EMU Spring/Summer 2012 Collection
Posted 01/14/2012 by Lara
EMU? More like, OMG! Up until now I thought of EMU Australia as an UGG-like brand that made ultra warm sheepskin boots, now after seeing their Spring/Summer 2012 I realize they are so much more! For starters, they have a full line of shoes (men’s + women’s) that stretches beyond their classic Stinger sheepskin boots, as well as a clothing line, accessories and the most draw-dropping adorable kids collection of boots.
I mean seriously, can you handle it?
Besides taking a few cuteness moments over the kids collection (I mean look at those Little Grubs Koala bootie!!!), I was really impressed by the variety of styles and color assortment.
New for spring is a their collection of sandals (pictured below). However, I’m all about the boots! They recently introduced the strawberry shade to their Stinger Mini sheepskin boot and I NEED IT (pictured below right)! How fun is that color!?!?
Earth-tone boots are always high on my list!
Although my absolute favorite new style for Spring is their Leeton Mush Boot (pictured above and below). That and the Stinger Mini boot in Strawberry need to make their way into my closet.
Did you know EMU sheepskin is water resistant? They actually let me put a pair of their boots in water and within seconds they were dry! That’s more then I can say for a lot of their competitors…
Some of the styles featured in this post are currently available on EMUAustralia.com. The rest you’ll just have to wait until spring!
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The Best Time to Buy… Everything!
Posted 01/10/2012 by Lara
I find it so annoying when I make a big purchase, and then see the same item is on sale the next month! Which is why I thought I’d share this article on About.com which lists all the good times to buy just about anything by month.
Here’s a look at January:
Non-food:
- Linens
- TVs
- Electronics
- Cameras
- Computers
- Small appliances
- Air conditioners
- Carpeting and flooring
- Furniture
- Winter clothes
- Toys (on clearance after the holidays)
- Bicycles
- Christmas gift wrap
- Christmas decorations
- Sneakers
- Exercise equipment
- Motorcycles
- Houses
- Boats
- Motorcycles
- Gift cards
- Anything from thrift stores
Food:
- Chocolate (Christmas clearance)
- Soda
- Oatmeal
- Diet foods
- Frozen finger foods
For the complete month-by-month guide on About.com, click HERE.
Additionally, If you’re purchasing from a larger retailer like Macy’s, I recommend going to their website to see if they have posted any additional in-store or online coupons for some extra savings. And if something catches your eye while shopping, putting it on hold (or break out the smart phone) and run a quick search on the item to see if it’s cheaper to purchase it with one of their competitor. Plus most retailers will match prices if you show them the listing.
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8 Interesting Shopping Trends we Learned From 2011
Posted 01/05/2012 by Lara
It’s amazing with all the advancements in technology and the increased competitive climate of the retail industry how much our shopping habits have evolved in the past years. Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert and she shared these 8 shopping trends learned from the 2011 holiday shopping season with us:
1. Clicks Beat Bricks
This was the year e-commerce beat the pants off brick-and-mortar retailing. Although traditional stores did better than expected — up an estimated 3.8 percent — online shopping surged 15 percent over 2010.
2. Free Shipping Was Everywhere
Consumers clamored for free shipping offers and often abandoned their online shopping carts when such deals weren’t offered. That explains why nine out of 10 retailers provided free shipping during the holiday season. This prosperity no doubt will spill over into 2012, as websites like FreeShipping.org continue to attract bargain shoppers.
3. Free Return Shipping the Next Big Thing
Zappos and several shoe stores began offering free return shipping years ago, but this year even Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus got in on the trend. According to a MarketLive study, 73 percent of respondents named free returns as a deciding factor in their online purchasing.
4. iPads Rule
Laptop shopping is so passé! More than 18 percent of all e-commerce hits were initiated from a mobile device. That’s up of 8.4 percent from Christmas Day 2010 and an astounding increase of 117.8 percent. Yes, that figure is 117.8, not 11.78.
