Recap of The Wounded Warrior Project Style & Oscar Beauty Suite

Recap of The Wounded Warrior Project^® Style & Oscar Beauty Suite

Photos & story by Karen Ostlund

Injured service members and their families enjoyed a special day of appreciation, beauty, styling and relaxation the Friday before Oscars 2014.

The Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Style & Beauty Suite at Avalon Hollywood, connected some of the biggest names in film, television, music and sports with our nation’s wounded service members.

The nonprofit organization’s mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, and bring veterans and their families to Hollywood, CA.

At Wounded Warrior Project's booth, right The Voice star Katrina Parker

 Some of Hollywood's brightest stars including Angelique Cabral (“Enlisted”), Elliott Yamin ("American Idol"), Gloria Loring (“Days of Our Lives”), Jenifer Lewis (“Think Like A Man“), Kenny Lattimore (R&B artist), Lindsay Arnold (“Dancing with the Stars”), Nestor Serrano (“24”), Sabrina Bryan (“The Cheetah Girls”) and Wendy Davis (“Army Wives”) spent the day with some of our nation's heroes and got the chance to interact with and thank these brave men and women and their families for their sacrifice and all they have done for our country.

Actress Wendy Davis "Army Wives"
 & Wounded Warrior Norbie Lara

Norbie Lara, a WWP Alumni  a 2004 firefighter in Iraq was the event’s guest speaker. He shared the harrowing story of how he lost his arm in a 2004 firefight in Iraq. The experience also left him with a brain injury and severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder . He was sharing his struggles and triumphs during his lengthy recovery process.

The Style & Beauty Suite was a star-studded and fun-filled a day of beauty treatments, spa services, styling and gifting during Oscar week.

“Everything we do at Wounded Warrior Project is built around honoring and empowering this generation’s injured service members, whether that be through one of our 19 different programs or through events like the Style and Beauty Suite, “ said Adam Silva, chief development officer, Wounded Warrior Project.

 “It is important for us to continue to show our gratitude for their sacrifices so that they may never be forgotten and to reiterate our lifetime commitment to their ever-changing needs; and we are so thankful for all the celebrities and sponsors who participate in this special day to help WWP do just that.”

Spa Del Rey :Massages, hydra facials & hand treatments 

Guests were treated to luxurious and relaxing spa treatments from the team at Spa del Rey, which is located at The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey.

Massages, hydra facials and anti-aging hand treatments was available by the Spa del Rey team. 

Spa del Rey also gifted  luxury spa products from Natura Blisse ilike Organic Skincare and Coola Organic Suncare.

OPI  offered manicures featuring OPI nail lacquer and DeVita Cosmetics provided glam mini makeovers featuring their high end line of vegan cosmetics. 

O.P.I. manicure for both sexes

 The Oscar Blandi team offered blowouts and hair styling services.

Oscar Blandi hair products

The team from Shea Moisture hosted a men’s grooming lounge featuring classic shaves using their line of certified organic products.

SheaMoisiture grooming station

 -Raw Skin Pharmaceuticals gifted products from their line of chemical free, gluten free, and cruelty free products.  
-Plum Flower Soap Co. gifted their handmade line of natural soaps and ISO Beauty gifted their line of professional hair styling tools. 

There was a lot of  fashion, exquisite jewelry and stylish footwear and accessories being showcased and gifted.

Complete list of onsite sponsors:

100 % Gumdrop jewelry line

100% Gumdrop is a one-of-a-kind, smartymouthed jewelry line created by Owner and Designer Sarah Litt Cole, of Henri Bendel and MoMA genius.  Gumdrop creates personality-driven necklaces for that imp with the good head on her shoulders and mischief in her eye. The line attracts all ages, and we are proud and honored to collaborate with Wounded Warrior on a custom piece created specially for this heartwarming event.  http://www.gumdroplovesyou.com

