Memorial Day: Remember

All You Need:

The Crossbody Bag

Hands Free Handbags

From the time we started carrying pocketbooks (purses, handbags) we almost always carried what are now most commonly known as "cross-body" bags. Featuring long straps, they rest on one shoulder and lay on or above your hip.

Whats great about a crossbody bag is that you're hands-free, you're not having to hold-on to your purse while you shop or run errands. Even if you carry a short-strap shoulder bag, you still have to hold it close to your body -- and it's not entirely secure. When you're out-and-about, walking, taking public transportation, on vacation, a handle bag and one like the aforementioned ones are far easily snatched.

Anyone who reads BeansTalk Biz knows we rock a purse. Isabella Fiore, Junior Drake, The Sak, Fendi, Donald Pliner, Elliot Lucca, Dooney & Bourke, etc. We've gone through phases where we prefer one line to the other, but always keep to a base staple -- we prefer leather pocketbooks, but will also carry quality canvas/fabric (of the LeSportsac and Kipling variety).

We were surprised to find that while there are many vinyl (yuck) crossbody bags to be found, there aren't many current style that suit our criterion. There are plenty of mini and small crossbody bags and there are many large-scale heavy bags that feature an attachable/detachable long strap. However, there's not a lot of medium 11"-inch to 13"-inch bags that are suitable to carry what we need during the day (we like our matching inside-the-bag cases, as you know).

At any rate, here's a glimpse of some of the current crop of bags we like right now...(they're summer ideal, especially since you're more likely to be out-and-about in the nice weather). All of these come in other colors -- ranging from the brightest to more sedate.

(The All You Need bag above was a popular purse sold at Nordstrom -- we found ours, in navy, at the Nordstrom Rack for $99, marked down from its original price of $398 -- great bag, beautiful leather, nicely lined, too.)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Sia

(Yes, it's a little on the too-small side, but too adorable to ignore)

# Made of genuine leather.
# Holds your wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick and personal technology.
# Single cross body strap. Cross body drop: 22" length.
# Front exterior slip pockets with turn-lock closure.
# Top zip closure keeps your personal items secure.
# Signature print interior lining with multifunctional slip pockets.
# Dimensions: 9 1/2" wide x 3/8" deep x 10" high.
# 11.00 oz.

$258

Lucky Brand Small Stash Crossbody

# Made of soft leather.
# Holds your wallet, keys, lipstick and personal technology.
# Single adjustable cross body strap. Maximum length cross body drop: 25" length.
# Front exterior flap pocket and zip pocket on flap closure.
# Flat bottom.
# Top flap with a magnetic snap closure.
# Interior lining with a back wall zip pocket.
# Dimensions: 11" maximum width x 2 1/2" deep x 7" high.
# 17.00 oz.
17.00 oz.

$139

B. Makowsky Olympia Crossbody

# Made of genuine leather.
# Holds your credit cards, currency, lipstick and a slim cell phone.
# Single adjustable cross body strap. Cross body drop: 20 1/2" length.
# Front exterior zip pockets.
# Rear exterior coin pocket.
# Studded accents.
# Inside hidden magnetic closure.
# Interior lining with a back wall zip pocket and multifunctional slip pockets.
# Dimensions: 11" wide x 1 1/2" deep x 11" high.
# 17.00 oz.

Originally $142, now $97.10 zappos.com

Tignanello Glam Tote Hobo

# Made of genuine leather with contrast stitching.
# Holds your wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick and personal technology.
# Single adjustable cross body strap. Cross body drop: 19" length.
# Flat bottom.
# Inside magnetic closure.
# Interior lining with two large zip compartments.
# Dimensions: 13 1/2" wide x 2 3/4" deep x 11" high.
# 21.00 oz.

$133

Brighton Peyton Cross Body

# Made of pebbled leather with embossed patent trim.
# Holds your wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick and personal technology.
# Single adjustable cross body strap. Cross body drop: 20" length.
# Top zip closure.
# Interior lining with a back wall zip pocket, multifunctional slip pockets and a key ring holder.
# Dimensions: 11 1/2" wide x 1 1/2" deep x 12 1/2" high.
# 24.00 oz.

$245

Steven Nanna Crossbody

# Made of quilted leather with metallic sheen.
# Holds your wallet, sunglasses, personal technology and a small bottle of water.
# Single cross body strap. Cross body drop: 23" length.
# Gold-tone hardware accents.
# Flat bottom.
# Inside magnetic closure.
# Satin interior lining with a back wall zip pocket and front wall multifunctional slip pockets.
# Dimensions: 11" maximum width x 3" deep x 12" high.
# 20.00 oz.

