An evening of high profile celebrity attendance in a family friendly atmosphere, the Smiley Faces Foundation Inaugural Event this past Tuesday raised money and awareness to help children with cleft lips and palates.

Adam Bell with photo of his son Ethan

Held at The Red Bull Space, guests viewed the stunning exhibition of photographs by the world’s leading photographers. Early in the evening we chatted with Adam Bell, the founder of Smiley Faces Foundation and executive managing editor at Seventeen. He showed us the portrait of his son Ethan, who was born with a cleft. He recalled speaking about the experience with the parents of the other children in the exhibition. “Children who once shied from the camera, are now being photographed by some of the world’s leading photographers and it’s amazing to see how they smile.” And they certainly were bursting from the images with resounding and inspiring self confidence.

Jonathan Valdez of Orange Juice and Biscuits.com, Ann Shoket, Editor-in-chief Seventeen Magazine

Though the event was celebrity headlined the evening was refreshingly void of social climbing and alternative agendas and sincerely focused on the cause. Ann Shoket, editor-in-chief of Seventeen Magazine casually chatted amongst close friends. Arm in arm with Adam Bell, Nigel Barker in a sleek pinstripe suit blew out his birthday sparklers.

James Ingram, Benoit Lagarde, Both of Splashlight Studios

The evening ended on a sweet note… gift bags filled with chocolate dipped cookies, Kiehls, Completely Bare gift certificates and even beef jerky.

For more information about Smiley Faces Foundation: http://www.smileyfacesny.com.

Check out footage of Nigel’s Birthday Wishes : NBC Niteside

GQ Style Editor Adam Rapoport and Associate Editor Kevin Sintumuang invited guests to celebrate the best in men’s fashion with a cocktail reception at the White Room of Saks Fifth Avenue. Trendsetters galore arrived to help the luxurious department store commemorate their commitment to men’s designer brands like Alexander McQueen, Michael Bastian, and Burberry Prorsum.

The evening also celebrated the launch of GQ’s new application for the iPad, which will help all men’s fashion lovers keep up with the latest trends and arrivals. Along with honoring great fashion, the event also benefited charity with 10% of proceeds going to the Hetrick-Martin Institute.

Guests included Brett Fahlgren, Eric Jennings, Lori Swersky, Alicia Lowery, Shawn Pean, and Benjamin Godder. They enjoyed delicious burgers and fries and in true male fashion some even got last minute haircuts.

Check the Haute Living events page for more scenes for this evening.

The Hillsborough Auxiliary to Community Gatepath along with local politicians, business leaders, Community Gatepath Board, and 250 guests celebrated Community Gatepath’s 90 years of service. Attendees for the event arrived at The Peninsula Golf & Country Club on April 17 for an evening that including cocktail reception, dinner and program, as well as an auction, live music, and dancing.

Guests embraced the themed party by dressing in 1920’s attire, while The Peninsula Golf & Country Club was retrofitted with matching decor. Live jazz and flappers thrilled the crowd as they danced the Charleston, bringing back memories of the lively era.

Notable names in attendance included Assembly member Jerry Hill, Mayor Christine Krolik, Hillsborough Councilmember and Chairman of Hemming Morse Paul Regan, TV correspondent and broadcast personality Lora McLaughlin Peterson, philanthropist Peggy Bort Jones, while Don Sanchez of KGO-TV served as Master of Ceremonies.

Check the Haute Living events page for more scenes for this evening.

Wonder what it might feel like to cut designs so fine that they end up as a recommendation on the pages of a national fashion mag? Local favorite Kristina Ashley can tell you just how rewarding that can be. A Miami native, Ashley began her fashion career at the Miami International University of Art and Design. From there, she launched her line of sexy swimsuits that are perfect for South Beach babes. Lucky magazine thought so too, and gave the designer quite a compliment when they suggested her “impossibly flattering gold bikini top and adjustable printed bottom” in one of its summer issues. Kristina Ashley Swimwear is characterized by its rouche detailing, large bows and bright tropical colors.

Come this Saturday, haute fashionistas will have a chance to check out the newest Kristina Ashley Swimwear Collection and judge for themselves which fashion books should don this designer as their newest fave.

