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November 20, 2008

Death of a Stylephile

This, dear readers, is the final Stylephile post for the foreseeable future.
Along with Wall Street, WaMu and the city of Detroit, this esteemed lifestyle blog has fallen victim to the bananas collapse of the American economy.
A few days ago, I was informed of my forthcoming execution.
And as I kneel, blindfolded, neck on recessionary chopping block, let me take these last few moments to flash back through history with you...
The Stylephile was envisioned by Variety Vice President of Sales (online) Dea Lawrence, who spoke with Tom Tapp (editor of VLife magazine) about her idea to create a style blog and newsletter. VLife writers Ginny Chien and Anna Lisa Raya developed the concept and on Oct 22, 2004, The Stylephile was born. Jean Paul Gaultier had just launched his men's makeup line, ShopBop.com had just entered cyberspace and the very awesome Alpha Male store in West Hollywood had just opened its doors. Happy days.
Here are some of the very first posts.
When VLife ended, Ginny stayed on as The Stylephile editor with Tasha Nita Adams as a contributor for the blog. Ginny suggested The Stylephile also appear in print to complement the print daily paper's Vpage section and it eventually did (after Ginny's departure) and was integrated into the Variety Weekend section under the editorial direction of Monica Corcoran with Laura Repstad as a contributor. When Variety Weekend ended, the Stylephile went back to being an online-only product under Mia McNiece. I took over in November 2007.
The very talented Tara Simm and Martha Hernandez designed the current look of The Stylephile Newsletter, which won a Gold Award in Newsletter Design Excellence for "Best Consumer Subscription Newsletter" in 2006 from www.Newsletterbiz.com. And The Stylephile was a finalist in the 2007 L.A. Press Club awards for best Weblog.
In just a few minutes, The Stylephile's life support will be set to minimum, and the site will peacefully enter a vegetative state.
Please don't cry. All of the posts of the last four years will remain online (should you ever wish to research what Hollywood was wearing in August 2005, for instance).
Please do continue to read all of Variety's excellent blogs, which you can find at www.variety.com. And should you have any questions, comments or requests, don't hesitate to contact me at caroline@carolineryder.com or visit me at www.carolineryder.com.
On behalf of everyone at Variety and the former editors of The Stylephile, I'd like to thank you all for coming on this most fashionable of rides. It's been a blast...

November 20, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (16)

