Laura Mercier Offers Haute New Compact!

Guess what girls... I got the ultra-sheer, blendable Bonne Mine Healthy Glow Crème Colour Palette from Laura Mercier today! I really like the way the color looks on my sun-kissed skin. When I told the folks at Laura Mercier that I wanted a palette that complemented the glow to my cheeks, eyes and T-zone area they suggested a universal compact inspired by Laura’s work with celebrity clients.

 
They were right… the colors in this compact “wake up” the skin and offers an “immediate healthy glow.” This palette really does help you achieve a natural look that softens the skin. It also comes with a built-in mirror and instructions.

It’s something Haute for my travel bag!

Price: $48, available August 2010 exclusively at Sephora

Would you buy this palette by Laura Mercier?

HAUTE New Hotel Coming to Las Vegas!

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas opens its reservation line in anticipation of its grand opening. This stylish and luxurious sin city resort seeks to attract guests with its adventurous and welcoming spirit. The rooms are accented with modern touches, but it's the Japanese soaking tubs that make me want to check-in tonight! Guests can expect a night club, pool with cabanas and haute restaurants! But my favorite haute spot--the spa!

Sahra Spa and Hammam draws on the desert for its striking contrasts in offering strength and beauty as inspiration in providing a path to total well-being. It offers 18 massage rooms, four body treatment rooms with steam showers, four facial rooms and a Penthouse spa suite! Just think a great place to find rejuvenation is right along the Vegas strip!

If you want to try something different check it out the next time you’re in Las Vegas. The resort is set to open December 15, 2010 with a grand opening gala on New Year’s Eve.

To learn more visit http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/

Will you check into The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas?

Haute Love Affair with David Yurman Jewelry

My love affair with David Yurman Jewelry began 14 years ago. I got my first piece as a gift and something inside me was unleashed. I remember it fondly. It was the signature X ring… a symbol of love that was about to begin.

I love the fact that Yurman, a sculptor, was inspired by his wife Sybil, a painter, to create a jewelry line that consisted of twisted metals married to brilliant gemstones and diamond tips. It all started when she asked him to turn one of his angel sculptures into a belt. Before his line was created, Yurman briefly worked for Cartier. But it wasn’t until Tiffany’s turned him down to create a line under its label that his passion took on a life of its own giving birth to jewels worn by celebrities and non celebs alike.

As a creative type, I love David Yurman jewelry because it’s wearable art. I appreciate artists who go beyond boundaries and create something totally different, but yet still maintain their point of view. Expressionism is as much a part of a Yurman necklace, bracelet or ring as it is a part of his sculptures. There’s something about it that makes me curious about his creative process. His perspective is distinct, but yet familiar. When I wear my David Yurman pieces, I feel happy, inspired and free. I can wear my lemon citrine necklace with diamonds with a dress or jeans. I even wear it with a Juicy warm up! I suppose that’s what Yurman meant when he referred to it as “a relaxed form of luxury” in a 2004 Time Magazine article.

Many years later, after receiving the X ring, I’ve become a serious collector. And I’ve managed to acquire select pieces that speak to me. I’m partial to blue hues and warm earth tones… and when I wear my David Yurman jewelry, I feel as if each piece was created just for me.

A few years ago, I met Yurman, during a luncheon at Neiman Marcus in Chicago. He’s as authentic as his jewelry. I could tell just by the way that he talked about his creations that he was an artist who really thought about the design and direction of each piece.

During my one on one, he suggested items that would compliment my collection. But he also, took a moment to share his delight in my appreciation and investment in his art. He even drew a smiley face on my little jewelry bag that I kept to this day. What is there not to love about David Yurman? And, so my love affair continues.

What's your favorite jewelry line?
Reference: Time Magazine Winter 2004

Michelle Obama's Haute Top!

Haute Travels is all about the fashion and beauty of travel. So it should come as no surprise that when I saw First Lady Michelle Obama’s one shoulder Jean Paul Gaultier top and basic black slacks, while vacationing in Marbella, Spain, I thought—that’s haute!  I can’t say that I’m a fan of every outfit worn by the first lady, but this one made me want to go out and find that top! A luxury trip, including accommodations at one of the world’s best hotels, highlighting effortless style is what Haute Travels’ girls the world over live for during their shameless indulgences.

Further, her arm full of ethnic style jewelry makes me think about the upcoming pink bracelets soon available to Haute Travels members. Très Chic!

What do you think of the one-shoulder top worn by Michelle Obama?

