LA is more than just a location; it's a lifestyle and even a state of mind! Come check out the "LA Story" for what's hot in fashion, beauty, events, stores, sales, places to go and what's going on as I cruise through life in LA -LA Land!
Want a bit of newsy news? Catch onto WebSnob and check out what's cooking in our collective kitchens-- a little fashion, a little beauty, a little commentary, even a video or two
Get The REAL Dish! Fashion plates go Parisian chic with Delight.com's Les Femmes Dish Set and Coquette says snatch them up before they are all gone!
Give your fave 4-legged fashionista a chic, Sienna Miller-inspired leg up by rocking cruelty-free fashion suggests Fashiontribes.
There's MORE Web Snob-- but you need to hit the NEW site for LA-STORY.. which is www.LA-STORY.COM! So easy and just a click away..
Macy Gray will be performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday, May 3, 2007. Tune in at 12:05 pm for the show and catch her performance!
Wait!!! We have something better. Wouldn't it be great to see the show LIVE?
Wouldn't it be better to GO to the show and watch it live, for free!
Jimmy Kimmel Live is looking for YOU!! He wants to find Macy Gray fans to be part of his mini-concert on Thursday, May 3rd.
Jimmy Kimmel Live features celebrity guests and cutting edge performers with plenty of surprises, panic, and general pandemonium. The best part is that Macy Graywill play 5 songs for you.
If you are interested in seeing Macy Gray in person and being a part of the Jimmy Kimmel Live audience, please visit www.1iota.com and follow these simple steps:
ATTENDANCE TO THIS EVENT IS BY INVITATION ONLY!!! Remember, BE QUICK, because space is EXTREMELY LIMITED!!
ESSENTIAL NOTICES & Important 411!
You must be at least 18 years old You must be available on Thursday, May 3rd from 6:15pm – 9:00pm You must have a valid photo ID Please do not wear white, light blue, beige or logos, as they don’t come across well on camera Please do not bring large handbags or knapsacks No cameras or recording devices
NOW go get your tickets!! If you get tickets, if you go, PLEASE email me directly to tell me about it so that I can get feedback and post it on this blog..
It's spring time! Magazines and the weather have you thinking about new clothes, accessories, beauty products-- and oh yeah-- don't forget about the couple of holidays like Mothers Day coming up along with weddings and even baby showers! So check out the deets on the most interesting posts for the week!
In honor of Mother's Day and in conjunction with the release of Dreamgirls on DVD, Glam.com would LOVE to send one LUCKY reader and their mom to New York City for a day packed with pampering and fun.
What the winner gets:
* A trip for him/her and his/her mom to New York City (Airfare for 2) * at the luxurious Dream Hotel ( 1 room/1 night) * Makeovers for him/her and his/her mom (2) *Tickets to a Broadway show (2)
* Dream Big gift bag * Dreamgirls 2-disc DVD * Dreamgirls 2-disc Soundtrack * Exclusive Dreamgirls Playbill * Dreamgirls Coffee Table book
When? This promotion is in progress NOW and will run until May 31st.
What's a woman --aka a MOM -- to do when she is frazzled? When she has questions but no one is around to ask. FORGET asking a man. Either he's not there or he can't give you the answer you want or need. Men fix things (for better or worse) and then you have to figure out what the answer is that you originally intended. Typically women turn to other women-- but what if everyone is at work, or soccer or busy or gone? Then turn on your computer and turn on the buzz there-- TheMomsBuzz.com
This nifty little site started by --who else-- two moms, can give you answers that you might need to stuff about children, about your home, health, and even work. Some stuff might not apply but 10 to 1 you will learn something. Heck, I learned stuff there and I was shocked at some of the health info I didn't know anything about and also some cool little kitchen tricks to keep me from turning stuff into smashed whatevers.
Honestly-- did you know that used and beat up athletic shoes are recyclable? I didn't!
There's a wealth of information that you can get at themomsbuzz-- no matter if you are a mom, a dad, an extended family member, nanny or just a surrogate relative.. it's worth checking out because these two women has sussed out the best, most current 411 out there. Smart ladies-- they are sharing it with you. You can share back too if you like!
