Monday, August 31, 2009


Booted in Fashion

BeansTalk noticed Sandra Bullock's booties at the premiere of her latest film, "All About Steve" (scroll down to last Thursday to check out the pic).

Even if you live in Southern California, boots are a must-have fall fashion accessory, and right now, fashionistas have an amazing array of choices, ranging from almost-still pumps styles to over-the-knee boots.

Whether you want to be Carrie Bradshaw or just cooly comfortable, there are many styles to explore. A visit to department store and popular fashion websites are bound to find a style suitable for nearly anyone.

Accessorized or plain, ultra high-heeled or flat, suede or smooth or patent leather, riding or western stylings, it's almost difficult to identify an actual trend this season. Here's a very small sampling of what's out there in booties. Look for more bodacious boots on BeansTalk, at a later date.

Stuart Weitzman "Coverup" Suede Booties

A black suede bootie with clean lines and elegant shape. A hidden elasticized side for slip-on ease. Round toe and 4.25" covered heel with .75" platform. Leather lining and leather sole.

* Full and half sizes
* Suede upper, leather lining, leather sole

Price: $355.00

Burberry Patent/Check Ankle Boots

Sleek booties with check printed PVC trim, full interior side zip. Decorative gunmetal tone buckle. 3.25" lacquer heel.

* Shiny patent leather upper, leather lining, leather sole
* Size conversion: 36(6), 36.5(6.5), 37(7), 37.5(7.5), 38(8), 38.5(8.5), 39(9), 39.5(9.5), 40(10)
* Full and half sizes
* Made in Italy

Price: $695.00

Juicy Couture "Izzie" Ruffled Ankle Boots
Stylish platform booties are accented by a side multicolored zip closure and zipper trimmed ruffle detail. Round toe and 4.25" covered heel with .75" covered platform. Leather lining and leather sole.

* Full and half sizes
* Leather upper, leather lining, leather sole

Price: $395.00

kate spade new york "Kane" Suede Ankle Boots
Chic suede booties with decorative bow at ankle. Full inside zip with goldtone logo zipper pull. 3.75" suede covered heel and .5'" platform. Leather lining and leather sole.

* Suede upper, leather lining, leather sole
* Full and half sizes
* Imported from Italy

Price: $450.00

Want versatile and wearable (don't you dare call these "safe"!) ?

Botkier "Loni" Zipper Booties

Chic leather booties with attitude. Three silvertone zippers decorate back of heel. Full interior side zip closure. Round toe and 3.75" covered cone heel. Leather lining and leather sole.

* Full and half sizes
* Leather upper, leather lining, leather sole
* Imported

Price: $425.00

Above items can be found at bloomingdales.com

Friday, August 28, 2009


New From Sonya Dakar

BeansTalk received the following information from the Sonya Dakar press office:

The neck and hands show dramatic signs of aging (second only to the face). MINDYS Cosmetics, maker of Sonya Dakar Skin Care, recently announced the date of the highly anticipated launch of its intensive Hand Spot Lightener & Firmer with SPF 30, and extremely lifting Neck & Décolleté Firmer and Spot Lightener with SPF 30, the two latest additions to Dakar's UltraLuxe Anti-Aging line available September 2009.

Hand Spot Lightener & Firmer with SPF 30, and extremely lifting Neck & Décolleté Firmer and Spot Lightener with SPF 30 address the following:

a) Reducing the appearance of age and sun spots
b) Plump skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
c) Provide SPF 30 protection for hands and neck

"At Sonya Dakar Skin Care, TOTAL Skin Fitness(tm) is not just about taking
care of your face, but all important parts of your body, including your
hands and neck area," says Nate Dakar, President. "The neck and hand areas
are often left out and forgotten within the beauty industry, but they are
the target areas that can't be ignored."

Hand Spot Lightener & Firmer with SPF 30
$78.00

The anti-aging hand treatment is crafted to help lighten and diminish spots
and discoloration of the hands caused by sun damage and aging. It's packed
with Sweet Almond Oil.

Neck & Décolleté Firmer and Spot Lightener with SPF 30 $97.00

This plumping, anti-aging neck and décolleté treatment is formulated to help smooth and firm the fine lines and wrinkles of the neck and décolleté, and contains Brassicaceae Extract, which helps vividly lighten the skin and
reduce discoloration. Like the Hand Spot Lightener & Firmer, the Neck &
Décolleté Firmer and Spot Lightener helps to even skin tone and reduce the appearance of spots.

Studies show sun damage is a lead causes of premature aging and wrinkles. Sonya Dakar Skin Care adds SPF 30 to the newest UltraLuxe(tm) products to help prevent further signs of aging due to sun exposure, while reducing the risks of skin cancer and other harmful effects from the sun.

Both contain SYN®-AKE, synthetic snake venom, and are paraben and sulfate free. They contain Certified Organic Pomegranate, a powerful skin antioxidant to fight damaging free radicals, Green Tea Extracts, for skin cell rejuvenation, and Grape Seed Extracts, a powerful skin antioxidant which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Both products meet Sonya Dakar Skin Care's "natural" initiative with eco-friendly, certified organic ingredients.

Sonya Dakar Skin Care products are sold at luxury spas nation-wide and at
www.sonyadakar.com.

