Tory Burch may be broken up with Lance Armstrong, but she knows
how to make a pretty pocketbook.

Tory Burch Amanda Calfskin Satchel

• Amanda Style.
• Black calfskin.
• Silver-tone hardware.
• Detachable chain shoulder strap; top handles with rings.
• Zip top with extended tab closure with cutout metal plate.
Price: $595.00

Chloe Patent Bay Shoulder Bag

• Exclusively at Neiman Marcus. Black patent leather.
• Gold-tone hardware.
• Top handles with rings; zip top.
• Two-way front zip pocket with oversized pulls.
• Logo plate on front.
• Made in Italy.
Price: $1,860.00

Prada Soft Calfskin Tote

• Nero soft calfskin.
• Silver-tone hardware.
• Adjustable shoulder strap.
• Single snap closure.
• Removable ID tag.
• Side pockets with buckle detail.
• Inside: zip pocket, 6"H x 7 1/2"W and patch pocket, 4"H x 5"W.
• 12"H x 14 1/2"W x 5"D/
• Made in Italy.
Price: $1,450.00

Bottega Veneta Braided Woven Hobo
• Egg shell woven leather.
• Gold-tone hardware.
• Braided top handle with rings.
• Slouched top.
• Made in Italy.


Luxury Leather: About Bottega Veneta
Since 1966, Bottega Veneta has established itself as one of Italy's
leading luxury leather houses. Today, under the helm of creative
director Tomas Maier, the company creates subtly elegant
accessories in soft suede and signature handcrafted latticework
leather.
Price: $3,200.00

Salvatore Ferragamo Mediterraneo Flap Satchel

A ladylike satchel garnished with signature hardware.

• Choose white (shown) or black leather.
• Silver-tone hardware.
• Shoulder strap with rings.
• Front flap with Gancini lock closure.
• Front flap pockets with Gancini closure.
• "Mediterraneo" is made in Italy.
Price: $1,290.00

This just seems so over-the-top, however cute it is. But anyway…

Leiber Crystal Lipstick Case, Sliver
• Fully beaded with silver Austrian crystals.
• Silver-tone hardware.
• Scalloped top flap with snap closure.
• Interior mirror.
• Handcrafted.
• Made in USA.
Price: $495.00

Leelee in Malandrino

Leelee Sobieski jokes with photographers as she arrives for the gala of 'Elizabeth The Golden Age' during the the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007. She wore a dress by Catherine Malandrino, a purple silk chiffon deep v-neck dress with butterfly embroidery from the Holiday/Pre-Spring 2008 collection. New York fashion designer Catherine Malandrino currently designs two separate lines. The designer has her high-end runway Malandrino collection and her contemporary Catherine Malandrino collection. (AP PHOTO/CP,Jonathan Hayward)

Joss Stone autographed a Gibson Guitar signed by all of the celebrity attendees at the STAR Lounge suite benefiting Music Rising, a charity founded by The Edge from U2 to help replace musical instruments lost in Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast.

The above the pics below were taken at the Rolling Stone-sponsored Star Lounge beauty, style & gifting suite this weekend at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Seth Swartzman with Wire Image took all photos.

Desperate Housewives' star and music-lover Josh Henderson was one of the first people in the world to receive the new Slacker Portable personalized radio player at the style & gifting suite at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino during the VMA Weekend.

Supermodel Amber Valletta who plays the most glamorous model in the world in the Spring 2008 film My Sexiest Year showed that she really is having her sexiest year, when she stopped by the Flirt Salon at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino during VMA weekend looking absolutely gorgeous.

Justin Timberlake's protege Keri Hilson wore a So Flirtatious sugar cube hand beaded Swarovski Crystal ring as she performed during the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards which she picked up at the STAR Lounge suite.

Kevin Federline's ex Shar Jackson was spotted getting her vitamins and re-energizing for the entire party filled VMA weekend with a glass of Airborne while rocking a tell all T-shirt that read “I’m Shar Jackson Bitch!” kind of making fun of Britney’s comeback song “Gimme More” where she says, “I’m Britney Bitch!”

von Natur Supports National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a variety of PINK products

Kudos go out to some of BeansTalk' s favorite cosmetics companies for giving to worthy womens causes. This October von Natur will support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating 10% of sales of each At First Blush Cheek Color, Normalize Concealer, Calcite & Morganite Eye Colors, Snowdrop Lip Shimmer, and Female Balancing Perfume Balm to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

At First Blush Cheek Color ($16.00)– the perfect shade of pink to make a rosy cheek!

Normalize Concealer ($16.00) – this pink product normalizes hyper-pigmentation, bruising or deep gray circles under the eyes. Simply dab the concealer on with a camouflage brush or a clean fingertip, feather the edges and then apply the loose minerals on top

Calcite & Morganite Eye Colors ($16.00 each) – hypoallergenic, long lasting, pink and fun. These shadows can be applied dry for a more subtle color or wet for a bolder look

Snowdrop Lip Shimmer ($18.00) – the prettiest pink color in a natural, smooth, therapeutic balm that gives you just an added hint of color

Female Balancing Perfume Balm ($39.99) – has a sweet intoxicating scent and balances hormones in women of all ages. It can lift moods, ease anxiety, and reduce stress. The heavy concentrated blend of essential oils along with the phyto-estrogen of Wild Yam makes this a highly beneficial treatment helping you feel balanced physically, emotionally, and mentally

von Natur keeps in mind that the skin is the largest organ and deserves the utmost respect. The skin’s integumentary system has a natural ability to repair, restore and regenerate itself; von Natur respects nature’s balance and uses only high quality ingredients to enhance this amazing ability.

von Natur’s Mineral Makeup is made from micronized mineral pigments. These natural minerals give long lasting coverage while allowing skin to breathe, unlike talc-based products that can clog pores and damage skin. von Natur’s Mineral Makeup contains all natural micronized Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide which provide sun protection without irritating chemicals; these ingredients are non-allergenic and have natural sun protection for both UVA and UVB rays. It is talc-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, cruelty-free and non-comedogenic and is suitable for all skin types.
Check them out at: http://www.vonnatur.com/

Celeb-Designed Weitzman Pumps Auctioned

This month, Stuart Weitzman hosts the company’s Seventh Annual Celebrity Shoe Auction. This year’s auction benefits ovarian cancer research, known as a “silent disease” due to subtle and easily overlooked symptoms. To help raise funds, the designer asked a select group of celebrities to design and autograph a Stuart Weitzman pump to be auctioned off throughout the month, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

All of the celebrity-designed shoes will be posted on the company website – www.stuartweitzman.com – which will serve as the forum for bidding from September 4, 2007 through October 4, 2007.

