ECO OSCARS LOUNGE 2013

[Note: I went to ten, count them, ten, Oscars Weeks events! Only one was a waste of time, but the other nonet were great, and each was unique. As physically-challenging to me as it all was, it was worth it to have so many wonderful stories to share with you. So, each Oscars Suite and party gets its own column, in the order of my visits to them, (with many of the celebrities being discussed in the next Celeb Sightings one,) because I want you to be able to concentrate on each and every aspect I’m telling you about. I don’t want you to miss even one second of the fun, so please make sure to check all nine days worth of stories to learn about the entirety of the fabulous-ness! This is the fifth of nine.]

All photos by Karen Salkin. Can you spot her "intro card" off to the side?

This time, birthday girl Debbie Durkin held her annual event at a lovely new venue in Beverly Hills. It was at a private house right across from the famous “Witches’ House,” which people were marveling at as they entered the property. There was a gorgeous black-bottom pool, a lovely first floor, and an attractive indoor bar; the whole atmosphere, with all day music, food, and drinks, made it perhaps the most relaxing “suite” ever.

And this is one event I can go to alone because Debbie assigns escorts to each VIP guest to guide us around, make the introductions, and carry our bags.

You all know I love gifts, but even better is being fed with darn good vittles, a note all too few suites have gotten! Since they were celebrating Jamaica at this suite, (because it pertained to Skyfall in some way,) the hot buffet was provided by Coley’s, Jamaica’s Best Cuisine (by way of North Hollywood.) I can’t tell you how delicious their food was. I’m not a fan of spice, (because I’m a wimp,) so it all was a bit too hot for me, but it was so exceptional that I went back for more! On the menu that day was their signature Jammin’ Jerk Chicken accompanied by rice and beans, cooked cabbage, and little balls of sweet dough that could not be beat. www.coleyscuisine.com

But there were still gifts to be had, almost all of which I’m already a fan, so let’s get to them:

Michael Foster Scarves—As an already-proud owner of one of Michael’s famous Organic Egyptian cotton beauties, I get compliments on it wherever I go. His warm yet muted colors work together beautifully, in every single design I’ve seen. www.maf.thinkcreatix.com

Huggrz Boot Covers–A good pal of mine, who works at a magazine in New York, just attended all the gifting suites at the Sundance Film Festival. She came to visit me in LA afterwards, and asked if I wanted to see what I missed by not going to Utah myself. She showed me jackets, jewelry, trip invites, etc. But the gift she was most excited about was these boot covers, that she discovered at Debbie’s suite there. They turn your basic boots into completely new, luxurious ones. I guess I scooped a big mag because I wrote about them a year ago! Clever attire and a scoop—who wouldn’t love receiving those two?! www.huggrz.com

Vitaphenol–I’ve been swearing by this company’s facial cleanser for some time now. Even Mr. X loves it. I didn’t even know they made any other products until I discovered their toner at this suite. It’ll make the perfect complement to the cleanser, I have no doubts. www.vitaphneol.com

Minky Couture–I knew this company makes lovely baby blankets, but I did not know about the skinny yet fluffy scarves, that come in pastels. Now the mom’s neck can match the baby’s wrap! www.softminkyblankets.com

L’Arganium Argan Oil—This company from Morocco was gifting Argan Oil Cream, that aids in not only skin care, but hair health, as well. And they brought this gorgeous wooden door all the way from the homeland to demonstrate that country’s love for all things natural. Who wouldn’t love that kind-of effort at a gifting suite?! www.thedruggist.net

OPI—Being the supreme girly-girl, I could play with nail polish all day, (and sometimes do!,) so I was happy to see their new Skyfall collection, that I hadn’t been aware of before. A fashionista such as I has got to keep up on these things!