While doing our holiday shopping, we’ve run across some luxurious splurges that are as fun to dream about as they would be to give someone who has been really good this year! Be mindful that all of the businesses mentioned in this post offer a wide range of price-points, but today we have decided to change our attitude from bargain shopping to uncensored, unabashed luxury!
Fine Art
When I asked David of the David Lusk Gallery to share a few of his rarest, highly collectible art objects, he suggested these three pieces. Interestingly, the artists all share Southern heritage and a strong connection to Memphis. Contact David to add these valuable works of art by Carroll Cloar, Mary Sims and Carroll Todd to your collection. davidluskgallery.com
Carroll Cloar (1913-1993), Cowboy, acrylic on masonite, 23×34, 1980, $50,000—Among many honors, a 1966 Cloar painting, “Faculty and Honor Students, Lewis Schoolhouse” of children holding an American flag backwards, was reproduced on a poster commemorating President Clinton’s inauguration. Cloar’s work is represented in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington.
Carroll Cloar, Cowboy, acrylic on masonite, 23×34, 1980 (represented by David Lusk).
Mary Sims (1940-2004), Untitled Melons/Teapot, acrylic on canvas, 39.5×33, c1985, $30,000—Mary Sims exhibited coast to coast; she sold work to a big group of celebrities and also to museums and fortune 500 companies. She touched everyone she met with her wit, frankness, clever Southern patois and skill with a paintbrush.
Mary Sims, Untitled Melons/Teapot, acrylic on canvas, 39.5×33, c1985 (represented by David Lusk).
Carroll Todd, Bird, bronze, 29x23x6, 2011, $12,000—Todd’s work is part of many public collections including The Arkansas Arts Center, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Little Rock Airport, Rockefeller Center, and Museum of Contemporary Art-Amsterdam.
Carroll Todd, Bird, bronze, 29x23x6, 2011 (represented by David Lusk).
Jewels
Mednikow has been bringing luxury in the form of elegant jewelry to the Memphis area for over 120 years, spanning five generations. Why not add a little holiday red and green from Mednikow to your Christmas ensemble. mednikow.com
First, consider a cushion cut 8.68 carat green tourmaline ring in an antique reproduction platinum and diamond mounting, handcrafted in Paris for Mednikow, $18,700.
Cushion cut 8.68 carat green tourmaline ring in an antique reproduction platinum and diamond mounting, handcrafted in Paris for Mednikow.
Or, if you prefer a hint of red instead, an oval red spinel and diamond ring in 19 karat yellow gold, by noted jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke, $4,675, also at Mednikow.
Oval red spinel and diamond ring in 19 karat yellow gold, by noted jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke. Available at Mednikow.
A find for our list that meets with the approval of celebrities, prominent figures and media personalities such as First Lady Michelle Obama, Pink, Katie Couric, Joan Rivers, Julia Roberts, Miranda Lambert, Brooklyn Decker, Kristen Stewart and more—a collection of designer jewelry at Oak Hall by Jordan Alexander. Prices of selected pieces available at Oak Hall range from $150 to $5,000. oakhall.com
Jordan Alexander at Oak Hall.
Vintage Rolex
Follow in the footsteps of iconic Rolex owners: Sir Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, Martin Luther King Jr., Paul Newman, Elvis Presley and Andy Warhol and, of course, Roger Federer! James Davis in the Laurelwood Shopping Center has a nice selection of leather banded, vintage Rolex watches, a classic look for men and a modern style for women. Rob at James Davis explained to me that a vintage watch is at least 30 years old, and most of their watches are from the 1940s and ’50s. Prices range from $3,500 to $6,500. jamesdavisstore.com
Vintage Rolex watches at James Davis.
Gibson Guitar Company, Historic Guitar
From its inaugural appearance in 1937, Gibson’s J-200 set a standard others have been trying to match ever since. Dubbed Gibson’s “King of the Flat-tops.” The J-200 gave purveyors of the new American music scene of the 1930s a reliable, well-built instrument, capable of projecting the sound of the guitar well beyond that of any other acoustic on the market. It is simply the world’s most famous acoustic guitar, and certainly one of most popular, as evidenced by the list of players that have made it their primary acoustic instrument, among them Ray Whitley, Emmylou Harris, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Gram Parsons and Pete Townshend. It can be yours for $21,399. gibson.com
The historic J-200 model at Gibson Guitar Company.
Travel
Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas, is an investment in luxurious and memorable fun for all ages. Many high-end getaways are ideal for adults, but not for children. This one will accommodate the entire family. One hotel option is the iconic Royal Towers, centrally located to all of the resort’s premier attractions. Included in your stay at the Royal Towers is complimentary access to The Dig & Ruins Lagoon, Aquaventure Waterpark, 11 pools and the Royal Casino. We consulted travel agent Ginger Wolfe, co-owner of Air Sea Travel, to get an estimate for a family of five to spend five nights in Atlantis. It came to $15,000, which included airfare and two rooms at the Atlantis Royal Towers. (Prices are subject to change according to the season, availability and departure city.) Book your trip to this legendary island! airseatrvl.com
Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
For the Home
Antique collectors who appreciate Memphis history will be interested in this luxe love spotted at Social: two 17th-century wooden angel statues that were originally in the home of Clarence Saunders, that’s right, the Pink Palace! $4,500 for the pair. facebook.com/SocialAGraciousLiving
17th-century wooden angels, spotted at Social.
Designer Handbag
Everyday luxury with the black Paraty shoulder bag by Chloé, 15″ W, 10″ H, 7″ D, available at Joseph, $2,295. josephstores.com
Chloé handbag at Joseph.
Building a Wardrobe
This pair of brown leather leggings by Vince will do it all: casual or formal, day or night. They will meet your needs based on the top and shoes you choose to wear with them. You will have these forever! Available at Lavish in Collierville. Leggings are $1,150 (cashmere poncho, $225; necklace with charm, $100; black and gold link necklace $180). lavishmemphis.com
Leather leggings by Vince, available at Lavish.
Another item that would be a luxurious and pivotal addition to your closet is this distinctive blouse from the Carol Peretz collection at Kittie Kyle. The material is silk hammered satin in ivory. More colors are available either in the store or by special order. The blouse is yours for $1,025. The black skirt is also satin and available in more colors, $640. The Carol Peretz evening gown in graphite silk is $2,255. kittiekyle.com
Satin blouse and skirt; silk evening gown, all from the Carol Peretz collection at Kittie Kyle.
If you wear these fabulous shoes by Christian Louboutin, there is no need to worry about the rest of your outfit … all eyes willl be on these show-stoppers. Estanodo high-heel patent pump with 4-1/2″ heel, 3/8″ platform. Available at Joseph, $1,075. josephstores.com
Christian Louboutin shoes at Joseph.
Many of these luxurious items would be better described as lifetime purchases. If you are an art collector, in the market for fine jewelry, ready to make a memorable vacation or building a wardrobe with lasting pieces, check out these local businesses who have traveled far to bring luxe loves home to you in Memphis.
And be sure to stay tuned in the coming months for our Cheap Thrills post, the flip-side companion to today’s deluxe finds!
