Check out the NEWS on the LA STORY!!! LA-Story.Com HOT NEWS FLASH BLOG!

NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH!! NEWS FLASH!!!

This blog has moved to a new location! You can now find it at www.la-story.com.

I haven't left Fashiontribes.com. I am still part of the staff. It was to streamline the blogs.

Why the move?

So you can find it easier and the pages will load faster.

There's a ton of new podcasts and features waiting to go up. So check out the new location and let me know what you think!

Stevie Wilson

LA-Story.com

HOT SCOOP: Gloss.com Bites the Dust --Or Is It Taking A Powder-- in JUNE! !LA STORY Gets the "Down Low" Blog!

Glosscom_face

Back in the  "dark ages" of the web, there emerged tons of new sites for women-- particularly beauty ecommerce sites for women. Remember Eve.com? Beautyscene? Beautyjungle? Eve and Beautyscene died ignominious deaths. Beautyjungle was swallowed up by Beauty.com which was in turn swallowed  by Drugstore.com but still maintains as a distinct identity. Sephora emerged first  as a brick and mortar store and then  launched online. Gloss.com emerged as a viable alternative  because it was created by a collection of former execs from a variety of high end department stores who sold out to Estee Lauder but since developed a cooperative with cosmetic, skincare and fragrance giants: Clarins, Chanel and Thierry Mugler.

Glossbrand1page

Brands involved from Estee Lauder included Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Darphin, Estee Lauder, Jo Malone, La Mer, LAB Series, MAC, Origins, Prescriptives, and Rodan+Fields  along with several MAJOR heavy hitting fragrance brands (Missioni, Sean John, Kors and more) -- each a major brand and entity in its own right and owning a chunk of beauty real estate.

Glossprod2page

Prepare yourself for some bad news and (hold onto your holy grail Gloss products).. because Gloss.com is going to fold come June 2007.  YUP.. That's right. While it was intimated in WWD earlier last month, it's official and I have held the lid on this story till now.

Glossproduct3page_3

Why are they shutting down? According to the "powers that be" at Gloss.com, their market analysis showed that the online business was growing dramatically, but unfortunately Gloss.com business was the least competitive and showed the least growth amongst its competitors including their own brand sites and partner brand sites.  Rather than keep slogging through the quicksand that Gloss has become mired in, they are going to focus on those sites doing well and skip the rest.

Aboutgloss

While Gloss.com has shown double -digit sales figures and Clarins in particular has seen  significant sales (approximately $3,000,000.00 in 2006), the website seems to be faltering in showing a return on its investment. While it was created during an internet boom time - and survived the dot com/e-commerce crash-- it has required significant time and dollars to keep it going.

When one factors in the Estee Lauder Corp  sites along with the Chanel sites already operating, one wonders what took so long for Gloss.com HQ to wake up and smell the lip gloss.

Glossclarins

Fret not if you are a Clarins or Thierry Mugler lover! Websites for both brand will be launching soon in France and the U in May with other global web portals rolling out over the next couple of years.  For Clarins customer base, it will be a more user friendly site.

Glossthierrymugler

For those Thierry Mugler fans, there is a site coming this month, shopthierrymugler.com, that is launching both in the US and France.

So my peeps, if you are a Gloss fan or have outstanding orders, get to it and stock up. Don't think there will be any sales of outstanding stock since these are high powered brands that can shift stock to stores. However I could be wrong in that assumption.. but I wouldn't put rest my mascara on that one.

The next question is how will this affect the other beauty e-commerce sites out there and those that are shaky, will they be able to stay the course? How will this affect the Chanel relationship with Sephora? Will this affect ANY of the Estee Lauder relationships with Sephora and will you see any beefing up of the cosmetic entities mentioned here in the different department/specialty store websites? How will this affect Beauty.com as well since they are known for their niche brands. Lots to think about boys and girls.. lots to think about.

Remember-- you heard it hear first.

Stevie Wilson

L.A. Story

Web Snob-- Featuring the Hautest News and the BEST of the Blogosphere in Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle. LA STORY WEB SNOB Round-up!

