TriBeCa Whole Foods Launches the Wellness Club to Promote Healthy Living

Posted 10/19/2011 by Lara

By Pretty Connected Contributor, Elizabeth Borenstein

Whole Foods is defiantly my go to grocery store when I am looking for food that I think is healthy. That said, I have a sneaking suspicion that the Indian hot bar station I usually beeline to is not the most energy producing, nourishing option. It can be hard to know what to pick up that is healthy and delicious and Whole Foods can feel overwhelming to navigate. For confused consumers like myself and health conscious neighborhood residents, Whole Foods is looking to add a whole new dimension in how to shop their grocery store. Starting this month, with a pilot program at their Tribeca location in NYC, Whole Foods CEO John Mackey introduces the Wellness Club. “Created by doctors, this program offers members a wide-ranging set of tools for a greater chance of sustaining a healthier lifestyle.” Mackey describes.

Whole Foods Bread Breaking Ceremony

I stopped by the TriBeCa store for a traditional bread breaking ceremony and cooking demonstration in the brand new wellness center to learn more about this new initiative and what it means for Continue Reading…

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Preview: S/S 2012 White by Vera Wang for David’s Bridal

Posted 10/18/2011 by Lara

After an impressive Fall/Winter 2011 collection of White by Vera Wang for David’s Bridal back in July, I was curious to see what the Spring/Summer 2012 collection had to offer; and let me tell you – it did not disappoint. I was greeted with a stunning view of 2 styles that were created to mirror 2 (of the 3!) dresses that Kim Kardashian wore for her wedding to Kris Humphries.

Gorgeous and dramatic are two words I would use to describe the entire collection. Staying true to their ethos of affordable dresses, this collection ranges from $500 – $1,500.

And don’t forget about the bridesmaids! The flattering hammered silk style offered to compliment the collection comes in 9 different shades and costs less than $200.

  Putting the icing on the proverbial cake, White by Vera Wang also offers accessories, including shoes, headpieces, hair combs and sashes. It is hard to believe they are so affordable considering materials like silk and Continue Reading…

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PC at Nicole Miller Spring 2012 RTW Collection

Posted 09/26/2011 by Lara

My first Spring 2011 show of the season and definitely one of my favorites as far as totally funky, wearable 60′s athletic wear meets 80′s neon hues and checkers turned ready-to-wear collection goes. Appropriately named Fast Forward/Rewind as it took a fashion forward look on the past, I’m all about this collection! It featured fitted dresses with geometric shapes, flowy tops paired with fitted pants, prints, checkers and bright colors galore. Great black basics were mixed in (and easy to miss) within the psychedelic prints and pay special attention to the shoes! They are divine! The collection was so fun and full of energy that it got me super excited for spring!

Described as the speed of wheels in motion. The momentum of a skateboard shredding through the air. The sooming tempo of an inline track. The velocity of a bicycle racing towards the goal… All I can say is Nicole scored!

And seriously, when am I not wearing Nicole Miller to events? In a world where rarely anything looks like it was made for my body, she’s one of my favorites; so a ticket to her fashion show is always a highlight and score to cover for Pretty Connected. Plus it’s a good chance to preview everything I plan on wearing for the next calendar year;)

It’s clear by soft nude makeup (look created by James Kaliardos for MAC Cosmetics) and straight hair (lead by Kevin Ryan for RSession Tool), all eyes we’re meant for the clothes. And considering they speak Continue Reading…

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How to Keep Your Denim From Fading: Freeze Them

Posted 09/13/2011 by Lara

It is one of those things I just didn’t think of… but makes so much sense! Washing your jeans will cause fading, however freezing them overnight will have a similar cleansing effect sans the loss of color.

In this video from The Gap, “Rob” shows us how to keep our jeans smelling fresh, not shrinking and, of course, fading. Well I already spoiled the solution, but it’s still worth checking out.

I would love to hear any unique tips you have to take care of your favorite gear.

Please share!

- Elizabeth Borenstein

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Elettra Wiedemann & The Daily Present: GOODNESS

Posted 09/11/2011 by Lara

I’m very excited to announce the opening of  GOODNESS, a full service Fashion Week pop-up restaurant presented by The Daily and created by supermodel, extraordinaire, Elettra Wiedemann. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Elettra on this project and working with someone so creative and passionate has been truly inspiring –and delicious!

From Sept 11th – 14th,  7am – 3pm, GOODNESS will be open for breakfast and lunch to provide healthy and delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts. With daily changing menus and daily changing chefs, GOODNESS will feature Nick Wilbur of The Fat Radish, Christopher Randell of Whitehall, Rob Newton of Seersucker, and Ed Brown of Ed’s Chowder House. As Elettra describes it, “GOODNESS with a touch of BADNESS”.

Reservations, although not required, are available through GoodnessBadness.com and GiltCity.com. And because there’s no disconnecting during fashion week (and the press lounge is always full at Lincoln Center), there is complimentary internet is provided by the Orange Hat Group.

We have had a lot of exciting guests pass through the restaurant today! Find out who and join in the conversation! Tweet us at @GoodnessBadness and @orangehatgroup with the hashtag #GoodnessNYC.

For more information or to make a reservation visit www.goodnessbadness.com.

Please feel free to repost or share this invitation with fashionistas and foodies alike! We look forward to welcoming you:)

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Remembering 9/11

Posted 09/11/2011 by Lara

September 11th isn’t a subject I’ve ever felt comfortable talking about. I was a freshman in college and had just moved to the city only two weeks prior when the towers went down. Even when asked about my experience I’m quick to brush it off. I guess to this day I have such a difficulty digesting the ordeal and as human beings what we’re capable of doing to each other or how warped our perception of right and justice can be, especially at the expense of so many innocent people. It wasn’t until today that I realized I can officially say I’ve lived in New York for over 10years — although somehow using the publishing years of the anniversary of 9/11 as my marker saddens me.

