Sony Store Opening: Century City

Some weeks, my world is more glamorous than others.  Other weeks, I am home on my couch in my sweats.  I really enjoy both scenarios, so while this week has been busy with press junkets, store openings, Kids' Choice Awards events, and screenings, I will be spending my Friday night on the couch.  Last night, I was at the Sony store opening in Century City to preview the company's latest offerings in HD technology.  Stars like Adrian Grenier, Melissa Joan Hart, Craig Robinson, Ali and Roberto (for you Bachelorette fans), Spencer Grammer, and Lisa Rinna showed up to support the event and of course, go home with a swag bag.  Sony label artist and Dancing With The Stars performer, Mark Ballas, sang from his CD while the guest played the latest Playstation games and noshed on shrimp cocktail.  It was a lot of fun and I even ran into a few people from the tech and social media world.

In true Hollywood form, it wasn't my only stop of the night as I ran off to the LA Film School to interview James Wan and Leigh Whannell, the creators of the new horror flick, Insidious.  So, expect that article tomorrow on Starpulse. Let's just say, I haven't walked into a dark room in my house alone since I saw the movie last week..........

Mark Ballas is tiny....like really tiny.

Proof that LA will put a red carpet anywhere, including the middle of a mall.

The Q&A after the screening of Insidious at LA Film School

Two notes:
1. This is my second post this week with Lisa Rinna and Melissa Joan Hart in it.  What are the chances?
2. I decided to run upstairs to The Container Store at the end of the Sony party because I needed storage folders for my home office.  Hey, there are only two Container stores in LA and a girl needs to multitask!

Mad Men Delayed

Photo courtesy of AMC.

It's very rare that I love a show to its core:  Sex and the City (SATC), Gilmore Girls (GG), and Mad Men. While I can watch SATC and GG in its entirety in reruns and from my DVD collection, I am left hanging from Season 4's finale with Mad Men. Yesterday, AMC and Matt Weiner announced that I have to wait until 2012. The rumor I heard from an inside source is that March 2012 is the earliest we will see the show.  So, they are telling me it's okay for fans to have to wait 12 months until a new episode is revealed and the answers to my questions are resolved.  Is anyone else worried about Don Draper?  He was in the middle of an alcoholic breakdown!  What about Peggy?  She's so strong, yet so secretly fragile.  And Sally Draper needs some guidance!  Heck, by the time they start filming Mad Men again, Kiernan Shipka (Sally) will have grown six inches. So, in the meantime, I am in mourning.  I guess I will Netflix Seasons 1-4 and milk every episode until Don Draper pours another drink and enters my living room with a swagger.

Here are a few Mad Men posts to tide you over until 2012....yeah, right.
1. Mad Men Withdrawal--you are going to suffering through a lot of this in 2011.

2. Mad Men Monday--some fun places you can find little Mad Men nuggets of information from QVC to my interview with Kiernan Shipka at the Saturn Awards.

3. Emmys, Part 2:  Photos with my favorite gal, Kiernan Shipka, at the Emmys gifting suite.  Maybe I will run into her again during the Kids' Choice Awards gifting suite?  I will keep you posted on any Mad Men sightings.

Now the big question is:  What are you going to do with your Sunday nights this summer/fall?

InvenTORI

Before I picked up some clothes at Roni B's for Kids' Choice Awards week, I decided to make a stop at Tori Spelling's new antique/gift store called InvenTORI.  While I have never worked with Tori, my life always seems to orbit within six degrees of separation or less.  I've been on a job with her first husband, Charlie, I spent six weeks on a AOL show I hosted in 2007 with her makeup artist, Brandy, and Tori used to socialize with an acquaintance of mine from NY.  I am also happy to report that everyone says she is kind, hard-working, and a lot of fun to be around.  Exactly how I think Donna Martin should act.

Well, lucky me, Sunday was the day to see her in person.  I was there to shop, but Tori and Dean, her hubby, were there to promote, promote, promote their new wedding show, sTORIbook Weddings on the Oxygen Network.  Are you sensing a TORI theme here?  Anyway, they had brides, grooms, balloons, champagne, and plenty of cupcakes on hand to celebrate the day. Tori and Dean were signing books and taking pictures, but I wanted to shop.  Her tastefully decorated store is a mishmash of baby items, antiques, high-end toiletries, and goodies for your pooch.  The most interesting pieces in the store are the antiques that come from Tori's own collection.  They are for sale, they are fantastic, and they are overpriced.  I called it "Tori pricing".  If you bought the beautiful lavender vintage bottles at the flea market, the set of 3 would cost you about $45.  Here, the set of 3 would set you back about $80.  It's truly a store for the hardcore fan.  So, while I loved the idea of her collection, I was not in love with the prices.