Bag Snob loves R & Y Agousti's line of eye catching clutches!

Coquette shows you the latest fashions in Nude, the new "in" color.

eBelle5 discovers the new Limited Edition Coach Straw Basket filled with L.E. Fragrance Line accessories

Fashion Blogosphere: 1, Steve & Barry's: 0. Fashion blogs scoop the traditional media & the media tries to bite back (unsuccessfully) as Fashiontribes discovers.

Kristopher's Fave: For Your Boy: “Kiss” Fornasetti Cufflinks  handpainted porcelain shines, promising a slick "Thank you."
 
Girlawhirl's Fall 07 Fashion Wrap Up

    
My Fashion Life has exclusively snagged two pairs of straight leg jeans from the new Men’s N-Series line to giveaway courtesy of Nautica Jeans.

    
Papierblog looks at the Indian Fashion Week that was including a look back at Manish Arora


LA Story Gets the TIMELESS SECRET for FAB Skin at Studio at Fred Segal Santa Monica

Hayden-Harnett is out of the bag and into apparel. Second City Style has the interview with the designer about this super cute new line.

SheFinds Asks You: Toe Cleavage, Hot or Not?  Nothing ruins a good pair of cute flats or sexy pumps like toe cleavage. Agree or no?

StyleBakery.com finds double duty multi-tasking cosmetics that do not disappoint

Styleaholics Najwa Moses checks out urban nomad designs by indie designer EEnamaria
 
Britney Spears hires Rachel Zoe, or at least Stylebites is sure of it

Stylehive brings you the 411 on the JCREW Wellie boots.

The Jewelry Weblog suggests that it's not always necessary for your earrings to match.

At last! eBeautyDaily discovers why our hair turns gray!

Stevie Wilson

L.A. Story

10 HAIR MYTHS REVEALED FROM BEVERLY HILLS HAIR DESIGNER BARRY REITMAN! Fashiontribes LA STORY GORGEOUS" Red Carpet Worthy" HAIR Blog!

We all know the term "bad hair days" and sometimes they stretch on for months and months (Please.. let's NOT go there).  Sometimes we have ignored our hair and it's cries for help (can you hear it screaming at you "save me, save me"?) and sometimes it just gives up and breaks off.  Or maybe you have mistreated it by turning it different colors (ruh-oh.. bad color job) or used the wrong products or tools (oops. I knew I left that flat iron on too long. I could smell the scent of fried hair!)

Barryhead_1

Barry Reitman, a master stylist at Juan Juan Center in Beverly Hills has worked on many a celeb head-- and many more that aren't celebs (including mine!). After 25 years as a stylist, he's fun and fabulous at what he does-which is amazing cuts and color. He's a great "go-to" person when you have a problem. Barry's even better if you keep him as your regular stylist. Who better to ask about hair problems than "the master", Barry Reitman.

LA STORY presented Barry wtih several "myths" or suggestions or problems and asked for his opinion and what to do about it.  Here are the questions-- and straight answers that we got from Barry!


I heard that...

Coloring my hair can cause cancer?
"The Food and Drug Administration has found no direct link to hair dye. Hair dye is not a major public health concern." 

Prescription drugs affect the condition of my hair?
"Some commonly prescribed prescription drugs can cause temporary hair loss, trigger the onset of male and female pattern baldness, and even cause permanent hair loss."

My hair grows faster in summer months?
"There are many people who swear their hair grows faster in the summer. The rate of hair growth is unique for each individual and is totally independent of weather or climate conditions. Hair length generally grows up to 1/2 inch per month no matter the month."

I shouldn't color my hair when pregnant?
"It is always recommended you consult first with your physician."

Split ends can be repaired?
"Split ends cannot be repaired and should be cut off immediately or they will split even higher and cause further damage."

Stress can affect my hair's condition?
"A sudden or stressful event can cause the hair follicles to prematurely stop growing and enter into a dormant phase. The hair will then stay in this phase for about 3 months after which time a large amount of hair can sometimes shed. In most cases the hair loss is temporary and the hair will soon recover."

