Manolo Blahnik Sedarby Zebra-Print d'Orsay
• Black/white zebra-print linen.
• Gathered vamp with bejeweled ring.
• 4 1/10" covered heel.
• "Sedarby" is made in Italy. $675.00
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Monday, April 07, 2008
TCM’s Marathon of Heston Films
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will honor the life and career of legendary actor Charlton Heston, who died Sunday at the age of 84. This Friday, April 11, the network will present a 15-hour marathon of memorable Heston performances, including his Oscar®-winning role in Ben-Hur (1959). Also featured will be two opportunities to watch an in-depth conversation between Heston and TCM host Robert Osborne in the TCM original special Private Screenings: Charlton Heston.
“Charlton Heston was a towering man both in person and on screen,” said Osborne. “He was also one of the nicest, most courteous gentlemen I ever met. He will forever stand tall among those rare few we know as genuine Movie Stars.”
The following is a complete schedule of TCM’s April 11 tribute to Charlton Heston:
2:30 p.m. Private Screenings: Charlton Heston
3:30 p.m. The Buccaneer (1958) – co-starring Yul Brynner and Claire Bloom.
5:30 p.m. The Hawaiians (1970) – co-starring Geraldine Chaplin and John Philip Law.
8 p.m. Private Screenings: Charlton Heston
9 p.m. Ben-Hur (1959) – co-starring Jack Hawkins and Stephen Boyd. (image above)
1 a.m. Khartoum (1966) – co-starring Lawrence Olivier and Richard Johnson.
3:30 a.m. Major Dundee (1965) – co-starring Richard Harris, Jim Hutton and James Coburn.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Pa-tou-tou’s Debut
Pa-tou-tou’s debut collection, “Glamour Mix,” draws inspiration from the confident, bold and polished interiors of the Hollywood Regency style. The debut collection features 11 shapes – strong, clean forms with a modern mix of saturated color, pattern, and unexpected fabrications.
It began with the glamorous notion that when accompanied by a gleaming accessory, a woman can create a regal entrance no matter what door she is walking through, at any time, on any day. Strong silhouettes, bits of sparkle and simple palettes create this allure, always perfectly radiant and easy to read. This is the essence of Pa-tou-tou’s first eye-dancing collection.
The opulent and sleek characteristic of metal mesh is at its most restrained and chic on the clean profile of box bags and trapeze totes. Animals are never too far away from our glamour girl, and this season, an oversized giraffe pattern is given a lustrous treatment, screened onto mesh in crème and black. On the clean shapes, the effect is chic and effortless.
Emotive hues loved for their ability to pack a punch, such as Parrot Green, Dahlia Pink and Heliotrope, have a subtle intensity and surface sheen on the clean profiles of hand-held bags, while polished feminine patent and satin bags have their drama lifted through well-placed and unexpected details.
Spirited geometric patterns dance on blast-from-the-past bamboo handle totes… pleasurable jolts of citrus colors on tactile canvas form the ground for bold pattern play with slick patent striping on a deliciously fun, easy-to-pack-and-jet-away shape.
A generous, lighthearted, convertible pool tote glows like a sunny day in shining PVC colors. Ornamental motifs and classic all-over patterns vibrate, layered with classic black-and-white detail designed for everyday glamour.
Silhouettes: Rectangular cut-out handheld box bags, circular cut-out trapeze totes, vertical stripe bamboo handle totes, emerald profile bracelet bags, soft chunky chain link handle bags and chain detail bags.
Patterns / Motifs: Giraffe, Greek Key, Baroque, Asian Lattice, Spherica Lattice, Chevron Stripe
Metallic Colors: Champagne Gold, Silver, Gold Bronze
Neutrals: Black, White, Chocolate, Crème
Colors: Lipstick Pink, Kelly Green, Heliotrope, Tangerine, Raspberry Pink, Sea Blue, Parrot Green, Lemon Yellow
Materials: Leather and Patent Leather, Metal Mesh, Canvas, Lucite, PVC
Pa-tou-tou is a contemporary accessories brand, founded in 2007. Conceived in response to the over-utilitarian, repetitive (and sometimes drab!) accessories market, Pa-tou-tou reignites the fantasy of a more thrilling experience.
