Luxe Loves of the Moment

(in no particular order, of course)

-- what do you get when you take kitchen gadgets + useful accessories for the home and style them with art and beauty? None other than the iconic Italian powerhouse Alessi. And to prove the point, you can visit "Alessi: ethical and radical" - an exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from 21 November to 10 April.


-- what looks like a flute + tells the time + wakes you up + and controls the power to your television or stereo? Scandinavian electronics giant Bang + Olufsen brings you BeoTime, an alarm clock and remote control combination device that's must-have-now worthy. Just under US$400 and perfect for the holiday season.

-- I've always loved military inspiration in fashion, so naturally I'm loving the amazing Chiffre Rouge Chronograph watch from Dior Homme. Featuring a two-tone army green and olive strap, the watch collides sport and elegance with utility and durability. US$3450.

-- James Perse might make the softest, most comfortable tshirts ever. Well, along with John Varvatos and Marc Jacobs.

-- Speaking of Varvatos, I'm loving the broken in shoes from John Varvatos - especially in gray or olive green options. To load up, call Paul Carter at the Los Angeles location.
+1 (310) 859-2791

-- I love true philanthropic shopping. By this, I mean when a company does NOT profit from participating in a charity or worthy cause. There are few things I love more than fashion; cooking and cancer advocacy are definitely two of the select passions I'd include with fashion. So when Williams-Sonoma announced their sixth year of partnering with St. Jude's Children's Hospital (a national model for researching and treating children with cancer), I had to take note. From 12 November - 12 December, customers can donate any amount at any of the Williams-Sonoma branded stores (Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Teen and Kids, Williams-Sonoma Home), and all monies collected will be donated to St. Jude's. Additionally, there are specific items available at all of the company's stores where all proceeds will be donated. Shopping + the best of the best kitchen electrics, accessories, and food hall + cancer advocacy and research = a match made in heaven.

-- Asymmetric Crocodile-Embossed Jacket: Inspired by ruggedly functional motocross design, this Giorgio Armani jacket takes things in a more refined direction, sending a message of understated elegance—but never losing sight of its eminently functional forebears.

• • Midnight (dark blue) asymmetric crocodile-embossed double-faced lambskin; cognac lining.
  • Stand collar; asymmetric hidden front zip.
  • Long sleeves.
  • Front on-seam pockets.
  • Made in Italy of imported material.
  • US$5295

-- I love that the marketing madness at Cole Haan has finally subsided a bit and they're starting to appeal to a younger, hipper crowd. For the price, I love the shoes from Cole Haan, especially the vintage inspired Cole Rood and Haan pocket collection - so it's nice to see the brand increasing their stake in the younger, hipper lifestyle demographic.

-- I'm loving the "Ivy League Prep" right now - but mixed with a bit of edge or character. Repp-stripe ties, nautical inspired outerwear, all things Americana. Imagine jet set + ski lodge chic + street smarts + utility + a college degree.