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!
VH1 SAVE THE MUSIC FOUNDATION AND GIBSON/BALDWIN MUSIC EDUCATION teamed up with some of today's hottest names to create "Music By Design" - a program that asks designers and boutiques to customize brand-new Gibson guitars and auction them online for charity.
MAC Cosmetics designed guitar
Bidding began at this event at the Gibson/Baldwin Music space in Beverly Hills and continues online at VH1.com until March 30th!
Starbucks Decorated Guitar
It was a hip, young crowd, sprinkled with some oldies musicians and everyone was treated to vodka martinis and cupcakes and an acoustic set by Nelson (who flew in especially from New York City) and Ryan Cabrera who cut his tour short to perform for this charity!
Some of the designer guitars available were designed by: Justsweet (creative design by JLo), Lisa Klein, MAC Cosmetics, Kiehl's, Poleci, Starbucks, and Von Dutch. All bids started at $300. These guitars are pieces of art, designed for display only, they are NOT playable instruments. Visit the website to bid!
LISA KLINE BEVERLY HILLS BOUTIQUE CELEBRATION
Hosted by Lisa Kline, Samantha Harris (E!News) and designer Rachel Pally this was a haute party to hit for the new boutique launch from Lisa Klein.
Rachel Palley and Lisa Kline
A smattering of VIP Guests and an overflow crowd, was packed into this beautiful and hip new space on South Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills! Martinis and cocktails were provided by Belvedere and champagne by Chandon flowed with terrific appetizers and cookies provided by Adonis Catering. The crowd was buying up a storm of Lisa's newest fashions and terrific jewelry line.
A portion of the evening's sales benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Hayden Panettiere and Lisa Kline
Some of the young Hollywood crowd that attended included Hayden Panettiere, Lauren Conrad, Sasha Cohen and Audrina Patridge (The Hills). Lisa Klein's 5th U.S. retail location is at: 315 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills.
James Morrison, is about to make a huge splash in the US. This UK based singer has hit the top of the charts in the UK and sold over 1.6 million copies worldwide to date. He recently won the "Brit" award for Best Male British Solo Artist (other nominees in the category were Paolo Nutini, Jarvis Cocker, Thom Yorke and Lemar).
Selected to compete in the AOL BREAKERS "hot new artist", AOL is giving fans a chance to vote for their favorite new artist. With unlimited voting allowed along with international voting, this could be the huge "tipping point" for Morrison.
Recently Morrison has performed “You Give Me Something” and “Wonderful World” on Jimmy Kimmel Live on January 30th. Undiscovered was included in Blender’s “2007 Most Anticipated Albums” feature in their January print issue
James will be performing on The Today Show on March 16th -- check out the local listings for time and tune in. Also that same night at SXSW(read AUSTIN TEXAS and KCRW/AOL event) at 9:30 pm at La Zona Rosa on 3/16/2007/ If you are in Austin and can find tickets to see Morrison, BUY THEM NOW!! Do NOT wait.. buy them-- whatever the cost. This date will feature a minimalist band and will be a HOT ticket-- and one of those "once in a lifetime" events.
James Morrison's album Undiscovered drops March 13 here in the US!. ORDER NOW!! It's an album that will be burning your ipod and in your car.
Track Listing: 1. Under the Influence--gospel-infused blues/jazz inflected song that's bound to drive you wild
2. You Give Me Something--the anthem of everyone who's afraid of trying somethingnew-- especially in a relationship, recognizing that love might be recognized and found a moment too late. ( here's an audio stream of this song)
3. Wonderful World-- a personal fave of Morrison and a radically different presentation. This one can bring tears to your eyes if you hear it at the "wrong moment" ..
4. Pieces Don't Fit Anymore-- breaking up because you finally realize it just doesn't work any longer. GORGEOUSLY melancholy . This will be in a movie August Rush with Robin Williams who tried to convince Morrison to act in the film--which Morrison turned down because music is his life and focus.
5. One Last Chance-- for those who understand that they have screwed up something fierce and must get their act/life/s*** together, this is THE song for you. It's definitely a song to keep you strong.
6. Undiscovered-- title track-- He's not lost, just undiscovered. (This is so my song!)
7. Letter-- we have all been there and had this happen to us. At different times of your life you will identify with this song--whether it's a love affair, work or friendship, it's all about knowing what's inside the letter but not!
8. Call the Police-- call the police, I am so angry, I am about to make you bleed. This is the song when you need to let your rage go.
