The games and gifting was off to a mild start for the first Friday of the Sundance Film Festival and that’s not a bad thing. You had ample time to get to know the products, the people behind them and mostly importantly move around. At the Timberland Lodge on Lower Main Street (the west side is for VIPs, the east for Public), men and women were treated to the perfect winter attire for the raging blizzard that has finally appeared- SNOWBOOTS! And down jackets.

My favorite was the long down with the faux fur hood. Very Hollywood while being very Utah. The boots are wrapped in down all the way up to your knees. They’re a bit funky and not for everyone but super warm on your legs.

I was asked if I could could alcohol when I entered the TR Suites. Huh? Apparently if you live in Utah you can’t write about liquor. I got a kick out of that one. Not only was I thrilled to see zero calorie margarita mix from Refine (sold in World Market) but these naughty Vice Merchants bedsheets also got my sexy on.

But of course it was too early to drink so I grabbed Hint Fizz instead. Unlike most flavored waters, these taste ‘infused’ rather than juiced. Kind of like those cucumber waters you’re handed at day spas.

Shoes seem to be a big thing at Sundance this year and the styles appearing from Matt Bernson mix the mountain look with fashion in a way that makes even a flat-soled gal like me sparkle.

I have never heard of DL1961 Denim but now I know. That’s the thing about Sundance. The exposure to brands and fashion you never knew existed. DL1961 is the only jean with 4-way stretch Lycra so it will never sag, bag, or lose its shape. When you’re used to wearing Lycra baselayers all winter it’s not a stretch- so to speak- to include it in your outwear.

Friendship bracelets and layering bangles and rings are popular according to the Rachel Roy rep. But the friendship bracelets they were gifting had a touch of bling that was irresistible.

You can’t get away from the harsh climate in Utah so Hollywood and New York is bringing their skincare saviors to us. Prasad Medical Skincare was gifting gels, lotions and potions designed to minimize free radicals, fine lines, and sagging skin. I walked with a skin survival kit of sunscreen, eye rescue and “intense vitamin serum”.

You can’t be beautiful without being thin and the Sensa rep vowed that In one of the largest clinical studies ever conducted with a non-prescription weight loss product, 1436 participants lost an average of 30.5 pounds in only 6 months just by sprinkling the virtually tasteless crystals on every meal. I’ll be trying that before ‘buying’ that one.

And there is was! A little table of SHRD. I discovered this magical hair protein crème at last year’s Sundance but ran out in the fall. I missed it badly. I tried two other leave-in conditioners but nothing smoothed my hair without making it feel dirty like SHRD. The stuff’s expensive so it was a sweet find.

Business was picking up as the day waned and I was starting to feel a bit mushed. It was time to crossover to the Style Lounge after a scoop of Cream O’ Wheat- Yes, they have gotten in on the celebrity scene- and a to-go cup of hummus from Sabra.