PC Mother’s Day Gift Guide (+ Win Phebo Soap Bar Trio!)
Posted 05/06/2012 by Lara
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and while flowers and a thoughtful card are always a safe bet (and take mom out to dinner while you’re at it), here are some other PC Mom picks. Most of these are our classic favorites, with the exception of a new brand to this site, Phebo!
WIN IT! Brazilian luxury perfumery brand, Phebo is debuting in the US at Macy’s nationwide for only a few months! Available until the end of July, we’re giving away the Phebo Soap Bar Trio Set ($24 value) in your choice of fragrance. Set includes: 2 Phebo bar soaps and 1 liquid soap in your choice of fragrance: Naturelle, Amazonian, Lavanda, Manha, Oriente, Primavera, Rose or Tropical. To view the complete assortment on flavors visit macys.com
TO ENTER: leave a comment on why you’d like to win!
Extra entries if you…
**Follow us on Twitter, @PrettyConnected and tweet to us why you’d like to win using the hashtag #MDay
**“Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/PrettyConnected and leave us a comment referencing this giveaway.
{PC Mother’s Day Gift Guide}
1. WIN IT (details above)! Phebo Soap Bar Trio ($24) – While this set comes in a several fragrances, I’m partial to the Flores de Primareva. Not only does it make you’re bathroom pretty in pink, it’s refreshing floral change to your conventional clean-scented hand soaps. Phebo is 100% vegetal based, using a wide range of essential oils, botanicals, herbs, spices and fruit oils in all of their products.
2. Tocca Candle (10.6oz/$38) – Cleopatra is a classic Tocca scent (it’s a light/clean aroma that blends cucumber and grapefruit), that I’m a fan of, however you really can’t go wrong with any of their candles (especially since they have recently expanded the line with so many more choices). They burn for roughly 60 hours.
3. Philosophy I think You’re Wonderful Pure Grace set ($32) – I’m not sure what’s better, the packaging or Philosophy’s cult favorite products, Pure Grace. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone that didn’t like Grace’s beautifully clean scent. The gift set includes Pure Grace Foaming Bath and Shower cream (8 oz.) and Pure Grace Perfumed Body Lotion (8 oz.). No need to wrap… the packaging says it all.
4. Royal & Langnickel 12-piece Silk Pro Set ($120)- Synthetic brushes have come a long way in the past 5years that there’s no reason animal hair needs to be involved to have a high-end, quality brush. There is every brush you could ever want in this set and they are all so soft, durable and animal-friendly. Quality brushes are Continue Reading…
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Travel Smart with T.J.Maxx and Marshalls
Posted 05/03/2012 by Lara
As a Bostonian I grew up on T.J.Maxx and Marshalls (they too are Boston-born) and the funny part about being in New York is now, I rarely go to the ones in the city. However, whenever I’m home visiting the family I somehow inevitably end up at one or the other. Mainly, because my local T.J.Maxx is located in Fresh Pond, right next to Whole Foods. While my mom shops groceries, I’m next door walking the TJMaxx aisles…
{Inside Marshalls – Summer beach essentials for kids and adults}
It’s amazing how much retailer has changed in the past decade — for starters they now have an extensive designer section; I’ve seen everything from Prada, Ferregamo and YSL bags to Alice and Olivia, J Brand, Marc Jacobs and Missioni clothes. (I’ve even seen Chanel.)
{I spy YSL bag at Marshalls NYC}
So last week T.J.Maxx and Marshalls hosted a Summer Travel event to take my fellow writers and I on a tour of their NYC locations (which are right on top of each other on 23rd and 6th Ave). The lovely style experts and TJMaxx/Marshalls spokeswomen, Lilliana Vazquez and Pamela Pekerman walked us through retailers, pointing out some great summer style and travel essentials for the whole family (including your pets!). Oh the treasures we found! First off with Mother’s Day around the corner, you may want to pop your head in considering they have a vast assortment of giftable items and a jewelry section (at roughly 60% off retail).
