What's In My HBO Emmys Gift Bag?

You might have seen some of my photos from Emmys weekend which included an invite to the HBO after party.  I have written about the gifting strategy with celebrities quite a bit. (In fact, here's my recent article about the Presenters Lounge backstage at the Emmys for Starpulse.)  However, I haven't written much about the gift bags celebrities receive on the way out of big events and parties.  So, I thought it might be fun to take a peek at the gift bag I received from HBO.  If I were a guy, I might be disappointed, but for me, it was a happy day when I saw what was inside:

 An HBO cookie prepared by Wolfgang Puck.  I'm Gluten Free, so I didn't take a bite, however, my friend who was the lucky recipient of this cookie said it was "delicious".

A reusable HBO bag, Dry Bar shower cap, a gift certificate for a free scalp massage at Dry Bar, Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firm Eye (temporary eye tightener), Deborah Lippman nail polish in Purple Rain. 

If you live in a city with a Dry Bar, you know this was the greatest gift created by the hair gods.  For $35, you get a wash and blow out that's perfect for events, weddings, or that hot date when you just want your hair to look good.  Copycat blowout bars are popping up everywhere, so look for one in your city.  Trust me, it's so worth it.  (At the HBO party, Dry Bar was offering hair touch ups after a long Emmys night. Awesome!)

This might have been my favorite part of the gift bag, Stila Cosmetics.  Like Dry Bar, they are offering free touch ups at the party, so I was excited to see a few free gifts in my bag:  the Foliage Lip Glaze Trio in Delicate, Loganberry, and Fawn, Forever Your Curl Mascara, and the Smudge Crayon eye shadow and liner in Pink Violet plus a 20% off coupon and a makeup bag.  Score!  

If you haven't tried Stila Cosmetics before, it truly is a great brand with quality pigments and brushes.  It is pricier than a drugstore brand, but it is a good one to use when you are saving up for a splurge.  In fact, I used to represent the brand on QVC.  See my appearance on my host reel at the 2:41 mark.  

What do you think of my beauty haul?  Do you have any favorite products in the lot? Let me know in the comments below.

Dancing with the Stars fans, I will be co-hosting the after show tonight on AfterBuzz TV beginning at 7pm PST/10pm EST.  I hope you watch along with us live as we will have members of the cast each and every week!  It's going to be fun.

Blushington

I don't know about you, but I am not that good at doing my makeup.  I try to imitate all of the makeup artists that do my face for camera, but alas, they are the artist and I am lucky to get my eyeshadow blended.  Well, I cannot tell you how excited I was to be invited by Laura Tremaine of Hollywood Housewife to experience a new way to have your makeup done.  Blushington is a new hot spot on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood to get your makeup done for that big event:  birthdays, weddings, New Year's Eve, etc, all for $35.  You get the affordability plus the artistry and no pressure to buy products like you do at the department store makeup counter.  If you do like the products they use:  Stila, Kevin Aucoin, and Julie Hewett, they are are available for purchase.  They also offer everything from classes to parties to makeup for the under-10 set for that budding fashionista.  So, be sure to check them out the next time you need to put your best face forward and don't forget you can get a blow out at Dry Bar next door beforehand.  Genius, right? 

Not my favorite photo, but here's my no makeup look beforehand.....

Me and Emily Button after....phew, it's a way better look for me.

 Chatting it up at Blushington.  Photo courtesy of Laura Tremaine.

 Me and the lovely Laura Tremaine of Hollywood Housewife. Now, go read her awesome blog!

Photo bombing as usual while Emily gets her makeup done.  Yes, I am still using my Godspell iPhone case.

The most delicious way to serve champagne.

Me and Emily post-makeover.  I have had a lot of inquiries on my necklace, so head over to Jessica Matrasko for all of the details. Dress is DVF. Photo courtesy of Laura Tremaine.

The Dress Details: Opening Night, Godspell

I'm back from an amazing weekend in New York.  I will spill all of the details about my weekend in the city tomorrow.  Today, it is all about fashion!  Here are all of the details on my look from the opening night of the Broadway revival of Godspell.

Stylist:  Roni B
Hair:  Dry Bar
Dress: Silver Kiss
Shoes:  Steve Madden $76.95
I received comments about these shoes all night.  They are 5.5" heels with 2"platforms. Yes, I was tall.  I love them and yes, you've seen them here before.
Elephant Ring:  Betsey Johnson
Oval Ring:  Forever 21 $6
Earrings:  Roni B.
Bag:  Roni B
Textured Tights:  Gap $7

The most expensive thing on me that night was my shoes which were bought in the Fall of 2010 for under $77.  Otherwise, all of the accessories and the dress were under $60.  I just want to show you that a red carpet look can be done rather inexpensively.  The attire for the evening was suggested as "festive".  I think I am one of the few that adhered to that request.  I loved being the bright color in a sea of black cocktail dresses.  I clearly was not in LA, since NY loves their black.  It's a good safe choice, but it's fun to stand out and be warm at the same time.  Yay for long sleeves!

The accessories were designed to add another unexpected color to the look.  So, gold and royal blue were added to my earrings and ring.  The clutch remained black to tie into the tights, shoes, and the hint of black in the dress.  Finally, the faux hawk added a bit of fun to the entire look.  Dry Bar hooked me up with the braids as an added touch.  I must say I have new respect for the ladies who rock braids every day.  I loved them, but wow, they are tight and made my head itch.  I thought I would keep them all week, but I caved after 2 1/2 days.  I'm a total wimp.