Tour guide extraordinaire

Wendy! Thank you so much for thinking of me to guide the lovely Polish group staying at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. We had a blast! See you next week when my guests arrive on Monday. xoxox, Anne [Block] http://www.takemymotherplease.com/

M+B show of President Barack Obama

M+B is offering the first exhibition of never-before-seen photographs of President Barack Obama from his first year at Occidental College in Los Angeles by Lisa Jack. Jack, then a student of photography at "Oxy," sought a striking subject for a portrait project and was tipped off about a charismatic freshman named “Barry” Obama who would make an ideal subject. After having her one roll of film from that day sit forgotten for almost thirty years, Jack now offers up these images “so that others may see a side to him [she has] yet to observe captured in the maelstrom of contemporary media”. A selection of these photographs was first featured in Time Magazine’s 2008 “Person of the Year” Issue, which chose then President-elect Barack Obama as its honoree. This exhibition marks the first time these rare photographs have ever been printed and on display. BARACK OBAMA: THE FRESHMAN runs from May 28 - July 18, 2009.http://www.mbfala.com/

La Perla evening of shopping

Joined by Kathy Smits, BHCVB Director, and Lisa Sjolund, VisitBritain, we braved the lingerie world of La Perla for an evening of shopping; actually it was more like browsing. Cocktails were provided by Cabana Cachaca and 10% of all purchases went to Worldwide Orphans Foundation. Mary-Louise Parker was their gracious host and offered a touching introduction for the benefiting organization. However, I would have needed a lot more Cabana to try this outfit on! http://www.laperla.com/

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy:
Thank you for your Birthday wishes. I hope all is well with you. Take care.
Best regards, Darryl (Willett Travel)

La Traviata

It's a familiar opera of course, but with soprano, Marina Poplavskaya, singing Violetta's role, in Verdi's "La Traviata" it's a dream. The LA Times referred to her as "...a major sensation." It was a perfect evening. The performance fits the stage and the musical conducting was captivating. Violetta's friend, Flora, knows how to throw a good party too! Check the LA opera schedule before it's too late. Seen here with Joann Nishi, Boutique Manager of Eres. http://www.laopera.com

Seen at the Luxe: Claudia Bassols

Our lucky day! Claudia Bassols, 29, an actress who currently appears alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, Mario Batali and Mark Bittman in the PBS television series Spain… On the Road Again, was seen having dinner in Cafe Rodeo with Genluxe publisher, Stephen Kamifuji.

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy,
I just got back from my birthday weekend to find your letter and I just wanted to say thank you very much for brightening my day. It was very thoughtful and I loved the “If you were born on this day” – colorstrology verbiage – very cool.
I look forward to your next office visit.
Warmest regards,
~Rachel Blavin~ Executive Assistant [Corniche Travel]

Best place to watch basketball: Bar360

Only two [or three?] more games to go! Monday, Wednesday and Friday are the big nights for play-off games. Bar360 is the best place to watch them. There's a happy hour from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM featuring $3.60 select martinis and beer. Open until midnight there's some friendly jabs as fans support their favorite players. Be a part of the fun. Photo taken Saturday during Game 3.

Schlumberger Jewels

It was such a special treat to have Tiffany's store director personally show me Jean Schlumberger's designs on display at Tiffany through July 27th; the 100-piece collection will to Chicago next. Everett slipped an emerald-cut diamond flanked by two diamond honeybees on my hand and I apologized by saying I needed a manicure. He laughed and exclaimed that all women say that! The French master often found inspiration in nature who turned out innovative pieces for more than 30 years. I lovingly examined fantastical diamond daisies, asters, camellias, dandelions and even parrots. Sarah Jessica Parker has enamel bangles in yellow gold and diamonds. They would look good on me too. But not until I get a manicure!

Organized by Virgin America, we welcomed a group of UK media for breakfast today. Rebecca Taylor, http://www.handbag.com/, Sonia Kaur Juttla, Sunday Telegraph, Cleo Alexandra Cobbold Davis, Anglomania, Laura Hall, Ponytail Magazines, Madeleine Elinor Morgan, Black Diamond (UK Rep) were delightful. As they were departing, they donned ‘Chasing the Paparazzi’ t-shirts with the intention of jogging down Rodeo Drive. I hope they have a great time in La La Land and run back to their London publications with some juicy stories.

