Oscars: Ready or Not, Here They Come

Last night was a blast-amazing fashion, emotional wins, disastrous hosting, and all in all, a night for the King. We give you an over all breakdown of Oscar from fashion, The Fighter, friends, and faux pas.

RED RED RED...RED Carpet

Sandra Bullock looked beautiful as always, and although there were a few stars who followed suit in red, Sandra definitely looked the best. The big win, however, was her introduction to the Best Actress nominees. Thank you Sandy for providing some comedy to a show that was otherwise failing in that department.

Pre costume changes, Anne Hathaway strutted the carpet in Valentino. She looked great here as did the other attendees; however we wish she would have just enjoyed the show. The hosting by Anne and James Franco fell short and at times, didn't make sense. New campaign BBB: Bring Billy Back!

Jennifer Lawrence looked beautiful and sophisticated for her first Oscar appearance!

Michelle Williams looked stunning with her pixie cut and chic Chanel Haute Couture which is the perfect fit for her personality and figure. Her red carpet interview with Ryan Seacrest was a little bizarre. It seemed that she was pulling a Madonna and had a little bit of an English accent. Also, she seemed reluctant to show her teeth??? Although she did not take home the win, she definitely is on the best dressed list.

We had to include her Vera Wang from the 2006 Oscars. Our favorite Oscar look EVER! The perfect thing about her look is that it is so her. She looks beautiful, but maintains her own style, femininity, and class.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

 Mila Kunis was striking from head to toe in Elie Saab. Her hair looked flawless, makeup couldn't have been better and her cool, laid back demeanor was a delight. Can we be friends???

BEST HAIR ALERT!!!

We didn't see many exciting, intricate hair do's last night, but Reese Witherspoon sure did surprise us with her gorgeous retro look. Paired with a classic black and white Giorgio Armani (which wasn't our favorite), this updo transformed the look to red carpet chic. BTW, we loved the green earrings!

We were cheering for Natalie Portman to take home the Oscar! Go Natalie! Her mommy-to-be glow was striking and her acceptance speech was perfection! Love her.

Although she looked gorgeous last night, it doesn't beat her 2009 look. I don't know if she will ever look better!! however; it's not a fair judge since there is a belly to consider :)

Amy Adams is one of our favorite actresses. She always looks beautiful with a classy, natural look. Unfortunately, the necklace over her high neckline dress ruined her 2011 Oscar look. We tried to look past it since her hair was out of a Pantene commercial and made her look so glamorous.

Gwyneth Paltrow's modern, sleek look was jaw dropping. The clean lines of the dress, her straight hair and beautiful makeup completed a look that really said "I'm not just a great actress, but much much more." Unfortunately, her musical performance was hard to watch. Not only did she not sound great, her facial expressions showed her nervousness and possible insecurities. With a little more practice, maybe a come back performance will be in the future.

To conclude our highlights, let us introduce you to James Franco..the 2011 Academy Awards host. WTF? He didn't care.

VANITY FAIR PARTY

Lea Michelle: Although we have heard rumors that she is a Diva (not in a good way), she looked 

A-MAZING. Love this look. GLAM!

ELTON JOHN'S PARTY

Emma Roberts gets the best dressed at this one! She looks so beautiful.

WHAT A NIGHT!!!!!

Attention All Teabies

(That’s code for tea drinkers and enthusiasts) If you have been looking around L.A. for a yummy café where you can eat scrumptious scones, sip on unique, yet traditional teas and do it all with a side of lemon curd, then  Bricks & Scones on Larchmont Blvd. is the perfect place.

Not only are the cinnamon raison scones a perfect combo of sweet and savoury, without being too dry, I would describe the atmosphere the same way. Tucked away in a cozy cottage, the service is happy, friendly and informative while the crowd is a mixture of media junkies, free spiriters, and those who need a time-out.

