South Beach's iconic European-inspired beach club, Nikki Beach, is taking its sexy seaside concept to Park City, Utah for the Sundance Film Festival, transforming The Sky Lodge Hotel's rooftop lounge into winter wonderland. Through Sunday, Nikki Beach will host a slew of private dinners, press junkets, cocktail soirées, and exclusive after parties. To combat the chilly air and keep guests comfortable, the indoor-outdoor venue will also flaunt fire pits and heaters. The Creative Coalition's 2013 Spotlight Initiative Gala pre-dinner cocktail party is among the events slated to take place inside the Nikki Beach Sundance space. Hollywood heavyweights Sharon Stone, Jane Lynch, Shailene Woodley, and Alfred Molina will be honored at the event.  

George Clooney and partner Rande Gerber at the launch of their new tequila brand, Casamigos, in Fort Lauderdale 

George Clooney popped up in Fort Lauderdale at Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar to launch his new Casamigos Tequila this past Tuesday night. [People] Also worth checking out is this commercial for the liquor, featuring Clooney and Cindy Crawford in bed. [YouTube]

With a pivoting entry wall, living room reflection pool, disappearing glass walls, a waterfall, two outdoor kitchens, a wine gallery, and private spa, the Mansions at Acqualina penthouse is now on the market for a cool $55 million. [Curbed Miami]

The "Eater 38" has been just been updated to recommend the 38 best local restaurants and hidden haunts around town. [Eater Miami]

The nominations for the Academy Awards are in, and the only thing more interesting than who was nominated is who wasn’t nominated. Buzzfeed breaks it down, starting with the Kathryn Bigelow’s best director snub. [Buzzfeed]

Magic City has finally released its season two trailer. Aside from the escalated mobster drama, a familiar Miami face has joined the cast: Rick Ross (yes, that Rick Ross). [Cultist]

After making national headlines and setting the rumor mill ablaze, Nick Loeb explains why he and fiancé Sofia Vergara were kicked out of Story nightclub on New Year’s Eve. [Access Hollywood] 

Gotham Steak will host the second Cellar 1954 event

On January 22, the Fontainebleau will kick off its new wine and dinner pairing series, Cellar 1954 (a nod to the hotel’s opening date), with a five-course tour de force at Scarpetta, featuring pairings by Verona, Italy’s Bertani wines. Pours will include a blend of pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc, a prosecco, and amarones from as far back as 1968. Meanwhile, courses are substantial, with dishes like tuna bresaola, polenta and truffled mushroom fricassee, and aged sirloin and foie gras topping the menu.

Then on January 24, at Gotham Steak, California’s Opus One wines will lead guests through a culinary excursion that starts with poached main lobster salad and a 2012 Fumé Blanc and ends with dark chocolate mouse with Campari and blood orange sorbet. Courses in between are even more decadent: sheep’s milk ricotta ravioli with braised lamb shank and a big, bold Napa red; roasted Muscovy duck breast with hearty winter vegetables, compressed pear, and black currant sauce with a 2005 Napa red; and finally, mushroom-stuffed roast loin of milk-fed veal with Burgundy truffles, potato purée, and sauce bordelaise with a 2001 Napa red.

Cellar 1954 reservations are required and seats go for $295 per person. Coming up, the series will host winemakers from Dom Pérignon, Kosta Browne, Vérité, and Dunn Vineyards. And some very special dinners will even serve vintage wines from the hotel’s inaugural year. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-4706

Make like you’re in San Francisco and swap Sunday brunch for Sunday dim sum at Bloom in Wynwood. The Asian-fusion restaurant’s new Dim Sum-Days occur ever Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. and promise a modernized menu of Eastern delicacies by executive chef Ricardo Sauri. Crowd your table with ultra-shareable small plates (from $3 to $17) like Korean scallion pancakes, barbecue pork buns, roasted eggplant, and Okonomiyaki, or Japanese pizza. And since it wouldn’t be Sunday brunch without cocktails, Dim Sum-Days also features $12 sake-based cocktails. We loved the refreshing Red Koi and spicy Ring of Fire. Reserve a table on Bloom’s whimsical outdoor terrace to enjoy your dim sum and sake-tails alfresco. 2751 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 305-576-5443

TOTEM opens tonight at Sun Life Stadium 

Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM
Opens Thursday, January 10, 8 p.m.
Cirque du Soleil's whimsical big top takes residence at Sun Life Stadium, welcoming TOTEM to South Florida this Thursday. The storyline follows the evolution of the human species from amphibian to current day, and beyond. Cirque's breathtaking acrobatics and dazzling displays will run on a Tuesday through Sunday schedule through February 24. Tickets begin at $58 and can be purchased online. 2269 N.W. 199th St., Miami Gardens, 305-943-8000; cirquedusoleil.com

