Last Minute Holiday Gifts

Posted 12/19/2011 by Lara

1. Two Faced Sweet Dreams Makeup Collection - $52 ($186 value). Exclusive to Sephora, this whimsical makeup set is a dream! Filled with 15 of their best-selling eye shadow shades, a full-size Prime Anytime eye primer, two shades of blush, bronzer and highlighter and their signature “How To’ Cards to learn how to apply gorgeous looks with step by step instructions. Every girl in my office bought this palette (it’s that good).

2. Rebecca Minkoff Collaboration Timepiece with Baby-G ($200) – Here’s your chance to own Rebecca Minkoff’s first watch and as of now there are only 500 of these Baby-G watches being made!

3. kai bubbles & light holiday set ($49) – The gift of relaxation is always a winner in my book. This limited edition set comes in a sheer gift bag and is filled with kai’s bubble bath and all-natural fragrance candle.

4. ALEX & CHLOE for FOREVER 21 -Alex and Chloe designed a full collection of jewelry for Forever 21 all under $20!! I’m all about mixing their Rhinestone Bangels (set of 3 – $14.48) with their thicker  Rhinestone Hexegon Bracelet ($14.80), pictured above, and am very excited to welcome them into my jewelry collection.

5. Pantone Mug - offered in a variety of Pantone colors ($15.95 each or $90/set of 6), this mug is a full proof present for any creative-types or coffee addicts on your list.

6. Clinique Chubby Sticks Trio ($45) – I love these hydrating color balms! They offer a soft tint of color and shine with every application. This set includes shades Super Strawberry, Chunky Cherry and Whole Lotta Honey. They are also available individually (in a variety of shades).

7. Sock it to Me knee socks ($9) – offered in a variety of funky prints and colors, forget buying underwear this holiday and go straight for the socks!

8. CND The Plum Truffle Collection - This duo nail polish set includes CND shades Plum Truffle Colour and Plum Truffle Sparkle Effect. Designed to be worn together, apply two coats of Plum Truffle Colour, followed by one coat of Plum Truffle Sparkle Effect (don’t forget your base and top coat!). Makes a great stocking stuffer! This set is available on timetospa.com.

9. Parker Pens Ingenuity Collection ($190)- I was recently at an event for Parker Pens and fell in love with them. Pick a pen based on the way it writes, looks and feels, and Parker has a grand collection of pens. However if you need a guidance, check out their new Ingenuity Collection (my favorite is the Large Daring Black Rubber and Metal pen). Everyone can use a quality ink pen, especially right around the holidays — just think about all of those ‘Thank you’ cards you’ll have to fill out. Plus it makes you feel so fancy!

10. Martha Stewart Crafts Set Your Own Stamp Case ($20.59) – If you’re looking for a gift for any of your craft friends/family, check out Martha Stewart Crafts collection. I have my eye on her Set Your Own Stamp Case which lets you create your own message on cards, invitations, tags, scrapbook pages… and includes upper and lower-case letters, numbers, punctuation marks, icons, phrases, and circular border stamps. Includes 318 pieces to be used with any colored ink pads (sold separately).

11. Victoria’s Secret Party Perfect Makeup Kit ($18) – A medley of 20 must-have VS eyes and face shades, including 16 eye shadows, blush, bronzer, eye applicator and face brush. What more can you ask for from a beauty kit?

12. “Blowout in a Box” by Living Proof and T3- $200 ($258 value). Don’t you love it when two quality brands that compliment eachother partner together to bring you a value set? Exclusive to Sephora, this set has everything you need to create the ultimate salon quality blow-out from the comfort of your home. The “Blow Out in a Box” contains a T3 Featherweight Hair Dryer, Living Proof Straight Styling spray, and a Shine & Volume Application Kit which contains Neo-tortoise shell comb to detangle the hair when wet and Ceramic barrel brush for styling.

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Brands Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted 10/08/2011 by Lara

October is special month, when brands rally together to help raise awareness and funds to help fight against breast cancer.  This year for BCA month, I received a record number of emails by brands participating, so as I weed through (and I’ll try to update this as more come through), here’s a list of how some companies are showing their support:

**assume all of these product promotions are for the month of October unless otherwise stated**

Dior fans can go to www.diorauction.com to bid on items in three categories: Luxe Trips, Elite Experiences and Lavish Products as well as a “Shop Now” section, where customers can purchase items like a Christian Dior book or an engraved Dior Blue Tie palette, all available exclusively through Dior and select partners. 100% of the proceeds benefit Look Good…Feel Better, an organization dedicated to helping women deal wit the appearance related effects of cancer.

