Unique Discoveries: Jewelry

The everlasting allure of gold jewelry is indisputable — but it takes a true gem of a jeweler to produce a perfect balance of elegance and extravagance. Lauren Harwell Godfrey’s collections debuted at Paris Fashion Week in 2018. Unique Homes spoke with her about her inspirations and the grasp that gold has on fashion.

Godfrey’s 18-karat gold pieces were crafted with intention and significant cultural appreciation. “The aesthetic of ancient African textiles and patterns appealed to me because of my heritage as an African American, and because those are motifs that I personally love,” says Godfrey.

Before designing with fine materials, Godfrey used leather and crystals. Captivated by the energies ascribed to various crystals, she learned that the concept also applies to finer gems. Healing energy is a prominent focus in her designs, along with the ethical sourcing of materials.

Godfrey’s personal jewelry staple is the classic, yet versatile gold bangle. “I love that they can be worn alone, or as an individualized statement. They can be dressed up or down — they look equally as good with jeans and a t-shirt as they do with a gown,” she says.

No longer a fashion faux pas, Godfrey predicts that mixing metals will be the next big thing, along with heavy gold statement chains. “It’s a chic, classic piece that belongs in every collection.”

Lauren Harwell Godfrey

Harwell Godfrey Designs

The Snake Bangle is set with vibrant emerald hearts and green turquoise triangle scales. $54,000

The striking blue sapphire in the Petunia Ring pairs with sparkling tanzanite, exuding pure lavishness. $10,500

A classic gold bangle with a twist, The Double Baguette Stud Bangle has 3 variations: diamond, rainbow, or emerald baguette gemstone details. $18,995

HG_Princess Pearl's Aqua Cocktail Earrings

The Princess Pearl’s Aqua Cocktail Earrings boast diamonds, aquamarine, tourmaline, pearl, and mother of pearl — a ravishing combination of radiant gemstones and geometric placements. $12,150

Unique Discoveries: Jewelry

originally appeared in

Unique Homes Spring 2024.

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July 11, 2024 Leave a comment

Fashion Beyond the Runway

with:Roger Grody

To casual observers, fashion trends are shaped by iconic designers, glossy magazine covers and social media posts by celebrities. But in truth, a myriad of forces are at play.

The fashion industry has always been fiercely competitive, but in a complex cocktail of design, technology and politics, the length of skirts or widths of ties no longer define what is in style. Consumers, armed with vast new resources, are finding inspiration beyond the latest collections of the designer boutiques lining Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive. The fashion industry, constantly evolving, has been democratized and digitized.

“My clients are high-achieving women,” notes personal stylist Hanna Lee, who reports corporate CEOs, attorneys, physicians, and entrepreneurs, as well as occasional celebrities, seek out the personal styling and shopping services of her Chicago-based Hanna Lee Style. Despite being thousands of miles from Paris or Milan, Lee is well positioned to observe trends on the front lines of the fashion industry. “With people now returning to the office, they’re discovering their wardrobes need attention,” reports Lee of current demand for her services. She adds, “People became accustomed to Zoom meetings during the pandemic, so now they’re comfortable having me conduct style consultations that way.”

Among the major trends cited by Hanna Lee is the growing interest in conscientious apparel. Not only are sustainable materials like hemp, bamboo linen and organic cotton in demand, but consumers are seeking ethically produced clothing. Brands are expected to provide safe and humane working conditions, offer living wages and invest in housing or health care in their workers’ communities. To accommodate interest in sustainable products, Lee’s website promotes fashion labels — representing various price points — that appeal to clients with those sensibilities.

The global ethical fashion market, valued at $8.17 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to $11.12 billion by 2027, with many iconic brands among the prominent players. “Who says sustainability can’t be sexy?” asked designer Stella McCartney of her eco-friendly BioSequin jumpsuit featured on the April 2023 cover of Vogue, worn by model and environmental activist Cara Delevingne. Good On You, a website promoting ethical fashion, provides a handy mobile app for shoppers, which rates every imaginable brand on their efforts and provides favorably rated alternatives to underperforming labels.

Regarded as “deadstock” in the fashion industry, overstocks, ends of bales and offcuts are typically discarded, even burned. But UK-based Bee & Alpaca puts some of the industry’s estimated $120 billion of annual waste to good use, creating stylish, sustainable clothing. Founder and CEO Deniz Dincer states, “It seems trivial to label fabric as deadstock, waste or excess. Instead, Bee & Alpaca upcycles these into exclusive and limited-run clothing lines.”

Closely related to sustainability, secondhand clothing is another macro-trend in the fashion industry, no longer reserved for college students, struggling artists or single moms on a budget. “Initially, I was reluctant to ask clients if they were open to secondhand … would they feel it was beneath them?” recounts personal stylist Lee, who has been wearing timeless pieces from her grandmother for years. “But when I mention it, people love the idea, as it’s great in terms of both value and the environment,” reports the stylist, who is a fan of Poshmark, thredUP and Chicago-based North Shore Exchange, which donates 100 percent of profits to local charities.

