from the publisher
Welcome. On March 20th, at 7:02 a.m., the sun crossed over the Earth’s equator, marking the Vernal Equinox; the first day of spring. In that moment, everything became new again. The world was reborn, romance was revived and spirits emerged refreshed from winter hibernation. It’s time to celebrate the splendor of love and spirit of adventure that spring brings. In this spring/summer issue of Baribault Jewelers magazine, you’ll tour the four corners of the Earth with “Destination… I Do,” to the planet’s most fabulous wedding destinations. You’ll revel in the season’s most exquisite gowns, captured by the gifted photographer, Emily Gualdoni, in “Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni”. Also in this issue, read about “The Best Beer in the World,” and how the ‘Westy’ tops the hype of world-renowned Belgian beers. The spring runway report will keep you up to speed with the world’s foremost fashion designers as they demonstrate the allure of timelessness. Just as the Earth is reborn with this season, the classics reemerge to reign supreme. You’ll find another example of this concept from the very inventors of the automobile in “Mercedes: A Tale of Two SLs.” Sharon Naylor shares a story, “I Still Choose You,” about renewing your wedding vows. With the season of love, thoughts also turn to showering gifts upon our loved ones. You’ll find the perfect way to say I love you with our spring Gift Guide. Be sure to visit us at Baribault Jewelers. We love hearing your stories and feel honored to be a part of your special moments. We have been serving the local jewelry needs of the community since 1948 and we’re proud to offer the most diversified selection of designer jewelry in Glastonbury. It is our honor and privilege to present to you this edition of Baribault Jewelers magazine. Warm wishes to you and yours, Lewis Baribault and Philip Baribault III
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BORN IN 1970, THE MOVADO DATRON速 a modern interpretation of the 1970 movado classic. new quartz chronograph in solid stainless steel. movado.com
Features
inside
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Community 10 Love, Trust & Hope Jewelry 36 Gift Guide Photography 19 Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni
Love, Trust & Hope Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni
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Mercedes: A Tale of Two SLs
Best Beer in the World
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Fashion 49 Runway Report Lifestyle 13 I Still Choose You 43 Mercedes: A Tale of Two SLs 60 The Modern Master Suite Travel 29 Destination... I Do!
Libation 54 Best Beer in the World Cuisine 64 Ultimate Summer Brunch
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Baribault Jewelers Gift Guide
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cover on on thethe cover
Publisher LEWIS BARIBAULT III CHRISTINA BARIBAULT-ORTIZ RAEANN BARIBAULT SCHWARTZ Associate Publisher LEWIS BARIBAULT JR PHILIP BARIBAULT III Editor JON ROBERTS
Baribault Jewelers next generation, Christina, Lewis III and Raeann, have taken up the mantle and are actively involved in the day to day running of the store. Photo taken at Wadsworth Mansion, by Brian Ambrose Photography. Tabletop Setting Design by Dragonfly Wedding Flowers & Event Decor.
Senior Designer ANGIE HALTER Project Coordinator ASHLEY ANDERSON NICOLE HIGGINS
LX: a coffeetable magazine Baribault Jewelers - LX® Magazine is published by LX Publications, LLC, 500 N. Michigan Avenue, Ste. 300, Chicago, Illinois 60611. LX® accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. LX® reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature the same content on lxmagazines.com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes. Copyright © 2013 LX Publications LLC. All rights reserved. The entire contents of LX® are protected by copyright© and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of LX Publications, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part or storage in any data retrieval system or any transmission by any means therefrom without prior written permission is prohibited. LX® and LX® Magazine are trademarks™ of LX Publications, LLC. 8
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unlike any other ring
Spreading
LOVE, TRUST & HOPE To The Sandy Hook Families
By Lyndon Conrad Bell Who among us can forget where they were when the news broke about the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012? Coming as it did during what is supposed to be the most joyous time of the year, the force of the incident was magnified immensely. Even the typically unflappable President Obama was visibly stricken by the news. Images of our President wiping away tears during his press conference solidly drove home the immensity of the horror. As is the case with so many events of this nature, once the story is covered, dissected and commented upon by the media, the national attention is refocused on the next big thing. Meanwhile, the lives of the people involved are still impacted mightily. In this case, where so many innocent young children were affected, the situation was all the more tragic. Experts believe the after effects will be felt in Newtown for a considerably lengthy period. One Newtown resident, Brian Mauriello, feeling compelled to do something to help make a difference, founded the Newtown Memorial Fund, Inc. Mauriello says, “I wanted to help create something I think this community will need — not just today or this month, but for generations to come.” The aim of the Newtown Memorial Fund is to provide both immediate and ongoing victim family support and long-standing preservation of the memories of those lost, while also improving the Newtown community. The all-volunteer group’s immediate intention is to help the families of the 26 victims, those who were wounded but survived, the twelve children who witnessed the massacre first-hand, and others affected by the shooting.
