Fashion design icon Tom Ford has released his new 132-piece beauty collection for Fall 2011. The line is brimming with luxurious and sensuous products, including makeup, skin care items, and two brand new fragrances – all to hit stores this October.

All of the coveted items are housed in sleek and sexy packaging, indicative of the designer’s style. The Beauty Collection features an array of personally named nail lacquers, brow pencils, lip glosses, liquid and stick foundation, brushes, lipsticks, eyesahdow palettes, skin care, and much more.

Also to debut are two exclusive new fragrances from Ford’s Private Blend Collection – ‘Jasmin Rouge’ and ‘Santal Blush’.

On the collection, Ford said, “My first collection for this fall arrives in stores in the US and Europe in October. I name all of the colors myself and someone just asked me what my two favorite names of colors that I had designed where. One is a great red lip color called “Lost Cherry” and the other is a dark nail polish called “Bitter B*tch”. Naming colors is always fun and great names can really help certain colors catch on…”

He also gave us a peek at his plans for the Fall 2012 collection: “I am finishing up the colors for my fall 2012 cosmetics collection. It is actually a great deal of fun as we sit in a studio and mix raw pigments until we get the right shades, try them on girls with different skin tones and then edit the collection into a color palette that I feel will be the right direction for fall 2012. From there the factories and our research department take our raw pigment blends and then turn them into real products which we will then test again and create the actual looks that will form the collection.”

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets. To see the entire Haute 100 New York list, click here.

Since this is my first entry for this blog, I thought I might share with everyone a few guidelines for “Take’s Take: Healthier Fine Dining”.

I have had many clients and friends over the years ask me what they should order when they go out to eat. I’m fairly confident that everyone pretty much knows what’s healthy and what’s not healthy. In most cases though, unless someone is advised what the better choice is, they are going to order what they want—which usually isn’t that healthy.  Therefore I have decided to take it upon myself to take on the arduous, burdensome task of dining at Miami’s finest restaurants to provide you with the healthier selections on their respective menus. This is the sacrifice I am making so that you don’t have to be left with daunting decision of having to make a healthier decision on your own.

“Take’s Take: Healthier Fine Dining” is for the hardcore foodies and seasoned dining veterans. This is not for the serious health fanatics who prefer their food steamed, and bereft of fat or flavor. I am not one of them—otherwise I would not be writing this blog (please note that I say healthier throughout the blogs not healthy). Although I eat healthy on a daily basis and working out twice a day is the core of my healthy lifestyle, I do believe that life—and food—should be enjoyed.

Here are a few guidelines to my blog to take into consideration:

-          Making healthier selections will not necessarily make you lose weight so if you weight goes up after choosing my recommendations that’s your own damn fault!

-          Dining out in Miami is very much a social affair and an experience that’s generally shared with others. Unless you name is Boo Radley, staying in every night so you can eat healthy is not a realistic option for most of us. My goal with this blog is to show you how you can still enjoy going to your favorite restaurants and have a great doing so while still staying health conscious.

-          This is nothing like Jared’s Subway diet or similar to Applebees’ “under 550 calories” menu. This is more along the lines of keeping your calories closer to 1000 then being over 2000—which is not hard to do at many high-end restaurants. Making smarter, healthier selections can easily cut out over 1000 calories a meal.

-          One pound of body fat is approximately 3500 calories. In other words, if you consume 3500 calories more than you burn you will gain one pound of fat. If you dine out 3 times a week, choosing healthier appetizers, entrees and even deserts can prevent you from gaining as much as 1 pound of fat per week if not more. Combine that with regular exercise and healthier eating throughout the day and guess what you have? A healthy lifestyle! Or at least the foundation of one…

Now please allow me to introduce you to Señor Collins:

Mister Collins is located within the ONE Bal Harbour Resort and Spa.  The menu is broken down to five main sections: “IN THE BEGINNING”, “FROM THE GARDEN”, “BETWEEN THE BREAD”, “OCEAN & FARM and “SIDES & SNACKS”.

