KASSIE SMITH LIFESTYLE GROUP

QUEST TO BE EVERYTHING......

2013-05-03T14:00:00.002-07:00

At my quest to be everything I can be and good at it (saying that keeps me inspired and at times exhausted), I frequently promote and report on international luxury real estate opportunities and destination travel. Our expansion into that market has proven to be a good choice, especially in this economy. I love to highlight great opportunities I come across such as this site. Not for the average traveler but if you want an experience for a month in an amazing setting in a far away country, explore these ideas.....

Luxury Travel Villas

Soon we will be launching our new destination travel site. That's exciting! Be sure to follow! I will be reporting on fabulous destinations and exotic travel trends. On this site there will be opportunities for second home luxury real estate, exotic vacation clubs investments and a menu of concierge services for luxury travel arrangements. Custom designed vacation packages for the affluent traveler. .....

SEAMLESS LIVING

My obsession for creating a seamless turnkey lifestyle for developers and affluent clients through luxury design for two decades has now prompted me to want to expand our offerings. In this economy luxury travel is not a thing of the past it has just changed it's spots and reinvented some fabulous affordable and smart opportunities. Fractional investments and vacation clubs have come into light BIG and hospitality companies, as I have blogged about before many times, have now ventured into the luxury residential markets. Instead of being tied to owning several homes globally, the vacation clubs excite me. It frees us to move around the globe without worrying about property management costs. Lock it up, leave and hand back the key! Love it!

Luxury Real Estate Partners

We are lucky enough to have a real estate sector now that on the low end simply identifies investment opportunities and/or renovates properties for clients and investors. On the high end goes the turnkey gamut offering all our services.

Featured in March

Our procurement side of the company is still driving forward and has opened up new opportunities nationally and now globally which is exciting for us. Today it is all about out reach and relationships and creative ideas to offer more services. When helping clients start, expand or re brand their companies, I tell them look at it as an exciting rebirth instead of an exhausting and frustrating time...to look at it in a positive light and a new challenge. With social media on a high and affordable options to market your brand through the Internet, inspire yourself to jump on board. Not a time to be lazy or throw in the towel on life! We experience the sever obstacles every day that are set in front of us as a country, we feel helpless. Change is inevitable, but change within our companies and ourselves should be inspiring and not discouraging. That is how we keep going and in the end inspire others.

LUXURY TRAVEL INFO

If you would like your property, resort or fabulous luxury experience featured.........please email us at;

info@kassiesmithlifestylegroup.com

LUXURY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT INFO

Information on our "Real Estate Investment vacation Club"

realestate@kassiesmithlifestylegroup.com

2012-03-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

A Luxury Turnkey Lifestyle

After traveling through California last week for meetings on new world wide projects, I found "turnkey services" have opportunities today more than ever. The destination second home market has seen a huge rise in "Luxury Vacation & Destination Clubs". While,vacation home rentals are up from the abundance of real estate investors who have taken advantage of affordable properties. Finally, hospitality brands diversifying their offerings to large luxury resort destination clubs and residential properties.

Ritz Carlton will initiate and complete several new projects before the end of 2012 in and out of the country. Four Seasons thrives with their destination residences world wide. While we are seeing an influx of "affordable modern styles" in high rise projects, we are still delighted to always embrace the traditional upscale designs at luxury properties as Four Seasons does along with Ritz Carlton. Focusing my career for the last decade on delivering "turnkey" vacation homes for the more affluent destination properties, my developers expected more quality and classic styles such as these.
FOUR SEASONS RESIDENCE - TORONTO

"Turnkey Design" is an art and you must understand the property, clientele and the needs of both. It is a standardized program but you must make each owner or guest feel like they are still personally taken care of with their home and decor needs. Delivery is everything; a monogrammed bathrobe or towels and a bottle of champagne if the project calls for this level of elegance. Otherwise do not over indulge a guest that may be intimidated. Do your homework and know your clients.

"Turnkey Packages" are a valuable tool to assist a sales and marketing team when selling in the second home market. We typically will develop several style books that show the furniture packages that can be sold with the property. These are luxury standardized packages designed for an affluent clientele. There are options for customization of each residence, but the basic principals are the same for the ease of a quick delivery to the developer or end user. Because we are manufacturers and also have deep relationships with suppliers, we are able to deliver within a week after closing the property. Typical delivery time from start of contract is 6 weeks. Our packages are still unique with a five star flare. We embrace the destination within the designs as these are second homes to reflect the lifestyle of the project.

Design,Sourcing, Manufacturing &Procurement of FF&E........

Last August we established our factory partnerships in High Point which was a huge advancement to our edge in becoming more competitive in the hospitality sector. Not only are we able to offer design and procurement as always, but now manufacturing. It was the obvious progression for the company after all these years. Our costs have now come down 30% as a manufacturer and we can finally have full control of quality and warranties. It also enabled us to launch our new signature boutique furniture collections. We are now able to offer our services to bid on almost any hospitality project world wide. After two decades of growth and now a turnkey of services, I am confident to say we now stand as one of the leaders in Nevada in the luxury resort and hospitality sector.

