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Lara Eurdolian, Pretty Connected Beauty Blog

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Lucky Magazine Hosts FABB Conference

Event: Lucky Magazine Inaugural Fashion and Beauty Blogger (FABB) Conference
When: February 8th
Venue: Apella, NYC

Fellow Blogger Kimmy Scotti and Lara Eurdolian (me!) at FABB

Lucky Magazine did an extraordinary thing for us bloggers, when hosting their inaugural Fashion and Beauty Blogger (FABB) Conference last week.  To have such an amazing publication show their support to the Blogger community and take the time to organize such an incredibly group of guest speakers and panelists shows a high level of acceptance of us in this industry. I mean HELLO! They got us Jenna Lyons, Tory Burch, Joan Rivers, Sohie Buhai, Lisa Mayock, Kerry Diamond, Erika Bearman (aka @OscarPRGirl) and so many more incredible speakers and notable bloggers. And proved that there’s no reason for all of this hype that magazines and bloggers are in competition, but rather can work to support each other to mutually grow and benefit. Of course on some level we are, but not any more so then we are with our fellow bloggers, and with this new social space it’s a great time for us to come together.

Brandon Holley and Tory Burch
Jenna Lyons (my inspiration), Lara Eurdolian

I was curious to meet Brandon Holley, the new editor in chief of Lucky magazine, who was hosting the event. She recently replaced former Lucky editor, Kim France who founded the publication. Clearly, she has big shoes to fill, however Holley came from Shine, Yahoo’s site for women and obviously has a strong digital and web background. And is putting that experience to good use; it was both innovative and monumental for Lucky to start FABB. Am I expressing the magnitude of this! Most of us would have been content with a digital director hosting the event and her making an appearance. The fact that Holley took the time out of her busy schedule to spend an entire day with us, and advocate for our growth is epic.

Okay, enough gushing, you get the point. The room was filled with bloggers at all levels; from ones who haven’t started their blogs to those who have created a business out of them. I walked out of the conference inspired and hopeful. My notebook was filled with advice including

AHALife and Ivanka Trump Do Good

Event: Ivanka Trump and Ahalife Jewelry Event
Date: February 7, 2011
Location: Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry Boutique, Madison Avenue, NYC

Wendi Murdoch, Shauna Mei and Ivanka Trump
Ivanka Trump Girl Up Bracelet

I kicked off the week with AHAlife and Ivanka Trump at a private event hosted at her jewelry store on Madison Avenue. If you’re not familiar with AHAlife.com, you should be or at least sign up for their newsletter. They are a website that sells unique finds from all over the world curated by a series of tastemakers (all of which you can “meet” on their site). One of which, Wendi Murdoch, featured Ivanka Trump’s Girl Up Bracelet, which went on sale on AHAlife the very next day.  Priced at $40, 100% of the proceeds from the sale benefits the United Nations Girl Up campaign, an organization that works to improve the lives of girls globally.

“We help provide basic needs such as access to school supplies, clean water, life-saving health services, safety from violence and more for these young girls,” says Trump. The bracelet features a sterling silver chain and a coral silk cord joined by two sterling silver charms—the Girl Up bird and the Ivanka Trump logo.

Considering you’ll likely never see anything at the Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry Boutique priced at $40 (or on AHALife.com), let alone with the proceeds going to such a worthy cause, I would recommend jumping on this opportunity. Oh look at that, I just

The Sweetest Thing: Miles Ehan & Three Custom Color Team Up For a Tweet Up

Lara with Miles Ehan and his Inspiration Board for Three Custom Color

You may have noticed that I (and some fellow beauty bloggers) were tweeting up a storm recently at a tweet up hosted by one of my favorite bloggers, Felicia Walker Benson of ThisThatBeaty.com. We were celebrating the launch of the Sweetest Thing collection by Three Custom Color Specialists, inspired by up-and-coming fashion designer Miles Ehan, who designs gowns using unconventional materials. And in this case appropriately yummy ones like cotton candy and cupcake wrappers!