From the “IN THE BEGINNING” section, I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and the Ahi Tuna Tartare.  I grew up in Maryland so I was intrigued by the Old Bay seasoning on the shrimp cocktail—us Maryland folk use Old Bay on just about everything. I never order Maryland crab cakes outside of Maryland and I am always skeptical of anything that claims to have some origin from Maryland. Mister Collins was the exception as the shrimp was fresh and admirably seasoned with our beloved Old Bay.

Mr. Collins jumbo shrimp cocktail

The tartare was equally as enjoyable. The combination of tiny pink lady apples cubes, ginger and puffed rice gave it a sweet crunchy taste that more than made up for not having the yucca chips (which I recommend asking the server to leave off the  plate).

I did not order from the “BETWEEN THE BREAD” section but if a “burger” is what your craving then I recommend the One Shroom Burger and the #1 Ahi Burger.  Although they not burgers per se, they are between the bread like a burger and in the interest of eating healthier, that’s close enough. They come with basil mayo and Nori mayo, respectively, which I recommend leaving out. Each item from this section is served with a side of potato chips, coleslaw or French fries. Instead of those options I would suggest the Farro Salad or Ginger Glazed Carrots from the “SIDES & SNACKS” section.  I highly endorse the carrots which are pan seared with a ginger glaze and diced jalapenos. It’s a flavorful, sweet enhancement to any entrée you order.

The entrée that called my name from the “OCEAN & FARM” section was the Sea Diver Scallops. The problem was that it also called the name of my dining companion.  Fortunately for me, I’m the one writing this blog so despite her reluctance to share, it was obligatory that I sample them. Now scallops are hard to do wrong but when they are done right…how do they say it down here in Miami? Oh yeah, “ay Dios mio!” The scallops are served over Zellwood creamed corn.  This is not your standard southern cookin’ creamed corn so it’s less creamy and more…corn-y? Anyways, it’s safe enough to have if you are trying to eat healthier but the roasted asparagus and heirloom cherry tomatoes that accompany the scallops are an excellent, healthy addition to the dish.

Mr. Collins seared diver scallops

I got “stuck” having to order the Western Ross Pan Roasted Salmon. I’ve been stuck with many bad second choices in my life (I am reminded of the grilled cheese from elementary school lunch…yuck!) but this definitely was not one of them.  The salmon was perfectly cooked—light, flaky and absolutely delicious. The grilled asparagus and herbed farro and tomato salad made this entrée the quintessential healthier selection at a restaurant of this quality. I suppose it was meant to be that I got “stuck” with the salmon. No complaints from me though, just my hat off to Mister Collins.

Thank you Mister Collins. See you again soon!

For more information on Mister Collins or to make a reservation to www.mistercollins.com or call (305) 455-5460.

Please visit www.shuichitakefitness.com for more information on health and fitness.

Shuichi Take, one of Miami’s most sought-after personal trainers, has worked with clients from all walks of life with a diverse range of goals throughout his 15+ years in the fitness industry. He has trained many of Miami’s celebrities, professional athletes and other elite clientele including Haute Living Publishers Kamal Hotchandani and Seth Semilof. Shuichi has combined all of his experience, knowledge and expertise to create a finely tuned approach and philosophy to fitness by shaping a healthy body and mind that builds sustainable, healthy lifestyles. Although eating healthy throughout the day and regular exercise is the foundation of  his healthy lifestyle, Shuichi firmly believes that life, and everything it has to offer, is meant to be enjoyed—including food! Taking care of your health and body should be an essential component of one’s day that fits into your current lifestyle and daily schedule.

Like Haute Living Miami? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingFL. Want Haute Living Miami delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.

It’s no secret – electric and hybrid cars are a great way to be environmentally friendly, promote green living and cut down on gas costs. Advances in technology have improved the range and power of many models but here are few things to consider before making a purchase.

Companies are constantly improving upon and creating new electric vehicles and hybrid cars so staying on top of all the changes is important for potential buyers. They come in many shapes and sizes, such as the Nissan Leaf which seats five, the Toyota RAV4 electric that will be entering the market next year and the Fisker Karma which the automaker compares to “a Maserati Quattroporte but with better mileage and lower emissions than a Toyota Prius.”
While the pros of buying an electric or hybrid car may outweigh the cons for you, there are still some things you should consider before signing on the dotted line.

