Why Investing In Paintings Can Prove To Be A Good Choice

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 6 minutes

When it comes to investments – there are a plethora of different areas in which one might immerse their efforts. When a regular person hears the word “investing” though, the mind almost always tends to shift to stock markets or real estate. Getting familiar with investing in such huge, already established markets can be intimidating. This very reason is one of the most common ones that turn newcomers away from getting serious with investments.

Well, it doesn’t always have to be like that. Investing in art is a great example of how investment can be beautiful, quite simple, and yet incredibly profitable. Many people aren’t all that aware that investing in paintings is even a real opportunity. This is why, in this article, we are going to help you understand the world of investing in paintings better. There are plenty of reasons why you should consider investing in paintings, so, let’s talk about them!

Everyone can get a share

A lot of people that get interested in investing in paintings tend to run away when they look at the prices of the highly valued paintings. This is especially true if you are just starting, and don’t have the luxury to burn a hole in your wallet. 

A good thing is, you don’t have to do that, as beginners have some great ways to experience painting investment. How this works is well explained by Masterworks io, one of the companies that provide the opportunity for everyone to partake in painting investment. They explain that you can buy off a percentage of a certain painting, and sell it when its value rises. This is, of course, quite similar to trading stocks, but it is far more reliable – and that leads us to our next point. 

It’s more reliable than stock investment

It is without a doubt that trading stock comes with its risks. Of course, there is a certain degree of predictability. The problem is, if the entire market starts crashing down – your investments are crashing down with it. A great thing about investing in paintings is the fact that you avoid this problematic dependence on the state of the market. Paintings and their value aren’t dependent on the state of the market and how it is changing. Their value is purely intrinsic, and that is a major bonus when it comes to investing in them.

This level of security is undoubtedly something that you can rarely find in the stock market and real estate. When it comes to most paintings, their values are only going to rise as time goes by. As this is something that is also a big plus, we’re going to explore this aspect further in the following text. In order to fully benefit from the rise of value, you must first understand some important aspect to how the price changes exactly.

It gains value with time

In general, the rule in the world of art is – the older, the more valuable. This can be true for a piece by any artist, but, it is especially the case for deceased artists. Even though the value of an art piece increases during an artist’s life, its price will dramatically grow after their death. The reason for this is simple – while the artist is alive, they can create more paintings, but, when they are no longer with us, the number of their paintings is finite. After an artist’s death, many collectors start grabbing their pieces because they are aware of the potential they can have. This ultimately means that the value of their paintings rises exponentially.

So, to make sure your investment is worth it, there are a few things you can do. One of the strategies is the one we have already mentioned, but, the more effective one is certainly buying the paintings during the painter’s lifetime. Not only will you support an artist, but you will be able to profit a lot after some time. Also, consult with professionals to see what pieces are worth investing in. These can often be paintings by lesser-known artists whose prices will most certainly be lower. So, you might need to dig a little deeper, but you might find some unexpected gold.

The process might be slow, but the payoff is inevitable 

If you want to invest in paintings, you have to prepare yourself for some patience – although it is absolutely worth it. A lot of people often get discouraged because they think their investments will pay off in a couple of years. Even though it might take longer than you wish for it to take, as we’ve mentioned previously, the more you wait – the higher the value. 

So, get ready for some waiting, but when the day comes, the payoff will be inevitable. Whether you will resell a painting to another art lover, to a museum, or anyone else, if you have a valuable piece a few decades old, the money you will get will not be even comparable to the amount you invested in the first place. 

You get to enjoy your investment firsthand

Perhaps the most wonderful part about owning a painting is that art, in itself, is magnificent. A painting can make your home look more beautiful, it can bring peace, serenity, and joy in it, as well as in your life. Even though owning art pieces can be a great investment, its true value goes beyond wealth. When you have paintings on the wall, you get to enjoy their aesthetics, you get to think about how and why the painter made every brush stroke. You get to be a part of their world, their thoughts, and aspirations. After all, that is exactly what a painter wants. They want you to be a part of their world, and to create your own based on their imagination. So, even if you are just buying the paintings for profit, you will still get to enjoy the fantasy world it brings into your home.

paintings-guide
Photo by ATBO from Pexels

In the end, investment as it is, no matter what the subject of investment is – governs by some fairly universal rules. So, risk and reward, understanding your market – all this is something that you can expect when investing in paintings. 

The main difference when it comes to paintings though is that such investments are more reliable than most of the stocks that you can buy. Sure, you might not experience the adrenaline rush as when you’re watching the stock you’ve bought strengthen in real-time. You might even have to wait for quite a few years to get there. But what better way to wait for payoff than to be able to enjoy what humans have admired throughout the entire history – the beauty of art.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured photo by Andrew Neel from Pexels.

How To Choose The Right Yacht Propellers

Jennifer Hard
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1
Reading Time: 6 minutes

The key criterion for choosing a propeller is whether it allows your yacht’s engine to go up to a speed inside the range defined by the manufacturer of the engine—generally within 500 revolutions of the top rpm. This ensures the engine has a long life by not pulling it down or allowing it to over-rev. 

There is probably nothing that can ruin a vacation faster than a malfunctioning engine in your yacht. Before leaving for the holiday, more so if you’re in the business of operating luxury yachts, make sure you check your propeller to see if it needs replacement.

Your engine most likely came with the propeller that met that minimum standard, but you may choose from a selection of props that’ll allow your engine to turn up while varying in the number of blades and pitch, as well as possessing somewhat subtle characteristics.