Thursday, August 27, 2009


Sandra Bullock, a cast member in 'All About Steve,' poses at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009. Bullock wore Lanvin’s multi-colored strapless cocktail dress with pleated bodice. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Lucy Czar Jeans by Dylan George


Ashley Tisdale performed in concert at last week in Glendale, CA. and wore Dylan George Lucy Czar jeans (retail: $209).
Working Together to Encourage a Positive Body Image
LITM Logo
Palm Beach Gardens, FL - August 24, 2009 -
To kick-off National Fat-Talk Free Week, Little in the Middle has partnered with Tri-Delta and The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness for a re(Define) (Real)ity™ positive body image fashion show, body image discussions, and a denim-fit challenge. The event will take place October 19th & 20th at Colorado State University.
National Fat Free Talk Week

'Fat Talk Free™ Week', a 5-day public awareness effort to draw attention to the damaging impact of 'fat talk' on women of all ages and their impossible pursuit of the 'thin ideal.' Fat Talk Free Video
re(Define) (Real)ity™ Fashion Show

A fashion show to promote women of all shapes and sizes Previous fashion shows in Miami Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, Boston, and West Palm Beach.
Denim Fit Challenge

A challenge for women to find the best fitting jeans for their genes. When you are wearing jeans that fit you great, you feel so alive and confident!
About Little in the Middle
Little in the Middle™ is a clothing company that produces clothes using the patented OneUp™ sizing chart. The clothes are made to fit women with a smaller waist in proportion to the hips and thighs for the pear and hourglass shape. This sizing eliminates the gaping in the waist. Our mission is to encourage women to help other women. We promote positive body image and raise awareness about the dangers of eating disorders as well as encourage designers to create clothing for all body shapes & sizes using the patented OneUp™ sizing chart. Learn more at the Little in the Middle Website

Tri Delta and their Reflections Body Imagae Program
Tri Delta's body image education and eating disorders prevention program, Reflections, is the world's first peer-led eating disorders prevention program shown to increase body satisfaction, countering thin ideal pressures that begin in childhood. Piloted at 12 major universities with more than 12,000 hours of research already invested, Reflections will touch the lives of at least 20,000 young women in the next five years. More information on Reflections can be found at the Reflections Body Image website.
Be sure to watch the Fat Talk Free Video, it has a powerful message!
re(Define) (Real)ity ™ and The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness
re(Define) (Real)ity™ is a movement created by The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness that challenges society to embrace diversity, dismiss unrealistic ideals, and prove that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. It's time to get REAL! The movement is promoted through fashion shows that showcase women of all shapes and sizes.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009



Vested Interest

If we could find it, we would post a photo, circa junior high (well, alright, we’d never do that), when Annie Hall was all the rage. We, like every other budding fashionista (pre popular coinage of that title), raided our father’s closet for his vests and skinny ties, donned Joan and David wing-tip oxfords and fancied ourselves a la Diane Keaton.

If our wish decades ago was to convey an image of quirky charm, no doubt today’s style-conscious gals would dub themselves the same, and maybe add a bit of contemporary edginess. The sure cure? The vest.

The vest has been making a comeback for awhile now, and one of the cutest early revivals came from Mike + Chris with both their enviable leather and fleece versions.

These days, a crazy sick vest can be had in a wide-price range and in styles ranging from super casual to ultra high-fashion.

Seen above:

Nanette Lepore "Egyptian" Leather Vest

A rugged motorcycle vest in subtly distressed leather is still undeniably chic and feminine in a slim-fitting silhouette with studded detailing. Full-zip front with attached belt and side buckled tabs. Tailored with front and back shaping seams and a subtle back peplum.

* Catalog Item Number: 11322
* Leather
* Dry clean
* Imported
$595


Check out just a sampling of more styles:

Quotation: Laurie B. "Ethic" Rib Vest

This sleeveless long and drapey vest would look super cute with a tank or tee. You will love its sporty racerback style and chic ribbing throughout.

* Catalog Item Number: 75614
* Pure cotton
* Dry clean
* Imported

Price: $168.00

Iisli "Madeline" Black Sequin Vest

Allover sequin vest with button closure is the perfect accent to your summer wardrobe. In black with jewel neckline and rounded hem. Looks great with the "combo" romper.

* Catalog Item Number: 78408
* 100% cotton base with sequins
* Dry clean
* Imported

Price: $498.00

Aqua Women's Pinstripe Vest

Aqua pinstripe vest has a three button front with collar. Pinstripe front pattern with two faux pockets. Lining on back of vest only.

* Catalog Item Number: 18708
* Exclusively at Bloomingdale's
* Polyester/rayon/spandex
* Dry clean
* Imported

Now $40.50

Aqua Women's Sleeveless Open Vest With Pockets

Aqua sleeveless open vest with pockets. Found exclusively at Bloomingdale's this sleeveless vest with front pockets creates a sleek draping effect when layered with your favorite top or tee.

* Catalog Item Number: 44176
* Exclusively at Bloomingdale's
* Poly/cotton/rayon
* Dry clean
* Imported

Price: $64.00


Larok Women's Suede Fringe Vest

Larok suede fringe vest. A cropped vest with long fringe and front hook closure.

* Catalog Item Number: 72874
* Suede
* Dry clean
* Imported

Price: $258.00


Marc by Marc Jacobs Women's "Hayes" Herringbone Vest

Marc by Marc Jacobs "Hayes" herringbone vest. A chic and trendy alternative to a jacket. Double-breasted style. Adjustable straps in the back. Front pockets.

* Catalog Item Number: 69017
* Cotton/linen/ramie/rayon
* Dry clean
* Imported

Price: $378.00

Monday, August 24, 2009

EXCLUSIVE: Top First-Date Tips



BeansTalk Exclusive
MENu Dating Author
Serves Up Top Five First-Date Tips



Take a deep breath. It's all going to be fine -- especially after reading the following tips from author Tristan Coopersmith (MENu Dating). She presents BeansTalk readers with the top five sure-fire tips for a great first date (and you know what that means -- many more to come).

1. Select an activity that brings out the best version of yourself. To perform optimally, you need a great stage, so think of activities that you enjoy that are not overly romantic (i.e. picnic, carnival) and are distracting enough to remove any nervousness or pressure, but not so distracting that you have limited opportunity to interact (i.e. the movies, comedy club). If you are not choosing your destination and the guy picks something that is not to your liking, politely suggest an alternative.

