By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor
(The Hollywood Times) 10/16/20 – With the fall season ushering in fresh cool breezes, mother nature in a spectacular display, and all things pumpkin spice, it also presents an array of seasonal shopping opportunities—whether to treat yourself for life being well lived or to get a jump-start on that holiday shopping list that’s looming large. Happily, the marketplace is buzzing with brands eager to ease and enhance your autumn season—particularly as you jaunt around town or around the globe. Amid the abundance of innovation, what’s truly worth “falling” for? Here are a few notables that are sure to satisfy.
Porsche Design Men’s Cupsole Sneaker 2.0 (www.Porsche-Design.us)
The latest generation of the legendary Cupsole Sneaker, the Porsche Design Cupsole 2.0, is not only great-looking but also top-quality. With a clean design and superior craftsmanship, this fab footwear is made of exclusive coated box skin leather with a carbon-coated topline. The rugged leather upper is water-repellent and resistant to wear, dirt, or other effects for an exceptionally robust and eye-catching casual shoe. The lightweight rubber sole with a subtly integrated support function picks up on the Dual coloring to round off the modern design. Perfect for the modern man’s aesthetic, this sneaker’s combination of premium-quality materials results in a footwear option offering both timeless style and long-wearing comfort. High-contrast panels in dual leather offer a material that will transport you to the track, while slight texturing and a subtle shimmer give it the look of hot asphalt in the summer. As for materials, the shoe’s upper leather is 75 percent high-quality calf leather and the inner material is 100 percent high-quality calf leather. The sole is 100 percent caoutchouc—a natural rubber. This footwear exemplifies Porsche Design’s clear design philosophy: to optimize function, reduce the form right down to the essentials and overcome the familiar to continually discover new and exceptional solutions. It’s the vision that inspired founder Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche to create the legendary Porsche 911 and now the same principles that have driven Porsche Design since 1972.
SneakERASERS Instant Sneaker Cleaner (www.Amazon.com)
The SneakERASERS Instant Sneaker Cleaner is a quick, convenient, and effective solution to removing scuff marks from white mid-soles on shoes. The “athleisure” trend is in full force and white-soled sneakers are finding their way into a wide range of outfits for every situation and occasion. But they’ve always been impossible to keep clean. SneakERASERS gives you a portable, convenient way to touch-up your kicks, wherever you are. They are pre-moistened, so they are ready to use without the need for a sink. Keep them in your glove compartment, purse, carry-on luggage—wherever you want to keep your favorite pair looking like new. The white side simply removes all the scuffs and dirt, while flipping it over to the ultra-soft shammy side will wipe it clean. The Instant Sneaker Cleaner makes pesky scuff marks and dirt stains instantly disappear from the soles and midsoles of your shoes and sneakers via quick, effective, and convenient miracle erasing sponges. Just buff gently for maximum cleaning power as the softer and smoother you swipe, the easier the marks come off. For best results, just avoid rubbing in or adding pressure. Each sponge comes pre-moistened and will only do their job when wet, so each comes individually packaged as such for portable cleaning purposes. Just add water if the sponge begins to dry. Also, the smoother the sole, the longer the sponges last. During use, the white side of the sponge will naturally disintegrate, so use the orange side to quickly swipe away any remnants off your shoe. It’s a great way to leverage unique dual-layer technology—powerful micro-scrubbers and proprietary cleaning formula—that are specially-designed to remove tough marks, scuffs, and dirt on any sole.
Joie de Viv Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry (www.JoieDeViv.com)
Joie de Viv is a Miami-based, woman-owned company that designs delicate, yet modern, jewelry that’s feminine, fierce. The line notably features ethical, lab-grown IGI-certified diamonds and recycled 18 Karat gold. Collections are also named for, and inspired by, real women who have been important in the life and career of designer/owner Vivian Weyll. There’s just nothing like a timeless pair of diamond studs, and Joie de Viv’s Gabriela Diamond Stud Earrings are a remarkable option. These classics, 18 Karat round diamond earrings sit elegantly in a four-prong setting with comfortable push back posts. Simple and stunning, they are perfect for everyday wear and can be effortlessly dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Wear them alone, or pair them with other beautiful treasures. Another of my personal favorite Joie de Viv pieces is the Olivia Bridged Diamond Ring. Twin bands of radiant gold encircle your finger, which is punctuated by a liner setting boasting seven ethical IGI Certified VS+ clarity diamonds. Revealing gorgeous geometry at every angle, this is a modern classic piece and a perfect complement to add to any jewelry collection. The company’s ethically grown diamonds are 100 percent traceable and its use of reclaimed metals helps decrease the global demand for newly-mined gold. The Joie de Viv lab-created diamonds are premium quality (D-H color / VS+ clarity) and consciously sourced from suppliers who follow socially responsible, conflict-free practices. The company’s 18 Karat gold is famous for its rich hue and beautiful luster that pairs elegantly with its diamonds plus a wide variety of precious stones. Adding a little extra je ne sais quoi, each piece comes beautifully ensconced in the company’s signature Joie de Viv’s uniquely illuminated box, with an IGI certificate included.
