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Oscar Suites and Goodies
January 10, 2008
Golden Globes gifting going ahead
Breathe easy, freebie-hunters--nearly all the major Golden Globes gifting suites will be going ahead as planned, despite the ceremony's cancellation. The Access Hollywood “Stuff You Must…” Lounge at the Sofitel LA is confirmed to go ahead, as are the SHM Red Carpet Golden Globe Suite, The Kari Feinstein Style Lounge, and the 2008 World Experience DPA Gift Lounge at the Peninsula. I'll be visting many of these gift suites in the coming days and give you the low-down on whether it feels like having Christmas without Santa. In the meantime, here's a photo of the lovely Kari Feinstein, host of the Kari Feinstein Style Lounge, at Sundance last year.
January 10, 2008 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 30, 2007
Berry Good
When life hands you fruit, you make fruit salad. If you owned newly revitalized spa Arcona, though, you’d probably create a skincare regimen instead. Although Arcona Studio has been a trusted luxury beauty destination for over 20 years, their brand new Santa Monica digs are attracting a lot of attention. This month, they’re also launching a revamped product line and, most notably, their signature Raspberry Resurfacing Peel will be available for at home use. The spa’s Customized Fruit Enzyme Peels—designed to restore damaged skin—are beloved by celebrity clients like Lauren Graham, Mandy Moore and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Arcona devotees can also look forward to new products like White Tea Purifying Cleanser, Peptide Hydrating Complex and Kiwi Clarifying Peel, launching this fall. This year has clearly been fruitful for Arcona. $65, The Arcona Studio, 425 Broadway, (877) 272-6620, arcona.com, beauty.com
May 30, 2007 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
March 4, 2007
Crystal Ball
Jewelry is an accessory, generally chosen for major events like the Oscars based on its rapport with a chosen gown. Well, pre-Academy Awards this year, Swarovski decided to make jewelry the main event. At their Runway Rocks fashion show—which has previously traveled to Tokyo, London, Paris, Barcelona and New York—designers and stylists from Hussein Chalayan to Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen created original crystal-strewn visions to be strutted down the catwalk. Styled by Patricia Fields (Sex in the City), the show attracted actresses like Kate Walsh and Illeana Douglas. Although the runway pieces are not for sale, Swarovski’s Red Carpet Collection was on display to be pulled for red carpet rocking. Actresses incuding Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez and Abigail Breslin grabbed pieces for the Oscars. Meanwhile, standouts from the upcoming spring/summer 2007 line included glittering over-sized rings with old Hollywood flavor. Spring/Summer '07 Collection $500 and Up, Swarovski.com
March 4, 2007 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
March 1, 2007
Feel the Earth Move
Purity is not a concept often associated with Hollywood. Still the sweet smell of success isn’t altogether foreign to tinsel town, which may explain why Earthworks bath and body products were favorite perks at this year’s Governors Ball. Created from natural oils, butters, plant extracts and anti-oxidants, Earthwork’s South African creator Corinne Able also infuses her line with exotic and sophisticated fragrances. Female guests were gifted body lotions and shower gels in scents like African Jasmine, Japanese Flower, Limone, Sweet Lime and Mandarine, while men received Sweet Lime, Limone, Almond and Pistachio products. Eau de Parfum was on hand at the soirée as well. Apparently purity has a place in the movie biz after all. $9-$40, earthworksproducts.com
March 1, 2007 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 26, 2007
That’s What She Sez
The Oscar red carpet was a blur of mermaid-shaped gowns and tuxes with ties. At the show all the winners were "honored to be nominated alongside such a fine group of actors." Afterward Baba Wawa’s interviews were appropriately tear-filled and at the post-parties everyone planned to "relax and enjoy the night!" Enough of the sugar-coated publicity hype! For the true scoop on Tinseltown's behind-the-scenes bedlam, head to SheSez.com, a blog that offers no-bull insider info on Hollywood happenings from award shows to trends. Helmed by entertainment journalist Linda Grasso (formerly of E!) with a celebrity stylist and private chef in tow, the site offers honest tips on the best salons, boutiques, restaurants, designers and more, debunking myths about overly hyped spots in the "Not So Much" section. Grasso also loves hearing readers' opinions via the "Guest Blog." We’d like to thank SheSez.com for inspiring us with truth and inebriating us with the dirt we crave! Free, SheSez.com
February 26, 2007 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
A Sterling Reputation