5. Dumbbell Shopping
Americans weren’t flocking to weight lifting; they were shopping early and late and avoiding the in-between, creating a dumbbell-shaped graph. As expected, buying surged on Continue Reading…
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FashInvest connects Fashion Innovators with Potential Funding Players
Posted 12/11/2011 by Lara
A little while back I shared the news of FashInvest. This conference is a unique forum for fashion start-ups to attend lectures and critiques by influential industry players and investors. They pitch their new business ideas, getting immediate feedback from venture capitalists. Most companies presented online tools confirming the trend that online is where the money is in today’s market.
A total of 17 curated entrepreneurs presented their ideas to potential investors. My top pick is Fitted Fashion (Acustom). Fitted Fashion is a revolutionary digital tailoring service that can scan your body in 3 minuets and produce a customized personalized pattern. This can then be used time and again to reorder or shop online for the right fit. CEO Jamal Motlagh shared that 85% of customers say they hesitate to buy online because of fit. If the technology is as accurate as they say, it just might be Fitted Fashion that walks away with an investment.
Kevin Ryan (CEO of Gilt Groupe), Julie Macklowe of VBeaute, and Steven Alan were highlighted speakers. They imparted advice to people looking to start their own endeavour sighting a passion that the every day requirements of running your own business requires. “It is all day everyday – 24/7.”, Macklowe shared, “Money and profitability are 2 things you need to watch closely. It helps that I am my own investor”. It certainly does!
Alan took more of a creative approach. “Don’t be afraid to make changes, or change course if need be. The process is organic, respond to your customers and what they are buying.”
There is a lot of innovation happening in the world of fashion right now and it was exciting to get a peek into the next wave. Although owning your own business can be one of the scariest things you can do, it is also seems to be one of the most rewarding.
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Marni to Design Spring Collection for H&M
Posted 11/30/2011 by Lara
Well the title of this post pretty much sums it up! And I’m so excited!!!! After a long line of designer collaborations (Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin, and Versace), H&M has announced their spring designer collaboration will be with one of my favorite Italian brands, Marni. Famed for its original prints and bold colors, founder and creative director, Consuelo Castiglioni, has created a spring collection for H&M for both women and men that captures the essence of Marni. Available from March 8, 2012 in over 250 stores worldwide and online, the collection features both clothing and accessories at H&M’s prices, making Marni designs more accessible then ever!
“I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colors, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic and adding sporty utilitarian elements,” says Consuelo Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director. Continue Reading…
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted 11/24/2011 by Lara
A friend recently told me Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate the family and friends that give life a point. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m thankful for all of my readers and this site for all that you’ve brought into my life.
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Josie Natori Open First Ready-To-Wear Boutique at Saks!
Posted 11/16/2011 by Lara
Josie Natori at her boutique launch
Josie Natori (as in the woman behind Natori lingerie) has launched her first ready-to-wear boutique at Saks Fifth Avenue on their newly renovated fourth floor.
Launching with her Resort 2011 collection, the line is an embodiment of the art of the Geisha and spirit of the Samurai, with silhouettes that resemble reworked traditional kimonos and origami-like shapes. Inspired by women, Josie wanted to create a timeless collection (whether it be worn today or years from now), which moved effortlessly from day to night and could be layered up or down to compliment our busy lives. A mix of great basics, prints and fabrications, I’m smitten with the red jacket (pictured left on Josie Natori)… so much that I actually borrowed it for a picture with the designer.
Which of course as soon as she took the jacket off, I was all about the black dress she had under it (I’m like that mouse in If You Give A Mouse a Cookie). I love the pointed sleeves on it! Some other favorites from the collection includes:
This necklace blows my mind! It’s so editorial (I wish I could pull it off!).
If you haven’t been to the 4th floor at Saks post-renovation, definitely check it out! It’s beautiful and so much more shopable, housing the likes of brands including Ralph Lauren, Tahari, Burberry, Tory Burch, and now Josie Natori!