Yacht-propellers-guide

Checklist When Gathering Propeller Information

Before anything else, if you still aren’t sure of the exact propeller you need, then don’t worry. Just make a list of the details about your boat or any other thing that will help a service tech assist you, then call up a supplier like Get A Prop, and they’ll help you find exactly what you want. Some of these things have already been discussed, but here is everything in list form to make cross-checking easier:

  • The current prop diameter
  • Make a propeller pitch.
  • Rotation of props with the left or right hand (the right hand being clockwise)
  • Count of blades
  • Substance (Usually stainless or aluminum)

Other Relevant Information

  • Part number from the manufacturer
  • The diameter of the shaft and the number of splines or keyways

Data From the Engine

  •  Count of engines
  • Horsepower stated
  • RPM at WOT Gear case size Manufacturer, model, and year
Yacht-propellers-top-one

Other Extremely Valuable Knowledge

  • Measurement of displacement in cubic inches or centimeters
  • Trim tabs or power trim
  • Data on Boats
  • Overall length Hull content
  • Year, model, and manufacturer
  • Form of the hull
  • top speed (current/desired)

Prop Factors to Consider

Propeller Dimensions

Expressed as a pair of numbers, diameter, and pitch, with the diameter always coming first. Diameter is defined as the distance between the middle of the hub and the tip of any blade multiplied by two. Smaller prop diameters are typically associated with smaller engines or fast, high-performance vessels. Pitch is the hypothetical forward distance traveled by a prop in one revolution, measured in inches. Consider pitch to be the same as speed or the gear range on any vehicle’s transmission.

Rake 

The degree to which the blades tilt forward or backward in relation to the hub is referred to as a rake. Rake can influence how water moves through the propeller, which can impact yacht performance. It aims to enhance the bow of the boat, reducing the wetted surface area of the hull and increasing top-end planing speed. With today’s vigorously raked props, you may need to add a high-performance trim tab to your shopping cart. The tips of the blades of these new pros can collide with your engine’s older style trim tabs.

Yacht-propellers-best-guide

Cupping

Cupping of the props blade’s outer edge is popular on many props. A downwards curve inside the blade’s rim (similar to a plane’s wings with the ‘flaps’ downwards) allows for a better hole aim, reduced slippage, and airflow, as well as an improved bite on the water. A cupped prop can enable the engine to be trimmed by bringing the prop near the surface while also lowering rpm by 150 to 300.

Pitching

Selecting a propeller that has a different pitch will fix over or under-revving. Engine revolutions and pitch have an opposite relationship. Raising the pitch reduces engine RPMs while reducing the pitch increases engine RPMs. 

As a general rule, if the engine is over-revving, a prop with less pitch should be considered. Consider a prop that has more pitch if the engine is over-revving.

Material

Aluminum is the most widely used and least costly material. Many outboard and sterndrive systems are compatible.

Because of stiffer, smaller blades, and more sophisticated designs, stainless steel outperforms aluminum. When traveling at speeds greater than 50 mph, or if your boat often passes over sandbars or oyster beds, this is the best option. Stainless steel is more expensive, but it’s five times stronger than aluminum. Stainless propellers can be restored to like-new condition at a higher cost, while repaired aluminum can suffer from excessive wear and a lack of power.

Four or Three Blades

Three-blade designs provide all-around efficiency with a speed advantage at the top end. Four-blade designs suit yachts that are not easy to get on the plane, are underpowered, or are used in water sports where top-end speed isn’t important.

In certain cases, four blades of the equal pitch will reduce the rpm by 50 to 150rpm. Three-blade propellers are ideal for yachts equipped with three-, four-, or six-cylinder outboards and sterndrives, as they provide good hole shot with the best performance.

Three-blade props have blades that cover approximately 50 to 55 percent of the usable area within the circle created by the propellers’ diameter (referred to as the Diameter Area Ratio). Adding a fourth blade raises the DAR to between 60 and 65 percent, which means you should expect more power to keep your yacht planing at lower rpm, a possible improvement in fuel efficiency, but also a 50–100rpm drop at WOT.

Modular Hub Systems

Modular hub systems are made up of a frame that attaches to the engine’s splined shaft as well as a propeller body that attaches to the hub. They are bought separately from the propeller, but it helps if they are discussed together. 

These systems have two primary advantages.  First, if there is ever a major prop hit, the composite hub separates, reducing the possibility of motor, engine drive, or propeller injury. Faulty hubs can be easily replaced by the user, lowering the propeller strike’s ‘replacement rate.’ Even if the propeller is bent and the hub is still in good condition, replacing only the propeller is less costly. If you have a problem, you can save money in either case.

In Conclusion 

In certain instances, yacht builders collaborate with engine suppliers to specify the best propeller for the particular engine and boat they are selling. If you want to repair a broken prop or improve performance, contacting the designer of your yacht is a good first step. Alternatively, contact the service tech at a nearby boatyard. These discussions can save you the time and cost of a test quest for the best propeller.

Jennifer
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

4 Things You Need To Know About CBD Tinctures

Jennifer Hard
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1
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Given that Cannabidiol is dominating the market in recent years, the products made from it must have sparked your interest at one point or another. There are quite a lot of different supplements made using this substance and it’s really no wonder. Manufacturers are expanding their reach by infusing all kinds of products with Cannabidiol and people seem to be enjoying that, since this substance really has a lot to offer.

As I am sure that you are already familiar with the concept of Cannabidiol at least to some extent, I could also guarantee that you have come across CBD oil tincture as one of the products infused with the substance. If you are thinking of starting to use this specific supplement, though, you will want to get your facts straight and dig for as much information as you can about it before you actually purchase it. That’s how responsible people make their shopping decisions and the fact that you are here tells me that you are responsible and ready to get informed.