$203

Fossil Sutter Suede Crossbody

* The beautifully constructed Sutter crossbody from Fossil® is made of genuine suede leather.
* Holds your wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick and personal technology.
* Single adjustable cross body strap. Cross body drop: 24" length.
* Rear exterior zip pocket.
* Studded accents.
* Front zip closure.
* Interior lining with a back wall zip pocket.
* Dimensions: 11" wide x 2" deep x 12" high.
* 24.00 oz.

$76 to $98

Cole Haan Phoebe Crossbody

# Luxurious materials and practical design make this the perfect everyday bag.
# Made from distressed lambskin.
# Holds your wallet, sunglasses, personal technology and a small cosmetic case.
# Single cross body strap. Cross body drop: 20" length.
# Rear exterior slip pocket with magnetic snap.
# Hardware detail.
# Top flap with a magnetic snap closure.
# Interior lining with a back wall zip pocket.
# Dimensions: 10" wide x 1" deep x 8" high.
# 16.00 oz.

$228 zappos.com

Kate Spade Grammercy Park Jan

# Made of nylon with leather trim.
# Holds your wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick and personal technology.
# Single adjustable cross body strap. Cross body drop: 20 1/2" length.
# Front exterior zip pocket.
# Flat bottom.
# Top zip closure.
# Interior lining with a back wall zip pocket and multifunctional slip pockets.
# Dimensions: 11" wide x 2 1/2" deep x 10 1/4" high.
# 12.00 oz.

$136.50 to $195

Kipling Leah Shoulder / Cross Body Bag

Cute and casual, this medium-sized everyday shoulder bag features a versatile cross-body strap to carry all of your daily must haves. Dimensions: 10½"W x 8¾"H x 3"D

* Adjustable shoulder strap
* Exterior zipped front pocket
* Main compartment contains: 1 zipped pocket, 1 cell phone pocket with Velcro closure, 1 MP3-player pocket and 2 pen sleeves
* Signature Kipling print lining, attached key clasp
* Metal trimmed monkey face hanger
* Imported

$88 kipling-usa.com

Harajuku Medium Shoulder / Cross Body

Young, stylish and funky like the girls that adore carrying them, this Kipling must-carry goes with everything and anywhere. Versatile bag that can be worn over the shoulder or cross body. Dimensions: 12"W x 7"H x 5"D

* Zipped main compartment has 1 zipped pocket on the internal back panel
* Adjustable shoulder strap
* 1 exterior zippered pocket and 2 open pockets on front
* Versatile monkey key hanger shows different expression on each side
* Fabric: 70 Denier Nylon
* Imported

$68 kipling-usa.com

LeSportsac Classic Hobo

9 x 12 x 5.25 in, 22.86 x 30.48 x 13.34 cm

Zipped main closure
Adjustable shoulder strap
Back pocket with zipped closure
Front pocket with zipped closure
Includes matching pouch with zipped closure

$68 to $78 (depending on print) lesportsac.com

Elliott Lucca Handbags Aruba Crossbody

# The casual-cool Aruba crossbody hobo from Elliott Lucca Handbags™ is made of soft, supple leather.
# Holds your wallet, sunglasses, personal technology and a small bottle of water.
# Single braided cross body strap. Cross body drop: 23" length.
# Top zip closure keeps your personal items secure.
# Interior lining with a back wall zip pocket and front wall multifunctional slip pockets.
# Dimensions: 14" maximum width x 1" deep x 10" high.
# 18.00 oz.

$132

Francesco Biasia Lorelie Crossbody

* The casual-chic Lorelie crossbody from Francesco Biasia™ puts the fun into functional!
* Made of polished, crinkled leather.
* Holds your wallet, sunglasses, personal technology, a bottle of water and a copy of your favorite book.
* Single adjustable cross body strap. Maximum length cross body drop: 22 1/2" length.
* Expandable top with drawstring closure.
* Canvas interior lining with a back wall zip pocket.
* Dimensions: 12 1/2" maximum width x 2 1/2" deep x 11 1/2" high.
* 17.00 oz.

$182

Hobo International Joy

# Put a little joy into your look with this beautiful crossbody from Hobo international™.
# Made of genuine leather with embossed detailing on flap closure.
# Holds your wallet, keys, lipstick and personal technology.
# Single cross body strap. Cross body drop: 21" length.
# Top flap with a magnetic snap closure.
# Paisley print interior lining with multifunctional slip pockets and a back wall zip pocket.
# Dimensions: 11" maximum width x 2" deep x 8" high.
# 12.00 oz.

