I have yet to take down the Christmas tree. After all, Christmas only ended formally on January 6th. However, I have already begun thinking about Valentine's Day -- only because I've been receiving emails reminding me that the next major gift-giving holiday is a little more than a month away.

For your consideration:

Italian underwear, outerwear, beachwear, eyewear, legwear, shoe and perfume maker, La Perla has introduced a limited-edition retro-style luxurious satin jewel bra.

The cost?

$428.

Joaillerie-lingerie, a seductive liaison that La Perla has created between underwear and preciousness. A few, exclusively made garments where the craftsmanship dimension distinctly plays the leading role. A heart-thumping date each time. In this season, a positively retro satin bra that shows off, on the decollete, a set of antique-looking metal balls and beads alternated with brilliant crystals. A new desire to astonish is born from a surprise dialogue between the language of intimacy and that of a more glamorous appearance.

The unmistakable La Perla style with an added special and unrepeatable allure, all brought together in a series of jewel garments made with exclusive techniques and produced in a limited series.

Exceptional features: the precious quality of the lace and the sophisticated lightness of pleated tulle.

La Perla is the Italian gold standard for luxury lingerie.

In the United States, La Perla can be found in Beverly Hills, Miami, Chicago, Boston, New York, Las Vegas and Costa Mesa.

Their fashions can also be found in Brazil, Venezuela, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, Tunisia, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Lebanon, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

For "inspirational" details go to:

Concept Camaro

Also going retro this year may be General Motors.

On Monday, January 9th, 2006 in Detroit, Michigan, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet Camaro Concept vehicle during the press preview of the North American International Auto Show.

Known as the muscle car, this hot rod was first introduced in 1967.

As a teenager growing up in the 70s, all the cool guys drove Camaros.

In the year 2006, perhaps it will be all the cool gals who drive them.

Executives at GM said their fans' intense interest surrounding a seven-month development effort behind the 400-horsepower concept car as an indication of potential demand from buyers.

However, they said the company, which has been losing money and market share, had not yet decided whether to begin making the new Camaro.

That production decision likely hinges in part on the excitement generated by the new design, Bob Lutz, vice chairman of products, told reporters.

Lutz said GM could make the new Camaro profitably if it could sell between 150,000 and 160,000 of the cars each year.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "bringing back the bling bra and mojo car" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King, Rugged Elegance, LLC