{Shopping gifts at T.J.Maxx with Lilliana Vazquez — how cute are those color-blocking shoes?}
{Shopping Marshalls with Pamela Pekerman – again, I’m all about the shoes!}
{Pet-friendly travel packs and gifts!}
{Pretty in pink — I spy a really hot Ralph Lauren bag!}
We played a little Price is Right — and I won an amazing new yellow Abro bag (I guessed correctly it was priced at $129.99 — original retail was $230), while the lovely Amanda (from FashionIndie.com) won a set of Skullcandy UPROC headphones.
{Amanda and I holding up our big Marshalls wins!}
I for one, am about to embark on some MAJOR travels — that’s right, on Saturday I depart for Beirut and Italy! Two places I’ve never been and took my lovely hosts advice and took the opportunity to do a little shopping.
First off, I needed new luggage. My requirements were a durable, carry-on friendly suitcase that had 360 wheel spin and was colorful! While I’m not big on logos, I am big on Diane von Furstenberg and scored a bright orange DVF carry-on with a 10 year warranty! Best part, I got it for $69.99 ( it originally retails for $300!!).
Next, I needed a good over the shoulder medium-size purse that I could beat up without feeling guilty about and has a compartment for my passport. Victoire! I found this white Steve Madden bag for $39.99 (compare at $88).
My bags are packed, I’m ready to go!
Bon Voyage!
Disclaimer: PC won the Abro bag, and received a $50 gift card as part of the gift bag — the remaining balance of DVF suitcase and Steve Madden bag was paid for by PC.
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OpenSky Launches Beauty + PC Interviews Dr. Brandt!
Posted 05/03/2012 by Lara
Yesterday, I had an event-full day of meeting some major industry experts at the Opensky beauty launch party.
Meet the OpenSky curators!
Some of you may be familiar with Opensky — they are a shopping site that pairs industry experts in food, style, healthy living, kids and home to curate some of their favorite products and make them available to you. Fresh to the website is now BEAUTY! To name a few… Dr. Neal Schultz, MD, Pati Dubroff, Chandler Burr, Sue Devitt, Alicia Silverstone and Dr. Brandt are all curators for this new category and the product range for beauty spans over Hair, Makeup, Body, Fragrance, Skincare and Wellness.
I had some one-on-one time with Dr. Brandt (yes the Dr. Brandt!!) to talk yoga, summer must-haves, SPF and how to fight back against sun damage! Take a look:
For more on OpenSky, visit opensky.com
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May NYC Sample Sales – Rebecca Minkoff, Jonathan Adler, Tocca and more!
Posted 05/02/2012 by Lara
I confess, most of this is ripped off from DailyCandy.com with a few additions since I will be traveling this month and would hate for you to miss out on all of these fabulous deals!
Here’s your complete NYC guide to sample sale shopping for May:
What: MCM
Why: Up to 70 percent off leather handbags, totes, clutches, and wallets.
When: Today-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Flatotel, 135 W. 52nd St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 5th flr., ste. b.
What: Be&D
Why: The embellished accessories brand knocks up to 70 percent off merchandise with shoes starting at $75, handbags at $125, and clutches and wallets from $40.
When: Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where: 260 W. 36th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 8th flr.
What: Raoul
Why: Flirty skirts, tailored pants, shorts, and printed blouses from the latest fall, spring, and cruise collections are up to 75 percent off.
When: Today-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 601 W. 26th St., b/t Eleventh & Twelfth Aves., ste. 1745.
What: Inhabit
Why: Cashmere sweaters ($80, reg. $398), cotton dresses ($50, reg. $258), tees, and tanks for $30-$50.