9. This Boy-- Morrison's personal anthem, this is a killer song. It's amazing.
10. If the Rain Must Fall-- gorgeous tune with lots of passion and lyrics
11. Last Goodbye-- the romance ends. The bleeding may continue but the pain is going to stop.
This blues and jazz infused music is something so radically different-- harkens back to the days of late 60's, 70's and 80's with the different r&b vibe and the songs are clear in their vibrancy and theme. Think Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Otis Redding, Joe Cocker, Van Morrison, a young Rod Stewart, the Police and references to Traffic and Steve Winwood --even Clapton--are here. There is no mistaking his feelings here. Written by Morrison, these songs are genuine reflections of his life at different times and written in that manner. Think of it as a glimpse of the soul of this young man who has experienced a life that might be quite different from yours-- though I do know where he's come from and recognize/appreciate and identify with everything he's experienced. It's something that Atlantic Records producer and co-founder Jerry Wexler recognized: Morrison has a voice “with its own thumbprint. Hear it once and you’ll forever recognize it.” (As a baby, he had a terrible whooping cough, which may have left him with scarred vocal chords).
Morrison worked his way up from learning the music that he heard as a child, encouraged by an uncle and also just working on the streets singing while he also worked other jobs to support himself. Praise won by hard work and the hard times he experienced as a child is definitely keeping him focused on the target.
Check out the podcast and listen to the conversation that LA STORY had with James Morrison just last Thursday!
LA STORY gets a chance to talk to musician/singer James Morrison BEFORE he drops his CD in the US!
Want to learn more about Morrison -- straight up from him?
Check out the 'webisodes' for clips of him in video format talking about his music and performing. Definitely a "snapshot" into the soul of his music and what's the driving force behind his music.
BBC interview features some interesting tidbits on Morrison as well.
Ok.. I know you want more. Once you hear his stuff on audio. it's as addicting like waving seriously great chocolate in front of a choco addict. Honestly, as one interviewer said, it's worse than "Lays potato chips because you can't stop till you finish the bag". (personally -- it's cheetos but you get the drift.) Morrison's music is addictive and you keep on play/repeat/play/repeat because it's one of those CDs that embeds itself into your brain.
Speaking of embeds-- what's an LA STORY music blog without an embed?
Another nifty blip on the James Morrison comes from the tv show, EXTRA!-- via Youtube.com. This is a great piece on how they actually recorded the album and it's truly a group effort here.
So you might want to buy a ticket to one of his concerts ! Here's the list of tour dates. Do realize that LA is already SOLD OUT. Do NOT wait, call or get online and BUY tickets through this site and see what's available
TOUR DATES:
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno -- Wednesday March 21
Ferndale/Detroit, MI Magic Bag 22920 Woodward Avenue 48220
4/5/2007 8:00 PM Concert Toronto, Ontario The Mod Club Theatre 722 College St. M6G 1C4
4/10/2007 9:30 PM Concert Cambridge, MA T.T. the Bear's 10 Brookline St. 2139
4/11/2007 9:00 PM Concert New York, NY Knitting Factory 74 Leonard St. 10013
4/15/2007 8:00 PM Concert Nashville, TN 3rd & Lindsley 818 Third Ave. S. 37210
4/16/2007 8:00 PM Concert Atlanta, GA Vinyl 1374 W. Peachtree St. N.W. 30309
4/18/2007 9:00 PM Concert Denver, CO Larimer Lounge 2721 Larimer St. 80205
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!)
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.
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!)
For a consultation or appointment call Juan Juan Center: 310-246-0808. Juan Juan Center is located at 9675 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills.
I ADORE pedicures-- nothing quite makes me relax (other than a massage and flying first class to some amazing place. (Kauai anyone?).
Listen to Nicole Myden, ME! Bath Spokesperson tell you all about this decadent ME! Bath Ice Cream Pedicure treat!! It's good enough to eat-- but skip that part!! It's for the toes!
ME! BATh has the most amazing products-- huge ice cream sized scoops of fizzing, 'good for your skin" ingredients that make your feet feel great.
Add in a Masque, a bit of Sherbert Scrub
and Ice Cream Sandwich and voila.. top with some yummy scent of Body Icing and a bit of cherry (as in nail polish) and you have the most delicious treat-- for your feet-- sans the calories. No workout necessary-- just sit back and enjoy.
Check out www.mebath.com for spas or to purchase products!
