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Lara Eurdolian, Pretty Connected Beauty Blog

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A Night Under the Stars with Susan Miller and Todd English

Susan Miller telling the crowd what to expect for 2012
My photo opp with Todd English!

For lack of a better cliche, I was through the moon over the recent event, Under the Stars I helped produce with the amazing PR Agency, Noise 784 for an evening with world famous astrologist (AstrologyZone founder), Susan Miller, and celebrity chef, Todd English. Considering the event was on the fancier side, I wasn’t leaving anything to chance. So after spending the day getting my hair and makeup done at Angelo David Salon, I dashed to Nicole Miller for the perfect outfit.

Susan Miller, who rarely makes public appearances hosted the zodiac themed evening, complete with specialty cocktails created by the founder of Intoxicated Zodiac mixologist, Gwen Sutherland Kaiser at Todd English’s restaurant, Crossbar. Located within The LimeLight in NYC, it’s modern day medieval charm complimented the enchantment of the evening perfectly. And while the astrologist indulged guests in an hour lecture over what to expect for 2012, the chef was busy in the kitchen preparing a four course meal consisting of small dishes representing the four astrological elements: earth, air, fire and water.

I got to sit with Susan for the dinner!

I was busy tweeting up a storm and selfishly like every person in that room waited for Susan to address my zodiac sign for incite into what I had to expect. She began by announcing the luckiest days of the year — May 12th and 13th. She then asked if there were any Taurus’ in the room. The only person to raise their hand was my date.

She then gloated over his good fortune, especially if his birthday be on those days or right before. It was the May 9th. She seemed pleased and encouraged him to pursue any business opportunities as there has not been a year with this much financial fortune since 1999. My date turned to me and whispered, “Lara, I’ve never made as much money as I did in 1999”. I got chills!

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Last Minute Holiday Gifts

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.

Holiday Gift Guide: Fab Finds Under $65


1. Tocca Gift Sets! Featured above is the  Tocca Eau do Parfum Viaggio set ($45) – which features 3 beautifully packaged mini-Tocca signature fragrances (0.5 fl oz), including Colette, Giulietta and Bianca. The Tocca Candele Da Viaggo set ($42) is also a great set for any candle connoisseur. This luxurious set  includes an assortment of travel size votive candles (1.2oz) in four of Tocca’s most popular scents: Cleopatra, Grace, Havana and Kyoto. Also included is a signature Tocca matchbox.

2. BOBBI BROWN Ultimate Party Collection ($65) – This double decker limited edition palette includes eight Matte, Metallic, Simmer and Sparkle Eye Shadows, 4 Glitter Lip Glosses and a mini lip brush and mini eye shadow brush. It’s really is the ultimate high quality convenience palette that packs everything you need for a night out. It’s easy to pull out the lip shade base with minimal pressure preventing any messy accidents or breakage. All the lip gloss shades are on the sheerer side for a light tint.

3. Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color ($25) – A variety of lightweight cream eye shadow that come in 12 shades and offers a radiant pearlish, lustrous finish that can easily with your fingertip (I recommend dusting over with an eye powder brush for darker shades), for an even finish. The formula contains Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE to help hydrate the skin, which is great for people like me, who have dry eyelids. Shades featured above are my two favorites, Caviar and Moss.

4. Jo Malone Christmas Cracker set ($30) – Crackers are a traditional british party favor so naturally our favorite brand from London has packaged the perfect mini-set in one. Crack open this set and you’ll find their signature mini-sized Grapefruit Cologne (9ml), Lime Basil & Mandarin Body & Hand Wash (15ml) and Pomegranate Noir Body Creme (15ml) perfect for any sophisticated male or female on your list.

5. Kate Spade Portola Valley Passport Holder ($65) – If you saw what my passport looked like at the moment, you’d understand why this is on my list! This chic passport holder is crafted of luxe ostrich-embossed leather and finished with the signature Kate Spade woven dot lining. Available in two shades, fresh green and mauve.

