Monday, June 27, 2022

Summer Skin 2022

 By Laura Medina






It's Coachella and Stagecoach, way back in April that not only kick-start the music festival season but Summer unofficially.  Why?  We all are out in the elements, soaking up the UV rays while over-dosing on Vitamin D, with the sun burn and the wrinkles to prove it.  Even in the more tolerable Beach Life Festival (it's trying to be Coachella on the beach), the sand and sweat clog your pores.

It's time to indulge in some seriously sunny skincare...

Roasted then toasted? Indulge in some serious skincare from Skin Essential Company, https://skinessentialsco.com/

If you can't spa in Palm Springs because their spas are overbooked, take the spa with you from https://skinessentialsco.com/



Vitamin C is compatible with your sunscreen and safer to wear during the daytime.  Why not go a step further, when you need it, with Vitabrid C 12?

Vitabrid CG, the proprietary ingredient in Vitabrid C12 products, stores and preserves active vitamin C within bio-friendly mineral layers. Once it’s applied to the skin, it releases active vitamin C for over 12 hours.


Vitabrid CG encapsulates active vitamin C between bio-friendly mineral layers and delivers antioxidant vitamin C for 12 hours through its patented LDH technology.


The Ion Exchange Mechanism in Vitabrid CG enables active vitamin C to be delivered deep into the skin for 12 hours.


Vitabrid C was created for all types of skin (young and old) and scalps.



https://auraiha.com/collections/products


A simplified skincare that you can toss in your backpack and tote is easier for skincare and beauty on the go.


Auraiha's simple two piece set of day and night Glass Face Brightening Serum of 

squalane and AHA fruit acids that moisturizes parch skin while erasing blemishes and pollutants and groot off and out of your pores.

Naturally Luminous - Mist and Set Spray Papaya & Hydrating Elixir is a facial toner, refreshing mist, and setting spray. this powerful blend of papaya, witch hazel, hydrating elixir, and betaine locks in moisture, enhancing your natural glow.

Since we're smack dab in the middle of mostly outdoor music festivals, why not spoil your skin?  Your skin will thank you for this!

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Historical Hollywood, The Trophy Room is a Sneak-Easy, Not a Speakeasy.

 By Laura Medina

What used to be a spare storage garage to store his mom's collection of antique horse carriages, her son flipped it into a Tudor events venue that, recently, threw a film festival in a room filled with history and Americana antiques.


Think of The Trophy Room as a fancy, Tudor rec room or the Playboy Mansion without the misogynistic vibe.  It's Olde School Hollywood revamped for today's culturati who comes in a 360 degree rainbow.

John Tilley, whose family owns restaurants and a food distribution company, knows food and hospitality. 


At the well-stocked bar, he concocted the cocktail menu.  This libation lover enjoys the Lambrusco-based "Bears Blood," of bourbo, bitters, and vermouth.


By the way, on the right, is a fresh, refreshing Cucumber Mocktail to raise out that potential DUI, thoughtfully classy.

Speaking of "Bears Blood," people will be taken a back then awed by The Trophy Room's namesake, Olde School trophy of wildlife, a taxidermy showcase...


Third-Generation business man and native Angeleno, John Tilley knows he's an outlier among his generation and in Los Angeles; and he was raised in the shadows of Chateau Marmont.  He's an history buff and an active antiqueer that he got from his mom.

Yes, The Trophy Room is named after his late dad's hunting trophies that he shot sixty long years ago, during the "Mad Men" era.

John isn't afraid to state that real, legal hunting is more of an outdoor pursuit and legitimate populace control while continuing the millennia tradition of clothing, food, and shelter.

He isn't afraid to state it is the poachers who decimate the wild life population, not the hunters.  Actually, poachers who take away one part of the animal then throw away the rest, who are afraid of hunters.  It is the hunters, who report on them and try to get the poachers arrested.  To be an hunter in the modern world, the hunter must pay thousands in licenses and permits and must only hunt during the season, not off-season.  Hunters have the love of the outdoors, the wild life, and conservation, the preservation of wild life.


Civil War, Victorian, and Edwardian antiques dot through out The Trophy Room.

Head upstairs to the loft overlooking The Trophy Room venue, it's also the Pool Room where you can set a mini stage for bands and musical acts...


Or, do a speech...