2011-10-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

HIGH POINT MARKET WEEK...... Just leaving Marco Island for some R&R with family on the beach and a possible project. Now off to High Point Market. Look for my posts as I tour events and showrooms. I am hoping to be inspired. I have not attended for a few years as I have been supporting the growth of our own markets in LAS VEGAS @ LVDC @ Las Vegas World Market. First off the plane; Tonight I hit Phillips Collection @6:00 and view their fabulous HP Showroom, then on to the Hearst Publication Party. Meeting Sara Lyke, director of WithIt, for diner and looking forward to WithIt events and BOD breakfast. Will be lending a hand and my support at HP assisting with a WithIt tour and a bit of mentoring along the way. Tons of meetings to attend and looking forward to be wowed by some great new products and seminars. BIG week ahead and I anticipate also walking away with some great new opportunities on the horizon for "Kassie Smith Lifestyle Collection". Look for more posts to come......

2011-09-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Press release "Furniture Today";
WithIt honors six women during annual dinner: RALEIGH, N.C. —

2011-09-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

A Recent Visit to "The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts"

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER EXHIBIT

Amazing!

On a Visit to Montreal in June for the Annual Jazz Festival , I visited the Museum of Fine Arts to View this exhibit. I watched with amazement while the faces of these strategically placed synthetic faux models started to talk. By rear screen projection each one of these 3 dozen faces came to life with a real face who talked and sang recorded words in an erie sort of display. Most of it was in french. Being that I am very rusty, I know I missed some profound explanations of his creations. I stood in the crowd and listened to all these different conversations going on amongst these manicans as their faces moved with expressions. I not only watched, but embraced the mind of a man who creates brilliant theatrical couture for the confident street person. There is something fascinating about the unisex looks he designed. Touring through many rooms it did not continue to disappoint. One display shows man speaking to his alter ego in a mirror.

2011-09-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OWN

ROGER THOMAS...

Lauch of his new fabric line at HD Boutique with

S. Harris Contract

Roger's launch and cocktail reception at HD Boutique for his new

"Roger Thomas Fabric" with S. Harris Contract.Friends new and old attended to

view his fabulous new collaboration and give their support!

2011-09-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

"An Inspiring Few Days at WithIt Conference"

From the moment I arrived and stepped out of the taxi, I was greeted with open arms at the hotel in Raleigh North Carolina. "I felt the love", from some amazing woman leaders in the furniture industry. What an inspiring few days with friends and peers I will always cherish.

Thank You to all who made it so wonderful!

Complete Details of Conference and Pics

LEADERSHIP (definition)- Leadership is a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent. By Definition this weekend proved to show it in full force. Woman as leaders, I believe ,can be the most effective. Not only do they have drive and strength, but passion. A true leader possesses all these qualities and as woman our "take care" nature is what gives us the impulse to "give back". That is what this amazing weekend was about. We all felt it, and as woman in business we all strive to some how make a difference in our personal path. I believe through "WithIt" we all make a difference in someones lives. Whether through mentorship with young peers, or taking time to cohesively network among ourselves and help each other grow as business woman and friends. There was no ego during that two days, just embracing encouragement, incredible learning, amazing stories of strength and compassion and above all we had a blast!

Great Friends..... Our Fearless leader 2011.....

Tons of Fun (The Bubblettes)...... Networking / Leadership....

Learning....

THANK YOU!.......
If you can have one amazing moment in these hard time to feel truly; accomplished, needed and appreciated, it was this weekend for me. As I have said many times before, when I get involved "I go six feet under"....
The feeling of organizational work and giving back is like no other along with being a small personal inspiration to another person's path. At The WOW awards it was a huge personal moment for me in these hard few years for all of us. Being presented with the "PRESIDENTS AWARD" for 2011 was an honor amongst such leaders in that room. I thank you from the bottom of my heart MaryLeigh, for the award and for your support this year. Through all my long emails and market week, You were a trooper! I respect you for all your hard work this past year and all the amazing woman on the board I serve with. I wont let you down here on the West Coast....we have only just begun! XO
Sara Lyke we adore you!

To all the wonderful friends and peers it was a great weekend and I can't wait for next year!!

Good Luck Julia, we are all behind you this upcoming year!

2011-08-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

Million Dollar Decorator or Million Dollar Drama?

The Juries is still out to some it seems, as Million Dollar Decorator gets some mixed reviews......

I love the article that was written by an editor who has a great take on the show and the other reality shows on various networks. Great reading and I have to admit so true! I just haven't figured out if these designers projects are based on homes worth a million dollars or if the projects cost that much?! I mean how much did these designers really make on these small projects, really?

Enjoy........

Read article.........

2011-08-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

"The Home Front" - Luxury Las Vegas Magazine

September.........

2011-08-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

A BIG INTRODUCTION AT

LAS VEGAS FURNITURE MARKET ............