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As of February 26, 2013, the fund had reached one million dollars in donations. One organization moved to help was Baribault Jewelers of Glastonbury, Connecticut. Deeply moved by the tragedy, the people at Baribault put their heads together to come up with a way they could provide some assistance. Raeann Baribault of Baribault Jewelers says, “Yes, this particular situation hit home for us because it was in our state. But most of all it was because it was affecting the future of all the children in world. After all, if a child can’t feel safe in school, where can they ever feel safe?” Occurring as it did during the holiday season gave the team at Baribault an opportunity to partner with Elle Jewelry to
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feature its appropriately named Love, Trust & Hope collection of necklaces and earrings. Offered specifically in their store and online to support the families of Sandy Hook, Baribault donated one hundred percent of the Love, Trust & Hope profits to the Newtown Memorial Fund. Because of the generosity of all involved, the Newtown Memorial Fund was endowed with a check for $10,018 from Baribault Jewelers. The Newtown Memorial Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation, eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. To find out how you can contribute to the Newtown Memorial Fund visit its Website at NewTownMemorialFund.org.
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or Writte n by Sharon Nayl os Images by MC Studi
Recapture the magic of your wedding day and tell your beloved “I still choose you” with a romantic wedding vow renewal celebration. Standing before one another, whether in a stylish designer gown and suit, or in bathing suits on a tropical beach, and speaking from the heart—telling your mate just how much more in love you are, how much you appreciate every moment, every gesture, every morning kiss and kindness—adds a depth to your marriage. More wedding couples are choosing to renew their vows their way, whether in a grand wedding re-do at the country club with 150 guests and a masterpiece of a wedding cake, in their own backyard with their closest family and friends, or just the two of them at the ocean’s edge or in the church, synagogue or garden where they originally said their vows. They’re re-living the excitement of the wedding-planning (perhaps more enjoyably this time, without the input of ‘helpful’ parents,) touring ceremony sites together, tasting delectable cake sample bites, designing lovely bouquets and florals, selecting elegant invitations and of course, choosing their wedding vow renewal dresses and suits. A big trend now is to incorporate some element of the original wedding day into this celebration. Cher Floyd, who with her husband John has renewed their vows several times over the past twenty years, says of one celebration, “I used my original wedding veil, and had our original florist send similar flowers for us.” No matter the grandiosity of their plans, or the intimacy of a small affair, vow renewal couples experience that heart-flutter of excitement as they write new vows reflecting the bright points of the life they’ve lived together. They might repeat the same vows they spoke years ago, add new thoughts to that vow script, add their signature style and sense of
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“Most wedding couples say they haven’t felt as connected to one another in years as they do on this day.” humor this time around, and speak so sentimentally that tears come to their eyes. This is a moment dedicated to expressing appreciation and admiration for everything their partner does to enrich their life together, and to enrich their children. Most wedding couples say they haven’t felt as connected to one another in years as they do on this day. As an added bonus, wedding vow renewal couples say they love setting an inspiring example for their children and grandchildren, showing them that this is what a solid, loving and supportive marriage looks like, not the turbulent relationships they see on television reality shows and in celebrity gossip magazines.
Why Renew Now? It doesn’t have to be a 5th, 10th or 25th milestone anniversary for you to renew your vows. Some couples do so on their very first anniversary, their 7th, their 12th—whenever the time feels right. A couple may wish to re-cement their bond after an extremely challenging year, such as one partner’s illness or job search struggles, or a military deployment. Or, they might re-new their vows in a joyful year, such as after their first child is born, and again when each additional child arrives. Some couples return to their original destination wedding resort each time, bringing their children with them to participate in their vow renewal celebration. It’s also become a trend to surprise a spouse with the “wedding re-do” she’s always wanted. If parents controlled the wedding plans, or if finances didn’t allow for that masterpiece wedding cake, the garden wedding, the sea of roses, if it rained on her dream garden wedding, she now gets the surprise of a lifetime: “Will you plan our wedding vow renewal celebration with me?” Tears will certainly flow with that romantic offer. She gets the do-over she’s always wanted, made all the sweeter by the fact that her partner suggested it.
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“Surprise ring upgrades are rising in popularity.”
The Wedding Ring Gets a Do-Over As Well
replaced by a new ring. She’s lived for years with, and cherished, the wedding ring placed on her finger at her wedding, and she would be disheartened to ‘trade it in’ for a newer model. A solution: take the stones from the original band and include them in the new band’s design, perhaps as stones embedded in the anniversary band. Or, the stones from the original band can be re-set as a new diamond pendant she can wear every day now and forever.
Open Editorial
When Dr. Chris Kammer planned a surprise vow renewal for his wife Jean Marie on their twentieth wedding anniversary, he also added a dazzling gift: “I had her wedding ring upgraded to a new platinum setting, and I also surprised her with a new anniversary band with twenty diamonds around the circle to wear with it.” Dr. Kammer’s present stunned not only his bride, but all of their family and friends in attendance.
