LuxNotes

Upscale Picnics

Now that we've welcomed in summer...

When lunch in the great outdoors sounds romantic but you don't want to rough it, consider the picnic baskets made with you in mind.  Coach offers one with a logo-print thermos and plates, leather napkin rings and a signature metal turnlock.  Neiman Marcus and others make kits complete with crystal, silver and china.  As briefed by The Wall Street Journal's Weekend section on Friday.

iPod Radio & Speakers

With Memorial Day Weekend wrapping up, planning for Father's Day on June 19 isn't a bad idea.  Here are some ideas for him or for yourself.

The Tivoly iPAL Radio, right, is weather-resistant and can be plugged-in indoors our used outdoors with a rechargeable battery.  The Bose Sounddock is made for iPods and iPod Minis, this digital sound system is slim and sleek.  It's free of gratuitous cables and automatically charges the iPod while amplifying its tunes.

VacationTechnician

For those who want a vacation that's a reprieve of a less traditional sort, the the VacationTechnician Company arranges opportunities for people not just to visit the limited areas of pristine wildlife left in the world, but to explore and protect them, as well as support underdeveloped economies.  Provisions include helpful guidance, unique itineraries, expert expedition guides, small groups and "a refined selection of luxury adventure experiences".

Devi Kroell Handbags

The picture of this Large Classic Python Leather Shoulder bag by Devi Kroell says it all.

Golf Club Membership

If you're interested in being a part-time country club member, say for about 10 rounds of golf, you should know about Tour GCX.  $6,250 per year will get you and three buddies golf time at various links, provided your income is at least $200,000 and you have a minimum net worth of $1,000,000.

Memorable Stationery

Perfect for a hostess, a token of thanks or a graduation gift, stationery from Cartier makes old-fashioned correspondence even sweeter than it already is.  The thick, textured cardstock with embossing makes for treasured present and memorable note.  Stationery also is available from Tiffany & Co.; Crane's produces much of the writing papers for both retailers.

Net-a-Porter

A play on prêt-a-porter (French for “ready to wear”), Net-a-Porter is an access point for designer clothing online.  E-mail updates are trend-focused and clickable magazine-like articles showcase various items that can be purchased in an online store searchable by item, trend, designer and size.

Numark iPod DJ Mixer

This is only a prototype, but the finished product will allow the mixing and manipulation of music from two iPods.

See the full review at create digital music.

Concierge Prive

International travelers weary of relying upon foreign concierge service upon arrival are in luck.  Concierge Prive Luxury Lifestyle Club focuses on Asia, where the company can reserve private islands, charter limousines and jets and secure VIP seats at exclusive clubs and restaurants.  Advertised packages for members include ones that go from the ocean's bottom to space trips, or just infusing some fun into a business trip.  Support is offered 24/7.

Lux-like: Boules Quies

When it comes to keeping water out of your ears while swimming or noise at bay during air travel, Forbes magazine appreciates Boules Quies earplugs made of natural wax and you will too.