Aristocrats

Seen here with Solange Boutique Manager, Fabi Oshaneh, Jamie and husband, Charles.

Solange Boutique on Rodeo Drive introduced their new Aristocrats collection yesterday; 10% of any purchase was donated to Children's Institute.  Designed in honor of the Royal Wedding Ceremony, the four Aristocrat rings are made of 18ct gold, diamonds and coated with enamel using the traditional guilloche technique.  Guests enjoyed high tea while watching the Royal Marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.  The entire collection of Solange Azagury-Partridge is royally suited to the distinguishing shopper.

Embrace Humanity

Seen here with Joann Nishi, Manager of Eres Boutique

A group of young ladies decided to make a difference by holding a fund raiser for Doctors Without Borders last evening.  Our friends as Eres on Rodeo Drive made a generous donation for a raffle prize and another neighbor, Crumbs Cupcakes, provided sweet treats.  Please reference http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ for donations.  They are in Japan, Ivory Coast and Alabama!

Mark Parisi

Thought for the day

If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?  - Anonymous

A Contented Guest

Dear Wendy,
I hope all is going well with you today. My sister-in-law (Martha Joyce) and my twin nieces (Katie and Shannon) had a wonderful weekend stay at The LUXE Rodeo Drive Hotel. Thank you for all that you did for them, and for all that you continue to do for so many others. You are the best!  In Light, Trisha xoxoxo

Stylechic tip for the week

You know I always love color and encourage everyone to add some to your wardrobe for a plethora of reasons. Designers raided the crayon box this season- cobalt blue is everywhere, ravishing reds, chartreuse, coral, fuchsia, I love it all! If you MUST move slowly on this- buy sandals, a clutch, or accessories in a hot hue. http://www.stylechicla.com/

Paris: Life & Luxury. It was all so civilized.

Seen here with Susie Dobson, Susie Dobson PR

It seemed fitting that the luxury boutique, Brequet in Beverly Hills, would participate in the reception to celebrate the opening of the exhibition, Paris: Life & Luxury.  Well heeled party goers were enjoying wines and fine fair while The J. Paul Getty Museum provided this elegant glimpse into the life activities of a Parisian townhouse over the course of a day - from dressing and letter writing to dining and music making.  The elegant world of Rococo Paris is extraordinary because of the fine art objects and furniture included in the vignettes, which give deeper understanding to a contemporary visitor.  Through August 7th.  www.getty.edu 

Last word on eggs

Cafe Rodeo has a new 'all-day egg dish' which we call Eggs Rodeo.  It's an updated version of Eggs Benedict with a crisp house-made potato pancake as the foundation for Scottish smoked salmon, fresh steamed asparagus and two perfectly poached eggs.  Can anyone say "delicious way to begin the day"?

Egg Salad

Last word this Sunday!  Have a Hippity Hoppity Day!

At the center of it all

What a concept!  The next time you buy tickets for a concert or sporting event at The Staples Center, consider an overnight stay at our newest Luxe Hotel, http://www.luxecitycenter.com/.  Located in the heart of downtown and directly across the street from LA Live, you'll find a home away from home.  This rabbit wishes he thought of it!

Vito Esposito Celebrates First Year



Vito seen here with friends Shirin, Mina, Kathy.

 Last evening hair salon owner, Vito Esposito, celebrated his one year anniversary on Rodeo Drive by inviting a few of his good friends, clients and neighbors.  His extensive patio overlooking Rodeo Drive was the perfect respite to imbibe some Italian beverages and foods, mingle and preen.  Vito got out his hair wax and messed up my short-do while I sipped lemoncello.  Congratulations to you, Vito.  Located above Bebe Boutique http://www.vitoespositosalon.com/

Cookbook Signing

A long line started forming outside of Williams-Sonoma on Beverly Drive this afternoon and I knew it had to be something more that an updated kitchen aid.  Gwyneth Paltrow was signing copies of her new book just in time for Father's day.  My Father's Daughter: Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family Togetherness was a huge hit with cooks and fans alike.  Store events such as this are organized monthly.  Coming in May is a special book signing with Eva Longoria.  Everyone is cooking!!  www.williams-sonoma.com

A Contented Guest

Dear Wendy,  This message just reminded me that I wanted to THANK YOU PERSONALLY for taking such good care of Barbara & Jim. They were Blown Away by their room this time. I’m sure the $259 rate we booked would not give them room #309, so thank you so much for the upgrade. They really LOVED their stay this time. They went on to compliment the great staff in the dining room. Again, thanks for all you do. My best, Ellien [ALTOUR]