Renewing your vows
Surprise ring upgrades are rising in popularity, and many husbands are giving an added thrill: they’re bringing their wives to the jewelry store to let them pick out their new, upgraded style elements. The shopping experience in itself adds wow factor to the gift, with the wife treated as a VIP by the jewelry shop staff. Some jewelry experts say they bring out a bottle of sparkling cider or Prosecco for these special couples, just as they do for their about-to-be-engaged couples shopping for the engagement ring. “Love should be celebrated,” says one jewelry store manager. “And we like to make their moment extra-special.” Dr. Kammer represents the high-end ring upgrade client who shops for finer metals, and a diamond-encircled anniversary band, perhaps an upgrade to larger wedding band stones with greater fire. Which brings up an important issue: the wife might not wish to have her wedding band 16
Great solutions if the original ring will remain untouched: get her a dazzling right-hand diamond or gemstone ring, or simply surround the original band with two new, stackable diamond-encircled bands. Perhaps each band can symbolize five years of marital bliss, perfect for a tenth wedding anniversary, or symbolizing each of the couple’s two children. When you add an element from the marriage to the ring upgrade, even a subtler design becomes priceless.
Other choices include adding gemstones to the new design, embedding larger diamonds, and adding personalized engravings (sometimes as a surprise.) And don’t forget that the husband’s wedding band can be upgraded as well; he may prefer a different style (such as hammered metals or diamond chips) than he chose in his younger years. Many couples with children love to include their kids in their vow renewals, expressing their love and admiration for the wonderful people their sons and daughters have grown to be, and promising to always support their dreams. As part of the renewal, it’s lovely to present diamond pendants, gemstone earrings or other precious gifts to the girls, as well as meaningful gifts to the boys. Grandchildren may be included in this gift presentation as well, for all to share in the joy of the day. www.lxmagazines.com
behind the lens of emily gualdoni By Lyndon Conrad Bell
You don't take a photograph, you make it. - Ansel Adams Considered one of the top wedding photographers, Emily Gualdoni’s ethereal esthetic translates into images imparting the unique quality of appearing to be lighter than air. Radiating a deep internal glow, her photographs also warmly entice viewers to relive a moment forever frozen in time. Further, Gualdoni’s distinctive sensibilities enable her to approach her wedding photography with the fluidity, attention to detail and grace of a fashion photographer— as well as the observational skills of a photojournalist. Combining the two, she captures the emotion of a day in beautifully eye-arresting, almost painterly images. Remarkably though, like so many gifted people, when you ask her about her work, she says it’s just something she feels. To learn what happens behind the lens of Emily Gualdoni, we commissioned her to produce this series of photographs so we could discuss them in detail.
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Photography Emily Gualdoni Hair & Makeup Loni Hale Stylist Theresa DeMaria, Factor Artists Stylist Assistants Shannon Brehm Wynita Yancy Models Noelle Lynch, Ford Chicago Khrystyna B, Ford Chicago Gowns by Mira Bridal Couture, Chicago
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“I’ve always found it fascinating when you look at an image and have to wonder if it’s a painting or if it’s a photograph.” - Emily Gualdoni
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LX: The images have a very definite look and feel to them. Even if one didn't know you shot them all, it’s readily evident the same photographer did. In other words, you have a clearly identifiable style. How did you develop it? How has it evolved since you began photographing? Emily Gualdoni: I've always had this in me. Over the years I've just been fine tuning it. But, having said that, I've never been a very "technical" photographer. I do things intuitively, which I suppose gives me more of a distinct style. I want someone to look at my photography and see pieces of art without focusing on the elements of the image. I feel I've accomplished a successful shoot when someone can look and think; "Wow, that’s just beautiful." and maybe not even be able to explain why. I've always found it fascinating when you look at an image and have to wonder if it’s a painting or if it’s a photograph. I incorporate this into my efforts first by creating beautiful lighting and then polishing the resulting photos with a clean—but light—edit. LX: This work is quite striking. It’s like the images are black and white—but in color. Did you see that before you did the shoot? E.G.: Contrast was one of my main ideas when putting together this shoot. I really wanted the beautiful gowns to pop out, but while remaining very simple and elegant. I think it makes these photographs more fascinating when, at first glance, you think you're looking at some black and white photos. But then, when your eyes take in the skin and hair, you realize they are color photographs.
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“I make my wedding clients feel beautiful, glamorous, confident and ideally like they have a little fashion model in them...�
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LX: Looking at your work, one can see your vision is reflective of haute couture. Is fashion the foundation of your entire photographic approach? E.G.: I love coming up with a concept and gathering the right team around me to execute the vision and create a piece of art. I have a hard time expressing myself with words, but people can get to know me by just looking at my work. I like inspiring people with things they haven't seen before. Fashion photography interests me because you have control over the outcome. Instead of waiting for a moment to happen, you create it.
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LX: How does that inform or affect your wedding work? E.G.: I make my wedding clients feel beautiful, glamorous, confident and ideally like they have a little fashion model in them as well. It’s their wedding day, they should experience it feeling exceptionally attractive. Within that, I also want to reflect their personalities. So while I try to glamorize the images as much as possible, I also make sure I capture the personalities of the subjects—along with the overall beauty and joyousness associated with the time. LX: With that said, how do you unobtrusively capture a wedding day? E.G.: When I'm photographing the couple or the wedding party for posed portraits, I relax everyone with humor. I let them see my dorky/goofy side. This humanizes the situation and loosens them up so rather than focusing on the camera, they relax and enjoy being in the moment. During the reception, I use my telephoto lens to photograph people from a distance so they don't realize it because people tend to get a bit nervous when they know they're being photographed. They act differently than they would normally. With these techniques, I can easily capture their love, fun and friendship. Meanwhile, they remain completely unaware I’m doing it.
