Roxy Manning Chats With Jewelry Designer Rona Pfeiffer

No doubt that you have heard of the name Pfeiffer in Hollywood. Most notably, attached to the name Michelle. But, you might not have heard of her sister-in-law named Rona, a rising star in the Pfeiffer family. Rona is a jewelry designer, and her latest project was tackling the jewelry design for Michelle’s current film, Dark Shadows. And I had the opportunity to chat with Rona about designing for the characters in the movie, working with Colleen Atwood, and her superstar sister-in-law.

RM: I understand that you designed Michelle’s jewelry in the movie.

RP: I did. I designed the real pieces that she wore in the movie.

RM: Did Michelle have a lot of input for the jewelry in the movie?

RP: Actually, the story is that Colleen Atwood had seen a few pieces of my collection on Michelle and had called me in. So, I met with her, and she whispered a few things in my ear to get me to create; she showed me a costume and that is how it came to be.

RM: Is this the first film that you have designed pieces for?

RP: It is, and it’s a dream come true.  It was unbelievable. Having met Colleen Atwood, and having her respond to what I do, I don’t know how you get any better than that.

RM: Will Johnny Depp be wearing any of your pieces tonight on the black carpet?

RP: Yes, I believe he is wearing a necklace of mine that I designed, kind of in the Dark Shadows family. There is a lot of vintage in it from my travels. And diamonds and garnets.

RM: What can you say about your sister-in-law, Michelle Pfeiffer?

RP: She is the best mother on the planet, and the best friend, and the most honorable person that I have ever met.

Click here to view the rest of our fun chat in its entirety. See you on the red carpet!

Alicia Silverstone For Juice Beauty Collection

Alicia Silverstone held a “press party” last week to celebrate her new collection for Juice Beauty, which launched at ULTA on Earth Day (April 22, 2012) and will be available exclusively there for the next six months. The line features all certified organic ingredients and is completely vegan, cruelty-free, and full of antioxidants. The packaging consists of over 90% recycled materials and is printed with soy ink, and it can be recycled again. Very Eco-friendly!

My first thought about the beauty collection: totally impressed! After unwrapping the recycled containers on the table at the vegan luncheon, I was happy at what I found. The Simply Pure Chamomile Cleanser smells delish! And that was very important to Alicia when developing this line. She mentioned that she started product development when she was pregnant with her son, Bear Blu, so her senses were extremely heightened and very discerning. And it shows. The aromas are heavenly and smell fresh, not full of chemicals.

Since Alicia was in the house, I had to ask her about a Clueless reunion/remake, and if she would ever be a part of it? Her answer: “It’s up to Amy Heckerling (writer/director) and what she wants to do, but I would be up for it!” And when asked if her character, Cher Horowitz, would be up for a green makeover, Alicia laughed and said, “Yeah. She was always trying to do good!” Click here to shop the Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty Collection.

See you on the red carpet!

Confessions of a Jewelry Junkie: Bohemian Jones

I am a jewelry junkie. I have the same affinity for sparkly adornments that most women have for shoes and handbags. I can’t get enough of it. In fact, I don’t understand why someone would spend money on fur (I also think it is inhumane) when that same amount of dough could buy a diamond or gorgeous gemstone.

So you can imagine my delight when I came across Bohemian Jones jewelry. Not only are the free-spirited, polished pieces affordable at only $16-$55, but they are beautiful (pyrite & charms gold necklaces), versatile i.e. the gold beaded double wrap bracelet, and 90% of the pieces are constructed right here in the good, old US of A. The collections also change each season, so the designs are always fresh.

And Bohemian Jones is launching their “Black Label” collection, which is a premier line for their higher end designs. But even so, their prices are still reasonable and begin at $60. The Black Label item that caught my eye was the woven crystals bracelet which incorporates intricate weaving techniques and a magnetic closure. That means, easy on, easy off and no more struggling to close the clasp of a bracelet, especially if there is no one around to help you! And Mother’s Day is right around the corner! Click here to shop this collection.

See you on the red carpet!

Happy Cinco de Mayo, Let’s Toast!

This Saturday celebrates Cinco de Mayo, honoring Mexico’s defeat against the French in the 1862 Battle of Puebla.  Throughout the United States and Mexico cocktails will be hoisted in celebration, with many featuring Mexico’s favorite spirit, Tequila.  Here are a few decadent options to consider this Cinco de Mayo.