Possible Perfection at Pelican Hill

A shiny black limousine pulled up outside my home and the sunglasses-wearing driver tapped gently at the door. "May I take your bags?"
Thus began our 24-hour pamper-fest at The Resort at Pelican Hill, the new five-star luxury resort that comes with its own world-class, 36-hole, Tom Fazio-designed golf course, not to mention uber-dramatic views above Newport Beach's Crystal Cove.
Half an hour out of L.A. and we started noticing shiny yachts and "McCain/Palin" signs, indicative of the neighborhood's wealthy, right-leaning resident population. We gasped as we pulled through a giant stone gateway marking the entrance to the resort. "Yes, it's amazing," said our driver, who seemed almost as excited as we were to arrive at the new property, a California-Tuscan hybrid of 5,000-plus square-foot custom homes.
Owned by the Irvine Co. (a real estate management company that also owns the nearby Island Hotel and Resort, formerly the Four Seasons Newport Beach), "The Possibility of Perfection" is Pelican Hill's motto and we did, indeed, receive the full star treatment.
Upon stepping out of the limo there were men in uniform, one to greet us, one to hand us steaming face towels, one to open doors, one to welcome us—all attending to our most trifling needs like the ultimate team of doting mothers.
It was a little overwhelming at first. For instance, when asked if we would need a ride to our villa, we accepted, not knowing where our villa was. We got in the car, and were driven approximately 50 feet across the road—a three-second car journey that underlined the near-obsessive level of service were were about to receive.
Inside the villa we met our personal butler, (he comes with the villas, and never sleeps, apparently) who offered to draw an evening bath for us. Earlier, we had been told by management that our butler could take care any of our needs whatsover. "That's good because I'll be needing a baby grand piano in our room tonight," I joked. The manager looked me in the eye and said, "If you want it, we will get it."
With its 204 bungalows and 128 villas, the resort has the feel of an exclusive gated community, and if that's your bag, you'll be in OC heaven. Our three-bedroom villa was an exercise in understated luxe living. Amid the muted beige and cream furnishings were plasma TVs (one in each bedroom, plus in the lounge area), lofty wood-beamed ceilings, and a limestone fireplace. The giant marble bathrooms featured deep tubs and separate rain showers, and the stainless steel kitchen was kitted out with the latest in Wolf appliances.
We lounged on the sun patio for several hours, marveling at the sparkling ocean view ahead of us. At sunset we donned swim gear and splashed in saline water infinity pool as the sky glowed crimson and peach along the PCH.
It was, truly, a perfect sunset.
We followed it with a fittingly decadent dinner at the Pelican Grill where a lively crowd of locals (always a good sign) was tucking in to the hearty cuisine (creamed spinach, champagne and filet mignon for me, please.)
In the morning, we took a yoga golf class on the course, rated in the nation's Top 100 by "Golf" magazine.
Yoga golf?
It's a fascinating concept, whereby a golf instructor observes your swing and a yoga instructor designs a class designed to work on your weaknesses. If I were actually a golfer, I'm sure it could have provided the missing link to better my game.
This resort is not for the intrepid. It is, rather, for those deserving souls who wish, for a weekend or even longer, to absolutely lose themselves in the womb-like comfort of Pelican Hill, a place where the azure skies never end, and where the possibility of perfection means you can finally stop thinking...and simply relax.
The Resort at Pelican Hill Resort debuts on November 26 with room rates starting at $695 a night.
See the resort for yourself here.

November 20, 2008 in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

Winner: Luau Dinner for two

The cocktail menu at new Beverly Hills restaurant Luau is based on secret recipes researched by mixologist Jeff Berry, who spent more than a decade decoding the ingredients via interviews with original Luau bartenders.
We invited Stylephile readers to tell us about their favorite tiki cocktail for the chance to win a dinner for two at Luau, and the following entry by ivyfine was a clear winner, with extra points given for superlative story-telling.
"For years I'd been dying to trek to Rosemead to visit Bahooka, one of the last remaining tiki places in LA. When my friend Meredith was turning 30, I got my chance. We were intrigued by the section of the drink menu entitled, "Flaming Drinks for Two" and ordered a "Bahooka Bowl." The ancient waiter set down a wooden salad bowl filled with what tasted like Kool-aid and vodka (heavy on the vodka!) punctuated by a pair of flaming croutons. We gleefully dove in with our 2-foot long straws while giggling about the kitschy decor which included hundreds of fish frowning down on us from tanks perched over our table. We finished our bowl before our food arrived so of course we ordered another one. Big mistake! We were both on the verge of acute alcohol poisoning about halfway through it, but still laughing our heads off and loving every second. I vaguely remember a surreal journey across Gilligan's Island trying to find the restroom. I don''t remember much after that. Thankfully, I''d thought to bring along my teetotaling hubby who acted as our chauffeur. Otherwise, I think we''d still be there! The capper is that Meredith was in no condition to drive back to her place so she spent the night on our couch. She felt so bad the next day, she stayed the entire weekend! But we still laugh about our Bahooka Bowl experience and vow to go back (although I''m sure one will be enough next time).
Congratulations, Ivyfine!
LUAU 369 North Bedford Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Tel: 310-274-0900.