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By Martin Sayers
It’s no secret that today there are growing number of couples skipping the traditional affair and marrying abroad. Why not, our world is full of amazing places and breathtaking views! Whether you are arranging a destination wedding, a second wedding or renewing your vows, prepare for your “I do’s” at one of these fine global destinations.
photo: Tourism Fiji
Cape Town, South Africa If it is a wedding in the African sun that you are looking for then Cape Town, the most popular tourist destination not just in South Africa but the entire continent, is hard to beat. Nestled in the unique Cape floral kingdom and boasting worldfamous landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point, Cape Town offers naturally beautiful wedding venues coupled with a buzzing atmosphere and fantastic weather.
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
Church of St. Blaise (Crkva Sv. Vlaha)
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Croatia, with its stunning coastline and wealth of natural beauty, is an increasingly popular destination for weddings and the city of Dubrovnik is attracting many couples. It is easy to see why – Dubrovnik is a UNESCO world heritage site and sits next to the sparkling blue of the Adriatic Sea, where the myriad of tiny and beautiful islands that dot the water offer the perfect opportunity for a pre or post-wedding boat trip. On the shore, Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town is simply breathtaking – its churches, palaces and piazzas provide a fantastic backdrop for photographs and the warmth and generosity of its people is famous throughout the world.
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New York, USA
Washington Square Park, New York
The world’s most iconic city has inspired countless songs, movies and books and has more famous sights than most entire countries, so it offers the perfect backdrop for a big day to remember. New York loves a wedding and many brides that choose to marry in the Big Apple eschew the limo for a chance to arrive in time-honored NYC style in the back of a yellow cab to one of the plethora of fantastic venues available across the city. New York’s buzzing nightlife also ensures that the postwedding party will be one to remember!
Las Vegas, USA Las Vegas may have a reputation as the ‘get hitched quick’ capital of the world but in fact the city plays host to all sorts of nuptials thanks to a mindboggling array of venues, from the glittering opulence of the Bellagio to more small and intimate venues, not to mention the world-famous Elvis Chapel! The scintillating nightlife on offer along the Las Vegas Strip will also ensure that your wedding party will never be bored during their time in the entertainment capital of the world.
Fiji This south sea paradise attracts thousands of couples each year for marriage ceremonies. It is easy to see why – Fiji’s collection of tropical islands is ringed by amazing sandy beaches and palm trees and the cobalt blue sea is as warm as a bath, meaning that you are also in the perfect spot for a honeymoon. Such is the popularity of Fijian weddings that many resorts now have purpose built chapels on-site and can cater for every requirement of your big day, from helping the bride to look her best, right through to the post-wedding meal and party.
photo: Tourism Fiji LikuLiku Resort
Victoria Street, Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland The capital of Scotland can provide the perfect backdrop for a big day to remember. This grand old city is steeped in history and its magnificent architecture has to be seen to be believed. Yet this is no staid, boring town – Edinburgh is a culturally diverse and exciting location that offers a range of attractions for any wedding party, from shopping on the world-famous Princes Street to climbing up the hill known as Arthur’s Seat.
Sydney, Australia Sydney is the biggest city on the whole Australian continent and is also one of the world’s greatest tourist destinations. The friendliness of the people, the stunning landmarks and the glorious sunshine also make it a fantastic place to get married. Sydney weddings range from traditional affairs in grand old hotels such as the Langham in the historic Rocks district, to open-air celebrations on Bondi Beach or on one of the many other glorious expanses of sand that dot the city’s coastline.
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Sydney Opera House
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Mauritius The writer Mark Twain once said of Mauritius that it was the ‘inspiration for heaven’, which makes it a perfect place to start a marriage. This beautiful speck in the middle of the Indian Ocean boasts everything you could possibly hope to find in a tropical paradise – from sandy beaches to lush green jungle and clear blue waters. Mauritius is one of the most popular marriage destinations in the world, so there is no shortage of hotels that cater for weddings and which can accommodate large wedding parties.
Bruges, Belgium This impossibly beautiful Belgian city is regularly named as one of the most romantic cities in the world and it is easy to see why. A network of canals wind their way around the city, a feature that has earned Bruges the moniker of ‘Venice of the North’, and almost everywhere you turn there is an example of stunning medieval architecture. Bruges is also famous for its ‘Lake of Love’ – a peaceful stretch of water adjoined by a park that is popular with courting couples and has been the setting for many a proposal of marriage.
photo: Toerisme Brugge/Jan D’Hondt
Malta The island of Malta in the Mediterranean, along with its smaller neighbours, Gozo and Comino, offers a wonderful setting for a wedding. Sunshine is almost guaranteed and the country’s rich and colourful history makes it an incredible cultural destination. Malta is home to nine UNESCO world heritage sites and also boasts significant natural beauty, with beautiful bays and coves surrounding all three islands. English is one of the official languages of Malta, which makes it very easy to arrange things with local firms leading up to your big day.
