Monogram Madness

I was just alerted to the fact that Portero recently received a big selection of Louis Vuitton monogrammed bags and luggage. (These are sure to go fast so start your bidding now!)

Did you know that the LV monogram was actually introduced way back in 1896? Considering its age and heritage, it's really no surprise that the LV logo has become something of an icon of high-end handbags and fashion. These pieces are perfect gifts because they never go out of style and the signature canvas is really quite indestructible.

If you're looking for something a little more unique, why not take a look at a few of Portero's limited edition pieces:

Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Olympe Cirrus Show Bag. Made from winter white lambskin, I love the vintage-looking clasp closure that has been updated with faceted balls.

Louis Vuitton Blue Lizard & Jewelled Special Edition Les Extraordinaires Collection Clutch. Part fashionista and part urban cowgirl, this wristlet contains the signature logo, lizard and rhinestones.

Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Monogram Ostrich Snake Lizard Macha Waltz Show Bag. Exotic but totally ladylike, this handbag merges uptown and downtown chic.

Click right here to see our entire selection of Louis Vuitton monogrammed handbags and luggage.

Pretty in Platinum

I just received a beautiful set of brand new images from Platinum Guild in the mail and had to share them. I love seeing innovative wedding designs, and these three from a few of the world's top jewelers allow you to think a bit outside the box in terms of the standard old bands and engagement rings.

The faceted bands above are by Boucheron, and I really like their modern edge. Perfect for a couple that appreciates contemporary lines, the small diamond accents can work for either a man or a woman.


I've also always been fascinated by tension settings, like the one above by Niessing. Known for its experimental designs since 1873, Niessing really perfected the art of placing diamonds in metal without prongs or bezels. Based on a scientific formula, this Square S platinum ring is certainly a conversation starter.


Finally, my favorite unusual engagement ring is the Conversion, above, by Van Cleef & Arpels. Set with pear-shaped fancy blue and white diamonds, this is a total stunner. Instead of having a stone that sits right on your ring finger, these spectacular diamonds rest beautifully on either side. Swoon.

If you're looking for an unusual engagement ring, what about this unique piece from Buccellati? Other women prefer colored gemstones over diamonds, and this gorgeous vintage platinum Cartier ruby ring fits the bill perfectly.

Images courtesy Platinum Guild

12 Days of Christmas

Are you ready for the holidays? These days, once you hit Thanksgiving, Christmas is nearly in full swing. Now that Portero has culled such a massive inventory of beautiful designer merchandise, we had to come up with a great way to highlight some of our favorite items perfect for holiday gift giving.

Our solution? The 12 Days of Christmas. This week's Part 1 features some of our most enticing jewels, watches, handbags and housewares, and next week will bring you even more perfect presents. Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone you love, choosing any one of these pieces means not only a beautiful item but great savings.

Want a peek into my personal wish list? I have a few favorites among the 12 days--here they are and here's why:

Temple St. Clair 18k Yellow Gold Blue Moonstone Sapphire Diamond Swing Earrings. I am totally enamored with these beautiful drops. The moonstone is a bit mysterious while the sapphires make the blue tint pop.

Marc Jacobs Runway 2006 Dark Green Python Leather Collectors Stam Bag. Python and tortoiseshell in one bag? Sold. The mix of rich textures and patterns on this ultra-chic bag make it a standout.

Patek Philippe For Tiffany & Co. Calatrava 18k Yellow Gold Self-Winding Men's 5026 Watch. If my budget allowed, I would buy this watch for my fiance in a heartbeat. The legendary partnership between Tiffany and Patek makes this piece a real collector's item, and the black face and yellow gold is a truly dapper combination.

To see the full list of the 12 Days of Christmas, click right here.

Look of the Day: Nicole Richie

I love this gorgeous blue vintage YSL dress that Nicole Richie chose to wear as host of UNICEF’s 2008 Beverly Hills Snowflake Lighting ceremony this past Saturday, November 22. Not too fussy and not too boring, the v-neck and wide waistband is a universally flattering silhouette.