Find the Me! Bath Ice Cream Pedicure at these locations:
LA - The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills - The Four Seasons (seasonal pedicure poolside for Summer)
New York - Waldorf Astoria + Carmen Fischetti
Vegas - Wynn, Canyon Ranch at The Venetian
Most Ritz Carlton Hotels throughout the country carry the pedicure at their spa
Mid West - Element Spa at Great Wolf Lodges
All information on the pedicure and product purchase can also be done at www.mebath.com! If you want to hear a PODCAST on Me!Bath Ice Cream Pedicure, then check out the Beauty Buzz Blog
One of the biggest problems I find in beauty products-- particularly when I am "out and about" running around covering stories, doing interviews and attending events is the "make-up touch-up" time. Quite frankly, I am tired of lipsticks breaking off in the tube or the packaging coming apart in my makeup bag. I don't even try to slip lipstick or glossses in my pockets because--well-- given the "ups and downs" of what I do and the in and out of the car, it's a bit rough on the product. My makeup bag isn't overly packed but that doesn't mean that things don't get battered.
I recently discovered a line that's got a great --almost BULLET-PROOF-- presentation when it comes to the packaging for lipsticks and lip balms (both of which I need).
Mojo Cosmetics has a cute little line of well edited lip colors, glosses and balms.. but the killer part of it is the GREAT packaging. This titanium packages have the high tech (almost 007 ish) sleek look that makes it stand out-- both for men and women. The Titan packaging comes in silver or pink (for those more feminine moments) and provides refillable bullets of lip balm (perfect unisex product here )
The real genius of this product is the stainless steel O-ring on top that allows guys (and girls) to carry the balm or lip color on their keys. No more chapped lips and no more forgetting it on your dresser, the car, the desk, the other bag or in your pants that went into the washer. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to the old lip balm again.
“The Titan is, quite simply, the most ludicrously over-engineered personal beauty product I’ve ever seen or heard tell of - and I mean that as the highest praise. It’s a discreet, pocketsized cylinder, with a thoroughly appropriate warmth and heft in the hand, that shelters at its core a refillable munition of super-premium lip balm. (Bio girls, transgirls, drag queens, goths, silent-film stars and other boys who wear same should note that the Titan can also be loaded with cartridges of equally premium lipstick.) I ask you: how many products in the health and beauty domain can claim to be “heat-tempered aerospace-grade alloy (aluminum, titanium, manganese, magnesium), YAG laser etched, four-axis CNC machined”? It’s awesome.” - Adam Greenfield, v-2.org
Ok.. now that you read that quote, have I captured your attention? This little dandy package comes in the two colors of packaging shown above.. unisex silver and sleek pink for those feminine moments. Refillable bullets of product -- both lip color and balm-- allow you to keep the balm full and also switch out your fave lip colors. There's also a gloss available but not in this same imaginative, forward-thinking packaging. It's called Platinum. The uber chic balm is made of shea butter, beeswax, carnuba, aloe, English cucumber, rose hips, sugar cane extract, citrus extract,green tea, and vitamins A and E.
Definitely worth checking out.. and if you check out the Mojo Cosmetics website, you will see the colors there and can purchase online as well a find brick and mortar stores that carry the product collection. Check out the super cutie guy that's adorning the pages. Eye candy most definitely but he USES the product too. So dudes-- if he can, YOU can too!
Lucky me, I got a chance to talk to Poppy King a while back. Don't know who that is? If you are a beauty or lipstick junky, shame on you!! All good cosme-holics know the name and cult lipstick fave-- Poppy King.
Poppy King is truly the lipstick queen-- and for good reason. Check out her collection of "SAINTS and SINNERS" lip colors! Here's a podcast (watch out boys and girls, it's a long one--but oh so worth it!).. and she talks about her life, her collection and lots of other inside scoops for you to hear about. So grab a cup of joe (or that lush martini I am so craving right about now) and relax while you listen to Poppy tell you about what it's like to be the LIPSTICK QUEEN!
She's emerged again with a new line of lip colors-- the Lipstick Queen and the current collections are called Saints and Sinners.
Well if you can figure out which colors are sinners (think rich, deep pigments) and saints (sheer versions of the same shades--only softer) and which suit you. There are places for both types in every woman's life.
Here's Poppy's perspective on the Oscar beauty
Helen Mirren wasn't the only queen at the Oscars... Lipstick Queens were everywhere as well. The red carpet this year was distinctly red and nude—the lips were, anyway.
