The City of Angeles Wedding Special 2013 Edition...with Vera Wang, Austin Scarlett, & "The Great Gatsby,"...and It's Spectacular

 By Laura Medina

  

The numbers of weddings may be at an all-time low.  The average age of people getting married for the first time has risen to 40.1 but remember kiddos, it is the quality that counts, not the quantity.

For my Charleston readers or those who wish to wed in a Lowcountry plantation, you all either are suffering from wedding rush or frustrated that you're blocked out from a fully-booked Spring/Summer schedule; or standing in a mosquito-swamped field, sweating underneath a blazing sun makes you want to hide.  Have no fear, this scribe discovered some gorgeous wedding gems in the City of Angels.  Yes-Los Angeles.

At the Soolip Wedding/Bridal event at the exclusive Bel Air Bay Club (in Malibu),  it was a showroom for exquisite Black, Starr & Frost jewelry, a David Pressman Events exhibit, a Rrivre Works Event Design exhibit by Rrivre Davies, Century City's Bloomingdale's wedding registry display.  Delicious hors d' oeuvres and easy guzzling libations served by Good Gracious! Events by Pauline Parry.

Event and wedding planner, David Pressman greeted and advised attendees.  This man knows his stuff, from permits to logistics.  He will even "groom" the groom, from styling him, to "grooming" him.

The biggest surprise was that Warner Bros. Studios' Special Events does weddings on its lot and premises.  If being blocked out of a Lowcountry wedding is bumming you out, you can have an authentic, glamourous Hollywood wedding through Warner Bros. Celebrity Weddings, http://wbspecialevents.com/weddings.  Ironically, next month...Warner Bros. is releasing the revamped, amped-up "The Great Gatsby" by the kinetic Baz Luhrmann and starring the enigmatically handsome, Leonardo DiCaprio.  

Guess what they had for their display?  A "The Great Gatsby" wedding table setting with placards for Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway, Daisy and Tom Buchanan.

This is the "trend."  Not just in Flapper fashion but for weddings...a "The Great Gatsby" wedding.

 Warner Bros. Celebrity Weddings can do weddings and events on various scales done on numerous spots on the Warner Bros. property...mosquito-free.  It'll be less sweat on you.

A few weeks later, Martha Stewart's Wedding presented its own wedding expo, "UnVeiled."

Sky high on the AT&T Building, inside the penthouse, it was cocktail, Wolfgang Puck and Patina Restaurant Group buffets, and the coolest dessert buffet you can ever imagined.  The freezed-dried meringues and the pop-up mousse pops were a hit.

But what folks really came for on a Sunday afternoon...the Vera Wang runway show, a whipped confection of tulle and satin.

Bridal gowns are the last vital remnants of haute couture and "Project Runway" alumni, Austin Scarlett is one of the few to save it into the 21st-century.

While premiering his new bridal collection at Saks 5th Avenue in Beverly Hills, Mr. Scarlett took time out of his hectic schedule to discuss about saving the art of haute couture then adapting to the needs of a modern 21st-Century woman.

During the interview, he talked about hunting down that very experienced and very old seamstress or designer then trying to learn from them before they disappear.  There have been times where his design team and him are forced to dissect a vintage gown just to study the interior construction and the paneling.  It breaks his heart to do it but they have no choice since master pattern-makers are fading away.

Using what he learns and knowing that today's bride is an older, career-woman who is self-assured in what she wants and what she needs...

In other words, a white haute couture gown with a billowy skirt for the aisle and the ceremony then a slinky cocktail dress to celebrate and dance in.

Scarlett designed a line of hand-painted water-colored bridal gowns with detachable full skirts for the ceremony that reveals a leaner, sleeker eveningwear dress that seems so appropriate for today or tonight's warmer Spring/Summer afternoons and nights.

It is his way of saving haute couture for today's woman.  She will still have the haute couture tailoring but design for today's living and budgets. 

This week, Gilt Los Angeles is offering knocked-down prices for stellar bridal services...

Gilt City LA’s expert curators have scoured the city to bring you the very best wedding offerings to help you make your wedding day truly unforgettable!