2. Dress for the occasion. On a first date, clothing is not optional. Go for a feminine look that makes you feel fabulous and sexy, but don’t take it too far. Always remain classy, never trashy. Also, critical to the wardrobe process is dressing suitably to your destination. If you are going to a baseball game, don’t wear heels. If you are fine dining, skip the jeans and backless tank and instead opt for a flirty dress. And lastly, always, always, always wear sexy lingerie – regardless of whether you plan to reveal it or not, it will just make you feel sexy which will in turn, help you exude confidence.

3. Leave the house with the right attitude. Remember this is just a first date! It is not an interview for marriage. So just relax and have fun – be present in the moment, devoid of expectations (i.e. do not fantasize about what a great dad he would make, or ponder if he may be free to go to your cousin’s wedding in the fall, over the second course!) - and remember if at anytime you are not having fun, you can respectfully end the date.

4. Stay positive, sober’ish, and don’t make it all about you. The sexiest thing a woman can put on is a smile; It trumps any mini skirt, Miracle bra or pair of stilettos and is undeniably magnetic. On a first date, keep the conversation upbeat and light-hearted (no talk of exes or deep dark secrets) and remember to keep it balanced so you not only don’t appear self-absorbed but so that you get a chance to get to know your date too. And finally, don’t get wasted. It’s ok to get tipsy, but rest assure if you have two too many, you will quickly become a less good version of yourself.

5. Don’t overanalyze a first date. The best way to ruin a first date is to over-think it. Believe me, a guy is not concluding his evening with a nice cup of tea, journaling your date start-to-finish or verbal vomiting it up to his guyfriends the second he gets home trying to interpret why you said this and did that… and neither should you. Instead just enjoy it for what it was and at most, spend a few minutes replaying the date’s events and quietly acknowledge what worked for you and what didn’t. Return to your tip #3 and remind yourself that it is just a first date!

PR Release About Cooersmith's new book, available now:

Tristan Coopersmith and Todd Johnson’s MENu DATING teaches readers to treat dating as a veritable tapas bar of flavorful experiences and lessons. Rotating a roster of men from the MENu of bachelors without the goal of settling down takes the pressure off each individual date, and allows the dater to learn and discern her wants from her needs… not to mention, have some seriously delicious fun along the way!

The book is broken into easy-to-follow phases and loaded with helpful tips on how to multi-date and choose “mandidates” from the MENu of bachelors, including:

Phase 1
Cleansing your Palette…Jumping aboard the MENu dating program
Tristan primes readers to open their minds (but not their hearts or wallets
yet, anyway!) to new experiences on the adventure that is MENu dating.

Phase 2
Chow Time…Mandidate collection and the Art of Taste-Testing
What should you bring to the table? Tristan offers practical advice for MENu daters in the form of 10 self-affirming commandments that deal with expectation management, confidence, a willingness to always “take applications,” and mandidate “types” to look out for (for a partial listing, see the enclosed MENu)

Phase 3
Sexcapading…What’s Love Got to Do with It?
Men, at least the ones you’d want to be with, know that your physical needs are just as important as your emotional needs and deserve the same respect and investment to fully mature. In this section, Tristan and Todd discuss heated topics like:
-How to have a one-night stand—the right way!
-Risk v. reward
-The one-night stand commandments
-The Guy’s One-night-stand playbook (the best defense is a good offense!)

Phase 4
It’s Raining Men
This section is all about weathering the storms of dating, be it attachment anxiety, how to schedule multiple dates in a day, or how to leave behind those men not worthy of your time!

Phase 5
Manalysis…Mandidate Analysis and Choosing Your Main course
Tristan will show you how to develop your personal needs list, understand the “universal needs list” (items like respect and trust rank highly here), and how to evaluate yourself to determine if you are ready for commitment!

Throughout, Todd’s “Boy’s Eye View” sections offer a counterpoint to Tristan’s female perspective.

Authors Tristan Coopersmith and Todd Johnson have been best friends since they were eight. As roommates in their 20s, they became each other's dating coaches, helping each other interpret the behavior of the opposite sex. Tristan is a consumer-insights strategist and trend forecaster for CAA in Los Angeles. She met her happily-ever-after guy after literally thousands of mandidates. Todd works in finance in New York, married the woman of his dreams and is the proud father of a baby boy. He continues to be Tristan's "boy's eye view" for all things man-related.

MENu Dating By Tristan Coopersmith and Todd Johnson St. Martin’s Griffin A Trade Paperback Original ISBN: 0-312-35417-7 $14.99


Eva Mendes wore Stuart Weitzman's Alex crochet espadrille wedges in Portofino, Italy. The Spanish-made espadrille features an intricately woven upper with leather trim and linings and a contoured, suede-lined insole for a soft step. The wedge is covered with beautiful braids. Heel measures approximately 4 1/2" Platform measures approximately 1 1/4." Look who else loves Alex (see next entry below)

Jennifer Aniston is also huge fan of Weitzman's Alex (which appears to be sold out everywhere, and originally retailed for $365) and has worn them on 4 August 2009, walking to wardrobe trailer in white summer dress on the set of her latest movie "The Bounty" on 30 July 2009 on set in casual summer shorts, as well as 20 July 2009 on set in rolled-up cargo pants.

Friday, August 21, 2009


Jump on This: My Trampoline

Peter Himmelman, the Grammy-nominated, internationally acclaimed artist whom Rolling Stone has lauded for his “sharp-dressed, stiletto-wit pop records,” will release a brand new family music release My Trampoline in September. Himmelman’s new CD is the first from a brand new label, Minivan Productions, distributed by Allegro Media Group (www.allegro-music.com).

With songs about a trampoline, an African leopard tortoise named King Ferdinand, a picky eater named Peter, and the scarcity of kids named Steve, Himmelman mixes his offbeat sense of humor with lush pop stylings and irresistible beats to delight everyone in the minivan.