Here is the celebrity way to wear your lipstick :
Glamorous red lips with minimal eye makeup: Nicole Kidman, Rachel Weisz, Gywneth Paltrow.
To ensure you look every bit the star LIPSTICK QUEEN has the perfect shades: SAINT NUDE for a sheer nude,NUDE SINNER forrich nude. Alternatively, SAINT RED for just a hint of red or RED SINNER for full glam.
Get your FASH-ON!! Turn that inner designer on and express yourself with limon yellow couture! Check out this wildly fun contest sponsored by Bacardi Limon and The DAILY to give some lucky designer wannabe a chance to be a designer. It's your chance baby!! Don't miss out!
When it comes to award season, there are tons of suites to visit. One suite that isalways at the top of my list is the Platinum Guild Suite! Not only do they welcome treat press as nicely as they do celebrities, but I love getting the chance to see so many gorgeous gems in one room (it takes my breath away!) and I get a chance to talk to Michael O'Connor, the stylist and jewelry expert that is always backstage giving commentary on the best dressed celebrities.
Check out the podcast where Michael O'Connor gives you the 411 on what's HOT at the Platinum Guild. We will feature photos of the pieces he talks about and lots more. Also make sure you check out the other Platinum Guild posts about what jewelry was worn by the various celebrities. That was a LONG list and you should see just how popular-- and gorgeous-- platinum really is!
The Shibuki piece is so gorgeous! It's a real stunner.
The Ganjam Bracelet is amazing in its complexity and beauty with creativity shown in the workmanship.
Mikimoto's Platinum and South Sea Pearl Necklace is a really amazing piece that is both elegant and sophistated.
Over the top pieces are popular -- like this amazing bib style necklace from Amgad!
Check out this WOW piece with pave diamonds and radiant cut diamond that is HUGE!! It's definitely a wallet (and jaw) breaking piece!
Oscar Heyman and Brothers created this gorge diamond and platinum necklace that looked like it would refract light like nothing I have ever seen. The variety of shapes in the construction of the necklace make this unique.
Hammerman Brothers bib style necklace done in ribbons of diamonds joined at the bottom and made even more dazzling with the ruby drops. Yummy!
Jacob and Company earrings are stunning with graduated briolettes of diamonds that reflect light and create a lot of movement With this sort of earring, one doesn't need a lot of other jewelry.
Hammerman Brothers circle within a circle earrings are sure to please particularly since they have a lot of flash and movement.
Chad Allison is a new designer to the Platinum Guild Suite. Featuring designs that are ideal for a more petite person or someone wanting a lower key earring, the styles that Allison created for the Golden Globes were very romantic in feel. With more filigree and going north into the ear lobe rather than wider, there are a number of earrings that would suit a phenomenal dress or be perfect for someone who believes in a bit less is more. His Aquamarine Drop Earrings are a bit different from the other earrings and definitely would work on any woman!
For the men, there were a LOT of pieces for men-- much more than other award ceremonies.
This cross dagger is amazing and would be perfect for the gentleman who believes in dressing with a more edgy feel.
NIKOS matte cross is a great choice for a man who wants a bit more sophistication and subtlety to his jewelry. Also the great square ring is amazing because of its contoured fit! The ID bracelet gives a nice edge yet not quite over the top presentation.
Ricardo Basta is very popular. While his pieces were already snatched up by the time we got to the Platinum Guild, it's not an awards ceremony without featuring something from master artisan, engineer and jewelry artist, Ricardo Basta!
For the piece de resistance, Lazar Kaplan designed this phenomenal jacket featuring 2 pounds of platinum and three thousand diamonds with a one million dollar price tag. It's amazing!!!
Here are more images that I took while there so that you could see the ARRAY of jewels that stylists and celebrities had to choose from. Totally amazing!
Tray 1
Tray 2
Tray 3
Tray 4
Tray 5
Tray 6
I did some quick videos of the various trays. Realize this is all done in natural light and this done off a itty bitty point and shoot!
Trays Part 2
I would like to thank Michael O'Connor for his time-- he's wonderful at his job and only shows me the best pieces. Also thank you to the Platinum Guild and Clifford PR for making the time for me to cover this suite. It was booked solidly throughout the 3 days pre Golden Globe!
Don't forget that there are 2 other blogs: one about the other spa services in the suite with a podcast and also one blog featuring who wore what! (refer back to these photos)
Rachel Palley and Lisa Kline 
Hayden Panettiere and Lisa Kline 
