Fashiontribes Life & Style

Blog, blog, blog...

It seems like everyone and his mother has their own blog.  Much more than just an online diary, blog topics cover everything from politics and social issues to discussions about film and TV.  Here at FashionTribes we not only discuss fashion, but movies, makeup and music as well as an assortment of other interesting topics.  But we're not the only kids on the block, so I thought it might be fun to share a handful of my favorite blogs and bloggers with you:

1.  Things I've Bought that I Love - You know her as Kelly Kapoor on The Office, but Mindy Kaling is not only a comic actress and TV writer/producer, she's an avid shopper as well.  She and her friends blog about their coolest purchases at http://mindyephron.blogspot.com/

2.  Celebritology - There are gossip blogs galore, but few do it with as much class and panache as Liz Kelly of The Washington Post.  Whether it's dissecting the latest episode of Lost, weighing in on Britney's most recent shenanigans or compiling a new Friday list, this is definitely a site to bookmark if you love gossip but wouldn't be caught dead buying a tabloid!  http://blog.washingtonpost.com/celebritology/  For more "insider" Hollywood gossip, The Defamer is like the online version of Entourage.

3.  As a writer, I tend to gravitate towards writer's blogs.  A few of my faves are Ken Levine's   who dishes on American Idol as well as recounting his days writing Cheers, M.A.S.H. and Frasier,  The Artful Writer, which focuses on the craft and business of writing and is hosted by Craig Mazin (Scary Movie 3 and 4) and Ted Elliot (Pirate of the Caribbean, Shrek) and Bill Martell's Sex in a Submarine which gives priceless insight into the life of a working screenwriter.

   
4.  Last but not least is fashionista and trendsetter Stevie Wilson's L.A. Story blog.   Focusing on Southern California as a lifestyle and state of mind rather than a destination, Stevie blogs about fashion, music, skincare, shopping, spas--you name it!  If it's new and hip and to die for--she already knows about it and has blogged about it--trust me!  Check it out at http://www.la-story.com/

Stella Louise

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Provoked--coming to theaters May 11th. A FashionTribes Lifestylist movie review!

Provoked is the story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia who, after suffering 10 years of spousal abuse and degradation, is sentenced to life in prison after she sets her husband on fire while he slept. Set in London in 1989, the story has similarities to the famous Farrah Fawcett TV movie, The Burning Bed. While the story is not cinematically groundbreaking, the actual case helped redefine the legal term of “provocation” in the United Kingdom in cases of wife battering.

Under English criminal law, a person who intentionally kills as a result of “provocation,” will be convicted of manslaughter and not murder. The law's interpretation of what constitutes provocation, however, was very narrow, requiring a "sudden and temporary loss of self-control.” If there is a time delay between the provocation and the victim's response—as in Ahluwalia’s case where there was a two-hour delay from the most recent incident of abuse until her reaction--the law will tend to deny the defense to the woman who has been provoked.

Kiranjit Ahluwalia was eventually released from prison after the charge was changed from murder to manslaughter and she was credited with the three plus years she had already served. The film deals not just with the abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband or the efforts of the Southhall Black Sisters to obtain justice for her, but the transformation she experienced in Mullwood Hall Prison where ironically she is freed from being trapped in a cycle of silent victim hood to growing strong and giving voice to her story.

Provoked is also somewhat groundbreaking in its release in India—a country currently in an uproar over a public kiss planted on Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty by actor Richard Gere. The film was originally given an A-rating (Adults only, or the equivalent of an R-rating in India) by the censors. The director decided to cut out the "four letter word" and the film was then given a U/A rating, equivalent to a PG-13. Ahluwalia traveled to back to her native India to promote the film’s release. She hopes the film will raise more awareness about the issue of abuse of women and said in an interview,

“The government should do something about this; they should educate women so that they don't suffer all this. Thousands of women suffer every year because of dowry, which is wrong. We are in the 21st century and if our women are suffering so much then this is very wrong.”

