Judge ranks eco-driving on a 100-point scale, and Eco Wallet shows money saved as compared with other levels of fuel efficiency.

High-level Safety and Comfort-Enhancing Features

ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) maximizes braking performance, with the EBD appropriately distributing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. Also, a brake assist function generates extra braking force to assist the driver in emergency braking situations.

Vehicle Stability Control controls brake and engine output to maintain vehicle stability if skidding occurs. Traction Control controls wheel spin to simplify acceleration operation.

Hill-start Assist Control reduces anxiety about the vehicle rolling backwards when starting on a steep incline.

Automatic air conditioning comes standard on all models and is equipped with an electric inverter compressor run by the electric motor, enabling a comfortably air-conditioned interior even when the engine is off.

In addition to seat heaters, the exhaust heat recirculation system draws heat from the engine directly into the cooling water, enhancing heating performance and fuel efficiency in the winter.

Diverse Range of Packages Meet a Range of Needs

The Aqua is available in seven different packages.

	Package	Main Features
1	Smart entry package	- Smart entry and start system for driver, passenger, and rear doors (with answer-back function) - Antitheft system (engine and motor immobilizer) - Light controls (auto on/off lights and auto shutoff headlights)
2	LED headlight package	- LED headlights (with auto leveling function, headlight cleaner, black extension ornamentation, and auto shutoff system) - Front fog lights
3	Touring package	- 195/50R16 tires and 16x6J aluminum wheels (with center ornamentation) - Large rear roof spoiler - Smoked headlamp trim - Dedicated suspension
4	Beauty package	- nanoe* - Super UV-cut Glass (front doors) - Seat heaters (driver and passenger seats) - Passenger seat sun visor with vanity mirror
5	Advanced display package	- TFT multi-information display - Touch Tracer Display - Steering-wheel-mounted switches (audio system operation, Trip and Display buttons, and air conditioning switches; with touch tracer function)
6	Navigation system ready package	- Backup camera - Six speakers - Steering-wheel-mounted switches (audio system operation, Trip and Display buttons, and air conditioning switches)
7	Audio system package	- CD + AM/FM & AUX terminals - Steering-wheel-mounted switches (audio system operation, Trip and Display buttons, and air conditioning switches) - Six speakers
*nanoe and the nanoe logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation

Welcabs: Vehicles with Factory-installed Features for The Disabled

The Rotating Passenger Seat model features a passenger seat that rotates to facilitate smooth ingress and egress. The Type B model features an electric loading/unloading mechanism for manual wheelchairs.

Welcab Friendmatic Seat models allow for the installation of devices such as a specialized driver's seat, to help people without use of their legs drive with only their hands (scheduled for release in March 2012). Special-purpose power steering that reduces the force necessary to turn the steering wheel comes standard, helping to ease steering during initial acceleration and low-speed driving.

The Friendmatic-exclusive remote-controlled power driver's seat available on Types II and IV, aids movement to and from a wheelchair. Types III and IV include the Welcarry device, which automatically stows a wheelchair on the vehicle's roof.

Manufacturer's Suggested Welcab Retail Prices

Variant	Grade	Hybrid system	Driveline	Price*
Rotating Passenger Seat model (Type A)	S	THS II with reduction gear	Front-wheel drive	1,895,000 yen
	G			1,955,000 yen
Rotating Passenger Seat model (Type B)	S			1,894,000 yen
	G			1,951,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type I)	S			1,890,000 yen
	G			1,950,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type II)	S			2,125,000 yen
	G			2,182,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type III)	S			2,297,000 yen
	G			2,354,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type IV)	S			2,622,000 yen
	G			2,679,000 yen
*Includes consumption tax, differs in Hokkaido and Okinawa and excludes recycling fees. Rotating passenger Seat Type B and Welcab Friendmatic model Type II, Type III, and Type IV are exempt from consumption taxes; Welcab Friendmatic model Type I is exempt from consumption taxes only when the specialized driver's seat is installed at the time of purchase

^*1Derived from the Latin word meaning water. The name is meant to evoke an image of clean transparency as well as of something that is universally cherished. Also, the Aqua is meant to break the conventional image of hybrid vehicles, becoming something fluid and not constrained to any one shape or role—like free-flowing water. With this image, it is hoped that even more people will choose to experience the joys of hybrid vehicle ownership.
^*2Compared to mass-produced gasoline passenger cars (excluding plug-in hybrid vehicles). As of November 30, 2011, according to TMC.
^*3G and S grades are 37.0 km/L.
^*4Storage up to the top of the rear seat back calculated by TMC using the VDA method.

