Holiday Gift Guide: What to Get Him
Posted 12/13/2011 by Lara
Lets face it, men can be impossible to shop for. Which is why I’m kicking off my holiday gift guides with what to get him this holiday season!
1. Jo Malone Holiday Sets – Jo Malone has a medley of holiday gifts mixing their amazing colognes, candles and bath oils at all different price points and sizes. Featured above is the Jo Malone Pure Pleasure Collection ($240) which includes 100ml Cologne, 200ml Bath Oil, and Home candle in your choice of fragrance, perfect for any sophisticated male on your list and available on jomalone.com. If you need a fragrance recommendation, I’m partial to the Lime Basil and Mandarin Cologne for men.
2. Club W Membership! Club W is a member’s only (registration is free!) website that allows members to purchase wine from boutique wineries. You can also sign up for monthly wine deliveries curated by their experts and have them shipped to you ranging from 3 bottles ($40/month), 6 bottles ($70/month) or 12 bottles ($120/month). Sign up at clubw.com
3. Croton SSMN Industrial Watch ($450). Croton is notorious for high quality lifestyle watches that can be worn for every occasion. I’m partial to this stainless Steel beauty available on crotonportfolio.com
4. Injinji Performance Toesocks ($12) available on injinji.com. If he’s an athlete of any type, he needs to try Injini. It take a bit of getting used to wearing a 5 toe sock, but it prevents your toes from rubbing together and the the blister protection and moisture management, keeps your feet dry, cool and comfortable. And I swear my foot feel more supported and they create less friction when I run.
5. iPhone 4/42 Leather Touch Pong Case ($59.99) available on pongresearch.com. Besides being a firm, cool case with a crackle blue/black leather-like finish, Pong™ cases additionally protects you, your phone and your signal. Pong is the ONLY solution proven by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certified laboratories to protect users from cell phone radiation while not compromising phone performance and is proven to reduce SAR up to 95% below FCC limits (SAR stands for Specific Absorption Rate and measures the amount of radiation absorbed by a cell phone user’s body).
6. Ursa Major Big Kahuna Skincare Set ($72) includes a full-size Fantastic Face Wash (8 oz), Stellar Shave Cream (5.1 oz) and Essential Face Toner (8 oz). Known as “super natural skincare”, Ursa Major uses premium ingredients to create effective skin care products that you can feel good about putting on your skin. And the face wash is a new addition to the line and I’m in love with it. I recommend buying it for your boyfriend, so you can use it too. Plus, it comes awesomely gift-wrapped –see for yourself! Click the link, the set is available on UrsaMajorMen.com
7. MINIMERGENCY KIT FOR HIM Grooming & Personal Care Kit with 13 Essentials by Ms. and Mrs. ($12). Shoot me if this isn’t the cutest stocking stuffer ever. In this packaged tin (which gets extra points for having a mustache in it) contains: Lip Balm, Dental Floss, Breath Freshener, Stain Remover, Mending Kit, Safety Pin, Extra Buttons, Shoe Shine Towelette, Nail Clipper, Hand-Sanitizing Towelette, Deodorant Towelette, Adhesive Bandage, and Pain Reliever. It’s super handy and available on store.msandmrs.com
8. Old Spice holiday gift sets ($8.99). If your guy is manly like the Old Spice Man or just loves the commercials, here’s an affordable set that comes in three scents, Figi Scent, Red Zone’s Seagger and High Endurance Pure Sport and includes their Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant (3.25 oz), Body Wash (16 fl oz.), and Body Spray (4 oz.), a pouf. These sets are available at Walmart, Target, Drugstore.com. Visit their website to see the latest Old Spice Guy ad!
9. Men: 10 Essential Skills: the Professional’s Guide by Robert Valdes-Rodriguez (19.95) available on rvrmenskills.com. If you’re man has ever wondered how to tie a tie (or bow tie), play poker, order wine or how to keep a girl happy (it gives great advice, we’re always right!), this handy dandy book is quite the gentleman’s guide. And it’s lightweight for being hardcover and gets straight to the point to make it an easy ready. It’s also great for women since a lot of these how-to’s I’ve always wanted to know how to do! Chapters include: 1. Tie a Tie (Bow Tie Included), 2.Swing a Golf Club 3. Play Poker 4. Light and Smoke a Cigar, 5. Drive a Stick Shift, 6. Propose a Toast, 7. Catch a Wave, 8. Order and Taste Wine, 9. Mix a James Bond Martini, 10. Keep the Girl.