Some of you may be familiar with Three Custom Color for their unique ability to offer customers custom colors –or to re-create discontinued beauty product from any brand on the market. You just have to provide them with a sample! In addition to that ridiculously practical and helpful service, they also have a color line, which now includes the Sweetest Thing collection, just

BE MINE: Valentine’s Day Tips

I always have mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day. It’s become so commercial that it’s easy to get caught up in the fancy dinners and expensive gifts when really the holiday is all about being romantic and thoughtful. So get creative and make that special someone feel special! Here are some tips to finesse your way through Valentine’s Day.

Papaya Envelope Set

Write a Love Note: Hide it in his/her bag or mail it to their work! What better surprise then to find a love letter? Just skip the cheesy, generic card, where all you do is sign your name, and either make one or take the time to really pick out one that really resonates. I LOVE Papaya Envelope Sets ($12/pack of 6), they are my ultimate go to cards for special occasions.

Flirty Little Secret Perfume

Flowers: Necessary or unnecessary cliché? It depends. Secretly, all girls hope when the FedEx guy walks through the office doors it’s to deliver them flowers. It’s always a thoughtful surprise that makes one feel special. Plus it results in major coworker-envy, which can be quite the ego boost. It’s also a nice touch if you’re picking up your date from their home. However, if you’re meeting them at dinner or out on the town, it’s a nuisance. I had a date bring me flowers once (it wasn’t Valentine’s Day) and the whole night through dinner and drinks I had to carry them around, and it was not enjoyable. I know that’s a terrible thing to say, but it’s true. If you’re going to bring some, less is more! Go for an elegant, single, long-stem rose.

Smell Great, Feel Confident: Find that perfect cologne or perfume, for an extra dab of confidence. I’ll be wearing Booty Parlor Flirty Little Secret ($22). It has a roller ball application and it’s packaging conveniently fits in my makeup case for the perfect pick-me-up at any point in the day. And it’s infused with pheromones so I will be sure to attract everything in site (in theory). You’re probably thinking ‘pheromones have a scent?’ No, they don’t, the scent is a blend of plum, raspberry, jasmine, cedar and sandlewood. It’s delightful; feminine without being too sweet– I smell like a sugar-plum fairy! In the evening I may switch to Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum ($62), it’s very sensual and intense with notes of Bergamot, Manddarin, Lychee, Peach, Madonna Lily, Vanilla and Amber. Molta sexy!

Make a Plan: Put some thought into the evening, don’t just wing it. Start with–to stay in? Or go out? If you go out, pick the place you first met, or has some significance to your relationship. Personally I opt for staying in, since I’m not a fan of big crowds, stressing over reservations and the stupid prix fixe menu all restaurants insist on. If you do, some advice:

Do Your Research: Cook something special, pick out a great bottle of wine or spend some time and create a signature cocktail. Pick up some desserts in advance and indulge. There are no calories

Some Valentine’s Advice from Rachel Roy + The Man Repeller

Are you having Valentine’s Day issues? Don’t know what to wear on your blind date? Chronic attracting-the-wrong-man syndrome got you down?  Well then you need Rachel.

Inspired by the brave fashionable ladies navigating the trenches of the dating scene, Rachel Roy + Leandra Medine, aka The Man Repeller, have teamed up to created a series of hilarious “how-to” videos to help save the day.

Case #1086 Problem: A Blind Date. You need to look hot, but not too hot. You can still find a diamond in the rough!

Case # 2125 Problem: A Boyfriend Breakup. What should you do for Valentine’s? Recover that happy glow!

Case #0014 Problem: Too many men? Tired of guys hitting on you, All. The. Time? Repel them!

Inspired? Share your favorite man repelling outfit with Rachel Roy on Facebook. I did! My theme was pink socks and pokadots, but the result is more seasonally confused than anything.

