John S. Brana green patinated earrings.

I believe that the second best thing about having ears is being able to wear cute earrings (first, of course, is having the ability to hear). So go ahead and treat your ears to the nature-inspired John S. Brana green patinated earrings. These earrings are in a classic shape and will add a strikingly beautiful accent to just about any outfit. No two earrings are alike which will make these a truly unique addition to your jewelry collection.

John S. Brana is known for his one-of-a-kind pieces that he carefully handcrafts in his San Francisco studio using top quality materials. His jewelry is made to make you stand out in the crowd so if you love attention and enjoy receiving compliments these earrings are perfect for you!

I love food delivery. I think everything should be delivered. And on those days when I’m working late at the office, glued to my computer screen, I keep reminding myself that someone out there — somewhere — you need to start a cocktail delivery service!

And if not cocktails, why not beauty at your doorstep?

You’ve all heard of Minx™ nails by now, haven’t you? It’s the super chic molten metal look for your fingernails, sported by all the trendiest stars. Essentially what it is is a solid film with an adhesive back that is heat activated. The result is a stand-out, “wow” manicure.

The red-hot Minx pedicure.

And now Manicures R Mobile™ brings it to your home or office. No more waiting, no more lines. Manicures R Mobile™ brings the luxury, professionalism and pampering of a spa straight to you.

Minx Toes by Loris Guzzetta.

And they don’t do just nails (though it’s worth mentioning that they use polishes that are non-toxic and free from DBP, formaldehyde and tuolene). Indulge in a massage, a makeover, waxing, spray tanning, even wig styling! The treatments are performed by a team of renowned celebrity nail, makeup, hair and body artists who work on and off the red carpet for socialites, stay-at-home moms and working professionals. Manicures R Mobile™ does party packages, too (it is bachelorette party season …).

So for one very, very lucky Audrey reader, we are going to hook you up with a Minx™ manicure and pedicure from Manicures R Mobile™. The only catch? You have to be in the Los Angeles area to win. (Sorry East Coasters!) Manicures R Mobile™ are solely L.A.-based for now, but I have a feeling it’s a trend that catching on (think taco trucks).

So get commenting below! You have until Wednesday, June 23, 11:59 pm to enter!

For more information, click here Manicures R Mobile™, or call 310.859.7379. For a list of cities, keep reading after the jump. Continue Reading »

Rachel Park multi print silk scarf with fringe.

A scarf can add a touch of sophistication to just about any outfit. Whether you’re rocking jeans and a T-shirt or a little black dress, a scarf is the best accessory to make an outfit stand out in the crowd without being over the top.

Like every one of Rachel Park’s scarves, the multi print silk scarf with fringe is uniquely designed with vibrant colors and a lively pattern. The great thing about any Rachel Park scarf is its versatility. You can wear it as a belt, a headband, or (the good old fashioned way) around the neck.

The silky texture of this scarf makes it a very classic piece and has a place in any fashionista’s wardrobe.

We may have Brangelina, but India’s got Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Bollywood’s reigning acting king and queen. And now the world-famous, real-life couple team up once again with director Mani Ratnam and Oscar and Grammy winning composer A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire, Guru) in the highly anticipated new feature film Raavan.

Real-life husband and wife team Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan in Raavan.

Described as a modern day version and loose adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana, Raavan follows Rai Bachchan as Ragini, a classical dancer, who falls in love and marries police officer Dev (played by Tamil actor and playback singer, Vikram). This classic tale of good versus evil pits Dev against Beera Munda (Bachchan), the unlawful tribal leader who is wreaking havoc on Lal Maati, a remote town in Northern India.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Raavan.

Abhishek Bachchan in "Raavan."

Dev, knowing that if he wants to bring order to Lal Maati he must conquer Beera, sets off a chain of events that will ultimately claim lives and change fortunes. Dev, Beera and Ragini come face-to-face in a terrifying jungle where they must also confront their own truths. They embark on a journey that tests their beliefs, convictions and emotions.

A scene from "Raavan."

Check out the trailer here:

Raavan opens worldwide on Friday, June 18.

More photos after the jump, plus photos of the stars at the Cannes Film Festival. Continue Reading »

Who says big handbags are out of style? Certainly not me! Nowadays women (myself included) love to carry their entire lives in their bags and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you’re a woman on the go who likes to squeeze in a workout or two during the week, the Nicole Lee “Bowling” bag in red is a chic way of carrying your workout clothes and shoes along with your pocketbook and whatever else. For Pete’s sake, the word “chic” is on the bag itself!