To PLAN the special day:

• Wedding consultations with internationally renowned bridal stylist, Renee Strauss (April 15)
• Exceptional custom centerpieces for your bridal shower or wedding from balloon artists extraordinaire, Balloon Celebrations (April 15) 
• Incredible packages from renowned stationary haven, Wedding Paper Divas (April 15) 
• A comprehensive photography workshop with Action Snapshots, Inc. (April 17)
• Expert engagement, elopement or wedding photography packages from Blair Masri Photography, starting at just $199 (orig. $500) (April 18)

 To BEAUTIFY:

• Vitamin-infused facials and organic airbrushed tanning sessions from Beauty Park Medical Spa (April 22) 
• Detox and cleansing packages designed by raw food nutritionists and yoga enthusiasts at Philosophie (April 17)
• Personalized, in-home full-body spray tanning sessions from Born To Glow Tanning, starting at just $50 (orig. $150) (April 18) 
• One-on-one consultations at medical day spa, Ona Spa, with Medical Director and world renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Stanley P. Frileck (April 18)
• Beautiful hair extensions, Brazilian treatments and haircuts from True Brazilian, starting at only $150 (orig. $300) (April 18)

To GET FIT for your dream wedding dress/tux: 

• Private training sessions at WeHo’s private training gym Mansion Fitness, starting at just $50 (orig. $240) (April 15) 
• De-stress, sculpt and steady yourself for the big day with amazing yoga offers from east side urban oasis, Namaste Highland Park (April 17) 

To FORTIFY your friends and family: 

• Savor a delicious family style menu when your guests come to town at West Hollywood-favorite, Ago; a Northern Italian cuisine experience, starting at just $60 (April 18)

See...you can have alternatives, options, and choices for the wedding of your dreams in the City of Angels.

Coachella 2013: Get Down. Get Dirty. Look Good Doing It.

By Laura Medina

 Today is the first day of a 6 days music festival, split into two weekends...Coachella!

Coachella is...one, Spring has sprung.  Second, Coachella starts off the music festival season.  Third, Coachella sets the template for hippy "Woodstock-sque" Bohemian fashion and dress code.

Why the emphasis on boob tubes, daisy dukes, quasi-Victorian cotton blouses, and maxi-dress cover-ups?

Veteran and previous attendees have call this "experience," "rolling in the mud."  As the running epitome of outdoor music festivals, the majority of Coachella is all about camping or "tee-peeing" to catch the galaxy of music's hottest stars.  The lucky few have hotel rooms booked and even fewer are crossing into the pool party circuits thrown by the hottest brands in fashion.

So, it makes sense to cross-over from muddy field to pool in a bikini and daisy dukes to being properly attired in a caftan or maxi-dress cover-up.  Oh yeah, it cools down in the desert as it burns up during the day light.

Here's a style and survival guide to Coachella, the biggest party in the desert.

From bold prints to rocker tanks, not to mention boho-luxe footwear as well as stackable jewels, our collections have exactly what you need to create the perfect head-to-toe Coachella looks! "We Are Handsome."

A KILLER BATHING SUIT: Whether you plan to hit up the water spray stations or catch some sun by the pool, a cute bikini is an absolute must! Try Voda Swim’s Envy Push Up® String Bikini in Bali, or Guria Beachwear’s 3-in-1 Chic Top and Scrunch Thick Tie Side in Fiesta. Voda’s Envy Push Up® visually increases the bust by up to two cup sizes and retains its extraordinary fit when wet. With Guria’s 3-in-1 Chic Top, you get three different style options without sacrificing quality or sex appeal. Voda’s Envy Push Up® String Top retails for $66, String Bottom for $44; Guria’s 3-in-1 Chic Top retails for $79.20, Scrunch Thick Tie Side Bottom for $72. Visit vwww.vodaswim.com and www.guriabeachwear.com for more information.

 LOTS OF SHORTS: Who wears short shorts? Festival goers do! Show off your sexy stems in a cute pair of Daisy Dukes from SOLD Design Lab. Get Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s look with the leather laser cut overlay cutoffs, or opt for an acid wash complete with edgy studs. (Price available upon request.) Visit www.solddesignlab.com for more information.

