Elite World News

Using sterling silver, gold, and 18k vermeil, NYC designer and artist Andrea Corson creates wonderfully unique wearable art. Andrea earned an MFA in Sculpture from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, MI, so it's no surprise that the work is quite sculptural. To make it even more intriguing, each piece is slightly different from any other and, therefore, one-of-a-kind. 14k Gold Petals Earrings $300 Andrea's work has been featured in the New York Times, Daily Candy, Bon Appetit, and other publications, and she's had numerous exhibitions around the country over the last ten years.
(Full post Andrea Corson Handcrafted Jewelry…)

Fortunately for me I clicked the door of my cell shut and the snoring was from my girlfriend. All of this is part of the unique experience at the Celica "prison" hostel in downtown Ljubljana.

The Celica is the brainchild of a group of Slovenian artists and architects who prevented the abandoned prison from being demolished in 1993.

(Full post Doing time in Slovenia…)

What does communism smell like? How about the Sun, or Cleopatra’s perfume, or the atomic blast that destroyed the city of Hiroshima? This booklet, published on the occasion of the exhibition If There Ever Was, attempts to bring distant, elusive, and sometimes impossible olfactory experiences to life. Curator Robert Blackson commissioned thirteen fragrances from eleven perfumers and smell artists, including Bertrand Duchaufour, Christophe Laudamiel, Christoph Hornetz, Mark Buxton, Sissel Tolaas, and Geza Schön. If, l
(Full post If There Ever Was… a book of extinct and impossible smells, by Robert Blackson ~ perfume books…)

The realholidays.com.au survey on consumer sentiment shows more than 12 percent of those hit by the upheaval have had to cancel their holiday.

After paying for core essentials in the lead-up to Christmas, summer holiday ranked next highest on the priority list in terms of disposable luxury items.

The online survey of 331 people was carried out between October 13 and 15.

Jamie Pride, spokesman for realholidays.com.au said a surprising 67 percent of respondents were not deterred by the impact of the global economic crisis and its impact on their immediate holiday plans.

"Although holidaymakers are becoming more cautious about where they spend their money, insights from the realholidays.com.au survey indicated people will still travel locally, but may be inclined to take shorter breaks or simply look at a broader range of accommodation options to suit their budget," Mr Pride said.

Forty-six percent of holidaymakers indicated they would love to holiday on the Sunshine Coast, with Noosa voted the most popular destination.

The website realholidays.com.au is a holiday-rental listings website.

Online travel community TripAdvisor ranks Marlborough among the top 10 wine destinations in the world, the only New Zealand wine region on the list. Listed as Blanc Stare, Marlborough is described as New Zealand's birthplace of winemaking, famous for its white wine varietals and best known for its "delectable" sauvignon blancs. TripAdvisor says wine lovers increasingly follow their passion on holiday. More make their way to wine regions, many of which now boast top hotels, restaurants and tours.
(Full post Marlborough up there with Napa, Bordeaux, Barossa…)

Cute for fall comes this ever so stylish and (freaking huge I might add!), Steven by Steve Madden Marissa – Medium Hobo. Available in berry, this ultra rich leather hobo is blessed with loads of pockets, and measures 16 1/23×8x8. Slouchy, and roomy as hell, I could literally fit a whole days worth of crap in this bag! Available at Nordstroms, it sells for the affordable price tag of $228. I just love a fun, casual bag from time to time, don’t you? Sweet…
(Full post Steven by Steve Madden ‘Marissa – Medium’ Hobo…)

According to both the Chicago Tribune and Fort Worth Star-Telegram, airlines have cut international fuel surcharges on many routes. These cuts lowered surcharges by roughly 15 to 17 percent. With oil prices dropping precipitously over the past few months, many travelers have wondered when fares, or at least fuel surcharges, would follow. Well, here’s your answer: When high prices and receding demand make airlines feel their most lucrative routes are in danger.
(Full post Fuel Surcharges Reduced on International Routes…)

Michael Kors was born in 1959 to a well-off Long Island family, and he attended the Fashion Institute of Technology. While working at a now-defunct boutique on 57th Street, the 22-year-old designer showed his first collection to a Bergdorf Goodman buyer, who placed an order. Kors, not yet prepared for business, frantically assembled the clothes and then borrowed his aunt's Mercedes to deliver it. MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Montauk' Ladies' Plaque Watch Everyday fashion watch is elegantly casual with a numberless square face and a full-grain-leather band.
(Full post New Michael Kors Watches…)

Whether you go casual, or dress with a little flare, the elegant style of this gorgeous BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway Exotic Clutch is all you’ll ever need. Made of quilted, embossed cowhide, it features one hidden front outside pocket, and one inside zip pocket. Available in evergreen, it measures 11×6x2 1/2, and sells for $198 at Saks.
(Full post BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway Exotic Clutch…)

Just 10 days before departure for New Zealand, I found out that just a short time ago TomTom released navigation charts for New Zealand.

(Full post Global your mind!…)