Metro, the free daily paper, reported in its June 25 edition that a bunch of NYC people you may never have heard of are making more than most of us can dream of. No. 1 on the list of New York's highest-paid CEOs in 2008, according to Crain's New York Business, is Alliance Bernstein's Peter Kraus, pocketing $52.538 million; No. 2 is Gamco Investors's Mario Gabelli, pocketing $45.927 million; and No. 3 is Philip Morris's Louis Camilleri, pocketing $43.229 million.

I couldn't access the full list (you need a subscription to Crain's, or you can buy the report here), but the Metro article did note that there are only four women in the top 100: No. 26, Avon Products's Andrea Jung, $12.9 million; No. 37, PepsiCo's Indra Nooyi, $9.9 million; No. 72, Ann Taylor Stores's Kay Krill, $5.7 million, and No. 79, The New York Times Co.'s Janet Robinson, $5.3 million.

And I was happy to get a few thousand back on my taxes this year.

There are a lot of angry frequent fliers today. Verified Identity Pass, the company that offered the Clear program has shut down. For an annual fee, Clear helped travelers skirt through faster airport security checkpoints. Members of the Clear program had to go through an intensive screening process and pay membership fees of 178 to $199 per year. Because the company is in bad financial straits, Verified Identity Pass is not issuing refunds.

The company said it wasn't able to negotiate a deal with its creditors, and its Clear fast-lane security check service stopped operations abruptly late Monday. More than a quarter million customers won't get refunds of membership fees that ranged from $178 to $199 per year and many people bought multi-year memberships. Some Clear members found out via e-mail but many did not learn that the program was over until they showed up at the airport.

The program was founded in 2003 by Steven Brill but he left the company in February when a group of investors took control. Many travelers are concerned about what happens to their identifying information. If the company files for bankruptcy protection and is sold off there is the faint possibility that creditors could argue that the information be sold to the highest bidder to pay creditors but this seems unlikely because the courts will likely protect customers.

One lingering question is whether or not this type of service can work in the future. Have the changes in the TSA and airlines made the service less of a draw? The AP quotes Air Transport Association spokesman David Castelveter who said that the service "provided no security benefit, and it charged you for what the TSA and the airlines gave you at no cost." Some Clear members say that the service saved them time and gave them a bit of relief from the hassles of the regular security lines. The loss of this program may make airline elite status programs and private jet charter options more appealing again to those looking for ways to fly with less stress.

A few months ago, The Luxury Institute released its latest findings, and the news may not be good: The headline on its home page reads: "Luxury Brands Are Failing To Deliver on Fundamentals of Luxury at a Critical Time for the Industry." And then: "Luxury leaders need to quickly get beyond the price and cost-cutting exercises and start innovating again on quality, craftsmanship and, especially, customer service."

Really? Do you agree that the luxury industry is slipping? I find that hard to believe, based, if nothing else, on what Luxist features every day.

Here's more (the first point's not news to us):

• Superior quality (82%), superior craftsmanship (78%) and superior customer service (60%) are the top three requirements of a luxury brand.
  
• 64% of wealthy consumers believe luxury goods prices are too high relative to the value they deliver.
  
• 62% of wealthy consumers say that the current state of the economy has changed their view of the luxury industry.

Click the next link to read an overview of the survey (appropriately named "WealthSurvey: The State of The Economy and Trends In The Luxury Industry-2009") and to view its Table of Contents. I can't give you more because to get the full report you need to purchase it ($650). If you're a luxury manufacturer, you might be interested. Purchase at the bottom of the aforementioned Table of Contents page.

As the recession began to dig its claws in last year, the NY Times ran an article on how plastic surgery was becoming a luxury that some were cutting back on. It seemed like vanity just might be yielding to practicality.

But now six months later, how are people feeling about plastic surgery? We asked Dr. Gabriel Chiu, the surgeon behind Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc to tell us what he's been seeing in his office. Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery is a full-service plastic and cosmetic surgery practice offering services that range from skincare and injectables to more invasive procedures such as breast augmentation. Their spa-like office is located on Wilshire Blvd. and has a retail skincare lounge, valet parking for medical appointments and the all-important private VIP reception.

It seems that while people are cutting back on some things, no one really wants to look badly. As Dr. Chiu puts it once they have "gotten used to looking a certain way and they don't want to risk losing it." In fact, in an increasingly competitive job market, some people are now coming in so that they can look younger and hold their own against floods of eager job seekers. What are people cutting back on most and what new treatments is Dr. Chiu most excited about? Our full interview is after the jump.