Madame Chocolat

Madame Chocolat herself, Hasty Torres, was sculpting a 3 foot milk chocolate rabbit when I stopped by to visit her yesterday and investigate her special holiday treats.  The chandelier and display cases dazzle in all their spring pastel glory consumed in a fragrant chocolat perfume.  As if this sparkle wasn't enough, I sampled two seasonal truffles coated in edible glitter: mango and champagne.  Divine.  Visit her chocolat boutique on Canon Drive in Beverly Hills or order on line http://www.madame-chocolat.com/

Tax extension

Now that you have extended your tax deadline, you can think about that nest egg.

Spring into Card Making

Our neighbor at Paper Source has some wonderful opportunities to stretch your creative side with card making classes, custom-made rubber stamps and handmade frames.  All of these classes are available in April.  If you haven't assembled your Easter basket and think corner-drug-store wicker is just blase, there is still hope for a person with two left thumbs.  Paper Source has all the paper and tools to help.  Seen here is one of their skilled assistants folding paper pin-wheels.  Good luck hopping down the bunny trail. http://www.paper-source.com/

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,  Thank you so much for your best wishes and beautiful card on my birthday! As always -I do appreciate it.  THANK YOU!!!
Thanks & warm regards, Shouki [Travel Consultant, R.A. Travel, Inc.]

MOCA: Art in the Streets

Saturday night was the members opening of the first major US museum exhibit of street art and graffiti at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA.  We felt energized just to be a part of this unique visual showcase.  Great old school rap and engaging crowd. Tracing the movement from the 1970's to today, the installations were varied and painstakingly curated.  There are several shows within the show, interactive installations and even an LA version of Street Market.  50 of the most dynamic artists to emerge from the street scene are included.  http://www.moca.org/ Not to be missed.  From April 17 - August 8, 2011.  There are so many new places to dine downtown, plus a new appreciation for the surrounding neighborhood's graffiti.

Angry birds

If you're addicted to this crazy app on your iPhone, you will appreciate this cartoon.  Sign up for your own daily strips by choosing from a variety of cartoonists.   http://www.comics.com/ 

Genlux celebrates spring!



Photographer taking photos of beautiful people.

 Genlux Magazine held a reception to launch their Spring Issue at Luxe's Rodeo Penthouse on Thursday evening.  Postponed one week due to rain, Cecilia Moreno, publisher, welcomed a full house of party goers.  Vodka and wine sponsors plus an array of appetizers from Cafe Rodeo kept everyone socializing till 11 PM.

Waking up is hard to do

Even if you get your 40 winks, waking up with a jolt which shocks you into submission could bring on that afternoon drag. So what's a person to do? Stop pounding the snooze button and try these eight tips on waking up better.
1. Wake up to music rather than an alarm or jolting call from the Front Desk
2. Don't get up right away. While breathing deeply, loosen up and stretch your limbs out, from your fingers to your toes. Pretend you're a cat waking up from a nap.
3. Think of the most positive thing you'll be doing that day.
4. Get out of bed slowly. Ease into it.
5. Turn on more and more lights as you go through your routine, until every light you see is on.
6. If weather permits, step outside for a minute. Sunshine is one of the strongest ways to tell your body to wake up.
7. Do 3-5 minutes of easy activity. Emphasis on easy.
8. Eat breakfast! Foods low in fat and high in protein, fiber and carbs provide energy that lasts a long time. Try yogurt, fruit, whole wheat breads, and skim milk.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,
Sending a huge thank you for your thoughtful birthday note. I have shared the tree personality descriptions with just about everyone I know – it’s really accurate! (And that’s coming from someone who believes horoscopes are silly.)  Thank you so much!   Jessica  [FROSCH Travel]

Travel Fact

Los Angeles World Airports officials will explore the idea of selling LA/Ontario International Airport. Up until now, LAWA officials, who operate ONT, have not considered selling the struggling airport. For the past two years, passenger traffic at ONT has fallen more than 47 percent. LAWA reported that the airport served 4.88 million travelers in 2009, down from a peak of 7.2 million.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy:  How did you know it was my Birthday last week?  Thank you very much for the card.  Best regards, Elena [Carefree Vacations]

Chilies galore

Upon my departure from this marvelous southwestern city, I couldn't help but wonder where all those dried chilies come from.  Thousands of them bundled together - never to touch this delicate palate!  The turquoise jewelry on the other hand - or both hands - was another story!