A couple of juicy tidbits to take away from all of this.  Don't be surprised if you read a Tori Spelling pregnancy article soon.  I can't be 100% sure since I am not her OB, but she sure looked like she might be sporting a baby bump. (Just remember you heard it here at Red Carpet Closet first!)  Finally, if InveTORI isn't enough for you, Lisa Rinna's store, Belle Gray, is 2 doors down selling overpriced clothing and Melissa Joan Hart's candy store, Sweet Harts, is a block away and it's the most affordable of the celebrity store bunch.  Be sure to try Carnie Wilson's Red Velvet Moon Pies!  What?  You thought they would sell ordinary, pedestrian moon pies?  For shame, it's Hollywood, kids, so only a celeb baked good will do.

UPDATE:  Since many of you are searching for the addresses for Ventura Boulevard's Celebrity Row, here they are all in one spot.  The celebs are not always in store, but Tori and Dean do lots of promotions there.  You can stay in touch with their appearances on their Facebook page.

InvenTORI
13826 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA

Belle Gray
13812 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA

Sweet Harts
13704 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA

Roni B.
13626 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA
(Be sure to tell Roni that KB at Red Carpet Closet sent you!)

The Black Swan Controversy

Earlier this weekend, I decided to stir up some conversation on my personal Facebook page (not my public page) and ask my dance friends what they thought about the Sarah Lane/dance double controversy surrounding the movie, Black Swan.  Little did I know, I unleashed the beast.  I received comments like the hilarious, "It's bloody Flashdance all over again!" to the downright unkind, "I'm sorry but no one cares about the doubles NO ONE!!" [sic].  The latter comment actually got me fired up because I DO care about dance doubles and Sarah's predicament.  I used to be a professional dancer and I know all about the hard work, dedication, and suffering on a physical and emotional level for very little pay. So, may I present my final thoughts on the subject:

                                                  My Starpulse Article....

One note, it is no secret that Natalie Portman is not my favorite celebrity, but I want to say that she has been very gracious towards Sarah and her dancing throughout the entire awards season process. So, let's not bash Portman because I don't think this is the underlying issue at hand.  Fire away, kids!

Mildred Pierce

If you have been with me since the beginning of Red Carpet Closet, you know that I am a huge fan of the the film noir classic, Mildred Pierce.  I was a guest on the internet show, Movies You May Have Missed, back in the summer of 2009 discussing the Joan Crawford film.  Well, this weekend brings the remake with the always solid Kate Winslet slipping into the role on HBO on Sunday.  This adaption promises to be true to the 1941 James M. Cain novel and it brings the delicious Evan Rachel Woods as Mildred's incorrigible daughter, Veda.  So before you dive into the remake, do yourself a favor and see the original.  It is the role that won the "washed up" Joan Crawford an Oscar. If you are a fan of Mommy Dearest, you know she was home with the "flu" on Oscar night and skipped the ceremony.  Her impromptu acceptance speech took place on her door stoop in front of the gathered press like a true diva.  Of course, her hair and makeup artists just happened to be hanging out at her estate that night too.  How convenient.

Also, make a note of the classically tailored suits created by Milo Anderson.  Forget pant suits, this is how women should look in a suit:  pencil skirt, power shoulder pads, and a floral brooch for that feminine touch.

I cannot wait to compare the two films.  I would love to hear your thoughts about your favorite. The classic?  The remake?  Or the book?

Kate or Joan?  Who is the real Mildred Pierce?

Looking fabulous in bed with Oscar and "the flu".

The Oscar Looks of Elizabeth Taylor

Photo Credit:  Everett via People.com

The news of Elizabeth Taylor's passing hit Twitter fast yesterday morning.  Life Magazine had their gorgeous retrospective in photos up within minutes and it was a great day to honor such a full, vibrant life.  Miss Taylor was one of those irreplaceable legends whose grace, foibles, and philanthropy were all a part of her imperfect, charismatic persona.  To the woman who thrilled me in National Velvet, amazed me in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and made me green with envy at 11 years of age because she was friends with Michael Jackson, here is my tribute to her.  Elizabeth Taylor at the Academy Awards.....

Miss Taylor rockin' the tiara with husband number 3, Mike Todd, after his Best Picture win in 1957 for Around the World in 80 Days.