Friday Frills

*Photo via Tumblr

My Christmas Weekend

Ten Things I Did This Christmas



1. Spent the four day weekend with 40 of my closest family members at the Alpine Heath Resort, which is set in the heart of the glorious Northern Drakensberg Mountains. It was fun, peaceful and relaxing, with none of the drama of last year's trip, thank goodness.

The majestic Drakensberg Mountains

2. Ate more ice cream in one weekend than I did the entire summer. I don't want to see another Paddle Pop again - or at least for the next week or two ;)

3. Got my yearly dose of Vitamin D by spending an enormous amount of time relaxing by the pool, in the scorching midday sun.

The serene view from the spa 

4. Indulged in blissful treatments at the heavenly Alpine spa, which overlooked a tranquil lake and resplendent green mountains. It was so r that I only left because I probably would have been forcibly removed if I didn't.



5. Watched 'Home Alone' on Christmas Day with six of my adorable little cousins. I remember seeing it all through my childhood years. It's still the best holiday movie around.









6. Befriended a peacock who took shelter at our chalet during a rain storm. It was the first time I've seen one of these magnificent creatures up-close. They are truly beautiful.



7. Got hoaxed into going for a hike. I seriously don't know how this happened, as I am the least outdoorsy person around.



8. Wore harem pants after I swore that I wouldn't in this post. What was I thinking?

A view of the resort

9. After winning 3 consecutive games of 30 Seconds in a row, my team (aka The Gossip Girls) lost the grande finale against the team of underdogs (aka Our Mums aka The Desperate Housewives), who until that moment had lost every other game. And there were a lot, believe me. They even beat out our main competitors - aka our brainiac dads, whose team was aptly named The Big Bang Theory. Looking forward to next year's championship, we will come prepared for victory ;)



10. Most importantly, I spent quality time with my awe-inspiring family over good food, good laughs and we created great new memories. And there are no amount of gifts in the world which can top that.

*All photos taken by me, except the reception area.

2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series

Chrysler has introduced the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series, which will hit the U.S. market in the first-quarter of 2012.

Outside, Luxury Series cars are distinguished by their platinum-chrome grilles, door handles, mirror caps and polished 19 or 20-inch wheels, depending upon platform (RWD cars get 20-inch wheels, AWD cars get 19-inch). The styling changes are subtle and tasteful, and really do enhance the looks of the 300.

The seats themselves are a fine piece of design, coming with 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger functions (including four-way power lumbar), plus two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series arrive in the first quarter of 2012, starting at $40,145.




Press Release

All-new Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Sedan: The Most Luxurious and Fuel-efficient Chrysler Flagship Ever

All-new 300 Luxury Series expands the 2012 Chrysler 300 lineup with more personality, style and efficiency
Exclusive Luxury Series appointments include ultra-premium leather, hand-sanded matte wood, world-class craftsmanship and refinement - all to deliver the most luxurious Chrysler sedan ever
Chrysler 300 is the first domestic luxury sedan to feature a state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission
Best-in-class 31 highway miles per gallon (mpg) and best-in-class all-wheel-drive fuel economy with eight-speed automatic transmission and award-winning 292 horsepower, 3.6-liter aluminum Pentastar® V-6 engine
Chrysler 300 Luxury Series models start at $40,145 and arrive in the first-quarter of 2012

December 27, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Designed to be the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship sedan ever, the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series combines ultra-premium leather - once limited to some of the most exotic Italian luxury cars - with world-class refinement and handling, state-of-the-art safety and connectivity features and eight-speed automatic transmission with Pentastar® V-6 engine for 31 best-in-class highway mpg.