Himmelman, a Los Angeles-based father of four, writes kid-friendly lyrics that can be hilarious and reflective at the same time. Any kid who has ever pondered the immensity of the universe will love the meditation of “Ten Billion Blades of Grass.” “The idea for the song struck me when staring at our lawn one morning. Each of the blades of grass seemed like a sentient being, with perceptions, however subtle, about the world around them. The thought occurred to me that they get along so well because they're one big family.” “Statistical Factoids” will delight young brainiacs, “Main Dish” gives the nod to both Julia Child and Charlie Pride and “Workin’, Playin’ and Dreamin’” offers up a bluesy romp with stories about kids who are making their dreams come true, with a little help from mom and dad. The high-energy collection of tunes concludes with a sweet “Lullabye (with Baseball and Trains).”

According to Himmelman, the songs on My Trampoline were inspired by real life. “We've had a trampoline in our backyard for the last ten years and our kids have had at least as much fun with it as any $30,000 swimming pool,” he explains. “I figure anything that simple and that much fun must have a lot of special significance. There’s something very metaphoric in a trampoline as well; you’re always striving to gain altitude ... and even though you may never quite get aloft, there's magic in the trying.”

Minivan Productions is the new family music label, based in Venice, CA. www.minivanproductions.com

Headed by Dan Perloff (who BeansTalk has known since childhood), Minivan aims to become a brand synonymous with quality artists who are doing some of the most engaging children’s music today. This music will be smart, energetic and parent friendly, with artists of the caliber of premier artist Peter Himmelman.

Later this fall, Minivan also plans to reissue CDs from Peter Himmelman’s catalog: My Fabulous Plum, My Best Friend Is a Salamander and My Lemonade Stand, which have been out of print for a while. Like the cover art for My Trampoline, all of the Peter Himmelman CDs will feature cover art by world renowned illustrator, Pete Oswald, who also created the cover for his Grammy nominated CD My Green Kite (Rounder). Next up, Minivan plans a compilation series of kid-friendly songs by well-known artists who don’t usually record children’s music.

Peter Himmelman is an acclaimed creator of children's music, an Emmy-nominated TV composer and a critically lauded rock troubadour. He hosts a live weekly web broadcast called, “Furious World” www.furiousworld.com and will also be featured soon on “Curious World,” a web broadcast for children produced in conjunction with Hoosick Falls productions and retailer Land of Nod www.landofnod.com. Sample tunes and music videos are available at http://www.peterhimmelman.com/kids.html.

About Minivan Productions
www.minivanproductions.com

(BeansTalk note: Parents and music-fans alike -- this is a company to keep an eye on, because they're guaranteed to put out the kind of music everyone in the family will enjoy listening t -- turn off radio Disney -- turn into Minivan Productions tunes (and besides, we've known the company president since we were nine years old. Now there's longevity for you.)

Minivan Productions, founded in 2009 by music industry veteran Dan Perloff, is a new record label with the intention of becoming a full service production company for artists and projects in the kids’/children’s/family music genre.

The company debuts with a brand-new music release by Grammy Award nominee Peter Himmelman, My Trampoline. "“As much as I want Minivan to be a brand that is all things to all people and work on video, book, film & television projects, etc., the root of all of the projects are the recordings. I’m lucky to be starting a label with the recordings of Peter Himmelman, with whom I’ve worked for the past five years and have been a fan of forever and consider to be one of the most, if not the most brilliant children’s artists out there,” says Perloff.

Minivan will also release some of Himmelman's back catalog of children's music CDs in early 2010. These earlier releases are currently out of print and will feature refreshed package designs with artwork by Pete Oswald who did the artwork for My Trampoline as well as Peter’s last release, Grammy nominated My Green Kite. "There's a great brand aesthetic we're developing for all of Peter's music and related products that we hope to release in the future," says Perloff.

Perloff is a music industry veteran, with more than 20 years' experience in working in all aspects of music marketing, sales and distribution. His positions with the Concord Music Group, Moonshine Music, Navarre Distribution and Rhino Records, as well as artist management, have given him a wide perspective of the best ways to present music to the marketplace, particularly specializing in niche genres.

Perloff has worked with Himmelman for more than five years, helping to direct a deal with Rounder Records and an eventual Grammy nomination for the 2007 CD release My Green Kite. As the opportunities are exploding for independent children's music, Perloff decided to gather his own forces together to present Himmelman's next music release on his new label.

"Children's music is such an exciting genre these days and I truly believe that Peter Himmelman should be one of the superstars of this genre and hopefully Minivan Productions will help him achieve this status. Outside of a few superstars like Dan Zanes and others who get regular TV exposure, there are very few artists who are known on a national level, but do have strong regional followings. Minivan’s goal is to provide the knowledge and experience in launching music and multimedia projects for artists who have strong followings, but want to break out to the next level." The label plans promotional programs with retailers like the Land of Nod, Amazon.com, iTunes and others.

The Minivan logo image says it all - reflecting the label's goal to provide hip and offbeat music appealing to the next generation of parents, those looking for great tunes to spin while driving kids around town or listening to music together at home. As Perloff attests, "I want Minivan to become a brand that parents will trust and know that their kids will be listening to quality music of substance and not schlock. We will never dumb things down for the kiddies. We're all about providing quality, thought-provoking music which parents and grandparents truly will enjoy listening to over and over again. By starting out with the music of Peter Himmelman, we are setting the bar pretty high."

Minivan Productions music will be distributed by Allegro Music Group and their children's music catalog NewSound Music (www.allegro-music.com). Himmelman's My Trampoline will be available August 25, 2009. In addition to Reissuing Peter Himmelman’s back catalog, Minivan has an aggressive release schedule for 2010 that will feature a Minivan branded compilation as well as some exciting artist projects to be announced soon.


