Rainbow of Gems

When the David Yurman Boutique on Rodeo Drive sent me an invitation for "Dreaming in Color", I put on my best pink sapphire coat and joined the party.  Their easy to like jewelry collections, unique colors and design details made for cut-above shopping.

Seen here with Pamela Reisman, Floral
Designs by Pamela.

The Bottom Line

Make sure to check out the one-of-a-kind ready to wear lingerie pieces from Peta Wilson's new line.  She's managed to refocus that "La Femme Nikita" killer with a killer-body into a thriving new shop and showroom. www.wyliewilson.com  Don't pass up a chance to check out the secret / speakeasy shop on Washington Blvd. for those amazing panties.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy,
Thank you so much for my birthday card - you always remember - and I love reading my horoscope!  thank you for your best wishes.  Thank you for the Martha Graham wise quote.  I wish you all the best - always.  Fondly, Jacquie

Break up to Make-up

We all know what that's like at the department store cosmetic counter.  An expert cleans your face to start all over again.  There I sat at Giorgio Armani mesmerized by the presence of celebrity artist, Tim Quinn. I watched him for half an hour doing the most extraordinary make-overs at the Rodeo Drive Boutique.  I've worn 5.5 for years but I see that I can do a little bit better!  Thank you, Tim, for opening up my eyes - literally.

Gem of a Film

Delightful is the first word that comes to mind.  Australians in Film screening the film from down under last week at the Los Angeles Film School.  Since then Sapphires has opened in two theaters in Los Angeles.  Inspired by a true story the film follows four determined and talented Australian Aboriginal girls from a remote mission to Vietnam where they entertain the troops in 1968.  Winning several awards in Australia last year, the film has potential to gain momentum.

Wear What You Eat

At Art Merge Lab in the Pacific Design Center, young contemporary artists are show cased.  In the photographs from Yeonju Sung, culinary couture effectively removes context from purpose when she designs clothing out of foodstuffs.  There were bananas, mushrooms, eggplant and tomatoes.  I was so struck by the dress of leaks that I stopped in my tracks and took a photo of the photo.  Her organic images capture the perfect moment of fleeting reality before they are destined to decay.  Look for wearable foods at www.artmergelab.com

Spring has Sprung

50 Shades of Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
May your blessings outnumber
The Shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go!

Women's History Month

This month marks the 50th anniversary of Betty Friedan's feminist call to arms, The Feminine Mystique, just reissued by the way!  How has the landscape for American women altered since the late found of NOW took up her provocative pen

• Median age of first marriage for women, was 20.5, now 26.9
• College students who are women, was 38%, now 57%
• Working mothers with children under 18, was 30.5%, now 70.6%

Six Designer Flavors

From the extensive collection of the Museum at FIT comes Fashion Designers A - Z, in six designer editions.  This Thursday, Taschen introduced their newest volume at their Beverly Hills book boutique.  Joseph Katz, Montage Beverly Hills Fashion Stylist, introduced author, Valerie Steele who charmingly enlightened us with fashion's A-Z.  It goes without saying that the invitation inspired the luxe, lovely and eclectic to come and play. www.taschen.com

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy:  That was such a surprise.  Thank you very much for thinking of me on my birthday.  It was great meeting you as well and a great horoscope.  Thank you again for the good wishes, hope to see  you again soon.  Laura  [Plaza Travel]

Fins: Form Without Function

Seen here with friend, Pamela Reisman, Floral Designs by Pamela.

The Petersen Automotive Museum hosted its 3rd annual exhibit open house to professionals in hotel, restaurant and catering services this week.  I ordered a perfect martini at the bar, mingled a bit and enjoyed the exhibit.  There are more than a dozen finned vehicles, highly regarding my enthusiasts as some of the most collectible American cars from the era of postwar optimism.  www.petersen.org

Living the Legacy

A collection of banners that commemorate famous American women, civil rights leaders and women's rights activists are on display through the month of March along Santa Monica Boulevard light poles between La Cienega and Crescent Heights in West Hollywood.  This year's special tribute is to Elizabeth Taylor, as seen below.  The banner was unveiled at the Woman's Advisory Board meeting on Monday evening and is on display in the lobby of city Hall through April 4th.  We all owe a debt of gratitude to these brave and insightful women who paved the way for us to be even stronger in the 21st century.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy!  That was so thoughtful to send the card and 'horror'scope for my birthday.  I was out last week for a stay-cation and really needed some  R & R.  Thank you for thinking of me!  Hoping all is well with you.  Jeffrey [travel specialist, American Express]

Girl Scout Sighting

Finally spotted my first Girl Scout of the season.  It's like the first robin of Spring.  A troop from West Hollywood had a table set up on Santa Monica Blvd near Trader Joe's on Sunday.  But of course there was no place to park so the scouts had to work their selling magic on passers-by.  I love the idea of those guys leaving the gym and buying cookies.  Make my thighs feel better.

D-Bar, Denim and Drinks

Met some very interesting people tonight at D-Bar, the underground home for denim and drinks at Saks Fifth Avenue's new Beverly Hills Men's store.  There was a lot of mixing and mingling going on while browsing the latest trends in casual wear.  Crowded with denim addicts.  I'm still amazed that the pool table never fell victim to wine, beer or appetizer stain.  This was a neat crowd too!

Target Hits the Spot

Seen here between Justine Timberlake
and Charlie Chaplin.

The new West Hollywood adjacent Target is, well, right on target.  Attending the store opening tonight, the concept store is perfectly matched to its new location at La Cienega Boulevard across from the Beverly Center.  Well staffed and generous with sweets and drinks, Target showed shoppers how to have a good time!  There were celebrity look-a-likes roaming the aisles.  They participated in a gift card game which encouraged invitees to make some on the spot purchases.  Can't wait until its officially available - March 10th!

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,
Every year you send the best birthday card!  Thank you.  Best, Eric [MMG Travel, New York]

It's all about Mimi

For a few years now I have been a great fan of Mimi.  I can't even recall how I was introduced to Denise Dorrance's cartoons but they always remind me of someone I met or someone I imagine meeting in Beverly Hills or New York.  Look at her new book project, It's all about Mimi, at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/997030963/dorrances-its-all-about-mimi-0

Etsy Does It

Etsy pop up is a cross country series showcasing local Etsy designers and artisans.  Yesterday West Elm held the kick-off event with jewelry, decor, candles, letterpress stationery and more chosen by design star Emily Henderson.  Great stuff! www.etsy.com