2011-06-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

During my career ,I have given my company the opportunity to create homes for so many bachelors. I wrote an article a few years back for a magazine about "The New Bachelor has Taste"! It referenced that men do have a definite idea of what they want and the new sophisticated "metroman" (I hate that term metrosexual) has his own sense of style. They have direct lifestyle needs which they are not afraid to tell you about in length. They want to come home to a "pad" that reflects the maybe sophisticated office setting they just left. These men shop at home stores, they take a roll in selecting fabrics and bedding but comfort is ALWAYS in the forefront. Not to mention it makes a certain impression with the more sophisticated lady, if that is what they are after. In Las Vegas it also can be a curse for the man who has style........we don't need to go there about that Las Vegas woman, but they see it and they flock like flies to catch a man who gives off that persona of power and money. A well decorated home can do that unfortunately, so men become a bit more selective who they bring home and how long they get to stay.
The term "man cave" does not play into my presentation for the sophisticated bachelor but it is a primitive fitting term. The upside to designing for a sophisticated bachelor pad is that they tell you what they want, they expect execution on time and they pay! They are men and appreciate a woman's touch. So pay attention to their needs. Professional or wife it does not matter they appreciate the attention. The sophisticated bachelor doesn't waste your time as they don't have it and just want it done and done right. They are a professional and would like to keep on their path of making money instead of playing full time decorette for a year. "I want it perfect and I want it now...so here's a check". That is all well and good as long as there is no girlfriend hidden in the wings ready to jump in and critique your work 70% of the way through. I have had that a few times; "oh Kassie, by the way did I not mention Tiffany, she has been traveling for the last month but is back and wants to be involved now, have fun girls". WRONG! I always ask "is there anyone else who will be involved or making decisions in this job"??? key question. Qualify every scenario at the first interview so there are no surprises like this mid way through that can blow everything up. If Tiffany's input is important then let's bring her in now. Remember it doesn't matter how good the job is, a wife or girlfriend completely pulls the strings. It also depends if she is making her opinion count to make a statement in the relationship. Pay attention have good insight. A recent "situation" produced a hidden wife that was not mentioned till the final walk through. OOPS for him as she was surprised and didn't like his choices. The project was done. Shame on you Charlie! Anyway, those are the bad cases and so few and far between, the good outweighs the bad. Bachelors are typically great clients. Designers, a word to the wise. "keep it professional and keep it moving and communicate updates by email daily and all will go perfectly! I said the word EMAIL (paper trail) remember this bachelor who has taste is also a professional and expects you to act like one too!
off my soap box..........
To Celebrate Augusts "Men's" issue of Luxury Las Vegas I have posted this article from "Arch Digest". I personally decided to take August off for a little vacation. Cheers!
(Read on)........
Building a Better Bachelor Pad Homes & Spaces: architecturaldigest.com

My Personal Retreat

2011-06-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

My Personal Eclectic Space

2011-06-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

"Distinguished Editors Have Gone Digital" - Panel of featured star editors from todays top on-line shelter magazines speak to us about their success.

2011-06-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

Each Las Vegas Market I try to create and brainstorm with our board a fabulous educational panel venue for the "WithIt" Woman's Leadership Organization. Las Vegas World Market hosts an amazing large scale event for us in the World View
events room and our success for the last three markets has been amazing and have made "WithIt' a new exciting name on the West Coast.! World Market Las Vegas, the first west coast members, along with CEO Bob Maricich being one of the founding sponsors ten years ago, have been large sponsors and supporters of the Organization and the push to bring it to the West Coast. I was proud to have been asked to be the West Coast VP on the board. The educational panel planned for this market will be as successful as the last. This market we are bringing together some creative and well know editors to talk candidly about the on-line shelter publications in an interactive discussion.

www.withit.org Bob Maricich

The New York Times recently featured and article

"thriving on-line shelter magazine industry".

View Full Article

Join us at Las Vegas August Market, as we listen to a star panel of seasoned editors who have taken their talent to these on line shelter magazines. WithIt, The first and only woman leadership organization in the home industry, will be sponsoring this fabulous event on Tuesday August 2nd at "Las Vegas World Market".

Here are two of our noted Digital Magazines that will be showcased on August 2nd -

When Architectural Digest Lost a few shining stars from their team, it opened up a huge opportunity....

"Entre Magazine" brings us Lisa Bingham. Lisa, along with Three other creative minds set out to bring "Entra" to life. A platform that spring boards from their sophisticated style at AD, Entra is a solid sophisticated design and architectural magazine. The premier issue amazed us all as it was truly a cocktail table piece "on-line".
The talent on board was evident but I am sure under great scrutiny did this team march forward creating their digital dream magazine. Entra was all it was supposed to be and it will only spread it's wings further. The international content along with savvy advertisers puts it in a class of their own. Probably a bit confusing to the HGTV following or even Bravo drama buffs, but they did not bend to that consumer driven market. I applaud you! Congrats Entra and your amazing artistic team for giving birth to a lovely piece of Digital Art!

Not alone on the star panel .........

"Rue Magazine" steps up. Energetic, bright, hitting an entirely different demographic to inspire the " X & Y" Generation, and young sophisticated designer. As Cassandra LaValle, one of the 4 editors, tells me "we want the new designer on the scene with the young and creative ideas. We try to feature up and coming talent, something fresh" That is the platform for Rue. The look is full on "now" content with a touch of the Elle decor style file ideas. But the ideas are all their own, and the overall look is colorful. Since it's creation Rue has grown tremendously. It's format is not just a blog, as other digital publications have brought on line, it is definitely page turning solid digital publication as our other guest "Entra". Not to diminish their blog a bit, Rue and Cassandra have had huge success in the blogger world and social media is also a vibrant part of the all encompassing brand that Rue has created. Featuring projects from contributing designers has been a successful blog pattern for the magazine. It seems to inspire the new designers in the industry giving them fresh ideas for identifiable projects.

http://www.ruemag.com/blog/

So we will ask this panel some pointed questions digital vs. print, what's your feelings? Is it here to stay or is this just a filler while print publications can recover from the economic strife's? These questions and more will delight our audience. A few other surprises are up our sleeves for the panel so please join us!
We look forward to hosting this panel of savvy editors that have brought the digital publication world to life each with diverse content and brands but both as respected magazines in the "new publication world".

BONUS

Portfolio Review!

We will also be hosting a portfolio review by our panel for possible placement in the their digital publications.

Details to come!!

