Lara Eurdolian, Brooke Burke

Pretty Connected caught up with Dancing with the Stars host, Brooke Burke to get the skinny on her gorgeous locks as she kicked off the Wella Professionals Color Discovery Tour.

Pretty Connected (PC): What’s most important to you when it comes to your hair?

Brooke Burke (BB): I think healthy hair is probably the most important. I do a lot of conditioners and deep conditioners, glosses, and get regular haircuts. I don’t stray too much from natural browns so I use the Wella Professionals hair color line in the salon, to keep my hair healthy and shiny.

PC: What hair product can you not live without?

BB: I like spray glosses since my hair is pretty curly and gets frizzy. I also use coconut oil in a jar, which you can get at most health food stores; it’s really cheap, all natural and it’s the best. I put it on my ends and it’s great!

PC: What’s your beauty secret?

BB: Less in more, especially in the summertime. For me, it’s really about sunscreens, and maybe tinted sunscreens or moisturizers and not laying too much.

PC: What attracted you to Wella and what is the best advice they have given you?

BB: I’ve always wanted to do a hair campaign and Wella approached me.  I love their products; I use the Wella Professionals color line and glosses.

The best advice they gave me was to have a conversation with my colorist and ask what they were using on my hair. I didn’t before, most women don’t.  The whole point of this tour is to encourage woman ask those questions and really educate themselves with their colorist. I would pull out tear sheets and have visuals and say this is what I want but I had no idea what they were using. Wella is trying to correct that and get people to have a better relationship with their colorist and broaden awareness about the Wella line.

More images from the Wella Professionals Hair Discovery Tour:

Robert Verdi, Style Icon and TV personality and Estela Lugo, Founder of Modern Dose

Fortunately, the website Moderndose.com recently entered my life when I met it’s Founder, Estela Lugo, at a Fashion Week event hosted by Robert Verdi (where he called her website, ‘the future of interior design’).  I was intrigued to say the least. That’s quite an endorsement from the King of Style, but it seemed like a worthy one considering the array of furnishings being featured on the premises.  Estela is also the mastermind behind Chalkals, a new product line of chalkboard wall decals available at Toys R Us.

Spending time with Estela and then visiting the Modern Dose really made the experience come full circle.  Brands are generally a reflection of the person behind them and in this case a almost an exact replica.  Stylish, welcoming, colorful (all adjectives I would also use to describe Modern Dose), and of course modern. Estela is a “self-admitting design magazine junky” that went on quest to bring all her great modern finds to life minus the hefty price tags many of the looks carry, while still maintaining a high level of quality.

Since her launch in 2005, Modern Dose has received a reputation for being the affordable remedy to modern design.  The site has a lot of energy, offering an interesting mix of accent pieces, mixed with functional and whimsical finds. I should also note that I appreciate the way Moderndose is laid out and how easy it is to navigate (user experience is very important to me).

Modern Dose recently added 70 new products for Spring and I’ve enjoyed spending this morning cleaning and imagining the various pieces in different parts of my home.  They are also currently offering 10% off plus free shipping with the coupon code, “SPING10’.  An exciting offer considering I’m drooling over the Bradshaw Bed, the Fold Louge + Ottoman and the Retro Barrister Bookcase.  I need to start small though and work my way up to larger pieces.  My apartment is furnished after all, but what can I say?  This website makes me want to start from scratch!

Pretty Connected caught up with Estela for a bit of advice on the coming season.

Pretty Connected (PC): What are the more dominant trends for spring?

Estela Lugo (LG): Black & white stripes, chain links, nautical accents and lots of florals!

PC: What do you consider the quickest and best way to accent a room?

EG: Add a dramatic focal piece such as an oversized mirror, lighting fixture, area rug or piece of artwork for a bold style statement. Layer smaller accents such as pillows, photo frames and table lamps to carry the style throughout the space.

For more information visit Moderndose.com

As winners, Daniel and Wesley received $10,000 to create and showcase their collection on February 10^th, 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 brainstorm immediately. We were working on some freelance projects that we had to put on hold.

PC: How do you two work together?  Is one more involved in the concept and the other in the execution?

WF: We work very well together.  We infuse both of our styles, and work off each other strengths.

PC:  What do you do on your spare time?

