Designer Vince Camuto and Guest at the Foundation Fighting Blindness Dining in the Dark event.

(Photographer: Kelly Sheehan)

The Fashion Ball: Dining in the Dark
Celebrates Fashion Visionaries, 

Benefits Foundation Fighting Blindness

WHO:                                       Visionary Award honorees Rick Darling, President of the world’s leading consumer goods supply chain management company, LF USA, and esteemed fashion executive Jill Granoff; Committee Chair Evan Mittman, Designer Vince Camuto, CEO of Lord and Taylor Brendan Hoffman, Cosmetic Executive Carlotta Jacobson, President of Licensing at Jones Apparel Group Mary Belle, CEO B&G Plastics Chet Kolton, Principal of Deloitte Consulting Mitch Katcher, and President of Schifter + Partners Tim Schifter.
         
WHAT:                                      The Foundation Fighting Blindness hosted THE FASHION BALL: DINING IN THE DARK on May 25th at the Ritz Carlton Battery Park to honor fashion visionaries who have supported the organization’s urgent mission to drive research that will lead to preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases.

                                    Dining in the Dark was a rare and unique sensory adventure that took guests on a journey of taste, smell, sound and touch…all in the dark. For about 30 minutes, attendees enjoyed their entrée using only these senses, to get a glimpse into the lives of the blind. Visually impaired servers, who were trained specifically for the dinner to use a system of ropes and stanchions, helped guests navigate through this new experience.  It served as a memorable backdrop as the Foundation Fighting Blindness honored extraordinary individuals who made a lasting impression on the fashion community and on the lives of more than 10 million Americans living with blinding retinal diseases.

                                     “Dining in the Dark truly heightens awareness about the challenges visually impaired individuals experience every day,” said Foundation Fighting Blindness CEO Bill Schmidt. “We’re thrilled to recognize the contributions of these fashion industry leaders as we come together to support promising research to ensure brighter futures for people living in darkness.”

                                    Guests also enjoyed the musical entertainment of Los Gatos del Barrio, a New York based Latino band of legally blind musician.

Over the last 40 years, the Foundation Fighting Blindness has honored the Honorable Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Steve Wynn, Lee Iacocca, J. Willard Marriot, Jr. and Ross & Margot Perot.

WHEN:                                     Wednesday, May 25, 2011

WHERE:                       Ritz Carlton Battery Park New York City

Remembering: Memorial Day from BeansTalk!

Flower Power

The Floral Flip-Flop: Perfect for This Summer

GUESS by Marciano Women's Banks Thong Sandal
Bank on this sandal for fun style that's extra easy to wear. The low heel is gentle on your stride, while a floral accent of mixed materials brings the right amount of femininity.
materials:
    •    Leather upper
    •    Manmade sole
measurements:
    •    Heel measures approximately 1/4"
country of origin:
    •    China

$60 sale Endless.com

Clarks Women's Brisk Pixie Thong Sandal
You can bring a bit of spring to both your style and your step with the Brisk Pixie thong from Clarks. A pair of soft leather flowers will add whimsy and charm to any casual outfit, while its cushioned footbed and flexible sole make it as comfy as it is sweet.
materials:
    •    Leather upper
    •    Manmade sole
measurements:
    •    Heel measures approximately 1"
    •    Platform measures approximately 1/2"
country of origin:
    •    China
$70 Endless

Nara Shoes Women's 41335 Thong Sandal
Crumpled leather creates a festive floral look on the vamp of this thong-style from Nara. Comfy too, the sandal features a smooth leather-lined footbed and soft, flexible toe post to help minimize the irritation. The paper-thin sole and barely-there heel give it a barefoot-like feel, making it an easy and stylish accompaniment to the current boho and gypsy trend.
materials:
    •    Leather upper
    •    Leather sole
measurements:
    •    Heel measures approximately 1/8"
country of origin:
    •    Italy
$78 Endless.com