Re-imagining the perfect accessory, one that inspires the assured woman to live out her most stunning dream, Pa-tou-tou clutches, day bags and totes radiate the essence of progressive feminine style and fresh American glamour.
The passion and stylish certainty of the remarkable faces and places of old-school Hollywood and Hollywood Regency design epitomize the Pa-tou-tou lifestyle and look. Pa-tou-tou’s inventive bags promise this drama; a crisp, rich design aesthetic, a sense of modernity, a timeless grace and wit, and the spirit of a prosperous, frolicking time.
In 2006, the intuitive eye of fashion industry leader Cynthia O’Connor lead her to this brand-in-the-making. A year later, Pa-tou-tou was fully realized, and ready to launch its first collection, staged in the best setting imaginable - Cynthia’s showroom.
The line has been picked up by Kitson, Henri Bendel, Nordstrom, Saks Dubai, and other high end retailers
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Who Got SAK'd???
As the official handbag sponsor of the 50th Annual Grammy’s, The SAK gave performers and presenters the first opportunity to pick up bags from the brand’s latest leather collection, Silverlake (not yet available in stores). Celebrities were also given the opportunity to take home the graffiti-inspired tote from The SAK’s special edition Ashbury collection (both Amy Lee and Cyndi Lauper are carrying the Asbury), available this Spring. The exclusive print featured on the tote was designed by Paris-born artist Gilles Jourdan and promotes peace and harmony among all beings – a theme that was universally supported among the celebrities!
Silverlake, complete with convertible satchel, convertible clutch and flap bag, was a hit with the A-list stars such as Miley Cyrus (who left with all three styles), Rhianna, Alicia Keyes, Fiest, Taylor Swift, Cyndi Lauper (seen above) and Amy Lee from Evanesence (seen above). Many stars picked up more than one bag saying they could not decide between the three styles.
Since the event was pre-Valentine’s Day, the handbags were a hit with many of the male guests. The Plain White T’s picked up three of the Ashbury totes with Gilles Jourdan print for their girlfriends, saying “they are going to love us this Vday!” The Foo Fighters chose bags for the leading ladies in their lives, their mothers. The band members chose one of each of the three styles in the Silverlake collection to give to their mom’s on Valentine’s Day.
Actor Jason Bateman mused, “when I come out of the closet, I am definitely carrying the SAK!”
The SAK is also supporting the Nature Conservancy by auctioning off celebrity signed Ashbury totes on eBay later this month. Celebrities participating include Miley Cyrus, Cyndi Lauper, Taylor Swift, The Foo Fighters, Plain White T’s and Amy Lee. www.thesak.com
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Light, Airy Sweet This Treat
We always have a hard time pronouncing these and confused them with macaroons (of the coconut variety). We love these sweet French treats. Paulette’s Macarons – an inspired collaboration between Paulette Koumetz, who has a passion for the celebrated Parisian macaron, and French pastry chef extraordinaire Christophe Michalak, winner of the 2005 Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, with his passion for reinventing the classics. At Paulette Beverly Hills, the vivid hues of the unique macarons reflect the natural flavors and essences that infuse the ganache filling of these delicious almond cookies. www.paulettemacarons.com
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Putting Ponytails Right
Designer Tami Lynn has been a TV/Film Producer and Personal Manager in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. Throughout her career Lyn has spent countless hours on Television and Movie sets. Traveling to and from locations, she quickly realized everyone was wearing beanies. Wearing hair in a ponytail and donning a beanie is very uncomfortable. Lynn designed a hat with a rolled-opening to wear with a ponytail and she collaborated with a knitting expert to refine the concept. The Tami Lynn Collection also includes hand-knitted Newsboy Caps, Double Pocket Scarves, (perfect for carrying your iPod and cell phone), and sweater vests with Kimono-style sleeves. Tami Lynn Collection -Retail $25-$75, available online & at boutiques nationwide. Celebrity fans: Alicia Keys, Christina Applegate, Drew Barrymore, Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson. www.tamilynncollection.com
Monday, March 31, 2008
Colorful Hibiscus
Tone-on-tone colors are the rage this year and designer Diane Samandi (creator of the luxury lingerie line - Jonquil, and the recently launched playwear line, In Bloom by Jonquil) designed a great dress for those upcoming warm summer nights; the dresses are already popular with Hollywood starlets. She’s introduced her Hibiscus Collection, available in cool aqua, juicy melon, and mouthwatering lemon these delicious frocks are available in flirty tank tunics or sweet yet sassy dresses. With vintage ivory lace appliqué at bust line, these silk pieces go effortlessly from day to evening cocktails with the girls. Diane Samandi’s Hibiscus collection is available at Lisa Kline, Saks, and other specialty boutiques nation wide and retail $223-$245
Friday, March 28, 2008
Little Riddel Rings
Inspire Women, Girls
Holly Riddel is a jewelry designer on a mission to empower young women around the world. Her very simple, yet powerful new rings are intended to inspire and bring joy.