And in other exciting The Man Repeller news, Leandra Medine will be hosting the Lucky Magazine blog conference cocktail party, which I’m attending tomorrow night and is going to post the most man-repelling outfit from the event on her site. What do you think? Should I rock this look?

Dry Skin? Tips to Stay Hydrated This Winter

Brutal winters, like the one we’re currently experiencing with harsh winds can affect and damage our skin.  You may have noticed your skin is increasingly more dry, dull, or flaky this season. Here are some tips on how to get your skin back on track and prepared for the winter months ahead.

Water temperature: Be sure your water is lukewarm when taking a shower or bath–hot water is very. Pat skin dry instead of harshly rubbing with a towel.

Choose a Hydrating Cleanser to help deep condition and rebalance dry skin. Ideal for normal/dry skin, I like ARBONNE Hydrating Cleanser + Freshener ($25) when my skin gets ultra dry–it’s very rich and creamy. I’m also a fan of Mario Badescu Orange Cleansing Soap ($20), which is a light, non-drying gentle cleanser which works for all skin types, and serves as a makeup remover as well. Same rule with washing your face as with showering, use warm (not hot) water.

Exfoliate 1-2/week: Exfoliants help remove dead skin cells and restore a healthy complexion. Plus, it makes moisturizing more effective when applied to exfoliated skin. Just be sure to do so at night when you’re skin is not exposed to the sun –you don’t need that added risk of UV exposure. Apply in a circular, upward motion to get your circulation going. I recommend Mario Badescu Almond & Honey Non-Abrasive Face Scrub ($15), it gently buffs away dead skin cells. If you’re skin type is oily and you prefer a stronger exfoliant, try Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash ($22), although I recommend following up with a rich moisturizer after.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: Especially right after showering for a more hydrating effect. I swear by Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream ($24.50), it’s lightweight with a great cooling effect and just glides right into my skin upon application. For very dry skin try Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief ($34). It’s an amazing gel moisturizer that feels like a tall glass of water going directly into your skin and offers immediate moisture. If you’re skin type is oily, try Clinique Different Moisturizing Gel with Pump ($24.50) as an alternative. If you prefer a heavyweight, rich cream, Dermalogica Super Rich Repair ($77), with Shea Butter and Oil of Evening Primose is ultra hydrating.

NARS Cosmetics Opens Their First Flagship Boutique

A few months ago I posted an announcement that NARS Cosmetics was opening their first flagship boutique in Spring 2011; and now I’m excited to share their official opening date of February 10th. It would appear they are opening ahead of schedule! The store will be located in NYC’s West Village at 413 Bleecker Street.

The “NARS 413 BLKR” ad campaign (shown above), was conceptualized by Fabien Baron’s team at Baron & Baron. It features NARS Cosmetics first 12 lipsticks that launched with the brand 16 years ago. The open lipstick at the end is Jungle Red.

First Look: Armani Exchange Spring 2011 Campaign

Check out a speak preview of Armani Exchange Spring 2011 Campaign. Inspired by Coachella the collection is themed “Style Festival”.

So if we can’t celebrate Coachella (and believe me I tried, by the time I got my act together tickets were sold out), at least we can enjoy this collection –and maybe blast a little Arcade Fire in the background.

Banana Republic Spring 2011 Campaign

Check out a sneak preview of Banana Republic’s Spring 2011 campaign, dubbed “Journey in Style,” and first ever video, starring models Angela Lindvall and Jamie Dornan.

This collection is inspired by the brand’s heritage of discovery. Drawing on the themes of exploration, travel, and the classic American road trip. Enjoy!

This is Your Brain on Ping Pong

Susan Sarandon, Jonathan Bricklin, Rob DeSalle, and Will Shortz at the Museum of Natural History

On January 19th at the American Museum of Natural History, Susan Sarandon, Jonathan Bricklin, Will Shortz, Rob DeSalle, and Wendy A. Suzuki lead a panel discussion appropriately called ‘Your Brain on Ping Pong’, on what’s so great about the sport and the effects