G Luxe

We'll Be Back

2009-11-29T23:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry folks, I've been on the road for Thanksgiving and now off to DC for some work stuff. We'll back posting later this week. Hope everyone is having a great holiday season.

Business Class to Rio for $2,800

2009-11-26T08:05:00.001-08:00

If you're still trying to figure out what to do this New Years, why not head down to Rio for some sexy Brazilian action? If you decide to go down there, check out this great business class fare on United that we found on Travel & Leisure. Get a round-trip ticket from Dulles or JFK down to Rio for only $2,800 (economy seats are usually around two grand). Departure dates are on Dec 25, 26, or 27 and you have to fly back on Jan 6. Book your trip by Nov 27 via Steele Luxury Travel at info@steeletravel.com.

Hermes Boule Clock

2009-11-26T07:59:00.001-08:00

Looking for a totally indulgent (and pointless waste of money) gift for that special high roller in your life this holiday season? Check out this 8 Days Spiral Clock by Hermes. It costs $560,000. And what makes this watch so special that it costs over half-a-million dollars? It tells time, has a white gold face, winds with a push of a button, and can go eight days on a single wind. That's it. Half-a-million bucks.

via dvice.com

Tumi's Guide for Hedonists

2009-11-26T07:47:00.001-08:00

In this age of iPhone apps and such, it's sometimes nice to revert to old school forms of media. Take the travel guide for instance. Sure, you could be traveling through some exotic European locale with your face two inches from your cell phone screen, looking like an idiot trying to find the nearest crepe stand. But we argue that you'll look a helluva lot more dignified using a paper-back travel guide, like this box set by Tumi which includes eight special editions of "A Hedonist's Guide to..." for cities including Paris, London, New York, Milan, Dubai, Buenos Aires, Berlin, and Tokyo. Buy your set for $125 at tumi.com.

via acquiremag.com

BRM Watch for Abarth

2009-11-24T22:43:00.001-08:00

I have to admit, despite the fact that I'm a racing fan, I had to Google who/what is Abarth. It turns out, they're an Italian car maker with a rich racing heritage that is currently part of the Fiat empire. French watchmaker BRM recently created a limited edition watch for Abarth, and it's a real beauty. The watch is a modified V12-T-44 chronograph that has been customizations including a special logo on the face, chrome hands and red stitching on the strap. Only 49 pieces will be made, each one individually numbered and selling for about $7,300.

via autoblog.com

Best Oregon Pinot Noirs

2009-11-24T22:23:00.000-08:00

In a couple of days, I'll be packing up my sweaters and heading up to Oregon to spend time with the familia for Thanksgiving. If you've never been to Oregon, specifically my hometown of Portland, you're missing out. It's a great bohemian town filled with great restaurants and home to some damn good wine. Forbes recently came out with their list of top Oregon Pinot Noirs including a couple very affordable bottles in the $30 range. I'll definitely be bringing back a few bottles for the Crew.

Ferrari Shades

2009-11-24T22:19:00.000-08:00

Sunglasses from Ferrari? Come on now, you know these shades have to be sexy. Ferrari's Eyewear 2010 collection features 18 new models including the stunner aviators shown here. Read more at bornrich.org.

Business Class to Australia for 50 Percent Off

2009-11-21T10:15:00.001-08:00

We just saw this deal where you can fly to Australia on Quantus business class for up to 50 percent off regular fares. Round trip tickets from LA or San Francisco start at $4,440 if you book by January 29, 2010. Book your trip here.

Limited Edition Panerai Watches

2009-11-21T10:00:00.001-08:00

For our Hong Kong-based G Luxe readers who are also fans of Panerai watches, check out the special edition models made to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Hong Kong retailer King Fook. Customized models of the Luminor Marina Automatic and the Luminor 1950 10 Days GMT will be made available (60 pieces of each). We've never heard of King Fook but they must sell a helluva lot of Panerais to get their own special edition watches.

via luxury-insider.com

WTF, No Ferrari?

