GIFTING LOUNGE: DORIS BERGMAN’S LUXURY LOUNGE & PARTY CELEBRATING TELEVISION’S BIGGEST NIGHT 2019

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DORIS BERGMAN’S LUXURY LOUNGE & PARTY CELEBRATING TELEVISION’S BIGGEST NIGHT 2019

Doris Bergman threw yet another fabulous event the week before the Emmys. Her chosen venue was once again Fig and Olive in West Hollywood, and my contributing writer on this one, Mack, could not have been happier. He’s the best eater on my team, and he was in heaven from the get-go. He said, “This event was not to be missed!!! Doris was charming to all her guests in this very inviting space. The fig trees and rosemary bushes add so much to the beauty of the atmosphere.”

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this page.

Of the lunch fare, he said, “I enjoyed it all, from the passed signature flatbreads at the start of the day to the buffet lunch of delicious roasted chicken, truffle pasta, and gourmet salad to the fabulous desserts, which were just the right size!”

Keo Motsepe and Karen Salkin.  Photo by INAM staff,

Keo Motsepe and Karen Salkin. Photo by INAM staff.

Doris’ luncheon and gifting lounge always attracts an interesting mix of celebs. This time we chatted with the Grammy-winning Pointer Sisters, whom we had just met last month, and Ray Donovan’s Steven Bauer, (whom Mack recently did karaoke with, and to whom Elliott Gould had introduced me at a previous event of Doris’.) We also spied Edward James Olmos, Bruce Dern, and Deirdre Hall. But I had eyes for only Keo Motsepe from Dancing With The Stars! As I wrote just last week, he’s the most honest person on TV, which I really appreciate. We had a good laugh about the place we originally met, but I’m keeping that to myself for once.

The Brazilian2wins. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The Brazilian2wins. Photo by Karen Salkin.

And the entire time we were entertained by the violin and ukulele stylings of Brazilian2wins, Wagner and Walter, a pair of cute Brazilian guys. It was so special to be treated to wonderful live music like that! And since they’re from Brazil, a country notorious for loving women who are a tad–how shall I put it?–bigger, I asked them, “So I look skinny to you, right?,” to which they let out hearty laughs—they knew exactly what I meant! (I often think of moving there because those residents would think I’m still anorexic!)

Karen Salkin autographing the Wednesday's Child poster after donating lots of gifts to the worthy cause, which was her absolute pleasure to do!  Photo by INAM staff.

Karen Salkin autographing the Wednesday’s Child poster after donating lots of gifts to the worthy cause, which was her absolute pleasure to do! Photo by INAM staff.

One of my favorite parts of Doris’ luncheons is that her charity of choice is Wednesday’s Child. Its mission is to helps teens who are in foster care; that’s an oft-overlooked age group, so I’m sure this organization is a godsend to them. Mack and I enjoyed an enlightening convo with the organizer, local newswoman Christine Devine, on the way in. Doris asks all her guests to bring gifts for those teen-agers, which is such a pleasure to do. I love gathering a potpourri of interesting items for the kids, hoping that each one will hit a teen-ager in just the right way. If you, too, want that joy of contributing, with gifts and/or money, (or, even better, adoptions,) just visit their site here: www.foxla.com/wednesdays-child.

And, of course, in addition to the delish luncheon, there were tons of wonderful gifts for the VIP attendees. Here are the highlights, (with Mack’s thoughts in quotes.):

