MJ LIVES ON ~ A TRIBUTE BY CHRIS BROWN

Chris Brown's heartfelt tribute to Michael Jackson at last night's 2010 BET Awards.

A breathtaking, captivating and unbelievably moving performance.

Long live Michael Jackson!

Wow.

LTLY,


Roni♥

DIVINE DESIGN 2009

Last night's Divine Design Gala was held at the elegant Beverly Hilton Hotel {where the Golden Globe Awards are held} in Beverly Hills, CA.  The annual affair kicked off what has become the biggest retail shopping event on the West Coast!

Giada DeLaurentis (Princess of The Food Network) sat at the table next to mine.  Also in the house was the voluptuous red-headed Mad Men hottie, Christina Hendricks who was honored with the 'Woman of Style' award, Rachel Zoe (who presented the 'Fashion Icon' award to Barbie - yes, Ken's girlfriend), Steven Kolb (Exec. Director of the CFDA & winner of the 'Man of Style' award) and a host of other Los Angeles fashion designers & fashion followers.  The dinner was capped off with a Barbie fashion show, with pieces from the FIDM Debut 2009 alongside special designer renditions of a Barbie look, circa now! The pink runway and Barbie-look-a-like models were enough to incite the crowd. Loved it.

Divine Design is a 4-day shopping fest with goods by designers galore, that are sold at 50% off of retail on day one, going to 60%, 70% on day two & three, to finally go to 80% off on the last day of the sale.  It's a shopper's delight, located in the old Robinsons May building on Wilshire Blvd. right next to The Beverly Hilton! All proceeds of the sale benefit Project Angel Food, a heavenly organization that prepares & delivers over 1,400 meals per day to people in LA living with illnesses that pretty much leave them restricted to their homes. This just adds to the goodness of it all! My family and I have volunteered several times at Project Angel Food, and I can say firsthand that it is both overwhelming and heartwarming to see what they do on a daily basis for so many people.

Gala guests were also treated to VIP passes good for in & out privileges during the entire sale event, and a preview before the sale was officially opened to the public.  So many good things were begging to be bought, with the retail floor divided into various departments from home to luxury fashion to mens, children & gift items. I spotted Sonia Rykiel striped sheets (that look just like her signature stripes as currently shown on H&M's website), thick & lush Matteo LA towels in midnight black, gorgeous Capiz trays & accessorie by Dillon Wells, dapper knit neckties by Henry Jacobson, ridiculously delicious baby clothes by Lola et Moi, teeny bikinis by Peonie Swimwear (which I'd never heard of until last night), Berliner C shirts that were absolute must-haves! Elizabeth and James (the Olsen twins latest fashion venture) also represented with a collection of  lust-inducing tops including a tiger print situation that I don't think I can survive without. 

An entire section was devoted to Barbie with framed poster art photos of Barbie through the years - so cute, and limited edition items up for auction:  Barbie Loves Rachel Zoe (Should I mention that Rachel's Barbie was rocking one of her signature looks - striped Missoni sweater, wide-legged jeans & an Hermes Birkin Bag!?! OMG!), and the Jonathan Adler Barbie Dream House (modeled after her real-life Malibu Dream House that he designed for her 50th Birthday - see photos under my Barbie posts).  Can I just say how incredible ADORABLE these items were??  They are up for auction (Zoe is currently @ $550 & the Adler house opening bid starts at $800) on www.charitybuzz.com .

LTLY,


Roni♥



Ps... also spotted last night were about 2 "Santa Babys" {two very tall & dashing gentlemen in the red corduroy Faconnable suit that was featured on TRR at the beginning of the week}! How about that?!

PARIS HILTON LAUNCHES NEW HAIR STYLING TOOLS

I actually like Paris Hilton.  She's such a girly girl and comes across as super sweet! Plus, she takes a fearless approach when it comes to style and is quite the savvy businesswoman to boot.  Paris' name has become it's own brand with ventures ranging from an apparel line, fragrances, publishing {remember 'Confessions of an Heiress' ?}, and now... HAIR?

