GIFTING SUITE: WOW CREATIONS SUITE FOR THE OSCARS 2015

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WOW CREATIONS SUITE FOR THE OSCARS 2015

[Note: I made it to six pre-Oscars Gifting Suites this year. As always, each one gets its own write-up. This is the fifth of them, so please make sure to check back tomorrow, and to look at the previous four columns, to learn about all the fabulous-ness. Alice was my Contributing Writer on this one.]

An exhausted Karen Salkin, taking a load off on the delightful Luxe Penthouse patio. Photo by Karen Salkin.

An exhausted Karen Salkin, taking a load off on the delightful Luxe Penthouse patio. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The Harris Twins outdid themselves on this year’s Wow Creations Oscars Suite, held once again in the Penthouse of the Luxe Hotel on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. They definitely did not mess around—I have never seen so many wonderful sponsors at a gifting suite before! I didn’t even realize how many there were until I started to write about them.
And every product was fabulous! Not a weak one in the bunch. And each sponsor was uber-generous, which I’m sure was much appreciated by all the guests.

Wow Creations featured so many items, (some new to me, some of them my old favorites,) that this time I had to put them all in categories. (And I beg of you, if you don’t have time to read it all in one sitting, please come back and finish it later. I love all of these products, and don’t want you to miss out, especially with so many gift occasions coming-up this Spring!)

So, let’s jump right in:

ARTWORK

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

IndiExhibit—I love this group of artists sooo much! I get happy whenever I see them at an event; I just know that each guest will be getting a high-quality work of art. And this was the most mouth-watering display they’ve ever put together! I seriously could not choose from among all the gorgeousness. Each gift is one-of-a-kind. Alice’s favorite piece was a three-tiered necklace from Joanna L. Nagle of Parrothead Jewelry. Of this “gorgeous silver and lava stone bib necklace” she said, “It’s very light to wear, even though it looks heavy in weight. It goes with every wardrobe item you can think of!” I had a really hard time deciding among the lovely paintings, colorful purses, and even an American flag flask, (even though I don’t drink!,) but wound-up choosing an outstanding jewelry set from Jennifer Sheehan, of Jennifer’s Custom Designs. She describes her work as “an assemblage of vintage and costume jewelry.” The necklace chain is made from an old chain belt, while the actual pendant is fashioned from a cocktail ring! The earrings are re-worked old costume jewelry, too. How can these people be so clever?! Alice remarked, of everything in the display, “You can tell the artists’ hearts and souls go into making each item.” We especially love the one I just mentioned, but please check-out their new site to learn about all the artists. You’ll always be able to find a gift there, for everyone, every time! www.theindiexhibit.org

Devine Gallery—Oil artist Susan Devine was gifting sets of note cards featuring reproductions of her beautiful paintings. www.devinegallery.com

JEWELRY

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Gem Mountain Studios—This trio of brothers who work and design together made me jealous from the start! And then when I saw the whole table full of their beautiful creations, I was jealous of them for having that talent. And for getting to wear their own designs daily! These are upscale-yet-hip one-of-a-kind pieces that are available in their Beverly Hills store, so the guests didn’t have far to go after the event to see all this family’s wonderful works. www.gmsshop.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Radar Watches—I’m always excited when I see this colorful watch company at an event! Their display just draws me in. Judging from the big crowds that are always at their table, I’m not alone in that. This time, there was also a display case previewing some of their upcoming designs, and let me tell you, I will be the first in line for some of those! In the meantime, we were all super-happy to mix and match the watchbands and removable faces. I was especially attracted to the “Special Agent” watches; the face lights-up at the perfect illumination. I need that to check the time left on the many theatre shows I attend, without bothering the audience members who don’t care what time the play is over, like I always do. www.radarwatches.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Inspyred Creations—All this hand-crafted jewelry was beautiful, but we were both especially fans of the ones that look like old time-pieces. Alice talked to the artist a while, and told me that she “takes the inside mechanisms of watches, and turns them into uniquely-constructed jewelry that’s truly a work of art! It’s all so beautifully done.” www.inspyredcreations.ca

Bedol—I still can’t figure out these water-powered clocks and watches! For reals. All you do is fill them with plain tap water, and they go for at least six months! I hope this company works on doing the same thing for cars really soon!!! How fantastic would that be?! www.bedol.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Sonya Paz—This artist makes the coolest accessories, (such as watches and business card holders) featuring her colorful pop art. Alice talked to her awhile, (while I was entertained by discovering the cute titles of her works,) and told me that Sonya’s “most original pieces of art come from her life’s inspirations.” Ali’s favorites were the “really cool” coffee collection, which she said has a “very colorful, Picasso-esque look!” I wanted everything on the table! And a tour of Sonya’s mind!  www.sonyapaz.com

COSMETICS

Photo by Alice Farinas.

Photo by Alice Farinas.