November 20, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

Massive One-Stop Gift Shop (LA)

More than 165 independent, local designers and artists will sell their wares at UNIQUE, a giant design and gift sale taking place in Downtown Los Angeles.
The event, being dubbed an “alternative to the mall”, will offer holiday shoppers great deals from popular designers that they know and love, as well as gems by emerging talent. The majority of vendors are from California, though a handful are joining the event all the way from Brooklyn, Portland and Seattle.
Vendors include ROJAS, Unhee, Black Hearts Brigade, Johnny Cupcakes, Rock Scissors Paper stationery goods, Illume Candles, jewelry by Steven Shein, and sweet treats by Cake Monkey.
 designed the event to foster and support the creative community while stimulating the local economy, and to offer shoppers a diverse selection of great gifts created and produced by local talent.
"Why would anyone buy something factory-made at the mall, when they can find great deals and one of a kind gifts from emerging talent and top designers?" says UNIQUE founder Sonja Rasula. "UNIQUE LOS ANGELES is a one-stop shop for shoppers who will be able to find something for everyone on their lists, all while saving time and gas!” 
The event takes place Saturday, December 13th & Sunday, December 14th, from 11 AM – 7 PM.at the California Market Center, Penthouse, 110 East 9th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90079. $5 per ticket (children 10 and under are free). 50% of ticket sales benefit CREATE NOW, a local charity that brings art and creativity to high-risk youth. Www.uniquelosangeles.com.

November 20, 2008 in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (1)

Devon Leigh Sample Sale (LA)

Jewelry designer Devon Leigh's ability to transform natural semi-precious stones in to striking, one-of-a-kind statement pieces has earned her some high-level private clients—from Kate Bosworth to Liz Taylor.
You can buy from her Fall and Holiday collection at Devon Leigh's sample sale, which runs December 8-14, with 40-50% off on some of her sparkly hammered gold and rhodium creations. Shoppers who throw down more than $500 will receive a gift bag.
The sale takes place December 8-14, 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, 8026 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA, 90048. (between Fairfax and Crescent Heights) View the collection here.

November 20, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 18, 2008

In Hollywood Domino, We're All Pawns

In Hollywood, we're all pawns—and that's seemingly the inspiration behind Hollywood Domino, the board game du jour of Tinsel Town.
Players in this new variation on the classic game choose a film genre, with pawns that represent different movies (Horror, Western, Action, Romance, Sports, etc.). The first to use up all of their dominos wins the bid for the "Oscar" Domino and completes their blockbuster movie.
Charlize Theron is the reigning Hollywood Domino champion, and she took on fellow celebrities in a two-city weekend tournament. 
In London on November 7, Sienna Miller, Tom Hollander, Olivier Martinez, Ridley Scott, and Giannina Facio presented a Hollywood Domino event in aid of Theron's Africa Outreach Project.
On November 9 the battle took flight to New York, the second round played at the Edison Ballroom by Salma Hayek, Ali Larter, Kim Raver, Lindsay Price, Jason Lewis, Matthew Rhys, Molly Sims and more.
Visit the website here. Buy Hollywood Domino here for around $40.

November 18, 2008 in FAME | Permalink | Comments (0)

Raquel Allegra Leather Headband is Free at Shopflick.com

Raquel Allegra, the L.A. designer recently featured in the N.Y. Times Sunday Styles Section, is throwing in a free leather handmade braided headband with any Raquel Allegra purchase on Shopflick.com.
Allegra, a former Barney's sales associate, is known for using rags reclaimed from L.A. County Jail and turning them in to one-of-a-kind garments as worn by Heidi Klum, Nicole Ritchie, Jessica Biel, Penelope Cruz, and the Olsen Twins.
Her boho scarves and distressed tees (pictured) are also in high demand.
For limited time only, the $135 headband will come free with any with any Raquel Allegra purchase made on Shopflick.com. Buy here.
 

November 18, 2008 in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (1)

Crisp and Custom: Sioloonim White Shirts for Ladies

Designers Minoo Hersini and Lois Rosenthal realized that nothing screams understated chic better than a crisp, perfectly-tailored white shirt. With this in mind, they launched Sioloonim, their luxe women’s only white shirt collection featuring exquisite Italian, Japanese and Swiss fabrics in forward, asymmetrical cuts.