This bag is, of course, very casual, but also fun and trendy. Whether you use it to carry around your workout gear or as a mini travel bag, you’re sure to catch some envious stares.

Nicole Lee red bowling ball bag.

A practically deserted Lagoon 2, one of four at Ko Olina Resort.

It’s no secret I love traveling. But I have to admit, sometimes rather than traveling, you just want a vacation — you know, the kind involving lots of lounging around, colorful sunset-hued drinks, a tropical melody wafting in the background interrupted only by the rhythmic lapping of waves on creamy golden sand …

Such is the Ko Olina Resort & Marina in Oahu, Hawaii. (We highlighted the resort in our Summer issue, available now.)

Now, I know what you may be thinking. Oahu? We’ve done Oahu! Besides, Waikiki is too touristy.

Ah, but you’ve never done Oahu Ko Olina-style. That’s because Ko Olina is located on the leeward, or west, side of the island, the complete opposite side of Waikiki. And not only is Ko Olina about an hour away from Waikiki, it feels like a world away when you’re there.

Lagoon 2, arguably the most beautiful of the Ko Olina Lagoons.

Now if you’re worried that you’ll be far away from the food, drink and fun at Waikiki — don’t. Ko Olina is 642 acres of varied attractions and amenities (the same size as Waikiki, but with one-third the density). On one end you have the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa. Rooms are extra big here and my room had two lanais. Saltwater pools span the property, complete with a resident stingray and a few baby hammerhead sharks. (They release the sharks into the ocean once they’re full grown.)

The Ihilani is also known for their award-winning Ihilani Spa. Try the Deluxe Thalasso Therapy, which incorporates light, color, water jets and Hawaiian seawater for a particularly luxurious experience, or the traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage.

The serene architecture of the JW Marriott Ihilani provides a stunning contrast to the surrounding natural beauty, and its angular layout allows expansive ocean views from 85% of the rooms. (This photo was taken from one of the two huge lanais in my room.)

Lagoon 1, one of four at Ko Olina Resort. This lagoon fronts the JW Ihilani. In the distance, on Lagoon 2, you see the Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort.

The Ko Olina Marina, first built in 2000, is a world-class facility complete with state-of-the-art Bellingham floating docks.

At the other end, Hawaii’s only luxury marina. (They’re shooting the newest installment of the Pirates of the Carribbean movies nearby and you can see the Black Pearl pirate ship they built for the film.) Housing 344 wet slips with watercraft ranging from 30-footers to 240-foot luxury yachts, the Ko Olina Marina accommodates an international clientele from British to Japanese to mainland American. Sign up for all manner of water sports at the Marina Shop — everything from helicopter tours to deep sea fishing to swimming with dolphins.

And esconced in between is the luxurious Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort, complete with Roy Yamaguchi-designed gourmet kitchens and special touches like the floating lily pad lounge chaises in the pool. With two to three bedrooms going for half a mill and up, you can expect a lot of amenities like pocketed sliding glass doors that open fully to the lanai and lei-making classes with a former Miss Hawaii. (You can also rent out villas; rack rates start at $695/night.)

If your taste runs a little more family-friendly, there’s always the tropical water park-like Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club timeshares, with a relatively hopping bar area, a pitch black water tube slide, and plenty of kids running around. And coming in 2011 is Aulani, Disney’s first resort outside of its theme parks.

Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort.

Lily pad chaises blend in beautifully with the elegance of Ko Olina Beach Villas.

Of course, there are plenty of restaurants, from the island’s only other Roy’s at the 18-hole championship Ko Olina Golf Club to the Ihilani’s culinary adventure that is Azul to the more casual live-music venue Kolohe’s at the Marriott Beach Club. There’s even the Ko Olina Station with Mexican fast food, ice cream and other retail outlets And don’t worry about getting around. All the lagoons and different properties are connected via a very pleasant oceanfront path, so getting from hotel to lagoon to restaurant is not a problem. If you have to get to places more inland, like the Golf Club or the Station, just hop on the old-fashioned red trolley that circles the resort. It comes around every half hour.

A leisurely walk on the oceanside path takes you to all the lagoons and beachfront restaurants at Ko Olina.

You're spoiled for choice. One of the gorgeous four lagoons at Ko Olina.

A limestone kiln dating back to the 1800s was found on the property. Today this special space is used for private parties and events.

The Ko Olina wedding chapel, one of the sites as you stroll the oceanside path.

If you get tired on your oceanside stroll, no worries. Just take a quick dip in the pristine lagoon.