When growing out my hair longer, I should get it cut more often? "When letting your hair grow longer, having regular haircuts will remove split ends and keep the hair looking thick and full at the bottom." 

Shampooing my hair daily will dry it out?
"The right shampoo for your hair type and texture will actually add moisture, body and luster to your hair.  The key is to finding the correct shampoo designed for your hair."

FYI:  Check out the Juan Beverly Hills line of shampoos, conditoners and treatments-- also Barry has another podcast on the Beauty Buzz Blog that talks about deep conditoning too.

http://fashiontribes.typepad.com/beautybuzz/2006/07/get_the_best_tr.html

I need to change shampoos and conditioners often?
"Many people swear that their hair will become immune to the benefits of the same shampoo used over time.  There is no scientific evidence to prove this myth."

I can use lemon juice to lighten my hair?
"Never use lemon juice to lighten hair. If it does anything at all it will make your hair turn orange in color. Also it will dry the hair out and leave it brittle."

Now there are more questions to ask! Feel free to email them to me at stevie@fashiontribes.com and I will create a blog or podcast that answers those questions. However refer to the podcast above for some deep conditioner recommendations and the common misconceptions that people have about hair listed above that Barry has addressed.

If you check out the product recommendations he makes on the podcast and  treatment suggestions here, your hair will be beau-tee-full in nothing flat.  (and it won't be flat either-just lush, beautiful hair!)

Juanjuancenter_1

  J_beverly_hills_1

For a consultation or appointment call Juan Juan Center: 310-246-0808. Juan Juan Center is located at 9675 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills.

Go see Barry Reitman!! He's worth it!!

See you at Juan Juan

Stevie Wilson
--

L.A. Story

Great Hair Dryer = Happy Pretty Hair! LA Story Get Red Carpet Gorge Blog!

X5 dryer is an ultra light, tourmaline, ionic, ceramic dryer that will literally blow you away.. or just your hair.. and it will leave you almost breathless but with gorgeous shiny soft hair

>
MP3 File

There's a reason there is a term called "BAD HAIR DAY!"  Here's a new product that's sure to give you great looking hair in a flash! It's the X5 Ultra Light Tourmaline, Ionic, Ceramic Hair Dryer. Yes.. yes yes , I know there are other hair dryers out there that have most (but not all) of these terms in their name-- however NONE -- has all of these elements at a price UNDER $200!! YES that's right, I said UNDER $200!! That's a STEAL-- plus it's super quiet.

Webx5_3002_dpi

Listen to Leah Rial, make-up artist to celebrities who was worked on so many films, tv shows, commercials as well as editorial shoots that it should make some major make-up artists blush because this  makeup artist makes everyone look sensational! Check out her website www.makeupgirl.com for more about Leah. Right now, you can listen to her talk about the  hair dryer and how celebs (Desperate Housewives cast)   were RAVING about this cool new hair dryer  and how phenomenally quiet and effective it is.

Make sure you check out Esthetics Plus for the  dryer. It's available now. While I am listing the website here http://www.estheticplus.com/index.html,
that particular hair dryer isn't listed yet. Just call them up or shoot them an email and tell them you want the most fabulous hair dryer out there:

X5 Ultra Light Tourmaline, Ionic, Ceramic Hair Dryer

I have one and I *heart* it greatly. I won't go anywhere without it! It's definitely helped my head full of curls!!

Check this baby out-- it's MUCH less expensive than the other tourmaline ionic dryers out there -- and not all include the ceramic factor as well as the diffuser too. This is a "score" for those who want a faster, quieter dryer at a great price ( try UNDER  $150 !!!!)

Stevie Wilson

L.A. Story

Treat your Tresses to “TEN”--The BEST That ALTERNA Has to Offer-- Even at Oscar Suites!! LA STORY OSCAR Beautiful Hair Blog

Champagne, truffles, dark chocolate—sounds like “the Donald’s” grocery shopping list, right?  Actually, these classic sinful indulgences for the palate are now ingredients in a new line of luxurious hair and skin care products by Alterna.  The collection of products was named “TEN” not only for the fact they were developed to celebrate the company’s tenth anniversary, but also because they contain ten premium and high-performance ingredients to enhance hair and skin health and appearance.  Sort of an inner and outer beauty product! 