When: Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 320 W. 37th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves., 14th flr. Continue Reading…
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A Night with Fashion Star’s Nichole Richie and John Varvatos at H&M
Posted 04/25/2012 by Lara
H&M celebrated NBC’s ‘Fashion Star’ last night with a very fun bash at their Fifth Avenue location! Hosted by Nicole Richie (sigh, I love her) and John Varvatos (double sigh, I love his suits on men); they screened a sneak peek of the latest new episode while the drinks were-a-pouring and the waiters were serving up just about every type of dessert you could ask for.
{Fashion Star mentors, John Varvatos and Nicole Richie –love, love, love}
{H&M buyer Nicole Christie with Nicole Richie, John Varvatos}
{Nicole Christie works that dress! — It’s available at H&M!}
{Now that’s a party!}
{Full screen Fashion Star showing — too bad there was no audio (or bag big enough to fit that projector in!)}
{Photo booth! Sometimes James loves me, other times he’s ready to strangle me}
{‘Fashion Star’ contestants: Kara Laricks, Nikki Poulos, Ronnie Escalante}
“Fashion Star” is a new reality tv series which gives 14 unknown designers the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize to launch their collections in three of America’s largest retailers: Macy’s, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue. Hosted by Elle Macpherson, along with celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos, every week these designers debut their collection to these respective retailers in hopes of having their designs produced. If the buyers buys their design, it’s available the next morning at their department store for purchase.
Tune into NBC for Fashion Star Tuesdays at 10/9c
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PC Featured in the Dressbarn’s Spring Fashion Challenge (+20% off coupon)
Posted 04/09/2012 by Lara
Dressbarn's Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Wrap Dress
After working with Dressbarn for their suit drive to benefit Dress for Success (I hope some of you we’re able to donate!), the brand approached me for a fun challenge — finding a universally flattering dress despite size and shape. Does a one-dress-looks-good-on-all frock exist?
Well here it goes… the 5 Ways to Wear It: Spring Fashion Challenge.
The Contestants: 5 bloggers, 5 different shapes
- Moi — Lara of Pretty Connected
- Makeda of Glamazon Diaries
- Lorna of The Fabulous Report
- Jordanna of The Fashionisette
- Melissa of The Fat Apple
The Dress: Dressbarn’s Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Wrap Dress in Cobalt Blue ($39.99)
Description: Flirtatious ruffles flutter at the sleeves, edges and hemline of this slinky monochrome wrap dress, which ties at the waist to create an instant hourglass shape. 37″ from shoulder to hem. Full wrap detail closure. Material is 95% polyester/5% spandex. Machine Wash. Available in Size 4 – 24.
{How I rocked the Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Wrap Dress}
I went for more of an edgy rock-glam look when outfitting this dress. I styled the wrap dress with Ray-Ban sunglasses, Winter Kate jacket, mark. necklace, Express bracelet, Skweez Couture tights, Zara shoes, and Rebecca Minkoff bag.
Usually I find when shopping online the items look better on the site then when they come in the mail. Not the case when it came to this dress. It fits like a glove and cobalt blue is all the rage. It’s an easy dress to take from day to night and style in a variety of ways. It’s also really easy to pack so this dress will for sure be going on my Beirut-Rome trip I have planned next month!
For all of you Dressbarn fans, they we’re nice enough to offer a 20% off coupon for all of you to enjoy, valid through 4/30. Details below:
Disclaimer: This dress was sent to Lara on behalf of Pretty Connected for the 5 Ways to Wear It: Spring Fashion Challenge. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to participate or receive any financial gain.
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WIN IT! Enter our Lolly Scarf Giveaway ($74 Value)
Posted 04/05/2012 by Lara
I am a bit of a scarf collector — I consider it genetic. Newest obsession, LA-based Lolly Clothing scarves. While they’ve already taken over the necks of many celebs (including Gwyenth Paltrow, Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Aniston, and Sarah Jessica Parker) they are new to my company so I’m excited to give one away to a lucky reader!
