Mark your calendar: Elettra Wiedemann’s GOODNESS pop-up restaurant returns for NYFW
Posted 02/07/2012 by Lara
Mark your calendars and start making your reservations! From February 11th – 14th, Elettra Wiedemann’s GOODNESS pop-up restaurant returns to New York Fashion Week.
As some of you may remember from last fashion week, I worked with the glamorous and wonderful supermodel Elettra Wiedemann on her full service Fashion Week pop-up restaurant, GOODNESS. Well I’m excited to report that for this New York Fashion Week season, GOODNESS returns with an all new line up of prominent chefs including Mario Batali, Leo Forneas, Alain Allegretti and Julian Medina.
Open for lunch only from 11am-3pm on February 11th through the 14th, this years GOODNESS will be held at the Robert, located on the top of the Museum of Art and Design. And if you’ve never been to the Robert for dinner or drinks, you need to! Besides having a very stylish interior, the view is to die for! Set on the 9th floor of the Museum, it has ceiling tall windows that overlooks Columbus Circle and Central Park.
Do I have you convinced yet? Sponsored by The Daily Front Row and CIRCA, we’re pleased to announce that this years GOODNESS has earned the CFDA’s Health Initiative Stamp of Approval. Here’s the line-up:
- Saturday, Feb 11th – Mario Batali of Babbo
- Sunday, Feb 12th – Leo Forneas of ROBERT
- Monday, Feb 13th – Alain Allegretti of La Promenade des Anglais
- Tuesday, Feb 14th – Julian Medina of Toloache
Menu: A la carte or Prix fixe menu ($35)
Reservations are now being accepted at goodnesspopup.com
Also for the first time, Goodness is proud to present the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels on the 7th floor of the Museum of Arts and Design (two floors below the pop-up restaurant). Designed as a comfortable “living room” and wi-fi lounge for editors and fashion week goers to relax and recharge, the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels will feature a touch-up station from beauty sponsor Lancôme. CIRCA, the world’s leading global buyer of fine jewelry, will also showcase their collection of recycled, sustainable luxury jewelry in the lounge, offering attendees access to their collection of antique and contemporary collectible gems. GOODNESS also partnered with Talenthouse and DJ Zen Freeman to choose a resident DJ, and are pleased to announce the winner of our DJ competition, DJ Travisty, who will provide a soothing soundtrack of lounge music and modern remixes for the lounge.
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Tria Introduces Blue Light Acne System
Posted 01/31/2012 by Lara
Acne sufferers take note; Tria has recently introduced their latest at-home innovation, the Tria Skin Perfecting Blue Light. Created to target and eliminate the very source of acne bacteria, it is clinically proven to deliver clear skin with fewer, milder acne breakouts in less then 2 weeks.
Considering there have been minimal medical advancements in the world of acne since the 70′s, there was much excitement in the early 2000 with the advancements of laser and blue light technology used in dermatologist offices. And now, more affordable at-home systems to mimic similar results are available in the comfort of your home.
I don’t suffer from breakouts; sure, I have the occasional pimple here and there but nothing that warrants serious action. However, I’m no stranger to the emotional and physical trauma for those who do. My sister suffered from terrible acne in High School and regular breakouts as an adult. Accutane, Retin-A, Proactive and a variety of over-the-counter products later, she’s had moderate success over the years, but the trouble with many of these products the prescription based products are side-effects, excessive skin dryness, flaking/pealing and harsh reactions. Not to mention many of them are not preventative or feasible for sensitive skin. That said, blue light is one area she hasn’t explored and a treatment form Continue Reading…
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Fresh Start Beauty Products on a Budget
Posted 01/30/2012 by Lara
As we say goodbye to January and have completed our first month of 2012; I’ve been thinking a lot about many of the “new year, fresh start” type resolutions we make for ourselves: to look better, feel better, travel more, save money… Taking some of these goals into consideration, I’ve put together some of my favorite travel-friendly on-a-budget products all under $15 to help you on your way.
1. TRESemme FRESH START Dry Shampoo – Dry shampoo has been all the rage for the past year and with good reason! It’s an easy way to revive your hair in between washes or when you’re leaving the gym and don’t have time to shower. And TRESemme has created an entire line of FRESH START aerosol dry Shampoos based on hair type and need! There is a Volumizing, Strengthening, Smoothing, and even a Moisturizing Waterless Foam version designed to absorb excess oil and remove odor without needing a drop of water. And best part is they are priced under $6 and come in two sizes, 5.7oz and 2oz; which is perfect for travel, and compact enough to fit in your make-up case or gym bag.