So join the group and subscribe to this cool little spot on the web-- for all the latest info on kids, families, moms and more.
Sources say that BOULEVARD3 was THE place to be during LAFW. I mean THE PLACE to be. 944 Magazine was there and snapping photos -- and the photo credit definitely goes to them for sticking around and taking photos of the guests. You won't find me and the bffs there-- we weren't "anyone" that they recognized.
What was funny was that good friend and PR extraordinare AVO YERMAGYAN of Gaudy PR was hosting an event at BOULEVARD3 on Thursday, March 26 which was a SMASH!
Yermagyan' s Pinque Cirque featured BLOKE by Jerell Scott and House of Doll by Brett Bailey was building such a buzz during the week that people were calling offering bribes to get tickets to attend this "must see and be seen at" event.
I was assured by Avo that I would be in VIP section-- so I made sure I got a couple of friends to go too and it was LINES out the door and around the block to get into the club.
Parking was a freaking nightmare. By the time we got to the door. and got waved in (the checker was just wiped out. She only asked if Avo invited us. *big duh)-- so we were in.
Avo Yermagyan/Gaudy PR and Kim Kardashian (in order of appearance) Thanks to Kevin Parry, photographer! (big hugs)
Inside was a courtyard with a fountain and right smack in the middle of it, a 20 foot woman in a room-filling black gown. It was an incredible sight. She did have a companion – an equally tall man in gray pants – but he was mobile, while she was confined to the wading pool.
On the edges of the pool stood male models in scruffy couture. Sort of contemporary grunge mixed with some couture effects-- I think one of my friends described it as “Derelique”-- a la Zoolander. Since we missed the first runway show, we weren't sure whose designs they were but we figured they were Bloke designs.
To the left, was a cotton candy machine which Jennifer could not resist! Girls with trays strapped around their necks were handing out energy drinks which we passed on those items. There were also little cubbies or niches where people could sit. These were occupied by models and artwork, the most notable of which was a religious scene with a gorgeous male model meant to resemble Jesus, sitting on a throne. (Comment reserved here because we don't want to offend, but the guy was gorgeous. I gotta stop there.)
Since the first show was over and the second one had yet to start, the room was filled with peopl--there was no longer any room to get into the VIP section--there was no longer any room to move!
It was PACKED. P _A_C_K_E_D!!! I knew that it was going to be about a thousand people, I knew I could find Avo out of a 1000.. that's not hard. But THREE THOUSAND? NOT A CHANCE IN HELL could I find him. So my promise of showing up was for nothing (and I missed out on a goody bag too)
I left my bff's -- "the Jalapeno" and her friend -- there to party on and enjoy the show. ( I was driving just over an hour each way so it was not worth hassling the crowds), So the description that follows is based on a detailed note and more questions from me to the Jalapeno about what happened.
We made our way inside, which felt like Charlie’s first view of the Chocolate Room in Willy Wonka. There were three enormous chocolate fountains – one brown, one white, and the largest one pink! There were marshmallows, pretzels and juicy strawberries to dip. There were also big bowls of red licorice, hot tamales, jelly beans, all kinds of candy. It was a nightmare (only because I’m dieting!)-- or it was a candylovers dream.. which now makes me (Stevie) sorry I left).
The main room was a long rectangle with a second floor balcony all the way around--shaped like a huge U. The runway jutted out into the middle of the room. The VIP area was upstairs in the balcony. The only celebrity I am sure I saw was the guy from Borat (Ken Davitian). My friend thinks she saw Maria Conchita Alonso, but we're not sure (and I could not verify--Stevie).
We paid for our cosmos and looked around for goodie bags. I saw one pink bag and snuck a look inside but it was empty. I’m not sure what we missed out on there. Sad -huh!!