Premium wine service at a fine restaurant is a spectacular treat assisting customers with wine and food pairings and steering them into new varietals or vintages. Yet some may prefer to enjoy a sommelier's expertise in their own home however high the cost. Bertrand Faure Beaulieu and Philippe Messy have created just such a service for the wealthy. Currently coined 'Winelife' the mobile sommelier venture expected to open this summer charges an undisclosed yearly fee for these private services. Members are then assigned a dedicated personal sommelier who provides a unique bespoke service for them.

Three of the world's finest sommeliers, Gearold Devaney, Christopher Delalonde and Sébastien Chevalier have recently joined the ranks. Hire 'Winelife' for an education in tasting and cellaring or buying and drinking. Then pair this homebound opportunity with a chef and some ambiance and you've created a gastronome's fantasy in your own abode.

Summer will be here soon, and if you have not yet planned a vacation, now's the time. Here's an idea: The Ritz-Carlton, a name synonymous with luxury accommodations, just introduced two vacation packages made to create memories with "a selection of offerings that are not just about spending less, but experiencing more." The "Peace of Mind" or "Reconnect" packages are available in city and resort locations in the United States as well as abroad.

The Peace of Mind package includes accommodations, daily breakfast for two, Internet, local calls, parking and up to three complimentary nights The Ritz Kids special activities program is available for two youngsters. The Reconnect package includes accommodations and a credit to spend within the hotel. The range of value-added options are for travel between now and September 30, 2009.

Wedding season has arrived, and for the bride and groom, that means the fear of any little thing going wrong on the special day is imminent. And by little (that could turn into big), I mean a headache, or the need for a pen and paper or a bandage or a pair of scissors or lip balm, or a sudden need for deodorant or toothpaste, or the panicked realization that you never did get that shoe shine ... and so on.

Finally, someone has thought of putting a collection of moment-savings items for the bride or the groom into a take-along kit in an attractive bag. Mojuba's Bride Wedding Emergency Kit and Groom Wedding Emergency Kit each cost $165 and come in two styles each.

See the gallery for the style choices and a look at what's inside. Or, see the content lists here: bride and groom.

I think these would make thoughtful shower gifts. BTW, according to the site, in some African cultures, "Mojuba" refers to a bag of magical items that bring joy and happiness, and a prayer of praise and tribute.

Imagine going to buy a new luxury automobile and signing the same forms as you'd fill out if you were buying a lawn mower or an outboard motor? Doesn't seem right. And Honda agrees. Its luxury brand Acura may have been around a few years longer than either Lexus or Infiniti, starting the Japanese luxury revolution in the late 80's, but until now the financing of its automobiles has been handled by the same American Honda Finance Corporation. But no more, as the automaker has announced the formation of Acura Financial Services. The new subsidiary will be responsible for the financing of all new Acuras, and forms just the latest in a series of steps which Honda is taking to turn Acura into a luxury marque on the same level as Mercedes-Benz or Audi, to say nothing of Lexus or Infiniti.

How do you get your aggression out? Hitting golf balls at the driving range, maybe, or a good run? How about smashing a few cars instead. The Big Dig Adventure in Las Vegas offers a unique experience, the chance to crush junkyard cars. Make a reservation with the company and you are driven to an empty lot in southeast Henderson where you are given a half-hour of training with the controls. You can pay $130 per half hour to drive the bulldozer and half an hour of car smashing action costs $199.
[via Las Vegas Sun]

Princess Kasia Al Thani seems to be everywhere lately. The Princess, who is married to a brother of the Emir of Qatar, launched the luxury gifts website Savoir-Faire and was spotted at the Chanel show she was quoted by the Wall Street Journal as saying that Lagerfeld "never disappoints."

Savoir-Faire focuses on the top tier of luxury gifts and home goods. Jewelry designer Loree Rodkin, famous for pieces worn by Michelle Obama, designed a special collection just for the site. Fashion stylist Rachel Zoe also has a section of selections where she expresses her love for the Boucheron earrings and Anya Hindmarch purses available on the site.