"Everything is Perfect" VIP Opening
Friday, January 11, 7 p.m.
Abstract expressionist and Miami resident Diego Jacobson will unveil more than 70 paintings at the VIP preview of his LMNT gallery exhibition, "Everything is Perfect." Jacobson’s celebrated career is made all the more triumphant given his battle with Dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions. The exhibit name reflects Jacobson's life mantra: "If everything is perfect, you can't judge anything." 59 N.W. 36th St., Miami, 305-989-6963; lmntartsmiami.com

Japanese New Year Celebration
Sunday, January 13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Welcome the Year of the Snake at the Morikami Japanese Museum and Gardens’ 35th annual Oshogatsu celebration, promising calligraphy courses, exhibits, food, and music. 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, 561-495-0233; morikami.org 

Whether crafting a pair of sky-high stilettos or spiked sneakers, Ruthie Davis is always thinking about the woman on the go. One such is new mom and force of nature Beyoncé—Davis’ biggest celebrity fan. Their relationship is so solid that Davis even created a custom pair of Swarovsky sneakers for baby Blue Ivy. To boot (quite literally), Lady Gaga, Fergie, and Kelly Osbourne are also steadfast supporters of the brand, which launched in 2006, after Davis had honed her skills working for major shoemakers like Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger, and UGG. While at Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour to launch her resort 2013 collection, we spoke to Davis at length on inspiration, friends in high places, and total shoe world domination. 

With style names like “West Palm Platform” and “Boca,” it seems like South Florida was a big inspiration for your resort 2013 line. 
RUTHIE DAVIS: Absolutely. South Florida was definitely part of the inspiration for the new resort collection. How could you not be inspired by South Florida for resort, right? I really wanted to make a collection that was very elegant, classy, sophisticated, and somewhat minimal in the sense of using beautiful, more muted tones, nudes, and pastels and then add the youthful, sexiness, fun, and a little bit of an edge that is always a part of my brand. It fits really well for South Florida. This is an area with a lot of history and a classic side to it, but yet the people here are fun. You have that Latin sexiness in the mix.  

What sort of things do you consider when designing a shoe?
RD: My brand is always going to be inspired by Miami, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and a bit of New York City. I'm always going to love the midcentury modern feeling, Art Deco, indoor-outdoor concepts, and nature—it's part of every collection. Also, as a woman and shoe designer, which is actually rare because most high fashion shoe designers are men, I really like to work with the female body and make women feel wonderful by working with their bodies.

What would you say is the biggest design risk you've taken thus far? 
RD: Recently I'd say this seven-inch wedge. I call it the Lady Gaga shoe. It's a crazy wedge. I did it last season as a bootie and now I have it coming out for spring as a sandal-shoe. What's interesting is that a lot of buyers and my employees were scared. And then it sold out instantly. I believe they retailed for over $2,000 a pair. That got me excited. [It] may not be for the masses, but the people that want it really want it.

What lessons did you learn from working at Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger, and UGG?
RD: I think the most valuable thing is at the end of the day you have to trust your gut. You have to have your structure and plan and all those functional things you learn in such companies, but you must have the confidence to have a vision. I also learned, and am a big proponent of, the relationship between marketing and design. I think about the marketing plan when I'm designing a shoe. I'm thinking about what celebrities might wear it, what magazine it may go in, what stores might sell it, and how I will market it.

Speaking of celebrities, is there anyone in particular who you feel embodies your brand?
RD: Well, obviously I love Beyoncé. She's worn my shoes many times and she's such a lovely person and is so gorgeous and gracious. She would certainly be number one. I also love Elizabeth Banks, Christina Ricci, and Nikki Reed. I love girls with personality.

You even made shoes for Beyonce’s daughter, Blue Ivy. How did that happen?
RD: Beyoncé has been such a fan and I know she loves Swarovski crystals, so I decided to do a mini sneaker for Blue Ivy with Swarovski crystals. [Blue Ivy] is growing so fast that I'm actually working on getting her a couple more pairs.

You also make super-chic sneakers for grown-ups.  
RD: I tend to be a sneaker girl. I like running around New York City, L.A., or wherever in my kicks, but I also like the sneakers to go well with the same outfit I would wear with my shoes. So I put my shoes in my bag and switch them out. I always wanted to have sneakers. It has been so well received that stores have asked for them in men's sizes. So we're launching men's sneakers for fall.

