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Lara Eurdolian, Pretty Connected Beauty Blog

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Cake Plate partners with Benefit Cosmetics

Style experts Lindsay Kroll and Paige Smith and co-owners of Cake Plate Boutique in Napa, CA are opening their doors to Benefit Cosmetics this summer. Through September the Napa Valley fashion hot spot will serve as a pop-up shop for the makeup brand serving favorites as Bella Bamba, BADgal lash, Ultra Radiance Facial Re-hydrating Mist, Benetint and Stay Don’t Stray Eye Primer.

It doesn’t get too much better then one stop shopping for fashion and beauty! Now my only request is they open in NY. I’ve been playing on their website and there are so many summer dresses I want!

Although get excited new yorkers, Benefit will soon be opening their first store in NYC at 454 West Broadway in SoHo!

Cake Plate Boutique, 1000 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: A complimentary sample of Benefit Stay Don’t Stray  given to Pretty Connected by a company representative. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review. See my About/Disclosure tab for more information.

Refinery29’s Summer Jam Series

On July 6th, the cleverly hip and ever so stylish fashion and beauty website, Refinery29.com kicked off their Summer Jam series at the W Downtown Hotel.

Party at the W!

While I’m not generally one to be spotted in the financial district –uh pretty much ever –okay maybe a few times a year –I make an exception for friends that are tourists and that live in the area and now Refinery29!

I grabbed a group and hit the terrace. The inside was overly happening as guests flocked to the bar. As I maneuvered my way through the crowd to grab a drink, it was a reunion and half. I ran into old friends, new friends, old coworkers (I really must be on my 10th anniversary in NY).

Great DJ’s (Caitlin Moe and Mia Moretti was spinning!), good drinks, fun crowd, amazing friends, nice breeze… What more could you ask for?

The party continues July 19th through August 30th. Get in on it!

 

Nicole Miller Partners with Indego Africa

Nicole Miller and Indego Africa collection. Additional patterns and colors available on NicoleMiller.com

Nicole Miller recently re-partnered with Indego Africa to launch a limited edition line of fair-trade shorts and sarongs ($65). The designer had previously worked with the non-profit (which works with more than 250 artisan women in Rwanda to teach them skills and opportunities to provide for their families) to created a collection of woven and textile bracelets (still available) last fall.

“I am so proud to have had the opportunity to partner with such an inspiring organization that empowers African women and to help  spread the message of Indego Africa. I’ve always loved

Tela Organic Phyto-Keratin Smoothing Treatment

Tela Design Studio

On a miserable day in NYC, I walked into Philip Pelusi’s Tela Design Studio with my unruly, frizzy, rained on hair ready to try their new 85% USDA certified organic keratin smoothing hair treatment ($125). Unlike most keratin treatments on the market, this one is plant based (most are extracted from animals) and free of formaldehydes, sulfates, and parabens.

The semi-permanent hair care lasts 4-6 weeks and contains Pelusi’s patent-pending phyto ceramide complex, which works to rearrange the keratin bonds deep with hair to help renew hair to a silky and lustrous state while smoothing and straightening. Now I’m no stranger to Keratin, I’ve tried different types of treatments as well as styling products that contain it, however this was my first

QVC Serves Up Mocktails and CEW Beauty Winners

So much beauty excitement at QVC! Tonight from 11pm – 12am (EDT), the CEW Beauty Award Winners, (including Clinique, Dior Beauty, Fresh, DDF, Ojon, Kiehl’s and Philosophy) will be on QVC! Get a sneak peak at what’s going on sale at QVC.com

And if you’re looking to get your drink on (your body), QVC is serving up some of their favorite cocktail-inspired beauty favorites! Now available through their website…

  • Philosophy Papaya Passion Punch Body Lotion ($24)
  • Philosophy Tropical Daiquiri Shower Gel ($20)
  • Demeter Frozen Margarita Cologne Spray ($20)
  • Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Mai Tai ($12)
  • Tarte 24/7 Lip Sheer in Champagne

Additional products from these brands are also available on QVC.com

Disclaimer: Complimentary samples of these products were given to Pretty Connected by a company representative. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review. See my About/Disclosure tab for more information.

Weekend Escape with Carrera at the Mondrian Soho

Carrera Escape @ Mondrian Soho Roof

Sometimes the best escapes are the ones in our backyard. Or rather my friend Gene’s whose apartment looks into the Mondrain Soho. Taking a staycation to the next level, Carrera sunglasses hosted a two-day escape this weekend on the rooftop of the Mondrian Soho. Offering morning yoga classes, afternoon massages (compliments of Equinox), and of course a preview of the latest Carrera sunglasses collection. Don’t mind if I do…

Kaylee DeFer, Penn Badgley. Photo Credit: NickyDigital.com

Guests were free to roam around the roof and take in the view or layout on the deck and enjoy an assortment of magazines, while the handsome men of Venroy Australia circled the penthouse (gotta love the eye candy– I mean the swimsuit sponsors). The only thing sexier, were the sunglasses. I’m so into the vintage 70s racer meets Don Johnson/Miami Vice thing Carrera has going on. And with

Azzedine Alaia Back on the Runway

Photo Credit: WWD

In his first show in 8 years, Azzedine Alaia was back on the runway for the Fall Couture 2011 showing this past week. The designer, who supposedly was offered to head up the house of Dior, appeared to be going nowhere but up as the crowd (including Sofia Coppola, Donatella Versache, Kayne West and Victoire de Castellane) applauded his triumphant finale.