The spacious patio is a great spot to sip on some tea or lunch on one of their many specialty salads and sandwiches. Everything is fresh and their hand pick menu items are one of a kind. The great part (besides the above) is The Study, located upstairs and dedicated to quiet time.

It’s old school meets new school where traditions are kept up and new ones are introduced.

Inside tip: BYO mug and receive 10% off drinks

Unique Perk: They have a library where you can take a book as long as you replace it with one of your own!

MBFW Puts You in the Mood

Not everyone can hop on a plane and jet to NYC for Fashion Week, so we took this year's top picks and put our spin on things. I know I'm not wearing something hot off the runway, but I can definitely look like I am! The key is to get inspired. How do you feel in your clothes? When you woke up this morning, what kind of mood were you in (post grande soy vanilla sugar free latte)? We have a code that we go by in the office-dress to be happy. Here is a chart to follow if you ever have one of those moments where you just don't know what to wear.

Down on the Weather: A bright color

INSPIRATION:

Badgley Mischka

Adding a splash of color to any outfit can completely change your mood. Just because it's grey outside, doesn't mean you have to be down.

READY WEAR:

Revolve

Adding bright colors to denim or darker solids will make you happy. Try mix matching bright patterns too.

Sleepy: Favorite pair of heals

INSPIRATION:

Christian Louboutin for Marchesa

These shoes are amazing. Of course, when CL and Marchesa pair up, great things are going to happen. This is a unique take on a classic shoe silhouette with a modern interpretation.

READY WEAR:

These heals are a perfect sparkle affect. Pair them with an all black outfit for a hot look.


Anxious: Less constricting outfit

INSPIRATION:

Rebecca Minkoff

This flowy skirt is a perfect piece to have in your closet. This loose fitting outfit can make you feel a little more at ease on a tough day at the office.

READY WEAR:

Elizabeth Charles

Take the look to the next level. Instead of just wearing a flowy skirt, add a bohemian top and a great wide brim had for the total "I do what I want" look.

Conflicted: Classic, simple

INSPIRATION:

DKNY

You can never go wrong with a black and white simple, classic look. The bow adds a little personality :)

READY WEAR:

Rag & Bone

This simple dress can be worn during the day or night. It's definitely a staple that should be in everyone's closet. It's simplicity is in its clean lines, but the construction makes it a unique piece.

Stressed: Chunky necklace

INSPIRATION:

Rebecca Minkoff

The dramatics of a chunky necklace takes stress off your shoulders, or at least draws attention somewhere else!

READY WEAR:

Tuleste Market

This bead and chain necklace is a great addition to any outfit. Its versatility and heavy weight is what makes it irresistible!

Cheerful: Red lipstick

INSPIRATION:

Glamour.com

The gals at the Luca Luca show really set out to make an impression. Match your red lipstick with your skin tone and of course, your outfit. Making a mark feels good.

READY WEAR:

Ruby Woo by M.A.C. is a blue-red matte lipstick that channels the Dita Von Teese in you!

Bored: That shirt that still has the tags on it

INSPIRATION:

Rebecca Taylor

The detailing on the shoulders and unique neckline make this Rebecca Taylor blouse seem hard to wear, but you bought it for a reason to pull it out and put it on!

READY WEAR:

DVF Blouse

You may feel a little more comfortable in something like this. Either way, you shouldn't have any clothes in your closet with the tags still on them.

Content: Fur

INSPIRATION:

Tracy Reese

This Tracy Reese knee length coat is paired perfectly with her printed dress. A fur (faux) will make you feel oh so happy!

READY WEAR:

Oasis Faux Fur

This cropped faux fur is a less costly choice-but still oh so cute!

J Beverly Hills Invites You to a MASQEUerade

Do you often wish you had a spa in your bathroom? Do you pretend to be a mixologist and attempt to recreate spa/salon essential oils, scents, lotions and techniques? Now you can transport to an oasis with a drop of Masque by J Beverly Hills. As a finishing touch after a cleansing shampoo (we suggest Fragile),  it's eucalyptus-like scent gives you a calming relaxation that is often difficult to find in one's home.