Little Riddel®, the creation by Riddel, helps remind young women of what’s important. Each ring has a tiny letter of the alphabet on it to help girls remember what matters most and inspires them in their life. The rings are designed to be stacked for multiple inspirational messages.
“I remember being 10 years old standing on the pitchers mound, my team yelling my name and cheering me on as I pitched to victory. That same feeling of being powerful and supported is always there when I need it,” says Riddel, a life long entrepreneur and daughter of a jewelry-designing Mom.
“Little Riddel is my way to share that feeling of being empowered, inspired or just not feeling alone, with girls everywhere. By using letters to represent words on a ring, young women are continually reminded of the people and events that bring them joy. Inspired by my baseball story, I wear a V for Victory!”
According to Riddel, one girl chose the letter L for Life so that she could make a difference in her lifetime like her grandparents. Another chose D for Dreams so she would never give up her dream of becoming a dancer. These rings are the beginning of a line dedicated to positive growth for young women.
Every Little Riddel ring has a tiny 4mm (1/8 inch) letter on the top and comes in a round metal tin. The rings have a little amethyst inside the band to bring forth the highest, purest aspirations of human kind in each woman. Amethyst is also known to provide the spiritual understanding required to reach the state of bliss and is considered the stone of transformation.
Katherine Moennig on the L Word has a Holly Riddel ring, as does Courteney Cox (who says she won’t take her ring off) and Paris Hilton was spotted wearing one. Little Riddel rings are available online for $ 44.00 per ring. www.LittleRiddel.com or call (760) 904-8978.
About Holly Riddel Designs
A passionate creator of business concepts from a young age, Holly Riddel has created a design house for inspiration and realizing dreams in her Holly Riddel Designs business. Her company, which produces Dedication Rings® in addition to the revolutionary Little Riddel collection, is bringing Joy to women everywhere. Riddel’s zest for life and desire to have women experience their own magnificence are felt at every level of operations. What began as an expression of appreciation and love for humanity is rapidly becoming a movement that’s touching lives around the world.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
In the Pink(y)
Hand-Blended Ingredients. Blended with twelve delicately balanced flavors, Pinky is dubbed the most beautiful vodka. The vodka, which is from Sweden, currently is only available in California. Pinky Vodka is hand blended by wine tasters using 12 botanicals of violets, rose petals, and wild strawberries. It is a new product available in the USA from Swedish-based Facile & Co. The vodka has an alcohol content of 40 percent by volume and is packaged in a 750ml over-boxed glass bottle that is priced between $29.95 and $32.99. www.pinkyvodka.com/
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Sparkling Water Gets Literal
And expensive. Savvy suitors always lay the table with non-alcoholic drink options, and the smartest will up the ante this year with Bling H20, award-winning spring water that comes in a bottle hand-decorated with pink or black Swarovski crystals (among others colors).
Bling H2O was developed by Kevin G. Boyd, a Hollywood writer-producer. Working on various studio lots, Boyd thought you could tell a lot about a person by the bottled water they carried.
