Lux Eyewear - Sunglasses by Tiffany & David Yurman

When the going gets tough, the tough go…shopping?  People are talking about the recession incessantly but some of the luxury brands aren’t taking notice - even Chanel, whose own Karl Lagerfeld said “luxury is dead.”  Maybe over-the-top luxury is gone but, people are still buying investment pieces.  And, when it comes to sunglasses - apparently people want more than some flattering frames - they want some jewels on them!

Jewelry has been really making a splash as of late - whether it’s gold chains lacing up your shoes (Upper Echelon Shoes), or gold faux nails (Bijules NYC), jewelry is expanding into other categories and spicing up everything from shoes, to hair to nails and now, sunglasses.  My favorites of this new breed of sunglasses are made by Tiffany, Chanel and David Yurman.

My picks from the Tiffany collection are the Tiffany Jazz Shield sunglasses and the Tiffany Bubbles Shield Sunglasses because they relate back to the jewelry that Tiffany is known for.  The Art Deco motif of the Jazz sunglasses was found in the Tiffany archives and the Bubble design is based on the Bubble jewelry collection.  Simple, refined, and very elegant.

I love the Chanel sunglasses because the styles also reference Chanel iconography - in this instance - pearls.  One style is a simple, black over-sized frame with a cultured pearl set in on each arm next to an understated Chanel logo.  The other style, comes with a pearl lanyard going from one arm to the other. These two styles are instant classics - big black frames never go out of style - especially when they’re Chanel!

The last pair that caught my eye are made by another jewelry company, David Yurman.  The Waverly sunglasses are a true representation of the brand with the iconic cable design on the arms of the sunglasses.  One look at these and they are unmistakably David Yurman.

Though these glasses are expensive as far as sunglasses go, they are definitely statement pieces that will stay with you from season to season.  They are also great ways to start buying luxury - not everyone can buy a Chanel 2.55 bag, but you can start your way into the Chanel world with a pair of sunglasses - one accessory at a time.  Just make sure you use those fancy cases the glasses come in and don’t sit on them!

Lux Eyewear - Chanel Sunglasses

Read the full story

A few weeks ago Liz and I put on our fancy pants and attended the opening for Mini Market in San Francisco. Check out the outfits after the jump!

Read the full story

Is your dad a traditional guy?  Here is our take on “traditional” father’s day gifts - you know the ties, b-b-q sets and sports themed stuff.  If your dad’s into that, no worries, there are still ways to pay attention to nice design.  Here are some of our favorites . . .

For the baseball fan, Ballpark Pens are perfect:  They’re made from salvaged wood from baseball stadium seats and you can even choose the stadium! If your dad’s game is golf, then the Tiffany golf ball key ring is a cute way to bring the game wherever he goes.  If your dad is into design, then a Ferragamo silk tie is a classic and Frank Gehry (world-renowned architect) Tiffany cuff links are avant garde .  If he’s into luxury, then there’s nothing better than a Louis Vuitton wallet to share the wealth.  Finally, for dad’s who like to take charge of the grill, there’s a Crate & Barrel 5-piece Pakka Wood-handled grill tool set for all of your dad’s grillin & chillin needs.

Mother’s Day is less than a week away and if you’re anything like us, you’re scrambling to get your mom, friend, or sister the perfect gift. Never fear! We’ve put together some chic finds that moms, no matter how new to the game, will love. When I think of gift giving, I try to come up with something that the recipient will love, but would maybe not buy for herself - usually something indulgent or extravagant. But, that doesn’t mean you have to spend the big bucks. Most luxury retailers have fun little gifts that are sophisticated and don’t break the bank. For the first day’s tips, I went with jewelry - specifically Tiffany - after all, what woman doesn’t love the blue box?

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na

Oh, how I love Tiffany. Though these days I’m not buying myself pretty shiny things I still like to look and see all the new stuff that the purveyor of the little blue box has to offer. My favorite, by far, is the ongoing collaboration with world renowned architect Frank Gehry. Every season he creates necklaces and bracelets that I pine over and think “One Day” . . .

Tiffany is also releasing pieces designed by Jean Schlumberger, a designer that worked with them for many years.

More arm, neck and finger candy after the jump . . . Read the full story