The movie, scheduled to be released on May 11^th in New York and Los Angeles and limited national release on May 18th, stars the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai as Kirinjit and Lost hottie Naveen Andrews as her abusive husband Deepak. Strong supporting performances by the wonderful Miranda Richardson (The Crying Game) as Kirin’s cellmate Ronnie--also incarcerated for the murder of an abusive husband, Rebecca Pidgeon (The Unit) as the barrister who provide Kirin’s initial defense and a masterful Robbie Coltrane (Harry Potter) who plays the Lord Edward Foster who pleads the case for Kirin’s appeal add to the film’s appeal.

Provoked was adapted from Ahluwalia’s autobiography “Circle of Light” by Carl Austin and Rahila Gupta and directed by Jag Mundhra. Unfortunately, while the story is not new and acts of abuse are far too prevalent all over the planet, Provoked ultimately is an uplifting saga with a strong message. As the character of Kirinjit Ahluwalia says in the movie following her release from prison,

“It is our responsibility as mothers to raise our sons to treat women with love and respect not violence and anger. Only then will the suffering end.”

Stella Louise

 

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Dermology Med Spa Brings You Cutting Edge Med-Spa Treatments. Fashiontribes Life & Style Blog

 

DERMOLOGY MED SPA newly located on ultra-chic Sunset
Boulevard in the heart of West Hollywood, is a
fabulous new addition of spa conscience  treatments
and products available in this new location.  Having
recently moved here from Pasadena, the clientele are
finding this wonderful oasis a one-stop-shop for all
of your favorites, including:

7 different types of facials including:
NEW VIBRADERM for progressive resurfacing and skin
polishing (I had this done in a one hour multi-layered
skin resurfacing facial - the best!);
Corrective acne facial;
European facial and tension tamer;
Skinceuticals facial;
Extreme skin rejuvenation combined with
Vibradermabrasion and light peel plus other variations.

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Let's not forget the men!
MEN'S Facial and Tension Tamer;
Skin Tightening and Body Contouring:
"Titan" treatments that  provide skin tightening for jowls, neck, forehead, abdomen, underarms or thighs;
and "Velasmooth Body Contouring and Cellulite Reduction".

Injectables available include Botox, Restylane, and Juvederm.

LASER Treatments include
Laser-Genesis Skin Rejuv;
CoolGlide (IPL);
Levulan Photodynamic Therapy and
CoolGlide Laser Vein Therapy.

Chemical Peels offered include  Amino Acid Chemical Peels from 30% to 60% strength.

LASER Hair Removal is provided with CoolGlide Laser Hair Removal;

Wow! LOTS of treatment options.   Go! Go! Go Girls and Guys! Great one-hour lunch-time facials and procedures, terrific gift idea with 10% off on packages!
Just in time for Mother's Day, Beauty Week in May will coincide with terrific specials for Mom!

The ladies will take great care of you in a relaxing
atmosphere with soothing music and a professional,
caring staff. (Veronica's facials are the wonderful)!
My experience was the best I have had in a long time
among many spa treatments - I highly recommend this
spa for your one-stop-shop treatments and products.

Note that there is an MD medical director and the staff is fully trained for all types of treatments. Their before and after page is phenomenal!

Find DERMOLOGY MED SPA at 8590 Sunset Blvd., West
Hollywood, www.dermologymedspa.com, 310-657-1050.

PS Arts Charity and LA Antiques Show Hang Out at the Barker Hanger for Charity! Fashiontribes Life & Style Blog

PS ARTS CHARITY and The L.A. Antiques Show at the
Barker Hanger opened this evening with a terrific
pre-party preview for the next 4 days of the show.
Dealers from all over the world showed their fabulous
wares, and some stunning estate jewlery to a packed
crowd, which included Barbra Streisand, Blythe Danner, Steven Weber and wife modeling some of the jewelry,Debbie Mazure (wearing a red turban) and (the
model/actress on Las Vegas--- Molly Sims? Terrific
cocktails and passed food kept a very young and
beautiful crowd lively and happy, which led to a very
spirited silent auction, all to benefit the PS Arts
charity.  Runs through Sunday, GO! It's an event NOT to be missed!

Taking place at Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Air Center, show hours are from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Thursday, 4/26, Friday, 4/27 and Saturday, 4/28. Show hours on Sunday, 11/29 at 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Ticket prices will be $15 for daily admittance, which includes the show catalog.The Antique Dealers Association of California, founded in 1924, is a group of knowledgeable dealers pledged to integrity and fair dealing in the buying and selling of antiques. Members are experts in their individual fields with inventories ranging from 17th century baroque to Americana, from 18th century ceramics to fine rugs and textiles, from fine art to Asian antiquities to 20th century photography and design.