Media news on the sale of Liz Taylors Estate

2011-06-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

Just a romantic thought ......
My new dear friend Adele Cygelman, Editor extraordinaire has taken on a large project recently of marketing the sale of Iconic actress Liz Taylor's estate. I must say I was charmed when I saw the photos...just what I expected! At 7,000 sq. ft , on a little more than an acre and showing a price tag of over 8 Mill, I do believe they will get it. Being a real estate professional myself, my optimism of course does not come from the market. There will be that fan out there worth mega millions who has an undieing love for Liz and old hollywood. Maybe they grew up watching all her old films. Even though the economy is as such, we can take the romantic view that out there, that fan will write that check at any cost!

Liz Taylor Estate

Press release ;
Elizabeth Taylor’s Bel-Air Estate Comes on the Market

The longtime Bel-Air residence of screen legend Elizabeth Taylor is available for the first time in 30 years.
Owned by the actress since 1981, the immaculate ranch house was a much-loved refuge. “It was the focal point for the family and where we all gathered,
                                                                                      especially at Thanksgiving and Easter,” says her son
                                                                                     Christopher Wilding. “She never entertained the
                                                                                      notion of moving.................. (Follow above link)

Some good statistics to chew on for the construction industry......

2011-05-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

From John Drennen of "WJ Bradley", Las Vegas - In the News

Construction spending was up for March, according to the latest figures from the Census Bureau, released last week. Construction spending during the month reached an annual rate of $768.9 billion, 1.4 percent above February's revised estimate of $758.6 billion, but 6.7 percent below March 2010's estimate of $824 billion. Spending on private construction reached an annual rate of $476.1 billion, 2.2 percent above February's revised estimate of $466 billion. Residential construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $229.1 billion in March, 2.6 percent over February's revised estimate of $223.2 billion.

New orders placed in March for manufactured goods, increased $13.5 billion or 3 percent to $462.9 billion, marking a fifth consecutive monthly gain, the Census Bureau reported last week. March's solid performance followed a 0.7 percent February increase. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 2.6 percent. Similarly, shipments in March, up seven consecutive months, increased $12.0 billion or 2.7 percent to $461.4 billion. This followed a 0.6 percent increase in February.
Inventories, up 14 of the last 15 months, increased $6.3 billion or 1.1 percent to $572.3 billion. This followed a 1 percent February increase. This put March's inventories-to-shipments ratio at 1.24, down from 1.26 in February.

Meanwhile, manufacturing productivity grew 6.3 percent in the first quarter of 2011, as output and hours worked increased 9.7 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively. Over the last four quarters, manufacturing productivity increased 4.7 percent, the Bureau reported.

HIGH POINT AND LAS VEGAS JOIN FORCES...Press release / LVWM

2011-05-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

LAUNCH OF INTERNATIONAL MARKET CENTERS

CREATES PREMIER B-TO-B PLATFORM FOR THE
HOME FURNISHINGS AND GIFT INDUSTRIES

Unprecedented $1 Billion Investment in Future of Home Furnishings and Gift & Home Décor Categories Unites Key High Point and Las Vegas Assets
HIGH POINT, N.C. and LAS VEGAS (Tuesday, May 3, 2011) -- The world's largest network of premium home furnishings, gift and home décor showroom and exhibition space was launched today. The newly formed International Market Centers, L.P. (IMC) announced an investment of approximately $1 billion to unite iconic showroom assets in High Point, N.C., and Las Vegas, and create an effective, efficient and compelling world-class business-to-business platform for both buyers and sellers.
IMC's portfolio, initially comprised of 13 buildings and encompassing more than 10.6 million gross square feet, includes the International Home Furnishings Center and the Market Square Complex (consisting of eight properties) in High Point as well as all of the World Market Center Las Vegas buildings. Through a series of transactions, all assets in the portfolio have been recapitalized with significant equity investments, providing for long-term stability and creating a growth platform for the industry. Financial details of the transactions were not disclosed.
IMC has also reached agreement to acquire five additional buildings encompassing nearly one million gross square feet including, Showplace, Showplace West and three North Hamilton Street showroom venues in High Point. Upon the closing of this transaction, IMC will own and operate a total of 18 showroom buildings spanning 11.5 million square feet. Closing is expected within 60 days.
IMC is majority owned by funds managed by Bain Capital Partners and a subsidiary of certain investment funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. Related Companies, Bassett Furniture Industries (NASDAQ: BSET) and affiliates of Network World Market Center are also investors in the company.
To read the full press release, visit our online Press Room at

www.imcenters.com/press-room.html.

My March Travels; Classic Luxury Renovations Throughout Texas.........

2011-04-19T00:07:00.000-07:00

I am a lucky girl to travel as much as I do, some work checking out possible new projects with resorts, some fun...always fun in travel though!

Last month in Texas I visited first Houston and then on into Austin. I searched out, as I always do, some unique luxury. I found it...an amazing restaurant in Houston that shows off it's luscious, luscious cuisine and an old haunted luxury hotel in Austin that left me enamoured

by the interior details. Please let me share......

"Marks Restaurant"

Situated in an old church on lower Westheimer in Houston, Mark Cox, chef and owner of his namesake restaurant, Mark's, has given Houstonians, who have anxiously awaited his debut for years, a thoroughly unique dining experience. Offering Cox's own brand of American progressive cuisine, Mark's menu encompasses inspirations from many distant lands, indicative of America's true melting pot heritage. ......