Be prepared to pay more: While you may be doing the environment a favor, you will still probably pay more for a car powered by electrons than you would a car powered by fossil fuels. In addition, consider the cost of a home charging station, which certainly adds an expense you don’t have with a gasoline car, but keep in mind it also adds convenience. For example, if you take the purchase price, add in the cost of three years of maintenance, three years of fuel and a home charging station, then consider the expected resale price, a Chevrolet Volt will cost you almost $9,000 more than a similar-size conventional-engine Hyundai Elantra. Also, California residents have to add $700 to $1000 in expenses for electric vehicles because they have to pay sales taxes on the cost of the car before any tax credits and rebates.

Philosophy or economics: Is it worth the added expense to reduce your dependence on oil? According to Federal estimates, The Leaf creates about 1.8 tons of carbon emissions in a year’s driving, or about 13,500 miles but if you drive a Volt on mostly electric power (the Volt has a gas engine to kick in and make electricity when the battery runs out) you will put up carbon numbers closer to the Leaf.

Think about your drive: Everyone’s driving habits are different and if you have a long commute, you may be better off in a hybrid or conventional fuel-efficient car. It is estimated that those who commute about 40 miles or less, or those who have easy access to a workplace charging station, will be able to make better use of an electric vehicle because they won’t be limited by the shorter range. On the other hand, the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which will be on sale next year, will feature an all-electric range of only about 13 miles, after that the gasoline engine will start. If you drive more than 13-15 miles per day you may be better of buying a conventional hybrid or fuel-efficient gas-powered car and saving the premium you would pay for the plug-in and the expense of the ever-important home charging station. The Nissan Leaf, however, is great for longer commutes as it will go roughly 75 miles or more on one charge once it hits the market in the coming months. But because it is a pure electric car, there is no backup gasoline if you happen to drive further than the range.

Charging into charging: If you’re planning on getting a home charging station, electric vehicles do make the most sense. However, if you live in an apartment or condo this may not work for you. Home charging stations can cost around $2,000 (and possibly even more depending on the wiring in your house). Also don’t forget electricity rates – do your research before buying! According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, a Leaf owner who drives 13,500 miles annually will pay anywhere from $393 to $725 for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power electricity, depending on off-peak or peak charging schedules.

Know the incentives: Many electric vehicles that are already on the market or coming to the market soon do qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit. However, beyond that, various state and other incentives can get confusing and you should do research on the appropriate government agency before you settle on a car. Some buyers are expecting tax credits only to find out funds have run out, so make sure you don’t expect too much and ask a lot of questions to the appropriate people.

When to jump in: Knowing when to buy a car is never easy, assuming you’re aware of the ever-changing advances in technology. Should you buy now or wait for something better to come along? When considering electric or plug-in hybrids, the main question should be how long can you go before the power runs out. That is all dependent on the size of the battery and its energy density. In addition, many automakers think that advancements to batteries in the near future will be minimal and the price will go down as manufacturing volumes increase, but you shouldn’t expect to see anything too drastic in terms of range increases anytime soon.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Like Haute Living Los Angeles? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingLA. Want Haute Living Los Angeles delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.

Like us? We like you!

Did you know that Haute Living Vegas has a highly informative Facebook page? Join the fun, become Haute Living fan. You’re sitting at work, wondering what the rest of the best are up to, why not “Like” Haute Living Vegas and stay updated on the hautest happenings around town? We’ve got the who, what, where and when for the exclusive and then best parties, openings, restaurants, news and more.

Like Haute Living Las Vegas? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingLV. Want Haute Living Las Vegas delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.

Between his high-profile endorsement deals, involvement in charity, and his own premium liqueur, it is fairly safe to say that Pharrell Williams is much more than just a stellar musician. The young and prominent producer is now the star of and creative behind an “urban exploration film” called Tokyo Rising, presented by Palladium Boots.

Pharrell has referred to Tokyo as his “other home” and the hip hop icon is determined to make a difference there after the catastrophic earthquake and consequent nuclear dangers that occurred earlier this year with the film.

Traveling back to Tokyo, the film features Pharrell speaking with various creative figures there about the future of their vibrant city after the devastating events. He explained, “I find such inspiration here. From the people, from the culture. The way that the Japanese regard matter, flesh spirit and technology. To me, it’s unmatched… After everything that happened, I had to come back. This is my second home, Tokyo.”

