A Fancy Schmancy Friday

 Just like a golden ticket got Charlie into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, this pretty golden ticket got me into the Esquire House LA party on October 15th. 

My dear friend from Oklahoma (and Mary’s current roommate), Brian Wright, works for Esquire magazine and got me onto this fabulous invite list.  With the location set as a 19 million dollar house in the Hollywood Hills and a star-studded list of hosts including Sienna Miller, Emily Blunt, Claire Danes, Jude Law, (etc), two thoughts came to my mind when I received this invitation: “Brian Wright is absolutely amazing” and “What the hell am I going to wear??”

I enlisted the help of my trendiest fashionista friend, Whitney Olschwanger, who helped style me for the Oscars this past year.  I set out with her tips and an ironclad resolve to find the perfect trendy/fallish/classy/somewhere-between-going-out-and-cocktail dress at the Beverly Center.  This proved to be easier said than done… oy vey. After a few frustrating hours of being utterly unsuccessful in my search, a cute dress in the window of an unassuming boutique called ‘angl’ caught my eye.  I wandered inside and came out with a lovely black satin wrap dress.  Mission accomplished. 

Fast forward to the day of the party.  Brian had some tasks to take care of on site, so the plan was for me to take the Esquire-provided shuttle and then meet up with him there.  I won’t lie, the thought of this was a tad intimidating.  In situations like this, I turn to this empowering quote by Marlene Dietrich:

“Glamour is assurance. It is a kind of knowing that you are all right in every way, mentally and physically and in appearance, and that, whatever the occasion or the situation, you are equal to it.” 

I discovered that on a cheesy ‘quote of the day’ calendar in college, and I loved it so much that I tore it out and saved it.  I use it as my mantra anytime I’m entering an intimidating situation.  It’s quite helpful. (I also discovered in getting ready for this particular party that it doesn’t hurt to listen to “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson… that song is so great and sassy.  It just makes me want to put on high heels and lipstick and paint the town red. Automatic energy booster, for sure). ;-) 

After I was thoroughly pumped up from my Michael Jackson dance-along, I headed to the Sunset Marquis to drop off my things.  (Brian had a room there for his business trip, so I got to enjoy a little mini vacay and stay here with him!)  Then it was off to the shuttle location.  “Anyone with you?” the trendy girl with the guest list asked me as she checked my name off the list.  “No… just me…” I said as I pulled out my phone to text Brian.  I wanted to find him as soon as physically possible.  I rode the shuttle with two pairs of well-dressed girlfriends.  Even with a few superficial exchanges regarding lip gloss and dresses (I only wish I was joking), it was pretty apparent that they were not open to being buddies with the poor girl flying solo on the shuttle.  I probably texted Brian again at that point.  

As I arrived at the party, I had the startling realization that because we were so high up in the hills, there was NO cell phone reception, and ergo, Brian most certainly had not received my texts.  I surveyed the situation…approximately 500 beautiful people mingling and partying both inside the multi-level house and outside on the terrace.  There was no way I was going to find him. Oh boy. I repeated my Marlene Dietrich mantra in my head and headed to the bar.  

As I desperately searched for Brian, I found another familiar face. 

  Best known as a correspondent on E!, I first recognized Ashlan Gorse as a fellow Sports Club LA goer.  I waited until a golden moment when she wasn't being surrounded and hit on by hordes of men to make my introduction.  "Hi...do you go to the Sports Club LA in Beverly Hills?" I asked.  "Yeah! I do!" she replied.  We then chatted about her career path to her dream job E!, her adorable new dog, Arora, and how I was never going to find my friend. She was really nice.  I hope I see her at the gym soon;we could definitely hang out. ;-)

Fate smiled down upon me, and Brian found me!  He had had a very crazed and stressful afternoon, and needed a drink... STAT.   We took care of that and then set out to mingle and enjoy the fabulous party!  Here are some views of the party and the insanely amazing house...

And here are some photos of the some of the very pretty people I mingled with....

 

 

(Etc.)

