Chicago

The Fourth of July is a day that marks when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. We as a nation mark our independence from overindulgence with food at barbecues, picnics, family reunions, baseball games, carnivals and county fairs.

In an emotional presentation in February 2010 at the Annual ProCigar Festival in Santiago, Dominican republic, I was among the first to taste the Quesada Tributo cigar. Finally, after much anticipation, the Quesada Tributo is now available in premium tobacconists around the country.... if they’re still in stock.

Baume & Mercier and Greg Grunberg, star of Heroes, Alias and Felicity, have joined forces to raise money for the Epilepsy Foundation. From now until July 4, a selection of Baume & Mercier watches will be available at 50 percent off their regular prices. The prestigious Swiss watchmaker will also donate 50 percent of the proceeds to Talk About It! to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation.

Yesterday I told you about my visit to Montblanc’s press preview at The Pierre Hotel. There were plenty of amazing products on display, including the new women’s jewelry and a range of spectacular watches, but what really blew me away was their newest writing instrument.

Forbes Magazine has put out their annual list of “The World's Most Powerful Celebrities”. The list is based off of multiple categories which include income, TV/radio ranking, press ranking, web ranking, and social ranking. Though many celebrities on the list are to be expected there are some surprising entries this year.

The tragedy of Alexander McQueen’s passing is one that is still fresh in the minds of fashonistas and design houses across the country. Sarah Burton, who took over creative control of McQueen’s label a little over a month ago, has shown her first women’s cruise collection for the 2011 season.

The Sex and the City 2 fever may have died down already, but the styles and pieces shown in the film are still continuing to make waves in the fashion world. It’s not, however, always about the shoes the ladies are conquering the New York City streets in.

I had the opportunity to visit The Pierre Hotel this morning. The occasion? Montblanc invited members of the press to preview their new collections of fine jewelry, timepieces, and one very special new product (more on that in a later post).

Outdoor dining is something Chicagoans appreciate more than most, as we only get to enjoy it about two months out of the year. Humidity aside, let your hair blow in the wind at these Haute Al Fresco spots.

It used to be that watch brands like Breitling didn’t offer highly diamond decorated watches direct out of the manufacture. Something about professional aviator watches studded with 4 carats of diamonds that didn’t seem to be marketable. It wasn’t until Swiss watch makers noticed a booming aftermarket watch ‘enhancement’ industry that they decided to offer jewelry pieces direct to watch buyers themselves.

Eyebrows raised several years ago when Mochi Craft entered the lobsterboat market with its Dolphin series. After all, what did an Italian builder known for high-gloss wood have in common with yachts known for decidedly conservative, Downeast style? People changed their minds once they saw how the yachts, from 44 to 74 feet, blended the open-air enjoyment of a lobsterboat with the stylish livability of a cruising boat.

Having a case of the Monday’s? Then fret no more; we think this little piece of luxury is enough splendor to tide you through to next Monday.