Just perfect jeans by CJ

Tomorrow, September 30th, from 6PM to 8PM is the CJ by Cookie Johnson shopping event at Saks Fifth Avenue, where jeans, shopping and refreshments come together for a great evening. Try on Oprah's favorite jeans in the WEAR on Four department and join me for a champagne cocktail. Bring friends.

Seen in the Luxe lobby

"Funk is Fun. And it's also a state of mind,.... But it's all the ramifications of that state of mind. Once you've done the best you can, funk it!" - George Clinton

Attending the annual Heroes and Legends Award presentation at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunday evening, George brought a little 'state of mind' to Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel.

Stylechic tip for the week

Know what suits you and your age. Don't get obsessive with the look of the moment. Instead, develop your own trademark. Modern means mixing glamorous expensive pieces with much more simple inexpensive items. Pair costume jewelry for a more eclectic look. Wearing a bit of color, a structure piece or an edgy shoe adds uniqueness to your wardrobe that translates to style. "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken." - Oscar Wilde
For more tips check out http://www.stylechicla.com/

Borderlandia: Cultural Topography

The extravagant mix-media sculptures created by internationally celebrated artists, Einar and Jamex de la Torre were met by enthusiastic crowds at the CA Folk Art Museum [CAFAM] during Saturday night's reception. Through January 9, 2011, the show is the brothers' bold collaboration of life and art on the fringe; known as Borderlandia. The masterful blown glass elements drew from Mayan and Aztec cultures as well as religious iconography and historic icons. Terra firma has never been so dramatic. For schedule of hours visit http://www.cafam.org/

Dennis Hopper's Double Standard

This comprehensive survey exhibition traces the evolution of Dennis Hopper's artistic output and features key selections spanning his 60-year career in a range of media, including paintings, sculpture, photographs, and assemblages from the 1950s and '60s; paintings from the 1980s and '90s; graffiti-inspired wall constructions and large-scale billboard paintings from the 2000s; recent work, and film installations. MOCA's exhibit ends tomorrow, so I made plans for a day in downtown Los Angeles which began at Bottega Louie for lunch and ended in Little Tokyo. This installation was not to be missed. Seen here is Double Standard; Beverly Hills in the rear view mirror and looking east [along Route 66] thru what is now West Hollywood. For schedule of future shows, check http://www.moca.org/

Happy Friday!

Looks as though it's shaping up to be a warm and sunny weekend! I attended PROST luncheon today at Shutters on the Beach where they say it was foggy and cool all summer. So get out and enjoy!

MOCA Pacific Design Center

Any Ever is the American premiere of artist Ryan Trecartin's 2007–10 body of work, produced in Miami with collaborator Lizzie Fitch and contributors ranging from friends and artists to working child actors. The seven movies are structurally conceived as a diptych consisting of a trilogy and a quartet, all of which are interconnected spatially via networked viewing spaces and an ambient soundscape, and materially by overlapping threads of form and content. It's fascinating if not a bit unsettling. Showing through October 17th.

A Happy Client

WOW! Where do I begin? Every staff member is always so gracious when I arrive at the LUXE Rodeo. Today in particular was a great example of your team exceeding any and all expectations!! When I went to get in my Hummer this morning to go to work all the air went out of my tires...all 4! Raul was wonderful, he commissioned the help of Juan to bring out the big daddy air compressor to try to pump up my tires. Then Miguel jumped in and started helping, basically they all went above and beyond! Thank you very much to all of them and to you for having the confidence in your team to ask for feedback. Have a great day! Robert Cromeans [Global Artistic Director of John Paul Mitchell Systems]

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,
Thanks for your birthday note…Very cute and very me… scary how those things relate to me so correctly. Appreciate your remembering and hope to meet you and the team in person one day soon..
All the best, Lilly [Travel Consultant, Toorak Travel American Express]

Il Postino at LA Opera

LA Opera's dress rehearsal for the world premiere Il Postino was hosted by WHERE magazine last evening. What a treat to see the famous poet, Pablo Neruda, performed by Placido Domingo and to witness this lovely film come to life. The blue tiled floor, projected backdrops and the minimal staging was perfect to effect a tiny Italian fishing village and the shy young postman who finds the inspiration to live out his dreams during his daily deliveries. For performance schedules http://www.laopera.com/

Guardian Owls

Australians in Film held a screening of Legends of the Guardians and it was a big hit with the 7 year old crowd as seen here from the group photo. Shown in the newly remodeled Silver Screen Conference Center at the Pacific Design Center, the film took flight in 3-D! Seen here with Eloise, Henry, Cecilia and her son, Sean.

