A name synonymous with the highest writing culture for the past 100 years, Montblanc exemplifies these values surrounding quality and craftsmanship.

The StarWalker & Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Open Hometime

This uncompromising demand on shape, style and materials is reflected in all their products. This pairing is no exception.

 Montblanc Starwalker

The Montblanc StarWalker collection is a family of writing instruments that underscores Montblanc’s commitment to continually pushing the boundaries of design with the novel use of the most extraordinary materials. With the addition of the StarWalker Red gold-plated Resin and StarWalker Red gold-plated Metal, Montblanc completes this statement collection with this new line featuring precious red gold. What makes StarWalker unique is the combination of innovative materials and a distinctive ergonomic shape. The presence of the inimitable Montblanc emblem floating inside a transparent cap top is a reminder that every writing instrument has been individually made by a craftsman who has imbued it with a soul. Montblanc StarWalker collection as a whole, are aimed at a new generation of enthusiasts who demand the highest standards of craftsmanship while enjoying pioneering designs. Each of these versions is available in fountain pen with a solid 14K gold nib, fineliner pen and ballpoint.

Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Open Hometime

Montblanc honored the ingenious French watchmaker Nicolas Rieussec in 2011 with a jubilee wristwatch to celebrate the 190th anniversary of the invention of the chronograph. Rieussec, watchmaker by appointment to the king in Paris, publicly showed his “time writer” with turning disc and ink-writing hand for the first time in 1821 and received a patent for it in 1822. His trailblazing innovation catapulted him into the Olympus of the watchmaker’s art. In 2008, Montblanc launched its first Nicolas Rieussec chronograph, which not only paid homage to a famous name in watchmaking, but also highlighted Rieussec’s decisive element: rotating discs for the elapsed seconds and minutes under fixed hands. The tribute was well-deserved, especially when one considers the importance that chronographs have acquired in the world of fine watches in recent years.

Unique Features

Furthermore, unlike most other chronographs, this one has no large elapsed-seconds hand at the center of its dial, but pays homage to the first Rieussec chronographs from 1821 with a pair of rotating counter discs, one of which counts the elapsed seconds in the lower part of the dial at “8 o’clock,” while its counterpart tallies up to thirty elapsed minutes at “4 o’clock”. When the elapsed timed interval is over, the number of seconds and minutes in the time span can be read from these discs by comparing the position of each halted disc with the immobile indices directly above them. The twin discs on the new Rieussec chronographs are held in place by a bridge that’s plated with red gold and into which ruby bearings are inserted to accept the tips of the staffs of the elapsed-seconds and elapsed-minutes hands.

The Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Open Hometime will encase a new caliber that raises yet another worthy monument to the inventor of the chronograph.

For more information on these fine pieces, visit www.montblanc.com

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An ottoman consists of a bench or seat, padded and upholstered seat, with neither back nor arms, often used as a stool or footstool, or in some cases as an improvised coffee table. Also known as footstool, tuffet, hassock, or pouffe, some hollow ottomans are used for storage. Ottomans are often sold as coordinating furniture with other chairs.

Origin of the Ottoman

Initially, the word was introduced into English pertaining to the ‘footstool” back in 1806 and its original shape was tall and cylindrical similar to the round hats of the Ottoman government officials. Past the 18th century, their use was commonplace in the upper middle class of Western Europe.

QUESTION: Which of the ottomans our Editor chose is YOUR favorite? Feel free to share with us on Facebook or on Twitter !

 PICTURED

1 Masterpiece Carved Bench / Ottoman with Semi-Attached Pillow Top

2 Industrial Louis Coffee Table

3 Catalina ottoman with legs

4 Greenwich Living Antiques & Design Center – Painted Regency Style Stool

5 Charles Spada Antiques – Pair of “X” benches

6 Essex printed ottoman

7 Otto round Pouf

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As she glides across the room, turning heads with each subtle step, her confidence is complimented and defined by the effortless façade that her Little Black Dress radiates. Subdued in nature yet classically timeless across generations, the little black dress is a staple that is constantly being recreated, allowing it to be an eternal dress for all seasons. Preceding the 1920’s, the little black dress was only associated with times of mourning and grief. Throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras, a widow was expected to wear different variations of a mourning dress for at least two years. It wasn’t until after World War 1 that wearing black in public became more common, partially, in representation of the fatalities that took place during this time.