Nautical striped maxi tank dress with hi-low hem. Low scoop back. Adjustable shoulder straps. The perfect dress for those hot summer days. *By Flynn Skye for Free People  http://www.freepeople.com/nautical-stripe-maxi/

From wild prints to face framing aviators, Kardashian Kollection Eyewear has a ton of great sunglasses that are perfect for any Coachella inspired look, prevent your eyeballs burning in the sun. 

Stay slim and on-trend this Festival season by bringing along a Hoopnotica TravelHoop and have a blast swinging your hips to the beats of your favorite band while burning 420 calories per hour (Don’t believe that childsplay can be an effective workout? Check out this study from the American Council on Exercise!)

Pick up a Hoopnotica TravelHoop which comes apart into 6 segments and comes with a carrying strap (similar to a Yoga Strap) for a fun and festival friendly workout that will help to keep you slim while also making it easy for your friends to spot you amidst the crowds. Use the code “COACHELLA” for 10% off of all purchases at www.hoopnotica.com now through midnight on Sunday, April 21^st.  If you’re in Los Angeles, stop by the Hoopnotica Boutique on Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice and mention Coachella to receive the same deal.

Since you'll be "hobo-ing" it in a sack, you want to travel as light as possible and efficiently as possible.  Save your designer handbags at home and carry your essentials, like credit cards for gas and hotel room (more likely a tent or a RV) and cash for the food trucks in Boostcase's Wallet and Credit Card Smartphone sleeves and cases.  Need to constantly update your Coachella status to envious people, plug your phone in Boostcase's Hybrid Charger Case to keep it all juiced up during the festival, http://www.boostcase.com/store/

Want to gently protect your ears while blasting your favorite band on stage or want to make or hold that phone call while rocking to your band on stage?

Coloud Headphones, http://www.coloud.com/,  have three styles of headphones from the buffed "The Boom," above to the sleek "The Knock" to the ear plugs "The Pop." All three have a "bluetooth-like" remote control switch and a "Zound Lasso" loop to neatly wrap away your cord so you wouldn't be tangled up in it.

MID-DAY PICK UP: Spray on energy - yes spray! Skinn Cosmetics’ Pure Energy Replenishing Mineral Bath comes straight from the ancient seas. Collected rare and precious minerals will feed your skin the trace minerals and oligo-minerals for beautiful, energized, radiant skin. (Now you can hide your hangover with a different kind of glow.) Carry in your purse for a quickie whenever you need it! (4.2oz bottle retails for $24.50) Visit www.skinn.com for more information.

Outdoor festivals with tons of major side parties can be a smelly affair.

Gud's Red Ruby Groovy™ Natural Body Wash, http://www.gudhappens.com/natural-personal-care-products/body-body-wash/red-ruby-groovy-natural-body-wash.html, is a "Juicy Fruit" of a body wash.  For such a low price that is attainable in most drugstores, Gud's Red Ruby Groovy packs a natural fruity scent that's socially and festival-appropriate while festival/party-hopping.

Since facilities are difficult to find, there are times you have to make do with a palm of water from your water bottle.

Tilth Beauty's Gentle Poppy Seed Exfoliator, http://www.tilthbeauty.com/store/our-products/gentle-poppy-seed-exfoliator.html, does not need  a whole lot of water to really scrub the grout out of your pores.  Just lightly dampen your face, arms, and/or legs, sprinkle Tilth Beauty's Poppy Seed Exfoliators then rub into a sudsy, foamy clean.  This saves you time, money, and water.  It's a plus this scrub comes into a nifty, travel-sized shaker that you can pop into your sack...space-saver.

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm, http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/lip-care/tinted-lip-balm.html,

When doing Coachella, you are going to enter some sort of social circuit but you can't bring a lot of hygiene and beauty stuff.  There's nothing like staying in a teepee, rocking at a concert then trying to crash a A-List pool party.  To make you slightly put together, use this celebrity-cult following Burt's Bees Tinted Lip as a down-to-earth, affordable, and natural multiple stick for your eyes, cheeks, and lips.  Sweet Violet and Caramel Daisy are good all-around lilac and beige for eyes, cheeks, and lips.

Burt's Bees Lip Gloss, http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/lip-color/lip-gloss.html.

