Stuart Weitzman Hosts
Ultra Chic Oscar Style
Lounge for Hollywood Elite

By Andrea Goodwin, associate editor (agoodwin@beanstalkbiz.com)
The newly renovated Sofitel LA Hotel was the setting for Stuart Weitzman to accessorize and glamourize his celebrity friends last week as they were preparing for the Oscars. Vanessa Williams, Nicolette Sheridan, Marlee Matlin, Sasha Cohen, and Ali Landry were among the many famous guests who enjoyed viewing and selecting from Weitzman’s exclusive awards collection of exquisite footwear

In addition. the Stuart Weitzman lounge offered a selection of first-class beauty treatments and accessories to help create the perfect red carpet look. Joining Stuart Weitzman was skin care products by Mario Badescu, make-up applications by Elizabeth Arden, manicures and pedicures by Essie, hair care products from ISH and blowouts using FHI Heat styling tools by Estetica Salon. Guests also enjoyed Oscar-worthy coffees from Godiva Belgian Blends.

Jewelry designs from Black, Starr & Frost, Rhonda Faber Green, Jack Kelege Designs, Supreme Jewelry, Diaoro Italian Designs, Gilian Fine Jewelry, and Robert Wander of Winc Creations were also on display.

BeansTalk, always a big fan of Weitzman, was lucky enough to be invited to this gathering to mix and mingle with the celebrities and get the style scoop from the experts. Here are some highlights:

Jane Weitzman, the elegant wife of shoe designer Stuart, graciously gave BeansTalk an overview of the red carpet collection. When asked about the latest trends, she shared that silver is really big this year. Silver finishes range from the big impact mirrored finish to a more matted look. Combine this color with Swarovski Crystals as so many of the collection boasted and you have a beautiful look that can go with any gown. (Ms. Weitzman did share with us though that she and Stuart do wish that the hemlines would go up a bit to make beautiful shoes more visible!) She also shared that ornate shoes should go with more simple gowns. In other words, a heavily beaded shoe should not have to compete with a complicated, embroidered, or heavily beaded gown. Other trends we are seeing on the red carpet include a lot of bows. The bows can be big, small, or asymmetrical. Lucite shoes are very popular as well.
Thanks Ms. Weitzman for taking the time!

Note: BeansTalk hopes that all of our readers got to see Anika Noni Rose –wearing the Diamond Dream Million Dollar Diamond Stuart Weitzman Shoe for the red carpet – amazing!

*****Magic was being created over at the Elizabeth Arden suite. BeansTalk got the scoop that Vanessa Williams of Ugly Betty fame was really excited about using some of their make up for her upcoming red carpet appearances. (BeansTalk believes she will be the one to watch at the upcoming NAACP Image Awards.) The folks at Elizabeth Arden have made it really easy for us women as they have paired up various cosmetics to create color palettes to suit your mood or complexion. Ms. Williams was particularly pleased to try Arden’s Sexy Natural look, perhaps to use when she is “herself,” and also Arden’s Sexy Bronze Look to use when she is “Wilhelmina.”

If you want to look like Wilhelmina, and who doesn’t, here are some details for “Sexy Bronze”:

Color Intrigue Eyeshadow Quad 29.50
A sun-inspired femme fatale compact filled with four Color Intrigue shades in Ember, Sand Dune, Cool Blue and Sand Castle. Color Intrigue Eyeshadows are all vitamin-enriched, crease-resistant and silky smooth to provide rich, true color that lasts all day.

Bronzing Shimmer Powder 29.50
Made with four shades in one compact, it the ideal bronzer for every palette. This silky, smooth powder is perfect for cheekbones, forehead and brow bones to give skin a radiant, bronze “diva” look. Dust it on with the sensuous kabuki-style brush.

Smoky Eyes Powder Pencil in Midnight 15.00

Double Density Mascara in Black 18.00

Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick in Perfect Bare and Perfect Rosegold 21.50


If real-life Vanessa is more your personality, try the Sexy Natural look:
Color Intrigue Eyeshadow Quad in Sueded Browns 30.00
A coordinated quartet of shades to color, contour, highlight and line your eyes, and includes a dual-ended eyeshadow brush & foam tip applicator. The Sueded Browns is a sophisticated palette of deep, rich browns.

Color Intrigue Cheekcolor in Sunblush 21.00
The cheekcolor compact creates a smooth and even applicationand a healthy glow. The compact, known for its jet-milling process, significantly reduces particles, and provides the creamy “suede-like” feel. Fade resistant, fragrance and oil free, the Elizabeth Arden cheekcolor is dermatologist, clinically and allergy tested.