Almost right on time, the House of Doll show started. All I can say is: WOW.The show featured Cirque de Soleil dancers which were amazing. First, two impossibly gorgeous male models walked to the end of the runway. Then a ballerina came out, which would have been interesting enough, but was made more so by the mouse (or pig?) nose taped to her face. She moved in a way that suggested she was a “wind-up” doll from a jewelry box.
Suddenly a slew of scantily clad dancers came running onto the stage. I could never describe the way they danced, you’d have to see it. It was almost violent. They were like angry muses-- all dressed in black, thrashing and kicking. Their hair and makeup lent to this perception: they had enormous black eyelashes and huge hair that resembled black or blond flames (think 1980's but not cheesy, more artsy).
When they retreated backstage, the ballerina who had been watching all along, opened the huge runway door and the models appeared one by one, which made the ballerina look very pleased.
The models were stunning, with enormous eyelashes and fussy hair – most had their hair fashioned into huge bows! (I am sure the hair-bows were hair extensions but they looked very real.) Their makeup was very bold, very pink. They wore tags on their wrists that said Doll.
I’m sure you want to know about the designs, but unfortunately, most have escaped my memory. They were beautiful, interesting and artistic but wearable pretty much for parties or red carpet only. There were a lot of unfinished seams, heart-shaped appliqués, intricate straps. One dress that stuck with me was a blue and yellow striped gown that was almost like an upside-down daffodil. (the dress was actually a riff on an umbrella upside down--Stevie)
House of Doll Designer Brett Bailey Busses his Muse, Kim Kardashian. Photo by Kevin Parry . (We heart you greatly)
After the show, I (the Jalapeno speaking) saw a flamboyant guy in patent leather platform boots, wearing a t-shirt that said “TOUCH ME, I’M PLASTIC” on the front and “I’M FAKE” on the back. I thought it was Bobby Trendy but can’t be sure. ( It was Bobby Trendy--Stevie) I did try to touch him for a photo but he ignored me.
Before we left, we decided to see if there were goodie bags left in the VIP area. We walked right up the stairs without anyone stopping us, but most of the crowd up there had cleared out. Tons of people were lingering by the fountain though, so we stayed there for a while then headed home.
It was a really great night.
Who was there:
Kim Kardashian,
Kourtney Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Kim (again)
Tracy Bingham,
Bai Ling,
Ken Davitian (Borat),
Phoebe Price,
Bobby Trendy
Missing the photo for: Katherine Bayliss, Matthew Fashion,
Carolina Baccardi--she walked the catwalk for the shows,
Chudney Ross who hosted the Bloke Show,
Alex Quinn
Here's a "photoshopped image" of the Jalapeno-- photoshopped to protect the innocent -- and the guilty. She's really quite stunning
Let's put it this way.. this party was smokin' haute and hot. EVERYONE was talking about it the next day because it had three thousand people.
Food? Was there food? I gather there was food: imported peanuts and Peroni Nastro Azzuro, cotton candy cocktails, cotton candy and chocolate covered confections in several colors. (Who knew there were that many colors? Did Yermagyan leave any for anyone else in LA?)
DJ Splyce had the music cranking so hot that people did not leave till 3AM and it was smoking haute partying in the room. People didn't want to leave because the music was too fabulous.
What was funny was that Paris Hilton walked the 944 Magazine show featuring 2 Be Free on Monday for the opening of LAFW. It was nice party. However this party closed LAFW and this one exploded into a frenzy of amazing buzz and fun which I gather now blew the lid off the Paris Hilton vs Kim Kardashian friendship which seems to have gone kaput .. since this event.
*Shrug* Who knows why? Could it be that this event where Kardashian walked the runway for Pinque Cirque coupled with the release of her "sexpose' tape" hitting the streets beat Paris at her own game? It seems that Kardashian "out-walked" Hilton on the runway --both for fashion and for PR spin. Thoughts? HMMMMMMMMMMM?
Participate in a one of a kind interactive video interview for Amazon.com customers with exclusive access to Cuarón on the eve of the DVD and HD DVD release of his Oscar®-nominated “Children of Men”. The live Web cast can be seen only at www.amazon.com/dvd and will begin Monday, March 26, at 6:00 p.m. PDT, the night before the DVD releases.
