The Friday Five

In my Holiday Giveaway form, I have asked what are your favorite posts on Red Carpet Closet?  I see a lot of "The Friday Five" as a response, so I need to remember to do this type of post more often.  Here's my Friday Five for this week.

This is a photo of a photo, but I love how holiday crazy we look.

1.  West Elm Party:  We finally have a West Elm store in LA proper and I was invited to join in the festivities.  The place was packed full of people enjoying the champagne, truffle h'orderves, and shopping around the well-designed store.  I tried to resist buying anything, but I failed.  I picked up a silver ice bucket, a pillow sham to match my new duvet from One Kings Lane, and the cutest bicycle lunch bag that you can see here.  Julie Tyler from Golden Goose Films tagged along as we both toted out a big bag of goodies last night.  Thanks for a fun night, West Elm!  

2.  Holiday Giving:  I've been trying to find a good organization in LA to adopt a family for Christmas, but I haven't found a good option yet.  A friend posted this link on Facebook about shoppers paying off other Kmart customers' layaway purchases.  It makes you believe in the spirit of Christmas, especially in these tough times. So, if you find me lurking in the Kmart aisles in Los Angeles, you know why.   Read the article here. 

3.  Variety:  I talked a bit about my nomination for the IAWTV Awards yesterday, but this got me giddy all over again. My name in Variety.  If you don't work in the industry, Variety is an entertainment trade magazine that updates the industry on the latest entertainment news in terms of production, Hollywood deals, etc.  I feel like a total dork, but it is kind of exciting to see my name there.  

4.  Mentoring:  Late last night I received a DM (direct message) on Twitter from a kid whose work I have covered in the past thanking me for the encouragement because he had been feeling a bit down.  Now this kid is on the fast track to fame, but it made me think of how important mentoring is in any industry.  I have also received a few messages from up and coming entertainment journalists who are still in school, but who are looking for a direction in their careers.  It seems to me that people are seeking an outlet for guidance.  I am always happy to help with advice and information, but I wonder if we have lost our way with training the next generation?  It just gave me a moment to pause and think about what I could do in the next year to help change this lack of direction.  Maybe I will do a segment from time to time on Red Carpet Closet or be more active in my local community with up and coming young entertainers and journalists.  Anyone else have any suggestions?

5.  Fashion:  It wouldn't be a Friday Five without one mention of fashion.  I received this ring for my birthday from my mom and everyone has been complimenting me on it.  I love big, chunky cocktail rings, so this one fits perfectly in my ring repetoire.  Guess who makes it?  Jessica Simpson.  Another winner from the Momma-to-be. Her fashion empire is growing rapidly, so I think she's found her calling.  Seriously, have you seen her shoes here or here.  To die for.

Have a great holiday weekend and remember to leave me any mentoring ideas in the comments below. Don't forget to enter the Holiday Giveaway.  Entries close on Sunday, December 18th at 11:59PM PT and the winner will be announced on Monday.  

 

Holiday Musings

Where have I been?  What have I been doing?  What I am musing over?  Well, here's a quick list of what I have been up to this holiday season:

1. Apple & Bee Beauty Bag:  On my birthday, I was thrilled to learn that I won a gift from Your Daily Thread, which is a "free daily email on the latest in green living and social good".  They feature everything from fashion to beauty to giveaways, so it was exciting to win this snappy travel bag from Apple & Bee.  It is perfect for the eco-geek in me and for the 200 days I am out on the road with plenty of room for my makeup and toiletries.  I chose the Japanese Red print to add a splash of color to my luggage, but there were a variety of trendy prints to choose from.  The bag is made from all certified organic cotton, bamboo silk, hemp, and burlap/calico and is made in Australia.  A portion of Apple & Bees' profits go to environmental organizations, so be sure to check out their cute designs in totes and travel gear.

From left:  Helenna Santos, me, Stephanie Thorpe, Julie Tyler, Cooper Harris. 

2. The Red Carpet Premiere of the web series, Asylum:  Yes, you have seen this dress before here and here.  I think it is time to retire it from the public event rotation.  Or do you think I can get one more wear out of this DVF dress?  I love it so!  By the way, this photo showcases some inspiring female movers and shakers on/off camera here in LA.  I was honored to even stand beside them on the red carpet.  Finally, a big "congratulations" to Scott Brown who directed the Asylum series. He is another one to watch on the director scene.

3.  Nashville Barbeque:  I'm working in Nashville this week and there is nothing better than a day on set that begins with watching Loretta Lynn singing Coal Miner's Daughter on the soundstage next to you and ends with fall-off-of-the-bone pork ribs. I am a total foodie and barbeque is a must when I am working in this region of the US.  We went to a place called Jack's and the food was so good, I stopped back by the kitchen to thank the chef.  My tummy was happy and full of ribs, mac and cheese, corn bread, sweet tea, and creamed corn.  Yum!

Me, Streamy Award winning writer, Bernie Su, and Diane Beck.

4.  IAWTV Holiday Party:  For those of you outside of NY and Los Angeles, IAWTV stands for the International Academy of Web Television.  Earlier this year, there was lots of strife and growing pains amongst the community after the 2nd Annual Streamy Awards.  It was so nice to see that by the end of 2010, we were able to come together with a common goal and truly enjoy the holiday season together.  It was nice to see not only familiar faces in the crowd, but some fantastic new producers and content creators in the mix. Welcome!

5.  Arm Socks:  Finally, I can't get enough of Arm Socks.  I first saw them during my trip to China in 2005, the ladies wore them everywhere because they kept their arms warm while they biked to work, to lunch, and back home. I didn't pick up a pair then, but I saw a pair at Roni B's and I cannot stop wearing them.  They are cute to wear under a sweater and peeking out below the sleeve to add a dash of color to any outfit. Or, they are awesome in a pinch on set when I am dressed in short sleeves and I want to keep warm.  I am picking up a few for my favorite fashionistas as holiday gifts because they are under $20 and they are sure to brighten any drab winter wardrobe. (For those of you that are crafty, I bet you can make a pair from the awesome print socks that Target sells for even less.)

PS  Don't forget to enter my Makeup Holiday Giveaway!  Entries are due in by Monday, December 20th at 11:59 PM PST!

Photos 1, 2: Courtesy of Apple & Bee.
Photo 3:  Courtesy of Brenda White
Photo 5:  Courtesy of Bernie Su

The Legend of Neil Series Finale Party

I was honored to be invited to Atom.com's series finale party for the web series, The Legend of Neil at the Downtown Independent last night.  Sandeep Parikh and Tony Janning created a spectacular Season 3 filled with special effects and a conclusion that no one will be disappointed with.  It is a really fitting ending to a terrific series.  I cannot wait to see what Sandeep and Tony create next, it will be well worth the wait.  If you missed my Web Files interview with the guys earlier this year, you can find my interview and behind the scenes look here. Be sure to head over to Atom.com to see The Legend of Neil today.  Congratulations, Sandeep and Tony!

Me and creator of The Legend of Neil, Sandeep Parikh.

With Bernie Su, writer extraordinaire of Compulsions.

My partner-in-crime last night, Julie Tyler. 

You might remember this DVF dress from Fashion's Night Out.  I wore these Steve Madden black shoes with it.  

Photos 2-4:  Courtesy of Bernie Su.

Photo 5:  Courtesy of Julie Tyler.