DEBBIE DURKIN’S ECOLUXE LOUNGE FOR THE 2015 EMMYS

[Note: I’m thrilled that my broken ribs healed enough for me to able to make it out to five gifting suites that celebrated this year’s Emmys.  Of course, my contributing writers made it possible, by doing all the heavy lifting, for which I really thank them.  As usual, each suite gets its own write-up because I don’t want any of you to miss even one item or celebrity I’m telling you about.  So, please make sure to look at the previous ones, as well, to learn about all the fabulous-ness.  I went in order of my visits this year, and this is the fifth, and last, of five. My Contributing Writer is Alice Farinas.  Her comments are the ones attributed to her by name, and also the ones in quotes.]

My Emmys events went out with a bang. I ended the hot week in the most fun, (and cool, in every sense of the word,) way: Christmas in September! The subtitle of Debbie Durkin’s Gifting Suite was “Winter Wonderland Lounge,” and the decor definitely lived up to that billing! It was held at the same venue as her previous Oscars event, The Avalon, in Hollywood.  To go along with the Christmas theme, there was holiday music playing all afternoon, and we got to take pix with Santa Claus.  And the oft-forgotten Mrs. Claus, too!

But my favorite touch was that guests (the kind ones, anyway,) brought toys for the kids at Shriners Hospitals for Children–Los Angeles, which is this year’s Ecoluxe Lounge official Charity Partner.  Alice and I loved shopping for them, and we both came up with cuddly stuffed animals without checking with each other!  (Great minds…) Hers lights up, and mine was an adorable pair of raccoons with different colored tails.  I hope that mine go to two besties.

Here’s the story of the Shriners Hospitals for Children–Los Angeles. Alice said these “specialty hospitals” are “truly a blessing to those in need.” They’re known for providing care to children, regardless of the families’ ability to pay, which is unbelievable. They specialize in orthopedic conditions, prosthetics and orthotics, hand disorders, burn scars, and cleft lip and palate. Donations are always very welcome, but at this time of year, you can buy Fezzy, the adorable teddy bear, as a holiday gift, with the proceeds going to Shriners, so everybody wins! www.shcla.org

We got to chat with Debbie for only a few minutes because she had to run around and keep it all running smoothly, but she pointed-out something really fascinating:  The majority of the sponsors were international, on one level or another!  I loved that vibe.  I’m so glad she apprised us of that circumstance!

We all got to celebrate the early holiday in the way that many people do the real one—with fun gifts and delicious chow!  So, let’s get to the highlights already!

Chariot Travelware–Everyone was clamoring to get over to this colorful, generous luggage company!  We all loved every size and design they had there, and they were kind enough to let each person choose his or her own piece, with no sponsor attitude whatsoever!   Alice said the suitcases “make a statement,” and are “sexy, stylish, and handsome.”  She added, “Chariot is a gorgeous line, with beautiful, brilliant, stylish designs.”  I chose one called “Fly Dog,” and when I showed it off to handsome former footballer, Willie Gault, he just had to go copy me, which is very flattering. (He said I can tell you that he did that.)  www.chariottravelware.com

Ammanii Jewelry–Alice said there is an “air of elegance and sophistication to this jewelry line.  It has a cultural flair with a gorgeous feminine delicacy.”  Wow–she never come up with anything so flowery before, so I know that she was truly impressed! They were gifting big, chunky silver bracelets from their “Timeless Heritage” collection, each with a different design. I liked them all, but thought the one with hieroglyphics on it was the most interesting. www.ammanii.com

Fete Wine–As a writer, I love that this wine company was explaining their moniker to everyone!  I’m sure that my regular readers know by now that I often use “fete” as an alternative to “party,” “soiree,” and “celebration,” so I just assume that everyone in the world knows that word! But what I’m not an expert on is phone apps. Actually, I barely understand them at all, (because I just don’t have the time for that sort of thing,) but this wine comes with a photo app that works with the bottle to create happy pix.  Alice said that makes it “really unique,” and “makes your ‘fete’ that much more special.” www.fetetoday.com

AR Jewelry Designs–We were very impressed that this jewelry designer brought “so many different items to choose from!”  Alice said it was “all fun and diverse, trendy and cool.”  I admired it all–the bracelets, the pendents, and the earrings, too. Even the uber-pleasant company rep!  www.arprodesigns.com

Resqme Lifesaving Tools–This line of car escape and safety accessories was gifting their mini devices.  I’ve always owned big versions of tools that break the windows of your car, and cut the seat belts, in an emergency, but these Resqme ones are so much easier to keep handy.  You can attach them to your key chain, or even better, just leave them in the middle console of your car at all times. I was glad that Alice also received a small pepper spray, because she’s a female alone. She now “carries it without fail,” especially because “it’s so conveniently compact.” www.resqme.com

Brunette Shoes–People were excited to see these colorful sneakers.  I had never heard of this company before, so I was extra excited because I’m a sneaker girl! I love discovering new brands, especially when they feature lots of colors, as these do.  www.burnetieshoes.com

You know I love a generous suite that feeds us, and this one did that, for reals!  Here’s what we feasted on:

Rounds Premium Burgers–These “Executive” burgers (featuring caramelized onions, blue cheese, bacon, and garlic aioli) have been favorites of Mr. X and me for a few years now, so I was thrilled to see them here.  Alice had never had one before, and gasped, “OMG!  I don’t know the last time I had such a juicy, mouth-watering hamburger.”  Judging from the “oohs” and “aahs” I kept hearing around their outside booth, I’m sure all the guests felt the same.  www.roundsburgers.com

Smoked Fusion BBQ Catering–This catering company served several different appetizers, and kept them going all…day…long!  We enjoyed the tri-tip mini tacos, and the cornbread stuffed with pork, but our favorite, hands down, was the “sooo yummy” pulled pork on crackers, which Alice deemed “the best ever!”  (I don’t think my brand new Xmas-green dress felt the same way, though–I dropped the last bite of pork on it, in three places, no less! But it was oh so delicious.)   www.smokedfusioncatering.org

Sugar And Spyked Holiday Desserts Bar—Everyone knows that I hate the taste of alcohol, but Alice was delighted with these alcohol-infused desserts.  She said they are “a great twist on something sweet!”  She was thrilled to discover her favorite alcoholic beverage, the Moscow Mule, in custard form, and loved it!  This company also provided a frost-your-own-cupcake bar, (which I loved doing to bring home to Mr. X,) and the best treat of all–Antoine Murray doing chair massages, which Alice and I were thrilled to receive on our way out.  www.sugarandspyked.com

Infiniti Sweets Holiday Candy Bar—This sweets company featured a festive bar full of “beautifully-displayed, adorable” mini-cupcakes, which were so delish, especially the chocolate ones. Alice went nuts over the chocolate-dipped pretzels, too, which she said just became “one of my vices!”  www.infinitisweets.com

S’More Bakery—They were offering tiny bite-sized s’mores, and toasted the marshmallows right in front of you with a little blow-torch! Cute idea. www.smorebakery.com