A Contented Guest

Hello Wendy,
I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for a lovely stay.  Your sweet touch of the chocolates and personal note were lovely.
Many thanks,  Didi [Vice President Collection Stores / MICHAEL KORS]

A Contented Guest

Hello Wendy,
I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for a lovely stay.  Your sweet touch of the chocolates and personal note were lovely.
Many thanks,  Didi [Vice President Collection Stores / MICHAEL KORS]

Pacific Standard Time

Note to self: Saturday, March 31st.  Nineteen museums across Southern California will offer free admission and special programs to mark the completion of Pacific Time: Art in LA 1945 - 1980.  Museums include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Chinese Museum of Art, the Eames House Foundation and 16 other institutions with the Pacific Standard Time exhibitions still on display.  Visit www.pacificstandardtime.org for more information.

Everything Old is New Again

The house of Valentino is celebrating its 50th anniversary by looking back to the 60's and the designer's inspired animal prints.  There are superbly tailored double face wool coats, printed silk scarves and capes, patent leather loafers and simple totes.  But beware; this collection will only be available for a few days before the group travels to Italy.  The limited edition separates are part of a traveling show; so don't miss it. Wearing a piece from this collection will have your friends purring with envy.

A Happy Client

Hi Trish,    Just dropping you a note to say I returned from an educational to the US yesterday, and undertook a quick inspection of Luxe Rodeo Drive. (the property was not part of the famil). And met with Wendy & Denise.  I am so glad I did this as it has given me a greater appreciation of this property's benefits and the team that look after our clients.  Cheers, Benita [Prestige Travel]

A Happy Client

Just wanted to follow-up and say THANK YOU again for the warm welcome and wonderful hospitality!  We had a great stay at the LUXE. It was a wonderful experience for the Fashion students.
Margaret [Marcos de Niza Family & Consumer Science Department / Apparel and Interior Design Instructor and FIDM Fashion Club Advisor]

Travel Fact

Airlines improving performance: The nation’s largest airlines posted an on-time arrival record last December of 84.4 percent, the highest on-time percentage for any December during the 17 years the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has collected comparable flight delay data. According to the report, the carriers also had a 0.8 percent rate of canceled flights, the lowest December cancellation rate for the last 17 years.

Have a tweet day!

California Design: Living in a Modern Way

Adjacent is an exhibit which is the first major study of California midcentury modern design. With more than 300 objects—furniture, ceramics, metalwork, fashion and textiles, and industrial and graphic design—the exhibition examines the state’s role in shaping the material culture of the entire country.  Through June 3rd, this exhibit divides Modern into four thematic areas.  I enjoyed wandering from one section to another recalling this Wisconsin girls fascination with California. www.LACMA.org

In Wonderland

Through May 6th, women Surrealist artists will be on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.  In media dating from 1961 to 1968, their art was primarily about identity: portraits, double portraits, self-referential images, and masquerades that demonstrate their trials and pleasures. The exhibition includes that demonstrate Surrealism's influence on the feminist movement. Iconic figures such as Louise Bourgeois, Leonora Carrington, Frida Kahlo, Lee Miller, Kay Sage, Dorothea Tanning, and Remedios Varo are represented, along with lesser known or newly discovered practitioners.

Thought for the day

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present. - Anonymous

Thought for the day

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present. - Anonymous

Buzz about Leven Rambin

Leven Rambin and me in Bar360 at Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel.

The Hunger Games directed by Gary Ross is the most anticipated film this year!  Suzanne Collins' best selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 26 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following.  It has spent more than 180 consecutive weeks/ more than three consecutive years to date on the the New Times bestseller list since its publication in September 2008.  Recently, actress Leven Rambin, who plays 'Glimmer' in the Hunger film stopped by Cafe Rodeo to meet with art director, Stephen Kamifuji.  I captured a photo to send to my 13 year old niece who insisted that I read the books because,"They are awesome, Aunt Wendy."  I'm only on book two, but she was right.  I'm addicted to the ace archer, Katniss Everdeen.

HE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross, with a screenplay by Gary Ross and Suzanne Collins and Billy Ray, and produced by Nina Jacobson's Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 26 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following. It has spent more than 180 consecutive weeks/more than three consecutive years to date on The New York Times bestseller list since its publication in September 2008

Rustic Italian

Lemon-chocolate olive oil cake.

Expert chef discussing time-saving gadgets available in-store.

Rustic Italian was on the menu tonight; at Williams-Sonoma that is.  Cooking classes are held 6:00 - 8:30 PM on various Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays of the month.  Tonight's dishes included chicken with green olives and lemon, bucatini pasta with pancetta and caramelized onions. I ate every morsel - delicious.  Upcoming classes include Easter dinner, Cinco de Mayo celebrating and Father's Day grilling; prices between $40 - $75 and 10% discount on merchandise is offered after the demonstration.  339 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills.  Call 310-274-9127 for a schedule.

Exit Through the Gift Shop

I've had two occasions to visit The Paley Center for Media recently.  Last evening Where magazine held a reception to introduce hotel concierge to Warner's "Television Out of the Box" and this morning was the monthly Media Council Roundtable Breakfast.   Of course, I took a peek at the gift shop which has been redressed with all things Warner Brothers in conjunction with the new exhibit.  Open from 12 noon to 5:00 PM daily.  www.paleycenter.org

Happy First Day of Spring!

