The Vanity (Af)Fair

Chapter 30: The Vanity (Af)Fair

With it's many facets of beauty -
an exceptionally attractive
crowd and a splendid scenery
and nature as far as the eye can
see - Los Angeles defines the
commandments of The Bible of
Esthetics - celebrating a true
"feast for the eyes" with every
single clause.
Being a beauty magnet, L.A.
attracts charms and style with
it's irresistible magical appeal
accumulating a magnificent
blend of beautiful gems living,
loving and twinkling bright all
over Hollywood - like Tiffany's
diamonds. This is the stuff
that dreams are made of:
Welcome to The Vanity Fair.

Did you know? Gorgeous beauty
can even be spotted at the 99Cent
store (on Wilshire and Fairfax).
How can that be? Read on and
find out.

"Every item 99Cent only" - read
the banderole over the wide glass
door. Ready to tackle my first 99
Cent store experience - after
arriving in the US 7 days ago - I
reluctantly wandered inside this
much advertised "bargain-Mecca".
While coyly strolling around the
long aisles, a sprawling scenery of
floor-to-ceiling shelves unfolded
before me, and every end of an
aisle was primped by a masterpiece
consisting of a staggering high
pyramid of various Campbell's
soup cans all neatly towered up
forming a red pattern - Andy
Warhol would have loved it.

Oodles multicolored, glossy
packaged foods, were squeezed
into wide shelves, side by side
with their competitors adjacent.
The ridiculous abundance of
sweets and snacks, fizzy drinks,
fresh produce, frozen goods,
and all sorts of paraphernalia for
house, kitchen, bathroom and
garden, including tool kits,
gardening utensils, all kinds of
toiletries, stationary and books
were available for 99Cent at this
middle-sized cut-price joint.

Swarms of buzzing bargain-
hunters hustling and hovering
over the ample choice of items
and foods were scrambling
around me, when somewhere
between soya milk and vanilla
yogurt I perceived somebody
calling "Miss"?! I froze and
sheepishly looked around,
when suddenly discovering a
middle-aged man eyeing me.
Sporting a blue jeans, paired
with a faded black shirt, a rough
leather belt matching his black
rugged cowboy boots, a pair of
black Ray Bans casually
hanging from his collar and
with a neat haircut he seemed
like an average bloke. Taken
aback I only managed to utter
a meek "Hi", when he went on:
"How ya doin miss? He smiled
and went on: "I am a people
photographer, and always on a
mission to discover intriguing
and unique faces." With those
things said, he reached out his
hand with a business card in it.
"Give me a ring!", was his final
word. Totally baffled and flushed
I wanted to disappear on the spot.

Totally bewildered from the
encounter and with the guy's
business card in my jeans pocket
I made my way home, strolling
down Fairfax Ave and pondering
about this typical-Hollywood-
proposal.
Sporting dark skinny jeans, an
orange halter-neck top - lovely
embellished with beads and
spangles - golden strappy
sandals over bare feet, big-ass
shades - mandatory in La La
Land - and my hair loosely,
streaming in a mellow breeze,
when I noticed a non-descript
car pulling up and parking
right alongside the sidewalk.

Minding my own business I
went on, striding unhurriedly
alongside the traffic-loaded
street. This was when I noticed
a young man sliding out of the
just parked car, heading towards
me? I coudn't believe it when
he approached me, first I froze
and then cringed when he
reached his arms out and
slung tightly around me. He
was all smiles when suddenly
proclaiming: "You're Paris
Hilton, or what?!"
Backing off abruptly and yanking
my shades off from my nose, I
shyly smiled back at him after
sensing that this non-descript
stranger won't cause any harm to
me. Finally, after freeing myself
from his embrace he added:
"You so look alike."

Sweet Temptations @ Montmartre Lounge

Chapter 30: Sweet Temptations @ Montmartre Lounge

Attention all the sweet-tooth among you!
For some, the Factory of Dreams generates
sweet fantasies, tempting to pursue those
with delectable aromas of glitz and glam.
For many though, it's the land of sweet
revelry, deliciously intoxicating everybody
who dares to nosh on it - with heart and
mind. Immerse into the Land of Dolce
Vita - but do so with care...