Rediscovering Haute Jamaica

I love Jamaica because of its beautiful white sand beaches, warm Caribbean Sea and friendly people. It’s a place where time stands still allowing peace and tranquility to move you effortlessly from day to night. For me, this island is a place of refuge where I can relax without interference from the outside world. Although, I’ve been to this tropical paradise several times, my most recent trip was the first that allowed me to venture outside of the fabulous new Secrets Resorts in Montego Bay to discover the real Jamaica. It’s a shame to come to Jamaica and not experience the seven-mile stretch of beach and cliff tops in Negril or the spectacular river falls in Ocho Rios… with the Jamaican Blue Mountains in the distance. As they say in Jamaica… once you go, you know!

5 Haute Things to do in Jamaica:

-Enjoy a picnic lunch complete with spicy jerk chicken, pork and veggies at Scotchie’s at Drax Hall in Ocho Rios—delicious!

-Check out The Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay… if you like haunted mansions or plantations where 2,000 slaves once worked, this is the place for you!

-Visit the 600 foot Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios and climbed the stairs or the falls!

-Take a Catamaran Cruise in Negril (the capital of casual) to see the cliff Divers at Rick’s Café. It’s awesome!

-Try a Jamaican beef patty from Juici… I loved it!

To learn more about Jamaica visit www.visitjamaica.com

5 Haute Tips to Becoming a Travel Writer

My tip for those who want to write about travel—just do it! You don’t have to be the best writer but you should be passionate about travel. Find your voice and write about things that you know and like. Be authentic!

When I started travel writing, I didn’t have clips or assignments but I had passion and curiosity. Even though I was a journalist, my expertise was producing broadcast news stories. However, I knew how to tell a story no matter the format.

But the best thing that I had going for me—a strong support system… not only did my family and friends encourage my interests, but they invested in them. They saw something in me that I had not seen in myself and because they said that I could do it—I did!

Four years later, I’ve traveled all over the world capturing stories about fabulous spas, exotic destinations, and haute hotels. My stories have appeared in both local and national magazines. And I’ve even given travel tips to the local NBC affiliate, plus I started a haute travel blog thanks to social media!

If there’s a travel writer in you… here are my 5 Haute Tips to getting started:

-Get a passport

-Learn to write, find your voice and tell your story

-Talk about what you know… turn your travel experiences into headlines

-Learn how to pitch effectively for your targeted outlet

-Take pictures that tell your story

You should also study what other travel writers are doing and read their stories. Learn to pitch effectively and do your homework. If you’re serious, you’ll become a travel writer in no time so fasten your seatbelts!

Is there a travel writer in you?

Haute Beauty Tips: Defying the Aging Process

No matter where I go… people don’t believe that I’m over 40. I know… I don’t look it. But really, what does 40 look like these days? I was just in Mexico for a full body detox and the spa director at Ceiba del Mar nearly fell over when I told her that I was older than she thought! 

While so many forty-somethings are looking to Botox and plastic surgery for the answer to staying young. I’ve discovered my own fountain of youth. My secret to defying the aging process goes beyond travel and sampling beauty treatments and rituals around the world. It’s all about a positive attitude coupled with a lifestyle that’s full of cheerleaders who challenge me to dream bigger!

Sure, my body is changing and I may be a little closer to menopause. But I don’t fight it! I love being in my forties… I’ve never felt better. In fact, I honestly feel that I’m better than ever just like my mom. Although, I don’t drink alcohol or coffee, I do drink tea often for its antioxidant properties.

During my full body evaluation, I learned that I’m really ahead of the game and it shows. What’s elusive to many people comes natural to me. And I’m sure some of it has to do with having great genes!

Here are my 10 haute tips to a more beautiful you no matter your age:

1. Follow your passion and surround yourself with people who inspire, motivate and encourage you to grow beyond where you are today.

2. Don’t sweat the small stuff and remember in the big scheme of things… it’s all small stuff! Remember the serenity prayer.

3. Take care of your body… drink plenty of water and get enough sleep so that your body can recharge at rest.

4. Know your limits… do what works for you and let go of stress. When someone takes you on an emotional rollercoaster… remember it’s your choice to ride.

5. Indulge in wellness practices… a great massage will do wonders! Yoga is Haute!

6. Stay positive even when things are not going well… the tide always shifts!

7. Keep your beauty routine simple… be sure to wash your face twice a day to keep your pores free of impurities. And don’t forget to replenish the moisture in your skin.

8. Use sunscreen… I wear a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen daily. And look no wrinkles!

9. Use organic products like shampoos and conditioners to maintain healthier hair. You will literally see and feel the difference.

10. Fill your life with experiences that bring you to your highest happiness and not things that fail to bring you joy!

What goes on inside your body always shows on the outside. Be fearless and life will treat you well.

What's your anti-aging beauty secret?