To amp up the glam or just plain comfort your sore, dry, chapping lips (remember Coachella is out in the desert), here's this trick from professional, celebrity makeup artists...first, lay down the lip base with a deep, rich lip gloss like purple "Starry Night" or burgundy "Sweet Sunset" then color in the inner portions of the upper and lower lips with a complimentary lighter colored lip gloss, such as "Nearly Dusk" or "Fall Foliage" for that easy, instant, plumped lips without the collagen shots or that obvious lip liner look.

 

Go-Go Jet Set Mod Mad Makeup from Pierre Hardy for NARS Edition & Jouer Spring 2013

 

By Laura Medina

When Season 6 of "Mad Men" appeared last Sunday night, Janie Bryant was right...they're surging head long into the Sixties as we know it...splashy, juicy, vivid, and even psychedelic.

The predominating color scheme in the mid-"Mod" Sixties to the Swirling, Hippie/Bohemian Sixties was the graphic Mod of Pop-Art, optical Black and White with the fleshy nude all-over complexion has morphed into a very bold orange paired with purple, or for a more muted version, peach paired with burgundy.

"Mad Men" Season 6 premiere is very timely, just in time for NARS' newest limited edition to arrive, the shoe designer, Pierre Hardy.  He is going to replace the disappearing Andy Warhol Edition.

Here's the sneak of the Pierre Hardy for NARS Collection, inspired by Mr. Hardy's Summer 2013 shoe collection.  If you want to slide the retro-1968 look into your current but conservative office attire, slick on Pierre Hardy for NARS orange & navy nail polish duo in "Ethno Run" Duo or for a more subtle version, peach & burgundy duo in "Sharplines."

Mind you, Pierre Hardy for NARS isn't ready for release yet until May 1st at www.narscosmetics.com.

If this scribe has you hanging on the edge of your seat and 1968's Mad Men sent you into a Sixties Sweat, no fear...you can use Jouer Cosmetics' current Spring 2013 collection to get your groove on right now,  www.jouercosmetics.com.

To get the cat-eyed "Liz Taylor's Cleopatra" technique in hot hippie colors, swipe shimmering french vanilla Rocco Creme Eyeshadow Crayon all-over your eye lids up to the brows, dab Honeysuckle Tint on the lid then swoop shimmering navy charcoal Navy Creme Eyeshadow Crayon as the cat-eyed eyeliner for bold topped over flesh tones.

 

The fleshy-peachy-apricot Honeysuckle Tint is a great base for that Late '60's Hippy but psychedelic natural look for eyeshadow base, blush, and lip base color.  Plus, this pocket-sized all-in-one cosmetic fits in the gypsy-jet setter lifestyle.

Now that you got that easy wide-eyed, cat eyes and that natural flush, get those dewy lips by slicking on sheer peach Lip Enhancer in Bellini then make it drippy-sexy by glossing it in shimmering nude Pearl Lip Enhancer.

You can sneak your current "Mad Men" look in this contempo world.

Thursday Night is the Real Friday Night in Hollywood

 By Laura Medina

This recent Thursday night has been one heck of a "glam slam" for those "lucky" (yes, pun intended) enough to attend Lucky Magazine FABB all day then the night is open for all these options to hit the town and paint it red.

Immediately after Thursday's conference, Hennes & Mauritz or H&M at their Sunset Boulevard boutique, finally launched their hotly anticipated second Conscious Exclusive collection (a new party wear collection made from more sustainable materials).  Too bad Helen Hunt's blue Oscar gown wasn't there for sale but Victoria Justice's Little Black Dress is for sale among retro-Fifties tulle ballgowns.

 

 H&M simultaneously launched a chain reaction of presentations for its Conscious Exclusive collection in
San Francisco, New York City, West Hollywood and Miami. Each launch party had its own tv star ambassador representing the collection in each city.

Amazed that old clothes and fabrics are recycled into something so fancy,  Victoria Justice states she's "a huge H&M fan and loves what H&M is doing for the environment with the collection." Victoria says the collection is "much better for the environment and a really bold move in fashion" and thinks H&M "is setting a good example."

