With the holidays around the corner, if you need some last minute inspiration for everyone on your list, here are 5 websites sure to knock their socks off. I tend to take gift giving very seriously, and each of these sites has truly special and great unique finds!
A fun way to shop with your friends, OpenSky.com is a unique hub to uncover new, artisanal goods and shops you may never have found if shopping alone. Built around online stores from a diverse range of brands –mens and womens–that cover fashion, beauty, home, jewelry, kids and beyond, Opensky uses recommendations from their online community as part of the selling epxerience. Share what you love and find out what your friends love – the more you connect, the more you discover. (Pssst If you’re a jewelry fiend check out The Alchemy Shop on OpenSky: http://www.opensky.com/the-alchemy-shop)
Based in Brooklyn, Eating Tools curates a selection of extraordinary, unique and handmade eating and cooking tools like you’ve never seen before. They work with artists and craftspeople who design and create incredible culinary utensils, ranging from handmade sterling silver and titanium chopsticks to one-of-a-kind hand crafted chef knives. For the food lovers on your gift list, Eating Tools is guaranteed to have something special that will blow their mind. Good news Pretty Connected readers! Eating Tools is offering our readers free shipping with any $50+ purchase with code “PRETTY” at checkout.
“Project Runway All Stars” hosted by Alyssa Milano, shot their “Unconventional Challenge” episode at Midtown West and has generously donated the designers’ dresses in benefit of P.S. 212 Midtown West. Beginning at 1:01AM this morning, they are auctioning off the designs to raise money for enrichment programs and supplies.
If you’ve walked by any Kenneth Cole store recently, you’ll notice in the windows large decals with the hashtag, #30YRSBOLD. That’s right, friends the brand is celebrating their 30 years of existence. And what better way to document the three decades then with a book.
Last week, I joined Kenneth Cole for a cup of extremely fancy coffee — an artist actually drew a picture of John Lennon
Now this is one for the books! On Thursday, I stopped by the John Varvatos store for the launch of rock legends, Lou Reed and Mick Rock’s new photography book, TRANSFORMER. Moderated by John Varvatos himself, he took to the stage with Lou Reed and Mick Rock asking questions about rock, the 70s and their journey together through this age of music and the images captured in the book.
I can’t think of too many ways to top a morning then by getting to visit Ricky’s Headquarters for a custom mani by the insanely talented (and top nail artist), Miss Pop Nails, (aka Simcha Whitehill) using my favorite matte nail polish line, Knock Out Cosmetics! Teaming up with Ricky’s + Knock Out + Miss Pop is a dream!
Nail art is such a huge trend right now, and while “half moon” mani’s have been all the rage for some time, we’ve recently been seeing the new “window” manicures (which is a fancy way of saying part of your natural nail is exposed), get some attention. Simcha took all of it to the next level by creating a Leopard Moon Window Mani! If you get Ricky’s news letter you should be getting our newsletter today. Yes, that’s my hand…
EPIC Art Director, Michael Knapp and Designer, Chris Benz
It was an epic day at The Crosby Hotel. Last week IFB hosted a Q&A chat for the collaboration between our favorite pink hair designer, Chris Benz and Michael Knapp, Art Director of the new animated 3D feature film EPIC(in theaters May 24th). From the creators of Ice Aga, EPIC is an adventure comedy that tells the story of a teenage girl who finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, and teams up with an elite band of warriors and a crew of comical, larger-than-life figures, to save the world. The film stars the voices of Beyonce Knowles, Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Christoph Waltz and Amanda Seyfried.
Chris Benz and his dress design inspired EPIC
After a short preview of the film Micheal Knapp went in detail showing some of the drawings and process behind the intricate designs for the character’s wardrobe in the movie. I was blown away by the amount of detail and process
The Makeup Show officially kicked off this morning (and runs through tomorrow) and spans 2 floors with over 85 beauty brands (including top brands like NARS, Make Up For Ever, OCC Makeup, Inglot, Stila, Smahbox…), 10 keynote speakers, and more then 20 seminars. An event truly dedicated to makeup artists with discounts on products (you otherwise never see), top educational speakers, and the opportunity to meet the creatives and founder behind the brands we love. This is where the leaders of the beauty industry will be and probably one of the most important networking events for anyone trying to break into beauty or has any questions on how to advance or develop their skills and career.