The unveiling of the 2010 Kristina Ashley Swimwear Collection will take place as the clock strikes midnight at Nikki Beach’s latest makeover venture, CLUB O1.  Fourteen models will stride down a 15-foot catwalk showcasing the 18-piece multi-colored collection representing Miami and its roots of flavor and originality.

So what is this Club 01 at Nikki Beach? You may have gotten to know it as Club Nikki in its previous life, but in its new incarnation, it has been renamed. Here are some of the official deets: The sensually appealing new look is decadent with dark burgundy and black along with rich damasque prints complemented by a gold ceiling. The signature Champagne bar is adorned by a jewel-toned chandelier paired with chic Louis XIV armchairs. The extraordinary setting is an eclectic mix of 1930’s bourgeois cabaret theatre meets modern interior design, an ode to the Gilded Age.

It’s going to be another hot night on Miami Beach!

Everyone’s favorite material girl has collaborated on some super cool material goods just in time for summer. Madonna, the super chic mom, entrepreneur, music sensation, humanitarian, and style setter has paired with Dolce & Gabbana on a line of statement-making sunglasses. Did you expect anything less from the woman who made fishnets sexy?

The MDG collection is made up of six different sunglasses featuring unique lines and colors. The models range from shapes like cat-eyes to modern, like the wraparound mask with slightly squared contour—the latter of which have been spotted shading the icons peepers everywhere from New York to Malawi. The lenses are either dark or shaded, and the distinguishing feature is the MDG logo, which is laser-engraved on the outside of the temple. The letter M is written in tiny raised stars. And the inner arms bear tiny plaques, which are also engraved with “Dolce&Gabbana” and “Madonna.”

All styles from the MDG collection will be available at Sunglass Hut stores nationwide, and retail from $290 to $315.

Our favorite star-studded style is below.

DG2089

The mask model is slightly square in design, with large lenses featuring a transparent effect with the metal underneath. In addition to black, these frames are available in streaked Havana, blue, red checks, and purple checks.

DG4097

This feisty pair boasts a modern shape, which is enhanced by refined color combinations giving it a lightness and exclusivity. These are perfect for the gal who wants to make a statement, and come in a variety of colors, including black, streaked Havana, grey checks, purple checks, and red checks.

DG2087

These fifties-inspired metal frames are characterized by a unique cat-eye shape. The metal bar detail creates a layered effect, and the temples are decorated with the MDG logo. These shady specs are available in a wide-ranging color palette, including black, Havana, red, honey checks, and purple checks.

Sunglass retailer, Sunglass Hut, welcomed guests to celebrate the opening of its 6,000 square foot U.S. flagship store on Fifth Avenue. The new location boasts an expanded brand selection that truly embodies the company’s uniqueness.

The spacious and sleek design sets this shop apart from its predecessors and is the first of ten Sunglass Hut plans to open within three years.

CEO Fabio d’Angelantonio explains that the intention behind this move was “to make the store a better showcase for the brand and have it reflect the personality of the company more strongly.”

Several celebrities and socialites were on hand including Rachel Bilson, Olivia Thirlby, Coco Rocha, Macaulay Culkin, Emily Mortimer, Zoe Kravitz, Nikki Reed, and Kate Mara. Guests enjoyed an intimate performance by the soulful, Jenny Lewis.

Check the Haute Living events page for more scenes for this evening.

Tis the season for charity luncheons, so yesterday I was off to the Waldorf Astoria for the 17^th annual Women of Distinction Luncheon for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, where Ellen Crown was honored as the Woman of Distinction. This luncheon raises more money than any other of its kind in New York City, in part because of the efforts of chairs Elyse Newhouse, Carolyn Rowan, Michelle Swarzman, and Michele Sweetwood. Cynthia McFadden of ABC News, Primetime, and Dateline hosted the affair.

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The foundation dedicates a portion of the monies raised at this event to the Pediatric Challenge Initiative, which is a commitment to understanding how inflammatory bowel disease affects the youngest of patients.

