9 Celebrity Trends Revealed
At “The 2009 Valentine Romance Oscar Sneak-Peek Gift Suite”
There’s another annual tradition right around Valentine’s Day besides flowers and chocolate hearts—exclusive celebrity giveaway parties called “gift suites.” At these high-profile events, fashion entrepreneurs and high-end product purveyors lavish entertainment VIPS with bagfuls of goodies. This is where trends are set, styles take off and specialty items are given two thumbs up.
We were flattered to be invited to present copies of our 10th Southern California edition of Here Comes The Guide book at the “2009 Valentine Romance & Oscar Sneak Peek Gift Suite,” held at the glamorous Café La Boheme in West Hollywood on February 10. We like the idea of A-list couples like Melanie Griffith and 
Antonio Banderas browsing through our book, picking out a location for their next romantic getaway. (Eyewitness Report: Melanie’s car has a vanity license plate that says MG heart AB!)
Also in attendance were 2009 Miss Golden Globe Rumer Willis, Dark Knight’s Eric Roberts, Grammy-winner Tia Carrera, veteran actor Hector Elizondo and Desperate Housewives’ bad-boy, Neal McDonough, to name a few.
Not an entertainment biz big shot? No worries—here’s your own “sneak peek” at the most wedding and romance-friendly products that the celebs snapped up (besides our Here Comes The Guide books, of course!).
1. Mon Amie Bridal and Formal Wear
Orange County’s largest bridal boutique showcased wedding dresses at the gift suite, as well as special accessories to ensure that a bride walking down the aisle (or a celebrity walking down the red carpet) has everything secure: starlets were gifted with goodies like bra tape, “Nippies,” Spanx control lingerie and other undergarment secrets. One of our favorite wedding designers, Amy Michelson (HCTG heart Amy!), was at the Mon Amie booth. Us mere mortals can find Amy’s slinky wedding gowns at Mon Amie’s in-store Amy Michelson boutique.
2. Clara Kasavina beaded bridal bags
Red-hot in NYC, Clara Kasavina introduced her glittery collection to L.A. glitterati to oohs and ahhs. We’re positively star-struck by Clara’s shimmery silver selections, some enhanced with lace, rosettes and of course scads of crystals! Clara’s bold jewel-tone clutches are great for MOBs or wedding guests who want to get noticed.
3. The Tom James Company
Experts in custom formal wear, Tom James stylists were on hand to outfit Antonio Banderas and William “Star Trek” Shatner (do you think his tux coat comes with the Starfleet insignia?). For the captain of your heart, check out Tom James’ informative article, “Tuxedo Essentials: Mastering the Finer Points of Formal Wear”.
4. Lip Ink’s semi-permanent lipstick
These lip-smacking shades are wax-free, organic and eco-friendly…and they look wonderful! With all those Hollywood air-kisses, we’re not sure why the beautiful people need Lip Ink—but we KNOW brides will find this an essential tool in their wedding day makeup arsenal.
Filed under Accessories, Fashion, Food and Drink, Make-up, Off Beat, Trend Watch, Wedding Dresses