“Our company takes great pride in the money we’ve raised through our annual charity shoe auction,” says Stuart Weitzman. “This year we have chosen to support ovarian cancer research, which has become a very serious women’s issue. The celebrities we enlisted have made extraordinary creations that are sure to bring a great amount of attention to this important cause.”

This year, celebrities from fashion, film, and television were approached to design a single pump, Fever, Stuart Weitzman’s most popular style, in a way that reflected their personality and interests. Actress Charlize Theron designed the shoe to reflect her native South Africa, while actresses Molly Sims and Queen Latifah decided to honor their current projects, creating “Las Vegas” and “Hairspray” -themed shoes, respectively.

Other celebrities participating in this year’s auction include: Courteney Cox-Arquette, Hayden Panettiere, Kelly Ripa, Kyle MacLachlan, Marcia Cross, Nicolette Sheridan, Sharon Stone, and Vanessa Williams, among others. Through the generous donation of their time and creative talents, these celebrities have joined Stuart Weitzman in helping raise awareness and funds toward research for ovarian cancer, which has recently been identified as the fifth leading cause of death among American women.

Due to ovarian cancer’s subtle and easily overlooked symptoms, 70% of diagnoses occur at advanced stages. If detected early, ovarian cancer is 90% treatable, but because there are currently no methods for early detection, fewer than half of all women diagnosed with this disease survive beyond five years of diagnosis. Upon learning that there are no effective means of early detection, Stuart Weitzman decided to re-direct their annual charity shoe auction to benefit this cause and encourage further research efforts, with 100% of the funds raised going to the Folkman Institute in Boston.

About Stuart Weitzman:
Stuart Weitzman is one of the leading global luxury fashion footwear and accessories brands. Key customers include stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Harrods. Currently Stuart Weitzman operates retail stores across the country including New York, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Costa Mesa, King of Prussia, McClean, San Antonio, San Francisco, Atlantic City, Troy, Aventura, Austin and White Plains. Stuart Weitzman also has more than 16 Stuart Weitzman branded stores outside of the United States. The brand is sold in more than 50 countries.

The company, which is run by Stuart Weitzman (founder and chief designer), has built a reputation for its creative use of unique materials in footwear and for its attention to quality. Stuart Weitzman’s dedication to fusing fashion, fit and comfort has earned him accolades from both the design world and legions of diverse fans, including some of the top celebrities across the globe. His shoes are a familiar sight at events like the Oscars and the Emmys and his bridal collections have won awards of their own.

Weitzman is seen in the above image with Regina King, who wore Weitzman shoes featuring diamonds belonging to Marilyn Monroe at the Oscars.

Ashanti and Ludacris sparkled in rare Platinum jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz at the “2007 MTV Video Music Awards” in Las Vegas on September 9th.

Ashanti selected Platinum “Caviar” hoop earrings and an armful of Platinum bangle bracelets.

Photos: mtv studios

Way To Go, Kathy!

BeansTalk extends our congratulations to Kathy Griffin on her first Emmy Award. Her hit Bravo series, "My Life on the D-List" won an Emmy over the weekend for Best Reality Program. Staying true to her truly uncensored sense of humor, at the ceremony she told the audience, "Can you believe this shit? Hell has frozen over. Suck it, Jesus, this award is my god now." And after accepting her award, she said, "I have an A-list pass for the day. Tomorrow I'll be back on the D-list when someone says, 'Congratulations, Miss Gifford,' which they will at the mall. Believe me."

Two More Weeks and the Devil Comes to Town

...And we don't mean George Bush. Probably BeansTalk's favorite pilot this fall, CW's Reaper premieres on 25 September at 9 to 10 p.m.

It's a great show -- fantastic cast, funny writing and a premise that really works under the guiding hand of Kevin Smith. Be sure to check it out. We definitely put this in the must-see category in BeansTalk homes!

Property Virgins

New Series Premieres Sunday, September 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT


In HGTV's new fall series Property Virgins, the real estate bubble most likely to burst is that of unrealistic or inexperienced first-time homebuyers with pie-in-the-sky expectations of how much house their budget will buy them in this market. Premiering on Sunday, September 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, Property Virgins gives a reality check to newcomers to the real estate game--taking them and viewers on a journey inside the frenetic world of house hunting with some entertaining and eye-opening results.

"In a volatile real estate market that is increasingly confusing to navigate, HGTV continues to develop programming that empowers viewers with information to make the house hunting experience less intimidating and overwhelming," said Michael Dingley, senior vice president, programming and content strategy. "Property Virgins is particularly geared to viewers who are young, first-time buyers, but it also provides tips that are just as useful to current homeowners."

In each episode, Sandra Rinomato (seen above) - the energetic, tell-it-like-it-is host and real estate expert - confers with the homebuyers on their ideal dwelling. She uses her expertise to sift through an array of houses on the market, and narrows down the choices to the three most suitable homes available. Sandra then gives the prospective buyers a tour of each home and helps them choose the one that's right for them.

In the premiere episode, Sandra works with a young couple in heavy debt who needs to find a home that suits their divergent needs. He wants a garage for his beloved motorcycle and their two cars, space for a home theater and three bedrooms, while she desires a large kitchen for baking and cooking, and at least two bathrooms. Sandra finds three potential homes that suit the couple's $225,000 price range, but are there any obstacles? Will they need to sacrifice any of their criteria?