Occupying the intersection of technology, social media and secondhand merchandise is Poshmark. The company’s online platform connects sellers of new or good-condition luxury merchandise — names like Hermès, Fendi and Prada are among the nearly 10,000 brands represented — to interested buyers. More than 100 million users prefer Poshmark to the traditional shopping experience, avoiding the steep prices and pretenses of luxury designer boutiques. “Consumers are looking for a marketplace where they can sell and shop, in addition to having social experiences — this is what sets us apart and draws people to Poshmark, explains Chelsey Nordyke, the company’s merchandising and curation manager. “Our customers are looking for value and as inflation continues to be top of mind for many, shopping secondhand allows them to find a wide variety of items at more affordable prices,” she says.

Identifying current trends, Nordyke reports, “We’re seeing bags take off on Poshmark, specifically ones that lean into the ‘quiet luxury’ trend,” noting that Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel are labels that consistently perform well. “These classic bags are the epitome of quiet luxury,” says the e-commerce executive of an aesthetic Vogue called the year’s hottest trend, explaining the items feature neutral palettes while forgoing conspicuous logos. “Consumers are choosing minimalist luxury pieces that embody the status symbol, but without the blatant call for attention,” says Nordyke. Lee suggests the quiet luxury trend emerged several years ago, but that celebrity social media posts have made it suddenly au courant. “The Row is a quiet luxury brand with very timeless pieces and incredibly high-quality fabrication,” she states.

“The typical Poshmark buyer is sustainability- and value-focused,” reports Nordyke, explaining that Gen Z consumers, in particular, are normalizing thrifting as an accepted means of updating wardrobes. “We’re constantly looking for ways to bring sustainability to the forefront of users’ minds and highlight companies that focus on ethical production and fair trade,” says Nordyke. She reports that virtual, sustainability-themed Posh Parties showcase brands (e.g., Patagonia, Cuyana, Veja) that employ eco-friendly materials and responsible production practices.

Pantone — the New Jersey-based company is the world’s preeminent authority on color in all industries — works with fashion designers and fabric suppliers to ensure accuracy of colors. Every year the company designates its “Color of the Year,” and for 2023 that honor went to Viva Magenta 18-1750, a bold, Barbie esque shade described by Pantone as “brave and fearless, whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration.” Reflecting the company’s particularly emotive characterizations of color, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, states, “Invoking the forces of nature, Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.” In Chicago, Lee reports, “I feel like people are wanting more colors and patterns than before.”

While consumers learned to shop exclusively online during the pandemic, Lee finds that the pendulum may be swinging back. “It’s still very difficult to accurately size online, and there’s nothing like the touch and feel of clothing,” she says. “People have also started to crave the in-person experience,” adds the stylist. Nevertheless, technology is a powerful force shaping the fashion industry and one tech-driven trend is the emergence of the metaverse as a very real place for brands to market their wares. While most shoppers are still clueless about the metaverse, the increasingly realistic digital environments offered by platforms like Roblox and Decentraland are relevant to younger Gen Z buyers. Prada, Burberry and Ralph Lauren are just a few of the hundreds of brands with a presence in these virtual worlds. Major labels of every price point are realizing that significant investments in the metaverse will pay dividends by capturing the attention of a new generation of consumers.

Chicago-based stylist Hanna Lee in a dress from online platform thredUP.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another technology development that can highly personalize the shopping experience. At Sephora, a facial scan can instantly identify the best makeup color for a particular customer, while Rebecca Minkoff boutiques are exploring AI to enhance the touchscreen smart mirrors they pioneered almost a decade ago. RFID technology can record what items a particular customer tries on, and smart mirrors can suggest alternative colors and sizes.

Designers, marketers and logistics specialists are joining retailers in their embrace of AI in the fashion industry. In partnership with AI creative specialists Maison Meta, Manhattan’s Spring Studios — the SoHo facility annually hosts iconic designers like Calvin Klein and Diane von Furstenberg — recently presented the first-ever AI Fashion Week. Its catwalks were transformed into high-definition screens and avatars stood in for supermodels to showcase AI-generated collections from emerging designers.

March 6, 2024 Leave a comment

Accessorize Like an Expert this Winter

with:Unique Homes Staff

For some, the annual transition into chilly weather is a dreaded one. Cold weather can feel calamitous to one’s personal style as bulky puffer coats, chunky gloves, and clunky snow boots forcibly overtake outfits. However, the misconception that an outfit is ruined by winter layers is just that — a misconception. Cozy winter wardrobes keep us warm and toasty, but when done right, they can make a luxurious statement. Here, we receive some expert winter style advice and take a look at some of the enviable high-end winter pieces on the market that redefine cozy.

