Sea Phantom Finally Getting Real Cred

Rumors of the Sea Phantom, albeit in varying degrees of truthiness, have been circulating for a while now, but the concept vehicle has just struck the engineering world's pot o gold this month as they're featured in the revered Popular Science. The vehicle is, as PopSci writer Gregory Mone puts it, "Half powerboat, half plane, and all agility, this craft dodges waves by hydroplaning above them." At speeds exceeding 100mph, it's claimed to get you, in complete comfort, to your destination as fast as a helicopter, but with the ease of operation of an offshore speedboat. Could this be a nod at the long-whispered blue highway? Check out pics of the 2006 sea trials after the break.

Cart Across Italy in the Ferrari of Your Choice

The Turin, Italy based company Red Travel is offering a unique service that may intrigue those of you a bit more independently-inclined than the traditional Europe-in-luxury goers: you can rent a Ferrari for one to eight days and scoot your way around the rolling hills, through the countryside, parallel to the ocean, or you know, whatever suits your fancy, from one end of Italy to the other. Some packages include stops at high-end hotels and spas in traditional cities, whilst others cater to a more rural-minded crowd with stops for dinner at a former convent and a farmhouse. Oh, and don't worry about trying to fit your bags in the little red hotrods; a tour manager follows you via GPS and can even arrive at your destination ahead of you if you wish. The four day trip from Rome to Siena and back will run you and your shotgun buddy €4,300 each (about $5,700), but the deposit on the car will set you back €15,000 (or about $19,800) until you bring her back unscathed.

Miu Miu Camoscio Tie-Dye Tote, Handbag of the Day

Miu Miu's new Camoscio Tie-Dye Tote is a great example of tie-dye done tastefully and well. The medium-sized tote is a great day bag, with both buckle-detailed double handles and a removable, cross-body shoulder strap that make it very easy to carry, no matter what you choose to fill it with. The bag, including the handles, is covered in soft suede and is accented with gold-tone hardware. It measures 8"H X 15"L X 4"W, but has some room for expansion if necessary. The bag is only available for pre-order right now, but will be out in May in time for summer. Price: $1,445.

DWR Champagne Chair Contest Winners Announced

Design Within Reach has announced the results of their annual Champagne Chair Contest, which invites would-be designers to come up with their own DWR-inspired creations using corks leftover from New Year's Eve champagne. The grand prize was just a $1,500 gift certificate to DWR, but the Veuve Clicquot-sponsored contest (and many of the corks, cages and foil wrappers were from Veuve Clicquot bottles) just might have given us a little peek into the work of some of the designers we could see in stores in a few years. Entries came in from all over the world, including Israel, Spain and Thailand, but the three top prizes all went to US entries (left to right, above):

• Grand Prize: Cantilever Block by Adam Weisberger of Louisville, Kentucky
• Second Prize: Kleeko Chair by Stacie Matrka of Columbus, Ohio
• Most Popular Award: Chair Squared by Edward Cristman of San Rafael, California

USS Montana Watch

Last time I checked in on the Bozeman watch company they were debuting the rugged Smokejumper watch. Their latest watch is a bit more elegant. The USS Montana watch commemorates WWII veterans and also the fact that Montana is the only one of the 48 states in the U.S. during the days of battleship building, to never have had an active duty battleship named for it. There were three attempts of ships named Montana but none saw active duty under the name. The watch has a 44.5 diameter and has a white enamel dial with blue numerals. It uses a Swiss automatic movement and has a domed sapphire crystal and a crocodile strap. It is a limited edition of 50 numbered pieces and sells for $7,100.

Art Hearts by Chris Uphues

You can never run out of ways to say "I love you" - or so I've been told. I've also been told that people are sick of the limited card options at stationary and gift stores. Instead of looking for something new and innovative, why not combine a message of love with the fuzzy feelings of nostalgia via Chris Uphues' Art Hearts. These Valentine hearts are reminiscent of elementary school art projects, made with acrylic paint on sturdy, red paper. Each one has a unique face and measures 7.5" x 11". Instead of giving a regular card, one of these really would be a new way to say "I love you."

Price: $10.

Gucci Indy Large Top Handle Bag, Handbag of the Day

Metallics are in for the spring, but an all-metallic bag is more than a little over-the-top for the average person. The Gucci Indy Large Top Handle Bag has metallic accents that are flashy, but not blinding. The silver splashes come in the form of small metal plates at the bottom corners of the bag and rounded metal top handle. The body of the large bag is made of black suede, and is further accented with bright purple piping on the bottom and along the top zip closure, as well as with neon pink on the silver handle. The removable shoulder strap is also neon pink.
It measures 13"H X 19"L X 5/5"W.


Price: $2,190.

Pirouette Mirror

The paneled Pirouette Mirror is made up of a series of seven rotating pillars set into a 3.25" deep black wood frame. Each of the pillars is a triangular column that can be turned to reveal one of three designs on each face: rococo pattern etched mirror surface, a plain mirror surface and a black wood veneered surface. The patterns can be mixed and matched according to your mood (black wood on a bad hair day) or simply to give yourself something different to look at each day. The mirror was designed by Matt Carr and was produced in a limited edition of 100.
It measures 29" x 24" x 3.25".



Price: $700.

Ralph Lauren Blue Label Woven Buckle Belt

Wether boho chic is in or out, this Woven Belt by Ralph Lauren is a beautifully crafted statement piece for any outfit. The large butterfly shaped buckle is ornamented with engravings of a sweeping paisley motif adding a modern twist to a classic bohemian accessory. Since the belt buckle is so bold, tone down your jewelry to maximize the belt's polished beauty and maintaining it as the focal point. Belt measures at 3 3/4" wide.



Price: $325.