Part realtor, part therapist, friend and financial advisor, Sandra gives buyers a crash course in house hunting 101, dispensing useful take-home advice on what it takes to find the right property. She also helps the new buyers reconcile the differences between their dream home desires and what they can attain within their price range. Viewers will benefit from Sandra's expert real estate advice on how to handle the unpredictable housing market from start to finish and as they relinquish any fear about taking that first step to becoming a new homeowner.

Check out hgtv.com -- their web pages for this new series are great -- there are plenty of good tips and advice.

Warmbat Australia Introduces World’s First Eco-Friendly Boots for Toddlers and Children

Warmbat Australia, the fastest growing brand of Australian sheepskin boots in the world, recently launched an eco-friendly line of boots for infants and children. Moms and dads can rest assured that Warmbat’s Eco-Friendly Sheepskin products are safe on babies’ and children’s skins. The boots are made with a chrome-free tanning agent that is recyclable and biodegradable. All chemicals potentially harmful to children or the environment have been eliminated from the process.

BeansTalk has learned that this new brand is becoming a fast favorite in Hollywood. Recently, at the Tiger Electronics Celebrity Retreat the young stars taking a break from rehearsing for the Teen Choice Awards were raving about them and ignoring the heat wave to get the stylish boots on their feet.

Transformers Star Megan Fox loved Warmbat’s Camouflage "Army" Eco-Friendly sheepskin boots for kids and took a pair for her young friend Casius. She is pictured with a pair of “Junior Joeys”, which come in a range of colors perfect for boys and girls, from camouflage and grey to pink and floral prints. They are available in short and tall styles, sizes range from Kids five to 13 and Youth one to three. The boots’ no-slip, rubber sole will keep active children safe and warm during the colder months.

Look for these fun kid kicks, which retail for about $80.00 to roll into stores September 15.

or check them out at http://www.warmbat.com/

Everybody Wins at the Emmys®! Nominee Gift Basket

Swag, swag, swag. Lucky nominees -- even though "just being nominated" is honor enough...

Who: Non-Winning Nominees in the 8 major acting categories at the 59th Annual Emmy Awards (Outstanding Lead Actor/Actress in a Drama, Comedy and Miniseries/Movie; Outstanding Supporting Actor/Actress in a Drama, Comedy and Miniseries/Movie)

What: Will receive a consolation Gift Basket from Distinctive Assets

When: September 17, 2007 (the day after the telecast)

Description: On September 16th, Primetime Television’s biggest stars will have their night to shine at the 59th Annual Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. All nominees will hope to receive the coveted gold statuette. If their name is not announced as a trophy winner, however, they will receive ample consolation the following day in the form of a Gift Basket compliments of Distinctive Assets.

The Gifts: Once again, Distinctive Assets is rolling out the red carpet with a gift bag that will be full of fun and functional items for the Emmy-nominated talent to enjoy.

Some of Distinctive Assets’ favorite items in this year’s bag include Dove Haircare, Kara Mia handbags (seen above), Jamark Laboratories skincare for men, Stylized Pea baby clothes, private training sessions at Huntley Drive Fitness, hair dryers from Deva Concepts, $5,000 gift certificates from Laser Solutions and books of poetry from Jimmyland.

About Us: Known for beginning the craze of over-the-top celebrity swag at major award shows such as the GRAMMY®s, Kids’ Choice Awards, American Music Awards, Latin GRAMMY®s, Academy of Country Music, HBO Comedy Festival and other Hollywood events, Distinctive Assets is thrilled to continue a tradition we originated in 2003…acknowledging non-winning Emmy nominees.

Gift Listing*

Company Name Product
DevaConcepts The DevaSun Dryer; DevaFuser and the “Try Me” DevaCurl Pack
Jimmyland Corporation Books of Poetry
KARA MIA Taj Bangette and Amaravati Bangette
Mobius Lounge “First Love”
Cuddlebee Bib and Burp Cloth
Bioque Technologies Gentle Purifying Skin Cleanser, Serum XL, Vitamin K1, Formula 9 Facelift in-a-jar and C+ Moisturizing Cream
breathe by Heather Lounsbury Gift Certificate for Acupuncture Services at Home
Dove Hair Care
Stylized Pea Rock Star Raglans, Rimz Thermals and Rock Star Onesies
Huntley Drive Fitness 10 Personal Training Sessions
Jamark Laboratories A Four pack of Surgeon’s Skin Secret Products Consisting of (1) 8oz Tube of Beeswax Cream; (1) 4oz jar of One Step Manicure; (1) .30 Twist-Up Lip Balm; (1) 2.5oz Original Unscented SSS.
A Three Pack of Surgeon’s Skin Secret for Men consisting of (1) 4oz Soothing Face Conditioner; (1) 4oz Daily Refreshing Spray; (1) .78oz Mountain Mist Fragrance SSS Stick and (2) 2.5oz Sportwax twist-up sticks.
Carinne Chambers and Diva International, Inc. TheDivaCup
NutriFit Personalized Healthy Meal Delivery
Milagro Tequila Tequila
Wein-Bauer, Inc. Turn Me Red and Turn Me Riesling wines
Hour Glass Studio, Ltd. Marilyn Monroe ‘Classic Series’ Martini and Wine Glasses
Kuukivi Necklace and Earrings
Pure & Petal Hair Fragrances
Three Dog Bakery Three Dog Bakery Dog Treats and Gift Certificate for Bone of the Month Club Membership
Atomic Madhouse Comic Book Sound Effects T-Shirt
The RoRo Company, Inc. Lip Formulush
Georgette Klinger Vitamin C Skin Booster, C & E Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin, Daily 15 Moisturizer and Virtual Perfect Face Cream
Tommy Bahama Rum Rum
iXoundWear Headwear for iPod
Nomad Footwear Jeweled Flip Flops
Brown Foreman Chambord
Dr. George Boris Gift certificate for Botox Treatment
Laser Solutions Gift Certificate for 3 Treatments of ReFirme
Salon TRUE Gift Certificate for Services
Dr. Tattoff Gift Certificate for Laser Hair/Tattoo Removal or IPL Photofacial
Stiefel Laboratories Revaleskin
Taste of Purple 02 Rock Glasses
Athenaeum Hotel Gift Certificate for a 2 Night Stay
GrandeLuxe Rail Journeys Gift Certificate for GrandLuxe Limited Edition Rail Trip for 2
Frilly Feet Shoe Gems
ToeMates Toe Pillow and ToeToes
kaplanMD Day Cream SPF 15
Royal Springs Water Rhythm TM Structured H2O