But by far my favorite part of Ko Olina is the natural lagoon nestled against Lanikuhonua, the private estate of the Campbell Estate Family Trust (James Campbell settled in Hawaii in the 1800s). The lagoon served as the original inspiration for the four other man-made lagoons of Ko Olina. Indeed, it’s what people think Old Hawaii would look like, says Mike Nelson, executive vice president of the resort.

Hidden treasure: The tide pools tucked away behind the JW Ihilani at Ko Olina.

And it is heavenly. Go early in the day, when the tide is low and the waves less boisterous. Hop from boulder to boulder, scouring the glass-like tide pools along the way for curious black jumping crabs or yellow and black striped fish. Take in the stunning view of the Waianae mountain range. Relax in the shade on one of the flatter boulders, the soothing melody of traditional Hawaiian songs drifting from Lanikuhonua (Auntie Nettie teaches folk music there to locals on occasion), the thunder of crashing waves safely set back 100 feet or so by the intimidating boulder wall. Most likely, you’ll be the only human being on the rocks.

Explore the tide pools for exotic fish and sealife. You'll likely be alone in your adventure.

If you’re lucky, you may be able to get a glimpse of the private grounds of Lanikuhonua. Auntie Nettie is the official caretaker of the land and is a “kahu,” or spiritual advisor, a title she inherited from her mother, the original kahu. (She goes to every groundbreaking at Ko Olina, including the most recent one for the Aulani, the first Disney resort outside of its theme parks.) Lost shot many a scene on the sacred property, which is dedicated to preserving, displaying and promoting the cultural traditions of Hawaii. Legends and history abound on the grounds, as evidenced by the smattering of sacred boulders and rocks carried in from other parts of the island.

The original unspoiled lagoon of Lanikuhonua, after which Ko Olina's four lagoons were modeled.

Sacred rocks and sculptures on the grounds of Lanikuhonua.

The sacred Hina rock, believed to be the goddess of the moon.

Chase the sun on a catamaran.

One thing you have to do before you leave is take advantage of Ko Olina’s location on the leeward side of the island. Unlike Waikiki, this side of the island gets one helluva sunset every evening.

You can enjoy it from your hotel lanai, but the best way to enjoy it is via catamaran (sign up at the Marina Shop.) Enjoy appetizers and an all-you-can-drink bar (their specialty is the Cata-tonic), and then kick back on deck as you sail to what seems like the end of the earth, chasing the sun as it lazes lower and lower, leaving an ever-changing kaleidoscope of light and color in the clear backdrop of sky.

Oceanview sunsets are a rare treat on Oahu. This one is seen from the lanai in my hotel room at the Ihilani. In a word, breathtaking.

Photos by Anna M. Park.

Celebs love her. She calls her design aesthetic “Twisted Vintage.” And one thing you can count on, Joy Han knows how to please her customer.

Take her “Versailles” blouson dress — a flowing drape of 100 percent silk, brightened with a vintage-inspired oo-la-la print. The slits in the sleeve add a hint of sexiness, the peony pink and gold show off your tan, and the blouson silhouette with skinny, stretchy skirt flatter any body type.

Voom by Joy Han "Versailles" blouson dress.

2008 Woman of Worth winner Nancy Chang. Photo courtesy of L'Oréal.

Each year since 2006, L’Oréal Paris, through their Women of Worth campaign, has been honoring 10 women for their services in a variety of causes, including education, encouraging female and youth empowerment, military support, and healing for survivors of cancer or sexual violence.

In 2008, Nancy Chang of Seattle, Wash., was one of the 10 Women of Worth award winners for her work with underprivileged girls in the Seattle area. She is the director of Skate Like a Girl, which provides skateboarding lessons to girls as a way of promoting an all-inclusive female skateboarding community, helping to empower girls and women. The program also encourages them to make positive decisions in life and increases their confidence and self-image.

As in years past, L’Oréal will make a $5,000 donation to each of the 2010 honorees’ most loved charity. A $5,000 donation will also be made by L’Oréal in each woman’s name to support The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF), L’Oréal Paris’ primary philanthropy.

Once all nominees are in and the 10 honorees are chosen, the public will have the opportunity to vote online for which of the 10 women they believe should be recognized as the National Woman Of Worth Honoree. L’Oréal Paris will make an additional $25,000 donation to the winner’s charity in her name.

Nominations are open until July 9, 2010 so hurry up and nominate an amazing Asian American woman! I know there are tons of them out there! Go to www.womenofworth.com to nominate your woman of worth.

KidViskous SLR mirror camera necklace.