The TEN products include these exotic, state of the art—and well downright yummy ingredients:

African Cacao Extract: Chock full of beneficial anti-oxidants!  Well, at least that’s the excuse I give for eating dark chocolate daily.

White Truffle Oil: One of the richest sources of B vitamins, which are critical for the simulation of proteins and amino acids.

Champagne Grape Seed Oil:  Grape Seed Oil moisturizes the hair and scalp and protect from damaging free radicals.

Also included are Bulgarian Evening Primrose, Arabian Frankincense, Arnica Flower and Hyaluronic acid among others.

I had the opportunity to test out some of the products in the TEN line—quite a treat for me, since this choice collection has a premium price tag to go along with its premium ingredients.  Since my shampoo and conditioner cost $2 each compared to the $60 that TEN’s luxurious shampoo and conditioner retail for, my hair should look and feel 30 times better, right?

The packaging for the TEN products is as classy as one would expect from this top-tier line of products.  From the "Arabian Nights" styled bottles to the deep purple and burnished gold coloring, you can tell right away these are no cheap drugstore hair products.  All the products have a fresh, light sweet scent to them.  I can’t put my finger on what the fragrance is exactly—it’s not foody, fruity or floral—but it’s the kind of scent that would make a significant other sidle up and say, “Mmmm, your hair smells GOOD!”

Image001_5

The shampoo produces a light lather and cleans with stripping, rinsing well. 

Alterna_3

The conditioner is very thick—it took quite a bit of effort to get it out of the bottle!  It left my hair tangle-free, soft and silky. 

Alterna_4
The hair masque is a heavy creamy conditioning product—to be left on the hair for five minutes, ideally with a cap or towel. 

Alterna
The product line also includes a Skin Therapy lotion with SPF 8.  The lotion is light and soothing with the same sweet scent as the hair care products.  For the life of me, I could not find the active ingredient for the sunscreen.  With an SPF of only 8, however, it would make sense to use this product at night or under a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

So, did the luxurious TEN products work better than my $2 shampoo and conditioner?  I can’t say I could really see a big difference—but then again, I’m the kind of person who can’t tell the difference between a $2 bottle of wine and a $200 one.  I’m a cheap date—but I’m not easy! 

If you like the thought of living lavish life but don’t have the bank account to dine on champagne and caviar on a regular basis, these products might be the ticket.  You can satiate your taste for the good life by feeding your hair with the exotic ingredients found in Alterna’s TEN. 

For more info on where to find Alterna products, check out www.4alterna.com

Stella Louise

L.A. Story

What Makes You Never Wash Your Hair Again? How about 6,800 diamonds Worth a Million? LA STORY Oscar Suite Blog!

Diamond_chi_iron1

The most expensive hair styling tool previewed in Hollywood at the Platinum Luxury Suites in honor of this year’s Oscar’s. Celebrities such as: Kathy Hilton, Marla Sokoloff, Angela Kinsey, Neve Campbell, Stacy Keibler, Nikki Reed and many more had a chance to have their photos taken with this extraordinary styling tool.

Neve_campbell1

The award winning styling tool made by CHI unveiled its “Million Dollar Diamond CHI™ Ceramic Flat Iron” during a pre-Oscar event in Hollywood to celebrate the 79th Academy Awards.

The “Million Dollar Diamond CHI™ Ceramic Flat Iron” was created to bring awareness to victims of conflict diamonds. Blue N’ White Diamonds, Inc. designed this one of a kind tool, containing over 6,800, 3pt. Flawless non-conflict diamonds! Each diamond is individually set on an 18 karat gold casing. The “Million Dollar Diamond CHI™ Ceramic Flat Iron” is a fully working styling tool weighing 5lbs!

The “Million Dollar Diamond CHI™ Ceramic Flat Iron” will tour selected cities and events to create awareness. Afterwards, this one of a kind styling tool will be sold with a portion of the proceeds going towards the victims of conflict diamonds

Now that's something to tote around with you as the accessory of the year.