Check out more images from the entire collection and launch event: Continue Reading…
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December 7th is the Second Annual FashInvest Conference for Entrepreneurs
Posted 11/02/2011 by Lara
Being an entrepreneur in the fashion industry is tough. It is notorious for being cut throat and very expensive.
With the goal of encouraging funding for medium to smaller size businesses the FashInvest Capital Conference was created as the only place in the world where entrepreneurs within Fashion, Branded Goods, Retail and Fashion Tech start-ups can showcase their business vying for investment opportunities. Now in it’s second year, the organizers will welcome over 60 national and international capital sources (angel, institutional angel, venture capital and smaller private equity firms) attending the event who are looking to form relationships with viable candidates. The FashInvest Capital Conference will feature up to 20 selected, vetted and coached entrepreneurs presenting their company in an 8-minute format with the goal of fostering investment and strategic partnering opportunities.
The Conference will also feature Keynote Speakers, panels and networking.
Last year over 15 companies participated and many received initial funding as well as sage advice in their overall branding and prelaunch efforts.
The deadline for applications is November 4th 2011. Companies that are interested in participating can visit www.fashinvest.com for the online application.
The Second Annual FashInvest Capital Conference will take place on December 7 at the Fashion Institute of Technology
(F.I.T), 227 W. 27th Street, New York City.
Good Luck!
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Halloween How-To: Glam-pire!
Posted 10/30/2011 by Lara
Ever wonder how to get that perfectly creepy vampire look, complete with dropping blood down your lip? Check out this How-To by Make Up For Ever.
SKIN:
1) Start by mixing HD Microperfecting Primer #5 with a pale shade of HD Invisible Cover
Foundation and apply to the entire face.
2) Using the white shade from the Flash Color Palette, highlight the center of the forehead,
cheekbones and brow bone.
3) Sculpt the face using Eye Shadows #127 and #82 on the cheeks and temples.
4) Dust Star Powder #942 over the entire face.
EYES:
Rim the lash line using Aqua Eyes #0L in black, and then smudge the liner on the lids.
Apply Diamond Shadow #307 to the lids.
Sculpt the crease using Eye Shadows #76 and #139
Apply Faux Lash #209 and Smoky Lash Mascara in Black.
Finish by rimming the inner eye with Aqua Lip #8C to create a bloodshot effect.
LIPS:
1) Line the lips using Aqua Eyes #0L, and then add Rouge Artist Intense #42 on top.
2) Finish by highlighting the lips with Star Powder #902.
EFFECTS:
1) To create blood effects on the face, mix red lipstick and clear lip gloss together apply to
the mouth using a thin eyeliner brush. Apply as desired to other areas.
2) For veins, lightly draw tree branch looking lines using Aqua Eues #11L, then add
accents and discoloration using Aqua Eyes #12L and smudge to blue the lines. You can
use the veins on the inside of your arms as a reference.
If all else fails grab that cheapy white face powder from CVS and your best blood red lipstick and go wild! Just don’t forget the cold cream –hands down best way to get any type of excessive face paint off your face.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
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Halloween: The Perfect Excuse to Quit Smoking?
Posted 10/29/2011 by Lara
Oh Don Draper, you smoker, you
Trick or treat? Both. I’ve plotted to trick my boyfriend into quitting smoking, which in return is the ultimate treat for me (and my skin). Whether it’s James Dean, Holly Golightly, or your favorite Mad Men character (ahem Don Draper), cigarettes make there way into many of our Halloween costumes. And rather then roll up a piece of paper and create a fake one, try a smokeless electronic cigarette like South Beach Smoke (prices start at $29.99) on for size.
It offers that nicotine fix without exposing yourself, or anyone else to carcinogens, tobacco or ash since you’re simply exhaling pure water vapor. And as a result there’s no tar, smell or yellow teeth in your horizon. Plus they are home and bar friendly, so you won’t have to miss a moment of your Halloween party.
To each there own, but if you’re thinking about quitting, why wait until New Years and take this opportunity to test it out? Good luck.
Disclaimer: A complimentary sample was sent to Pretty Connected to test out the effectiveness of the product and for consideration of a post. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.