Cannabidiol has certainly been grabbing a lot of attention lately, so it’s no wonder that you are interested in learning more about one of its products. There are definitely a lot of things that you need to know about CBD tinctures before you decide whether to buy them or not and it’s about time you started with the learning process. Well, if you keep on reading, I’ll share a few facts about these products that you absolutely need to know, especially if you are close to making your decision on whether to purchase the tinctures or not. So, without further ado, let us get started.

Not Psychoactive

One of the first things that people are usually concerned about when it comes to Cannabidiol is the fact that it comes from cannabis, which makes people think that it is psychoactive. While I understand your course of thoughts if this is what you assumed, I must make things perfectly clear here. Even though this substance is derived from cannabis plants, it is most certainly not psychoactive. The substance that is responsible for producing that “high” feeling in people is called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

This further means that CBD oil tinctures are also not psychoactive and that you cannot get high when using them. These products don’t contain any THC, which is why they don’t have those hallucinogenic effects on people. Of course, this also depends on where you actually buy your products, but I suppose you already understand that you shouldn’t shop at any shady places and that you should choose only reputable and trustworthy suppliers.

Here’s a great read that can help you get properly acquainted with CBD tinctures: https://www.elle.com/culture/a27149060/what-are-tinctures/#

How-to-CBD-Tinctures

Not Every Product Is The Same

Since I have mentioned suppliers already, let me continue along the same line and tell you about something rather important that you need to keep in mind when these products are in question. Basically, not every CBD oil tincture that you come across on the market will be of the same composition, or of the same quality. This is why I have made it clear that shopping at ill-reputed and shady places is never a wise idea.

There are certainly a lot of manufacturers making these products today and it is your responsibility to find the one that is creating amazing, high-quality tinctures that you know you’ll be happy with. This simply means that you shouldn’t rush into making any shopping decisions until you have done your proper research on the products and the manufacturers you come across. So, take your time to do the research in order to be able to find the best CBD oil tinctures for you.

Take It In Small Dosages

When people decide to try out any CBD product whatsoever, there is one thing that they will need to determine before they start using those products. I am talking about the fact that you need to learn how to properly dose these, since you don’t want to end up exaggerating, but you also don’t want to take too small a dosage and thus waste the supplement without it actually providing you with any benefits whatsoever. So, determining the dosage is extremely important and, the truth is that different products need to be taken in different amounts.

CBD oil tinctures definitely don’t need to be taken in high amounts and there are several reasons for that. First things first, these are certainly rather strong, which means that you can achieve the desired effect with a low amount. In addition to that, the tinctures are usually taken sublingually, which is a highly effective method since it allows the product to reach your organism rather quickly. Consequently, a small dosage is enough, but make sure to check the label and get some advice on how to dose the tinctures. Read more about these products if you need some additional information.

Highly Beneficial

I am quite sure that you already know this, but I believe it is worth emphasizing nevertheless. In simple words, CBD oil tinctures have proved to be highly beneficial and rather effective when it comes to treating certain symptoms and illnesses, such as pain, inflammation, anxiety disorders, epileptic seizures and sometimes even cancer related complications. On top of that, they are used by healthy people who want to boost their metabolisms and generally improve their wellbeing.

Jennifer
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

How is the Luxury Goods Market Looking After the Pandemic?

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 7 minutes

Retail took a hit last year in many countries. While some regions such as Japan continued almost as normal, other areas such as the UK suffered devastating job losses. Out of all the industries in the United Kingdom, retail was hit hardest with nearly 50,000 job losses as consumer spending dropped.

This wasn’t quite the whole story though as online retail increased at the same time. Because of lockdowns, unemployment, and less disposable income the traditional land-based stores suffered while other areas of ecommerce grew. Home delivery for groceries, online entertainment, and takeout services such as Deliveroo, or One Delivery grew.

One other retail sector that had a knock last year, and going into 2021, was the luxury goods market. This area was hit for several reasons but there are ways for the market to bounce back. Here are some ways they can do this. 

How big is the luxury goods market?

The luxury goods market is not quite as simple to break down as standard retail revenue. Luxury goods are normally defined by being at the higher end when you are considering the price or value, and the quality involved. Although quality isn’t always guaranteed, the price will definitely be higher.

The market has been growing every year and there is a clear demand for goods with a certain level of prestige and perceived quality. The luxury car market is worth over 500 billion Euros a year. The personal luxury goods market is worth over 280 billion Euros a year. However, the global retail market is worth more than 25 trillion dollars.

As you can see while the luxury goods market is nothing to be sneezed at, it pales in comparison to general retail revenue. And, in 2020 it fared worse than normal. 

Why has the luxury goods market dropped?

The main and most obvious reason for a drop in sales of luxury goods is the pandemic. Covid has hit numerous businesses and industries across the planet, and retail is no different.

While there are certain areas such as food retail that will always be necessary, consumers will cut back on luxury or non-essential items during a financial crisis. However, there is still a huge market for personal luxury goods so the cause of reduced sales may not be purely financial. 

Has travel affected the luxury goods market?

The USA has the largest personal luxury goods market in the world but it isn’t only Americans making purchases. Residents of China took over 150 million trips outside their country back in 2018. It is estimated that over half of all luxury goods purchases made were outside of China.

With the pandemic restricting movement, this means wealthy Asian consumers had less opportunity to make purchases overseas. This has led to some US luxury goods retailers facing a hard time and possible closure.

When you consider the future of retail technology it is easy to imagine everyone buying goods through virtual shops. With ecommerce increasing in popularity you might think the luxury goods market would benefit from this. However, luxury goods are not purchased in the same way. 

Luxury goods and ecommerce

One of the few growth areas of 2020 was ecommerce. Subscriptions to online gaming sites, streaming services, and food delivery companies, soared. As people spent more time indoors, working from home, looking for home entertainment, they used the internet more than before. This led to an increase in retail purchases too.