"So romance was my request as I asked the concierge at the hotel for a perfect place to dine. They made no hesitation as they suggested award wining "Marks". Written up in "Wine Spector" and "Food and Wine" as best restaurant in Houston. I always say fabulous ambiance can make anything takes yummy! I am definitely about the experience, but in this case it went hand and hand. If I was a food critic I probably would feel differently but I am a critic of atmospheric experiences and decor. So greeted and told they were booked solid, we knew that prior to starting out. When they stated they would "make room"...they weren't kidding. Meanwhile the bartender treated us like we were a royal couple with a special chefs suggested appetizer for our wait. Memorable service!!
Then I looked up and realized Mark Cox did his job well. The old church still held an intimate feel and the "buttress" was still perfectly in tact. Although hard to tell it was truly a church, I believe we were seated in what was once the "Gallery" on the second level. The detail in the entire building is amazing, and was kept to it's historic flavor while adding a bit of overall trend. The picture does not due it justice!

On to Austin....Road Trip. Surprise! we arrive at another master renovation and this one is haunted.

The most haunted building in Austin and the most haunted hotel in Texas -- perhaps the U.S.

Cattle baron Colonel Jesse Lincoln Driskill made his fortune selling longhorns on the Chisholm Trail as famine swept across post-Civil War America. In doing so, he was also very instrumental in helping the breed garner their world-wide fame. In 1885, Driskill decided to change careers and construct the finest hotel west of the Mississippi River. He chose his favorite city -- Austin, Texas. Buying the plot of land on Pecan Street (now 6th) and Brazos, the Colonel spared no expense and spent every penny he had. The hotel opened with great fanfare on December 29, 1886. Featuring steam heat and hydraulic elevators, it truly was the crown jewel of Austin. The rooms themselves were extremely lavish, with 20 foot high ceilings and 18 inch thick brick walls.
For many years the Driskill was the center of Austinâ€™s social scene. Graduations, evening balls, and weddings have been traditions for decades. For about a year, the Texas Senate even met on the mezzanine floor during the State Capitol's construction. During Prohibition, in the 1920's and early 30's, the hotel housed the finest speakeasy Austin had to offer. An addition was completed on the north end of the block in 1930 and the original 60 rooms were converted to each include its own bath. In November of 1969 the Driskill became a national historic landmark and was saved from being torn down to make room for a parking garage. Over the years, 23 different owners have held the deed. It's currently owned by a southern California based company that has restored it to its original grandeur. In the lobby you will find the portrait of Colonel Driskill, painted from life by William Huddle and hung in 1890.

The Renovation -

"This lobby was as grand as it's history states it was in the early 1900's. It is as you walked back in time.The details on each column are different and unique. The lobby must hold over a dozen different marble stone types and countless design inlays. Again, the final renovation was a major undertaking and is quoted with a major multi-million dollar price tag. The rooms luxurious but still current....true example of timeless elegance. They did an amazing job of styling with the historic flavor but not over done. The rooms are ornate but not over done and implemented a historic color pallet. Just enough fringe without being gaudy. Each restaurant was true Texas hospitality. Green and Burgundy velvet upholstery with brown leather distressed sofas. Mahogany and Cherry woods with carved molding and pictures of the cattle Barron and his family adorned the halls and piano bar. Just walking through the lobby gallery and looking at the art it tells the story of the historic property.

Now here is the fun and that special unique "something" I find at all my choice luxury vacation spots.

If you are into ghosts read on and view the videos.....

I wish I had a ghostly experience to share!

Ghost Video about Driskill

* Colonel Driskill himself is said to wander through the original side of the hotel. His ghost is marked by the smell of cigar smoke and a fascination with bathroom lights.

* The spirit of a young child bouncing a ball haunts the first floor lobby, the ladies bathroom on the second floor near the bar, and along the stairs leading to the mezzanine. In 1887, while the Texas Senate was in session, the daughter of a Senator fell to her death while chasing a ball down the grand staircase. Her death was the first at the hotel. Within a week she was back running around and playing. Her spirit is also the first recorded ghost at the Driskill.

* Singer Annie Lennox and her band, the Eurythmics, enjoyed more than just "sweet dreams" during a stay in the 1980s. In her room before a show she laid out two dresses on the bed. Unable to decide which to wear, she decided to take a shower. After nearly 45 minutes of primping, she stepped out of the bathroom to discover only one dress left lying on the bed. The other was hung up nicely in the closet! Taking the recommendation of her visitor, she wore the dress on the bed. What's even more interesting is that her room was locked, and she was the only one with the key. Also, she had not yet unpacked, and the closet was completely empty except for the dress.

* During a conference held by IBM, a man returned to his room to find that his bathroom was full of steam, as though someone had taken a shower. The pad of paper next to the phone had been moved and was covered with illegible scribbling. Only a few years later, in 1998, the exact same haunting was reported by a couple staying in same room.

* In the first floor lobby, usually in and around the elevators, can be seen P.J. Lawless. Lawless was a ticket agent for the International Great Northern Railroad (later merging into the Missouri Pacific Railroad -- the MoPac Austinites know today.) Perhaps unable to get out of his lease, he actually lived in the Driskill for about 31 years, even while it was closed and between owners. He is easily spotted amongst guests due to his early 20th century ticket taker's uniform and is known to check his railorad watch as though still tracking phantom trains! Lawless will look at and acknowledge the living, unlike other spirits who don't seem to be aware of us.