“Winter style is an opportunity to be cozy and chic,” Raina Silberstein, fashion stylist, luxury personal shopper, and founder of her own styling service told Unique Homes. When curating a winter wardrobe, Silberstein considers three factors: personal style, weather forecast, and lifestyle. “My expert advice: discover inspiration from your favorite outfits, just because it’s cold and gray doesn’t mean your style has to lack sophistication. Not all winter days are created equal — some days call for major bundles and other times a warm sweater may be appropriate.”

When investing in designer pieces with designer price tags, it’s crucial to know what to look for to ensure you’re making a high-quality purchase. “A winter staple will often be produced in a timeless textile like cashmere, wool, mohair, tweed, corduroy, leather, suede, faux fur, and velvet,” says Silberstein, noting that these materials are both fashionable and practical, making for a good investment. “A quality item will have impressive construction including details like the lining, seams, buttons, hardware, and zippers. When selecting your winter styles, look for versatility in the garment. If you plan to wear a coat several times a week, ensure you can style it in a range of outfits for work, weekends, and beyond.”

Silberstein emphasizes that adding layers is not just stylish — it’s essential. The beauty of creating layered outfits is it allows for the inclusion of more personality, colors, patterns, and textures,” For tasteful winter layering, she suggests garments of varying weights and materials, with the thinnest pieces closest to the body and the thickest further outward. “Accessories like hats, scarves, and gloves help inject color, pattern, and texture. These finishing details will elevate your outfit.”

Brunello Cucinelli Men’s Cashmere Mouline Beanie Hat: $550

This ravishing pearl gray beanie is crafted in Italy from luxurious mouliné cashmere yarn and serves as a perfect winter staple piece.

Loro Piana Darwin Cashmere Rib Beanie : $550

This unique beanie features a thick, padded, turnback rim distinguishing it as a true statement piece promising to provide warmth and coziness with a soft, textured knit pattern. Available in a vibrant orange-red and a natural off-white shade for a more neutral look.

Gorski Cashmere Goat Earmuffs: $150

Crafted from the fluffiest dyed goat cashmere, these Gorski earmuffs come in three sophisticated colors and add a soft touch to any look.

Loro Piana Men’s Guanto Leather Gloves: $975

Boasting a ribbed cashmere lining and lush leather exterior, these luxurious gloves from Loro Piana reflect sophistication.

***Burberry Men’s Jumbo Check Wool Scarf:* *$1,050***

Stylish wool Burberry scarf that can be styled a plethora of different eye-catching ways. It features a gorgeous teal stripe at the end near the fringes for the perfect pop of color.

Giorgio Armani Fringe Cashmere-Silk Scarf: $1,495

Eccentric green detailing makes this dreamy cashmere-silk scarf truly one-of-a-kind. It promises to give life to any look, a bold winter statement waiting to be made!

When it comes to outer layers, such as coats, Silberstein stresses the importance of proper tailoring. A tailored coat that fits well will allow for balanced proportions even when there are multiple garments underneath.

***Brunello Cucinelli* *Glossy Napa Leather Puffer Jacket with Shearling Trim: $9,995***

Exemplifying refined elegance, this mid-length leather puffer jacket has a two-way front zip, spread collar, and convenient side slip pockets. The relaxed-fit jacket is the epitome of casual luxury puffers.

Footwear is perhaps one of the most essential pieces of the winter fashion puzzle, especially in snowy areas. “Boots are the shoe of the season for a reason,” says Silberstein. “They provide comfort, support, and warmth, plus they are often produced in luxurious materials.”

Moncler Gaia Quilted Nylon Pocket Snow Boots – $895-$945

Those looking to make a striking footwear statement this winter need look no further than these chunky, quilted nylon puffer boots from Moncler. Available in white, black or a bright raspberry pink color and complete with a drawstring pull and logo snap pocket on the sides.

Photos courtesy of Neiman Marcus

December 21, 2023 Comments Off

Plant-Based Handbags

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Kristen Hunt

In the ever-changing fashion industry, handbags go beyond mere accessories. They serve as reflections of personal style, symbols of status, and extensions of identity. Viewed as capsules of our thoughts, handbags can protect our most personal belongings with a functional and elegant design.

A History of Luxury Leather

Even before the boom of the fashion industry, handbags held a significant role in society for millennia. First crafted in ancient Egypt from gazelle skin, men wore satchels to hold survival materials and currency. Gradually, these evolved into ornamental purses that were carried by women throughout the Victorian era. The combination of functionality and aesthetics was then introduced, using luxurious fabrics, such as velvet and silk mixed with cowhide.

By the 19th century, handbags became an undeniable symbol of wealth and style with the introduction of iconic designs such as Hermès’ Kelly bag in the 1930s and Chanel’s 2.55 bag in the 1950s. The 1980s further elevated the status of luxury purses, with the emergence of the “it” bag, like the Hermès Birkin and Chanel’s Classic Flap. From ancient gazelle skin to modern-day calfskin, leather has been a vital part of handbag history and allure.