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

LuLaRoe—This was the single most generous sponsor I’ve ever seen at any event anywhere!!! OMG! The darling reps, (most notably Brittany, who I wish lived right near me, so I can have the most upbeat bestie ever!,) were encouraging every single guest to choose multiple items of the most adorable and attractive attire I have ever seen in one place! (Sorry for all the exclamation marks, but that’s how impressed I was with this entire display!) There were leggings, pashminas, dresses, tops, and sweaters, each one more fabulous than the one before. Mack and I adored both the women’s and men’s lines. He gushed that “LuLaRoe is a family-owned business that has been in existence for six years. They actually love helping others and giving back to the community. To that end, they offer sizes XS to 3XL so no one will ever feel left-out. And all their clothing is at price points for all socio-economic backgrounds. How’s that for inclusivity?”  I agree with everything he said! www.lularoe.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Diamond Veneer–My mouth absolutely watered over every single item this jeweler had on display! No lie. I have no idea how the guests chose from among the diamond veneer bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings in the line, all so sparkly. I almost fainted when I noticed a very hip and happening two-tone stainless steel bracelet with a micro-pave zirconate “K” charm dangling from it!!! Mack asked how they just happened to show up with my initial on it, but, in reality, they make them with every initial—my eye was just drawn to my own, of course. I almost shed a grateful tear over that discovery!  www.diamondveneer.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Beviva—Mack said that this company makes “the most delicious chips, snacks, and cereals, all from sweet potatoes, so they’re all very healthful, as well.” As people who are always on the go, we really appreciate that the signature purple cereal is so portable–you just add water to the powder and it turns into dairy free milk. Mack adds, “How convenient is that?!” I especially loved the touch that Sylvia, the owner of Beviva who was on hand with mini-cereal cups for guests to try right on the spot, was dressed to match her product and set-up! Classic. www.bevivafoods.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

PRSVR—I loved learning about this company that was new to us! They had a beautiful display of their varied wares, which include leather jackets and pants, eyewear, and briefcases. The guests were all thrilled to receive perfect vegan “leather” unisex “Stash Box Bags,” which are the perfect size to carry your cell phone, wallet, lipstick, whatever. Mack noted that “they conveniently clip-on to your belt loop or backpack or luggage.” I’m noting that just carrying it in your hand will make you look hip!  www.perseverelifestyle.com

Photo by INAM staff.

Photo by INAM staff.

Buy Wine—After reading what I’ve written in the past about this wonderful wine purveyor, Mack was thrilled to meet their reps in person, and drink it all in. (The beauty of the display and the wines themselves.) Their featured brand this time was Hope and Grace, whose 2013 Riesling from Napa Valley he especially enjoyed. I loved discovering their 2014 Pinot Noir from Sonoma County and their Pinot Gris from Russian River Valley. I agreed with Mack’s assessments that all the wines “complemented the lunch perfectly,” and that the guests “enjoyed sipping it throughout the event.” www.buywine.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

True Gold Honey—Mack tried all five flavors of honey (avocado, wild buckwheat, summer valley flowers, coastal mountain sage, and his favorite-orange blossom) that are featured in their gorgeously-presented wooden gift boxes, and raved, “Let me tell you–this is good honey!” He was also impressed that they “even gave-out recipes using their products. I can’t wait to try their honey miso dressing on my next salad!” I hope he makes enough for both of us.  www.truegoldhoney.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Charise Noel Jewelry—Mack loved this jewelry designer so much! He tells us, “Every day is Christmas with Charise Noel! She makes these jewels as a tribute to her mother who won her cancer battle and today is working alongside her daughter. The necklaces and earrings have interchanging baubles and bangles that you can swap out with a click of a magnet to change the look in an instant! With style ranging from subtle to flashy, it’s all beautiful and elegant.” What he said!  www.charisenoel.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Green Goddess Collective—This venerable Venice, California cannabis dispensary was kind enough to give each guest a goodie bag filled with CBD-infused gifts, including teas, oils, snacks, chocolates, and even vapes! If the guests hadn’t already been having a fabulous and chill time, this gift would have definitely done the trick! www.greengoddesscollective.com

Photo by INAM staff.

Photo by INAM staff.

Twisted Silver—Out of all the companies he’s ever read about in this e-zine, Mack was looking forward to seeing this jewelry the most. He told me afterwards that “they have a huge and wonderfully unusual array of rings, necklaces, and bracelets, which are almost all unisex. I was especially drawn to the very hip vintage wrist bands that are actually made from the closing end of thick belts!” I agree; in addition to them being so attractive, they’re oh so clever!  www.twisted-silver.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Spa Girl Cocktails—Since Mack loved this flavored vodka so much, both the pear and cucumber, he quipped, “It’s clearly not just for girls; we guys also love this ultra-premium vodka!” I say that everyone will be happy that it features fewer calories and less sugar than other brands, which are not even as tasty as these. The pretty bottles make them a must for every happy occasion! www.spagirlscocktails.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Popcornopolis—This was already Mack’s favorite treat, before we even happened on them at this event. He’s labeled it “popcorn to die for!” Each guest received a certificate for a gift basket which contains all of their quintet of flavors: caramel, cheddar, cinnamon, my favorite–kettle, and Mack’s #1–zebra corn drizzled with chocolate.  www.popcornopolis.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

