Partyhopper

From In Style's Glynis Costin in Los Angeles:  Instead of lounging on the beach this weekend, Emily Deschanel had bigger things on her mind. The actress teamed up with Jacinda Barrett and hosted a Michelle Jonas private trunk show to raise money to rebuild the lives of Congo women, after becoming involved with Women For Women during her Bones hiatus. LA’s City Review opened its doors for Barrett and Deschanel and friends of the organization—including Heather Graham, Amy Adams, Melanie Lynskey and Michaela Conlin—and offered rack upon rack of summery dresses (at wholesale prices).

“It’s hard not to just shop,” Heather Graham said, eyeing the designs, while Deschanel seemed more committed to playing stylist to friends who couldn’t decide on a dress. “I can’t help stating my opinion. I tend to give practical advice,” she laughed, noting selling points of the dresses like the expandable cotton waistlines—also good for maternity wear! (Barrett, who is expecting soon, has already discovered that feature). In between shopping, everyone nibbled on fresh blueberries and strawberries and mini cupcakes, and caught up on the latest summer news. Deschanel and her Bones co-star, Conlin, swapped stories about their new homes--and lack of furniture. But even if they have bare floors and nary a couch or dining room table in sight, their closets will be well-stocked with summer dresses. Barrett, meanwhile, was keeping a few secrets— even from herself. She and her husband, Gabrielle Macht, aren’t going to find out ahead of time if they’re having a boy or a girl. Time to break out the old wives tales… crave sweets and it’s a girl, cheese and meats and it’s a boy? Let us know your favorite predictors!

-- James Patrick Herman