6. Bumble and Bumble Pin Tin ($15) – I love this tin! And my bobby pins can be found in the most miscellaneous places so for the sake of getting organized this makes a great gift. The box contains 50 winter white styling pins neatly packed in Bb. engraved tin.

7. Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Runway Essential Makeup Kit ($35) – Because deep down we all want to be an angel… or at least look like one! This set is the next best thing. Get the fashion show look with their top 4 VS Makeup essentials straight from the runway. The set includes VS Loose Shimmer Shadow in Gold Dust, Triple Drama Mascara, Sparkling Lip Gloss in Delight, and All-over Shimmer Powderin Candy Girl.

8. Tarte puttin on the glitz limited-edition color collection & clutch ($48) – Inspired by Old Hollywood glamour, this clutch includes three interchangeable palettes which snap into the clutch for a total of 18 eyeshadows, 1 Amazonian clay 12-hour blush, 1 Amazonian clay shimmering powder and 1 park ave princess Amazonian clay bronzer, and a maraca-infused lipgloss in the entire set. The reusable case is so hot! It’s a metallic silver clutch with 4 credit card slots, a removable mirror and strap to convert it into a full on evening purse. This set is a $406 value, so snag it for $48 while you can!

9. mark. Power of Change Necklace ($28) – As part of the m.powerment by mark. collection which is a philanthropic initiative committed to breaking the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence, these necklaces are loaded with their iconic symbols of support (and a portion of the sale is this campaign). The two goldtone necklaces are meant to be worn layered- or keep one and share the other with a friend.

10. MAKE UP FOR EVER Wild & Chic Palette ($39) – Available exclusively to Sephora inside Jc Penney stores nationwide, this chic palette includes a miniature Aqua Eyes Liner in black and the 6 Eyes Shadow shades: Bronze, Khaki, Pearly Light Pink, Brown Black, Metallic Copper, and Beige. Packaged in anthracite grey snake print I was spotted using this palette at my office and it’s so hot that half my colleagues now own it. MAKE UP FOR EVER makes one of the best eye liners and strong pigment eye shadows on the market. This is the perfect evening palette and makes a great gift for any makeup junkie.

11. Avon Makeup To Go Palette ($9.99) – this palette may fall apart long before you’re done using it, but for the price and what it has to offer, it’s worth the risk. Containing 8 eyeshadows, 4 lip glosses, and 1 blush, it has everything you need for anyone on the go in the most lightweight compact you’ll likely ever own. Makes for a great stocking stuffer or secret santa gift!

12. Avon Sequin Cross-Body Bag ($19.99) – I was pursuing the Avon site when I saw this hot number! Get it for Christmas, wear this mini sequenced bag for New Years. Features a foldover flap and turn lock closure with detachable cross-body chain-link strap. The bag can be worn three ways: cross-body, handbag or clutch. The dimensions are 4 1/2″ H x 6 1/4″ W x 2 1/2″ D.

13. Aveeno Baby Essential Daily Care Gift Set ($29.99) – Mom’s love Aveeno. And I should know, everyone around me is having babies. So if you’re looking for a great joint new moms and newborns gift this set is a great (and affordable) find! The set includes Aveeno’s Soothing Relief Moisture Cream, Soothing Relief Diaper Rash Cream, Daily Moisture Lotion, Wash and Shampoo, 100% organic cotton blanket, and reusable basket.

14. Give Bag ($7.99 – $9.99) – Who says the gift wrapping can’t be the gift itself? Or at least your eco-chic solution to wasteful & disposable gift packaging. It’s infinitely reusable because of its innovative, patent-pending erasable/rewritable Give Tag gift tags, that saves you the trouble of also buying a card and easily slides into the transparent pocket in the front of the bag. Additionally it features an interior material flap that covers the gift enclosed, eliminating the need for wasteful tissue paper. Plus, each Give Bag features its own unique tracking #, allowing gift-givers to register their Give Bag’s location & view their Give Bag as it travels around the globe. And it’s the gift that keeps on giving considering you’re encouraged to re-gift it once you receive one. Give bags come in two sizes and several colors and patterns.