Designer Has Designs on Energy Drink

Project Runway winner Christian Siriano loves him some Rubyy Blood Orange Energy Drink!

Siriano and his beau, Brad Walsh, sipped Rubyy - and new Diet Rubyy (in the white bottle) - at Walsh's recent birthday party at the penthouse event suite of the Thompson LES Hotel in Manhattan. Energy-infused Rubyy cocktails were poured for guests, which kept the party going into the wee hours. Siriano also served Rubyy at his Fall 09 NY Fashion Week after party.


Madison in Malibu


Madison Gallery in Malibu features designer clothing and accessories. Fashion labels including Balmain, Stella McCartney, Chloe, Marni, Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Elise Overland, Ossie Clark, and others, can be found at this boutique, a favorite among celebrities and stylists.

Located in the Malibu Country Mart, Madison Gallery stretches two-stories high and covers over 2,770 square feet. Mid-century furniture, lighting, and collectibles from greats such as Jean Prouve, Serge Mouille and Charlotte Perriand merge with industrial factory tables, pieces from Marc Newson, as well as a selection of contemporary art and related books, provide what reps describe as an inspirational shopping environment.

http://madisonlosangeles.com/gallery.html

Thursday, August 20, 2009


















Cadillac Fragrance Launch


The North American Launch of Cadillac: The New Fragrance for Men was recently held at a Southern California Cadillac dealership.

Los Angeles Laker Jordan Farmer, James Wilder, Kevin Farley, Tressa Thomas, Adrienne Janic, Loretta Divine, George Stults, Benny Cassette (Fast & The Furious) Clifford Banagale (‘Bruno’) Jonathan Goldsmith (Dos Equis’ ‘Most Interesting Man In the World Ad Campaign), Tressa Thomas, Michael Papajohn, Judy Tenuta and Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry, were among those who celebrated the launch of Cadillac’s new fragrance.

“This new Cadillac fragrance is really fantastic!” said Lorenzo Lamas. “I love the way it smells on you, Dad, but I think women would love wearing the fragrance as well, I know I do!” added Shayne Lamas.

Claudia Jordan, the co-host of the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant added, “This new Cadillac fragrance smells so delicious, I wish I currently had a man to spray it on!”

Having recently emerged from bankruptcy protection, General Motors is rebranding the company’s luxury brand. A part of this rebranding initiative includes entering into a licensing agreement with Dubai-based Beauty Contact, Inc. (www.beautycontactinc.com) to design, develop, produce and market the Cadillac fragrance globally.

“This new fragrance is just a part of the recent Cadillac renaissance – hot new products and redesigns that capture the mantra of life, liberty and the pursuit,” said Alwyn Stephen of Beauty Contact, Inc. “Our fragrance is a relevant extension of the Cadillac lifestyle.”

Reps describe the scent as having "Top notes of Grapefruit and Chamomile give off a bright fresh scent, complimented by an elegant mix of Geranium, Tarragon and cinnamon in the heart with breathtaking bottom notes of Ebony, Sweet Spice, Vetiver, and Incense."

When asked how he liked the scent, Brandon Beemer from ‘Bold & the Beautiful’ gave a big grin and said, “My girlfriend, Nadia Bjorland (‘Days of Our Lives’) loves the way it smells on me! It’s all good!”

Event sponsors included LA’s The Place Magazine, Hint Water & Blue Angel Vodka.


Image: LA Laker Jordan Farmer and Beauty Contact, Inc., CEO Alwyn Stephen

Wednesday, August 19, 2009


Bum Blaster? Bring it On!

When we were overseas this summer, we noticed a couple of our cousins (significantly our cousin Rhea Faelnar) wearing these flip flops that I thought rather ugly (I kept that to myself). They looked like pool side flops. 

Imagine my surprise when, now returned to the U.S., we found a pair of these FitFlops, in the right size, at a local discount department store. We tried them on and they were pretty cushy and comfortable. Not the prettiest slippers on the planet, but they were o.k. 

They seemed "expensive" for a pair of plastic flip flops, so we grabbed the crackleberry, got on the internets and looked them up. Not only are they normally more than twice as expensive than the price tag of the ones in our paws, but here's what caught our eye: "Fit" Flops -- "Try These on for Thighs!" and "workout in your walk."

The flops offer a “bum-blasting workout” disguised as a 30-minute walk and allegedly, a stroll in these shoes will trim and tone thighs, calves and glutes, thanks to its MicroWobbleboard (their patent-pending word, seriously) technology. 

Later, when we read aloud the attached paperwork, describing the invention's origins at London's South Bank University and their "biomechanics," -- all to the soundtrack of the CFO's eye-rolling and audible scoffing -- we wondered if there was even a modicum of truth to any of it.

Here are some tidbits from the internets: They're not plastic: The FitFlop sandals footbed in made of multi-density EVA, which is a type of odour-free (and non-absorbent) foam that is used in many type of footwear. The outsole is currently made of rubber. The footbed does not contain any leather or other animal products.

We found the above style and color at a local Ross (for $21.99) and the site describes it as: An update on the original (which Oprah put on her list of Favourite Things for Summer!) FitFlop’s newest Walkstar I sandals have a microfiber lining on the vamp and a soft-between-the-toes kid-leather toe post. Built with the patent-pending microwobbleboard™ midsole technology- which is proven to load your bottom and leg muscles more when you wear them- FitFlop sandals help you get a workout while you walk.

Wow. One of Oprah's favorite things and we never heard of them? Oh, yeah. It may have something to do with the fact that we don't watch Oprah. The site mentions how K-Mart and several other companies are selling knock-offs and warn consumers to "beware."

At any rate, we'll try these "official/original pair" out and report back to you later on how successful the FitFlops were for us. After reading up less biased reviews, the sandals will do nothing, if "strengthen" our feet. So at least we have that to look forward to.