Set in the heart of Hollywood, The Trophy Room, http://trophyroomla.com/ gives that Historical Hollywood elegance that maturing Millennials and the New Gen-X establishment yearn for, that "Rat Pack/Olde Hollywood Glamour" without the male chauvinism.

The Trophy Room is Hollywood Classiness for everyone,

Friday, June 17, 2022

BeautyQue NYC X Doors's Metaverse Schmetaverse Pop-Up, Virtual Shopping.

 By Laura Medina


Sonia Khemiri, a financial analyst who's a beauty addict fashionista funnel her passion for fashion by opening Beautyque NYC by partnering with Doors Virtual fashion boutique.

Their month-long pop-up at 8382 Melrose Ave.  in the heart of "WeHo," West Hollywood, ground zero for LA's affluent fashionistas.

Sonia found WeHo's locals similar to Manhattan's SoHo residents.  The demographics are open-minded and creative as they are stylish.  Ideal for BeautyQue NYC's pop-up.

As the hype around the Metaverse continues . . . Beauty brands are collaborating with the Video Game industry; retailers are creating virtual 3D stores; brands are launching virtual

collections, and artists are embracing experiments with NFTs. Beautyque NYC, the first virtual 3D beauty storefront and marketing platform for indie beauty brands, is hosting experiential beauty events with beauty brands founders and offering our visitors to use Oculus to experience the beauty brands in a virtual space in Los Angeles from May 28th through June 26th at 8382 Melrose Ave; LA, CA, 90069. This month-long event is open to consumers from Mon-Sat from 11 am-7pm and Sun from 12pm-6 pm daily.

“On our end, Beautyque NYC launched the first multi-brand 3D virtual store in the beauty industry in May 2020 and we are here to stay,” says Owner and Founder of Beautyque NYC Sonia Khemiri.

The Metaverse is a compelling extension of physical beauty, fashion, and art, and offers a unique way to engage with the younger consumer. “It is here to stay, but so is physical retail. One does not exclude the other,” Sonia explains. “Brick-and-mortar activations have immense value for Indie Beauty brands, emerging designers, and up-and-coming artists to introduce their work to new audiences, build trust, and amplify their stories.”

The month-long Pop-Up partnership with doors. showcases unique Indie Beauty brands and doors. showcases fashion and accessories designers and up-and-coming artists.

The LA Pop-Up did a Launch Party on June 7, 2022 and nearly 20 events throughout the duration of one month, including a Pride beauty collection launch by celebrity stylist Derek Warburton & Face Stockholm, a collection launch by purpose-first fashion and art collection The Power of Words, “meet-the-designer” events, presentations; live artmaking session with LA street artist MRSN, a panel discussion on the influence of Metaverse, and beauty and styling events with social media influencers. 

Virtual reality is about the experience and when in a digital space you can get immersed in a store that looks like a real one and is able to learn about the store, the brands, the products, and shop in one space, instead of a regular website, according to Sonia. “This is just a great experience, bringing the senses up for customers while shopping online and a great digital presence for brands,” she adds.

Buy Then Borrow From Dad, For Father's Day.

 By Laura Medina


This is a quick, last minute gift guide for Dad.

He'll like the idea that the kid can save money, by also allowing the kid to borrow and use...

Inspired by the swagger of the Rat Pack, the campaign captures the alluring masculine energy of the GUESS UOMO fragrance featuring Italian models Mattia Narducci, Stefano Sala and Alex Dellisola. Shot at the iconic Caesars Palace in Las Vegas through the lens of photographer Tatiana Gerusova, the GUESS UOMO campaign reveals the free-spirited confidence of the classically modern GUESS man enjoying the best of life.  

A complementary counterpart to the GUESS Bella Vita franchise, a new iconic and unique fragrance joins the brand’s strong men’s fragrance pillar. GUESS UOMO celebrates the man who is confident enough to live life with passion and without limits. He lives in the present, is free-spirited and will always look to break from convention. 

Classic - Addictive - Unique 

  • Top Notes: Grapefruit, Cardamom, Lavender 
  • Middle Notes: Sage, Saffron Geranium 
  • Base Notes: Dark Woods, Benzoin, Amber 

 

“The man who wears the GUESS brand is one that likes the traditional classical masculinity but expresses himself with a fresh modern edge.” says Takasago perfumer, Linda Chinery.  