To Boyd, it seemed as if people in Hollywood flaunted their bottled water like it was part of their presentation (BeansTalk note: we drink tap; if we do have bottled water, it's Kirkland, from Costco).
Whether bottles sported a cool shape or came from an exotic island, Boyd believed that none truly made a defining statement.
He says that BlingH2O is strategically positioned to target the expanding super-luxury consumer market. Initially introduced to athletes and actors (ie. the folks with money), Bling H2O is expanding availability. Bling H2O was featured at celebrity events including the MTV Video Music Awards and the Emmys. Bling H2O is pop-culture in a bottle. But it's not for everyone, just those that Bling. $40-$55
www.blingh2o.com
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Healthy Nails
Vibrant Colors
Perhaps your vision of healthy nails are short, clean with a coat of clear polish. But that clear polish you picked up at CVS might not be so healthy after all. Last fall, during the Emmys, we came across the vegan line, SpaRitual. Since then, we've learned of a couple of other lines that eliminate the toxicity that many of the established popular lines still contain. Did you know that most polishes feature formaldehyde? Here are three lines that stepped up and considered not only the fumes, but what you're putting on your nails.
Dazzle Dry Quick Dry Nail System
Dazzle Dry Quick Dry Nail System - a full lineof nail polish colors, a topcoat and a base coat for natural nails that dry in minutes. The Dazzle Dry Quick Dry Nail System cuts the time it takes for a normal manicure to dry by more than half. This complete system includes a full line of nail polish colors.
Dazzle Dry is the world’s first Nitrocellulose, Phthalate, Toluene and Formaldehyde Free Nail Care System. Created by Dr Vivian B. Valenty, an innovative bio-organic chemist, Dazzle Dry’s revolutionary Quick Dry formula thoroughly air-dries in just 5-10 minutes. So advanced it’s patent pending, Dazzle Dry’s flexible yet durable surface is both highly chip resistant and non-yellowing. For high-gloss, lightening fast manicures and dazzling results that last and last – Dazzle Dry!
All-In-One
Everything you need to produce gorgeous nails at home. Dazzle Dry Nail System Retail Kit consists of one 1oz. Nail Prep and one 0.5oz. Base Coat for natural nails. You will also receive one 0.5oz. Dazzle Dry quick drying Top Coat and three 0.5oz. Nail Lacquers of your choice. Choose from the current list of beautiful nail colors available. Dazzle Dry Nail System Retail Kit, for a quick drying manicure and/or pedicure in the luxury of your own home. Caution: Use as directed only. Keep this and other products out of the reach of children. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur. Never tested on our animal friends. Nail System Retail Kit Price: $54.00
www.dazzledry.com or call 1-866-398-9357.
nubar
nubar from their site–The Healthy Alternative for Beautiful Nails For many years, the safety focus for nail salons has been the risk of bacterial or fungal infections from salons practicing sloppy hygiene. Now those concerns have been expanded. Facing mounting criticism from consumers as well as health and environmental groups, many nail polish manufacturers have acknowledged that their products contain Formaldehyde, Toluene or (DBP)Phthalate, linked to cancer and birth defects. All three chemicals are on California's Prop. 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity, yet the larger companies are still adding these cancer-causing ingredients to their products.
Since the nails are an extension of the skin, the chemicals are absorbed into your body and can make you feel sick. Here are a few facts about these common toxic nail polish ingredients: Toluene Toluene is a human reproductive and developmental toxin. It may affect the nervous system with symptoms like tiredness, confusion, weakness, drunken-type actions, and memory loss. It is thought to cause liver damage and skin irritation. In high levels it may affect the kidneys.
Toluene has been linked to birth defects in laboratory animals. Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and a common indoor air pollutant because its resins are used in many construction materials. Formaldehyde has caused cancer in the nose and throats of lab animals. Inhaling the fumes can result in watery eyes, headache, burning in the throat, and labored breathing.