After a beautifully catered lunch was served, I had the pleasure of watching a fashion show with some of the top designers like Kaufman Franco, Valentino, Jay AHR, CD Greene, Andrew GN, Dior, Jason Wu, Naeem Khan, J. Mendel, and Oscar de la Renta.

Some of my favorites from the raffle list included Larry Weinstein Furs’ Dark Brown Horizontal sheared mink stroller valued at $22,0000; Beach to Ballroom 18K yellow gold frosted white topaz and amethyst briolette earrings valued at $3,500; and the William Goldberg Diamond and platinum Ashoka pendant necklace valued at $12,000.

In attendance were some of the women very much involved in the charity world such as Baby Jane Holzer, who looked as young as a teenager, Suzanne Bakst, Denise Rich, and Tinsley Mortimer.

To see more photos from the CCFA Women of Distinction Luncheon, check out the Haute Living events page.

You know what they say, the clothes makes the man. And where a man shops and what his clothes say about him all add to his mysterious allure. So here’s your cheat sheet boys, drop some dough at this haute spots and make the women fawn over you.

Jake

Named after the token “hot boy” from Sixteen Candles, Chicago-born fashion hotspot Jake focuses on upscale designer collections along with some lesser-known up and comers. The styles are more timeless than trendy so it’s a great place to stock up on high-end basics including the perfect dark wash denim.

Jake is located at 939 Rush St. in Chicago.

Haberdash

Opened by a former lawyer gone rogue to follow his dream, Adam Beltzman had one goal with Haberdash: to bring back  the traditional men’s store of yesteryear. A local, one-stop shop tailored for men and only men. A store where gentlemen received a high level of service and were made to feel comfortable shopping for their wardrobe. The Old Town boutique offers the perfect mix of clothing, shoes and accessories to take you from work to weekend and from day to night for the modern, contemporary man.

Haberdash is located at 1350 N. Wells in Chicago.

G-Star Raw

From it’s conception in 1989, G-star Raw has been know for innovation and pushing boundaries, continuously experimenting with rough, rudimentary and raw styles to create distinct and unorthodox looks. With a corporate philosophy of “Just the product,” G-star’s minimalistic urban, military look can turn any bloke into a sophisticated European gentleman.

G-Star Raw is located at 1525 N. Milwaukee in Chicago.

De Louice Custom Tailor & Design

If you’re looking for a more custom, off the rack style, De Louice Custom Tailor specializes in designing European cut suits and tuxedos exclusively for you. With your choice of fabrics, linings and accouterments, De Louice can build you the perfect wardrobe to fit your style and body. Très chic!

De Louice Custom Tailor & Design is located at 1755 W. North Ave. in Chicago.

Brooklyn Industries

Brooklyn Industries is an artist-owned and operated cutting edge design company. Founded by Lexy Funk and her partner in 1998, Brooklyn Industries’ stores engage the local community in art, clothing, design and style. With a layered, vintage city feel crafted out of industrial design concepts, everything they make is sustainably designed and socially responsible.  Brooklyn Industries was named a “Green Power Pioneer” by ConEdison Solutions and Community Energy, Inc., in recognition of their commitment to using 100% National Wind Power in its stores and offices.

Brooklyn Industries is located at 1426 N Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago.

There is no way to live in Miami, successfully, without paying attention to the presentation of your outer appearance. We live in a city where next-to-nothing ensembles are somewhat of a uniform, so best to make sure that when donning anything from an itsy bitsy bikini to a slinky cocktail dress, that you’ve got the bod to make it work.

Thank goodness Mercedes Carlson, Susie Karvelis and Tina Bassanese came to town to help us trim away the fat. Tonight, the ladies of SoBe Pilates will celebrate a “Retro 80s Grand Opening Celebration,” hosted by one of our own local beauties, Miss Elaine Lancaster, as Olivia Newton John in Let’s Get Physical.

SoBe Pilates brings a full menu of classes to our beloved beach, including Miami’s first Xtend Ballet Barre. Andrea Rogers, creator and founder of Xtend™, Inc. will be making a special appearance to discuss her emerging workout routine that sculpts the body proportionally so that all body parts are equally challenged, creating a long and lean physique.