Even amidst beloved standards like Elton’s fête and the Vanity Fair party, the Governors Ball is the soirée that everyone hits even if only for a moment. Being across the way from the awards probably helps the party’s popularity, as does the Sterling Vineyards Red Carpet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. For the third year in a row Sterling blessed the ball with their specially blended and bottled red. This year celebrities also sipped a Sterling Vineyard Gold Standard Reserve Chardonnay, created specifically and reserved for the star-studded occasion. A toast to the winners, losers and hangers on who some how got themselves tickets! No sour grapes here. For the Governors Ball Only, sterlingvineyards.com
February 26, 2007 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 22, 2007
Watch It
Inexplicably, you were not invited to the Oscars. There must have been some mistake, some clerical error in judgment. Not that you’re nominated or anything, but you are a very important person—at least according to your mother. Well, you can still party hard with an upscale crowd at the W’s "Show Me The Oscars" party on Sunday from 8p.m. to 11p.m. at Whisky Blue. To kick off the hotel’s new SHOW series, plasma flat screens, gourmet popcorn, and Oscar-inspired cocktail concoctions named for Films like Blood Diamond and Little Miss Sunshine will abound. Plus win the judging contest and who knows what goodies you’ll receive! It may not be an Oscar gift bag, but then you won’t be paying taxes on your reward. Sounds like you’re clearly a winner—at least according to your mother. Admission is Free and Parking is only $5 with drink purchase, The W, Los Angeles - Westwood, 930 Hilgard Ave., (310) 208-8765
February 22, 2007 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 21, 2007
That’s Your Cue
Dos, don’ts, tight conciliatory smiles, tearful acceptance speeches—the Oscars are as drama-filled as a Grey’s Anatomy episode during sweeps. Of course some of the theatrics happen after the event when stars are praised and criticized for everything from dress choice to eloquence. Well clutch queen Lauren Merkin is helping the nominees excel in both categories with her adorable gold Oscar Cue Card Cases. Each nominee for best actress and supporting actress has received a version with an embossed phrase like, "Remember Waterproof Mascara," "Don’t Forget to Thank Your Husband," and "Always Act Surprised." And of course there’s a slot for a speech. So these ladies can be the height of decorum and carry something cute too—thank goodness. And thank Lauren Merkin too. For Nominees Only (but look out for similar upcoming business card cases), laurenmerkin.com
February 21, 2007 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 14, 2006
Hair Raising
Once upon a time people created some crazy solutions to hairstyling: clothing irons, straight peroxide, lye. Makes you want to get back to the future fast. Well, the future has definitely arrived with FHI Heat’s introduction of their new Nano-Fuzeion™ technology. In two new blowdryers (the Nano Salon Pro 2000 and Nano Weight Pro 1800) and in ¾ inch to 1 ½ inch ceramic tourmaline curling irons Nano-Titanium, Nano-Titanium Dioxide and Nano Silver particles are combined to purify hair of bacteria and static. In other less-scientific words, these tools are the latest ways to shape and shine your hair without damage. The curling iron even has an LCD display, making it practically one of the first computerized styling tools. Although these new innovations are set to officially launch on December 1, the first stores will receive them today. As long as you have the optimum tools at your disposal, might as well enjoy a future of good hair. $150-275, LA: Planet Beauty, Beauty Collection, NYC: Ricky’s
November 14, 2006 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 7, 2006
3-D
Your hair color was flat before the highlights. Your affect was flat ‘til you nixed the ganja habit. Your chest was flat before the padded push-up bra (ahem, implants?). Let’s face it, life is better in three-dimensions. Mineral make-up line Colorscience is known for adding softness and contours to the face thanks to light reflective ingredients that just happen to be good for your skin. Now they’ve added the Northern Lights Eyeshadow Kit to their collection, which is designed to make the windows to your soul pop. Colors include Arctic Night, magenta and silver-flecked with violet blue reflections, Igloo Ice, silver-gray with blue green reflections, and Aurora Borealis, lavender with golden reflections. So even your eye make-up will have depth and dimension—and that’s without-surgery boobalicious. $35, NYC: Nabi Med Spa, 586 Columbus Ave., (212) 595-4400, LA: Aris Institute for Beauty, 3723 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., (805) 449-1799
November 7, 2006 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
October 23, 2006
Under Cover