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WWD 10th Annual Beauty Inc Awards
Posted 12/08/2011 by Lara
WWD Beauty Inc Awards winners. Photo Credit: John Aquino/WWD Beauty Inc
This morning, I had the great honor of joining Beauty Inc, a Women’s Wear Daily special-issue magazine as they announced their 2011 Beauty Inc Awards winners. WWD/Beauty Inc are the beauty industries bible, so to be in a room full of executives that regularly fill their headlines and are the talent behind the leading mass and prestige beauty industry is as you can imagine, a beauty bloggers dream. I was surrounded by greatness… literally! Seated in the Oscar de la Renta section, I sat next to Alexander Bolen, CEO of Oscar de la Renta and now Beauty Inc Awards winner for the Newcomer of the Year Award. And besides being a rising icon of this industry, he was also an incredibly gracious and lovely neighbor. Also at the brands table, was ever so chic, Erika Bearman, known to 96,445 of us who follow her on twitter as @OscarPRGirl. I hope she tweeted a picture of her outfit, it was gorgeous — back buttoned sweater paired with a long off-white skirt. And however she did her hair, I want a tutorial!
Highlights from the awards ceremony included a special tribute to Evelyn Lauder, for her commitment to this industry and courageous work in raising awareness and funds (over $350 million!) in the fight against bread cancer. Appropriately, even with her passing this year, she and the Estee Lauder Companies were awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility’ Award, which was accepted by her son on her behalf. Beauty Inc. did a lovely piece on her this morning titled The Incomparable Evelyn Lauder consisting of quotes from those closest to her, sharing their most enduring memories.
Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, gave an inspirational video speech after being awarded the Visionary Award, sharing memories from his trial and tribulations in the beauty industry. “If your going to be a visionary you need to start from the ground up. There are no short cuts”, this from the man that began his career in the industry at the age of 23 and now reigns as the Honorary Chairman of L’Oreal. To learn more about the man, who graces the cover of tomorrow’s issue of Beauty Inc visit WWD.com.
I’ll admit, I haven’t tried many of the winning products, however two awards I can absolutely vouch for are Bumble and Bumble’s Straight line — it could be my favorite shampoo, conditioner and straightening balm of all time and Sally Hansen Complete Salon 5 in 1 Manicure nail polish — it’s easy to apply, has great coverage and is exceptionally convenient. I’m also very partial to Dior Addict Lipstick, the color range they’ve developed is to die for and the formulation is very smooth and hydrating.
And without further adieu, the winner are:
• Visionary Award – Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, Honorary Chairman, L’Oreal
• Corporate Social Responsibility Award – Evelyn Lauder & The Estee Lauder Companies. Inc.
• Creative Influencer Award – Peter Philips, Global Creative Director for Makeup, Chanel
• Eco Awareness Award – Pantene Nature Fusion
• Ad Campaign of the Year –
Prestige – Paco Rabanne Black XS
Mass – John Frieda Precision Foam Colour
• Newcomer of the Y ear -
Prestige – Alexander Bolen, Chief Executive Officer, Oscar de la Renta
Mass – Julia Goldin, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Revlon
• Product of the Y ear –
Prestige - Color Cosmetics – Dior Addict Lipstick
Skin Care – Lancôme Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector
Hair Care – Bumble and Bumble The Straight Line Continue Reading…
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Winterize Your Hair Routine with Living Proof Restore
Posted 12/05/2011 by Lara
Living Proof is easily one of the most solid haircare lines on the market right now. In fact they have yet to develop an shampoo or conditioner I haven’t liked (I’m still working my way through their styling products) and their Frizz line is a staple in my bathroom. With winter around the corner, Living Proof is adding a new sulfate-free collection to their existing line of Frizz, Volume, and Straight products; Restore!
Formulated to restore your hair from the damages of heat styling, processing and seasonal dryness, Restore avoids using oils and silicones other brands use to combat dryness and damaged hair; which leave hair feeling greasy and dirty, leading to more washing, styling and processing (perpetuating a cycle of increased dryness and damages). “Restore really challenges the status-quo. It is a solution that addresses the causes of dryness and damage, offering Continue Reading…
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Personal Style: Lands’ End Canvas Striped Button-Back Sweater
Posted 11/26/2011 by Lara
I would use a lot of different adjectives to describe my personal style. Mainly because it’s completely contingent on my mood and if I’m feeling classic, trendy, rocker, edgy or otherwise. However, no matter my style, it’s always all about the details for me, which is why I’m loving the reversed buttons on this Lands’ End Canvas Sweater.