NGC Goes Undercover
Secrets of the Over The Shoulder Boulder Holder

Millions of women reach for one every day, but how much do they really know about their most intimate apparel? Throughout history, undergarments have shaped women’s bodies to reflect the social expectations of the time. Nowhere is this more apparent than with the bra. From boiling cauldrons to silk looms to metal factories, National Geographic Channel (NGC) traces the evolution of one of woman’s most provocative pieces of clothing.

Science meets fashion on Friday, September 28, 2007, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, when NGC travels around the world to reveal the secrets, history and complex construction behind one of the most highly engineered garments in the Secret History of the Bra. Delicate fabric, exquisite details and curve-hugging cups make the bra an ultimate symbol of femininity, but behind the fragile exterior lies tough design, grueling construction and complicated science. Some of the facts and figures revealed in the special include the following:

* Caterpillar spit, dirt, crude oil and molten metal are several of the ingredients in a bra.
* There are over 40 components of a bra.
* Over 4 million new bras are created on average every day.
* Each woman owns an average of six and a half bras.
* In the last 15 years, the average bust size has increased from 34B to 36C.
* The modern system of bra sizing was invented in 1928.
* How many ounces in a cup? An A cup — approximately 8 fluid ounces; B cup — 13 ounces; C cup — 21 ounces; and D cup — 27 ounces.
* Women’s breasts can range from 10 ounces to 20 pounds, and a 1.6-ounce bra has to support all shapes and sizes in between.
• Consumers spend around $16 billion a year on bras.


Secret History of the Bra follows the garment from its gritty beginnings in an oil puddle to the high-glamour fashion show where it makes its debut. Viewers will hear from the designers, engineers, colorists, industry executives and consumers who work together to keep up with the undergarment needs of the modern woman. Even the simplest bra is composed of complex industrial parts that require the expertise of chemical engineers, biomechanics scientists, veteran seamstresses and color specialists. It takes hundreds of machines to produce an item of clothing that will start to wear out after 90 days of use.

From an athletic body bandage in the Roman Empire to a full-fledged sex symbol, the bra has endured dramatic changes in fit and function throughout its existence. The bra continues to evolve to meet the needs of a new generation of women.


Secret History of the Bra is produced for the National Geographic Channel by Winton/duPont Films. For Winton/duPont Films, David Winton is executive producer; writer, producer and series producer/director is Anna Fitch. For National Geographic Channel, executive producer is Noah Morowitz and senior vice president of production is Juliet Blake.

“Green” Goddess

BeansTalk recently learned of the super sexy and environmentally friendly Gypsy 05’ Organic Line. Gypsy 05' is a garment dyed t-shirt line for both men and women, just over two years old. Brother/Sister design team Osi and Dotan Shoham, along with John Eshaya (the T-shirt Guru for Fred Segal/Ron Herman) have teamed up to create the first "Go Green" line in the Gypsy 05' Collection. The line will showcase in select Ron Herman stores and will also be available online at www.RonHerman.com.

The Go Green line is created using organic fabric and natural dyes. Printing techniques for the garments go through a planet friendly process including a seaweed treatment that is 90% organic. The factory is solar generated and uses very little energy in the execution of the "Go Green" line. Each delivery consists of eight basic bodies in over eight colors. The line is meant to be easy to wear and kind on our environment. Most Styles can be mixed and matched or worn together. We think Lauren Conrad is a winner in the maxi dress. She is not alone. Other celebrity fans include: Halle Berry, Paris Hilton, Kate Hudson, Teri Hatcher, Denise Richards and Christina Aguilera.

This Gunn's For Hire

Bravo has inked partnerships with Macy's, Maybelline New York and Garnier as integrated 360 degree sponsors and for Bravo's new eight-episode, one-hour series "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style” in which Gunn, along with former model and fashion accomplice Veronica Webb, uses his savvy to guide women through style transformations. Series premiered Thursday, September 6, 10PM ET/PT. The announcement was made by Susan Malfa, Vice President, Ad Sales, Bravo.

Macy's has been tapped as the exclusive national retail partner for the series where participants receive a shopping experience in the Herald Square flagship store in New York City, where Gunn's 10 basic essential items can be found. Since any good transformation requires hair and makeup as key ingredients, Maybelline New York and Garnier are the featured cosmetic and hair partners, respectively, with product being used for select makeover segments throughout the course of the series. Experts from each company – Maybelline New York's Global Consulting Makeup Artist, Troy Surratt and Garnier Hair Expert, Brian Magallones – take part in the makeover segments on several episodes. Weekly beauty tips will also be provided on http://www.bravotv.com/.

"We're thrilled about our partners' involvement in this highly-anticipated new Bravo series,” said Malfa. "Tim is without a doubt one of the most respected authorities in fashion. Leaders in the worlds of retail and cosmetics are a perfect organic partnership.”

Along with their in-show integrations, Maybelline New York and Garnier are the official sponsors for the series' WAP site (wap.bravotv.com from any web-enabled phone), with exclusive free videos and photo diaries of the transformed participants, polls, interviews, quizzes and special microsite featuring new products and expert hair and makeup tips. And for even more Gunn, users can log on to www.BravoTV.com for Maybelline New York- and Garnier-sponsored blogs and podcasts, featuring Gunn's take on each episode and special behind-the-scenes moments.