Smoky Eyes Powder Pencil in Gunmetal 15.00

Double Density Mascara in Black Brown 18.00
Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick in Perfect Cinnamon and Perfect Blush 21.50


BeansTalk was thrilled to receive the Sexy Natural combination and especially loves the Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick. We appreciated the moisturizing qualities and the smooth texture of our lips when we used it. We hear that the new formula in their lip colors gives lips a fuller look with Maxi-Lip™, a lip plumper that helps pump up lip volume and reduce the appearance of vertical lines. BeansTalk quicktip: If feathering is your problem: As always, apply your lipstick with a brush for a more defined look, then pair up Arden’s cinnamon or blush shades with their clear gloss for perfect kissable lips.


*****BeansTalk has been longtime friends with the folks over at Mario Badescu, but they were sure making a lot of new ones in their suite. If you are unfamiliar: The Mario Badescu name has been known for personalized, all-natural skin care treatments and products for more than 40 years. Growing from a small facility into a 36 room salon and day spa, they have always been one of the most trusted and respected names in the industry. Their faithful list of celebrity clientele realize the importance of good skin care.

Anyway, their selection of skin and beauty products is quite extensive, but BeansTalk wanted to tout some of our favorites that were being gifted last week:

Drying Lotion
This best selling Drying Lotion is an excellent spot treatment made with a blend of Calamine and Salicylic Acid to clear up and soothe unsightly whiteheads overnight. A dab of this lotion will heal and dry pimples quickly.
Ingredients: Isopropyl Alcohol, Deionized Water (Aqua), Calamine, Camphor, Colloidal Sulfur, Salicylic Acid, Glycerine, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Talc.
Good for all skin types: 1 oz. $17.00

Enzyme Cleansing Gel
This non-foaming, gel cleanser thoroughly removes the day’s make-up, dirt and oil without drying the skin. Papaya Extracts are exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy Acids that help break down dulling build-up, leaving skin fresh and healthy.
Ingredients: Deionized Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Papaya (Carica Papaya Fruit) Extract, Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis Fruit) Extract, Monomide, Triethanolamine, Methylparaben.
Good for all skin types: 8 oz. $12.00

Honey Moisturizer
Gentle AHA and Vitamin moisturizer is greaseless and absorbent, and is suitable for almost all skin types. Botanical ingredients like antioxidant Peanut Oil, Orange and Honey Extract make this product nourishing and moisturizing, leaving skin soft and smooth.
Ingredients: Stearic Acid, Peanut Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Deionized Water, Orange Extract, Honey Extract, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Methylparaben.
Good for these Skin Types: Combination, Dry, Sensitive
2 oz. $25.00

If you are in New York, we recommend stopping by their salon to indulge in some self-care.
Among their offerings:
European Facial for $65.00 per hour: We appreciate that facials at Mario Badescu are very gentle, hands-only treatments.
Body Massage for $70.00 per hour: This one is a combination of Swedish, relaxation, and sports techniques.
Spa Manicure and Pedicure with Peel for $63.00: In addition to your mani/pedi you will get a special massage which buffs and peels away dry skin.
Don’t forget about your Almond and Honey Body Polish or Honey Seaweed Body Wrap for about $100.00 each.
You can find the spa at
320 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022
For appointments call: 212/758-1065

*****Our favorite stylists from Esthetica were on hand to provide read carpet ready hairstyles. Les Haverty told BeansTalk that he always uses his FHI Heat Platform Iron to create big loose curls. He says that this platform iron works faster than a curling iron. BeansTalk noticed that the client he was working on still had wet hair and Les was able to make stunning curls using this tool at a remarkable 450 degrees without damaging her hair in the slightest. The hair was still quite shiny and full. Les indicated that the platform had three layers of ceramic and was baked on for an ultra smooth texture. He also remarked that the iron surface is anti-static, and anti-frizz, and adds shine.

His styling success is in part credited to the use of the ISH organic line of hair products. Les told BeansTalk that the line is very “wellness” oriented and contains no silicone, and uses rice starch instead.

***** BeansTalk was very happy to meet Melissa Bozant of the Glen Ivy Day Spa in Hermosa Beach. Melissa was providing manicures using this BeansTalk staffer’s personal favorite nail lacquer: Essie. Melissa and BeansTalk plan to do a follow up story soon on how to create a variety of French manicure looks. Stay tuned!