* Room 525, which in 1998 re-opened after years of unuse, is one of the hubs of ghostly activity in guest rooms. For years the Driskill staff had closed the room and used it as storage. The doorway leading into the bathroom had been bricked up due to an Austin urban legend known as the "suicide brides." This legend claims that two women had committed suicide in that bathroom 20 years apart to the day. This is far from confirmed. Although a woman is known to have ended her life on the 4th floor, room 525 is one floor up and had already been closed off by then. The exact history of 525 may never be known, since the room's closing predates all current staff members. When reconstruction forced the re-opening in 1998, many strange things happened. The room needed to be painted four times, as the walls kept peeling. An air conditioning vent that was left lying on the floor blew cold air. When it was moved the blowing stopped. One of the workers described an unusual but distinct humming in his chest upon entering the bathroom. When the brick was torn down, the bathtub was full of crystal clear water. The faucet was not dripping, the floor was dry, and that room had been closed off for years!

More Luxury Highrise Living....."Four Seasons" to open new Toronto property

2011-04-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

Once again I have come across Luxury Living at it's finest, vertical style. The 5 star brand " Four Seasons Residential" has an update to their construction of one of their newest projects. A year ago when I was in Toronto I viewed the project from across the street while drinking my starbucks in Yorkville District. I posted a blog and tweeted that Toronto Luxury Real Estate was still thriving. I actually personally enjoyed this article as I spent much time over the years in Toronto and can identify with the Hotels Mentioned. Business Traveller has shown us some fabulous renderings to give us a tease of tasteful decor at it's finest to come.

Four Seasons Residences - Toronto

The luxury hotel group is to open a two-tower hotel and residences complex in the Yorkville district of Toronto, the city where it all started for Four Seasons 50 years ago this week.

The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Toronto is scheduled to open next summer, and will be located on the corner of Bay Street and Yorkville Avenue.
The new property is just one block east of the existing Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, which will close in April 2012, and which is itself the third incarnation of Four Seasons in the city.

The original Four Seasons hotel opened in Toronto in 1961, as CEO Kathleen Taylor explains: “It was a motor hotel on a street called Jarvis Street which was the heart of the red light district in Toronto. It became famous because it was across the street from the CBC and in those days the intelligentsia worked for a lot of the government agencies and CBC was no exception. It became one of the most famous places for people to go for a drink after work and it was very successful. “The second was the Inn on the Park which was way out in what was then farmland. As the city grew it became very successful because the area around it changed and it became like a resort within a city.” The current Four Seasons property opened in the 1970s (having previously been branded as a Hyatt), and the buildings housing the first two hotels have since been demolished.
Next year will see the opening of the fourth Four Seasons hotel in Toronto, a new-build property comprising a 253-room hotel (a room count which is actually significantly down on the current 380), and over 200
private residences, spread across the 26-floor East Residence and 55-storey West Residence.

The top floor of the West Residence will house the 840sqm penthouse residence, while the hotel will take up the first 20 floors of the buidling. Features will include a first-floor restaurant with “celebrity chef concept”, a ground floor bar, and a 2,600sqm spa with a skylit indoor pool, whirlpool, treatment rooms and fitness centre. There will also be two ballrooms measuring 325 and 650sqm.

Loved this old Pix.......I used to stay there as a child with my parents on Vacations.
The First "Four Seasons" Property in Toronto.

"The Inn on the Park"
Toronto

Luxury Travel Bucket List - New Feature:

2011-03-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

I have offered my new feature "Luxury Travel Bucket List"...... I frequently feature luxury destinations but now I have made it into a regular feature. Whatever it is that has inspired me to write about these fabulous and unique places is now a passion. I continue to travel and search out that extra special something.....
How it started.....
I have been traveling to 5 star resorts and destinations since I was 8, and then made a career out of resort design, I felt I am a bit of an expert maybe because I was brought up with an early appreciation to amazing destinations and travel.The crown Jewel of Hotels as I believe ,"The Plaza Hotel" in NY, was my first experience as a child. I went on to spend every Thanksgiving with Eloise at "The Plaza" and continued my visits till right before it closed in 2002. One of my favorite books; "Eloise's Guide to Life" , How to Eat, dress, travel and behave...
An adorable book on international travel from the eyes of a fictitious fortunate and pretentious six year old who resides at "The Plaza Hotel". Much like my own mother's child rearing while traveling. I identified with Eloise as a child. The book was passed down to my daughter and at age 8 experienced "The Plaza Hotel" for her first time and was fortunate enough to stay in the "Ivana Trump Suite". Lucky gal, but we have created a monster I believe!....
In future features.....
Some of my fabulous features I have visited and some will go on the list. The point is that I try to find resorts and perfect get aways that have a unique touch or special lifestyle gift. Something different that delights me and hopefully will delight you in the same way!

Since Hotel Renovations are abound in and out of the country, I have found one today that enchanted me... Maybe by the title itself, but I picture an unique experience right out of Atlanta. Georgia always seems to take me out of the world I live in quite quickly and I embrace the visit. This has gone on my list;

Barnsley Gardens Resort: Historic Hotel Complete With Fairy Godmother

History of the Resort :