The online retail sector grew by 44% in one year due to the pandemic. While ecommerce was expected to grow regardless of Covid, this was a dramatic leap for what was only a 12 month period.

In 2020, the ecommerce sector accounted for 18% of all retail sales and this number is expected to grow in 2021. Compare this to luxury goods sold online and you will see that ecommerce only accounts for 12%.

What reasons are there for this and can traditional luxury goods retailers help bring the shoppers back? 

Why do consumers prefer land-based luxury goods retailers?

Of course, not everyone prefers to visit a retailer and many people are now enjoying the convenience of ecommerce. A few clicks, a credit card in one hand and a smartphone in another, and a purchase is made. Now you just sit back and wait for it to be delivered. However, not everyone enjoys shopping this way, and luxury goods aren’t always suited to ecommerce.

When you consider that luxury goods take into account jet planes and cars it would be fair to assume a buyer might like to inspect the product before buying. 

If you wanted to buy some new bedding from Frette or Lili Allesandra you could of course buy it online, but many people would like to see and feel what they are buying first. Entering a retail establishment and checking the quilt label to see what materials are used and other details are necessary for many consumers.

luxury-market-trends-after-pandemics
Photo by Jannis Lucas on Unsplash

By visiting a store you can feel the silk, linen, and other materials used for your new bedding. You can see all your options in one place and get a far better idea of what you want to purchase.

Plus, when you are in a store you can read up on other information about your potential purchase. Belle Notte is committed to being eco-friendly but you may not know this unless you actually look at their bedding close up.

Belle Notte is a luxury bedding company that uses organic materials and non-toxic dyes and companies such as these often display these details on hang tags. These tags cannot be seen on the internet so this is another reason why traditional retail can survive 2020 and pull the consumers back in.

Visual and tactile engagement with luxury goods is a far better retail experience than ecommerce. 

Why might traditional luxury goods retailers fail?

Nothing is set in stone, however, and while the pandemic continues it will keep consumers from returning in numbers, especially overseas visitors.

There are many influential marketing trends to follow and one of these is vertically integrated distribution. This is where a company takes over responsibilities that it would normally leave to others such as distribution, supply, or owning its retail locations instead of renting them.

Using this business model is one way that a retail organization can increase profits, reduce costs, control quality and processes better. Companies in the luxury goods market who have not followed this approach may find that after 2020 life will become more difficult. 

Advertising in the luxury goods market

luxury-advertising-after-pandemics
Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Luxury goods brands still have many tricks up their sleeves and advertising is key to keep themselves visible and retaining consumers, and gaining new ones.

In retail locations, posters and point-of-sales are used along with hang tags. Where hang tags are used in many retail operations they take on a different level when it comes to luxury goods. Hang tags can explain what materials were used, such as a knit fabric, and they can help explain a company’s motto, but when combined with luxury goods they can be more.

Gold or platinum print, embossed letters, with luxury brand name logos can raise a hang tag from a normal label to something that appears to have value of its own. They are a crucial part of marketing and can help increase sales in a physical store. 

Summary

As the pandemic continues to damage retail and other businesses it remains to be seen who weathers the storm the best. The luxury goods market may have had a blip and there may also be some stores and chains that don’t survive but if consumers embrace ecommerce and brave the land-based stores then the market should bounce back in 2021.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured photo by STIL on Unsplash.

4 Things Every Person Needs to Know When Thinking About Injury Compensation

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Being involved in an accident can cause you a lot of pain and suffering, as well as major financial problems. If you are the victim of a vehicle crash, you may have extensive vehicle repairs which are needed, or you may even need a replacement. Other personal injuries can cause you to miss work or may even result in you being permanently incapacitated and unable to work again. 

Whatever the cause of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation which will help you to pay for all of the resulting costs. Getting the compensation you deserve is not always easy but there are ways in which you can simplify the process and ensure that you get the maximum payout.

To help everyone who has been hurt and needs financial restitution, here are 4 things every person needs to know when thinking about injury compensation.

1. An Experienced Attorney Is a Must-Have

While personal injury cases are very common, they can also be exceedingly complicated. Just trying to work out how to file a claim can be incredibly stressful, and this is at a time when you are probably not feeling at your best. Different states have different laws which regulate compensation claims. 

In Washington, for example, there are time limits for making the claim after the date of the accident. The folks at one Personal Injury Law Firm in WA explain that if you miss the deadline, it will be impossible to file the lawsuit so you won’t receive any compensation. Your lawyers will keep you informed of everything that needs doing and will take care of all the paperwork and evidence needed for your claim. Check their record of success before hiring an attorney so you know that you have the best possible legal representation.

2. You Should Visit the Hospital After an Accident

It is very important that you get prompt medical attention following an accident. After big vehicle crashes, in particular, many people’s injuries are hidden because of shock. A qualified doctor will be able to examine your injuries carefully and give you the treatment and medication you need to start your recovery process. You will also need the medical reports to give to your attorneys for evidence in your case. 

As noted above, there is often a time limit for gathering evidence and submitting a claim so the sooner you do this, the better. Make sure that you tell the doctor how your injuries were sustained so that there is contemporaneous confirmation that the accident is what led to you being hurt.

3. Insurance Companies Are Not Your Friend

Many people never have to make a claim on their insurance and it is only when a situation arises that they realize how different their insurance provider can make the process. Neither your own insurance company nor that of other parties has your best interest at heart and they will all try anything possible to stop you from receiving the money you are entitled to. 

The best course of action is to just leave all interaction with your insurance provider to your attorneys who will have the knowledge and experience to deal with them. Do not allow yourself to be bullied or to accept loopholes that your provider claims are in your policy that means you don’t get the necessary compensation. 

