His Point of View

I am not a person who runs out to buy the latest hot scents, I typically purchase the same four or five colognes until they are no longer available.  During my trip to Las Vegas this past weekend I wandered into the Tom Ford store and I found three new favorites.   Tom Ford’s Black Orchid is the scent that I am referring to, and I like it even more each time I wear it. (continue reading…)

These Carbon Fiber Wheels by HRE Wheels are lighter and stronger than aluminum wheels… Lighter wheels = faster lap/race times and better braking.  But these wheels will set you back at least $10,000 (US) They come in 19 & 20 inch sizes for now, with 18 and 22 inch models coming soon.   Images from www.hrewheels.com

This camel back sofa by Dominic Gerard (DG), which is upholstered in Versace velvet is certainly something to look at.  If you have $13,7500 (US) and a home/office interior which can handle this style of furniture I say this is a must have.  It comes in a black and gold as well as a black, blue and silver colorway as well.  Go to www.DominicGerard.com to see more.  DG has been able to carry on producing the same style of furniture that Versace is known for.  Many items on this site are featuring Versace designs and or fabrics.  Even the non Versace branded items produced by DG fit in very well with any other Versace furnishing you may have, or that you may acquire in the future.  On the DG site one can also order Versace branded home accessories and fixtures such as bathroom sink faucets,  curtain stops, rugs, towel bars, shower heads, lamps, bed linens, and more.  Even if things are out of your price range it can be fun to imagine what life is like with 24K gold plated soap holders.   Oh and I can’t forget the $700(US) gold plated Versace toilet brush holder… Image from http://www.dominicgerard.com/

I am a huge fan of fountain pens, if I had a couple hundred dollars to invest in one I would pick up a “Boheme Jewels Topaz” by Montblanc.  This particular pen is white gold plated Rhodium.   Rhodium is used as a jewelery quality metal itself these days, but in this case that was not good enough, so the fine folks at Montblanc plated it in 18K white gold.  It is wrapped in blue tinted calfskin, and topped off with a platinum plated cap and a square topaz stone.  You don’t have to spend more than $100 for a fountain pen but you must remember that you get what you pay for, and I can say that Montblanc pens are the finest that I have used(even though I don’t own one…yet).  Generally you can find a Montblanc for under $500 but many of the more ornate models are nearer to $1000, if not more.  Image from http://www.montblanc.com

Recently I have come across some very fine pieces of lingerie that the ladies (and men with a lady) need to know about. These pieces are a major upgrade from what you can pick up at your average local mall. Many of these pieces are 100% silk, chiffon, or pure (fine quality) cotton. In addition to spicing up the bedroom you can wear some of these items with a suit or jacket and turn up the heat when out on the town. A lot of these pieces are also just great comfortable lounge wear for when you are having a lazy day at home but you still want to look good, just in case…

Grazia’lliani: Traforato Salerno Bed Jacket $307, Even though I had never heard of a thing called a “bed jacket” until a few days ago I am loving it…just don’t ruin it by trying to wear something under it.

photo from http://www.nancymeyer.com

Bordelle: Bondage Angela Chemise $532, I am feeling the detail of this item. This is most certainly a hot item.

photo from http://www.nancymeyer.com

Carmen Marc Valvo by Cosabella Medallion Bustier $340, This is one of those items that could easily be paired with a nice jacket or suit…. or neither if you so dare when you burn up the late night party scene.

http://www.shopisabella.com

Axami: Beautiful Embroidered Bra $95 & Beautiful G-String $ 55

http://www.pamperedpassions.com

Lise Charmel: Ivory Guepiere – $320

photo from http://www.shopisabella.com

Simone Perele: Stiletto Bustier – $250, This is absoluely a flat out classy yet sexy item…you can’t go wrong with this one…

photo from http://www.pamperedpassions.com

Plus Size Strapless Corset $75, everybody needs a little sexy in their life…

photo from http://www.pamperedpassions.com

Bracli: Single Strand Pearl Thong $69, If this does not get your point across, you need to find yourself another guy (or girl)…

photo from http://www.nancymeyer.com

Sabrina Nadal: Bamboo Chemise $225, Bamboo Babydoll $214 & G-String $76, The Chemise is definitely nice to lounge around in, yet it is still conservative and sexy at the same time, while the babydoll is just nice period.

