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This year Oscar Sunday was infectious. Let me clarify: many of us opted to watch our routine Sunday programming, while others tuned in to see whether or not 9-year old acting sensation Quvenzhane Wallis would make Oscar history. The black talent of the top film categories was occasionally spotted in the audience; Kerry Washington, Jamie Foxx, Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson. While they weren’t all nominated, they were definitely seen as part of productions that made a difference this year. For that, I believe, we can be proud.

While the actual Oscar’s presentation had a limited amount of color, the events behind the scenes popped with a high-profile spectrum, starting with the gifting suite at the fabulous SLS hotel in Beverly Hills. With compliments from the friends at Secret Room Events LA, the special invite-only Oscars gifting suite was full of brilliant items for Hollywood’s who’s who and impressionable media.

As I arrived at the hotel, dressed in my Taylorsays stilettos (retail $269), my 1960’s inspired silhouette dress from pinupgirlclothing.com and purse to compliment the soles of my shoes, I was greeted by the friendly valet who pointed me in the direction of the closest fab; it was a private outside garden terrace, dedicated to the exclusive gifts of the Oscars. After passing through clearance, the photographers began snapping photos. The opulence of the gifting suite presented everything from fun foods and drinks, to intimate jewelry designs and beauty products.

This is the place where the anti-aging secrets are told. Come closer.

My first stop was at the VitaMedica table, where I was given a presentation on a unique brand of an anti-aging vitamin system. These day and night pills were guaranteed to keep you young from the inside out. You and I both know that for some celebrities, that could mean a visit to the surgeon’s office, so I was also presented with an anti-bruising cream to help with the fast elimination of scarring from surgery. Do tell.

The next table I came too was occupied by France Lux Accessories, who adorned their table with the newest in hair decor, like headbands and hair clips laced in Swarovski crystals. There’s been a return to the large damsel hair flower, which was set in several colors. I guess Niecy Nash had it right all along! These beautiful pieces retail anywhere from $10 to $500. Attendees of the gifting suite chose their pleasure and were also gifted a $100 gift card from FranceLux.com.

As with other suites hosted by Secret Room Events LA, this was a gifting suite with a purpose. Jewelry artist Charise Noel started a custom collection that reflects her own life story, which included her mother’s fight with breast cancer. The magic behind her work is the creation of her clients’ own custom jewelry pieces, based on their life stories. Every piece is unique.

Among my most favorite stops through the maze of gifts was with Phillip Ashley Chocolates. I couldn’t resist the dark chocolate…(the candy, that is), that was waiting on the second leg of the suite. Chef Phillip Ashley Rix is an African-American chocolatier from Memphis, Tennessee. He’s discovered a way to deliver chocolate bling to his clients. Rix incorporates the essence of BBQ Sauce, Sweet Potato, Spanish Saffron, Gorgonzola Dolce bleu cheese and other ingredients into his chocolate. Trust me. It’s amazing.

After stopping to shmooze at nearly every table of the suite, I encountered Lori Mottlowitz, owner of Viva Enterprises, who wouldn’t let me walk away without an arm full of her glitteriffic bracelets. Lori’s Viva Beads were the perfect addition to my dress and high heels. We chatted-it-up for a moment, smiling and taking advantage of photo ops to show off her shiny, feminine beaded beauties.

What celebrity event is complete without a proper ice show? Jeweler designer Amy Cannon Cooper of Candori Jewelry presented her rocktastic crystal creations in a magnificent display. Not only would the huge crystal pieces catch your eye from across the room, but Amy’s delightful personality and sweet disposition is an extra-added touch of honey to her canary crystal rings and necklaces.

As I wrapped up my tour of the Oscar’s gifting suite, dripping with gifted goodies and the best in beauty, I was asked if I’d like to sit down for a complimentary manicure or massage. (Yes, it did get better). After taking a few photos with a rep from Dahn Yoga who delivered a hi-tech aura reading and gave me the skinny on my chakra, I was all set to go home and unwrap the rest of the day in the comfort of my own home.

A special thanks to others who contributed to the Secret Room Events gifting suite and my day as an Oscar celeb: Maui Maui Teriyaki Marinade, Elleven wines, Andrew Murray Vineyards, Lynex Inc., Pure Pedi, Barelove Body, Mamalicious, Crest Whitestrips, Gloria Del Rio Swimwear, Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics, Chuao Chocolate and Eminence Organic Skin Care.

2013 Oscars Gifting Suite
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