Casely Stylish Smartphone Cases (www.GetCasely.com)
Casely is an online tech-accessories retail destination based in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, serving young style mavens all over the world. Buy just one case, or subscribe to their Club for the easiest way to refresh your smartphone style on a regular basis. One design in particular that I like, which also provides maximum iPhone protection, is the Bold collection Stuck on U Festival Sticker Case that comes in two different styles depending on the level of protection you would like. The company’s Bold collection version features a black background and, if you prefer a more lightweight and sleek case, the Classic collection with a clear background is the perfect choice for you. The sticker accents make for an eye-catching display to amp up any outfit. Whether you are planning on going to a rave with your friends or simply a night out on the town, this iPhone case will shine on its own without detracting from your own look. Also adorable from Casely is the Pink and Gold Metallic Waves Case, which offers style and security wrapped up in one. The snug fit will protect your phone from the inevitable drops and falls while still being an uber-stylish accessory. The gold waves mesh beautifully with the pink backdrop to create a feminine look that will turn heads and make a splash. This Blush Pink and Rose Gold Metallic Waves Case also offers fully responsive embossed buttons and a black ridged grip zone, perfect for maximum coverage while ensuring a solid grip. With Casely’s superior absorption technology and the multi-layer backing design, you won’t have to compromise safety for looks or looks for safety. You’ll have both!
REM Ritual CBD Sleep Supplement (www.Baseline-Wellness.com)
There’s sleep and then there’s sleep and perhaps nothing is more important to our health and wellness. REM Ritual capsules from Baseline Wellness are a nightly dietary supplement product created to support the body’s natural sleep cycle, using short and long action ingredients for sustained rest. The foundation of this and all the Baseline products is full-spectrum CBD and a unique liposomal delivery system. The company encapsulates hemp extract rich in terpenes, CBD, and, in this case, also melatonin into liposomes shown to significantly improve the bioavailability. Further, Baseline Wellness uses a whole-plant extraction process that yields all of the synergistic cannabinoids, terpenes, and other natural compounds of the original plant. Plus, melatonin has a short half-life, which may be an issue for some who have difficulty staying asleep. And, because it is in a liposome, not only do users get the enhanced absorption, they also get the slow breakdown of the liposomal wall structure and an extended-release that takes the half-life up to up to six hours as a result. This effective REM Ritual blend includes 25mg full-spectrum CBD, combined with melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin, when taken with magnesium (which is also included in each capsule), is a highly effective sleep aid for falling and staying asleep. Additionally, magnesium is effective in regulating the body’s neurotransmitters and ultimately calming the nervous system. In addition to both of these regulators, REM Ritual contains jujube extract—otherwise known as the red date—which is used in traditional Chinese medicine to help calm the mind and relax the body.
StemCell Revive Skincare (www.StemCellRevive.com)
Take your skincare regime on the road! StemCell Revive is the first in-home (or hotel) facial and skin treatment kit to use stem cell science targeting skin treatment at the cellular level. It’s an all-in-one skincare solution designed to stimulate cellular regeneration while lifting, tightening, and moisturizing facial skin. The kit includes a StemCell Revive Pen, which is nanotechnology used to apply serums to the skin; Intensive Allograft Skin Serum derived from non-embryonic stem cells that stimulate natural regeneration and repairment of complex tissues at the cellular level; Polypeptide Skin Serum that includes amino acids to tone, lift and tighten the skin; and Hyaluronic Essence, which moisturizes skin for a youthful, glowing appearance. The treatment takes only 20 minutes to apply at home and is non-invasive, painless, and requires no recovery time. The StemCell Revive Skin Treatment Program was developed by Majara Belisle, founder of Las Vegas’s Espri Laser Med Spa. Belisle has been providing a wide range of skincare treatments to clients for many years and, in 2017, began working with non-embryonic stem cell derivatives and her own proprietary formula of all-natural peptides to develop innovative new skin rejuvenation treatments. The resulting formula and technology, StemCell Revive, brought her client’s such remarkable results that Belisle partnered with leading biotechnology companies, including Amnio Technology, to further develop the product as a consumer in-home skincare kit. StemCell Revive is hypoallergenic, not tested on animals, and is a Food and Drug Administration regulated biologic.