WF: What spare time?

PC:  If you weren’t designers what would you be?

Daniel: A vet or a Zoologist

Wesley: An Architect

PC: How has being on Project Runway changed your life?

WF: Project Runway brought us together. Without the show WESFELD would not exist!

PC: What’s next? Will you both continue to work together under the WESFELD label?

WF: We will continue to be business partners and work together.  We plan to do another collection after this one.

PC: Do I get one of the sketches from your inspiration wall when you’re done?

WF: You of course can have a sketch.

Score!

I had an amazing time exploring the studio, helping them pick out the models for the show, seeing their inspiration wall, and viewing their beautiful line.  It’s simply stunning, although there is absolutely nothing simple about it. They even designed the shoes for the show!  See my photo gallery below for a sneak preview and behind-the-scenes shots from their studio.

Thank you boys for a spectacular afternoon, and for letting me play dress up.  I’m so excited for you and this show!

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 with Clinique experts to get a glimpse of how beauty products are developed and took home a yearlong supply of Clinique products.

Jealous? I was. I had the pleasure of spending the day with these lovely ladies as they had the time of their lives being styled and photographed for their Teen Vogue feature.

Here’s what these ladies had to say:

PRETTY CONNECTED (PC): How did you hear about the Fresh Faces Tour?

MISHA B. (MB): I was online the night before and I saw the ad, so the next day I went over.  I waited in line for about 4 hours and that was it.

PC: Tell me about your experience.

MB: When I got there the lady told me that the line was closed, but I insisted, and insisted.  She told me to leave but I stayed there and waited for 4 hours (and it was really cold that day).

PC: What were the 3 words you submitted to describe yourself?

MB: Beautiful, outgoing, and fresh.

PC: What did you do when you found you won?

MB: When I first found out about it, I was very, very excited.  The first thing I did was call my parents.  And it meant a lot to me because I’ve never really done anything as big as this before.

PC: How has this experience impacted you?

MB: I would love to work with fashion, beauty, or magazines, but I would actually really like to be a model.  It would be an amazing job. The experience has been eye opening.  It’s been a pleasure, it’s great, and I’ve met so many great people and learned so much.

PC:  Now that you’ve spent a day at Clinique, what product would you add to your favorites list?

MB: The Vitamin C Lip Smoothie.

PC: What was it like being amongst the top 25 and then ultimately win?

MB: So being narrowed down to the top 25 was really exciting, but then being chosen as one of the three, was a dream come true.

PC: Any surprises?

MB: Yes, they took us to Louis Vutton! We had no idea we were going there. That was really exciting!

PC:  How many issue of Teen Vogue are you going to buy?

MB: I said 30, my mom said 100, so I guess we’re going with 100.

PC: Is this your first time in NYC?

Monica P. (MP): Actually, it is my first time visiting here.  It’s very exciting.

PC: How did you hear about the Fresh Face Tour?

MP: I got out of my class, and Clinique was on campus, and a representative was handing out flyers.  So I waited in line for an hour, and then got my hair and makeup done.  I was there the first day.

PC: What were the 3 words you submitted to describe yourself?

MP: Cute, sweet, and natural.

PC:  What does this opportunity mean to you?

MP: It honestly means the world to me.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Who gets to say they are going to be in Teen Vogue? And get to go behind the scenes of Clinique and the magazine.

PC: What was the brainstorming session like at Clinique?

MP: Oh that was one of my favorite parts. It was so interesting to see how much effort they put into these products, how much organization and timing.  I have so much admiration for them.  Plus we got to pick out some of the names for future products.

PC: What was the first thing you did when you found out you won?

MP: I screamed ‘Mooooooooom’ as soon as I got off the phone.  We were jumping up and down – my little sister, my dad; we were just so ecstatic.

PC: What did you think about your day at Teen Vogue? Was it everything you expected?

MP: It was more then I expected.  I already loved Teen Vogue and Clinique in the first place, but seeing the people that actually run the companies, and how much hard work they put into it, just made me appreciate it that much more.

PC:  How many issues of Teen Vogue are you going to buy?

MP: Oh my goodness, I’m sure whenever I go to the grocery store, or wherever I am, I’m going to buy it again and again.

PC: How was the brainstorming session at Clinique?

