Thought for the day

When a man finds no peace within himself it is useless to seek it elsewhere.
-L. A. Rouchefoliocauld

Heels up!

Madame Chocolate has created designer chocolate high heels! Inspired by Christian Lauboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Valentino and Chanel, all shoes are hand made. To place orders for that Sex in the City chocolate indulgence, call 310-247-9990 or stop by their shop on Canon Drive in Beverly Hills. http://www.madamechocolate.com/

Vertu just opened

Vertu, the luxury mobile phone company, opened just two weeks ago at Two Rodeo Drive. The mobiles are made from materials such as gold, sapphire (for the mobile screen), rubies (for the bearings) and fine leather. Each mobile phone is hand-made in the company's factory in Church Crookham, Hampshire, England. The most expensive model Vertu has ever made is the Signature Cobra, at $310,000. However, the modest Constellation model starts at $5,100 in this gorgeous boutique that's anything but. Seen here with Boutique Manager, Todd Martens. http://www.vertu.com/

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,
Thank you very much for the birthday wishes. I would love to see the hotel sometime and check out the property! All the best, Rachel [Corniche Travel]

Sign Language

The theme of this year's annual historical preservation celebration in West Hollywood was "Iconic Billboards of the Sunset Strip". Unlike other large metropolitan centers. Los Angeles has a playful inventive side to the landscape. Due in part to the way it has developed, spreading out horizontally, tall buildings are often used to catch the attention of drivers passing by. Those attention getting devices such as billboards, murals, neon signs ornate facades and three dimensional figures have become part and parcel of our urban identity. Ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, photographer, Robert Landau, has been documenting this commercial landscape since the mid-70's. Just drive north on La Cienega Blvd from LAX and count how many signs you encounter! Check out his website http://robertlandau.com/

A Happy Client

Jennifer:
It was a lovely wedding. Pretty fabulous actually. Thank you. We are all very happy about it. Arthur [Groom]

Arthur: Congratulations again on your very lovely wedding celebration! I hope that it was a memorable and satisfying occasion despite all the dizzying details of planning such a feat.
My staff and I wish you well, and much joy and happiness in the years to come. Kind regards, Jennifer Albert [Special Events Manager]

Stylechic tip for the week

Femininity: Return to a softer state of mind with romantic pieces that take on a girlish quality. Big bows, ruffles and all things frill. Fresh colored hues: Bright whites and citrus shades breathe new life into old favorites. A shot of yellow lets the sunshine in. http://www.stylechicla.com/

Graduate to a new timepiece

Mont Blanc suggests giving that special graduate a state-of-the-art timepiece for graduation, so they are offering complimentary engraving. Located across the street from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive, Mont Blanc offers a wide variety of beautifully crafted watches and graduation seems the ideal moment to honor that occassion. Congratulations, graduates! http://www.montblanc.com/

A Happy Client

Jennifer,
I looked for you on Friday to thank you for a perfect event.
Your team’s “got it!”
Gerrick A. Pickering [Special Assistant to the CEO]
GEARYS Beverly Hills

From the Dark Side: Oscar Noir

Perhaps it's our own dark disillusioned times, but it certainly seems that the film noir genre has withstood the test of time in its own unique way. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences thinks so and had organized fifteen film noir classics from the 1940's, all of which were nominated in the writing categories. This summer-long series is introduced by contemporary screenwriters whose own work reflects the film noir style. Tonight's feature was Laura and in July we are introduced to Double Indemnity. Through August 30th. http://www.oscars.org or visiting the box office on Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills.

Arne Svenson, The Library

For his seventh solo exhibition in Los Angeles, Arne Svenson, presented books and prints scanned from his idiosyncratic collections of newspaper clippings, magazine photos, paper towels, found diaries and books from his youth. Referring to the 6 books, approximately two by three feet, containing anywhere from 55 to 200 pages, Svenson states, "The stories are up to the viewer to create - I have provided the raw material, with a prompt here and there, but the rest is up to the reader of these books." For the many years I've known Arne, I am always amazed at his fascination and curiosity with the ordinary, which is of course why we adore him. Seen here with his books after a journalist took his photo. www.western-project.com

Travel Fact

Effective May 20, international travelers to the US no longer have to fill out the in-flight arrival/departure form (Form I-94W). The Visa Waiver Program, implemented by the Department of Homeland Security will streamline the entry process and increase the processing speed for millions of guests.