Ramla l-Hamra
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Gift
Baribault Jewelers
Guide
$250
TACORI Blushing Rose Double Row Bracelet $2,500
TACORI Multi Color Chandelier Eye Catching Earrings $1,060
$300
TACORI Island Rains Layered Bangles also available in blushing Rose colors starting at $320
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TACORI A must have in your jewelry wardrobe! Multi Color 38" Necklaces $500
TACORI Rose Amethyst Cushion Cut Ring accented with Rose Gold, Diamonds and Tacori signature Crescents $1,520
$230
TACORI $250
A Baribault Favorite - Statement Stud Earrings with a Vintage Flair Available in Sky Blue, Prasiolite, Rose Amethyst and Chocolate Quartz
TACORI
TACORI
One-of-a-kind, Platinum Diamond Ring 4.54 Carats Price Upon Request
Unique oval colorless Diamond in a custom made Ring with a spotlight of Diamonds and Ribbon Band $18,000
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MOVADO Men's Vizio Chronograph, Stainless Steel Case with Tungsten Carbide Bezel. Stainless Steel Deployment Bracelet, Swiss Quartz Chronograph Movement with 44.5mm Case $2,495
MOVADO Men's Datron Quartz Chronograph, 40 mm wide Tonneau-shaped Stainless Steel Case, Stainless Steel Link Bracelet with Deployment Clasp, Antireflective Aapphire Crystal, Swiss Quartz Chronograph Movement $1,450
MOVADO Women's Concerto Watch, Stainless Steel Case with Diamonds, White Mother-of-Pearl Museum Dial with Discreet Minute Index, Stainless Steel Link Bracelet, Swiss Quartz Movement $1,995
PANDORA A Crown fit for a Queen Pendant $110 (chain sold separately)
TACORI Mens Cuff Links, Rutiliated Quartz Exclusively available at Baribault Jewelers. Available in Turquoise and Red Onyx $1,770
SYLVIE 18K White Gold 7mm wide Filigree Ring with Twisted Rope Details $2,500
SYLVIE 18K White Gold Pave Dome Fashion Ring $5,875
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RED CARPET One-of-a-kind Necklace in Rose Gold and White Gold with elegant Diamond Chains, Pendant from the Affleuess Collection and a Diamond suspending down the back. $31,000 One-of-a-kind Champagne Sunset Bracelet. Strands of White and Pink Gold are intertwined in a bevy of Diamonds in romantic harmony. Price Upon Request
VERRAGIO 18K Ring starting at $3,350
VERRAGIO 18K Ring starting at $3,850
VERRAGIO 14K Ring starting at $2,500
TACORI From Tacori's RoyalT Fancies Collection. Hand-set pave spotlight Diamonds Bloom the Emerald-cut Center Yellow Diamond Price upon request
TACORI Accent your Center Diamond with this Cushion Shaped Bloom Resetting starting at $3,130 (center diamond not included) Shown with a String of Diamonds Accent Band on each side starting at $2,310 each www.lxmagazines.com
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TACORI
TACORI
City LIghts by Tacori Glowing Green VIntage inspired Necklace and Ring with Diamond Accents Necklace $2,170 Ring $1,130
Wear alone or to compliment any piece from Tacori City Lights $830
TACORI We've got the Tacori Blues! Sapphire Quartz Ring $450
TACORI Vibrant Trio of Gemstones Dangle Earrings $620
TACORI City LIghts by Tacori Bold & Beautiful Rings Available in Green Onyx $1,880 Sapphire Quartz $1,970 Ruby Quartz $1,900
TACORI City LIghts by Tacori Statement Cuffs Available in Green Onyx $990 Sapphire Quartz $1150 Ruby Quartz $1,020
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ANGELIQUE DE PARIS Grosgraine Cuff Bracelets hand set with Swarovski Crystals Each Bracelet is one-of-a-kind $795 each
SEIKO Lady's Watches Left to Right: $265, $300
SEIKO Gent Watches Left to Right: $350, $375
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The 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL meets the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG By Lyndon Conrad Bell
The origins of the “Gullwing” Mercedes-Benz sports car can be traced backed to 1952, when the original Mercedes-Benz 300SL sports racing car won the 24 Hours of LeMans endurance race. That same year, the car won the 1,912-mile Carrera Panamericana Mexican
endurance race, and the 1000-mile Mille Miglia Italian road race. While the car boasted a mere 175 horsepower— considerably less than its contemporary rivals—its light weight, solid reliability, and superior aerodynamics gave it a considerable advantage on the track.