Any plans to open a flagship store?
RD: You sniffed that one out! We've got some things we are working on. The home of the brand is New York City, so that will be the first flagship. Miami would be pretty high on the flagship list, given my special affinity for this area.

What are some goals you have for yourself and the brand for 2013?
RD: It's time for the home of Ruthie Davis, the flagship store. It's time to consider new collaborations. Launching men's is important. I do want to be a lifestyle brand and have other products. I have dabbled in handbags and it is something I want to take to the next level. We have a lot of exciting things planned. We're launching at Bloomingdale's in New York and L.A. and doing events in the spring. The brand is still growing and building. The only analogy I can give is we're to about to take off. Mark my words! 

Patricia Delgado and Didier Bramaz dancing George Balanchine's Divertimento No. 15

The Miami City Ballet continues to build its international repertoire with the opening of Program II: Tradition and Innovation at the Adrienne Arsht Center this Friday. The production is comprised of four distinct ballets: George Balanchine's Divertimento No. 15 and Duo Concertant, Marius Petipa's Don Quixote Pas de Deux, and Liam Scarlett's anticipated world premiere and concluding program piece, Euphotic. Scarlett catapulted onto the global stage after making his choreography debut with Viscera last year. Though he hails from The Royal Ballet of London, Scarlett created Viscera and Euphotic specifically for the Miami City Ballet, and has again cast local principal dancer, Jeanette Delgado, as his lead. (Seen above is Jeanette's sister, Patricia, who's also a principal dancer at the Miami City Ballet.) In addition to manning a cast of 28, Scarlett also took on the role of costume and scene designer. Program II runs at the Arsht Center through Saturday (Jan. 13) and will then be presented at Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-949-6722

Jenny Dress by L*Space. Photographed in the Everglades National Park. 

Annie Vazquez (aka “The Fashion Poet”) is a Miami fashion blogger with a flair for shopping on a budget, discovering new designers, and trend spotting. Follow her on Twitter @anniecvazquez, add her blog to your daily reading list, and look for her weekly outfit posts on Oceandrive.com.

Cantonese lobster at CATCH

CATCH
Opening on Tuesday, January 8
Taking root in the recently unveiled James Royal Palm Hotel, CATCH is the EMM Group’s Miami iteration of its Manhattan Meatpacking District restaurant of the same name. Rife with approachable yet sophisticated seafood (think fried oyster po’ boys, grilled prawns, and plenty of sushi), the menu is by Top Chef season three winner Hung Huynh. The look of the bi-level restaurant echoes the Art Deco design of the hotel, while still feeling modern with large copper drum lamps, exposed brick, and cork-lined ceilings. 1545 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; jameshotels.com

Pubbelly Steak
Opening on Thursday, January 10
The team at Pubbelly Restaurant is rolling out its fifth food concept with Pubbelly Steak, opening in the former Joe Allen space. Chef Jose Mendin's menu will feature premium steaks, daily fish specials, shared plates, and daily raw bar specials. At the bar, Ashley Danella (previously at Hakkasan) will serve new and modern twists on classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Negroni. 1787 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach; pubbelly.com

The Flat
Opening in mid-February
South Beach's South of Fifth neighborhood will soon welcome The Flat in the former Cozy space. Geared toward the pre- and post-nightclub crowd, The Flat will serve “innovative cocktails” complemented by “petite culinary creations” created by chef "Beppe" Galazzi. 500 South Point Dr., Miami Beach

The juicing room at Dr. Etti Oriya's new wellness and martial arts center

Dr. Etti Oriya, aka the Juicing Goddess, has been prescribing customized detox plans and juice cleanses for more than a decade. As featured in this month's issue of Ocean Drive, Dr. Oriya's latest venture is her new Wellness Center & Miami Martial Arts Academy, a nutritional center and self-defense studio opened in collaboration with her fiancé, Martial Arts master Joseph Drabkin. The pair will celebrate the center's grand opening on February 2, offering participants two-for-one specials on studio memberships and organic juicing programs. If you’re looking to amp up your New Year’s resolution to stay fit, you can’t do better than the Sexi Juicing series ($625), which includes a week’s worth of organic juice, smoothies, and meals, as well as daily in-studio group sessions and private consultations with Dr. Oriya. And those who purchase adult martial arts memberships during the opening will receive a $50 discount on the monthly membership price ($180), which includes unlimited class access and a free uniform. In addition to martial arts and nutritional programs, the center will offer courses in yoga and dance movement and will provide colonic treatments, lymphatic drainages, massage therapies, and lifestyle seminars. 6550 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 855-955-8423