The attention to detail borders on the obsessive—Sioloonim even includes a protective face mask with each shirt so customers can avoid getting any orange foundation streaks on their pristine blouse.

The current collection offers custom-made white blouses for women, and the Fall ’09 line will expand to include pieces for men and children, as well as accessories. Shirts retail from $450 - $650 with select couture pieces at $900.

Custom shirts are available from the Sioloonim showroom in New York and they ship nationally and internationally. Call the showroom at 212 750 5606. As of December 1, the shirts will be available for order at Sioloonim.com.

November 18, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

$100 off kaplanMD Skincare

kaplanMD is a high-end skincare line created by dermatologist to the stars, Dr. Stuart Kaplan, M.D. (click here to read his celeb testimonials). Each product in his line contains no less than 10 active ingredients, at their highest concentrations, designed to combat to treat the three types of skin aging – chronological, hormonal, and environmental.
In time for the holidays, kaplanMD is offering the entire collection at a discounted price—all four items for $395 (normally $495).
The kaplanMD Collection Set includes full-size bottles of the famous Cleansing Lotion, Revitalizing Toner, Day Cream SPF 15, and Replenishing Night Cream.
To receive your discount, go to www.kaplanMD.com and enter the promo code kmdholiday08 upon checkout.  You will automatically receive $100 off your purchase of the Collection Set. 

November 18, 2008 in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 13, 2008

Fancy a glass of Tasmanian Rain?

Nicole Kidman is a drinker of Tasmanian Rain, water that is captured as it falls from the clouds over Tasmania, Australia, where the World Meteorological Organization has recorded the purest air on earth.
Holiday party hosts should consider investing in a crate of the stuff. It is ten times purer than spring and artesian water, and softer than a wispy cirrus. The sparkling version contains the lowest sodium content of any carbonated water on the market, and let's face it: "Would you like a glass of pure unfiltered cloud juice from the cleanest skies on earth" does sound sexier than "tap or Dasani?".
With Tasmanian Rain's new "Rainman" service, you can have bottles delivered to your doorstep any day of the week. Sign up online with the promotional code KELLEY, and you'll receive a complimentary case of 24 x 375 ml bottles each month.
Sign up here. To try it out first, a case of 24 375ml bottles is $79 from here.

November 13, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tiki-tastic: Win dinner for two at Luau in Beverly Hills

Jewelry designer Loree Rodkin, a former interior designer who designed Rod Stewart’s house in the 1970’s, is returning to her décor roots, designing both the interiors and exteriors of new Beverly Hills tiki restaurant, Luau.
A revival of the original Luau restaurant, a 1950s Brat Pack hangout owned by Steve Crane (one of Lana Turners' husbands), the new Luau is located close to where its predecessor was located.
Rodkin's added her touch to each detail, selecting everything, from the pepper shakers, to the crushed bamboo walls and the laser-cut Murano glass tiles. Staying true to the original's South Pacific, she sourced a a striking Puffer Fish chandelier suspended from a bamboo raft, and decorated the space with imported black coral, and authentic Papua New Guinea masks. Rodkin’s vision was executed by Ben Bassham, a.k.a. 'Bamboo Ben'.
The original Luau was known for its top-secret cocktail recipes. All of the drink recipes were saved in code (splash of ‘A,’ splash of ‘B’, dash of #2) to protect the formula and bartenders went so far as to mix their drinks in the kitchem to prevent people from seeing the prep. Mixologist Jeff Berry spent more than a decade decoding the top-secret ingredients of Luau’s legendary drinks via countless interviews with original Luau bartenders, resulting in the today's Luau cocktail menu.
The restaurant is owned by Andrew Hewitt, co-owner of Los Angeles dining hot spot Il Sole.
Chef Makoto “Mako” Tanaka, a protégé of Wolfgang Puck's and former execuitive chef at Spago, devised the Pacific Rim-fusion menu, which features many contemporary takes on typical Polynesian dishes. (Think Wagyu meatballs, Fire Cracker Shrimp, and Short Rib Satay served with a trio of red, yellow and green curries.)
We're sure former customers like Frank Sinatra would have approved.
LUAU is offering a Stylephile reader dinner for two at the restaurant. To win, tell us about the best Tiki cocktail you ever had. Leave your answers as a comment and don't forget to include your email address.
LUAU 369 North Bedford Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Tel: 310-274-0900.

