MTV MOVIE AWARDS SUITES–PART II (GBK AND BUDDHA BARK)

In case you didn’t read my philosophy of covering gifting suites yesterday, here it is again: Unlike many other journalists who attend these suites, I don’t feel that just giving you a list of some sponsors is enough–as regular readers know, I tell you something about each gift so you’ll know which ones you’re interested in looking-up for yourself, and I give you their websites. So, for only the second time, I’m celebrating these suites over two days because there were so many wonderful sponsors to tell you about, that just a single column couldn’t cover them all.

Yesterday, I covered the Secret Room Style Lounge, so please check it out if you missed it. Here are the scoops on the other two fabulous suites I had the pleasure to attend:

GBK’S LUXURY GIFT LOUNGE

This was held at West Hollywood’s London Hotel, for what I believe is the first time. A main attraction was the pet pampering lounge, but alas, my precious Clarence was a tad under the weather, so he had to chill at home. (I’m really tempted to joke that I brought a bitch pal instead, but unlike moi, Tattie, my trusty assistant, is far from it.)

Another new twist is that the event was held outside, in a lovely area of the hotel called Hampton Court. It was a pretty warm day, but the ballooned-canopies made sure we were comfortable.

GBK had another innovation this go-round, that went along with the MTV theme–the beautiful Katharine McPhee serenaded us as we went about our gift-gathering. It was really interesting; it felt kind-of like we were in a movie–a beautiful girl in a lovely black cocktail dress, singing good songs, as other beautiful people doled-out, (and collected) fabulous gifts, while sipping vodka cocktails. This is exactly what Los Angeles is depicted as being in many films, but even though I’m at hip and happening events almost day and night, I’ve rarely felt that I was on a gorgeous movie set more than I experienced here. (Well, maybe because none of my acting gigs looked very much like this. Check-out Brothers In Arms, the western I did a few years ago, as an example of not this!)

Here are the gift highlights:

The beautiful outdoor space was divided into five sections. One was for make-up, one for dogs, and then there was my absolute favorite one, with five out of six lovely sponsors. I could have had a party right there with these people! They are:

Oliver Rayn Men’s Casual Wear–I loved all this hip men’s clothing and the two attractive owners! They were the coolest, as was almost everyone in this section of the suite. In case you didn’t know, Mr. X is a krump dancer. (You can see some of his vids on YouTube. His name is Oldz Kool, and he’s the one krumping in the Featured Video on this site, as well. Funny, I never tell anyone who he really is, but I don’t mind identifying him by his krump handle.) Anyway, as such, he lives in hoodies, but is very particular about them, and rejects almost every brand I come home with. The second he tried on one of the fabulous Oliver Rayn ones, his dancing went to new heights. (Literally–he jumped-up on his toes!) Let me tell you–any company that makes Mr. X this happy, makes my heart sing. www.oliverrayn.com

Stella Hamm Jewelry–Stella herself has some story. Here was this unassuming little girl, who designed the whole table full of unique jewelry items. My tongue was hanging on the ground from loving all the pieces so much. But here’s the kicker–she gave up her career as a research scientist (or something like that–I was too busy drooling on her fun stuff to get all the facts this time,) to design jewelry full-time!!! I’m in awe. Of both careers. The ring she bestowed on me is probably my favorite gift of the week, though it was hard to decide between that one and the cupcake ring she had there! www.stellahamm.com

Grace Hats–With my funny face, I’m so not a hat kind-of girl. But I finally found one that really works for me! It’s by Grace Hats, and it’s really floppy and subtly colorful. And it’s malleable, which makes it easy for travel. And, since I hadn’t realized this suite was outside, and, like an idiot, hadn’t put on sunscreen, my new Grace hat turned-out to be the most perfect gift of all! www.gracehats.com

Vanessa Gade Jewelry–I loved all the graceful silver jewelry by this San Francisco designer, especially the oval hoops she chose for me. www.vanessgade.com

Maximum Lash–A new eyelash conditioner to help grow longer, stronger, darker lashes. None of the other brands have worked on mine so far, so I’m thrilled to see a rookie enter the game. www.maximumlash.com

The best of the rest were:

Hard Candy–Once again, they had an awesome display of make-up! My mouth was watering for it all, especially some new shimmering shadows I’ll tell you about some time when I try them out first.  NY make-up artist Emily Kate Warren borrowed my assistant, Tattie, to demonstrate yet another new shadow product for a video. It paid to be a good sport because the look was so fun! Deets on that one, as well, when I try it out for myself. www.hardcandy.com

Friendly Dog Leashes–What an idea for walkers of multiple dogs! I can’t believe it took so long for someone to invent this easy-to-use leash. www.friendlydogleash.com

Sugar and Bruno Dance Attire–There looked to be really fun and colorful dancewear for girls here, (I loved the socks!,) but ever the supportive girlfriend, I chose a tee for Mr. X to wear under his Oliver Rayn hoodie when he krumps. Or maybe I’ll just “borrow” it for myself! www.sugarandbruno.com

Malaika for LIFE–Since people often ask me about my fun jewelry, I’ll be happy to spread the word of this worthy charity that sells colorful beaded bracelets to benefit Malaika for LIFE. The proceeds of the sales of them, which the women of Tanzania handcraft, assists with malaria relief in that country. And they’re so inexpensive, you can rock many at a time, if you’re styling. www.malaikaforlife.org

One thing this suite had over all the others is that they fed us! Trust me, it takes energy to gather gifts and express many thanks! Fun Italian food was provided by one of Melrose’s newest eateries, L.O.V.E. Pizza. I’ll try to do a full of review of them in a few weeks, so look out for it because if the food they provided for GBK was any indication, it’ll be a good one! www.melroselp.com

BUDDHA BARK

Not a suites virgin anymore, Buddha Bark is back with their sophomore effort, and I was happy to attend this easy-going event once again. As with the GBK suite the day before, even though Buddha Bark is actually dog-centric, poor little Clarence had to stay home out of the fray. (And the awful heat!) But it was nice that some of the people from the last one asked about him. Even though it’s easier to navigate the outside world without an eight-pounder to carry around, I really did miss having him with me. He’s my best friend.

Once again, it was held at the Chaz Dean Salon, which is on a marvelous West Hollywood property that includes several edifices and a few outside areas. This turned-out to be a services lounge rather than a gifting suite (except for the one gift they had there, which is ideal for pet-lovers, so please make sure to read the last paragraph of this section.) After two days of wonderful gifts at the other suites, I was fine with just relaxing at Buddha Bark, and at this point, needed pampering over possessions. www.chazdean.com

First up, I got a massage from Kimberly Garcia, who remembered me from the last go-round, and was once again very pleasant. She gave me a wonderful more-than-mini massage, which my poor back really needed. I was so relaxed, I didn’t even notice that we were doing it outside, in full view of anyone who passed-by! Now, that’s I call relaxed!

Then I went back into the salon for the reason we were all there to begin with–hair! There were two people who had helped me at the last suite. Jennette Wallace was working on someone I know (and made her look the best she ever did!,) and my stylist was Danny Carrasco. First he “cleansed” my hair (as the Wen Hair Products folks say) and then did a blow-dry, but this time with soft waves. It was an interesting change from my usual stick-straight ’do, and I was happy to go home and surprise Mr. X. (He was actually more surprised, and thrilled, that I didn’t beg him to flat-iron my hair that day, as I’ve been wont to do. So, he thanks Danny, too!)

There was only one gift here (or maybe I was just too relaxed from my massage and blow-dry that I couldn’t find the gift section,) but it was brilliant! It’s a Pet Therapy Jacket from Warm Whiskers. I really wish this had been around when my beloved Clarence was suffering from a bad back. It’s a system that allows you to put a heat or cold pack on your dog and keep it there for the prescribed number of minutes. There’s no pulling or making the pet uncomfortable in any way. With all my recent back problems, I wish they would make these big enough for me! (And right about now, that’s pretty big!) www.warmwhiskers.com  www.pettherapyjacket.com
 

That’s it for the 2010 MTV Movie Awards Suites. (I hope you read yesterday’s review of the Secret Room.) Don’t forget to check this section in September for the Emmys gifting suites.