FitFlops, $49.99, www.thefitflop.com. Available at Bath and Body Works, Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret. And, apparently, at Ross, if you can find your size (we wear a 36 and found three pair of 36s -- two blue and one brown, as well as one 40 in black, but this was just at one, rather small, Ross-Dress-For-Less -- you may have better luck at a Ross near you.)


Gotham Magazine CEO Jason Binn and Ashton Kutcher hosted a VIP screening and cocktail reception on August 10, 2009, at New York's Bryant Park Hotel for Kutcher's latest movie, “Spread” which opened August 14, 2009.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009













Lounge Like a Celeb


We always say that we've reached the point where our daytime wear-outside-of-the house clothes need to be as comfortable as a nightgown. Now, we may be able to have just that (if we could afford Stellina, a new hot lounge wear line, that is).

Oprah, Christina Aguilera, Tyra Banks and Martha Stewart are fans of this new super-soft (so say reps) line of lounge wear from Los Angeles. The reps also tell us that Oprah keeps a pair of Stellinastyle PJs on her plane.


Stellina is the new line from Renee Faia, former designer for Nae & Audie. Fresh from the success of the Nae & Audie Pj, Faia brings "modern aesthetic and approach to stylish, yet comfortable sleepwear/loungewear."

The line can be worn at home as well as out and about and recommended for pregnancy, travel and bridal shower gifts. Prices range from $50 to $125.


www.stellinastyle.com

Monday, August 17, 2009


Sidewalk Surfing

They’re now hot with celebs – Brad Pitt, Matthew McConnaughy, Zac Efron – but they look just like shoes traditionally worn by Cholos in Los Angeles. Sanuks, who make these hot "Sidewalk Surfers," dub them a “unique shoe top on a sandal sole” and “Not-A-Shoe.”

We’ve seen versions of it by Volcom (Lounge Creedler), DC (Villain TX), and Hurley (Trips 9 Lowrider).

Sanuk Surfers are handmade and the reps tell us they’re made “without the rigid stitch down board that is commonly known for causing discomfort in the average shoe,” making them more flexible and “promotes walking in a healthier, natural motion.”

Founded in 1997 by Southern California native Jeff Kelley, Sanuk (Thai word for “fun”) designs footwear products for the global outdoor community.

Sanuk’s Sidewalk Surfers were honored with the SIMA 2007 Footwear Product of the Year and the 2009 Irvine Soft Bocce Champions. They’re available in 50 countries worldwide. For more information, www.sanuk.com

Check out Brad Pitt's Sidewalk Surfer Sanuk Shoes.

Friday, August 14, 2009


Lug This

For all of their “As Seen on TV”-ness (“Purse to Go,” “PurseHop,” “Pouchee”), we’ve never been interested in the purse organizer inserts. For starters, we have our own system. We use a combination of cosmetic bags and wallets – all of which must coordinate or actually match each other.

At any rate, while on our recent month-long trip overseas, we discovered Lugmax (www.lugmaxbags.com), a 100% Filipino-owned company that makes purse organizers, and various related items (baby bottle organizer, make-up organizer, closet hanging purse organizer etc.)

We got both the regular canvas fabric small and large organizer (in black – we figured it would show less wear) and liked them so much, we picked up some for souvenirs for friends. The small cost us 129 pesos ($2.68), and the large, 199 pesos ($4.15).

We’d love to see the leather version – it wasn’t available at the shop (SM Department store in Cebu City) we purchased them from.

The organizers are great. They have little handles that make it super easy to switch out purses in seconds (and any BeansTalk reader knows we are always changing our pocketbooks to coordinate with our outfits). The sections of the organizers are intuitive and our various (matching/coordinating) accessories all fit nicely and are easily accessed.


We’ve trolled the internet some and it appears that these are primarily available in Asia (we’ve seen them for sale not only in the Philippines, but Singapore and Hong Kong), but if you’re lucky enough to find them where you live, snap ‘em up. They’re well made, too.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Code for: Huge Lips Skinny Hips is on shelves!


After two years of planning, producing, problem solving (don’t ask!), panting, prodding, plotting, and impatiently waiting, Purple Lab is (effing!) finally available at a Space.NK and Scoop store near you – the list of locations is on their website, www.purplelabnyc.com!

Buy online at http://www.b-glowing.com/purplelab/!


www.purplelabnyc.com/purpleblab or http://www.stylelist.com/blog/tag/beauty-blab/

And it was just syndicated on the Huffington Post! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karen-rabinowitz/purple-blab-insider-intel_b_206523.html

Wednesday, August 12, 2009


Going For the Bright Whites


By BeansTalk’s Managing Editor


Years ago, we had our teeth whitened professionally at a dentist’s office in the valley. Around the same time, BeansTalk contributor and close associate Teena Hammond also underwent the treatment and we mutually concluded it was so phenomenally uncomfortable we would never do it again.


However, we pride ourselves on being open minded and agreed to visit the offices of Dr. Matt Zarinnia and undergo the Zoom Advance! Whitening Treatment (and, we figured our smile could really benefit from it). And, we’re relieved to say, we’re very happy we did.


Going to the dentist is rarely considered something to look forward to, so anything that makes the visit less daunting is appreciated.


Each dental chair in Dr. Zarinnia’s 11th floor Encino office features amazing floor to ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of the green hillsides. If you have to look at anything while being treated by a dentist, a beautiful is definitely better than a bland white wall with poorly framed diplomas.


It also helps that the good doc is easy on the eyes, and has a warm, accommodating staff. These are elements that further soothe the transition to the once-dreaded doctor’s chair.


The actual Zoom Advance! is considerably easier than our experience with the other doctor and whitening treatment. We emerged after our hour session, jaw in tact and not sore (difference No.1) and with a noticeable change in the bright color of our teeth (difference No. 2).