ROCK IT OUT…
{Sweater: Lands’ End Canvas Striped Button-Back Sweater ($69.50, on sale for $39.99), Shorts: H&M, Boots: Joe Fresh Leather Ankle Boots ($79), Bag: Rebecca Minkoff}
Tights and shorts is a great way to transition your wardrobe to fall. Add some boots and a big belt for a polished look with a little bit more edge.
GO CLASSIC…
{Sweater: Lands’ End Canvas Striped Button-Back Sweater ($69.50, on sale for $39.99), Pants: Lands End Canvas Slim Slouch Chino ($49.50), Shoes: Burberry, Hat: H&M, Bag: Foley + Corrina}
What’s more fall then a wool sweater with khaki’s? Add a knit hat for some extra cozy-chic points.
MAKEUP LOOK: Eyes - Shiseido Shimmering Eye Cream Color in Caviar ($25), Mascara – Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara in Carbon Black ($7.49), Lipstick - IL-MAKIAGE Lipstick in Young Gypsy ($21).
Disclaimer: Lands’ End Canvas sweater and chino’s as well as the makeup items used in this post we’re giving to Pretty Connected by a company representative. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.
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Lisa Hoffman Launches Fragrance Jewelry Collection
Posted 11/15/2011 by Lara
Today, Lisa Hoffman is launching her new line of fragrances including a jewelery collection! Branching off of her ‘wear fragrance your way‘ motto, Lisa Hoffman created 5 base fragrances, Madagascar Orchid, French Clary Sage, Tunisian Neroli, Tuscan Fig and Japanese Agarwood and from there created 4 fragrances under each collection base for morning, daytime, evening and bedtime (and are sold as a set). Additionally, she’s created a body care line, candles and what I’m most excited for… fragrance jewelry based off these fragrances.
Unlike other brands in this category we’re not talking solid perfume rings and necklaces, but charms filled with fragrance beads. Launching with the fragrance bead bracelet (today!), in the coming months we have the earrings and pendant to look forward to (and I can’t wait, I need that necklace!).
The benefit of the fragrance beads (made of wood) is you can mix and match based on your scent preference, and they are refillable. Plus their safe for individuals with sensitive skin or allergic to perfume.
The Fragrance Jewelry collection features a proprietary delivery system that slowly releases perfume as they are exposed to air and offers a stylish, whimsical new way to personalize your scent, and look. And they are beautiful! Modeled after a pair of Victorian-era earrings Lisa was given by her husband (ahem, actor Dustin Hoffman), the story goes that during that time it was considered gauche to wear diamonds during the day; so jewelers made pieces with snap-off “fronts” on them, that could cover the jewels until the evening when when they could be removed. This concept inspired both the silhouette and the functionality of the filigreed charm. Plated with antiqued sterling silver and bronze, 14-karat gold and rose gold (depending on the scent held within), they each come with a pack of fragrance beads to be refilled every 1-2 weeks (depending on how much exposure to air).
Filled, mixed, or otherwise empty, it’s an extraordinary design and an amazing accessory. Not sure your scent preferences? Visit their website and take their diagnostic test, known as the iSecntify fragrance finder to help you find your scent.
For more information on the collection visit LisaHoffmanBeauty.com
Disclaimer: Pretty Connected was given a sample of the bead bracelet for post consideration. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.
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ghd and Katy Perry Partner for the New Scarlet Collection Campaign
Posted 10/26/2011 by Lara
Katy Perry for ghd campaign, photographed by David La Chapelle
Hair Straightener, extraordinaire brand, ghd is partnering with Kate Perry again this season for their new Scarlet Collection Limited Edition. The Art-Deco inspired collection was photographed by the infamous, David La Chapelle (he also shot the previous Perry/ghd campaign), in a twisted, vampy fairytale scene, of which Perry portrays Continue Reading…
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Glow with MAKE UP FOR EVER Fluo Night
Posted 10/25/2011 by Lara
MAKE UP FOR EVER Fluo Night
I have a rather humorous story to tell that sums up to MAKE UP FOR EVER new Fluo Night is a must-have for Halloween or in your makeup collection for any occasion that deems you in Ultraviolet light.
