A partnership and lava-like hotness

  

"The citrus notes have more "sizzle" thanks to the grapefruit accord on top.  The original spices have been given an unexpected twist with refined cardamom, nutmeg, and a hint of black pepper for a modern, masculine finish."

-- Elsa Chabert, Fragrance Essentielles

Since 1973, London's Molton Brown have made some of the most incredible bath, body, and home fragrance products.  They're expertly blended with exotic ingredients for a truly unique experience for both men and women, while being socially responsible and environmentally friendly.  I've used a number of their products over the years in both hotels and my home, and really enjoy how each product seems to out perform expectations.  With Molton Brown, you'll use much less product than anticipated while having a luxurious, spa-like experience in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

I'm really excited for their newest collection, Recharge Black Pepper Sport.  Each summer, I find myself attracted to the same types of scents - either citrus or aquatic.  But I'm always looking for something new, something not everyone else will be wearing.  This year I'm looking forward to incorporating a bit of this new range from Molton Brown.  And I haven't even smelled it yet!  When I do, you can be sure I'll post a note or two.  

I'm also very interested in various watch collections by Tiffany & Co.  If you haven't noticed, the luxury watch segment is incredibly saturated, with malls and shopping centers dominated by both storefronts and advertisements of each mark's latest watch model or yet another celebrity pushing yet another timepiece.  With the younger generation of luxury shoppers, a brand's heritage and history isn't enough to warrant a sale; quality, service, and experience must also be a priority.  I love how Tiffany & Co. have added a modern twist to their own watch history.  Did you know that the brand's innovative founder Charles Lewis Tiffany installed a clock outside of the flagship boutique in 1853, long before public clocks became commonplace?  Or that in 1868 Mr. Tiffany introduced the first stopwatch in America, called the Tiffany Timer?  And it was a handshake between Charles Lewis Tiffany and famed ultra-luxe watch producer Antoine Norbert de Patek in 1851 that began a partnership committed to unparalleled integrity and excellence. 

I'm kind of obsessed with the Patek Philippe + Tiffany & Co. Aquanaut men's watch.  Reference 5167A in stainless steel with an embossed black dial and a black composite hypoallergenic strap. 40 mm case, automatic movement, water resistant to 120 meters/394 feet, Swiss-made. For more information, phone +1.212.605.4036 to speak with a Patek Philippe specialist from the Tiffany & Co. New York flagship store. 

The citrus notes have more "sizzle" thanks to the grapefruit accord on top. The original spices have been given an unexpected twist with refined cardamom, nutmeg and a hint of black pepper for a modern, masculine finish.
Elsa Chabert,Fragrances Essentielles

- See more at: http://www.moltonbrown.com/store/behind-the-blend/black-pepper-sport/#sthash.rxurltjc.d

The citrus notes have more "sizzle" thanks to the grapefruit accord on top. The original spices have been given an unexpected twist with refined cardamom, nutmeg and a hint of black pepper for a modern, masculine finish.
Elsa Chabert,Fragrances Essentielles

- See more at: http://www.moltonbrown.com/store/behind-the-blend/black-pepper-sport/#sthash.rxurltjc.dpuf

The citrus notes have more "sizzle" thanks to the grapefruit accord on top. The original spices have been given an unexpected twist with refined cardamom, nutmeg and a hint of black pepper for a modern, masculine finish.
Elsa Chabert,Fragrances Essentielles

- See more at: http://www.moltonbrown.com/store/behind-the-blend/black-pepper-sport/#sthash.rxurltjc.dpuf

The citrus notes have more "sizzle" thanks to the grapefruit accord on top. The original spices have been given an unexpected twist with refined cardamom, nutmeg and a hint of black pepper for a modern, masculine finish.
Elsa Chabert,Fragrances Essentielles

- See more at: http://www.moltonbrown.com/store/behind-the-blend/black-pepper-sport/#sthash.rxurltjc.dpuf

Rush into Luxury Fashion

I know we've been experiencing a less-than-stellar economic reality the past few years. Markets are unstable, currencies are unpredictable, and what used to be sound investment ideas are no longer secure. But there are definitely some key indicators of better times ahead:

(in no particular order)

-- Chicago's Rush Street is doing more than it's part. With a bold and beautiful new location, Barneys New York is taking Chicago by storm. The six level department store features many of the world's best brands and must-haves. And Hermes has just relocated their fabulous flagship boutique to the intersection of Rush and Oak Streets, bringing one of the most exclusive, sought after French brands to the Windy City in all of it's grandeur and glory. There's even an extremely limited edition silk scarf called "Paddock" available solely in this location (for a mere US$375). Chicago also boasts boutiques by Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Chanel, and La Perla to name a few.

-- Luxury powerhouse Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton is hiring again. The luxe conglomerate has posted a handful of opportunities on their corporate site for positions in media relations, project management, training, and public relations. Is the brand looking to further expand its reach in North America? Regardless, investing in internal improvement and productivity is definitely a positive sign of growth and success.

-- The Waldorf=Astoria, one of the world's most luxurious hotel brands, is expanded to new locations. Joining the historic New York location, Waldorf=Astoria Orlando brings the world class service you expect with the perfect Floridian atmosphere. Also set to open within the next several months are Waldorf=Astoria Shanghai, Waldorf=Astoria Berlin, and Waldorf=Astoria Jerusalem. Long term buzz also includes locations in Beverly Hills and Philadelphia, among others.

-- Cosmetics and Fragrance mecca Sephora has struck a deal with the storied American department store JC Penney. While the chain isn't typically considered a luxury player, the new partnership with Sephora will bring luxe brands to the retailer from favourites like Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Bliss, and Armani. The move definitely signals an increased desire for luxury brands across all demographics, especially in the health and beauty segment.

-- Tiffany & Co., one of the most recognized and sought after jewelers around the world, is set to expand their product ranges with a collection of high end leather goods. The iconic retailers will begin selling handbags, wallets, coin purses, and other small leather goods by the famous duo Richard Lambertson and John Truex. “Richard Lambertson and John Truex are the latest in our tradition of inviting the world’s best designers to work exclusively with Tiffany,” says Jon King, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co. “Their vision and mastery of the craft combined with the skill of the finest Italian artisans have produced a leather collection of timeless simplicity, with all the quality and luxury of the Tiffany experience.” Highlighting the collection is a glazed crocodile Manhattan satchel for US$17,500. Other bags and brief cases will be available in various animal prints, full grain calf skin, lambskin, and python. The collection is set to launch September 2010 in 12 exclusive locations and online.

-- Electronics giant Apple sold more than 1,7 million 4th generation iPhones - setting a company record product release. Additionally, the big mobilephone companies in the US are investing millions of dollars to upgrade their networks to 4G. Currently American customers only receive cellular data transmissions at 3G speeds.

We're not in the clear yet. Unemployment rates are still at record highs, people are still starving, and homes are still being lost. But there is definitely light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. The more you shop, the more you eat out, and the more you spend in your local community, the more jobs you support and the more growth you provide - which are always en vogue.