A Contented Guest

Hi Katrina [Director of Revenue Management]
How are you?
I am back from my trip and I just thought I would write and say what a fantastic time my mum and I had staying at the Luxe Rodeo Drive.
I was in a Travel Agent for 4 years and my Dad works for Qantas Airways and we have travelled quite a bit and still do so. I would highly recommend to any of my friends or family to stay at the Luxe Rodeo Drive.
Oscar (concierge) was great with organising our tours and also with directions of where to go.
Even down to small details, for instance, my mum and I were waiting for a taxi to the airport in your lobby and I think it was the general manager on duty, he gave us both a bottle of water while we were waiting. In this day this is unheard of so I applaud the hotel for continuing great customer service. At the moment I work in an industry where customer satisfaction in our success and I truly believe the hotel prides themselves on this philosophy as well.
I am planning another trip to LA in a couple of months but this time it will be for a business venture and I won’t be looking for anything other hotel - will be coming straight back
Thanks for a great stay,
Chantal Andrews

MEK Denim

This afternoon, I kept noticing flashes of light coming through my office window so I went out to investigate. There was a fashion shoot taking place just outside for MEK Denim, the perfect fit of fashion and function. Models seen here getting a touch-up.

Clean House

When I walked into work today, the first person I saw was Niecy Nash! Oh oh...but not to worry. Niecy was here to film an episode of "Clean House" for the Style Network. The film crew utilized the Rodeo Drive penthouse with wrap around views of Beverly Hills and the newly renovated lobby. Her home is getting a make-over for the show and Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive was the perfect spot to relax while her pad was being glamorized. Niecy's so spectacular; we thank her for making this her home away from home, if only temporary.

A Contented Guest

Hi Wendy,
Thank you very much for making my room arrangements for May 18-May 22. If it looks as if the contractors will need additional time to complete the work in my apartment, I'll keep you posted. I checked-in this morning with Beverly at the front desk. She is lovely. Marco assisted me with my bags, and he is delightful as well. I did not have time to unpack yet, but I will get my act together later this evening when I finish work. Thanks for all that you do.
Talk again. Have a great day. In Light, Trisha

Catherine Malandrino Maison

Signature LA Direct Magazine celebrated their May issue at Catherine Malandrino Maison Thursday night. We all got invitations to Sunday Brunch upon departure - must check it out.

Seen here with photo editor Valerie Bassett, Scott Green of Chopard + guest.

John Frankenheimer retrospective, 1930 - 2002

"I would like to be remembered as a being better at the end than I was in the beginning." - John Frankenheimer

The Paley Center is showcasing a special memorial tribute to this extraordinary director through June. Frankenheimer's career spanned five decades and ranged form social, philosophical and intimate psychological drams to action thrillers. Birdman of Alcatraz established him as a world-class big screen director, followed by Manchurian Candidate. But he also has 152 television dramas and 27 Emmys to his credit; all of which can be seen in The Paley Center Library. For more information http://www.paleycenter.org/

No tattoos to report

My girlfriend Karyl asked me to take good care of her niece and her niece's friends as they were visiting from Louisiana and this was their first visit to Hollywood! Here's what they wrote: "Wendy, Thank you for your hospitality this weekend. The girls and I had a wonderful stay at your [Luxe] hotel. We hope to do it again soon. Ashley"
* whew!

Spring Fling

It doesn't take much more than a beautiful day and the promise of vodka martinis and a fabulous DJ to get merchants from the golden triangle out and mingling. Angeleno Magazine provided a great reason to break out. Seen here with the new La Perla store manager, Kristine Del Rosario, and Jason Schmidt, store manager of Bally.