EARTHA H. (EH): That was really fun. I had no idea how they picked the names of the products, or how they came up with them, so it was really great to learn about the process.

PC: What did you order with your one-year supply of products?

EH: I basically ordered one of everything.

PC: What was it like to see your photo posted online when you were one of the top 25 finalist?

EH: That was just an amazing feeling.

PC: How did you find out you won?

EH: I was at school and my parents got the phone call, and when they picked me up, they told me.  I was so excited I almost couldn’t speak. I ran into my school and told my teachers.  They were really supportive about the whole thing, and had students vote for me.

PC: How has this experience impacted you?

EH: I was really passionate about being a model before, but now I am gung-hoe.  And in the future, I definitely want to do something in fashion.

PC: How was the fashion shoot?

EH: Really fun! It was all day, but it just flew by!

PC: What surprised you the most from your day at Teen Vogue?

EH: I wasn’t expecting everyone to be so nice! Not that I thought they would be mean, but everyone really took the time to explain to us how everything worked. They were just so great.

PC: What’s your usual beauty routine, and how has it changed since this experience?

EH: I usually just use concealer, mascara, and eyeshadow.  I don’t go out that much but when I do, I’m going to experiment with recreating the look I have on now – smoky eyes with pale lips. I love this look!

PC: What was your stylist session like? Was it similar to your personal style?

EH: Great! It was really an extension of my personal style, which boosted my confidence.

PC: How many issues of Teen Vogue are you going to buy?

EH: Probably a lot, definitely a lot! Every time I see one.

For more on the Fresh Faces Tour, including updates and behind the scenes footage visit http://www.cliniquefreshfaces.com/ And don’t forget to pick up an issue of Teen Vogue’s April Edition!

Check out our behind-the-scenes shots from the Teen Vogue photo shoot.

While vacationing in the Big Island of Hawaii, I spent 5 heavenly days at the Four Seasons Resort in Hualalai, soaking up the sun and enjoying the sensation of having sand underneath my feet. I’m generally a big explorer on my vacations but the Four Seasons offered so many great activities and services that I didn’t leave the property during my stay.  The adventures would have to be saved for Maui; this portion of my trip was all about having no agenda and unwinding from all the running around I do in NY.

Well I picked the perfect place.  The Four Seasons Resort offers guests a sports club which includes a strength gym, cardio gym, rock climbing wall, half basketball court, sand volleyball court, outdoor lap pool, work out classes (including fitness, yoga, and pilates), tennis courts, golf course, hikes, as well as a full service salon and spa.

Considering the array of options (especially on the spa menu), the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the ultimate destination for wellness and relaxation.

Having taken full advantage of the amenities the property had to offer, I was very excited for the opportunity to interview the woman largely responsible for making this establishment so great, Hualalai Director of Sports and Spa, Karen Cosgrove.

Pretty Connected (PC): How long have you been in the spa industry?

Karen Cosgrove (KC): I have been in the spa industry for 11 years. I spent 3 years in the Middle East in Qatar and Egypt, 4 years in the Caribbean before ultimately coming back to the US, where I worked in California and Arizona before moving to Hawaii.

(PC): How long have you served as the Spa Director at the Sports Club and Spa Director at Hualalai?

(KC): Since 2008.  I was recruited by a former colleague, who was working here at the time.

(PC): What is the best part about working at the Hualalai?

(KC): The property is amazing and because of the extent of the facilities available, the best part about working here is being able to make a difference for people on their vacation. We’re able to help with discomfort, relaxation, and give guests the opportunity to release, and learn more about wellness. We offer real healers and therapists, many of whom bring something from the local culture and healing practices of the Hawaiians such as the Lomi Lomi massage.

[Lomi Lomi Massage description from the spa menu: This traditional Hawaiian massage is a sacred healing art handed down from generation to generation by Kupuna (elders).  Techniques are rhythmic and unique to each therapist integrating use of elbows and forearms.]

(PC): How many massage therapists do you have on staff?  Are most of your employees local? Full-time? Part-time?

(KC): We have a core group of 6 full-time therapists, in addition to 10 part-time, and then a group of 16 casuals (therapists on call). Total staff of the Sports Club and Spa is around 100.  Roughly 40% are local.