A Happy Client

Hello Wendy,
Good morning and Happy Monday. Thank you for the nice souvenir. Best regards and have a great week. Bobby [H.I.S. INTERNATIONAL TOURS INC.]

What did we learn from New York Fashion Week?

Nudes and neon, patterned sheers, leather, nylons, and ’50s leisure wear will fill the racks of our fave boutiques.

Cartoon by Denise Dorrance. Visit the website at www.denisedorrance.com

Opa!

The annual St. Sophia Greek Festival was as much fun as we anticipated. We danced, sampled a number of entrees and got a sugar high from the honey pastries. Will the cookies and baklava to-go box make it to the office on Monday? Can't wait until next year.

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Dry Martini!

It was all about martini madness Mad Men style. Fabulous Jean Dickinson [seen here] held a very cool cocktail party with a mid-century vibe last night at a friend's home in the Hancock Park neighborhood. The 60's built home house was the perfect setting for the gathering; many guests dressed in uber cool 60's garb. She served a medley of hand-shaken martinis and hors d'oeuvres galore, including Swedish meatballs and pigs in a blanket. Charles Phoenix was there and reminded me that I haven't been to one of his fabulous slide shows in a while! The good old days? - maybe!

A Happy Client

Wendy – I wanted to thank you for the plate of fruit and cookies when I stayed last at the Luxe. It was very thoughtful of you and I really appreciated the personal touch. And, I’m sorry it’s taken me almost 3 weeks to send a note.
Hope all is well with you. Jen [Tyler Technologies, Inc.]

Celebrating Roche Bobois' 50th Anniversary

Last evening, Angeleno Magazine's Editor-in-Chief, Degen Pener invited readers to a sneak preview of the new Jean Paul Gaultier collection [exclusively] for Roche Bobois. This new collection of interchangeable square cushions were surprisingly comfortable. With a martini in hand and fashionable new and old friends, it was hard to get up. The collection is a love fest between fashion and interior design. Roche Bobois showroom is on Beverly Blvd, along the avenues of art & design. Seen here with Jenny Leeser, manager of Catherine Malandrino and again lounging with Darlene Ford, Writer and Brand Strategist.

Thought for the day

In the long run we get no more than we have been willing to risk giving. -Sheldon Kopp

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

You are so sweet for always remembering my birthday!! I cannot thank you enough for the lovely card. This September 14th characteristics card is frighteningly accurate! Eek!! Haha
Talk to you soon xo
Tom [United Talent Agency]

GenLux Fall Issue Launch

GENLUX Magazine launched the release of the Fall issue with a VIP event at the LUXE Hotel Rodeo Dr. Sponsored by Mercedes-Benz. Guests were treated to performances by Katharine McPhee, and Tamar Kaprelian. Fashion Presentations by Kevan Hall, V-Moda, Perrin Paris 1863, Frey Wille, Max Azria, Ports 1961, Katy Rodriguez, Jimmy Choo, and René Caovilla. Glam factor included: Cheryl Tiegs, April Bowlby of “Drop Dead Diva”, Producer Bobby Colomby, Laura Dunn, Photographer Moshe Brakha, Celebrity Stylist and GENLUX Editor-at-Large George Blodwell, Taylor Armstrong of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”, and Adrienne Maloof-Nassif of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”.

Whole lot of art going on

The Pacific Design Center, Blue Building 2nd floor, has a myriad of art galleries showing art from painters, sculptures to photographers. The opening night brought out a beautiful Hollywood crowd. The jewel exhibition was Greg Gorman, A Distinct Vision. The gallery showcased pieces from his collection 1970 to the present. Gorman was on hand for book signings and conversation. The photography display is on display through October 29th and the PDC is open to the public, Monday through Saturday. For specific hours and parking information visit http://www.pacificdesigncenter.com/

Travel Fact

As the meetings industry rebounds, corporate meetings are finally beginning to show renewed signs of life. The U.S. Travel Association recently forecast a 7% increase in meeting and convention spending for the remainder of 2010.