Stevie Wilson

                                          

L.A. Story

Road To the Red Carpet: Get the Look and the Celeb Style Courtesy of AVEDA!! Fashiontribes LA STORY Red Carpet OSCAR BEAUTY BLOG

Oscar “Get the Look” tip sheet from Aveda

Do you want an Oscar type look but don't know what or how to achieve it? Trust LA Story to get you the 411 on how to look red carpet ready courtesy of tips from Aveda specialists!

HAIR: Jon Reyman, artistic director for Aveda Academy, New York

Jon_reyman11

MAKEUP: Rudy Miles, global educator for  AVEDA face color

Lush defined lashes and defined brows are an unspoken given!
Make sure that you use lots of mascara and get those brows groomed appropriatedly.

               

PENELOPE CRUZ

Penelopecruzfebruary27200503l

photo courtesy of greathairstyles.com

HAIR:                              

Sleek, pulled back hair with high shine and high control.

Wash and condition with Aveda Smooth Infusion shampoo and conditioner.  Brush Aveda Phomollient in when wet to make it smooth and slick.  Blow dry out smooth and slick, and braid as necessary.  Pin into updo and set with Aveda Air Control.

MAKEUP

Oscars2007pics11

photo courtesy of movies.about.com

Nude, glowing look with defined eyes and natural lips

Face/Cheeks: Bronze Glow Face Accent is brushed onto the cheeks, above the brow and onto temples gives the face a natural bronzed radiance.

Bronzeglow

Eyes: Blend Cacao Eye Definer along the upper and lower lash lines and set with Earthen Eye Color Single using a Medium Eye Color Brush. 

Lips: Natural lips are enhanced with Sheer Ochre Lip Pigment Sheer.

Moviesaboutcom_helen_mirren

Photo Courtesy of Movies.about.com

HELEN MIRREN

HAIR:

Bob style with soft, natural waves.

Shampoo_1

Wash and condition with Aveda Be Curly shampoo and conditioner.  Blow dry with a round brush, and break up the waves with Be Curly Curl Control.  Set with Air Control.

Becurfly

MAKEUP:

Sparkling eyes and a glossy lip.

Face: Perfect the complexion with a semi-matte finish and liquid foundation using a complexion brush for a flawless finish. 

Cheeks: To create a natural flush, softly blend Paprika Cheek Color onto the apples of the cheeks using a Blush Brush. 

Eyes: Sweep Waterlily Eye Color Duo onto the entire lid using a Large Eye Color Brush for a soft pearl wash.  Ample black mascara defines the upper and lower lashes.

Waterlilyseagrape

Lips: Starlet lips are the focal point by blending Cerise Lip Color Concentrate onto the lips using the Lip Brush. 

     Moviesaboutcomjennifer

Photo Courtesy of Movies.about.com                     

JENNIFER HUDSON

HAIR:

Sleek and shiny, making the most of her natural waves.

Spray with Volumizing Tonic and comb through Brilliant Universal Styling Crème.  Blow out with a large, round brush, using a curling iron to define the curls.

MAKEUP

Natural, glowing skin with glossy lips.

Face: Create a minimal, dewy, complexion finish using Tinted Moisture. 

Cheeks: Bronze Patina Cheek Tint blended onto the apples of the cheeks.

Bronzepatina

Eyes: Create a soft smoky eye with Riverbed Eye Color Duo smudged softly at the outer 2/3rds of the upper and lower lash lines. On the lid from lash line to crease, blend Lemon Spice Eye Color Single.

Lips: Bronze Blaze Lip Glaze on the lips.

         Moviesaboutcomgwynneth

photo courtesy of movies.about.com-- Gwyneth Paltrow

REESE WITHERSPOON/GWYNETH PALTROW

HAIR:

Sleek and straight with great condition.

Comb through Aveda Damage Control cocktailed with Light Elements Smoothing Fluid, for straightening and shine.  Blow dry straight, straighten with flat iron if necessary.  Run Light Elements Smoothing Fluid through dry hair for maximum shine, hold with Air Control.