 

Inspired by Italian architecture, the GUESS UOMO packaging design exudes a mix of heritage and modernity. A chic black marbleized carton encases an artistically designed transparent glass bottle featuring classic black accents and the GUESS UOMO logo.   

  • GUESS UOMO Eau de Toilette 100ml - $68
  • GUESS UOMO Eau de Toilette 50ml - $52
  • GUESS UOMO Eau de Toilette 30ml - $41


TOA Waters Lockwood Forest Bubble Bath - Sage, Oakmoss, Lavender - Organic Coconut Milk Bath with Botanicals - Aloe & Vitamin E  makes a lush bath, bubble bath, body wash and shampoo because ....

  • Lockwood Forest bubble bath is infused with hints of sage, citrus & lavender, creating an irresistible escape to mother earth. Touches of oakmoss, amber, vanilla, black tea, and tonka round out this experience for a beautiful, deep aroma sensation.
  • Premium bubble baths for the bold bather. We're not your typical rose-petal, picky-up bubble bath. Prepare to hike through a forest or swim in the Red Sea - all in the comfort of your tub.
  • Made with the finest ingredients, this gentle bubble bath is 100% vegan and enriched with coconut milk, B-vitamins, calcium, and much more. Time to nourish and cleanse your skin, right down to its deepest layers.
  • Irresistible Scents: Earthy & Natural. Infused with Oakmoss, Amber, Vanilla, Sage, and Lavender.
  • Creamy Organic Coconut Milk Bath | Infused with Botanicals

First, suds up with TOA Waters Bubble Bath then spritz off with Guess Uomo.

Happy last minute Father's Day.



Monday, June 13, 2022

ReHumanizing By Bobby Gonz, Obie Anthony, & Jim Jordan.

 By Laura Medina




Some of us make mistakes. Some of us are victimized. Even few use that ostracization and isolation to detox the past to make room for the new us.  Even fewer come out as the new version of us.

This is what Bobby Gonz, Obie Anthony, and Jim Jordan are all about.

It's toxic masculinity that got Bobby Gonz into jail.  It's that toxic masculinity that him fighting over a girl that wasn't interested in him, didn't accept him, much less was aware of him that got him into trouble in the first place.  "Claiming that girl," is what landed him in jail.  That's where he spent his entire teenage years, in prison.

Prison is also a psych ward.  Whereas mere chaos and anger destroy most, Bobby heard rhymes and rhythms in the sirens and alarms amidst the lockdowns, then he would piece and synchronize those beeps, blares, and sirens into hip hop beats and breaks into songs.  While in isolation, Bobby would put a wish that once released, he'll release a hip hop song.

Who would have known he'll be opening for Coldplay's Chris Martin.  In return, Chris Martin will do a Q & A, introducing Bobby Gonz, the solo hip hop artist, whose fan is Lupe Fiasco.  


There's victimization.  There's being framed.  Obie Anthony, of Exonerated Nation, https://exoneratednation.org/ was an innocent man, wrongfully accused, who was sent to jail as a teen, a real heartbreak.

Once released, he jumped first of many hurdles.  Yes, freed but being in prison was being Rip Van Wrinkle.  So many years passed, that little technologies that we take for granted, was a culture shock to him.  It Obie awhile to handle a smart phone.  Those years in prison and isolation was literally a clean slate, in that he struggled to regain his legal identity.  Since he was put away in prison as a teenager then spent his late teens to young adulthood isolated, Obie spent his first years of freedom in gain an identity card, his Social Security card, and Driver's License, stuff that we all take for granted.

It's the little things that add up.  All that adding up, made Obie founding Exonerated Nation, where wrongful convictions is a human rights issue.

It's about the getting people back on their feet by helping them get and gain the little things to get them acclimated back to normal, real life that we all take for granted, while human right lawyers in Exonerated Nation work in releasing the wrongfully accused out of prison.  The innocent, decent, and the victimized have rights.

Obie Anthony never ever thought he'll be at a Malibu estate, being honored for his civil rights and justice works, sipping his first real decent cocktail, a Seabreeze, simply concoction of vodka and cranberry juice, wearing a black velvet blazer in gold thread brocade.  It was as though he sipped heaven.  After offering his first real Seabreeze, he said, "You sure know your cocktails, aahhh."  It's the little things.



