In more ways than one, it appears that 2009 was a complete fluke. As the Year of the Ox, we were guaranteed prosperity and reward for all our steady, hard work- a bull market was on the horizon! Well, not quite.

They are referred to as the world’s most expensive wingtips, but they’re not a pair of stilettos. Though usually known for his monogrammed high-end purses for women, Louis Vuitton has come up with a new line of lace-ups for men finished in waxed alligator leather, which were unveiled for the Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Attempting tasty but sometimes bizarre cuisine from exotic countries can be an out-of-the-box eating-endeavor that requires bravery. But if you can literally stomach it, it’s the most exciting and adventurous way to dine. Pulitzer Prize Winning Food Critic Jonathan Gold will agree with me on this…

Perk up your ears and open you eyes. Haute Living has some great news about a newly redesigned luxury boutique hotel that will soon be opening its doors in Manhattan early this spring.

Jimmy Choo and Jennifer Siebel Newsom recently hosted a party celebrating Jimmy Choo’s new line as well as Newsom’s documentary titled Miss Representation. The lavish event took place on Feb. 18 at the Millennium Tower located at 301 Mission St. in the always-trendy San Francisco area. The event was a success as guests adorned in chic and classy looks while enjoying drinks and other celebrations.

When the clock nears rush hour, it seems downtown businesspeople are in no rush in San Francisco, nor headed home. Where are they going? Après-work, the suits from the Financial District, Embarcadero Center, and Union Square proceed to the swanky, yet sophisticated, Americano Restaurant and Bar located at Mission Street’s northern end to mingle and sip tasty cocktails after a hard day’s work.

Several elegant concerts and shows have emerged from the rubble left by the earthquakes that crumbled much of Haiti. It is difficult to discover the positive in historical events such as these, but it has given wonderfully talented Haitian artists an opportunity to shine among the art world’s elite. Moet Hennessey and Louis Vuitton have collaborated…

Great classical music is always an enjoyment for our readers, and Carnegie Hall is hosting, on April 1, an opera duet featuring two world-class singers. The featured singers will be no other than Soprano Sondra Radvanosky and Baritone Dmitri Hvorostosky. They will be performing timeless masterpieces including Aida, Don Carlo, Ernani, La Forza del Destino, Simon Boccanegra, and Un Ballo in Maschera. Mrs. Radvanosky will also be performing some solo pieces as well.

Fraiche Santa Monica is looking forward to the grand opening of their new bar and lounge. The location offers the finest in décor, and guests will enjoy dining on finely finished wood tables and chairs complete with a vast array of burning candles to provide the most intimate lighting for an elegant dinner.