Even if you don’t live down the street from Dr. Zarinnia (we sure don’t), we can vouch that it is worth the drive to be treated well, and actually get visible results. While we haven’t had Dr. Zarinnia work on our teeth beyond the whitening, we don’t doubt that he’s more than capable.


BeansTalk asked Dr. Zarinnia what the most popular treatment in his office is, and he tells us it’s “Invisalign, an Invisalign treatment consists of a series of aligners switched out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place.” And since the Invisalign system is custom-made for the patient’s teeth and their teeth only, via a plan devised by the patient and Dr. Zarinnia, you’ll have an exact fit.


“If you're ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, Invisalign is your answer,” says Dr. Zarinnia. “Although there are many choices out there, no other works as effortlessly as the Invisalign system. Invisalign is the best way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life. It is removable , so you can eat or drink whatever you want and floss and brush with ease.”


Here’s the 411 on the Zoom Advance! we received, per the company:


“Zoom Advanced! light activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 26% or more, giving an average improvement of up to eight shades

zoom advanced is :

Faster & Less Chair Time

Three 15-minute Applications

Instant-on light with no warm-up time

Easier

Advanced Optical Guidance System

Ergonomic Rolling Lamp Stand

More Comfortable

Light & Gel Enhance Patient Comfort

ACP & KNO3 Technologies

Superior Clinical Performance

Eight Shades

Many Patients Sensitivity-Free”


About Dr. Matt Zarinnia:


Dr. Matt Zarinnia is a graduate of Temple University in Pennsylvania. When he started using Invisalign technology for straightening teeth, only 300 dentists were certified for the procedure in Pennsylvania. Dr. Zarinnia's forte in dentistry is cosmetic procedures. He has attended and still participates in numerous seminars in regard to cosmetic dentistry to keep himself updated with new procedures and technologies as they change.


Dr. Zarinnia is proud that he was serving the U.S. Army as a member of the dental task force in support of operations noble eagle and enduring freedom, where he played an instrumental role in processing of over 12000 deploying soldiers.


Dr. Zarinnia is an active member of American Dental Association. He also speaks both Farsi and Spanish.


Contact:

Dr. Matt Zarinnia

16133 Ventura Boulevard Suite 1100
Encino, CA 91436
(866) 992-6857

Tuesday, August 11, 2009


Bill Champlin Leaves Chicago To Go Solo


Champlin Launches Fall Tour On November 6th

In Support Of No Place Left To Fall,

His First Solo Album In More Than 10 Years

After 28 years with Chicago, singer-songwriter-keyboardist Bill Champlin is parting ways with the classic jazz/rock band to focus once again on his solo career. The announcement comes on the heels of the August 4th release of No Place Left to Fall, Champlin's first solo album in more than 10 years. The two-time GRAMMY® award winner will launch a West Coast tour on November 6th at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA. (See below for itinerary.)

"This music is callin' me," said Champlin, who first came to prominence with Sons of Champlin, a seminal late-60's San Francisco band whose soul stylings and complex song structures set it apart from other groups of the psychedelic scene, and a series of critically acclaimed solo albums.

From the funky "Total Control" and soulful "Lookin' For You" to the exquisite "Never Been Afraid" and the kick-ass come-on "Angelina," No Place Left to Fall is a career-defining record for Champlin. Released by the East Coast indie label DreamMakers, the CD is accompanied by a 70-minute bonus DVD that includes a documentary on the making of the album directed by news anchor and longtime fan Rod Simons, live footage of Champlin performing recently with the Sons of Champlin and much more. Champlin has already begun readying material for a follow-up album and fans can look forward to more music from Sons of Champlin as well.

Champlin - who handled lead vocals on the #1 hit "Look Away," traded vocals with Peter Cetera on "Hard Habit to Break" and wrote and sang lead on "Hearts in Trouble" for the soundtrack for the blockbuster movie "Days of Thunder" soundtrack during his tenure with Chicago -relishes the opportunity to return to his roots on the upcoming "BICHIN" tour. "A few years ago, I was signing a stack of press photos and going through them at such a clip, I was using only two letters from each name - and I realized that I was signing 'BICH,'" he recalls. "I'm really looking forward to playing more intimate venues and hearing what fans think of the new music. I can't wait to spend some one-on-one time with my old and new fans!" Backing him on the tour will be the rhythm section from Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, who backed Bill on his live solo album "Mayday," and Champlin's wife, singer-songwriter Tamara Champlin, on vocals.

Initial dates for Bill Champlin's "BICHIN" tour:

11/6 San Juan Capistrano, CA Coach House
11/7 San Diego, CA Anthology
11/10 Santa Cruz, CA Moe's Alley
11/11 Mill Valley, CA 142 Throckmorton Theatre
11/12 Tuolumne, CA Black Oak Casino
11/13 Lodi, CA Hutchins Street Square
11/14 Santa Rosa, CA Last Day Saloon
11/15 Newcastle, CA Constable Jacks
11/19 Portland, OR Jimmy Maks
11/20 Langley, WA Mukilteo Coffee Roaster
11/21 Langley, WA Mukilteo Coffee Roaster
11/22 Seattle, WA Triple Door

Additional dates to be announced.


Chicago in recent past: Lee Loughnane, Walter Parazaider, James Pankow, Robert Lamm, Bill Champlin, Jason Scheff, Keith Howland, Tris Imboden

Summer Skin Tips and Other Topics
By Stuart Kaplan, MD

Most people know that using sunscreen protection is essential for healthy summer skin, but there are other important steps that you should take to make sure that you look your best this summer. Below are my top 11 tips:

Citrus fruits can cause your skin to burn. Be careful what you drink. Certain citrus fruits such as lemons and limes, or even the peel of the fruit, can cause a photosensitivity reaction that will cause your skin to burn quickly. This is often seen at the corners of the mouth, as we drink tropical fruit drinks with slices of fruit stuck onto the glass.

