How the Stars Really Do It, Updos & Makeovers Studios & Salons

By Laura Medina

Makeup/Over Beauty Studio, Blushington on Sunset Plaza.

Are you envious enough of those stars' gorgeous looks? Dying to know how your favorite actress get that immaculate hair and flawless makeup? Just plain frustrated that you spent all this money and you don't get that same result?

Pssst, the secret is out...celebrities and starlets...and actors...go to these accessible, open-to-the public salons and studios that just specialize in blow-outs, updos, and makeup applications. Each service costs no more than $35, adding up to under $100. What's even better, they pamper you silly while they do all the work, so you do not have to fret for that party or that gala...or being under the mega-watt glare of an awards show.

On 8591 Sunset Boulevard, at Sunset Plaza, conveniently parked next to Dry Bar with three hours free parking, Blushington is already the go-to makeup studio for Emma Roberts and Jamie Lynn Sigler. Boy, it was bustling with Golden Globe attendees-celebrities and publicists-getting all fixed up for the start of Hollywood's High Society Season. Yes, East Coast. Awards Season is the West Coast's Society Season and the Golden Globes kicked it off last night.

At Blushington, they have a menu/lookbook of makeup looks, ranging from pretty, girl-next door for everyday to smoldering to the cutting edge off the runway. These professional, industry makeup artists use brands, such as Stila and Kevin Aucoin, to create these looks. While patting your makeup, you will learn new tips along the way. But, if you are too tired and lazy, each application session is only $35 flat fee. If you do like the products, they are for sale but the vibe is pressure-free. No need to buy, just apply.

Since Blushington removes the klutz out of makeup application for under $50 and it is open to the public, actors do pop in for a "natural and smooth look" to be camera-ready for that audition and on-camera appearance...in a last minute in a protected, salon atmosphere. They will smooth over the cracks and divets, making him camera-ready in a snap.

Next door to Blushington, at 8595 Sunset Boulevard, is the hair version...Dry Bar.

In fact, my Blushington makeup artist, a.k.a. "Makeup Whisper," Michelle asked me did I had my updo at Dry Bar, also $35 for a service, whether it is a bubbly blow-out, sleek ponytail, or regal updo.

No cuts. No color. Just straight up hair styling. They, too, offer a menu of various hair styles. They also take out the klutz out of your hands and do the twisting, the pinning, and the roll and curl...so you don't have to.

Less stress.

Other hair salons are jumping on the blow-out bandwagon.

Carlton Hair now offers special, limited-edition coupons for updos for $24.50 but take advantage soon because they'll expire soon.

What happens when you add up one updo session with one makeup application?

For under $100, klutz-free, an average Jane is red carpet/awards show ready...without the fret and stress...all done in a relaxing environment.

Remember, these salons are open year-around. Never be afraid to pop in right before your party and let the professionals fix you up.

Easy Glam.

Michelle Phan's Red Carpet Makeup Trends

By Laura Medina

YouTube Cosmetic Sensation and Lancome Spokesperson, Michelle Phan.

Making a South California appearance at Glendale's Sephora, Michelle Phan predicts what makeup trends will hit the red carpet for the upcoming Awards Season.

Having designed Lancome's limited edition Glamour Eyes Makeup Kit, she included purple which was seen everywhere on last year's red carpet for the majority of people.

For this time, she suggested using the shimmering gun metal silver shadow in this compact because the camera flashes ask for something reflective and glittering for under the intense glare of the strobe lights.

Another Lancome team member, Chris, knows of another red carpet trend using the whole kit. Here is what he might do for the People's Choice Awards the ...

Again, he said that the flashing cameras and the intense spotlight demand the "popping of the eyes" where the whole eyes and the upper eye lids flash out to meet the flash. This is similar to the past Fall trend of Seventies' Ziggy Stardust of popping glitter in the middle of the eye lid to make it pop out.

After covering the entire upper eye lid then rimming the lower eye lid with primer to make the eye shadow stick to the skin, Chris sweep the whole upper eye lid, from brow to lash line, with the peach/pink shadow from Ms. Phan's Glamour Kit as a base.

He added depth in the crease by swishing back and forth the taupe shadow for a natural depth.

This is where he adds on the glitz. From crease to upper lash line, Chris covers the whole upper eye lid with the shimmering gun metal silver shadow for that pop.

Then, he pulls in the focus by dabbing on a "V" at the outer corners of the upper eye lids, using the purple.