November 13, 2008 in FAME | Permalink | Comments (8)

Disaya's Zip Zip Bangle

Is it so wrong to desire Disaya's Zip Zip bangles, made from gold, rose gold and silver?

Disaya Prokobsantisukh is a Thai-born designer who earned her stripes at Central Saint Martins College of Fashion and Design in London, going on to train with none other than John Galliano.

In 2004 she launched a lingerie collection called Boudoir by Disaya, followed by her eponymous label, featuring a ready-to-wear and jewelry collection, both inspired "by the creative elements of London".

This bangle is $226 from new fashion e-tailer Forward, which promises a carefully-curated selection of fashion-forward clothes, shoes and accessories from some of fashion's hippest types (think Jeremy Scott, Alex & Chloe and Erin Fetherston).
Buy here.

November 13, 2008 in FAME | Permalink | Comments (2)

Save the date: Massive Aloha Rag designer sale, Nov 18

And this, my friends, is why recessions rock—Aloha Rag, the online and physical retailer with impeccable taste in designers, is holding a one-day sale at its NYC store sure to delight all bargain-hungry fashionistas.
Aloha Rag's Shopping Night takes place Tuesday, November 18th from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST with 40% off everything in store (with the exception of gold). Spend $1000 regular price and the discount increases to 50%.
Aloha Rag's designers include Martin Margiela, Thomas Wylde, Comme des Garcons, Tom Ford, Lanvin, Chloe, Linda Farrow, Rogan and more. Swoon.
Visit the website to see what the store has to offer, and get ready to be the most stylish person you know!
Aloha Rag, 505 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 212 925 0882.

November 13, 2008 in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (1)

Sylvette Blaimont's Stackable Rings

Naomi Watts' family gifted her a set of Sylvette Blaimont's gold signature stacking rings at her recent 40th surprise party, letter-pressed with the following words : "Alexander / Sasha" (her son's name and nickname), followed by impish / faithful, wild / fragile, fascinating / unique, dreamy / graceful. All in French. Très chic!
We also hear that Demi Moore just received her signature rings too, custom-inscribed with the family's names (Ashton, Rumer, Tallulah, and Scout) and the word "love" on the last ring.
And there's nothing to stop you enjoying some of Blaimont's delicately crafted creations too.
Born in Paris, Blaimont worked in France’s fashion industry for several years, managing the first A.P.C store in Paris, then writing for “Frou-Frou” magazine. She moved to New York in 1998 where she styled magazine photo shoots, commercials and TV shows, before studying gold and silver design under a veteran goldsmith.
Even if they didn't happen to be an A-List jewelry favorite, Sylvette Blaimont's collection of engraved rings would make a special gift for any loved one.
The stacked rings are $1450 in gold and $750 in silver. www.sylvettenyc.com. Buy here.

November 13, 2008 in FAME | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 8, 2008

Three Dots' Sample Sale

If you're a fan of California label Three Dots' range of stylish basics, then get yourself in the car to Garden Grove, CA where they will be holding a "huge" sample sale, Nov. 14-15.

We're told there will be great pieces in all sizes for women, men, kids and maternity, all of them "deeply discounted".

Three Dots sample sale takes place November 14-15 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 7340 Lampson Ave., Garden Grove, 714-799-6333. Three Dots.com

 

November 8, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink | Comments (1)

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