In movies, women sleep in full makeup. In reality, however, sleeping in eyeliner probably means you passed out after debaucheries the night before. Watch that martini intake, lady! Still, whether for bed or under daytime duds, sometimes we do want to depart from the usual oversized tee or beige bra and slip on something a little sultrier. That’s where new romantic lingerie line Lavande SWK comes in. This thoughtful and style-conscious line by fashion veteran and personal shopper to the upper crust Stacey Walker King is comprised of beautiful bralettes with eyelash lace and Swarovski crystal details, silk chiffon slip tops, and silk charmeuse loungewear, which would improve any woman’s day (not to mention her man’s). $78-$398, Tres Jolie, 181 S. Beverly Dr., (310) 860-1110, lavande-swk.com
October 23, 2006 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 27, 2006
Blend In
Silly makeup novice, you thought the right colors, brands, and combination of cosmetics could transform you to Scarlett Johansson. Fat chance. What you actually need is a hot pink tear dropped shaped little sponge called the Beauty Blender. Created by celebrity makeup artists Rea Ann Silva and Veronica Lorenz, this little beauty tool is the ultimate in makeup application. With no edges to avoid streaking, a pointed top to access hard-to-reach smaller spots, a suede texture for fun, and special lavender-scented Blender Cleanser to use nightly on your blender, you’ll be looking, well, like a better version of you. So if you still don’t look like a starlet, frankly my dear Scarlett, who gives a damn? $19.95-$39.95, beautyblender.net
August 27, 2006 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 28, 2005
The Suite Life, Part V: Dior (L.A.)
Before Oscar madness hit its fevered pitch this weekend, Dior Beauty hosted a small, sedate cocktail party at the Soho House last Thursday night for celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff, who eventually had to tackle presenter Gwyneth Paltrow's face for the big ceremony. Beauty pros, stylists and editors mingled with starlets like Kate Bosworth and Riley Keough, aka Elvis Presley's granddaughter, who graces Dior's current ads (did we mention she's all of 16?). But of course there had to be a little drama -- this is a fashion-slash-Hollywood bash, after all -- and it occurred when a friend of Dubroff's lost an Anthony Nak earring. Partygoers got on their hands and knees to search for the sparkler, but nothing. Surprisingly, the least stressed person was Anthony Nak designer Anthony Camargo, who wasn't going to let anything spoil his Oscar week.
February 28, 2005 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
Oscar Goodies Report: Travel
Let the detoxing begin. Now for the matter of sorting out which trips in the presenters basket are worth redeeming and which ones are, um, transferable:
♦ Vancouvers Opus Hotel is offering its six-night Ultimate Canadian Experience, half of which will be spent at the Four Seasons Whistler, with helicopter transfer between the two resorts.
♦ Carolina Country, anyone? The Inn at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina has anted up a riverfront cottage suite for three nights, golf, spa treatments and more.
♦ Golf fanatics can play to their hearts content for two days on Robert Muir Graves championship course at the Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley.
♦ The St. Regis Monarch Beach resort in Dana Point is including a butler to attend to your every request and a surf-butler for lessons in its three-night getaway.
February 28, 2005 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 25, 2005
Oscar Gift-Basket Keeper: Sprint Phone
Olive oil? To Mom. Cashmere drawstring bottoms? To Sis. But you should hold onto the Sprint PCS international phone by Samsung. The IP-A790 is the first Sprint device capable of making and receiving calls in more than 130 countries. Which means if youre vacationing in Costa Rica one week, filming in Vancouver the next, and checking up on the house in L.A. in between, youll always be in touch with the same phone. Presenters will receive the gadget -- which boasts features like voice recognition and downloadable clips from CNN and ESPN -- and three months of service. $549, available at sprint.com beginning next week
February 25, 2005 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Suite Life, Part IV: Fekkai/Chanel (L.A.)
With all the uncertainties of awards season, one of the things Oscargoers and industry insiders can always count on is getting expertly primped at the Frederic Fekkai/Chanel beauty retreat. Its consistently been a tried-and-true escape, even if things were a bit crazed on the first day yesterday. The big guns arent due to show up until Saturday, but Nicolette Sheridan, past nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo, Kelly Lynch and even an Endeavor agent enjoyed blowouts and makeup applications from Chanel's Susan Sterling, as well as non-stop Perrier-Jouet and Gran Centenario "Glam-a-ritas." "Desperate Housewives' " Brenda Strong and other guests also took some pampering home, snagging goodie bags packed with Chanel glosses and Fekkai sprays on the way to the elevator.