photo from http://www.nancymeyer.com

Julianna Rae:Indulgence Chemise $175, This item is 100% silk, and it comes in 9 colors, each with an optional matching robe.

photo from http://www.shopisabella.com

Mimi Holliday: Aioli Shorty $65, This item is 100% silk chiffon with olive polka dots. I can not put my finger on what it is about these shorts that I like, but I think these are definitely a “love it” or “hate it” item… I vote for “Love it.” Actually I think these shorts with the light fabric, frills, and the little bow just scream femininity, which is something style has gotten away from with all the “boy shorts”, “his jeans”, and such. Every now and then seeing a girly girl is refreshing… but that’s just my $.02

photo from http://www.nancymeyer.com

Sawren Anais: Halter Push Up Bra $62 & Sawren Anais: Tanga $37, There is no question that this bra is meant to be seen, so if you disapprove of your undies being visible, this is definitely not for you.

photo from http://www.pamperedpassions.com

Dolce & Gabbana: Resort Demi Cup Bra $175 & Resort Thong $95

photo from http://www.nancymeyer.com

Last fall (2008) I was wandering around the “gas lamp” district of San Diego, CA when a painting in a window caught my eye. I saw that the establishment was an art gallery/studio, and it happened to be open so I decided to take a look inside. What I saw when I entered was a collection of the best oil paintings I have had the pleasure of enjoying. We all know the art of the old standards such as Picasso, Monet, Bacon, Matisse, etc… and I recognize their work as being great… but its not really art that moves me or that I can relate to, with few exceptions. I recognize all of their work as being great… but as far as art that i would hang in my office or home I would place Tim Cantor above all of the previously mentioned artists. When I say that Tim’s art jumps off of the panel that is what I mean. The colors, the shading, the lighting were unlike anything I had ever seen done before with oil paints.
His works appear as if they are computer animations displayed on an HD screen (hopefully that is interpreted as a compliement). In fact I had to ask one of the staff members if the images were paintings or Computer Generated Images (CGI). The images you will see below do not fully capture the brilliance of these paintings as I experienced in the gallery. Tim’s work reminds me of Cirque du Soliel for more reasons than one… but primarily because he has taken something so familiar and put a whole new spin on it, just as Cirque has done with the traditional idea of a circus. Now I say that last statement because his style is new to me, perhaps there are many other artists with a similar style… Tim just happened to be the first I was exposed to, just as Cirque was the first circus experience I have had of that type. And to any reader out there if this style of painting has a name please do share it with me. If you are ever in San Diego and you appreciate art I urge you to stop by:

Ashby Galleries . 527 Fourth Avenue . San Diego . CA . 92101
619.235.6990

If you like the images below please do visit his site at: http://www.timcantor.com Be sure to click on the “Detail Views” link if it exists for the image you are viewing, it will zoom in to show you some of the featured details of the painting.

When you visit Tim’s site please see the “Limited Editions” page for prints which you can purchase (many are under $2000 framed or unframed), or the “Available Works” page for works which range in price from around $700 for a sketch  to $32,000+ for an original oil on panel or canvas.

All images are from http://www.timcantor.com

“En Pointe” Oil on Canvas

“sine qua non” detail close up of bee

“sine qua non”full-painting, oil on linen

“Sword of Damocles”, Oil on Panel

All images are from http://www.timcantor.com

“Ghost of You”, Oil on Canvas

“Grain of Sand”, Oil on Panel

“Journeyman”, Available as a print

“Born Again”, available as a print

“Stalking the Scarecrow”, available as a print

“The Hollows”,Oil on panel & available as a print…This is the image that attracted my attention. The leaves of the tree appear to jump off the canvas toward you if seen it in person. This shows how the artist captures lighting effects in his paintings… I absolutely love this effect (…but I am a photographer so I appreciate attention given to proper lighting).

