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, 

at.