Floral display at center of lobby, Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.” ― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

Cornucopia of Vegetables on Print

Last week Friday I was walking down Rodeo Drive and stumbled upon a vision - the exuberant southern Italian variety - the windows of Dolce and Gabbana.  Further investigation brought me into the boutique dressed to look like an Italian vegetable and fruit stand.  Waiter swiftly offered fresh lemonade, small bites of delicacies and models showed off sexy fifties corseted dresses, circle skirts and straw bags fit for a red convertible and a winding road along some rugged coastline.  I could almost hear Dean Martin crooning "Mambo Italiano".  The collection is simply marvelous.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Rain in the forecast all weekend in Los Angeles!  Be careful driving and stay dry.

2012 Economic Summit: Return of the Buyer

This year's Beverly Hills Economic Summit focused on what's hot and what's not, where our economy and businesses may be heading in today's market.  The distinguished speakers examined consumer spending trends and financial confidence, lead by acclaimed economist, Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics.  Held today at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills, it was a sold-out luncheon.

American Idiot

"American Idiot", the groundbreaking American musical, filled with the burning passion of characters who yearn for something more, songs bursting with emotion and a story that dares you to feel and celebrate and hope.  The music of Green Day and the lyrics of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong captured the zeitgeist of a generation with its Grammy® Award-winning multi-platinum album. American Idiot puts those raw emotions front and center in a highly theatrical and thoroughly satisfying rock opera that burns up the stage through April 22nd at Ahmanson Theater.  Not to be missed! centertheatregroup.org 

Christian Louboutin Anniversary Collection

Love shoes with all your heart and sole?  This anniversary collection will be hard to resist.  From today, Thursday, March 15 through Sunday, March 25, Saks Fifth Avenue on Wilshire Blvd will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Christian Louboutin. Shop the Capsule Collection embodying the central themes that have come to define Louboutin's craft. 

Tea for two

Boutique Manager, Kim Gregory pours me a cup.

Christofle's Beverly Hills was serving tea this afternoon to demonstrate their sterling silver tea service.  They featured GP Deva's highly acclaimed botanical herbal teas.  Elegance, luxury and tea all in one presentation.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Thank you for my card and gorgeous mellow green insert...xox  Shelli-Anne

A Happy Client

Dear Wendy,
Thank you so much for the anniversary card. It was so thoughtful of you. I greatly appreciate it.  Best regards, Ela [Manager, Special Projects / Ultramar Travel Management]

Hard to resist a Girl Scout

Members of the Girl Scouts of America have been selling cookies since 1917 to raise funds for scout activities.  However, it wasn't until 1933, that Girl Scouts in Philadelphia organized the first official sale, selling homemade cookies at the windows of local utility companies. The first Girl Scout cookie recipe was a sugar cookie. In 1936 the national organization began licensing commercial bakers to produce cookies. During war years, customers were limited to two boxes due to shortages of flour, sugar and butter.  To date 'Thin Mints' are still the number one best seller.  On weekends, you can find the local Beverly Hills troop selling all six varieties outside of Nate 'n Al's on Beverly Drive.  They're hard to resist!

Library, Front and Center

The dream of a new library facility that would also serve as the civic and cultural center of West Hollywood (the new City Council Chambers are there, too) originated more than 15 years ago.  Today, certified green, the library comprises 32,000 square feet offering computer (with wireless Internet) and technology areas, signature collections (including arts and design, international languages), a children’s theatre and other areas for youth, as well as books, music and DVDs with viewing areas.  The current exhibit lining the hallways is Decade of Dissent, Posters from 1965 - 1975.

Art in the Streets, West Hollywood Library Murals

Kenny Scharf's explosion of color, faces and figures.

Shepard Fairey's stenciled piece 121 feet wide and 56 feet tall.

The visceral art movement known as "street art", born on the fringes of contemporary art society, is now clearly in the cultural spotlight.  In an innovative collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and Cadillac, an extension of the museums wildly popular exhibit resulted in the installation of three murals by renowned artists, Rena, Kenny Scharf and Shepard Fairey on the exterior walls of the new West Hollywood Library.

The Total Look: The Creative Collaboration Between Rudi Gernreich, Peggy Moffitt, and William Claxton

The latest MOCA exhibition celebrates the remarkable collaboration between the great fashion designer Rudi Gernreich, his model and muse Peggy Moffitt, and Moffitt's late husband the photographer William Claxton, who created the distinctive images of Moffitt activating Gernreich's designs. The space features selected looks from Moffitt's definitive collection, with films and photographs by Claxton of Moffitt modeling the clothes. Loved it!  Through May 20th at the Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood.

Daylight saving

Here’s a reminder to set your clocks one hour forward at 2AM on Sunday March 11, 2012!

Snow White Legend Comes Alive

The film, Mirror Mirror, which opens March 30 showcases elements of Lalique's fine crystal collection.  Watch for those special reflective pieces throughout the feature length film or visit Lalique Boutique on Rodeo Drive.  Who is the fairest of them all?

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,  I got dozens of birthday cards and email from my various hotel partners but your card stood out!
What a great idea and nice touch!  Thank you!   Eric [Director - MMG Travel @ Journeycorp]

Thought for the day

Make it a great day!
Life is short; live it up.  - Khrushchev

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Thank you for my birthday card!!!  I hope you are well!!  Tracy  [Travel Like a Rock Star]