Last night, I joined the incredible the Director of Artistry for The Makeup Show, The Powder Group and On Makeup Magazine and celebrity makeup artist, James Vincent as he gave us bloggers a sneak preview of some of the products debuting at the show. And as you can tell from the goody bag above, there’s a lot to be excited about! I wish I had time to test everything out to tell you which booths are a must visit but here are a few of the products that instantly caught my eye…
OCC Makeup Lip Tar Staind Gloss – this is the only product I’ve had a chance to try and I’m IN LOVE. 5 years ago at The Makeup Show, David, OCC’s founder launched lip tar which is still one of the most pigmented HD lip products on the market and was one of the first innovators in that category. This season at The Makeup Show he’s launching Lip Tar Stained Gloss and it’s beautiful. The payoff and color that comes out of that small tube is incredible. And it’s so light (which is not something I would say about the original Lip Tar). It has great shine and is considerably softer shade then you see in the tube. I have shade Rhythm Box, which I thought would be a dark wine color but instead is more of a soft, bright raspberry shade. It’s so pretty!
The others that stood out were ALCONE MAKE-OFF professional make-up remover for eyes, face and lips. James went on about these remover pads and how it not only gets off everything (waterproof products and all) but doesn’t leave a film on your face. This makes it a lot easier for makeup artists that want to use it for touch ups possible since they have the ability to apply product over it without hassle.
Kevin Aucoin has a new eye palette, The Essential Eye Shadow Set that has a mix of black, olive and maroon (which are now acceptable for spring) mixed with a dusted blue and white.
The Magic Touch I’m extremely excited to try. It’s a new kind of makeup sponge that sqweegees your makeup on for a flawless application. It makes less product go further and last longer. The part about it hiding your pores and giving you perfect skin really spoke to me. If this can enhance everything from my foundation to bronzer application, I’m all in.
Brooklyn based Armour has a new nude pink lip gloss, Divine that’s so pretty. They have great glosses with beautiful finishes that don’t get messy or stuck in your hair.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Rouge — which is an existing dual sided stain and gloss that has been a staple in my makeup case since launching. At the show they are debuting their newest shade #16, which is a pretty bright fuchsia.
Stila is always launching fun, inexpensive mini lip glaze sets which are the perfect fit for any makeup case. Plus at $12 for 3 shades ($41 value), it’s a great brand for encouraging customers to try new shades and experiment with different colors. The newest trio, Harvest Set has vanilla, orchard and spice shades that range the gamete of bronze, pink and gold with a little sparkle.
So what are you waiting for, head to The Makeup Sho!
The Makeup Show starts Sunday, May 5th 9 – 6pm through Monday May 6th 9am – 5pm a the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, NYC. For a complete list of participating brands, tickets, speakers and events, visit the makeupshow.com
Accessories Council and celebrity stylist Alison Lang present their top gifts for Mother’s Day
With only a week left to shop for mom, the Accessories Council and celebrity stylist Alison Lang have shared their top gift picks for the upcoming holiday. Here are a few highlights!
John Wind Maximal Art Punchy Pink Initial Bracelets & Pop of Neon Pearl Necklaces $128 (individual charm also available separately for $22)
Neon accents put a twist on the traditional strand of pearls. Layered or
It seems almost unfair that Tribeca Film Festival has barely started and I’ve already picked my favorite film of the festival. But I’m okay with that. Chiemi Karasawa’s documentary Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me, was one of the most phenomenal films I’ve seen in a long time. If you had to ask me who Elaine Stritch was prior to last night, I would have said, she’s that famous broadway actress my mom’s a fan of, that plays Alec Baldwin’s mother on 30 Rock.
This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all that entered!
I fell in love with Virgins, Saints & Angelsjewelry collection during an event I attended for their special collaboration with ABC’s Once Upon a Time series. While the special edition pieces were more ornate crowns, combs and jewels, in the corner of my eye I spotted their St. Christopher Locket and I knew it had to be mine!
It’s a 2 disc pendent, one with St. Christopher and the other has inscribed, “Wherever fortune guides my steps, however long the way, may the Patron Saint of travelers watch over me each day“.
I’m a sucker for a good quote. And I love it so much, that I’ve teamed up with VSA to give one lucky winner the chance to win one.
There are 3 ways to enter! Each option counts as a separate entry.
1. Leave a comment under the post telling us why you want to win.
2. Follow @VSA_Designs on Instagram and like the post that matches this giveaway on Instagram.com/prettyconnected (from 4/12)
3. Follow @PrettyConnected and @VSA_Designs on twitter & tweet us why you want to win or tweet about the promotion using the hashtag #PCgiveaway OR Tweet: RT & Follow @VSA_Designs and @prettyconnected for ur chance to win the St.Christopher necklace ($221 value) #giveaway http://bit.ly/11VfXst
MORE ON THE NECKLACE: The pendant measures 1″ and is 24k gold plated over