"The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Edition is more than just our flagship car, it's the trophy for the tireless majority, an automobile designed and built to meet the most discerning of expectations," said Saad Chehab, President and CEO - Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "It's fitted with a paddle shifting eight-speed transmission found only on cars twice its cost, dressed with the highest grade Italian Poltrona Frau leather and finished with hand sanded real wood found only in exotic cars - all to deliver a surprising combination of hyper craftsmanship, style, technology and ‘uber' best-in-class fuel economy at 31 mpg."

The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series expands the Chrysler flagship sedan lineup further with a fuel-efficient V-6 engine option, in addition to the top-of-the-range Chrysler 300C Luxury Series sedan with its powerful 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology.

World-class luxury with expressive styling details

The all-new Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series are the most highly appointed sedans the brand has ever offered.

Exclusive interior features found on the Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series sedans include either Black or Mochachino Poltrona Frau® "Foligno" leather-wrapped instrument panel, cluster brow, center console side panels and upper front- and rear-door panels. Premium Nappa leather covers the door armrest, bolster and center console armrest. Black or two-tone Mochachino seats are wrapped exclusively in supple Nappa leather and include 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats (including four-way power lumbar) with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers. Black or two-tone Mochachino leather-wrapped steering wheel - with all-new die-cast paddle shifters - features a unique chrome accent ring to highlight the segment-exclusive 360-degree heated rim. Completing the interior environment is specially selected Natural Pore Mocha wood trim featuring a matte finish to enhance the beauty of the real wood.

On the exterior, large 20-inch polished face (rear-wheel drive (RWD) only, 19-inch with all-wheel drive (AWD) and painted pocket aluminum wheels, provide the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series sedans with an even more planted and road-holding look. Platinum chrome fascia accents, exterior mirror caps and door handle accents provide an even more upscale look. Topping off the unique exterior is a platinum-chrome finished grille surround with platinum-chrome mesh grille for a truly distinctive appearance.

Premium amenities include the segment's largest touchscreen infotainment system (8.4-inch) Uconnect® Touch 8.4N with Garmin® navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link, LED-illuminated instrument cluster with driver-selectable color EVIC, power tilt and telescoping steering column with memory, power-adjustable pedals with memory, power backlight sunshade, premium 18-ounce Berber floor mats satin chrome lower door sills with "Chrysler" logo, dual heated/cooled cup holders, ambient lit foot well lighting, LED illuminated interior door handles and front and rear map pockets, premium carpeted trunk mat, HomeLink universal transceiver and power exterior mirrors with memory, driver mirror auto-dimming and auto-tilt in Reverse.

Available in RWD or with the segment's most advanced AWD system, the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series models arrive at Chrysler dealerships in the first-quarter of 2012. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (including $825 destination) of these Chrysler 300 models is:

• Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (RWD) $40,145
• Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (AWD) $42,495
• Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (RWD) $42,895
• Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (AWD) $45,245

Democratization of technology: segment-first eight-speed automatic transmission

Once available only on premium import vehicles costing twice as much, the 2012 Chrysler 300 is the first domestic luxury sedan to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. This new segment-exclusive ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission expands the world-class power and fuel-efficiency of the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series and delivers class-leading fuel efficiency with respect to:

• Best-in-class highway fuel economy (31 highway mpg)
• Best-in-class V-6 AWD fuel economy (18 city and 27 highway mpg)
• Best-in-class combined fuel economy (23 with RWD, 21 with AWD)
• Unsurpassed city fuel economy (19 city mpg RWD, 18 mpg AWD)
• Overall unsurpassed fuel economy in its class (19 city and 31 highway mpg with RWD)

The addition of three more gear ratios in the proven ZF eight-speed automatic transmission design help to reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting. Combined with the award-winning 292 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, passengers will experience world-class levels of refinement due to small, evenly spaced ratios that provide quicker acceleration and smoother shifts.

Delivering up to a 17 percent fuel economy improvement compared with the previous generation six-cylinder Chrysler 300 AWD models, the new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series AWD combines the new eight-speed automatic transmission, fuel-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and the segment's most advanced AWD system for maximum all-weather traction and efficiency.