Last night I attended Paris' unveiling of her new hair styling tools on the rooftop of the Thompson Hotel in Beverly Hills.  Hilton {who drives a Pink Bentley coupe}, showed up on the pink carpet wearing {guess what...} pink! Shown with Doug Reinhardt {above-left}, and alone {above-right}.

'The Celebrity Styler' is an All-in-one curling iron/brush with a rotating barrel and an adjustable temperature keypad.  The 'Styler' can be used to straighten or curl hair - I've never seen a curling iron quite like it!

'The Ultimate Brush' looks like a big ball with bristles and a pink handle, and is a tool used to detangle and help hair dry more quickly or to create volume and lift. You could probably do a fantastic blow-out with it too!

A line of hair extensions and other beauty products are in the works and will launch in the near future.  The gift bag was sweet, and featured images of PH.  Inside the bag:  'The Celebrity Styler' hair iron, one long Dream Catchers clip-on extension piece in electric blue {I was a wee bit confused by the blue hair -who wears that? Will be re-gifting it to some tween sometime soon.}, a full-sized 'The Ultimate Brush' and a little baby version of the brush {as a keychain} was latched to the handle. It was all so very pink and so very cute.  Thank you, Paris darling!

Spotted:  Paris, Kathy Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Doug Reinhardt {PH's beau who formerly dated LC on The Hills}, a few cast members from PH's 'My New Best Friend' show on MTV and a random mix of trendy Hollywood types were sprinkled around the rooftop deck eating yummy hors d' oeuvres {I ♥ Crispy Rice Sushi}, sipping champagne, and watching footage of PH's commercial for Dream Catchers {her line of hair extensions} on a huge white screen that spanned the width of the pool.

{Click the link in the title to order your own!}


LTLY,


Roni♥



Images via: Paris Hilton Online & The Celebrity Styler

JIMMY CHOO and H&M HEAT UP the HWOOD HILLS

The sparkling LA skyline was the backdrop at last night's launch party for the much anticipated Jimmy Choo-H&M collaboration that will land in stores November 14th.  The star-studded affair was held at a private residence just above the Sunset Strip, and the beautiful ones came out in full support.

Models posed by the pool in pieces from the new line, while guests Paris & Nicky Hilton, Hayden Pannettiere, Olivia Wilde and Jimmy Choo Founder & President Tamara Mellon also paid homage to the luxurious capsule collection.  Paris {below - left} and her mom, Kathy Hilton both carried a delicious hot pink pill clutch, Tamara represented in the sizzling black leather dress and signature black stillettos and Hayden rocked the sequined track-jacket-esque cardigan.

Stacy Dash {{above - center} of 'Clueless' fame}, Lisa Rinna & Harry Hamlin, MIA {{above -right}who performed in the H&M/Choo thigh-high boots}, Rashida Jones {daughter of Q}, Brett Ratner, Sheryl Crow, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon and Gabrielle Reece were amongst the bevy of familiar faces in attendance.

The leopard clutch, and the signature stilletto from this collection are at the top of my list.

LTLY,


Roni♥



Images via: H&M and WireImage

"PRECIOUS" { Film Trailer}

Preview the trailer for the Oprah Winfrey/Tyler Perry produced film "Precious," based on the novel "Push" by Sapphire, directed by Lee Daniels. The film stars comic Mo'Nique, Paula Patton and Mariah Carey.
Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe is featured as Claireece "Precious" Jones.

Winner of the Audience Award, the Grand Jury Prize and the Specal Jury Award at this year's Sundance Film Festival, "Precious" also received the People's Choice Award at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival and was also a hit at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

This trailer moved me to tears.
There is lots of Oscar buzz around this project.
This will be a remarkable film.
IN THEATRES NOVEMBER 6, 2009.