What are the Alternatives?

With its durability and luxurious appeal, animal leather has long been the primary material for high-quality handbags. Common forms also include goatskin, pigskin, and exotic materials, such as snakes and bison, that are purely hunted for leather.

With everyday handbags, purses, clutches, and backpacks, Lost Woods offers a timeless, quiet luxury aesthetic. Avoiding the “hippie feel” often associated with eco-friendly brands, this company mixes classic silhouettes with buttery soft fabric and hardware to add edge. The CEO believes that customers shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for their values.

Animal rights have long played a role in Edwards’ life. After learning about the extensive animal abuse prevalent across industries, finding cruelty-free products in fashion became challenging. Unable to locate a handbag that wasn’t simply plastic, her expertise in marketing and design led to the establishment of her own brand, which emphasized both luxury and sustainability.

“Leather production involves significant water usage,” Edwards explains. “It takes roughly 17,000 liters of water to produce 1 kilogram of leather. The industry causes water and air pollution from animal waste and tanning chemical runoff (only about 10% of the world’s leather is vegetable-tanned).”

According to the mogul, the livestock industry’s excessive use of antibiotics can also result in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing an increased health risk to humans.

“Strangely, while similar cruel materials like fur have been condemned around the world, leather has maintained its image as a desirable luxury product. Apart from greenwashing by the leather industry — I blame the lack of a premium quality, sustainable alternative. It’s my mission to offer that,” says Edwards.

Vegan Shopping Made Easy

Annick Ireland, co-founder and CEO of Immaculate Vegan, went vegan in 2014 after adopting her greyhound and making a link between our beloved pets and the animals harmed in the food and fashion industries. While she found switching to vegan food easy, fashion was much more challenging.

Immaculate Vegan is a vegan fashion marketplace that brings customers to ethical and sustainable fashion brands from around the world. Featuring brands like Kaila Katherine, Miomojo and Ashoka, the company makes it easier to source a variety of certified eco-friendly products, without the hassle of endless research. It also helps promote brands that often get overshadowed by competitors.

“I found that there were many fashion-forward vegan brands out there, but they were really hard to find — so I started Immaculate Vegan as an Instagram blog to curate and share the best vegan fashion I could find, to help others looking for ethical and sustainable alternatives. I also wanted to elevate the profile of vegan fashion and show people you can be vegan and stylish too,” says Ireland.

With new drops every week featuring a variety of silhouettes, colors and more, Immaculate Vegan tailors to all styles and aesthetics.

“Whether you’re looking for a specific item, or simply for inspiration, we’ll bring you hero products you’ll fall in love with, and game-changing brands you’ll want to get behind,” says Ireland.

Not All Vegan Leather is Made Equal

A common greenwashing tactic prevalent in luxury fashion is the use of the word vegan to portray the illusion of eco-friendly products. However, vegan does not always mean sustainable or ethical. Most vegan leather products are actually made from petroleum-based plastics, most commonly: polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (vinyl or PVC).

Similar to most plastics, PU and PVC are derived from petroleum or natural gas, and take centuries to break down. When assessing the sustainability credentials of vegan leather, it’s necessary to look at its raw properties and how it’s made.

“In the end, finding vegan materials is easy — finding vegan materials combined with sustainability and quality is hard,” says Edwards.

Producing small batches of handbags in Porto, Portugal, a city known for its leather, Lost Woods works with skilled artisans with years of experience in the leather-making business.

To make its vegan leather, Lost Woods uses a plant-based material, named MIRUM, made from natural tree rubber, natural fibers and fillers, plant oils, and waxes, backed with natural cotton. “Testing has found MIRUM to be incredibly tear, abrasion, water and UV resistant, and it is now approved for use under stringent automotive industry quality standards,” reports Edwards.

To ensure supply chain safety, Lost Woods requires her partners to sign the Fair Labour Agreement, which establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, record-keeping, and child labor standards. Also embracing a commitment to ethical practices, Immaculate Vegan requires a rigorous questionnaire for all brands, ensuring sustainability and ethics in the four key sectors: materials, manufacturing processes, packaging, and ethical labor.

December 21, 2023 Comments Off

Winter’s Finest: 10 Luxe Sweaters to Keep You Stylishly Warm

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Kristen Hunt

Sablyn Eloisa Cashmere Cardigan

Fall in love with winter in this pastel cream cashmere cardigan by Sablyn. Its oversized sleeves and ribbed hemming bring to life the designer’s motto of sophisticated and sexy. For a chic look, pair it with a tan mock neck sweater and loose straight pants. Accessorize with a stylish bucket bag and heeled loafers, experiment with a mix of neutral tones for a stunning monochromatic ensemble.