All images are from http://www.timcantor.com

Ya’ll are going to get tired of me and watches… for real. But do I care??? Obviously not. Well this one is not going to be a lesson on anything but style. 2009 is going to be a good year for the watch world. There are a few old reliable brands that are breaking new ground. Breitling is manufacturing its first in house movement.  Zenith has figured out how to combine a chronograph and a minute repeater into one movement for the first time ever in a wristwatch. Patek Phillepe has broken ranks from the COSC and the Geneva Seal Bureau to create its own standard of quality craftsmanship(instead of only testing the movements Patek Phillipe has developed a method of testing the entire completed watch). 2009 is an exciting year in the watchmaking world… many of these decisions to break from these companies’ standard method of doing business will go down in history as genius ideas, or mega-flops… either way they will become collector’s items.

Below are more great timepieces to go pick up if you can… or to dream about if your pockets are a little light.

This is the Zenith “Defy Classic Zero-G”.  Zenith has been making fine watch movements since 1865, and you definitely pay for all those decades of experience when you purchase one of their fine time pieces.  This particular model costs approximately $260,000-$300,000 in the US.  Note the lack of diamonds or “bling” even though this item costs more than most people’s houses.  Its all about quality materials, detailed workmanship, and the engineering behind the brand.

(photo from http://media.modernluxury.com)

If you like Zenith but you want to own a piece of horological history that is a bit more affordable  you can pick up other models such as these for under $20,000.

(photo from http://media.modernluxury.com)

Next up is the Bulgari “Diagono Calibro 303″ This piece of work is in the $10,000-12,000 US price range.  At 5.5 mm thickness this is considered to be a very thin mechanical self winding watch.

(photo from http://home.watchprosite.com)

So that we don’t leave the ladies out here is the Boucheron “Ellipse Anniversarie”.  This watch features blue & pink sapphires, and white diamonds for a retail price of $35,000 US.

(photo from https://www.boucheron.com)

I hope that the first time you heard the word “bespoke” it was not in Kanye’s song… But if that’s the case its time to catch up.   Bespoke means “custom made.”  And in this case I am speaking of custom made shoes. Now there are many companies that produce custom made shoes, but I say if you are going to buy something buy the best you can afford.  James Taylor & Son is one of the best, they have been making bespoke shoes & boots since 1857.

You may ask “Why would I want custom made shoes when the shoes I can pick up at Macy’s or Lord & Taylor work just fine?” And I would say to that, good sir or ma’am that a quality item made to fit your body will always look and fit better than anything you can buy off a rack.  And the added benefit is that a good pair of custom shoes can last you up to 20 years, and I know of cases where they have been handed down to the next generation.  You believe me not????   Well its true, custom shoes can be reconditioned by the manufacturer or any good cobbler and if this is done periodically your shoes will last longer than you(well hopefully not… but you never know).

Well here comes the bad news… to get a pair of these custom made wonders you will have to go to London, England… a couple times… or pay for them to come to you and perform fittings.  You must be fitted upon your initial order, and once again half way through the 3 month long process to ensure that the shoes fit properly.  But once they get your first pair done right, you can re-order with a simple phone call, as they store a mold of your foot which will be used for all future orders.  Oh and more bad news… your first pair will run you about £1495 plus tax  which is is about $2379…. But the good news is that every additional pair after the mold is made will only cost you £1295 or $2060 plus tax.  But that is a low price to pay for a quality pair of shoes which will last you 20 years or more.  Let’s not forget that these shoes will keep your feet healthy and feeling good, as custom shoes can prevent a number of ailments caused by improperly fitted shoes.  And the final benefit I will mention is that you have control over the style of your shoe.  You can select the type of shoe you desire and have it customized to your taste (e.g. wider toe, more narrow toe, select a different color and type of leather, select a precise height and width of your heel, and the list of options goes on)…

Below are some examples of the work which you can find at http://www.taylormadeshoes.co.uk

All photos from http://www.taylormadeshoes.co.uk

And not to leave out the ladies they makes shoes for you too…

I know, I know… not a ton of style variations, but these are only a few of the styles available at James Taylor & Son  and still it is an old school British company, so what dso you expect really other than classic styles.  Like I said before you can select a style and modify it to your taste… or google “bespoke shoes” or “Custom made shoes” and you will find other vendors, some of which provide more contemporary styles.  And even better,  some manufacturers have fitting centers or show rooms in the US.

Since I have been out of touch with the world of fashion lately I figured that I would start with something I am current with.