LTLY,

Roni♥


NPR:  Oprah, Tyler Perry and a Painful, 'Precious' Life

LUDACRIS HOSTS MALIBU SPLASH

What a beautiful scene it was in Malibu on Saturday! Days like this remind me why living on the West Coast is so fun! It wasn't just the gorgeous ocean views from Point Dume, but lots of fabulous, fashionable and fun people came out to chill with Rapper/Actor Ludacris (Chris Bridges) who hosted the Summer Splash Pool Party at an exclusive Malibu mansion in honor of his charity; The Ludacris Foundation!

What I Wore:

*  Black Spaghetti-Strapped Romper {with SHORT shorts}

*  Black Strappy Carved Wedge Sandals {a la Sam Edelman}

*  Hello Kitty PinkHead Necklace {by Tarina Tarantino}

*  MCM Shopper Purse {in Cognac - I ♥ MCM}

Spotted { other than Ludacris}:

* Ciara (Singer/Dancer/Actress)

* Evan Ross (Actor & son of Ms. Diana Ross)
* Melody Thornton (Singer/Dancer from The Pussycat Dolls)
* Jill Jones (Actress from the hit show, Girlfriends)
* Kita (Publicist & TV Personality from The T.O. Show)
* Erica Hubbard (Actress from ABC Family's Lincoln Heights)
* More, but drawing a blank at the moment.

Fun times!

LTLY,

Roni♥

FARRAH RESTS

Farrah Leni Fawcett

February 2, 1947 - June 25, 2009

June 25, 2009 - a day of major loss.
The golden-haired classic beauty, Farrah Fawcett, 62, has passed away after a 3-year battle with cancer that was diagnosed in 2006.

Originally from Texas, she rose to popularity as one of "Charlie's Angels", and is still considered a 1970's poster child of sexy and a fashion icon. She left behind a great love, Ryan O'Neal and a son, Redmond O'Neal.

I will always remember her as the epitome of 70's sun-kissed style, and will always love that feathered "Farrah Fawcett" hair. She will be missed. Rest in peace, Farrah.

LTLY,

Roni♥

MICHAEL JACKSON FOREVER...

It's all over the news and the internet. We have lost an icon.

Michael Jackson, 50, has died in Los Angeles today. This is unimaginable.

I am stunned, saddened, and overwhelmed by this news.

At age 6 or 7 years old (or something like that), I lost a tooth and was instructed to leave it under my pillow for the tooth fairy. The Tooth Fairy must've forgotten to do the deed sometime in the dark of the night, so right around the crack of dawn, she tiptoed into my room, and slid her hand underneath my pillow. This warm gesture awakened me, but I remained still so as not to disturb the process. The Tooth Fairy had done the most amazing thing... she left me Michael Jackson's "Off The Wall" cassette tape!! That Tooth Fairy made a major impact on my life from that day. She helped me to discover my love for one of the greatest entertainers on the planet. Michael Jackson. Thanks, Mom.

He will be forever missed and forever in my heart. Rest in peace, Michael.

Michael Joseph Jackson
August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009

Love to Love you,

Roni♥

Images courtesy of www.allmichaeljackson.com.

The Gatsby Hollywood

During a recent leisurely drive up a Hollywood street, I stumbled upon a charming new community of homes called, The Gatsby Hollywood. The series of townhomes had such an elegant, East Coast quality to them and I was compelled to pull in for an open house visit.

What I saw was quite impressive...

"As L.A.'s first all-solar and all-green powered urban community, The Gatsby Hollywood is as legendary as its famed location. In addition, the California Green Builder program has recognized The Gatsby Hollywood as a Certified California Green Community, which means this innovative new-home collection not only lowers your utility costs, but also minimizes the community's impact—and your footprint—on the environment!"

It was easy to envision living at The Gatsby! Two blocks south of Sunset Blvd., with three levels of environmentally responisible living space plus a rooftop deck with unbelievable 360° views of the city! Are you kidding? To add, the homes come equipped with high-end appliances, hardwoods and finishes leaving little to be desired. I was ready to move in immediately.