The rest of the evening was a glorious blur of delectable hor dourves and artfully crafted (and incredibly delicious) cocktails. (I honestly drank the best mojito of my entire life...wow).  It was fun and fancy and fantastic.   Brian, darling, I will be your plus-one ANY time. :-) 

 

Currently listening: Mumford and Sons

Why: Because their concert in Hollywood this week was OFF THE CHARTS amazing and my love for them has multiplied.  If you have the opportunity to see this band live, do it! Absolutely amazing... I can't get enough. 

Your favorite plus-one, 

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It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Oscar Season

It's that time again...awards season in Hollywood!  Studio execs often choose release dates in the late fall/early winter for their Oscar-hopefuls in an attempt to garner buzz and be fresh on Academy members' minds as the nomination ballots come out in January.  Having worked FOR the Academy the past two Oscar seasons, I've grown especially fond of the excitement, anticipation and (usually) really legit movies that come with this time of year.  While I'm not working for the Academy this year, the feeling is admittedly a bit subdued, but I'm ready to see some good movies, nonetheless! 

Here are my personal ratings/reviews of some new releases I've seen recently.  Some of which may indeed receive a coveted golden statuette (or several, for that matter)... and some of which most likely will not.  ;-)

EASY A

• One sentence synopsis from IMDB: A clean-cut high school student relies on the school's rumor mill to advance her social and financial standing. 
• Annie's Amazing Approval Rating: A (and not just because that's the letter in the title).   
• The Review: This movie is just FUN to watch.  Its hilariously witty screenplay is well-written and superbly acted by its star, Emma Stone.  Another major highlight of the movie: Penn Badgley's extreme hottness. YOWZA! I laughed out loud many times, including my favorite scene featured in the video below (which I'm willing to venture is a scenario ALL-too-familiar to the majority of us...) 
• Do I want to see it again? Yes.

 

NEVER LET ME GO

• Two sentence synopsis from IMDB: As children, Ruth, Kathy and Tommy, spend their childhood at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. As they grow into young adults, they find that they have to come to terms with the strength of the love they feel for each other, while preparing themselves for the haunting reality that awaits them. 
• Annie's Amazing Approval Rating: B-
• The Review: Starring the very talented Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley, and based on what has been considered one of the best novels of the decade, this film has some major Oscar buzz.  Ergo, I went in with high expectations, and sadly, those were not met.  I recognize some very redeeming features about it, but overall, the slow-moving story did not grab me and I was bored.  I think Stephen Farber's review in the Hollywood Reporter puts it perfectly: "Expertly acted, impeccably photographed, intelligently written, even intermittently touching, the film is also too parched and ponderous to connect with a large audience."  
• Do I want to see it again? No.   

THE SOCIAL NETWORK 

• One sentence synopsis from IMDB: A story about the founders of the social-networking website, Facebook. 
• Annie's Amazing Approval Rating: A+++++
• The Review: This is by far the best movie I've seen in 2010.  Incredible writing, acting, music, directing, ETC.  Jesse Eisenberg, Armie Hammer, and Andrew Garfield, (who I really did not enjoy in 'Never Let Me Go' but who I looooved in this), were all exceptional.  I was honestly so engrossed in the story that I was legitimately disappointed when 2 hours had passed and it was over. It was such a unique experience to watch the fascinating back story of a phenomenon to which our generation has witnessed the birth and  explosive growth. I also had the unique experience of watching this HUGE Oscar buzz movie AT the Academy member screening which Nikki Finke wrote about here. The theater was full of excited chatter and applause as the film ended, and I definitely predict numerous nominations for this incredible film. If you only see one movie this season, make it this one. Fo'real. 
• Do I want to see it again? I think the answer to that is fairly obvious, given my rave review... yes, yes, yes. ASAP, please. 

LET ME IN

• One sentence synopsis from IMDB: A bullied young boy befriends a young female vampire who lives in secrecy with her guardian. 
• Annie's Amazing Approval Rating: A-
• The Review: I should preface this by saying that I am an abnormally large 'scaredy cat' (for lack of a better term) who very much dislikes scary/suspenseful/thriller type movies, which caused me to cover my eyes through approximately 30-40%  of this film.  However, even with that handicap in my viewing experience, I can fully realize that this movie is very well-done and I do indeed recommend it.  The young leads Kodi Smit-McPhee and Chloe Moretz give stunning performances.  As far as the vampire fad goes, the overall quality of this film puts the Twilight franchise to absolute shame (sorry Mar), so if you're into the vamp thing, it's a must-see. 
• Do I want to see it again: No (because I am scared little baby).