In Bravo's new series "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style,” Gunn draws on his encyclopedic fashion knowledge, inimitable style and talent for teaching to take fashion-challenged women on an emotional journey to unearth their style zenith. But he won't be making anyone over – with tough-love, guidance, and fashion accomplice Webb at his side, he helps women make themselves over. From wardrobe essentials, tips on how to shop, to finding the right fit, Gunn uses advice from his book, Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality Taste and Style, to arm each woman with the basics to own her look and make it polished and stunning.

"Tim Gunn's Guide to Style” is produced by Stone & Company Entertainment, with Scott Stone and Sarah-Jane Cohen serving as Executive Producers.

Beautiful Benz-Batali

Swiss watch manufacturer Ernst Benz has partnered with iconic chef and restaurateur Mario Batali to create a limited edition series of timepieces to benefit the Food Bank For New York City. The Mario Batali Limited Edition Ernst Benz Great Circle Automatic is an enhanced version of the original design, featuring accents in Batali’s standout signature orange color. Mario Batali has personally collaborated with Leonid Khankin, Managing Director and Designer of the Ernst Benz brand, to design and produce the exclusive collection of timepieces. “My partnership with Ernst Benz is borne out of my love to celebrate life with simple things of the highest quality, this new watch created by my friend
Leonid Khankin is exactly that. To bring art and public service together is a privilege I will never squander, the opportunity to help the Food Bank For New York City provide food for over a quarter million meals A DAY in NYC is a joyous part of my celebration,” says Batali. Batali and Khankin jointly launched the collection at an exclusive event at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen on June 15, 2007. This special series of timepieces will be made available in three Great Circle sizes: 36mm, 40mm
and 47mm, each size limited and numbered to 250. The watches will retail from $2,500 to $4,500 and will be available Fall 2007 at Ernst Benz Authorized Dealers nationwide, in addition to Batali’s B & B Ristorante in Las Vegas.
For additional retail availability, contact 248.203.2323 or info@ernstbenz.com.

Great Lash: LA

Maybelline New York will be bringing their mobile Great Lash Mascara Bar (see rendering) to hot spots (in front of Pink’s Hot Dog Stand, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on Sunset, Paseo Colorado, 3rd Street Promenade, etc.) around L.A. leading up to the Emmy Awards. The stops will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13-15. The folks at Maybelline have partnered up with celebrity stylist Philip Blochand make-up artist Chuck Hezekiah. They’ll appear at least one of the mobile events for consumers to receive first-hand Emmy’s red-carpet style and make-up tips and how to create an award-winning celebrity look. They’ll also be some very cute Great Lash girls giving out product.

7FAM Fall Style Report: Bigger is Better

Our friends at Seven For All Mankind can do no wrong. We keep waiting for them to make a mistake. They stubbornly refuse. This summer they have launched a handbag line that has gotten under our skin. Readers who are hard on their bags, as BeansTalk is, will appreciate the adherence to the super high quality leather, detail, and workmanship. Anyone with eyes will notice these as an attention-getter.

Look:
The Alexa Pocket Tote is a washed leather handbag featuring a draw string and magnetic-snap closure closure with an outer front zip pocket. Brass feet at bottom. Lined interior features zipper pocket and 2 patch pockets. Dimensions approx. 16"Lx6"Wx13"H.
Colors: black, espresso, cognac (pictured), latte
Retail: $495.00

The Samantha is a soft leather carry-all bag that features matte brass hardware and a satchel-inspired shape. This bag is large and is offered in luggage, black and espresso. Lined interior features a zipper pocket and one patch pocket. Dust bag included. Dimensions approx. 18"Lx6"Wx12"H.
Colors: Black, espresso, luggage (pictured)
Retail: $495.00

Check them out at: http://www.7forallmankind.com/

Give it to the Boys

Looking for the perfect winter spice for him? The new F/P Homme Gift Set is a musky aroma of sage, ginger, amber and wood. Artfully combined in a sleek, contemporary Gift Set to keep gentlemen calling. Also available for the constant male traveler, the F/P Homme Travel Kit is designed to keep him polished and dapper even while on the road.

For more great gift ideas, please visit the F/P website: www.fruits-passion.com to see the full range of individual products and collections ripe for the giving. From healthy and luxe household cleaning products, to sumptuous home fragrance treats, fresh-smelling pet pampering products, indulgent body and personal care, and freshly launched hair care and fragrance collections -- Fruits & Passion is a true lifestyle concept to fill every need and ring in holiday cheer.

Fekkai: Take Two

One of the most comfortable and easily accessible salons in Beverly Hills is Frederic Fekkai. Now, Frederic Fekkai opens his second Los Angeles salon on the ultra-chic Melrose Place this week. Located at 8457 Melrose Place, this 1,400-square-foot space will provide an intimate luxury retreat. The new salon is located in a newly restored Spanish mission style building on the second floor. The salon will offer clients a sunny, relaxing oasis to experience the exquisite cuts and luxurious, high-end services that Fekkai is famous for, including hair styling and coloring, manicure, pedicure, brow grooming and make-up application. The salon opens to the public today! BeansTalk cannot wait to check it out.

Here's more:

Fekkai is bringing a little bit of New York’s downtown vibe to the rustic Melrose Place. The 1400 sq. ft. space will be more of an intimate setting with only 10 stations and a small terrace that overlooks the street. Celebrity stylist Adir Abergel (famous for Sienna Miller’s dos, Rosario Dawson and among others) will be working select days at the salon while Creative Director, Maurice Dadoun will also be servicing clients at both salons. Not only is Frederic celebrating the new salon, but he will also be toasting his 10 years of service at the Beverly Hills salon which is also a fave among celebrities and Angelenos. He has worked with everyone from Kirk Douglas, Yoko Ono to Hollywood IT girls, Mischa Barton, Anne Hathaway and many more. He is planning on expanding his empire on the West Coast by opening salons in Malibu and Santa Monica. Within the past year, Frederic Fekkai has opened up 2 new salons in NY and plans on opening up other salons in Greenwich, Dallas and Miami within the year.