I also really like the bold geometric necklace she chose to pair it with (from her own House of Harlow 1960 line). Statement necklaces don't always need to be all about shimmer and sparkle--sometimes shape and size can be just as important. If you want to go fashion-forward like Nicole, here are a few good necklaces to consider for the holiday party season:

Marni Runway Blue Brown Black & Grey Resin & Horn Choker Necklace

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Faux Malachite Slice Collar Necklace

Marni Orange Resin Natural Horn Brown Satin Ribbon Necklace

Image by WENN/Wild Bunch

Special Offer: 10% Off

With the holidays just around the corner, Portero is offering a special 10% discount now through November 30, 2008. Forget tricky promotions: All you have to do is enter NOVTEN at checkout to receive valuable savings. Want even more incentive? Free shipping and insurance will be applied automatically upon checkout for orders over $1,000.*

*Click here to learn more about this special offer.

Finding Fabergé

It's auction season, and Sotheby's London is offering up an intriguing set of objects by Russian jeweler Carl Fabergé on November 24. Part of a sale called "Imperial & Royal Presents", a fabulous set of Fabergé housewares and trinkets will be on the block. (See above, Lot 20, a two-colour gold and guilloché enamel bell push, workmaster: Michael Perchin, St. Petersburg, 1899-1903)

Even if you don't know too much about Fabergé, you probably know about his famous jeweled eggs made from precious metals, gems and enamel. The original egg collection contains 69 spectacular creations made between 1885 and 1917. Of those, 50 are known as "Imperial Fabergé Easter eggs", and were made for Czars Alexander III and Nicholas II of Russia. The egg below was made in 1899 and is known as the Boquet of Lilies Clock.



The Sotheby's sale contains picture frames, sniff boxes, vesta cases, paper knives, compacts and pill boxes. The most expensive item listed is a Fabergé silver-gilt pearl and enamel heart shaped photograph frame enclosing a miniature of Empress Maria Fedorovna, circa 1890, est. $90,000 - $120,000.

To search Portero's selection of Faberge jewelry and housewares, click right here.

Top image via Sotheby's, Second image via Wikipedia Commons by Stan Shebs.

Winter Holiday

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of cold weather. In fact, the only way I like it is if I'm indoors looking out on a snowy day while sitting in front of a fire. That's why I love taking warm weather winter vacations (or even just looking through this season's fabulous resort collections!) to get away from it all.

Even though there are plenty of neutrals to be seen, for me, resort is all about color. Designers weren't afraid of bold, vibrant hues on the runway--it's like delicious eye candy after wearing so much black and gray. A big trend was also hats and head accessories ranging from chic visors to oversized headbands. For example, take a look at Marc Jacobs' take on a silk wrap dress, above. The color screams vacation, and I like pairing it with multicolored gemstone cuffs. Copy this look perfectly with this Jewel of Ocean 18k White Gold Diamond Multicolor Sapphire Bracelet.


I also LOVED this sweet little coat from Diane von Furstenberg. She used stripes all throughout her collection, and this canary yellow and white coverup is one of my favorites. Note the bold black and white headpiece. Graphic black and white accessories are a perfect fit for colorful ensembles--something like this Mary Norton Black & White Acrylic Rhinestone Louisa Clutch could travel anywhere.


Finally, here's a gorgeous green shift by Michael Kors with matching head scarf. He decided to pair his simple silhouettes with oversized ethnic jewelry reminiscent of a '70s look. Yellow gold and beaches just go together perfectly, and I think that this Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold Turquoise Cabochon Chain Necklace & Ring Set would make any vacation better--it feels utterly Capri!

To search our Portero's Resort picks by category, click below:
Luggage
Jewelry
Handbags
Sunglasses

Images via style.com