Facebook.com/100gumdrop Twitter: @100gumdrop

Ali's Collection of semi-precious stones

 Ali's Collection is a jewelry line by Alicia Mohr. We use precious metals, semi-precious stones, leather and resin to create unique pieces that are both edgy and elegant. We source our supplies from US companies whenever possible, but we also believe in being global citizens and recently launched a program that features the designs of artisan associations from developing countries alongside our own. Our pieces have been most recently featured in Teen Vogue and Lucky Magazine and on numerous fashion blogs and the line is sold in boutiques and websites here in the U.S. and abroad. www.aliscollection.com   www.facebook.com/aliscollection 

Twitter: @aliscollection

AQUAhydrate® is high-performance water without the sugar and calories found in traditional sports drinks or vitamin enhanced beverages.  AQUAhydrate’s combination of performance-grade electrolytes and higher pH level of 9+ give you the key elements that help restore and balance the body during intense performance and exercise. http://aquahydrate.com https://www.facebook.com/aquahydrate  Twitter: @AQUAhydrate

Arctic Zero is an innovative whey protein and fiber-based frozen desserts company that offers gluten free, lactose intolerant friendly, and diabetic friendly chocolate dipped bars and pints.  Made with simple and natural ingredients, Arctic Zero bars are only 85 calories per bar.  The pints are fat free and only 150 calories per pint! www.arcticzero.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/arcticzero Twitter: @MyArcticZero

Justin Bird from Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker

bkr was created by two friends inspired by Parisian street chic, Tokyo minimalism, and the belief that the objects in your life should be beautiful, effortless and loved. It’s made of glass, the ultimate clean material. It doesn't smell of every drink you ever put in it or leach chemicals, and it isn't a metal camping accessory. This luxe little invention is a beautifully designed solution to an over-packaged, plastic, disposable world.  www.mybkr.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mybkr  Twitter: https://twitter.com/mybkr

Buggy Love

                                   BuggyLOVE we love: Protect our Children. Defend our Planet.  Improve our World.  BuggyLOVE is a complete family of hip, safe, organic cleaning products designed for use on strollers, gear and everyday life. You keep their world safe, we'll keep it toxin free. www.buggylove.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buggylove

Twitter: @BuggyLoveCo

 CiaoCristina! is about to celebrate it's 5th Anniversary.  The restaurant is the dream child of Army Veteran Allan O'Donovan  and his lucky wife Cristina Forementon. Allan served as a Helicopter Pilot with the 120th Assault Helicopter Gunship Platoon at Ton Son Nhut, RVN and became the unit club officer. Soon, and with the curfew imposed, The Razorback Club became one of the most popular after-hours clubs in Saigon for both the military, Embassy staff and entertainers living in Saigon.

Chef Cristina (no H), as a young child was dragged from Venice, Italy by her parents. She has always embraced the Italian Culture, especially with a deep passion for authentic Italian food and wine.  Today, CiaoCristina!, located directly across from Warner Bros. Studios has become the most popular Italian Restaurant and Bar in Burbank serving locals, tourists, and studio people alike. http://www.ciaocristina.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ciao-Cristina

Twitter: @CiaoCristina

Dearfoams slippers

 Since 1947, Dearfoams has been the leader in men and women’s slippers in the United States. More than a billion consumers have loved Dearfoams slippers for their comfort, style, functionality and quality. Dearfoams products are sold throughout North America in leading department stores and specialty retailers and on Dearfoams.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dearfoams

Twitter: @dearfoams

DeVita makeup touch-ups, soap
actress Jen Lilley wears a Mujus necklace

 DeVita International’s family of award winning cosmetically, including DeVita Natural Skin Care, |absolute| minerals, and Oh My DeVita Baby, offers a full range of organic aloe vera based, vegan, paraben free skin care choices for discerning shoppers.  Using rare essential oils, nourishing vitamins and advanced peptide technology.                 DeVita’s potent formulations work for all skin types, and actually help minimize the visible signs of both biological and environmental aging, while delivering high concentrations of safe skin support. DeVita has successfully built a brand that is known for creating the perfect hybrid – effective topical skin care – packaged inside and out for the eco-chic DeVita products are always free from toxic chemicals, and nanotechnology, plus they are gluten sensitive safe and PETA Certified. http://www.devitaskincare.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/devitaskincare

