Oscar Swag Standouts

Naomi Grossman, who played pinhead Pepper on ‘American Horror Story: Freak Show,’ enjoys Jonathan haircare products.

So here I am, right before the Oscars, in GBK’s fabulous gifting suite and surrounded by hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of amazing Oscar swag as well as top Hollywood glitterati, and all I can focus on is actress Naomi Grossman, who played the pinhead Pepper on American Horror Story: Freak Show. Having shaved her head of all but a little top knot for the series, it was fascinating to see what she looks like with a little cap of newly grown hair and in a sophisticated ensemble rather than in her character’s signature baggy nightgown. Call me vacuous or easily distracted, but I couldn’t help but be intrigued by her.

Boyhood director Richard Linklater checks out Wonderwoof, a sort of FitBit for dogs.

Of course there were other interesting people and products at GBK’s glamorous Oscar swag event, held at Beverly Hills’ chi chi L’Hermitage. I’m one who can’t pass up a pet product, and apparently, neither can Boyhood director and Oscar nominees Richard Linklater, who stopped by to admire the Wonderwoof, an app-based dog-activity tracker that promotes your pup’s healthy and social lifestyle–sort of like a Fitbit for dogs, that comes in the shape of a bow tie and attaches to Fido’s collar.

Lisa Vanderpump’s blingy dog designs from Vanderpump Pets

And you knew it was only a matter of time before Real Housewives of Beverly Hills‘ Lisa Vanderpump designed her own line of blingy dog collars and leashes. Vanderpump Pets recently came out with Giggy-approved pet accessories made with crystals, “diamonds,” pearls, gold and silver and other shiny materials, most of them priced between a reasonable $19.99 –$54.99. They come in all shapes and sizes — I loved the sparkly bow tie big enough for my own Frankie Feldman when he’s full grown. And I really like the fact that a portion of the proceeds go to Lisa’s favorite dog charity.

Colorful Hazel & Harmony bracelets handcrafted in Connecticut from semi precious stones

Yara Shahidi from ‘Black-ish’ admires jewelry from Shatra Designs

No celebrity gift suite would be complete without bling for humans as well. My favorites were the Hazel & Harmony bracelets handcrafted in Connecticut from gemstones with intention and meaning, their significance listed on the bracelet. I also like the jewelry from Shatra Designs, created from precious and semi-precious stones, with “the whole person in mind–each piece reflects who we truly are.”

Being one who is always attracted to bright, colorful objects, I couldn’t help but enjoy the rainbow of customizable M&Ms, from MyMms.com. I love those things, and have ordered them for showers and Super Bowl parties–we even had them at my wedding. But in the gifting suite, celebs were made aware that you can also get plastic boxes full of customized M&Ms to use as business cards, and other clever favors. More delicious chocolates were provided by John Kelly Chocolates of West Hollywood.

Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra is drawn to the colorful My M&Ms display

To wash them all down, there were libations from a new brand of bubbly called Le Medaillon Champagne, attractively bottled with souvenir silver medallions. It’s a classic French champagne created for the affluent consumer, and it’s aged for 30 months rather than the typical 17 months. In addition I sampled my new favorite wine, cunningly called Fancy Pants, made in a fresh, approachable style with grapes sourced from some of California’s best vineyards. I tried their light, refreshing Pinot Grigio and their rich, juicy Red Blend, and couldn’t help but enjoy their attractive labels and packaging as well.

Actor David Anders of ‘Once Upon a Time’ and ‘The Vampire Diaries’ is pleased to receive a couple of bottles of the fabulous tasting Fancy Pants wine.

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Pandora Vanderpump (left) samples L.A. Star Greens – Perfect 10 with the product creator.

On the healthier side, guests at the Oscar swag event were treated to delicious concoctions made with L.A. Star Greens – Perfect 10. It’s the world’s first certified organic blend of the top 10 super foods in powder form, that you can add to juice or other goodies — even cupcakes and truffles, to make them infinitely healthier. And celebrity personal trainer Lalo Fuentes was on hand to offer free fitness sessions and workout DVDs.

Beauty products were also big in the GBK Oscar gifting suite. I particularly liked those from the new Jonathan Hair Care, whose “Dirt,” which takes the frizz out of your hair and makes it sleek, smooth and shiny, was especially popular. Also represented were  Beauty Kitchen by Heather Marianna with their delicious bath products; DermaSet 3D Anti-Aging Renewal Treatment, a scientifically advanced all-in-one anti-aging cream proven to help reveal firmer younger skin fast and Basicare, with exclusively developed beauty kits.

But probably the most important and socially conscious Oscar swag of all came from Presenting Sponsor STOP-ATTACK.com, which partnered with GBK to bring some awareness to the luxury lounge. STOP-ATTACK.com is an assault-response application (app) and service for IOS and Android mobile devices, designed to be easy to use, quick to activate and reliable. It’s a personal protection resource that allows you to tap, record, get help and take control. It’s perfect for college co-eds, but also for any of us who go out alone. Having been attacked and assaulted twice on city streets, I wish I would have had this invaluable app much sooner. This year, Oscar swag made me infinitely safer at home in Hollywood, or anywhere else.

STOP-ATTACK.com, an assault-response append service, was probably the most valuable gift of all at this year’s GBK Oscar gifting suite.