Greystone Estate

The Greystone Mansion, built in 1927-28, was formally dedicated to the City of Beverly Hills in 1971 to serve as a public park. Today the estate, placed on the Register of Historic Places, is the location for a myriad of cultural activities and events, as well as peaceful picnic grounds. The courtyard features a restored fountain and the renovated pool area can accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated reception and the terrace, 60 guests. Since the late 1950's, Greystone has also been a prime filming location for the local entertainment industry. After leaving at Beverly Hills CVB meeting, Aileen Carreon and I on the formal staircase leading to the courtyard. The park is open seven days a week, 10am to 5pm.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy,
I received the birthday card along with astrology reading, very unusual gift. Thank you for remembering.
С уважением,
Анастасия Герни
Best Regards, Anastasia [American Best Get-A-Ways]

Day of Remembrance, September 11th

The Beverly Hills City Council hosted a day of remembrance Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Beverly Hills Fire Department headquarters at 445 N. Rexford Dr. The ceremony honored the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Guest speakers included State Senator Fran Pavley, State Assembly Member Mike Feuer and a performance by the Beverly High’s Madrigals singers. A large piece of steel from the World Trade Center towers was memorialized.

Fashion's Night Out: Huge Success!

Rodeo Drive welcomed Wilshire, Beverly and Canon Drive, and Brighton Way stores to Fashion's Night Out in the 90210 area code: From Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue on Wilshire to James Perse on Canon and Victoria's Secret and Anthropologie on Beverly. Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel offered attendees a kissable red carpet moment at a complimentary photo booth in front of the hotel. Shoppers received a fabulous photo luggage tag as a gift from Luxe and the chance to “Vogue” in front of the paparazzi at the specially created step and repeat wall.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,
Thank you so much for your birthday greeting. I really need to get over to your hotel and start to cash in my drink chits. I have yet to do that and I just live in Studio City! anks again!
Jeri
PS the horoscope was pretty right on!
General Manager /Frosch Classic Cruise and Travel

Fashionable Windows

Rodeo Drive to be featured in CBS Network's Fashion's Night Out TV Special: Mark your calendar for September 14 when CBS celebrates Fashion's Night Out with a one-hour network television special highlighting events around the world. We're told that cameras from CBS will be filming on Rodeo Drive as a part of the special, so dress up and smile! Seen here is the window from Michael Kors at Luxe Rodeo. For more information, please visit http://www.fashionwindows.net/

Fashion's Night Out: September 10th

Fashion's Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative created by VOGUE and the Council of Fashion Designers of America to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry's economy and put the fun back in shopping. On Rodeo Drive and throughout Beverly Hills, the extravaganza will feature 80 in-store events including celebrity appearances, DJs, art installations, new product introductions, charitable shopping, anniversary events, complimentary manicures, gifts with purchase, and a variety of carnival-themed fashion events. The centerpiece of the celebration will be a four-story Ferris Wheel on the 200 block of Rodeo Drive with complimentary rides for two when guests show their receipt of purchases from participating stores -- while rides last. For a full event guide, please visit http://www.rodeodrive-bh.com/

A Happy Client

Dear Reg and Wendy, Well, its now nearly 8pm Sydney time and Group 1 arrived back in Sydney this morning safe and sound. Tonight I am soldiering on through the jet lag trying to catch up on email and outstanding items. However, I couldn't let the moment pass without sending you both a sincere thank you for having us at your fine hotels over the past 5 days and providing such warm and wonderful hospitality. Please would you ensure my note is sent on to Margit and Sherwin and the rest of the team as well. From the moment we arrived at Luxe Sunset Blvd to the moment we departed last night from Rodeo Drive it was such a fun trip and truly made possible by the team at Luxe. Thank you also for hosting such a superb dinner on our first night, I hope we weren't too noisy for the rest of the guests, but between Roselyn's fabulous stories and the drinks after at the bar it was a terrific evening, made all the more enjoyable for us by your warm balmy weather and relaxed , refined style. If ever you're in Sydney please make sure you contact me and again many thanks for such a great experience. I hope we can translate our positive experience into positive commercial outcomes for you. With warm regards, Fiona [Dalton] Regional Relationship Manager / American Express Business Travel

Back to school

It seems that Labor Day weekend was the last 'hurrah' of summer. It's back to school and back to work. So if you have any good stories, be careful posting those beach blogs and party pics on your facebook page.