There you have it. Some great new movies worth seeing (and one worth skipping).  Happy Oscar season! 

Currently listening to:  Mumford and Sons

Why: The top two reasons I am listening to this amazing band today: 1.) McKenzie and I are going to their concert in Hollywood in a couple weeks and  2.) they are awesome. A friend of mine recently described them with this analogy: "Mumford and Sons are to feeling like fall like The Beach Boys are to feeling like summer."  It's true... this English quartet's banjo-driven tunes just make me want to curl up in a big comfy sweater beside a blazing fireplace with friends on a crisp autumn evening and drink spiked apple cider. :-)  Cheers. 

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Annie's Favorite Things About Los Angeles: Bricks and Scones

What appeals to you about your favorite coffee shop/café/bakery that makes you just want to go there again and again and again? Is it the cozy and inviting décor and furniture or the artfully crafted delicious food and beverages? The subtly hip ever-present background music? Or perhaps the cute, friendly and interesting baristas and/or other patrons?

Well, my dears, my very favorite coffee shop/café/bakery has all of the above, and that is why Bricks and Scones is one of my favorite things in Los Angeles.

Bricks and Scones is located in the trendily quaint neighborhood of Larchmont Village (on Larchmont, slightly north of Beverly). Its greatness is obvious upon first glance. It has an enchanting outdoor patio full of lush foliage and twinkling lights. The enchanting ambiance continues when you walk inside and immediately seeing a large chandelier and staircase leading to "The Study" The dedication to attractive décor and furniture is continued throughout the shop, as you can see....

Next on the list of appealing features: artfully crafted delicious food and beverages. Bricks and Scones definitely gets an A+ in this department. They serve Intelligentsia coffee and tea (my favorite is the Jardin Sauvage tea... so flavorful and delicious!). All of their food is homemade daily right there in the kitchen. The freshness and quality is very apparent, and basically everything is just really dang GOOD. I highly recommend the red velvet cupcake (duh), ANY of the scones, and the Caprese sandwich. De-lish.

Appealing feature #3: music (and other forms of entertainment). Bricks and Scones offers its patrons more in entertainment than just a killer playlist (that always tends to add songs and artists to my itunes wish list). It has an ever-growing library exchange, where customers are encouraged to take a book to enjoy while replacing it with one from their own collection. It also has a whole cupboard full of board games! I've spent a few fun-filled nights sipping hot tea and playing Scrabble with friends. If that doesn't sound like an evening right out of a Norman Rockwell painting, I don't know what does.

And the final thing that draws me to this coffee haven: the people. Bricks and Scones is frequented by celebrities quite often (although I have yet to see any there with my own two eyes, I must admit...). My two favorite comedians from UCB , Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer are apparently regulars. I've also heard that Molly Shannon and Robert Schwartzman came in a few weeks ago. Etcetera. Also, it is sometimes used for filming purposes (if you watch "Private Practive", be on the look out for some scenes in Bricks and Scones soon!)

More appealing, however, are the NORMAL people I see here. This impressive establishment is actually owned and managed by none other than my very dear friend, Jinah Kim (who is only 24 years old, astoundingly enough!).

Pictured with the amazing Jinah Kim and Alex Rhods (the musician I mentioned in my last post) at my birthday party.

Jinah goes to my church, Pacific Crossroads, and is in my awesome community group, so because of this connection, it is rare that I go to Bricks and Scones and don't see a friendly face I recognize from these places, making it all the more inviting. Jinah's parents owned the property, so she essentially combined all aspects of her IDEAL dream coffee shop, and Bricks and Scones was born. I can't tell you how impressed I am with this girl and all her hard work. It has definitely paid off, making Bricks and Scones hands down one of the best coffee shops ever!

Enjoying glorious Bricks and Scones with my community group.

I know you're just dying to go now, aren't you? I'm always down for a good coffee date... let's go. :-)

Currently listening to: Etta James, "At Last"

Why: It just came on my Ingrid Michaelson station on Pandora, and it is just... GOLDEN. I mean, wow. Who doesn't love this song??

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