4. Out-Of-Court Settlements Can Save Time and Money

Many personal injury cases do not end up in court because the various parties involved are able to reach a settlement. This saves all parties time and money and enables everyone to move on from the incident. If you are filing a claim against a business because perhaps you slipped over in the store, they may be particularly eager to settle out of court because their reputation will not be damaged. 

Speak to your attorneys about what is a fair settlement as they will be able to tell you how much compensation you are likely to receive if a jury found in your favor. Don’t accept any offer which you are uncomfortable with. As the court case gets closer or the extent of your evidence becomes more apparent, the other side may come back with a better offer.  

Injury-compensation-request-guide
Image by Capri23auto from Pixabay 

Getting the compensation you deserve is very important for getting your life back on track following an injury. Hiring an experienced lawyer will help you through the process and allow you the time and space you need to recover from your injuries. Follow these four simple tips and you will get the money needed to rebuild your life after an accident or another incident that left you injured.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Image by Claim Accident Services from Pixabay.

Les Eaux de CHANEL PARIS-ÉDIMBOURG, A New Chapter.

José Amorim
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1
Les Eaux de CHANEL PARIS-ÉDIMBOURG, A New Chapter.
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Like many olfactory stories at the French Luxury House, Les Eaux de CHANEL began with a desire. Back in 2018, this new collection introduced a new olfactory world to the fragrances of the House. Inspired by Mademoiselle’s favourite places around the world, Les Eaux de CHANEL is fueled by the imaginary and composed around freshness. After PARIS-BIARRITZ, PARIS-DEAUVILLE, PARIS-VENICE and PARIS-RIVIERA in 2019, Olivier Polge, in cooperation with the CHANEL Laboratory of Fragrance Creation and Development, has orchestrated a fifth olfactory journey: PARIS-EDIMBOURG.

“LES EAUX DE CHANEL were designed as light and refreshing ‘eaux fraîches’. I drew inspiration from the destinations that have strong ties with CHANEL. Each one has left its mark on a fragrance.”

Olivier Polge

LES EAUX DE CHANEL are more than simple destinations. They are countless invitations to escape for no reason. They transport us to a fantasy elsewhere, a true imaginary world in the heritage of CHANEL and more modern than ever. By the sea or in the countryside, each motionless journey is, above all, an intimate experience at the heart of our own emotions. Gabrielle Chanel travel experiences have something modern in it. All the places she has been becoming true symbols of escapism that we all dream of going or have been at one stage. With this new chapter, let’s go up north to the highlands.

PARIS – EDIMBOURG: The Power And Mystery Of The Highlands Firmly Rooted To The Land.

Les-Eaux-CHANEL-PARIS-EDIMBOURG
Photo: CHANEL

Gabrielle Chanel discovered Scotland in 1924 through the Duke of Westminster, with whom she had a love affair until 1930. Far from society life, Gabrielle Chanel found refuge in this wild and majestic countryside, bathed in intense white light. It was relaxing moments in which she would go salmon fishing, play cards with Winston Churchill and Vera Bate and even share her time between the Duke’s three properties in the highlands:

  • Stack Lodge, a rustic country house
  • Lochmore, a Victorian manor
  • The Rosehall estate she was given carte blanche to decorate.
Gabrielle-Chanel-And-Westminster-Duke
1928 – Gabrielle Chanel and the Duke of Westminster

The clothing worn by the British aristocracy during their outdoor leisure pursuits became sources of inspiration. Fair Isle sweaters with multicoloured, geometric patterns, tartan, wool berets and tweed jackets were all practical garments that satisfied her taste for elegance and comfort. She reinterpreted them endlessly in her creations to the extent that they have become emblems of the CHANEL style.

1931-Gabrielle-Chanel-In-Scotland
1931 – Gabrielle Chanel in Scotland

“ Both fresh and woody, PARIS-ÉDIMBOURG could be the fragrance of a tweed jacket borrowed from the men’s wardrobe that was such an inspiration to Gabrielle Chanel. ” 

Olivier Polge

Olivier Polge was inspired by the grand and mysterious Scottish countryside and its odours of “gripping and icy” juniper berry and the peaty wood. The elegant freshness strikes in the first seconds. A bright and slightly spicy freshness marks the first chapter of this olfactory story. Then, the story evolves as an Eau with aromatic plants’ power in the tradition of British men’s colognes. While the olfactory story unfolds, we sense hints of Lavender, Cypress and Cedarwood. Then the richness of Vetiver brings a smoky accent to the fragrance. Our story ends on a comfortable bed of vanilla and musks that soften the olfactory structure, almost as a “do-me-good-fragrance”.

Les-Eaux-de-Chanel-Paris-Edimbourg-ingredients
Photo: CHANEL
Paris-Edimbourg-Chanel-fragrance-review
Photo: CHANEL

This elegant, almost androgynous fragrance could be a tweed jacket borrowed from the men’s wardrobe that was such an inspiration to Gabrielle Chanel. There is a fascinating contrast in the olfactory structure of this fragrance. On the one hand, we can sense a nostalgic feeling of a moment in time that does not exist anymore and yet, on the other hand, modernity is at all levels bringing a dazzling look into this beautiful fragrance. Les Eaux de CHANEL are definitely one of the most interesting perfumery work nowadays.