EMK—This Beverly Hills skincare line uses plant placenta in all its products. It appears they have a long list of celeb clients, so if it’s working for Posh Spice, it’s definitely worth a try from me! www.emkbh.com

Shea Moisture—This company was established way back in 1912, (that was over a hundred years ago!,) so they must have perfected their formulas by now!!! They were letting guests choose their own gifts. The table featured everything to nourish your skin (and hair!,) from body lotion (Alice said the olive and green tea with avocado “smells heavenly”) to bubble bath to baby shampoo. They even have some fragrance-free items, (which asthmatic moi appreciates,) and—get this—gluten-free ones, too! (Portions of all their sales do a lot of good around the world, as well, which I applaud.) www.sheamoisture.com

Rx Clinical Cosmeceutical—Alice was already a fan of these skin care products. She told me, “They really do work for me, and it’s a really easy regimen. I’ve been using the morning cleanser-exfoliator and the nighttime synchronized Cellular Nite Crème. I can’t wait to try the Double Action Serum because I’m sure it will be as wonderful as all the others!” www.rxclinical.net

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Non F Monster Gel—This anti-cellulite gel is from Japan, where everyone looks good! The cute girls who were showing it to us said it can be used on the stomach as well as the hips and thighs. To that, we said, “OMG!” (Just don’t use it on your boobs. Who wants those to be smaller, anyway?) www.mccoy-beauty.com

Under the Sun—This line of haircare products was formulated in Florida, where no one’s hair, (least of all mine,) has ever looked good before. So those citizens need them! They’re said to fight all those conditions down there. So now maybe I can finally visit Miami again, without looking like Monica in the Bahamas!!! www.alwaysunderthesun.com

Le Karite Products—These dainty body products, that Alice says “smell so nice,” are made with all-natural organic ingredients. www.lekariteproducts.com

WELL-BEING

KoreballI’ve already lauded this wonderful, easy-to-use-and-carry piece of exercising equipment, so now it’s Alice’s turn. After spending some time picking the brain of the creator, Rick Warren, she said, “This is such a wonderful way to exercise! You can take the Koreball anywhere! It’s collapsible, so it doesn’t take up much room, and you manage the weight of it by filling it with water. Or not. It’s great!” Wimpy me chooses the “or not” option. Duh. www.koreball.com

Photo by Alice Farinas.

Photo by Alice Farinas.

Grande Maison de Blanc—This upscale linen boutique in Beverly Hills was gifting two-packs of luxuriously soft and elegant wash cloths. Alice said she’ll use hers “to impress the guests.” www.gmblanc.com

Daily Body Restore—This probiotic supplement is touted to restore your intestinal flora. The owner says, “Stress, poor eating habits, and traveling often upset the balance of good bacteria in your digestive tract.” So, mine must be ultra-crooked!!! Where has this product been for my last few stressful years?! Alice noted that they also give back, by donating a percentage of their sales to various non-profits, like feeding the hungry and providing clean water to victims of natural disasters. www.dailybodyrestore.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Auto Magical Bliss—Alice said these natural soy hand-poured candles are “so delicate-looking. Their lovely fragrances enhance any room; the name says it all!” www.automagicalbliss.com

XY4PLAY—This herbal-based oral spray is designed to help couples get intimate, if you get my drift.  (And I hope that my young readers don’t!) Alice asked, “So what are you waiting for? As Marvin says, Let’s get it on!” (I added the Marvin part, of course.) www.xy4p.com

ACCESSORIES

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Kathy Fielder—I was so happy to see this designer again! She and her team came in from Texas to share their newest clutch, faux fur vest, and pillow designs. I was describing a colorful clutch purse I had already seen of Kathy’s awhile ago, and out came one I had never seen, but it fit my description perfectly! This one was the Chevron Clutch, with thick raised lines in black, eggplant, and green. So stylish and now! www.kathyfielder.com

Jellyboxx—These thick plastic cases for iPhones…bounce when dropped! And they’re colorful, too. I’m sure that butter-fingered teens (and hipsters) will love them! www.jellyboxx.com

SNACKS

Cottage Kitchen Foods—These very interestingly-flavored crackers have been the favorites of Mr. X for awhile now. It’s one of the very few gifts he’s happy to see come into our overcrowded house! (He knows they’ll be gone really soon, because we can’t stop eating them!!!) Alice deemed the the flavors to be “decadent and so delicious, alone or with something on them.” Her favorites were the Parmesan & Rosemary and the Blue Cheese & Cracked Pepper, while my and Mr. X’s were…them all!!! www.cottagekitchenfoods.com

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Confetti Sweets—Alice said the pink-and-see-through packaging of these delicious cookies from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is so attractive that “you can’t wait to bite into them!” But bite away we did, and we loved them, especially the chocolate chunk! (And they have the cleverest business cards ever! There’s a “bite” out of the bottom!) www.confettisweets.ca

Burkart Organics—To give us energy for the rest of the day’s hectic schedule, we snacked on these bags of delicious dried mixed fruits. And their Tangerine Vanilla Bean Marmalade is delish on toast! www.facebook.com/burkartfarms

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

TeaScapes—Alice said, “The name [of the site] says it all! Just a little time to escape for a cup of tea goes a long way! These are beautifully-packaged loose tea leaves; so classic and always in style.” www.teaandtimeforyou.com

ProNutz—These are pistachio nuts that are covered with either yogurt or dark chocolate, with some probiotics added for good measure! Alice said, “So who needs to call it cheating when you eat these as treats?” Only problem for me is that the chocolate ones are so delish, I could eat several bags at one sitting!!! (But they’re really filling, so that won’t be necessary.) www.pronutz.net

Ponderosa Roasting Coffee Company—I’m sure you all know that I’m far from a fan of coffee, so I let Alice take this one on her own: “The Hollywood Blend is so flavorful. It’s great for first thing in the morning or as a mid-day pick-me-up.” www.ponderosaroasting.com

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  1. Pingback: Wow Creations Suite For The Oscars 2015 | Under The Sun

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