Catwalk for a Cure invite

Catwalk for a Cure – Tickets ($100) to this annual breast cancer charity event in benefit of The MA Affiliate for Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation hosted in Boston on October 13^th includes a cocktail hour, hors d’oeurves, silent auction, fashion show, reception and gift bag. When: Oct.13^th from 7-11pm at 60 State Street, Boston, MA. Click HERE for tickets.

Stila

Stila - Get empowered in pink with Stila’s limited-edition Positive and Pretty Palette featuring four award-winning Eye Shadows, a Cheek Color and a Highlighter. A mirror is included for on-the-go application and a detailed face chart offers how-to tips and tricks. 10% of the proceeds will go to a variety of BCA charities including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Price: $14 (a $62 value).

OLEHENRIKSEN is offering a special 1.7 oz. size of their best selling Truth Serum in BCA packaging ($65), with a portion of the proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation available at  www.olehenriksen.com and Sephora.

Clarisonic Almond Blossom Plus

Clarisonic is donating a portion of the proceeds of its “Pink” products to Look Good…Feel Better throughout the year as well as $15 for each specially designed, limited edition Almond Blossom Plus Skin Cleansing System ($235) sold during October to LGFB available at Clarisonic.com, Nordstrom or the Ritz Carlton spas.  Additionally for the month of October, Clarisonic will donate $1 to Look Good…Feel Better for every Facebook “Like” they receive (Facebook.com/clarisonic). They have also partnered with The Ritz-Carlton who is working with them and Skin Authority skin care company to offer an exclusive Look Good…Feel Better facial in select Ritz-Carlton spas. With every LGFB facial performed, $15 will be donated to Look Good…Feel Better ($5 each from Ritz Carlton Spas, Clarisonic and Skin Authority).  The facial will be available through November 5, and costs $180 for 50 minutes.

B&B Spray de Mode

Bumble and Bumble is donating $5 from every purchase of Spray de Mode on bumbleandbumble.com to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Skyn ICELAND – For the 7^th consecutive year, skyn ICELAND is releasing a limited edition Pink Detox Kit ($45), donating $5 from the sale to Cancer Support Community.

AHAVA – For every purchase of their Hope Blossoms Mineral Bath Salts ($22), AHAVA will make up to a 15% donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in support of their mission to help fund research and promote education and early detection. These mineral-rich salts contain 21 essential Dead Sea minerals, including Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium that work to melt away stress, while providing essential moisture to skin and relief to tired muscles.

CND Pink Wishes Set

CND launches Pink Wishes Colour & Effect duo nail polish set ($20) to help raise awareness against breast cancer and commemorate women everywhere fighting against it. Plus what better way to match that pink ribbon then with some extra pride on your fingers and toes? Available for a limited time, visit CND.com for locations.

TIGI’s BCA Collection – With each purchase of TIGI’s pink ribbon products, TIGI will donate a portion of the proceeds to City of Hope, a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Darphin is donating $15 for every specially packaged Redness Relief Soothing Serum in pink ($85) sold to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  This high potency Continue Reading…

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Spotted: Giuliana Rancic at the Lia Sopia Lounge

Posted 09/24/2011 by Lara

Spotted: Giuliana Rancic at the Lia Sopia Social Fashion Suite, as the jewelry brand debuts their Fall/Winter 2011 collection and Red Carpet line at the Empire Hotel during New York Fashion Week.

In what felt like a Pretty Connected exclusive with the E! News host, what with my friend Jonathan Valdez (of OJ&B ) and I, being the only lounge attendants with her (other then the staff and camera-man); we took full advantage of some quality time with Giuliana, complimenting her on — her jewelry!

Scope out the Lia Sophia Fall/Winter 2011 Red Carpet Collection! I picked up the red/gold necklace.

Although after making my selection I had slight remorse over not getting the arrow ring! How hot is that!?!?! Jon Valdez scored it instead (arrow earrings and necklace are also available).

Then we played with the jewelry on the step and repeat until our unexpected guest Giuliana came through the lounge, then all eyes Continue Reading…

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GOODNESS Twitter Giveaway: Win Elettra’s VIP Gift Bag from Orange Hat Group!

Posted 09/12/2011 by Lara

Earlier I posted about GOODNESS, the full service Fashion Week pop-up restaurant created by supermodel, Elettra Wiedemann.

Taking over the space of Ed’s Chowder House at the Empire Hotel (across from Lincoln Center), from  Sept 11th – 14th,  7am – 3pm, GOODNESS will be open for breakfast and lunch to provide healthy and delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts. Free wi-fi provided by the Orange Hat Group.