The full-length film will be released tomorrow, September 1^st. You can check out the exciting trailer here (via palldiumboots.com).

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets. To see the entire Haute 100 Miami list, click here.

In this issue of Haute Living Miami, Operating Partner Matthew Whitman Lazenby opens up about the changes coming for Bal Harbour Shops. The luxury shopping destination is expanding and has already begun filling the new space with the most sought-after designers. Read the full story to find out who and what to expect in the coming years.

“The demand for space, including the upper level, outweighed the supply so this has been a dream that has been 50 years in the making,” he said.

To read more of this story, click here.

Like Haute Living Miami? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingFL. Want Haute Living Miami delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.

After shopping in local boutiques, meeting local designers and tastemakers and visiting cities across the nation, Joah Spearman from Huffington Post breaks down his top nine choices for cities where the best-dressed people shop. Read on to see if your city made the cut.

9. Kansas City

Kansas City was selected because it has what Spearman deems “one of the best unisex shops in America: Standard Style.” In addition, due to Kansas’ location in the Midwest, the city tends to get styles from New York and L.A. (albeit typically a while after the styles hit the major cities). Once the styles arrive, like A.P.C and Life After Denim for men or Elizabeth & James or Rebecca Taylor for women, they typically end up in Standard Style.

8. Atlanta

The Southern location and influence gets Atlanta spot number eight on the countdown and brands like We Are the Process, who embrace that Southern charm, are popular shopping choices in the city.  Atlanta also has a significant hip-hop presence that ultimately hits the streets through stores like Standard, a streetwear/sneaker boutique, which is locally owned.

7. L.A.

Despite many people’s first inclination to think of Rodeo Drive when thinking about Los Angeles shopping, Spearman pays more attention to the value of L.A. style that is behind the scenes – the people who design or work in showrooms. Many fashion brands are represented by L.A. showrooms like the Joey Showroom and Open Showroom where you can find clothes from still-emerging collections like Black Halo and JoyRich. In addition, L.A. is a boutique hotspot including places like Opening Ceremony that has labels like Adam Kimmel and Band of Outsiders sold in their store.

6. D.C.

While you may be thinking, “Washington? Really?” Spearman chose to put this on the list because of a budding district he came across in the 14^th Street and U Street areas. There are upscale boutiques like Redeem and sneaker stores like Palace5 within blocks of one another. The concept of concentrated shopping is what Spearman says is key to concentrated style.

5. Portland

Portland lands the number 5 spot because the boutiques found here had an impressive range of brands. Shops like Radish (women’s) and Johnny Sole (shoes) may not have the name recognition some expect from recommended shopping, however they sell great brands like Bodybag by Jude and 80%20. In addition, Blackbird and Blake carry menswear that can have you looking date-ready within minutes.

4. Austin
Austin is a place of discovery, despite its small-ish vibe. Even locals find that they are running into new shops on a regular basis and discovery styles and fashion they didn’t know was available in their town. Near the University of Texas, for example, Spearman (who lives in Austin) recently discovered a store called Cotone, a women’s boutique in town. It had recently opening and carries Brandy Melville, the Italian brand started by Silvio Marsan in Rome three decades ago. The Second Street District is a good place to find a high concentration of women’s boutiques that have opened over the past few years. South of Congree Avenue is where you can find “buy local” shopping and shops like By George, Maya, Service and Stag.

3. Chicago

Chicago is the city that gave us style icons such as Michael Jordan, Michelle Obama and Kanye West so it would be curious if the windy city didn’t make the list. Coming in at number three, Chicago also has great ships that help during cold winters (Allsaints, Brooklyn Industries, and Carhartt) and local boutiques great for summer shopping (St. Alfred’s and Sir & Madame).

2. New York

Probably doesn’t need much of an explanation, but Manhattan is number two for being a great place to live and breathe fashion. Head to Madison Avenue for some of the best professional attire around or hit SoHo for more diverse and unique styles. For buying locally, Spearman recommends Saturdays Surf Shop and Dave’s Quality Meats. For designers, it probably is pretty accurate that if you can make it in New York City, you can make it (almost) anywhere.

