With this bit of hedonistic masculine indulgence the picnic has been elevated to a new level. Vernice’s ostrich print leather case is lined in beige leather along playing cards to sufficient to a game of canasta. To lube the gaming fervor of your afternoon make use of the bar accessories which this set comes complete with: crack open that bottle of port. I can really appreciate the practicalities of the Italian lifestyle.  Made in Italy. Available online at Farfetch for 2,289 Euros.

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This customizable foosball table is made with stainless steel, chrome and aluminum hardware along with tempered glass. The personalization of this bit of sports furniture extends to team colours, logos on the base as well as handle colours. Very sleek. A little too clean for those drunken recreational gatherings. Just swap the usual popcorn and domestic brew for hors d’oeuvres and imported beer. Nevertheless, I could do with one of these. European made, and made to order. Tech specs here. Ticket price: $17,790.

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This outlet adapter is good for 90% of the countries you’ll ever visit. It’ll also do good for those travelers that lug around their personal electronics and want to socket them prongs in style. It would complement that  Prada luggage suite you pack those designer threads into. Or, for that matter, it’ll do perfect for home use  when primping that Japanese gadget you picked up on your last trip to Tokyo. Now you can domesticate it’s practicality! Keep your leftover Yen change in the saffiano pouch.

pic and info: Gourmet du Jour

The combined effort of trainees at Daimler Benz resulted in the F-Cell Roadster. It’s a vehicle with a delicate balance of styles and technologies spanning the history of the company, such as carbon-fiber bucket seats with hand-stitched leather covers and the distinctively styled fiberglass front section, based on the component from the Formula One racing bodies. Also the traditional steering wheel is substituted by a joystick. The F-Cell is an emission free electric vehicle that has a top speed of 25kph. Sunday driving anyone?

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In a current Globe and Mail 4-part series, selected excerpts from Isadore Shape’s book covers the genesis of his Four Seasons hotel empire and the philosophy of their renown service.  The prevalence of the idyllic imagery of 60’s and 70’s Toronto - where it all began, gives you the sense that Sharp was really on to something. And to my surprise there’s a Hungarian connection as well inspiration coming from a fast food chain: McDonald’s. So far, a selection of two texts have been posted. Part one: Building the Dream, link here. Part two: The Golden Rule, link here.

pic and info: Globe and Mail

Our yesterday’s post ringing in the news of Michael Jackson’s personal belongings being auctioned off seemed, at the time, an inevitable event. Lo and behold: Jacko got his way via a settlement with Julian’s Auctions. With the legal fronting now over, the King of Pop now will have most of his personal belongings returned. It’s could be somewhat a disturbing feeling, possibly even a sense of violation, knowing that most of your personal effects were put out on display to the public. So much for the mystique. Part of the mutual agreement resulted in some of Jacko’s belongings being retained and housed in some museum-like venue. Julian’s had spent some $2 million on the auction. No news on what’s to be done with the 5-volume signed and numbered auction catalogue which was to sell for $500. The catalogue of the “auction that never was” will definately be a collector’s prize. It’s gonna fetch a handsome sum for any of its owners.

pic and info: Luxist

The design inspiration of this apartment in Stockholm, believe it or not, is the four seasons. Tham & Videgard Hansson Arkitekts of Sweden tweaked an apartment of an art nouveau building. It’s surrounded by parks and trees which perpetually contributes to the different moods of each of the room of the flat as the seasons change. The colouring is all in the transitional hues of the parquet flooring stretching beyond the floor to wall panels, shelving and doorways. It’s genius.

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Julien’s Auctions will be putting a large selection of Michael Jackson’s Neverland possessions under the hammer. The auction is labelled as “King of Pop: A Once in a Lifetime Auction Featuring Property From the Life and Career of Michael Jackson and Neverland Ranch.” The items are displayed in a Los Angeles department store. The vast number of items are grouped in matters of interest: Disney collectables, portraits, statues and clothing (yes, those diamond gloves are being auctioned off as well).  Some of the articles have price points under $1,000, giving the avid fan some opportunity to own a bit of Jacko. The auction will be held April 22-25, where the 1,390 items are expected to fetch some $20 million.

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Up until now Christian Louboutin was know for those pumps and stilettos, but for fw09 it seems that the footwear collection spreads into sneaker territory. This leopard print shoe brings to mind a desert shoe for the ladies. They have a more trendy feeling than a sexy look. Ladies: this might be a substitute for those Uggs you might should never want to wear again.

pic and info: Grazia

Here’s a new rendition of those classic aviator sunglasses. Raf Simons labels his shades “abstract”, a style with which the Belgian designer has become synonymous. The frame comes in both black and chrome, with the lens being available in only black. You can purchase online at Browns for £205.00.

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