2009-11-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

I was just making plans to take a couple days off in December and head up to Los Angeles to check out the LA Auto Show when I read that Bentley, Ferrari, and Maserati will be no-shows this year. What the bloody hell? If there's ever a place for those luxe brands to show off their goods, it's Los Angeles. Damn economy.

Porsche Watch Auction

2009-11-20T07:34:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a unique gift for that special Porsche fan in your life? Why not get him or her a watch from the Porsche family's personal collection. Bonhams is auctioning off 49 watches owned by Professor Porsche and his sons on December 2nd in London. The watches up for bid include a rare 18kt gold Porsche Design prototype as well as watches by Omega, Panerai, and Rolex.

via autoblog.com

Pricey Asian Suites

2009-11-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

If your balance sheet survived the economic bitchslap of the last couple of years and you're planning to head out to Asia for a five-star vacation, check out some of the best (and most expensive) suites found in the East. Ranging from palatial urban hideaways to an island villa, these suites will definitely leave you with a lasting impression - as well as a mighty big Visa charge.

Help Alicia Keys Help the Kids

2009-11-18T07:27:00.001-08:00

Gents, the holidays are just around the corner which means you have start looking around for that special gift for your lady. This year, why not get her something that not only will she love, but will also help out those less fortunate.

The gorgeous and talented Alicia Keys has launched a new jewelry line called The Barber's Daughters with jeweler Gisele Theriault. The collection includes this special sterling silver double tablet necklace which features a Ghandi quote that says: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.". As a proclaimed Ghandi hater, Crew Member Tandori likely won't be buying one of these necklaces (he is a bastard). The necklace costs $295 with $100 going to Keep a Child Alive. So don't be a Tandori, buy the necklace, and help out some needy kids.

via luxist.com

Vote For Munn

2009-11-18T07:21:00.000-08:00

Help select Olivia Munn's poster for MYMAG magazine. Yes, this may not have the same gravitas as last year's election, but chances are it'll result in more bipartisan support. Click here to vote.

World's Best Golf Courses

2009-11-18T07:13:00.000-08:00

As an avid (yet hackish) golfer, I'm lucky to live down the street from one of the best public courses in the world. If you don't have a world-class course like Torrey Pines in your back yard and need to leave your zip code to get some quality 18 holes, check out this article from our friends at Kiwi Collection that lists some of the best golf resorts in the world.

Black Box Wines

2009-11-17T07:15:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I dated this girl who, let's just say I wouldn't bring home to Mama. She wasn't that bright and most likely an alcoholic. If the prophylactic had failed, our family's gene pool would have taken a few evolutionary steps backwards. The only thing this girl was interested in talking about was partying and boxed wines.

Chances are, the boxed wine she was referring to was nothing liked the quality grapes offered by Black Box Wines, a company started in 2002 that has been providing high quality wine at reasonable prices. By storing their wine in boxes instead of expensive bottles, they can offer their product at about half the price of comparable bottles. In addition, the box utilizes a vacuum-sealed back which means the wine can remain fresh for up to 4 weeks even after the initial pour.

And don't think that just because the wine comes in a box that it's some crappy swill. Their wines have won numerous accolades and medals and recently earned recommendations from Wine Spectator.

Buy yourself a box at a local retailer.

via justluxe.com

Bling Find: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Leather Band

2009-11-15T09:14:00.001-08:00

If spending $27,000 on a new white gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona like Crew Member Tandori did recently seems a bit decadent in these challenging economic times, consider picking up a used one like this leather band version we found on Portero. Here's the description:

"Form meets function with this gentleman's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona watch, reference 116519. A round 18k white gold case with 18k white gold tachymeter bezel surrounds the black dial that houses the three sub dials of the chronograph; 30 minute register at 3, seconds register at 6 and 12 hour register at 9. A pair of silver and white hands marks the 44 jewel perpetual automatic 4130 caliber movement, which is shown through the applied diamond indicators as markers. Finishing this watch is the original Rolex black leather bracelet and 18k white folding clasp. This circa 2004 watch is in very good condition with minor scuffing on the case and case back and slight wear to the bracelet."