February 25, 2005 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Suite Life, Part III: Kwiat/Revlon (L.A.)
What in the world was Robert Duvall doing at the bash for the Kwiat/Revlon suite last night? OK, so the actor wasnt at the Four Seasons to get a makeover; he was just waiting for his car from the valet. But Allison Janney, Teri Polo, "Desperate Housewives " Andrea Bowen, "The O.C.s" Shannon Lucio and several other PYTs from TV land were on hand for the showing of bling and free-flowing beauty products. The nights shtick was that one partygoer would take home a diamond necklace if she got the winning ticket with her "Diamond-tini." Unfortunately for the publicists, an unnamed guest (not a celeb) ended up hitting the jackpot. However, all in attendance walked away with a Kwiat umbrella, a Kwiat tee and more Revlon than a drugstore display.
February 25, 2005 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 24, 2005
Oscar Gift-Basket Keeper: T3 Hair Tools
This is one the presenters shouldnt hand off to their assistants: The T3 Tourmaline set of hairdryers and irons will earn a place in your beauty hall of fame, alongside Nars Orgasm blush and Shu Uemuras eyelash curler. Already treasured by fashion folk like runway hair guru Orlando Pita, the ionic dryer incorporates complex-sounding technology to dry tresses in less than half the time of normal dryers. But recipients will also get T3s newest irons, including the amazing wet-to-dry iron, which steam dries even the curliest locks straight while locking in moisture. $200 each, t3tourmaline.com
February 24, 2005 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Suite Life, Part II: De Beers (L.A.)
Freebie vultures hoping to cash in on a suite "mall" scenario at the Regent Beverly Wilshire will be disappointed to hear that its been an upstanding affair in BevHills so far. Ice powerhouse De Beers just set up camp yesterday, with diamond maven Joan Parker at the helm. Media and stylists were treated to an eyeful of blinding stones, as well as a photo display of past nominees like Cate Blanchett and Scarlett Johansson in De Beers. Since the company prefers to target just one nominee to bejewel at each event, the selection was carefully edited. Mostly bracelets and earrings were on display, with just a few necklaces. Which leads to another red carpet trend alert: Look for lots of bare necks with strapless gowns.
February 24, 2005 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
Oscar Goodies Report: Beauty
Friends, families and assistants of presenters, don't be surprised if you've got some of these products (all included in the official gift basket) coming your way:
♦ Presenters will hit the Kiehl's motherload with endless lip balms, cleansing bars and, oh yes, a gift certificate to the new Robertson Boulevard store for pretty much whatever they want.
♦ Also included is a Kinara cert good for a custom facial, massage and lunch at the spas cafe.
♦ And just in case the celebs mugs arent being pampered enough, Kate Somerville threw in another certificate (worth up to $2,500) and an essentials kit for glowing skin. The best part? The chic little Tarah Smith clutch it comes in.
February 24, 2005 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 23, 2005
The Suite Life, Part I: Jimmy Choo (L.A.)
Editors and stylists got a sneak peak yesterday of creative director Sandra Chois fall collection at Jimmy Choos annual Oscar suite at the Peninsula. In addition to the sexy metallic numbers for the red carpet, there was a fierce boot/heel in cracked leather silver, gold and eggplant that had the footwear fiends wishing next fall would arrive already. But the Oscar collection was enough to tide everyone over. Rose and yellow gold strappy stilettos were plentiful, all festooned with strings of rhinestones (like the Ghost sandals pictured). Bowls overflowing with clip-on jeweled accoutrements to dress up any style were abundant, too. Which leads to a red carpet trend alert: Whereas last years clip-ons had a brooch-y feel, this year's gems are long, drapey and fabulous. jimmychoo.com
February 23, 2005 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
February 22, 2005
Suite Dreams Filled With Swag (L.A.)
Now that the Presidents' Day holiday is out of the way, swag-o-rama week is officially in full swing. Jewelers, beauty companies and liquor houses have set up camp in suites all over town to push product on Oscar-goers. Some of the more concentrated spots include the Regent Beverly Wilshire (Stuart Weitzman, Bacardi, Rafinity Jewelry), the Four Seasons (Kwiat, Revlon) and the Pacific Design Center (Stila, Eduardo Lucero, Taryn Rose). Whos been spotted where and snagging up what? Updates to come ...
February 22, 2005 in OSCAR SUITES AND GOODIES | Permalink | Comments (0)
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