Protect Your Lips! Always apply sunscreen or a lip balm with a minimum SPF 15 to your lips BEFORE applying your lip-gloss/lipstick. Many lip products contain castor oils and petroleum jelly. These oils coat the lip, and actually increase the amount of sunlight that penetrates the skin on your lips. This will increase lip wrinkles, sun damage, and the risk of skin cancer on your lips.

Squinting causes lines. Even with sunglasses, bright light will cause us to squint. Persistent squinting will cause creases to develop in your frown lines and crow’s feet. Botox can prevent these creases from forming or worsening. Many men and women find that Botox at the beginning of summer will prevent squint lines from becoming a problem.

The Latest in Laser Hair Removal. A popular pre-spring/pre-summer procedure I perform in my office is laser removal of excess hair on the face, in the underarm and in the bikini areas of women. This treatment can also be done on the neck, adam’s apple, and backs for men. Laser hair removal improves your appearance, and prevents ingrown hairs. Laser can also be done to permanently shape eyebrows or hair in any other location. Remember, there is a difference in the quality of the laser. Better lasers mean fewer treatments.

Reduce Ingrown Hairs. Many women suffer from unsightly shaving bumps or ingrown hairs in the bikini area. Men get these on the front and back of their neck following shaving or a haircut. First rule – don’t pick. You will just make it worse, and leave a bigger scab. Instead, your dermatologist can inject the area with a dilute anti-inflammatory solution. The inflammation of the pimple will recede within a 1 to 2 days.

Botox Can Reduce Sweating. For women who love wearing tank tops but are concerned about underarm sweating, know that Botox® has been FDA approved to treat excess underarm sweating, also called hyperhydrosis. It is very effective, and lasts approximately 6 months. That means you will no longer have to worry about the powdery residue, or itchy irritation of anti-perspirants.


Remove tiny veins on your nose and face. Again, with spring/summer beauty trends leaning toward au natural make-up and more time in the sun, consider getting laser vein removal for those pesky red spider veins around the corners of your nostrils, nose, and cheeks. There is virtually no down time and the results are immediate.

Remove Spider & Varicose Leg Veins. Spring and summer styles mean shorts, and new bathing suits. Or, in other words, more exposed leg. Who wants those unsightly spider and varicose veins ruining your sexy wardrobe? New lasers, as well as injection sclerotherapy, effectively treat unwanted spider and varicose veins on your legs.

Scrub Away. How to get the beautiful after winter, summer skin glow? Exfoliate with a mild scrub 2 to 3 times a week. I recommend scrubs that contain date seed power or pineapple and papaya enzymes. These are all natural, botanical ingredients that are mild yet effective.
Use A Clay Mask. Increased humidity and high temperatures in the summer lead us to sweat more, and cause more oil and buildup on our face. To refine skin, remove dead skin cells, and tighten pores, I recommend using a clay mask 1 or 2 times a week. I do not recommend exfoliating and using a scrub on the same day, as this may dry out your skin.

Know your SPF. Some things most people don’t know about Sunscreen:

It should be applied 30 minutes before you go out in the sun to give the product time to penetrate your skin. If you apply sunscreen while you are outside in the sun, you are basically exposing your skin to UV radiation for the first 30 minutes.

For the absolute highest sun protection, use a sunscreen that contains physical sunscreens such as titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. These particles lay on top of your skin and actually deflect light away from your skin. The higher concentrations work better at blocking the sun, but also can leave a slight residue discoloration on the skin. This is particularly an issue for people who want to wear sunscreen on their face underneath their make-up for normal everyday activites, but don’t like the white residue or skin discoloration. Try the kaplanMD Day Cream SPF 15, which contains a highly micronized titanium dioxide, along with 9 other active ingredients. An anti-wrinkle cream, moisturizer, and SPF 15 all in one, the kaplanMD Day Cream SPF 15 leaves no messy white residue while providing long-lasting sun protection.

Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. To get the full benefit of a sunscreen, it must be applied liberally.

Use at least an SPF 15. Although higher concentrations give a few percent improvement in sun protection, they can also irritate your skin, and leave an unsightly film on your face.
If you are going to be outdoors for a long period of time, remember to re-apply your sunscreen every 3 hours. And remember if you are going swimming, there is no such thing as a water-proof sunscreen. Some are water-resistant, but you should still re-apply your sunscreen often

Don’t forget to wear a hat to protect your scalp (even for women) and sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Dr. Stuart Kaplan has been in private practice in Beverly Hills for more than 22 years, as well as an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA Medical Center and Attending Physician for Skin Cancer Surgery at the Wadsworth VA for more than 20 years.

Monday, August 10, 2009


Jessica Alba relaxes in Country Love Pants while out with her family, husband Cash Warren and daughter Honor. Retail Price: $98


Transformer Star Spouse in Pea in a Pod


Nadine Marsden attended last night’s premiere with her husband Matthew who stars in the highly anticipated film – Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
For this red carpet event, Nadine selected to wear A Pea in the Pod Collection’s black silk taffeta v-neck cocktail dress with ruffled hem. She also is blessed with a beautiful first name.

Celebrities continuously rely on A Pea in the Pod to keep them looking as stylish as they did pre-pregnancy with designer labels as well as their own sleek and sophisticated private label. From designer jeans and luxurious lingerie to business suits and evening gowns, A Pea in the Pod has everything a celebrity mom-to-be needs to look camera ready.

Worn by such discerning celebrities as Rebecca Romijn, Jessica Alba, Salma Hayek, Naomi Watts, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mariska Hargitay, Angie Harmon, Thandie Newton, Cate Blanchett, and Debra Messing, A Pea in the Pod is the nation’s premiere luxury designer and retailer of maternity fashion with 60 locations nationwide.