My Saint My Hero—Mack had admired these blessing bracelets every time I’ve worn one of mine, so he was happy to finally see all their offerings in one place. He noted that the company features “a huge variety of choices for men and women, and even kids!” He loved that the company’s mission is “to make the world a better place by using our hands to do good.” I was thrilled to see their latest creation, kindness bracelets, because that’s the one thing I try to be every day of my life. (And you guys thought that being funny was more important to me, didn’t you?!)  www.mysaintmyhero.com

Photo courtesy of Bergman PR.

Photo courtesy of Bergman PR.

Precious Vodka—The beauty of these bottles makes teetotaler moi actually want to drink! But whether you’re drinking the delicious vodka itself, or just drinking in the beauty of the exterior, you cannot go wrong with this brand. Every one of the guests who sampled it on-site, including Mack, raved about it all day! www.preciousvodka.com

Photo by INAM staff.

Photo by INAM staff.

Art Lewin Bespoke—After spying my good pal Elliott Gould rocking his Art Lewin suit at an event earlier this year, Mack was thrilled to meet Art in person. At this event, he was showcasing what Mack dubbed “sophisticated men’s one hundred percent silk ties and pocket squares.” As a fashionista himself, he said, “I’m sure that every guest who received Art’s wares will wear them proudly!  www.artlewinbespoke.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Pia Gladys Perey Designs—This designer of elegant dresses was on-site, showcasing some of her gowns. I could not take my eyes off the red velvet numbers, which reminded me of the bikini of that material that I wore in the circus! So I’m grateful for the fun memories these gorgeous creations evoked. The female guests were lucky enough to receive a lovely pink lace robe that any man would be happy to see his woman in! www.piagladysperey.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Olivia Quida—This skincare company was gifting their SPF 50 sunscreen that contains lilac stem cells and zinc oxide. As someone who has had skin cancer on my face not once but twice, I’m hoping that every single person who received one will use it conscientiously!  www.oskinmedspa.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Milena Candles—Milena told me she had been up all night hand-making these candles which Mack said are “beautifully-crafted in a glass vessel emblazoned with her moniker.” He took whiffs of some of them and noted that the plumeria ones are especially “fragrant.” www.milenasboutique.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Sue Wong—When Mack met the always-fabulous gown designer Sue Wong, who, as always, was the most stylish person there, from head to toe, (including her eye-make-up!,) he told her that she should be in a museum. And guess what? She’s opening her very own museum in China in the very near future!!! That will put extra-specialness on the scarves and perfumes she was gifting this assemblage!  www.suewong.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

The Rules of Nines–Author Kathlyn Heim was there in person to hand-out copies of her new self-help book. She bundled it with a couple of books from her fellow writers, including one that Mack says “will help you tap into your creativity.” www.loveyouliveyou.com

  Photo by INAM staff.

Photo by INAM staff.

Browlesque—Eyebrow artist Angelo Ortiz was on-hand to help the guests learn about his brow designs and micropigmentation to help them look their best. I believe he even has a procedure for people with thinning hair!  www.angeloortiz.org

  Photo by INAM staff.

Photo by INAM staff.

Influence Effect—As an “influencer” myself, what this company offers is very interesting to me. You book a session, and show up with a bunch of outfits, and I believe they do the rest. From what I understand, they take beaucoup pix of you and then post them to your platforms for the next month! And who among my time-constrained influencer colleagues does not need that help?!

Photo by INAM staff.

Photo by INAM staff.

Pachamama—This CBD oils company offered what Mack deemed a “lovely logo tee-shirt” along with a trio of samples. www.enjoypachamama.com

As if all that food and fun wasn’t enough, each guest also received a bag already filled with goodies, on their way in. Some of those highlights were Rock Your Hair shampoo, Hint flavored water, Lucy Pet Treats in the unique Salmon & Pumpkin Formula, and everyone’s fave—a coupon for a complimentary pizza from Fresh Brothers, about whom I’ve been raving for years!

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