Carolina Herrera Wool Knit Sweater with Embellished Ruffle Sleeves

Elevate your winter style with Carolina Herrera’s wool knit sweater featuring layered ruffle sleeves and delicate pearl detailing. Match it effortlessly with high-waisted black trousers, pearl earrings, and a sleek black clutch. Complete the look with either black pumps or pointed boots for a timeless touch.

Dolce & Gabbana Leopard Oversized Wool-Cashmere Cardigan

Unleash your wild side with Dolce & Gabbana’s Leopard Oversized Cardigan. Crafted from virgin wool, it’s a statement piece that requires minimal layering. Pair it with a fitted black long sleeve or turtleneck, along with slim straight black trousers or skinny jeans. Accessorize with delicate gold jewelry and a chic black tote. Finish the look with slouchy boots and a black and gold belt for added texture.

TSE Cashmere Cable-Knit Cardigan

Experience the cozy allure of TSE Cashmere’s Cable-Knit Cardigan, exuding an elegant and edgy charm with its twist pattern and plunging v-neck. Combine it with dark wash relaxed flare jeans and dark brown heeled boots. Elevate your style with a lariat necklace and small diamond hoops.

TSE Cashmere Recycled Cashmere Cable-Knit Fringe Cardigan

Whether you’re heading to a cabin retreat, a casual coffee date, or holiday shopping, this heavy cable-knit sweater has you covered in warmth and style. Its playful dark-toned patterns and fringe details make it a true wardrobe essential. Pair it effortlessly with a white long sleeve shirt and boot cut jeans, and complete the look with trendy black or brown combat booties.

Alexander McQueen Wool Peplum Jumper with Shoulder Pads

Make a bold statement with Alexander McQueen’s bright red wool sweater. From the striking shoulder pads to the captivating peplum flare, it’s the perfect addition to your office attire or a night on the town. Bring the vision to life with dark wash boot cut jeans and your favorite red pumps. Accessorize with statement earrings and a dazzling clutch to turn heads wherever you go.

Brunello Cucinelli Men’s Knit Full-Zip Cardigan Sweater

Indulge in comfort with the Brunello Cucinelli Knit Full-Zip Cardigan Sweater. Designed to effortlessly elevate your business casual attire, it’s a must-have for winter festivities and beyond. Create a timeless ensemble by pairing it with a cream-colored button-up shirt, tailored gray slacks, a classic brown belt, and brown loafers.

Loro Piana Men’s Cashmere Parksville Full-Zip Sweater

Elevate your everyday style with the Loro Piana Cashmere Parksville Full-Zip Sweater in a rich forest green. Crafted for comfort and refinement, this versatile piece seamlessly transitions from home to office to special occasion. For a casually chic appearance, pair it with a crisp white tee, complemented by dark jeans and brown Chelsea boots. Looking to make a statement? Combine it with charcoal slacks, sleek black loafers, and a classic trench coat.

Ralph Lauren Purple Label Men’s Birdseye Cashmere Quarter-Zip Sweater

The Ralph Lauren Purple Label Birdseye Cashmere Quarter-Zip Sweater in a deep burgundy red is a must for the holiday season. This exceptionally soft and lightweight piece is designed for seamless layering, ensuring that you’ll stay warm and sophisticated throughout the season. For a flawless ensemble, pair it with olive green slacks, a rich brown belt, and luxurious brown boots.

ZEGNA Men’s Oasi Cashmere Knit Turtleneck Sweater

This ZEGNA Oasi Cashmere Knit Turtleneck Sweater exudes modern chic and is destined to be a wardrobe staple. Complement it with any classic pair of slacks and enhance your look with a tasteful watch and a subtle golden chain for added flare.

Brunello Cucinelli Men’s Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater

Capture the essence of holiday charm with the Brunello Cucinelli Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater. Its thick braided pattern and unrivaled comfort makes it cozy and classic. Style minimally with a dark wash pair of jeans, a black leather belt, and black leather boots.

Brioni Men’s Ribbed Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

The chilly season is no match for the Brioni Ribbed Crewneck Sweater, in a perfect light cream hue. This mid-heavy weight cashmere is the quintessential layering piece. Elevate your ensemble with dark wash jeans, a light puffer jacket, and light brown suede boots.

October 19, 2023 Comments Off

High-Tech Health Gadgets

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Marlene Ridgway

If your sights are set on living a healthier lifestyle, boosting your mood, or reaching new fitness milestones, then consider adding some technology to the mix. These high-tech health gadgets, from analytics to recovery, could be the addition to your routine that will make your ambitions a reality.

Hack Your Metabolism With Lumen

This metabolism tracker evaluates your diet and exercises on a highly individualized level. The device fits right in the palm of your hand, but is capable of providing accurate metabolic testing that previously wasn’t readily available outside of hospitals. Lumen concisely explains what your body needs throughout the day.