$178

The Sak Deena Crossbody Bag

# The casual-chic Deena cross body flap from The Sak Handbags™ is made of soft, luxe leather.
# Holds your wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick and personal technology.
# Single adjustable cross body strap. Maximum length cross body drop: 21" length.
# Rear exterior slip pocket.
# Fold-over top with magnetic snap closure.
# Flat bottom.
# Top zip closure.
# Interior lining with a back wall zip pocket and front wall multifunctional slip pockets.
# Dimensions: 10" maximum width x 4" deep x 10" high.
# 15.00 oz.

$83 on Zappos.com, $55 on thesak.com


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Andy Richter/Conan O'Brien Funny Fest
Andy Richter and Conan O’Brien Writers Team Up for One-Hour TBS Special
Tickets Go On Sale TODAY Friday, May 28, at 10 a.m. (CT)


TBS and Just For Laughs have announced the lineup and airdate for a new TBS special that will be taped during the second-annual edition of TBS PRESENTS A “VERY FUNNY” FESTIVAL: JUST FOR LAUGHS this June in Chicago.

Andy Richter, Reggie Watts and several of Conan O’Brien’s writers will team up for the one-hour special Team Coco presents Conan’s Writers Live (working title). This show has played to sold-out audiences in Los Angeles and is coming to Chicago for one night only. Richter was O’Brien’s sidekick on Late Night with Conan O'Brien from 1993 to 2000, before venturing out to star in Andy Richter Controls the Universe and Andy Barker, P.I., and then returning to join O’Brien as announcer for The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.



The evening will also feature the musical stylings of comedian Watts, who is opening for O’Brien on The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour.



The showcase will be taped at the Bank of America Theater on Thursday, June 17, at 7 p.m. (CT), and premiere on TBS Sunday, June 27, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT).



In addition to Team Coco presents Conan’s Writers Live, TBS and Just for Laughs are also adding to the Festival’s impressive roster of grassroots performances. Uncle’s Brother, a comedy trio comprising Tim Meadows, Joe Canale and Brad Morris, has been entertaining college and club audiences all over the United States and abroad with their unique blend of stand-up, improv and sketch. They will perform at the Annoyance Theatre on Friday, June 18, at 10 p.m. (CT). The opening act is the cast of the Annoyance Theatre’s hit sketch show, Swear Jar. Meadows will also host the midnight Sketchubator at the end of Sketch-travaganza: The Best of Sketchfest at Studio BE on Friday, June 18.



In addition, the Festival will feature Drinking Buddies with Chicago prodigal son T.J. Miller at the Lincoln Lodge on Wednesday, June 16, at 9 p.m. (CT). Miller and special guests Kyle Kinane, Mike Bridenstine and host James Fritz will be on hand for a night of loose, off-the-cuff comedy. When the show concludes, attendees can stick around for a rare Midwest screening of the Sundance festival sensation Successful Alcoholics, a short film by director Jordan Vogt-Roberts.



T.J. Miller will also join the show for Chicago Underground Comedy presents: Secret Big-Time Local Comedy Showcase, taking place at the Beat Kitchen on Tuesday, June 15, at 8 p.m. (CT).



Tickets for Team Coco presents Conan’s Writers Live go on sale Friday, May 28, at 10 a.m. (CT). Tickets available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com,by phone at 800/745-3000, Bank of America Theater Box Office and all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices. Tickets for Uncle’s Brother and Drinking Buddies are on sale now and available at the respective venue box offices. A complete schedule of announced performances and other Festival information are available at www.justforlaughschicago.com. Complete information on the newly announced shows is included at the bottom of this release.



About the Festival

Five nights. Seventeen venues. More than 100 comedians. The laughter returns to Chicago this summer with the second annual edition of this week-long explosion of comedy, scheduled to take place Tuesday, June 15 – Saturday, June 19, 2010. Emmy®-winner Ellen DeGeneres will tape her fourth variety show for TBS, Ellen’s Somewhat Special Special. Also taping for TBS, Cedric The Entertainer will host Cedric The Entertainer’s Urban Circus, and Andy Richter and Reggie Watts will be among the talents as Team Coco presents Conan’s Writers Live. Other Festival performers include comedy superstars Russell Peters, Denis Leary, Greg Giraldo, Jim Norton, Aziz Ansari, Patton Oswalt, Tim Meadows, Adam Carolla, JB Smoove as his character Leon Black, Rob Corrdry and his new series Childrens Hospital and George Wendt, Jim Belushi and other comedy greats from the Second City class of ’79. Also on the roster is the wildly popular Lucha VaVOOM show.