While Victoria Justice held the fort at the West Hollywood boutique, Penn Badgley hosted the Conscious Exclusive collection launch in NYC and says that the eco-line is a "step in the right direction that a lot of us need to be making towards living more sustainably." Penn also mentioned that it "helps when the clothes look good!"

While Hosting the H&M launch in San Francisco, Jessica Stroup said the Conscious Exclusive collection "is red carpet ready, it's eco-friendly, it's sustainable and it's beautiful.  Jessica went on to say that she thinks "H&M's efforts for a more sustainable fashion future is what we need in today's society. People don't understand that there is so much going to waste, 95% of what people buy goes into landfills, and we could recycle it and we could reuse it and repurpose it. I think H&M being the first store to really do that is going to start a movement."

Jessica Lowndes who hosted the launch in Miami said that she loves that "H&M is recycling materials and not letting fashion go to waste."

The collection (hitting the stores this past Thursday), is comprised of chic red carpet looks for men and women made from more sustainable materials such as organic cotton, silk-like tencel, recycled polyester and tulle. The collection showcases an ivory three piece suit, a black cutaway jumpsuit and a classic “little black dress” with a twist for women. The men’s side features a rose print lined tuxedo jacket, a white dinner suit and slim cut trousers. H&M’s Conscious collections are at the forefront of both fashion and sustainability, without compromising quality and price.

The first 75 customers who made a purchase from the Conscious Exclusive collection, that night, won a coveted meet and greet with their respective celebrity host and the opportunity to take a photo with them.

Guests enjoyed an intimate shopping experience as well as delicious passed organic hors d'oeuvres and refreshments in addition to a 25% discount off their Conscious collection purchase. H&M encouraged customers to donate their used clothing to be recycled or repurposed, part of the retailers Conscious work for a more sustainable fashion future.

Ok, FABB attendees received their knowledge.  They got their H&M eco haute couture and meet & greet with their fave tv stars.  Now, they can top off their glamorous day and night in Hollywood with STAR MAGAZINE’S HOLLYWOOD ROCKS.

Always ahead of the curve, Star held the event at Hollywood’s hotspot, Playhouse Nightclub. The yearly event celebrated all that's new, all that's hot and all the people who are shaking up Hollywood!

UV Vodka served up spectacular cocktails, Calle Tacos served passed hors d’oeuvres and Material Girl provided cupcake push pops by My Sweet Mini. Got2b, Effy, Fin Electric, eos (Evolution of Smooth) put the ‘glam’ in the glamour throughout the night.  

Perez Hilton reuniting with Paris Hilton and flipping through baby photos on his cell phone.  Paris Hilton hanging with pals and promoting the charitable cause www.onelovechantel.blogspot.com to raise money and awareness for her friend Chantel, currently is in a coma from an anaphylactic shock resulting from a severe reaction to a peanut allergy.  She later posed with "The Bachelor" Sean Lowe.

Kym Johnson looking fabulous after rushing over from her grueling DWTS schedule. 

Lindsay Arnold arriving perfectly ‘glammed’ with her hair styled by Got2B’s ‘Hair Stylist Ambassador,’ Larry Sims.

Maksim and Val Chmerkovskiy indulging in Calle Tacos  mini gourmet tostados while chatting with former DWTS alum, Gilles Marini and posing for pics on the red carpet with DWTS newbie Sharna Burgess.

Bai Ling devouring Material Girl's push pop cupcakes by My Sweet Mini while listening to DJ Caroline D’Amore spinning.

A Thursday in West Hollywood and Hollywood isn't your average tourist visit. The Lucky FABB LA Conference isn't your average conference.  H&M's Conscious Exclusive collection debut isn't your average clothing release.  Star Magazine's Hollywood Rocks isn't your average night in an average nightclub.

Thursday is always a special day and night.

Drew, Kelly, Toni & Guy are Fortuitous during Lucky Magazine's FABB LA 2013

By Laura Medina

Just like it's namesake, these past three nights and two days were a lucky occurrence in Los Angeles when Condé Nast people make a very rare appearance in the City of Angels when they gifted the city's most influential bloggers from all over the country with career guidance and wise advice from celebrities, Kelly Osbourne and Drew Barrymore.