“Lumen uses patented algorithms, CO2 sensors, flow meters, barometric pressure, and temperature sensing technology to determine the carbon dioxide concentration in a single breath. This concentration indicates the type of fuel your body is using for energy,” says Dr. Michal Mor, chief of product and science at Lumen.

The technology behind Lumen essentially teaches your body how to better use the fuel it has. The personal results are what make this product so unique. “By understanding how your body is reacting to what you eat and do throughout the day, whether in carb or fat burn, you can understand how to fuel your day if you’re working out later or if you need a low-carb day and you are mostly sitting in the office,” says Mor. This device allows you to prepare and stay at peak performance throughout your busy schedule.

This device may not seem like a complicated piece of equipment, but the science behind it can help your body recover and relax on a cellular level. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is a way to influence your cells, whether they need a recharge or need to be activated before a long day or difficult workout. This patent-pending technology emits frequencies that can reach your cells and help your body recover faster and train your body to work smarter, which means better relaxation, and an overall sense of wellness.

The technology that makes HAELO unique is that it can emit several different frequencies at once. This is compared to other therapies that only send one at a time. In addition, HAELO’s comfortable design can be held, can target a specific area of your body, or simply be near you to experience the benefits. The device produces a six-foot field from the center, which can read your cells from head to toe and jumpstart recovery. $3,297

WHOOP is a Wearable Fitness Tracker and Health Coach

This wearable device is constantly working and gathering data to keep you at your best. “Every day when you wake up, WHOOP calculates a Recovery score. That score lets you know if your body is ready to perform, needs an active recovery day, or requires rest,” explains a WHOOP representative. The health tracker determines the score based on physiological metrics, such as heart-rate variability, resting heart rate, sleep, and your respiratory rate, and can help you better plan your day from start to finish.

However, the magic doesn’t stop there. WHOOP functions throughout the day, collecting data and calculating your strain, such as how much anxiety, travel, and overall stress you are experiencing. “Every night, WHOOP calculates your sleep performance by measuring the sleep you got compared to the sleep your body needs,” explains a WHOOP representative. “The following night, Sleep Coach will provide personalized sleep and wake times based on your daily effort and performance from the night prior.” The device can also send soft vibrations at just the precise time to wake you up as well and leave you feeling rested.

$399 for 12-month membership

Bellabeat is a Women-focused Wellness Brand

Bellabeat was engineered by women for women. “My co-founder and I started the company in 2014,” says Urska Srsen, the co-founder of Bellabeat, “and what we saw was a flood of products developed with the male user in mind and we saw that as a great opportunity.” IVY and the Leaf Chakra health trackers, for example, have similar technology to other wearable trackers, but the application, data processing algorithms, and product appearance are specifically engineered for women’s health and lifestyle.“

We decided to create a brand that develops tech-driven products with a focus on the female user,” says Srsen. These are stylish devices that monitor your heart rate, respiratory rate, cardiac coherence, and physical and mental activity. The device is lightweight and made of quality materials, but it also doesn’t have a screen. The tracker is meant to be worn and forgotten, without distractions and constant interruptions. Ever since the early stages of Bellabeat, the team has worked to bring about innovative products that don’t necessarily fit the mold. “We now have a whole ecosystem of connected products and digital experiences created to help women track and improve their physical and mental health,” explains Srsen.

IVY $249 / Leaf Chakra $89

October 18, 2023 Comments Off

How Quiet Luxury is Taking Over Fall 2023

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Jacquelyn Elliott

What is Quiet Luxury?

Quiet luxury is a term used to describe a style of living or a product that exudes a sense of refinement, elegance, and quality while never coming off as flashy or showy. This understated sense of luxury focuses on sophistication, attention to detail, and the overall experience rather than the appearance.

Where can you spot quiet luxury? This style can be found in various aspects of life, including trends in fashion, interior design, travel, and dining. Indulging in this understated luxury means treating oneself to the best things without being ostentatious or pretentious.

Quiet Luxury in Your Life

Imagine the perfect balance of living well without the need for grand gestures or excess. A sense of extravagance and grandeur is balanced out by calmness and comfort.

Stars like Sofia Richie, Jennifer Lawrence, Gwenyth Paltrow, Kendall Jenner, and Victoria Beckham exude quiet luxury in their distinct sense of style, opting for comfortable and classic wardrobe pieces with a luxurious elevated look.

Quiet luxury is not only applied to our sense of style but the living experience as a whole. This style is about creating a sense of calm, comfort, and beauty in every aspect of life, from the clothes we wear to the spaces we inhabit.

Quiet Luxury in Your Home

Picture yourself living in a space that feels like a luxurious sanctuary. Every detail has been carefully considered to create a sense of understated elegance and comfort. That is the essence of quiet luxury within interior design — stylish yet functional, extravagant yet never flashy.

What makes up quiet luxury in interior design? Quiet luxury interiors usually include high-quality materials, such as rich woods, plush fabrics, and natural stones, creating a sense of quality and contrasting textures.