CHANEL-PARIS-EDIMBOURG-Product-review
Photo: CHANEL

Les Eaux de CHANEL Bottle: Elegance and simplicity combined

Les-EAUX-CHANEL-PARIS-EDIMBOURG-Reviews
Photo: CHANEL

PARIS-ÉDIMBOURG shares the same clean, rounded bottle as the other LES EAUX DE CHANEL fragrances topped with a black thermoset cap engraved with a double C. With a shape that recalls the flasks of alcohol people used to carry in their waistcoat when travelling; it takes on even greater meaning. The crystal-clear glass reveals a fragrance as green as the Scottish countryside. This quest for simplicity and minimalism is extended to the corrugated cardboard case, equally beautiful inside and outside, flawless down to the smallest detail. The simplicity of the bottle reveals beautiful glasswork as the wide glass surface is perfectly balanced with no streams marks. Less is much more.

With Les Eaux de CHANEL, we discover a beautiful travel journey across different amazing places close to the heart of Gabrielle Chanel. In the world we are all living in, we crave to travel and to be somewhere else. Les Eaux de CHANEL provides you with a timeless journey made of elegance, sharpness and comfort. Do not hesitate to visit CHANEL’s official website to discover more about the unlimited universe of the French luxury House.

José Amorim
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only and courtesy of CHANEL.

How To Find A Thoughtful Gift For Everyone On Your List

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Giving gifts shouldn’t be a stressful activity. It’s exciting to pick out something unique and valuable for people who mean so much to you. But quite understandably, everyone needs a little assistance occasionally. Other times, you need to get it done by yourself.

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling endlessly online looking for the perfect gift or wondering what type of present you’d give: cash, gift cards, or food; know this: you’re not alone. Selecting the perfect items to suit your budget, the receiver, and would leave them surprised can be difficult to think about. 

To truly impress your giftees, you want to select gifts that are custom-designed, unique, symbolizes a memory, and thoughtful. The best kinds of gifts will show just how much you care for them bringing back all the fun memories, interests, and jokes. This article explains how you can make that happen. Here are things you should take note of.

1. Remember It’s Not About You

It’s easy to get distracted when browsing for the perfect present physically or online, you’d always see something that picks your interest. This is only natural and understandable, but at the same time, it is necessary to remember this isn’t about you. Put yourself in their shoes and think about them, rather than looking at things from your point of view.

A thoughtful gift is one that is relevant; that reflects what the receiver is passionate about, their likes, or hobbies. A gift that came with deep thoughts about the recipient and what would make them joyful. So, the first thing to do when getting a present is to recollect that it’s not necessarily meant to make you happy but the recipient. Your happiness is the expression on their face when they open the gift. 

2. Thought And Approach Matters More Than 

Most times, receiving a gift is more than just purchasing a new item. Understanding this would make you realize that it’s important to think about your intention and approach. You want that moment to be special so take the recipient to a special place where you both share memories together. The presentation can be at home or at work. Now, note that purchasing the most expensive gift you can think of might not be the best option. In some cases, that act may not be in your favor.

The gift should be something the recipient would cherish –  that was well thought of. Think of what they like best. Are they divers? A diving watch might be what you need. Visit https://theleftrough.com/best-golf-gifts/ if they love to play golf. Even though some people like receiving expensive gifts, one that is well cherished irrespective of the cost is one that comes from the heart. As long as it’s someone that you know all too well, put some thought into the gift. Don’t also forget your approach, present it somewhere special. 

3. Create A List Of Things That Interest The Recipient

Make a list of things that they relate to. Ensure the list is long, like really long. If you can, spend no less than ten minutes jotting down as many things as you can remember. After that, trim down every item on the list to make choosing easier. 

Think of it as a scale of preference. You don’t need to give everything that interests them, you just need it to get some fantastic ideas you might have had a hard time getting. Combine some of those interests and you’d be shocked how your giftee will be thankful for your effort. Sometimes, simply asking them what they need before getting it is also good. Most people don’t like this option, they prefer surprising the recipients but honestly, this saves you a whole lot of stress.

4. You Can Stalk Them Moderately

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Photo by Lisa from Pexels

If you’re having a hard time getting a thoughtful gift, you can stalk them. Not in a creepy way like the movies but just to know something they really like. Many people have their cart and wishlist on Amazon full; it would come as a surprise to them if you knew about that very special thing they had wanted without them having to ask for it. Do you know what might make it more special? They might have forgotten they even wanted it. Another you can get to make their findings is to go through their social media. You really didn’t think we meant following them from a distance while they go about their daily activities. Well, you can easily find what they’d like from their social media profiles. 

What if your recipient has almost everything they want including the ones you can think of? Well, that’s not really possible. You probably think that because you’re still focused on a gift item. Even if they’ve got everything, no one has all the memories. Get something that brings back memories for them. 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

3 Things You Need To Know About The NATO Watch Strap

Arsene Wargas
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1
Reading Time: 6 minutes

A great strap is an essential companion to any watch. This component plays a significant role in the appearance of your entire watch. With this, a lot of consumers try to experiment and explore various styles or even expand their assortment. For people who are all for cost-effective accessories, it would be great to have a diverse strap collection rather than splurging on new and trendy watches most of the time. 

Nowadays, there’s a wide array of watch straps available in the market. With this in mind, it would be excellent to strategically choose the combination of your watch and its strap before you purchase them. Doing so ensures that your accessory will continue to look visually appealing every time. 

Nato-straps-guide-for-watches

NATO Watch Straps

NATO watch straps are nearly found everywhere–from high-end watch brands to affordable ones. Some people may be reluctant with the idea of pairing their timepiece with a NATO strap. However, the steady popularity of these straps has proven that it’s versatile, fun, and adequately functional to show off your watch.

With all of these, you might get interested in adding this to your strap collection. However, before you hop on the bandwagon, you might want to get to know these NATO watch straps a bit more. Below are things you need to know about the NATO watch strap:

1. History

After World War II, the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) introduced the NSN (NATO stock number), which incorporates watches and straps for their soldiers. 