COCO CHANEL AND THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Fashion took a turn in 1926 when Gabrielle “Coco Chanel” created a sleeveless, above the knee, black dress that was published in American Vogue. It’s restrained sexiness and enigmatic nature allowed women of all social classes to feel comfortable yet have a sense of authority and style, simultaneously. Little did the world know that this publication would mark and revolutionize a fashion staple for many decades to come. Following this in the 1950’s, popular fashion designer Christina Dior created a “New Look” that took the little black dress one step further by transforming this idea of a simple dress, into a luxurious and extravagant work of art that everyone desired, but only the wealthiest could afford. Relevant to today’s generation, the little black dress comes in a shorter, more “mod” length, taking after Givenchy’s approach in the 1960’s, worn by fashion icon Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

TIMELESS AND ETERNALLY STYLISH

The beauty of a little black dress lays in its shape and cut. Contrary to many beliefs, black can only look slimming and flattering if catered to the right body type. For petite figures, opt for a sheath style dress. The clean, elongated shape creates a leaner appearance and an illusion of longer legs. For curvier figures, a V-neck is preferred. This will open up the chest area and will draw the eyes downwards, making the waist appear smaller. For plus sizes, indulge in a wrap dress. Hugging the body at the slimmest areas and loosening up around the lower half will sculpt the perfect hourglass shape. Through decades of transformation, we can now dress up or down the little black dress for any kind or caliber of occasion. Matching our black frocks with a statement necklace, opaque tights, and classic pumps, creates an immaculate, put together look, perfect for a cocktail party. Or, pairing it with a leather jacket, a gorgeous oversized cocktail ring, and some ankle booties or combat boots, makes for a great girls night out.

Season after season, with new trends taking reigns and old ones being recreated, the possibilities are endless. The idea of the little black dress is actually very large in the grand scheme of things. What was once a color and uniform for periods of mourning, is now a notable fashion essential that marks not only the careers of esteemed fashion designers, but also significant periods in history that are essential to our very being.

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Gorgeous Gift Set

The gift set, which is presented in a bespoke plum leather box, contains a silver hipflask enclosed in a leather cover embossed with the Rémy Martin XO centaur motif, alongside a 70cl decanter of Rémy Martin XO Excellence. Hip flasks first appeared in the 18th century and today are often used as a gift for special occasions and seen as collector’s items, making them the perfect gift for father’s day.

Exceptional Brands

Both brands are renowned for their craftsmanship and exceptional product quality. Whether it be using the finest grapes or materials, applying the traditional blending process or innovative technologies: Rémy Martin XO and Thomas Lyte share a passion for handcrafting products of highest standards for the enjoyment of their loyal customers.

Rémy Martin XO Excellence is the reference by which all other XO fine champagne cognacs are judged: it is blended from 350 eaux-de-vie sourced from the heart of Cognac (85% Grande Champagne, 15% Petite Champagne) that have been aged between 10-37 years, compared to the standard XO ageing of 6 years.

Thomas Lyte is an English luxury brand synonymous with great English design. Dedicated to the finest quality and workmanship in silver and leather, the brand uses only the finest materials and innovative production techniques to create beautiful, contemporary designs. Thomas Lyte’s distinctive leather bags, playful leather purses, desirable leather wallets and classic cufflinks are testament to the brand’s fusion of traditional values with contemporary design.

Very Limited Edition

The gift set, limited to only 30 pieces, will be available in May 2012 at the Thomas Lyte boutique in Burlington Arcades, London, for £295.00 each.

Thomas Lyte ~ For more information, visit www.thomaslyte.com

Remy Martin ~ For more information, visit www.remymartin.com

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Everywhere we look particularly on the news, there seems to be an ongoing barrage of messages highlighting the negative – the ugly side of life and of people. Day after day, these messages and images are drawing your attention to the coarse, harsh, vulgar and other nastiness.