You may ask ‘what is a hidden jewel?’… And if you did I would say yes I am referring to jewelry, but not what you may think. I am talking about wearing 7,17,or 21+ (functional) jewels such as rubies, sapphires, or other precious stones, which may all be hidden from view. Sounds silly? Well let me welcome you to the world of luxury timepieces which use precious stones to reduce friction on internal moving parts, allowing more accuracy in keeping time. Consider this your introduction… I can go on and on about watches but I won’t bore you with detail. After all if you cared you would already know, and if my blog sparks an interest you will Google terms like : watch jewels, movements, complications, etc. But I will ease into the subject with these nice yet somewhat affordable watches. You may think these are not affordable, well when I revisit this topic (to cover super high-end watches) you will feel as if these watches are Cadillacs in a world of Veyrons. If you are unfamiliar, trust me that you could afford a Cadillac far sooner than you could ever dream of driving a Veyron off the lot.

First up to bat is the Breitling Montbrillant Datora, (a part of the Breitling Navitimeter line).

If I had $6,000 laying around this is what I would do with it. It has a good blend of class and a face with a bunch of numbers and lines going on to give it an “I know a lot of stuff”  look which is perfect for me… It was once said, “if you can’t dazzle them with your brilliance, baffle them with your bull shit” and that sums up my love of the Montbrillant Datora by Breitling.

PS, if anybody in the blogosphere is liking my blog and is a generous individual.. please feel free to send me one of these Datoras.

The next player of the game is the Philippe Patek  “Men’s Calatrava 5116G”.

This is an ultra classic watch.  I mean how can you go wrong with this bad boy?  Well if you can afford this gem of a watch then life is comfortable as Patek watches generally start in the $20,000 price range and some models chime in at over $218,000.   I could not get an exact price on this item but its safe to say its a good portion of my annual salary.

Next I had to reach for the stars… well the Moon to bring you the “Moon Dust-DNA” by Romain Jerome.

Photo obtained from  http://www.robbreport.com/Watches-Idea-Man.aspx

This watch is sick, if for no other reason than the face is sprinkled with particles of dust from the moon.  I guess NASA had a garage sale to buy gas for the shuttle and these guys picked up some moon dust for the low…. Well It could not have been too low since these moon dusted creations range in price from $9,800- $300,000.   There are only 1969 of these pieces and yes 1969 was the year we set foot on the moon.

Ok, ok I know it was nice to drool over what is out of reach for most of us…but the reality is the if you are like me you probably need to stay under $300 or so for your wrist wear.  Even with a tight budget you can get a nice looking quality timepiece.  Avoid the huge faced pseudo iced out joints you can pick up at a flea market or in the back pages of your favorite urban magazine.  Go for simple, classy, real materials.  Stainless steel is a great choice, one real diamond in the face is much better than 200 fake diamonds.  And finally know who makes your watch, a lot of “designer” label watches are made by the same manufacturers so gain an understanding of the differences in quality each brand offers.  So here we go…below are some more affordable pieces that can add some style to your collection.

Photo from http://www.kennethcole.com

Kenneth Cole “You’re Golden”  $150.00, I have 2 Kenneth Cole watches and they are quite durable and they look great, especially for the price.  Photo from http://www.kennethcole.com

Photo from http://www.skagen.com

At $135 this Skagen “Two Tone Link”  is a  great option and Skagen is known for their almost paper thin watches if you do not like bulky wrist wear.

Finally I end with one of my favorite affordable brands…. Invicta…

photos from http://www.invictawatch.com

These are Swiss made watches of all varieties… if Invicta doesn’t make it you probably don’t need it… I mean these guys make more different styles of watches than there is a need for.  I suppose they patterned themselves after the Swiss Army Knife Company by making a watch for every imaginable need.  I say they are affordable because you can always find last year’s models on sale since they market new styles each year.  They retail anywhere from $200-$3,000 each but in that price range there has to be something you like and can afford.  I have found that the quality of these watches is excellent.  I love my Invicta, and my Invicta loves me!

That’s all for the semi-affordable- affordable watches for today… next time maybe I will dive into the world of watch complications, tourbillions, and watches that cost more than your favorite rapper’s leased Ferrari & Bently put together.