There was a time when hanging a camera around your neck — especially if you were of Asian descent — screamed “Japanese tourist.” Thankfully, those days are gone. Like nerdy glasses, high waists and computer smarts, what was once considered the domain of the nerd is now considered trés chic.

So join the nerd resurgence. Hang a camera around your neck, but let it be KidViskous’s SLR mirror camera necklace made of silver mirror Lucite.

KidViskous SLR mirror camera necklace.

The LA Film Fest is this weekend, and we’ve got five pairs of movie ticket vouchers, which includes lounge day passes for you and your guest, to give away to Audrey readers!

Yes, I know, they’re screening The Twilight Saga: Eclipse at the festival. But there’s plenty of Asian love at this film festival, too, so if you’re around, check it out. Some highlights include:

1428

On May 12, 2008 at 14:28, the Great Sichuan Earthquake rocked China, claiming the lives of more than 68,000 people. Ten days later, filmmaker Du Haibin was there, camera in hand. The result is a film that won the Best Documentary Award at the 2009 Venice International Film Festival. Du not only covers the immediate aftermath, but also the government response and the fate of the survivors seven months later. Going beyond the whitewashed official visits portrayed in mainstream media, 1428 gives the audience a raw look at the reality of today’s Beichuan, the town most severely hit, where Lunar New Year’s is celebrated with a never-ending parade of tourists buying DVDs of the most horrific scenes, souvenir albums of corpses being pulled out of the ruins, and photo taking.

A lone, colorful door stands amidst rubble in the peaceful town of Beichuan.

A scene from "1428."

The peaceful town of Beichuan was devastated by the 8.0 magnitude earthquake.

Director Du Haibin covers the survivors of the earthquake.

Café Noir

What’s interesting about this story of unrequited love is that it’s the directorial debut of Korean film critic-turned-auteur Jung Sung-il. The storyline is simple enough: A heartsick music teacher, recently dumped by his married lover, finds himself drawn to a young woman living in her own romantic purgatory. What makes Jung’s subversively funny Café Noir a fascinating, ambitious piece of art are all the references to Goethe, Dostoyevsky, leftist politics, Bollywood, Christianity and, of course, the last decade of Korean cinema.

"Cafe Noir."

Parade

Isao Yukisada’s stylish and subversive drama follows four twenty-somethings in a small Tokyo apartment. The motley crew don’t really know much about each other, but they tolerate each other as they go through the daily pressures or work, love and play. But strange things are going on, including a serial killer on the loose, as the film’s sitcom feel turns sinister. Yukisada is expected to attend the screening.

"Parade."

Woman on Fire Looks for Water

Korean director Woo Ming Jin captures the meditative rhythms of life in a small Malaysian fishing village, as he follows father and son and their respective heartache. Ah Fei is in love with Lily, but he can’t capture her heart selling frogs from the river. Meanwhile, Ah Fei’s equally heartsick father, worried that death is near, sets off to a neighboring village to pursue a long lost love.

Woo Ming Jin's quietly meditative film "Woman on Fire Looks for Water."

Golden Slumber

Called a cross between “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure and The Fugitive,” Yoshihiro Nakamura’s serio-comic thriller follows easygoing Aoyagi as he tries to clear his name when he is framed for the Prime Minister’s assassination. The film’s already a major hit in its native Japan.

"Golden Slumber."

Judge

Based on a real life case, Liu Jie’s film puts a spotlight on China’s past. A by-the-book judge invokes an almost-obsolete law and sentences a car thief to death. The thief attempts to make amends, offering to donate his kidney to a powerful businessman if it will mitigate his sentence.

"Judge."

The Wolf Knife (World Premiere)

Japanese American Laurel Nakadate’s stunning, low-budget feature follows two teenage girls on a road trip, but instead of the journey, it’s the girls’ conflicted relationship that is the focus of this stylish film.

Laurel Nakadate's "The Wolf Knife."

Where Are You Taking Me? (North American Premiere)

Japanese filmmaker Kimi Takesue reveals the many faces and facets of Uganda, from a high society wedding to a center for former child soldiers. Takesue is expected to attend the screening.

"Where Are You Taking Me?"

The Wheeler Boys

Filipino American auteur Philip G. Flores’ directorial debut, The Wheeler Boys, captures small town life as a young boy struggles to accept some disturbing revelations about the older brother he idolizes.

Filipino American director Philip G. Flores' "The Wheeler Boys."

So just comment below by tomorrow, June 15 at 11 am, and we’ll pick five lucky winners! Good luck!

http://www.lafilmfest.com/2010/