This morning I woke up, ignored the news and any threats or scares that may come and hustled to the Empire Hotel to get straight to work on the events I’m producing for fashion week. As I got off the subway, I passed through Lincoln Center when suddenly I was taken aback by an army of performers dressed in white Continue Reading…

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Get Ready for Fashion’s Night Out

Posted 09/07/2011 by Lara

It’s almost that time of year again! On September 8, celebrate Fashion’s Night Out, the annual global event that aims to restore consumer confidence and promote… well… ah… shopping. And when you’re not busy stimulating the economy, you’re apart of one big rocking party! Stores have teamed up with Vogue, CFDA, NYC & Company and the City of New York to bring you NYC’s biggest and most exciting shopping event. The only downfall is you can’t do it all and the crowds be roaring (while the drinks keep pouring). Although the list of what to do in NYC is never ending, here are some highlights you may want to part take in.

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Who: MIU MIU

Where: 57th Street store in New York City

The Happening: “Miu Miu Muses Night”. This special competition will reflect the Miu Miu girl’s inner Muse by inviting her to channel her own interpretation of the 1940’s infused Autumn/Winter fashion show, and will be held simultaneously in both its Milan and New York stores. The attendees of the night will be photographed during the evening and the most inspiring one will be rewarded with an amazing surprise. Hosts Shala Monroque and bloggers, Tavi Gevinson, Jane and Judy Aldridge and young socialites Harry and Peter Brant will welcome guests to the. In the occasion of Vogue Fashion’s Night Out, a preview of the new capsule collection will be presented and will be available exclusively in select Miu Miu boutiques in Milan, New York, Los Angeles and London

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Who: Clinique

Where: Clinique Counter @ 59th Street Bloomingdales: From 5-8pm

The Happening: Milly designer, Michelle Smith will be making a special appearance and share her expert fashion tips. While you’re there grab the new Milly for Clinique Gift – a limited edition cosmetics bag filled with Clinique’s beauty essentials (receive it complimentary with your $25 Clinique purchase). Guests Continue Reading…

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Sample Sale Alert: Rent The Runway for Keeps

Posted 08/27/2011 by Lara

Next Mon/Tues August 29th and 30th get ready to dust yourself off from what plans to be a dreary Sunday and shop the Rent The Runway sample sale (4-8PM @ 163 Varick Street (between Charlton and Spring St., 4th Floor). Designer dresses and accessories at rock-bottom prices (for keeps!) from Rent the Runway’s warehouse, stock up on gently-worn items from a roster of 150 designers including Proenza Schouler, Badgley Mischka, Catherine Malandrino, Missoni and more

You will most likely have to fight me for this Helmut Lang dress:

Helmut Lang Retail: $470 Sale: $60

And plan on scooping up this Badgley Mischka for fall time formals

Badgley Mischka Retail: $795 Sale: $150

Tickets to the sale are $5 through GiltCity.com.  Each Gilt City ticket is also good for a $20 credit to use at the sample sale.  Rent the Runway members can also attend free of charge by emailing full name and phone number to RSVP@renttherunway.com.

See you there!

- Elizabeth Borenstein

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Websites that make your life easier

Posted 08/12/2011 by Lara

Recently, I attended an event hosted by SheFinds.com CEO + Editor, Michelle Madhok and dermatologist, Dr. Karcher for tips, tools and websites that help balance life from work. Lets face it, we’re all juggling a million things, so website recommendations to make our lives easier are always appreciated. Here are their top-rankers:

  • For services use Lifebooker.com and ZocDoc.com to book everything from hair to doctor’s appointments online.
  • TheScramble.com offers up healthy meal ideas, complete with printable grocery shopping lists.
  • Skip the grocery line all together and opt for FreshDirect.com or Peapod.com to have your groceries delivered right to your front door.
  • TinyPrints.com saves you time on sending cards and from forgetting important occasion. Just import your friends and family’s addresses and birthdays, and you can have cards automatically sent to them on important dates.
  • Benefit from shopping off eBates.com. You’ll get cash back when you shop at popular websites including Nordstrom.com, Sears.com, Walmart.com and more.
  • Looking for discounted gift cards? Check out PlasticJungle.com where you can buy Continue Reading…
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Renowned Beaute Oblige Comes to NYC

Posted 08/06/2011 by Lara

Madame Camille Obadia needs very little introduction to the Parisian market, known for her anti-aging treatments, her clinic, Beaute Oblige has attracted Europeans and clients abroad  for over a decade. An expert in her field, she’s also been a go-to for every major European publication for skincare and anti-aging commentary.

With a strong push from her American clientele to open a salon in the US and the demand for a non-surgical approach to dramatically improve your looks and turn back the clock she recently opened a Beaute Oblige location on Madison Avenue. I visited the clinic and sat down with Madame Camille to learn more about her breakthrough equipment. Bringing the latest generation of technology, she has pioneered TriPollar radio frequency and utilizes an advanced method of electrotherapy to stimulate collagen production and tighten muscles for surgical-like results. Offering a variety of face and body services, was anxious to try this super-power machine!

Now I’m used to going to spas and being told I have some sun damage but overall being complimented on how great it is –and rightfully so, I take good care of it! Madame Camille took one look at my face and pointed to all the areas I’m losing collagen –my forehead, the left side of face (which was less plump then my right) and that I need to focus on my neck. Showing me with a mirror, she was absolutely right! We then Continue Reading…

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