GBK GIFT LOUNGE HONORING THE 2013 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

 

I can’t believe the American Music Awards are over already. This year is going too fast for me! The bright spot of that whole celebratory week-end was the annul GBK lounge to honor the awards.

I love that GBK Productions always varies the vibe of their gifting suites to match each different award show. This one was totally hip and happening, like the music business itself, with a DJ right in the middle of the action. And the gifts, which included fashion and cosmetics and some one-of-a-kind items, were perfect for the action-packed celebrity guests.

I was really excited to see Tony Dovolani, the popular pro from Dancing With The Stars. Having met him over the years, we got to chat a little bit about the really fun season he just had on that show, and one of the women who accompanied him was darling enough to thank me for complimenting him! I have a feeling she was his PR person, and if so, I was left wondering why everyone in the that part of the business can’t be as nice as she is.

It was also interesting to see dancer Casper Smart in person. The funny thing is that Mr. X and I were just talking about him a couple of days ago because they know each other from krump dancing, and Mr. X had just put together, after all this time, that the Caspar he knows is the one who’s seeing Jennifer Lopez! I guess there was no light bulb over my beau’s head on this one.

So, back to the GBK lounge–great atmosphere, an interesting mix of guests, lovely, polite personnel, (especially the one guard at the entrance, who made everyone feel welcome, even if we had to wait for a few seconds,) and really fun gifts—who could want any more out of an event? Certainly not moi, nor my new contributing writer, Stephanie Sedayao, who was most impressed with this, her first gifting suite. (Her comments will be the ones in quotes.)

So let’s get to the highlights of the gifts already!

GrandeLASH-MD–The beautiful, mouth-watering look of this sponsor’s display is what attracted us to it, but when we found-out it was eyelash and eyebrow enhancer, they had our complete attention! Stephanie was beside herself from meeting them, and said this, “I have short eyelashes, so when I saw this product I was immediately intrigued. The women were sweet and informative, so I was really excited to try this all-natural product. You’re supposed to see a change in about five weeks, but I’ve already noticed a change in my eyebrow growth! Now I cannot wait to see what the eyelash results will be.” My enthusiasm matches hers. www.grandelashMD.com

Jada Michaels Lingerie–This lovely lingerie designer is a rare female—a skinny girl who actually cares about women of all sizes! Her beautiful and sexy contemporary lingerie collection is not only for women of all sizes, but all degrees of sexiness, as well! She has everything from attractive tank tops to (close your eyes now, if you’re under eighteen,) crotchless panties! She also makes shape-wear, which is perhaps the most important staple of any wardrobe!!! www.jadamichaels.com

Child Support Clothing—I love that their website explains this line of of super-affordable tee shirts, (and now, baby onesies,) is “about style with a purpose.” They “strive to make a difference in the lives of children living in desperate situations,” which is such a worthwhile endeavor. We really enjoyed talking to the kind rep at this suite, with Stephanie even noticing that “the people were so passionate and truly into the cause, which is wonderful.” She “loved the shirts” that look “so comfortable.” I’m urging you to keep this company in mind for your holiday gifts. You’ll be giving something everyone can use, saving a lot of money at the same time, and best of all, helping less fortunate children to have an easier time of it. Sounds like a win-win-win situation to me! www.childsupportclothing.org

Rolf Bleu Fashion Accessories–This accessories company was gifting a choice of several items, including very colorful iPad covers that look like upscale purses! Stephanie chose a black beanie with a big “NO” on the front, and found it to be both “so comfortable and stylish.” She explained, “As a college student who’s always on the go, I find these beanies, (that feature great phrases in big block letters,) definitely make a statement.” Of course, me being me, I advised her to turn the “NO” to the back if a cute guy asks her out! www.rolfbleu.com

Wolfhardt—This handmade leather accessories company was gifting wrap-around bracelets. The thin design made them look like cute mini-belts. www.wolfhardt.com

Blow Hookah—I don’t know much about hookahs, except for that they seem to be the latest attraction at hip bars around town. But when I caught sight of the rhinestone-covered mini ones at this suite, I knew I had a find out more. They were gifting the limited edition Blow Dazzle, which is for personal use. You fill it with whatever flavor liquid you choose, and it even comes with a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck as a jewelry piece! www.blowhookah.com

Jalisco’s Mobile Taco Grill—You know I love a suite that feeds us, and this mobile company was there to do the honors. We had our choice of their very delicious beef or chicken tacos, with all the trimmings, or, for the more health-conscious than I, a taco salad. Steph added that “the staff was wonderful and really helpful,” which is really a double compliment coming from one so young. www.jaliscosmobiletacogrill.com

Mark Hill Salon Professional—This haircare line, from “fabulous” British hairstylist Mark Hill, features Moroccan Argan Oil that Stephanie says is “nothing less than wonderful!” She’s used it, and the 2 Minute Intensive Treatment, as well, for a little while now, and went and on about them products, letting us know they’ve “started to change my hair for the better. It already feels stronger, healthier, and much softer.” Of course, mine was already fabulous, so I’m glad that our tresses will now match! www.markhill.co.uk

Carmex—As a girl whose lips are in perpetual motion, (because I talk so much—that’s all I mean,) I was thrilled to see my favorite lip balm here! But the fun packaging is what really caught our eyes. Stephanie noticed that there’s an attractive print “to fit every personality: Whimsical, Chic, Adventurous, and Fab.” (I need all four, because I’m all of those!) She also said, “The lip balm is packed with the soft vanilla mixed with Vitamin E and Aloe. The icing on the cake is that it has SPF 15, perfect for everyday use. The packaging is so cute, the balm really does keep your lips hydrated in any weather, and it’s the perfect size to put in any purse. What’s not to love?” I think when she’s done interning with me over here at INAM, she should go into PR, don’t you think? www.mycarmex.com

Contraband Hats—I’ve never seen a hat company with so many different styles before! They were offering the guests a choice of a fedora, baseball cap, or skullcap, and within those main categories, there was another choice of design. It was fun to figure out which style each celebrity would choose. www.contrabandhats.com