The Festival once again brings together the unprecedented comedy forces of TBS and Montreal’s Just For Laughs. The TBS specials featuring Ellen DeGeneres and Cedric The Entertainer will be taped at The Chicago Theatre. Other sites slated to be home to this year’s Festival include Rosemont Theatre, Park West, the Vic Theatre, Mayne Stage, Second City, The Red Bar Comedy Club and a roster of venues featuring grassroots programming.

For the Festival, TBS and Just For Laughs are also collaborating with the largest independent promoter in the United States, Chicago-based Jam Productions, LTD and Outback Concerts.

About the Just For Laughs Group

Founded in 1983, the Just For Laughs Group’s growth is concentrated on four major focal points: Festivals (in Montreal, Toronto, Chicago and Paris); television production (most notably Gags seen in 135 countries and on 95 airlines); live shows (Canadian tour dates for Jerry Seinfeld, Jeremy Hotz, John Pinette, Louis C.K., the Capital One Just For Laughs Comedy Tour, North American dates for Family Guy Live!, Arturo Brachetti’s show Change in London); and talent management. Its inaugural Montreal Festival 27 years ago is now the world's largest and most prestigious comedy event. The Group has offices in Montreal, Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto and London.

Sex & The City 2's Platinum Premiere

Actress Sarah Jessica Parker attends the premiere of 'Sex And The City 2' at Radio City Music Hall in New York on Monday, May 24, 2010. Parker sparkled in three platinum and diamond Art Deco bracelets by Fred Leighton at the highly anticipated premiere of “Sex & The City 2” in New York on May 24, 2010. Actress Alice Eve, who also stars in the movie, wore a pair of platinum and diamond bands with a ruby by Fred Leighton.

(Parker photo: AP Photo/Peter Kramer; Alice Eve photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Cliff Richard - Rare and Unseen

Cliff Richard "Rare and Unseen" takes an inside look at the talented, charismatic, singer-songwriter and actor who dominated the British popular music scene in the late 1950s and early 1960s, before and during The Beatles' first year in the charts. The DVD will be released 27 July 2010.

From his UK chart-topping successes to being a TV and film personality, Richard has certainly made his mark in the entertainment industry. He played, he recorded and conquered the planet for five decades - and he is the only artist to have had a number one single in the UK in five consecutive decades, doing so from the 1950s through to the 1990s.

This brand new DVD release is a collection of rare footage featuring original rare film and videos of the singer, newsreels and photographs from private collections.

Featuring:
· Newcastle City Hall religious special - Thought lost and now restored
· Russell Harty Interviews - Two in depth conversations with the much loved and missed 'King of ITV chat shows'
· London Tonight - Cliff on the top of a London bus, broadcast once on local TV News
· The Tube - Shown once and never repeated
· Meet the Public - Cliff Answers Questions
· Rock Gospel - Thought wiped, now found - the faith based rock show that rocked the Church
· Cliff and The Shadows interviewed on their Reunion Tour

Ian Dury - Rare and Unseen

In this edition, the British rock-n-roll singer, lyricist, bandleader and actor Ian Dury - the man who rose to fame during the late 1970s, during the punk and New Wave era of rock music. The DVD will be released 27 July 2010.

Best known as the founder and lead singer of his band Ian Dury and the Blockheads, he released a host of seminal songs - most notably "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll", "What A Waste" and the UK chart-topping single "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick". He toured extensively with his band over the years with the likes of Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe and Larry Wallis and released a dozen albums, with New Boots and Panties going platinum in 1977. After his death from liver cancer in 2000, Suggs, the singer with Madness, described him as "possibly the finest lyricist we've seen."

This brand new DVD release - to coincide with the 10th anniversary of Dury's death - is a collection of rare footage, featuring original film and videos of the singer, newsreels and photographs from private collections.

NOTE: The biopic Sex, Drugs & Rock & Roll was released in UK cinemas in January 2010, chronicling Dury's rise to fame, his battle with polio and the legacy he left behind. It's currently on-demand in the US.

Featuring:
· The earliest known TV performance from the London Programme 1976
· Three great interviews with much missed Mancunian Tony Wilson who died in 2007
· Final Richard and Judy interview and live performance restored for widescreen
· Includes EIGHT live musical performances with the Kilburns and the Blockheads: 'Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll', 'Sweet Gene Vincent', 'Upminster Kid', 'Rough Kids', 'Billy Bentley', 'England's Glory', 'Blockheads' and 'Geraldine'

She Plays Hockey
She Really Does

by Beth Zerilli
BeansTalk Canadian Correspondent

The fact that hockey is more popular in Canada than ever may not surprise you. But, what you might not expect is the increasing interest in girls’ hockey. In the U.S and Canada, more and more girls are taking the ice by storm. And as a result, two savvy Canadian hockey playing moms have designed a fun and functional sports wear line to celebrate.