As a hair and makeup artist turned fashion photographer, Jim Jordan saw something in Jeremy Meeks, whose mugshot unknowingly became "The Hot Felon."  Jim recognized something beyond the mugshot.  Jim took it upon himself to set Jeremy as a fashion model.

It ain't easy.  The penitentiary literally takes no prisoner.   Alright, it takes no bullshit.  If you're willing to rehab and sponsor a convict or prisoner, Jim says you're gonna be vetted like no other.  After they're done researching you, like if you have a crime record yourself, the authorities will personally inspect your home for weapons, guns, and drugs.  The cops don't fuck around.

According to Jim, that's not even enough.

This requires tons of patience and months of patience and psychology of kindness, empathy, and sympathy.

It all started with minute 15 minutes phone conversations, thru Jeremy's ex-wife, while Jeremy was still in jail.  Only on Monday mornings, once a week for months.

Then, Jim offered to house Jeremy as a part of rehabbing and re-introducing Jeremy back into normal life, much less a new life as a fashion model.

Jim says that Jeremy struggled to being loyal and faithful to his old friends and family in his old life while recognizing the bright future, as his new life, awaits him.  That's real struggle.

Jim used his fashion connections to get Jeremy modeling on the catwalks in Europe.

When promoting Jeremy, Jim can't help but noticing people being magnetized and being attracted to Jeremy.  Jeremy was sure as heck, wasn't used to this.

Photographing celebrities, such as Leo DiCaprio, Jim says they have charisma.  With Jeremy, it's magnetism. 

This article and interviews are all about giving folks a second chance in life, redemption, renewal, rejecting toxic masculinity, and "re-humanization" to becoming human again while recognizing people have rights.  It's also about enjoying and cherishing the simple things in life.













Monday, June 6, 2022

Hooray! Launch Parties Are Back! Thanks to Regard Magazine's Summer Issue Release Party Presented by BURN180 with special guest host cover girl Tricia Helfer!

 By Laura Medina


The celebration of the Summer Issue release with a VIP Red Carpet on Thursday 6/2/2022 at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills went off without a glitch. REGARD Magazine partnered with Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills to blend Hollywood glamour and REGARD regal elegance with the luxurious ambience of an iconic urban resort. Just in time to get our bodies ready for summer the VIP Hollywood event was presented by BURN180: Elevate your resistance band training to the Pro Athlete Level with a next-generation compact system designed for use anywhere, anytime, by anyone.


What a pro! Edward James Olmos is legendary enough to be professional enough to be the first guest to show up, so he'll have enough time to enjoy the launch party and be seated at court, among the younger, admiring celebrities.


Tricia Helfer (Step Up/ STARZ), Sofia Ali (Amazon/ The Wilds), Nicky Whelan, Edward James Olmos (American Me/ Miami Vice, Stand and Deliver, Mayans MC), Caitlin OConnor (Rise of The Lakers Dynasty, Southpaw), Elizabeth Mitchell (ABC Lost), Christopher Gorham (Ugly Betty), Shannon Dang (Kung Fu), Alex Meneses (Why Women Kill, Selena), Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luther- Smallville), Dr. TJ Tsay (Bling Empire Netflix), Farrah Abraham (Teen Moms/ Producer Director actress), Karlee Perez (WWE Diva/ Actress), Christian Ganiere ( Netflix Stranger Things),  Jay Ellis (Top Gun: Maverick), Andrea Bernholtz (Celebrity CEO of Swiminista Co- Founder of Rock & Republic), Steve Cederquist (Flip or Flop HGTV), Alyssa de Boisblanc (Modern Family, current season of American Idol, Netflix) Melissa L. Williams (BET’s Ruthless), Co- Founder of Burn180 Dan Markel and Co-Founder/ Inventor of Burn180 Todd Wittenbrock and many more.


Dimitry Loiseau with cover model, Tricia Helfer.


Celebrities sipped on hand-crafted, estate-grown, 100% additive free tequila cocktails by TEPOZAN 



Celebrity photographer, Jim Jordan experienced live demos of the ultimate full body workout by cutting edge technologies from BURN180.


Celebrity guests and media left with VIP gift bags from High on Love including luxury gifts from Calyfx and must have skin care products.