Carrie Coolidge
Harry Slatkin on How to Choose a Fragrance That's Right for You [VIDEO]
Harry Slatkin, founder and creative force behind Slatkin & Co. and one of the country's top fragrance experts, believe you shouldn't rush into buying a fragrance when shopping.
"Take a step back before deciding what fragrance to wear," he says.
Indeed, what a fragrance smells like on one person may smell completely different on someone else.
"So just because you like the way something smells when it is in the bottle doesn't mean that is what it is going to smell like when it is on you," says Slatkin. "Let your nose direct you."
How to Make a Hot Buttered Rum (video)
In the video above, partners at the Small Screen Network will show
you how to make a hot buttered rum, which is 
a great cocktail to have on a cold winter day. Robert Hess, host of "The Cocktail Spirit", will show you an easy to follow way to make one, without much advance prep work.
What you will need: a pre-heated coffee cup or mug, a teaspoon of butter, 2 teaspoons of sugar (preferably brown), 5 ounces of hot water, a cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and rum (Mount Gay Extra Old rum is what Hess uses).
For more innovative cocktail recipes, please see the ones offered to us by The Hurricane Club.
Harry Slatkin on The Evolution of Home Fragrances (video)
When home fragrance expert 
Harry Slatkin began his career in home fragrances 18 years ago, he literally changed the industry. Since he founded Slatkin & Co., many others have followed suit, from Ralph Lauren to Banana Republic and Martha Stewart. Slatkin now oversees product development for all the home fragrance brands under Bath & Body Works, the country's largest bath and body retailer with over 1,650 stores.
Home fragrances used to be more of a women's world. Since then, the industry has changed dramatically, says Slatkin.
"If I do a radio show, the callers in are mostly men," he says. "They are complementing me on this scent or that scent. Men are getting into scent just as much as women."
Home fragrances have also hit the college scene. "One of the hottest products right now for college students are plug-ins," says Slatkin. "Dorms smell and you can't really light a candle in a dorm. But you can use a plug-in to create a different atmosphere, plus it is a great way to hide all the musty smells of dirty laundry."
A Peek Inside the Plaza Hotel in New York (with Video)
Luxist recently sat down with Shane Krige, general manager of New York's famous Plaza Hotel, to discuss (see video below) and view the newly renovated landmark building across from New York's Central Park.
The hotel, which will celebrate its 103rd anniversary in October, underwent a complete restoration which cost more than $450 million. Every guest room was completely renovated and provide elegant accomodations inspired by the richly decorative style of Louis XV. Every guest bathroom is finished with inlaid earth stone mosaics in floral motifs and 24-carat gold plated faucets and accessories.
The Royal Plaza Suite, as seen in the video, is a magnificient three-bedroom, three-bathroom suite accessed by private elevator and located in a private area of the hotel overlooking Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. The exquisitely designed living room features a grand piano while the gracious dining room seats up to 12 guests. There's even a wood-paneled library stocked with titles hand-selected by Prosper Assouline, the founder of Assouline, the luxury book publisher. The state-of-the-art kitchen outfitted with Viking appliances is ideal for guests who travel with a personal chef.
As part of the restoration, the Palm Court was returned to its original design not seen for years. Its newly launched afternoon tea service is not to be missed. Known as the heart and soul of The Plaza, the Palm Court is a vast landmark space bordered by mirrored doors, fleur-de-peche marble columns and crowned with a domed yellow-and-green skylight. The $6.5 million restoration included the re-creation of the original 1,800 square foot stained-glass lay light that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The airy, romantic space within the legendary hotel is nothing short of breathtaking.
Eton of Sweden: What Makes This Luxury Shirt Maker the Best of Breed
Eton of Sweden is internationally known for its innovative and classic designs, exclusive colors, and full range of coordinating accessories. Eton of Sweden was founded as a made-to-measure shirt company in 1928 by Annie and David Pettersson and is still headquartered in Ganghester, the same small village in Sweden since its founding. So what is it that makes Eton of Sweden one of the premier luxury shirt makers in the world and one that has endured for nearly a century?
To learn more about what sets this luxury shirt maker the best of breed, Luxist sat down with Erik Wilkinson, Eton's Director of Sales for North America.
