Elite World News

We all know that Oakley makes some real kickass sunglasses, but you haven’t seen anything til you feast your eyes on this hot Sand Toy Bag. Beach ready, you can tote this one to the beach, work, or just for the fun of it. Made of cotton, it features a screen print, custom metal accents and an external zip pocket. Available in caribbean blue, black, primrose, and dove it measures 13.75×16x5 and sells for $28. Grab a blanket, a good book, and a bottle of your favorite beverage and have a blast. Surf’s up!
(Full post Oakley Sand Toy Bag…)

Jewelry Designer Although Dominique Cohen didn't study design in college, she has always been visually artistic and won awards in photography. She first started by making jewelry for herself, but soon began making pieces for others as well. Her first pieces were made from beads she purchased at a local store. Now she works with gem dealers from all over the world. Pink Tourmaline Cocktail Ring Exquisite 18k rose gold design holds a 15ct pink tourmaline. Made in USA.
(Full post Dominique Cohen Jewelry…)

We’re all bargain shoppers, even if we don’t need it we can plead our case by saying, but honey it was on sale! And thanks to the Bargainist, I ran across a good savings that I felt the need to pass on. Now through May 26th, Banana Republic is having a 30% savings on select handbags, as with this gorgeous Greenwich Leather Tote. Available in chalk, and black the leather tote features brass finish hardware with a zip closure and double handles. Measuring 12×14x5 5/16, you can buy if for the sale price of just $159.60.
(Full post Banana Republic Greenwich Leather Tote…)

Las Vegas—The American Gem Society (AGS) has been granted three U.S. patents, the first in the organization’s 74-year history.

The patents, issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), are all for the AGS’ Performance-Based Cut Grading System, which was developed by the AGS Laboratories cut-grade research team after years of work.

The USPTO granted the first patent, No. 7,336,347, on Feb. 26, for computer-ray tracing technology that helps determine a gemstone’s light performance.
(Full post AGS diamond-grading system gets three patents…)

It was once a "place of banishment" for convicts, where they could be sent when they reoffended. The drawcard? Pristine beaches, inland waterways, rainforest, abundant wildlife, the best "all-year" climate in Australia — take your pick. Swimming, surfing, walks or camel rides on the beach, whale and dolphin watching, horse rides through the bush or even a pub crawl on horseback, river cruises, fishing, colonial sites, plenty of opportunities to sample some great food and wine — what more could you ask for?
(Full post Port Macquarie far from punishing…)

Dsquared2 will follow up on their debut fragrance for men, He Wood, with an entry for women: She Wood, designed for the “cool girls who wear men’s scents”: “We started from a men’s fragrance and made it feminine. We didn’t start off by saying let’s do woman’s fragrance,” said Dean Caten. “It’s not that girly that we can’t wear it, I like doing fragrances that are a bit more unisex. Both of our scents are complementary and timeless,” Dan Caten added. The woody floral scent was developed by perfumer Daphne Bugey.
(Full post Dsquared2 She Wood ~ new fragrance…)

With 40 million flights arriving each year and more than 250 hotels in Las Vegas, there’s no shortage of options to plan a trip. Sometimes all those options can be overwhelming, however. Many choose to save by booking a Vegas vacation package, where travelers book their airfare and hotel together in one transaction. To make sure you’re getting the best deal, however, compare these packaged bundles to airfare and hotel purchased separately.
(Full post Should you book a Vegas vacation or go a la carte?…)

The Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC) Weekly Jewelry Purchase Index showed a drop in consumer buying over the Mother’s Day holiday, according to a release from MVI Marketing Ltd. As of May 13—two days after Mother’s Day—the index stood at 87. An index reading of 100 points represents no movement, while readings greater than 100 show an increase in buying. “The in
(Full post JCOC: Mother’s Day purchases plummet…)

Melissa Flagg has launched three new fragrances: Daisies (shown) ~ “Inspired by the scents of orange blossom groves in Southern California…. Daisies perfume was named after the heady blossoms of Daisy Mandarin Oranges. Notes of orange blossoms, jasmine and orchid.” Laulena ~ “Captures the aroma of Hawaiian flower blossoms… Inspired by the tropical fragrances of Oahu, Laulena is composed of Chinese orange blossoms, Asian nectarine blossoms with hints of lemon and juicy pineapple.” Sadie’s ~ “Inspired by the captivating scents of springtime…
(Full post Melissa Flagg Daisies, Laulena & Sadie’s ~ new perfumes…)

After breaking off merger talks in April, Continental and United have rekindled discussions of a cooperative arrangement. This time, however, the two carriers are considering options that do not include the hassles and headaches of a full merger. Instead, the airlines are looking at an alliance that will allow them to set prices and schedules, according to Bloomberg.com. Theoretically, such an alliance will equip both airlines to compete with a merged Delta-Northwest, which is set to become the largest carrier in the world.
(Full post United and Continental discussing alliance…)