The sweet reality is that La La Land's
neighborhoods are lusciously studded
with lovely bakeries and de luxe
confectioneries attracting sugar loving
Angelenos with sweet incentives, lovely
chocolatey tidbits and sugary temptations.
It's a Hollyglamorous sweet secret, a
delicate affair and a sinful treat - since
officially everybody's dieting. So come
with me on a saccharine, mouth-watering
event in the heart of Tinsel Town and go
La La about the most delicious, elaborate,
artistic, fancy and enormous - in every
respect - cupcakes that were gloriously
exhibited on a fabulous Sunday afternoon
at a super hip Hollywood venue - The
Montmartre Lounge.

Who makes the best cupcakes in town?
That was the quest of this hot afternoon
when I hoped on the 217# bus up Fairfax
Boulevard and to Hollywood & Highland.
After having a chat with a fellow passenger
about "where they had flown me in from"
on the - as usual - stuck in traffic Metro
bus, I hoped out when the bus stopped at
the famous intersection - in L.A. you have
to pull a cord to let the bus driver know
that he has to stop at next stop - and was
immediately hit by the scorching heat -
yes, busses have AC too. Dizzy from the
rattly and bumpy bus drive and abuzz
from the masses bustling around me on
the star-studded Walk of Fame - hanging
out in and in front of packed souvenir
stores, speaking foreign languages and
sipping at Starbucks cups - I was almost
knocked down by some youngsters
rolling by on skateboards. A hipster -
blue-framed Ray-Ban specs, skinny
jeans clad - guy was just getting (more)
ink on his sleek chest behind the front
window of a tattoo studio while a size
0 female, wearing next to nothing and
hiding behind a huge pair of Chanel
shades stepped out of her convertible
with a tiny pwesh wriggling in her
skinny arms while she was talking on
her phone squeezing it into her shoulder/
neck crook. Additionally to the dizzying
buzz, exciting vibe and Hollywood-
movie-like scenes my European senses
were befuddled with exhaust fumes
from the ever present bumper-to-
bumper traffic - along Hollywood
Boulevard.
This was when I started to shovel my
way through the crazy Hollybuzz. It
was my 13th day in the Land of non-
stop sun-shine and azure blue sky and
that day I was assigned to attend "The
Cupcake Challenge" - an appetizing
contest, where L.A.'s best bakeries and
cupkerias participated in a contest
judged by a media panel and audience
members.
Finally finding the mysterious gates
to the upscale venue, I had to line up in
order to sign the guest list and see if my
coworker already arrived. She did, and I
was relieved to be at the right spot on
time. Excited to get inside and out of the
heat I made my way upstairs into the
spacious main room where I was
overwhelmed by the sight of oodles little
sugary artworks in the form of gloriously
arranged and variously styled and themed
cupcakes that filled every little space in
the fancy arranged rooms and infused
the air with sweet aromas. This is when
I was approached by my coworker and
was assigned to take pictures of guests
and all the competing participants which
were among others Lucky Devils, Mrs.
Beasley's and Vanilla Bake Shop. A heavy,
dark wooden bar appointed with sleek waiters
fiddling around behind it, invited visitors
to sample wine from the wineries "Flying
Wine Cellars" and "Arthur Earl", and
nibble on savory sesame crackers topped
with aromatic Cheddar cheese.

Adjoining the bar was wide doorway
leading onto a lovely patio that was
brimful at that time offering a wide view
over Hollywood Blvd.'s buzz, and was a
sunny and welcoming escape from the
endless sugary colorful scenery of fluffy
cream toppings and decadently thick
icing covering every mini-cupcake
masterpiece - not to mention all the
ingenious trimmings, elaborate
garnishing and artistic design - it was
a thoroughly sensational feast for all
senses!
Discovering my coworker - she was
one of the judges of the media panel -
in a separate booth, savoring some
fine samples of the sweet temptations
that where en masse artistically
arranged all over the space, I took
pictures of her and the other judges
of this taste buds blowing event. While
she was indulging in many sweet
sensations, to find and honor the
creme de la creme of the wide array -
which were divided into two categories,
a traditional and non-traditional
dessert - I was flouncing through the
rooms, watching sugar aficionados,
playing "I spy surgery"and trying to
capture this saccharine extravaganza
with my camera at hand.
Being not the only photographer and
with the event gradually drawing to an
end, a handsome man with camera in
hand, sporting a black outfit, chatted
me up and invited for a drink at the bar.
After a small talk consisting of all the
obvious W-questions and a red wine I
went back to work and so did he. The
stands were folding up, packing up the
remaining cupcakes in paper boxes
giving them randomly away to the
patrons that were gradually leaving.
Over some cheese crackers and wine,
at the by now deserted bar, my coworker
and I reviewed my shots and summed
up the event while watching the sun
disappear through the open patio doors.
We both were lucky to secure a box full
of sweet ridiculousness which we decided
to bring to the office the next day.