Show Travel

We were privileged to have Lyn Keep and her entourage of travel consultants from Show Group Travel Australia visiting us this week. Of course, Lyn brought me some of those scrumptious Tim Tams. What would we do without that mid-morning sugar rush from our friends Down Under? As for the famous crystal necklace, she brought that with her too. When I saw it on her in Sydney, I just had to have one too. It was worth every 'pineapple'.

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy:
Thank you so much for lunch today. It was fun seeing you. Next time, my treat.
I went into Valentino and met Kathy. She was very nice and quite receptive to the Funk Off performance as a potential part of Fashion Night Out in September. Thank you for the introduction. I will look forward to seeing you soon! Warm regards, Amy [Studiomusica USA]

Seen in the Luxe lobby

Simon Doonan, the creative director for Barneys New York, was seen in our lobby recently. Since joining the Barneys staff in 1986 as a window dresser, Doonan, has written four books, the most recent entitled Eccentric Glamour, and has made appearances on VH1 and America's Next Top Model. Interviewed for an article in the New York Daily News, he said, "There are two horribly worrying trends! Celebrities are becoming so gun-shy that there is no diversity, no sense of fun on the red carpet. There's no experimentation - which is incredibly important to fashion." Bravo!

Robin Hood

Forget Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks, there are no green leotards in this version. It's 1199 and it's a long and gritty path to the Sherwood Forest. After AusFilm's screening, everyone headed to the bar for refreshments, raising a toast to the 21st century!

"Be vewy quiet...I'm hunting wwabbits."

Whether serving as a soundtrack for a comedic story starring Mickey Mouse, a stylized parody like "What's Opera Doc?" with Bugs Bunny or the symphonic inspiration for the visual storytelling of "Fantasia", classic music has had a strong influence on animated films since they were first synchronized. In conjunction with the citywide "Ring Festival LA", the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, offered an evening of animation and classical music this past Friday. Q: What is the most used piece of music for animated shorts? A: Hungarian Rhapsody no. 2 by Liszt. And I would have guessed, William Tell Overture. The Academy's Chuck Jones exhibition, with over 150 pieces, can be seen in the Grand Lobby Gallery through August 22. 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills

Breakthrough Awards

Los Angeles-based Australians in Film (AiF), the preeminent organization for expatriate Australians in the entertainment industry held its sixth annual Breakthrough Awards on May 13, 2010, at Thompson Beverly Hills and the second recipient of the AiF Heath Ledger Scholarship given to a promising actor was revealed on the same star-studded night. Actors Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Ryan Kwanten (True Blood) were honored for their breakthrough work in international roles, and Bella Heathcote is the second recipient of the Heath Ledger Scholarship. Guests included Colin Farrell who introduced Bella, and actors Alex O'Loughlin, Radha Mitchell, Nora Zehetner, Stephanie Jacobsen. Heath Ledger's mother Sally Bell and sister Kate Ledger were there, although unable to attend Sir Anthony Hopkins send a video message to Chris. Guests enjoyed Moet & Chandon Champagne and at the end of the night, In n Out Burgers. Seen here with Jennifer North and Damian Trewhella.

Thought for the day

In times like these, it is helpful to remember that there have always been times like these. -Paul Harvey

A Happy Client

Dear Wendy,
It was a great pleasure meeting you last week at your hotel and thank you so much for taking the time to show me around.
Thank you and I look forward to working with you.
Best regards, Vanessa [Director of Hotel Products & Relations, Travelong]

National Tourism Week

May 8 - 16 is National Tourism Week! Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel provides a superior level of personalized service and comfort plus all the amenities and services of a world-class property amid the opulent and breathtaking city. We stand ready to welcome you [tourists] home!

The Carrie Diaries

Neiman Marcus and Zeta Graff, Jewelry Editor at Genlux Magazine, welcomed Candace Bushnell as she signed copies of her latest book, The Carrie Diaries, on Tuesday evening. Who knew Carrie had a life before Sex in the City? Seen here with Olimpia Garabet, Louis Vuitton, Andrea Aal, Genlux and Barbara Simonian, Westime.