Chrysler 300's AWD system (both V-6 and V-8 engines) features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system to improve real-world fuel economy. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. Chrysler 300's innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding fun-to-drive performance and handling inherent in RWD sedans.

The Many Coats Of Pippa Middleton

Pippa Middleton

Winter Street Style

Pippa Middleton is hailed as a Brit It-Girl and fashion icon, admired for her sophisticated style and graceful demeanor. She has become widely known, along with her sister Kate Middleton, for their timeless style that is easy to attain. Pippa demonstrates that looking polished isn't always about high-end labels or high heels. The simplest of styles can be the most appealing. 

For Winter 2011, Pippa has been sporting a variety of elegant coats, in different shapes, fabrics and colours. Pippa is an expert at making optimal use of her accessories, which is something we can all relate to. Her no-fail formula for a dashing winter's day work outfit are: A classic coat, black tights or skinny jeans, a deluxe leather handbag, knee-high boots and a voguish pair of Chanel sunglasses. And she gets it right every time. Here is some street style inspiration featuring the many coats from the closet of Pippa Middleton.

1. Pippa colours a grey winter's day in a bright blue double-breasted Ted Baker trench coat over black leggings and Russell and Bromley black boots. She accessorizes with a heart print Beulah London scarf and Modalu bag.

2. Pippa rules in red, with a collarless coat by Zara. French Connection skinny jeans, a brown croc Modalu bag and tan suede boots complete her cozy look.

3. She wears a chic tuxedo style jacket in royal blue with black velvet lapels & collar, by Sara Berman. It's paired with a simple black dress, tights, ankle boots & her favourite black bag.

4. Pippa put on a cute blue, black and grey checked coat over skinny jeans and her Russell and Bromley boots. Customary bag of choice by Modalu.

5. Pippa wears an army green Fay duffle coat with tan leather buckle detail. Underneath she has on a printed Alice by Temperley top. Her tan boots & Modalu bag are added to this look.

6. Her zip-up black coat is from Zara, teamed with a leopard print scarf, her much-loved tan boots and a tan Modalu bag.

7. Pippa is wrapped up in a dark brown Susannah robe coat, carrying a two-tone Loewe hangbag and wearing her comfy black boots.

8. Another military green coat, this one in a different style, by Reiss. It's worn with a leopard print scarf, Loewe bag and her trusty flat tan boots.

9. Ms Middleton looks smart in a linen blend charcoal grey trench by Reiss, with black sheer tights, black ankle boots and Modalu oyster croc bag. Her faux fur stole adds a luxurious element to this outfit.

10. Her adorable heart print grey and black dress is by Markus Lupfer, worn under a chic Zara blazer. She carries the same croc bag and wears Nicholas Kirkwood flats.

11. Pippa looks lovely in a slate grey wool coat with clinched waist and black edging. Her Russell and Bromley knee-high boots and Modalu bag make another appearance. 

12. A grey A-line duffle coat with puff collar by Fay worn over a matching grey dress, with opaque black tights and black boots. 

Pippa may only be as famous as that bridesmaid dress she wore to Prince William and Kate's wedding, but even if she wasn't a media made celebrity - if she were just a stranger that passed you by on a sidewalk somewhere, you would probably turn around and think, "Well, that's one stylish girl."

Monique Lhuillier Pre-Fall 2012

Monique Lhuillier fine tunes uptown elegance for her Pre-Fall 2012 collection. With minimal use of colour and an abundance of ideas, she has created day and evening wear that personifies femininity in it's most favorable form. Lace covered dresses that are fit for a high tea at the palace, or for the fashion-conscious bridesmaid. Then there are extravagant evening gowns that beg to be shown off at prime red carpet events.

Besides for innovative black and white prints, Monique has used blue as a primary colour choice. From cobalt to sapphire, indigo and navy, to shades of midnight, this collection gives new meaning to the term 'feeling blue'. We are presented with jubilant blue creations, in draped chiffon, full tulle skirts, satin ruffles and impeccably placed lace. Silhouettes are kept full and billowy, suited for any type of figure. 