Founded in Toronto in 2005, She Plays Hockey offers a feminine approach to a traditionally masculine sport. “We were tired of not being able to find clothing that represented the sport for girls," says Lori Nickerson co-founder of She Plays Hockey. "Sure, there were girls hockey shirts out there, but printed on men’s clothing and most of time the sayings were a bit vulgar.”

So with sayings like “Sugar and Spice, but Not On The Ice” and “You Only Wish You Could Play Like a Girl”, She Plays Hockey is taking girl power to a new level.

Made in Canada, She Plays Hockey offers a wide range of T-shirts, sweatpants, hats, bags and accessories. Cindy Nickerson, co-founder of She Plays Hockey boasts, “Our clothing comes in a variety of colors that will appeal to the princess or the tomboy in your family.”

She Plays Hockey is currently sold in the U.S by shopping online at sheplayshockey.com

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Julie Benz sparkled in platinum jewelry by Stephen Russell at the “2010 Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Hot Pink Party” in New York on April 27th. Benz wanted to incorporate pink into her jewelry, by accessorizing with a pair of kunzite earrings set in platinum. She also stacked vintage bracelets, and added a diamond ring.

Miss Marple Returns

Masterpiece Mystery: “Miss Marple, Series V: The Mirror Crack’d From Side to Side”

Acclaimed British actress Julia McKenzie (“Cranford”) stars as the beloved spinster sleuth Miss Marple in three new episodes of the popular Agatha Christie’s “Miss Marple” series. Alan Cumming hosts.

Synopsis: Hollywood glamour arrives in St. Mary Mead when a celebrated actress and her film director husband take up residence there. But when seemingly unconnected people are found poisoned soon after, Miss Marple must track down the killer and discover the reason behind the murders. Joanna Lumley (“Absolutely Fabulous”) and Lindsay Duncan (Alice in Wonderland) guest star. Airs 23 May 2010 from 9 to 10:30 p.m. on PBS

On 23 May, 2010, Nature looks at “Why We Love Cats and Dogs” An in-depth investigation into the great divide between dog lovers and cat lovers. Animal behaviorists, psychologists, trainers and devoted owners all weigh in. Nature: Why We Love Cats and Dogs, 23 May 2010 from 8 to 9 p.m. on PBS (Cooper, Merrick)

Arquette Teams With Satya
Jewelry for Haitian Relief

Satya Jewelry teamed with Patricia Arquette to offer a Hope, Love & Healing for Haiti necklace, donating 100% of the proceeds to Arquette's charity, Give Love (www.givelove.org), which is supporting ongoing relief efforts in Haiti*.

"We share Patricia's passion for this cause and we're thrilled to be working with her," said Satya Scainetti, co-founder of Satya Jewelry. "We simply cannot forget what has happened in Haiti and the tragedy affecting these innocent children and the beautiful people of Haiti."

To help raise funds for Haiti, Satya designed a sterling silver triple pendant necklace - with hope and heart pendants, and a turquoise stone - strung to an 18-inch, silver chain. Turquoise is the stone of healing.

"All of us at Give Love are very grateful to be partnering with Satya Jewelry. The Hope, Love & Healing necklace is the perfect embodiment of what we are trying to bring to Haiti: Hope through safe and sustainable housing, sanitation solutions, and water filtration devises. Our long term hope is that we can create replicable models that can be used in underdeveloped area all over the world" Thank you Satya Jewelry and your customers for your beautiful craftsmanship and your open hearts!" says Patricia Arquette.


To initiate this endeavor, the company donated $20,000 in March to Give Love (http://www.givelove.org/), through the Satya Foundation. Satya Jewelry will continue to raise money in the months to come.100% of the proceeds from the Hope, Love & Healing for Haiti necklace will go toward Haitian relief via Give Love (www.givelove.org). The necklace costs $38 dollars and is available on the Satya Jewelry website, http://satyajewelry.com, and in all Satya jewelry stores. Let this charming and powerful necklace be your inspiration to be part of this vital life-saving project for Haitian citizens.

About Satya Jewelry

Satya Scainetti and Beth Torstrick Ward founded Satya Jewelry in 2002, creating an utterly unique yoga-inspired jewelry line (www.satyajewelry.com). Shortly thereafter, an appearance on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy garnered them national interest, and over the next four years they would open six jewelry boutiques and a home-decor store. Satya also creates unique jewelry designs for Sundance Catalog, MOMA New York and Japan, and has 260 wholesale customers around the world. A percentage of all Satya sales goes to the company's 501(c) 3 organization, The Satya Foundation, which supports various children's organizations around the world. New York-based Satya Jewelry has been worn by celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Rachel Bilson, Courteney Cox, and Susan Sarandon.