With prices starting in the $700's, this is a remarkable opportunity to own a home in the heart of Hollywood! Tell them we sent you.

The Gatsby Hollywood

1235 Wilcox Ave. (@ Fountain)

Hollywood, CA 90038

ph: 323 469 0883

fx: 323 469 1284

LTLY,

Roni♥

STAR TREK is ..............SEXY?

Star Trek is a sensational film. Really. Even the girliest of girly-girls living in their pink little worlds can appreciate this film! (I should know). It's exciting, thrilling and you know what... it's quite sexy even! Of course Chris Pines (the new Captain Kirk) delivers the hotness factor - big time, but please do not sleep on Zachary Quinto as the brilliant and hyper-logical Vulcan, Spock. In this new installment of the epic science-fiction series, Spock and Uhura (played by the super cute Zoey Saldana) are romantic and might we add, with some serious chemistry! Both characters are these absolute braniacs.... brilliant and intelligent never looked so hot!

TRR is obviously not alone in thinking this - Star Trek is currently pushing over $150 million at the box office at only 3 weeks out! Can't wait to see where they go with the new wind that has been blown into this franchise.

LTLY,

Roni♥

Cute Baby Shower Alert!

White waiting at the DMV, doing my daily mining of the web on my Pinkberry (the cell phone, not the yogurt), I randomly stumbled across these really cute photos of Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimon Hounsou's Baby Shower for what appears to be a little baby boy on the way... this is precious! OK! Magazine covered the shower, held at Kimora's Los Angeles home, where over 50 guests were in attendance including Stevie Wonder & his wife Kai, Tyra Banks' mommy Carolyn, celebrated artist, Artis Lane (whom I've had the pleasure of meeting when she was honored at CAAM in 2007-sweet lady), Holly Robinson-Peete, and others!

I'm all about love, family, and happiness (and these are very happy pictures)!

They make a beautiful family, don't they! Congratulations (you go, Kimora)!

LTLY,

Roni♥

PS - UPDATE: On Saturday, May 30th 2009, Kimora & Djimon welcomed baby boy Kenzo Lee Hounsou into the world!

RUDY GETS A REALITY SHOW

Little Rudy from The Cosby Show -aka- Keisha Knight Pulliam, has landed a reality show deal with the Oxygen network! The show will center around her life in Atlanta with her live-in-love, entrepreneur Kaseem Penn, and will show how they balance being young, rich & single.

After her Cosby Show life, she went off the radar for many years (I assume to have a real childhood & actually grow up), then later resurfaced in music videos, the film Beauty Shop, and in Madea Goes to Jail by Tyler Perry. This new show could be a really good look for Rudy (is it still ok to call her that?). I'm happy for her!

Click here to see that famous episode of The Cosby Show, when Rudy sings "Baby, Baby, Baby..." with the family (from the Ray Charles song, 'Night Time is the Right Time')! This is still hilarious and adorable all at the same time!! She's come a long way since then!

LTLY,

Roni♥

The Huffington Post: Keisha Knight Pulliam, Cosby's Rudy, Gets REALITY Show

A NIGHT WITH OSCAR

The most enchanting night of the year.

The event of a lifetime, next to one's wedding. A night of 1,000 dreams.

A night where credit is given where credit is due.

A night where glitz, glamour, lights, cameras and fashion meets film.

This is Hollywood's night!

The 81st Annual Academy Awards on Sunday night did not disappoint.

So much to see & so much to talk about. It was a night where everyone was a winner.

In true Academy Awards fashion, the red carpet sizzled!

Slumdog Millionaire was the big winner of the evening!

The independent, Bollywood film took home Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Director, Best Song, Best Soundrack/Score, Best Achievement in Editing, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography & Best Adapted Screenplay. This film deserved these accolades! What an exciting and incredibly moving film this is! A must see if you haven't yet.

THE 2009 ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS!!

