Vintage Rodania Titanium Ab

Anne Fontaine is no longer wearing her heart on her white-shirted sleeve a lot of other products are competing for her attention as she builds her business into a lifestyle brand.

Guess has given us some really cute handbags this year, and they're not done yet. This adorable Rum Jungle Zip-Top Hobo is fashioned in a zebra-striped print with imitation ostrich straps. Accented in silvertone hardware, it also has a top zip and features a magnetic closure with a G-logo flap. (This cute hobo is the big sister to the Rum Jungle Mini Waist Pack that I featured a few months ago.) Available in black, brown, and snow, it measures 10x6x5, and sells for $65 at Macys.

A glimpse into the Italian jewelry empire's journey.By Ariel JastrombGlobal jewelry houses seek prowess, prestige, and a dedicated following, utilizing signature styles and top-quality stones, settings, and designs. Bulgari shines in their masterly dedication to all of the above. Known for outstanding gem quality and daring pieces, Bulgari stands apart from other European houses working in the French tradition. Sotirio Bulgari,the house's Greek founder and silversmith, has decided to forgo the subtleties of French composition, favoring the bold Greco-Roman aesthetic.Bulgari celebrates its legacy at the Grand Palais in Paris for the exhibit Bulgari: 125 Ans de Magnificence Italienne beginning December 10-it's clearly time to take a look at the house's greatest hits. From its founding in 1884 to the current collection, the house's journey of distinction, brilliance, and class deserves the spotlight of attention and appreciation that this exhibit will shine upon it.During its first 26 years, Bulgari consisted mainly of intricate silverwork completed by Sotirio Bulgari himself. The firstBulgari store in Rome, where the flagship still stands, offered pieces such as bracelets, necklaces, and elaborate objets d'art. The Greco-Roman coin is and still remains a key symbol of Bulgari and was widely incorporated into the earliercollections.The company forged into the 1920s and '30s with Sotirio's sons, Giorgio and Costantino, at the helm. Bulgari's treasuresbegan to feature Art Deco designs with architectural lines, gold and bright-colored gemstones. Many of their works havenever been seen, including a platinum-and-diamond brooch from 1928 that depicted a gorgeous flower encircled by aring. One could conceive the ring as an extension of the coin motif, growing ever more abstract with each decade, onlyto revert to the original later on. Subtle chandelier earrings and bejeweled cuffs emblazoned with rubies and sapphiresexemplified and introduced the character of the Bulgari woman-a bold, courageous woman proud of her femininityand willing to indulge her desire for opulence. "Bulgari's women" included such stars as Ingrid Bergman, Sophia Loren, Anna Magnani, and Gina Lollobrigida-not to mention Elizabeth Taylor, a longtime collector. Bulgari's connection with the film industry began in the 1940s, reaching into the '50s and '60s, captivating these beautiful women along the way. One highlight from the time period is the Parure collection (formed by a necklace, bracelet, pendant earrings, and a ring), done in platinum with the finest turquoise and diamonds. Another would be the Tremblant collection of flowery brooches, inspired by the French trend prevalent in jewelry at the time.The '50s also saw the rise of Bulgari's use of cabochons, shaped and polished gemstones as opposed to the moretraditional faceted ones. Cabochons carry striking color and size, matching the intensity of Bulgari's aesthetic. The cabochons incited a revolution of color at the house, complementing the Pop movement of the '60s and '70s. Veruschka and Marisa Berenson, top models at the time, defined the face of this bolder, badder Bulgari woman. A gold collar necklace from 1979 exemplifies the power of the cabochon, with deep rubies surrounded by sapphires, diamonds, and rare lapis lazuli. It was accompanied by dramatic pendant earrings in platinum and gold, circa 1966, which feature carved jade with rubies and sapphires.The explosion of color inspired loyal clients and collectors, particularly Elizabeth Taylor. The timeline of her tempestuous relationship with Richard Burton could be marked by her collection of Bulgari treasures, including the 18-carat emerald brooch Burton gave to Taylor for their engagement in 1962. Matching Colombian drop-emerald earrings, a bracelet, necklace and an enormous ring are some of the finest Bulgari ever created. Deep forest-green emeralds surrounded by multitudes of diamonds became synonymous with Bulgari-the house that satisfied Taylor's lavish tastes. Another Taylor treasure is a 1961 yellow-gold watch shaped like a snake, witha head and tail crafted from diamonds and striking emerald eyes. Taylor was seen wearing the piece on the set of 1962's Cleopatra in Rome. Perhaps one of Bulgari's most stunning feats, the 25 carats of sugarloaf sapphire cabochons and diamonds from 1971 once resided on Taylor's delicate finger.Some of Bulgari's most famous jewels are remembered for their iconic status and themes, like the coin jewelry, the serpent motif, and the BVLGARI logo consumers recognize today. The famous Grimaldi family owns a variety of these signature pieces, including a heavy, gold chain-link necklace decorated with a large coin that once belonged to Grace Kelly. Former Harper's Bazaar and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland owned a stunning serpent belt made in 1970, fashioned from gold with white, pink and beige enamel and arresting sapphire eyes. The serpent found itself reimagined in colors like cobalt blue with diamond eyes and a forked tongue plunging from the serpent's throat.In the 1970s, the house introduced courageous pop-inspired pieces, which allowed the brand to expand and experiment. The quality never wavered, but designs, like a brooch with a heart, club, spade and diamond, or a large Buddha pendant on a necklace, were injected with humor. One platinum flower brooch, circa 1968, showcased both colorless and vibrantcolored diamonds, which became increasingly popular.These design achievements cemented Bulgari's status as the go-to jeweler for movers and shakers in all industries. The '80s and '90s saw Nancy Reagan in Bulgari's creations, as well as society mavens of all types. Bulgari's Kilim bracelet, circa 1988, weighs in at 22.23 carats and features three sugarloaf cabochon emeralds, amethysts, rubies, cultured pearls and diamonds-the ultimate in luxury. The brand has also appealed to men with its timepieces, watches and, for example, a gold table clock, with onyx, mother-of-pearl, jade, and diamonds, circa 1980. This objet d'art is decorated with two traditional 19th-century Chinese buckles carved in two-color jadeite-probably remnants of Bulgari's former stock of fine Chinese jade objects.Bulgari's mass appeal to those with impeccable taste continues to this day, extending to its latest offerings. This collection combinesBulgari's rich history with modern sensibilities, reflecting the boldness of Elizabeth Taylor and the subtlety of Grace Kelly in an astonishing display of color, design, and beauty. The absolutely breathtaking pieces include cocktail rings, most notably a whitegoldconfection with a 19.27-carat, color-changing, sugarloaf sapphire; 2.12 carats of 24 buff-top rubies; four cabochon-cut turquoises; and 2.30 carats of four brilliant round diamonds and pav-set diamonds that flank the sides of the ring. Those looking for Elizabeth Taylor-inspired flare will be more than satisfied by a dazzling necklace in yellow gold with seven cushioncut sapphires weighing in at 34.93 carats, three cabochon-cut emeralds at 34.75 carats; 15.12 carats of 14 emerald beads; 11.18 carats of 23 round brilliant diamonds; and 10.32 carats of round brilliant-cut and pav diamonds. Remarkable yellow-gold post earrings that look like lotus blossoms feature two yellow sapphires totaling 18.17 carats, onyx, and turquoise inserts; and 1.35 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds. A Bulgari today is a piece of history. The new catalogue's impressive collection is the next chapter in the chronicle of what makes a Bulgari a Bulgari.Bulgari, 212.315.9000, www.bulgari.com