"One hour north of Atlanta, way off on a back road lined with strangling kudzu and dotted with hardscrabble houses, there lies a secret garden. Make that 'gardens' with an "S," because there's more than one manicured formal garden at Barnsley Gardens Resort. What a surprise to find in February: snowdrops, Lenten roses, crocus, flowering quince, fragrant wintersweet, pansies and arum, all blooming around the "Ruin," the original 1840s mansion of cotton magnate Godfrey Barnsley. The lord of the manor based his garden designs on those of Andrew Jackson Downing, considered America's first great landscape architect.A tornado in 1906 took the roof of the mansion off and the descendants of Godfrey Barnsley, who no longer had a fortune, spent the next few decades living in the kitchen area. The property sat dormant after World War II until 1999, when German Prince Herbertus Fugger bought it to hunt the white-tailed deer here. Prince Fugger also tore down the kudzu which had enveloped the buildings over the years and developed the estate into the resort it is today-a sort of European village with 40 English-style guest cottages, two excellent restaurants, a pub-like bar and a Bavarian beer garden. He had Jim Fazio design an 18-hole golf course, named the "Best Resort Course in Georgia" by Golf News. When the prince left for other pursuits in 2004 a private company took over the resort and continued to make it a perfect weekend or vacation getaway. The cottages are warm and comfortable, each with private porches, custom made sleigh or four poster feather beds dressed in luxury linens, period-inspired ball and claw foot cast iron tubs and wood burning fireplaces". Hunting, Horse Back Riding, World class golf and a luxury spa.............

Now this is the perfect unique touch.........

What other resort has a telephone extension number listed for its resident fairy godmother? She's a beloved tradition and she'll come to your cottage while you're out playing and bring even fluffier comforters than you already have in the room, candles, hot chocolate, the ingredients for S'mores and a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream, among other godmother services. She'll also steal your children away for a wood nymph hunt or craft-making session, an unforgettable experience for a youngster who believes in fairy godmothers.

"BEST OF LUXURY" VACTION HOMES

2011-03-07T23:21:00.000-08:00

Since designing and selling in the luxury vacation home market has been my world for the last two decades, I hunger at finding exotic and unique spots to feature. When I personally travel, I delight in finding special elements of each location ...something different. These two picks are very diverse and completely exclusive to the affluent visitors. They were found ffeatured on the "Just Luxe" web site as editors picks. While I have not stayed at either when I visited Positano or Park City, I will put it on my long bucket list of unique vacation spots. I was fascinated with the level of luxury that can be found in unique properties as these.....

Villa Lilly - Italy

This world-renowned Praiano, luxury Italian villa boasts breathtaking ocean views from the 10,000 sq ft. main house, overlooking Positano to Capri. From Villa Lilly's numerous terraces and gardens, you may take in the enchanting Amalfi Coast and its extensive landscape. The villa enjoys absolutely breathtaking views, with Positano on one side that appears like a jewel set in the cliffs overlooking the sea, along with total privacy and a silence which is only very occasionally broken by a distant horn from a passing ship.

Deerfield Estate - Utah

Deer Field Estate is the World's Premier Ski in-out Showcase Home with 360° Mountain Top Views over looking Park City and the Jordenelle Reservoir. Sought after by the wealthiest billionaires and the most successful celebrities because of its unparalleled level of luxury and privacy. Your private Gondola transports you from your cozy ski prep room to the Deer Valley Resort's Navigator ski run. 15,000 sq ft of home has never been more comfortable. Centuries old found-pieces from all over the world combined with state of the art home automation make your experience of Deer Field Estate unrepeatable.

Kassie Smith's "The Home Front" in Luxury Las Vegas Magazine - March Issue

2011-03-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

WHEN FURNITURE MEETS FASHION….

Interior Designers Following trends of the Fashion World

Several years ago we viewed Iconic fashion designers like “Ralph Lauren” and “Calvin Klein” expanding their brands by developing signature “home collections”. Most recently, “Oscar de la Renta” has joined the stage and graced the pages of our favorite design magazines with his ad campaign featuring Lee Jofa fabrics to celebrate the launch of his elegant new home fabric collection. Oscar de la Renta created custom ball skirts using Lee Joffa fabrics from his new home collection. Spotted in Elle Décor’s November issue, super model “Iman” was featured at fashion week posed in front of a “chic lounge” at Lincoln Center in New York introducing her new textile line that is available at Calico Corners. The list goes on…..the meeting of two great industries is hotter than ever. The colors and trends of the fashion industry have historically set the pace and lead the Home furnishing industry to imitate these trends for their next season. Now we have featured our own Designer picks from the last January furniture market at Las Vegas Design Center at World Market, paired with sophisticated 2011 Couture, we show the meeting of great style.

“Christopher Guy Collection” inspired by Sensual Elegance

Christopher Guy, 2011 “Design Icon” Award recipient, has shown us a collection from his expansive line of international furnishings. Christopher Guy is about sensuality with few straight lines, replaced instead by many curves such as those found on a beautiful high-heel shoe. The eye popping red and Café Mocha Vignette, features one of Christopher’s amazing signature headboards. Composed in a myriad of carved squares, this dramatic headboard is a stunning addition to any bedroom with a contemporary feel, it is inspired by a bit of “old Hollywood”. “Drawing reference to luxury high fashion labels, an example being the transition between Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfield; there is a move away from traditional designs but Lagerfield still successfully keeps many signature core values of the brand while evolving its style”. Inspired by the feminine form; the corseted waist of a graceful lady, Scarlet O’Hara in Gone with the Wind and the crossed legs of a ballerina,Guy created the Chris-X chair . The only way to emulate this sensuous yet elegant look was to reconfigure the rear legs, and so the Chris-X chair was born.