Lightelements

Moviesaboutcomjlo

Photo courtesy of Movies.about.com

JENNIFER LOPEZ

HAIR:

Bob style with soft, natural waves.

Wash and condition with Aveda Be Curly shampoo and conditioner.  Blow dry with a round brush, and break up the waves with Be Curly Curl Control.  To create a bob effect with longer hair, pink the longer hair up underneath as necessary.  Set with Air Control.

MAKEUP:

Natural, bronze hue with nude lip and defined eye.

Face/Cheeks: Bronze Glow Face Accent is brushed onto the cheeks, above the brow and onto temples gives the face a natural bronzed radiance.

Eyes: Blend Cacao Eye Definer along the upper and lower lash lines and set with Earthen Eye Color Single

Sheerochre

Lips: Natural lips are enhanced with Sheer Ochre Lip Pigment Sheer.

Leo_di_caprio

Photo Courtesy Movies.about.com

LEONARDO DICAPRIO

HAIR:

Sleek, sophisticated combed-through look

Comb through Aveda Retexturing Gel for smoothing look; style as necessary

Great Dryer = Happy, PRETTY Hair LA STORY Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Podcast and Blog

X5 dryer is an ultra light, tourmaline, ionic, ceramic dryer that will literally blow you away.. or just your hair.. and it will leave you almost breathless but with gorgeous shiny soft hair

>
MP3 File

There's a reason there is a term called "BAD HAIR DAY!"  Here's a new product that's sure to give you great looking hair in a flash! It's the X5 Ultra Light Tourmaline, Ionic, Ceramic Hair Dryer. Yes.. yes yes , I know there are other hair dryers out there that have most (but not all) of these terms in their name-- however NONE -- has all of these elements at a price UNDER $200!! YES that's right, I said UNDER $200!! That's a STEAL-- plus it's super quiet.

Webx5_3002_dpi

Listen to Leah Rial, make-up artist to celebrities who was worked on so many films, tv shows, commercials as well as editorial shoots that it should make some major make-up artists blush because this  makeup artist makes everyone look sensational! Check out her website www.makeupgirl.com for more about Leah. Right now, you can listen to her talk about the  hair dryer and how celebs(Desperate Housewives cast)   were RAVING about this cool new hair dryer  and how phenomenally quiet and effective it is.

Make sure you check out Esthetics Plus for the  dryer. It's available now. While I am listing the website here http://www.estheticplus.com/index.html,
that particular hair dryer isn't listed yet. Just call them up or shoot them an email and tell them you want the most fabulous hair dryer out there:

X5 Ultra Light Tourmaline, Ionic, Ceramic Hair Dryer

I have one and I *heart* it greatly. I won't go anywhere without it! It's definitely helped my head full of curls!!

Check this baby out-- it's MUCH less expensive than the other tourmaline ionic dryers out there -- and not all include the ceramic factor as well as the diffuser too. This is a "score" for those who want a faster, quieter dryer at a great price ( try UNDER  $150 !!!!)

See you at the beauty counter!

Stevie Wilson

L.A. Story

It's A Suite Life VI: Access Hollywood'Gets Celebs Glowin and Golden with SWAG: LA Story Golden Globes Podcasts & Blog

While most were scurrying all over LA, those smart enough to hit the Sofitel were treated royally to great food  courtesy of Simon LA and an even greater bar -- with wine selections provided by the WineLibraryTV.com   at the Access Hollywood, On 3 Productions Suite.

Sofitel

CVS/pharmacy donated $100k to Best Buddies

Best_buddies

and Lollipop Theater Network

Lollipop

on behalf of stars from Dreamgirls, Babel, Alpha Dog, Heroes, Ugly Betty, The Office, Grey's Anatomy, and more who visited The Access Hollywood "STUFF YOU MUST..." Lounge in honor of the Golden Globes. For every nominee and presenter that attended CVS made a donation to benefit two charities chosen by Access Hollywood  hosts Nancy O'Dell and Billy Bush.  Nancy's charity is Best Buddies and Billy supports the Lollipop Theater Network. 