The air cooled off and the sun disappeared
when I stepped out into the hustle and
bustle at Hollywood & Highland and
walked down one block to soak up some
more of the intoxicating vibe before
catching the bus home. When my "Walk
of Fame" was interrupted by red lights,
and I found myself amid swarming crowds,
I spotted - out of the blue - a familiar face
at the very front of the line in a black
convertible. Soon he discovered me, smiled
beckoned, stopped by, openend the door
and let me slide into the car graciously -
in the middle of a busy intrsection.

Have a Good Day L.A.! ... With Lifestyle Expert Mar Yvette

Have a Good Day L.A.!
...With Lifestyle Expert Mar Yvette

FYI: In La La Land Weekends start (in)officially
on Thursday (morning). To be best informed
what's cooking in the brightly sparkling Capitol
of Entertainment you better read on ...

Mar's weekly Fox 11 show - the "Marpop
Weekend Roundup" - is a fun-loaded, vibrant
morning extravaganza presenting every
Thursday on "Good Day L.A." the creme de
la creme of Los Angeles lifestyle, lecturing the
viewers on L.A.'s Bible of Hip - Mar knows
every hipster commandment, and setting
culinary trends - Mar has the best solution
on the "where and what to eat dilemma" - she
gives the best culinary tips, knows where the
most quirky concoction are being dished up,
and seems to have every renowned chef,
mixologist, in-demand artist or beauty guru
on speed dial.
Giving her audience an expert insight into
L.A.'s ever changing restaurant scene, can't-
miss gourmet food trucks, hot and hipster
bars and cafés, what music or live show
event to put on your To Do List, insider
joints for vintage fashion lovers, and where
to doll up with of-the-minute spa, wellness
and beauty treatments - Mar delivers the
hot lowdown infused with her super insider
knowledge and lifestyle expertise at Fox
studios' cozy yard, looking fabulously cute
and talking into the mike like a superstar,
she heralds the start of a fabulous weekend.

Always on her mission to find the hottest
and in vogue places to eat, drink, shop and
have fun she knows where the action is and
dies to share it with her audience - whether
on Fox 11, abc 7, the Hufftingtone Post, the
Style Network, or on her homepage marpop.
com - Mar-Star is an inspiring personality, a
hip trend setter, a genuine innovator and a
bright shining star on Hollywood's La La
Lifestyle & entertainment sky. Did I mention
that Mar is the loveliest person ever, a pwesh
activist,voluntarist and a dearest friend of
my -- no? Then read on ...

In spring 2008 I flew out to L.A. for the
very first time. I was a student of journalism
(back in Berlin) and it was My American
Dream coming true when I got hired at
Citysearch's editorial department. I was
deeply determined to conquer notorious
Los Angeles by wooing everybody that
crosses my path and of course by
succeeding as a "Contributing City Editor".
This was when I met and worked with May.
A truly wonderful, glamorous person that
lives and loves L.A. - like I do. Long story
made short, we became good friends and
keep in touch till this day...

On one beautiful Thursday morning I had
the honor to meet Mar at Fox 11 studio and
follow her show which I only knew from tv
so far...
"What's your name miss?", I hear the security
guy asking while checking me out as I pulled
up right to the security booth in the driveway
of the Fox Studios in Century City. "Kamila Prz
... um ... I am on Mar Yvette's guest list". He
checked his lists, nodded and let me pass the
gate. This was when I swiftly drove into the
garage at exactly one minute after nine and -
just as I feared - Mar's show was already in
full swing from what I saw out of my car when
passing Fox Plaza - the show's venue. Jumping
out and into the elevator I run into the lobby
signed all the papers that I was asked to sign
in one go and run out onto the patio to see my
friend Mar host her fabulous weekly show
"Marpop Extravaganza".
Following Mar's request I retrieved a camera
from my LV bag and started capturing the
scenes while snapping as many shots as I could
of the whole spectacle that was abuzz with fun
and pure excitement, representing mouth
watering foods, for great deals, and relaxed
Korean live music played by a group of artists.