Color palettes will include shades of neutrals only with carefully thought-out pops of color that add depth and interest to a room. Lighting is intentionally selected to bring a sense of ambiance and warmth and furniture is chosen with style and comfort in mind. Overall, a quiet luxury interior is inviting and comfortable yet effortlessly sophisticated.

When it comes to luxury this fall, less is more.

September 21, 2023 Comments Off

Outside the Bag

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Kristen Ordonez

The beauty of fashion is it’s innate ability to evolve, both forward and backwards in time. Its only curse is deciding which pieces and styles align with your taste. For designers, the best way to stay ahead of the curve is to think outside the metaphorical box, or in this case, bag. Moving away from tried-and-true materials, high-end designers are pushing the boundaries of handbag craftsmanship by utilizing unique materials and techniques that can only be described as fun.

Crochet

The 2020s have brought a reemergence of craftsmanship regarding knit and crochet pieces, showing that crochet is more than just a cozy at-home hobby. This emerald green top handle bag by Bottega Veneta is composed of braided leather, boasting the perfect balance between fashion and craft. Its size makes it a tiny but mighty statement piece, outfitted in the brand’s signature color that is both bold and youthful. Priced at $5,400, you won’t be able to resist matching its bold style.

Another iconic Italian fashion brand that has evolved alongside fashion is Valentino Garavani. This multicolored crochet shoulder bag is outfitted allover in signature Roman studs, giving a modern flair to an otherwise seemingly simple design. Priced at $3,250, this piece also has added versatility with a removable chain shoulder strap.

Shearling/Fur

While fur or shearling is not an atypical material used in fashion, these uniquely designed handbags offer more than what comes to mind when one thinks of fur fashion. Take this Saint Laurent pouch clutch bag in quilted, dyed Spanish shearling. Its color alone draws the eye and evokes a sense of playfulness, while its craftsmanship strikes a balance between function and fashion. Priced at $1,450, if you’re looking to upscale your wardrobe with something funky yet elegant, this piece is an easy choice.

Speaking of funky, another piece by Bottega Veneta — the Jodie Mini Hobo Bag — awakens an almost 90s style of compact yet trendsetting handbags. Made in Italy and priced at $2,500, this shearling, knotted strap bag punctuates any look with a sense of fun.

Beaded

Designing bead-encrusted fashion items is the equivalent of glowing up your favorite purse. These pieces by Christian Louboutin do that and more by taking both unique and simple silhouettes and raising the bar on glamor. This Mary Jane Crystal Beaded bucket bag is an iconic example, as the concept remains basic but the execution soars far beyond. Priced at $4,990, the suede bucket bag boasts crystal beading allover, with a removable chain and leather shoulder strap. The Louboutin red leather lining is key to the brand’s signature style. The red is iconic to the brand’s line of shoes and can be seen in the Mary Jane bucket bag’s interior. But what happens when these two come together in one form? Enter…. The Red Sole Pump Clutch.

The Shimmery Red Sole Pump Clutch Bag demonstrates not only Louboutin’s classic style sensibilities, but also its ability to have fun with fashion and design. The suede clutch is clothed elegantly in black beading and is fitted beautifully with both a removable chain shoulder strap and wrist strap. Priced at $3,990, this stylish piece pays homage to an iconic piece of fashion history and demonstrates the complexities of an equally iconic brand.

January 13, 2023 Leave a comment

A Night Out

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Ritika Jain

Designer fashion specifically offers fashion-forward customers a diverse selection of the most bold, experimental pieces that reflect modern style, but also foreshadow upcoming trends. Neiman Marcus curates that experience, selling high-end clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories from many of the best designer fashion houses in the game: Balenciaga, Chanel, Givenchy, Jimmy Choo, Prada, and Saint Laurent, to name a few.

While bright, funky colors have returned to the zeitgeist of modern-day fashion, minimalist tones will never go out of style. Here is a roundup of a few striking, designer black-and-white pieces on the market that collectively create the perfect outfit for a night out on the town, yet can be worn year round.

Franck Muller Watch

The beauty of accessorizing is that it can enhance an entire outfit. This Franck Muller watch from the Master Square Collection immediately dazzles the eye, encased in 18-karat rose gold and encrusted with diamonds. The textured dial contains dramatic Roman numeral lettering and three-hand movement, which are complemented by the black rubber-lined alligator strap. Priced at $49,200 and boasting a total diamond carat weight of 3.54, this piece is timeless.

Dolce & Gabbana Handbag

Dolce & Gabbana honors its commitment to bold expression in this typographic sketch-print shoulder bag, crafted with Napa leather and adorned with the designer’s flashy medallion front and center. Priced at $2,495, the handbag is equipped with a sliding chain shoulder strap and flap top with double-snap closure, serving practical and stylistic purposes. If there’s any way to make a statement, it’s with gold embellishments and graffiti. This piece offers a splash of flamboyance in an otherwise simple, classic look and matches well with the Prada boots featured below.