RT & Follow @OrangeHatGroup and @GoodnessBadness to win Elettra Wiedemann’s official #GoodnessNYC VIP Gift bag http://bit.ly/qxA60U

Or

RT & Follow @OrangeHatGroup to win Elettra Wiedemann’s official @GoodnessBadness VIP Gift bag http://bit.ly/qxA60U #GoodnessNYC

**Any condensed link used in the tweet is allowed as long as it links back to this post so anyone who enters may view the prize and rules to enter.

For more information on GOODNESS or to make a reservation visit www.goodnessbadness.com. Please feel free to share our invitation to the pop-up restaurant above. We hope you can make it!

Official Rules: Continue Reading…

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Last Minute Mother’s Day Guide

Posted 05/05/2011 by Lara

1. Garden Art & Lanterns on ahalife.com – $50

Designed by Allsop Home & Garden, and hand made by artisan glassblowers, these beautiful, rechargeable, solar-powered garden lanterns are sure to brighten any garden.

2. Jo Malone Sakura Cherry Blossom – $55

Jo Malone recently launched this new limited edition fragrance, Sakura Cherry Blossom and it is divine! This delicate fragrance mixes the subtlety of cherry blossom with layers of rose, bergamot and mandarin. Both light and feminine, this scent is a great celebration of spring. I’m a big fan of their simplistic but oh-so-elegant packaging and the way they gift-wrap is their off-white/black box is perfection.

3. Baroness Monica Von Neumann Savon Candle – $38.50

I’m new to Baroness’ line of quality candles, but I can already say I’m hooked! They burn for 70+ hours (which is exceptional for a candle that size) and the scent is so full and sophisticated with notes of Jasmine, Rose and red amber. It’s a very regal scent and the woodsy hint really makes it rich.

4. Crabtree & Evelyn Lily of the Valley Duo Shower Gel and Body Lotion Set $34 ($44 value)

Lily of the Valley reminds me of my childhood. This scent is so beautifully captured and divine for spring. While the Duo Set makes a great gift, if you’re looking for something extra, add the Lily of the Valley Body Cream ($33). It’s my favorite product from the collection. It’s so hydrating and soothing Continue Reading…

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AHALife and Ivanka Trump Do Good

Posted 02/12/2011 by Lara

Event: Ivanka Trump and Ahalife Jewelry Event
Date: February 7, 2011
Location: Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry Boutique, Madison Avenue, NYC

Wendi Murdoch, Shauna Mei and Ivanka Trump

Ivanka Trump Girl Up Bracelet

I kicked off the week with AHAlife and Ivanka Trump at a private event hosted at her jewelry store on Madison Avenue. If you’re not familiar with AHAlife.com, you should be or at least sign up for their newsletter. They are a website that sells unique finds from all over the world curated by a series of tastemakers (all of which you can “meet” on their site). One of which, Wendi Murdoch, featured Ivanka Trump’s Girl Up Bracelet, which went on sale on AHAlife the very next day.  Priced at $40, 100% of the proceeds from the sale benefits the United Nations Girl Up campaign, an organization that works to improve the lives of girls globally.

“We help provide basic needs such as access to school supplies, clean water, life-saving health services, safety from violence and more for these young girls,” says Trump. The bracelet features a sterling silver chain and a coral silk cord joined by two sterling silver charms—the Girl Up bird and the Ivanka Trump logo.

Considering you’ll likely never see anything at the Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry Boutique priced at $40 (or on AHALife.com), let alone with the proceeds going to such a worthy cause, I would recommend jumping on this opportunity. Oh look at that, I just Continue Reading…

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BE MINE: Valentine’s Day Tips

Posted 02/08/2011 by Lara

I always have mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day. It’s become so commercial that it’s easy to get caught up in the fancy dinners and expensive gifts when really the holiday is all about being romantic and thoughtful. So get creative and make that special someone feel special! Here are some tips to finesse your way through Valentine’s Day.

Papaya Envelope Set

Write a Love Note: Hide it in his/her bag or mail it to their work! What better surprise then to find a love letter? Just skip the cheesy, generic card, where all you do is sign your name, and either make one or take the time to really pick out one that really resonates. I LOVE Papaya Envelope Sets ($12/pack of 6), they are my ultimate go to cards for special occasions.

Flirty Little Secret Perfume

Flowers: Necessary or unnecessary cliché? It depends. Secretly, all girls hope when the FedEx guy walks through the office doors it’s to deliver them flowers. It’s always a thoughtful surprise that makes one feel special. Plus it results in major coworker-envy, which can be quite the ego boost. It’s also a nice touch if you’re picking up your date from their home. However, if you’re meeting them at dinner or out on the town, it’s a nuisance. I had a date bring me flowers once (it wasn’t Valentine’s Day) and the whole night through dinner and drinks I had to carry them around, and it was not enjoyable. I know that’s a terrible thing to say, but it’s true. If you’re going to bring some, less is more! Go for an elegant, single, long-stem rose.