Also making the roster for the grand opening fete will be Peter Knue, founder of Studio Uma in New York, demonstrating his expertise in Biokinetics. Sobe Pilates also offers exclusive classes in yoga, Power Plate, and of course, all levels of Pilates.

SoBe Pilates is located at 950 Arthur Godfrey Rd. in Miami Beach. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Contact 305.864.3434 x. 129 or sobepilates@taraink.com for RSVP information about tonight’s event.

One of the joys of living in Las Vegas is the sheer volume of shopping options the city has to offer. With more than 36 million visitors coming to Vegas last year, retailers have found the city ripe for every level of shopping experience. And shoppers who want the high-end experience certainly have a plethora of options.

Men who want to look their best will have no problem finding the right outlet for their style. Whether that means French or Italian finery, bespoke fashions or an American taking men’s couture to the limits, Vegas has it. Here’s a look at the Haute 5 men’s boutiques in Las Vegas. Happy shopping.

Tom Ford
The former creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent branched out on his own in 2005 to create his own brand, including a menswear line. Tom Ford’s standalone storefront facing the Las Vegas Strip at Crystals gives street cred to this relatively young line, although the Academy Award nominated director has already won the Menswear Designer of the Year from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2008 and 2010.

Like his lines for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, Ford’s menswear oozes sexuality and a bespoke feel. Wearing his clothing puts you in the ranks of leading men like Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper, Pierce Brosnan, Johnny Depp and Daniel Craig in his role as James Bond in “Quantum of Solace.”

Tom Ford, Crystals at CityCenter, 702.740.2940

Dior Homme
GQ named this one of the best men’s boutiques in the world in 2006, and since, men have flocked to this standalone men’s store on the Esplanade at Wynn Las Vegas. After all, it’s one of only three in the United States. Dior Homme gained traction when Hedi Slimane started designing the line in the fall 2001 season, introducing a slim silhouette that has taken over men’s fashions. Kris Van Assche took over creative direction in spring 2008.

Dior Homme, Esplanade at Wynn Las Vegas, 702.735.1345

Brioni
This handmade line from Italy combines elegance, painstaking craftsmanship and tradition. The Brioni store on the Esplanade at Wynn Las Vegas is one of six stores in the United States. Each garment takes between 30 and 35 hours to produce, and you get to choose from more than 5,000 fabrics. An off the peg suit costs about $5,000, while most custom-tailored suits range from $6,000 to $46,000.

Last year, Brioni started offering a $43,000 pinstripe suit made from some of the world’s rarest fabrics including vicuña with pinstripe stitching in genuine white gold. About a quarter of the company’s production is made-to-measure tailored suits for its elite 25,000 customers.

Brioni, Esplanade at Wynn Las Vegas, 702.770.3440

Astor & Black Custom Clothiers
When it’s custom clothing you want, head to Astor & Black Custom Clothiers. Well, actually, you need to call them because they will measure you at your home or office. The boutique provides fully canvassed, handmade suits, jackets, pants and shirts made by hand. Fabrics from Scabal, Dormeuil, Loro Piana and many more make up the clothier’s vast collection.

They do have a brick-and-mortar showroom and custom suit store, but it’s only open for private appointments.

Astor & Black Custom Clothiers, 702.785.2269

Nordstrom
Yes, we could have mentioned Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue as one of the best men’s clothing boutiques. But Nordstrom at Fashion Show mall has a secret weapon that elevates it to the top — Tom Julian. When fashion journalists want to know the trends and need a quote, they have Julian on speed dial. He’s been a consumer trend expert for more than 20 years, and he collaborated with Nordstrom to write the “Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Style.” While the book helps you determine your personal style — whether it’s luxury, classic, contemporary or trend — the store takes those concepts and brings them to life on mannequins to make it easy to find clothes that fit your style.

The other secret weapon is the store’s on-site tailoring and alterations. You can order made-to-measure suits, get help from personal stylists and even get your shoes buffed to a shine at the shoeshine stand.

Nordstrom, Fashion Show mall, 702.862.2525