2. John Frieda Full Repair Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer (0.5 fl oz/$9.99) – This product is genius! Packaged within a mascara bottle, it contains a crystal clear polish formulated with Inca Inchi Oil that weightlessly takes down flyaways without being sticky. It’s great for on-the-go touch-ups and is safe for color-treated and chemically-treated hair. Just brush the mascara wand against those flyaways and watch them settle.
3. Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer with SPF30 (2.5 fl oz/$14.99) – Just because it’s winter does not mean you can stop wearing an SPF! This moisturizer is lightweight, hydrating and protects against sun exposure, free-radicals and environmental toxins (which NYC is full of!). It goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly and is very hydrating. Plus it can be worn under your makeup without making it flake.
4. Clean & Clear Limited Edition Hello Kitty Oil Absorbing Sheets ($4.99/50 sheets) – launching in February, Clean & Clear is teaming up with Hello Kitty to bring you this oh-so-adorable limited edition version Continue Reading…
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Avon Celebrates ANEW 20th Birthday with Paulina Porizkova and Alfonso Ribeiro
Posted 01/29/2012 by Lara
Look who I got a picture with!
Who knew it took going back to the 90’s to attend easily the hippest party of 2012 yet! Okay provided, it’s barely February so that doesn’t say as much as it should, but Avon spared no detail in their recent 1992 themed party in celebration of the 20th birthday of their prestige anti-aging line, ANEW. Hosted by supermodel and ANEW spokesperson, Paulina Porizkova who announced to the audience, “I have nothing in this face for except what God gave me and Avon put on it”. Quite an accolade to the brand considering at 46, she’s flawless..
Avon packed the Thom Bar with 90’s memorabilia including slap bracelets, Fun-Dip, Warheads, fanny-packs, a photo booth, and tunes that made you want to jump-jump (no literally they played Kris Kros), along with other hits from the decade. And speaking of the 90’s, just after Paulina gave a speech to the audience and the brand introduced ANEW’s two latest products; Genics Eye Treatment and Clinical Resurfacing Expert; they announced a surprise guest… On came Tome Jones’ It’s not unusual and out came Alonso Ribeiro (aka Carlton Banks from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!) doing his iconic Carlton dance.
It was perfect. And naturally, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a photo-opp with him.
Thank you for a very fun evening Avon!
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Tips to keep your nails healthy and strong
Posted 01/26/2012 by Lara
It’s winter and weather we like it or not these tough conditions take quite a toll on our hair, skin and nails. While I plan on posting some regular content on counteract some of these dryness symptoms, Nail Beauty Expert Katie Saxton of Custom Nail Solutions shared some great tips with me on how to keep your nails strengthened and conditioned during these cold months.
DIET RIGHT:
- Take in calcium, iron, protein, and vitamins A, B, C and D and your nails will gradually grow stronger and healthier.
- Eat the right foods. Try fish, chicken, eggs, cheese, milk and plenty of fruits and vegetables. These are also great foods to keep you healthy overall!
- Take in a lot of biotin.
CONSISTENT NAIL MAINTENANCE:
- Scheduling regular manicures is crucial during the winter months if you want healthy nails. You can schedule in-salon manicures, or do them at home. Both work as long as you are doing them consistently.
- File, buff and massage the nails. Continue Reading…
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Butter London Celebrates Pantone’s Color of the Year with Jaffa
Posted 01/11/2012 by Lara
Pantone Tangerine Tango
I do love me a rich shade of orange (especially when it has a tint of red) so when Pantone announced Tangerine Tango as their 2012 Color of The Year, I was delighted. The shade was all over the runway in the Spring/Summer 2012 shows (check out my photos from the Nanette Lepore S/S 2012 show) and bold lips have been such a strong trend in beauty, that I’d love to see this shade made into a lipstick shade.
