Kristi Dunn

It’s hard to believe the holidays are here again,  and last night was the perfect night for GenLux Magazine to host a rooftop party at the Luxe hotel to celebrate the Rodeo Drive Tree Lighting Ceremony.  But I just can’t decide which part of the evening was my favorite part.

It could have been the luscious fountains of decadent, hot, flowing chocolate that left me delirious, or the electrifying and kaleidoscopic fireworks display, or even the delectable bubbly being served.  But no, none of that compares to the adorable style rocked by the babies and children in attendance! This was one of the few parties in this town where you can bring your family, and it was great to see the kids’ fashion for a change!

Check out these two dapper party guests dressed to the nines…

Two handsome and dashing party guests chillin in the lounge. Photo Credit: Debbie Maldonado/FNL

Or how about this little cutie…

My little girl, McCartney Maldonado, rockin Kaiya Eve. Photo Credit: Debbie Maldonado/FNL

Of course there were also some, um,  “older” guests in attendance, or who would be there to watch the kids??  Rocco showed as did Ian and Issa all from FNL.   So I made sure to take a  FashionNewsLive.com holiday photo!  Here we are together…

Rocco, Ian, Issa and Me enjoying the champagne and atmosphere. Photo Credit: Debbie Maldonado/FNL

I met some really interesting people while I was there.   I found I had a lot in common with one couple in particular called Damian Love and Nikki Hords.  Damian specializes in sports and entertainment marketing, and with my background doing entertainment marketing for Nike, we had quite a scintillating conversation. They were both so good looking and well dressed that I took a picture too.  Here they are:

Damian Love and Nikki Hords. Photo Credit: Debbie Maldonado/FNL

I ran into Stephen, the Creative Director for GenLux Magazine and the host of the party.  He is always so wonderful to me.   And, of course, the amazing fashion guru, George Blodwell, was there. Or at least one of his clones was there, while the other clones were covering other parties about town .  The fireworks display was amazing,  and all of the kids and parents were “oohing” and “aahhing”.   I love that sound.  Nothing like a fireworks display to make for a great party.  They had gift bags too, of course, with some products kindly donated by Kate Somerville and other companies. I am looking forward to trying the Kate Somerville Enzyme Scrub and Mask tonight. There were also some gift certificates for complimentary facials from TheOrganicPharmacy.com.  How nice! I could really use one of those right now, believe me.

Rocco, Jennifer Missoni, Zuleikha Robinson, Stephen and Me with my shy daughter, Mccartney. Photo Credit: Debbie Maldonado/FNL

Fireworks from the Rodeo Drive 2009 Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo Credit: Debbie Maldonado/FNL

Me showing off some items from the gift bag. Photo Credit: Debbie Maldonado/FNL

McCartney munching on a marshmallow and sporting a vintage-style red coat with a fur collar. Photo Credit: Debbie Maldonado/FNL

My stepdaugher Arielle and I hangin' in the lounge.

When it comes to bling and Hollywood I thought I had just about seen it all. Well… after attending the cocktail party hosted by celebrity stylist Colin Megaro at the Erica Courtney Boutique in West Hollywood on Tuesday night, I realized that I was completely wrong and that Colin is obviously a stylist for a reason.

Erica’s collection is called Drop Dead Gorgeous, and I almost died when I saw it. You can see why for yourself in the photos below. The best part about Erica Courtney’s designs is that they are interchangeable. You can actually mix and match different pieces to create your own unique look. It’s really a clever idea and I just love the concept!

I ran into some friends at the party including George Blodwell from Genlux Magazine. I swear this guy has cloned himself because he is everywhere! Or maybe he just has a twin. I also ran into an old friend of mine named Tim Johnson who I haven’t seen in years. Too many to even mention. He now has his own company called the Lounge Factor and is a custom builder of modern furniture. If you get a minute, please check out his one-of-a-kind designs at www.loungefactor.com. What kind of a friend would I be if I didn’t give him a plug?

While I was at the party, I was fortunate enough to sit down with Colin and ask him a few questions about upcoming jewelry trends. He said that at the upcoming 2010 awards season we will be seeing a multitude of lux jewelry such as chandelier earrings and many pieces layered with diamonds.

His color forecast includes pink sapphires, green sapphires and plenty of Tahitian pearls in charcoal, rose and blush hues. According to Colin, we can expect to see young Hollywood layering a lot of pieces together and going for a funkier or more eclectic look. For example, bangles with an over-sized watch, and the mixing of metals like rose gold with white gold or platinum. For the established Hollywood royalty in their 30’s and 40’s, look for more traditional sophisticated looks like chandelier earrings and, of course…diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds.

If you are interested in seeing more of Erica Courtney designs or learning more about her, please visit her website at www.ericacourtney.com. For more information about Colin Megaro or his company, Planet Style Concierge, please visit www.planetstyleconcierge.com. And check back in with me soon! There is always more fashion on the horizon…

What I am about to share with you could quite possibly change your life forever.  At first I didn’t believe it myself, but there is a website called the 15DollarStore.com where everything, that’s e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g is only $15.00.   No more, no less.  Ever.

It’s not just the fact that the price is unbelievable, it’s the fact that the website features brand name merchandise that is in-style, in-season, in-stores and undamaged.  For example, you can buy a pair of $64.00 YMI jeans for only $15.00 or a $53.00 Chinese Laundry faux snakeskin clutch for, yep, you guessed it — only $15.00! They also carry other brands including Sketchers, Kenneth Cole, Perry Ellis, Linq, J.Lo., Miss Me, Paris Blues, Romeo and Juliet Couture, Rocawear and Rocketdog to name a few.

$53.00 Chinese Laundry faux snakeskin clutch for $15.00

They have everything you need to put together a great outfit including tops, jackets, pants, shoes, handbags, suglasses, denim, skirts and dresses.  I spoke to the owner who informed me that every item is inspected before it gets sent out to make sure there are no imperfections.

I took some time to see what they have, and here are a few of the pieces  I found that I thought were worth mentioning.  I included items considered wardrobe staples and a few of the latest trends too.  If you like what you see you can log onto www.15dollarstore.com and see all of the other great things they have. Enjoy!

Staple: Little Black Dress

I found this great LBD by Trixxi that would normally cost you about $89.00 at Macy’s or Nordstrom, but not at the 15dollarstore.com.  It’s a polka dot chiffon stretch dress lined at the bodice with a bow tie at the back and a pencil skirt design on the bottom. Perfect for any occasion.

Trend: Leggings

I love the subtle cheetah print pattern on these Romeo and Juliet leggings.  They also have plain black leggings on the site if that is more your style.

$56.00 Romeo and Juliet cheetah leggings for $15.00

Trend: Sequins

I really like this shirt by Linq.  It’s features two of the hottest trends right now, sequins and ruffles.  It has just the right amount of sequins and just a hint of ruffles.

$88.00 Ling cross front shirt with sequins for $15.00

Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes:

$55.00 Miss Me snakeskin platform heels

These Miss Me platform shoes are amazing Chanel knockoffs.  They come in black too, but I thought the orange would really pop with the right outfit.

$51.00 Miss Me T-strap platform heels in orange for $15.00

Trends: Gold and Western

These Go Max boots in bronze caught my eye.  I’m not a person who normally embraces the “western” look, but I might have to make an exception this time.

$75.00 Go Max embroidered western boot in bronze for $15.00

Deals of the Century

$117.00 Romeo and Juliet wrap dress for $15.00

$57.00 Tyte ankle cigarette pants for $15.00