My story begins at 10am in the bathroom of my office smothering this translucent loose powder all over my lips and eyes, turning off the lights and waiting to glow in the dark. I didn’t. I put more on, turned the lights off…nothing. I missed the part about only glowing in the dark under black-lights. Naturally, I put makeup on over the light-weight powder and chalked it up to a failed product. A whole day of work, and several events later; 12 hours to be exact, I stopped by SPiN New York to finalize my birthday reservations only to get a lot of stares. NO ONE SAID ANYTHING! Finally some overly drunk table-tennis player nearly screamed while almost tripping over me to pick up a ping-pong ball asking, “what’s the matter with your face?”
What you'll look like if you use Fluo Night
Confused for a moment, I realized it was black-light ping-pong night at the club (what are the odds?), and my MAKE UP FOR EVER product doesn’t glow in darkness, it glows under UV lights! I ran back to my date and asked what was the matter with my face? He replied, ‘nothing, why?’, I grabbed his arm and moved us under the black-light lantern –’What about now?’. When he was finally able to compose himself from the horrific laughter we snapped a few shots, and I left mortified. Really, what got me is the amount of staff and friends I ran into there and none of them told me. Although in all fairness, knowing that I’m an beauty blogger, they probably all assumed it was Continue Reading…
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OCC Opens Flagship Boutique in NYC
Posted 10/05/2011 by Lara
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) recently opened their first store in NYC’s Lower East Side. The Pretty Connected team hit up the 100% vegan, makeup lines grand opening for an inside peak into the world of OCC with renowned makeup artist and founder David Klasfeld.
I’ve met David on a few occasions at makeup shows, expos and industry events, but otherwise finding his products Continue Reading…
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Dermalogica Launches Overnight Repair Serum
Posted 10/03/2011 by Lara
In the latest addition to their ever-so-popular, award-winning, Age Smart skincare collection, Dermalogica introduces their new Overnight Repair Serum. Similar in both packaging and texture as an essential oil, their new serum was created to hydrate, firm, and protect skin as you sleep.
As instructed I pressed 4-6 drops directly to skin (it can also be added to a moisturizer and then pressed in), and not only did it absorb quickly, it created this amazing barrier of hydration around my skin and the next morning my skin was noticeably smoother, softer and more plump.
Formulated with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 and Alaria Extract to help increase collagen renewal, hydrating, firmness and dermal strength; Argan Oil, Vitamin E and essential fatty acids to help restore a weakened barrier layer, lock in moisture and increase elasticity and Rose Hip Seed Oil to help minimize discoloration while helping to boost cell renewal. So while some may by hesitant to apply an oil directly to their skin (no it will not cause you to break out), Continue Reading…
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Jackie Collins Launches Goddess of Vengeance
Posted 09/30/2011 by Lara
Earlier this month, Jackie Collins debut her 28th novel, Goddess of Vengeance ($26.99), bringing back our favorite leading lady, Lucky Santangelo. Which for any Collins fan is the ultimate. Lucky is the girl we all want to be –and ones who don’t are likely pretending. We’ve watched her character grow from young bride, rouge adolescent to powerhouse jet-set mother of three; with a movie star husband and thriving career with the popularity of her casino and hotel business. While fans may have thought her wild days we’re over, with a title like Goddess of Vengeance, I look forward to seeing her unleash her wrath; after all, you know that families famous motto — Never fuck with a Santangelo.
And if you follow me on twitter (@prettyconnected) you’re well aware that Jackie Collins novels are my not-so-secret guilty pleasure. In fact after a particularly exhausting fashion week, amidst starting my own company and keeping up with my blog; I decided my reward for getting through the 4-hour sleepless nights and never ending to-do list would be to curl up in bed, shut out the world and read her latest book.
Lara Eurdolian, Jackie Collins
I’m not entirely sure what I was thinking having a Jackie Collins book in my possession for almost 2-weeks and resisting dropping everything to read it. I just knew that once I opened it, I would not be able to stop until it was finished. And last night, with the unappealing weather and gray NYC skies it was the perfect excuse to pour a glass of wine and enter the world of Lucky and her famous family and friends, while Armoand, a misogynist prince (who I’m hoping is the subject of Lucky’s vengeance and takes down) tries to take over her hotel. Although the character I’m most excited about watching Continue Reading…