1. San Francisco

San Francisco gets the number one spot for being the denim capital of America. Home to Self Edge and A-B Fits and great boutiques like Department 17, Shotwell, Harputs Market, Seed Store, Dish, Unionmade, General Store, Welcome Strangers and Azalea, San Francisco is a shopping dream.

Source and photo: Huffington Post

Like Haute Living San Francisco? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingSF. Want Haute Living San Francisco delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.

Source: Realestalker

It seems like only yesterday (or technically, last weekend) Kim Kardashian was marrying professional basketball stud Kris Humphries in an extravagant multi-million dollar production on the spectacular manicured grounds of Sotto Il Monte, a sprawling and historic estate in Montecito, CA owned by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Frank Caufield.

New reports in The Post and on Curbed reveal that the new Mr. and Mrs. Kim Kardashian have returned from their brief honeymoon in Italy to New York City where they are expected to (temporarily) settle into a posh penthouse suite at the Gansevoort Park Avenue Hotel that goes for a cool $7,000 per night.

The hotel’s website features the duplex suite they’re most likely moving into (shown above), measuring at approximately 2,000 square feet and features a dramatic double height living room with a two story high wall of windows, a sculptural floating staircase, fireplace with towering marble chimney breast, private terrace with glittery city view, and state-of-the-art audio and visual systems.

The newlyweds will remain in residence at the swanky hotel just north of Madison Square Park while Kimmy K. shoots another of the Kardashian family’s many reality television shows.

Back on the west coast, Kim still owns an approximately 4,000 square foot faux-Tuscan mansion in the Beverly Hills Post Office area that she acquired in February 2010 for $3,400,000.

Source:  Realestalker

Like Haute Living New York? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingNY. Want Haute Living New York delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.

Armani has released its latest underwear and denim campaigns starring world’s number one tennis player Rafael Nadal.

His sculpted physique captured by Steven Klein, Nadal  is the third athlete to front the campaign, following in the footsteps of soccer stars David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Singer Rihanna will be the tennis star’s female counterpart as the new face of the brand’s underwear campaign following silver screen starlet, Megan Fox.

Source: Yahoo News

1Oak in New York City plans to take over the Jet Nightclub space at the Mirage beginning New Year's Eve. Above, a look at 1Oak in New York City.

The rumors were finally confirmed yesterday when the Light Group announced the opening of 1Oak at the Mirage, taking over the space occupied by Jet Nightclub.

The club will open New Year’s Eve in partnership with The Butter Group, the New York hospitality company that operates The Darby, Butter, 1Oak NYC, Butter NC and 1Oak Brazil.

Jet Nightclub will close Tuesday, Sept. 6. Since opening in 2005, Jet has been frequented by top actors, artists, athletes and other personalities including Fergie, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Rihanna, Pete Wentz, Jamie Foxx, Ciara, Gavin Rossdale, Slash, Benicio Del Toro, Adam Levine, Tony Hawk and LeBron James.

The club on the cusp of New York City’s trendy Chelsea neighborhood and the fashionable Meatpacking District, 1Oak remains one of the most popular and exclusive celebrity haunts since reinventing Manhattan nightlife when it opened in 2008. Hollywood’s hottest stars, athletes and other personalities who make appearances there include Beyonce, Jay-Z, Madonna, Katy Perry, Cameron Diaz, Kanye West, Carmelo Anthony, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Calvin Klein, Narciso Rodriguez and Giorgio Armani.

Helmed by restaurateurs and nightlife business originators Richie Akiva and Scott Sartiano, along with business partner Ronnie Madra, the Butter Group will bring New York City exclusivity, cutting-edge fashion and trend-setting sensibility. The introduction of one of the most esteemed nightlife properties to the Las Vegas Strip marks the Butter Group’s third venture outside of Manhattan.

International design firm Munge Leung will execute the interior design vision for 1OAK’s Las Vegas outpost, which was conceptualized collaboratively between the Light Group and the Butter Group.  World-renowned artist Roy Nachum has also been selected to incorporate one-of-a-kind works of art into the interior layout.

Like Haute Living Las Vegas? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter. Want Haute Living Las Vegas delivered to your in box once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.