Beauty is All Around Us

Meanwhile, quietly present all around us lies Beauty, simply everywhere and in everything. Nature is the ultimate example of simple beauty, and its existence is a testament to its never-ending beautiful force. No matter how devastating the destruction, nature always prevails, taking over it pushes through and out springs the beauty of life. Man is also capable of creating great beauty, always inspired by nature in some way, and it is expressed everywhere. Beauty is in quality, craftsmanship, architecture, it can fill the room the way the sunshine lights up spaces… not drawing your attention as loudly as negativity, but still there and even more worthy of your attention. The truth is, despite those other messages, life is beautiful.

Classically Beautiful

What I suggest is that we begin to shift our collective attention away from the negative and take more moments to immerse yourself in beauty. I say, just completely embrace it! Make surrounding yourself with it a priority. Seek it out and always be on the look out for beautiful things and create beautiful moments! Don’t let a day go my without having beauty touch you in some way. Some simple ways are to surround yourself with flowers, plants and greenery. Listening to beautiful music, like classical pieces from Bach, Chopin, Mozart, Brahms or listening to jazz standards, ambient music… clean, calming beautiful music.

Beauty is a State of Mind

Choose quality items, enjoy them. Savor every experience and make even the mundane more luxurious. Weave these things into your every day. Find other ways to intertwine beauty into even the most simple task. Why not visit art galleries more often, watch a play, go to the ballet, opera, eat and linger over a sumptuous meal, go for a walk in a garden and or in the city and take notice of great architecture, beautiful lines, shapes and structures. Marvel at the accomplishments of nature, of man and the art he creates. Traditional pleasures, simple pleasures, that do so much good for the spirit. You may even notice that your days begin to appear a little more magical!

Here’s the big win… Where beauty lies, there is peace. In this, lies the importance of beauty. Peace and beauty are something we all need more of. And the benefits to this are? Beauty soothes the soul, stirs the imagination and makes living each day more of an experience. Start to take notice of beauty and peace is sure to follow.

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Influenced by Louis Sullivan, America’s first modernist architect, asserted that ‘form ever follows function.’

Equally applicable, says Marianne Sparrenius-Waters – founder of RedDog Design, to houses for people or homes for their portable possessions. This outlook has made for a very well made and beautiful accessory. Our editor is a big fan of the BagPod!

Quality British Leathergoods

Swedish-born Marianne believes well-being equals being well-organised – a philosophy reinforced by several decades’ experience living abroad.

For more information visit www.reddogbags.com

REDDOG LOOK BOOK

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Reconnect and enjoy the scenery celebrating our beautiful world…

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The pinnacle of French haute couture and savoir faire, the house of Dior is one of the world’s most celebrated luxury brands. In three retrospective volumes presented in a collectible slipcase, Assouline’s Dior captures the most enduring images from each decade of the brand’s rich history. Immortalizing Dior’s fashion, fine jewelry, and fragrance collections, Assouline presents an objet as chic as its subject.

In three retrospective volumes presented in a collectible slipcase, Dior captures the most enduring images from each decade of the brand’s rich history. Immortalizing Dior’s fashion, jewelry, and fragrance collections, this addition to Assouline’s Mémoire series presents an objet as chic as its subject.

Dior Fashion: Former editor in chief of L’Officiel de la Mode, Caroline Bongrand is also a novelist and screenwriter. She has published seven novels, translated into many languages, and an essay on the life and issues of modern women.

Dior Fine Jewellery, Dior Perfume: Jérôme Hanover is a journalist specializing in luxury lifestyle topics. He was editor in chief of Double, and jewelry and watch editor for L’Officiel, and has written for Mixte, Air France magazine, and Le Figaro among other publications.

For more information or to order the book, visit www.assouline.com

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Rest your eyes here for a moment. Reconnect with nature and take in the view of this lovely pond. Peaceful, beautiful and very tranquil.

Pictured here: Pond at Wallington Hall, Northumberland, England.

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