To polish the whole effect off, he used the liquid eyeliner with the felt tip and the mascara, all included in the kit, to refine the intensity.

With Michelle Phan's easy and complete Glamour Eyes Kit, do not be surprised to see these looks at the red carpets for the upcoming award shows.

Golden Globe 2012 Preview

By Laura Medina

Ananya Fantasy Kaftan Gown & Cocktail Tunic/Dress.

The party season may be over for the majority of people with the snow storms approaching.

But, here in sunny, warm Hollywood, the entertainment industry is gearing up for the Awards Season, the industry's high society season.

It is also the time when nominees and thespians start shopping and picking their gowns, hair, and makeup for all these galas and soirees and those televised award shows.

The Arriviste had the privilege back in November to gain a sneak peek of what the nominees and guests may wear within a week on the Golden Globes on January 15th or the Grammys in February.

Since it is still poolside weather and the climate is easy, London designer, Ananya provides the right amount of ease and glitz with her glimmering sequin kaftans doubling as late-afternoon "twilight" gowns that speed directly into night.

A favorite of Kate Moss, Kylie, Madonna, and Kiera Knightley, this is new Brit Cool style or Brit Ease where Indian culture meets Hollywood glam, making it approachable for Spring and Summer Eveningwear.

You get the point already.

It is not Awards Season or Hollywood High Society Season unless someone tosses in some spangle.

Think Holiday glitter refined into sexy and sleeker silhouettes...or incorporating it into unexpected forms...as in garden wear gone glam.

These prim and proper sheath dresses get dipped in sequins, with a slash of chiffon, by Alexia Admor and Blue Tassel.

The fabrications may be fierce but the price tag is friendly, ranging under $200.

Expect more red carpet fashion and style soon.

Time for this scribe to prep the outfit and primp that hair and makeup.

A Star-Studded Holiday Edition

By Laura Medina

Nicole Richie at her House of Harlow Pop-Up Shop at Fred Segal on Melrose.

Like this scribe has been saying recently, it is not the holidays until the celebrities bust out of the woodwork.

Once the Victoria's Secret Angels have descended from lingerie heaven, Nicole Richie appeared with her holiday-only pop-up shop, House of Harlow in the home decor section of Fred Segal on Melrose. Her clutches and purses can be pre-ordered for Spring while her home decor on the left side of the stores are ready to be wrapped and ready for the holidays. Like Santa Claus, it will disappear immediately after Christmas.

You know how the majority of people string up teeny-weeny bulbs of red, white, and green light brights then call it "Christmas."

Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills does it differently.

Under the guidance of Mayor Barry Brucker, Swarovski Elements built a crystal double helix that doubles as a Twitter post board where people twitt their holiday cheers...or blahs on the message board.

Jessica Alba and Jennifer Hudson were the lucky honorees lighting up the double helix.

In cosmopolitian Beverly Hills, they "Let It Sparkle."

It is not just the ladies who are enjoying the glittering festivities.

The emerging young gentlemen from HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" and "True Blood" were pampered and polished at The Art of Shaving Barber Spa /Boutique opening.

Watching "True Blood" Kevin Alejandro and Sam Tramwell having a hoot while getting a proper shave. "Boardwalk Empire" stars Jack Huston and Vincent Piazza were soaking up the luxurious lotions, aftershave, and the fine bourbon and whiskey being served at the two bars, at the front boutique and in the rear barbershop.

Since Tis' the Season of Giving, Shannon Elizabeth is offering her perfume essentials "S," for the holidays. Rich in historical scents from the Middle East, "S" retraces back to the origins of scents given on that first Christmas, frankincense and myrrh.

This was also a multi-launch with Michael Antonio Shoes. Supermodel, Angie Everhart; actress, Bai Ling; and Efren Ramirez...yes, Pedro from "Napoleon Dynamite,"...made guest appearance at the launch.

Now, this is this scribe's holiday gift to the readers...stars galore!

2011 Divine Design Gala, Holidays in Beverly Hills took off with a Blast!

By Laura Medina

Upper Left, "Victorious" Victoria Justice & Ariana Grande. Upper Right, "Mad Men" Bryan Batt.
Lower Left, Hank Baskett & Kendra Wilkinson. Lower Right, Patricia Fields.

This year's Divine Design Sale's Opening Gala, for Project Angel Food, took off with a blast.

With this much stars from film, television, food, and fashion, it is hard to believe that this is a Beverly Hills holiday tradition. Twenty years going strong. Now, stronger than ever.