Before it came to be known as a NATO strap, the accessory was initially regarded as the G10 band. This name was taken from the form G1098, which was required to be filled out and passed to retrieve a watch strap at their unit’s supply shop. This watch strap was made of nylon with a width of 20 mm to ensure practicality and security among its users. It was an essential piece of military equipment for the soldiers of the British Ministry of Defence during 1973. 

When the war ended, the G10 straps were sold in a lot of military surplus shops. Surprisingly, the strap has become a popular option for a lot of watch enthusiasts. Today, a lot of brands have their own unique, reinvented version of the classic NATO strap. Despite the variations, all of them continue to take inspiration from the soldiers during the said war.

To educate yourself further regarding its history, you may read more from natostrapstore.com and other similar sites that have comprehensive stories about the famous watch strap. 

2. Features

If you ask a sales representative from a watch store, they may be eager to demonstrate how to switch to a NATO strap. Generally, replacing your straps is time-consuming. However, with NATO straps, they can be changed or applied in a few minutes or less. 

  • Singular Piece Strap

The singular piece strap of the watch has made it an appealing option for a lot of watch enthusiasts who are used to replacing their watch straps, depending on the occasion. You don’t need to take off both your watch’s spring bars to swap one in. You simply have to weave the strap underneath the spring bars and you’re good to go. 

With this feature, you no longer need to worry if a spring bar loosens up or is unexpectedly damaged. During rare cases of spring bar failure, the watch will still hang on its last spring bar between the straps. Hence, it won’t easily fall off your wrist.

Likewise, because of this feature, you no longer need to shy away from wearing your expensive timepiece. A NATO watch strap won’t easily be pulled off quickly by thieves and pickpockets, assuring you that your timepiece will stay safe.

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  • Made From Nylon 

Moreover, the material is one of the main factors to inspect when you’re about to splurge on a wristwatch. NATO straps are commonly made with nylon fabric bands. This type of fabric content tends to be more appealing than your metal or leather strap. This is because nylon bands are easy to care for–it dries quickly after you clean them either with a wet cloth or in the laundry. s to inspect when you’re about to splurge on a wristwatch. NATO straps are commonly made with nylon fabric bands. This type of fabric content tends to be more appealing than your metal or leather strap. This is because nylon bands are easy to care for. It dries quickly after you clean it either with a wet cloth or in the laundry. 

Also, nylon is a durable and moisture-resistant fabric that can brave against various tough activities. Hence, whether you tend to sweat a lot or are into sports, fitness, and other physical activities, nylon fabric is perfect and practical compared to other materials.

  • Generally Comfortable

On top of this, NATO straps are straightforward, lightweight, and comfortable bands that you can lean on, regardless of the occasion. It’s also generally affordable compared to other watch straps. 

  • Comes In Many Colors

In addition, NATO watches come in versatile colors. Although these were originally crafted in solid, neutral colors, manufacturers have expanded their collection to cater to growing customer demand and various preferences. Hence, NATO straps are now available in different solid shades and stripes.

With this, instead of buying other watch bands, you may try to experiment and introduce other NATO watch strap colors into your wardrobe. This can be perfect if you tend to try out different bands to help improve your style. 

3. Ways To Accessorize

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With its wide array of color options, NATO watch straps can now be strategically worn during certain events, occasions, and dress codes. 

Commonly, NATO watch straps are perfect for daily, casual looks. The strap’s design and features can instantly elevate your outfit, regardless if you’re wearing plain tees, polo shirts, jeans, and other casual attires. The strap gives off that cool vibe that can help you stand out from the crowd. To keep it simple yet stylish, you may match the strap’s color with your current attire.

Moreover, you may also wear your NATO strap with a semi-formal attire. With its fun and quirky features, you can play up with contrasts and see how the strap can complement your look during weddings, office meetings, and the like.  

Final Thoughts

 NATO watch straps are by far one of the trendiest and quirkiest straps in the watch industry. Also, it has been regarded as one of the most adored straps, especially to watch enthusiasts and fashion influencers who opt to wear their timepiece with a sleek, individual watch strap.

Arsène Wargas
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

How To Prepare Your Car Before Having It Shipped?

Jennifer Hard
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1
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Getting your car ready for shipment can be a little complicated if you don’t understand the necessary procedures. Often, many people complain that their vehicles get stuck at the port by customs due to a lack of prerequisites document or by patrol officers. So how can you avoid these issues associated with car shipping?

This piece is designed to provide you with the necessary information to aid you in shipping your car in a stress-free manner. 

1. Ensure all necessary documents

The basic procedure that auto transport companies usually require is to request your car documents to ensure the vehicle belongs to you. To avoid shipment delays, American Auto Shipping advises starting from gathering all relevant files and documents attached to the car for easy transfer and clearance. Below are the necessary documents you need to have if you plan to ship your car:

  • Vehicle registration documents
  • Documents that can prove your ownership of the vehicle
  • Insurance policy documents that relate to the said vehicle 
  • Driver’s license

2. Wash the car interior and exterior thoroughly 

You don’t want to ship out a car that looks dirty and rough. Washing the vehicle allows you to wipe out dust, dirt and identify damaged spots on the car exterior. Don’t forget to clean the interior because you don’t want your car to be in a sorry state when you are ready to use it or send it to someone.

3. Document any form of existing damage

Here is one major advantage of washing your car before shipping. Through the process of washing the car, you will be able to identify some hidden spots or damaged areas on the vehicle. Once the washing has been completed, get a photographer or your semi-professional camera to take pictures from every angle for documentation purposes. The information will be handy when you want to press charges against any shipping company if you notice any damage to your car during the process of transporting the car.