Let's face itmost our tastes in fashion far exceed the depth of the purses. If you find yourself living on ramen noodles and beans just so that you can afford that Prada bag or the hottest new designer coat of the season, they might re-examine your priorities. Instead of falling deep into debt by adding designer dream dress in the closet about shopping smart! There are deals to be found in every corner of authentic, quality designer goods. These are the key findings of the awesome deals when purchasing items for a fraction of the mind blowing price tag to do your research! By being able to identify the design elements of the look, feel, and materials, you are less likely to be ripped off for buying a clever fake.By far the best of the season's hottest designer clothing from a bargain basement. This shopping extravaganza carefully guarded secret fashion from around the world. There are a variety of bargain basement shops that specialize in various elements. Necessarily fashion shops in some stores to pass a budget and the fabulous quality designer items that look like they came straight from the runway. Other basement shops specialize in sports clothes or accessories, so you can hit the mall, or hit the slopes looked beautiful as you deserve! The most popular of these stores bargain basement Filenes Basement, on the ground throughout the country. Filenes most famous of these annual extravagant wedding dress that calls for the bride to the near and far!Get the trend of online shopping and using the Internet to find high-design offerings. Web sites specializing in liquidation of securities listing is a fabulous way to find the items ranging from shoes to clothing accessories. http://Overstock.com is a great example of the wound site, but remember, the stock is extremely limitedoften only a few pieces. The theme you see, you like it, you buy it comes into play, because you may miss out on that great deal of design, if you wait. In addition, the online auction sites have proven that the next best thing to do in finding a bargain basement price designer items. The popularity of Ebay and Yahoo auctions buying anything made in the sunincluding designer shades, bags, shoes, clothing and much easier.