P.S. ARTS mission is to restore arts education programs to public elementary and middle schools in disadvantaged areas, predominantly serving children who live at or below the federal poverty level. This non-profit organization accomplishes this by providing comprehensive, sequential and grade-level appropriate programs in dance, music, theater and visual arts to every child at its 24 partner schools throughout the year from September to June. Since it’s founding by Paul Cummins in 1991 at Crossroads School, P.S. ARTS has positively impacted the lives of tens of thousands of children. Currently, the organization serves 14,000 Pre-K-8 grade students throughout Los Angeles County and California’s Central Valley. P.S. ARTS strives to raise more money to provide even more children with its critical educational tools.

Karina Mediate

Want to Give MOM the Gift of Her Dreams? Enter To Win A Trip for Mom & Daughter/Son to the Big APPLE for the DREAMGIRLS DREAM BIG GIVEAWAY!!! Fashontribes LIFESTYLIST DREAMGIRLS Dream Big Blog!

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.

For more  information AND TO ENTER THIS CONTEST, you can go to www.glam.com/dreamgirls

Start DREAMING Chiquitas and ENTER this contest! It never hurts to dream and this is a BIG dream, so dream BIG!

Joshua Radin Sits Down to Answer Fan Questions!!!

Hear Joshua answer never before asked questions. We discuss touring, Bob Dylan, and fans.The interview is very chill and it is like talking to someone you know for a long time. It was an amazing experience talking to one of my favorite artists and getting to know them a little bit better. His music takes you into his problems and most of the time you relate.

Joshua Radin, Q&A

His shows are what you expect. Just him, his guitar and a small band. They focus on his music and brings it to life. Talking to him, it is obvious to see how much music means to him. He is thankful for every fan he has and that really shows.

For the fans over seas, after the interview he said that he really is trying to get over to other countries to tour and he is hoping that maybe this summer it can happen.

I really want to thank everyone who sent in questions, without you other fans this interview wouldn’t have happened. Thank you so much!!

Samira,myspace.com/Joshua_Radin_fansite

Rescue Me - Treat Yourself to a Manicure or Pedicure & Support Mariska Hargitay's Charity, JOYFUL HEART! Fashiontribes Lifestylist Julier Haire Tells you MORE!

 

Supporting a cause and supporting your feet … what could be better?

For the month of April, Rescue Hand and Foot Spa in West Hollywood will donate a portion of its proceeds to the Joyful Heart Foundation, Mariska Hargitay’s non-profit dedicated to helping and healing sexual assault survivors.

 

Hargitay, who you know as tough-talking Det. Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, founded Joyful Heart in 2002 after hearing so many personal stories as a result of her work. The organization serves as source of support and inspiration for survivors of sexual assualt, also sponsoring regular retreats to Hawaii to swim with the dolphins – something Mariska did and found incredibly transformative.

 

The mission and philosophy of Joyful Heart resonated with Rescue’s co-owner Yvette Morales, so she wanted to help get the message out. And April is a perfect time to do it since it’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Philosophy is also getting in on the action, donating all of the proceeds of their Joyful Heart 3-in-1 shower gel/shampoo/bubble bath to the foundation. You can find that at the spa, too.

Mariska herself designed two treatments at Rescue, a manicure called “Oh La La” and a pedicure called “Tropical Escape.” I was lucky enough to get the pedicure, done by the expert hands of Debbie, and it indeed lived up to its name.

Rescue is a warm, intimate spa with glass chandeliers, plum overtones and an inviting vibe, so it’s easy to get your relax on. The pedicure starts off with a Dead Sea Salt soak in a copper basin, and the lime sugar scrub they use is great. There is a generous amount of time spent on massage, but the paraffin treatment is the real treat – like stepping into a cozy, warm (mushy!) sock. It’s super-hydrating, especially when paired with the coconutty Kukui lotion they use. To top if all off, the Zoya nail polish color is a pale, pearly white (though you can choose another color if you prefer).

All in all, one hour well spent.

