Dakota Smith
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Bride.com's Top Five Honeymoon Destinations
As editor of Brides.com, a new wedding portal from the publisher of Brides and
Modern Bride magazines, Theresa DiMasi hears about all the top honeymoon destinations. So we asked her to
pick the five best places to go this season, either because these spots are buzz-worthy or little-known
(for now) destinations. In addition to being great honeymoon spots, many of these places also will host weddings.
The Seychelles
DiMasi: This archipelago of 115 remote islands off the coast of Africa is one of the last truly pristine and
secluded paradises because the government has carefully managed tourism--and construction is strictly regulated. For
the
ultimate African adventure, spend a week at the Banyan Tree Resort (pictured above), then head to Kruger National Park, the largest wildlife sanctuary in South Africa, for an
overland safari. Starting rate per night (three-night minimum): $1,320.
Golf Ball Finder
The BallFinder SCOUT, a golf ball finder,
uses a video-based camera to find those lost golf balls. As long as 1% of a
white golf ball (yes, it has to be white ball) is showing, this device, which can search up to 600 square feet in one
second or almost 1/7 of an acre in 10 seconds, will find it. According to Sanderon, the company which makes the device,
quickly being able to find your ball will speed up your game and you'll save money if you're not constantly losing
balls. Additionally, I'd point out that this would be good for senior players who can't always locate their golf balls.
Price: $270
Stingray Wallet
This wallet is made of stingray skin, the
same material that Japanese swordsmen use on their weapons, according to Hammacher Schlemmer's web site. I had no idea
swordsmen used stringray skin, but apparently the skin is very strong. And unlike a leather wallet, there's no
fading or cracking with stringray skin. The wallet has eight credit card slots, a full length divided bill
compartment, and two utiltiy pockets. Price: $69.95.
New Restaurant/Bar at L.A.'s Sofitel
Hotel news
out of Los Angeles: Sofitel is currently undergoing a $35 million
renovation, with completion set for June 2006. The makeover of the hotel will include a new
restaurant, SIMON LA, chef Kerry Simon’s first Los Angeles eatery. The new restaurant from Simon, who
opened Simon Kitchen Bar in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, will feature a large outdoor patio with a
separate entrance. Additionally, Rande Gerber
will open a Stone Rose Lounge (pictured here) in the hotel. There'll also be a luxurious 5,000 square foot
full-service spa. Prices for rooms at Sofitel range from $295-$650 a night.
Helena Bonham Carter to Launch Lingerie Line
You'll soon be able to buy
knickers from British actress Helena Bonham Carter, who will launch a line of lingerie with designer Samantha Sage. The Victorian-influenced collection will debut at Harrods on May
6, according to a press release. What inspired Carter to do lingerie? "I woke up on my 35th birthday and thought,
'I've got to do something other than act'," says Carter in a statement. Those who purchase her undies and
camisoles will also be giving back--a percentage of proceeds from the line will be donated to United Nations
Children's Fund (UNICEF).Gucci Charm Bracelet
Jewelry gets more ornate this season, with designers creating large, detailed pieces. Gucci went glitzy as well, updating the classic charm bracelet with this modern gold
version. Called the Flora Charm bracelet, it's made of 18kt yellow gold and adorned with machalite, sugilite, and tiger
eye pendants. Price: $4,590.
Lucite Flower Pins
All things 80s are back, including broaches and pins.
But whether you're following the trends or not, these lucite
flower pins make a perfect Mother's Day gift. They come from New York designer Alexis Bittar, whose jewelry regularly appears in Vogue,
Elle, and other fashion magazines. The hand-crafted pins measure about 2.25 by 2.25 inches, come in three
different colors, and can purchased via the Museum of Modern Art's online
store. Price: $145 ($130 for MoMa members).Spa Lights
Bathroom candles are fun, but lights are even niftier.
These battery-operated spa lights stick to
the bottom of the tub or can float on the surface. Either way, the warm yellow light creates a glow one would normally
only get at a high-end spa or hotel. Sold at I Want One of Those, a pack
of two lights costs about $13. But of course, it's probably best to get a few packs. Tara Jarmon for Target
Paris designer Tara Jarmon will soon
head to Target as part of the company's use of revolving guest
designers. She will create a spring/summer line (a Jarmon jacket, available at Amazon.com for
$300 is pictured here) for Target, following the departure of London-based fashion designer Luella Bartley, a
former editor at Vogue and a favored designer of Kate Moss, who is currently showing 80s-inspired, punk
looks at the store. Much of Luella's collection sold out at the online store, but who knows how Tara, whose
line hits Target in 11 days, will be received? Nevertheless, it's fun to see these designer head to the discount
racks.
The Queen's Handbags
Today, a writer queries the U.K.'s Daily Telegraph about
Queen Elizabeth II's handbags. The paper reveals the Queen favors handbags by Launer, a British-based designer that holds the Royal Warrant to make her
bags. I'm not exactly sure of the legalities of "Royal Warrant," but a look at Launer's web site
reveals a collection of rather conservative, boxy-looking handbags (exactly the style a member of the monarchy might
like). The web site also has pictures of the Queen's visit to the
Launder factory in 1991. The bags, which are made of calf leather, and lined with suede, aren't inexpensive, with
the more pricey ones costing upwards of $1,000.