Their collection combines artisanal and textile patterns and for Spring 2012 they have beautiful range of dip-dyed scarves and silk pashmina’s. Everything is one-of-a kind and done with an innovative layering dye process, giving each scarf it’s own unique, individual look.
WIN IT – The Lolly Silk Pashmina ($74 Value)!
Description: 100% silk, unbelievably soft pashmina/silk scarf. The gorgeous splatter wash is done by hand (no two pieces look alike) in a cascade of yellows that’s perfect for spring. (For more details click HERE)
TO ENTER:
Leave a comment under this post and tell me why you want to win OR what your must-have accessory is for spring. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.
Extra entries if you…
Follow us on Twitter, @PrettyConnected and tweet to us why you’d like to win this @LollyClothing Scarf.
“Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/PrettyConnected and leave us a comment referencing this giveaway.
**Entries will be accepted until April 15th at 8pm EST. US residents only. All federal, state and local laws apply. Winner will be announced on April 17th. Good luck!
Sweepstakes, WinPrizesOnline: Sweepstakes
Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by Lolly Clothing. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to host this promotion, nor is receiving any financial gain.
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Ideeli Spring Preview + Win the nOir Enamel Link Necklace!
Posted 03/30/2012 by Lara
If you’re not already a member (and subscriber) to Ideeli, here’s a few reasons why you may need to (like seriously, right this second…). Behold a preview of what the limited-time discount retailer has in store for you this spring:
{Necklaces from nOir (on sale 4/16) and South Sun (on sale 4/19), watches from La Mer Collection (on sale 4/16) — spring is all about color blocking and neon accents!}
HALT, GIVEAWAY TIME! Before we go on, we’re giving away a nOir Enamel Link Necklace (in Orange/Gold) to one lucky winner on twitter who follows us, @prettyconnected and @Ideeli and tweets: “Enter the @Pretty Connected @Ideeli giveaway for this @nOirJewelry necklace! To enter RT & follow us both http://bit.ly/H1fRHd”.
You can tweet any link for the above that either links to a picture of the necklace or this post to be automatically entered. Entries will be accepted until tomorrow, Saturday March 31st at 8pm EST. US residents only. Winner will be announced on Monday vis Twitter.
{Okay… back to the Spring preview and gushing over these amazing La Mer Collection watches…}
{Reuse Denim (on sale 4/19) — they use 80% recycled denim for their line! LOVE sustainable brands!}
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Marni for H&M Launches March 8th
Posted 03/05/2012 by Lara
Are you excited for latest designer collaboration for H&M? I sure am! Set your alarms and get ready to wait in line. Come March 8th at 8am, H&M is opening their doors to their exclusive Marni collection.
Featuring an eclectic collection filled with quirky pieces, the Marni collection at H&M is a modular wardrobe for women and men, complete with accessories. It is composed of elegant items selected by Marni’s creative director and founder, Consuelo Castiglioni, from her extensive repertoire to create a playful range of style possibilities. Famed for their original prints and bold colors, this collection is unmistakable Marni with the juxtaposition of shapes, patterns and materials. Price points for the line ranges from $19.95 – $149.99, and they look half as good as they appear in the look-book (photographed by fames photographer, Josh Ollins!), I very well would like to get my hands on as many pieces as I can! Ahhhhh I’m such a Marni fan, I’m so happy to see that this partnership hasn’t impeded on their sense of style or need to tone down their patterns for a more mass appeal.
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NYC INVITE: 1/12 Join Juicy Couture for their Juicy Resolutions Party
Posted 01/10/2012 by Lara
WHAT: You’re invited to the Juicy Resolutions Party!
WHEN: Thursday, January 12th 5-7pm
WHERE: Juicy Couture, 860 Madison Avenue, NYC
DETAIL: Start the year off right with BluePrintCleanse cocktails and light bites. 20% off all full-priced purchases during the event.
RSVP at RSVP@juicycouture.com