Aside from Mar, the stars of the show were
Nick & Stef's Steakhouse, featuring "Girl on
the Grill" action with chef Megan, "Hells
Kitchen" winner Nona Sivley representing
the burger joint "Iron Chef Burger" with
celeb chef and burger champ Kerry Simon,
and "Sound of Korea" - a Korean live band
that turned in a Delchum dance while
succulent burgers sizzled away on a hot BBQ.

With the camera guys bustling around on
the busy patio and Fox 11's famous anchors -
Steve and Lauren - tasting the deliciously
arranged foods and glaming up the show, Mar
wonderfully managed to lead the whole staff
through the event, fading out the Extravaganza
with relaxed Korean tunes. After 10 minutes
the show was over - however only for the TV
audience. Starving camera guys, anchors, the
Korean band, the Fox studio staff and all the
guests were invited to munch and have fun,
and celebrating another fabulous Marpop
Extravaganza.
The folks were almost gone and foodstands
gradually removed when a black limo stopped
before the garage gateway at the Fox Plaza
and a big-ass pair of shades accompanied by
a grey suit and white collar shirt emerged
from the fancy car. Very soon it turned out
that behind the chic attire was John
Leguizamo - the famous actor - who was
willing to pose and smile for some quick
shots. No kidding peeps! After all this is
La La Land which means celeb encounters
happen almost on a daily base -- so keep ya
eyes open -- you never know -- Tom, Brad
or George might wait around the corner --
so keep ya little ass hot & glam!

After the celeb encounter Mar and I spend
the whole rest of the morning over coffee,
eggs and Frenchtoast at a charming, little
eaterie in Santa Monica, chatting away and
sharing the latest news, stories and laughts.
I had a Blast with Mar Yvette and treasure
these invaluable memories and pictures of
that wonderful day. Thank you Mar-Star!

The link to the show on 27th, 2011:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP4P
4buV0Mw&feature=youtu.be

Hollywood: To Be Who You Want To Be

Chapter 28: Hollywood: To Be Who You Want To Be

FYI: Hollywood - aka Tinseltown - is a golden planet revolving
around the rest of the humble world. It's a brilliant piece of
conquered land that grows dreams and billionaires instead of
crops. Vanity and The Midas touch are deeply rooted in
Hollywood's beautiful individuals. A deep faith in their hot
bootys paired with (super high heeled) ambitions, and a
cunning sense of business is a Diva's and movie tycoon's Way
of Life. The infamous "Vanity Fair" aka Rodeo Drive is the
spot where both do their business all through their Dolce Vita.

As a matter of fact Hollywood is a distinct district where traffic
sucks and exhaust fumes infuse the lifes of Hollyglamour and
Hollyweird. Tourists flock and abuse the streets with their
curiosity. Fair enough. Who cares? As soon as I look up into the
incredibly, indescribable azure blue sky and let the warm rays
of Californian sun tenderly kiss my skin and drench me in pure
gold; when I look into the happy faces of Angelenos - I never
want to be elsewhere but just right here - in magical Hollywood -
the factory of (my) dreams. Sunlight, ocean air and passionate
love - these are my staples - completed with a nightly dose of
frenziedly flashing cameras and red carpet glitz.

"How to make it" - is written on everyone's face upon arrival in
La La Land. It's magical gravity draws everybody who has a
dream and dares to live it. Talent and outstanding looks are
often inherent in those who arrive - usually having nothing else
but Their Dream in tow. Whether it is acting, modeling, becoming
a movie producer, playwright or a rock star - Hollywood is where
dreams arrive, cumulate and let those who deeply, passionately
pursue their visions and dreams - eventually become La La-reality.

In Tinseltown handsome and talented are often spotted walking
hand in hand and surely won't go unnoticed: "Show" is not only
what happens on TV or in theater movie scenes - it's what one
embodies and emanates: pure energy, high spirits and always
seeking the spot-light to eventually become the ultimate center
of attraction. L.A.'s scene, vibe and non stop shining sun creates
the perfect background and stage to conquer this brilliant piece
of golden land ... and eventually the bright shine of Tinseltown will
rub off on anyone who is willing to learn the language of fabulous
La La Land.