Pierre Dumas Women's Lorna-1 Open-Toe Sandal
Add a little Hawaiian flavor to your look with this lovely lei-inspired design from Pierre Dumas. Crafted from soft, synthetic leather, the flower-topped Lorna-1 sandal is accented with sparkly faux gem details and equipped with a wrapped and rounded thong post that goes easy on the toes. The footbed is slightly padded for comfort, while the rubber heel and sole lend added shock absorbency, traction and durability.
materials:
    •    Synthetic upper
    •    Synthetic lining
    •    Manmade sole
measurements:
    •    Heel measures approximately 1/2"
$25 Endless.com

Wild Diva Women's Sienna-05 Thong Sandal
Add some flower power to your warm-weather looks in the Sienna-05 sandal from Wild Diva. The thong-style upper features pretty floral detailing with rhinestone accents but leaves plenty of skin exposed, while a bit of a wedge heel gives you a luscious lift. So this minimalist shoe makes a big statement every time you wear it—especially when paired with shorts, denim or a bohemian-inspired summer dress
materials:
    •    Synthetic upper
    •    Rubber sole
measurements:
    •    Heel measures approximately 3/4"
country of origin:
    •    China

$31.50 Endless.com

Diba Women's Vix Inn Thong Sandal
Playful, fun and vibrant are the best words to describe the Vixx Inn by Diba. This thong sandal offers a flower-detailed leather upper that provides the perfect accent and texture to your overall look. Pair this sandal staple with a fitted tank top and full, flowy skirt.
materials:
    •    Leather upper
    •    Manmade sole
measurements:
    •    Heel measures approximately 0.5"
$69 Endless.com

Kate Spade New York Women's Beau Thong Sandal
Add some flower power to your warm-weather wardrobe with Kate Spade's Beau. This flirty, fun sandal features a casual rubber upper with an oversized floral accent. Whether you're at Palm Beach, the pool, or just out running errands, you'll look sweet and sassy with every step.
materials:
    •    Synthetic upper
    •    Rubber sole
measurements:
    •    Heel measures approximately 1/2"
country of origin:
    •    China
$75 Endless.com

Chocolat Blu Women's Flora Flower Sandal
Put a little spring in your step when you don the Flora Flower sandal from Chocolat Blu. We love this sun-kissed thong with frocks, skirts, and shorts, anything that'll show off its fabulous blossoms. Leather construction keeps the look on the refined side, while a slim heel adds walking comfort.
materials:
    •    Leather upper
    •    Manmade sole
measurements:
    •    Heel measures approximately 1/2"
country of origin:
    •    Italy
$60 sale Endless.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors Women's Astor Flower Flat Thong Sandal
Warm-weather style is in bloom with the Astor sandal from MICHAEL Michael Kors. The leather upper features a layered floral motif that's toughened up with cools studs and contrast stitching. Meanwhile, its leather footbed and outsole make for a breathably smooth ride.
materials:
    •    Leather upper
    •    Leather sole
measurements:
    •    Heel measures approximately 1/2"
country of origin:
    •    China
$60.50 Endless.com

Nomad Women's Salsa Thong Sandal
Cute, comfortable and fun to wear, this festive little flower-topped flip flop is perfect for beach trips, barbecues and days off at the park. Textured bumps on the footbed provide a nice massage effect, while the rubber sole lends grip poolside and beyond.
materials:
    •    Synthetic upper
    •    Rubber sole
measurements:
    •    Heel measures approximately 1/2"
country of origin:
    •    China
$28 Endless.com

BCBGeneration Women's Gilda Thong Sandal
When can you call a flip flop fantastic? When it sports the kind of sassy style you’ll find all over the Gilda sandal from BCBGeneration. The upper boasts the classic v-strapping and toe-bar, but it’s all made of jelly rubber and topped off with a rubber flower glimmering at the center with a crystallized logo. We also adore the cushy and cute animal-print footbed.
materials:
    •    Rubber upper
    •    Synthetic lining
    •    Manmade sole
measurements:
    •    Heel measures approximately 0.75"
    •    Platform measures approximately 0.5"
country of origin:
    •    China
$24 Endless.com