The very first guest speaker, first thing Thursday morning, was E! Fashion Police's Kelly Osbourne.  Standing at 5'2" with curvy, plump figure, she said she has to work with what she got then make it work for her.  Just because she's a daughter of famous parents and a celebrity in her own right, this doesn't mean (she refuses to name names) majority of designers would lend her at first.  But the ones who did, Kelly sticks with them, such as Zac Posen and Karl Lagerfeld.  

She also not afraid to mix runway Ready-To-Wear with fast-fashion.  During her Lucky Magazine FABB appearance Kelly proudly stated her accessorize her Zara outfit with a Karl Largerfeld bomber jacket and Stella McCartney heels.

As for reaching then dealing with fame, Kelly gave this sobering but sage advice, "For every 1 person who likes, there will be 10 people who hates you."  She is not afraid to set the record straight on there is a difference between popularity and fame.

Lucky Magazine FABB LA 2013 bookended the first day with celebrities.

First, Kelly Osbourne started the day then Drew Barrymore finished it.

It was a fortuitous timing, just in time for Drew launch her Flower Beauty Cosmetics, http://flowerbeauty.com/, (sold at Wal-Mart) and her Barrymore Wines, http://www.barrymorewines.com/, (named after her family).

After sowing her wild oats and accomplishing her goals as a actress, film director, screenwriter, producer, and model, Drew knew it was time to change gears when she married Will Kopelman then had her daughter, Olive.  By marrying the son of former Chanel CEO Arie Kopelman, she fortuitously had a makeup and beauty line.  She received her informal business education when she was the spokesmodel for CoverGirl but she had a personal mentor in her father-in-law.

Knowing raising an infant and working long hours on movie sets in distant locations doesn't quite jive with her new stage in life, Drew felt it was the right time to start her own makeup line to keep her going at a steadier pace. Arie would quiz her on what she needs in her Flower makeup line, such as using a rose gold cap when everyone's cap was nickel.  Once she completes a product, he would ask when is the next one.  Boy, even when pregnant and marrying his son, Arie kept Drew on her toes but at a pace she likes.

The media may had picked up on Drew saying women can't have it all but she doesn't know it...is that she does have it all, a string of accomplishments that span her entire lifetime.  Drew is just topping it off with a family and a makeup line.  Did you know she's also launching her own Pinot Grigio wine named after her family, Barrymore Wines.

The night before, Wednesday night, Toni & Guy Salon and Academy in Santa Monica, toasted Lucky FABB LA 2013 with a primp and prep party.  The head people, such as the founder, the vice president, and the US' creative director and the London crew, were there celebrating the arrival of Lucky FABB.  The crew gave those attending a polished makeover, brow and lash grooming, facials, and blow-outs that would last Lucky FABB's two days conference.

In between the grooming stations, the London crew of hair-stylists and instructors were gracious enough to serve appetizers and flutes of champagne to keep the guests fueling and bubbling.

Despite the festive atmosphere, the Lucky FABB attendees were in a NASCAR primp and prep mode.  Each grooming station has a pit crew team strengthening attendees' skin with top of the line Dermalogica skincare, strands sleeked with T.I.G.I. Bed Head hair care and faces coated with T.I.G.I.cosmetics.

The next morning, ready for Kelly Osbourne and Drew Barrymore, Lucky Magazine FABB LA 2013 attendees were ready to face the two days marathon of guest speakers and industry guidance.  The Toni & Guy blow-out lasted them all.

A Ladies' Day Out & Ladies' Nights

 

 By Laura Medina

This past month has been crammed with a woman's best dreams of a Lady's Night Out and/or a Day Out.

Let's see, the dream started out at Duff Goldman's new Los Angeles outpost, CakeMix in West Hollywood.  It's no mere bakery.  It's a cake workshop.  CakeMix is to cakes as Color Me Mine is to pottery.  A really sweet (yes, pun intended) space where folks can personally decorate their cakes and cupcakes any way they want to.  Don't worry.  Duff and his crew (most of his Baltimore staff moved here for continuity) still bake cakes in out-of-the world flavors for the baking-challenged.