Some of the participating brands included Altoids (chocolate covered cinnamon lozenges. YUM); Carrie & Danielle, Inc. Private Style Statement Session, Fiji Water, FreshLook Eye Exam & Year Supply of Color Contact Lenses, LeSportsac XL, Lifeway Foods, Red Bull, Sofitel LA, TimeMug,  and WIneLibraryTV.com.

Most of these brands you have heard about-- but maybe NOT heard about WineLibraryTV.com. Check out the blog to follow this  which will have a podcast with WineLibraryTV.com! We are splitting that off because it's a longer podcast and this is a long enough post. If you know nothing about wine, or if you know a lot about wine-- you can learn something from WineLibraryTV.com. It's a fascinating website for vinophiles!

Check out who was there at the bottom but look at WHAT was there first because SWAG was the word at this year's Golden Globe suites:

Solstice Sunglasses had a selection of glasses for stars to be "cool" in.

Hanes presented  a unique tropical retreat with intimate apparel from Bali, Wonderbra, Donna Karan and more had celebs  coveting lots of great  styles.   Joely Fisher (“‘Til Death”) and  mom Connie Stevens shopped together. Angela Kinsey (“The Office”) said “you just saved me a trip to the mall, I will wear this strapless Wonderbra to the Golden Globes" (how's that for the best in time-savers!) New mom Chandra Wilson selected the Donna Karan Body perfect Slimmer because “slimmers" are always good, I need these now!”. “American Idol” runner-up Katherine McPhee selected several pairs of Wonderbra panties,  because her BF commented that  she "can never have enough lacey panties"> Jennifer Hudson  picked out Donna Karan slimmers because for Red Carpet gowns, “You gotta love the slimmers for the Red Carpet” .

CVS  was a major presence featuring a selection of hair care, makeup, skin and body care for both men and women. This "Reinventing Beauty Spa" was a great place to get a quick touch-up or even a hair cut courtesy ofthe world-famous Christophe who has launched a line with CVS/Pharmacy. Also the skincare & cosmetic line that CVS was featuring was Nordic cosmetic brand Lumene .

HANES   was handing out goody bags filled with tees and gift certificates for online shopping! What a treat to order your fave Hanes essentials online and have them delivered to your home!  Kevin Dillon(“Entourage”)  left with some "perfect tees" and said “I’m running low on my Hanes – need more now!". Kate Flannery (“The Office”) is using her gift certificate to shop online with her boyfriend. Hayden Panetierre (“Heroes”) is a dad's girl (if not a hero), “I love that I can get stuff for myself and my Dad”

AMC THEATRES® offered out passes to theaters.   Rusty Joiner (Resident Evil 3) was excited to get to see his fave flicks at his local AMC. Amber Heard (“Alpha Dog”) can't wait to see  her performance with Justin Timberlake in Alpha Dog. Eric King & Lauren Velez (“Dexter”) are going to catch an upcoming show of “Babel”. Jonathan Silverman felt it was the best gift in the lounge  as did Kevin Dillon who was going to tell his castmates to the Lounge to pick up the gift that keeps on giving!

LAVANILA LABORATORIES    Who knew that “American Idol” stars came in flavors?  Katherine McPhee declared “I’m a Vanilla girl…pure vanilla is my scent!”. Donal Logue (“Nights of Prosperity”) and his two sons helped choose the vanilla blossom scent for Mom! Becki Newman  (“Ugly Betty”) opened her new scent and spritzed on the spot. Vanessa Williams (“Ugly Betty”) chose vanilla grapefruit scent because she like her fragrance with “a little bite.”  Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye”) picked out some fragrance for his best friend, (Grey’s Anatomy) star Sara Ramirez. Check out the podcast on Lavanila Laboratories three different scents. ! YUMMY--and sold exclusively at Sephora right now.

Lavanilla_labs


MP3 File

SOLSTICE SUNGLASS BOUTIQUE    Vanessa Williams came in so-so sunglasses and left with  her "son-approved" Marc Jacobs frames. Erik King (Dexter) chose Hugo Boss and Armani Exchange frames because he plans to wear them on the show (after working it out with the stylist). Terrence Howard added Dior Homme aviators to his  smooth vibe. The Queen of hip-hop-- Mary J. Blige-- scooped up six pairs of the hottest new sunglasses from Bottega Vennetta, YSL, Kate Spade and Marc Jacobs!