LumiCharge LD Dimmable Nightlight with Speaker + Phone Charger/Dock (www.TheLumiCharge.com)
The LumiCharge LD is a multi-purpose device that serves as a dimmable nightlight, wireless speaker and phone charger, and universal phone dock compatible with all phones. It’s smart LED lights can be used for relaxation or travel and is a great addition in the living room, bedroom, or outdoors. With a creative and modern design, not only is the LumiCharge LD a functional LED night lamp, but it’s also a multi-functional BlueTooth speaker as well as a convenient place to charge your phone—an all-in-one workstation providing an array of conveniences. It has a patented universal charging dock and 10W fast wireless charger, so no matter what type of cell phone you have it’ll charge with ease. You can even swivel the charging base to have the phone in either horizontal or vertical landscapes. Plus, it’s smart-home integrated, so users can control the light colors and brightness through Alexa or Google Assistant; and there is a mobile app as well with which you can turn the lights on or off. Plus, the multiple colors of the LED Lamp are easy on the eyes via brightness control. The clock feature’s display with dimmable backlight syncs time automatically once connected through the mobile app as well. You can even add an optional rechargeable battery. With the universal charging dock, users can even juice two devices at the same time.
Steeped Coffee (www.SteepedCoffee.com)
Steeped Coffee is an innovative startup that is committed to premium coffee, convenience, and environmental stewardship in equal measure. What sets this company apart is its proprietary brewing method that does not require machines or brewing equipment, meaning its coffee is prepared much like tea. Steeped Coffee options come in single-serve bags that are nitro-sealed to ensure absolute freshness. It’s a uniquely “unplugged” coffee experience, from the award-winning packaging made using non-GMO filters and compostable and renewable materials that ensure there are no wasteful plastic pods accumulating in waterways or landfills. All it takes to brew a perfect cup is hot water and a few minutes. Best of all, each Steeped Coffee packet contains hand-roasted, ethically sourced, Direct Trade coffee that’s precision ground to showcase the distinctive flavor profile of every crafted blend. Whether you’re looking for a light, medium, dark, French roast, or even decaf, they have something for you. Steeped, Inc. works with over 125 specialty coffee roasters to share its technology and brewing method around the globe. The proprietary Steeped brewing method delivers 100 percent freshly roasted, precision-ground specialty coffee pre-portioned within Steeped Full Immersion Filters. It is the simplest way to make a perfect cup of coffee by just adding water, with no machine needed.
HALO Face Mask (www.HaloLife.io)
HALO Masks—durable and reusable with replaceable filters—are made from anti-bacterial and hypo-allergenic materials…a design reportedly backed by independent testing by Nelson Laboratories, a leading provider of microbiological and viral testing and analysis. As demonstrated in such independent lab tests, HALO Life’s exclusive Nano filters are shown to block harmful airborne particulates, capturing a remarkable 98.8 percent of virtually all airborne pathogens and contaminants at the 0.3-micron level and 99.37 percent at 0.1 microns. HALO’s sleek proprietary design provides a uniform seal on any face, while the mask’s ultra-thin filter allows maximum breathability and protection. In testing, HALO Nano filters proved effective at capturing over 99% of airborne particulates and pathogens down to 0.1 microns. By comparison, the novel coronavirus measures approximately 0.125 microns in diameter. For maximum protection, the company recommends the weekly replacement of filters for people in direct daily contact with the general public or people with higher-risk conditions. For regular and occasional use, replacing the mask filter every 2-4 weeks should keep it fresh and functioning efficiently, according to the website. In each HALO Mask, there are up to 15 miles (24 km) of nanofiber in each woven Nano filter. The unique structure of this “invisible matrix” physically captures virtually all airborne particles and pathogens—from smoke, dust, pollution, and pollen, to bacteria and viruses. Additionally, Halo Masks and nanofiber filters are tested and certified to Nelson Labs standards to 99.7 percent particulate efficiency at 1.0 microns, which exceeds N95 standards.
SEAS Cooling Face Cover (www.CoolingFaceCover.com)
Also for the health and wellness-minded this fall are SEAS Cooling Face Covers. Made with award-winning, athletic Coolcore fabric, this high-quality protective gear is designed for optimal coverage, comfort, and coolness—30-degrees Fahrenheit below body temperature. The company’s Relaxed Fit approach is loose forming with extra breathing room, and their Streamlined design is small and sleek. Plus, the Traditional Mask has a contoured front seam for extra comfort. The Athletic Mesh fabric is a double layer cooling towel fabric that is chemical-free and moisture-wicking. And, its thermoregulation fabric also offers protection from UVA and UVB rays (30-plus UPF rating). The Relaxed Fit with Filter and Traditional with Filter also has a PM2.5 carbon filter insert. All styles come in several colors and fabrics and additional accessories include filters, nose bridge inserts, and hook and loop head straps. A blank, write-on label on the inside allows users to personalize so there’s no confusion among folks with the same color cover. SEAS, which are made in Los Angeles, are washable and reusable, and do note they are non-medical face coverings and are not intended as a PPE.
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Forbes Business Council Member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist, and futurist who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers, and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations, and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor, and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as host of the nationally-syndicated “Savvy Living” TV show. As a prolific consumer and business trends, lifestyle, and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReports / Twitter www.Twitter.com/LuxeListReports / Facebook www.Facebook.com/LuxeListReports / LinkedIn www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s), and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***