Sequoia Yearling Shoulder Bags: The Year of the Yearling

Twenty-two-year old Parisian brand Sequoia is founded on friendship – designer Daniel Sisso met Pierre Hardy shortly after deciding he wanted to change the way women carry bags. It looks like it was meant to be! They both had the desire to create a “fashion handbag” – one functional and useful – and Hardy remains the creative director of the brand.For Fall 2011, they have new line of messenger bag with comfort in mind – and convenience (they all have three interior pockets). The Yearling shoulder bags, one with a flap and one even more paired-down, caught both Kelly’s and my attention immediately. Inspired by horse saddles, the big silver ring punctuates the perfectly minimal bags. Especially in deep plum – so rich-looking with zero logo. Just the signature Sequoia buckle, set off by your choice of soft suede or smooth leather. This is a true everyday bag (I say go for buttery suede – it will end up conforming to your body) that you will use year-round.Yearling Flat Shoulder Tote Bag at Sequoia Paris for $303-$355.Yearling Shoulder Bag at Sequoia Paris for $362-$424.

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2012 Collection: Take a Walk on the Wild Side

This spring, Oscar’s lady has gotten a little bit…wild. That’s right. Something has gotten in to his proper girl about town, perhaps a new joie de vivre. Whatever it is, it has kinked (even slightly frizzed) her hair, tempted her to layer and keep layering on the beads, and let her gown part in a most explosive fashion. While she took a walk on the adventurous side, Pink Floyd detonated in the background and feathers, silk, and flashes of skin proved to be the focus of the day. And, gasp! She even wears white socks with her high heels!So how did Oscar, always the gentleman, keep his crochet- and ruffling-loving night owl in check? Courtesy of a finely tailored selection of bags by de la Renta’s new design team (with experience at Céline, no less). Petite structured clutches, in precious skins and metal-frames, fit neatly into models’ hands, while voluminous structured top-handles were shoved haphazardly into their hands or dangled casually. Round-meets-rectangular shoulder bags, in luxe leathers and shining crocodile, imbued Oscar’s need for true polish. He has made his point: what’s a lady without a little tramp?Dallas readers are in for a special treat. I’ll be packing these bags and taking them back to Dallas with me for a preview party on September 22nd. Please save the date!

Buttons? Why, yes please. Bright red patent leather? I thought you’d never ask. This bag may not be on everyone’s favorites list, but it sure is on mine. The Milly Sophia Resin-Chain Bag is just plain fun. It comes in crimson (pictured), black and chocolate and has a chain shoulder strap that weaves through the top flap. This bag just reminds me of back to school time. The buttons, the newsie shape, the large flap, even the side pocket makes me want to throw some pencils in it and skip off to my first day of….. class. And when I say class, I mean study hall. This bag would be perfect for those first chilly fall days when you want to be in something snuggly. Grab this fall favorite, throw on some DSQUARED2 soft dark jeans and a Son of John braid sweater, grab a pumpkin spice latte and soak up the season. Bergdorf’s for $395

The most basic of the three casino games is dice

The most basic of the three casino games is dice. The lower right side window has two 1.5mm wide die that have been perfectly miniaturized. Just shake the watch and see whether they land. Perfect for craps or some seedy back alley dice toss game (just don't bet your watch). For me, I am gonna use em to roll a saving throw for my 10th level Fighter Mage. I am interested to know exactly how these tiny dice were made.

On the back of the watch is a roulette wheel. It is actually part of the automatic winding mechanism in the in-house made and designed Christophe Claret Calibre BLJ08 (which co-host John Biggs and I made famous in episode 58 of the HourTime Show podcast). The automatic movement has a frequency of 28,800 bph and a power reserve of 72 hours. It is made of 501 components and the discs for the blackjack game are done in solid gold on ceramic ball bearings (for low friction). Don't forget, it tells the time too.

The roulette wheel spins as it is the automatic rotor, but here is a little different. The rotor has a minor stop mechanism to stop to a halt in one of the fixed positions when it loses momentum. This causes the little arrow (versus a ball) to stop at a specific spot on the roulette wheel scale. Don't miss the set green emerald on the rear of the case above 17 between the engraved "Lucky Number" statement. I guess 17 is someone's lucky number. I think the roulette wheel detailing is gorgeous, and Claret's integration of it with the automatic winding system is not only efficient, but also clever.