article by Quinn Marie, RCR Entertainment Writer and Host,
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One of the perks of working within the entertainment field is the sporadic bone that gets thrown your way in the form of a gifting suite. As a newbie, in this strange new world called Los Angeles the thought of people I didn’t know giving me free sh*t was not only a foreign concept but seemed a little too good to be true.
Unsure of the coveted treasures that lay ahead, I made my way to the Luxe Hotel in Beverly Hills, the balmy Saturday morning air did little to calm my nerves and added just enough moisture to my already sweating palms to ensure the dreaded obligatory hand shakes would be uncomfortable for all involved. (By the way, my next stop was the Creative Arts Emmy Awards red carpet where I interviewed lots of Emmy nominees – see more here).
As we made our way to the check in table, we were graciously welcomed by the two lovely Harris brothers behind WOW! Creations, who are also two of the snazziest dressers I’ve ever seen. Ever the optimist, I was sure I would immediately be shunned for my lack of coolness and of course, the sweating. But alas, names were checked and admittance was given.
Photos from Gift Suite
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With tote bag in tow and a palpable awkward silence emanating from my side of the elevator, we made our way up to the penthouse. The doors opened and with it my eyes to a magical rooftop that was more delightful than distressing. As the friendly vendors were setting up their booths, the DJ was spinning an array of teen pop and nonaggressive hip hop that warmed my heart. As small talk was made, apprehensions faded and I felt the magnificent beast of the gifting suite start to take hold. While perusing the goods I noticed a rather charming woman creating some impressive henna tattoos, I immediately bee lined to the booth eagerly awaiting a Nehaassar original. Nehaassar works fast and steady as she perfectly free hands her remarkable artwork, she was kind enough to give me some beautiful hand art to show off for the rest of the day.
My next stop was the lovely ladies behind Pedi Princess, an ingenious idea for anyone who’s ever received a pedicure only to be given those weird, flimsy paper thin sandals. If you or anyone you know is anything but embarrassed to be seen in those you are wrong and should reevaluate your life choices. Anyway, the Pedi Princess crew came up with these adorable sandals in a ton of colorful patterns that not only keep your pedi in tact by using little jewels to separate your toes, they’re also cute enough for you to run your errands afterward without looking like an old bag lady who just stepped out to walk her cats.
My next stop was the Radar watch booth. These watches are super vibrant and are interchangeable. With 10 colors to choose from, that’s 100 possibilities and also your basic math. The people at Radar were ever so kind to let me choose a watch for my very own; I chose a hot pink band with matching face. With my new watch and henna tattoo, my wrist game was pretty much on point.
My next stop was obviously the food booth. Sarah’s Skinny Sweets is a gluten free, vegan cookie company that must use some kind of enchanted sorcery because her cookies are actually really delicious. I had the Orange Cranberry Almond cookies, they were totally flavorful and I got to take a bag home, which I promptly devoured before I could even get my shoes off. Basically, they’re super tasty cookies and should be eaten all day, everyday.
What happened next is what really sealed the deal for me. I was talking with the people of Biodegradable Bedding, a company that makes 100% biobased, disposable bedding which is such a cool idea in itself, when out of nowhere I am offered a glass of Prosecco. There are few things I love more in life than a cold glass of bubbly on a hot day, getting a hypoallergenic disposable pillow case for free whilst holding said refreshing glass is one of them. Well played Biodegradable Bedding…
Needless to say, I felt a deep, intense love for my first gifting suite. It was like I was instantly transported to this world of wonder where flat irons and brand apparel are given out like candy (shout out to Neo Spectrum Pro and Gary Red-Holler!).
Oh and the coolest person I met there – Victor Ortiz!
Who knew so much could change within a 15 second elevator ride? What was once a steamy August morning was now a cheerful sunlit day filled with more products than I could carry.
Walking out in my euphoric daze, I couldn’t help but feel super grateful to be doing what I do. I met a lot of really nice people and got to try and take home some really interesting products. In conclusion, gifting suites are an ass kicking good time.
About this event: Mingle Media TV and Red Carpet Report host Quinn Marie were invited to cover the WOW! Creations 66th Emmy Awards Lifestyle Gifting Suite at the Luxe Hotel on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. This invite only gift suite was hosted by WowCreationsMedia.com and was filled with some amazing items from luxurious to practical. Find out more at http://www.wowcreationsmedia.com.
66th Emmy Awards Coverage
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