The one dress that I'd really like to see worn on the red carpet is the second last one at the end - which has royal blue lace gently adorning a nude tulle gown. Perhaps on someone regal like Kate Middleton or even Keira Knightly.

Looks Of The Week - 24/12/11

There were not many red carpet looks this week, seeing that it's so close to the holidays. However, I did find some wintery street style inspiration. I'm off for the 4-day Christmas Weekend, so see you on the flipside.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked chic in LA, wearing a cream blazer and beige tee with cropped straight leg Burberry jeans. She added ivory Rag & Bone boots, a Chanel bag and leopard print scarf.

Ashley Tisdale wears my favourite look of the week. The former Disney starlet looked snazzy in a black and white striped top, with an Alice + Olivia pleated leather skirt. She carries a Chanel chain-handle bag and wears adorable red ankle platform boots.

Eva Mendes clashes prints with a multi-coloured blouse and leopard print scarf, (which looks like the exact same one Rosie is wearing). Eva wears army green jeans, brown suede boots and a Salvatore Ferragamo bag. A lot of different things going on here, but the central brown theme ties it all together.

Pixie Lott looked terrific in her boyish ensemble while out in London. The singer paired a black leather jacket and shorts with a prim white button-up shirt. What elevates her look are those cute Pamela Mann Lily leopard leggings and ruby red brogues. Have you noticed that the inner fabric of her jacket matches her tights?

Blake Lively shows off her suave biker style in Massachusetts. The actress wears a cropped leather biker jacket and distressed skinny jeans, both by Diesel. She broke up the all-black ensemble with a printed Theodora & Callum scarf. She walks in high-heeled biker boots. Her brown bag is by Givenchy.

Kate Moss is boho-London-chic in an ivory and brown cropped fur coat, with animal print cardigan and black trousers. 

Olivia Palermo looked savvy on the sidewalks of New York, wearing a chocolate brown double-breasted coat by Pringle. Her beige flare-fit jeans are by MiH. Olivia is wrapped up in an animal print scarf, which seems to a very popular choice this week. Her tan studded croc bag is by Valentino.

Jessica Alba looks classic in a white silk chiffon dress by Charles Henry, paired with a black blazer and black tights, her bag by Bvlgari.

Nicole Richie took her trailblazing style to the streets of Beverly Hills. She wore a black faux fur jacket by Helmut Lang, along with blue skinny jeans. Her splendid lace-up high-heeled boots are by House of Harlow. Nicole accessorized with an Artemis Wragge scarf & Celine bag.

Naeem Khan Pre-Fall 2012

Naeem Khan has been gaining fame with a slew of celebrity clients such as Florence Welch, Julianne Hough, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and even Michelle Obama. He masterly crafts elegant and feminine gowns with interesting shapes, and in sumptuous fabrics. He applied this same aesthetic to his Pre-Fall 2012 collection, in which sequins were the order of the day, delicately layered upon slinky silk and chiffon gowns.

The colour palette began with sugary pink and creamy white shades, then blazed into amazing brights like cerise, lime and daffodil. Khan added a dash of animal print, for a more dressed down evening look, showing that he isn't only about glitzy embellishments. The range concludes with a few black feathered frocks and an outstanding ivory gown with beaded bodice and voluminous skirt, which would make for an opulent wedding dress. 

Khan experimented with different types of necklines, which keeps the collection from being monotonous. What I appreciate about this range is that each look is unique, and not a continuation of the one before. My favourite piece is the first dusky rose tulle dress below. Which is yours?

Louboutin plans first US store for men

The luxury Lifestyle blog (the home of luxury Lifestyle) presents Louboutin plans first US store for men.

 
Christian Louboutin, whose red-soled footwear is coveted by women worldwide, is to open his first US boutique for men in New York next spring.

News of the 1,035-sqf shop in the Meatpacking District comes after the brand opened his first boutique dedicated to men’s shoes last September in Paris.

“The men’s shoes only represent a small portion of the business at present but we think it has huge potential for the future,” Alexis Mourot, CEO for the brand, said.