Proving to be a vast success (I’ve been cowering the internet for images and reviews), the collection has been revered as well worth the wait. And apparently the long standing ovation, which didn’t end until French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand went backstage and persuaded the bashfully shy designer to face his supporters.

For more images visit wwd.com

Congratulations Erika and Bryan!

Bryan Yates and Erika Mercado

Okay future weddings I will attend, the bar has been set high! Congratulations to Bryan Yates and Erika Mercado, in what could be the most amazing, beautiful, fun, wedding I may ever witness (until I have my own). The bride planned the perfect destination wedding single handed! Although that should be no shock to any of her friends and family, she professionally produces events and photo shoots for a living.

Watching Erika and being apart of the process (even if it was just hearing about it during our regular lunches), and the big day made me believe in magic. It was refreshing to see someone enjoy all the parts of her wedding and not turn into a bridezilla or give into the stress and politics so many do. Instead, it was a everything it should be. A special day when two people unite in holy matrimony in front of their dearest friends and family.

And seriously, how beautiful does she look?  Drool over the details…

Destination: Acapulco, Mexico

Erika’s Look:

Hair and Make up: Diego Americo
Lips: Mark. Glow Baby Glow Lip Gloss
Fragrance: Un Jardin Sur Le Nil
Dress: Chloe
Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Venue (ceremony and reception): Hotel Boca Chica
Decor: Caty Gomez
Food: Kesiku (former Bond St NYC chef)
Bryan’s Suit (Groom): Paul Smith
Bridesmaid dresses: Donna Morgan Belted Chiffon Dress

How did she amp up for her big day? Erika cut out cheese, regimented herself at David Barton Gym and drank a lot of Kusmi “Detox” Tea (ahem, I got her hooked on it!).

Check out my handsome date! And yes, he's licking my face

Like a true Mexicana wedding, we started the night refreshed, then the lovebirds got hitched and the tequila came out, the jackets came off and next thing I know my date is licking my face. Chalk it up to puppy love.

 

White by Vera Wang Fall 2011 Bridal Collection

For all of you who have dreamed about wearing a Vera Wang down the isle, then hesitated at the price tag check out the White by Vera Wang collection exclusive to David’s Bridal.

Now in their second season (they launched in Spring 2011), their Fall 2011 collection has arrived! And it’s unbelievable –or at least the price tag is. I was floored when I attended their presentation and saw the wedding dresses priced at $600-$1200, bridesmaid dresses all under $200 (in a variety or short and long silhouettes and colors) and shoes ranging from $58-$98. Additionally White by Vera Want has launched a line of accessories from hairpins (which can also be worn as a lapel) to headbands and sashes.

“It gives me great pride to be able to bring my design to more women through White by Vera Wang. With the addition of bridesmaid dresses and shoes, I am excited to provide an array of romantic, classic and whimsical fashion for the entire bridal party” says Vera. And not only is she making her collection accessible through the affordable price point and extension in the collection, but also in sizing. Select styles are available in size 16-26.


For additional styles and to learn more about the White by Vera Wang Fall 2011 Bridal Collection visit DavidsBridal.com

Lucky Magazine’s Summer Jam

I’m really glad to be in with Lucky Magazine. Since last year the publication has been very supportive of bloggers. In addition to hosting their semi-annual Fashion and Beauty Blogger Conference (FABB), they regular feature bloggers in their issues and have a whole Style Collective on their website.

Last week Lucky Magazine hosted their Summer Jam Cocktail Party for their favorite bloggers *blush*. I wasn’t about turn down the opportunity to meet the staff at Lucky and mingle with my fellow bloggers.

Being rated by The Bumbys

I was greeted by the wonderful Colleen Call (Lucky’s Fashion Merchandising Director) and prompted to see The Bumbys! Do you know The Bumbys? They’re team Gill and Jill who sit behind a desk and offer honest appraisals of your style. No bias here, the duo’s face is covered and they don’t speak. Of course the first think out of my mouth was, ‘do the sunglasses work for me? I want you to know I grabbed them at the bar, so if they give me extra points add it in, if not I can take them off”

Excited over my Bumby's report card!

THE OUTFIT:

My report card said the following:

YES. Yes to the sunglasses. They remind me of the little shock of color that was streaked in the bangs of the emo girl that I sat behind in High School. But that’s coupled with, in your case a kind of debutante meets Steffi Graff thing. And let me just take this opportunity to tell you, that girl from Algebra 2 is looking fiiiiiiiine. Also, don’t take the Steffi Graff thing out of stride, I just meant sporty. Not horse-like.

Average Rating: 9.7

Woohoooo a 9.7!! Which rocked, because I worked that room and it was the highest score of any blogger I met! That was a serious ego boost, although I credit the dress. From the moment I left my apartment to the final event I attended that evening, I don’t think 15minute went by without someone complimenting me on it. It’s a good thing I went for it! I was debating between that outfit, high wasted shorts with a tucked in vintage shirt and snake-print leggings. Apparently there is no consistency in my wardrobe these days.

If you’re a fashion and/beauty blogger looking to get in with Lucky sign up for their FABB Conference! Tickets go on sale this week so