(PC): How do you select your therapists? What are the most important things that you look for?

(KC): Fortunately, there hasn’t been a lot of turnover here; I’ve only had to hire 2 people.  When selecting a new member of the team, I look for applicants with the most experience and talent in the array of services we offer and that they fit into the culture of what Hualalai represents.

(PC): The spa was renovated last year, what changed?

(KC): The renovation was done in two phases.  Phase one, which was completed in December 2008, focused on the interior spaces; we converted the administrative offices into a retail space, added a new spa reception and lounge, as well as the apothecary and salon (which originally was run independently).  In the locker room, we added new lockers, vanity, and enhanced the indoor and outdoor showers.  We also incorporated an extra indoor treatment room.

In phase two we added the Waiea (water of life) garden with a stream and waterfall and four new hales. Phase two was completed in August 2009.

(PC): How many treatment rooms do you have?

(KC): 20 treatment rooms.

(PC): Tell me more about the new Apothecary and what ingredients are kept in the jars.

(KC): The way the Apothecary came to be, was as an opportunity to introduce guests to something traditional from the Hawaiian culture, that has always survived off the sea and land.  We consulted the Kupuna (elders) on healing traditions and what was used by the ancient Hawaiians to treat different ailments.  That’s how we started sourcing local ingredients including the (4) healing salts, plants from the island, spirulina (from right off the coast of Kona), purifying and detoxifying limu (Hawaiian seaweed), dried hibiscus, crushed macadamia nut, and local pikake (from the jasmine family), as well as many more.

Everything in the apothecary is 100% pure, raw, and natural, with no preservatives.

(PC): Are any of the ingredients used in the services unique to Hawaii?

(KC): 95% of the ingredients are unique to Hawaii, the rest are sourced based on their therapeutic properties.

(PC): Do you offer a signature treatment?

(KC): I created a signature treatment called the “Mahuaola” (being healthy).

[Mahuaola description from the spa menu: Only at Hualalai can you experience this unique treatment. Natural elements are used; cleansing sea water, a fresh scrub made from Hawaiian ingredients and ti leaves to envelop you and help the detox process. Cast your cares out to the sea . . .]

I would also consider anything from the Apothecary to be our signature treatment, since it’s very unique to this spa and customized for our guests with all those beautiful local ingredients.

(PC): What percent of services are massages, facials, nails, hair?

(KC): 70% massages, Rest facials and body treatments 20-30%.

(PC): What is the most poplur treatments?

(KC): Massages. Generally the Swedish or the Lomi Lomi.

(PC): What are your busy seasons? How much in advance should someone book?

(KC): Festive (December 19^th – January 3^rd) as well as the month of August are our busy seasons.  Guests generally book up to a year ahead.

(PC): What is a typical day for you?

(KC): No day is ever the same. I do walk thrus to check the facilities making sure everything is up to standards and have daily meetings with managers. As the creative force behind the spa, it’s my responsibility to keep on the cutting edge of the industry, and stay informed so I can give guests a variety and something special, as well as offer unique seasonal treatments.

(PC): Any future plans?

(KC): Just to fine tune the menu, see what are guests are enjoying build off of that. Also to continue to add to our Apothecary and source more ingredients.  As of the new year every treatment will have a tie in to the Apothecary and the Waiea Garden.  There will be a small menu of mini services and snacks offered in the Waiea Garden.  To begin the relaxation process, guests who arrive early for their appointments (or once they conclude their session) are invited to wait in the Waiea Garden, and offered refreshments and a surprise foot refresher or face spritz. We serve pure coconut water and a refreshing hibiscus beverage and treats made by our chefs, which include marinated local fruits and energy bars.

We concluded our interview in the Viai Garden, where I was pampered with a foot refresher and treats. It’s truly an euphoric garden that transcends the magic of the island.

I was very impressed by Karen’s passion for wellness, and her dedication to really giving every customer a memorable Hawaiian experience that really embodied the amazing resources the island had to offer.

Thank you Karen and the entire staff at the Four Seasons for helping me relax and for making me feel so welcome.

During your next trip to the Big Island, be sure to visit the Four Seasons, located at Hualalai on the Big Island.  By then their services may be open to the general public, but either way call ahead to book a service.

For more information, visit fourseason.com