Stay tuned to BeansTalk for news on upcoming star-studded Emmy celebrations hosted by Frederick Fekkai.

Vintage Make-Up Theme Suits Sophia

Super hot make-up stylist Brett Freedman gave Sophia Bush 'The New Vintage' vibe for the Teen Choice Awards last week. Not only did she win an award...but her look was a winner, too. Here's a peek into how and why Brett did what:

BODY: Model Co. Hint of Tan
“I applied just a touch all over to give Sophia's skin a summery boost.”

SHIMMER: Urban Decay Marshmallow silvery powder

LIP: Benefit lip gloss in 'who does your work'. “I wanted her lips to look like a watermelon Jolly Rancher!”

LASHES: Dior Show in black and Vincent Longo corner lashes. “I really wanted an old Hollywood look. Kinda like she was a naughty pin up gal.”

BROWS: Vanitymark ultra brow powder in Milk Choco. “To give Sophia's beautifully sculpted brows a bit more glamorous pop I defined her brows high and out...extending the tail for a bit of drama.”

CHEEK: Stila Convertible Color in Poppy. “A nice bridge between good girl and bad girl! I love the bit do dewy highlight a cream blush give the apple of the cheek.”

EYES: MAC Khol pencil in Fascinating. “I rimmed Sophia's eyes to draw attention to them by
lightening them rather than darkening them. I also wanted to focus on really great lashes! This shimmery, champagne liner does just the trick...a beauty bag must have!”

Just Cook This Mixes Simple Recipes and Sharp Wit for a Cooking Show with an Edge on Discovery Health

Sam the Cooking Guy Welcomes Viewers into His Kitchen to Learn the Secrets of Food That Is Big on Taste and Small in Effort

Viewers tired of conventional cooking shows now have a reason to turn on their televisions and put on their aprons. A show as authentic as it is entertaining, Just Cook This, premiering Thursday, September 6, 2007, at 8 PM (ET/PT) on Discovery Health, features Sam Zien, a.k.a. Sam the Cooking Guy—a real person in his real San Diego kitchen who’s really funny. Sam has the unique ability to teach even the culinary novice how to prepare delicious, healthy dishes by making things simple—specifically by keeping the number of steps and ingredients to a minimum. Add his offbeat, rapid-fire wit and you have a cooking show that anyone – not just foodies – will enjoy.

Sam’s brand of cooking is big on taste and small in effort; his dishes taste amazing, but are also really easy to make. Viewers will find themselves saying, “Hey, I can make that!” after watching Sam prepare favorites such as mushroom and goat cheese pizza, Sam’s signature shrimp tacos and an incredible Thai curried chicken. As part of the Discovery Health family, Sam is focused on using wholesome, natural ingredients and encouraging healthy eating habits – just because you make a great pizza doesn’t mean you should eat the whole thing!
Just Cook This is irreverent, unscripted and completely unlike any other cooking show on TV. Not a classically trained chef, Sam is a survivor of the 9-to-5 world who now spends his days as a TV cook and possibly America’s hippest work-at-home dad. Whether teasing his cameraman, Steve, chasing his two dogs or going off on one of his trademark tangents, Sam is pure entertainment and an absolute original.

To maintain his signature authenticity, Sam bypassed multiple camera angles and a big studio in favor of a single-camera filming approach shot in the home he shares with his wife and three sons. Instead of having a legion of behind-the-scenes helpers handle the prep work, it’s all Sam all the time. If he drops an egg or can’t find his whisk, you’ll know it, because the viewer is completely engaged and involved in the action at all times. The result of this unique formula is the excitement, spontaneity and humor that sets Just Cook This apart from other cooking shows and is certain to delight viewers of all appetites.
The recipes featured in Just Cook This are available at http://www.discoveryhealth.com/, along with hilarious video blogs and random kitchen musings from Sam.

An Architectural Invite is created for the ET Emmy fête at the Walt Disney Concert Hall

The invites are out for this year’s 11th Annual Entertainment Tonight Emmy Party sponsored by People to be held at the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 16th. ET and People continue to raise the bar with the creative elements behind Emmy night’s “hottest ticket in town.” This year, ET enlisted YESDESIGNGROUP to come up with an innovative invitation.

YESDESIGNGROUP created an invitation inspired by the materials utilized to construct the magnificent Disney Concert Hall. The invite is comprised of three different double-sided cards made out of cherry wood veneer, brushed aluminum, charcoal with foil metallic paper. Each double-sided card is cut on a bias.

Mirroring the unique architecture of the venue, YESDESIGNGROUP chose a transparent 5” square Lucite cube to house and enclose each card so it would arch just as the Concert Hall arches. The piece is multifaceted with information printed on both sides of all three cards– forcing the recipient to turn the cube and peer inside to discover all of the pertinent details.

“We are very proud of how this piece came to life from concept to execution. It will go down as one of the best in our repertoire,” stated Lori J. Posner, owner of YESDESIGNGROUP. “We had a wonderful time working with ET on this project.”

To learn more check out:
http://www.etonline.com/
http://www.people.com/

From Africa: The Green Bracelet
More Than Twenty Dollars from each Bracelet will go back to Africa Via Diamond Empowerment Fund.

The Simmons Jewelry Company co-owners Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons and President Scott Rauch announced recently the first creation from its new Green Initiative collection of conscious jewelry. The line was inspired by a recent fact-finding trip to Botswana and South Africa taken by Russell Simmons and a Simmons Jewelry Co. delegation to see how diamonds were empowering Africans where they are a natural resource. Upon his return, Simmons and Simmons Jewelry Co. announced the formation of the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) and the Green Initiative. The D.E.F. is an international, non-profit organization, with a mission to raise money for educational programs to uplift the people and communities of Africa. The Green Initiative’s mission is to raise funds for the D.E.F.