Smell Great, Feel Confident: Find that perfect cologne or perfume, for an extra dab of confidence. I’ll be wearing Booty Parlor Flirty Little Secret ($22). It has a roller ball application and it’s packaging conveniently fits in my makeup case for the perfect pick-me-up at any point in the day. And it’s infused with pheromones so I will be sure to attract everything in site (in theory). You’re probably thinking ‘pheromones have a scent?’ No, they don’t, the scent is a blend of plum, raspberry, jasmine, cedar and sandlewood. It’s delightful; feminine without being too sweet– I smell like a sugar-plum fairy! In the evening I may switch to Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum ($62), it’s very sensual and intense with notes of Bergamot, Manddarin, Lychee, Peach, Madonna Lily, Vanilla and Amber. Molta sexy!

Make a Plan: Put some thought into the evening, don’t just wing it. Start with–to stay in? Or go out? If you go out, pick the place you first met, or has some significance to your relationship. Personally I opt for staying in, since I’m not a fan of big crowds, stressing over reservations and the stupid prix fixe menu all restaurants insist on. If you do, some advice:

Do Your Research: Cook something special, pick out a great bottle of wine or spend some time and create a signature cocktail. Pick up some desserts in advance and indulge. There are no calories Continue Reading…

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All I Want For Christmas…

Posted 12/21/2010 by Lara

Dear Santa,

Here’s my list!

1. Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring in Coral - $195
2. Vespa Vehicle Cover
3. ThinkGeek Personal Soundtrack Shirt - $39.99 (on sale for $29.99)
4. Alexander McQueen White Freshwater Pearl Skull Necklace/Gold -$370
5. Alfred Kenney Movement. Long Banana. Necklace - $185 
6. Kate Spade Doodles Pen Necklace - $45
7. STIGA Table Tennis Racket
8. Knock Out (KO) Nail Polish in Concrete - $14
9. Chanel Large Flap Bag
10. Tocca Large Candles - $36
11. Sultra The Bombsell 1″ Curling Iron - $130
12. Jac Vanek – Arrow Burnout T-Shirt ($34), Believe in Something T-Shirt ($24), You Fit Here T-shirts (from her exclusive collection with Bloomindale’s) and Keep Calm and Party On Zip Hood Sweatshirt ($48)
13. Natori Topkapi Duvet Cover + Bed Set
14. Nicole Miller – Pleated Knit Tube Dress With Asymmetric Strap, CDC &GGT Combo Top in Ivory ($265), City Stretch Jersey Pant ($330)
15. The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It by Tilar J. Mazzeo [Hardcover] – $25.99
16. How to Beat Up Anybody by Judah Friedlander – $17.99

Anything from this list would be greatly appreciated.

Happy Holidays!

xxLara

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Dots Styles & Beats Launch Party

Posted 11/22/2010 by Lara

Lara (right) with fellow bloggers Christine and Erika at Dots Style & Beats Launch Party

On Wednesday, November 7^th, Dots Fashion and The King Collective held the launch party for Styles & Beats. Hosted by Rocco Leo Gaglioti from Fashion News Live, and beats provided by DJ Reni Lane, the fashion and music event featured “fashion face-offs”, where guests put their styling skills to the test using Dots apparel and accessories.

Style & Beats host Rocco with Gen Art Co-founder, Ian Gerard

Held at 2 Great Jones, the store carried a mix of fashionable finds and labels at all different price points (Dots winning the most affordable vote). I stumbled upon the below (non-Dots) vintage, orange necklace ($79).  Guest of a Guest extensively covered the event (check out more of their pictures HERE) and I woke up to Continue Reading…

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Hercules Magnetic Jewelry Clasp

Posted 11/16/2010 by Lara

Hercules Magnetic Jewelry Clasp

Having recently gone through a breakup and all the joys of basically living with someone for the past 3 years, you realize it’s the little things you miss the most. For instance, having someone help put on your jewelry. It may sound silly, but I completely took that comfort for granted. While I’m pretty solid with putting on my own necklaces (unless they are really tight), I have a lot of difficulty with bracelets.

Recently, I discovered Hercules Magnetic Jewelry Clasp. It’s actually really cool, it clasps to any regular lobster clasp at either end transforming your clasp into a magnetic one; making it very easy to open and close. I know that sounds Continue Reading…

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