You can't help but thumb through the fashion mags after a Hollywood
award show to see what the stars wore-the good, the bad and the
downright shameful. But one aspect of all the glitz is the goody bags
the stars take home. Sure, it may take an entire paycheck (or two or
three) to afford just one item from these hush-hush swag bags, but we
still want to know what's in them. What is so intriguing about
millionaire celebrities (who could stop working today and still live
more comfortably than the general populous)getting free stuff that we'd
eat Ramen noodles for a month to own?
Maybe it's because stars set the trends-and even if you're not a closet
E! News devotee, you'll run out to buy those hot shades Paris Hilton
was photographed wearing. And as much as it pains us to think about the
unfairness of it all-stars hold a lot of clout when it comes to product
endorsements-the very reason companies load them up with free loot. So,
even if you think you're the most stylish accountant to grace corporate
America, thousands of people won't buy leopard-print pants simply
because you wore a pair to the office party.
Okay, so what's in the bags? It could be a Gaiam's Organic Spa
Experience, complete with European-style glass aromatherapy essential
oil diffuser; organic cotton towel; organic cotton robe; soy pillar
candle; botanical shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, body wash and
cleansing bar; meditation and Yoga CD sets; and a Maize storage chest.
Celebs at the recent Academy Awards took home a Motorola Special
Edition Black RAZR V3. in a keepsake and personalized Jonathan Adler
box (sorry folks, this tricked out version of the Motorola's popular
mobile is a celebrity exclusive).
How about a two-night stay for two at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley,
California valued at $2,500? www.bernardus.com Or a sterling silver
choker/braclet/earring set made of pearls and Bali beads by Cathy
Jordan?
To keep track of celebrities' 15 minutes of fame, guests could take
home a Fabio Micucci Fabio Micucci (no, not that Fabio) hour glass. And
presenters at a past Oscars got a Micucci crystal decanter with a
sterling silver stopper (perfect for all those celebrity offspring born
with a silver spoon...oh you know what I mean)
It's a bitter pill to swallow but we both know you'll be breaking out the Top Ramen (and I'm right along with you).
Amy's passion is writing about the good things in life: food, wine,
fashion, and travel. Her writing credits include Downtown San Francisco
Magazine, Dining Out San Diego Magazine, among many others, as well as
numerous consumer and luxury websites such as www.justluxe.com and www.livingluxe.com
