SECRET ROOM RED CARPET STYLE LOUNGE

 

[Note: each Oscars Suite is getting its own column this season because I don’t want any of you to miss even one item I’m telling you about. So, please make sure to check back several times (and look at the past few posts) to learn about all the fabulous-ness.]

Once again, Secret Room proved to be my favorite! As the lovely door guy at the hotel said to me, it’s not so secret anymore!

I’m thrilled that this time, they held it at my first love in Los Angeles Hotels, the Beverly Wilshire. I’m so happy that a hip, modern event chose this esteemed venue. [Note: Don’t get confused by the official title of Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire, like many of us did–nowadays, with all the mergers in that biz, you have to read each hotel’s whole name.]

Secret Room’s featured charity was the spcaLA, whose services include animal sheltering, cruelty investigation, adoptions, and humane education. Celebs signed a gift bag which will be auctioned off with all proceeds going directly to the spcaLA. www.spcala.com

Not only do these organizers know how to treat their celebrity guests, but the media, as well. They’re the most welcoming suite producers and make sure that we all feel comfortable, no matter what our job.

And I was thrilled to see that their giant goodie bags, which go to VIPs in addition to all of the gathered gifts, were back in place! It’s the icing on the cake and feels like a birthday and Christmas all rolled into one because everything in it is a surprise. It’s also surprising just how much of a kick I get out of it, as I’m sure all the recipients do. And they outdid themselves this time. [Contents highlights at the end of this column.]

I love services even more than material gifts, ( a memo I wish my birthday party guests would get already!,) so the very first thing I did was go to the Nubar table for one of their incredible gel manicures. Amy helped me pick-out Victorian Teal, (which is more of a navy, my favorite nail shade,) and Muriel did a bang-up job of applying it. Now, I can type all these Gifting Suites columns with no fear of chipping the polish for another three to four weeks! Yay! www.bynubar.com

Since Secret Room always has the most fun gifts, there are a lot to tell you about, so please read them all or you’ll miss-out. Here are the highlights:

TOTO N DOT CHILDRENS SHOES–my mouth literally watered when I saw these gorgeous sparkly shoes! But, alas, they were for little girls. And I can see why–I bet a pair of these will remain a girl’s treasure for life and set her on the path to girlie-girl-hood, like they would have done for me when I was little. Now if only they made them for immature grown-ups! www.totondot.com

BIBIONE PURSE–I’ve never seen so many different designs from just one designer! There were shaggy purses, leather ones, shiny ones, bags with designs, and in all shapes and sizes. I let the designer choose for me and came away with a giant red shiny one with several rows of rhinestones. How did she know me so well? www.bibioneusa.com

RHINESTONE RUBY FLIP-FLOPS–this display caught my eye as soon as I entered the suite. We got to choose our flip-flops from many styles, and the girls at the booth adeptly attached rhinestone letters onto the straps for us. By the time I visited their booth, they were out of “E”s and “A”s, so my trademark title of “Major Celebrity” was out of the question. You’ll have to check-out my tootsies in the summer to see my alternate title because I’m sure I’ll be rocking them everywhere I go. www.rhinestoneruby.com

LIGNE ST. BARTH COSMETIQUES–these are classily-packaged natural creams and oils made in St. Barthelemy, French Caribbean. I can’t wait to see their results on my skin, but no matter what, I’ll feel like I’m on vacation just trying them! www.lignestbarth.com

KYMARO–when I see this company’s signature pink-hued shopping bags at an event, I know we’re in for a treat–everything they have is fun! They were gifting their new Cardi Wraps, which are tops that can be worn several ways, including as a sweater. I was thrilled to receive a blue one this time, so people will notice my eyes and not my weight gain! www.kymaro.com

MIRAFIT WEIGHT LOSS CAPSULES–speaking of my weight gain, I received weight loss systems at several suites this year, (either that’s the new trend for 2011 or else all the sponsors are targeting moi!,) but this one seems to be the easiest by far. It’s capsules that remove eighty-one calories of fat! In-N-Out Burger, here I come, Mirafit in hand! www.mirafit.com

NUTRITION FOR YOUR CONDITION LUNCH KIT–these are really cute and clever lunch kits that have many uses, including for travel. Not only are they attractive and easy to carry, but they come with storage containers, a thermos, and even utensils! It’s better than a picnic basket! (Well, for a single or couple.) And the cute appliqués on the front are interchangeable, so when my little mother borrows mine, she may want to switch-up my skull and crossbones for a floral pattern. www.nutritionforyourcondition.com

SWISSPERS COTTON PRODUCTS–this was one of my absolute favorites! We not only got a bag of more kinds of cotton cosmetics helpers than one can imagine, but also a certificate for a one-year’s supply! What more can a make-up obsessed girl want? www.swisspers.com

HYLUNIA SKIN CARE–I was so happy to see them at Secret Room once again, where I discovered them in the first place. I had just run out of their wonderful Vitamin C Serum, so my skin felt instant gratitude to receive another tube of it. www.hylunia.com

JUST BAKED DESSERTS–I could not believe that one girl could come-up with this many different sweet treats! And they’re all dairy-free and kosher! There are cookies, cupcakes, bars, cake balls–you name it. I could have eaten every single one of the spongy chocolate cookies that were on the table. [I don’t think they have a website as of yet, but they should be listed in Los Angeles in the 310 area code.]

EMINENCE SKIN CARE–I originally found this brand back in the day, when I first started visiting gifting suites as a celebrity because of my show. (Trust me–the media category I’m in now is so much easier for me.) I loved everything about their organic products (and lovely packaging, too) and used them for awhile, until I had to try the next brand to come along, in an effort to recommend the best items to you. So, I was happy to have my memory refreshed by seeing Eminence out and about again. Leave it to Secret Room to get them back in the public eye! I can’t wait to try their new lines, especially if the tinted moisturizer is in my bag! www.eminenceorganics.com

Okay, now to some of my favorites among the many products featured in this season’s Secret Room VIP goodie bags: the most adorable stuffed dog ever from Webkinz, gorgeous cocktail rings by Nancy Choate, classy pearl-and-jewels necklace by Buddha and The Raven Studios, a long sleeve cotton shirt by Divine Soul that will quickly become my favorite top, a sparkly silk scarf from Silk Culture, New Beauty Test Tube beauty products sampler, and the most mouth-watering lightweight pajamas from Scanty. I can’t wait to lounge around the house in the PJs, wearing my new jewels, trying out all the cosmetic products with the stuffed puppy by my side! I deserve it after a week of visiting Oscars suites!