1952 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
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The weight advantage came courtesy of the tubular chassis designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut, then chief developing engineer at Mercedes-Benz. Draping the 300 SL’s fluidly beguiling bodywork over Uhlenhaut’s tubular skeletal structure endowed the sports car with outstanding strength and resolute rigidity, thus improving both its handling and reliability. The downside of the tubular skeleton design was that it would not permit the car’s doors to open in the standard fashion. The lower part of the structure passed through the area where a conventional door would normally go. To compensate, one of the most evocative aspects of the car —those remarkably captivating gullwing doors — were specified to overcome this limitation. This distinction, along with the car’s highly successful racing record, led legendary automobile importer Max Hoffman to petition Mercedes-Benz to offer a road going version of the car in the United States. Among the other brands imported to the States by Hoffman were Alfa Romeo, BMW, Porsche, and Volkswagen. With his finger firmly on the pulse of American auto enthusiasts, Hofmann would routinely make recommendations to those factories about cars he felt would hold strong appeal. Other now-iconic models owing their existence to Hoffman include the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider and the Porsche Speedster.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” (model series W 198 I, 1954 to 1957)
The road going version of the 300SL was introduced at the New York Auto Show in 1954. This was a significant event because it marked the first time a Mercedes-Benz automobile was introduced at an auto show other than Frankfurt or Geneva. Fitted with a 3.0-liter inline sixcylinder fuel injected engine, the 1954 300SL Gullwing coupe made 212 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 202 ftlbs of torque at 4,600 rpm. With its four-speed manual
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transmission and a curb weight of 3,430 pounds, the fastest version of the 300SL boasted a top speed of some 160 miles per hour. This was enough to make it the fastest production car on the market in 1954. A total of 1,400 copies of the car were produced between 1954 and 1957.
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Flash forward some 59 years and we’re streaking along a closed course at 150 miles per hour in the 2013 MercedesBenz SLS AMG, the 300SL’s spiritual successor. Even at that elevated pace, there was still more room under our right foot, so we prodded the pedal closer to the gullwing coupe’s floorboard in a request for even more velocity. In response, the transmission actually downshifted! The 563-horsepower, 6.2-liter hand assembled V8 barked even more assertively in response as it accessed its full 479 ft-lbs of torque. The boat tailed Benz then proceeded to rocket from 150 to 185 as if it were launching from a standstill.
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“With the SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz offers a zero to 60 of just over three seconds...”
Capable of 151 miles per hour at its 7200-rpm redline in fifth gear, the SLS AMG is traveling a mere nine miles per hour slower than the top speed of its ancestor. Thing is, its seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox still has two more gears to work with. According to the folks at Mercedes, the SLS AMG will do 197 miles per hour. We’re inclined to believe them.
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Remarkably, where other supercars seething with the potency of the SLS AMG ask you to compromise some aspect of your comfort and/ or convenience, you’ll be perfectly happy driving the Mercedes supercar everyday. The engine is wholly composed trundling along at pedestrian speeds. Still, while
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the SLS AMG is as luxurious and comfortable as you’d expect an upmarket Mercedes to be, at full cry, the V8 blasts a baritone capable of summoning police officers from three surrounding counties. Both raucous and beautiful, the car’s sound is absolutely addictive.
With the SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz offers a zero to 60 of just over three seconds, exceptionally luxurious accommodations, and a worthy successor to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing coupe. If ever there were any doubt about who invented the automobile, the SLS AMG proves Mercedes-Benz is the one.
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Runway Report Women's Spring 2013
Designer Spotlight Oscar de la Renta:
Too Much is Never Enough Godfrey Deeny New York's patron of patrician chic Oscar de la Renta said it with roses this season, or rather a whole garden of flowers; everything from leather petal bracelets to silk organza flower embroidery. Like a filmmaker or Renaissance oil painter, the mature years of de la Renta have been marked by a renewal with the avant-garde - so even though his clothes are the nearest thing there is to couture in America - they are imbued with an offbeat artistry. That's why his cast appeared with red and turquoise streaked hair, and why every second look as dissected by, dripped with or encircled by Russian gold brooches, earrings, mini belts and tassels in some too much is never enough chutzpah. There was a thoroughly charming moment when U.K. model Cara Delavigne strutted out in the most outrageously short shocking pink ostrich feather peplum bustier and cocktail shorts, a little bird of paradise strutting across the floor in the designer's headquarters way up high in an historic Fifth Avenue skyscraper just as sun set over the city skyline.
And, ever the gentleman, de la Renta listed all 11 of his designer assistants in the program notes. You could count on one hand the number of Continental designers who have ever done that. As the Italians say, i signori non si fanno, meaning you can't make a gentleman. One has to be fortunate to be born one, not by the accident of birth but the nobility of intention. In that sense, de la Renta is American fashion's finest gent.
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Oscar de la Renta
Though the single most arresting image was a shimmering silver bead tunic and matching pants that dazzled the audience at the Tuesday, Sept. 11, evening show. Commercially savvy as ever, the designer, who hit 80 in July, had plenty of slick crowd pleasers - lace chiffon blouses no woman would not want in her closet, and white guipure pencil skirts that reeked sophistication.
