Just days before celebrated Oscar-Winner Helen Mirren and sultry Oscar Nominee Penelope Cruz strolled down the red carpet in their Jimmy Choos...
... and LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE'S Oscar Winner Alan Arkin and Sweet Petite Abigail Breslin sported gorgeous Harry Winston bling...
... curly-haired Oscar-Winner Nicole Kidman had already gone straight... hair that is... thanks to Alterna...
along with siren starlet Naomi Watts... who decided to sport classic Harlow platinum waves...
As evidenced by this year's luxurious swag and overstuffed bags, stars abounding in shoes, jewels, and product galore, it's a wonder that the traffic doesn't move an inch a minute on the streets of Beverly Hill the week before the Oscars. Almost every hotel has a cluster of high-end haute couture offerings: diamonds, shoes, evening dresses, handbags and beauty products, and it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. But, for those products that make it on the red carpet the sales driven by star power are well worth time and expense.
Alas, the practice of holding luxury suites has evolved into a 3 ring circus of sorts with too many stars and stylists running in and out at top speed that you almost can't have a conversation until you're waiting in line at the valet. And more and more, A-Listers are sending their stylists in cognito to pick up their goodies, so star sightings are rare, but not forgotten. Too many times the fun and excitement that used to shine so brightly at the luxury suites around town have been sacrificed in the name of efficiency and exposure. So, it was such a delight to make my annual visit to the TMG Luxury Suite high atop Rodeo in the Penthouse, where this intimate little affairs is always a fun encounter.
Inspired by a need to find my friend Mora something fabulous to wear to the Vanity Fair Pre-Oscar Party, we strolled up Rodeo from the Beverly Wilshire after having our Intraceuticals Infusion Facials sans make-up with dark glasses determined to get pampered, petted and ready to party. Upon entering uber-stylist Philip Bloch was holding court before the cameras wearing another one of his signature chapeaus, so we knew we were in right place at the right time.
Our first stop at the OPI manicuring station gave us a moment to chat and survey the lay-out of the penthouse this year at our leisure. The lacquer of choice was OPI's RED HOT AYERS from it's new Australian collection which tickled because she's from down under herself.
Beside us, the GM Collins facialists were overbooked, so we waved a friendly,"Hello, darling,"...
... before moving on to the jewelry salon where the Manak colored diamond collection caught our eyes...
Mora asked about a fabulous diamond collar and was disappointed to find out that it was on reserve for Macy Gray. Meanwhile, the Kazanjian Collection of historical and incredible jewels was being laid out carefully in a display case. HBO HUNK, Ray Stevenson from "Rome" stopped by to check the time on Clark Gable's pocket watch, part of The Kazanjian Foundation Old Hollywood charity pieces
We'd already seen BORAT'S Ken Davidian naked, so we assumed that he was picking up a new Fashion Form's brassiere for his next film...
... although I don't think they run in his size. Ummm... He probably left with a package or two of the breast petals, which by the way, left petal-shaped imprints on my breasts this weekend 'cuz I was wearing a white bathing suit with them underneath. The effect is interesting, although I think I will have to sunbathe topless this weekend to remove the effect.
Moving right along, Mora was fascinated with Allerca's mini-leopard the Ashera...
... pictured above with "Brothers & Sisters" cast member Keri Lynn Pratt... but the fur she was really interested in was being showcased by Edwards-Lowell...
I on the other hand, was interested in a different kind of animal... DWTS finalist Joey Lawrence, who was picking up designer duds from Santa Barbara Boutique, Becca Christian.
Across the carpet, Mora found the fur of her dreams...
... so we left in a minute... because everybody knows you can't find a decent cigarette store in Beverly Hills... and we both had to have a smoke after the day we had!
Marie Bargas
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