And considering Pantone is the international color trendsetter, it’s no surprise the beauty industry was quick to embrace the shade in their collections. butter LONDON celebrated the Color of the Year with their shade Jaffa.
butter LONDON in Jaffa
It’s a very pretty, lustrous juicy orange shade with a lighter formula so while two coats will get you an even application, I prefer to add a third for some extra coverage. The shade also appears to be a little brighter then Tangerine Tango and void of the red tints. None-the-less it’s a very happy and bright orange that I’m thrilled to have in my collection. Plus I LOVE butter LONDON’s packaging, and that all of their formulations are “3-Free” (meaning void of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP). And I appreciate their cheeky shade names — the dictionary definition of Jaffa is a type of seedless orange (and it’s also a British slang word for an infertile man. Live and learn!
butter LONDON Top & Tails Set
Now all you need is a good base and top coat for extended wear and nail protection (I like their Top & Tails set) and your manicure is complete.
Expect to see a lot more Tangerine Tango in the near future. In addition to beauty brands adapting their spring collections to have more orange hues, it was recently announced that Pantone is partnering with Sephora this spring to present the first-ever Color of the Year beauty collection. I may just get that Tangerine Tango lipstick yet!
For more information on butter LONDON and shade Jaffa 3-Free Nail Lacquer ($14) visit www.butterlondon.com
DISCLAIMER: A complimentary sample of Butter nail shades was given to Pretty Connected for post consideration. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.
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Mane Boost Delivers with Serious Hair Volume
Posted 01/09/2012 by Lara
You might not be familiar with the company Mana Products or Xania Labs but they are a source of innovation for the beauty world and work with many top brands to help make quite a few of your favorite beauty products. Branching out from their behind the scenes station they have created a line of hair care products called Mane Boost that works to volumize your style and give your hair the perk it needs to look full – especially during these cold winter months.
The line is made up of 4 products: Amplifying Cream, Volumizing Foam, Root Lifting Spray, and Defining Paste. They are only available in salons and affordably priced at $12 each.
I have wavy hair and I like to wear my hair curly but am challenged with my curls and roots turning flat by the end of the day. On the other hand my sister rocks a straight style, so on a recent family trip, I put this collection to the test — on us both.
I used a combo of the moose and the cream. I only needed 2 pumps of the moose and a quarter size dollop of the cream on my shoulder length hair. My sister Continue Reading…
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Anything but a Faux Pas: Illamasqua Nail Varnish
Posted 01/08/2012 by Lara
Pretty Connected contributor, Elizabeth Borenstein finds a new nail polish line to add to her collection…
Illamasqua shades Kink and Faus Pax
Nail polish changed my life the day it stopped me from biting my nails. This obsession with painted nails took on a whole new level when I was treated to a nail art manicure by the supremely talented Miss Pop of www.misspopnail.tumblr.com (check out her site and prepare to be amazed!).
As soon as I received lllamasqua nail varnishes in shades Faux Pas (blue violet) and Kink (bottle green) I promptly ran over to visit Miss Pop and get the skinny on what she thought about the new formula, which promises a “unique rubbery finish”.
Manicure by Miss Pop
After sampling the nail varnish and working her artistic magic Miss Pop gave her seal of approval,
“Great brush, polish applies evenly, and the color is rich and unique-you only really need one coat (although they recommend two). The finish is not matte or shiny it falls somewhere in the middle, it’s like nothing I have seen before.”
I agree. I love the shades (I’m so into muted jewel-tones at the moment) and the finish, and after wearing the polish for a few days I noticed my nails felt stronger and grew faster than with regular polish.
Illamasqua Nail Varnish ($14) is available exclusively at Sephora
DISCLAIMER: A complimentary sample of Illamasqua was given to Pretty Connected for post consideration. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.
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Tips on What to Eat and Avoid for Healthier Skin
Posted 01/07/2012 by Lara
There’s always all this chatter about how stressful the holidays are, however for me it’s usually the period right after new years that gets me. Something about adjusting back into work and getting myself on a schedule after a weeks of over eating and sweat pants shocks my system.
However, the holidays are over, and hopefully my not-so-great eating habits have gone with them. I’ve already taken the first step and joined Equinox, now I just need to pay more attention to my diet. Skin Expert Dominique Tinkler (of OMIC Skincare) shares her tips on what foods to eat and avoid for healthier skin:
For Breakouts
What to eat – Bright red and orange fruits and vegetables have beta carotene which your body converts to oil reducing Vitamin A. Green leafy vegetables contain Vitamin B6 which minimizes swelling, so pimples are reduced.
What to avoid – Iodine rich salt, shrimp and seaweed stimulate oil glands, inducing irritation of pores.
For Stress-Induced Wrinkles
What to eat – Fruits rich in color (such as berries) have Vitamin C which help to promote anti-aging, skin firming collagen and Continue Reading…
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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.