Buy yourself an early Christmas gift for $13,999.

Champagne and Cigars

2009-11-15T08:59:00.001-08:00

Cigars and champagne...two of our most favorite things. Truth be told, it never really occurred to us that the two would go well together. Now we may have to start pairing our favorite maduro with some bubbly after seeing this list on Luxist of their ten champagne and cigar pairings for the holiday season. A glass of Veuve Clicquot with a Rocky Patel Decade? Why yes please.

My Kind of Breakfast

2009-11-15T08:53:00.001-08:00

Normally during the week, I'll get myself a fairly healthy breakfast of eggs and fruit. On the weekends though, I like to indulge a bit and have some belly-busting pancakes and bacon. If you're looking to really indulge, you've got to check out the deep-fried French Toast with froie gras served at Chicago's The Publican restaurant. Now that's the proper way to start your morning.

via seriouseats.com

Best Kona Coffee of 2009

2009-11-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

Nothing is quite as heavenly as a fresh brewed cup of Kona coffee. Recently at the 2009 Gevalia Cupping Competition in the Big Island of Hawaii, Wolf Farms was named best Kona coffee while Kona Coffee and Tea took the title for large estate farms. If you're looking to get your hands on some beans from Wolf Farms, contact them at: 328-8588 or wolfden55@msn.com.

via halogenlife.com

Jimmy Choo X for H&M

2009-11-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

OK, so we're a bit torn. As a blog dedicated to to the luxe life, we've got mixed feelings about Jimmy Choo's new men's X collection for H&M which is being released today. On one hand, it is Jimmy Choo, responsible for many devastatingly high credit card charges from guys who unwittingly went shoe shopping with their ladies. On the other hand, it's H&M.

Based on what we see in some of these promo pics, it looks like the collection has some pretty good stuff that we wouldn't mind having in our closets. Only nine H&M stores will be carrying the line, so make sure to check their site first before heading down to the mall.

James Pearse Cashmere Scarf

2009-11-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

Living in Southern California, it never really gets that cold, even during the winter time. Sure it may dip into the fifties in the evenings, but rarely do we have to get bundled up like some of our East Coast friends. This is usually a good thing, but it also means that we don't get a chance to style out in cold weather gear.

If you're looking to add a touch of winter to your wardrobe without all that unnecessary insulation, consider this gorgeous oversized cashmere scarf by James Pearse. Made of 100 percent cashmere and measuring 45" x 70", it's large enough that it could double as a blanket to cozy up with your special someone. Buy it for $295.

Arash AF-10 Supercar

2009-11-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

Does the world really need another supercar? Probably not, but we at G Luxe still give props to British entrepreneur Arash Farboud for creating a new one anyways. The Arash AF-10 is a carbon-fibered beast that is powered by a 7-liter 550 hp V8 engine that is derived from the one sitting in the Corvette Z06. The half-million dollar supercar is slated to be released sometime next year and only 70 will be available annually.

via luxist.com

Buy Your Own Resort

2009-11-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

When you're tired of staying at a five-star resort with the commoners, it may be time for you to buy your own damn resort. If you've got a spare $25 million lying around, you can buy yourself four villas at the gorgeous Amanyara Villas located in the British West Indies. Designed by Jean-Michael Gathy (no idea who he is...but he has a fancy sounding French name so he must be good at all that designing stuff), the resort features an ocean front volcanic rock pool, pavilions galore, and personal chef and butler to keep you satiated and clean. If you want to check out the property before plunking down the large purchase price, you can preview the property for around $8,000 which includes two nights stay, meals and return flights to Turks and Caicos.

via affluentpageluxuryindex.com

G Luxe Twitter Challenge

2009-11-11T06:55:00.001-08:00

Because the holiday season is upon us, and because our Twitter follower count kinda sucks, we'll be donating $1 to the St. Jude Children's Hospital for every new Twitter follower between now and November 30th. If we somehow manage to get 500 followers by the end of the challenge, we'll raise the donation amount to $2 for each new follower. So please help out a great organization - we mean St. Jude, not us - and follow us.