The Green Bracelet, the first Green Initiative piece available at www.simmonsjewelryco.com, is already a must have item being worn by celebrities like Penelope Cruz, Paris Hilton, Beyonce, Gabrielle Union, Serena Williams, Eddie Murphy, T.I. and others. Made from genuine green malachite beads and a rough African diamond that is Kimberley Process compliant, the Green Bracelet embodies the natural beauty of Africa and celebrates the resources this rich continent has to offer. BeansTalk has the privelege of wearing one and treasures it for its beauty as well as its cause.

With the purchase of a Green Bracelet, more than $20 will go to the Diamond Empowerment Fund to support educational programs in Africa where diamonds are a natural resource.

“Our trip to Botswana and South Africa was a wake up call to take action to support the growth of these amazing people,” Simmons shared. “The African people don’t want a hand out, they need a hand up. What better way to do that than to engage them in the world of business? It’s my intention for Simmons Jewelry Company to be an example to the jewelry industry that we can all benefit from giving back to Africa. I hope that one day, all the big companies have their own green lines and the good we‘ve done as an industry will long lasting and deeply felt throughout Africa.”

"I am excited about this latest venture for Simmons Jewelry Company,” declared Kimora Lee Simmons. “We have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the industry and really impact a change. The collection not only looks great, but also serves a worthy cause."

The Green Initiative collection is a unique combination of modern, traditional and inspirational hip-hop inspired jewelry in stainless steel and diamonds, with either green rubber or green enamel. An outline of Africa signifies the piece as giving to D.E.F. The line features the diamond encrusted Ohm Watch and Ohm pendant, as well as bracelets, pendants, chains and rings priced from $200 - $80,000.

About Simmons Jewelry Company and the D.E.F.:
Simmons Jewelry Co. was created to satisfy the fashionable jewelry needs of youth culture. The D.E.F.’s mission is to raise funds to support educational programs for the people and communities in Africa. The Green Initiative’s purpose is to raise funds for the D.E.F. For more information and store locations, please visit http://www.simmonsjewelryco.com/

Ricki Lake and Holly Robinson Peete to star in the Life Original Movie “Matters of Life and Dating” : The Irreverent and Poignant Strory of Searching for Mr. Right While Living Beyond Breast Cancer.

Movie Airs in October as Programming Centerpiece of Lifetime’s Award-Winning Public Awareness Campaign, “Stop Breast Cancer for Life”

Ricki Lake (“The Business of Being Born,” “Mrs. Winterbourne”), stars as a single woman returning to the dating scene after having a mastectomy in the upcoming Lifetime Original Movie “Matters of Life & Dating,” based on breast cancer survivor Linda Dackman’s book, Up Front. Co-starring Holly Robinson Peete (“For Your Love,” “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper”), the film explores universal frustrating, complicated and often comedic insights into looking for Mr. Right, while grappling with ingrained notions of beauty and finding unexpected strength and support from friends and family. “Matters of Life & Dating” will premiere Monday, October 22 at 9pm (ET/PT) on Lifetime Television.

In making the announcement, Susanne Daniels, President, Entertainment, Lifetime Networks said, “Following in the footsteps of last year’s Emmy-nominated film ‘Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastecomy,’ this year’s centerpiece of our Stop Breast Cancer for Life campaign is unique as it tackles a very different subject matter – dating. The story highlights the current issue of living beyond cancer, but it’s also a humorous and touching look at the trials and tribulations of dating that all women can relate to, whether they’ve faced breast cancer or not. Personally and professionally, I couldn’t be more excited to be working again with both Ricki Lake and Holly Robinson Peete, two extremely talented actors teamed together in what will be Lifetime’s must-see movie this fall.”

“Matters of Life & Dating” premieres during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month as the centerpiece of Lifetime’s 13th annual multi-platform Stop Breast Cancer for Life public service and advocacy campaign, which reaches women and families in more than 93 million homes across the country in partnership with the Network’s cable affiliates, advertising sponsors and twelve leading nonprofit organizations. The film echoes the creative concept of this year’s campaign, “Be My Support, Be My Strength, Be My Bra,” a playful but forceful depiction of the universe of strength at hand and within ourselves when facing breast cancer, based on the slang term for friend, “bra.” Lake and Peete also will appear in the Network’s original PSA campaign throughout October.

The film also touches on many important messages of Lifetime’s campaign, including promoting early detection of breast cancer, ensuring access to health care for all women and ending “drive-through” mastectomies, when women are forced out of the hospital sometimes hours after surgery and before they and their doctors feel they are ready to go home. The Network has now collected more than 18 million signatures on a petition on LifetimeTV.com urging Congress to pass critical bi-partisan legislation that would stop this practice.
Lifetime’s 2006 movie in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, “Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy” was recently nominated for an EmmyÒ Award in the category of “Outstanding Made for Television Movie.”


“Matters of Life & Dating” is produced by Barbara Lieberman Productions for Lifetime Television. Executive producers are Barbara Lieberman (Lifetime’s “Murder in the Hamptons,” “Obsessed”), Salli Newman (“The Good Old Boys,” “A Slight Case of Murder”) and Ricki Lake (“The Business of Being Born”). Peter Wellington (“Slings and Arrows,” “Luck”) directs from a script written by Nina Colman (“Meet Prince Charming,” “Dr. Doolittle 3”).

Happy Labor Day!

Get Your Guess On

Stars who were taking a break from rehearsing from the super tough work of preparing for the Teen Choice Awards last week were able to visit the Tiger Electronics Celebrity Retreat where BeansTalk found the Guess by Marciano footwear booth hopping. Stars such as Avril Levigne, Jessica Alba, Jordin Sparks, Nikki Blonski, Megan Fox, Omarion, Snoop Dogg,The Jonas Brothers, and all the cute kids from High School Musical 2 were raving about the sexy styles. Here’s the scoop: Stiletto Mary Janes and the signature Guess leopard print pumps were flying off the shelves.
The adorable Nikki Blonski of Hairspray fame grabbed her pair and wore them out!