Since stars are just like everyone else, cost-conscious but with an eye for quality products and under the pressure of shopping for everyone in a limited time, this scribe simply asks them, "What do they want for Christmas?" Or, what they're looking for at the Divine Design Sale with it's continuing deep, daily discounts of fresh designer goods, supporting a worthy charity that nourishes the stomach and soul of sick people in Los Angeles.

Some of the responses are short and witty while others are deep and meaning, in the keeping with the holiday spirit.
Bryant Batt of "Mad Men" is looking forward to shopping and browsing the Kiehli's pop-up boutique inside the old Robinson-May Department, now the de facto location of the Divine Design Sale Marketplace. Perhaps, have some refueling sips of Ketel One Vodka during the shopping marathon.

When asked what Sal would buy at the charity sale, Mr. Batt answered, " I would think a flask because he likes to keep things hidden."

As for past attendee, Christina Hendricks, he informed that she is filming tonight and could not be here. He loves her.
"Reno 911" Niecy Nash was just honest and straight-forward, "Everything because my husband brought his wallet."
Divine Design Sale stalwart, womenswear designer, David Meister, cannot get enough of it.

As a Barbie fan, he needs his annual fix and wants to add more to his Barbie collection, "Everything. I'm a shopholic. I love to shop. I have a lot of gifts to buy yet. I'm an impulse buyer. If I feel if it's right for me or somebody else, I go for it. So, I really don't make a list. I have to feel it...you can never have enough Barbie. I have a collection in my office. Barbie is such a great supporter (of Divine Design Sale and Project Angel Food).

Why he always support Divine Design Sale each and every year? " They always have great stuff. They have great home stuff. They have great men's stuff. So, I'm sure I'll do a little damage."
Kendra Wilkinson's other half, Hank Baskett, was true and deep about what he wants for Christmas, "Just my family to be happy. As long as I wake up and see my son and see my wife...that's all I ever want. I'm not a needy person. As long as I have family, I have everything. The rest is all details." However, he is keeping an eye out for little boy's clothes.

The fabulous Patricia Fields was startling simple about what she wants for Christmas...this trip and this appearance in Beverly Hills for Divine Design Sale, "You know what...this pre-Christmas trip to LA is a Christmas gift to me." For this uber-New York fashionista, coming out to LA to be honored with the Iconic Fashion Visionary Award is not a bad excuse.

Chef Thomas Keller gets to the heart of the matter. As a chef and restaurateur, he reminds people that the profits from this charity sale, feeds and nourishes sick people who need the nutrition to be better absorb their medications. This is what Divine Design Sale means to him, feeding the heart and soul.

For such a hip chick and Divine Design faithful, "NCIS" Pauley Perrette is not too keen on the idea of shopping year-around. It is more of an act of charity.

"I'm not a big shopper because they always have a shop, here; and I want to say everything. We're so grateful. I work with Project Angel Food. They donate everything. All the money goes to such a good cause. It's amazing. Tonight, I'll just come wander and buy something. It's my big shopping night."

She commented she loves this scribe's lip gloss. Pauley, it is NARS Cruella lipstick topped with NARS Larger Than Life lip gloss.

Two angels from Nickelodeon's "Victorious" descended upon the holiday red carpet, Victoria Justice and Ariana Grande. They blessed the ceremony with sassy vitality.
2011 Woman of Style Award goes to "The Help" Viola Davis.
Patricia Fields is not the only fashion luminary. "Mad Men" costume designer, Janie Bryant tied up the line up of stars, wrapped up in Christmas trio of red, green, and gold.

You know it is the holidays when a galaxy of stars descend upon Beverly Hills.

Expect more star wattage to come soon.

Have a Full & Uplifting Holiday with Victoria's Secret and Wacoal Bras

By Laura Medina

On November 29th, the day before the airing of the Victoria's Secret Runway Show on CBS, South Coast Plaza displays the $2.5 Million Fantasy Treasure Bra. It is their Gorgeous Push-Up Bra embroidered with 3400 precious gems of white and yellow diamonds, pearls, cirtrines, and aquamarines, set in 18 karat white and yellow gold.

A mermaid inspiration, the centerpiece tassel adorned with two exquisite white diamonds, over 8 carats each, and two yellow 14 carats diamonds. Overall, the bra features 142 carats of diamonds.

Due to the intricate engineering of the scallop bra, they have to inspect 10,000 stones worldwide for the right color, size, and shape. It took master craftsmen, of London Jewelers, 500 hours to chisel the gems.