At the recent World’s Best Margarita Championship in Tuscon, Arizona, the judges’ choice for the World’s Greatest Margarita: Specialty of Gustavo del Toro and La Fuente Restaurant, Tuscon, AZ.

Tamarindo Margarita

2 oz. Tequila Avión Silver

1 oz. Grand Marnier

1/2 oz. Lime Juice

1/2 oz. Orange Juice

1/2 tsp. Tamarindo Puree

1 tsp. sugar

Rim glass with coarse salt and chili powder

Lime wheel and tamarindo peel for garnish

Directions:  Add all ingredients to a shaker over ice and shake until very cold.  Strain into a tall margarita glass rimmed with salt and chili powder.  Garnish with a lime wheel and tamarindo peel.

Margarita’s aren’t the only drink tequila is good for, add tequila instead of vodka or gin for an extra layer of spicy, floral and citrus notes to your favorite martini or cocktail.  Try this one from Patron or Camarena, to pump up the flavor of a typical Bloody Mary or create a light and refreshing sipper for a warm afternoon.

Bloody Mariachi

1 1/2 oz Patrón Reposado

3 oz sangria (tomato juice, diced jalapeños, habanero hot sauce, fresh lime and orange juices)

Agave syrup

Lime or cherry tomato for garnish

Directions:  Rim a highball glass with agave syrup and dip in sea salt. Pour Patrón Reposado and sangria over ice into the highball glass, and stir.  Garnish with a lime or cherry tomato.

Cinco Swagger

2 oz Camarena Silver Tequila

1 oz Lemon Juice

1/2 oz Agave Nectar

2 Cucumber Wheels

2 Blackberries

2 oz Ginger Beer

Directions:  Muddle cucumber and blackberries in a mixing glass. Add tequila, lemon juice, agave nectar and ice. Shake and strain into a tall glass with ice. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with cucumber wheel.

Roxy Manning Chats with Bringing Up Bobby Writer and Director Famke Janssen

It’s not easy being a first-time filmmaker. Just ask X-Men star Famke Janssen whose drama, Bringing Up Bobby, starring Milla Jovovich, Bill Pullman, Marcia Cross, Rory Cochrane, and Spencer List just screened at the Dallas International Film Festival. Influenced by classics such as Harold and Maude, Bonnie and Clyde, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Famke set out to make a movie inspired by her love of film. But being a female writer and director provided its own set of challenges too, namely hair!

RM: What inspired this movie?

FJ: I am such a film geek nerd! So, film has influenced my entire life to the point where, living in New York and America the last twenty years, has been such a dream come true in a way. Because when I grew up, I watched American movies. And all of a sudden, being in one, was what it felt like. So that inspired Bringing Up Bobby.

RM: Milla Jovovich stars as Olive, one of the main characters in Bringing Up Bobby. What was it like getting her involved in this project?

FJ: It’s all about the very short list in the end, of people who mean enough internationally, and Milla was on that short list of people. I thought she would be so perfect as Olive. And of course, getting her is a whole other challenging thing! But we ultimately got her, which was great.

RM: As a first time filmmaker, was this more challenging than you thought it would be?

FJ: It is the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life.  I don’t think there is any way to prepare for it. And, I also think if you know beforehand how difficult it is that you want to embark on such a thing. It took more than four years to get the film off the ground, three of which I stopped working as an actor. I didn’t have an income anymore. It was also at a very crucial time for me, age-wise, that I thought by the time I come back after a three-year hiatus people are going to say, “Who was that, and what did she do? She must’ve got really old, and people don’t want to see her.” Because they don’t know what you have been doing in those years, other than you have been absent. So, it was a risky endeavor.

RM: And being a female filmmaker, does that provide its own set of challenges?

FJ: It does. Hair being one of them. You just have to give up looking good for the twenty days that you are shooting. Especially in Oklahoma (where the film was shot) in 105 degree weather. Frizzball! What can I say? I thought it was so nice not having to be in the makeup trailer getting ready in the morning!

Click here to view our candid chat in its entirety. See you on the red carpet!