Saint Laurent Jacket

Top off the attire with this butter-soft leather jacket by Saint Laurent, which sports long sleeves, notched labels, zip cuffs, and an asymmetrical zip front. This $4,990 jacket is an easy fit that can be layered over a dress, shirt, or blouse to complete the perfect ensemble, marked by expensive leather and shiny trappings. With the Franck Muller watch glimmering from your wrist, embrace the feel of effortless confidence that this jacket provides.

Prada Boots

If you’ve been searching for the perfect pair of platform boots, look no further. Resembling the style of the highly fashionable go-go boots, these tall platform booties by Prada make the ultimate style statement with their high-
quality, sleek Napa leather, bolstered by a 2.8-inch block heel. Priced at $1,450 and available in black and white, they are not only incredibly trendy, but also offer comfort and flexibility fostered by an elastic collar and round toe, allowing for a durable fit. Wear these to elevate any look and transform the streets into your own runway.

June 10, 2022 Leave a comment

Celestial Standard Time

with:Unique Homes Staff

By Roger Grody

From the first night our ancestors cast their eyes skyward, our species has been fascinated by the universe, and the current space race is yet another expression of our obsession with what lies beyond our atmosphere. Luxury watchmakers are keenly aware of the allure of the heavens, producing innumerable timepieces that capture the magic of the night sky.

“One of humanity’s greatest achievements has been the development of techniques to accurately measure time,” states Ariel Adams, founder and owner of A Blog to Watch and a leading authority on luxury timepieces. “The human body has no innate ability to do it, and for thousands of years humans have been looking to their environment for methods on which to base time related predictions,” he explains. Adams suggests the heavens were not only inspirations for pioneering watchmakers, but the earliest timekeeping mechanisms as well.

“The 24-hour day, as we know it, is a reduction of the day/night cycle across the space of a year, and is manifested in pretty much every timepiece on the planet,” reports Adams. “While most of today’s timepieces provide no additional information about the skies, the basic time as we know it is still a celestial observation at heart,” he adds.

The night sky continues to inspire watchmakers and Greg Simonian, president of Beverly Hills-based retailer Westime — luxury brands available at its Southern California and Miami boutiques include Blancpain, Greubel Forsey and Audemars Piguet — reports ample opportunities for consumers passionate about the theme. “The sky, the stars and the planets have been the stuff of dreams for humans around the globe, long before watches existed, and to wear a watch that celebrates the night sky is a brilliant way to bring the dream full circle,” says Simonian.

The Arceau L’heure de la Lune from Hermès, a limited edition released in 2019 with a starting price of $25,500, features a meteorite dial with two mother-of-pearl moons, a subdial for the time and a second subdial for the date circling the face of the watch. Like an eclipse, the two moons are gradually overtaken by the subdials, coinciding with the actual lunar phases in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Jaeger-LeCoultre, a favorite among timepiece connoisseurs, offers a Rendez Vous Celestial watch for women, inspired by the aurora borealis. Its upper dial is occupied by flamboyant numerals while the lower portion features a star chart with signs of the zodiac. The night sky is portrayed as it appears above Jaeger-LeCoultre’s home in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux, displaying the changing positions of the constellations in real time.

Delicate hand-painting and the precise setting of 64 sapphires in pink gold make this watch, priced at $101,000, a true masterpiece. “Across history we’ve seen plenty of specific complications in timepieces which further illustrate the motion of celestial bodies, even down to miniature planetariums on watch dials,” says Adams. Among the most stunning is the Cosmos produced by Girard Perregaux, featuring a partially open skeleton structure and two rotating orbs, one displaying Earth and its continents, the other the signs of the zodiac. At night, the watch hands, stars and the continents on the Cosmos emit a seductive blue glow, making the $288,000 timepiece a memorable gift for any stargazer.

A more extravagant version of Girard-Perregaux’s Cosmos is the Planetarium Tri-Axial, whose price tag of $858,000 blasts through the stratosphere. The Richard Mille RM 52-05 Tourbillon, a 30 unit limited edition designed with entertainer and Star Trek fan Pharrell Williams, is priced at approximately $970,000. Its dial features a sculpted titanium spacesuit with the rugged landscape of Mars (brought to life with red gold) reflected in the helmet’s visor, with a distant blue Earth on the horizon.

“Working with Richard Mille provided an opportunity to go where no one else has gone before … and with the RM 52 05, we’ve looked at Mars from a different angle, an unexpected first-person point of view.” says Williams.

Adams observes, “Some prefer their luxury timepieces to be outfitted with precious stones, and others like a complicated movement, which reminds them that time isn’t something we really control but is, in a sense, delivered from above.”

May 11, 2022 Leave a comment

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