As for making the transition from Baltimore to West Hollywood, Duff said it was pretty easy.  After working with high-maintenance clients ranging from the Mid-Atlantic to New York, he said he works with the same groups of people you'll find in Los Angeles since he specialized in speciality cakes.  What really surprised was how neighorhood-ly and how close-knit Los Angelenos are when it comes to their local neighborhood.  They welcomed him with open arms.  Welcome to L.A., Duff!

In return, he welcomed Gilt City Los Angele's "Best of L.A." a.k.a. "Gilt City LA Loves You More!" Showcase, a yummy sampling of what L.A. has the best to offer, yummy cakes that you'll eventually burn off at Cycle House, so you can slide into fashion wunderkind, Jonathan Bash's slinky and swingy ingenue haute couture.

Los Angeles is also the home and the capital of "haute healthy," upscale homeopathic and holistic juices and beauty brews.  First, there were blow-out pit stops then makeup tune-up shops.  Now, there's an healthy hair treatment bar, Broot, think of "hair smoothies" they use as masks to coat and feed frazzled, stressed-out tresses.  Broot was there, braiding, at Gilt City Los Angele's "Best of L.A." showcase, along with Earthly Juices, representing the current rage for nutrients-saving cold-pressed juice tonics and smoothie concoctions, to balance out all these delicious cupcakes.

Ok, Duff again...he made peace with cupcakes to the point he allowed guests to decorate their own cupcakes.

A buffet of delectable bites and bubbling Prosecco from Cecconi’s West Hollywood fueled the guests from getting their blow-outs at Serge Normant at John Frieda station then a eyeshadow touch-up by The Fairest Makeup Studio.  To polish off the evening, Livingston Nails & Express Spa gave people nail art, not the press-on manicure stickers but real hands-on (again, pun intended) customized "nail artwork" where the manicurists swooped tips and dotted polka dots using toothpicks.  This scribe still has her "Reversed French" with creamy ivory dots.

 

If Gilt City Los Angele's "Best of L.A."was a ladies' night out, then the "Pamper Me Fabulous" expo was a Ladies' Sunday.  Close to 1,200 women had lined-up three blocks long, since the early break of dawn, to sample, shop at a deep discount, retreat, relax, refresh the best and the most innovative in nutrition, beauty, and seminars for mind and spirit.

The ivory-chiseled venue, Vibiana both played host inside and outside.  The interior was a bazaar of beauty and healthy and it didn't end there.  The parking lot had the latest in trucks...the fashion and jewelry trucks where the boutique comes to you.

The courtyard courted women with the latest in activewear, an organic liqueur bar, and a symposium lecturing on relationship advice to plastic surgery.  There's even a yoga spot.  

One of the highly anticipated Sundays of the year, "Pamper Me Fabulous" is a Sunday afternoon event produced by women, made for women.

 Stila's Global Director of Education & Spokesperson, Sara Lucero.

Now that everyone recharged during their "Pamper Me Fabulous" Sunday afternoon, it is time for another Ladies' Night Out, a power pow-wow, Women in Sports and Events a.k.a. "WISE."  This night is "Sport Your Beauty Event" at Brentwood's Vicente Hair Salon.

Their guest of honor for the evening is Stila's Global Director of Education & Spokesperson, Sara Lucero.  WISE consider having Stila as a sponsor a great honor.  Accompanying Sara is Janice Nickloff, Global PR Director for Stila Cosmetics,..

 “We are honored to support and partner with an organization like WISE that shares the same core values as Stila to empower women. We look forward to working with all of these talented and inspirational business women, learning from their success, and celebrating their beauty.” 

To support women being the best version of themselves, Stila Cosmetics has joined forces with WISE Los Angeles as a corporate sponsor.

 “We are excited to have Stila Cosmetics join us, with their long-standing commitment to helping women celebrate their individual styles,” said Alex Mallen, President of WISE Los Angeles. “Stila provides inspiration through design and innovation by helping women celebrate their talents to leave their professional and personal legacy behind to inspire others.” 

Women sport executives and marketing executives exchanged ideas and of course, business cards, amidst blow-outs and Stila makeovers.  The ideas bantered back-and-forth were rich in potential for social change as they are transformative in the sport industry.  The guests left not just with a polished appearance.  They left with a night full of ideas that not only enrich women professionals but for society as well.

(Wo)man...what a day and nights!