A J-1 Visa and a student internship where the things I had in tow
when I first entered this world of Rich and Beautiful. It was literally
My American Dream coming true. L.A. here I am!
The first morning when I openend my eyes, got up from the futon
mattress and had a sneak peek out of my room's window, I was
overwhelmed and filled with deep awe. I couldn't believe what I
saw, what evolved out there and didn't dare to leave the house for
the first few days - only accompanied by my roommate - who was a
70-year old lady, an ex Czech model, and the best friend of Uschi
Obermeier.
Ever since then I have been under L.A.'s spell, charmed and
fascinated by this glamorous show's actors and players.

Take a Walk (of Fame) with me ...

Chapter 27: Take a Walk (of Fame) with me ...

FYI: The world's most glamorous public sidewalk is located
in the heart of Hollywood: The Walk of Fame. It's blinding
splendor lies in more than 2,400 five-pointed coral-pink
terrazzo and brass stars embedded in a sparkling charcoal-
colored background. Bearing famouse names, every star is
dedicated to a VIP of The Dream Factory representing one
of the following categories: movie, tv, music, radio and
live performance. Those who end up in bold block letters
on the sparkling grounds of Hollywood Blvd's sidewalk
made it into the A-List of Hollywood's most brightly
sparkling stars. Only in La La Land the stars are at one's
feet - sprawling out 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard
and 0.4 miles on Vine Street it embodies Fame and Glory
and is a proud public monument.

Now, step with me onto the star studded strip of Glitz and Glam
and soak up the thrilling buzz as we strut down the sparkling
ground - can you feel the odd vibrations yet? Whether you come
here to saunter around and shop or to walk down the red carpet in
order to accept an Oscar - the grandeur and transcendental powers
fill the air and invigorate your heart and senses with every step you
take. The substance of the architecture lining the Boulevard seems
to speak the same language like the stars embellishing the ground:
Extravaganza ... one can not resist, but actually acquire.

I used to walk this magical strip every morning, starting from Van
Ness Ave, where I lived with a girlfriend. While savoring every single
step of this fabulous morning walk I soaked up the mellow vibe and
peaceful emptiness of the streets when the first rays of sun tenderly
caressed my skin. As I walked down the street I spotted "Monroe"
and "Chaplin" getting their outfits and make-up ready for the soon
to arrive masses of tourists. Souvenir stores were still closed at 8 o'
clock in the morning and the atmosphere filled with aromas coming
from all the different types of eateries lined alongside the Walk of
Fame. And even though this is by far not Rodeo Drive - with it's
spotless groomed greenery, exclusive boutiques and impeccable
architecture - The Walk of Fame has a special character and charm
that is sheerly addictive. It's open to everyone, it's affordable, laid
back and endlessly fun.
My walk usually ended at Orange Drive, where patrons get their
morning dose of caffeine before hitting the office, or tourists gather
to watch fashionable Hollywood types hang out talking into their
flashy iPhones, blogging their latest news on the fashion scene
wearing super skinny jeans and blue, red, green or black framed
Ray Ban shades. Who cares if one can see their pink panty peeking
from under the tight pants? This is Hollywood!
Here I was - after seven months feeling like a regular - loving the
mood of the scene, tracking down latest trends and styles, getting
the tastes of L.A.'s foods while dining out daily, and investigating the
famous Hollywood Type of hipster and reading the Bible of Hip -
The Hollywood Magazine.

With many of the historic architectural elements still intact the strip
embodies old-school glam of Hollywood's Golden Age: The world
famous Kodak Theater with it's enclosed mall adorned with elephant
sculptures and antique-like murals, the Chinese Theater with it's
signature concrete blocks set in the forecourt, which bear the
signatures, footprints, and handprints of popular movie personalities,
the Pantages Theater, and the infamouse Roosevelt Hotel have
landmark status on Hollywood Boulevard. All the funky stores,
little snack bars, hipster vintage shops and tattoo studios - make
for a quirky mix and substantiate what they call "Hollyweird".

One can imagine that a girl like me does not stay alone for long: peeps
in Hollywood are open-minded, talkative and love to socialize. I
encountered some interesting personalities, hipsters, actors and divas
while exploring the streets of L.A. But first and foremost it was my aura
that made people love me - and even consider me "So L.A.". This is
Hollywood: enthusiasm paired up with lovely looks and great spirits
is the admission to get into Angeleno's sophisticated hearts and worlds.