“Turquoise hasn’t left the room just become more exquisite”

“Robert Allen’s, Beacon Hill Collection” and “Swame Designs”, have dressed this room for an exciting combination of color, textures and style. We couldn’t stop when creating the elements of excitement using different Beacon Hill fabrics in hues of Mineral Blue, Celedon, Tourmaline and Winter Mist. A mix and match combination of stripes, textured wool and a contempo chair print, add the interest needed for the backdrop of the Turquoise suede bed. Once again Christopher Guy sneaks in , with his “Bird’s Nest” mirror from his fabulous mirror collection. A perfect complement to the Swaim chest of drawers. All embracing a finish that has not lost it’s luster for several seasons, satin nickel and brushed silver are shown in several pieces seen as in “Christopher’s” mirror , Swaim accent chest and accent lamp. The final touch needed is “Larry Laslo’s” “Crystallized” tassel collection. “Exquisite details make interiors sing”, as stated by Laslo himself, and his Swarovski Crystal Elements not only detail this room but match the couture brilliantly.

“Classic Chic using the traditional neutral of grey”

Still a hot color, Grey will never fade away in the world of fashion and home décor. As a base neutral to a pallet of extreme color or as an accent to an all ivory room, grey has made it’s place in every type of décor imaginable. Coming back into Vogue, grey is seen the last few seasons as still one of the top pantone colors. Taking on different names and implementing them into different combinations of colors has found their new face as a “destination color” or an easy hue for a “stainable product”. Here “Robert Allen” misses no opportunity to furnish the entire home, as they came on the scene a few seasons ago with a custom bedding line called “Soft Home”. Shown in Sterling and pewter, to me variations of the standard grey, are the “Hanover” collection of pillows with a “Pembrook” coverlet. The mirrored bed frames give an entire feel of glam to this room and a perfect setting for our model dressed in one of “Dolce Gabbana’s “ most amazing new introduction this season.

NYC's Luxury Apartment Building The Continental Puts the Finest at Your Door

2011-03-06T22:16:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK CITY SHOWS US THEIR NEWEST LUXURY HIGH RISE LIVING........

http://www.justluxe.com/lifestyle/real-estate/feature-1375659.php

"Las Vegas isn't the only destination where luxury high rise living has taken an up swing...it has come into it's own nationally in other famous cities. I will be on my hunt to find some fabulous luxury high rise living developments to feature in upcoming blogs....."

The Continental is New York City's newest high-rise community in the Manhattan district. Located at Sixth Avenue and 32nd Street, this 53-story luxury-rental tower is the address that puts you within walking distance of the city's finest attractions. The mixed-use structure, which features deluxe apartments from the ninth floor to the top, is taking shape nicely as the first wave of residents are settling into their new vertical neighborhood. "The Continental's location, views, floor plans and unique amenities all have contributed to the buzz and interest from renters we are already seeing in this tower," said Mr. Cliff Finn, managing director Citi Habitats Marketing Group; which is the exclusive marketing and leasing agent of the property.

El Cortez Design a Suite...Down Town is stepping it up!

2011-02-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

The Results are in.....

Full article from the Las Vegas Sun.....

But for a runner up it created a great new opportunity........ Mikel Patrik and Patrick Peel’s “El Contempo” suite is the biggest departure from the El Cortez’s traditional style. The designers brought in sleek white furnishings, gold flooring and a matching gold ceiling, which they knew was a design risk.But the risk paid off for the Las Vegas-based designers. The contest has led to otheropportunities for Patrik and Peel, including a contract to remodel one of the El Cortez’s lounge areas."It’s a little bittersweet because we wanted to design six more," Patrik said. But as Peel quickly reminded his design partner, "more people will see the bar, anyway."

The contest was Mikel's and Peel’s first design job since they lost their jobs at two separate Las Vegas design firms in 2009. Partnering up to design the suite led them to a business venture of their own. They've started a design consulting company together.
“A lot of people haven’t seen mine or Mikel’s work, so the contest adds an element of excitement and curiosity of what else we can do. That is what is going to pique people’s interest and lead to more jobs for us,” Peel said.

Exciting Events For Market Week!

2011-01-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

Exciting Events Created by "WithIt" and "Kassie Smith Lifestyle Group"

Las Vegas Market Week

"LAS VEGAS DESIGN DIVAS"

MondayJanuary 24th

In the 80's Las Vegas interior design started to come to life. Veteran interior designer, Margo Silverman, Jacqueline Thornton and Becky Nijaffe, have worked for some of the biggest private names in the Las Vegas luxury residenial and casino industry. Their backgrounds are unique and WITHIT brings them together so WITHIT members and Las Vegas Market attendees can hear their original stories of famous clients and their extravagant taste! Only in Las Vegas... CEU available

Moderated by : Kassie Smith

Kassie Smith Lifestyle Group
"THE SMITH CENTER
FOR
THE PERFORMING ARTS"

(Luxury Tour)

When: Wednesday January 26th

Time: 2 - 4PM
Location: Transportation Terminal WMCLV

Ever wonder about the incredible constructed across the street from World Market Center Las Vegas? One of the countries premier Performing Arts Centers. From it's very beginning, The Smith Center was envisioned as a world-class performing arts center that would bring culture to the Las Vegas Skyline. Opening in 2012 , Straight from Broadway they have booked 4 major shows with limited engagements, "Wicked" being the first to open this grand project. Guest will enjoy an introduction by the CFO and CEO along with the staff and a guided tour of the Design Gallery for The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. On our way we will take a quick visit to the site to actually view this incredible project and listen to a short presentation. The Design Center includes tours of architectural models, a full-scale mock-up of one of the boxes inside the main theater. Typically an invitation only preview, we are honored to be able to offer this event.