For me, 2008 is all about classic, understated luxury, and nothing exemplifies this aesthetic like timeless black with gorgeous gold accents. Evocative of art deco and 30’s New York, as well as 1950’s swing, the look is impeccably tailored and delicately trimmed - the gold should provide a whisper of stately grandeur, not an unstoppable torrent of bling. Think Grace Kelly after the wedding or Dominique Sanda in “Il Conformista” - subtly sexy, mysterious, and unstoppable. And besides - what could look better next to a tall glass of champagne? Don’t wear it out til next December…

See more of my Black Gold list at ThisNext.

The California Wine Hiker inspires reveries of broad beach blankets spread over grass at the base of a trailhead, our tennies off after trudging through Napa’s hills, a chilled white and a sun-warmed red and enough cheese and cured meat nibbles to revive. We are dizzy with dehydration-fueled-drunkenness the loveliness of the scene.

Here’s to making the good life better by marrying two seemingly disparate but actually harmonious pursuits! Cin Cin!