It's magical powers aren't just in it's aromatics, but it's ability to condition, soften and strengthen the hair. We have yet to find anything similar on the market and at such a reasonable price (approximately $18). This scalp treatment can double as a daily conditioner for those with super dry, damaged hair, or a weekly mask for a deep condition.

Secret Ingredient: Rose geranium essential oils, aloe vera, mint botanicals and herbal extracts

Inside Tip: Rub a little on a wash cloth and drape over the face for a pseudo steam room experience

Get Your Crab On

Need a last minute Valentine's Day dinner spot? Check out Clancy's Crab Broiler in Glendale. It's the ideal place to impress your lady-checker table cloths, messy cuisine, and saw dust on the floor. All this fancy show is just to make you think that you were coming to another LA stuffy seafood house. However, at Clancy's you will be serviced with the kindest, coolest staff matched with an atmosphere that makes you feel like you are at a family dinner. No stilettos needed, girls-just an empty belly. Clancy's is a 3 star restaurant that has been around for about 30 years and after eating here, you will know why. It is still family owned,  explaining its cozy, friendly demeanor and the inviting dining experience.

Their menu is huge, full of a wide variety of seafood, beef, pasta and more. For their fresh and seasonal fish, they give you different options of how you would like it prepared-blackened with papaya relish, grilled with spicy sweet & sour, or herb crusted with lemon butter. We recommend the Alaskan Halibut herb crusted with lemon butter.


~Happy Valentine's Day~

F is for Fashion

It's hard for us to understand the industry that is called Fashion. There are so many variations of what "Fashion" is and it seems to be all relative. What was once based on design which was based on beauty is now mostly created out of weird muses. "I saw a cement wall downtown and was inspired." The term "Fashionable" is up to 'to each is one' interpretation and I just can't keep up.

I am giving Fashion an F (for the moment). The F is because what comes down the runway is not wearable, practical or usually pretty and this is where most people get their ideas to go out and buy these ridiculous items. I do appreciate the art that is in the design, structure and manufacturing of clothing, shoes, accessories, etc., but I think there needs to be a code. Runway shows should showcase all the ugly clothes that are the "art" and that's it. You can't buy it. If we don't give the fashion feared these crazy ideas, then they can't look the way they do! For the designers who put out amazing, gorgeous articles, then promote it as a real show with real clothes.

 I can't call someone fashionable because it just doesn't mean anything anymore. If I were to say to one person, "Wow, you are super fashionable, I love your outfit," it would be the same as "Wow, I love your paper bag you are wearing."

It used to be that if it had an expensive label, it was cute. Now, thanks to those who wore every designer label they had in their closet all at once, we can't even count on that anymore.

So, what do we do to pass the next test? Just wear what you want. Although we may rant and rave about fashion and its idiosyncrasies, that's what makes it so amazing. We have the freedom to buy the clothes that we want and wear what we want to wear. We have the freedom to express who we are in the inside by displaying it on the outside. This is something that can't be argued.

I guess my F is really for Freedom. I wouldn't take that away for anything-especially for good looking clothes, which according to my theory is relative and based on opinion.

Put that paper bag on and wear it proud. The majority of viewers will appreciate your "creativity" but just remember I'll be standing in the corner giving you a confused and annoyed look :)

Phyto Fights Back

We are obsessed with Yonka-Paris USA's phyto-contour cream to help fight puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.  Its rosemary extracts give a sweet smell, not to mention a combating ingredient that helps make you look a little more awake. This is the ONLY product we have tried that actually makes the "I was crying all night because I broke up with my boyfriend" puffy eyes disappear! Its compact tube is a perfect size to keep in your purse or in your emergency makeup kit. Use it at night after you cleanse or in the morning for a fresh start. LOVE LOVE LOVE

Don't Stop Believing-It's a Journey Song

In a business world, many young aspiring grads are looking to lock down their ideal job. In a perfect world, you go to college, get an entry level position in the industry that you studied in and move up the corporate ladder. Today, a college degree is most valuable only in certain industries and in certain geographical areas. If you want to get a job, you most likely need to know someone or start as an intern. Who can pay for college, living expenses after college or get by on your on while doing an internship?