Twitter: @DeVitaNatural

 Designed in Brooklyn and handmade in Peru, Mujus' signature material is the tagua seed. Tagua, also known as vegetable ivory, originates from a palm tree that grows in the Amazon rainforest. As no two seeds are alike, each Mujus piece is unique. All Mujus artisans are provided full health care benefits, fair trade wages, and flexible family friendly schedules. mujus.com

Twitter: @mujusnyc

Luxury fashion brand iiJin gifted their beautiful pieces

 iiJin (pronounced "e-gene") has quickly become one of the hottest luxury fashion brands on the market with their fashion forward clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories.  iiJin is famous for their Invisible Wedge Shoes,(offering an extra 2-5 inches in fabulosity) which are a favorite of some of the biggest stars all over of the world.  Celebrity fans of iiJin include stylish stars such as Cyndi Lauper, Kelly Clarkson, Vanessa Hudgens, Carly Rae Jepsen, Diana DeGarmo, Kimberly Caldwell, Elliott Yamin, Ace Young, Lee DeWyze, Lacey Schwimmer, Debbie Gibson, Amandla Stenberg, Sharni Vinson, Taraji P. Henson, Lil Mama, Layla Kayleigh-Covino, Cheslie Hightower, Brandy, Mark Ballas, Chris Mann, Randy Jackson, Mario Lopez, Paul Oakenfold and more.  iiJin has been featured on “EXTRA” with host Mario Lopez, on “Access Hollywood”, on The Insider”, on Perez Hilton's fashion site CocoPerez.com , on E!’s MyStyle.com and in the pages of OK! Magazine, US Weekly and J-14 Magazine.  iiJin’s flagship U.S. store is located at 116 S. Robertson Blvd. in Los Angeles. http://iijin.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iiJin  Twitter: @iiJinShoes 

ISO ceramic hair products in animal prints

 For nearly seven years ISO Beauty, Inc. has specialized in providing innovative hair styling tools that help keep hair healthy and vibrant.  Our collection of products is ever expanding, and currently includes hair straighteners, curlers and dryers, as well as luxurious hair extensions, make-up and hair care and beauty products.  Our straighteners, curlers and ISO ceramic hair products- dryers come backed by a lifetime warranty and come equipped with international 110/220 voltage.  http://isobeauty.com Twitter: @isobeauty

Monster Energy  www.MonsterEnergy.com  Twitter: @MonsterEnergy

left, Wounded Warrior Eric Garrett, actress
Jennifer Lewis
&
comedian BD Freeman

As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names, OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades and contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics. http://www.opi.com Twitter: @OPI_PRODUCTS

The Oscar Blandi hair care line includes an extensive range of premium shampoos, conditioners, and styling and finishing products. Known for his signature styling solutions, hero items include Oscar’s groundbreaking Dry Shampoo range, clinically proven Hair Lift Thickening & Strengthening Cream and new release Dry Styling Heat Protect Spray. Oscar Blandi products have received beauty award recognition in Allure, Self and Fitness.  Oscar Blandi’s celebrity clients include; Kelly Ripa, Sofia Vergara, Faith Hill, Rosario Dawson, Jennifer Garner and Jessica Biel. http://www.oscarblandi.com Twitter: @OscarBlandi

 

Packit

PackIt the coolest cooler on the market – literally. The entire bag freezes to keep food and drinks cold for up to 10 hours– no ice pack needed. There's freezable gel actually built into the lining of the bag. The bags fold up super small so you can store your PackIt overnight in the freezer. Pull it out and the walls are completely frozen. The bag won't just insulate, it will actually create cold and chill room-temperature items in about an hour.   www.packit.com www.facebook.com/PackItCoolers  Twitter: @PackItCool