Genlux Britweek Designer of the Year

Genlux Magazine and Britweek "Designer of the Year Award" honored Matthew Williamson this year at their annual fashion show. Held at Smashbox Studios in West Hollywood, the special fashion show included the fresh, bejeweled and floral designs from Williamson's Spring collection along with a special tribute by Chic Little D to Alexander McQueen. Dress for Success was the beneficiary of the silent auction and interview-appropriate clothing donation drive. It was feel good evening all the way around. Seen here with Joanne Nishi, Eres Boutique Manager and Janine Masaki, Etro Boutique Manager.

A Happy Client

Thank you sweetheart for a great lunch and great company too. Have a good weekend.
Best Regards, Laurie [DAMIANI Boutique Manager]

Thought for the day

The Washington Post apparently asked various luminaries to name one thing the world would just get rid of and Donna Brazile offered a suggestion that would afford her considerably more free time: let's get rid of the pundits! If a single move could restore civility to politics, that is it. Get rid of the left-vs.-right commentators who are just out scoring points for their team. This sort of opinion-mongering is not only boring and predictable, it is destructive of the truth. If your only credentials are "GOP shill" or "Democratic hack," you've no business cluttering up the airwaves or the op-ed pages. My momma always told me that if you don't know what you're talking about, it's best to keep your mouth shut. That's good advice, Donna. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

Happy Mother's Day from Luxe Hotels!

Another candle on the birthday cake

Wendy,
Thank you so much for the card and the history of my birthday (that’s way cool!).
I’ll definitely be having a cocktail at the café in celebration.

Gerrick [Special Assistant to the CEO]
GEARYS Beverly Hills

Judith Leiber hosts shopping event

President of Judith Leiber and Gail Bershon with Mary Gleason hosted a cocktail, shopping and raffle benefiting The Los Angeles Orthopedic Hospital last night. Leiber has charitably agreed to donate 20% of all sales through May 10th to the hospital. One of those sparkling little cocktail bags would make the perfect Mother's Day gift, helping mothers, children and many more in need. Located at 220 North Rodeo Drive, just steps from Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel. Seen here with Laurie Patruno, Damiani Boutique Manager.

Dragon Tattoo

I've been listening to audio books for about a year now and picked up The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo on Saturday. And now you can't get me out of my car! Can't wait to see the movie, too. Listening to books has helped me through some of the worst LA traffic. My car audio system was broken for about two weeks and I almost went stir crazy. My Beverly Hills Library card gets as much use as my VISA. Rent one - soon.

Non-stop to Roma

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West held a cocktail reception this evening for the newest chamber member, Antonio Temporini, Senior Vice President, Alitalia North America. We celebrated the re-launch of of Alitalia's non-stop Los Angeles - Rome service, beginning June 3, 2010. Two lucky guests won two economy tickets to Italy. Unfortunately, it wasn't my business card they chose but we had a great time anyway. Seen here with Amy Cox, Lynda Simonetti and Anna Gargioni.

Another candle on the birthday cake

Hello Wendy!
Wanted to thank you for the VERY kind birthday card!!! The assessment of those who are born on April 21st is SPOT-ON!!! Thanks again for always remembering!!!!
Thanks Again, Jane [ratravel.com]

Immigrants in America: A Hollywood Perspective

In a series sponsored by The Paley Center for Media, The Opportunity Agenda and Unbound Philanthropy, film & media critic Emanual Levy, moderated a panel of actors, producers, directors and writers for a dialogue about the media's impact on the issue of immigration. Clips were shown from popular television series including Ugly Betty, ER and Modern Family. Both panelists and audience members grappled with the question of how media is informing and forming opinions on immigration in America today. It was simply coincidental that the evening's program came days after Arizona's controversial new law on immigration so Mr. Levy refocused the group for a fascinating discussion. The reception held after the presentation was held in The Center's lobby, surrounded by a gallery exhibit entitled, The Black List Project, which is on display through May 30th. Seen here with Emanual Levy. http://www.paleycenter.org/

Thought for the Day

"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." - Rudyard Kipling

http://www.facebook.com/directory/pages/L10756#!/pages/Beverly-Hills-CA/Luxe-Hotel-Rodeo-Drive/111445754049?ref=pdd

Psychonaut, photographic explorations

Lisa Eisner's latest exhibit opened this past Saturday at M+B Galley in West Hollywood, on the edge of the Avenues of Art and Design. Psychonaut is a kaleidoscopic adventure into a vibrant word of seeming randomness, one of a kind assemblages without editions and without using Photoshop. It seems like her most personal work to date, inspired by geodesic domes, nature, birds and Native American culture. Her work can be viewed through June 5th.