To book a treatment and support the Joyful Heart Foundation, contact: Rescue Hand & Foot Spa, 8001 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 822-1887.

To find out more about the Joyful Heart Foundation, visit their web site.

- Julie Haire

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Go GREEN--FashionTribes Lifestylist takes a look at the Sundance Channel's series promoting environmental awareness. Fashiontribes Lifestylist GREEN blog!

Newsflash--earth tones are in this spring!  And why shouldn't they be?  With April 22nd designated as "Earth Day" this year, the Sundance Channel shows off its sense of style with an ongoing series highlighting environmental issues titled "The Green."  Debuting Tuesday, April 17th at 9 pm, The Green will feature a variety of environmental subject matter every week through July.

Some of the episodes will feature celebrity "ecoists" (not to be confused with "egoists") such as Tim Robbins, Daryl Hannah, Josh Lucas, Amber Valletta, Laura Dern, Gabrielle Reece, Woody Harrelson and Ted Danson sharing ideas, information and enthusiasm for their cause of choice. 

For more information on the programming and episodes, check out The Green and tune into the Sundance Channel!


Stella Louise

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TMG'S Pre-Oscar Suite at the Luxe Hotel! FASHIONTRIBES LIFESTYLIST BLOG

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

Intraceauticals Pre-Oscar Fun! FASHIONTRIBES LIFESTYLIST BLOG

AHHHH... Just back from a rejuvenating Saturday --- neck massage on the beach with oil, lunch on a patio with a friend and my chihuahua, afternoon in bed, dinner and then, my editor calls and says, "Where's the blog?" Time to end the rendezvous and return to the life of a Fashionscribe.

Let's rewind the clock to the Thursday before the awards. Fought the traffic from the beach all the way to Rodeo Drive to make it to the 02 Intraceuticals Suite at the Hotel Beverly Wilshire to get an Oxygen Rejuvenation infusion.

Through the marble entry way and into the Beverly Wing, found myself ensconced in the opulent beauty expected in Beverly Hills and delivered especially by the historic suites in the Beverly Wilshire. This year, the world renowned creators of Madonna's highly publicized oxygen facial had decided to book a private suite away from the high traffic circus that we call Oscar Week to treat celebrities and press to a relaxing getaway from all the marvelous chaos surrounding entertainment's most important night of the year. I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED.

I'd arrived without make-up and slipped onto a comfy massage table covered in Egyptian Cotton and a down-filled comforter for one of my favorite treatments. Better than Botox, the 02 Rejuvenation Infusion is a facial unlike any other. Lucky for me, once again Hollywood's High Priestess of Beauty, the gorgeous Michelle Peck was on hand to perform the facial for Fashionscribe, so in between processes we had a chance to chat about life, Africa and Madonna.

For the past 3 seasons celebs and fashionistas have regularly flocked to Anastasia's in Beverly Hills to receive their oxygen facials from the marvelous Michelle Peck, who has recently returned from Madonna's grueling CONFESSIONS TOUR which spanned several continents, including Africa where Madonna herself adopted an orphan. Touched by the need of the children of this continent, where AIDS has taken so many of their parents away forever, Michelle returned with a new commitment to create a foundation dedicated to providing these children with food, shelter, medical care and adoption. I'm pleased to say that I will be conducting and in-depth interview with her in a few weeks to discuss her plans and progress for this very worthy cause.













So... before I continue with this coverage about all things fun and fabulous... I think it's very important to recognize how much we have here in America. How much better our lives are compared to the less fortunate in the Third World... and truly take a moment to feel grateful for all we have now and can have in the future... BECAUSE REAL BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN AND WITHOUT...

That being said, here's the scoop on the Rejuvenation Infusion. Intraceuticals has effectively taken the hyperbaric oxygen technology used initially to restore skin to burn victims and to create the most advanced and effective system of transporting hyperbaric oxygen mixed with low grade hyaluronic directly through your pores and into the deepest layers of the epidermis. The infusion attracts and bonds enough moisture to fill in lines. The oxygen is highly antiseptic and kills acne causing bacteria. The procedure is painless, relaxing, and a continuous set of treatments can leave you with a porcelain smooth complexion for months and/or years depending on how well you take care of yourself. Oxygen is good for you and it doesn't hurt. I love it

Marie Bargast

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