ColorWare Limited Edition Stealth MacBook Pro

by Bailee Wolfson

We're coveting the limited edition 15" Stealth MacBook Pro by ColorWare. It features a custom matte screen (an option we'd like to see on all of the MacBook Pros), SofTouch technology to ward off finger prints and scratches, and top of the line guts (3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 8GB of RAM. SuperDrive 8x, 245GB Solid-State drive).

It's not cheap at $6,000, but this limited edition of 10 is sure to go quickly.

Yamaha Bodibeat MP3 Player

by Karen Day

Eliminating the tedious task of carefully curating a workout mix, the Yamaha Bodibeat music player takes your pulse and shuffles your music accordingly.

The device matches the beats-per-minute of the 125-song playlist to your heart rate, then chooses the best fitting song for you to jam out to. Arriving full preloaded, the MP3 player is ready for use, but we recommend adding your own tunes for a more pleasant experience. The Yamaha Bodibeat is compatible with iTunes and other software as long as the music is digital rights media free.

Yamaha Bodibeat is available online for $300.

via UrbanDaddy

Timbuk2 Dolores Chiller Giveaway

by Karen Day

As the summer months heat up Timbuk2 is keeping it chill with their new messenger bag, the Dolores Chiller, named after San Francisco's Dolores Park. The cleverly disguised cooler keeps your cans cold—holding 18-24 depending on amount of ice—while on the go or hanging beachside.

A waterproof TPU lining keeps the cold and the condensation inside the bag, while the extremely durable ballistic nylon exterior and zip-top closure keeps the elements outside.

The built-in bottle opener and quick-adjust shoulder strap make this version of Timbuk2's Classic Messenger Bag the perfect party accompaniment for any summer activity.

Launching today, the Dolores Chiller is available in a very limited quantity for $110 from Timbuk2, and we're giving away the bag to one lucky CH reader.

To enter the contest simply go to the bottom of the page, click on Contact and select "Dolores Chiller Giveaway" from the drop-down menu. Tell us your favorite outdoor spot to relax with a frosty beverage and we'll pick at random from entries received before 11:59 pm EST on 5 July 2009.

Philip Lim Sneakers: Brando and Meadon

by Josh Rubin

True to form, 3.1 Philip Lim's latest two styles of kicks make understated updates to classic profiles, done in pitch-perfect colorways and luxe materials.

The Brandon, a hi-top that looks like it could star in Bladerunner II (or be Kanye's next Mad Max-inspired Louis Vuitton collabo), has fashion-forward height, padding at the ankle and uses multiple materials including patent leather. A slim profile, little stitching and simple design keep it from being too flashy.

In fact we prefer the deep, rich burgundy of the eggplant version (pictured at right, click for detail) which skips the patent and makes for an unusual but very on-trend hue for summer. For a more traditional take, the cream-colored one has a vintage Italian military look to it and is also shine-free. Otherwise, grey and black offset their somber flavor with shiny uppers.

Keeping the look even more minimal, the Meaden (pictured below) riffs on the desert boot but adds a little Chukka styling. Suede uppers in black, grey and cream contrast nicely with a white sole. Designers keep the shoe minimal with just two eyelets and a side zipper for a "refinement that imparts a sense of individual style – an effortless, imperfect sophistication," according to the press release.

Both styles will be available starting this month from 3.1 Philip Lim boutiques in New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo. The Brandon will retail for $325 or $375 with optional shearling lining, while the Meaden will run $275.

Hotel Pastis, Saint Tropez

by Karen Day

A modern contrast to the charming historic port of Saint Tropez, Hotel Pastis is an ideal setting for those who want to soak up some sun and take in a little rest and relaxation while keeping to the theme of a luxurious vacation in the south of France.

Run by a husband-and-wife graphic design duo from London, the completely renovated eight-room hotel feels like a quaint provençal B&B—but the contemporary art and Sex Pistols records adorning the walls tell a different story, much like the Space Invader tile hidden among the steps of the spiral staircase leading the way up to the rooms.

Situated within walking distance from the action of the marina, but the villa-style hotel keeps a tranquil ambiance with a majestic pool surrounded by towering palm trees, enticing guests to lounge around with a glass of local rosé.

The hotel strikes the perfect balance of classic French styling and modern amenities, with meticulous details throughout. Ornate doors open on to rooms with wood-beam ceilings, each including a terrace or balcony, with spatial bathrooms boasting heated towel racks, local toiletries and bathtubs large enough for two.

Prices vary between 175-600€, depending on season and size. Contact Mr & Mrs Smith for reservations.

See more images of Hotel Pastis after the jump.

New Curse of the Multiples Prints and Jewelry

by Mike Giles

After his initial successful run of graphic posters, designer Evan Melnyk aka “Curse of the Multiples” is at it again. The newest set of prints are available now from his online shop featuring his ever-so-crisp graphics and witty dark quotes.

Adding another discipline to his craft, he just finished creating some laser-cut acrylic jewelry featuring some of his most iconic characters. Both posters and jewels are limited runs and affordable like always, starting at $30 for the accessories and $20 for posters. See more info on his site and more images after the jump.

Bottega Louie Restaurant and Gourmet Market

by Brian Fichtner

On a recent trip to Los Angeles I had the pleasure of experiencing the palatial restaurant and gourmet market Bottega Louie. I expected the newly opened establishment, located in the downtown business district, to be barely percolating with traffic on the weeknight I visited. Instead, the 185-seat dining hall, which features soaring 20 foot ceilings, banquette-style seating and a view of the grand open kitchen, was abuzz with guests and the din of conversation.

Roughly three years in the making, Bottega Louie is something of a marvel to behold. An enticing view of a custom deli counter and pastry display greets patrons, while off to the left, a wall stacked with bottled spirits beckons toward the restaurant. The entire 10,000 square-foot space, a brilliant white throughout nicely offsets marble tiling, custom brass millwork and dark-hued bistro furniture.

While the broad floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist color palate make for a an austere backdrop, the attention to detail keeps it compelling. The textures of stone, metal and wood, as well as a few decorative gestures, like the gilt concierge desk, in all, evokes the spirit of the good old days. The pared-down look seems a fitting answer to our recent age of excess.

As for the food, the dinner menu offers a thoughtful (if limited) selection of comforting Italian dishes. A wide array of antipasti support classic salads, pizzas, pastas and entrees. Staples like burrata don't disappoint, while the chocolate soufflé (a 25 minute wait) left me near speechless.

For those who want to take a bit of the Bottega Louie experience to go, head over to the pastry counter for one of the best tasting pistachio eclairs on the West Coast or a pastel box of electric-colored macaroons—tied with a silk ribbon, of course.

More images after the jump.

Bottega Louie
700 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90017 map
tel +1 213 802 1470