Plumflower Soap Company

 Plumflower Soap Company was created by Patti M Designs. We specialize in natural, handmade soaps that are good for the skin, and without harsh chemicals. Our soaps are glycerin based made with natural and essential oils. All of the soap is made by Patricia M. Swayze who has an esthetician and cosmetology license. They are packaged beautifully and are gift ready! They may be purchased at www.zibbet.com/plumflower 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pattimdesigns Twitter: @swayzepatricia

At Purity Organic we support ORGANIC growing practices by pledging to source only certified ORGANIC ingredients for our beverages. Our ingredients are the source of our great tasting juices, teas, and coconut waters. Just open a bottle and taste for yourself.  http://purityorganic.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purityorganic 

Twitter: @purityorganic

Raw Skin Ceuticals

Raw Skin Ceuticals is a supplier of pure skin nutrition for your whole family. All formulas are chemical free, gluten free, cruelty free...truth in skin care that is research derived and solutions driven.  Our mission is to bridge the gap between perception of mainstream skin care and cosmetics and the reality of true skin nutrition. Our goal is to provide nutritionally balanced skin treatments to combat common skin problems including acne, rosacea, eczema, aging skin, dehydration, oily skin and much more from infants to seniors and including your pets. RawSkinCeuticals....truth in skin nutrition.  https://www.rawskinceuticals.com

Facebook: facebook.com/rawskinceuticals  Twitter: @rawskinceutical

Since 1912, SheaMoisture has been committed to making the highest quality natural skincare products, which are safe, therapeutic and results-oriented. Utilizing recipes handed down from CEO, Richelieu Dennis’ great grandmother, Sofi Tucker, SheaMoisture’s products are based on cultural traditions, rituals and wisdom.  The Company has been using natural, exotic ingredients from all over the world for over 20 years.  Products are not tested on animals and do not contain parabens, phthalates, paraffin, sulfates, formaldehyde, mineral oil, artificial color or synthetic fragrances - ever. Committed to giving back to the people who are integral to the Company’s success, SheaMoisture proudly partners with organizations from across the globe ranging from international development groups, charitable organizations and local communities.

http://www.sheamoistureformen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheamoistureformen

Twitter: @sheamoisture4u

A unique resort spa with exclusive and revitalizing body treatments, Spa del Rey offers customizable experiences with powerful results. Located in Los Angeles’ only AAA Five-Diamond waterfront hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, Spa del Rey is a metropolitan oasis with picture perfect harbor views that create the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation. Environmentally conscious, Spa del Rey also utilizes quality Organic and Vegan products and treatments to renew your state of well-being while promoting balance and harmony with nature. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure or a local resident needing a half-day stay-cation, immerse yourself in the latest spa therapies designed to stimulate your senses and cleanse your mind, body and soul. 

www.spa-delrey.com

www.facebook.com/SpadelRey Twitter: @SpaDelRey

Tag Along Teddy backpack & caps

 Children are often on the go and while they travel, they have their own needs and wants. Tag Along Teddy® is a lightweight backpack with a removable teddy that will keep your child entertained for hours on end. From coast-to-coast everyone agrees that they’re cute, cuddly, endearing, and instantly gains the interest of both kids and adults alike. Tag Along Teddy® has your child's back to make life a little easier for you and your little tyke. http://tagalongteddy.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tagalongteddy  Twitter: @TagAlongTeddy  
                      

TV host Carly Steel at Zumer Sport's bags

At Zumer Sport™, it looks like real sports ball material because it IS real sports ball material!  We have put our passion for sports directly into our products.  Zumer Sport™ has created a full line of products out of Baseball, Basketball, Football, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, and Soccer Ball materials.  www.zumersport.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zumer-Sport/168372749865451  Twitter: @ZumerSport

Wounded Warrior Paul De La Cerda and
girlfriend Diana DeForest

 Gift bag sponsors:

Amrita Singh Jewelry was founded in 2003 with a fine jewelry line inspired by the Mughal Dynasty. This line has since expanded into fashion and costume jewelry, handbags, scarves, accessories, and a line of home decor. Based in SoHo, New York City, Amrita infuses her fashion-forward pieces with the most beautiful traditions of Indian jewelry. Amrita has become known for statement necklaces, cocktail rings, chandelier earrings, and other celeb-worthy pieces that sparkle and shine.  http://www.amritasingh.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmritaSinghJewelry?ref=ts Twitter : @amritasjewelry

CLIF Bar® is NUTRITION FOR SUSTAINED ENERGY.® It’s the first bar we made, and it’s still everything we’re about. Whole, organic ingredients. Performance nutrition. And great taste. Whether you’re on a 150-mile bike ride or exploring a new trail, this energy bar is built to sustain your adventure.  http://www.clifbar.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clifbar

Twitter handle: @ClifBar

Wounded warrior Matthew Kiel
and wife Tracy

 GoGo squeeZ is the leading all natural 100% fruit squeezable applesauce for kids (and adults) of all ages. Super delicious, super healthy and super fun!   www.gogosqueez.com https://www.facebook.com/GoGo.squeeZ 

Twitter: @GoGoSqueez

Make My Day Beautiful!® is an elite line of "It's Good To Be Green"® pressed mineral make-up and cosmeceutical skin care products, developed by professional media make-up artist - Linda Litzinger Beck.  The company features an innovative collection of "Red Carpet Products".  These products, with universal usability and appeal, are chosen to be gifted at major, annual celebrity charity events, and are selected for inclusion in VIP gift bags, often a part of exclusive gifting suites, held in celebration of Hollywood's most prestigious, red carpet, entertainment industry events. Make My Day Beautiful!® is proud to have had their products requested for use on the sets of major network television programs, as well as for use in the clubhouse of MLB athletes.  The products are used, and may be purchased at select, fine day spas, or by visiting The Bringing Beauty To Benefit...® Boutique and Classroom at makemydaybeautiful.com.  Twitter: @makemydaybeauti


     

            

Wounded warrior Josh Sommers w dog

MyTime ‪makes it easy to see real-time availability and book appointments with thousands of local businesses. Anything from haircuts and facials to personal training and yoga class. All of this can be done right through our iPhone app and website (http://www.mytime.com) - anytime and anywhere. Also, you can find exclusive deals (up to 60% off) during off-peak hours. http://www.mytime.com  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mytime 

Twitter: @mytime

One Rewards is a new line of wholesome, single-ingredient dog treats. These simple, savory treats are meat pieces that have been freeze-dried to remove roughly 97% of the products’ moisture while locking in essential natural vitamins and nutrients of the meats. One Rewards come in four delicious varieties: premium Chicken Brest, Duck Breast, Chicken Liver, and Ocean White Fish. Created for adult dogs of all ages, these treats are made without grains, fillers or additives of any kind. In addition, the products are also high in protein and low in fat for a natural taste that dogs love.  http://onerewardstreats.com/

PAK is a patented wallet that keeps all your purse essentials contained, organized, and ready-to-use throughout your day.  Finding what you need in your bag can be half the battle.  PAK makes sure you have it, and you can find it, in any bag.  With its patented loop system, PAK ensures everything stays put and at your fingertips.  PAK goes bag-to-bag so you always have what you need.  http://www.thepakstore.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-PAK-Store/139712259418943 

Twitter: @ThePAKStore

Named for five out of the last six years as one of Publishers Weekly’s ten “fastest-growing small publishers,” Ulysses Press is reinventing the relationship between reader, author and publisher. Beyond market-driven, Ulysses Press focuses on highly targeted niche groups that aren’t being offered the books they want by the big corporate-owned New York houses. 

http://ulyssespress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ulyssespressfanpage

Twitter: @UlyssesPress

Performer:

DJ Kid Fish is a Los Angeles native known for her eclectic DJ sets and the whimsical fashions she wears while rocking a party.  A staple in the Hollywood scene, Kid Fish will keep the dance-floor packed. http://djkidfish.com 

Twitter: @kid_fish