Herb Ritts: Photographic Legend is Unveiled at The Getty Museum

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to go see the unveiled works of Herb Ritts at The Getty Museum. The exhibit which opened its doors earlier this month has made quite a splash and has quickly caught the eyes of the art scene in LA.

Versace Dress, Back View, El Mirage.

Helmed as the ultimate fashion and celebrity photographer of his time, Herb Ritts was certainly a master of his own craft.  Snapping his way through the 80s and the 90s, Ritts was a shaper of fame and one of the top photographers to emerge from his time.  Born and bred in California; Ritts’ passion began right in his backyard.  By using LA as his centerpiece he focused on the desert and the beach, capturing powerful images of light and nature.  True to form, as an LA native, Ritts also grew up next to acting legend Steve McQueen and therefore was relaxed and not threatened by fame.  With this skill set in hand he was able to take on a new venture in his craft – photographing celebrities.

Stephanie, Cindy, Christy, Tatjana, Naomi, Hollywood.

Cindy Crawford, Ferre 3, Malibu.

Ritts stripped celebrities down to their most natural state where he was able to meticulously capture his subjects in rare form.  Photographing icons such as Richard Gere, Madonna, Jack Nicholson and Cindy Crawford he revolutionized the world of fashion photography with his combination of art and commerce.  His images were both powerful and honest and garnered attention from magazines all around the county, gracing the pages of Vogue, Esquire, Interview Magazine, etc.

With over 87 framed images on display at the museum Herb Ritts reveals a spectacular insight to the world of glamour and fame.   Exhibition ends August 26^th, for more details visit: Getty.

Spice Up Your After Dinner Drinks

Coffee at the end of a meal is nice, but why not take your after dinner drink, or coffee, to the next level with a spicy, sweet and succulent liqueur like licorice filled Molinari Sambuca; Amarula, the seductive African liqueur made from Marula fruit; and the latest addition to the Patron brand line of products, Patron XO Cafe Dark Cocoa.

In the late 1940′s Italian spirits merchant Angelo Molinari created his anise flavored liqueur in honor of the tradition and genuine love of Sambuca, today Molinari Sambuca is the best selling spirit in Italy. The classic way to enjoy Sambuca is neat; with three coffee beans added to the glass, and it is always three…no more, no less. The three beans symbolize the basis of Italian culture – Life, Love and Prosperity. Italians also are known to add it to their espresso instead of sugar, calling their concoction Caffe Corretto or “corrected coffee.”

Under South African skies sacred Marula trees flourish creating a fruit that some say bring prosperity, some say bring fertility, and some say bring marriage. The fruit that may not be harvested until it has fallen from the tree to the ground and the elephants, baboons and other wildlife has had their fill. Once harvested, this sour fruit will become sweet, creamy, exotic and rich Amarula. Delicious sipped very cold on its own, mixed into a cup of coffee topped with whipped cream or shaken into a luscious martini.

Amraula-rula

2 parts Amarula Cream

1 part fresh cream

1 part cherry liqueur

Directions: Place all the ingredients into shaker with ice, shake and strain into a martini glass, then garnish with a cherry.

After much anticipation and with excitement the Patron brand of spirits has finally launched a new product for their highly respected line of premium spirits, Patron XO Cafe Dark Cocoa, blending their Patron Silver tequila with a touch of coffee and rich dark chocolate creating a silky, rich and incredibly balanced liqueur. Patron master distiller, Francisco Alcaraz, has been working on the blend for several years, ensuring this final product is the best representation of all three flavors melding into one.

Chocolate Bite

11⁄2 oz. Patrón Silver

11⁄2 oz. Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa

1⁄2 oz. Patrón Citrónge

1 oz. heavy whipping cream

3⁄4 oz. simple syrup

1 egg white

Directions: Dry-shake the ingredients, then add ice and shake again, and strain into a martini glass. You can dress it with a chocolate swirl, coffee beans, or small Hershey’s chocolates on top of the egg white froth.

XO Cortado

1 oz. Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa

1⁄2 oz. sweetened condensed milk

Shot of espresso

Warm steamed milk

Directions: In an espresso cup, preferably clear, add sweetened condensed milk. Let settle. Top with shot of Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa. Add shot of espresso. Top with warm steamed milk.

