Sunday morning we slept in again–the hallmark of a true luxury vacation when you’re a parent. Miraculously, the snow had stopped, so we had a beautiful walk to our first movie of the day: Hesher, a dark gem about a boy whose mom has died and the “hesher” figure who hounds him until he and his family find a way to move on. It totally made me cry, and not just because of Natalie Portman’s abysmal performance. Loved it.

After the show, we headed over to The Yard to grab a bite at the complimentary T-Mobile Diner. We were seated quickly at a table in the chic white and pink cafe, which was chilly and packed with industry types. The people-watching was great, but the rest of the experience? Meh. The food took a ridiculously long time to arrive, and when it did, you could tell it was the type of food that had sounded really good on paper but just didn’t translate. Also: the service was horrible, the T-Mobile Touch at our table didn’t work, and they were out of several menu items. We didn’t even wait for our desserts. The Popchips we grabbed on the way out were pretty good, though.

Unfortunately, lunch took so long that we missed Oakley Learn to Ride with celebs getting private lessons from professional snowboarders (decked out in complimentary Oakley gear, of course!). So we stopped by Downstairs on Main Street where Oakley was also hosting a football-watching event. Sadly, the party was just a handful of people sitting in the dark, drinking beer and eating potato chips. I wouldn’t have even been sure it was the right place if the bouncer hadn’t practically body-checked us on the way in, informing us that this was a “private party.” Hilarious. Leave it to me to get myself on the guest list for an empty room. (more…)

I’ve been on thirty-six Southwest flights in the last two years, but last Friday was the first time my luggage has shared overhead bin space with a Louis Vuitton carry-on. It’s just one of the many memorable moments that were part of our trip to Sundance 2010, along with chic outfits, SUVs with tinted windows, flashing paparazzi bulbs, luxury lounges, film premiers, fabulous gifts, delicious food and good friends. And, of course… snow, snow, snow.

We arrived on Friday and after a quick trip by our host’s house, headed out into snow flurries and ankle-deep slush in search of Festival fun. Our first stop was The Village at The Yard (the official Sundance hospitality suite) which was fun though a tiny bit disappointing. Check-in was friendly and there were several interesting sponsors present, but overall the space was cold, damp and a bit dull (despite the free booze and the A-listers flitting in and out). Unless you had an appointment with one of the sponsors or were planning to eat at the T-Mobile cafe, there really wasn’t a reason to linger longer than 10-15 minutes… especially since there was no coat check and a single stall in the ladies bathroom.

We had managed to score an appointment at the legendary Fred Segal Fun gifting boutique, so after some Tastykakes and a beer at the Philly Film Commission Lounge (the coziest spot in the whole Yard) we headed into the inner sanctum. Inside, we had an especially great time with Dillon Rogers and Dockers and also got a warm welcome from Poken, an adorable new “social business card” that allows you to share networking information with by exchanging a quick “high four.” I also got a cute new bag from George, Gina and Lucy (which I was pretty excited about, even if they did dig around on the floor to find it for me). Several of the other vendors were a little too Hollywood for our taste, which was good since many seemed to be “saving” their stuff for major A-listers. The most hilarious snubs were the jacket provider that tried to “gift” us a lighter with their logo on it and the I Heart Ronson girls that physically blocked me from getting to their clothes. Ah, well. It wouldn’t be a proper gifting suite without the occasional smackdown. (more…)

New decade, new frontiers. My first mission: Sundance 2010.

That’s right, dear readers: in my quest for the latest in style and wellness, next week I plan to suffer through nearly seventy-two hours of red carpets, booze-filled parties and celebrity gifting lounges. Yes, I know it will be hard (and most likely full of Hiltons), but I’ll suck it up and try to enjoy myself like a big girl. I might even go see some movies.

My schedule is still evolving, but let me give you a preview of some of the unofficial Festival highlights.

Starting Thursday, festivities kick off with two opening night screenings followed by the Sundance Institute Opening Night Party, while Snow Magazine hosts an “apres-ski” gifting lounge and cocktail party. Also on Thursday, Village at the Yard opens their doors as the official Sundance hospitality site, coordinated by Relevent Group and PMK-BNC. Highlights include the famously posh Fred Segal Fun boutique, the T-Mobile^® myTouch Diner, luxury hair and make-up services, robot demonstrations, the Wii Fit™ Plus Fitness Club and a variety of treats to eat and drink (I’ve heard rumors about a sledding hill too…). (more…)