Donate Your Way into New York Fashion Week (and many more events)
7Feb10
Check out CharityBuzz.com Heal Haiti Auction for your chance to donate your way into New York Fashion Week. Shows up for bid include, Marc Jacobs, Adam, Manchesa, DKNY, Nicole Miller, and Ports 1961.
They are also auctioning everything from tickets to movie premiere’s, to designer dresses, to even an opportunity to chat with Orlando Bloom on Valentine’s Day (just don’t tell Miranda Kerr). Proceeds from the auction will benefit relief efforts in Haiti.
For the complete listings of auction items and form more information visit www.charitybuzz.com
Leave a Comment
A Maui Must! Zip-Line in Kapalua
6Feb10
While in Maui, I received an invitation to do the ‘Swing and Zip Upper Mountain Loop’ at Kapolau Adventures. Having never done a zip-line before, I had no idea what to expect. The only instruction I had, was to wear sneakers.
Upon arrival, my partner in crime, Jamie, and I were given windbreaker jackets and helmets (I got what resembled a ‘Bob the Builder’ hat, since I was told I had an awkward shaped head – always knew I was a little different). They drove us to the top of the mountain on the edge of the Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve where adventure began!
The five-hour excursion consisted of multiple small hikes in between four amazing zip-lines, a giant swing, and ultimately lunch on the mountain. Hands down one of the most breathtaking, amazing experiences of my life. And what a work out!
When the guide mentioned that the last zip-line was 2.300 feet, I was a little anxious about going down it, though I felt completely safe and secure the whole time. The harness straps comfortably hooks on to the line, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the breeze as you zip over lush valleys surrounded by gorgeous vistas. What a rush!
And then came the swing. While I could have gone down the same zip line over and over again, once was enough on the swing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I experienced it, but it was terrifying. The giant swing holds two people at a time and runs between two telephone poles. My partner and I were hoisted up 60 feet into the air holding on to a single strap. Once we let go of the strap, we free-fall for 3 seconds before more
Leave a Comment
The Ultimate Spin Experience: FLYWHEEL
5Feb10
Flywheel Sports, the new indoor cycling studio founded by former New York Giant’s running back and TV personality, Tiki Barber, and legendary spin instructor Ruth Zuckerman, opens it’s doors next week. Flywheel will also feature a yoga and exercise studio.
Spin-enthusiasts, cyclists, bicyclists, triathletes, (or anyone interested in trying indoor cycling or just looking to get in shape) get excited! Flywheel offers state of the art equipment and technology. Each bike features a monitor that tracks riders rpm/cadence, resistance, and energy. Your individual performance data is then stored and available after every ride under the ‘my performance’ page at www.flywheelsports.com. This is a great feature for anyone in training or looking to monitor progress.
I was lucky to get a sneak preview of the facilities, and the opportunity to take Ruth Zuckerman’s Fly 45 class for what I can only describe as the ultimate spin experience. It’s no wonder Ruth has been credited for being part of the force behind the NYC indoor cycling craze; she is amazing. Zuckerman knows when to motivate you when you’re tired, inspire you when you don’t think you can do another second, and push you to propel your biking to the next level. Plus, they understand the importance of more
Leave a Comment
Whish it Away
5Feb10
What do the heroines of the hit series “24” and I have in common? When it comes to shaving products, Whish products are at the top of our list. In a recent letter to Whish, the ladies from the cast wrote, “We love the fact that Whish has taken extra special measures to develop these heavenly scented paraben-free, sulfate-free, and petrochemical-free, all-natural and organic-based shave creams that leave our legs feeling so soft and silky.”
My latest Whish obsession is their Flawless Ingrown Hair Serum (although I think it needs a new name since it’s so much more then just an ‘ingrown hair serum’). It helps calm inflammation from areas prone to bumps and irritation thanks to it’s key ingredients, wheat germ (to restore and soothe skin), yeast extract (for it’s regenerative properties), and willow bark extract (which fights against inflammation).
Use after shaving, waxing, or laser, Whish Flawless is a clear serum with a smooth application, and absorbs right into the skin, leaving no residue or marks on clothing.
I first used a sample of this product while traveling to the Dominican Republic last year. I fell victim to a cheap disposable razor and then jumped into the ocean—Oh the burn! Whish Flawless Serum instantly soothed my skin and more
Leave a Comment
Lauren Conrad and mark. Take Action Against Domestic Violence
3Feb10
Domestic violence comes in many forms –physical, verbal, emotional, and financial. According to mark., ‘studies show that 1 in 4 woman will be abused by a partner in their lifetime’ and ‘currently 1 in 5 teens in a serious relationship reports being physically abused by a partner’.
mark., the beauty and fashion brand, that is all about empowering young women in both their careers and social lives, decided to take action. In September of 2008, mark. launched their m.powerment campaign to help raise awareness and break the cycle of dating abuse and relationship violence. The m.powerment collection, which donates all the net proceeds to the cause, consisted of the Have a Heart Necklace ($22), and Glow Baby Glow Hook Up Lip Glosses in m.powerment shades ($6) has since raised over $400,000.
Last night, Claudia Poccia, Global President, mark. and Lauren Conrad, mark. Spokesperson and Honorary Co-Chair of m.powerment by mark. launched their latest m.powerment campaign; the Have a Heart Bracelet ($12), and a Public Service Announcement, featuring Lauren Conrad.
