A Happy Client

Hi Wendy, Thanks so much for everything. It was great to see you and enjoyed the stay. Have a wonderful trip to Sicily. One of these days, please come and visit [Tuscany]. All good wishes, Andrew

Up From the Vault

A comprehensive exhibit showcasing more than 150 photographs amassed during the past 85 years by the Warner Brothers Photo Lab can be seen in the Academy's Grand Lobby Gallery through December 12th. These glamour portraits, set stills, ad art and behind-the-scenes shots are on display Tuesday through Sunday. Check http://www.oscars.org/ for specific times. Image attached is from the set of "Dames" (1934) with Busby Berkeley rehearsing Ruby Keeler.

Thought for the day

Explanation separates us from astonishment, which is the only gateway to the incomprehensible. -Eugene Ionesco

Stylechic tip for the week

Colors: Camel is the outright winner, along with toffee, taupe and cappuccino. The only challenge to the inevitable black is pine green or deep purple. Highlight: orange. Embellishment: It's fur and more fur on anything from cuffs to boots. If you're not mad about faux, then feathers and silken fringe are your best alternatives. http://www.stylechic.com

West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval

Massive crowds turn out each year for WeHo's Halloween spectacle, which shuts down a stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard. Six stages of live entertainment, a "Rocky Horror Picture Show" tribute, graffiti artists, dancing, parade and general mayhem will all be a part of the evening's activities. Starts at 6 PM to 11 PM. www.westhollywoodhalloween.com. Enjoy!

Anne Fontaine reception

Lovingly referred to as 'the white shirt store, Anne Fontaine's passion for clothing began at an early age. Her taste for the natural is clearly express in the white shirt, to which she brings an unforeseen level of diversity. New materials are presented every season, from poplin, pique cotton, organdy and lace. Fontaine hosted a lovely reception to thank their loyal customers. Luxe Rodeo Drive provided the catering.

More treats than tricks

Trick or Treat? The practice of dressing up in costumes and begging door to door for treats on holidays dates back to the Middle Ages; we've certainly come a long way from then. The National Confectioners Association reported in 2005 that 80 percent of adults in the United States planned to give out confectionery to trick-or-treaters and that 93% of children, teenagers, and young adults planned to go trick-or-treating or participating in other Halloween activities. In 2008, Halloween candy, costumes and other related products accounted for $5.77 billion in revenue. Happy Halloween weekend!

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,
Thank you for the birthday greetings. I cannot believe another one has come around. I guess it is better than the alternative! Hope all is well at Luxe. Thank you for the complimentary glass of wine. I will enjoy it when Ann and I get to B.H. for some shopping.
Best regards, Stan [Stan Jones Manager, Encino Branch AAA Travel/Auto Club of So. CA]

Jack-o-Lantern Contest at Luxe

Oh!—fruit loved of boyhood!—the old days recalling,
When wood-grapes were purpling and brown nuts were falling!When wild, ugly faces we carved in its skin,Glaring out through the dark with a candle within! - from "The Pumpkin" (1850) by John Greenleaf Whittier

One of the most instantly recognizable symbols of the Halloween season is the hollowed and carved out Pumpkin known as a Jack-o'-Lantern. Every year, millions of children and adults alike sit down to carve their own unique and frightening versions of this hallows eve mascot to put in their windows or on their front porch. And in this case, the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel has an annual tradition of carving great pumpkins. It's not just a matter slicing and dicing, we've entered into a contest of skill. May the sales office win!

Solange

What a grand affair! The opening of Solange Boutique last evening drew a beautiful crowd, curious to see the newest gem on Rodeo Drive. Gems, gems, gems; there are some simply wonderful pieces to be found here. Champagne, disco dancing and aura readings flowed. We wish them much success. Seen here with some of the in-crowd. http://www.solangeazagurypartridge.com/

Count Chocolate

If you're looking for a little more upscale chocolate candy this Halloween, we suggest K Chocolatier in Beverly Hills. Voted the "Rolls Royce of Chocolates" by Food Network, Dian Kron has created these amazing chocolates fresh daily and packaged them in air-tight packets. For easy shipping, call 310-248-2626, or just stop by 9606 Santa Monica Blvd! No tricks, just treats.

Happy Dining - Cafe Rodeo

Wendy, Thanks you ever so much for the wonderful lunch. I wish we had more time to discuss the business. I am finishing up a tour with El DeBarge and didn't have a moment to spare. So, that is why it took me a moment to say, "Thanks". So, the next time we must do somewhere off the premise. Always, BGJ

BHCVB destination: New York City

Hi Wendy,
Aaawww.......we looked adorable!! Thanks again for inviting us to the Beacon Restaurant. We had so much fun! Abby [Abby Blaha, Product Development Executive - Quikbook.com]

Beverly Hills did it again! We held a fabulous party in New York to celebrate our top restaurants and invited le creme travel agents and media. Seen here with Abby Blaha and March Albert from Quikbook.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy,
You are so sweet. Thank you so much for my Birthday card and drink ticket. I hope you are well and look forward to seeing you at the next screenings. Soph [Scarf, Executive Director, Australians In Film]

Halloween around the corner

Halloween is around the corner and costume stores abound in New York. Everyone is looking forward to Sunday when the big parade down Sixth Avenue! Vampires seems to be a favorite subject.

Bryant Park

This morning I meandered my way across Bryant Park on the way to my first appointment. For two days they have been working on building the ice rink and various additions for the holiday season. On the way back tonight at 6:00 o'clock, there was a charming merry-go-round, another restaurant kiosk and a lot of amateur photographers taking pictures. Including this one.

Where Italy meets Fifth Avenue

EATALY, a giant Italian food hall opening in a month or so on West 23rd Street near Fifth Avenue, is a culinary extravaganza, from arancini to zabaglione. The complex created by Joseph Bastianich an Mario Batali has more than 20 retail departments, most with their own dining areas. As I walked from one area to the next, in this 36,500 square foot space, I couldn't quite find my bearings and ended up with a quick panini and espresso. Besides I'm in New York on sales calls; not a lot of time between appointments. But wow, I'm impressed and so were a few hundred other New Yorkers or tourists. One of my clients made the suggestion that I take a look at this latest installment of the Batali empire and it was worth the extra four blocks.

Fall is in the air

All the decorative details are abundant in New York this weekend. I give the Big Apple an A+ for best use of chrysanthemums, bittersweet and gourds. Every restaurant and grocery store is packed with signs that the season is changing. Seen here is the produce section of Dean & Deluca in SoHo. And almost every menu features Brussels sprouts as the seasonal vegetable.

A Happy Client

Just wanted to thank you for being so gracious and assisting us in making our visit to LA a success. Wendy you have a great staff they are wonderful group. Thanks again, Elaine and AG Saab

Beverly Hills Literary Escape

Next weekend immerse yourself in everything literary. The Beverly Hills Literary Escape (October 22 – 24) includes once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to have coffee with New York Times best selling authors, enjoy lunch with celebrity chefs and sip cocktails with noted littérateurs, all bookended by a “Moveable Feast” along Canon Drive to kick off the weekend and An Evening with Author Colum McCann to finish it off. All events take place at either the Saban Theatre or at various hotels and restaurants throughout Beverly Hills. http://www.bhliteraryescape.com/