Oscar de la Renta
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Versace
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Runway Report Men's Spring 2013
Giorgio Armani
Designer Spotlight Giorgio Armani Gets Smoothly Sporty Godfrey Deeny Welcome to the new sporting chic. On Tuesday, June 26, the final day of the Italian menswear season, Giorgio Armani presented an entire collection devoted to the concept of gentlemanly sports style. Though the designer opened with some brilliantly cut casual suits – cut in the fabric of the season, tightly woven jute – the big news this season at Armani is that sport is cool again. Nothing underlined that more than Armani’s great finale – ignited by a series of high-tech, and sculptural trench-coats, finished with massive naval buttons, and a succeeding quartet of sleek rowers in shorts and jerkins, made in the designer’s signature “three dimensional” zig zag prints, in a form so small they dazzled the eyes. Right before Armani took his bow, a team of five boulevard dandies in a matching white suits with shorts appeared, raising their pork-pie fedoras in unison on the runway as if accepting winning team medals. “I could have gone for that old idea of healthy style; The Great Gatsby at a polo game in the Hamptons. But I wanted a modern impeccable elegance,” Armani told journalists in Italian backstage in his giant Milan show space, where all his Italian shows are staged. The new athletic style made for a looser, more forgiving silhouette, the better to admit all those muscular torsos and legs. And throughout the detailing was sporty – from contrast amber hued zippers to coordinated buttons to the ample knits. A day earlier in his Emporio Armani show, the designer spent practically the whole collection on the beach, though most of the time poised to work out. The first two dozen models wore shorts, and that show finished with the projection of “Olimpiadi,” a black-and-white video homage to the Italian Olympic team, which Armani is outfitting. Indeed, the designer seemed sports obsessed this season. On the final day of the fashion season, he announced in a full-page ad in La Gazzetta dello Sport – Europe’s leading sports daily - that his professional basketball team, EA7 would kick off next season with an exhibition match against the visiting Boston Celtics in Milan.
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Giorgio Armani
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BEST BEER IN THE
WORLD
photo: Ale Sharpton
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Belgian Beers are World Renowned, but the ‘Westy’ Tops the Hype By Dennis Malcolm Byron
Whether it was a Cabbage Patch Kid, a Tickle Me Elmo or the next Apple iPhone, there was always a product that created a national frenzy for consumers who had to get before it sold out by any means necessary. But could you imagine a certain beer brewing up the same consumer madness? Well on December 12, 2012, the reclusive Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus out of the quiet farmlands of west Belgium’s Vleteren region singlehandedly created the most historic one-day national manhunt the brewing world had ever witnessed with their ale, the Westvleteren XII aka the “Westy.” And regardless of how this wallet-draining $84.99 package popularly termed a “brick”—six 11.2-ounce bottles and two signature goldrimmed glasses—sold out as fast as it could be unloaded off the delivery truck, it would be the first and last time this opportunity would occur. And now the questions: What’s so great about the Westy and second, why wouldn’t the Saint Sixtus monks capitalize off this beer’s fame and rake in huge profits?
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Well first, the basics. Belgian beer has become extremely popular worldwide due to their complex flavors, brewing techniques, and often sweet tasting notes. Ingredients like candy sugar, coriander and orange peel are often used to counter the bitterness and distance this country’s beer from others in Europe and abroad. Many of the varieties are also bottle conditioned, which give them similar aging properties as wine. To add, due to the plethora of palatable delicacies Belgium has to offer including succulent mussels, rich chocolates and mouthwatering waffles, millions flock from around the world to pair the fare with the country’s ales and lagers. They’re that good. In fact, North America’s microbreweries emulate Belgian beer like witbier (wheat beer) and tripels (strong golden ales) so much that “style” had to be used by law along with “Belgian” on its label to curb any chance of confusing its origin. Credit the monks for this influence.
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photo: Ale Sharpton
Belgian monks were brewing centuries ago with a dual purpose—to provide a more sanitary option to local drinking water, and as a product to help raise funds for their abbeys. Over time, their brewing excellence would blossom and become sought throughout Europe. When discussing specifically Trappist monasteries originally from Normandy, France approximately 900 years ago, six of the seven, which produce beer, are based in Belgium—Achel, Orval, Chimay, Rochefort, Westmalle and Westvleteren. And while they are regarded as some of the best brewers globally, the Trappists’ strict brewing guidelines separate them from all other abbeys. In a nutshell, all beer should be brewed inside a Trappist monastery; everything including management and brewing operations should be under the supervision of the monks; and the money made from selling the beer must be solely used to maintain the monastery, support the monks’ living expenses, and serve as charitable funds for its surrounding community.
Belgian monks were brewing centuries ago with a dual purpose—to provide a more sanitary option to local drinking water, and as a product to help raise funds for their abbeys. But one Trappist abbey’s beer particularly stands out. Saint Sixtus Abbey’s Westvleteren has been brewing since 1838 and produces three different beers—the Blonde (aka green cap) at 5.8 percent ABV; the Westvleteren 8 (blue cap) served at 8 percent ABV; and the Westvleteren XII (yellow cap) at 10.2 percent ABV. The latter, introduced in 1940, is the most celebrated of them all and regarded by many as the world’s best. Categorized as a Quadruple, the dark, opaque brown “Westy” 12 is truly magnificent, boasting flavors of fig, raisins, brown sugar, roasted nuts, a slight smokiness… the flavor profiles can go on for days but the overall praise is due to its remarkable balance of them all. Sweet, complex and warming, its accolades are valid.