"Total physical and mental inertia are highly agreeable, much more so than we allow ourselves to imagine. A beach not only permits such inertia but enforces it, thus neatly eliminating all problems of guilt." -John Kenneth Galbraith

Earth, Wind & Fire[works]

What a great way to kick off the Labor Day weekend! Joined by a small group of retailers from Rodeo Drive, our destination was the Hollywood Bowl and the legendary band, Earth, Wind & Fire. Along with 15,000 other fans grooving to the sounds of this Pop / R&B group whose career spans four decades, we indulged in boxed lunches from Cafe Rodeo and cupcakes from Joan's on Third. The finale was their most lauded song, "September" punctuated with fireworks only the Hollywood Bowl's orchestra could arrange. Brilliant night!

Delta Airlines boosts the Aussie factor

Delta Airlines has been developing a strong relationship with the Australian corporate communitythrough their brand new 777 aircrafts which now fly daily to and from LAX with a business / economy class configuration. This weekend, Delta, Luxe Sunset Blvd Hotel and Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel joined forces to host a group of travel managers from the land down under. In only four days they got a very good overview of what Los Angeles has to offer from Santa Monica beaches, Hollywood night life, Dodger Game, Beverly Hills to Bel Air. Seen here at Il Fornaio Restaurant with sponsors, Stephanie Nakasone from the BHCVB and Karen from LA Inc. Luxe gives a special thanks to Jane Wilshaw, corporate sales for Delta, who brought with her Kim, Astrid, Fiona, Robert, Marco and Trish! We bet you'll be ready for a good sleep on the way back.

A Happy Client

Wendy - san,
Your hearty words of card, LUXE Worldwide Hotel Directory and a pair of NICE LUXE SLIPPER arrived. I will treasure them!
Thank you so very much. Best EVER! Ko

Food & Wine 9.02.10

Congratulations to everyone involved in this historic event on a job well done. Last night's Taste of Beverly Hills in celebration of 9.02.10 was an amazing event that produced media coverage from around the world. Presented by City of Beverly Hills and Food & Wine magazine,the event from 7-10pm at the Robinson May parking lot near the Beverly Hilton was attended by a couple of thousand people comprising of Beverly Hills VIPS, media, residents, and many of Rodeos clients, friends, neighbors and all our competitors. We had a booth to sample food, along with 40 other restaurants. Chef Olivier prepared three 'tastes'; Shrimp Cerviche, Trout Brandade and Stone Fruit Trifle which were extremely popular and well received. Seen here is Chef Olivier Rousselle with Tal Golan, Director of Guest Services!

A Happy Client

Aloha April,
Thank you for your message! Hope you had a great vacation. The room was great, the staff I came in contact with were so friendly - it was a wonderful stay. Hope we can return the favor one day - Mahalo! June Cappiello [Marketing Communications Manager THE KAHALA HOTEL & RESORT]

Taste of Beverly Hills

Taste of Beverly Hills is a four-day festival that will celebrate all things epicurean in all of Los Angeles. The festival will consist of everything from local restaurant tastings and live cookingdemonstrations from world renown chefs, to a series of wine seminars from top vintners and live musical performances from award winning artists. Tonight: Food & Wine magazine sponsors the kick-off event that features demonstrations from top chefs, film & TV personalities and wine makers and tastings from Beverly Hills at the former Robinson's May Dept Store site at the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica Blvds. September 2 - 5th

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy:
Thank you soooo much for always remembering my birthday. It really means alot to me :-)
I hope all is well with you!
All the best, Natalie [Magic Johnson Enterprises]

Max Mara and Camp Erin

Last evening Max Mara Boutique on Rodeo Drive hosted an evening in support of The Moyer Foundation's Camp Erin. The Foundation is at the forefront of programs that provide critical services and support to children in distress through its network of bereavement camps. There wasn't a dry eye in the boutique at the conclusion of the presentation and Max Mara graciously offered a percentage of the evenings proceeds to this well deserved community service. Seen here with store manager, Vickie Beadie and friend, Michelle Rubin.