Satya Jewelry's locations are in the West Village (330 Bleecker Street NYC), Upper West Side (2265 Broadway NYC), Upper East Side (946 Lexington Avenue NYC), Columbus Circle (Time Warner Center NYC), New Jersey (Mall at Short Hills) and London (28 Henrietta Street). satyajewelry.com

David Boreanaz wore a navy pinstripe John Varvatos two button suit and white dress shirt to the US Weekly Hot Hollywood Style Issue Celebration held at Drai's Hollywood at the W Hotel on April 22, 2010 in Hollywood, CA. David Boreanaz with his wife Jaime Bergman Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Chris Noth wore a John Varvatos Collection tuxedo with satin lapel, white tuxedo shirt and custom made bowtie to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala Benefit in NYC on May 3rd, 2010.

Casey Affleck wore a John Varvatos Collection black slim-notch lapel suit, white dress shirt and skinny tie to the premiere of "The Killer Inside Me" at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival in NYC on April 27th, 2010. REUTERS/Natalie Behring

Amy Adams Cute as a
Junebug in Pea in the Pod

Oscar nominated actress Amy Adams was spotted out and about in Los Angeles wearing a black/white short sleeve crochet maternity tunic from A Pea in the Pod Collection.

A favorite among Hollywood’s celebrity moms-to-be, A Pea in the Pod Collection has been worn by Heidi Klum, Nicole Richie, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Rebecca Romijn, Jessica Alba, Naomi Watts, Salma Hayek, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Cate Blanchett and more. A Pea in the Pod styles can be found in all A Pea in the Pod and Destination Maternity stores. For the nearest store 1-877-APEAPOD or visit www.apeainthepod.com or www.destinationmaternity.com.

TCM Sked Second Classic Film Fest

Turner Classic Movies (TCM), which successfully staged its first TCM Classic Film Festival will hold a second edition of the festival, in Spring 2011.

TCM primetime host Robert Osborne revealed the network’s plans, prior to the North American premiere of the restored Metropolis (1927). “It’s been a thrill for all of us at TCM that our first classic film festival has been such a success, so we’re definitely going to do it again,” said Osborne, the official host of the festival. “It’s been great fun bringing together so many legendary stars and movie fans in a place where they could interact and, at the same time, see great films. To paraphrase Bogart in Casablanca, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful tradition.”



The first TCM Classic Film Festival proved to be a destination event, with attendees traveling from 45 states and 10 countries and territories, including Italy, Romania, Argentina and Guam. The four-day event included screenings of more than 50 films, celebrity appearances, panel discussions and more. It also provided movie fans with a rare opportunity to experience some of cinema’s greatest works as they were meant to be seen – on the big screen.



The stars who appeared at the festival included Mel Brooks, Luise Rainer, Ernest Borgnine, Alec Baldwin, Eva Marie Saint, Tony Curtis, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Martin Landau, Anjelica Huston, Danny Huston, Buck Henry, Eli Wallach, Esther Williams, Betty Garrett, Peter Bogdanovich, Stanley Donen, Norman Lloyd, Nancy Olson, Tim Roth, Illeana Douglas, Tab Hunter, Susan Kohner, Juanita Moore, Darryl Hickman, Curtis Hanson, John Badham, Richard Rush and special effects artist Douglas Trumbull.



The festival also featured numerous restored films, including the opening-night event, the world premiere of the restored A Star Is Born (1954).



“The TCM Classic Film Festival was a powerful reminder that TCM truly is the leading authority on classic film,” said Dennis Adamovich, senior vice president of brand and digital activation/general manager of festivals for TCM, TBS and TNT.



TCM built up to the TCM Classic Film Festival with a set of five local events. Attended by enthusiastic fans, the pre-festival Road to Hollywood celebrations featured free screenings in New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., with appearances by TCM host Robert Osborne, weekend daytime host Ben Mankiewicz, Oscar®-winning actress Eva Marie Saint, filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch and others.



Not only was the TCM Classic Film Festival a successful live event, it also provided TCM with abundant video pieces with stars that will be featured on-air throughout the year. In addition, TCM scheduled an on-air festival to coincide with the Hollywood event, covering many of the themes featured during the festival.



Turner Classic Movies is a Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world. Currently seen in 85 million homes, TCM features the insights of veteran primetime host Robert Osborne and weekend daytime host Ben Mankiewicz, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests. As the foremost authority in classic films, TCM offers critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, along with regular programming events that include The Essentials, 31 Days of Oscar and Summer Under the Stars. TCM also stages special events and screenings, such as the TCM Classic Film Festival; produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs; and hosts a wealth of materials at its Web site, www.tcm.com. TCM is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company.