Nikki's Pick: Guess by Marciano's "Carrie"

Pointed toe, Cut out inside edge, 4 inch heel

Retail: $90.00

Beauty Breakthrough: Zeno

Finally! Someone has built a better mouse trap. What we really mean is that the folks over at Tyrell have launched a truly effective and non-pharmaceutical means of treating acne – at all ages. At last! Zeno is a handheld, portable electronic medical device that is clinically proven to make pimples disappear fast. How? It treats individual pimples with a precisely controlled low-level heat dose faster and more effectively than any other product available without a prescription. In a clinical trial, 90 percent of blemishes treated with Zeno faded or disappeared within 24 to 48 hours.

Where was this thing when BeansTalk was 17? No worries. We still have the occasional blemish to treat and find this handy device a real life saver.

So did the cute young stars who were preparing for the Teen Choice Awards last weekend. The makers of Zeno were there gifting them to the teen celebs! God forbid Hilary Duff be seen on camera looking anything less than her best!
Here’s more: Zeno treats pimples with just two to three treatment cycles lasting two and a half minutes each spread over 12 to 24 hours. Zeno makes the acne-causing bacteria self-destruct. It can be used in conjunction with other acne treatments including over-the-counter and dermatologist-prescribed medications. It should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive, regular hygiene routine.

This medical device, which has received numerous accolades from the beauty world including Allure Magazine’s 2005 “Best of Beauty Award,” is a safe, quick and effective alternative to other over-the-counter acne treatments.
Zeno is available for purchase nationwide at Bliss Spas, Walgreens, Sephora and
online at outlets such as Walgreens.com, amazon.com and myzeno.com.

About Tyrell, Inc. and Zeno:
Established in Houston, Texas, in September 2002, Tyrell, Inc. is the leading pioneer in an exciting new category of home-based medical devices. The company was formed to develop and launch Zeno, a product set to revolutionize over-the-counter treatment of acne pimples. Utilizing proprietary ClearPoint™ technology, this electronic medical device applies sustained heat therapy to destroy the bacteria that causes common acne, dramatically reducing the healing time of pimples. For more information on Zeno, visit http://www.myzeno.com/

On Authority
Where do all of today’s young hot celebrities go with their pressing questions? To Mattel’s Magic 8 Ball of course. The stars who presented or performed at last week’s Teen Choice Awards were spending some down time playing with the new High School Musical version of the classic toy. Their questions? Mark Indelicato of Ugly Betty fame asked if “Ugly Betty” was the best show ever. The answer: “Signs say soarin’!” As he shook the Magic 8 Ball, “High School Musical” cutie pie star Lucas Grabeel asked “Am I going to win an award tonight?” The answer was: “All signs point to yes!”
BeansTalk had fun with the game which retails for about $7.00 as well. The answers inside of the ball have fun High School Musical catch phrases such as “Your head’s in the game.”

Hallmark Cutie

Backstage at the Teen Choice Awards last weekend, young stars had the chance to reach out to young fans who may be watching the show from a hospital room. Hallmark paired up with Tamagotchi Toys to send gift bags to sick kids through the City of Hope. Kudos to stars like Miley Cyrus, Megan Fox, and Omarion who penned heartfelt sentiments to these young fans on Hallmark cards.

BeansTalk has learned that Hallmark’s super popular sound effect cards were gifted to Teen Choice Award presenters and performers. Check out the adorable Miley Cyrus! She shared that her mom recently received the Hannah Montana sound effect card for her birthday. Great choice.

This season, Hallmark Gold Crown stores will offer an expanded collection of 224 Cards With Sound featuring more than 100 original music artists, as well as dialogue and theme songs from popular movies and TV shows. The collection also includes musical gift bags and gift-card boxes, as well as gift bags designed with pockets to hold a sound-producing card.

Hallmark Cards With Sound feature CD-quality recordings of original music and sound clips. Each clip plays up to 30 seconds when the card is opened, and stops when the card is closed. The cards include classics songs such as "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers and "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, as well as trendy tunes such as "All Star" by Smash Mouth and "Wild Thing" by The Troggs. They retail for $4.99

More on Tarte’s Health Couture: Inside Out Lipstick

BeansTalk has been a longtime devotee to the super popular Tarte line. Well, Tarte’s Maureen Kelly and Scott Vincent Borba have done it again: they’ve created lipstick that’s actually good for you. Similar to the Inside Out glosses, Tarte’s long-lasting lipstick beautifies lips on the outside, while Borba’s age-defying nutraceutical blend beautifies lips on the inside. Available in 3 pretty shades, this is the first-ever lipstick that will nourish, moisturize and rejuvenate lips while helping to protect against environment attack.
Sweet Dreams (dusty pink-rose) Zen (plum-berry) Revive (true red)

Inside Out vitamin-infused lipstick and core include:
Preservative-free and paraben-free grape seed extract and vitamin C help accelerate production of natural elastin, protecting skin against free-radical damage and restore skin’s clarity
Chamomile extract soothes skin and helps to counteract redness
Tarte’s skin-vigorating lipstick ingredients:
Jojoba, shea butter and beeswax nourishes, moisturizes and conditions lips
Borba’s age-defying nutraceutical cocktail core:
Acai & green tea extract help strengthen capillary walls, reduce epidermal irritation and enhance skin’s clarity and radiance
Vitamins A, E & K act as antioxidants to give lips that healthy glow
Lychee extract promotes long-term skin hydration
Clinically tested formula—lipstick with antioxidants and other vitamins & minerals can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

BeansTalk gives kudos to Tarte because a portion of the proceeds of the sales of the Sweet Dreams shade (pictured) will go to the Young Survival Coalition, http://www.ysc.org/. Right on!
Inside Out vitamin-infused lipstick powered by Borba’s age-defying nutraceuticals ($22 US)
Check out the Tarte line at Sephora stores or at http://www.sephora.com/