However; this growing issue isn't the topic of our conversation today. That's just annoying and a problem that just exists. I don't have the answers. It's about figuring out what you want to do for potentially the rest of your life that is tricky, yet possible. Many educational institutes don't provide programs or "test courses" in order to find that job or career path that most of the time, you didn't even know existed. For many, bouncing around from job to job in your twenties is just what you have to do in order to make a buck. Forget about what you WANT to do, you need to survive!

I had this problem in college where I didn't know what major I wanted to focus on or what my career path was going to be.  I ended up getting a degree in interdisciplinary studies from Boston University so I could exercise my options. What options??? I didn't know the options. I started working in the beauty industry as a part-time receptionist and eventually moved up to a managerial position. This was great, but not quite the pay and creativity that I was looking for. I had so many different interests that I couldn't figure out what to focus on. I loved beauty products, especially hair, but didn't want to be a stylist. I loved fashion, but didn't want to be a designer or really anything in the industry. I was always told I had good insight to people and situations, so I thought about going back to school for psychology. Sike! No more school. 

That is when I was perused on the wonderful craigslist and found an internship for a boutique Public Relations firm. I didn't know what they did or what PR was, but I figured that if I was going to live in L.A., I might as well take advantage of the industries that thrive here. I went for an interview and loved it! 

After working in PR now for most of my post grad career, I have found an opportunity where I can include all of my interests into one job. I love food and cooking so my company has a hospitality department. I am obsessed with hair and beauty products so some of my clients are beauty brands and corresponding events. I love keeping current on fashion trends and buying techniques, so I keep it a focus. Film and music have always been my favorites so I do some bookings for bands, djs and work on some film projects. 

I never take on a project or client who I don't believe in and whose product, company, philosophy and vision do not make sense to me. This job was created for me and I am blessed to know now that it exists!! It is important to keep in mind that you have to reach for what you want to do and if you don't know what that is, then get out there and start figuring it out. Staying in a job that is secure and provides complete contentment is only going to tack on the years, energy and talent you could have been putting into your dream career. 

Figuring out what you are meant to do can't happen over night, but there is something out there for everyone. The road may be a bumpy one, confusing at times, and completely frustrating, but searching for it is all you can do. No one has the answers, but at least I can provide some insight into my journey and an outlook that can possibly help others trying to find theirs.

Follow our journey here or on twitter (@pretzelpr) and Facebook.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pretzel-PR/179691945402752

Put Some Salt On It

Welcome to Salt City, Pretzel PR's blog! With so many informational forums to turn to, what would make you check out our blog? The answer is: You never know what we will be chatting about! As a start up, we will be blogging about the ins and outs of starting a business, the wonderful world of PR and of course, our deepest, darkest secrets. With clients in all types of industries, we have A LOT to talk about. We specialize in beauty and hospitality with interests in the film, music, and lifestyle industries. Our execs have worked with the best of the best in L.A. from noteworthy firms to managing high profile accounts and events. NOW, us little 'ol butt busters have gathered together to do things our way. 


Our philosophy is to get things done-the non cliche PR way of being a b*tch. We work hard, think creatively and take care of our clients by executing their philosophies while maintaining our integrity. We take the clients who interest us and who are interested in taking their product/company to a whole other level! 


Our blog will deliver the happenings of L.A., internal chaos in the office, favorite products and brands-especially beauty, restaurant reviews, recipes and ideas (we are foodies here), beauty tips and fashion advice, and anything else that pops up.




Basically, everything tastes better with a little salt!