Amazon.com in conjunction with Universal Studios Home Entertainment, will host the first-ever Global Fan Summit: an exclusive, live interactive interview on its Web site with Academy Award®-nominated director/screenwriter Alfonso Cuarón. the eve of the highly anticipated DVD release of his Oscar®-nominated motion picture “Children of Men.” Cuarón will answer real-time questions from Amazon.com customers watching the interview from around the world.
The live, interactive video interview is a first of its kind for the world’s largest online retailer and is a natural expansion of the numerous features the site offers customers to inform them about the products Amazon sells. The Web cast will be archived at www.amazon.com/specialfeatures for future viewing.
Amazon.com is now featuring exclusive early excerpts from two of the DVD’s compelling bonus features, titled “Under Attack” and “Possibility of Hope.” “Under Attack,” offers an inside look at how the filmmakers created the movie’s most breathtaking scenes. “Possibility of Hope,” is Cuarón’s personal documentary on how the film’s revolutionary themes relate to contemporary society. These excerpts can be seen at www.amazon.com/specialfeatures.
“We are pleased to offer our customers a rare opportunity to watch and interact directly with one of today’s most intriguing movie directors, Alfonso Cuarón,” said Peter Faricy, vice president of movies at Amazon.com. “We continue to find new and innovative ways to help our customers make more informed buying decisions and be entertained in the process.”
“By partnering with Amazon on this innovative event, we are offering DVD consumers direct access to one of today’s most acclaimed filmmakers who, in the past year, has created one of the most provocative and well-crafted films of our time,” said Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “This is a perfect example of how by continuing to aggressively harness digital technologies, we can allow audiences to play a more interactive role in shaping and enriching their own entertainment experiences.”
ABOUT THE MOVIE:
No children. No future. No hope. “Children of Men” is a story set in the year 2027, eighteen years since the last baby was born. Disillusioned Theo (Clive Owen) becomes an unlikely champion of the human race when he is asked by his former lover (Julianne Moore) to escort a young pregnant woman out of the country as quickly as possible. In a thrilling race against time, Theo will risk everything to deliver the miracle the whole world has been waiting for. Co-starring Michael Caine, filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón’s “Children of Men” is the powerful film Pete Hammond of Maxim calls “magnificent...a unique and totally original vision.”
“Children of Men” is now available for pre-order on www.amazon.com for $19.99, a savings of 33 percent.
Yes my darlings, it's that time of year again. Now that the award shows are pretty much over (though I know I owe you about 4-5 more podcasts and at least 6 blogs on Oscars. YES, I know I am late but I promise that I will get them done.)
We now have LAFW upon us. While you have seen all the hoopla from London, Milan, Paris and NYC.. nothing quite compares with LAFW-- for sure insanity because who else would put think about putting a tee shirt line down the catwalk-- not once but THREE times. Sigh..... We shall save that rant for another blog because it was a real doozy of one about 6 AM (and if you know me, you know I really am up at that time.)
We have much to share and we will bring you the most succinct coverage on a blog set up just for the FW coverage courtesy of our beloved editor in chief who listens to us bitch, whine and moan, the ever patient, Lesley Scott whom we love and adore and toast with a couple of cocktails (or three or four).
Anyway, please enjoy this theatrical interlude before we immerse you in the lunacy of LAFW, Oscar wrap ups and realize that we my darlings are going to stop taking life so darn seriously. After what we saw pre LAFW in the hoopla of brands participating and then vanishing from the schedule of LAFW and the rollercoaster ride of not knowing if we are going to be allowed into LAFW because of the cuts made by IMG and Smashbox to the space--well, we are in serious need of levity.. but then I digress.
We need a vacation!! We need to go to Kauai or Key West or someplace WARM with lots of tall icy glasses tinkling with ice and sporting charming little umbrellas or cute little swizzle sticks done as flamingos and us wearing as little as possible in the way of swimwear.
So sit back and share with us this respite of filmatic composition that should be nominated for best short film for the next Oscars. If they want to redo it, I will audition for the part of the little girl.