ECCO Women's Groove Flower Thong Sandal
With an alluring femininity and easy-wearing silhouette, this sandal helps get things into a Groove. This leather thong sandal's flower appliqué blossoms with sundresses and shorts, and the perforated insole and shaped outsole keep you feeling fresh on your feet even as the temperature climbs.
materials:
    •    Leather upper
    •    Rubber sole
measurements:
    •    Heel measures approximately 1"
country of origin:
    •    Indonesia
$110 Endless.com

If Carrini flower around flip flop
The Flower Around Flip Flop by If Carrini features:
    •    Floral design on thong with over-sized jewel embellishments
    •    Flat rubber sole
$21 drjays.com

Sofft Floria
Smell the roses in fashion with the Floria thong sandal from Söfft.
Soft nappa or metallic foil leather uppers with a beautiful oversized flower embellishment at the instep.
Leather-lined footbed and sock liner promotes breathability to give you a healthy, dry foot.
Leawood stacked heel with lightweight polyurethane outsole for increased durability and traction control.
Heel Height: 1 in
$80 Zappos

Nina Hilaria
Satin upper with rosette embellishments.
Lightly cushioned footbed.
Rubber sole.
Heel Height: 1 1⁄2 in
Platform Height: 3⁄4 in
$40 Zappos

Earth Rose
Embrace the spirit of spring and soothe your feet in the radiant Rose thong sandal from Earth®.
Smooth, soft leather upper with decorative floral accent for feminine flair.
Reinforced support through the arch enhances the effectiveness of the heel design and promotes a natural walking motion.
Form-fitting footbed with Biofoam™ cushioning displaces and absorbs shock with each step to provide exceptional comfort.
Kalsø® Negative Heel Technology® subtly shifts weight over the heels to help strengthen and tone the body.
Textured synthetic outsole delivers durability and traction.
$89 Zappos

Nine West Romantic
Thong-style construction with rounded toe post.
Leather upper with flower detail at vamp.
Man-made lining.
Lightly cushioned man-made footbed.
Man-made sole.
Heel Height: 1⁄2 in
$48 Zappos

Calvin Klein Jade
Patent leather upper.
Fabric floral embellishment.
Man-made sole.
Heel Height: 1⁄2 in
$39 Zappos

Orthaheel Lori Flower Flip Flop

Faux leather upper accented with tonal stitching and floral decoration for a hint of femininity.
Lightweight flip-flop silhouette with a soft woven toe post for all-day comfort.
Podiatrist-designed, biomechanical Tri-planar Motion Control footbed with arch support and deep heel cup to stabilize and realign the feet back to their natural position.
Lightweight, medium-density EVA midsole absorbs shock and reduces fatigue to give your feet the relief they need.
Faux rattan-covered footbed provides added style to enhance your summer wardrobe.
TPR outsole with wave-patterned tread offers durable traction for sure-footing walking.
Care: Wipe off with damp cloth and air dry.
Clinically proven to help relieve common causes of heel pain and knee pain, related to over pronation and flat feet.
Received APMA Seal of Acceptance. Click here to view Seal.
Click here for a visual display on how the Orthaheel product can align your foot and leg.
$65 Zappos

COACH OCTAVIA SANDAL
A pretty, petal-trimmed flat with the soft shimmer of crinkled patent leather.
    •    Patent leather upper/rubber sole
    •    Imported
    •    COACH items do not qualify for free shipping
$70 on sale Nordstrom

Badgley Mischka 'Isabel' Rosette Sandal
An artfully crafted, tonal rosette tops a beautifully bare sandal shaped from textured grosgrain.
    •    Textile upper and lining/leather sole.
    •    By Badgley Mischka; imported.
    •    Salon Shoes.
$110 Nordstrom

Kork-Ease 'Carrie' Sandal
A perky posy fashioned from soft, ruffled leather fronts a comfort-minded flip-flop with a molded footbed for superior support.
    •    Leather upper and lining/rubber sole.
    •    By Kork-Ease; imported.
    •    Women's Shoes.
$135 Nordstrom