Wilkinson explains that Eton is one of the only apparel brands that has completely vertically integrated the process. With its mill partners, Eton of Sweden buys the raw materials---Pima and Egyptian cotton---which comprises 100% of its collection. Eton buys high quality Pima cotton directly from a consortium of farmers in Peru. "Eton of Sweden only uses Pima and Egyptian cotton because it is the finest, long staple cotton that can be used to make shirts," says Wilkinson.
The cotton is then weaved in Northern Italy and France before being transported to Switzerland for a lengthy, proprietary (and patented) and high-tech 35-step finishing process that produces a smooth, crisp and wrinkle-free result. "The finishing is the critical part of what makes our shirts so special," he adds. "Our shirts tend to last longer and keep their color better than others, too."
Ponchos: The Must-Have Outerwear Item in Fall 2011 (video)
In the video above, our partners at FabSugarTV,
explain how ponchos will be the must-have
outerwear item in Fall 2011."From over-sized to cropped, loose-fitting ponchos were shown in all different proportions (at NY Fashion Week Fall 2011)," says fashion reporter, Allison McNamera.
Tommy Hilfiger showed versions with longer lengths in back, while Max Azria showed an assymetrical version. More traditional ponchos were featured by Rag & Bone while designers Adam and Rachel Roy opted for blanket-style versions.
Watch the video and see how Alexander Wang mixed textures in his version as well as one with rain slicker details.
To see Luxist's full coverage of NY Fashion Week Fall 2011, click here.
How to Make a Fancy Champagne Cocktail (video)
Did you know the recipe for a champagne cocktail
dates back over 200 years? In the video above, our friends at the Small Screen Network, tell us about the history of the cocktail and show us how to make a fancy champagne cocktail. Be sure you have a bottle of champagne, a champagne flute, sugar cubes, a lemon and bitters as well as a channel knife, zester and stir rod, so you can make one as you watch. To learn how to make the perfect spiral lemon peel garnish, see this related video.
Free Macarons on Macaron Day in New York City
Dubbed the "new cupcake" its time to celebrate macarons during the second annual Macaron Day, which will be held on Sunday, March 20. Many of the finest bakers and chocolatiers, including François Payard and La Maison du Chocolat, will be celebrating the occasion by giving away free macarons to their customers. In 2010, François Payard organized the first Macaron Day in New York City. Macaron Day coincides annually with Jour du Macaron in Paris.
On Macaron Day, stop by any participating shop to receive free samples of macarons, the famed French treats. Confirmed participants for thus far include, François Payard's FC Chocolate Bar at The Plaza Hotel and François Payard Bakery, Almondine Bakery (two locations in Brooklyn), Bisousciao. Macarons, Bouchon Bakery, Butterfield Market, Cannelle Patisserie (Queens), Desserts by Michael Allen (Brooklyn), Cours la Reine (Brooklyn), Desserts by Michael Allen (Brooklyn), Dessert Truck Works, Georgia's Café & Bakery, La Maison du Chocolat (three locations in Manhattan), La Renaissance Pâtisserie Française (Scarsdale, NY), Mad-Mac, and Macaron Café (2 locations in Manhattan). Participating locations will provide one macaron per customer, with quantities limited by location.
Giraffe Manor in Kenya: Where Guests Live Among World's Tallest Creatures (with video)
For those seeking a truly exotic, once-in-a-lifetime Out of Africa-type experience, Giraffe Manor may be just the place. Here, guests enjoy the unique chance to interact with its resident herd of Rothschild Giraffe, a rare breed which is among the world's tallest creatures. Guests have the unparalleled experience of the giraffes, with the animals vying for guests' attention at the breakfast table, the front door and even at the bedroom window. Giraffe Manor is located in 12 acres of private land only 20 kilometers from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. It is set within 140 acres of indigenous forest.
Guests interact with the giraffes throughout the day. Breakfast is served in the sun room, with its enormous windows flung open to welcome the giraffe that come and join you. Dinner is a cosy affair as the drawing room fire is lit and guests and managers gather for evening drinks. You can either chose to have a candlelit hosted meal in the dramatic wood paneled dining room or at your own table under the stars surrounded by the glow created by lanterns and candles on the terrace.
How to Pour Beer (video)
Our partners at the Food Network visited an authentic
Irish pub in Dublin to learn how to pour the
"perfect pint". According to the experts, there are six key steps to do so. Watch the video above and find out why a 45 degree angle is so important, what the "perfect dome" looks like and what happens in precisely 119.5 seconds.
Click here to read our related post on the Best Brew Pubs in the U.S.
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