Louboutin’s current line of footwear for men includes a two-tone satin “John John” derby for $895 and a black leather sneaker-like boot for $995 that features corset-like laces running all the way down to the toebox.

 

Source: www.luxuo.com 

 

Similar Posts:  

The Sophie Vlaming for Vogue Portugal December 2011 Shoot is Hot
This Vogue Joyas Spain December 2011 Shoot Turns Casual into Dressy
The Luize Salmgrieze for Glamour Spain December 2011 Shoot is Hot
The Bally Spring/Summer 2012 Campaign Sweeps the Snowy Alps
Isaac Mizrahi Launches Eyewear
Roberto cavalli's glam-slam hit 

Save and share Louboutin plans first US store for men

To share this post with your family and friends? Click the button below to send them an email or save this to your favorite social network.

2012 Cadillac CTS Touring Package

Cadillac has just announced the Touring Package for for the 2012 CTS.

The new CTS Touring Packages include such luxury features as Recaro seats, microfiber suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, a performance-tuned suspension, a V-series aerodynamic spoiler and performance wheel packages.

The touring pack on the 3.0 runs $2,065 and includes 18-inch pearl nickel finish wheels; dual exhaust; dark finish grille; HID headlights; V-series spoiler/tail light (not on wagon); suede seat inserts, steering wheel and shifter; midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals.

The 3.6L V-6 Touring Package option retails at $2,810 and features Recaro performance seating, suede-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals. The 3.6L Touring Package also gets a dark finish grille, V-Series aerodynamic center high mounted stop lamp (except Sport Wagon) and the 19-inch polished wheels with either summer tire performance package or all season tire package.


Prices for the 2012 Cadillac CTS sedan start at $36,790 (after an $875 destination charge), while the CTS coupe lists at $39,590, and the CTS Sport Wagon starts from $39,890.




Press Release

New Touring Package Models Enrich Cadillac CTS Lineup

Performance elements from V-series offered for standard models from $2,065

DETROIT - Cadillac is offering some of the performance elements of its V-series product line on standard 2012 CTS models through the new Touring Package Sedan, Coupe and Wagon starting at $2,065.

The new CTS Touring Packages include such luxury features as Recaro seats, microfiber suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, a performance-tuned suspension, a V-series aerodynamic spoiler and performance wheel packages.

"One of the best aspects of high-performance machines like the V-Series is that they bring new elements into the brand that enrich the rest of the breed," said Cadillac Vice President of Marketing Don Butler. "The new Touring Packages give CTS buyers access to some desirable V-Series elements, in a more-approachable format."

CTS Sedan and Sport Wagon come with either a 3.0L or optional 3.6L engine, both Direct Injection V-6 units, while CTS Coupe comes standard with the 3.6L engine. Each engine now will have its own Touring Package available:

The 3.0L V-6 touring package option retails at $2,065 and includes 18-inch pearl nickel finish wheels; dual exhaust; dark finish grille; HID headlamps and fog lamps; V-Series aerodynamic center high mounted stop lamp (except Sport Wagon); suede seat inserts, steering wheel and shifter; midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals.

The 3.6L V-6 Touring Package option retails at $2,810 and features Recaro performance seating, suede-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals. The 3.6L Touring Package also gets a dark finish grille, V-Series aerodynamic center high mounted stop lamp (except Sport Wagon) and the 19-inch polished wheels with either summer tire performance package or all season tire package.

With 318 horsepower from the 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine, the CTS accelerates from 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, and comes with optional all-wheel-drive and FE3 performance suspension designed for agile cornering and braking. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission are also included in the FE3 performance package.

Other new CTS features for 2012 include standard Bluetooth connectivity, optional RainSense Wipers and Side Blind Zone Alert (Coupe) along with new colors: Opulent Blue Metallic; Black Diamond Tri-Coat and Mocha Steel Metallic.

Suggested retail prices including destination charges for the 2012 models start at $36,790 for the CTS Sedan, $39,590 for the CTS Coupe and $39,890 for the CTS Sport Wagon.