Roxy Manning Catches Up with Krysten Ritter

How many of you caught the premiere episode of Don’t Trust the B—- In Apartment 23 on Wednesday night? I did, and I must say, it was a lot funnier than I thought it would be! And thanks to the show’s star, Krysten Ritter, we are going to have many more unadulterated, unabashed performances and lots of laughs for episodes to come. And it’s on network TV! I caught up with Ritter recently, and she filled me in on why everybody should be watching this comedy.

RM: Why should people watch this show?

KR: Because it is like the funniest show ever! It really is. I love it!

RM: Why?

KR: In the pilot alone, I am naked, I have a switchblade, and I am selling drugs!

RM: Who is this character based upon?

KR: She’s like Holly Golightly meets the devil.

RM: That will be fun to watch!

KR: Yeah!

RM: You are wearing Jenni Kayne right now. Is she one of your favorite designers?

KR: I love her! I love that this dress is super comfortable and super chic as well.

RM: What was it like working with Kate Bosworth and Rachel Bilson in Life Happens? Did you all become really close?

KR: We were like total best friends. We had a great time. You know, with independent film-making, you don’t have a lot of the luxuries that you have on big films. This was made for $4.00 and elbow grease! So we were in very close quarters, and we just had the best time together. We were literally hanging out eating burritos together!

For more of our fun chat, click here. See you on the red carpet!

Time To Play With The Ultimate Beauty Line For Spring: Jouer

Now that, the Easter bunny has come and gone, spring is in full bloom.  Ladies – it’s time to pick out your color palette for this season.  Good thing for you, we know a fantastic line to get your hands on, Jouer.  Style maven and expert on all things chic, Founder and Creative Director Christina Zilber has whipped up a cosmetics line geared towards the ultimate woman on the go.

Christina Zilber & her favorite essentials.

Taking a stylist approach to beauty Zilber’s mission for Jouer is to inspire women to look and feel beautiful.  Born into the world of fashion, Zilber has an eye for beauty and a knack for business.  Her clever creation of customize-able palettes mimics the way true makeup artists work.  With daily essentials such as luminescent tints, hydrating lipsticks and creamy eye shadows, the line offers up a wide variety of stylish and subtle essentials that will leave you feeling effortlessly fabulous.  Keeping in the theme of its namesake, Jouer, which for all you non-Francophiles, it means to play, the line welcomes its users to have fun with each product.  With portable cases that connect with one little snap, each product is meant to be mixed and matched.

Peony powder blush.

Blushing Beauty Collection: 2012

Once launched as a Henri Bendel New York exclusive, the line has definitely made a splash on the scene.  Gracing the pages of Elle, Allure, InStyle and People Magazine, Christina Zilber has revolutionized what she likes to think of as beauty’s little black dress.  With signature collections such as Instant Chic and Sunday Brunch, your skin will be left feeling healthy and fabulous.   Don’t forget to get your hands on the new Blushing Beauty Collection which is perfect for wedding season!

Roxy Manning Talks Swimwear and Style With VS Angel Miranda Kerr

Have you ever wondered how a Victoria’s Secret Angel bounces back after having a baby? I have! Or what they look for when they go bikini shopping? And how do they achieve that “beach bombshell” look? Well, wonder no more as VS Angel Miranda Kerr answered all of those nagging questions, and then some, when I chatted with her at the launch of VS Swim last week.

RM: How do you keep bikini ready? Because your body looks amazing!

MK: Oh, thank you. I am very health-conscious. I eat super healthy and organic, when I can. But I don’t deprive myself. It’s about a balance. I have always said that I eat 80% healthy and 20% indulgent. And I practice yoga and I have also upped my Pilates routine since having my son (Flynn). I really love Pilates.

RM: When you go bikini shopping, what do you look for?

MK: For me personally, I look for something that is comfortable, something that is going to be practical at the beach. And something that is flattering to my shape.

RM: I love your everyday style. How would you describe it?

MK: It depends on how I am feeling. I really do feel that fashion is a reflection of how you are feeling. And it’s nice to be able to express that. So some days I am feeling flirtier, other days I am feeling more boho, other days I want to feel more comfortable. It all depends on my mood and how I feel, or what event I might be going to.

I can’t believe swimsuit season is right around the corner! Click here to view our chat in its entirety.

See you on the red carpet!