4. Take out your items

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Photo: Wikipedia.org

The temptation to stuff some of your items in the vehicle is quite reasonable especially if there is no space in your moving van. However, you need to be aware of the consequences ahead. Items packed in the vehicle cannot be insured against theft or damage. So, you can’t press charges if any of the above were to occur. What can you do instead? You should remove every form of essential and personal items such as:

  • Documents that relate to your insurance or financial transactions can be traced or linked to your bank.
  • Charging devices 
  • Sunglasses
  • Wristwatches 
  • GPS devices 

But if you think the best way you can transport this item is through your car, you should keep them safe in your car trunk, or in a position in the car where it will not be exposed to sunlight. Make sure that this spot is out of sight. Also, ensure any documents that relate to toll fees and payment is taken care of to avoid extra charges.

5. Always empty your gas tank

This is very important, and you must by no chance forget to empty your vehicle gas tank before shipping. Since you will be shipping the car and not driving it, the gas is useless during the trip. Moreover, your shipping fee will be based on your car weight, and with a gas-filled tank, you will be paying avoidable extra charges. From an economic point of view, the best gas level you should leave in the car tank should not exceed a quarter tank, which is enough to drive you to the nearest gas station when the car is delivered.

6. Keep all external accessories safe

Some people find it difficult to remove the external accessories of their cars during shipment, only to find out they have been damaged when they receive it on the other end. To avoid a situation like this, you should take note of accessories you can screen, and uninstall before handing the car over to the shipping company. Below are some of the accessories you need to keep safe:

  • Car antenna 
  • Custom spoilers 
  • Luggage tracks
  •  Rooftop boxes 
  • Removable ski and bike racks

People have tons of reasons for shipping their vehicles. It could be relocation from a state or country, or sending it to your acquaintances, and some instances, for commercial purposes. Whatever the reason may be, it is super important that you follow the six necessary steps enumerated above. It will save you from encountering some of the challenges associated with car shipping and not to mention, save you a ton of money.

Jennifer
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Photo by Tom Fisk from Pexels

Gift Ideas for the Man of your Life

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 5 minutes

From makeup to self-care kits, there are endless possibilities when it comes to gifting a woman. However, when it’s time to find the perfect gift for any man, you may feel like you’re fresh out of luck and ideas. Generally speaking, men are known for being impossible to buy for. This is especially frustrating when you want to show the man in your life how much you appreciate him. The key to buying the perfect gift is to not view it as a challenge, rather a skill that you are yet to master. When buying a gift for a man, you simply need to go beyond cliches and expectations and explore their interests and hobbies. Here are awesome gift ideas for the man of your life.

Percussive Therapy Device

If your man works out often and is into exercise, you should consider buying him a percussive therapy device. This massage therapy tool can go really deep into the body, hitting the chromatin, a cell nucleus. This helps relieve muscle pain, release tension, and increase the range of motion and blood flow. It is a quick and easy way to boost recovery from an intense workout. When purchasing a percussive therapy device, you should generally consider the quality and reliability of the brand, noise level, battery life, bulkiness and ease of use, battery life, and power and efficacy.

Fitness Mirror

A fitness mirror is another gift that fitness enthusiasts will absolutely adore. Investing in a fitness mirror can turn your home into a fully established workout studio. The fitness mirror is installed like any regular full-length mirror, though, make sure that there’s enough room around it for moving freely. When turned on, the mirror will grant you, or your man, access to a live broadcasted or pre-recorded fitness trainer. The trainer will be able to see his movement and provide feedback. There are plenty of exercise options to choose from; whether he’s into cardio or strength training, or would even like to take a moment to connect with his inner zen through yoga, he will find something that suits his needs. The mirror also comes with a heart-rate display and access to music and a community.

Mini Liquor Bottle Gift Set

A man who loves booze will surely love a mini liquor bottle gift set. Not only is the gift set a cool and unconventional gift idea, but it will leave your man utterly satisfied and appreciative. The expert men gifters over at this link suggest that your options are endless; from single malt scotch flavored caramels to booze-infused beef jerky boxes, mini liquor bottle gift sets are as creative as they can get. Don’t be surprised to find your man indulging in this box the next time he binge-watches his favorite series.

Image by Social Butterfly from Pixabay 

Coffee Maker

Is your man a coffee connoisseur? If he is, then you should definitely consider gifting him a coffee maker, trust us, he will be eternally grateful. For coffee enthusiasts, the morning cup of coffee is what either makes or breaks their entire day. Your man may even continuously search for ways to enhance their coffee. With a coffee maker, they will rest assured that each cup of coffee is as perfect as can be.

Portable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Speaker

Many people would soundtrack their lives if they could. If your man loves music and blasts tunes 24/7, he will definitely love a portable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker. These speakers are highly durable, portable, and have awesome audio quality. If he doesn’t already have one of these, then he will love the fact that he will be able to take his music with him wherever he goes. When choosing a speaker, you should make sure that it’s waterproof so that he can take the item down to the beach if he wants to. Many speakers also come with more advanced built-in features, such as voice assistants like Google Assist and Alexa. Others are smart speakers that you can use to control other smart home appliances. Perfect for camping trips, pool parties, barbecues, and endless other activities, these speakers will surely make him feel like the “main character.”

Gift buying is typically a very challenging task; you may feel as though nothing can reflect your love, appreciation, and admiration enough. However, buying a gift for the man of your life shouldn’t be a draining mission. While you may have no idea what to buy him, you should seize this as a chance to get involved in his interests. Whether you want to make his life easier or present him with something that can encourage him to participate in his hobbies, there are hundreds of options available. To help you find the perfect gift, we collected some gift ideas that may inspire you to delight the man of your life.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Image by Yvette Fang from Pixabay 

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