Michelle Williams wore Sage, a draped sleeve bias cut black gown with unfinished hem by GRAI by Maya Yogev to the Opening Night of 'Chicago' At The Pantages Theater April 21, 2010 in Los Angeles. (© Angela Weiss/Getty Images Courtesy Broadway LAt.)

Glee-ful Engagement

Glee’s Jane Lynch has been spotted on the red carpet wearing a sparkling platinum and diamond engagement ring by Doyle & Doyle. Fiancee Lara Embry selected the ring and chose the same one for herself. Lynch mentioned that the ring’s design is original to their store. The “Crossover Twist” platinum and diamond ring features 0.35 carats of diamonds and retails for $2,250.

Platinum hold diamonds more securely than other precious metals, and it’s also extremely durable, so it can withstand active lifestyles without fading or tarnishing. Platinum engagement rings start at $1,500 from a variety of designers. For more information, www.preciousplatinum.com.

In September of 1938, people in New England found themselves, virtually without warning, in the midst of the most devastating storm ever recorded in North America. The Hurricane of '38: American Experience, airs 17 May 2010 from 9 to 10 p.m. on PBS. (Leslie Jones / AP/Boston Public Library A damaged ferry boat sits in shallow water in Providence, R.I., following the deadly hurricane of 1938 that hit the Northeas)

Sex And The City + Swarovski =
Sparkling Collaboration

Continuing a long-standing relationship, Sex And The City and Swarovski, the crystal manufacturer, joined forces for New Line Cinema’s, Home Box Office’s and Village Roadshow’s Sex And The City 2, from Warner Bros. Pictures, opening in theaters beginning Thursday, May 27. The sequel reunites Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon in their starring roles as Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda.

More than 800 Swarovski boutiques worldwide will transform their windows and allow customers to accessorize in the style of their favorite character from the film. Sex And The City 2 content can be found on Swarovski.com.

Swarovski is featured throughout Sex And The City 2, in Carrie’s closet, setting the scene with Crystalline glasses and light from Swarovski Crystal Palace chandeliers on the movie’s sets. Swarovski's swan logo graces a red carpet scene.

“It is an honor to be involved in one of the most anticipated movies of 2010. Swarovski is the perfect fit for the fabulous foursome and represents everything the movie evokes: fashion, glamour, femininity and a strong sense of personal style,” says Nadja Swarovski, Vice President, International Communication, Swarovski.

Patricia Field, costume designer for the film, says, “Swarovski is great for me on many levels. I love anything that reflects the light and makes everything sparkle. I use Swarovski a lot.”

Japan's Secret Wilderness

Beyond the densely populated megacities and futuristic technology of modern Japan lies a vast and little known wilderness. From secluded subtropical islands to snow covered mountains, Japan has many natural secrets to explore. Ten years ago writer, naturalist and explorer Steve Backhall spent a year living and working in Japan, but he never made it out of the city. Now he returns, determined to explore the wilder side of this incredible country. Steve Backhall takes you away to this magnificent secret wilderness filled with adventure, stunning scenery and incredible wildlife encounters.

Secret Wilderness: Japan premieres May 23, 6:00p.m. ET/PT on BBC America

Gavin and Stacey Season 3 Premiere

Multi-award winning hit comedy Gavin & Stacey returns with more heart-warming and hilarious moments in the tangled lives of four young people and their friends and family. Having followed the ups and downs of Gavin (Mathew Horne) and Stacey’s (Joanna Page) marriage and the less overtly romantic relationship between their best friends, Smithy (James Corden) and Nessa (Ruth Jones), audiences are clamoring to find out what is next for their favorite foursome. As Gavin starts his new job, the move to Barry Island means big changes for the whole family. Gavin’s parents, Pam and Mick have to adjust to an empty nest while Stacey’s mom, Gwen has a full house again. Stacey is in her element, but will this finally be the solution to the couple’s long-distance problem? And how will Gavin take to living in Wales? Meanwhile Smithy questions their friendship, along with his own role as a father – and with Dave Coaches on the scene and now engaged to Nessa, will Smithy find himself pushed out of the frame? How will life in a caravan work out for Nessa and her soon-to-be husband Dave? Despite the distance between Essex and Wales, there are plenty of opportunities for the English and Welsh families and friends to get together, and share some fun when they do. But as with any extended family, living in different parts of the country, separated by a long bridge and a toll gate, there are always a few unwanted complications…and a couple of surprises no one could ever have predicted.