A Happy Travel Agent

Hello Wendy
It was lovely to meet you and all the Luxe staff. We were so well looked after and had a really enjoyable (if a little short) stay. I hope I can come back again in the not too distant future.
Many thanks again for you kind hospitality.
Best regards,
Phil Seaton [Assistant Team Leader at FCM Travel]

Seen at the Luxe: Shoshanna Bush

Seen here with Shoshanna Bush, the beautiful and charming blond who has the starring role in the new Wayans brothers' comedy, Dance Flick, coming to theatres on May 22. Shoshanna was at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive modeling for a Genlux magazine fashion spread.

Australia vs. Britain

It was an afternoon of cricket that brought out the ex-pats today. It took four people to try and explain the game to me and I am still not sure I've got it. Pictured here with a meat pie [note the cricket on my hat].

A Contented Guest

Sorry I missed you. A wonderful stay as always especially thanks especially to Marcos and Conrad! Hope you are well!
Best, Lisa [Gyselen@contributemedia.com]

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy,
Thank you so very much for my birthday card, I really appreciate it! You were the first one to receive. Thanks again!
Nancy Walsh [Senior Manager Special Events and Promotions]
The Promotional Edge, Inc

Legends of Design

Last night, LUXE magazine held a reception with Gypsy Maturin on La Cienega to kick-off the official Legends of Design weekend in West Hollywood. The public is welcome to stroll Los Angeles' preeminent design district, La Cienega Design Quarter throughout the weekend of May 7 - 9. The design walk includes 40 exclusive shops and galleries presenting historical vignettes that reinterpret the work of home-decor legends. For more details, visit http://www.elledecor.com/legends

Thought for the day

Our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save. - Will Rogers (1878 - 1935)

The Seafarer

Los Angeles Magazine held a cocktail reception at Omega Boutique with Randall Arney, Artistic Director of the Geffen Playhouse, who discussed his direction of Conor McPherson's Tony nominated play, The Seafarer, now on stage at the Geffen. There are only two more plays left in the 2008/09 season! All reviews are enthusiastic on John Mahoney's performance. http://www.geffenplayhouse.com/ Seen with Suzy Starling, Marketing Services Manager, Los Angeles Magazine.

That's why they call it Happy Hour

Hey there, Wendy
So I walked over to the Luxe from home to check out the 360 happy hour.
Wow!...lol It’s been a long time since I’ve stopped by for that deal….and now I remember why…Lol Had a great time and the bartender was awesome!! J
Just checking in, Ty Perkins [Los Angeles Times Media Group]

A Happy Travel Agent

You are so thoughtful. Thank you for remembering my birthday, and I just love the little card thingie and I do love that color green, funny huh! Anyway, I looked for you at Tour Connection, but there were so many people, that I didn't see most people that I was looking for. Take care my friend. Camille [Protravel International, Sherman Oaks, CA]

The British Are Coming!

Genlux presents the BritWeek Designer of the Year Fashion Show and Awards! Held Saturday, May 2nd at the Pacific Design Center, a portion of the proceeds went to benefit Project Angel Food. Seen here is the opening black and white runway and Gloria, manager of the London based, Organic Pharmacy.

MaxMara Trunk Show

Max Mara is offering informal modeling of the MaxMara Fall 2009 Collections today and tomorrow until 5:00 PM. The collection exudes that glamour of the 40's. Lots of great brown and burnt orange in cashmere, wool and alpaca for Fall. Seen here with a fabulous model, Inna Kato, Assistant Manager, me and Saideh Decker, Store Manager. http://www.maxmara.com/

Star Trek

In May, to coincide with J.J. Abrams’ theatrical adaption of the original Star Trek series, the Paley Center will showcase the many different variations of the Star Trek mythology including the original series, The Next Generation, Voyager, Deep Space Nine, the animated 1973 version, the unaired pilot starring Jeffrey Hunter and the 2004 Paley Festival: An Evening with William Shatner. Daily at 3pm. http://www.paleycenter.org/Only one block from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive, check it out! Tonight I'm seeing a screening of the latest Star Trek at Paramount Pictures with my friends at Australians in Film.

A Happy Travel Agent

What a lovely way to start my day...Many thanks for your warm hospitality. I’m sure we’ll see each other again. Best, David [Executive Vice President, Adrienne Vittadini]