Beauty has always been the leverage ranking in the idea of social acceptance, social status and ultimately a persons inner worth for some. Whether it be influenced by magazines, social media trends or even within the dating pool, beauty is a dominant factor in the way that we live.
I won’t deny a few visited appointments with some of Hollywood’s most reputable beauty doctors for myself; and though I have yet to do the extremes, I won’t turn my nose up to a little more beauty enhancements.
When I received an invitation for an end of the summer Brambila Salon and Laser Lounge party, I figured why not.
The invitation mentioned it being an all white party to celebrate the joining forces of two business women, Mary Brambila and Patty Rappa, on the seaside part of Santa Monica and having it hosted by one of the original Real Housewives from Orange County, Gretchen Rossi. I was a bit hesitant at first being that white is not a common color I tend to wear nor carry in my closet. Heck, I’m far from even being pure and not even an eggshell color would do me any justice, but I found a simple dress, and a pair of shoes and rsvped. I invited my blogging partner in crime Lauren with The LeauxProject who focuses more on beauty trends with her writings while I focus on the parties itself.
This is LA, so I knew parking would be a hassle, but we wanted to park semi close to where the event was being held. Unfortunately, we didn’t know what we were looking for exactly, given the location was a little more discreet for those who’ve never been there.
Events as I know them can be a little bit drastic at times especially for the touristy onlookers. Here, everything was kept under wraps. As we walked through the gate, I felt like I was walking on the set of a “Melrose Place”inspired with a beach vibe. What might have been cozy beach front apartments in an earlier era, are now studios for businesses that allows an open back courtyard for any private parties to be held. As they were still setting up as time got closer to guest arriving, Lauren and I found a table near the front entrance to check ourselves in. A young girl approached us asking which category we’d check ourselves as. Guest, Talent, or Media. I opted for all three. She laughed and I meant it with a smile.
We were greeted with a special offer from the Laser Lounge booth to receive a free sample treatment which would allow us to try out their services for future beauty references. I’ve always been handy with a razor and Nair, but this type of treatment I’d have to be emotionally prepared for.
Once we were informed that Gretchen would be arriving prior to the guest, we were asked to stand by near the red carpet for photos.
After awhile, more guest started to enter the event that was set up like an all white themed cocktail party, but before it became too busy, Lauren and I took it upon ourselves to take a go in the photo booth until Gretchen made her grand entrance on the red carpet. In comparison to a modern day Disney Princess, I might have been a little taken aback by my eagerness to get that one perfect shot of her. I’ve always had my opinions related to reality television and how its transitioned into the new way of entertainment, but, I do have an amount of respect for her as an original cast member from a show that started the trend in my home town.
As it started to get later into the evening, Lauren and I found ourselves getting antsy as the confusion of us being bloggers came with the idea of being paparazzi on stand by.
Brambila Salon crew with owners, Mary Brambila and Patty Rappa, in the middle of Brambila and Laser Lounge.
We didn’t mind taking the necessary photos that we’d use for the purpose of linking to our social media. Clearly, as we wanted shots of the owners and salon team as well as the entire event they had put together overall. Though, when the step and repeat became a Google search in question only to find that it didn’t quite match up to an uncredited resource on IMDB for a few, we both instinctively decided to socialize with the party as we do best.
Initially, Lauren and I had assumed a demonstration of services would be for the entire concept, but the ambiance was more in terms of bringing different elements of the Salons businesses together that too could benefit from the support of one another. Just more to talk and write about.
We wanted to be where everyone else was considering that’s how we gain narratives for our blogs on a more personable feel. We met other creators, hairstylist, artist and even bloggers who we were able to share and cross reference ideas with. It was a really nice group of people where I felt in my element.
Earlier, I sneaked away from my posted area to grab Lauren and I a couple of snacks. I kept seeing people walking around with dainty martini glasses that looked like ice cream from a far, but once I walked over to the table that was handing out these popular goodies, I was surprised to see that it wasn’t even ice cream at all but portion sized food in a glass.
Tequila Pineapple Meatball, White Wine & Capers Chicken. Both with a Rice Pilaf base
WorldMediaGroup, an event production and brand management company, had personally catered the Brambila party with two selected entrees that were as mouth watering as they had looked. I’m a big foodie and always have my expectations high when attending any type of event, but these two dishes definitely surpassed the mark. With a mix of culture and taste in their foods, everything is made from scratch which gives it the ultimate flavor that had me ask for several helpings. The martini glasses were enough to feed a rabbit until one gentleman cleverly asked for a size enough to feed someone with an appetite, so I asked for a plate.
To find out more about WorldMediaGroup, their site goes live September 8th here
Twitter : WorldMediaGrp
Instgram: Worldmediagroup@icloud.com
Another popular table PopCupz, gave a large selection of custom made sweet treats for the guest. With so many options to choose from, it was harder to claim only one dessert before it was all gone. In fact, I’m not even sure if I actually chewed it or just gulped the whole thing before grabbing another. From what I was told, it only took about an hour until everything was gone.
The rice krispy treats were the biggest hit, but I could only assume that I knew who shamelessly piled on a plate as I’ve recalled them doing every other event I’ve seen them at. I felt kind of bad for the one guy who didn’t get a chance to grab one. Well I’m sure they were delicious because I didn’t either, but clearly you can never go wrong with a dessert table or sweets bar. For more information, you can follow them at
Twitter: @Popcupz
Instagram: @Popcupz
While taking a moment to sip on some crafty signature cocktails by a Vegas mixologist, Christian Rappa, we were graciously greeted with thank you gifts by the popular Savvy Travelers towards the end of the evening as a token of appreciation. We couldn’t end the evening without a group photo with the lovely Gretchen whose other half, Slade Smiley, was ever so kind to take the photo. Though I wouldn’t have mind him in the photo as well considering I’ve rooted for them since day one, he wanted her to be the center piece of the party.
For this being my first all white party, I found it to be very refreshing as an ending to the summer. Brambila Salon and the Laser Lounge are currently accepting appointments with great deals so make sure to follow them at
Twitter: @BrambilaSalonLA
Instagram: @BrambilaSalon
And
Twitter: @TheLaserLounge
Instagram: @MyLaserLounge
Thank you Kelly Pr and team, Brambila and Laser lounge for having us!
And make sure to check out Fashion Fridays for the best styles from that evening!
Xox