FitFlop 'Frou' Sandal
Folded ruffles frill a comfy suede thong sandal. Special multidensity midsole with Microwobbleboard™ technology stimulates your leg muscles as you walk, giving you a mini workout in every step.
    •    Approx. heel height: 1 1/2" with 1" platform.
    •    Suede upper/textile lining/rubber sole.
    •    By FitFlop; imported.
    •    Women's Shoes.
$80 Nordstrom

Naughty Monkey 'C3T0' Sandal
Round beads and stone flowers adorn the straps of a bare flip-flop grounded by a smooth leather footbed.
    •    Leather upper, lining and sole.
    •    By Naughty Monkey; imported.
    •    BP. Shoes.
$60 Nordstrom

22Q at the Zoo
Raises Awareness for
DiGeorge Syndrome

L-R: David Yang, Annabelle Nash, Cecily Manson, writer Elizabeth Vidar, Dr. Pedro Sanchez

by Elizabeth Vidar
(Special to BeansTalk)
Founder and President
Zoo Magnet Community Outreach Club



When a family hears the news that their child has a little-known chromosomal deletion syndrome, the last thing they want to be is alone.

On Sunday morning, zoos all over the world celebrated "22Q at the Zoo," an awareness day for 22Q Deletion, more commonly known as DiGeorge Syndrome.

The syndrome is caused by a missing section of chromosome 22, a disorder which is present from the time of conception. 22Q Deletion can lead to many problems including cleft palate, heart defects, kidney problems, hearing loss, and developmental delays.

Dr. Pedro Sanchez, MD, Pediatric Clinical Geneticist at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and USC, took organizing the event at the Los Angeles Zoo into his own hands, inviting over 30 families to attend.

Children of varying ages and their families arrived at the zoo with smiles on their faces, and were given the opportunity to meet families going through the same thing that they are.

One family I spoke to had never been to the Zoo. Their little boy was ecstatic to see the zebras. Not only were these families given the opportunity to meet each other, they were also able to inform the public about 22Q Deletion Syndrome. Equipped with “Ask Me About 22Q” pins, and flyers with facts about the syndrome, families and volunteers spread awareness about this surprisingly common syndrome.

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Foundation
http://22q.org/overview.php


The International 22q11.2 Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/22QFoundation

(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Actress Angelina Jolie poses alone and with partner, actor Brad Pitt at the premiere of "The Tree of Life" at LACMA in Los Angeles May 24, 2011. The movie opens limitedly in the U.S. on May 27. Jolie wore a gown by Jenny Packham. The beautiful actress selected a poppy one shoulder silk chiffon draped gown with a velvet waistband from the British designer. Jolie also wore nude satin HITURN platforms by Stuart Weitzman. 

Nicole Kidman's Pretty 'Do

Kidman's Billboard Braid

Celebrity Hairstylist David Babaii for 

Couture Colour Designs bohemaian 

braid for Nicole Kidman at the 

2011 Billboard Music Awards

To achieve: David always begins every red carpet look with clean hair followed by applying Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment (now available at www.sephora.com ) to the entire head. (Pequi Oil is derived from the Pequi fruit, known for centuries as the beauty secret of the Amazon Rainforest.) The formula absorbs instantly and gives the hair a natural luster and shine.  Once applied to Nicole’s hair, then parted the hair in the left and rough dried the hair. He used a one inch curling iron on the bangs, he continuously wrapped and released each strand, very quickly and then pulling on the ends to create more of a wave than a full curl. He rotated the curling iron in multiple directions to add dimension.  He then took the hair to the right side and created a long side braid.  After he was done, he applied an additional bit of the Pequi Oil Treatment from the part of the hair to mid-length to smooth the hair and prevent flyaway’s.

To get Nicole’s beautiful auburn colour hair, David Babaii also recommends Couture Colour Luxe Blend Crème Colour Hair Colour in Auburn, for a multidimensional red that lasts.

