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Okay, you all know I like nice sh*t! I like fancy shoes. I enjoy a good meal. If someone wants to whisk me away on their private jet, you will find me on the tarmac! But there is a level of luxury that most of us, no matter how successful, remains out of our reach. It’s the kind of luxury reserved for aristocrats and celebrities. The Getty family. Beyoncé! Rich and powerful people who have so much money, they can afford to go someplace private to kick back with their pals and not have to drink in the same crappy watering holes as the hoi polloi! (umm, that would be you and me!)

Groucho Marx once said, “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.” That’s because in the old days, clubs were reserved exclusively for old white men who walked around with a stick up their backside! You were NEVER going to have any fun at these clubs! They existed only as a pedestal upon which to flaunt your wealth and prestige and talk about what geniuses you all were. And you better have liked cigars, because the air was as thick with smoke as it was with chi-chi attitude!

Today, things have changed… a least where it matters most! The new generation of millennial wealth demands clubs that are fun and inclusive of women and men no matter what their skin color is! BUT… you’re still going to need a boat load of cash, letters of recommendation, and several renowned sponsors! Sheesh! As we dedicate the month of August to exploring luxury, we step inside the prestigious world of the “new” members-only clubs. It might be a world you’ll never get to experience, but it’s always nice to dream!

New York

The Ludlow House in SoHo New York was established in 1995. It has sister SoHo properties in London, Berlin, Istanbul, West Hollywood, Miami, Chicago and Toronto and four tiers of membership, making it one of the most accessible members-only clubs you’ll find, with the lowest tier setting you back only $1,000 a year! (When you learn what some of the others cost, you will see what a bargain this is!) Most members of Ludlow House work in the creative fields of music, film, television, fashion, advertising and media. The decor is luxurious leisure. It’s colorful and comfy and features a parlor, bar, dining room, rooftop entertainment area, screening room, and lounges designed for live performances.

London

The Chelsea Art Club as seen here in the midst of a raucous costume party captured by RobinHill2824 of Instagram! If you’d like, you can dress like this all the time as there is no dress code at this club! I don’t know about you but this looks EXACTLY like the kind of members-only establishment I’d like to belong to!

Oh hey, btw if you’d like to plan a super fab party of your own, be sure to download our FREE Super Secret Party Tips Guide! You’ll be glad you did!

Founded by a group of artists in the 1800s, the building facade of the The Chelsea Art Club changes regularly. The goings-on inside revolve around the billiard room, dining room, and garden. There are also 12 bedrooms which members may book. As you might guess from the picture, membership is comprised mainly of creative individuals, including painters, sculptors, architects, filmmakers, writers, actors, and musicians whose works are exhibited at the club year-round. It also probably goes without saying, the parties here are said to be legendary! #wheresmyinvitation

In addition to offering a discounted rate of £218 for under 30s, the club distinguishes between “town” and “country” memberships, with “country” running about £435. There’s a waiting list for new members and applicants must be sponsored by at least two existing members whom they’ve known for at least two years.

Dubai

The Capital Club in Dubai primarily hosts global business professionals who use the club as a meeting place for lectures, presentations, and negotiations. The club features dining rooms, bar amenities and modern styling. They are rumored to be highly discerning about the members they select. It’s $15,000 to join (gasp!) and $300 a year for membership after that.

Toronto

The Spoke House, located on the King West strip of Toronto offers working spaces, a library, screening rooms, private dining room, wine cellar and rooftop bar. Again, this is another highly affordable (yay!) private club that runs about $1,000 a year and boasts a membership of young creative entrepreneurs.

San Francisco

The Battery in San Francisco has a 4,500 person membership and a sizable building in North Beach that contains a restaurant, cocktail lounge, wine cellar, library, parlor for private events, living room, garden bar, guest rooms, and spa. To gain membership to this exclusive domain you must be recommended by an existing member and value privacy, as The Battery frowns upon members posting pictures of the club or any of its members. This elite venue serves two sides of life and considers itself both a social club and a business club that embraces innovation. Memberships run $2,400 per year upon acceptance.

Los Angeles

The Jonathan Club is one of the legacy members-only clubs in Los Angeles, established in 1895. They have two locations, one downtown and one at the beach in Santa Monica. And, guess what? I’m a member! The Jonathan Club combines the best traditional old-world elegance and attentive service but with modern flair and a casual California attitude! It features fine dining, bars, guest suites, pool and spa, as well as private beach access at their coastal location. The initiation fee is steeeeppp now at $45,000 and then $500 monthly after that. Hollywood’s elite can be spotted there most weekends (along with their plastic surgeons!).

Buenos Aires

The Clubhouse is another SoHo club (these peeps seriously know how to do it right and rule the world!) located in the city’s chic Palermo district. It features a sultry outdoor space with pool and garden, fireplace lounge, screening rooms, and two bars. Known for throwing stylish events, The Clubhouse offers reciprocal membership at many private clubs around the world and four tiers of membership starting at $600. While you can’t beat the cost of membership, all applicants must be interviewed by the membership committee to be accepted and because of their limited membership there is a HUGE waiting list I’m told.

Next week we’ll be exploring luxury fashion by comparing online stylist services! #swoon

Until then, we’re giving you ELITE ACCESS to our Super Secret Party Tips Guide – FREE! (It’s kind of always free, but I wanted to make you feel special!)