Cronkite and Cooper!

Monday night was chilly and clear up at Universal Citywalk and I had the great fortune of being able to see two of my all-time favorite newsmen in person. The University of Judaism department of continuing education hosted this event at Universal's Gibson Amphitheater. CE and I were running late and starving so we found a crepe restaurant at Citywalk and made a dinner out of french fries with fabulous dipping sauces (I had the pesto-mayo) as we rushed over to the theater. What a night! I love Anderson Cooper and believe that he is one of the greatest reporters of our generation, he has a vulnerability rarely seen nowadays in reporters covering hard news. After a brief introduction, Walter Cronkite entered to a standing ovation from a nearly full house. At 90 years old, Mr. Cronkite was full of life and entertaining stories. Our seats were close but I kept looking at the monitors and then reminding myself to watch the stage instead - I have seen Walter Cronkite on a monitor my entire life and this was a chance to watch him in person. Such a treat for this Bon Vivant!

The Other Awards

In honor of tonight's awards show I'd like to report on a fabulously entertaining event I attended Friday night. "The 2nd Annual 67th Annual Fake Awards" were held at the Fake Gallery on Melrose www.fakedotcom.com and I still cannot believe how funny this was. Movies which I had forgotten about from 2006 were nominated and rather than showing clips from them the talented Fake Gallery performers re-enacted key scenes from: Snakes on a Plane, Pirates of the Caribbean (including an appearance by Cap'n Crunch) plus several academy-nominated films. The performance was complete with live music, a charming tuxedoed emcee, a live commercial and a Lifetime Achievement Award winner who made his way to the podium with a walker wearing half a suit and a diaper. I was tickled with my goodie bag (certainly not as fancy as the the ones that will be given out tonight) and also to see how many attendees dressed up in old Hollywood glamour for this hilarious event. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a 3rd annual awards ceremony next year and if the level of Friday night's talent is any indicator I'll definitely visit the Fake Gallery for other productions.

Searching for a signature piece

I keep trying to find a 'signature' style piece for myself! All truly stylish people have one. I read that Jackie O kept a basket full of her signature sunglasses on a table near her front door. I think about Truman Capote with his glasses. I'm just not a glasses person so that shouldn't be my signature piece. I've considered wearing combinations of black and white all the time but I wold miss color too much. Besides, I'm trying very hard to stop wearing black to social events in LA - I am sick to death of seeing a sea of highlighted blondes in black. In a dark room it looks like a bunch of floating heads. I've tried wearing red all the time but it really washes out my pale complexion. I've considered making a certain pin my signature piece but I know I'd get tired of that and people would wonder what was wrong with me for always wearing it. I don't want to be recognized for always carrying a big purse or wearing a certain color. There was one woman all over the society pages a couple of years ago, Rachel Feinstein (I think) who always wore a big cocktail ring and showed it off in every picture. I just don't think that's my style, either. I'll keep you posted on my search for a signature style piece. Please share any suggestions!

Missing NYC coffee

I just found a ceramic version of this classic New York coffee cup http://areyoubeingserved.com and I'm tickled! My first cup of coffee on my very first trip to NYC was in one of these cups so it holds sentimental value for me. I couldn't believe how good it tasted or how cheap it was. I found that everything tastes better in New York. It must be something in the water. I have found some tasty pizza here in LA at a place called "Lamonica's New York Pizza" they fly in NYC water to make their dough.

The High Style of Dorothy Draper

This fabulous book was written in 1941 by high society interior decorator Dorothy Draper. I fell in love with her 'devil may care' approach to decorating and her urging of 50's housewives to "go ahead - paint that door green!" Dorothy exemplified the Bon Vivant spirit. My wonderful boyfriend, C.E., and I were in NYC last summer and visited The Museum of the City of New York for an exhibit showcasing Ms. Draper's style - such inspiration! My first Draper inspiration is to think about my front door and what it says to the world. I just bought a luxurious, oversized welcome mat and now must find 2 grand matching pots in which to plant some friendly-looking plants!