Best Actor

Sean Pean (MILK)

Best Actress

Kate Winslet (THE READER)

Best Supporting Actor

Heath Ledger - post humously (THE DARK KNIGHT)

Best Supporting Actress

Penelope Cruz (Vicky Christina Barcelona)

A great film of 2008, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - although nominated for 16 awards, took home only Best Makeup and Best Art Direction awards.

The Dutchess, starring Kiera Knightly won for Best Costume Design. Well deserved.

This film was about the privileged yet tortured life of The Dutchess of Devonshire, who was a true fashionista of her time, complete with wig and bustle! The costumes in this film were brilliant and elegantly gorgeous. It's a must-see period piece for the truly epic fashionistas.

Now, let's cut to the chase and get to the red carpet looks!

Anne Hathaway in Armani - Liked it.

Beyonce in House of Dereon with gold flowers and no jewelry - Loved the fit. The rest? I just don't know. Why don't you be the judge on this one?

Angelina understated in black Elie Saab w/ Emerald earrings - Not in love with the look, but loved the Emeralds ($20m by Lorraine Schwartz). Absolutely stunning!

Vanessa Hudgens not so HSM in a grown up dress - Liked it, minus the flowers on the front of it.

Freida Pinto in Royal Blue embroidered with appliques - Didn't like it so much.

Viola Davis in Oscar Statue Gold by Reem Acra - Sort of liked it. Beautifully radiant lady.

Taraji P. Hensen in structured cream ruffled column a'la Roberto Cavalli - Loved it!! One of my favorite of the night. A very different look for her - great choice! Top 3!

Heidi Klum in Roland Mouret origami - Love my Project Runway, but this number... Not so much. The jewelry was cute though.

Jessica Biel in Cream coloured Prada with bow - No. Just plain no.

Leslie Mann (wife of Judd Apatow) is glistening in a Pamela Roland Platinum sheath - Loved it!

Amy Adams as the Lady in Red by Carolina Herrera - nice match with the hair (and carpet) , but otherwise no. Oh - the neckpiece.... no. Sorry, honey.

Amanda Siegfried in red bow... Mamma Mia! (That means, no). Hated it. Not sure who it's "by", but don't really need to know anyway. (Won't be "buying" it anytime soon)!

Mickey Rourke in White Jean Paul Gaultier - Don't want to be mean, so proud of his comeback, but No. Love the skinny, Euro-fit, but on him, no. Nice try, but Hated it.

SJP in Dior Haute Couture - PBP (Poufy but Pretty). It was very much the Carrie in Paris lying on the bed in the dreamy dress - dress. Really though... can she ever do any wrong??

Diane Lane in black - nice fit & she looks pretty, but I want to see colors on Oscar night.

Marisa Tomei in an architectural cream work of art by Versace - Loved it!

Natalie Portman in pink dream by Rodarte - LOVED IT! One of my absolute favorites of the night! Top 3! Flawless. Pink & Soft.

Queen Latifah in black with some bedazzlement at the top - Gorgeous! She looks incredible. This is where black makes sense on the Oscar carpet. It is smooth, sleek and chic. Really Liked it.

Kate Winslet in a one-shoulder charcoal & black YSL - Flawless. Her hair - so fabulously Jetsons.

Penelope Cruz in a vintage Balmain Haute Couture cloud - Smashed it! Loved it! Bravo! Beautiful! One of my favorites - Top 3 of the night. I'm very much into the "wedding" look.

Whoopi's Leopard Spots - No way, Hated it to the 10th power, despite my love for all things Leopard. (Borrowed the "No's" from Perez Hilton).

Gwen Stefani at the Vanity Fair Post-Oscar in strange black ensemble - Sort of liked it in an edgy, L.A.M.B., Gwen-ish kind of way.
Lisa Rinna in..... - No. The make up - No. Normally I like her lips, but NO. At the end of the day (and after only a couple of arrest warrants), all is fair in love and fashion. Although we do have our strong opinions, TRR loves all of the fashion mavericks who dare to be daring! Go for it - that's what fashion is all about!