Availability: Couture Colour Pequi Oil™ Treatment is $32 and Couture Colour Luxe Blend Crème Colour Hair Colour in Auburn is $30 both are available on WWW.COUTURECOLOUR.COM or WWW.SEPHORA.COM

Oscar-Winning Actor's Debut Album

Jeff Bridges' Debut Album
(Yes, That Jeff Bridges)

Collaborates with T-Bone Burnett

 BeansTalk Note: Jeff Bridges is one our top two all-time favorite interviews. It's stunning how normal and nice he is!

An Oscar-winner for his portrayal of a grizzled former country music legend in the 2009 film Crazy Heart, actor, songwriter, and musician Jeff Bridges will release his self-titled major-label debut album on August 16th, 2011, on Blue Note Records. The album is being produced by Bridges’ Crazy Heart collaborator, the multiple-Grammy Award-winning songwriter, musician, and producer T Bone Burnett. It is an organic extension and culmination of his personal, professional, and now musical friendship with Burnett, whom he has known for more than 30 years.

Recorded in Los Angeles and Brooklyn, NY, Jeff Bridges features material by a host of world-class songwriters, including Burnett’s Crazy Heart collaborators the late Stephen Bruton (“What A Little Bit of Love Can Do,” “Nothing Yet”) and John Goodwin (“Maybe I Missed The Point,” “Everything But Love,” “The Quest”), Greg Brown (“Blue Car”), and Bo Ramsay (“Either Way”).

The album also features several of Bridges’ own compositions, including “Falling Short,” “Tumbling Vine,” I Will Wait” (which he wrote with Burnett and John Goodwin) and “Slow Boat” (which he wrote with Burnett and Thomas Cobb). To perform the songs, Burnett assembled a number of his key repertory players, including keyboardist Keefus Ciancia, guitarist Mark Ribot, bassist Dennis Crouch, pedal-steel guitarist Russ Pahl, and drummer Jay Bellerose, as well as guest vocalists Rosanne Cash, Ryan Bingham, Sam Phillips, and Benji Hughes.

Bridges and Burnett, who is known for his work with Allison Krauss and Robert Plant, Elton John and Leon Russell, and the Grammy-winning soundtracks to O Brother, Where Are Thou?, and Walk the Line, met in 1980 when Kris Kristofferson introduced them during the filming of the motion picture Heaven’s Gate. The relationship has continued over the years as Burnett selected the songs that appeared on the soundtrack to the 1998 film The Big Lebowski, starring Bridges, as well as co-wrote several songs for the soundtrack to Crazy Heart, including “The Weary Kind,” which earned Burnett his second Oscar nomination and first win for “Best Original Song,” along with Bingham, who also took home an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy Award for co-writing “The Weary Kind.”

Bridges currently appears on the cover of Esquire Magazine’s music issue.

The track-listing for Jeff Bridges is as follows:
“What A Little Bit Of Love Can Do”
“I Will Wait”
“Falling Short”
“Maybe I Missed The Point”
“Tumbling Vine”
“Nothing Yet”
“Blue Car”
“Slow Boat”
“Either Way”
“Everything But Love”
“The Quest”

Masterpiece Theater: New Poirot

Masterpiece Theater

PBS will offer up three new Poirot's starting on 19 June 2011, starting with:

“Poirot XI: Three Act Tragedy”
Poirot (David Suchet) visits his friend Sir Charles Cartwright (Martin Shaw, “Cranford”), who hosts a cocktail party at his home where a local reverend chokes to death. Murder seems impossible, but when a second guest dies under similar circumstances, the Belgian sleuth investigates further. Art Malik (“Upstairs Downstairs”) and Kate Ashfield (“Collision”) co-star.

Check local listings for day/time. 

Lively (r) in a Jenny Packham dress. Photo courtesy of The CW.

The Jenny Packam gown Lively wore on the season finale of "Gossip Girl"

Blake Lively’s character, Serena Van der Woodsen, wore Jenny Packham on the season finale episode of ‘Gossip Girl’. Lively selected a coral silk chiffon draped front gown with crystal details by the British designer.