Look for a sassier, less serious take on life and more serious about things that are important-- like chocolate, great drinks, adorable charming men, and fabulous clothing--as well as that perfect___________ (you fill in the blank with your item of choice-- be it fashion, beauty, food, beverage, cinematic or audiofile/phile). Thank you to the "Goodbye to the Normals" because we are normal no longer- not that we were in the first place.
Whether you choose the EP BLINK from Keaton Simons or his double CD, Exes and Whys--featuring the same songs from the EP and a slew of new stuff-- particularly on CD 2.-- you will have something that will either introduce you to this bluesy, jazzy, indie rocker with a mind towards intelligent lyrics richly layered with meaning. Definitely into the inuendo, metaphor and allegory, Simons is distinctly different and bound to capture your attention -- and maybe your heart-- with his tunes.
If you are looking for the hip hop or dance beat with mindless nonsensical lyrics and repetitive music, you are in the wrong place. This is music for the drive, for background and for those times when you want something meaningful to listen to-- whether it's theWithout Your Skin or the more playfulBlink-- there's a layered quality that slowly reveals itself over time.
From the musicality ranging from a more pop-ish sound to the distinctly jazzy/bluesy pieces, the range of his talent is evident in this ability to seamlessly switch from one genre to another.Evaluating on the sheer musical themes (sans lyrics), there's a lot going on. Note that Simons plays virtually every instrument on the cd and you have a talent that isn't common. It's enough to keep you listening for a good chunk of time-- from synthesizer to acoustic (Brilliant Blues which has a studio version on the EP and a LIVE version on the double CD making it worth buying both disks) to pop inflected tunes, there's a treasure chest in the double CD ofExes and Whys.
While I am enamoured with the musicality of his work, the lyrics really reflect a person/persona that is dealing with the Exes (of past relationships) and the Whys (the failure ). What's interesting is that he gives as good as he gets or takes in these relationships and examines the reaons why people hold on--despite the impending and obvious failure that is bearing down on the relationship like a runaway freight train. Willing to stick with it despite the impending doom is a frequent theme. Drive Awayoffers that sensibility of knowing that the relationship is futile and heading toward the end-- it's all about living in the present tense (often something we don't do) and skipping the futility of the future. Feeling like you are reading pages from a journal or overhearing a private personal conversation, it's like Keaton has stripped his soul for all to see when it comes to all things personal. Even the revelation of Wrong Side of Goodbye is a huge step for a guy who willingly admits he is a player and been the bearer of " see ya" because the person isn't right or just he's "not into her". Being on the other side of the "goodbye" (the receiving end), it's obviously a learning situation and he's actually glad to know what the pain is like. Interesting coming from a guy -- particularly since they aren't usually this emotionally aware and this song tells you just how savvy and "in touch" Simons is with the emotional roller coaster of life. Other songs that are snapshots into his emotional life include Currently, Without Your Skin, and several other tunes are snapshots into his emotional world.
On a broader scale, he's very much aware of his place in the universe and what it means to give as well as take-- both in relationships as well as in societal/global reference. Everythingis an anthem to give-- both as a generousity and in gratitude for all that we have. Think of it as a call to action to get out there and give back at least a little of what you have been given-- whether it's time, money or both. Do what you can to help change the world and he is saying you can do that.
Love the EP because it's truly the introduction you need to Keaton and once you hear it, you will want the Exes and Whys double disk CD. What's unique is that he has improved and tweaked the stuff from the EP on the Exes and Whys and it's worth having both to just see that situation. The second CD has stuff that I just love.Joseph is a reality check of life and his metaphorical lyrics are insanely gorgeous. The techno-infused Burden of Proof is definitely worth several repeat listens and actually shows off that sometimes before you commit or get seriously involved maybe you should check out if the other side has met the burden of proof of interest because too often we jump into things because of our lust/love/emotional compatability and forget that the other person needs to match that or be similar in feeling or tone. It's an interesting song about the hesitancy of a guy-- or anyone-- embarking on a relationship. Very much a reality check of the current situation and the sense of impending doom that it's going to die before it really gets started. HisBrilliant Blue LIVE version is smokin' hot and I love it as much as I love the studio version-- perhaps more because it's very crisp. The specific girl related songs are directed to those who have made serious impressions on his life. Disk 2 is definitely a potpourri of pieces and aspects of his emotional train ride and often transportation/vehicles are allegorical and metaphorical figures in his songs. Also he uses different aspects of homes/houses and structures in his life to describe the "boxes" that life presents-- a la Just Outside My Window.