LTLY,

Roni♥

GRAMMY PARTIES GALORE

It wouldn't be Grammy Week in Los Angeles without the over-the-top celebrations and events to color the days and nights leading up to the biggest night of the year in music! Lots of high-profile sightings as the stars hit the streets of LA in droves for some of the hottest parties:

The Honey Collective on Thursday the 5th (not Grammy-related, but it was cool to see the artist known again as Prince there)! There was also a very gentlemanly St. Louis Rams player in attendance.

Rihanna's and Timbaland's Boulevard 3 bash on Friday the 6th was one of the highlights of the weekend. Sean Combs, Keisha Cole, Chris Brown, T.I., Tyrese Gibson, a couple of Black-Eyed Peas (and too many others to name) were spotted out at this over-capacity event!

On Saturday night, the Clive Davis Party at The Beverly Hills Hotel was the main event and the official Pre-Grammy star-studded celebration where Whitney Houston made a comeback, and the A-list set saluted music legend Clive Davis. Meanwhile, over in Hollywood, Ne-Yo held his annual McDonald's Midnight Brunch at The Kress. Lots of door drama at this one, but lots of faces came out to celebrate.

Robin Thicke, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Morris Day & the Time rocked the official Grammy's after-party at the LA Convention Center last night. The Wolfgang Puck-catered affair hosted all of the Grammy guests and corporate sponsors well into the night. Later on, lots came out to the Def Jam/LA Reid after-party in Beverly Hills where everyone from Andre Harrell, Big Boi from Outkast, Oscar-nominated actress Taraji Henson, Sanaa Lathan, Nas and many, many others mixed and mingled. Even later, at Hyde, Jay Z, Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, Queen Latifah and others were sighted.

Love to Love You,

Roni♥

HONEY & HENNESSEY @ VANGUARD

It was 1988 all over again last night at The Honey Collective's 1980's themed 2-Year Anniversary Party in partnership with Hennessey at The Vanguard in Hollywood. The sexy, soulful crowd came out representing 80's finest, and I was lost in a sea of Adidas track jackets, Kangols, miles of gold "d-key" ropes (I can't even bring myself to say the "D" word), trunk jewelery, fly footwear, and all! DJ D-Nice kept the sounds flowing, and there were lots of other special people in the house as well...

Doug E Fresh hosted and performed along with the one and only Slick Rick the Ruler, MC Lyte, and DJ Qwik. Prince was in the house, Actor/DJ Idris Elba, Raekwon the Chef, Actor Laz Alonzo, Yo-Yo, Actor J. August Richards, Comedians Joe Torry & Rodney Perry, Ricky Bell from New Edition, D-Woods (former member of Danity Kane), DJ D-Wrek from Wildin' Out and a host of other stylish and talented friends spotted getting down throughout the night.

Major props to The Honey Collective for a fabulous evening and to Hennessey for those warm Apple Cider drinks. I heard the little miniature Red Velvet cupcakes laced with Hennessey were the business also, but I missed them on my way out. Loving Hollywood Life. Good times!

LTLY,

Roni

GLOBALGRIND.COM's LA LAUNCH

Wednesday night, some familiar faces came out to the W Hotel in Los Angeles to celebrate the launch of GlobalGrind.com - a portal that features "the world according to hip hop", helmed by Russell Simmons and sponsored by Glaceau SmartWater.

Music was provided by actor/DJ Idris Elba, who kept the party rocking into the night. Other beautiful people out supporting Russell Simmon's latest cause were Brett Ratner, Nia Long, Raphael Siddiq, Vanessa Williams, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jackie Long, Lauren London, Leslie Segar, DJ Qwik, Tracey Bingham, The RZA, Eric Benet, Tina Ansah, Keith Paschall and many others (including me). Fun times.

Ltly,

Roni