Following in Gisele Bundchen's, Heidi Klum's, Adriana Lima's, Marisa Miller's, and Claudia Shiffer's footsteps, Miranda Kerr is one of the latest Angels to have the honor to model a multi-million dollar, gem-encrusted bra that Victoria's Secret presents every year.



Before the official airing of the fashion show, Victoria's Secret throw an exclusive viewing party at the Segerstorm Center for the Arts in Orange County.



Miranda Kerr and two of her fellow Angels, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Lily Aldridge, hosted the viewing party, coated in violet French macaroons, rock candy, red velvet cake pops, and strawberry popcorn.

The Fantasy Treasure Bra is one of the highlights in the company's Christmas Dreams and Fantasies Catalogue.

Wacoal Bras.

If all these glitz is bedazzling you silly, let a bra consultant from Wacoal guide you in what to search for in a bra.

When it comes to underwire bras, make sure the wire falls on the intersection of where the breast matter meets the rib cage. Make sure the wire is not too short, that it will poke into the breast itself or make sure the wire is not too long that it will stick out for a loose, awkward fit.

When that wire properly cups those breasts, that bra will be uplifting as it is comfortable.

If the bra fits, there is no need to that extra tug of the strap....

and it not necessary to crush your rib cage in a size too small band.

With proper wire support, strap placement, and the correct band size, your breasts can rise and lift with each breathe.

Now, isn't how it suppose to be.

Thank Franklin + Gower for Giving Us a New Holiday Tradition...Customized Blazers

By Laura Medina

The Franklin + Gower Atelier has opened in the heart of Hollywood.

What has been an online-only operation for two years, the founder, Christopher "Paco" McCauley, realized he needed to open Franklin + Gower headquarters into an atelier to better fit customers' needs for customized blazers, sassy shorts, and swim trunks.

In addition to snappy clothes made with traditional preference for quality fabric and built with respect for crafted construction and modern fit, he want to bring back quality service in order to deliver quality clothes.

By giving customers a personalized, hands-on experience, McCauley is not only bringing East Coast Prep heritage for quality fabrication with West Coast dashing casual hipness, he is giving customers the hands-on experience of English tradition tailoring of personalized fittings and customerization by adding and mixing collar and cuff linings, lapels, trims, and pipings.

At 6671 West Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1510 in Los Angeles, this is where American heritage (The McCauleys have been in the apparel business since the American Revolution War) and bespoken fittings meet modern-day Californian contemporary sportswear.

To experience couture sportswear, one has to call (866) 323-0213 or (323) 308-1141 for an appointment first, once it is set, you are set.

Paco McCauley modeling lightweight, corduroy russet orange "Own the Room" Blazer from the men's line. His look crosses over from office to outdoor.

Paco's wife, Sally Horchow, is the model of the new and true Modern-Day Preppy Lady, a sharp purple "Look at Me" Blazer, simply accessorized with a pocket scarf. The ladies' jackets have a more tailored tuxedo construction to skim over a woman's more shapely torso with shorter 3/4 quarter sleeves to better fit a woman's shorter arms for an ease of movement and comfort.


Katie Holmes is the latest celebrity to join Franklin + Gower's growing legion of celebrity fans, whether it's Robery Downey, Jr. trotting around in trousers with customized piping to Katie jaunting around town in this jaunty red corduroy blazer, Franklin + Gower is the pioneer of "Haute Hollywood," where Hollywood Hip meets Bespoken Tailoring with East Coast quality.



Customers can sip from the Tiki Bar/Changing Room while trying on samples and prototypes to get a general idea of what she or he is looking for in an outfit.






From there, a stylist can jot the basic construction style then go over with her or him swatches of shell, lining, lapel, and collar linings, cuffs, trims, and piping choices for any size and body shape.






Before they know it, they can have a one-of-a-kind blazer that is unique her or his own.

The ladies samples/prototype rack of tuxedo blazers and shorts is on the left side of the atelier...

while the gentlemen's sample/prototype rack of jackets, trousers, polo shirts, and swim trunks are on the left side.

With the holiday shopping madness fast approaching, save yourself the headache and use Franklin + Gower's 15% discount towards the end of November and give a new family heirloom that future generations will be fighting over, a soon-to-be cool closet classic.

Why regift the novelty Christmas sweater that will spend eons being passed over, when you can start a new holiday tradition of giving friends and family...and yourself a well-tailored Franklin + Gower Blazer that can be worn year-around and beyond.