(DBP) Dibutyl Phthalate Phthalates are used to soften plastic, and are known to affect hormone function. Studies have linked phthalates to early puberty in girls and low sperm counts in men. Environmental groups claim phthalate exposure may contribute to the rising number of uterine problems in women and testicular cancer in men. It could also be one of the contributing factors to a rise in infertility in both sexes. Repeated and heavy exposure to dibutyl phthalate may cause nausea and/or vomiting, tearing of the eyes, dizziness, and headache. Long-term exposures may cause damage to kidneys and the liver. Pregnant women must consider that dibutyl phthalate may harm the developing fetus and the male testes.
After being touched with the effects of cancer within his own family, Noubar Abrahamian, founder of nubar, didn’t want to produce a product that could possibly harm customers so he set out to develop a healthy alternative for this industry.
nubar set the standards high for this task; they did not want to compromise wear-ability, durability or strength in the process. nubar, “The Healthy Alternative For Nail Care” exceptional nail lacquers, nail art and nail treatments containing zero Formaldehyde, Toluene or (DBP) Phthalate. nubar’s non-toxic line includes 14 exceptional Nail Treatments, more than 180 colors, Moodies-48 color changing nail lacquers.
nubar also carries 48 colors of nail art complete with individual stripping brush and dotting tool. nubar introducted “Nail Art Pens.” Each pen features a fine-tipped pen allowing the nail artist even more diversity in their creations.
nubar is available through over 500 distributors throughout 22 countries worldwide. Our new offices are now open in Moscow,and coming soon in France and Dubai,UAE.
www.bynubar.com/
SpaRituals
SpaRitual has developed 12 sophisticated Nail Elixirs to nourish cuticles, build strong nails and establish a flawless environment for color. SpaRitual Elixirs are vegan and free of DBP and toluene. SpaRitual Elixirs come with the sleek, patented Plum Cap™ with a signature brush for ease of opening, smooth control and a delicate finish.
The line also features a comprehensive collection of nail laquers. Their website features good photos that are clear, and likely accurate.
DBP, or dibutyl phthalate, is a plasticizing ingredient that has recently been banned for use in cosmetic products in the European Union. DBP is a potential developmental and reproductive toxin that may cause a broad range of birth defects. SpaRitual products do not contain DBP. Because your safety is our concern.
sparituals.com/
Monday, March 24, 2008
3 Beauty No-Nos
by Dr. Stuart H. Kaplan
kaplanMD Skincare
While there are obvious beauty tips, such as wearing sunscreen even in overcast days, Woman_applying_moisturizerand taking care not to over-tweeze your eyebrows because the hair there has a tendency not to grow back, here are three tips that everyone should practice:
1. Cuticles are on our nails for a reason. They act as a protective barrier to keep dirt and bacteria from collecting under the skin at the base of your nail. Do not have them cut off or pushed back too far, or you risk a very painful infection called paronychia. I see this happening often, even after expensive manicures. See your dermatologist for a prescription ointment and antibiotics.
2. Pimples should not be treated like bubble wrap. Do not pop them, even if they are blinking and screaming, "squeeze me!" When you squeeze a pimple, you push stuff out the top, but also push more stuff deeper inside the skin. This causes more inflammation, which leads to more pimples. By squeezing and picking, you also create a scab that takes 2 weeks to heal, instead of the three days it would have taken, had you not picked.
3. Avoid drinking fruity beverages outdoors. If the peels or juices of lemons, limes, and some other citrus fruits come in contact with your skin while you are out in the sun (think lime margaritas) you can get a blistering sunburn in those areas. These fruits contain compounds called psoralens that dramatically increase your sensitivity to the sun. Affected patients don't realize the cause, and think they have developed brown age spots, or even worse, herpes. So take precautions when enjoying your citrus beverages outdoors.
kaplanmd.com
Friday, March 21, 2008
Let's Start A
Rock Band
Yes, we know it’s been awhile since the Grammys, but BeansTalk's Chairman of the Board is extremely fixated on getting Rock Band for his prized Wii, and we think these pics are cute, taken at Distinctive Assets gifting suite.
Our COB is very down with his Guitar Hero and of his quartet of tight friends half of them have it. Another friend, SD, his closest friend who is not a boy, also has Guitar Hero.