The two, alongside Peer Educator, Kristen DeFur from the Healthy Relationship Training Academy of New York City sat on a panel for a Q&A Session to answer questions and stress that help is available. Since domestic violence comes in multiple forms it’s important to trust your instincts and seek help immediately if you feel you’re a victim of abuse. The most important thing is to get out of the relationship safely, and although that may seem impossible for many, counselors are more
Leave a Comment
An Afternoon with WesFeld
3Feb10
I had the absolute pleasure of spending the day with Daniel Feld and Wesley Nault of WesFeld, their new fashion label, in their Williamsburg studio. The two former Project Runway alums, and now design partners, are the winners of the Plastics Make it Possible fashion competition sponsored by the American Chemistry Council and Gen Art.
As winners, Daniel and Wesley received $10,000 to create and showcase their collection on February 10th, during New York Fashion Week for the Gen Art New Garde Show, hosted by Molly Sims.
When I first read about the win, it came as no surprise. If anyone can handle plastic, it’s Daniel Feld. Who can forget that memorable dress he made out of blue plastic cups on the premiere of Project Runway, Season 5? I’m still blown away by it. And with Wesley Nault on his team — oh the places they will go.
Here’s what these two lovely designers had to say:
Pretty Connected (PC): How did you hear about the Plastics Make it Possible design competition?
WESFELD (WF): Gen Art contacted us and we thought it would be a great opportunity.
PC: Tell me about the collection and the parameters given to you by Gen Art.
WF: Our major sponsor was The American Chemistry Council and Plastic makes it possible. We had to use all plastic-based materials for this collection.
PC: What was your inspiration for the two dresses you entered into the competition?
WF: The pale, pink dress was inspired by the lines of a conch shell, and the other was inspired by the skeleton of a trilobite.
PC: What was the first thing you did when you found out you won?
WF: We were very excited and started to more
1 Comment
Rachel Roy’s Birthday Wish Comes True!
1Feb10
This year, designer Rachel Roy decided to skip her birthday on January 15th and start a birthday campaign through Charity Water instead. Having witnessed first hand the effects and hardships created by lack of unsafe drinking water, Rachel’s goal was to raise $15,000 by March 15th. If successful, she would help 750 people, 150 families and 3 communities receive clean water.
It’s pretty amazing Rachel was able to give up a birthday in exchange for helping so many. What’s even better is today is January 30th, and she’s already exceeded her goal! She’s currently at $15,839, and there is still well over a month of donating to be done. No donation is too small (or big), the more money she raises the higher the count of people helped. Currently, she’s served 791 people!
We donated. Thank you Rachel for letting us be apart of your birthday! Even if it is technically skipped.
To learn more about Rachel’s birthday campaign and to donate visit http://mycharitywater.org/rachelsbirthday
Leave a Comment
And the Winners of the CLINIQUE Fresh Faces Contest Goes to…
31Jan10
Clinique teamed up with Teen Vogue in search of three fresh faces that embodied the essence of Clinique and Teen Vogue. From September 22nd – November 6th Clinique traveled from NYC to LA, stopping in 10 cities, aboard the Clinique “Mobile Beauty Studio” vehicle. Candidates who could not make it to the studio were encouraged to apply online.
To enter, applicants submitted a headshot and filled out an entry form that asked them to described their fresh face look in three words. After an extensive national search, a panel of Clinique experts selected 25 finalists. Their headshots were then uploaded online for the public to vote for their three favorites.
Meet Monica, Misha, and Earth, the three winners (out of 7,000 entries) for Clinique and Teen Vogue’s Fresh Faces Tour.
These three lucky young women received a once-in-a-lifetime VIP opportunity in NYC including a glam head-to-toe makeover styled by Teen Vogue experts, a professional photo shoot that will be featured in Teen Vogue magazine, and a behind-the-scenes tour with Teen Vogue. As if that’s not exciting enough, the winners also visited Clinique’s headquarters, and met more
Leave a Comment
The New Ladi in My Life: Ladi Avokanto Review
26Jan10
I should start by saying that I’m on an oil kick, and my latest find is SPONGE’s Ladi Avokanto (Avocado Oil). I know many of you are afraid of oils and are concerned it will you clog pores or cause you to break out. I get it, I’ve been there, but that’s simply not the case. It’s true, not all oils are created equally. There are a lot of different oils out on the market; each with different consistencies and some are better then others. But at the end of the day there’s a reason why people with oily skin tend to get less wrinkles then those with dryer skin. And that’s where Ladi Avokanto comes in.
Rich in olive oil, avocados, vitamin E and vitamin D, Ladi Avokanto is an more
1 Comment
All in a Days Work: $18K for Haiti
26Jan10
Congratulations to SPiN New York and Modelinia for a job well done! The two partnered last week to host a fundraiser to support Haiti, raising over $18K in donations in just one night. Auction items are still available online until Wednesday, so please visit www.charityfolks.com/helphaiti to make your bid.
The benefit, hosted by Susan Sarandon, Veronica Webb, Rachel Roy, Robert Verdi, Georgina Chapman, Judah Friedlander, and many more, made for a social evening filled with ping pong, dancing, and fun. James Lipton gave a memorable speech, keeping the evening in perspective and encouraging guests to donate.
Here’s a taste of the evening for anyone who was unable to join.
See more videos on modelinia.com
Thank you to all the Pretty Connected readers who made it to the event!