What's interesting is that Keaton Simons is evolving and very much open and unafraid of sharing what's going on in his heart, mind and soul. Because he's a guy, that's pretty unusual because some of the songs indicate his own responsibility for the situation. While different from James Morrison, there are similarities here that I find in terms of musicality and personal feelings that are real. While Morrison is more straightforward with his lyrics, Simons by nature of his life experiences and education, digs deeper into the situations of life and shares a great deal of who he is.
However don't be fooled into thinking ths is all he is. He's much more than that. This "old soul" has surrounded himself with great people and also is web savvy enough to know how to tap into his grass roots connection.
One of the most interesting parts about Keaton Simons is that he's using the web in ways to reach out to his audience and grow more listeners by using the very tools that most people take for granted but that many musicians seem afraid to use. While videos cost serious dinero to make-- and Keaton has those too -- he takes a step into cyberspace to use LIVE webcasts to touch base with his core listeners as well as conference calls to talk LIVE with people who want to talk to and with him from around the country and the globe. (That's how I first spoke to him-- via the conference call --after several email exchanges). It's a smart, fast way to reach out to listeners and people seeking the "next hot thing" in music-- and Keaton Simons IS the NEXT HOT THING in music. He's currently on tour with Josh Kelley on the east coast (lucky you who are on the "right" coast). If you have an opportunity to get tickets, do so, because it will be an amazing experience.
Tour Dates:
Mar 18 2007 8:00P Bowery Ballroom (w/Josh Kelley) New York, New York Mar 19 2007 8:00P North Star (w/Josh Kelley) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Mar 21 2007 8:00P Lincoln Theatre (w/Josh Kelley) Raleigh, North Carolina Mar 23 2007 8:00P The Handlebar (w/Josh Kelley) Greenville, South Carolina Mar 24 2007 8:00P The Workplay Theatre (w/Josh Kelley) Birmingham, Alabama Mar 26 2007 8:00P 12th and Porter (w/Josh Kelley) Nashville, Tennessee Mar 27 2007 8:00P Rick's Cafe (w/Josh Kelley) Starkville, Mississippi Mar 28 2007 8:00P Smith's Olde Bar (w/Josh Kelley) Atlanta, Georgia Mar 29 2007 8:00P Rhythm and Brews (w/Josh Kelley) Chattanooga, Tennessee Mar 30 2007 8:00P Newby's (with Josh Kelley) Memphis, Tennessee Mar 31 2007 8:00P The Dame (w/Josh Kelley) Lexington, Kentucky Apr 2 2007 8:00P The Parish House of Blues (w/Josh Kelley) New Orleans, Louisiana Apr 3 2007 8:00P The Country Club (w/ Josh Kelley) Augusta, Georgia Apr 12 2007 8:00P TBD Las Vegas Apr 16 2007 8:00P The Knitting Factory Los Angeles, California Finally an LA DATE!!! Definitely worth buying advance tickets for all So. CAL people who want an interesting musical experience. Check out the Knitting Factory for the 411. Click the link and order tickets now!
I have a podcast with Kelley that talks about this current tour that will go up in the next couple of days and you can hear what Josh Kelley has to say about his current musical state -- and he has a great deal of praise for Keaton Simons!
So catch these CDs -- the EP and also the Exes and Whys (gotta love that title) on http://www.keatonsimons.com or http://www.myspace.com/keatonsimons and see what the buzz is all about. This is someone who's going to be around a long time and while he evolves and grows -- the music is only going to get better.