BREAD DENIM    Brittany Snow and Tina Fey picked out some dark denim skinny, zipper at the ankle jeans and wore them immediately.   Jennifer Hudson ordered a custom-made to fit her star magnitude. Bread Denim will also be sending a special pair  for Mr. Payton, Hudson’s Pomeranian puppy who shopped the Lounge with her. Mary J. Blige got a pair in each color and wash.   Kevin Dillon put them on immediately and said that he will wear them on “Entourage”. Dominique Swain (“Alpha Dog”) fell in love with them after putting them on and did a supermodel strut  in the lounge. (yeow!).

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CARLOS FALCHI    Vanessa Williams and Chandra Wilson both agreed that they would carry these "one of a kind" custom clutch bags designed specifically for the Golden Globes. Vanessa chose pink and Chandra went for the large clutch with purple stones. Kevin Dillon picked up a lizard version for his wife. Perry Reeves (“Entourage”) felt that her character should be accessorizing with Carlos Falchi and said she would talk to the show’s stylist! While this isn't the same clutch that was featured for the Golden Globes, it's quite similar to it but it was more gilded and had more exquisite details.

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MP3 File

BABYDISH    Ali Landry loved her BabyDish bag filled with everything mom needs for baby and looks forward to using it when she has a baby. ( hmmm could that be a hint?) Nancy O’Dell has got baby on the brain! She picked out a bag that she plans to use for all of her baby things because she’s due later this year!

Sparkling cubic zirconia pieces from Ziamond (www.ziamond.com), were faves of several celebs including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Pamela Anderson, Jessica Alba.


Definitely getting the attention of the guys and gamer girls was the latest gameware from Splitfish for Xbox and Playstation (www.splitfish.com)

Invicta watches  were a big hit too -- and everyone wanted one.

WHO:    Talent that visited the gift lounge:  Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson (“Dreamgirls”), Adriana Barraza (“Babel”), Blair Underwood, Rex Lee (“Entourage”), Aisha Tyler, Chiwetel Ejiofor (“Kinky Boots”), Rinko Kinkuchi (“Babel”), Santiago Cabrera (“Heroes”), Brittany Snow (“American Dreamz”), Keith Robinson (“Dreamgirls”), Emily Deschanel (“Bones”), Eric Millegan (“Bones”), Katherine McPhee (“American Idol”), Ken Davitian (“Borat”), Kevin Weisman (“Ghost Whisperer”), Leslie Bibb (“Taladega Nights”), Vanessa Williams (“Ugly Betty”), AJ Buckley (“CSI NY”), Amber Heard (“Alpha Dog”), Bai Ling, Becki Newton (“Ugly Betty”), Carmine Giovinazzo (“CSI NY”), Chandra Wilson (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Clifton Collins, Jr. (“Babel”), Dominique Swain (“Touristas”), Erik King (“Dexter”), Giada de Laurentis (“Today” & “Easy Italian”), Greg Grunberg (“Heroes”), Hunter Parrish (“Weeds”), Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye”), Jason George (“What About Brian”), Kate Flannery (“The Office”), Kevin Dillon (“Entourage”), Laurel Hollomon (“The L Word”), Lauren Velez (Dexter”), Melora Hardin (“The Office”), Michael Urie (“Ugly Betty”), Melora Hardin (“The Office”), Mindy Kaling (“The Office”), Patricia Arquette (“Medium”), Rena Sofer (“Heroes”), Sophia Brown (“Shark”), Taryn Manning (Hustle & Flow”), Tony Plana (“Ugly Betty”), Donal Logue (“The Knights of Prosperity”), Hayden Panettiere (“Heroes”), Jennifer Finnigan (“Close to Home”), Kate Walsh (“Gray’s Anatomy”), Perrey Reeves (“Entourage”), Brian Baumgartner (“The Office”) , Ali Landry (“Eve”) and Angela Kinsey (“The Office”)

Stevie Wilson

LA Story .