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Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus’, Westvleteren
The Trappist beers adhere to three strict conditions: The beer must be brewed within a Trappist Abbey The beer must be brewed under the supervision and responsibility of the monks The majority of the revenue must be dedicated to charitable work
Trappist Abbey in Belgium
Considered by many connoisseurs to be “the best in the world,” on 12.12.12, Switzerland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and the U.S. had beer devotees camping outside select stores hours before dawn trying to score a one-time only Westvleteren XII, “the brick” six-pack. But not only is the Westy brewed in severely limited quantities (only 160,000 cases are produced annually), the strict Westvleteren guidelines solely allow sales of the beer at its abbey and adjacent café, In de Vrede. To make it even more challenging, reservations to pick up your limited quantities of the beer have to be made by phone weeks in advance, and even then, the phone is constantly busy. Staying true and obedient to spiritual guidelines, the St. Sixtus monks only wish to make enough money to take care of their living expenses, so the beer’s worldwide demand is moot to them. They do not relish the attention they have received over the years and passionately yearn for a quiet life serving God, but when their monastery called for major renovations including extensive roof repair, drastic measures called for the Westvleteren XII “brick” to be its savior. So on 12.12.12, Switzerland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and the U.S. had beer devotees camping outside select stores hours before dawn trying to score a one-time only six-pack. As expected, the limited releases sold out in hours worldwide through retail means, and then it was eBay’s turn, where it became commonplace for an untampered brick to sell for $500. So let’s say you are one of the thousands of beer enthusiasts who did not score a Westy six-pack; worry not. There are a handful of other quadrupels that are not only readily accessible throughout Belgium and the U.S., but could be mentioned in the same sentence as the Westvleteren XII in terms of taste. Try the Trappistes Rochefort 10, St. Bernardus Abt 12, or even the Three Philosophers Belgian Style Blend brewed by Ommegang in Cooperstown, NY. So whether you get the opportunity to taste a Westvleteren XII or any of the other masterfully crafted beers produced by abbeys throughout Belgium, your palate will be blessed.
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The Modern Master Suite
Adding Technology And Style To The Bedroom 60
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High tech has become an integral player in every part of the home says Emily Henderson, HGTV designer on Secrets From A Stylist. “With so much activity centered in the master suite, it makes sense to add useful tech devices into that living space, too.”
Bed Control
Henderson says; “Leggett & Platt’s adjustable bed bases let you use a wireless remote to change positions to be comfortable no matter what I’m doing.” You can adjust your mattress to find exactly the right position. They even have a massage feature and a bed skirt option for a more traditional look.”
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Motorized Window Treatment Control
“Lying in bed using a remote to open your shades in the morning is such a luxury,” says Henderson. “Shade Store motorized window treatments are custom made, super high quality, less likely to break down, and very attractive.” Some even feature a timer you can program to open and close whenever you like.
Remote Control TV Mount
Motorized control of the placement of your wallmounted video monitor is a total luxury. This allows you to put it on a side wall and have an extendable arm bring the TV to you — by remote.” Just make sure your wall mount is compatible with your television.
Heat Control
Today’s thermostats are controllable with your iPhone even if you are traveling. “When you’re headed home you can make sure it’s warm enough without wasting a lot of energy,” says Henderson. Modern thermostats also learn your patterns and adjust accordingly.
Music Control
You want to listen to music on good quality speakers, but you don’t want to have to get up and turn the stereo off. Bluetooth wireless speakers are the solution. They feature great sound and are fed from your smartphone beside your bed. Some even feature remotes and voice recognition.
速
Prosciutto Ham, Brie Cheese and Quail Egg on tasted Brioche photo: My Private Chef, Inc.
By Nichole Odijk DeMario Brunch, that delightful meal that combines menu items of both breakfast and lunch and has entertaining written all over it. If you prefer to delight an intimate or even large group of guests with the ultimate brunch during the warmth of summer, it can all be accomplished within the comforts of home. Executive Chef and Owner of My Private Chef, Christopher Tong, has been creating and coordinating upscale private gourmet dining experiences for 30 years. Brunch is a food connoisseur favorite, but it can also be the entertainer’s favorite because of its creative options. Tong says the ultimate summer brunch takes advantage of seasonal and exotic fruits and vegetables. He says guests thoroughly enjoy a chef attended gourmet omelet, crepe or waffle station. Flavors should be vibrant and ingredients should vary in color to give dishes that pop. He likes to balance flavors of sweet and savory, which makes the meal that much more enjoyable. Fresh herbs and produce add visual interest. For a unique touch, edible flowers can add to both the menu and décor.
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Beverage choices are equally as important. Along with serving traditional brunch drinks such as Mimosas or Bloody Marys, serve exotic drinks with fresh juices, fruit, melon and herbs. Presentation does not have to be lost with home entertaining. In fact, it’s an opportunity to let personal touches shine. For intimate affairs, Tong recommends plating the food in multiple courses and in smaller portions. Some items can be served in individual cups or smaller bowls which adds to the presentation, while controlling portion size. One of the most important factors to consider, he says, is to know your guests and their tastes to ensure all palettes are satisfied. To add elegance to the presentation, Chef Tong says colorful flowers, linens, serve ware, flatware and china along with lighting by candlelight are ideal. He adds, “The atmosphere and presentation matter as much as the food.”
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