15. Sally Hansen Salon Effects Limited Edition Holiday Prints ($9.99) – What better way to get into the holiday season then with Sally Hansen’s 5 new limited-edition holiday prints of their cult favorite Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. The new prints include Plaid About You (red and black plaid), Peppermint Twist (red and white candy stripe), Snow Bunny (white with red snowflakes), Prep’s Cool (black and silver argyle), and Winter Funderland (black, silver and blue glitter). The strips are made of already dried nail polish, so all you have to do is peel and apply for perfectly manicured nails. No mess or fuss, just fun prints!


Holiday Gift Guide: What to Get Him

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.

12/13 INVITE: 20×200 Deck the Walls Shopping Event

How awesome does this sound? I’m a huge 20×200 fan — several of my office and apartment art is attributed to this website. So if you’re in need of some redecorating, head to the 20×200 Deck The Walls Shopping event! Plus they have ping pong, so clearly, I’m in!

What:   20×200 Deck The Walls Open House

Ever wish the 20×200 online gallery came to life as a physical art wonderland? The 20×200 team invites shoppers to browse a selection of popular ready-to-hang framed prints available to order at their 20×200 loft. Framed print purchases will conveniently be delivered to all New York City residents the next day, free of charge!

When: Tuesday, December 13, 2011; 5pm – 8pm

Where: 20×200 Loft @ 6 E. 32nd Street, 4th floor, New York

Keds Launches First Clothing Line Exclusive to Opening Ceremony

Keds recently launched their first ever clothing line, exclusive to Opening Ceremony. Launching with Resort 2012, the collection which has both mens and womens clothing is inspired by vintage Americana.

I was all about their jackets, and anything that resembled a two-piece romper. My favorites include:

Check out shots from the whole collection:

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FashInvest connects Fashion Innovators with Potential Funding Players

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.

Santacon is coming to town!

That’s right NYC, it’s that special time of year, when Santa’s unite! So put on your best Christmas costume and join in on Santacon!!!

What is Santacon? Pretty much what it sounds like… Organized by Santa, himself (it says so on the website!), you show up with two non-perishable food items to one of the starting points (North Cove Marina at the Wild Financial Center or the Brooklyn Bridge Park at the intersection of Old Fulton Street and Water Street) and join your fellow North Pole residents on a epic bar crawl through the city.

Details posted on nycsantacon.com. Follow them on twitter @santacon or follow me today @PrettyConnected.

I’ll be updating this post throughout the day with pictures.

Ho ho ho!

Pictures from my first Santacon!

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WWD 10th Annual Beauty Inc Awards

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

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12/15 Join us for Under the Stars with Susan Miller and Todd English

I’m very excited to announce that I’m working on an amazing event, Under the Stars with Susan Miller and Todd English on December 15th and I hope some of you can make it!

Spend the evening with internationally known astrologer, and founder of AstrologyZone.com, Susan Miller (freak out!) as she guest lectures on “What to Look Forward to in 2012”. The event is hosted by renowned chef, restaurateur, author, and television star, Todd English who will be taking guests on a culinary journey with a zodiac tasting tailored to the evening.

Indulge in an open bar featuring cocktails inspired by the zodiac from mixologist and founder of Intoxicated Zodiac, Gwen Sutherland Kaiser and enjoy complimentary CND Shellac Manicures.

WHEN: December 15, 2011 – 6:30 to 11 pm

WHERE: CrossBar at the Limelight, 47 W. 20th St. at Sixth Ave, New York, NY 10010

COST: Pretty Connected readers get a reduced ticket price of $175 (original price $225) or two tickets for $325 and can be purchased online HERE

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