Actual Conversation a couple of Fridays ago (dinner with SD’s family at Nichol’s):
COB to a classmate, a friend of SD, another girl, A: Do you know the Police song, “Message in a Bottle?”
A: Oh…yeah, (begins to sing the chorus)
COB: That is the best song on Guitar Hero!
The other interesting thing about Guitar Hero (and potentially Rock Band – we’ll have to see when the COB actually gets one) is that it has introduced him and his generation to a host of songs that were significant to BeansTalk’s CFO and ME. So there you go.
Teen sensation Miley Cyrus takes a break from her double life as Hannah Montana to show off her skills on Xbox 360’s hottest new game Rock Band at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards Gift Lounge on February 8, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. Country music star Taylor Swift (hey, we don't know who she is either) jams out on Xbox 360’s Rock Band, at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards Gift Lounge at the Staples Center, February 7, 2008.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Only at Wal-Mart
Journey's Latest Release
June 3
Multi-platinum band Journey--Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Arnel Pineda (vocals)—will begin on June 3 with the release of Revelation, a three-disc CD and DVD package to be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores in North America.
The first disc features 11 re-recorded classics, the second, 11 new songs, and the third is a live, in-concert DVD. All music on Revelation was produced by Kevin Shirley (who previously worked with Journey on their Platinum-certified Trial By Fire album).
Journey will tour with Revelation in the U.S. concert in July, with details to be announced. www.journeymusic.com
Beach Blonding Series with Rachel Lindy
Before you question why BeansTalk is writing about Blonding when none of the principals are blonde, we’d like to point out that one of our editors, Teena Hammond, although a self-proclaimed red-head, has often been referred to as a “strawberry blonde.”
At any rate, our friend Sadie sent this info over and if you have light locks you might want to check this out….
Blonding expert and owner of the Mathis Murphy Salon in Venice Beach, Rachel Lindy begins her "Beach Blonding Series" in May. The Beach Blonding Series is 10-12 week process that gets hair ultra blonde for summer. Rachel says, "Start the series with me in May you'll have the brightest blondest hair by 4th of July weekend."
Phase One begins with Rachel's customized Clarifying Treatment. This rids hair of all of the summer toxins, sunscreen, sweat, sand, chlorine, etc. Next, Rachel highlights on the natural base with her signature balayage painting style. If you want to look like the sun is responsible for those streaks, then you can't go too blonde the first time. In between Phase One and Phase Two of the Beach Blonding Series, Rachel says, "Please go out in the sun!" The sun will naturally pull out the highlights, so no hats until the next time you see Rachel.
Phase Two: Rinse and Repeat. Rachel clarifies hair again and then repeats Phase One. Except this time, Rachel throws in some extra highlights in two areas of the hair. She highlights anywhere the sun highlighted. Then Rachel paints a lighter color blonde around the hairline. This is what Rachel is famous for in Venice because she gives girls that true surfer girl blonde. Highlighting itty-bitty pieces along the hairline, right around the face, gives a halo effect that really brightens you up.
Phase Three: Go Blonde or Go Home. This is the time when Rachel really revs it up and pulls the blonde all the way through the hair from root to tips. Hair is popping with color and when all is said and done, her final touch is the clear gloss treatment...hair will be more sparkly and bright than a 4th of July firecracker.
Mathis Murphy Salon (1221 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291) (310) 396-5600. www.mathismurphysalon.com.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
A Regal Theron
Actress Charlize Theron attends a Cinema Society screening of 'Sleepwalking' at the Tribeca Grand Hotel, March 11, 2008 in New York. She carried a handbag by Mary Norton. The actress accessorized her blush-colored fringe dress with the HRH (Her Royal Highness) – a steel metal minaudiere with hematite cabochon. Mary Norton’s handbags and footwear are handcrafted by artisans in Italy and produced in small quantities. Mary Norton products can be found at: www.marynorton.com Mary Norton - Melrose Place, Los Angeles
Mary Norton – King Street, Charleston Other high-end retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)