At the 1961 Oscars with husband number 4, Eddie Fisher, on her winning night for Butterfield 8 in a dress by Dior.  In a true testament to her strength and fortititude, Elizabeth had a tracheotomy only weeks before after a bout of pneumonia.  Tracheotomy scar and all, Miss Taylor showed up at the Oscars like all dramatic divas should.  She promptly fainted in the bathroom after her win.  Awesome.

Her acceptance speech is here.

I know smoking is gross, but this was back in the day when it looked glamorous and sexy......

Win number two in 1967 for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and dripping in her gorgeous stones.  Yes, they are real and yes, they are hers....but she didn't attend the ceremony because she knew her beloved Richard was not going to win that night.  She won.  He didn't.

Oh my!  How can you not love this dress! And those boobs!  (Yes, I said it, but they look fabulous!) And that baked in the sun look!  This divine dress is by Edith Head, eight-time Academy Award winner for Costume Design, and probably one of the biggest Hollywood fashion legends. Don't forget to check out Miss Taylor's "small" diamond dripping down to her decolletage. 1970 Oscars with 2-time husband, Richard Burton.

At the 1974 Academy Awards, the inner flower child comes out with her continuous deep tan and spectacular chandelier earrings.  

A refined and elegant Miss Taylor presenting at the 1992 Academy Awards and proudly sporting her red ribbon.  Oh, to have violet eyes!

 In 1993, Miss Taylor captures an honorary Oscar for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  Her work for HIV/AIDS charities was done in a time when the topic was controversial and the community was dying a unprecendented pace.  Miss Taylor took up the cause and raised millions for research that has prevented an AIDS diagnosis from becoming a death sentence in 2011.

In an unusual move, she borrowed the daisy necklace from Van Cleef and Arpels.  Later, she bought it because she believed it brought her good luck.  I'm not sure we ever saw her wear it again......

Enjoy the video of her gracious acceptance speech and be amazed at the height of her hair, thanks to José Eber.

What is your favorite Elizabeth Taylor look?

Photos from the archives of AMPAS.

My Spring Obsessions

I became a little obsessed with this ASOS Cover Lock Clutch in Ochre when I saw it in a photo on Red Vines for Breakfast. It had that splash of color I love with any outfit, it was clean and classic looking, and it was $26.  What??  With a little bit of internet coupon hunting, I got it down to $20.  Well, the clutch arrived while I was in New Orleans and it is perfect--soft, squishy, and roomy.  I cannot wait to accessorize with it.  A big thanks to Elle Sees for introducing me to Valerie at Red Vines for Breakfast who introduced me to my new clutch.

Now, this is the next item on my wish list that I am coveting.  It's the Jessica Simpson Dany shoe in Black Nappa to add to my growing JS collection.  Hey, Jess may not be the most talented singer out there, but the girl knows her way around a shoe.  It is also the hardest shoe to find in my size this season.  The shipments come in and if you do not order it right away, forget it, they are gone.  So, back on the waiting list I go.  A big thanks to November Grey for encouraging my shoe habit. I am finding I am highly susceptible to fashion blogger suggestions this season.  Anyway, the shoes are $99, but you know I am not going to pay that price.  I'll let you know what I get that price down to when my size becomes available.

What is on your spring fashion wish list?

*UPDATE*:  I feel like I am completely on trend for once since Sterling Style featured her yellow clutch today.  It's like winning a gold medal in the Fashion Olympics.  

Ode to New Orleans...

I went down to New Orleans for four days of work, fun, and food. Instead, I walked away with a huge love affair for a city that helped me rediscover passion, inner peace, newfound friendships, and the realization that I had the answers to my questions all along.  My heart is full.  In the immortal words of Hermann Hesse, "If I know what love is, it is because of you".  The culture and mystery of New Orleans were a great inspiration to me and have made my 2011 journey that much sweeter....

My new Françoise Gilot piece that I purchased.  It reminded me of this magical night, so I had to have it!

We Have A Winner!

I have been soaking up all of the magic of New Orleans the past few days, so I decided to take a short break from blogging.  It was exactly what a girl needed.  I will post all of my photos tomorrow.  In the meantime, we have the winner of our Summer Jasmines giveaway.  Thanks to Random.org, entry number 12 was the big winner!  Congratulations, Leah!  You are going home with a sparkly silver pair of Summer Jasmines, a black satin carrying case, and petite Summer Jasmines key chain all with a retail value of $98.  If you would like your own pair of Summer Jasmines, visit their site here.

Thank you all for entering as it has been a pleasure meeting so many new friends here at Red Carpet Closet.  I will do another giveaway soon, but I look forward to chatting with all of you.  Tomorrow's post features a taste of New Orleans culture.