Gavin & Stacey Season Three premieres Friday, May 14, 9:00p.m. ET/PT on BBC America

Bent on Learning Benefit
sponsored by alice + olivia

Bent on Learning celebrated its 2nd annual benefit with cocktails, dinner and special performances by The Ghost of the Saber Toothed Tiger (Sean Lennon, Charlotte Kemp Muhl), Domino, Mia Moretti and Caitlin Moe to raise funds and awareness for the program.


Guests included Madonna, Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon , Gwyneth Paltrow, Heather Graham, Donna Karan, Russell Simmons, Byrdie Bell, Hilary Rhoda, Sean Lennon, Kelly Bensimon, Krysten Ritter, Russell James, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, Fisher Stevens, The Beastie Boys’ Mike Diamond, Tracy Anderson, Mick Rock, Ric Pipino, Melissa George, Julian Schnabel, Vito Schnabel, Eddie Stern, Stacey Bendet Eisner and Eric Eisner.

Bent on Learning is the non-profit organization that works to improve the physical fitness and the cognitive, social and emotional skills of New York City public school children by providing regular instruction in yoga and meditation. For the past nine years, Bent on Learning has reached over 8000 students, whose schools have eliminated physical education programs and lack access to a gym or gym equipment.

Bent on Learning continues their mission to keep kids happy, healthy and active by bringing yoga to classrooms in Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx.

Guests were served specialty cocktails including:


OHM-tini
1 1/2 oz. Akvinta Vodka
3 oz. Grapefruit Juice
Splash Triple Sec

Zen Xanté
1 ½ oz. Xanté
1/3 oz. lime juice
Sprite/ 7 UP

Downward DOBEL
Classic Margarita
1 ½ oz. Maestro DOBEL Tequila
½ oz premium triple sec
1 oz lime juice

All Eyes Are On Her

The now single Halle Berry wearing the "Meret" sunglasses by Sama Sahara Collection and a Victorian Leather Jacket by GRAI by Maya Yogev leaving her hotel in NYC, Friday April 30th 2010. Although Berry's breakup with model (and baby daddy) Gabriel Aubrey was recently announced publicly, reports say the couple split several weeks ago. They will share custody of their two-year-old daughter, Nahla. (Berry seen above in an image sent to us by the companies' reps, from JustJared.com)

Kylie Minogue's Latest

Kylie Minogue returns this summer with her brand new album Aphrodite, to be released in the U.S. on July 6, 2010 (Note: BeansTalk's CEO's National Holiday) by EMI’s Astralwerks Records. The album’s first single “All The Lovers” will be available on June 29, 2010.

Minogue celebrates her dance-floor roots and features Stuart Price as Executive Producer. The list of songwriters includes Kylie, Stuart Price, Calvin Harris, the Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears, Nerina Pallot, NERVO and Keane’s Tim Rice-Oxley.

“The single was one of the last tracks to be written for the album,” says Minogue. “As I was recording it I knew that ‘All The Lovers’ had to be the first single; it sums up the euphoria of the album perfectly. It gives me goose-bumps, so I’m really excited to hear what everyone thinks of it”.

Stuart Price, who mixed the track and was Executive Producer on the album says: “‘All The Lovers’ is a magical song and sums up everything that the album is: Kylie doing pop dance music at her best. When you look in your mind’s eye at everything Kylie is, it’s on this record”.

In the Fall of 2009 Minogue sold out her first ever North American tour. The six-city tour kicked off in Oakland and made stops in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto and New York. Entertainment Weekly called the show a “two-hour post-disco fantasia of strobe, bass, and glitter—an all-out spectacle.” The New York Times claimed “The concert (was) efficient, clobbering, expensive, generous…close to an alternate reality.” Kylie treated her U.S. fans with a new song “Better Than Today” which she played for the first time during the tour.

Over the course of her 20-plus-year-career, Minogue has been a global force in pop music and has sold more than 60 million albums sold worldwide, has had 50 hit singles including the U.S. Billboard dance-chart toppers “Can’t Get You Our of My Head,” “Love At First Sight,” “Slow,” and the Grammy-Award winning “Come Into My World.” She has received awards including an OBE from the Queen, eight sold-out world tours including the KylieX2008 tour which traveled to 21 countries throughout Europe, South America, Dubai, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. Minogue has released ten studio albums, three live CDs, eight live concert DVD’s, plus her Greatest Hits, Ultimate Kylie double album and Boombox The Remix Album 2000-2008.

Minogue has her own bed linen line “Kylie at Home” and has released six fragrances, the latest “Couture” for women and “Inverse” for men.

For more on Kylie Minogue, including news updates, photos, streaming audio and video, and downloads, please visit www.kylie.com. Follow Kylie on twitter at www.twitter.com/kylieminogue