But how is a new luxury website doing in this economy? I sent Princess Kasia Al Thani an email to find out. I asked what behavior she has seen from luxury consumers. She says, "I don't think people are buying less but they are buying cautiously. Fortunately we are a gifting site and even during austerity people still like to receive and give gifts. I always say that generosity never goes out of style. I do believe it's extremely important to keep buying so we help bring up our current economical situation."

Apparently among the many services offered by Harrods of London, the world's most exclusive department store, is a private aviation program. Air Harrods has now partnered with UK-based Watkins Yacht Management to provide air and concierge support via helicopter and corporate jet to the firm's superyacht clientele. Watkins, which has sister companies In Asia, Dubai and the U.S., provides yacht management services, sources yachts for charter, assists new owners, provides brokerage for sales and purchase, and offers a "discreet acquisition service with access to a number of high profile owners."

The two firms will now provide a "streamlined luxury travel experience" for yacht-goers. Transfers to the yachts will now start at the owner, charterer or guest's own front door and will seamlessly incorporate limousines, flights and/or helicopter transfers to and from the vessels, overseen by Harrods' highly-trained staff with all the perks one would expect of such a hallowed name.

Here's one last chance for a Valentine's prize. Flora2000 is giving away three Valentine's Days bouquets, to be sent as gifts. Just fill in this sentence: "A romantic thing I would do for my valentine would be ... " and enter here. Winners will be announced on the morning of Thursday, February 12, so enter quickly!

As every professional woman knows, it is difficult to find the perfect fit in a button-down shirt. Men have it so easy, with entire franchises built around making sure their shirts fit well. Rebecca & Drew is working to change this double standard, and we have to say: they're doing a darn fine job!

The photo at right is from their adorable shop at 344 West 13th Street in New York City's West Village. I headed down there to see what all this buzz about "fit shirts" and "custom design" was. I was not disappointed!

For starters, the shirts have specially-placed buttons so that you never get that "from the left you can see my bra" effect. They come in two fits: "Soft and Smooth" and "Strong and Confident." From what I gather, this means "has a small waist" and "has less of a waist." The shirt sizes are based on that and bra size. Why haven't we been doing this all along?

Once you know your Rebecca & Drew size, you can order any of their items online and know that it will fit. And if you happen to order the wrong size your first time? They'll exchange it no problem -- they'll even pay the shipping.

Have a look through our gallery where I try on one of the fit shirts, explain how they work, and show you a couple of our favorite items. The basic Rebecca & Drew shirts are $195, $175 for short-sleeves. Get one here!

Holidays in New York City can be a lot of things: charming, classic, thrilling ... overwhelming, chaotic, expensive. While some travelers arrive in search of the quintessential Silver Bells experience, others may want to discover something new or stick within a budget. Luxist's friends at Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations, Gabrielle Etrog Cohen and Gina Masullo, came up with a comprehensive list of places to go and things to do for all NYC travelers as well as package deals, including hotels.

THE FAMILY: Crowd-pleasers for all ages-within a budget.

The show: The Off-Broadway production of The Gazillion Bubble Show is the first and only interactive stage production of its kind, complete with fantastic light effects, lasers, and jaw-dropping masterpieces of bubble artistry.

The sites: Gawking at the Macy's displays, a visit with the polar bears in Central Park, photo ops at the Rockefeller Center tree.

The meal: Dim Sum Go Go offers more than 24 kinds of dumplings, plus four variations on the dough-wrapper theme, four sauces, and microwave-safe takeout containers. Kids will love the creative finger food and parents will love the dim sum delicacies (beet flavored dumplings?).

The hotel: Apple Core Hotels -- a family-friendly vibe in the city's most exciting neighborhood.

The deal: Apple Core Hotels invites guests to explore New York -- including a trip to Toys "R" Us Times Square to create a stuffed animal at the Filled-With-Love interactive design shop. Apple Core's "Filled with Love" package is available January 2 - February 14, starts at $159.99 and includes accommodations in the heart of New York City, stuffed animal and breakfast, and in-room coffee. Children under 13 stay free.

For more packages, click on the continued link.

Some of the world's finest bodies are trimmed and toned by Matt Roberts including Tom Ford, Naomi Campbell, and Sting. As a personal trainer with a team of highly-trained professionals he offers luxury-level workouts in grand locations around the world as well as online. The packages offered will cost between £1,150 and £1,800 but it doesn't say whether that is for a week's worth of sessions, a month or a year?! Certainly the premiere service, one-on-one attention and comprehensive approach to health is worth the money if you have some extra lying around.