Thought for the day

My birthday celebration at the Compound Restaurant in Santa Fe was crowned with this cookie plate.

"And why not? I like being 55 going on 15." - writer Dominique Browning on what she says when accused of wearing her hair too long.

Santa Fe, NM

I spent this past weekend in Santa Fe with any old friend who recently moved there.  Friday night began with an opening at the New Mexico Museum of Art reception for "Earth Now: American Photographers and the Environment", where I ran into a photographer from Pasadena.  Small world!  Saturday I started off the day at the local farmer's market followed by a tour of The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum of Art, a must-see for Santa Fe.  nmartmuseum.org

Books on CD

I'm completely hooked on Books on CD.  Fortunately for me the Beverly Hills Library has an excellent collection of fiction, mysteries and non-fiction books to choose from.  My original goal was to listen to all of the Pulitzer Prize winning books from the last 25 years.  I got sidetracked with a few best sellers and the Tattooed Girl but I'm back on track. Try it, you might get booked.

A Happy Client

Everyone went the extra mile especially April to take care of every one's needs.  Great service!!  Hopefully see you next year.  Thank you, April.  Yours, Janet  [Corona Del Sol High School]

Thought for the day

I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.
-Charlotte Bronte

God of Carnage

Imagine that two couples meet in a gentrified neighborhood in Brooklyn to sort out a playground fight between their two eleven-year-olds and you've got the making for four parents arguing and rebuking each other in turn.  It was a free for all of aggressive discourse and self loathing.  I was just waiting for an adult to knock out someone's incisors.  Who exactly were the children in this Tony Award winning play?  Through May 29th at the Ahmanson Theater.  www.centertheatergroup.org

Cubes and Anarchy

David Smith: Cubes and Anarchy is the first major exhibition devoted to David Smith in almost half a century.  Some of his largest and most celebrate works are included in the exhibition exploring the theme of geometry.  Smith was exposed to cubism in his art studies in the 1920's and carries this theme and sympathy for the working class through his work. Through July 24th in the Resnick Pavilion of LACMA. Easy to make an afternoon viewing and visiting Ray's and Stark Bar, LACMA's newest restaurant designed by Renzo Piano. http://www.lacma.org/

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy! Thank you for sending me the birthday note and tickets. I was so excited  to receive it. You are the best. We are open on Sundays too. Be sure to come and visit.  xoxo Kimberly Anguiano [zero + maria cornejo]

Labels for Love

Seen here is Mary Schmidt Amons and Kim Gregory, Manager http://www.labelsforlove.org/

On Saturday, Christofle Paris held a champagne reception to introduce the Labels for Love cross pendant. This modern re-edition by Christofle benefited the Labels for Love, a non-profit organization which raises funds and brings awareness to women's and children's causes.  Mary Schmidt Amons, mother of 5 [wow], philanthropist and designer was on hand to welcome everyone to the boutique.  The tall blond beauty and cast member of Bravo TV's "The Real Housewives of DC" expressed great passion for cancer awareness and other women's health issues.

Happy Birthday, Shannon!

Shannon's pinata birthday party was a smash hit.  The Justin Bieber pinata didn't last long as party guests took swing after swing at the teen idol until the sweet treats inside came spilling out.  Happy birthday!  Who knew Justin's head was filled with such chewy goodness?

Intended Consequences

Currently mounted at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills is a multimedia exhibit that creates an immediate connection to those devastated by the consequences of genocide and gender-based violence in Rwanda.  The powerful images by Newsweek photographer, Jonathan Torgovnik, documents the stories of women who survived genocide with their children who were born from the brutalization.  The children represent the hope and future of Rwanda.  On exhibit through May 1st on the lobby level.

Frames of Life



Seen here with Elyse Reichman, Store Manager, and Scott Meltzer, Michael Kors
Last evening, Optica show cased the new optical collection form Giorgio Armani: Frames of Life.  The entire boutique got a make-over of black frames. And guests were observed admiring themselves in new Armani frames.

Music Center

It was such a beautiful evening to attend a performance of Turn of the Screw at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.  When I arrived at the plaza the western horizon was turning pink from the setting sun, the fountain was rhythmically spouting water upward to the sky and the theater goers waited in anticipation at small tables.  The evening was topped with a marvelous performance by one of the great sopranos of our times, Patricia Racette making her debut performance as the governess.  The Hitchcock-like thriller lured us all into the unsettling story.  The set design was perfectly sparse and isolating.  Can't wait for the final performance of the season.