Steam cleaners have virtually taken over the floor cleaning market. They advertise their ability to sanitize hard floor surfaces only using water, which is healthier and less expensive than chemical cleaners. With many different brands and types available, it becomes difficult to decide which one is best. Here we'll compare the top four competitors: Haan, Shark, H2O and Gruene Steam.Haan Steam CleanersThe cleaners by Haan offer several products that operate using the power of hot mist to sanitize various parts of a home. The Haan steam vacuums suck up dirt and also clean a floor by flipping a switch. Created to handle all hard-surface floors, these vacuums work on laminate, vinyl and tile, to hardwood, marble and more. For clothing and lightweight fabrics, Haan provides a garment steamer. This item is designed to kill germs and freshen draperies, pillows and upholstered items, including pet beds and stuffed toys.The HS-20 Deluxe Personal Sanitizing Steam Cleaner disinfects tight spaces since it is a hand held machine. Safe and effective on basically all surfaces and materials, this hand held steamer comes with an accessory kit including brushes and a squeegee. For consumers who don't want to purchase several different units, the MS-30 Multi-Purpose Steamer cleans floors, sinks, walls, countertops, ceilings and windows. Only using water, it eliminates harsh chemicals and also incorporates attachments for various jobs. However, one major drawback to the Haan cleaner is the price, as it is traditionally much more expensive than competitor models, without providing much added value.Shark SystemLike Haan products, the Shark 2-in-1 Vac-then-SteamTM allows users to vacuum up dust and particles and then clean floors with vapors coming only from water. The Shark product works on bare-floors, dries in seconds, provides at least 15 minutes of vapor cleaning power with one tank of water, and offers 99.9% sanitization. It comes with two superior cleaning, fast drying micro-fiber cleaning pads, an easy-to-replenish water tank, 30 feet of cord and storage tray. For other cleaning solutions besides floors, Shark's Portable Steam Pocket cuts through grease and grime in the kitchen, bathroom and any grimy area. This handheld steamer also is chemical free. It includes extension hose, cylinder cleaning wand, wedge cleaning attachment, two micro-fiber cylinder pockets, one cylinder dusting pocket, two micro-fiber wedge pockets, direct nozzle, garment kit, two bristle brushes, scrubber wedge pocket, squeegee wedge pocket and tote bag. However, like Haan, the well-known Shark name can often mean a higher price, although consumers aren't necessarily getting a better value or a better cleaning tool.H2O MopAlong with Haan and Shark products, The H2O Mop converts water into vapors and disinfects floors using a microfiber floor cloth underneath the machine. Not requiring any chemicals, toxins aren't released into the air with these types of cleaners. The vapor quickly removes dirt and grime while killing dust mites and certain strains of bacteria. The H2O Mop can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, foyers, and around pets and children. Similar to other vapor cleaners, it can be used on laminate, hardwood, vinyl, marble, slate, ceramic and carpets. This unit includes a 17 ft cord, measuring cup, two microfiber cloth pads, carpet glider, and one year limited warranty. Machine washable, the microfiber cloth pads can be used multiple times. Although the H20 Mop is effective on floors, it is not a multi-functional product. Unlike competitors, it cannot convert to a handheld unit and does not come standard with attachments to clean other household items.Gruene Steam MopCreated to sanitize hard floor surfaces, the Gruene Steam Mop is comparable in some aspects to other vapor cleaners. Like others on the market, this product uses only water to eradicate dirt and grime. The Gruene Steam Mop doesn't leave residue behind or decrease air quality by emitting toxins. It is lightweight and comes with machine washable pads that eliminate waste of disposable pads that constantly have to be replaced. In addition, even terry cloth pads can be used for cleaning pads, saving money.In contrast to other cleaners, the Gruene Steam Mop easily converts to a hand held steamer to handle all cleaning needs. From taking wrinkles out of clothes, refreshing curtains, sanitizing mattresses, removing grime around sinks, cleaning golf clubs, scouring tile grout and more, this unit does it all. Out of the other machines listed above, the Haan MS-30 Multi-Purpose Steamer is the only other item that cleans floors and also functions as a hand held steamer. However, it's more expensive than the Gruene Steam Mop.Gruene's unit also has protective measures installed to prevent burns. Rather than utilizing a high pressure boiler like other vapor cleaners, Gruene makes their unit operate on an efficient technology called Flash Heating. This process operates similar to a tank less water heater in your home and will not build up heat that can burn hands when the top is loosened. The most attractive aspect of the Gruene Steam Mop is that it was developed based on actual customer's reviews instead of an engineer who's never cleaned a floor or any other surface for that matter.With so many steam cleaners available, it may seem like a daunting task to choose the best one. However, by first evaluating your steam cleaning needs and researching the options available from the top competitors, you'll be sure to select the most effective steam mop to get the job done right the first time.